JP2018199005A - History management system - Google Patents

Abstract

To manage a history of a game machine that is likely to be distributed in different places.SOLUTION: There is provided a history management system for managing a history of a game machine. The history management system registers state information on the game machine in a storage region of a machine history management center 800A so as to store it in association with specific information. Operation information on the game machine is confirmed in association with the specific information. As for a game machine that cannot be confirmed for a predetermined period (e.g., for one month), the state information on the game machine is registered in the storage region of the machine history management center 800A as a removed state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

  The present invention relates to a history management system that manages the history of gaming machines that are represented by, for example, pachinko gaming machines, slot machines, and the like and that are played by players.

  Boards and frames constituting the gaming machine are each manufactured by a manufacturer and installed in combination at a game arcade (hereinafter also referred to as a hall) so as to be playable. The board is equipped with a game control microcomputer containing a ROM storing a game control program and the like, and individual identification is possible by the security chip ID of the game control microcomputer.

  In Patent Document 1, the security chip ID of this game control microcomputer is used to enable inspection of the game control microcomputer even if it is not a police officer, thereby preventing forgery of the game control microcomputer. Further, by storing the security chip ID of the game control microcomputer in the management server, it is possible to prevent unauthorized distribution of the board.

JP 2005-349078 A

  However, gaming machines are not only shipped, installed, and discarded, but can be circulated through different locations. Therefore, after the shipped gaming machine is installed in the hall, it is resold by a second-hand dealer or discarded by a disposal contractor due to a trend change.

  Therefore, as shown in Patent Document 1, the history of gaming machines that may be distributed in different places only by managing the gaming machine by storing the security chip ID of the gaming control microcomputer in the management server. Can not manage.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to manage the history of gaming machines that may circulate in different places.

(1) A history management system (a system including the machine history management center 800A) for managing the history of gaming machines (P 2, S 2S, conventional CR gaming machines),
Specific information receiving means for receiving the specific information for identifying the individual gaming machine (main chip ID in the case of P 2 and S 2S, main board management number in the case of a conventional CR gaming machine, etc.) 14: The shipping information transmitted from the gaming machine manufacturer is received by the machine history management center 800A),
State information of the gaming machine (FIGS. 14, 16, 18, and 19: information on gaming machines such as shipping, installation, removal, and disposal) in association with the specific information received by the specific information receiving unit Registration means (FIG. 16, FIG. 18, FIG. 19: Registering information by directly connecting to the history management center 800A via a communication line or registering history information) Register information using the input means of the center 800A),
Operation confirmation means for confirming the operation information of the gaming machine (FIG. 3: When installed in the hall and operating the P machine 2, the P machine 2 notifies the machine history management center 800A of the gaming machine installation information (operation information). .)When,
With respect to the gaming machine in which the operation information cannot be confirmed by the operation confirmation unit for a predetermined period (for example, for one month), a removal registration unit for registering removal information in the storage area as state information of the gaming machine (FIG. 18 (b): the removal status is registered in the file in the machine history management center 800A),
When the removal information is not registered in the storage area when used movement information is registered as the state information of the gaming machine in the storage area, the removal registration means stores the removal information in the storage area. sign up.

  According to the above configuration, the removal registration means registers the state information of the gaming machine whose operation information cannot be confirmed by the operation confirmation means for a predetermined period in the storage area, so that the gaming machine is removed from the hall. It is possible to manage the history of gaming machines by estimating whether or not there is.

(2) In (1) above,
When the used movement information is registered in the storage area, the removal registration means registers the state information of the gaming machine in the storage area as a removal state (FIG. 13: used movement information is registered in the history management center 800A. Removal information will be registered.

  According to the above configuration, when the used movement information is registered in the storage area, the removal registration means registers the state information of the gaming machine in the storage area as the removal state, so that the gaming machine is handled as used. The history of the gaming machine can be managed by estimating that it has been removed from the hall, and the burden of inputting the removal information from the hall to the history management system can be reduced.

(3) In (1) above,
When the discard information is registered in the storage area, the removal registration means registers the state information of the gaming machine in the storage area as a removal state (FIG. 19: the discard information is registered in the history management center 800A. And removal information is registered.)

  According to the above configuration, when the discard information is registered in the storage area, the removal registration means registers the state information of the gaming machine in the storage area as the removal state. The history of the gaming machine can be managed by estimating that it has been removed, and the burden of inputting the removal information from the hall to the history management system can be reduced.

(4) In (1) above,
When the trade-in information by the gaming machine manufacturer is registered in the storage area, the removal registration means registers the state information of the gaming machine in the storage area as the removal state (FIG. 19: Trade-in information is the history management center 800A). If you register with, removal information will be registered.)

  According to the above configuration, when the trade-in information is registered in the storage area, the removal registration means registers the state information of the gaming machine in the storage area as the removal state, so that the gaming machine is traded in by the gaming machine manufacturer Therefore, it is possible to manage the history of the gaming machine by estimating that it has been removed from the hall, and to reduce the burden of inputting the removal information from the hall to the history management system.

(5) In the above (1) to (4),
The gaming machine (P stand 2, S stand 2S) includes a board (game board 26) and a frame (front frame 5, front door 2bS),
The specific information receiving means includes board specifying information (main control security chip ID) for specifying an individual of the board, and frame specifying information (payout control security chip ID) for specifying an individual of the frame. Accept,
The storage area includes individual board history information (board history based on main control security chip ID) based on the board identification information, and individual frame history information (payout) based on the frame identification information. Record the board history based on the security chip ID for control)
The registration means associates the panel status information (board information such as shipment, installation, removal and disposal) with the panel identification information, and the frame status information (shipping, installation, removal and disposal etc.) Information) is registered in the storage area so as to be stored in association with the frame specifying information.

  According to the above configuration, the history information of the individual boards based on the board specifying information and the history information of the individual frames based on the frame specifying information are stored in the storage area, so that the gaming machine is divided into boards and frames. You can manage the history separately.

(6) In the above (1) to (5),
The registration means is information for exchanging the parts included in the gaming machine (FIG. 15B): information for designating whether the part exchange target is a game board or a gaming machine frame as the registration type. Is registered in the storage area so as to be stored in association with the specific information.

  According to the above configuration, since the information for replacing the parts included in the gaming machine is stored in the storage area in association with the specific information, it is possible to grasp the history of whether or not the gaming machine has replaced the parts, Security is improved by making it impossible for parts other than gaming machine manufacturers to replace parts.

(7) In the above (1) to (6),
The specific information received by the specific information receiving means and the state information of the gaming machine registered by the registration means are cancellation variables indicating whether or not the information is canceled from the storage area (FIGS. 15, 17, and 20). Cancellation flag)
When the specific information and the state information of the gaming machine include the cancellation variable in the on state, cancellation processing means for deleting the specific information including the cancellation variable and the information corresponding to the gaming machine from the storage area (Information including the cancellation flag set to “1” is deleted from the storage area of the history management center 800A).

  According to the above configuration, the specific information received by the specific information receiving unit and the state information of the gaming machine registered by the registration unit include a cancellation variable indicating whether the information is canceled from the storage area. The specific information and the state information of the gaming machine can be easily canceled by turning it on.

(8) In (7) above,
The specific information receiving means can receive the specific information in which the cancellation variable is in an on state until a predetermined condition (for example, a time or a period) is satisfied,
The registration means registers the state information of the gaming machine in which the cancellation variable is on until the predetermined condition is satisfied (after the predetermined condition is satisfied, information including a cancellation flag set to “1” is stored). It cannot be registered in the history management center 800A).

  According to the above configuration, the registration unit registers the state information of the gaming machine whose cancellation variable is on until the predetermined condition is satisfied. Therefore, the state information of the gaming machine whose cancellation variable is on until the predetermined condition is satisfied. Can be canceled from the storage area, and the state information of the gaming machine can be prevented from being tampered with after the predetermined condition is satisfied.

(9) In the above (1) to (4),
The specific information includes security identification information (main control security chip ID, payout control security chip ID) of security means (for example, security chip (SC) 325b) provided in the gaming machine.

  According to the above configuration, since the specific information includes security identification information of security means provided in the gaming machine, the history of the gaming machine can be managed based on the security identification information.

(10) A history management device (machine history management center 800A) for managing the history of gaming machines (P 2, S 2S, conventional CR gaming machines),
Specific information receiving means for receiving the specific information for identifying the individual gaming machine (main chip ID in the case of P 2 and S 2S, main board management number in the case of a conventional CR gaming machine, etc.) 14: The shipping information transmitted from the gaming machine manufacturer is received by the machine history management center 800A),
State information of the gaming machine (FIGS. 14, 16, 18, and 19: information on gaming machines such as shipping, installation, removal, and disposal) in association with the specific information received by the specific information receiving unit Registration means (FIG. 16, FIG. 18, FIG. 19: Registering information by directly connecting to the history management center 800A via a communication line or registering history information) Register information using the input means of the center 800A),
Operation confirmation means for confirming the operation information of the gaming machine (FIG. 3: When installed in the hall and operating the P machine 2, the P machine 2 notifies the machine history management center 800A of the gaming machine installation information (operation information). .)When,
With respect to the gaming machine in which the operation information cannot be confirmed by the operation confirmation unit for a predetermined period (for example, for one month), a removal registration unit for registering removal information in the storage area as state information of the gaming machine (FIG. 18 (b): the removal status is registered in the file in the machine history management center 800A),
When the removal information is not registered in the storage area when used movement information is registered as the state information of the gaming machine in the storage area, the removal registration means stores the removal information in the storage area. sign up.

  According to the above configuration, the removal registration means registers the state information of the gaming machine whose operation information cannot be confirmed by the operation confirmation means for a predetermined period in the storage area, so that the gaming machine is removed from the hall. It is possible to manage the history of gaming machines by estimating whether or not there is.

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 of the operating / non-operating information from a pachinko machine. 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 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 figure which shows an example of a process when there exists a power supply disconnection and a communication line disconnection, and the command of the status information request | requirement from a card unit to a pachinko machine has not reached | attained. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of the historical information (machine history information) from the shipment of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment to disposal. It is a figure which shows the detail of the flow until shipping information is registered into the machine history management center which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the specific content of shipping information. It is a figure which shows the detail of the flow until installation information is registered into the machine history management center which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of the installation information input into a machine history management center in FIG. It is a figure which shows the flow until removal information is registered into the machine history management center which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flow until discard information is registered into the machine history management center which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of the discard information input into a machine history management center. It is the schematic for demonstrating the history management of the front frame and game board which concern on this embodiment. It is the schematic of the table which memorize | stores the information of a frame, and the information of a game board, in order to perform machine history management of a front frame and a game board. 10 is a flowchart for explaining abnormality determination processing for management of a front frame and a game board by a machine history management center. It is a figure explaining the table referred with the flowchart shown in FIG. It is the schematic for demonstrating the communication performed between a main control part, the payout control part, and communication control IC. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the communication control circuit for carrying out encryption communication with the payout control part. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the communication control circuit for carrying out encryption communication with the main control part. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the communication control circuit for carrying out encryption communication with communication control IC. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a recovery completion confirmation process. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the command and response which are transmitted / received between the main control part and the payout control part. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence between a main control part and a payout control part. It is a figure which shows an example of a process when there exists a power supply disconnection and a communication line disconnection, and the command of the game state notification from the main control part to the payout control part is unreached. 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. A plurality of game islands (not shown) arranged in a game hall (hereinafter also referred to as a hall) have an enclosed circulation pachinko machine (hereinafter referred to as a game machine, pachinko machine, or P machine) as an example of a game machine. ) 2 is attached. Note that a card unit (hereinafter also abbreviated as CU) 3 as an example of a gaming device is installed in a one-to-one correspondence with the pachinko machine 2 at a side position on a predetermined side of the pachinko machine 2. Yes.

  The pachinko machine 2 encloses a pachinko ball as an example of a game medium inside, and when the player operates the hitting ball operating handle 25, the firing motor 18 (see FIG. 2) is driven to make a single shot of the enclosed 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.

  A keyhole 10 is provided above the hitting operation handle 25, and the front frame 5 (see FIG. 2) is inserted and the front frame 5 (see FIG. 2) is unlocked (for example, clockwise rotation) by inserting a key held by a game hall attendant. The frame 5 is opened, and the glass door 6 is opened by unlocking the glass door (front member) 6 (for example, rotating counterclockwise).

  The pachinko machine 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called first type pachinko machine, and a variable display device (hereinafter 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 variably displays based on the detection signal of the start winning ball won in each start winning opening 275, 276, 277. 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.

  In addition, since the display result of the variable display device is 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 (grooves), the probability variation big hit state is A probability variation state (probability variation state) in which the occurrence probability of the jackpot is improved after the occurrence of the jackpot state is generated.

  Pachinko balls that have been driven into the game area 27 win at any of the winning openings or are collected at the out opening (not shown) without winning. The pachinko balls won in the winning opening and the pachinko balls collected in the out mouth are again returned to the hitting ball launch position through the collection path (not shown) in the pachinko machine 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.

  A display 54 is provided at a position below the game area 27 in the pachinko machine 2. The display 54 is composed of a liquid crystal display device. In addition, the display 54 is formed integrally with the card unit (CU) 3 even if it is attached to the pachinko machine (P unit) 2 independently of the card unit (CU) 3 as shown in FIG. (P stand) The structure fitted to the front surface of 2 may be sufficient. If the display unit 54 of the card unit (CU) 3 is configured to be fitted to the front surface of the pachinko machine (P stand) 2, the card unit (CU) 3 and the pachinko machine (P stand) 2 are more strongly connected. Therefore, fraud can be further prevented.

  A 7-segment display 50 is provided below the display 54. The 7-segment display 50 includes a 7-segment LED display, and is controlled by a payout control unit 171 described later. The 7-segment display 50 displays the number of game balls to be described later, an error number of an error that has occurred, and the like.

  Further, a counting button 28 is provided at the left position of the hitting operation handle 25 in the pachinko machine 2 for counting the game balls to the holding balls. As will be described in detail later, when the count button 28 is pressed once, for example, 100 balls are counted from the game balls to the holding balls, and when pressed for a long period of time (long press), the game balls currently held are considered. Then, the number of game balls is counted from the number of balls corresponding to the number of balls pressed.

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

<Configuration of card unit>
Next, the configuration of the card unit 3 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This card unit 3 is a visitor card (hereinafter 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 member registration in the game hall. A member card, which is a game recording medium issued to a member player who has played, is received. Visitor cards and membership cards are composed of IC cards.

  The card unit 3 that has received these cards has a function of converting the game value (for example, the card balance, the number of possessed balls, or the number of stored balls) possessed by the player specified by the record information of the card into “game ball data”. Have In the pachinko machine 2, a ball game equivalent to the number of balls specified by the data of game balls is made possible. That is, “game ball data” is data indicating the number of remaining fireable shots. 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 the card unit 3, a bill insertion slot 302 for inserting bills, a protruding portion 305 formed to project forward from the front side of the device, and a card insertion / discharge port for inserting a membership card or a visitor card 309 etc. are provided. The 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, on the surface facing the player, the display 312, the member card ID (hereinafter simply referred to as the card ID) recorded on the member card when the member card is received, and the member An IR (Infrared) photosensitive unit 320 receives an infrared signal from a replay button 319 for executing a replay game using the number of stored balls specified by the card ID and a remote control (not shown) possessed by an attendant of the game hall. Thus, an IR light receiving unit that converts the electronic signal into an output is provided.

  The display 312 displays a prepaid balance recorded on the inserted game recording medium (card) (hereinafter also referred to as a card balance or simply a balance), and displays the number of game balls and other various information. In addition to being capable of being displayed, 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 319 is operated and 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 a game ball, and the converted game ball Based on this, it becomes possible to play a game with the pachinko machine 2. On the other hand, if the inserted card is a membership card and the number of possessions is not recorded and the stored balls are recorded in the hall management computer, etc., a part of the stored balls is withdrawn and converted into game balls Thus, a game with the pachinko machine 2 becomes possible. That is, when both the stored ball and the holding point are stored in association with the inserted card, the holding ball is withdrawn preferentially. In addition to the replay button 319, a dedicated ball payout button for withdrawing the ball may be provided, and the replay button 319 may be a dedicated button for withdrawing the stored ball.

  Here, the “storing 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.

  “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.

  The “game ball” is data on the number of balls that can be fired by the gaming machine. As described above, this data is generated in exchange for withdrawing the balance of the prepaid card, the holding ball, or the stored ball.

  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 membership card, but is stored in association with the membership card number in the hall server 801 (see FIG. 3) installed in the game hall such as the hall management computer. It is comprised so that the corresponding storage ball can be searched based on. 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, data that can specify the time stored in the hall server 801 may be written on the card (member card, visitor card) and discharged. Also, the prepaid balance is directly written on a card (member card, visitor card) and discharged.

  Note that the timing for storing the holding balls in the card (member card, visitor card) or the hall server 801 is stored in real time every time the counting button 28 is operated and the counting process is performed, for example, at regular intervals. For example, it may be memorized, or it may be memorized in a lump when the card is returned.

  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.

  A ball lending button (hereinafter also referred to as a lending button) 321 and a card return button 322 are further provided on the front side of the card unit 3. The ball lending button 321 is a button for performing an operation (conversion operation to a game ball) for withdrawing the balance recorded on the inserted card and using it in a game by the pachinko machine 2. The card return button 322 is operated when the player ends the game, and the number of game balls determined at the end of the game on the inserted card (the number of balls at the time of card insertion−the number of conversions to game balls + count) This is an operation button for memorizing and discharging the number of possessed balls counted by the operation.

<Configuration of card unit and pachinko machine>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2. With reference to FIG. 2, the outline of the control circuit of the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2 will be described.

  The card unit 3 is provided with a CU control unit 323 composed of a microcomputer or the like. Although not shown, the CU control unit 323 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a program for operating the CPU, control data, and the like. A RAM (Random Access Memory) functioning as an area, 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, and the pachinko machine 2 A security board 325 for communicating with the payout control board 17 while ensuring security is provided. The card unit 3 is provided with a connection part (not shown) to the pachinko machine 2 side, and the pachinko machine 2 is provided with a connection part (not shown) to the card unit 3 side. These connection parts are constituted by connectors, for example.

  The security board 325 on the CU side and the payout control board 17 on the P platform 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 pachinko machine 2. Although not shown, the security chip (SC) 325b includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a program for operating the CPU, control data, and the like. A RAM (Random Access Memory) functioning as a work area, an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices, and the like are provided. 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. Although not shown, the communication control IC 325a includes a central processing unit (CPU) as a control center, a read only memory (ROM) that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, and a work area for the CPU. A functioning RAM (Random Access Memory), an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices, and the like are provided.

  Each RAM of the CU control unit 323, the security chip (SC) 325b, and the communication control IC 325a is composed of a backup RAM whose stored data is not erased even when the power is turned off. Note that an EEPROM may be used instead of the backup RAM.

  The authenticity and type of the banknote are identified by the above-described money identifier, and the identification result signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the IR photosensitive unit 320 receives infrared rays emitted from a remote controller owned by a game attendant, the received light signal is input to the CU control unit 323. The card reader / writer reads the recorded information of the inserted card, and the read information is input to the CU control unit 323. At the same time, the data to be written to the inserted card from the CU control unit 323 to the card reader / writer. When transmitted, the card reader / writer writes the data to the inserted card.

  The CU control unit 323 manages and stores the player's possession balls when the player is playing. Data such as a balance or the number of game balls is output from the CU control unit 323 to the display control unit 350 and converted into display data by the display control unit 350. The display data converted by the display control unit 350 is output to the display 312 and the display 312 displays the output 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 321, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. The ball lending button 321 is not limited to the configuration provided in the CU 3, and may be configured so as to be provided in the P platform 2 and input an operation signal to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the replay button 319, 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 pachinko machine 2 includes a main control board 16 that controls the progress of the game of the pachinko machine 2, a payout control board 17 that manages and stores game balls, and a launch motor 18 that drives and controls the launch motor 18 based on commands from the payout control board 17. A control board 31, a variable display device 278 (see FIG. 1), and the like are provided. In FIG. 2, a display control board (also referred to as an effect control board) that controls display of the variable display device based on a command from the main control board 16 is omitted.

  The main control board 16 is provided on the game board 26. The main control board 16 is equipped with a game control microcomputer as the main control unit 161. 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. For example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) substrate is used for the gaming machine control microcomputer of the main controller 161. The game board 26 is further provided with a display control board (effect control board) for controlling the variable display device 278 and the like.

  The payout control board 17 is provided in the front frame 5 (game frame). The payout control board 17 is equipped with a payout control microcomputer which is a payout control unit 171. 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. For example, an FPGA substrate is used for the payout control microcomputer of the payout control unit 171.

  Further, for the payout control board 17, a shot ball detection switch (not shown), an out ball detection switch 701, a foul ball detection switch 330, a counting button 28, a radio wave sensor 173, a glass door opening detection switch 12, a front frame opening detection switch. 13 is provided 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. As described above, the ball raising switch (upper) 41a detects the launch of a game ball by changing from on to off, and the payout control unit 171 subtracts “1” from the number of game balls based on the detection. To do. 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. In addition, there is a possibility that not only the ball raising switch (upper) 41a but also the fired ball detection switch may be subject to fraud by radio waves. In other words, when only the ball raising switch (upper) 41a is always turned on by the illegal radio wave, the ball is not detected to be detected, while the actually fired ball is collected and detected by the firing ball detection switch. The number of fired balls and recovered balls (out-balls) is flawed, an abnormality is detected, and the fraud detection information “number of fired / OUT mismatched balls” is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU3. Become. However, by sending unauthorized radio waves to the fired ball detection switch to make it undetectable, there is a problem that the fraud detection information of the “number of fired / OUT mismatched balls” is not transmitted from the P stand 2 to the CU 3. . In the present embodiment, since the radio wave sensor 173 also detects unauthorized radio waves transmitted to such a shot ball detection switch, the above-described inconvenience can be prevented.

  The number of opening times of the glass door opening detection switch 12 and the front frame opening detection switch 13 is counted by a counter not shown. The counting counter is equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and can be operated by a backup power source even when the power supply of the P stand 2 is interrupted. And the count value can be transmitted to the payout control unit 171. Here, the backup power source is, for example, a capacitor or a storage battery provided in the P base 2.

  Further, the 7-segment display 50 is connected to the payout control unit 171, and the 7-segment display 50 displays the number of times the glass door 6 and the front frame 5 are opened according to the display control signal from the payout control unit 171.

  Main chip ID (main control security chip ID), winning port information, round information, connection confirmation signal, winning detection signal, starting winning port winning information, error information, symbol confirmation from main control board 16 to payout control board 17 Number of times, jackpot information, manufacturer-specific jackpot information, etc. are transmitted.

  The main chip ID is a chip ID recorded on the main control board 16 of the pachinko machine 2, and is information transmitted to the payout control board 17 when the pachinko machine 2 is turned on. The winning opening information is information including the type of winning opening (start winning opening, normal winning opening, large winning opening) and the number of winning balls (the number of payout balls when a game ball enters the winning opening). It is transmitted to the dispensing control board 17 when the machine 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 pachinko machine 2 is powered 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 winning winning opening 1 or a starting winning opening 2. 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 330, as will be 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 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 card unit 3 and the payout control board 17 of the pachinko machine 2 are electrically connected. As will be described later, a recovery request, a recovery detail request, and communication start from the security board 325 to the payout control board 17 Various commands such as a request, a communication end request, a status information request, a card insertion notification, a card return notification, and a communication test request are transmitted.

  The recovery request is a command that requests the pachinko machine 2 to notify the recovery information. The payout control board 17 receives the recovery request and notifies the card unit 3 of the recovery information of the pachinko machine 2. The recovery detail request is a command for requesting the pachinko machine 2 to notify the recovery detailed information. The payout control board 17 receives the recovery detail request and notifies the card unit 3 of the recovery detailed information of the pachinko machine 2. The communication start request is a command for requesting the pachinko machine 2 to start communication. The payout control board 17 responds to the card unit 3 with the communication start in response to the communication start request. The communication end request is a command for requesting the pachinko machine 2 to end communication. The payout control board 17 receives a communication end request and responds to the card unit 3 with a communication end.

  The status information request is a command that requests the pachinko machine 2 to notify the status information. The payout control board 17 receives the status information request and notifies the card unit 3 of the status information of the pachinko machine 2. The card insertion notification is a command for notifying the pachinko machine 2 that a card has been inserted. The payout control board 17 receives a card insertion notification and responds to the card unit 3 that a card has been inserted. The card return notification is a command for notifying the pachinko machine 2 that the card has been returned. The payout control board 17 receives a card return notification and responds to the card unit 3 that the card has been returned. The communication test request is a command for notifying the pachinko machine 2 of test data. The payout control board 17 responds with test data to the card unit 3 in response to the communication test request.

  Various responses such as a recovery response, a recovery detail response, a communication start response, a communication end response, a status information response, a card insertion response, a card return response, and a communication test response are transmitted from the payout control board 17 to the security board 325.

  The front frame 5 (game frame) is provided with a firing control board 31 and a firing motor 18. The firing control board 31 emits an excitation output to the firing motor 18 when an input signal of a touch ring (hereinafter also referred to as a touch sensor) for detecting that a player is touching the hitting operation handle 25 is input, The firing motor 18 is driven.

  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.

  A display 54 is provided in the front frame 5 (game frame). The display unit 54 receives display data from the display control unit 350 of the card unit 3 and displays a display screen. As described above, in this embodiment, the P-side display 54 is configured to be controlled on the CU side, but instead, the display 54 is controlled on the P-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.

<Notification processing of operation / non-operation information from pachinko machine>
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a process of notifying operation / non-operation information from a pachinko machine. The pachinko machine 2 shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the card unit 3, the hall server 801, the key management server 800, and the history management center 800A. Here, the key management server 800 manages a key that stores the SID and authentication key of the CU communication control unit in association with each serial ID (hereinafter also referred to as SID) of the electronic component in the card unit 3. It is a server. The key management server 800 is a server that can communicate with the main control board 16. The machine history management center 800A associates the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided on the payout control board 17 connected to the front frame 5 with the information on the front frame 5 and the semiconductor provided on the main control board 16 connected to the game board 26. It includes a history management system that stores information on the game board 26 in association with the security chip ID of the chip and manages the history of the front frame 5 and the game board 26.

  When the manufacturer (game machine manufacturer) ships the front frame 5 and the game board 26 and installs them in the hall, when the pachinko machine 2 is operated, the game machine installation information (operation information) from the pachinko machine 2 as shown in FIG. ) Is notified to the machine history management center 800A. Specifically, in the gaming machine installation information (operation information) notified to the machine history management center 800A, for example, the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided on the payout control board 17 and the security of the semiconductor chip provided on the main control board 16 The chip ID and the security chip ID of the opponent when the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are combined are included. The security chip ID cannot be changed or deleted after registration in the history management center 800A.

  On the other hand, shipment information on the front frame 5 and the game board 26 shipped by the manufacturer is input to the machine history management center 800A. Specifically, the shipping information to the history management center 800A is input from a terminal connected to the history management center 800A via a communication line or the like. The machine history management center 800A stores the input shipping information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in association with the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided in each, and notifies the stored information and the pachinko machine 2 Is compared with the installed gaming machine information. If the result of the collation shows an abnormality, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality. As an error notification, 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, Error notification may be performed by the hall management computer or the hall server 801). As a result, a predetermined notification that prompts an artificial response by a staff member is performed. Information stored in association with the security chip ID for the front frame 5 and the game board 26 cannot be changed after shipping information is registered in the machine history management center 800A. Further, the shipping information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 is desirably registered in the machine history management center 800A one day before installation in the hall.

  Similarly, when the front frame 5 and the game board 26 (only one of the front frame 5 or the game board 26) installed in the hall is removed and stored in the warehouse, the pachinko machine 2 is in an inoperative state. As shown in FIG. 3, the non-operating information is notified from the pachinko machine 2 to the machine history management center 800A. Specifically, the non-operating information notified to the machine history management center 800A is information obtained when the front frame 5 of the installed pachinko machine 2 and the security chip ID of the game board 26 are not transmitted.

  On the other hand, the history information management center 800A receives the removal information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 removed by the hall or warehouse company. Then, the machine history management center 800A stores the input information on the removal of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in association with the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided in each, and notifies the stored information and the pachinko machine 2 Is checked against the inactive information. If the result of the collation shows an abnormality, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality.

  Further, when the second-hand dealer resells the game board 26 to another hall and installs it in the hall, when the pachinko machine 2 is operated, the game machine installation information (operation information) is obtained from the pachinko machine 2 as shown in FIG. The history management center 800A is notified. Specifically, in the gaming machine installation information (operation information) notified to the machine history management center 800A, for example, the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided on the main control board 16, the security chip ID of the combined front frame 5 and the like It is included.

  On the other hand, movement information (resale information) of the game board 26 resold by the secondhand dealer is input to the machine history management center 800A. Then, the machine history management center 800A stores the inputted movement information of the game board 26 in association with the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided in the game board 26, and is notified from the stored information and the pachinko machine 2. Check against game machine installation information. If the result of the collation shows an abnormality, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality.

  Furthermore, when the front frame 5 and the game board 26 (only one of the front frame 5 or the game board 26 may be installed) disposed by the disposal contractor are discarded, the pachinko machine 2 becomes inoperative, and is shown in FIG. Thus, the non-operating information is notified from the pachinko machine 2 to the machine history management center 800A. Specifically, the non-operating information notified to the machine history management center 800A is the security chip of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 (only one of the front frame 5 or the game board 26) of the pachinko machine 2 that has been installed. This is information due to the fact that the ID is not transmitted.

  On the other hand, removal information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 (only one of the front frame 5 or the game board 26 may be discarded) discarded by the discarder is input to the machine history management center 800A. Then, the machine history management center 800A stores the input information on the removal of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in association with the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided in each, and notifies the stored information and the pachinko machine 2 Is checked against the inactive information. If the result of the collation shows an abnormality, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality.

<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 the card unit 3 side and the pachinko machine 2 side, and the transmission / reception mode thereof. With reference to FIG. 4, main data among various data stored on the card unit 3 side (CU side) and the pachinko machine 2 side (P base side) and the transmission / reception mode thereof will be described.

  In this 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 number of possessed balls (the number of cards possessed), the number of stored balls, and the card balance (balance) are managed and stored on the CU3 side.

  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 for the first time when the P stand 2 (pachinko machine 2) and the CU 3 (card unit 3) are electrically connected for the first time after being installed in the game hall, the payout control board on the P stand 2 side. 17 receives the main chip ID (main control security chip ID) from the main control board 16 and transmits the main chip ID to the CU 3 side, and also the payout chip ID stored in the payout control board 17 itself. (Payout control security chip ID) 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.

  Each time a command and response is transmitted between the CU 3 side and the P base 2 side, the serial number is incremented by “1”, and the serial number is stored on the CU 3 side and the P base 2 side. This serial number is a communication number for confirming whether or not communication is properly performed by updating the number every time data is transmitted / received between the CU 3 and the P unit 2. CU3 (primary station) counts up (+1) and transmits the serial number received at the time of transmission, and P station 2 (secondary station) transmits the received serial number as it is. Note that CU3 does not count up the serial number at the time of retransmission, and does not respond if the serial number continuity is not established. The previous last transmission serial number is a communication number updated at the previous transmission / reception and is a number to be backed up.

  A specific mode of serial number backup in the CU 3 and the P stand 2 in this embodiment will be described. The CU 3 counts up the serial number (+1) and transmits the command to the P unit 2. The P unit 2 backs up the serial number of the received command as the previous last transmission serial number. Then, the P platform 2 transmits a response to the received command to the CU 3 with the serial number of the received command. The CU 3 backs up and stores the sequence number of the received response as the previous last transmission sequence number. The CU 3 and the P base 2 repeat such processing every time a response from the P base 2 is transmitted to the CU 3.

  For example, a certain command is transmitted from the CU 3 side to the P stand 2 side, and the serial number n at that time is transmitted. When returning a response from the P base 2 side to the CU 3 side, the P base 2 side stores the transmitted serial number n as the last transmission serial number and transmits the response with the serial number n as it is. On the CU3 side, the returned serial number n is stored as the previous last transmission serial number. Next, when a certain command is transmitted from the CU 3 side to the P stand 2 side, the serial number is counted up (+1) and the serial number n + 1 is transmitted. When returning the response from the P base 2 side to the CU 3 side, the P base 2 side stores the transmitted serial number n + 1 as the last transmission serial number and transmits the response with the serial number n + 1 as it is. On the P base 2 side, since the serial number n + 1 transmitted is incremented by 1 from the serial number n of the previous last transmission serial number that has already been stored, it is determined that data communication has been performed normally, and the response is sent to the P base 2 side. Reply from CU3 side. On the CU3 side, since the returned serial number n + 1 is incremented by 1 from the serial number n of the previous last transmission serial number that has already been stored, it is determined that data communication has been performed normally, and the serial number is sent the next time a command is sent. Count up (+1) and send the command of serial number n + 2 to the P platform 2 side.

  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 in 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.

  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”.

  When a back ball is generated, the back ball is returned to the hitting ball launching position and the ball hitting operation is performed with the ball feeding to the hitting ball launching position being stopped so that all the back balls are fired into the game area. Even if a back ball is generated, the back ball may be controlled not to be counted as an additional ball. In this case, “addition balls = number of winning balls × number of winning balls”.

  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.

  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, in the accumulated data storage area in the RAM, the number of game balls, the number of cards held (hereinafter also referred to simply as the number of balls), the number of stored balls, the balance, the total number of added balls (total number of added balls), the total The number of subtracted balls (cumulative number of subtracted balls) and the number of balls held 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 (number of added balls) of the added ball counter 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 counter (hereinafter also referred to as game ball number or game ball total number information) from the P stand 2 side. Yes. 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 is performed by the abnormality notification lamp or the indicator 312 or an error notification signal indicating that an error has occurred is transmitted to the hall management computer or the hall server 801 (in this case, the hall Error notification may be performed by the management computer or the 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 is replaced with the count value of the game ball number counter transmitted from the P unit 2 side. Also 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.

  Thus, in the present 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 stand 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. 2, the CU 3 has a storage area for storing the number of cards held and the number of stored balls, a storage area for storing the card balance 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) stores a stored ball in response to an input requesting the use of the stored ball (for example, a press input of the replay button 319 provided in the CU 3 (when there is no holding ball)). Subtract a certain number of balls from the area.

  The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 2) is an input requesting the use of the holding ball (for example, pressing input of the replay button 319 provided on the CU 3 when the holding ball is present (however, when the holding ball is present)) Accordingly, a predetermined number of balls are subtracted from the storage area for storing balls. Further, the CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 2) subtracts a predetermined value from a storage area for storing the card balance in response to an input requesting the use of the card balance (for example, pressing input of the ball lending button 321).

  When a player performs an operation to deduct the value from the player's own gaming value (for example, prepaid balance, number of balls, or number of stored balls) and use it for the game, the number of balls for the withdrawal The number of balls to be added to the number 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.

  On the other hand, in the gaming system according to the present embodiment, 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 in which, in a conventional encapsulated pachinko machine in which each counter is provided, it is prohibited to grab a ball before counting remaining on a plate by hand and use it for a wagon service.

  For this reason, in the present embodiment, when the operation for performing the wagon service is executed, if the number of possessed balls is less than the number corresponding to the desired menu of the wagon service, the player is prompted to perform the counting operation. ing. 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.

<Commands and responses sent and received between the CU and the P platform>
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the outline of the command and response transmitted / received between the card unit (CU) 3 and the pachinko machine (P unit) 2 will be described.

  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.

  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. 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.

  A command named “recovery detail request” is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2. This recovery detail request command is for requesting recovery detail information from the P unit 2. A response named “Recovery Detail Response” is transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU 3. This response of the recovery detail response notifies the CU 3 of the recovery detail information. These recovery detail request and recovery detail response are transmitted / received only when the recovery process is executed. Specifically, the CU 3 transmits a recovery detail request command to the P unit 2 only when the CU 3 that has received the above-described recovery response determines that the recovery process is to be executed based on the information of the recovery response. This will be described in detail later. The recovery process needs to be executed when a power failure occurs in the CU 3 or the P stand 2 and a communication line disconnection is detected. In this embodiment, the recovery process is executed even when the power is turned on at the start of business at the amusement hall. However, the power is not turned on at the start of business at the start of business and power is cut off at the CU 3 or the P stand 2. Control may be performed so that the communication line disconnection is detected.

  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. A response of a communication start response is transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU3. This response to the communication start response is a response to the CU 3 for communication start.

  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. A response of a communication end response is transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU3. This communication end response is a response to the end of communication to the CU3.

  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 CU side to the P platform side shown in FIG.

  A response of a status information response is transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU3. 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 information response includes the latest game table information and the number of game balls shown in FIG.

  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. A response of the card insertion response is transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU3. The response of this card insertion response is a response to the card insertion to the CU3.

  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. 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.

  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. A response of the communication test response is transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU3. The response of this card return response is a response of test data to CU3.

<Main sequences processed between CU and P>
Next, based on FIGS. 6 to 12, processing is performed between the CU 3 and the P base 2 by processing executed by the CPU mounted on the CU control unit 323 and the CPU mounted on the payout control board 17. The main sequence will be described.

<< Power-on >>
First, a sequence processed between the CU 3 and the P base 2 when the power is turned on will be described with reference to FIG. The sequence 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 after one day of business at the amusement hall 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 higher-level key management server 800, asks whether the main chip ID and the payout chip ID are properly registered, and returns the result. Get it. If it is properly registered, an appropriate authentication result is obtained.

  After the authentication sequence, the CU 3 transmits a recovery request to the P unit 2. That is, the CU 3 requests the P unit 2 to transmit recovery information.

  In response to this, the P base 2 returns the recovery information backed up in the P base 2 (specifically, the payout control board 17) to the CU 3 as a response based on the received recovery request command (recovery response). ).

  This recovery information includes the last last transmission serial number, the last inserted card ID, and the previous card insertion time. Although not shown, serial numbers and commands are also included.

  The serial number is a sequence number of the command and is a value from 1 to 255 (cyclic). The CU 3 counts up (+1) the serial number when transmitting the command to the P platform 2. However, the serial number is not counted up at the time of retransmission. The P base 2 does not count up the received serial number and transmits the response to the CU 3 as it is.

  The last 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 time of the previous connection, and when “0”, there is no stored serial number. The previously inserted card ID is data of the card ID of the card that was being inserted at the time of the previous connection, and when it is “0”, there is no inserted card.

  The previous card insertion time is data of 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.

  Upon receiving the recovery response, the CU 3 determines whether or not the previously inserted card ID and the previous card insertion time of the recovery information match the stored card ID and the card insertion time. The CU 3 transmits a recovery detail request to the P unit 2 when the card ID and the card insertion time match. That is, the CU 3 transmits the recovery data to the P unit 2. This recovery data includes the previous last transmission serial number and the number of additional balls. Although not shown, a serial number and a command are also included. At the stage where the card is not yet inserted into the CU 3 when the power is turned on, the card ID = 0 and the card insertion time = 0 along with the CU 3 side and the P stand 2 side. The serial number is a sequence number of the command and is a value from 1 to 255 (cyclic).

  The previous last transmission serial number is the serial number data of the status information request command last transmitted to the P unit 2 at the time of the previous connection, and when it is “0”, there is no data. The previously inserted card ID is data of the card ID of the card that was being inserted at the time of the previous connection, and when it is “0”, there is no inserted card.

  The number of added balls is data of the number of added balls of game balls, and when it is “0”, there is no data of added balls.

  In response to this, the P machine 2 executes recovery processing based on the received recovery data, and returns the recovery data backed up inside the P machine 2 (specifically, the payout control board 17) to the CU 3 as a response. (Recovery detailed response).

  This recovery data includes previous game table information, previous game information, latest game table information, and latest game information.

  The CU 3 that has received this detailed recovery response starts recovery processing from that point. 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 executed not only when the power is turned 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. CU3 backs up the serial number when receiving the response. The P unit 2 does not increment the serial number when transmitting a response corresponding to the received command. When the CU 3 receives a response having a sequence number different from the sequence number at the time of transmission, the CU 3 determines that a communication failure has occurred and the P unit 2 has retransmitted the response. 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 “n”. The P platform 2 returns a response of the recovery response to the CU 3 as “n” without counting up the serial number. Furthermore, the CU 3 transmits a recovery detail request command to the P unit 2 with the serial number “n + 1”. The P platform 2 returns the response of the recovery detail response to the CU 3 as “n + 1” without counting up the serial number.

  Thereafter, the CU 3 counts up the serial number to “n + 2”, and transmits a communication start request (recovery clear ON) command to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P unit 2 clears the recovery data. Then, the P platform 2 returns “n + 2” as a communication start response to the CU 3 without counting up the serial number. In response, CU3 clears the recovery data. 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 transmits a status information request command of serial number = n + 3 to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P table 2 backs up the number of game balls, the number of added balls, the number of subtracted balls, the number of symbol stops, the number of winning prizes, and the data of the game table state. Further, the P stand 2 clears the values of the counters of the number of added balls, the number of subtracted balls, the number of symbol stops, and the number of winning prizes to zero. Then, the P platform 2 returns a response of the status information response of serial number = n + 3 to the CU3.

  The CU 3 that has received the response backs up the data on the number of game balls, the number of added balls, the number of subtracted balls, the number of symbol stops, the number of winning prizes, and the status of the game table based on the status information response. Note that the breakdown of the number of added balls is “the number of winning balls × the number of winning balls” and “the number of back balls”. The breakdown of the number of subtraction balls is “the number of balls to be fired” and “the number of balls to be counted”.

  Thereafter, the CU3 transmits a status information request command with a serial number = n + 4 to the P unit 2, and the P unit 2 returns a response with a status information response with a serial number = n + 4 to the CU3. Each time the P unit 2 transmits a response of the status information response, it backs up the data and clears the counter. Further, the CU 3 backs up the data every time it receives a response of the status information response.

<< 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 is in the middle of verifying whether the inserted card is appropriate, whether it is a membership card registered at the amusement hall, or inquiring the hall server 801 about the holding ball, storage ball, remaining card amount, etc. This means that the process of displaying the fact on the display 312 and the display on the display 54 on the P platform 2 side is being executed.

  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, with reference to FIG. 8, the sequence processed between CU3 and P 2 when lending a game ball from the prepaid balance of the inserted card will be described. That is, a process when the prepaid balance recorded on the inserted card is consumed will be described. In the process shown in FIG. 8, the current number of game balls is “50” balls. First, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including a serial number = n and a game ball addition request = 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 and the number of game balls = 50 to the CU3.

  Thereafter, when the player performs a lending operation (ball lending operation) in which the “lending” button is pressed once, CU3 lends 500 yen, that is, 125 balls. When the ball lending button (lending button) 321 is pressed, the CU 3 confirms prepaid consumption for 500 yen, and the number of game balls = 50 (number of game balls before update) +125 (number of added balls) = 175. Back up your data. In this way, the balance consumption is determined by the CU 3 alone when the lending operation is performed. Thereafter, CU3 is in the display of addition. During this addition display, the display unit 54 is displayed that 125 balls are withdrawn from the balance and are being added to the game balls.

  Next, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including the serial number = n + 1, the game ball addition request = ON, and the number of addition balls = 125 to the P unit 2. In response, 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, serial number = n + 1, number of additional balls = 175, game balls. A response of the status information response including the addition result = OK is returned to CU3.

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

≪Mochitama payout and savings ball payout (replay) ≫
Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the sequence processed between CU3 and P 2nd at the time of performing a replay by carrying out and paying out the ball will be described. In FIG. 9, the initial number of game balls is “50” balls. The replay process shown in FIG. 9 is similar to the process at the time of consumption of the balance shown in FIG. First, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including a serial number = n and a game ball addition request = 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 and the number of game balls = 50 to the CU3.

  Thereafter, when the player presses the replay button 319 in a state where there is a ball or a storage ball, the CU 3 confirms the consumption of 125 balls from the ball or the storage ball, updates the number of game balls, Data of number = 50 (number of game balls before update) +125 (number of added balls) = 175 is backed up. In this way, the consumption of the holding balls or the stored balls is determined by the CU 3 alone when the operation of pressing the replay button 319 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. In addition, a holding ball payout button may be provided in CU3, and the holding ball payout button may be pressed to convert from a holding ball (a point) to a game ball (a game point).

  Thereafter, the CU 3 displays the addition of the game balls, and transmits a status information request command including the serial number = n + 1, the game ball addition request = ON, and the number of added balls = 125 to the P stand 2. In response, 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, serial number = n + 1, number of additional balls = 175, game balls. A response of the status information response including the addition result = OK is returned to CU3.

  Note that CU3 indicates that the game ball is being added by displaying on the display 54 that 125 balls are being dropped from the holding ball or the stored ball and being added to the game ball.

  Thereafter, CU3 sends a status information request command including serial number = n + 2 and game ball addition request = OFF to P unit 2, and P unit 2 returns a status information response including serial number = n + 2 and the number of additional balls = 175. A response 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. 10 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.

  Also, in FIG. 10, 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. 10, immediately after an 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 CU3. 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. 11 is a sequence diagram for explaining a counting process when the player performs a card return operation. In FIG. 11, the number of cards possessed 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. However, at the time when the player presses the “card return” button, the number of game balls in the P unit 2 is 800 balls, and the CU 3 determines that the number of game balls in the P unit 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 collectively counting the 800 ball balls, the P stand 2 has a serial number = n + 1, a game ball number = 800, and 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 the card can be removed in the vicinity of the card insertion / discharge port 309. When the signal of the sensor is ON, the card is determined to be ready for card removal. 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, the P stand 2 displays a message “Please remove the card” on the variable display device 278 to prevent the player from forgetting to remove the card. 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 / ejection slot 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 base 2. However, when the player removes the card from the card insertion / discharge port 309, the sensor attached in the vicinity of the card insertion / discharge port 309 is turned off, so that the CU3 is waiting for the serial number = n + 5 and the 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. 11 is not limited to when the card is returned, and the same process can also be applied during a simple leave / meal break. 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.

<< Abnormal sequence >>
Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a description will be given of the recovery processing of the number of game balls when the status information request is unreached due to power interruption / communication line interruption. FIG. 12 particularly shows that there is a power interruption / communication line disconnection (for example, when the power supply of the P base 2 is once turned off and then turned on again), and the status information request has not reached (from CU3 to the P base 2). FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for explaining a counting process in a case where a command has not arrived) and communication partners after recovery match.

  Referring to FIG. 12, before the power interruption occurs during the game, CU 3 transmits a status information request including serial number = n to P unit 2. In response to this, the P table 2 sends a status information response including the serial number = n, the number of game balls = 480, the number of added balls = 3, and the number of subtracted balls = 23 to the CU 3 in order to notify the game table information to the CU 3. To do. The P table 2 updates the previous last transmission serial number as the previous game table information to “n”.

  CU3 receives the status information response of serial number = n, updates the previous last transmission serial number to “n”, and backs up. Further, based on the information of the number of game balls = 480, the number of additional balls = 3, and the number of subtracted balls = 23, the number of game balls, the number of added balls, and the number of subtracted balls stored therein are updated.

  Then, after a power interruption occurs in the P stand 2 during the game, when a status information request including a serial number = n + 1 is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P stand 2, the P stand 2 is in a power cut off state. Status information request cannot be received. Thereafter, since the status information response from the P stand 2 is not transmitted, the CU 3 performs control to detect and stop the communication line disconnection after 3 seconds. From the time when the P table 2 transmits the response of the status information response to the CU 3 until the power interruption occurs, the game is continued in the P table 2 and the game table information is changed. The number of game balls = 450, the number of additional balls = 6. Number of balls to be subtracted = 36, which is the latest game table information. On the other hand, the game table information of the number of game balls already transmitted = 480, the number of additional balls = 3, and the number of subtraction balls = 23 is the previous game table information.

  Thereafter, the power failure of the P stand 2 is restored and the P stand 2 starts to operate. When the P table 2 starts operation, first, an authentication sequence is started between the CU 3 and the P table 2, and information including the main chip ID and the payout chip ID is transmitted from the P table 2 to the CU 3. The The CU 3 transmits the received main chip ID and payout chip ID to the upper management server (the key management server 800 via the hall server 801), and whether the main chip ID and the payout chip ID are properly registered. Ask them to check whether they have returned the results. If it is properly registered, an appropriate authentication result is obtained.

  After the authentication sequence, the CU 3 transmits a recovery request including the serial number = 1, the previous last transmission serial number = n, the store code, and the SC board ID to the P unit 2. That is, the CU 3 requests the P unit 2 to notify the recovery information. In response to this, the P stand 2 first receives the “store code” and “SC board ID” notified from the security board 325 of the CU 3, and the “store code” and “SC board ID” held in the P stand 2. Are matched, and if they match, the following processing is performed. In the P unit 2, whether or not the previous last transmission sequence number = n of the received recovery request matches the previous last transmission sequence number = n backed up inside the P unit 2 (specifically, the payout control board 17). Determine whether. If they match, it can be determined that the last status information response sent from the P-unit 2 to the CU3 before the communication interruption has reached the CU3. In this case, the status information response is included in the status information response. The game information is updated on the CU 3 side based on the game information to be played. Therefore, in this case, the P stand 2 returns a recovery response (serial number = 1) to the CU 3 as no game information storage (specifically, no previous game stand information). If the previous last transmission sequence number = n of the received recovery request does not match the previous last transmission sequence number = n backed up inside the P unit 2 (specifically, the payout control board 17), the communication is interrupted. Since it can be determined that the status information response last transmitted from the P stand 2 to the CU 3 before the CU 3 has not reached the CU 3, in this case, the game information is stored (specifically, the previous game stand information) A recovery response (sequence number = 1) including game information is returned to CU3. Note that the “store code” and the “SC board ID” notified from the security board 325 of the CU 3 and the “store code” and the “SC board ID” held by the P board 2 do not match the P board 2. In this case, continuation of the game is prohibited.

  In FIG. 12, CU3 does not store the game information included in the recovery response, and therefore does not perform the addition recovery process. The CU control unit 323 of the CU 3 that has received the recovery response checks whether or not the number of game balls included in the gaming machine information transmitted from the P machine 2 as the recovery response is an appropriate value. The first check process is executed. This first check process will be described later with reference to FIG. Since there is no game information storage, the CU 3 transmits a communication start request including the serial number = 2 to the P unit 2 without transmitting the recovery request 2 to the P unit 2. When the CU 3 transmits a communication start request command to the P base 2, the counting sequence number is cleared to “0” (initial value). The P unit 2 receives the communication start request and transmits a communication start response including the serial number = 2 to the CU 3. Further, after receiving the communication start request, the P platform 2 clears the recovery data (game information) and also clears the counting sequence number to “0” (initial value).

  When communication with the P table 2 is started, the CU 3 transmits a status information request including a serial number = 3 to the P table 2. In response to this, the P table 2 notifies the CU 3 of unreported game table information (the number of game balls as the latest game table information = 450, the number of added balls = 6, the number of subtracted balls = 36) as a status information response. Update the last transmission serial number and back up the data. Specifically, the status information response includes transmission sequence number = 3, number of game balls = 450, number of added balls = 6, and number of subtracted balls = 36. In response to the status information response including unnotified gaming machine information, the CU 3 updates the previous last transmission serial number and backs up the data. The CU control unit 323 of the CU 3 that has received the status information response checks whether or not the number of game balls included in the gaming machine information transmitted as the status information response is an appropriate value. Execute the process. This second check process will be described later with reference to FIG.

<Management of gaming machines>
Next, a system for managing the history of gaming machines from shipment to disposal will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the flow of history information (machine history information) from shipment to disposal of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. Here, the target of the gaming machine for managing the history is not limited to the above-mentioned enclosed circulation type gaming machine (P stand 2, pachinko machine 2), and includes a conventional CR gaming machine. Of course, it goes without saying that the target gaming machines include not only pachinko gaming machines, but also S units 2S corresponding to P units 2 described later, conventional pachislot machines, and the like.

  Referring to FIG. 13, when a gaming machine is shipped from a gaming machine manufacturer to Hall A, the gaming machine manufacturer's server (not shown) sends shipping information about the shipped gaming machine to a communication line. The information is input to the machine history management center 800A. The history management center 800A registers the input shipping information in the storage area of the server.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing details of a flow until shipping information is registered in the history management center 800A according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 14, when ordering a gaming machine from a gaming machine maker, Hall A sends a sales contract to the gaming machine maker. When the gaming machine manufacturer receives the sales contract sent from Hall A, it confirms the order of the gaming machine according to the sales contract. When the gaming machine manufacturer confirms the order, it sends a copy of the warranty card and the certification notice to Hall A and starts production of the gaming machine. The gaming machine manufacturer ships the produced gaming machine to Hall A from the gaming machine manufacturer (delivered to Hall A). In addition, after a gaming machine to be shipped to Hall A is delivered to a carrier, the gaming machine manufacturer's server inputs shipping information regarding the gaming machine to the machine history management center 800A via a communication line. When the history management center 800A accepts the input of the shipping information, it registers it in the storage area of the server.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of specific contents of the shipping information. Specifically, FIG. 15A is a diagram showing items registered as shipping information. FIG. 15B is a diagram showing registration classifications included in the registration type.

  Referring to FIG. 15A, shipping information includes registration type, game board production number, main board management number, main control chip ID number (main chip ID), main control product code, and gaming machine. It includes a frame manufacturing number, a payout board management number, a payout control chip ID number (payout chip ID), a payout control product code, a shipping date, a company code, a hall code, and a cancellation flag.

  The registration type indicates whether the gaming machine to be shipped is a conventional CR gaming machine, an enclosed circulating gaming machine (pachinko machine 2), a gaming board with a replaced part, or a gaming machine frame. This is information to specify. Specifically, in FIG. 15B, when the registration type number is “11” to “14”, the gaming machine to be shipped is a CR gaming machine, and when “21” to “25”. Indicates that the game machine to be shipped is the pachinko machine 2. Furthermore, the registration type numbers “11” to “14” indicate that the game board, the gaming machine frame, the gaming board + the gaming machine frame, and the gaming board (parts replacement) are replaced. Also, the registration type numbers “21” to “25” indicate that they are replaced gaming boards, gaming machine frames, gaming boards + gaming machine frames, gaming board parts, gaming machine frame parts, respectively. When replacing the board of the game board or the board of the gaming machine frame, the board management number after replacement is set and registered when the base is replaced. In addition, replacement of parts in which the production numbers of the game board and the gaming machine frame are changed is registered as a new shipment. Note that the name of the gaming machine manufacturer and the model name of the gaming machine are specified by the registration type.

The game board production number and main board management number are information according to a two-dimensional code.
The main control chip ID number is information read by an ID reader, and is set only in the case of the pachinko machine 2 (setting is not necessary in a conventional CR gaming machine). The main control product code is the product code of the main control chip (setting is not necessary in the conventional CR gaming machine).

  The gaming machine frame manufacturing number and the payout board management number are information according to a two-dimensional code. Note that the payout board management number does not need to be set in a conventional CR gaming machine.

  The payout control chip ID number is information read by the ID reader, and is set only for the pachinko machine 2 (setting is not necessary for the CR gaming machine). The payout control product code is a product code written in the payout control chip (setting is not necessary in the CR gaming machine).

  The shipment date is the date when the gaming machine is shipped, and is the date when shipment is confirmed. The business operator code is information for specifying the name of the carrier. The hole code is information for identifying the hall name of the delivery destination. The cancellation flag is set to “0” when shipping information is registered, and “1” when canceling registered shipping information. If the gaming machine manufacturer has registered incorrect shipping information in the machine history management center 800A, the gaming machine manufacturer sets a cancellation flag for the incorrect shipping information to “1” and registers it again in the machine history management center 800A.

  When the history management center 800A receives the shipping information with the cancellation flag set to “1”, the history management center 800A cancels the registration of the shipping information with the same content as the received shipping information and the cancellation flag set to “0”. That is, the shipping information having the same content as the shipping information including the cancellation flag set to “1” is deleted from the storage area of the history management center 800A. Therefore, the history management center 800A can easily cancel the shipping information by setting the cancellation flag to “1” (ON state).

  Furthermore, the history management center 800A can accept shipping information including a cancellation flag set to “1” until a predetermined condition is satisfied. That is, after the predetermined condition is satisfied, the shipping information having the same contents as the shipping information including the cancellation flag set to “1” cannot be registered in the history management center 800A.

  Here, examples of the predetermined condition include time and period. Therefore, the history management center 800A can be set to accept the shipping information including the cancellation flag set to “1” until 8:00 pm on the day when the shipping information to be canceled is registered. Therefore, the machine history management center 800A can easily cancel the shipping information by setting the cancellation flag to “1” (on state), and after a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, after 8:00 pm on the registration date) ) Can be prevented from tampering with shipping information.

  When the gaming machine is an enclosed circulation type gaming machine (pachinko machine 2), the main control chip ID number or the payout control chip ID number is identification information for identifying the individual gaming machine, and the gaming machine is a conventional CR. In the case of a gaming machine, at least one number of a gaming board manufacturing number, a main board management number, a gaming machine frame manufacturing number, and a payout board management number is identification information for identifying an individual gaming machine.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15 (a), the shipping information is the same format regardless of whether the gaming machine is an enclosed circulation type gaming machine (pachinko machine 2) or a conventional CR gaming machine. In the management center 800A, the history of the enclosed circulating gaming machine (pachinko machine 2) and the conventional CR gaming machine can be managed in a unified manner.

  Referring to FIG. 13 again, when a gaming machine is delivered to hall A from a gaming machine manufacturer and the gaming machine is installed in hall A, a server (not shown) in hall A is connected via a communication line. Installation information regarding the installed gaming machine is input to the machine history management center 800A. The history management center 800A associates the input installation information with the shipping information registered at the time of shipping and registers them in the storage area of the server.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing details of a flow until installation information is registered in the history management center 800A according to the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 16A is a diagram showing the flow when the hall computer (not shown) installed in the hall A and the history management center 800A are not configured to be communicable. . In FIG. 16 (a), the conventional CR gaming machine is mainly used, and the conventional CR gaming machine is installed in Hall A where the hall computer and the machine history management center 800A are not connected by a communication line. The case is assumed.

  FIG. 16B is a diagram showing the flow when the hall computer and the history management center 800A are configured to be communicable. In FIG. 16 (b), the case is mainly the case of a sealed circulation type gaming machine (pachinko machine 2), and the pachinko machine 2 is installed in the hall A where the hall computer and the machine history management center 800A are connected by a communication line. Is assumed.

  Referring to FIG. 16A, when a gaming machine is delivered from hall A to hall A, a copy of the gaming machine delivery form is sent from hall A to the gaming machine manufacturer. When the gaming machine manufacturer receives a copy of the gaming machine delivery form, the gaming machine installation information is input from the gaming machine manufacturer to the machine history management center 800A via the communication line, and the input installation information is stored in the storage area of the server. be registered. When the installation information is registered in the machine history management center 800A, the registered result is output via a communication line or as a document. In Hall A, when a jurisdiction implementation inspection is conducted and a change approval notification is made, the delivered gaming machine is installed at a predetermined location in Hall A.

  Referring to FIG. 16B, when a gaming machine is delivered from hall A to Hall A, a copy of the gaming machine delivery form is sent from Hall A to the gaming machine manufacturer. Thereafter, in Hall A, a jurisdiction implementation inspection is performed, and when a change approval notification is made, the delivered gaming machine is installed at a predetermined location in Hall A. Since the hall computer and the history management center 800A are configured to be connectable via a communication line, when the gaming machine installed in the hall A is turned on, the history computer automatically starts the history. Installation information is transmitted to the management center 800A. The history management center 800A associates the received installation information with the shipping information registered at the time of shipping and registers them in the storage area.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of the installation information input to the history management center 800A in FIG. Referring to FIG. 17, the installation information includes a registration type, a game board production number, a main board management number, a gaming machine frame production number, an installation date, a hall code, and a cancellation flag. The registration type, game board production number, main board management number, gaming machine frame production number, hole code, and cancellation flag are the same as the contents described in FIG. 15, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated. .

  As described above, in the case of FIG. 16 (a), it is assumed that a conventional CR gaming machine is mainly installed in Hall A. Therefore, the registration type numbers are “11” to “14”. Become. The installation date is, for example, the planned opening date of the warranty card.

  From the above, in the case of FIG. 16 (a), the machine history management center 800A has a gaming machine manufacturer name, model name, gaming board production number, main board management number, as installation information input from the gaming machine manufacturer. A game frame serial number, installation date, and installation hall name are registered.

  In the case of FIG. 16 (b), the machine history management center 800A has a game machine manufacturer name, model name, installation date, installation destination hall name, as installation information automatically transmitted from the hall computer. The main control chip ID and the payout control ID are registered. The history management center 800A may receive a part of the above information as installation information, and register information that is common with the shipping information with reference to the shipping information.

  Referring to FIG. 13 again, when the gaming machine installed in hall A is removed, the removal information from hall A is written in a document or the like, and the document is sent to history management center 800A. Based on the removal information sent to the machine history management center 800A, the removal information is registered in the storage area of the server by inputting necessary information from the input means (terminal not shown) of the machine history management center 800A. If the document is not sent to the machine history management center 800A, it is determined that the gaming machine has been removed from the hall A when used movement information or disposal information described later is registered in the machine history management center 800A. The removal information may be registered.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a flow until removal information is registered in the history management center 800A according to the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 18A is a diagram illustrating the flow when the hall computer installed in the hall A and the history management center 800A are not configured to be communicable. In FIG. 18A, it is assumed that a conventional CR gaming machine is mainly installed in Hall A where the hall computer and machine history management center 800A are not connected by a communication line.

  FIG. 18B is a diagram showing the flow when the hall computer and the history management center 800A are configured to be communicable. In FIG. 18B, it is assumed that the pachinko machine 2 is mainly installed in the hall A where the hall computer and the machine history management center 800A are connected by a communication line.

  Referring to FIG. 18A, when a gaming machine installed in Hall A is removed, the gaming machine is removed based on the issued change approval application. When the gaming machine is removed, a document including removal information is sent from the hall A to the machine history management center 800A. The history management center 800A registers the removal information in the storage area based on the sent document.

  Referring to FIG. 18B, since the hall computer and the history management center 800A are configured to communicate with each other, the history management center 800A is based on the installation information registered in the storage area. If a certain period of time (for example, one month) has passed and no communication with the gaming machine that should have been installed in Hall A, it is determined that the gaming machine has not been operated and has been removed. Then, the removal information is registered in the storage area. As in FIG. 18A, the history management center 800A may register the removal information in the storage area based on the document sent from the hall A.

  When a conventional CR gaming machine is to be removed, the machine history management center 800A provides, as removal information, a gaming machine manufacturer name, a game board production number, a main board management number, a game frame production number, a removal date, and removal. The hall name is registered. In addition, when the pachinko machine 2 is removed, in the machine history management center 800A, a withdrawal control board management number is further registered as removal information in addition to each information registered in the case of a conventional CR gaming machine. Is done.

  Referring to FIG. 13 again, when the gaming machine removed from the hall A is stored in the seller's warehouse and the received gaming machine is released to another hall B, the seller enters the application document. The used movement information is entered and sent to the history management center 800A. The machine history management center 800A registers the used movement information in the server from the input means of the machine history management center 800A based on the sent application documents. When the history management center 800A and the management computer owned by the dealer are configured to be communicable, the management computer inputs used movement information to the history management center 800A via a communication line. Also good.

  When a gaming machine issued from a dealer is delivered to another hall B and the gaming machine is installed in another hall B, the installation is performed in the other hall B as shown in FIG. Information is registered in the server of the machine history management center 800A. Also, when the gaming machine installed in the hall B is removed, the removal information is registered in the machine history management center 800A according to the flow described in FIG.

  Next, when the gaming machine removed from Hall A is collected by the processing company and the collected gaming machine is discarded, the disposal information is entered in the application document from the processing company, and the document is recorded. It is sent to the management center 800A. The history record management center 800A registers the discard information in the storage area by inputting necessary information from the input means in its own device. When the history management center 800A and the management computer owned by the processing company are configured to be able to communicate with each other, the management computer may input the discard information to the history management center 800A via the communication line. Good.

  When the gaming machine traded in from the hall A by the gaming machine maker is discarded, the hall computer inputs the discard information regarding the gaming machine to be discarded through the communication line to the history management center 800A. The history management center 800A registers the input discard information in the storage area of the server.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a flow until discard information is registered in the history management center 800A according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 19, when a gaming machine manufacturer receives a notice of acceptance of trade-in of a gaming machine to hall A, the gaming machine is delivered from hall A to the gaming machine manufacturer. When a gaming machine maker collects and stores the gaming machine and then discards it, it requests the disposal company (disposal company) to dispose of it. When the gaming machine manufacturer receives a notification from the processing company that the disposal of the gaming machine has been completed (processing details, etc.), the gaming machine manufacturer's server sends the disposal information about the gaming machine via the communication line. Input to the management center 800A. When receiving the input of the discard information, the history management center 800A registers it in the storage area of the server.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the discard information input to the machine history management center 800A.

  Referring to FIG. 20, the discard information includes registration type, discard date, game board manufacturer code, game board manufacture number, main board management number, gaming machine frame manufacturer code, and gaming machine. It includes a frame manufacturing number, a payout board management number, a company code, and a cancellation flag. Since the registration type, game board production number, main board management number, gaming machine frame production number, and cancellation flag are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 15, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  The discard date is the date when the gaming machine is discarded. The game board manufacturer code is information for identifying the gaming machine manufacturer that manufactured the game board. The gaming machine frame manufacturer code is information for identifying the gaming machine manufacturer that manufactured the gaming machine frame. The business operator code is information for identifying the business operator that has performed the disposal process. Typically, it is the operator code of the processing company (disposal company), but when it is discarded by the gaming machine manufacturer, it becomes the operator code of the gaming machine manufacturer.

  When a conventional CR gaming machine is to be discarded, the machine history management center 800A has a gaming machine manufacturer name, a game board production number, a main board management number, a game frame production number, a disposal date, and processing as disposal information. The trader name is registered. In addition, when the pachinko machine 2 is discarded, the payout control board management number is further registered in the machine history management center 800A as discard information in addition to each information registered in the case of a conventional CR gaming machine. Is done.

<Management of front frame and game board>
In the machine history management center described above, the configuration for managing the history of the gaming machine (pachinko machine) 2 has been described. However, since the pachinko machine 2 is configured by combining the front frame 5 and the game board 26, the front frame 5 and the game It is also possible to manage the history separately for the board 26. Therefore, machine history management of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 will be described below.

  FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining history management of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 according to the present embodiment. The history management center 800A shown in FIG. 21 associates the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided on the payout control board 17 connected to the front frame 5 with information on the front frame 5 and the main control board 16 connected to the game board 26. The information of the game board 26 is stored in the table shown in FIG. 22 in association with the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided in FIG. 22, and the history of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 is managed. The history management center 800A includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 8001 as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 8002 that stores operation programs and control data of the CPU 8001, and a RAM that functions as a work area for the CPU 8001. A (Random Access Memory) 8003, an I / O port (Input / Output Port) 8004, and a mass storage device 8005 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) are provided.

  FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of a table for storing information on the front frame 5 and information on the game board 26 in order to manage the machine history of the front frame 5 and the game board 26. In the table shown in FIG. 22, a payout side table (FIG. 22A) that stores information on the game board 26 in association with the security chip ID of the payout control board 17, and a security chip ID of the main control board 16. A main control side table (FIG. 22B) that stores information on the game board 26 is included.

  Hereinafter, machine history management of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. First, at the time of shipment / installation, (1) the semiconductor chip manufacturer 190 manufactures the payout control semiconductor chip 17a and ships it to the frame manufacturer 191 which is the manufacturer of the front frame 5. (2) The semiconductor chip manufacturer 190 manufactures the main control semiconductor chip 16a and ships it to the game board manufacturer 192, which is the manufacturer of the game board 26. The payout control semiconductor chip 17a and the main control semiconductor chip 16a are not limited to the case where they are manufactured by the same semiconductor chip manufacturer 190, and may be manufactured by different semiconductor chip manufacturers 190.

  (3-1) The semiconductor chip manufacturer 190 notifies the history management center 800A of the payout control security chip ID of the manufactured payout control semiconductor chip 17a, and inputs the payout control security chip ID into the payout side table. Update the payout table. Similarly, (3-2) the semiconductor chip manufacturer 190 notifies the machine history management center 800A of the main control security chip ID of the manufactured main control semiconductor chip 16a, and the main control security chip ID is sent to the main control side table. To update the main control table.

  (4) The frame maker 191 manufactures the front frame 5 by incorporating the payout control semiconductor chip 17a into the front frame 5. Further, the frame maker 191 ships the installed front frame 5 to the hall 193 and installs it. (5) The frame maker 191 notifies the machine history management center 800A of information specifying the front frame 5 installed in the hall 193, and updates the payout side table so as to be stored in association with the payout control security chip ID. As information specifying the front frame 5, as shown in FIG. 22A, the front frame manufacturing number, the delivery board management number, the product code for delivery control, the transporter code, the hall code, the shipping date, and the installation Date and time are included. Further, the information specifying the front frame 5 may include a frame format name, a product code, and a manufacturer code.

  (6) The game board maker 192 assembles the main control semiconductor chip 16 a into the game board 26 to manufacture the game board 26. Further, the game board maker 192 ships the manufactured game board 26 to the hall 193 and installs the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in combination. (7) The game board maker 192 notifies the machine history management center 800A of information specifying the game board 26 installed in the hall 193, and updates the main control side table so as to be stored in association with the main control security chip ID. To do. As information for specifying the game board 26, as shown in FIG. 22B, the model name of the gaming machine, product code, manufacturer code, game board production number, main control board management number, product code for main control. , Carrier code, hall code, shipping date, and installation date and time.

  (8) The hall 193 operates the pachinko machine 2 that is a combination of the front frame 5 and the game board 26. When driven, the pachinko machine 2 transmits gaming machine installation information (operation information) including the payout control security chip ID and the main control security chip ID to the key management server 800. The key management server 800 authenticates the pachinko machine 2 based on the gaming machine installation information transmitted from the pachinko machine 2, and transmits a necessary password to the pachinko machine 2. (9) The key management server 800 notifies the machine history management center 800A of the gaming machine installation information, and pays out so as to store a pair (combined) main control security chip ID in association with the payout control security chip ID. The side table is updated, and the main control side table is updated so as to store a pair (combined) payout control security chip ID in association with the main control security chip ID. The machine history management center 800A includes the gaming machine installation information transmitted from the key management server 800, the contents of the payout side table and the main control side table updated by the semiconductor chip maker 190, the frame maker 191 and the game board maker 192. Is matched.

  If the result of the collation shows an abnormality, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality. The history management center 800A also manages the management status of the front frame 5 in which information such as the shipping date (information (3-1) and (5) shown in FIG. 22A) included in the payout table is updated. (Status) is “Shipment”, and the management status of the front frame 5 in which the information (the information (9) shown in FIG. 22A) of the paired main control security chip ID included in the payout table is updated ( (Status) is determined as “installation”. The management state (status) of the front frame 5 may be stored in the payout side table or in a separate storage area. In the case of initial failure after shipment registration, re-shipment is not performed.

  Similarly, the machine history management center 800A includes the game board 26 in which information such as the shipping date (information (3-2) and (7) shown in FIG. 22B) included in the main control table is updated. The game board 26 in which the management state (status) is “shipment” and the information of the security chip ID for pair payout control included in the main control side table (information (9) shown in FIG. 22B) is updated. The management state (status) is determined as “installation”. The management state (status) of the game board 26 may be stored in the main control side table or in another storage area. In the case of initial failure after shipment registration, re-shipment is not performed.

  Next, (10) When the hole 193 is replaced with a new front frame 5 and game board 26, the installed front frame 5 and game board 26 are removed and stored in the warehouse. (11) The warehouse operator 194 notifies the history management center 800A of the storage information of the front frame 5 removed from the hall 193, and updates the payout side table so as to store it in association with the payout control security chip ID. Further, the warehouse trader 194 notifies the machine history management center 800A of the storage information of the game board 26 removed from the hall 193, and updates the main control side table so as to store it in association with the main control security chip ID. As shown in FIG. 22, the storage information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 includes a gaming machine manufacturer, an installation source hall, a removal date, a storage date, and a storage location.

  When the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are removed from the hall 193, the operation information is not transmitted to the key management server 800. That is, it can be considered that non-operating information has been transmitted to the key management server 800 from the removed front frame 5 and the game board 26. The non-operating information transmitted to the key management server 800 is further transmitted to the history management center 800A. The history management center 800A collates the non-operation information transmitted from the key management server 800 with the contents of the payout side table and the main control side table updated by the warehouse operator 194.

  If the result of the collation shows an abnormality, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality. The history management center 800A also manages the management status of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in which information such as the storage date (information (11) shown in FIG. 22) included in the payout table and the main control table is updated. (Status) is determined as “Storage”. When the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are removed, it is not always necessary to remove the front frame 5 and the game board 26 as a set, and either one may be removed and removed. In this case, the history management center 800A updates only the information (11) (see FIG. 22) of either the payout side table or the main control side table.

  Next, at the time of resale, (12) the hole 193 requests the second trader 195 to resell the front frame 5 and the game board 26 stored by the warehouse trader 194. The used trader 195 resells the stored front frame 5 and game board 26 to another hall and installs them in the hall. (13) The used trader 195 notifies the history management center 800A of the resale information of the resold front frame 5 and updates the payout side table so as to store it in association with the payout control security chip ID. Further, the secondhand dealer 195 notifies the machine history management center 800A of resale information of the resold game board 26, and updates the main control side table so as to store it in association with the main control security chip ID. As shown in FIG. 22, the resale information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 includes an installation source hall, a removal date, an installation date, and a sales company name.

  When the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are resold, they are installed in another hall, and the pachinko machine 2 is operated by combining the front frame 5 and the game board 26. When driven, the pachinko machine 2 transmits gaming machine installation information (operation information) including the payout control security chip ID and the main control security chip ID to the key management server 800. The key management server 800 authenticates the pachinko machine 2 based on the gaming machine installation information transmitted from the pachinko machine 2, and transmits a necessary password to the pachinko machine 2. Further, the key management server 800 notifies the machine history management center 800A of the gaming machine installation information, and stores the pair (combined) main control security chip ID in association with the payout control security chip ID. The table is updated, and the main control side table is updated so as to store a pair (combined) payout control security chip ID in association with the main control security chip ID. The machine history management center 800A collates the gaming machine installation information transmitted from the key management server 800 with the contents of the payout side table and the main control side table updated by the secondhand dealer 195.

  If the result of the collation shows an abnormality, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality. Further, the machine history management center 800A manages the management status of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in which information such as sales company names (information (13) shown in FIG. 22) included in the payout side table and the main control sales table is updated. (Status) is determined as “resale”, and the front frame 5 and the game in which the information of the pair security chip ID (information (9) shown in FIG. 22) included in the payout side table and the main control side table is updated. The management state (status) of the panel 26 is determined as “installation”. When reselling the front frame 5 and the game board 26, it is not always necessary to resell the front frame 5 and the game board 26 as a set, and either one may be resold. In that case, the history management center 800A updates only the information (13) (see FIG. 22) of either the payout side table or the main control side table. Further, reselling the front frame 5 and the game board 26 is not necessarily limited to reselling the front frame 5 and the game board 26 stored in the warehouse, but the front frame 5 and the game board 26 installed in the hall. May be resold. In addition, we do not re-ship at the time of resale.

  Next, at the time of disposal, (14) the hole 193 requests the disposal company 196 to discard the stored front frame 5 and game board 26. The discarder 196 discards the stored front frame 5 and game board 26 by an appropriate method. (15) The discarder 196 notifies the history management center 800A of the discard information of the discarded front frame 5 and updates the payout side table so as to store it in association with the payout control security chip ID. Further, the discarder 196 notifies the history management center 800A of the discard information of the discarded game board 26, and updates the main control side table so as to be stored in association with the main control security chip ID. In addition, as shown in FIG. 22, the discard information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 includes an installation source hall, a pick-up date, and a discard date.

  When the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are discarded, the operation information is not transmitted to the key management server 800. That is, it can be considered that non-operation information is transmitted from the discarded front frame 5 and the game board 26 to the key management server 800. The non-operating information transmitted to the key management server 800 is further transmitted to the history management center 800A. The machine history management center 800A collates the non-operation information transmitted from the key management server 800 with the contents of the payout side table and the main control side table updated by the discarder 196.

  If the result of the collation shows an abnormality, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality. The history management center 800A also manages the management status of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in which information such as the discard date (information (15) shown in FIG. 22) included in the payout table and the main control table is updated. (Status) is determined to be “Discard”. When the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are discarded, it is not always necessary to discard the front frame 5 and the game board 26 as a set, and either one may be removed and discarded. In this case, the history management center 800A updates only the information (15) (see FIG. 22) of either the payout side table or the main control side table. Further, when discarding the front frame 5 and the game board 26, it is not necessarily limited to discarding the front frame 5 and the game board 26 stored in the warehouse, but the front frame 5 and the game board installed in the hall 193. 26 may be discarded.

<Abnormality judgment of machine history management center>
As described above, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality if it is abnormal as a result of comparing the gaming machine installation information and the non-operating information with the updated information. Specifically, processing for determining whether or not the machine history management center 800A is abnormal will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining the abnormality determination process for management of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 by the machine history management center 800A. FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining a table referred to in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the machine history management center 800A determines the management state (status) of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 based on information included in the payout side table and the main control side table (S211). Specifically, the machine history management center 800A determines that the information such as the discard date (information (15) shown in FIG. 22) included in the payout side table and the main control side table has been updated and the game board 26 is updated. The management state (status) is determined as “discard”.

  Next, the machine history management center 800A checks whether or not the transition from the previously determined management state to the currently determined management state is included in the transition prohibition table (S212). As shown in FIG. 24A, the transition prohibition table indicates a management state in which transition is prohibited from the management state determined last time. Specifically, when the frame maker 191 manufactures and ships the front frame 5, the front frame 5 is not discarded or resold. Therefore, in the transition prohibition table, the management state changes from “shipment” to “discard”. Transition to “resale” is prohibited. In addition, since the front frame 5 once installed, stored and resold is not shipped from the frame maker 191, in the transition prohibition table, the management status is “installed”, “storage” and “resale” to “shipment”. ”Is prohibited. Furthermore, since the discarded front frame 5 is not shipped, installed, stored, and resold, in the transition prohibition table, the management state changes from “discarded” to “shipped”, “installed”, “stored”, and “resolded”. ”Is prohibited. In the above-described transition prohibition table, the front frame 5 has been described as an example, but the same applies to the game board 26.

  Next, when the change to the management state determined this time is not included in the transition prohibition table (S212: N), the machine history management center 800A determines that the front frame 5 and the game board are based on the information from the key management server 800. 26 is judged (S213). Specifically, the machine history management center 800A determines that the gaming machine installation information is in operation when it is transmitted from the key management server 800, and the non-operating information is transmitted from the key management server 800 (gaming machine installation information). Is not transmitted), it is determined as a non-operating state.

  Next, the machine history management center 800A checks whether or not the management state determined this time in S211 and the operation state determined in S213 are included in the update abnormality table (S214). As shown in the update abnormality table, FIG. 24 (b), the operation state prohibited in the management state determined this time in S211 is shown. Specifically, when the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are installed, they are in an operating state if they are within business hours, but are normally inactive if they are out of business hours. When the status is “Installation”, it is determined as abnormal if “Operates outside business hours”. In addition, when the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are not installed, the operation status is always inactive. Therefore, in the update abnormality table, the management status is “shipment”, “storage”, “resale”, and “discard”. When it becomes “operation”, it is determined as abnormal.

  Next, when the determined operating state is included in the update abnormality table (S214: Y), the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality (S215). In S215, the means for notifying abnormality may be any means such as displaying the abnormality on the display device of the history management center 800A or outputting an alarm sound from the audio output device. The history management center 800A also notifies the abnormality (S215) when the transition to the management state determined this time is included in the transition prohibition table (S212: Y).

  When the determined operating state is not included in the update abnormality table (S214: N), the machine history management center 800A ends the process.

  As described above, the history management center 800A according to the present embodiment uses the payout side table for storing the history information of the front frame 5 in association with the payout control security chip ID, and the history information of the game board 26 for main control. The main control side table stored in association with the security chip ID is included in the large-capacity storage device 8005, and the management status of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 based on the information stored in the payout side table and the main control side table by the CPU 8001 Judge abnormalities. Therefore, the history management center 800A according to the present embodiment can manage the history by associating the front frame 5 and the game board 26, which may be distributed separately, with the respective security chip IDs.

<Communication between main control unit and payout control unit>
Next, communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 in the P stand 2 will be described in more detail. First, in the P base 2 shown in FIG. 2, communication between the main control board 16 provided on the game board 26 and the payout control board 17 provided on the game frame 5 is performed by the main control provided on the main control board 16. This is performed between the part 161 and the payout control part 171 provided in the game frame 5. FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram for explaining communication performed between the main control unit 161, the payout control unit 171, and the communication control IC.

  The main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 shown in FIG. 25 will be described below as being configured with one chip, but a similar function may be configured with a plurality of chips. The main control unit 161 includes a main control circuit 161a, a communication control circuit 161b, and a main control storage unit 161c. The main control circuit 161 a performs various processes in the main control unit 161 (for example, a process of counting winning balls based on signals from the winning sensor 162 or detecting fraud based on signals from the radio wave sensor 163). Is a circuit for executing a control program for The communication control circuit 161b is a circuit for performing cryptographic communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. The main control storage unit 161c is a storage device for storing a user program, a control program, and data to be executed by the main control unit 161, and is configured by, for example, a FeRAM (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory) of a nonvolatile memory. . Since the main control storage unit 161c includes FeRAM, the information stored in the FeRAM does not need to be backed up by an external power source.

  On the other hand, the payout control unit 171 includes a payout control circuit 171a, a communication control circuit 171b, and a payout control storage unit 171c. The payout control circuit 171a controls various processes (the launch motor 18 via the launch control board 31 by the payout control unit 171 or the game ball to the holding ball for the CU3 based on the signal from the counting button 28. A circuit for executing a control program for performing a process of requesting conversion). The communication control circuit 171b is a circuit for performing encryption communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 and encryption communication between the payout control unit 171 and the communication control IC 325a. The payout control storage unit 171c is a storage device for storing a user program, a control program, data, and the like to be executed by the payout control unit 171, and is configured by, for example, a FeRAM that is a nonvolatile memory. Since the payout control storage unit 171c includes a FeRAM, the information stored in the FeRAM does not need to be backed up by an external power source.

  Further, the communication control circuits 161b and 171b will be described in detail. FIG. 26 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a communication control circuit 161b for performing cryptographic communication with the payout control unit 171. First, the communication control circuit 161b has a plurality of functions, such as an authentication communication function, an encryption communication function, an interrupt function, and a recovery function.

  The authentication communication function is a function of performing mutual authentication with the payout control unit 171 of the game frame 5. The encryption communication function is a function for encrypting and decrypting a message between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. The encryption communication function can be automatically inserted into a tamper-proof code message, or a code for detecting a communication error can be automatically inserted. Further, the encryption communication function can periodically pass information of the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171 and receive information of the payout control unit 171 by setting a communication interval.

  For example, the interrupt function notifies an interrupt after completion of decryption of a message, or notifies an interrupt when the authentication state changes. The recovery function is a function for performing recovery communication with the payout control unit 171 in the encryption communication control unit 600 according to a request from the user. In addition, the communication control circuit 161b can set a communication response timeout time or can set a communication interval between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 26, the communication control circuit 161b performs encryption communication with a plurality of registers that perform input / output with the control program executed by the main control circuit 161a and encryption communication with the payout control unit 171. A control unit 600 is included.

  Registers included in the communication control circuit 161b include, for example, an authentication status register, an authentication interrupt setting register, a transmission data buffer, a transmission data number register, an information transmission clear register, a main control game information register, a payout control game information register, and recovery communication completion. It has a register and encrypted communication data clear request / completion register.

  The authentication status register indicates whether or not the chip ID of the main control unit 161 has been authenticated, the communication and authentication status between the card unit and the payout control unit, and the communication and authentication status between the main control unit and the payout control unit. Is written. In the authentication interrupt setting register, whether or not to permit an interrupt that changes the chip ID authentication, the authentication between the card unit and the payout control unit, and the authentication between the main control unit and the payout control unit is set.

  The transmission data buffer is a buffer in which game information to be transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171 is written, and game information is written in the buffer by FIFO (First In, First Out). Also, by configuring the transmission data buffer with a non-volatile memory, communication disconnection occurs between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, and the game information written in the buffer that has not been transmitted due to communication failure is , Retained after return. Therefore, even when recovery communication is performed, recovery processing such as re-execution of the user program to generate game information written in the transmission data buffer becomes unnecessary, and the processing load on the main control unit 161 is reduced. Can be reduced. In addition, the amount of data required in the recovery process can be suppressed. Since the transmission data buffer is composed of a non-volatile memory, backup by an external power source is not necessary. Registers other than the transmission data buffer are composed of volatile memory.

  The transmission data number register is a register for writing the number of data transmitted to the main control unit 161 payout control unit 171, and monitors the number of data in the transmission data buffer. The information transmission clear register is a register for writing a request to clear data in the transmission data buffer.

  The main control game information register is a register in which data transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171 is written. The data written in the main control game information register is encrypted by the encryption communication control unit 600 and transmitted to the payout control unit 171. The payout control game information register is a register into which data transmitted from the payout control unit 171 to the main control unit 161 is written. The data written in the payout control game information register is data decrypted by the encryption communication control unit 600.

  The recovery communication completion register is a register in which information indicating whether recovery communication is completed between the main control unit and the payout control unit is written. In the encrypted communication data clear request / completion register, information requesting to clear data such as a serial number held in the encrypted communication control unit 600 communicating with the payout control unit 171 and the data is deleted ( This is a register in which information indicating "clear completion" is written.

  FIG. 27 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a communication control circuit 171b for performing cryptographic communication with the main control unit 161. First, the communication control circuit 171b has a plurality of functions, for example, an authentication communication function, an encryption communication function, an interrupt function, a recovery function, and the like.

  The authentication communication function is a function for mutual authentication with the main control unit 161 of the game board 26 and mutual authentication with the communication control IC 325a of the CU3. The encryption communication function is a function for encrypting and decrypting a message between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. The encryption communication function can be automatically inserted into a tamper-proof code message, or a code for detecting a communication error can be automatically inserted. In addition, the encryption communication function can periodically pass information of the payout control unit 171 to the main control unit 161 and receive information of the main control unit 161 by setting a communication interval.

  For example, the interrupt function notifies an interrupt after completion of decryption of a message, or notifies an interrupt when the authentication state changes. The recovery function is a function for performing recovery communication with the main control unit 161 and the communication control IC 325a in the encryption communication control unit 700 in response to a request from the user. In addition, the communication control circuit 171b can set a communication response timeout time or can set a communication interval between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 27, the communication control circuit 171b performs encryption communication with a plurality of registers that perform input / output with the control program executed by the payout control circuit 171a and the payout control unit 171. A control unit 700 is included.

  The registers included in the communication control circuit 171b include, for example, an authentication status register, an authentication interrupt setting register, a data reception register, a reception data number register, an information reception clear register, a payout control game information register, a main control game information register, a recovery request / A completion register and an encryption communication data clear request / completion register are included.

  The authentication status register is a state of whether or not the chip ID of the payout control unit 171 is authenticated, a communication and authentication state between the card unit and the payout control unit, and a communication and authentication state between the main control unit and the payout control unit. Is written. In the authentication interrupt setting register, whether or not to permit an interrupt that changes the chip ID authentication, the authentication between the card unit and the payout control unit, and the authentication between the main control unit and the payout control unit is set.

  The data reception register is a buffer in which game information transmitted from the main control unit 161 and received by the payout control unit 171 is written, and game information is written into the buffer by FIFO (First In, First Out). Also, by configuring the data reception register with a non-volatile memory, communication disconnection occurs between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, and the game information written in the register that has not been transmitted due to communication failure is , Retained after return. Therefore, even when recovery communication is performed, recovery processing such as re-execution of a user program to generate game information written in the data reception register becomes unnecessary, and the processing load of the main control unit 161 is reduced. Can be reduced. In addition, the amount of data required in the recovery process can be suppressed. Note that since the data reception register is constituted by a non-volatile memory, backup by an external power source becomes unnecessary. Registers other than the data reception register are composed of volatile memory.

  The received data number register is a register for writing the number of data transmitted from the main control unit 161 and received by the payout control unit 171, and monitors the number of data in the data reception register. The information reception clear register is a register for writing a request to clear data in the data reception register.

  The payout control game information register is a register in which data transmitted from the payout control unit 171 to the main control unit 161 is written. The data written in the payout control game information register is encrypted by the encryption communication control unit 700 and transmitted to the main control unit 161. The main control game information register is a register in which data transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171 is written. The data written to the main control game information register is data decrypted by the encryption communication control unit 700.

  The recovery request / completion register is a register in which information indicating whether or not recovery communication is requested between the main control unit and the payout control unit and whether or not the recovery communication is completed are written. In the encrypted communication data clear request / completion register, information requesting to clear data such as a serial number held in the encrypted communication control unit 700 communicating with the main control unit 161, and that the data has been deleted ( This is a register in which information indicating "clear completion" is written.

  In addition, the communication control circuit 171b includes a communication timeout time setting register, a communication interval time setting register, and a main control unit transmission buffer write effective time setting register.

  The main control unit transmission buffer write effective time setting register can write the data in the transmission buffer of the main control unit 161 to the data reception register after the authentication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 is expired. This register is used to set the valid time. By setting the register, the data reception register can be written even after the authentication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 has expired (for example, 5 to 15 seconds). Degree) can be done. Thus, for example, even if there is a floating ball (a ball that has not been dropped due to being caught between nails of the game area 27) when authentication is broken due to a disconnection or the like, information indicating that the floating ball has won a prize is displayed. It can be reliably memorized and protected. Even in the case of a gaming machine having a stage with a long ball residence time, it is assumed that the effective period can be set long so that the information that the floating ball has won can be reliably stored.

  FIG. 28 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a communication control circuit 171b for performing cryptographic communication with the communication control IC 325a. As shown in FIG. 28, the communication control circuit 171b performs, for example, an authentication status register, an authentication interrupt setting register, a transmission data buffer, a data reception register, a transmission data number register, and a reception data number register to perform cryptographic communication with the communication control IC 325a. A recovery communication addition ball request register, a recovery communication subtraction ball request register, a recovery request / completion register, an encrypted communication data clear request / completion register, a communication timeout timer-prescaler setting register, a communication timeout time setting register, and the like.

  The authentication status register is a state of whether or not the chip ID of the payout control unit 171 is authenticated, a communication and authentication state between the card unit and the payout control unit, and a communication and authentication state between the main control unit and the payout control unit. Is written. In the authentication interrupt setting register, whether or not to permit an interrupt that changes the chip ID authentication, the authentication between the card unit and the payout control unit, and the authentication between the main control unit and the payout control unit is set.

  The transmission data buffer is a buffer for writing a business message to be transmitted from the payout control unit 171 to the communication control IC 325a, and the business message is written to the buffer by FIFO (First In, First Out). The data reception register is a buffer for writing a business message transmitted from the communication control IC 325a and received by the payout control unit 171, and the business message is written into the buffer by FIFO (First In, First Out).

  By configuring the transmission data buffer and the data reception register with a non-volatile memory, communication disconnection occurs between the payout control unit 171 and the communication control IC 325a, and writing to the buffer and register that has not been transmitted due to communication failure is performed. The business messages that have been stored will be retained after the return. Therefore, even when recovery communication is performed, recovery processing such as re-execution of a user program to generate a business message written in the transmission data buffer and the data reception register becomes unnecessary, and the payout control unit 171 The processing burden on the communication control IC 325a can be reduced. In addition, the amount of data required in the recovery process can be suppressed. Since the transmission data buffer and the data reception register are constituted by a nonvolatile memory, backup by an external power source is not necessary. Registers other than the transmission data buffer and the data reception register are composed of a volatile memory.

  The transmission data number register is a register for writing the number of data transmitted from the payout control unit 171 to the communication control IC 325a, and monitors the number of data in the transmission data buffer. The reception data number register is a register for writing the number of data transmitted from the communication control IC 325a and received by the payout control unit 171 and monitors the number of data in the data reception register.

  The recovery communication addition sphere request register is a register in which the number of addition spheres is written when an addition sphere is generated as a result of recovery communication between the communication control IC and the payout control unit after power-off recovery. The recovery communication addition ball request register is updated only when the recovery communication is completed. The recovery communication subtraction sphere request register is a register in which the number of subtraction spheres is written when a subtraction sphere is generated as a result of recovery communication between the communication control IC and the payout control unit after the power supply is restored. The recovery communication subtraction sphere request register is also updated only when the recovery communication is completed.

  The recovery request / completion register is a register in which information indicating whether or not recovery communication is requested between the communication control IC and the payout control unit and information indicating whether or not the recovery communication is completed are written. The encryption communication data clear request / completion register includes information requesting to clear data such as a serial number held in the encryption communication control unit 700 communicating with the communication control IC 325a, and that the data has been deleted (clear This is a register in which information indicating completion is written.

<Recovery completion confirmation process>
Next, in the communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, when returning from an incommunicable state such as a power-off, the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 have the main control storage unit 161 c and the payout control memory. The recovery process which transmits the predetermined information memorize | stored in the part 171c is performed. Then, the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 perform a recovery completion confirmation process for resuming the generation of predetermined information by executing the user program on the condition that the recovery process ends. Specifically, the recovery completion confirmation process will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining the recovery completion confirmation process.

  First, when the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 are turned on in order to recover from an incommunicable state such as a power failure, the main control circuit 161a and the payout control circuit 171a start the processing of the authentication sequence. When the authentication is completed, the authentication result is written in the respective authentication status registers of the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. Then, the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 confirm whether or not authentication completion is written in the respective authentication status registers (step S291). When the authentication completion is not written in the respective authentication status registers (step S291: NO), the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 return to the process of step S291.

  When the authentication completion is written in the respective authentication status registers (step S291: YES), the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 have a flag indicating the completion of recovery in the recovery communication completion register and the recovery request / completion register. It is confirmed whether or not data has been written (step S292). When the flag indicating recovery completion is not written in the recovery communication completion register and the recovery request / completion register (step S292: NO), the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 return to the process of step S292.

  The main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 start the processing of the user program when a recovery completion flag is written in the recovery communication completion register and the recovery request / completion register (step S292: YES) (step S292). S293). As means for starting the processing of the user program, for example, a means for transmitting a signal for starting the processing of the user program to start the processing of the user program and a stopping means for stopping the processing of the user program are provided. There are means for starting the processing of the user program by releasing the means.

  As described above, the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 do not start the processing of the user program until the recovery processing is completed. Therefore, new information by the processing of the user program before the information to be restored by the recovery processing is determined. Is prevented from being written, the processing of the user program can be resumed appropriately.

<Commands and responses sent and received between the main control unit and the payout control unit>
Next, with reference to FIG. 30, an outline of commands and responses transmitted and received between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 will be described.

  FIG. 30 shows the transmission direction, whether the data to be transmitted is a command or a response, the name of transmission information, and its outline.

  First, a command named power-on notification is transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171. This power-on notification command notifies the payout control unit 171 that power is turned on and communication is started. A response named power-on reception is transmitted from the payout control unit 171 to the main control unit 161. This power-on reception response is a response to the main control unit 161 receiving a power-on notification and starting communication.

  Next, a command having a game state notification is transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171. This gaming state notification command notifies the payout control unit 171 of the gaming state. A response named “game state response” is transmitted from the payout control unit 171 to the main control unit 161. This gaming state response is a response that the main control unit 161 has received a gaming state notification.

<Main sequence processed between main control unit and payout control unit>
Next, a main sequence processed between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 by processing executed by the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 will be described with reference to FIGS.

<< Communication sequence >>
First, a sequence that is processed between the main controller 161 and the payout controller 171 when the power is turned on will be described with reference to FIG. The sequence shown in FIG. 31 is a process executed when communication is resumed after the communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 is normally completed.

  The communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 is performed by a polling method using the main control unit 161 as a primary station, and the polling interval is 200 ms. Note that communication of power-on notification and power-on reception is excluded. The payout control unit 171 sets “communication line disconnection” and stops the game when the request command from the main control unit 161 is not received even after 1 second has elapsed since the response was transmitted.

  Furthermore, the payout control unit 171 transmits a response command to the main control unit 161 only when normal data is received. When the main control unit 161 does not receive a response command within the polling interval time, the main control unit 161 retransmits the command up to three times including the first time. The serial number used for transmission / reception is stored in the storage unit for both the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 and used for command normality confirmation, power-off recovery, and communication line disconnection recovery.

  Specifically, the communication sequence will be described. First, when the power is turned on, communication of power-on notification and power-on reception is performed between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, and an authentication new sequence is started. . As described above, the authentication sequence is written in the authentication status register that the chip IDs of the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 are authenticated and the communication between the main control unit and the payout control unit is authenticated. Furthermore, processing for generating an encryption key and a decryption key used for encryption communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 is performed by the authentication sequence. The communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 after the processing is performed is encrypted communication using the generated encryption key and decryption key.

  Next, after the authentication sequence is completed, the main control unit 161 transmits a gaming state notification command to the payout control unit 171 with the serial number “n”. The payout control unit 171 returns a game state reception response to the main control unit 161 as “n” without counting up the serial number. Further, the main control unit 161 transmits a gaming state notification command to the payout control unit 171 with the serial number “n + 1”. The payout controller 171 returns a game state reception response to the main controller 161 as “n + 1” without counting up the serial number.

  Thereafter, the main control unit 161 counts up the serial number to “n + 2” and transmits a gaming state notification command to the payout control unit 171. Then, the payout control unit 171 returns a game state reception response to the main control unit 161 as “n + 2” without counting up the serial number.

  In communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, the interval from the command transmission of the game state notification of the serial number “n” to the command transmission of the game state notification of the serial number “n + 1”, the game state notification of the serial number “n + 1” The interval from the command transmission to the command transmission of the game number notification of the serial number “n + 2” is 200 ms each.

<< Sequence after power off >>
Next, with reference to FIG. 32, a process when the status information request is unreached due to power interruption / communication line interruption will be described. In particular, FIG. 32 shows that there is a power disconnection / communication line disconnection (for example, when the power supply of the payout control unit 171 is once turned off and then turned on again), and the gaming state notification is not reached (from the main control unit 161). FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for explaining processing when a post-recovery communication partner matches with a payout control unit 171 having not reached a command).

  Referring to FIG. 32, before the power interruption occurs during the game, main controller 161 transmits a gaming state notification including serial number = n to payout controller 171. In response to this, the payout control unit 171 transmits a game state reception including a serial number = n to the main control unit 161.

  Then, after a power interruption occurs in the payout control unit 171 during the game, when a game state notification including a serial number = n + 1 is transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171, the payout control unit 171 is turned off. The game state notification cannot be received because of the state. Thereafter, since the gaming state reception from the payout control unit 171 has not been transmitted, the main control unit 161 performs control to stop communication on the assumption that the power is cut off after 1 second.

  Thereafter, when the authentication sequence is started between the power-on and main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, the main control unit 161 includes a power source including serial number = 1 and main control serial number (previous last transmission serial number) = n + 1. An insertion notification is transmitted to the payout control unit 171. The payout control unit 171 has the game state reception serial number transmitted to the main control unit 161 before the power interruption occurs, and therefore, the payout control serial number backed up by the payout control unit 171 becomes n. Therefore, the payout control sequence number = n backed up by the payout control unit 171 and the main control sequence number = n + 1 backed up by the main control unit 161 are inconsistent. When the serial numbers do not match, the payout control unit 171 performs recovery processing on the information of the payout control unit 171 based on the recovery game information included in the power-on notification transmitted from the main control unit 161. Thereafter, the payout control unit 171 transmits the power-on reception including the serial number = 1 to the main control unit 161.

  The main control unit 161 transmits a gaming state notification including a serial number = 2 to the payout control unit 171. The payout control unit 171 performs processing with the contents after the recovery process, and transmits a game state reception including a serial number = 2 to the payout control unit 171. Thereafter, similarly, the main control unit 161 transmits a gaming state notification including a serial number = 3 to the payout control unit 171. The payout control unit 171 transmits the gaming state reception including the serial number = 3 to the payout control unit 171.

  The above-described recovery processing is performed because the serial numbers do not match, but information included in the recovery game information (for example, the number of game information, prize ball information, etc.) is controlled by the main control unit 161 and payout control. The recovery process may be performed even if there is a mismatch with the unit 171.

<Slot machine>
Next, a slot machine will be described as another example of the gaming machine. FIG. 33 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 S units in the same manner. 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. 33, in the slot machine 2S, a front door 2bS is provided to the main body frame 2aS so that the front door 2bS can be opened and closed with the left side edge as a swing center. Although not shown in FIG. 33, a CU is connected to the left side of the slot machine 2S in the same manner as the P units.

  In the slot machine 2S, the number of bets is set by using game points, and the game points are added and updated in accordance with winning. For this reason, when playing a game in the slot machine 2S, a medal insertion operation is not necessary. Therefore, the slot machine 2S is not provided with a medal slot and a medal payout slot.

  Inside the casing of the slot machine 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 below the start switch 7S shown in FIG. You may provide in the panel part provided with the conventional S medal payout opening.

  Further, a 7-segment display 50S is provided in a lower portion of the display 510. The 7-segment display 50S is a display corresponding to the P 7-segment display 50, and displays various types of information (such as the number of times the front door 2bS is opened) of the same type as the 7-segment display 50.

  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.

  When playing a game in the slot machine 2S, first, as with the P machines, after securing a game point using the adjacent CU, the number of bets is set using the game point. The game points are obtained by withdrawing the balance of the prepaid card inserted into the CU, the points, or the stored medals (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 assigned to 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. 33, the slot machine 2S is provided with a counting button 28S for counting game points and converting them into points. The ball lending button, the return button, and the replay button are provided on the CU side (see FIG. 2). 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 this case, the operation signal of the ball lending button may be directly input to the CU 2 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, the main control unit (S) controlling the slot machine 2S when a start operation is detected. It corresponds to the main control unit 161 of the stand). The main control unit of the slot machine 2S is mounted on a main control board corresponding to the main control board 16 mounted on the pachinko machine 2. The main control unit determines the presence / absence of a winning combination by, for example, 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 transmits a signal corresponding to the type of winning to the payout control unit (corresponding to the payout control unit 171 in FIG. 2). The payout control unit gives the player a number of game points corresponding to the signal (adds game points).

  The payout control unit of the slot machine 2S is mounted on a payout control board (not shown). The payout control board is delivered from the frame maker to the hall while being attached to the main body frame 2aS by the frame maker.

  On the other hand, the main control board (not shown) of the slot machine 2S is delivered to the hall from the slot machine manufacturer separately from the main body frame 2aS in a state of being attached to a board mounting board for connecting wiring.

  With the S units, the game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using the gaming value, and variable display capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each of which can be identified A slot machine in which one game is completed when a display result is derived to the device and a winning can be generated according to the display result derived to the variable display device, and the display result is displayed on the variable display device. Before deriving, predetermining means for determining whether or not to allow a plurality of types of winnings to occur, and control for causing the variable display device to derive a display result according to the determination result of the predetermining means A slot machine is configured that includes a derivation control means for performing and a granting means for imparting a game value when the winning occurs.

  FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram for explaining various data stored in each of the card unit and the slot machine and its transmission / reception mode. The transmission / reception mode shown in FIG. 34 is obtained by replacing the term 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. Now, further explanation is omitted.

<Modifications and feature points>
Next, modifications and feature points of the embodiment described above are listed.

  (1) When a slot machine (S units), which is an example of a gaming machine, is applied to the above gaming system, for example, there are P units of reels and various sensor parts attached to the reels and a main control board for controlling 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.

  A conventional S unit is provided with a credit function. When this function is enabled, the credit is subtracted when the number of bets is set, and the credit is 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 the present embodiment, such a problem can be prevented by providing a function for displaying a dollar box. 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.

  First, when a conversion operation (lending operation, saving medal payout operation, or point payout operation) from a prepaid card balance, 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 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 winning occurs exceeding the upper limit of credit in the conventional slot machine. For this reason, for example, it is desirable to display the credit excess points on the display 510 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.

  (2) In this embodiment, a game point is added by consuming card frequency. 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.

  (3) In this 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.

  (4) The recording medium for recording the holding point in an identifiable manner may use a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. In this case, the communication unit for communicating with the mobile terminal is provided in CU3, 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 above. 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.

  (5) 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.

  (6) When an uncounted game point remains when the card return operation is performed, it is desirable to display a message prompting the counting on the P-unit or the CU side display. 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.

  (7) The counting time from the start of the counting operation to the completion of the counting display is based on the game points when the game points are less than the first reference value and when the game points exceed the first reference value. The increasing rate of the counting time may be reduced. As a result, it is possible to produce an effect of counting display as if counting real spheres, and it is possible to prevent an excessive amount of time until counting is completed due to an increase in game points. Further, when the game points exceed a certain reference value, all the counting times may be the same. Alternatively, the same counting time may be adopted regardless of the number of game points without providing a reference value.

  (8) In the above-described embodiment, the detection of the opening detection of the glass door 6 and the detection of the opening of the front frame 5 is detected by the separate detection switches 12 and 13, but instead, a common detection switch is used. You may comprise so that both may be detected.

  (9) 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 for turning on a lamp for calling a store clerk is exhibited, and 2 within 1 second from the operation. When the second operation is detected, it is conceivable to perform the counting function.

  (10) When the counting operation button is operated for less than a predetermined time (short-time operation), for example, the first number of balls is counted, and when operated for a predetermined time or longer (long-time operation), the first operation is performed according to the operation time. It is desirable to control so that the number of balls larger than the number of balls of 1 is counted. For example, it is conceivable that 100 balls are counted in the short-time operation, while a predetermined number exceeding 100 balls, for example, 200 balls or 400 balls, is counted in the long-time operation. Also, the number of game points to be counted may be controlled to be different depending on the long press time of the counting operation button. For example, it is conceivable that 100 balls start to be counted by long-pressing for 1 second, and if the long-pressing continues for 5 seconds as it is, all the remaining balls are counted. Alternatively, it may be controlled such that a predetermined number is counted by one operation and all remaining balls are counted by the fifth operation.

  (11) (A) The fact that game points equal to or greater than the “predetermined number of points” are not stored does not count game points even if a counting operation is performed, and a notification to that effect is given. Also, (B) when the game points are counted until the stored game points reach the “predetermined number of points”, no more counting is possible, and control is performed so that a notification to that effect is given. Is desirable. The same number may be adopted as the predetermined number of points in these two cases (A) and (B), that is, the reference value may be different.

  (12) When the counting operation is performed while the ball is being fired, it is desirable to control the counting operation to be invalidated when the number of game balls at that time is equal to or less than a reference value. However, even if 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. In some cases, the counting operation may be invalidated when the value obtained by subtracting the predetermined number from the number of game balls when the counting operation is detected does not satisfy the reference value.

  Further, in order to invalidate the counting operation during the game, it is desirable to determine whether or not the game is in progress based on whether or not the ball firing operation is detected. Instead of this, or in addition to this, whether the number of in-game balls (floating ball floating in the game area 27) is 0 (not in game) or not (in game) It may be determined whether or not. In addition, it is also possible 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) When the number of game balls is greater than a predetermined number regardless of whether or not a big hit is being made, a display prompting a counting operation may be performed.

  In addition, if the counting operation is not detected even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the display for prompting the counting operation, the game ball may be forcibly stopped, and the firing is not forcibly stopped. It may be.

  (14) Referring to FIG. 4, the P platform includes 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.

  (15) The display for prompting the counting operation may be a display of “Please play the game after counting the game balls left” or display the counting button 28 on the screen. The display may be blinking.

  (16) When the number of game balls is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (3,000 balls or more), control is performed so that “control for performing a display prompting a counting operation on a display device” is executed as “predetermined notification control”. Is desirable. Here, “prompt counting operation” means, for example, a message that displays “Counting operation because the number of game balls has reached the upper limit” or a message that simply displays “Counting operation is required.” It may be. Further, the “predetermined notification control” may be a control for outputting a notification sound for prompting a counting operation from a speaker. Further, the “notification” may not be “notification for prompting the counting operation” but simply notify that “the number of game balls has reached the upper limit” (not to prompt for the counting operation). .

  Further, when the game point is equal to or greater than a predetermined first reference value (3000 balls or more), “predetermined notification control” is performed, and thereafter, the game point is set to a second reference value greater than the first reference value. It may be controlled so that the game is disabled when the game point is reached, and the game is permitted (no firing prohibited) until the game point reaches the second reference value from the first reference value. In the case where the gaming machine is a slot machine, the inoperable state can be realized by controlling the start lever to operate so that the reel does not start rotating or the betting number setting is invalidated.

  (17) When a game using game points is being performed (while the ball is being fired), control is performed so that the counting operation is not validated unless there are more than a predetermined number of game points (for example, 250 points). It is desirable to do. Here, the predetermined number of points is not limited to 250 points, and may be any number as long as it is 1 point or more. However, for example, when an excessively small number of points such as one point is set, a malfunction occurs when the timing of firing and the timing of counting occur almost simultaneously. Alternatively, if a counting operation is detected when the number of points is equal to or less than a predetermined number (for example, 10 points or less) and the counting operation is detected, 5 points are left for launching and the remaining points are counted. You may control to.

  In addition, when it is detected that a player who notices that the counting operation has been invalidated because there are no more points left than the predetermined number of points has been stopped, it is invalidated first. The counting operation may be activated to automatically start the counting operation. That is, in this case, the player who notices that the counting operation has been invalidated only needs to stop the firing operation, and does not need to perform the counting operation again.

  (18) In order to change the number of game points to be converted by 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.

  (19) Depending on the remaining number of game points, when the number of points counted by one short pressing operation of the counting button is made 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.

  (20) When counting game balls (game points) and converting the points, not only counting display but also counting sound may be output from the 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.

  (21) Timing for performing conversion display (display indicating that game balls are counted and the number of balls is increased) based on a 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.

  (22) 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 a primary station and the gaming machine is a secondary station. The relationship 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.

  (23) In FIG. 4 or FIG. 34, game balls (game points) are stored on both the gaming machine side and the CU side, but the game balls (game points) are stored only on the game machine side, and the CU It may not be stored on the side. 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.

  (24) The counting display and various notifications performed on the display unit 54 may be performed on the display unit 312 in the same manner.

  (25) In the CU, the stored number of game balls is updated based on the value of the added ball number counter (added ball number) and the value of the subtracted ball number counter (subtracted ball number) 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).

  (26) When a lending operation or a conversion operation (lending operation) from a holding point (held 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.

  (27) When the counting operation is executed, the points may be counted up at an accelerated rate when a predetermined time has elapsed since the counting up of the points was started. Alternatively, a speed-up button for accelerating the count display may be displayed on the touch panel display on the CU side or the gaming machine side, and the operation may be detected to display the acceleration count display. By performing the acceleration counting display of the points in this way, the waiting time of the player when counting a large number of gaming points can be shortened.

  (28) A touch sensor may be provided on the hitting operation handle, and the counting operation may be invalidated while the touch sensor detects that the player is holding 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.

  (29) At least one or all of the ball lending button, the 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.

  (30) The sequence control shown in FIGS. 6 to 12 is not limited to the transmission / reception sequence between control devices in a single gaming machine such as CU3, P2 and S2S, especially for security processing. Instead, for example, the present invention may be applied to a transmission / reception sequence between a plurality of gaming machines such as CU3, P unit 2, jet counter, and POS terminal.

  (31) In the above-described embodiment, the identity of the player is determined based on the card ID. However, instead of or in addition to this, the identity of the player is determined based on the biomass of the player's fingerprint or retina. May be performed.

  (32) Although the so-called enclosed game machines (P 2 and S 2S) are shown in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and a game medium (pachinko ball or the like) is played from the upper part of the island. It may be a general gaming machine that is supplied to the machine and from which a gaming medium is paid out by winning. Specifically, the game is performed by hitting the balls stored in the ball storage tray into the game area, and when winning, the balls are paid out to the ball storage tray, and are paid out to the ball storage tray at the end of the game. Pachinko machines that can exchange prizes using balls may also be used. Also, the coins stored in the coin tray are inserted into the coin slot, the number of bets is input and set, and the reel is rotated and stopped by operating the start lever. When a display result winning that is sometimes displayed has occurred, a slit machine may be used in which coins are paid out to a coin tray, and paid out to the coin tray at the end of the game so that prizes can be exchanged using the coin. That is, a gaming machine that can be played using game media (pachinko balls, coins) and that pays out game media to the player in accordance with the result of the game may be used.

  (33) 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 calculated. It may be controlled so that the number of game balls and game points are added after being withdrawn.

  (34) In the above-described embodiment, when the value is deducted within the range of the valuable value owned by the player (prepaid balance, holding ball, savings ball) and the corresponding game points are added, In the above example, game points having the same value are added, but instead, for example, control may be performed so that game points corresponding to consumption tax are added to the value actually deducted.

  (35) In the above-described embodiment, authentication is performed using various authentication keys, but authentication may be performed using, for example, an authentication ID instead of the various authentication keys.

  (36) You may comprise the above-mentioned indicator 54,510 with a display with a touch panel. Further, the information transmitted / received between the P platform and the CU is not limited to that described in the above-described embodiment, and it is a game that determines what information is output from the P platform to the CU. You may enable it to perform an input setting by touch operation with the touch panel of the display units 54 and 510 of a machine.

  Also, in the S stand 2S, the information output from the S stand 2S is converted and transmitted to the hall control in the same manner as the P stand 2 described above. As information to be converted, for example, a big bonus prize or a regular bonus prize is given. And winning information such as various small role winnings, information indicating that the replay time is in progress, the number of additions and subtractions in FIG. 34, the number of game starts, and the like. Further, the information to be converted may be the number of coins to be paid out when coins are paid out with winning.

  (37) In the above-described embodiment, the gaming machine determines that “the gaming device (CU) is a predetermined player with the gaming points as the holding points on the condition that the conversion processing for all gaming points is completed (game points = 0)”. Processing (processing that accepts a card at the gift exchange and consumes the points specified by the card and enables the exchange of the gift, and inserts the card discharged from the CU into another CU connected to another gaming machine. A validating means for validating a recording medium processing operation (card return operation (operation of the card return button 322)) ”.

  Here, the enabling means is, for example, “means for confirming game point 0 on the P platform side and transmitting card discharge operation permission ON to CU” or “game when receiving card return notification from CU”. It is determined whether or not the number of balls is 0, and in the case of 0, a means for validating card return by returning a card return response to the CU ", and further," game by performing counting operation etc. " It is a concept that includes “means for establishing the condition that the number of balls = 0 and consequently the card return is valid”.

  (38) When the payout control unit 171 receives a value (= 63) in which the round flag is raised, the abnormality control process is executed by adopting one or more of the following listed in a to c You may control as follows.

    a Display device of P stand 2 (for example, a variable display device variably displaying 7-segment display 50 and identification information (design)) by the payout control portion 171 or the main control portion 161 receiving the abnormality information from the payout control portion 171 Is displayed.

    b CU3 that receives the abnormality information from the payout control unit 171 performs abnormality notification such as an error number.

    c An abnormality notification such as an error number is given in a host device such as a hall management computer that has received the abnormality information from the CU 3.

  (39) In this embodiment, the history information of the front frame 5 stored in association with the payout control security chip ID in the payout side table includes information identifying the front frame 5, storage information, resale information, discard information, and the like. An example is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, maintenance information and repair information may be included as the history information of the front frame 5. Similarly, in the present embodiment, as the history information of the game board 26 stored in the main control side table in association with the main control security chip ID, information specifying the game board 26, storage information, resale information, discard information, and the like are included. Examples included are shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and maintenance information, repair information, and the like may be included as history information of the game board 26, for example.

  (40) In this embodiment, after a manufacturer, warehouse, or the like completes operations such as shipping, installation, and storage, necessary information (for example, as shown in FIG. 22, for example, from a terminal connected to the history management center 800A). The delivery side table and the main control side table are updated by inputting the shipping date, installation date and time, removal date, sales company name, and disposal date). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a manufacturer or a warehouse company fills in application documents with necessary information and sends it to the history management center 800A. The payout side table and the main control side table may be updated by inputting necessary information from a terminal or the like. Note that a terminal connected to the history management center 800A is also a terminal connected directly to the history management center 800A (for example, an internal terminal in the history management center 800A) via a communication line. It may be a terminal (for example, a terminal of a warehouse company or a second-hand company connected via the Internet).

  (41) In the present embodiment, an example in which the payout side table and the main control side table are stored in one large capacity storage device 8005 is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the payout side table and the main control side table are stored separately in a plurality of large capacity storage devices, the large capacity storage device that stores the payout side table and the main control side table are stored. It may be divided into a mass storage device. Further, the payout side table and the main control side table stored in the large-capacity storage device can erase the history information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in units of security chips ID, respectively. Even if it is associated with a pair of security chip IDs, the history information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 can be deleted separately for each security chip ID. Thereby, even if it is the front frame 5 and the game board 26 (the period used is long compared with the front frame 5) from which the period used is different, since it can delete separately, each can manage appropriately. it can.

  (42) In the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which a manufacturer other than the hall, a warehouse company, etc. update the payout side table and the main control side table by inputting necessary information to the machine history management center 800A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the payout side table and the main control side table may be updated by inputting information necessary for the hall itself to the history management center 800A.

  (43) In this embodiment, when a second-hand trader resells the front frame 5 and the game board 26 to another hall and installs them, the resale information is stored as history information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26. Indicated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when moving to another hole in the same group as the hole in which the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are installed (for example, a hole with the same corporate code), the front frame 5 and the game board The movement information may be stored as history information in the history information (management state (status) from “installation” to “installation”). That is, even if the installation of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 moves between holes of the same corporate code, it is not determined as abnormal. In addition, if the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are allowed to move between halls with the same corporate code and within the same prefecture, and if they move to other prefectures between halls with the same corporate code, the same processing as resale should be performed. May be.

  (44) In the present embodiment, the machine history management center 800A is set as follows, for example. The machine history management center 800A logs a user registered in the system and authenticated by clear authentication into the system. Authentication at login is as follows: (a) The specified user ID exists in the system. (B) The specified user is within the account expiration date. (C) The specified user is not account-locked. (D) The entered password matches the password of the specified user ID. (E) If the current password is not within the validity period, the user is logged in, but only the user's own password change and logout can be used, and a message is displayed indicating that the password must be changed. If the password is changed, log out to confirm the use of the new password.

  When the authentication is successful, the history management center 800A clears the number of login failures and the continuous login error date / time of the user. On the other hand, the history management center 800A records the number of failed logins when authentication fails, and when the user actually exists. Each time the number of login failures reaches [the maximum number of login attempts] (when it becomes an integer multiple), the date and time when the account is locked is set.

  The history management center 800A updates / sets the expiration date of the password when (a) a new user is registered, (b) the password is cleared, and (c) the user himself / herself changes the password. The updated / set password is valid from that point until the [Password Validity Period] elapses.

  If the authentication fails [the maximum number of login attempts] in the same session, the history management center 800A transitions to the login NG screen instead of the login screen, and does not attempt to log in.

  At the time of login, the history management center 800A warns that the password may expire if the user's password expires within the [password expiration warning period]. The warning is displayed on the login completion screen, for example, but if there is no message to be displayed on the login completion screen, the login completion screen is not displayed and the screen transits to the HOME menu.

  The machine history management center 800A determines that (a) the number of failed login attempts by a user exceeds the [number of failed user login failures] (permanent account lock state), or (b) ] Has not passed (temporary account lock state), lock account.

  The history management center 800A updates / sets the account expiration date when (a) a new user is registered or (b) the validity period is updated from the user information screen. The account can be used during the period from the account activation start date to the account activation end date.

  The history management center 800A sets the maximum number of accounts that can be generated at one time to 20 for example at the time of initial introduction. Here, [the maximum number of login attempts] is the number of times the account is locked for a certain period of time due to consecutive failed login attempts, and is set to, for example, 5 times at the time of initial introduction. [User Invalidation Login Failure Count] is the number of times the account is permanently locked due to consecutive login attempt failures, and is 100, for example, at the time of initial introduction. [Login attempt refusal time] is a period in which the account is locked for a certain period of time due to failed login attempts, and is 30 minutes at the time of initial introduction. [Password Validity Period] is a password validity period set when the password is changed, and is 90 days at the time of initial introduction. [Password Expiration Warning Period] is a period in which an account password is about to expire, and is 14 days at the time of initial introduction.

  The machine history management center 800A sets the minimum number of characters of the password to 8 characters at the time of initial introduction, for example, and sets the number of generations (including the current) to prevent password reuse to be at the time of initial introduction, for example, 3 generations. Further, the history management center 800A registers the user information on the condition that the operator information of the corresponding user is registered. The business operator information includes attribute information such as the business type and address of each business operator involved in the business of the history management center 800A.

  The machine history management center 800A cannot basically cancel the management state (status) of the gaming machine after input, and if an error occurs due to an erroneous operation or the like, a comment is entered in the “total machine history remarks column”. Make it clear so that others can understand. However, since there is a possibility of erroneous insertion, it is possible to cancel only the status entered from the game machine status update screen. When revocation is possible, control is performed by authority so that only a limited number of people can perform revocation. Further, when searching the machine history in order to change the management state (status) of the gaming machine, the machine history management center 800A searches only the management state (status) of the latest gaming machine as a search target.

  The history management center 800A manages the types of data and the retention period for each type as follows, for example.

    (1) Account-related data (for example, business operator information, account information, etc.): Basically, control is performed only by logical deletion, and physical deletion is not performed.

    (2) Master information such as gaming machine model (for example, gaming machine model master): Basically, control is performed only by logical deletion, and physical deletion is not performed.

    (3) Information that is the basis of machine history management (for example, gaming machine chip shipment information, gaming machine shipment information, etc.): Basically, changes can be made until management is started, but thereafter editing is impossible. , Manage permanently.

    (4) Machine history information (for example, history information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26): Since it is basically input of fact information, changes after input are not permitted and are managed permanently.

    (5) Information notified from the card unit key management center (for example, fraud detection, etc.): Information detected by the system, and is not allowed to be changed and managed permanently.

    (6) Input journals to the system (for example, Web input log, online input log, system linkage input file, etc.): 14 days are stored for each type of input and each node.

    (7) Output journal from system (for example, Web output log, online output log, system transmission file, etc.): 7 days are kept for each type of output and for each node.

    (8) Record of business communication of concentration / distribution (for example, distribution schedule, etc.): Information is retained for about 7 days.

    (9) System temporary file (for example, CSV upload file): Deleted after application behavior. However, it is deleted when it is confirmed that the cleaning batch is unnecessary in consideration of abnormal termination.

    (10) Model information that has not been updated for a long period of time (for example, model information that has not been updated for a long period of time): Holds two generations.

  In the history management center 800A, regarding the abnormality in the management state (status), information on the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in which the relationship between the management state (status) before the update and the management state (status) after the update is abnormal. Can be extracted, or only the information can be output to a file. Therefore, based on the information output in the file, it is possible to notify the user of management status (status) update omission and to update the management status (status) correctly. It should be noted that a user whose management status (status) is not updated may not only be contacted but also interviewed to confirm the correct management status (status) and take a response. In addition, the machine history management center 800A performs notification such as contacting all of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in which a management state (status) abnormality is currently occurring. Further, the latest information (at the time of file output) of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 that have become abnormal can be downloaded from a terminal connected to the machine history management center 800A.

  In the history management center 800A, the history information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 for which the management status (status) has not been updated for a long period of time becomes a management status (status) other than “discard” or “other”. It is possible to extract only the information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26, or to output only the information to a file. For abnormalities for which the management state (status) has not been updated for a long time, information at the time of processing is extracted by batch processing and downloaded from a terminal connected to the history management center 800A. In addition, a threshold for the maximum number of files (at the time of initial construction: 100,000 records) is set for one file to be downloaded, and when the threshold is exceeded, output is performed to another file. Furthermore, when downloading a file, the results of processing on the same day are collected and output as a compressed file.

  (45) In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the removal information is input to the history management center 800A has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and used movement information, discard information, trade-in information, and the like are stored in the history management center 800A. When the information is input, the removal information may be automatically registered in the history management center 800A. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to manage the history of the gaming machine by assuming that it has been removed from the hall, and to reduce the burden of inputting the removal information from the hall to the history management system.

  (46) In the present embodiment, a configuration is shown in which shipping information is registered in the machine history management center 800A via a communication line after a gaming machine manufacturer ships a gaming machine to a hall. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration may also be adopted in which shipping information is automatically registered in the machine history management center 800A at the time when the gaming machine manufacturer inputs information for shipping gaming machines to the hall. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the shipping state history from being forgotten without being registered.

  It should be thought that embodiment disclosed this time is an illustration and restrictive at no points. 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, 319 replay button, 320 IR light receiving unit, 321 Lending button, 322 card return button, 161 main control unit, 325 display control unit, 171 payout control unit, 50, 50S 7-segment display, 323 CU control unit, 12 glass door open detection switch, 13 front frame open detection switch.

Claims (1)

A history management system for managing the history of gaming machines,
Specific information receiving means for receiving specific information for specifying an individual of the gaming machine;
Registration means for registering state information of the gaming machine in a storage area in association with the specific information received by the specific information receiving means;
Operation confirmation means for confirming the operation information of the gaming machine;
With respect to the gaming machine in which the operation information cannot be confirmed for a predetermined period from the operation confirmation unit, a removal registration unit that registers removal information in the storage area as state information of the gaming machine,
When the removal information is not registered in the storage area when used movement information is registered as the state information of the gaming machine in the storage area, the removal registration means stores the removal information in the storage area. A history management system to register.