JP2019024941A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of suitably notifying first control means of information regarding occurrence of a predetermined event detected by second control means even if bidirectional encryption communication is not performed among a plurality of control means.SOLUTION: A game machine is a game machine for performing a game by using a game medium and includes a main control part 161 for controlling progress of a game and a putout control part 171 for managing information regarding a game value. A route for connecting the main control part 161 and the putout control part 171 includes an encryption communication route for transmitting information through encryption processing, and a plaintext communication route for transmitting information without going through encryption processing. The putout control part 171 transmits information regarding occurrence of a predetermined event to the main control part 161 via the plaintext communication route in detection of occurrence of a predetermined event.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine and a slot machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a game machine that performs two-way encrypted communication between a main control board of a game board that controls the progress of a game and a payout control board of a game frame that manages information related to game values (for example, , See Patent Document 1).

JP 2014-155661 A

  However, when bidirectional communication from the main control board to the payout control board is not performed between the main control board and the payout control board as in Patent Document 1, bi-directional encryption communication is performed on the payout control board side. There is a problem that the detected predetermined event cannot be properly notified to the main control board side.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and its object is related to the occurrence of a predetermined event detected by the second control means without performing bidirectional encrypted communication between the plurality of control means. It is to provide a gaming machine capable of appropriately notifying information to the first control means.

(1) A gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter also referred to as “P”) 2, a slot machine (hereinafter also referred to as “S”)) that uses a gaming medium (for example, the number of game balls) to play a game. ,
First control means for controlling the progress of the game (for example, the main control unit 161);
2nd control means (for example, payout control part 171) which manages information (for example, information which shows the number of game balls, information which shows the number of shot balls) about game value,
In the path connecting the first control means and the second control means,
A first path (for example, an encryption communication path) for transmitting information (for example, authentication information) that has undergone a predetermined process (for example, encryption);
A second path (for example, plaintext communication path) for transmitting information (for example, error information, status information) that does not undergo the predetermined processing,
When the second control means detects the occurrence of a predetermined event (for example, various errors on the front frame 5 side), information on the occurrence of the predetermined event via the second path (for example, a combination of sensors) The determined error information) is transmitted to the first control means.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately notify the first control means of information relating to the occurrence of the predetermined event via the second path without performing bidirectional encrypted communication.

  (2) In the gaming machine of the above (1), the predetermined event includes an event in which a setting condition relating to game dependence is satisfied (for example, a dependency prevention notification), and an event in which a condition for determining that the player is absent is satisfied. At least one event (for example, a player absence notification).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to grasp the occurrence of various predetermined events in the second control means on the first control means side.

(3) In the above gaming machine (1) or (2),
The second control means transmits information (for example, status notification (plain text) shown in FIG. 16) for notifying the state of the second control means to the first control means via the second path.

  According to such a configuration, the state of the second control unit can be appropriately notified to the first control unit.

It is a front view which shows a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a disassembled perspective view of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a back view of a state where there is a back cover on the front frame of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit used for a card unit and a pachinko game machine. It is a figure for demonstrating the exchange of the information of a main control part and a payout control part. It is the schematic for demonstrating the connection of each board | substrate. It is a figure which shows the sequence for demonstrating control of the temporary stop of a main control board. It is a 2nd figure for demonstrating the connection of each board | substrate. It is a 3rd figure for demonstrating the connection of each board | substrate. It is a 4th figure for demonstrating the connection of each board | substrate. It is a 5th figure for demonstrating the connection of each board | substrate. It is the schematic for demonstrating the structure of the wiring which connects a main control board and a payout control board. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of a game state notification. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating in detail the content of game information among game state notifications. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating in detail the content of game information among game state notifications. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of a status notification. It is a list of performance items that have been aggregated. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a design value acquisition process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the passage number addition process in a main control board. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a total process in a main control board. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a game board surface determination relevant process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the modification of a game board surface determination relevant process. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline of a game system provided with a management apparatus. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the game board surface determination process in a game system provided with a management apparatus. It is a sequence regarding processing of CU and P units when a card is inserted. It is a figure which shows an example of the age confirmation display displayed on a display apparatus.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
<Configuration of pachinko machines>
First, the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 3 is a back view of the pachinko gaming machine with a back cover on the front frame. A plurality of game islands (not shown) arranged in the game hall (hall) may be abbreviated as an enclosed circulation pachinko game machine (hereinafter referred to as a game machine, a pachinko machine, or a P machine) as an example of a game machine. ) 2 is attached. A card unit (which may be abbreviated as CU hereinafter) 3 as an example of a gaming device is installed in a one-to-one correspondence with the P table 2 at a side position on the predetermined side of the P table 2. Yes. Note that the card unit is taken as an example of the gaming device according to the present embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this, but it is connected to the P stand 2 to collect game information such as jackpots and abnormality notifications, and the number of winnings. It may be a calling lamp device or the like.

  The P stand 2 encloses a game ball (pachinko ball) as an example of a game medium inside, and the player operates the hitting operation handle 25 to drive the launch motor 18 (see FIG. 4). It is configured so that a game can be played by hitting balls one by one into the game area 27 in front of the game board 26. Specifically, a touch sensor is provided around the batting operation handle 25, and the player's hand touches the touch sensor while the player is operating the batting operation handle 25, and the player's hand. Is detected by the touch sensor, and the firing motor 18 is driven. In this state, the hitting momentum is adjusted in accordance with the amount of rotation of the hitting operation handle 25 by the player, and the ball is shot into the game area 27.

  The launch strength (hereinafter simply referred to as launch strength T) of the game ball can be adjusted in accordance with the rotational operation amount (hereinafter also simply referred to as handle operation amount) of the hitting operation handle 25, and the handle operation amount is increased. The firing intensity T increases accordingly. Therefore, the player can adjust the firing strength T so that the game ball passes through the region aimed by adjusting the handle operation amount.

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

  The variable display device 278 includes a variable display unit that can variably display a plurality of types of identification information (symbols). The variable display of the type identification information is started. When the display result of the variable display device is a combination of specific identification information (for example, a glance), a big hit state is established and the big prize opening 271 is opened.

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

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

  The P base 2 is configured to fit the indicator 54 extending from the CU 3 to the front surface of the P base 2 by installing the CU 3 in a lateral position. Therefore, a display 54 is provided at a position below the game area 27 in the P table 2. The display 54 is composed of a liquid crystal display device, and displays various effect images linked to the display of the points, the remaining card amount, or the variable display device 278 to the player. The display 54 is not limited to the structure formed integrally with the CU 3 and fitted to the P base 2 as shown in FIG. 1, but may be a structure formed independently from the CU 3 and attached to the front surface of the P base 2. Good.

  In addition, a game ball number display for displaying the number of game balls is provided above the portion of the P table 2 where the display 54 is fitted. The game ball number display 29 is composed of a 7-segment LED display, and is controlled by the payout controller 171. The game ball number display 29 displays the number of game balls, the error number of the error that has occurred, and the like. The game ball number display 29 is not limited to a 7-segment LED display, and may be a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or other display.

  Furthermore, a counting button 28 for counting the game balls to the holding balls is provided at the left side of the game ball number display 29 on the P stand 2. In the present embodiment, the counting operation is repeatedly executed according to the time for which the counting button 28 is kept pressed. It should be noted that, regardless of the pressing duration time, if the button is pressed once, a predetermined number (for example, 100 balls) may be counted from the gaming ball to the holding ball, or the counting button 28 is pressed once. All of the game balls currently owned by the player may be counted regardless of the pressing time (regardless of whether the button is pressed for a long time). Further, the counting speed is further improved when a card return operation is performed, and a smooth card return process is realized.

  Thus, since the counting button 28 is provided on the P table 2 side, the operability of the player sitting facing the P table 2 can be improved as compared with the case where the counting button 28 is provided on the CU 3 side. . In addition, the P platform 2 is provided with speakers 270 for outputting music data to be reproduced in accordance with the effects displayed on the variable display device 278 at the upper right position and the upper left position of the game area 27. In addition, the position and the number of speakers are not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, and the position and the number may be changed as necessary.

  The P stand 2 according to the present embodiment can be mainly divided into a game board 26, a front frame (game frame) 5, a front decoration 7, and an outer frame 4. The glass door 6 is attached to the front decoration 7. The front decoration 7 is attached to the front frame 5 with the glass door 6 attached. In particular, the game board 26 and the front decoration 7 are different for each model of pachinko gaming machine developed by each company, while the front frame 5, the outer frame 4 and the glass door 6 are common regardless of the model. . For this reason, the game store only needs to replace the game board 26 and the front decoration 7 when replacing a new stand.

<Configuration of card unit>
Next, the configuration of the CU 3 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This CU3 is a visitor card (also referred to as a general card) having a prepaid function, which is a game recording medium issued to general players who have not registered as a member, or a member player who has registered as a member in the playground. A membership card, which is a game recording medium issued to, is accepted. Visitor cards and membership cards are composed of IC cards.

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

  On the front side of the CU 3, there are provided a bill insertion slot 302 for inserting bills, a card insertion / discharge port 309 for inserting member cards and visitor cards, and the like. A membership card or a 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.

  On the front side of the CU 3, when a member card is received, the display unit 312 is identified by a member card ID (also simply referred to as a card ID or C-ID) recorded on the member card and a member card ID. A replay button 319 for performing a replay game using the number of stored balls is provided.

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

  When the replay button 319 is operated, if the number of possessed balls acquired by the player is recorded on the inserted card, a part of the number of possessed balls is withdrawn and converted into a game ball, and the converted game ball is converted into a converted game ball. Based on this, it is possible to play a game with the P stand 2. On the other hand, if the inserted card is a membership card and the number of possession balls is not recorded and the storage ball is recorded in the hall management computer, etc., a part of the storage ball is withdrawn and becomes a game ball. It is converted and the game by P stand 2 becomes possible. That is, when both the stored ball and the holding ball are stored in association with the inserted card, the holding ball is withdrawn preferentially. Separately from the replay button 319, a dedicated ball payout button for withdrawing the holding ball may be provided, and the replay button 319 may be a button dedicated to the withdrawal of the stored ball.

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

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

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

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

  In this embodiment, the stored ball data is not recorded directly on the membership card, but stored in association with the membership card number on a server installed in a game hall such as a hall management computer, and the corresponding storage ball is searched based on the membership card number. It is configured to be able to. 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 written directly on a card (member card, visitor card) and discharged.

  Note that the timing for storing the holding balls in a card (member card, visitor card) or hall server is stored at regular intervals every time the counting button 28 is operated and counting processing is performed, for example. It is conceivable that the timing is such that it is stored in a lump or when the card is returned.

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

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

  An IR (Infrared) photosensitive unit (also referred to as an IR light receiving unit) 320, a ball lending button (also referred to as a lending button) 321, and a card return button 322 are further provided on the front side of the CU 3. The IR photosensitive unit 320 is an IR photosensitive unit 320 that receives an infrared signal from a remote controller (not shown) possessed by an attendant at a game arcade, converts the infrared signal into an electronic signal, and outputs the electronic signal. The ball lending button 321 is a button for performing an operation (conversion operation to a game ball) for withdrawing the remaining amount recorded on the inserted card and using it for a game by the P stand 2. The card return button 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.

  Next, the P base 2 is provided such that the front frame 5 can be opened and closed with respect to the frame-shaped outer frame 4 with the left side edge as a swing center.

  Referring to FIG. 3, main control board 16 is provided on the back surface of game board 26 (the surface opposite to the surface facing glass door 6). Since the back surface of the outer frame 4 is closed, the main control board 16 becomes detachable from the game board 26 by first opening the front frame 5 and removing the game board 26 from the front frame 5.

  Further, a back cover including a payout control board (frame side control board) 17 and an effect control board connection board 152 is provided on the back surface of the front frame 5. The payout control board 17 is also in a state where it can be removed from the rear surface of the front frame 5 after first opening the front frame 5. A launching device 181 is provided at the upper right part of the back surface of the front frame 5.

<Configuration of card unit and pachinko machine>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the CU 3 and the P stand 2. With reference to FIG. 4, the outline of the control circuit of CU3 and P stand 2 is demonstrated.

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

  The CU control unit 323 is provided with an external communication unit (not shown) for communicating with a hall management computer and a hall server for security management. Connected to the CU control unit 323 is a security board (SC board) 325 for communicating with the payout control board 17 of the P table 2 while ensuring security. The security board 325 is a security monitoring function unit of the CU3. Note that the CU control unit 323 may be provided on the security board 325, or the CU control unit 323 may be provided on a board different from the security board 325. The CU 3 is provided with a connecting portion (not shown) to the P stand 2 side, and the P stand 2 is provided with a connecting portion (not shown) to the CU 3 side. These connection parts are constituted by connectors, for example. The connection between the CU 3 and the P base 2 will be described with respect to an embodiment in which wiring is electrically connected via a connector. However, necessary information (for example, identification information or addition) between the CU 3 and the P base 2 is described. As long as the information on the number of balls is communicable, any connection method such as wired or wireless may be used.

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

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

  The CU control unit 323 manages and stores the player's possession balls when the player is playing. Data such as the remaining amount or the number of game balls is output from the CU control unit 323 to the display control unit 350, and is converted into display data by the display control unit 350. The display data converted by the display control unit 350 is transmitted to the display 312 provided on the front face of the CU 3 and the display 54 arranged on the front face of the P stand 2 as shown in FIG. The display data transmitted to the display 54 is first input to the relay board 14. The display 312 and the display 54 display images corresponding to the display data. Further, when the player operates a touch panel provided on the surface of the display 312, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323 via the display control unit 350. When the player operates the ball lending button 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.

(Pachinko machines)
The P base 2 has a main control board 16 that controls the progress of the game of the P base 2, a payout control board 17 that manages and stores game balls, and a drive control of the launch motor 18 based on commands from the payout control board 17 Based on signals from the launch control board 31, the variable display device 278, the effect control board 15 that controls the display of the variable display device 278 based on the command transmitted from the main control board 16, and the payout control board 17. A notification control board 21 that controls notification is provided.

(Game board)
The main control board 16 and the effect control board 15 are provided on the game board 26. The main control board 16 is equipped with a game control microcomputer as the main control unit 161. The main control unit 161 is a main control function unit of the gaming machine. A microcomputer for gaming machine control includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, and a RAM (RAM that functions as a work area for the CPU). Random Access Memory) and an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices. The main controller 161 is connected to a winning sensor 162, a radio wave sensor 163, an out ball detection switch 164, a door opening / closing switch 165, and a launch intensity sensor 166 provided on the game board 26.

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

  The winning sensor 162 is a detection switch provided in a winning opening such as the starting winning holes 275, 276, 277, and outputs a detection signal to the main control unit 161 every time the game ball passes through the detection switch. The main control unit 161 adds up the detection signals for each winning opening and adds them as information on the count number (winning number) of each winning opening.

  The radio wave sensor 163 is intended to detect fraudulent acts that illegally transmit radio waves and mainly keep the winning sensor 162 in an on state. A detection signal of the radio wave sensor 163 is input to the main control unit 161.

  The out ball detection switch 164 is a detection switch for detecting an out ball that has entered the out port 154 (see FIG. 1), and outputs a detection signal to the main control unit 161 every time the out ball passes the detection switch. To do. The main control unit 161 adds up the detection signals of the out ball detection switch 164 and adds up the information as the number of out balls. Note that the main control unit 161 can determine whether or not a game ball has been fired from the launching device 181 based on the presence or absence of a detection signal from the out-ball detection switch 164. That is, the main control unit 161 can detect the occurrence of an event on the payout control board 17 based on the presence / absence of the detection signal of the out ball detection switch 164.

  The door opening / closing switch 165 is a detection switch for detecting whether or not the glass door 6 is opened / closed with respect to the front frame 5, and outputs a detection signal to the main control unit 161 each time opening is detected. Based on the detection signal of the door opening / closing switch 165, the main control unit 161 can detect the opening / closing of a door (eg, the glass door 6) that covers the gaming area. The door opening / closing switch 165 may be configured to detect whether the front frame 5 is opened / closed with respect to the outer frame 4.

  The launch intensity sensor 166 detects the launch intensity T of the game ball by the launch motor 18 and outputs the detection result to the main controller 161. For example, the firing intensity sensor 166 detects, as the firing intensity T, a value obtained by converting an analog value output from a variable resistor configured to change the electrical resistance value according to the handle operation amount into a digital value. It is assumed that the firing intensity T varies from 0 (minimum value) to 99 (maximum value), for example, according to the handle operation amount. The main control unit 161 can detect the state of the operation unit of the launching device 181 that launches the game ball based on the detection result of the launch intensity sensor 166. Note that the main control unit 161 may output the detection result of the firing intensity sensor 166 to the payout control board 17 and the CU3.

  The main control unit 161 transmits the result of the big hit determination (including whether or not to change the probability) and information on the variable display time to the effect control unit 151 mounted on the effect control board 15 as commands. The variable display command transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the effect control unit 151 specifies a variable start command indicating the start of variable display, a display result command indicating the result of variable display (big hit / out), and a variable display pattern. A variable display time command that is possible, a variable stop command that indicates the timing for deriving and displaying a variable display result, and the like are included. Furthermore, the commands transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the production control unit 151 include a command that can identify the progress status of the big hit during the big hit, a command that indicates the occurrence of a new reserved memory, and the occurrence of an error in the gaming state. There are commands to show.

  The effect control unit 151 determines the variable display content of the variable display device 278 based on these commands transmitted from the main control unit 161. For example, the effect control unit 151 specifies a variable display result and a variable display time based on a command transmitted from the main control unit 161, determines a stop symbol, and a variable display pattern (reach presence / absence, reach type). In addition, the effect pattern of the notice effect related to the big hit or reach is determined. The effect control unit 151 outputs a display signal for display control of the variable display device 278 and an audio signal for output control of the speaker 270 to the switching board 22 in accordance with the determined variable display content.

  The switching board 22 switches between a display signal and an audio signal from the effect control unit 151 and a display signal and an audio signal from the notification control unit 211 mounted on the notification control board 21 to be described later. The audio signals are output to the variable display device 278 and the speaker 270, respectively. The display signal is input as a digital signal to the switching board 22 and is output to the variable display device 278 as the digital signal.

  The audio signal is input to the switching board 22 as a digital signal, passes through an input switching circuit between the effect control unit 151 and the notification control unit 211, is converted into an analog signal, is amplified to a specified volume, and is amplified by a speaker. 270 is output. Thereby, since the switching circuit does not switch the amplified analog signal but switches the digital signal, unlike the case where the analog signal is switched by a relay, the switching circuit can be prevented from being damaged.

  The switching board 22 may be provided on the game board 26 as shown in FIG. 4, may be provided on the front frame 5, or independent of both the game board 26 and the front frame 5. Or may be provided on another substrate. In this embodiment, the switching board 22 switches the input between the display signal and the audio signal. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display signal, the audio signal, and the lamp for production and abnormality notification are provided. You may make it switch at least one of the inputs with a signal.

  The effect control board 15 is also connected to the display 54 via the relay board 14 of the CU3. The effect control unit 151 transmits a display control signal for variable display or the like to the variable display device 278 and transmits a display control signal for performing display in conjunction with the display of the variable display device 278 to the display unit 54. Is possible. The relay board 14 and the display 54 may be provided on the P platform 2 side. In this case, the effect control board 15 on the P table 2 side is directly connected to the relay board 14 on the P table 2 side without going through the CU 3.

(Front frame (game frame))
The payout control board 17 and the notification control board 21 are provided on the front frame 5. The payout control board 17 is equipped with a payout control microcomputer which is a payout control unit 171. The payout control unit 171 is a payout control function unit of the gaming machine. The payout control microcomputer includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a program for operating the CPU and control data, and a RAM (RAM) functioning as a work area of the CPU. Random Access Memory) and an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices.

  The payout control unit 171 transmits information about the notification information as a signal (for example, a command) to the notification control unit 211 mounted on the notification control board 21. The notification control unit 211 determines the notification content based on the signal transmitted from the payout control unit 171. The notification control unit 211 indicates a display signal for display control of the variable display device 278 and an audio signal for output control of the speaker 270 according to the determined notification content, and a display and an audio signal indicated by these display signals. An interrupt signal for instructing switching to output a sound to be output is output to the switching board 22.

  When the switching board 22 receives the interrupt signal, the switching board 22 switches from the input of the display signal and the audio signal from the effect control unit 151 to the input of the display signal and the audio signal from the notification control unit 211, and from the notification control unit 211. The display signal and the audio signal are output to the variable display device 278 and the speaker 270, respectively. When the display signal and the audio signal from the notification control unit 211 are not received, the switching board 22 receives the display signal and the audio signal from the notification control unit 211 and receives the display signal and the audio signal from the effect control unit 151. Switch to.

  Further, a firing ball detection switch 903, a foul ball detection switch 33A, a counting button 28, and a radio wave sensor 173 are provided on the payout control board 17 in an electrically connected state. All winning balls, out balls, and foul balls that have won the winning mouth and variable winning ball device are guided to the collection ball passing path. A firing ball detection switch 903 is provided in the collection ball passage route. For this reason, the winning ball, the out ball, and the foul ball are all detected by the firing ball detection switch 903. That is, the fired ball detection switch 903 is a switch that detects all of the bullets that have been bulleted. When the number detected by the switch and the number of shots of the pachinko balls shot by the firing motor 18 become equal, it can be determined that all the pachinko balls that have been driven are collected. The foul ball detection switch 33A is a switch that is provided in the middle of the foul ball return path and detects a foul ball. The radio wave sensor 173 is for detecting an unauthorized act of illegally transmitting radio waves and mainly turning on the ball raising switch (upper) 41a. A detection signal of the radio wave sensor 173 is input to the payout control unit 171 via an input port (not shown) of the payout control board 17. The ball raising switch (upper) 41a detects the launch of a game ball by changing from on to off, and based on the detection, the payout control unit 171 subtracts “1” from the number of game balls.

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

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

  In addition to the payout control board 17 and the notification control board 21, the front frame 5 is provided with a launch control board 31, a launch motor 18, a game ball number indicator 29, and a liquid crystal display device 30 with a touch panel. The game ball number indicator 29 may be directly attached to the front frame 5, but it may be attached to the front frame 5 like an upper plate or a lower plate provided on the front side of a normal pachinko gaming machine in which balls are paid out. And may be provided in such a manner that it can be rotated. The same applies to the display 54. The payout control unit 171 of the payout control board 17 displays the number of game balls currently owned by the player on the game ball number display 29. The notification control unit 211 of the notification control board 21 causes the liquid crystal display device 30 to display predetermined information in response to a command from the payout control unit 171.

  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 of the launcher. As a result, the game ball is in a state of being bullet-launched into the game area 27. The firing control board 31 emits a firing motor excitation output to drive the firing motor 18 when a touch ring input signal for detecting that the player is touching the hitting ball operating handle 25 is input.

  A display 54 and a relay board 14 extending from the CU 3 are provided on the front surface of the P base 2. The display unit 54 receives display data (display control signal) from the display control unit 350 of the CU 3 via the relay board 14. Further, the display unit 54 receives display data (display control signal) from the effect control board 15 via the relay board 14.

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

  In the present embodiment, the display 54 extending from the CU 3 provided on the front surface of the P base 2 is configured to be controlled on the CU 3 side, but instead, the display 54 on the P base 2 side is configured. Or a display control board on the P base 2 side so that display control can be performed on the P base 2 side. In this case, the display control board controls display of the display 54 based on a command from the payout control unit 171.

<Communication between main control board and payout control board>
For communication between the main control board 16 and the payout control board 17, one-way communication from the main control board 16 to the payout control board 17 is performed except that bidirectional communication is performed in an authentication sequence performed when the power is turned on. Specifically, 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 a new authentication sequence is started. In the authentication sequence, it 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. For communication from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171 after the processing is performed, encryption communication using the generated encryption key and decryption key and plaintext communication without using the encryption key and decryption key are possible. It becomes.

  Main control board 16 to payout control board 17 Main control chip ID, winning mouth information, round information, connection confirmation signal, winning detection signal, starting winning mouth winning information, error information, symbol stop count, jackpot information, manufacturer specific Information of jackpot is transmitted.

  The chip ID (also referred to as main chip ID) of the main control unit 161 is a chip ID recorded on the main control board 16 of the P base 2, and is supplied to the payout control board 17 when the power of the P base 2 is turned on. Information transmitted by the authentication sequence. The winning opening information is information including the type of winning opening (start winning opening, ordinary winning opening, large winning opening) and the number of winning balls (the number of balls to be paid out when a game ball enters the winning opening). It is transmitted to the payout control board 17 after the authentication sequence of the table 2. The round information is information on the number of rounds when the jackpot is made, and is transmitted to the payout control board 17 after the authentication sequence of the P units 2.

  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 game 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 game ball to the number of game balls and the number of added balls.

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

  The symbol stop count is information on symbols stopped as a display result of the variable display device for winning 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).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the exchange of information between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. Referring to FIG. 5, by main control CPU user program 1611 executed by main control unit 161, the jackpot information among these pieces of information is used as game state information, game state register 1614 from register 0 to register 7, and encryption. It is transmitted to the payout control unit 171 via the communication control unit 1615. The game state information is received by the payout control CPU user program 1711 executed by the payout control unit 171 via the encryption communication control unit 1715 and the game state register 1714 from the register 0 to the register 7.

  Information other than the jackpot information is transmitted as game information to the payout control unit 171 via the transmission data FIFO 1613 and the encryption communication control unit 1615. The game information is received via the encryption communication control unit 1715 and the transmission data FIFO 1713 by the payout control CPU user program 1711 executed by the payout control unit 171.

  Information for authentication such as mutual authentication of the main control chip ID and the payout control chip ID exchanged between the main control portion 161 and the payout control portion 171 is executed by the main control portion 161 and the payout control portion 171. By being written in the status registers 1612 and 1712 by a program, they are exchanged via the encryption communication control units 1615 and 1715. The authentication signal indicating the authentication result is transmitted to the CU 3 by the system program of the payout control unit 171 based on the information written in the status register 1712.

  For this reason, information for authentication is completely transmitted and received from the main control CPU user program 1611 and the payout control CPU user program 1711 under independent control. Therefore, from the main control CPU user program 1611 and the payout control CPU user program 1711 It cannot be read.

  That is, the information for authentication is the only information that is exchanged in both directions between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, but it is completely from the main control CPU user program 1611 and the payout control CPU user program 1711. There is no interface with the main control CPU user program 1611 or the payout control CPU user program 1711.

  Thereby, fraud such as remote operation of the main control unit 161 caused by a signal being sent from the payout control unit 171 to the main control unit 161 can be prevented.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the connection of the substrates. In other than the authentication sequence, information is transmitted by one-way communication from the main control board 16 to the payout control board 17, as shown in FIG. Information for notification of effects and abnormalities from the main control board 16 is transmitted to the electrical components 23 for notification such as the variable display device 278 and the speaker 270 via the effect control board 15 and the switching board 22. I made it. Information for notification from the payout control board 17 is transmitted to the electrical component 23 via the notification control board 21 and the switching board 22.

  In such a configuration, when the payout control unit 171 of the payout control board 17 calculates the amount of ball lending calculated based on the game unit price and the number of payable balls exceeds a predetermined amount or when an error has occurred in the payout control board 17 In some cases, a command can be transmitted to the notification control board 21. The notification control unit 211 of the notification control board 21 can transmit to the switching board 22 an interrupt signal and a display signal and a voice signal indicating the contents of notification of dependency prevention and error according to the received command. When the switching board 22 receives the interrupt signal, the switching board 22 switches from the input from the effect control unit 151 of the effect control board 15 to the input from the notification control unit 211, and the display signal and the audio signal from the notification control unit 211 are changed. Each can be output to the electric component 23 such as the variable display device 278 and the speaker 270. The electrical component 23 can output notification contents such as dependency prevention and errors indicated by the display signal and the audio signal.

<Pause main control board>
As shown in FIG. 6, since the information is one-way from the main control board 16 to the payout control board 17, for example, when the main control board 16 performs control to open the big winning opening 271 with a big hit, Even if the ball clogging occurs and the launching device 181 cannot launch the game ball, the payout control board 17 cannot transmit a pause signal to the main control board 16. For this reason, even if the game ball cannot be fired, the main control board 16 advances the game and closes the special winning opening 271, which is disadvantageous because the player cannot obtain a prize ball that should be obtained. I was sometimes received. In addition, said ball clogging is a ball clogging in the game area | region 27 or a game machine (ball passage inside a frame), for example.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, when the main control board 16 performs control to open the big winning opening 271 with a big hit, the launching device 181 is in a state where it can launch a game ball. Nevertheless, the progress of the game is stopped by detecting that the game ball cannot be fired due to the ball clogging. Specifically, although the main control board 16 is in a state in which a game ball can be fired by the payout control board 17 (a state in which a predetermined event can occur), the game ball cannot be detected by the winning sensor 162 and the out When a game ball cannot be detected by the ball detection switch 164, it is detected that the game control ball 17 cannot fire a game ball (a state in which a predetermined event has not occurred). That is, the main control board 16 stops the progress of the game when the winning ball 162 cannot detect the game ball and the out ball detection switch 164 cannot detect the game ball. In addition, as a predetermined event of the payout control board 17 that can be detected by the main control board 16, in addition to the above-described ball clogging, the game balls cannot be launched due to problems such as the launching device 181, the lifting device, or the polishing device. It is possible to detect any event.

  Hereinafter, the temporary stop control of the main control board 16 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a sequence for explaining the temporary stop control of the main control board 16. First, the main control board 16 advances the game so that the game state becomes a big hit state (step S701). When the gaming state becomes a big hit state and the player operates the hitting operation handle 25 to fire a game ball, the launching device 181 launches the game ball. However, when a ball clogging occurs in a passage for supplying game balls to the launching device 181, the launching device 181 cannot fire game balls. If the payout control board 17 detects that a ball clogging has occurred, a ball clogging error occurs (step S711). Then, the payout control board 17 stops the play of the game ball by the launching device 181 based on the ball clogging error (step S712).

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, information is transmitted by one-way communication from the main control board 16 to the payout control board 17, so that the information regarding the ball clogging error is indicated by the payout control board 17. Is not notified to the main control board 16. Therefore, the main control board 16 cannot directly grasp the information of the ball clogging error that has occurred in the payout control board 17. Therefore, the main control board 16 determines whether or not the winning ball 162 and the out ball detection switch 164 cannot detect the game ball in a state where the game ball can be fired by the payout control board 17 (a state where a predetermined event can occur). Determination is made (step S702).

  When a game ball can be detected by at least one of the winning sensor 162 and the out-ball detection switch 164 (NO in step S702), the main control board 16 continues the process of step S702. On the other hand, if the winning ball 162 and the out ball detection switch 164 cannot detect a game ball (YES in step S702), the main control board 16 cannot fire the game ball on the payout control board 17 (a predetermined event occurs). Is detected). The main control board 16 detects the state of the operation unit of the launching device 181 with the launch intensity sensor 166, and advances the game based on the fact that the game ball cannot be detected with the winning sensor 162 and the outball detection switch 164. You may make it stop. If comprised in this way, the determination precision which stops progress of a game can be improved.

  Then, the main control board 16 stops the progress of the game and transmits a temporary stop signal to the payout control board 17 (step S703). The main control board 16 transmits a pause signal to the payout control board 17, thereby starting a pause period in which the progress of the game is paused.

  The payout control board 17 receives a temporary stop signal from the main control board 16 (step S713). The payout control board 17 that has received the pause signal from the main control board 16 notifies the CU 3 of the information on the ball clogging error and the information on the pause of the game (step S714). The CU 3 receives the notification from the payout control board 17 (step S721). Upon receiving the notification from the payout control board 17, the CU 3 performs error notification based on the notification content (step S722). For example, the CU 3 performs error notification by displaying on the display 54 that a ball clogging error has occurred in the gaming machine and notifying the hall server.

  In response to the error notification from CU3, the store clerk at the game store removes the error factor (for example, removes the game ball that caused the ball clogging), and the store clerk confirms that the error factor is removed and the game can be played normally. A trial hit is made (step S715). Note that the trial hit is a launch operation of launching a game ball after receiving a notification of a pause signal from the main control board 16, and therefore no game points are subtracted based on the detection of this launch. As a result, it is possible to realize control in consideration of the launch accompanying the clerk's inspection, and avoid the occurrence of a disadvantage caused by subtracting the game points owned by the player.

  The main control board 16 determines whether or not a game ball is detected by the winning sensor 162 or the out ball detection switch 164 during the temporary stop period (step S704). Therefore, when the game ball is shot by trial hit on the payout control board 17 side, the main control board 16 can detect the game ball in the winning sensor 162 or the out ball detection switch 164 (YES in step S704). The progress of the game is resumed, and a suspension cancellation signal is transmitted to the payout control board 17 (step S705). The main control board 16 transmits a release signal to the payout control board 17, thereby ending the pause period in which the progress of the game is paused. Further, when the winning ball 162 or the out ball detection switch 164 cannot detect a game ball (NO in step S704), the main control board 16 continues the process of step S704.

  The payout control board 17 receives the release signal from the main control board 16 (step S716). The payout control board 17 that has received the release signal from the main control board 16 resumes the game (step S717). The main control board 16 detects that the glass door 6 is being opened by the door opening / closing switch 165, and stops when the game ball is detected by the winning sensor 162 or the out ball detection switch 164. You may make it resume the progress of the game which had been. If comprised in this way, since it can be made into the conditions that the opening and closing of the door accompanying a store clerk's inspection was detected, progress of a game can be restarted appropriately.

<Connection between main control board and payout control board>
In FIG. 6, the main control board 16 is connected to the payout control board 17 so as to be able to communicate in one direction, and information for notification from the payout control board 17 is electrically transmitted via the notification control board 21 and the switching board 22. The structure connected so that it can transmit to the component 23 was demonstrated. However, the connection mode between the main control board and the payout control board is not limited to this.

  FIG. 8 is a second diagram for explaining the connection of the substrates. Referring to FIG. 8, information is transmitted in one direction from main control board 16 to payout control board 17 as in the above-described embodiment. Unlike the above-described embodiment, information for notification of effects and abnormalities from the main control board 16 is transmitted to the electrical component 23 via the effect control board 15. Information for notification from the payout control board 17 is transmitted to the electrical component 23 via the effect control board 15 unlike the above-described embodiment.

  In such a configuration, when the payout control unit 171 of the payout control board 17 calculates the amount of ball lending calculated based on the game unit price and the number of payable balls exceeds a predetermined amount or when an error has occurred in the payout control board 17 In some cases, a command is transmitted to the effect control board 15. In response to the received command from the payout control unit 171, the effect control unit 151 of the effect control board 15 replaces the display signal and audio signal being output according to the command from the main control board 16, and the payout control unit 171. The display signal and the audio signal indicating the content of prevention of dependence and the error notification content indicated by the command from are output to the electrical components 23 such as the variable display device 278 and the speaker 270, respectively. The electrical component 23 outputs notification contents such as dependency prevention and errors indicated by the display signal and the audio signal.

  Further, the following may be used. FIG. 9 is a third diagram for explaining the connection of the substrates. Referring to FIG. 9, information is transmitted in one direction from main control board 16 to payout control board 17 as in the above-described embodiment. Unlike the above-described embodiment, information for notification of effects and abnormalities from the main control board 16 is transmitted to the electrical component 23 via the effect control board 15. Information for notification from the payout control board 17 is transmitted to an electrical component 23A such as a liquid crystal display device 30 different from the electrical component 23 or a dedicated speaker via the notification control board 21 unlike the above-described embodiment. To be.

  In such a configuration, when the payout control unit 171 of the payout control board 17 calculates the amount of ball lending calculated based on the game unit price and the number of payable balls exceeds a predetermined amount or when an error has occurred in the payout control board 17 In some cases, a command is transmitted to the notification control board 21. In response to the received command from the payout control unit 171, the notification control unit 211 of the notification control board 21 generates a display signal and an audio signal indicating dependency prevention and error notification content indicated by the command, respectively, on the liquid crystal display device 30. And output to an electrical component 23A such as a dedicated speaker. The electrical component 23A outputs notification contents such as dependency prevention and errors indicated by the display signal and the audio signal.

  Further, the following may be used. FIG. 10 is a fourth diagram for explaining the connection of the substrates. Referring to FIG. 10, information is transmitted in one direction from main control board 16 to payout control board 17, as in the above-described embodiment. Unlike the above-described embodiment, information for notification of effects and abnormalities from the main control board 16 is transmitted to the electrical component 23 via the effect control board 15. Information for notification from the payout control board 17 is directly transmitted to the buzzer 231 unlike the above-described embodiment.

  In such a configuration, when the payout control unit 171 of the payout control board 17 calculates the amount of ball lending calculated based on the game unit price and the number of payable balls exceeds a predetermined amount or when an error has occurred in the payout control board 17 In some cases, a buzzer signal indicating dependency prevention or error notification content is output to the buzzer 231. The buzzer 231 outputs a buzzer sound indicating notification contents such as dependency prevention and error indicated by the buzzer signal.

  In this way, since the notification can be performed directly from the payout control board 17 without going through the main control board 16, more types of notification can be performed. In addition, since notification can be performed in conjunction with CU3 in parallel, it is possible to notify the player more strongly.

  Further, the following may be used. FIG. 11 is a fifth diagram for explaining the connection of the substrates. Referring to FIG. 11, unlike the above-described embodiment, information is transmitted bi-directionally between main control board 16 and payout control board 17. Unlike the above-described embodiment, information for notification of effects and abnormalities from the main control board 16 is transmitted to the electrical component 23 via the effect control board 15. Information for notification from the payout control board 17 is transmitted to the electrical component 23 via the main control board 16 and the effect control board 15 unlike the above-described embodiment.

  In such a configuration, when the payout control unit 171 of the payout control board 17 calculates the amount of ball lending calculated based on the game unit price and the number of payable balls exceeds a predetermined amount or when an error has occurred in the payout control board 17 In some cases, a command is transmitted to the main control board 16. In accordance with the received command from the payout control unit 171, the main control unit 161 of the main control board 16 replaces the display and sound being output, and prevents dependence and error notification indicated by the command from the payout control unit 171. A display for displaying the contents and a command for outputting sound are transmitted to the effect control board 15. The effect control unit 151 of the effect control board 15 generates a display signal and an audio signal indicating notification contents such as dependency prevention and error indicated by a command from the main control unit 161, and outputs the electric signals such as the variable display device 278 and the speaker 270, respectively. Output to the component 23. The electrical component 23 outputs the notification content of the dependency prevention indicated by the display signal and the audio signal.

<Connection wiring between main control board and payout control board>
Next, the wiring for connecting the main control board 16 and the payout control board 17 will be described in detail. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the wiring that connects the main control board 16 and the payout control board 17. As shown in FIG. 12, the main control board 16 is connected to the payout control board 17 via the main drawer connector board 33. The wiring for connecting the main control board 16 and the main drawer connector board 33 is composed of 24 lines, and the wiring for connecting the payout control board 17 and the main drawer connector board 33 is also composed of 24 lines. No. 1 shown in FIG. 11-No. 14, the main control board 16 and the payout control board 17 perform an authentication sequence and a game state notification by encryption communication. In the authentication sequence, two-way communication is performed between the main control board 16 and the payout control board 17, and the game state notification is performed by one-way communication from the main control board 16 to the payout control board 17.

  Note that in the wiring shown in FIG. 12, in order to notify the main control board 16 of the control state by the payout control board 17 in plain text. A UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter) path is provided in 19 wires. The wiring does not necessarily have to be provided in the wiring connecting the main control board 16 and the payout control board 17. 11-No. It can be provided as a plaintext communication path (second path) different from the encryption communication path (first path) using 14 wires.

  If the gaming machine has few functions on the front frame 5 side, the sensor signal on the front frame 5 side can be detected by the main control board 16 as well, but there are many functions on the front frame 5 side. In the gaming machine, there is error information determined by the combination of each sensor. A UART path is provided in 19 wirings, and information is sent from the payout control board 17 to the main control board 16. The UART signal transmitted to the UART path is a plaintext signal and includes error information and the like. As a result, various errors on the front frame 5 side can be notified to the main control board 16 side. By setting the error type by the UART signal, it becomes easy to deal with changes in the front frame 5 in the future. It should be noted that no UART path is provided as in the wiring shown in FIG. 11-No. Information (for example, error information) on the payout control board 17 side may be written in a specific register of the main control board 16 by an encryption communication path using 14 wires. That is, the information may be selected using the specific register in the encryption communication with the main control board 16 by selecting information on the front frame 5 side.

(Game status notification (encryption communication))
Next, the encryption communication of the game state notification performed between the main control board 16 and the payout control board 17 using the wiring shown in FIG. 12 will be described in more detail. The main control board 16 transmits a game state notification with the payout control board 17 at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, a 200 ms cycle). In this game state notification, information / state of the main control board 16 is notified to the payout control board 17 and CU3. The gaming state notification includes the latest gaming machine information, the number of winning balls, and the like.

  The gaming state notification will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contents of the game state notification. Specific data of the game state notification includes data of “serial number”, “command code”, “game table state 1”, “game table state 2”, “tamper detection information”, and “game information”. Yes. “Serial number” is a sequence number (01H to FFH). The “command code” is a gaming state notification command code, and is represented by binary data in hexadecimal representation.

  The “gaming table state 1” indicates the state of the main control unit 161 when a game state notification command is transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171. Similarly, the “gaming table state 2” indicates the state of the main control unit 161 that is not included in the “gaming table state 1” at the time when the gaming state notification command is transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171. Show.

  For example, “gaming table state 1” includes information on gaming state such as big hits, small hits, and big hit types, and “gaming table state 2” includes whether or not the probability change is in progress or whether or not the time is short. The game state information of is included. Note that “gaming table state 1” and “gaming table state 2” are provided with one gaming state information for one gaming state notification command. Therefore, when the gaming state changes between the gaming state notification command transmitted last time and the gaming state notification command transmitted this time, the gaming state information newly changed in the gaming state notification command transmitted this time is sent to the payout control unit 171. Be notified.

  “Unauthorized detection information” is information detected by the main control unit 161 when a gaming state notification command is transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171. For example, the “fraud detection information” includes information when the radio wave sensor 163 (see FIG. 4) detects an illegal radio wave, base abnormality information, and accessory ratio abnormality information.

  “Game information” is information of the main control unit 161 at the time when the game state notification command is transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171, and includes “number of game information”, “type information 1” to “ Type information n ”,“ Count information 1 ”to“ Count information n ”are included.

  The “game information” will be described in more detail. 14 and 15 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the contents of the game information in the game state notification in more detail.

  First, the number of game information indicates the number n of sets of type information and count number information included in the game state notification. The number n is variable and ranges from 0 to 22.

  Since the data configuration of the type information 1 to the type information n is the same, the type information 1 will be described here. The type information 1 is composed of 1 byte (8 bits). The 4th to 7th bits of the type information 1 indicate the data type (winning mouth type) of the game information of the set of the type information 1 and the count information 1.

  If the data type is 1h (0001b), it indicates that the game information of the set of type information and count number information is information related to the start winning opening. Similarly, if the data type is 2h (0010b) or Ah (1010b), it indicates that the game information of the combination of the type information and the count number information is information related to the special winning opening. Further, if the data type is 3h (0011b) or Bh (1011b), it indicates that the game information of the set of type information and count number information is information related to the normal winning opening.

  If the data type is 4h (0100b), 5h (0101b), 6h (0110b), 7h (0111b), 8h (1000b), 9h (1001b), 0h (1011b), Fh (1111b), type information and count The game information in combination with the number information indicates that the information is related to the number of symbol stops, jackpot, small hit, number of regular symbol stops, number of times a large winning opening is opened, number of ordinary electric accessories, number of balls to be fired, and information, respectively. .

  The 0 to 3 bits of the type information 1 indicate the data number (winning prize number) in the data type indicated by 4 to 7 bits.

  If the data type is 1h, Ah, that is, indicates a start winning opening, and if the data number is 1h (0001b) to 3h (0011b), there is no action of the starting winning opening (or no winning combination). If the data number is 9h (1001b) to Bh (1011b), it indicates that the starting winning combination is activated. Data numbers 1h and 9h correspond to the first start winning opening, data numbers 2h and Ah correspond to the second starting winning opening, and data numbers 3h and Bh correspond to the third starting winning opening. Corresponds to the winning opening. Here, it is determined in advance which of the first to third start winning openings the start winning opening provided in the game area 27 of the game board 26 corresponds to.

  Here, an accessory is an item that opens or expands the entrance of a prize opening, and specifically, changes into a state in which a game ball can enter the prize opening and a state in which entry is difficult or impossible. Operation is possible. The action of the accessory is to open or enlarge the entrance of the winning opening, and specifically, to change to a state in which a game ball can enter the winning opening.

  If the data type is 2h, that is, if the data number is 1h (0001b) to 2h (0010b), it indicates that there is an operation of the winning feature (not continuous operation), If the data number is 9h (1001b) to Ah (1010b), it indicates that there is a continuous operation of the winning combination. In addition, when the big hit game state is reached, the winning combination is continuously operated. Data numbers 1h and 9h correspond to the first big winning opening, and data numbers 2h and Ah correspond to the second big winning opening. Here, it is determined in advance which of the first to second winning prize openings corresponds to the big winning opening provided in the game area 27 of the game board 26.

  If the data type is 3h, Bh, that is, an ordinary winning opening, and if the data number is 1h (0001b) to 3h (0011b), there is no action (or no accessory) for the ordinary winning opening. If the data number is 9h (1001b) to Fh (1111b), it indicates that the bonus winning combination is activated. The data numbers 1h to Fh correspond to the 1st to Fth normal payouts. Here, it is determined in advance which of the first to Fth normal winning openings corresponds to the normal winning opening provided in the game area 27 of the game board 26.

  If the data type is 5h, that is, if the data number is 1h (0001b), if the data number is 1h (0001b), it indicates that the number of balls is a big hit, and if the data number is 2h (0010b), the number of balls is small. It is a big hit, and if the data number is 3h (0011b), it means that the number of balls is a medium big hit.

  When the data type is 6h, that is, a small hit, if the data number is 1h (0001b), it indicates a small hit.

  When the data type is Fh, that is, when information is indicated, if the data number is 0h (0000b), this indicates a status notification.

  Since the data configuration of the count number information 1 to the count number information n is the same, only the count number information 1 will be described here. The count number information 1 is composed of 1 byte (8 bits).

  When the data type is 1h to 3h, Ah, or Bh, the 4th to 7th bits of the count number information 1 indicate the number of prize balls at the time of winning the winning opening indicated by the data type for each game table information and type information. The 0 to 3 bits of the count number information 1 indicate the total number of winning prizes to the winning opening indicated by the data type for each of the game machine information and the type information. The total number of winning prizes is accumulated from the previous gaming state notification to the current gaming state notification if the gaming state has not changed between the previous gaming state notification and the current gaming state notification. However, when the gaming state has changed between the previous gaming state notification and the current gaming state notification, the total number of winning prizes is accumulated from the previous gaming state notification until the gaming state changes. The total from the game state change to the current game state notification is count number information of another type information. The number of winning balls and the number of winning prizes are indicated by 1h (0001b) to Fh (1111b) (each corresponding to 1 to 15 decimal numbers).

  Specifically, when the number of the winning ball at the first start winning opening is 3, the role of the starting winning opening is in operation, and the winning number is 2, the game information Becomes 1932h. When the number of ball balls at the first grand prize opening is 15, the role of the big prize opening is in continuous operation, and the number of prizes is one, the game information is 29F1h. . In addition, when the number of prize balls in the second normal prize opening is 8, there is no character of the normal prize opening, and the number of prizes is one, the game information is 3281h. When the number of the ball balls in the second normal winning opening is 8, the role of the normal winning opening is in operation, and the winning number is one, the game information is B281h.

  When the data type is 4h or 7h, 4 to 7 bits of the count number information 1 are reserved and fixed to 0h (0000b), and 0 to 3 bits of the count number information 1 Indicates the number of stoppages of symbols or normal symbols until the game state notification. The number of stops is indicated by 1h (0001b) to Fh (1111b) (each corresponding to 1 to 15 decimal numbers).

  When the data type is 5h, 6h, 4 to 7 bits of the count number information 1 are reserved and fixed to 0h (0000b), and 0 to 3 bits of the count number information 1 The number of hits until the game state notification of is shown. The number of hits is represented by 1h (0001b) to Fh (1111b) (each corresponding to 1 to 15 decimal numbers).

  When the data type is Fh, 3 to 7 bits of the count number information 1 are reserved and fixed to 0h (0000b), and 0 to 2 bits of the count number information 1 are the current game state notification from the previous game state notification. Shows the gaming state that has changed between state notifications. If “Bit 0” indicating the base is “0”, the base is low, and if “1”, the base is high. If “Bit 1” indicating the big hit is “0”, it is normal, and if “1”, it is a big hit. If “Bit 2” indicating a small hit is “0”, it is normal, and if “1”, it is a small hit.

  By providing Fh as the data type in the gaming state notification command, it is possible to represent the gaming state information changed from the previous gaming state notification to the current gaming state notification. It is possible to notify the payout control unit 171 by distinguishing the total number of winnings from the status notification until the gaming state changes and the total number of winnings from the gaming state change to the current gaming status notification. It was. It should be noted that Fh is provided for the data type in the game state notification command, and the main control unit 161 can notify the payout control unit 171 of the game state information changed from the previous game state notification to the current game state notification. However, the gaming state information may be notified to the CU3 that is a gaming device, the hall server 801 that is a higher-level server, and a hall computer.

  When the data type is 8h, 9h, 4 to 7 bits of the count number information 1 are reserved and fixed to 0h (0000b), and 0 to 3 bits of the count number information 1 The number of times of opening or the number of objects until the game state notification of is shown. The number of times of opening or the number of objects is indicated by 1h (0001b) to Fh (1111b) (corresponding to 1 to 15 decimal numbers, respectively).

  When the data type is 0h, 4 to 7 bits of the count number information 1 are reserved and fixed to 0h (0000b), and 0 to 3 bits of the count number information 1 are the current game state notification from the previous game state notification. Indicates the number of fired balls until status notification. The number of shot balls is indicated by 1h (0001b) to Fh (1111b) (corresponding to 1 to 15 decimal numbers, respectively). The main control board 16 counts the number of shot balls by counting the number of game balls detected by the winning sensor 162 and the out ball detection switch 164.

  Next, the type information 2 shown in FIG. 15 is composed of 1 byte (8 bits). Bits 0 to 7 of the type information 2 indicate the data type of the game information of the set of the type information 2 and the count number information 2 and include game information data tabulated by the main control board 16.

  If the data type is 1h (0001b), it indicates that the game information of the set of type information 2 and count number information 2 is information relating to the total number of game balls to be fired. Similarly, if the data type is 2h (0010b), it indicates that the game information of the set of type information 2 and count number information 2 is information on the total number of game balls acquired. Further, if the data type is 3h (0011b), it indicates that the game information of the set of the type information 2 and the count number information 2 is information related to the payout rate. Further, if the data type is 4h (0100b), it indicates that the game information of the combination of the type information 2 and the count number information 2 is information relating to the high base and the low base.

  Next, the count number information 2 shown in FIG. 15 will be described. The count number information 2 is composed of 4 bytes (32 bits), and is game information data tabulated by the main control board 16 corresponding to the type information 2.

  When the data type is 1h, 2h, 0 to 31 bits of the count number information 2 indicate the total number of game balls or the total number of game balls acquired indicated by the data type for each type information. When the data type is 3h, 8 to 31 bits of the count number information 2 are reserved and fixed to 0h (0000b), and 0 to 7 bits of the count number information 2 indicate a payout rate. When the data type is 4h, 16 to 31 bits of the count number information 2 are reserved and fixed to 0h (0000b), and 0 to 15 bits of the count number information 2 indicate a high base and a low base.

(Status notification (plain text))
Next, the plaintext communication of the status notification performed between the main control board 16 and the payout control board 17 using the wiring shown in FIG. 12 will be described in more detail. The payout control board 17 can transmit information on the payout control board 17 side to the main control board 16 in plain text via the UART path. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contents of the status notification. Specific data of the status notification includes data of “STX”, “message length”, “command”, “error information”, “status information”, “ETX”, and “error check code”. “STX” is a transmission control code. “Message length” is the length of the message from the command to the error check code.

  The “error information” includes error information generated in the payout control unit 171 and includes front decoration / back mechanism unit opening, unauthorized radio wave detection, and the like. The “state information” includes information indicating a control state by the payout control unit 171 side, and includes a game ball number display overflow and a player absence notification. Note that the “state information” may include information related to the dependency prevention notification. As described above, the information notified from the payout control board 17 to the main control board 16 includes error information (including a game ball number display overflow) generated in the payout control unit 171 and a player absence notification (for a certain period of time, the launch ball). The detection switch 903 cannot detect the launch of a pachinko ball (game ball) and is in a standby state) and information on dependency prevention notification are included. In addition, the information notified from the payout control board 17 to the main control board 16 may include information for temporarily stopping the progress of the game in the game state when the game becomes impossible due to a clogged ball or the like. . Further, the condition for determining that the player is absent is not limited to a case where the firing ball detection switch 903 cannot detect the firing of the pachinko ball (game ball) for a certain period of time, and the time when the firing motor 18 is not operating. It may be judged under other conditions.

  In addition to the authentication information, the payout control board 17 can notify the main control board 16 of the above information, but the authentication information of the main control board 16 is separated from other information in hardware. The program cannot be read from the program executed on the main control board 16 and cannot interfere with the payout control board 17. Further, since the authentication sequence between the main control board 16 and the payout control board 17 is encrypted, the main control board 16 and the payout control board 17 do not receive unauthorized information.

(Performance item)
Next, the performance items counted by the P platform 2 will be described. FIG. 17 is a list of performance items being tabulated. The “operating port” in the table is a starting port through which an accessory operates, and is, for example, a two-type maiden. As shown in FIG. 17, performance items such as the total number of game balls to be fired and the total number of game balls to be acquired are aggregated by the main control board 16 and transmitted to the payout control board 17 by the game information notification shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The Further, performance items such as the number of game balls acquired by the ordinary electric accessory and the accessory ratio are aggregated by the payout control board 17 based on the information collected by the main control board 16. The information collected by the main control board 16 is transmitted to the payout control board 17 by the game information notification shown in FIGS.

  Here, the bonus rate (also referred to as the bonus rate) refers to the rate of the game balls acquired by the game balls fired for 10 hours due to the action of the bonuses. The rules regarding the recognition of gaming machines and the type of regulations stipulate that the ratio of bonuses must be 70% or less. In the present embodiment, the prize ratio is a game value given by winning a prize to all winning mouths of pachinko balls fired for 10 hours (100 balls can be fired per minute, so 60,000 balls). Among the number of pachinko balls corresponding to, to the start winning opening 276 composed of an electric tulip that is one of the prizes, and to the big prize winning opening 271 constituted of a variable winning ball apparatus that is one of the prizes. The ratio of the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the game value given by winning the pachinko ball.

  The ratio of the consecutive bonuses (also referred to as the continuous ratio) refers to the ratio of the number of game balls acquired by the game balls fired in 10 hours due to the action of the bonuses when the bonuses are continuously activated. . Regulations relating to the recognition of gaming machines and the type of regulations stipulate that the ratio of consecutive objects must be 60% or less. In the present embodiment, the ratio of consecutive bonuses is a game that is awarded by winning a prize to all winning mouths of pachinko balls fired in 10 hours (60 balls can be fired in 100 minutes per minute). Of the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the value, the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the game value given by the winning of the pachinko ball to the big prize opening 271 provided with the variable winning ball apparatus which is one of the functions Say percentage.

  The aggregation of performance items is performed based on information necessary for calculation and a calculation method shown in FIG. For example, the total number of game balls to be fired can be totaled by accumulating the number of fired balls. In addition, as for the ratio of the prizes, the cumulative value of each of the prize balls and the prize of the action balls is obtained, and the value obtained by dividing the cumulative value of the prizes of action balls by the cumulative value of the prize balls is multiplied by 100. It can be totaled by doing.

  The output of the performance item is output to the CU 3 as shown in FIG. 17, displayed on the display unit (for example, the game ball number display 29) of the payout control board 17, or displayed on the display unit 312 of the CU 3. It is possible. For example, performance items such as the total number of game balls to be fired and the total number of game balls to be acquired are output to the CU 3, displayed on the display unit of the payout control board 17, and also displayed on the display unit 312 of the CU 3. The performance items such as the number of game balls acquired by the ordinary electric accessory and the accessory ratio are not output to the CU 3, are not displayed on the display unit of the payout control board 17, and are not displayed on the display unit 312 of the CU 3. The display method of the payout control board 17 and the display of the CU3 is as follows: (1) Accumulate information from the start of launch, (2) Flashing display until the total number of game balls to be shot is less than 60,000, (3 ) When the total number of played balls reaches 60,000 or more, the display is switched to lighting display, and thereafter, information is accumulated and displayed. The display switching method on the display unit of the payout control board 17 or the CU3 is as follows: (1) Display item selection by pressing the game ball clear switch (for example, selection by display number), (2) Display item is determined by the ball removal switch indicate.

<Game board judgment>
Processing for determining the game board surface using the performance items shown in FIG. 17 will be described.

(Design value acquisition process)
First, a process in which the payout control unit 171 acquires a design value will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the design value acquisition process. Referring to FIG. 18, first, the payout control unit 171 of the payout control board 17 determines whether or not the P table 2 is being activated (step S <b> 101). Whether or not it is a start time can be determined by whether or not the payout control unit 171 is executing a start time process. If it is determined that it is not at the time of activation (NO in step S101), the payout control unit 171 ends the design value acquisition process and returns the process to be executed to the caller.

  If it is determined that the P-unit 2 is activated (YES in step S101), the payout control unit 171 determines the model name, main chip ID, and nth winning port without an accessory (in this case, other than the big winning port 271). Numbers n are assigned to the winning holes, for example, the normal winning holes 272 to 274 are numbered 1 to 3, that is, first to third winning holes, respectively, and the starting winning holes 275 to 277 are respectively numbered 4 to 6, that is, The number of winning balls for a single winning prize is from No. 4 winning slot to No. 6 winning slot. An (for example, the first prize opening to the third prize opening are three, the fourth prize opening and the sixth prize opening are five), and the start winning opening 276 with an accessory (here, the fifth winning opening) ) For one winning prize number As (for example, five) and one winning prize opening 271 Number winning balls for prize Ab (e.g., three) and is acquired from the main control board 16 and stored in the RAM of the dispensing control unit 171 (step S102).

  Next, the payout control unit 171 corresponds to the model name and main chip ID acquired from the main control board 16, the low base time base lower limit value Bll, the low base time base upper limit value Blu, and the high base time base lower limit value. Bhl and the high base time base upper limit value Bhu are acquired from the gaming machine management server and stored in the RAM of the payout control unit 171 (step S103). For example, Bll = 30, Blu = 39, Bhl = 80, Bhu = 95. Thereafter, the payout control unit 171 ends the design value acquisition process, and returns the process to be executed to the caller.

(Pass number addition processing)
Next, the passage number adding process and the counting process processed on the main control board 16 side will be described. By this processing, information on the total number of game balls to be played, the total number of game balls to be acquired, the payout rate, the high base and the low base can be totaled on the main control board 16 side.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the pass number adding process in the main control board 16. Referring to FIG. 19, the main control board 16 determines whether or not it is a big hit gaming state (step S121). When determining that it is not the big hit gaming state (NO in step S121), the main control board 16 determines whether or not it is in the high base state (step S122).

  When it is determined that it is not in the high base state (NO in step S122), that is, when it is not the big hit gaming state and is in the low base state, it is determined whether or not a detection signal is received from the out ball detection switch 164 ( Step S123). If it is determined that it has been received (YES in step S123), 1 is added to the number of passages pl of the outlet at the time of low base (step S124).

  Each of the nth winning holes (in the present embodiment, from the first winning port to the sixth winning port) is provided with a detection switch for detecting a winning game ball. If it is determined that the detection signal has not been received from the out ball detection switch 164 (NO in step S123), and after step S124, the main control board 16 has received a detection signal for the nth prize opening. Is determined (step S125).

  If it is determined that it has been received (YES in step S125), the count number (winning number) is added to the number of passes qln of the nth winning opening at the time of low base (step S126). However, when the gaming state changes to the high base, the main control board 16 adds the count number (winning number) of the subsequent nth winning opening to the passing number phn of the out opening at the high base.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the high base state is set (YES in step S122), that is, when the big hit gaming state is not set and the high base state is set, whether or not a detection signal is received from the out ball detection switch 164 is determined. Judgment is made (step S127). If it is determined that it has been received (YES in step S127), 1 is added to the number of passages ph of the outlet at the time of high base (step S128).

  If it is determined that the detection signal has not been received from the out-ball detection switch 164 (NO in step S127), and after step S128, the main control board 16 has received a detection signal for the nth winning opening. Is determined (step S129). If it is determined that it has been received (YES in step S129), the count number (winning number) is added to the number of passages qhn of the nth winning opening at the time of high base (step S130). However, when the gaming state changes to the low base, the main control board 16 adds the count number (winning number) of the subsequent nth winning mouth to the passing number pln of the out mouth at the low base.

  If it is determined that the game state is a big hit game state (YES in step S121), if it is determined that a command including detection information of the n-th winning mouth has not been received (NO in step S125 and step S129), after step S126, And after step S130, the main control board 16 receives the detection signal of the nth winning opening (in the present embodiment, the first winning opening to the fourth winning opening, the sixth winning opening) having no accessory. It is determined whether or not (step S131). If it is determined that it has been received (YES in step S131), the main control board 16 adds a count number (winning number) to the number qn of passing through the nth winning opening (step S132).

  When it is determined that the detection signal for the nth winning prize opening has not been received (NO in step S131), and after step S132, the main control board 16 has received the detection signal for the starting winning opening 276 having an accessory. Whether or not (step S133). If it is determined that it has been received (YES in step S133), the main control board 16 adds the count number (winning number) to the passing number qs of the start winning port 276 having the accessory (step S134).

  When it is determined that the detection signal of the start winning opening 276 having the accessory has not been received (NO in step S133), and after step S134, the main control board 16 has received the detection signal of the big winning opening 271. Whether or not (step S135). If it is determined that it has been received (YES in step S135), the main control board 16 adds the count number (winning number) to the passing number qb of the big winning opening 271 (step S136).

  If it is determined that the detection signal of the special winning opening 271 has not been received (NO in step S135), and after step S136, the main control board 16 has received a detection signal from the out ball detection switch 164 or not. Is determined (step S137). When determining that it has been received (YES in step S137), the main control board 16 adds 1 to the number r of fired balls (step S138).

  Further, when it is determined that the detection signal is not received from the out ball detection switch 164 (NO in step S137), and after step S138, the main control board 16 receives a command including the detection signal for all winning holes. It is determined whether or not (step S139). If it is determined that it has been received (YES in step S139), the main control board 16 adds a count number (winning number) to the number of shot balls r (step S140).

  When it is determined that the main control board 16 has not received the detection signal for all winning awards (NO in step S139), the main control board 16 ends the passing number addition process.

(Aggregation process)
FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the counting process in the main control board 16. Referring to FIG. 20, main control board 16 determines whether or not it is in a high base state (step S301).

  When determining that it is not in the high base state (NO in step S301), the main control board 16 calculates the number of out balls rl = pl + Σqln at the time of low base (step S302). Then, the main control board 16 determines whether or not the calculated number of out balls rl at the low base is rl = 100 (step S303).

  When it is determined that the number of out balls rl = 100 at the time of low base (YES in step S303), the number of safe balls sl = Σ (An × pln) at the time of low base is calculated (step S304). Further, the base at the time of low base bl = 100 × sl / rl is calculated and stored in the RAM (step S305).

  When it is determined that the base state is high (YES in step S301), when it is determined that the number of out balls rl at low base is not rl = 100 (NO in step S303), and after step S305, the main control board 16 is high. The number of out balls at the time of base rh = ph + Σqhn is calculated (step S306). Then, the main control board 16 determines whether or not the calculated number of out balls at the time of high base is rh = 100 (step S307).

  If it is determined that the number of out balls rh = 100 at the time of high base (YES in step S307), the number of safe balls sh = Σ (An × phn) at the time of high base is calculated (step S308). Also, the high base time base bh = 100 × sh / rh is calculated and stored in the RAM (step S309).

  Thereafter, the main control board 16 calculates the number of winning balls q = (Ab × qb) + Σ (An × pln) + Σ (An × phn) + Σ (An × pn) + (As × ps) for all winning mouths ( Step S310). Further, the main control board 16 calculates the payout rate dp = q / r and stores it in the RAM (step S311).

(Game board judgment related processing)
Next, the game board surface determination related process performed on the payout control board 17 side based on the design value acquired in the design value acquisition process and the information tabulated on the main control board 16 side will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the game board surface determination-related processing. With reference to FIG. 21, the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the period is outside the determination value calculation target (step S111). The period other than the determination value calculation target period is a period that is excluded from the calculation target of the determination value such as the base, the ratio of the accessory, and the ratio of the consecutive objects. For example, the glass door 6 and the front frame 5 are open. This is a period in which fraud by a store clerk or the like is possible, such as a period, a non-launch period of a pachinko ball (for example, a period after 15 seconds have passed since the last launch of a pachinko ball), and a period during which the game hall is closed . If it is determined that the period is not the determination value calculation target (YES in step S111), the payout control unit 171 ends the game board surface determination-related process and returns the process to be executed to the caller.

  If it is determined that the period is not a determination value calculation target period (NO in step S111), the payout control unit 171 executes a process of acquiring the number of passages counted in FIGS. 19 and 20 (step S120).

  The payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the low base time base lower limit value Bll <low base time base bl <low base time base upper limit value Blu based on the information acquired in step S120 (step S145). If it is determined that Bll <Bl <Blu (YES in step S145), the payout control unit 171 outputs the low base time base abnormality information to the gaming machine management server via the CU3 (step S146).

  If it is determined that Bll <Bl <Blu is not satisfied (NO in step S145) and after step S146, the payout control unit 171 resets pl and qln to 0 (step S147).

  Next, the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the high base time base lower limit value Bhl <high base time base bh <high base time base upper limit value Bhu based on the information acquired in step S120 (step S155). ). If it is determined that Bhl <Bh <Bhu (YES in step S155), the payout control unit 171 outputs the high base time base abnormality information to the gaming machine management server via the CU3 (step S156).

  If it is determined that Bhl <Bh <Bhu is not satisfied (NO in step S155), and after step S156, the payout control unit 171 resets ph and qhn to 0 (step S157).

  Next, the payout control unit 171 calculates the number of winning balls sn = Σ (An × qn) for a winning opening without an accessory (here, the first winning opening to the fourth winning opening, the sixth winning opening) ( In step S162), the number of winning balls ss = As × qs is calculated for a winning opening with an accessory (here, the fifth winning opening) (step S163), and the number of winning balls sb = Ab × qb of the big winning opening 271 is calculated. Calculate (step S164).

  Next, the payout control unit 171 calculates an accessory ratio u = 100 × (ss + sb) / (sn + ss + sb) and stores it in the RAM (step S165), and a continuous accessory ratio v = 100 × sb / (sn + ss + sb). Is calculated and stored in the RAM (step S166).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the number of shot balls r is 60000 (step S167). The P platform 2 of the present embodiment can launch 100 pachinko balls to the game area 27 in 1 minute. For this reason, 60000 balls are the number of balls that can be fired in 10 hours. If it is determined that the number of shot balls r is 60000 (YES in step S161), the payout control unit 171 displays the winning prize opening 271 calculated in step S164 on the 7-segment LED display of the game ball number display 29. Information such as the number of winning balls is lit and displayed (step S168).

  When it is determined that the number of shot balls r is not 60000 (NO in step S167), the payout control unit 171 displays the prize of the big prize opening 271 calculated in step S164 on the 7-segment LED display of the game ball number display 29. Information such as the number of balls is displayed blinking (step S169).

  Then, the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the accessory ratio u> 70% (step S171). If it is determined that u> 70% (YES in step S171), the payout control unit 171 outputs the accessory ratio abnormality information to the gaming machine management server via the CU3 (step S172).

  When it is determined that the accessory ratio u is not 70% (NO in step S171) and after step S172, the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the continuous accessory ratio v> 60% (step S172). S173). If it is determined that v> 60% (YES in step S173), the payout control unit 171 outputs the continuous character ratio abnormality information to the gaming machine management server via the CU3 (step S174).

  If it is determined that the continuous combination ratio v> 60% is not satisfied (NO in step S173), and after step S174, the payout control unit 171 terminates the game board surface determination-related processing and sets the processing to be executed to the caller. return.

<Modified example of processing related to game board surface determination>
FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining a modified example of the game board surface determination-related process. Referring to FIG. 22, in this modified example, as shown in FIG. 22, step S <b> 183 is performed between step S <b> 146 and step S <b> 147 in the step S <b> 145 to step S <b> 147 of the game board surface determination related process described in FIG. Step S186 is added.

  When it is determined that Bll <Bl <Blu is not satisfied (NO in step S145), and after step S146, the payout control unit 171 calculates the number of safe balls sln = An × qln for each winning mouth at the time of low base ( Step S183). Further, base bln = 100 × sln / rl for each winning opening at the time of low base is calculated and stored in the RAM (step S184).

  Next, the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the base lower limit value Bln for each winning mouth at the time of low base <base bln for each base at the time of low base <the base upper limit value Brun for each winning mouth at the time of low base. Judgment is made (step S185). Blln and Blun are acquired and stored in advance from the gaming machine management server, as in step S103 of FIG. If it is determined that Blln <Bln <Brun (YES in step S185), the payout control unit 171 outputs the winning prize base abnormality information to the gaming machine management server via the CU3 (step S186).

  If it is determined that Blln <Bln <Brun is not satisfied (NO in step S185), and after step S186, the payout control unit 171 resets pl and qln to 0 (step S147).

  In the above-described embodiment, the processing in FIGS. 19 and 20 is executed by the main control unit 161. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be executed by the payout control unit 171. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the processing in FIGS. 18, 21 and 22 is executed by the payout control unit 171. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be executed by the main control unit 161.

  In the above-described embodiment, if the base is abnormal in step S146 and step S156 in FIG. 21, information to that effect is output to the outside. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fact that the base is abnormal may be simply displayed on the gaming machine. In this case, the fact that the base is abnormal may be displayed on a display device provided on the payout control board 17 or a display device connected to the payout control board 17.

  In the above-described embodiment, the processes in FIGS. 18 to 22 are executed in one-way communication from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and even if the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 perform bidirectional communication, the processes in FIGS. 18 to 22 can be executed as they are.

<Game system>
In the above-described embodiment, a gaming machine (for example, P unit 2) that can output information on the propriety of the base to the outside of the gaming machine, a gaming device (for example, CU3), and a gaming system including these are shown. It was. However, the gaming system is not limited to this, and a gaming machine ratio (for example, P frame 2), a gaming machine (for example, front frame 5), which can calculate and output to the outside, a gaming machine ratio and a continuous gaming machine ratio. A gaming device (for example, CU3), a management device (for example, the gaming machine management server 802, the key management server 800, or the possession management server 803 shown in FIG. 23), and a gaming system (for example, , Gaming system).

  FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a gaming system including a management device. Referring to FIG. 23, the gaming system includes a gaming machine management server 802, a key management server 800, a possession management server 803, card units (CU) 3 and 3A, a pachinko gaming machine (P units) 2, And slot machine 2A.

  The key management server 800 is a key management server that stores the SID of the CU communication control unit and the authentication key in association with each serial ID (also referred to as SID) of the electronic component inside the CU 3. The gaming machine management server 802 is provided, for example, in an organization that manages gaming machines managed by an organization to which a plurality of gaming machine manufacturers belong, and the gaming machine installed in the gaming hall is in an abnormal state different from the design value. It is a server that manages gaming machines by confirming whether they are not. The possession management server 803 is installed for each game hall, and stores the number of possession balls and the number of storage balls in association with the card ID of the membership card or visitor card issued at the game hall. In addition, although the holding | maintenance management server 803 and the hall server 801 shown by the above-mentioned embodiment were comprised with a separate computer, you may be comprised by one computer.

  The P stand 2 and the CUs 3 and 3A are the same as those described in the above embodiment. The slot machine 2A is, for example, an enclosed circulation type slot machine in which medals are enclosed, but is not limited thereto, and may be a slot machine in which conventional medals are not enclosed. The P stand 2 is an enclosed circulation pachinko gaming machine in which pachinko balls are enclosed, but is not limited thereto, and may be a conventional pachinko gaming machine in which no pachinko balls are enclosed.

  Servers outside the game arcade, such as the gaming machine management server 802 and the key management server 800, such as the coin management server 803 and the hall server 801, via a public network 700 such as the Internet or a public wireless LAN (Local Area Network). It is possible to communicate with a server inside the amusement hall.

  Servers inside the game hall such as the game management server 803 and the hall server 801 can communicate with the CU 3, the P unit 2 and the slot machine 2A via a private network 900 such as a LAN or VPN (Virtual Private Network). .

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining a game board surface determination process in a game system including a management device. Referring to FIG. 24, the payout control unit 171 of the payout control board 17 determines whether or not game information has been received from the main control board 16 (step S221). As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the payout control board 17 communicates by receiving game information from the main control board 16. Specifically, the game information is stored in the main control unit 161 of the main control board 16 by the main control unit 161 after the previous control period, the type of the winning slot that the gaming ball has won, the number of the winning port, and the winning ball for the winning port. The number and the number of winning prizes to the winning opening are stored and generated based on the stored data. In addition to being used in this process, the game information is included in the status information response command by the payout control unit 171 and transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU3.

  Further, the game information is stored including information on the game state (such as a big hit or a base) separately from data such as the type of winning mouth, the number of winning mouth, the number of winning balls, and the number of winning balls. Therefore, the payout control unit 171 can distinguish, based on the game information, in which gaming machine state the game ball is won and the prize ball is paid out.

  If it is determined that it has not been received (NO in step S221), the payout control unit 171 advances the process to be executed to step S232. On the other hand, if it is determined that it has been received (YES in step S221), it is determined whether or not it is a period not to be subjected to determination value calculation (step S222).

  As described in step S111 of FIG. 21, the determination value non-target period is a period that is excluded from the calculation target of the determination value such as the base, the accessory ratio, and the continuous accessory ratio. The period when the door 6 and the front frame 5 are open, the non-launching period of the pachinko ball (for example, the period after 15 seconds have passed since the last pachinko ball was fired), and the period when the game hall is closed This is a period during which fraud by a staff at a game hall is possible.

  When it is determined that the period is not the determination value calculation target (YES in step S222), the payout control unit 171 advances the process to be executed to step S232. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not the period for which the determination value is not calculated (NO in step S222), the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the received game information is game information indicating the continuous action of the winning combination. Judgment is made (step S223).

  When it is determined that the game information indicates the continuous action of the winning combination, the payout control unit 171 indicates the number of prize balls and the prize indicated by the lower byte (count number information) of the game information. The number is multiplied by the number and added to the number of winning prize winning ball sb and the total winning ball sa in the addition area of the RAM of the payout control unit 171 (step S224). Thereafter, the payout control unit 171 advances the process to be executed to step S232.

  If it is determined that the game information does not indicate the continuous operation of the winning combination, the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the received game information is the game information indicating that the winning combination has been activated. It is determined whether or not (step S225).

  If it is determined that the game information indicates that the winning combination is active (YES in step S225), the payout control unit 171 indicates the number of winning balls and the number of winnings indicated by the lower byte (count number information) of the game information. And is added to the bonus act winning prize ball number ss and the total prize ball number sa in the addition area of the RAM of the payout control unit 171 (step S226). Thereafter, the payout control unit 171 advances the process to be executed to step S232.

  When it is determined that the game information does not indicate that the winning combination is activated (NO in step S225), the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the received game information is game information indicating that no winning combination is activated. Is determined (step S227).

  When it is determined that the game information indicates that there is no operation of a winning feature (YES in step S227), the payout control unit 171 indicates the number of winning balls and the number of winnings indicated by the lower byte (count number information) of the game information. And is added to the total number of winning balls sa in the addition area of the RAM of the payout control unit 171 (step S228). Thereafter, the payout control unit 171 advances the process to be executed to step S232.

  The payout control unit 171 erases the oldest bonus act winning prize ball number ss, the big prize mouth ball number sb, and the total prize ball number sa in the RAM holding area of the payout control unit 171 (step S232), and adds. The area actuating winning award winning ball number ss, the large winning award winning ball number sb, and the total winning ball number sa are moved to the holding area (step S233), and the number of shot balls r is reset to 0 (step S234).

  Next, an accessory ratio u = 100 × Σ (ss + sb) / Σsa is calculated and transmitted to the possession management server 803 via the CU3 (step S235). Further, the continuous character ratio v = 100 × Σsb / Σsa is calculated and transmitted to the possession management server 803 via the CU3 (step S236).

  When the money management server 803 receives the bonus rate u and the continuous bonus rate v, the received bonus rate u and the continuous bonus rate v correspond to the main chip ID for identifying the gaming machine as the transmission source. Add and remember. The stored accessory ratio u and continuous accessory ratio v can be displayed on the possession management server 803.

  Here, the accessory ratio u and the continuous accessory ratio v are transmitted to the possession management server 803 so that they can be displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the game management server 803, a server inside another game hall such as the hall server 801, a server outside the game hall such as the key management server 800 or the gaming machine management server 802, etc. Other management devices may be used, and a gaming device such as CU3 may be used.

  Then, the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the accessory ratio u> 70% (step S241). If it is determined that u> 70% (YES in step S241), the payout control unit 171 outputs the accessory ratio abnormality information to the gaming machine management server 802 via the CU3 (step S242).

  When it is determined that the accessory ratio u is not 70% (NO in step S241) and after step S242, the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the continuous accessory ratio v> 60% (step S242). S243). If it is determined that v> 60% (YES in step S243), the payout control unit 171 outputs the continuous character ratio abnormality information to the gaming machine management server 802 via the CU3 (step S244). In the gaming machine management server 802, when such abnormal information is received, the abnormal information is stored together with information (for example, main chip ID) that can identify the gaming machine, and based on the abnormal information, A notification process for notifying information that can identify the type and the gaming machine is executed.

  It should be noted that here, the accessory ratio abnormality information and the continuous accessory ratio abnormality information are transmitted to the gaming machine management server 802, and the gaming machine management server 802 is notified of the abnormality. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the gaming machine management server 802, a server inside the game hall such as the hall server 801 or the possession management server 803, another server outside the game hall such as the key management server 800, etc. Other management devices may be used, and a gaming device such as CU3 may be used.

  When it is determined that the continuous character ratio v> 60% is not satisfied (NO in step S243), and after step S244, the payout control unit 171 has performed an operation to display the character ratio / continuous character ratio. Is determined (step S251). This operation is performed, for example, by operating an operation switch for displaying an accessory ratio / continuous accessory ratio provided on the payout control board 17.

  If it is determined that there is no display operation (NO in step S251), the payout control unit 171 returns the process to be executed to the caller of this process. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a display operation (YES in step S251), the payout control unit 171 calculates the accessory ratio u = 100 × Σ (ss + sb) / Σsa, and the board provided on the payout control board 17 An upper display (not shown) is displayed for 3 seconds (step S252). At this time, if data of 60,000 shots is not stored in the holding area, the data is displayed blinking.

  Next, the payout control unit 171 calculates the continuous character ratio v = 100 × Σsb / Σsa and displays it on the on-board display provided on the payout control board 17 for 3 seconds (step S253). At this time, if data of 60,000 shots is not stored in the holding area, the data is displayed blinking. Thereafter, the payout control unit 171 returns the process to be executed to the caller of this process.

  Note that, as shown in step S252 and step S253 in FIG. 24, in the gaming machine such as the P stand 2, the accessory ratio u and the continuous accessory ratio v are calculated and displayed.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be as follows. Game information (or information such as a status information response including game information) may be transmitted to the CU 3, and in the CU 3, the bonus rate u and the continuous bonus rate v may be calculated and displayed. Further, in the CU, it may be determined whether the calculated combination ratio u and continuous combination ratio v are abnormal, and if it is determined to be abnormal, the occurrence of the abnormality may be notified. Further, the calculated accessory ratio u and the consecutive accessory ratio v may be transmitted to the management apparatus, and the accessory ratio u and the consecutive accessory ratio v may be displayed on the management apparatus.

  In addition, game information is not passed through the CU 3, but inside the game hall such as the hall server 801 and the possession management server 803, or a server outside the game hall such as the key management server 800 and the gaming machine management server 802. May be transmitted to the management apparatus, and the management equipment ratio u and the continuous equipment ratio v may be calculated and displayed in the management apparatus. In the management device, it may be determined whether the calculated combination ratio u and continuous combination ratio v are abnormal, and if it is determined to be abnormal, the occurrence of the abnormality may be notified. Further, the calculated accessory ratio u and the consecutive accessory ratio v may be transmitted to another management apparatus, and the other accessory may display the accessory ratio u and the consecutive accessory ratio v.

<Age confirmation display>
A description will be given of a configuration in which the age at which a game can be played is determined by law, an age confirmation display is displayed before the game is started, and the game machine is prohibited unless the player confirms the age. Below, age confirmation when playing a game using a general card or a membership card will be described. The same age confirmation is performed when playing a game with cash without using a card. FIG. 25 is a sequence related to processing of the CU 3 and the P stand 2 when a card is inserted. First, communication between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 will be described. A command is transmitted from CU3 (primary station) to P station 2 (secondary station), and P station 2 returns a response to CU3 in response to the command. That is, the communication between the CU 3 and the P base 2 is a command / response system in which the CU 3 is a primary station and the P base 2 is a secondary station.

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

  The CU 3 shown in FIG. 25 transmits a status information request command including a serial number = n and a card return ready state = OFF to the P-unit 2 before card insertion. 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. Note that information recorded on the card read by the card reader / writer (such as a card ID) may be stored in the CU3.

  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 stand 2 displays an age confirmation display. Specifically, FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of an age confirmation display displayed on the display device. The age confirmation display shown in FIG. 26 is displayed on, for example, a liquid crystal display device 30 with a touch panel provided on the P base 2. Since the game is prohibited while the age confirmation display is displayed on the P platform 2, a response of a status information response including serial number = n + 1 and game prohibition is returned to the CU3. Note that the display 54 on the P platform 2 side is controlled by the display control unit 350 of the CU 3 and displays that the card is being inquired, but an age confirmation display is displayed on the display 54. May be.

  The CU 3 transmits a command for status information request including the serial number = n + 2 and the card return ready state = OFF to the P-unit 2 during the inquiry of the card and the age confirmation display. In the P platform 2, when the player confirms the age by operating the touch panel with respect to the age confirmation display shown in FIG. 26 and selects “Yes”, for example, 18 years or older, the communication with the CU 3 is continued. The response of the information response is returned to CU3. On the other hand, when the player operates the touch panel and selects “No”, which is less than 18 years old, a game prohibition display is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 30 and communication with the CU 3 is disconnected. The CU 3 that has been disconnected from the P stand 2 stops the inquiry about the inserted card and returns the card. In addition, when the player operates the touch panel and selects “No” that is under 18 years of age, or when the age confirmation itself is not performed, it is converted into a game ball (no ball lending), etc. The processing may be completed in the CU 3 and the inquiry to the hall server 801 may be stopped. Further, when the player operates the touch panel to select “No” that is under 18 years of age, or when the age confirmation itself is not performed, a management device (such as a hall server 801, hallcon, or possession management server). ) To the store clerk so as to prompt the store clerk to leave the store (in the strict sense, it is simply a store visitor).

  After the age is confirmed that the player's age is 18 years or older, when the inserted card is authenticated, the CU 3 stores the card ID of the card and the card insertion time in the RAM of the CU control unit 323. A command for notifying card insertion including serial number = n + 3, card ID, card insertion time, store code and SC board ID is transmitted to the P unit 2 while being stored. 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 table 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 responds to the card insertion response including the serial number = n + 3. 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 + 4 and a card return ready state = ON to the P unit 2 to notify the P unit 2 of the card insertion status. . The P table 2 receives the notification that the card is being inserted, permits the game, and returns the response of the status information response including the serial number = n + 4 and the game permission to the CU3, thereby indicating that the game is being permitted. To notify.

  While the card is being inserted, CU3 transmits a command for status information request including serial number = n + 5 and card return ready state = ON to P unit 2, and P unit 2 responds to a status information response including serial number = n + 5 and game permission. Is returned to CU3.

<Anti-dependence notification>
In the P stand 2, it is also possible to execute dependence prevention notification (inhibition prevention display, alert display) for preventing dependence on the game to the player. For example, the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the accumulated ball loan amount stored in the RAM is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount is a reference amount of money used in the game for determining that the player is dependent on (becomes) the game.

  When it is determined that the accumulated ball loan amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, the payout control unit 171 transmits a command corresponding to the dependence prevention notification code stored in the RAM to the notification control unit 211. The dependency prevention notification to the main control board 16 is performed by plaintext communication of a status notification performed with the payout control board 17 via the UART path. Further, the payout control unit 171 transmits to the CU 3 that the condition for executing the dependency prevention notification is established. Thereby, CU3 can grasp | ascertain that the dependence prevention alerting | reporting is performed. When the CU 3 receives that the condition for executing the dependency prevention notification is established, the CU 3 may execute the dependency prevention notification on the display unit 54, limit the deposit, Even if 321 is operated, the processing for ball lending may be restricted so as to be executed, or the management device inside the amusement store or the management server outside the amusement store may be notified to that effect. Also good. The management device or the management server may transmit to the store clerk of the game store that the condition for executing the dependency prevention notification is established, and further, information for specifying the P unit 2 or the player Information for identifying the game may be transmitted to the store clerk of the game store. The store clerk of the game store may identify the player from this information and inform the player that the conditions for executing the dependency prevention notification are established, or may prompt the player to end the game. Good.

  When the notification control unit 211 receives a command according to the dependency prevention notification code from the payout control unit 171, the notification control unit 211 reads the content of the dependency prevention notification indicated by the received command from the ROM, A digital signal (display signal, audio signal) indicating the content of the dependency prevention notification is transmitted to the switching board 22.

  When receiving the interrupt signal, the switching board 22 switches from the input of the display signal and the audio signal from the effect control unit 151 to the input of the display signal and the audio signal indicating the content of the dependency prevention notification from the notification control unit 211. The display signal and the audio signal indicating the content of the dependency prevention notification from the notification control unit 211 are output to the variable display device 278 and the speaker 270, respectively.

  The speaker 270 outputs an effect sound for dependency prevention notification according to an audio signal indicating the content of the dependency prevention notification. Note that the voice of the content of the dependency prevention notification may be output together with or instead of the sound effect.

  In response to the display signal indicating the content of the dependence prevention notification, the variable display device 278 displays a character such as “Pachinko / pachislot is a fun to be enjoyed moderately” or “Let's be careful about being caught in”. indicate.

<Summary of this embodiment>
(1) A gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter also referred to as “P”) 2, a slot machine (hereinafter also referred to as “S”)) that uses a gaming medium (for example, the number of game balls) to play a game. ,
First control means for controlling the progress of the game (for example, the main control unit 161);
2nd control means (for example, payout control part 171) which manages information (for example, information which shows the number of game balls, information which shows the number of shot balls) about game value,
In the path connecting the first control means and the second control means,
A first path (for example, an encryption communication path) for transmitting information (for example, authentication information) that has undergone a predetermined process (for example, encryption);
A second path (for example, plaintext communication path) for transmitting information (for example, error information, status information) that does not undergo the predetermined processing,
When the second control means detects the occurrence of a predetermined event (for example, various errors on the front frame 5 side), information on the occurrence of the predetermined event via the second path (for example, a combination of sensors) The determined error information) is transmitted to the first control means.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately notify the first control means of information related to the occurrence of the predetermined event via the second path without performing bidirectional communication by encrypted communication.

  (2) In the gaming machine of the above (1), the predetermined event includes an event in which a setting condition relating to game dependence is satisfied (for example, a dependency prevention notification), and an event in which a condition for determining that the player is absent is satisfied. At least one event (for example, a player absence notification).

  According to such a configuration, occurrence of various specific events can be grasped on the first control means side.

(3) In the above gaming machine (1) or (2),
The second control means transmits information (for example, status notification (plain text) shown in FIG. 16) for notifying the state of the second control means to the first control means via the second path.

  According to such a configuration, the state of the second control unit can be appropriately notified to the first control unit.

<Summary of other embodiments>
(1) A gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter also referred to as P) 2, a slot machine (hereinafter also referred to as S)) that uses a gaming medium (for example, a game ball) to play a game,
First control means for controlling the progress of the game (for example, the main control unit 161);
2nd control means (for example, payout control part 171) which manages information (for example, information which shows the number of game balls, information which shows the number of shot balls) about game value,
The first control unit detects that the predetermined event has not occurred in a state where the predetermined event controlled by the second control unit (for example, the launch of a game ball) can occur (for example, a winning sensor 162). The progress of the game is stopped based on the fact that the game ball is not detected by (No) and the game ball is not detected by the out-ball detection switch 164) (for example, step S703 in FIG. 7).

  Here, in the case of performing one-way communication from the main control board to the payout control board without performing bidirectional communication as in Patent Document 1 between the main control board and the payout control board, the payout control board side Even if a malfunction occurs in the game and the game medium cannot be released, the game progresses (for example, an advantageous state advantageous to the player) on the main control board side, which causes a disadvantage to the player. There was a thing.

  Therefore, according to the gaming machine of another embodiment, even if there is no status notification from the payout control board, the progress of the game can be controlled by grasping the control state by the payout control board on the main control board.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above,
The first control means can detect that the predetermined event has not occurred in the second control means when controlling the progress of the game in an advantageous state (for example, a big hit) advantageous to the player. (For example, step S702 in FIG. 7).

  According to such a configuration, since the progress of the game is stopped in the advantageous state, it is possible to avoid a state in which the player cannot obtain the game value in the advantageous state.

(3) In the above gaming machine (1) or (2),
The first control means notifies the second control means of game stop information based on detecting that the predetermined event has not occurred in the second control means and stopping the progress of the game. (For example, step S703 in FIG. 7).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately notify the second control means that the progress of the game has been stopped.

(4) In the gaming machine of (3) above,
The second control means notifies the stop information to the outside based on the detection of a predetermined abnormality and the notification of the stop information from the first control means (for example, step S714 in FIG. 7). ).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately notify the outside that the progress of the game has been stopped, and it is possible to prompt the game shop clerk to check the gaming machine.

(5) In the gaming machine of (3) or (4) above,
The second control means includes
Based on the detection of a launch operation for launching a game medium (for example, a launch ball detection switch 903), the game medium is controlled to be launched and the game value is subtracted.
After receiving the notification of the stop information from the first control means, control is performed so that the game value is not subtracted based on the detection of the launch operation of launching the game medium (for example, step S715 in FIG. 7). .

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to realize control in consideration of the launch accompanying the clerk's inspection, and it is possible to avoid the disadvantage caused by subtracting the number of game balls owned by the player. .

(6) In any of the above gaming machines (1) to (5),
The first control means detects that the predetermined event has occurred after the progress of the game is stopped (for example, a game ball is detected by the winning sensor 162 and a game ball is detected by the out ball detection switch 164). Based on this, the progress of the game is resumed (for example, YES in step S704 of FIG. 7).

  According to such a configuration, the progress of the game can be smoothly resumed based on detecting that a predetermined event has occurred.

(7) In the gaming machine of (6) above,
The first control means can detect opening / closing of a door covering the gaming area (for example, a door opening / closing switch 165), and the game medium passes through a predetermined opening as the predetermined event while the door is open. Is detected (for example, a game ball is detected by the winning sensor 162 and a game ball is detected by the out-ball detection switch 164), the progress of the stopped game is resumed.

  According to such a configuration, since it is a condition that the opening / closing of the door accompanying the inspection by the store clerk is detected, the progress of the game can be resumed appropriately.

(8) In any of the above gaming machines (1) to (7),
The first control means can detect the state of the operation unit of the launching device that launches the game medium (for example, the launch intensity sensor 166), detects the state of the operation unit that launches the game medium, Based on the fact that the predetermined event has not been detected in the second control means (for example, no detection of a game ball by the winning sensor 162, no detection of a game ball by the out-ball detection switch 164), Stop progressing.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to detect the state of the operation unit of the launching device, so that it is possible to improve the determination accuracy for stopping the progress of the game.

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

  (1) In this embodiment, game points are added by consuming card power. Alternatively, game points are added by consuming stored balls (stored medals). That is, the card frequency or the stored ball is converted into game points. On the other hand, the card power and the stored balls are not converted into points (count balls, count medals). However, the card power and the stored ball may be once converted into points.

  (2) In the present embodiment, game points are converted into points by counting operation. The conversion rate in this case is 1: 1. However, the conversion rate in the case of conversion may be other than 1: 1. For example, when 100 game points are converted, 97 points obtained by subtracting three of them may be converted into points. Or you may make it convert into the number of game balls obtained by multiplying a predetermined ratio of less than 100% with respect to a point.

  (3) 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 the CU, and the CU recognizes the ID stored in the mobile terminal by holding the mobile terminal over the communication unit. The game is made possible by the procedure as described. On the other hand, at the end of the game, the portable terminal is again held over the communication unit, so that the score at the end of the game is added to the player's score through the ID.

  (4) In this 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 between and may be reversed. Alternatively, instead of adopting such a communication system having a master-slave relationship, a system may be employed in which both send data to the other party when a request to communicate occurs.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  2 Pachinko machine, 2S slot machine, 3 card unit, 16 main control board, 17 payout control board, 26 game board, 54, 312 display, 309 card insertion / discharge port, 319 replay button, 320 IR light receiving unit, 321 Lending button, 322 Return button, 161 Main control unit, 325 Display control unit, 171 Payout control unit, 323 CU control unit.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that uses a game medium to play a game,
First control means for controlling the progress of the game;
A second control means for managing information relating to game values;
In the path connecting the first control means and the second control means,
A first path for transmitting information that has undergone predetermined processing;
A second path for transmitting information that does not go through the predetermined processing,
When the second control means detects the occurrence of a predetermined event, the second control means transmits information relating to the occurrence of the predetermined event to the first control means via the second route.

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