JP2019162488A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine, while preventing a storage area from getting too excessive by using a circulation-type counting means for counting the number of times of detecting opening of a glass door and the like and the number of times of detecting electrical cutoff between a board and a frame, preventing such a trouble as not to properly detect the opening and cutoff caused by one turn of counted values of the circulation-type counting means.SOLUTION: In a normal time when a power supply of a P machine is on, the P machine circulatingly (loop) counts the number of times of detection between 0-62, however, in a monitoring time when the power supply is off, causes a storage value area to store the number of times n of detection when the power supply it put off, and addingly updates a value of a current value table for counting a current value of the number of times of detection to n, n+1, n+2, ... for each detection, and, when power is activated next, outputs a difference value between a storage value in the storage value area and a counted value of the current value table. When counting the counted values of the current value table by one turn, the P machine sets a one-turn flag, does not addingly update any more, and outputs the one-turn flag in a next power activation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by, for example, a pachinko gaming machine, a slot machine, and the like, in which a game is played by a player.

  Conventionally, it is detected that a front member (for example, a glass door or a front frame) provided in an openable and closable manner on the frame of the gaming machine has been opened when the power is turned off, and based on that detection, there has been an opening when the power is turned on next time. It is known that, for example, the game hall side can grasp whether or not the front member is illegally opened at night (Patent Document 1).

  In addition, the configuration in which power is supplied to the gaming machine by the backup power source is configured so that the opening of the front member can always be detected regardless of whether the gaming machine is operating or not operating. Known (Patent Document 2).

JP 2008-142135 A JP 2011-161295 A

  However, in these conventional gaming machines, the game hall side can detect whether or not the front member is opened at the next power-on, but the game hall side cannot grasp how many times it has been opened.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to provide a storage area for counting the number of times of opening and storing the number of times of opening and notifying the number of times of opening stored in the storage area at the next power-on. In this way, when storing and informing up to the number of times of release, it is necessary to allow a plurality of values to be stored in the storage area for storing the value of the number of times of release, but in order to prevent the storage area from becoming excessive, It is conceivable to use a circulating counting means such as a counter.

  However, when this circulation type counting means is used, if opening is performed only to make the counter value (count value) go around once, the number of times of opening will be determined to be 0, and opening cannot be detected accurately. The disadvantage arises. Further, in these conventional gaming machines, it is only possible to detect the opening of the front member, it is not possible to detect the electrical connection between the board and the frame, and the frame without the front member being opened. It was not possible to detect fraud, such as removing the board and replacing it with another board.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of the actual situation, and its purpose is to detect the opening of the front member and the electrical connection between the panel and the frame, and to use a circulating counting means. Thus, while preventing the storage area from becoming excessive, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the opening due to the circulation of the count value of the circulation type counting means cannot be detected accurately.

(1) A gaming machine (P 2 and S 2S) in which a game is played by a player,
Frames (outer frame 4 and front frame 5, main body frame 2aS);
A front member (glass door 6, front door 2bS) provided on the frame so as to be opened and closed;
Detecting means for detecting the opening of the front member (glass door opening detection switch 12, front frame opening detection switch 13, front door opening detection switch);
A board (game board 26, board mounting board) detachably provided on the frame;
Panel connection detection means (a convex drawer connector 32, a concave drawer connector 33) for detecting electrical connection between the panel and the frame;
Payout control means (payout control board 17, payout control unit 171) for controlling payout of game media provided in the frame;
A payout control connection detecting means for detecting an electrical connection between the payout control means and the board (connection portion between the board and the payout control means);
The payout control connection detection means, the panel connection detection means, and the open detection means are connected in series and wired in a loop shape that supplies power from a backup power source during a power-off period, which is a period when the power is off. A power line (looped power line 500);
The number of times of detection of the opening of the front member by the opening detection means activated by the backup power source during the power off period, the number of times of detection of electrical disconnection between the board and the frame by the board connection detection means, and the payout Counting means (counting counter 120 including the CPU 10a operated by the backup power source in FIG. 14) for counting the total number of all times of detection of electrical disconnection between the control means and the panel;
Output means (I / O port 10d) for outputting a count value in the power-off period in the counting means as a counting result;
The counting means is a circulation type counting means (FIG. 17 (c)) for counting from the initial value again after counting up to a predetermined upper limit value.
When the count value returns to the count value at the start point of power-off by the counting process in the power-off period, the output means outputs a specific value indicating that as the count result (FIG. 13 ( a value (= 63) in which the round flag shown in b) is set is output).

  According to such a configuration, not only the opening of the front member can be detected, but also the electrical connection between the panel and the frame can be detected. After counting up to a predetermined upper limit value, counting from the initial value is performed again. By counting the number of detections of opening of the front member by the circulation type counting means and the number of times of detecting electrical disconnection between the board and the frame by the board connection detecting means, the storage area of the count value of the number of detection times is excessive. It can be suppressed so that it does not become. In addition, when the count value returns to the count value at the start point of the power-off by the counting process in the power-off period, a specific value indicating that is output as the count result. The inconvenience that the numerical value goes around and the number of detection times is determined to be 0 can also be prevented. Also, even if an opening operation and a cutting operation are performed in which the counting range of the circulating counting means leaks and the count value of the counting means is intentionally made to circulate in accordance with the counting range, the determination of the opening is made accurately. Can be done.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above,
The power line (power line 500) is included in a wiring in a signal cable (for example, the signal cable 36 shown in FIG. 3) that transmits and receives signals between the frame and the panel.

  According to such a configuration, when removing the frame from the board, it is necessary to remove the signal cable including the power line, so that electrical disconnection between the board and the frame can be detected without fail.

(3) In the gaming machine of (2) above,
The panel connection detection means is the frame for connecting the signal cable and a floating connector (convex drawer connector 32, concave drawer connector 33) provided directly on the panel.

  According to such a configuration, when removing the frame from the board, it is necessary to remove the signal cable including the power line, so that electrical disconnection between the board and the frame can be detected without fail. Furthermore, when the board is attached to the frame, they can be coupled without being aware of the positional relationship between the frame and the floating connector provided directly on the board.

(4) In any of the gaming machines (1) to (3) above,
Of the two sides of the board, main control means for controlling the gaming state is provided on the side opposite to the side facing the front member,
The main control means (main control board 16, main control unit 161) can be detached from the board by removing the board from the frame.

  According to such a configuration, when removing the main control means from the board, it is necessary to remove the board from the frame. Therefore, the operation of removing the main control means from the board can be detected by the board connection detecting means.

(5) In the gaming machine of (4) above,
The power line further connects in series a main control connection detecting means (a connecting portion between the power line 500 of the game board 26 and the power line 500a of the main control board 16) for detecting an electrical connection between the board and the main control means. (For example, the power line 500a of the main control means is configured as a part of the loop-shaped power line 500).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily detect that the main control means has been removed from the board by disconnecting the wiring constituting the power line when removing the main control means from the board.

(6) In any one of the above gaming machines (1) to (5),
The frame is provided with payout control means (payout control board 17, payout control unit 171) for controlling the payout of game media,
The power line further connects in series with a payout control connection detecting means (connection portion between the board and the payout control means) for detecting an electrical connection between the board and the payout control means (for example, within the payout control means). A loop-shaped power line 500 is wired).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily detect that the payout control means has been removed from the board by cutting the wiring constituting the power line when removing the payout control means from the board.

(7) In any of the above gaming machines (1) to (6),
The counting means counts the number of detections of the opening of the front member by the detection means during a period in which the power source other than the power-off period is on (FIG. 17 (c))
A first storage area (9 to 14 in the image in RAM of FIG. 16) in which the current count value by the counting means is stored and the stored value is not initialized by an external operation;
A second storage area (3 to 8 of the image in the RAM of FIG. 16) for storing a count value at the time when the power-off is started by the counting means;
The output means includes
When the count value does not return to the count value at the time when the power is turned off, the difference value between the first storage area and the second storage area is output as the count result (difference values 000000 to 111110 in FIG. 16 are output). Output),
When the count value returns to the count value at the time when the power is turned off, a value outside the range that the difference value can take is output as the specific value (111111 in FIG. 16 is output).

  According to such a configuration, when the count value does not return to the count value at the start time of power-off, the count value at the present time by the circulation type counting means and the count value at the start time of power-off by the circulation type counting means. Since the difference value from the numerical value is output as the counting result, the number of detections of opening of the front member during the power-off period and the number of detections of electrical disconnection between the panel and the frame by the panel connection detecting means are counted. It is output as a result and can be grasped. On the other hand, when the count value returns to the count value at the time when the power is turned off, a value other than the range that can be taken by the difference value is output as a specific value, so that the difference value of the output value can be taken. By judging whether or not the specific value is out of the range, it is possible to grasp that the count value of the circulation type counting means has made a full round, and it is possible to accurately detect the opening and the disconnection.

(8) In the gaming machine of (7) above,
The stored value in the second storage area is stored in the first storage area when the power is turned off, and the stored value in the first storage area is initialized when a predetermined condition is satisfied (in S6 shown in FIG. 17). Further, before clearing the stored value to 0, the stored value may be overwritten and saved to the current value, and then the stored value may be cleared to 0).

  According to such a configuration, the storage value of the second storage area that stores the count value at the start of power-off is stored in the first storage area, and the storage value of the first storage area satisfies the predetermined condition. Since it is initialized on the basis of this, it is possible to prevent leakage of information such as a count range related to the count value of the circulation type counting means by keeping the stored value in the first storage area as much as possible.

(9) In any one of the gaming machines (1) to (8) above,
The front member is pivotally supported at one end (FIG. 2),
The detection means is provided on the free end side of the front member opposite to the pivotally supported side (FIG. 2).

  According to such a configuration, the circulation type counting means is provided on the free end side of the front member opposite to the shaft-supported side. It can be detected at the end side, and the detection accuracy of the opening of the front member can be increased.

(10) In the gaming machine of (1) above,
Control means (dispensing control board 17) for performing control different from control for detecting and counting the opening of the front member is further provided,
The output means outputs a counting result to the control means when power is turned on (YES in S4 shown in FIG. 17 and output to the payout control board 17 in S5),
The control means outputs a signal indicating an abnormal state to the outside of the gaming machine when receiving the specific value (a value (= 63) where the round flag is raised) as the counting result (S14 shown in FIG. 18).

  According to such a configuration, when the power is turned on, the counting result is output to the control means, and when the control means receives the specific value as the counting result, a signal indicating an abnormal state is output to the outside of the gaming machine. In addition, fraud countermeasures can be strengthened.

It is a front view which shows a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which open | released the glass door and front frame of the pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows a mode before the game board is attached to a front frame, and after being attached. It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit used for a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the notification process of the operating / non-operating information from a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the various data memorize | stored in the card unit side and the pachinko machine side, and its transmission / reception. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the command and response which are transmitted / received between a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with the card unit and the pachinko machine at the time of power activation. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with a card unit and a pachinko machine when a card is inserted in a card unit. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with a card unit and a pachinko machine when lending a ball from the prepaid balance of the inserted card. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with a card unit and a pachinko machine when paying out a lot of balls and paying out a stored ball. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with a card unit and a pachinko machine when returning the inserted card | curd. It is a block diagram for demonstrating opening detection and connection detection of the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit of a count counter. It is a block diagram for demonstrating opening detection and connection detection of the pachinko machine concerning this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the storage state of the data memorize | stored in RAM, and the state from which a data signal is output according to the input of CS signal and CLK signal. It is a flowchart which shows the control operation of CPU of a count counter. It is a flowchart which shows the specific control content of the count display process by a payout control part. It is the schematic for demonstrating the history management of the front frame and game board which concern on this embodiment. It is the schematic of the table which memorize | stores the information of a frame, and the information of a game board, in order to perform machine history management of a front frame and a game board. 10 is a flowchart for explaining abnormality determination processing for management of a front frame and a game board by a machine history management center. It is a figure explaining the table referred with the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which opened the front door of the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the various data memorize | stored in each of a card unit and a slot machine, and its transmission / reception aspect.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
<Configuration of pachinko machine>
First, the configuration of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. A plurality of game islands (not shown) arranged in a game hall (hereinafter also referred to as a hall) have an enclosed circulation pachinko machine (hereinafter referred to as a game machine, pachinko machine, or P machine) as an example of a game machine. ) 2 is attached. Note that a card unit (hereinafter also abbreviated as CU) 3 as an example of a gaming device is installed in a one-to-one correspondence with the pachinko machine 2 at a side position on a predetermined side of the pachinko machine 2. Yes.

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

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

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

  The variable display device 278 variably displays based on the detection signal of the start winning ball won in each start winning opening 275, 276, 277. When the display result of the variable display device is a combination of specific identification information (for example, a glance), a big hit state is established and the big prize opening 271 is opened.

  In addition, since the display result of the variable display device is a combination of predetermined special identification information (for example, a combination of probability variation symbols such as 777) out of a combination of jackpot symbols (grooves), the probability variation big hit state is A probability variation state (probability variation state) in which the occurrence probability of the jackpot is improved after the occurrence of the jackpot state is generated.

  Pachinko balls that have been driven into the game area 27 win at any of the winning openings or are collected at the out opening (not shown) without winning. The pachinko balls won at the winning opening and the pachinko balls collected at the out mouth are again returned to the hitting ball launch position through the collection path in the pachinko machine 2. Then, when the player operates the hitting operation handle 25, the pachinko ball at the hitting position is again shot into the game area 27.

  A display 54 is provided at a position below the game area 27 in the pachinko machine 2. The display 54 is composed of a liquid crystal display device. A 7-segment display 50 is provided below the display 54. The 7-segment display 50 includes 7 segments and is controlled by a payout control unit 171 described later. The 7-segment display 50 displays the number of game balls to be described later, an error number of an error that has occurred, and the like.

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

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

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

  The card unit 3 that has received these cards has a function of converting the game value (for example, the card balance, the number of possessed balls, or the number of stored balls) possessed by the player specified by the record information of the card into “game ball data”. Have In the pachinko machine 2, a ball game equivalent to the number of balls specified by the data of game balls is made possible. That is, “game ball data” is data indicating the number of remaining fireable shots. In the following description, “game ball data” is simply referred to as “game ball” in the same manner as a stored ball and a holding ball.

  On the front side of the card unit 3, a bill insertion slot 302 for inserting bills, a protruding portion 305 formed to project forward from the front side of the device, and a card insertion / discharge port for inserting a membership card or a visitor card 309 etc. are provided. The member card or visitor card inserted into the card insertion / discharge port 309 is received by a card reader / writer (not shown), and information recorded on the card is read.

  In the protrusion 305 described above, on the surface facing the player, the display 312, the member card ID (hereinafter simply referred to as the card ID) recorded on the member card when the member card is received, and the member An IR (Infrared) photosensitive unit 320 receives an infrared signal from a replay button 319 for executing a replay game using the number of stored balls specified by the card ID and a remote control (not shown) possessed by an attendant of the game hall. Thus, an IR light receiving unit that converts the electronic signal into an output is provided.

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

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

  Here, the “storing ball” is a game medium deposited in a game hall, and is generally managed by a hall management computer or other management computer installed in the game hall.

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

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

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

  In this embodiment, the stored ball data is not recorded directly on the membership card, but is stored in association with the membership card number in the hall server 801 (see FIG. 5) installed in the game hall such as the hall management computer. It is comprised so that the corresponding storage ball can be searched based on. On the other hand, Mochitama records directly on the card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and both may be stored in the hall server 801 in association with the card number. In the case of a visitor card, Mochitama is recorded directly on the visitor card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ball may be stored in the hall server 801 in association with the card number. When the hall server 801 stores the card number in association with the card number, data that can specify the time stored in the hall server 801 may be written on the card (member card, visitor card) and discharged. Also, the prepaid balance is directly written on a card (member card, visitor card) and discharged.

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

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

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

  Next, referring to FIG. 2, the pachinko machine 2 opens and closes the front frame (hereinafter also referred to as a cell) 5 and the glass door 6 with respect to the frame-shaped outer frame 4 with the left side edge as a swing center. It is provided as possible.

  A pair of upper and lower engaging protrusions 6a and 6b are provided in the vicinity of the edge of the front frame 5 opposite to the center of swing (the free end side). The engaging protrusions 6a and 6b are pressed downward by a spring (not shown). On the other hand, engagement receiving pieces 7a and 7b are provided at positions facing the engagement protrusions 6a and 6b of the outer frame 4. When the front frame 5 in the open state is pressed against the outer frame 4, the engagement protrusions 6a and 6b get over the engagement receiving pieces 7a and 7b, and the engagement protrusions 6a and 6b are moved downward by the urging force of the spring in the state of getting over. Move and become locked.

  Then, a clerk at the game hall inserts a key into the key hole 10 shown in FIG. 1 and performs an unlocking operation (for example, clockwise rotation), thereby a pair of upper and lower engaging protrusions 6a against the urging force of the spring, 6b is pushed upward, and as a result, the engagement projections 6a and 6b are disengaged from the engagement receiving pieces 7a and 7b to be unlocked, and the front frame 5 is released.

  Further, the front frame 5 is also provided with an engagement projection 8 for the glass door 6, and an engagement hole 9 is provided in the glass door 6 portion facing the engagement projection 8. The engagement protrusion 8 is pressed downward by a spring (not shown), and the engagement protrusion 8 is pushed up by the lower edge portion of the engagement hole 9 by pressing the opened glass door 6 against the front frame 5. By getting over, the engagement protrusion 8 is pushed down by the urging force of the spring, and the engagement protrusion 8 and the engagement hole 9 are engaged with each other to be locked. In this state, a game attendant inserts a key into the keyhole 10 shown in FIG. 1 and performs an unlocking operation (for example, counterclockwise rotation), whereby the engaging protrusion 8 is pulled up against the biasing force of the spring. Then, the engagement between the engagement protrusion 8 and the engagement hole 9 is released, and the lock door is released, and the glass door 6 is opened.

  A front frame open detection switch 13 is provided at a position in contact with the outer frame 4 in a lower part of the front frame 5 and it is detected that the front frame 5 is opened. Further, a glass door open detection switch 12 is provided in a contact portion with the glass door 6 in the upper part of the front frame 5, and the glass door open detection switch 12 detects that the glass door 6 has been opened.

  A main control board 16 is provided on the back surface of the game board 26 (the surface opposite to the surface facing the 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. That is, in order to remove the main control board 16 from the game board 26 or replace the semiconductor chip provided on the main control board 16, it is necessary to open the front frame 5. The work can be detected without fail. Therefore, if the main control board 16 is illegally removed from the game board 26 or the semiconductor chip provided on the main control board 16 is illegally exchanged, the front frame opening detection switch 13 can always detect.

  Further, a payout control board 17 is provided on the back surface of the front frame 5. The payout control board 17 also needs to be removed from the back surface of the front frame 5 after first opening the front frame 5. Therefore, if the dispensing control board 17 is illegally removed from the back surface of the front frame 5 or the semiconductor chip provided on the dispensing control board 17 is illegally replaced, the front frame opening detection switch 13 can always detect.

  Next, the structure which installs the game board 26 in the front frame 5 is demonstrated. FIG. 3 is a view showing the game board 26 before and after being attached to the front frame 5. As shown in FIG. 3, attachment mechanisms 34a and 34b are provided on the back surface of the front frame 5 so as to be openable and closable around hinges 35a and 35b, respectively. The attachment mechanisms 34a and 34b have a U-shaped shape and have a bottom having a width corresponding to the game board 26. By pushing the game board 26 into the front frame 5 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3B, the game board 26 is fixed by the attachment mechanisms 34a and 34b as shown in FIG. 3A. When the game board 26 is fixed by the attachment mechanisms 34a and 34b, the convex drawer connector 32 provided on the game board 26 side is coupled to the concave drawer connector 33 provided on the front frame 5 side. Here, the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33 are floating connectors having flexibility with respect to displacement.

  Further, when the game board 26 is installed in the front frame 5, the convex drawer connector 32 is coupled to the concave drawer connector 33, so that the main control board 16 on the game board 26 side and the payout control board on the front frame 5 side are combined. 17 is connected. Further, the game board 26 is fixed at a fixed position, and the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33 have flexibility with respect to a certain degree of positional deviation, so the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer These can be coupled without being aware of the positional relationship with the connector 33. In addition, even if it is the structure which installs the game board 26 in the front frame 5 only by the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33, without providing the attachment mechanisms 34a and 34b, the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33 are provided. Since they are flexible connectors themselves, they can be coupled without being aware of the positional relationship between the game board 26 and the front frame 5. Here, the convex drawer connector 32 is connected to the main control board 16 via an internal wiring (not shown) of the game board 26, and the concave drawer connector 33 is a payout shown in FIG. 2 via the signal cable 36. It is connected to the control board 17.

<Configuration of card unit and pachinko machine>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2. With reference to FIG. 4, the outline of the control circuit of the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2 will be described.

  The card unit 3 is provided with a CU control unit 323 composed of a microcomputer or the like. The CU control unit 323 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a program for operating the CPU 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 CU control unit 323 is provided with an external communication unit (not shown) for communicating with a hall management computer and a hall server 801 (see FIG. 5) for security management, and the pachinko machine 2 A security board 325 for communicating with the payout control board 17 while ensuring security is provided. The card unit 3 is provided with a connection part (not shown) to the pachinko machine 2 side, and the pachinko machine 2 is provided with a connection part (not shown) to the card unit 3 side. These connection parts are constituted by connectors, for example.

  The security board 325 on the CU side and the payout control board 17 on the P platform side are communicably connected via this connector and connection wiring. The security board 325 is provided with a communication control IC 325a for controlling communication between the security board 325 and the payout control board 17, and a security chip (SC) 325b for monitoring the security of the pachinko machine 2. The security chip (SC) 325b 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 that functions as a work area for the CPU. (Random Access Memory), an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices, and the like are provided. The SC 325b further includes a fraud detection unit 1325. The fraud detection unit 1325 performs fraud detection by monitoring the game ball addition request information notified from the CU control unit 323 to the P-unit 2, and manages the key when fraud is detected. The server 800 (see FIG. 5) is notified. Also, the setting value (constant) for fraud detection is notified from the key management server as board control information. The communication control IC 325a 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 (Random Access) that functions as a work area for the CPU. Memory) and an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices.

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

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

  The CU control unit 323 manages and stores the player's possession balls when the player is playing. Data such as a balance or the number of game balls is output from the CU control unit 323 to the display control unit 350 and converted into display data by the display control unit 350. The display data converted by the display control unit 350 is output to the display 312 and the display 312 displays the output display data. Further, when the player operates a touch panel provided on the surface of the display 312, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323 via the display control unit 350. When the player operates the ball lending button 321, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. The ball lending button 321 is not limited to the configuration provided in the CU 3, and may be configured so as to be provided in the P platform 2 and input an operation signal to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the replay button 319, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the return button 322, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323.

  In the pachinko machine 2, the main control board 16 that controls the progress of the game of the pachinko machine 2, the payout control board 17 that manages and stores the game balls, and the drive control of the launch motor 18 based on commands from the payout control board 17 And a variable display device 278 are provided. In FIG. 4, illustration of a display control board (also referred to as an effect control board) that controls display of the variable display device based on a command from the main control board 16 is omitted.

  The main control board 16 is provided on the game board 26. The main control board 16 is equipped with a game control microcomputer as the main control unit 161. A microcomputer for gaming machine control includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, and a RAM (RAM that functions as a work area for the CPU). Random Access Memory) and an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices. The main controller 161 is connected to a winning sensor 162 and a radio wave sensor 163 provided on the game board 26. The game board 26 is further provided with a display control board (effect control board) for controlling the variable display device 278 and the like.

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

  Further, for the payout control board 17, a shot ball detection switch (not shown), an out ball detection switch 701, a foul ball detection switch 330, a counting button 28, a radio wave sensor 173, a glass door opening detection switch 12, a front frame opening detection switch. 13 is provided in an electrically connected state. The radio wave sensor 173 is for detecting an illegal act of illegally transmitting radio waves and mainly turning on the ball raising switch (upper) 41a. A detection signal of the radio wave sensor 173 is input to the payout control unit 171 via an input port (not shown) of the payout control board 17. As described above, the ball raising switch (upper) 41a detects the launch of a game ball by changing from on to off, and the payout control unit 171 subtracts “1” from the number of game balls based on the detection. To do. Accordingly, when the ball raising switch (upper) 41a is always turned on by an improper radio wave, the number of game balls is not subtracted no matter how many balls are fired. Such radio fraud is detected by the radio wave sensor 173. In addition, there is a possibility that not only the ball raising switch (upper) 41a but also the fired ball detection switch may be subject to fraud by radio waves. In other words, when only the ball raising switch (upper) 41a is always turned on by the illegal radio wave, the ball is not detected to be detected, while the actually fired ball is collected and detected by the firing ball detection switch. The number of fired balls and recovered balls (out-balls) is flawed, an abnormality is detected, and the fraud detection information “number of fired / OUT mismatched balls” is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU3. Become. However, by sending unauthorized radio waves to the fired ball detection switch to make it undetectable, there is a problem that the fraud detection information of the “number of fired / OUT mismatched balls” is not transmitted from the P stand 2 to the CU 3. . In the present embodiment, since the radio wave sensor 173 also detects unauthorized radio waves transmitted to such a shot ball detection switch, the above-described inconvenience can be prevented.

  The number of opening times of the glass door opening detection switch 12 and the front frame opening detection switch 13 is counted by a counting counter 120 shown in FIG. The counting counter 120 is equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and can be operated by a backup power source even when the power supply of the P stand 2 is interrupted, and detection of opening of the glass door 6 and the front frame 5 even when the power is turned off at night or the like. The count can be counted and the count value can be transmitted to the payout control unit 171. Here, the backup power source is, for example, a capacitor or a storage battery provided in the P base 2.

  Moreover, the 7-segment display 50 is connected to the payout control unit 171, and the 7-segment display 50 displays the number of times of opening the glass door 6 and the front frame 5, which will be described later, according to the display control signal from the payout control unit 171. .

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

  The main chip ID is a chip ID recorded on the main control board 16 of the pachinko machine 2, and is information transmitted to the payout control board 17 when the pachinko machine 2 is turned on. The winning opening information is information including the type of winning opening (start winning opening, normal winning opening, large winning opening) and the number of winning balls (the number of payout balls when a game ball enters the winning opening). It is transmitted to the dispensing control board 17 when the machine 2 is turned on. The round information is information on the number of rounds when a big hit is made, and is transmitted to the payout control board 17 when the pachinko machine 2 is powered on.

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

  The start winning award winning information is information indicating that a pachinko ball has won a winning winning opening 1 or a starting winning opening 2. The error information is information for notifying the payout control board 17 when an error occurs while the main control board 16 is performing game control.

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

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

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

  An out ball detection signal is input from the out ball detection switch 701 to the payout control board 17. The payout control board 17 to which the out ball detection signal is input subtracts and updates the number of in-game balls (the number of floating balls floating in the game area 27) as will be described later. In the payout control board 17 to which the foul ball detection signal is input from the foul ball detection switch 330, as described later, the addition ball number and the game ball number are added and updated, and the in-game ball number is subtracted and updated. A shot detection signal is input from the shot detection switch to the payout control board 17. The payout control board 17 to which the fired ball detection signal is input updates the number of in-game balls by subtraction.

  The security board 325 of the card unit 3 and the payout control board 17 of the pachinko machine 2 are electrically connected. As will be described later, a recovery request, a recovery detail request, and communication start from the security board 325 to the payout control board 17 Various commands such as a request, a communication end request, a status information request, a card insertion notification, a card return notification, and a communication test request are transmitted.

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

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

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

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

  A firing control signal and a firing permission signal are output from the dispensing control board 17 to the firing control board 31. Upon receiving this, the launch control board 31 outputs a signal for exciting the launch motor 18. Thereby, the pachinko ball is in a state where it is bullet-launched into the game area 27.

  A display 54 is provided in the front frame 5 (game frame). The display unit 54 receives display data from the display control unit 350 of the card unit 3 and displays a display screen. As described above, in this embodiment, the P-side display 54 is configured to be controlled on the CU side, but instead, the display 54 is controlled on the P-side. A display control substrate may be provided. In this case, the display control board controls display of the display 54 based on a command from the payout control unit 171.

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

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

  On the other hand, shipment information on the front frame 5 and the game board 26 shipped by the manufacturer is input to the machine history management center 800A. Specifically, the shipping information to the history management center 800A is input from a terminal connected to the history management center 800A via a communication line or the like. The machine history management center 800A stores the input shipping information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in association with the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided in each, and notifies the stored information and the pachinko machine 2 Is compared with the installed gaming machine information. If the result of the collation shows an abnormality, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality. As an error notification, for example, an error notification lamp or indicator 312 is used to notify an error, or an error notification signal indicating that an error has occurred is transmitted to the hall management computer or hall server 801 (in this case, Error notification may be performed by the hall management computer or the hall server 801). As a result, a predetermined notification that prompts an artificial response by a staff member is performed. Information stored in association with the security chip ID for the front frame 5 and the game board 26 cannot be changed after shipping information is registered in the machine history management center 800A. Further, the shipping information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 is desirably registered in the machine history management center 800A one day before installation in the hall.

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

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

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

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

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

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

<Transmission / reception mode between card unit side and pachinko machine side>
Next, FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing main data among various data stored on the card unit 3 side and the pachinko machine 2 side, and the transmission / reception mode thereof. With reference to FIG. 6, main ones of various data stored on the card unit 3 side (CU side) and the pachinko machine 2 side (P base side) and transmission / reception modes thereof will be described.

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

  FIG. 6 shows RAM storage data provided in the CU control unit 323 on the CU 3 side and RAM storage data mounted on the payout control board 17 on the P base 2 side. First, when the power supply is turned on for the first time when the P stand 2 (pachinko machine 2) and the CU 3 (card unit 3) are electrically connected for the first time after being installed in the game hall, the payout control board on the P stand 2 side. 17 receives the main chip ID (main control security chip ID) from the main control board 16 and transmits the main chip ID to the CU 3 side, and also the payout chip ID stored in the payout control board 17 itself. (Payout control security chip ID) is transmitted to the CU3 side.

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

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

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

  Each time a command and response is transmitted between the CU 3 side and the P base 2 side, the serial number is incremented by “1”, and the serial number is stored on the CU 3 side and the P base 2 side. This serial number is a communication number for confirming whether or not communication is properly performed by updating the number every time data is transmitted / received between the CU 3 and the P unit 2. The last serial number is a number updated at the end of the updated communication number.

  A specific mode of serial number backup in the CU 3 and the P stand 2 in this embodiment will be described. The CU 3 backs up and stores the serial number transmitted to the P base 2 by a command, and when it receives the serial number from the P base 2 next, it rewrites the serial number stored in the backup and stores it. Then, when the next command is transmitted, the serial number stored in the backup is updated by 1 and transmitted to the P unit 2, and the transmitted serial number is stored in the backup. In CU3, such processing is repeated.

  Similarly, the serial number received from the CU3 by the command is backed up and stored in the P unit 2, and when the response is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU3 next time, the serial number stored in the backup is updated by 1 and transmitted. Store the sent serial number as a backup. When the next response is received, the serial number stored in the backup is rewritten and stored in the received serial number. Such processing is repeated in the P stand 2.

  For example, a command is transmitted from the CU 3 side to the P base 2 side, and the serial number n at that time is transmitted, and the transmitted serial number n is stored on the P base 2 side. Then, when a response is returned from the P platform 2 side to the CU 3 side, the stored serial number n is added together (n + 1) and transmitted. On the CU3 side, since the returned serial number n + 1 is incremented by 1 from the already stored serial number n, it is determined that data communication has been performed normally, and the next time the command is sent, the serial number is incremented by 1 and n + 2. A serial number is sent to the P stand 2 side.

  The latest game machine information (game machine information being counted) is transmitted from the P machine 2 side to the CU 3 side. This latest game table information is stored in the latest game table information storage area of the RAM in the payout control unit 171 (see FIG. 4) on the P table 2 side. Specifically, information on the added ball number counter, information on the subtracted ball number counter, and information on the counted ball number counter are included. The number of game balls is not included in the latest game table information, and is transmitted from the P table 2 side to the CU 3 side as the count value of the game ball number counter as will be described later.

  Information on these counters is collectively transmitted to the CU side as a response. The added ball number counter is a counter that counts the added ball number. The added ball is the sum of “the number of winning balls × the number of winning balls” and “the number of back balls”. The back ball is a foul ball. That is, the addition ball indicates the number that the addition ball counter should add to the game ball. The subtraction ball number counter is a counter that counts the number of subtraction balls. The subtraction ball is the “number of fired balls”. That is, the number of balls detected by the output change from on to off of the ball raising switch (upper) 41a. Note that the “number of balls to be subtracted” does not include the “number of balls to be counted”. The counting ball counter is a counter that counts the counting balls. The counting ball is “the number of balls converted from game balls to holding balls by the counting operation”.

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

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

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

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

  As a result, the game table information transmitted to the CU 3 side immediately before is added to the storage area of the previous game table information (game table information transmitted immediately before). Stored as data. When the latest game machine information is not transmitted from the P machine 2 side to the CU 3 side, the backup data includes not only the value of each counter at the time of the next transmission but also the value of each counter of the previous time that was not transmitted. It is intended to enable transmission.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 4, the CU 3 has a storage area for storing the number of cards held and the number of stored balls, a storage area for storing the card balance of the received (inserted) card, and the total number of added balls (the number of added balls). (Cumulative total), the total number of subtracted balls (total number of subtracted balls), and a storage area for storing balls when the card is inserted. The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 4) stores a stored ball in response to an input requesting the use of the stored ball (for example, a press input of the replay button 319 provided on the CU 3 (when there is no holding ball)). Subtract a certain number of balls from the area.

  The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 4) is an input requesting the use of the holding ball (for example, pressing input of the replay button 319 provided on the CU 3 when the holding ball is present (however, when the holding ball is present)) Accordingly, a predetermined number of balls are subtracted from the storage area for storing balls. Further, the CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 4) subtracts a predetermined value from a storage area for storing the card balance in response to an input requesting the use of the card balance (for example, pressing input of the ball lending button 321).

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

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

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

<Commands and responses sent and received between the CU and the P platform>
Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the outline of the command and response transmitted / received between the card unit (CU) 3 and the pachinko machine (P unit) 2 will be described.

  FIG. 7 shows the transmission direction, whether the data to be transmitted is a command or a response, the name of transmission information, and its outline.

  First, a command named recovery request is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2. This recovery request command is for requesting recovery information from the P unit 2. A response named “recovery response” is transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU 3. This response of the recovery response notifies the CU 3 of the recovery information.

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

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

  A communication end request command is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P platform 2. This communication end request command requests the P unit 2 to end communication. A response of a communication end response is transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU3. This communication end response is a response to the end of communication to the CU3.

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

  A response of a status information response is transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU3. This response of the status information response is to notify the information / status of the P platform 2 to the CU 3. The response of the information response includes the latest game table information and the number of game balls shown in FIG.

  A card insertion notification command is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P stand 2. This card insertion notification command notifies the P unit 2 of card insertion. A response of the card insertion response is transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU3. The response of this card insertion response is a response to the card insertion to the CU3.

  A card return notification command is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P stand 2. This card return notification command notifies the P unit 2 of a card return. A response of a card return response is transmitted from the P stand 2 to the CU 3. The response of this card return response is a response to the card return to CU3.

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

<Main sequences processed between CU and P>
Next, based on FIG. 8 to FIG. 12, processing is performed between the CU 3 and the P base 2 by processing executed by the CPU mounted on the CU control unit 323 and the CPU mounted on the payout control board 17. The main sequence will be described.

  First, a sequence processed between the CU 3 and the P base 2 when the power is turned on will be described with reference to FIG. The sequence shown in FIG. 8 is a process executed when communication is resumed after the communication between the CU 3 and the P platform 2 is normally completed. More specifically, it is executed when communication is resumed after the power of the CU 3 is turned off while the card is not inserted. A typical example is a case where the power supply is turned off after one day of business at the amusement hall is finished, and the power supply is turned on at the start of business the next day.

  First, power is turned on. When the power is turned on, communication is started after the firing motor 18 is stopped on the P stand 2 to stop the game. Thereafter, an authentication sequence is started, and information including the main chip ID and the payout chip ID is transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU3. The CU 3 sends the received main chip ID and payout chip ID to the higher-level key management server 800, asks whether the main chip ID and the payout chip ID are properly registered, and returns the result. Get it. If it is properly registered, an appropriate authentication result is obtained.

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

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

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

  The serial number is a sequence number of the command and is a value from 1 to 255 (cyclic). The P base 2 counts up (+1) the serial number received at the time of transmission and transmits it. However, the serial number is not counted up at the time of retransmission.

  The last last transmission serial number is data of a serial number included in the response of the status information response last transmitted to the CU 3 at the time of the previous connection, and when “0”, there is no stored serial number. The previously inserted card ID is data of the card ID of the card that was being inserted at the time of the previous connection, and when it is “0”, there is no inserted card.

  The previous card insertion time is data of the insertion time of a card that was being inserted at the time of the previous connection, and when it is “0”, there is no inserted card. This data is also represented by year information as 2 digits YY, month information as 2 digits MM, day information as 2 digits DD, time information as 2 digits hh, minute information as 2 digits mm, and second information as 2 digits ss. It is.

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

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

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

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

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

  The CU 3 that has received this detailed recovery response starts recovery processing from that point. This recovery process is a process for recovering the consistency of each other's data between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 and is executed not only when the power is turned on, but also when a trouble occurs and is recovered. Executed.

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

  After the authentication sequence is completed, the CU 3 transmits a recovery request command to the P unit 2 with the serial number “n”. The P base 2 counts up the serial number and returns a response of the recovery response to the CU 3 as “n + 1”. Further, the CU 3 transmits a recovery detail request command to the P unit 2 with the serial number “n + 2”. The P unit 2 counts up the serial number and returns a response of the recovery detail response to the CU 3 as “n + 3”.

  Thereafter, the CU 3 counts up the serial number to “n + 4”, and transmits a communication start request (recovery clear ON) command to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P unit 2 clears the recovery data. Then, the P platform 2 counts up the serial number to “n + 5” and returns a response to the communication start response to the CU 3. In response, CU3 clears the recovery data. Thereafter, a status information request command and a status information response response are transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the P platform 2.

  The CU 3 transmits a status information request command of serial number = n + 6 to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P table 2 backs up the data of the number of game balls, the number of added balls, the number of subtracted balls, the number of symbol stops, the number of winnings, and the status of the game table. Further, the P stand 2 clears the values of the counters of the number of added balls, the number of subtracted balls, the number of symbol stops, and the number of winning prizes to zero. Then, the P platform 2 returns a response of the status information response of serial number = n + 7 to the CU3.

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

  Thereafter, the CU3 transmits a status information request command with a serial number = n + 8 to the P unit 2, and the P unit 2 returns a response with a status information response with a serial number = n + 9 to the CU3. Each time the P unit 2 transmits a response of the status information response, it backs up the data and clears the counter. Further, the CU 3 backs up the data every time it receives a response of the status information response.

  Next, a sequence processed between the CU 3 and the P base 2 when a card is inserted will be described with reference to FIG. First, before inserting a card, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including a serial number = n and a card insertion state = OFF to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P unit 2 returns a response of the status information response including serial number = n + 1 and game prohibition to the CU3.

  Thereafter, when the card is inserted, the CU 3 outputs a command signal for taking the card to the card reader / writer, and the card reader / writer reads the information recorded on the taken card and receives the read information. For example, the card insertion process is executed.

  The CU 3 is in a card information inquiry state for a predetermined period after the card is inserted. This is because whether or not the inserted card is appropriate, whether it is a membership card registered at the game hall, or the ball server 801 is inquired for authentication such as holding ball, storage ball, card balance, 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, the status information request including the serial number = n + 2 and the card insertion state = OFF is issued. A command is transmitted to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P unit 2 returns a response of the status information response including serial number = n + 3 and game prohibition to the CU3. The display 54 on the P platform 2 side is controlled by the display control unit 350 of the CU 3 to display that the card is being inquired.

  Thereafter, when the inserted card is authenticated, the CU 3 transmits a card insertion notification command including a serial number = n + 4, a card ID, and a card insertion time to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P table 2 backs up the received card ID and card insertion time data to the RAM of the payout control unit 171 and returns a response of the card insertion response including the serial number = n + 5 to the 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 + 6 and a card insertion 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 a response of the status information response including the serial number = n + 7 and the game permission to the CU 3.

  While the card is being inserted, CU3 sends a status information request command including serial number = n + 8 and card insertion status = ON to P-unit 2, and P-unit 2 sends a response of status information response including serial number = n + 9 and game permission. Reply to CU3.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the sequence processed between CU3 and P 2 when lending a game ball from the prepaid balance of the inserted card will be described. That is, a process when the prepaid balance recorded on the inserted card is consumed will be described. In the process shown in FIG. 10, the current number of game balls is “50” balls. First, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including a serial number = n and a game ball addition request = OFF to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P platform 2 returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n + 1 and the number of game balls = 50 to the CU3.

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

  Next, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including the serial number = n + 2, the game ball addition request = ON, and the number of addition balls = 125 to the P unit 2. In response, P 2 updates the number of game balls to the number of game balls = 50 (current number of game balls) +125 (number of additional balls) = 175, serial number = n + 3, number of additional balls = 175, game balls. A response of the status information response including the addition result = OK is returned to CU3.

  Thereafter, CU3 sends a status information request command including serial number = n + 4 and game ball addition request = OFF to P unit 2, and P unit 2 returns a status information response including serial number = n + 5 and the number of additional balls = 175. A response is returned to CU3.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the sequence processed between CU3 and P 2nd at the time of replaying by carrying out the paying out of balls and paying out the balls will be described. In FIG. 11, the initial number of game balls is “50” balls. The replay process shown in FIG. 11 is similar to the process for consumption of the balance shown in FIG. First, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including a serial number = n and a game ball addition request = OFF to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P platform 2 returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n + 1 and the number of game balls = 50 to the CU3.

  Thereafter, when the player presses the replay button 319 in a state where there is a ball or a storage ball, the CU 3 confirms the consumption of 125 balls from the ball or the storage ball, updates the number of game balls, Data of number = 50 (number of game balls before update) +125 (number of added balls) = 175 is backed up. In this way, the consumption of the holding balls or the stored balls is determined by the CU 3 alone when the operation of pressing the replay button 319 is performed. In addition, when both the holding ball and the storage ball exist, consumption of the holding ball is given priority.

  In place of the control to prioritize the holding ball, a storage ball replay button and a holding ball replay button are provided, and the player can select and operate either the storage ball consumption or the holding ball consumption by operating the selection. You may do it. In other words, the replay button is used to obtain a game ball (game point) from a stored ball (stored medal) and a game ball (game point) from a stored ball (stored medal) replay button. You may comprise two with a holding ball (pointing) replay button. In addition, a holding ball payout button may be provided in CU3, and the holding ball payout button may be pressed to convert from a holding ball (a point) to a game ball (a game point).

  Thereafter, the CU 3 displays the addition of the game balls, and transmits a status information request command including the serial number = n + 2, the game ball addition request = ON, and the number of added balls = 125 to the P unit 2. In response, P 2 updates the number of game balls to the number of game balls = 50 (current number of game balls) +125 (number of additional balls) = 175, serial number = n + 3, number of additional balls = 175, game balls. A response of the status information response including the addition result = OK is returned to CU3.

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

  Thereafter, CU3 sends a status information request command including serial number = n + 4 and game ball addition request = OFF to P unit 2, and P unit 2 returns a status information response including serial number = n + 5 and the number of additional balls = 175. A response is returned to CU3.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the sequence processed between CU3 and P 2 when returning a membership card, a general balance card, and a general possession card will be described. In FIG. 12, the number of balls specified by the inserted recording medium (member card or the like) is “0” balls, and the initial number of game balls is “200” balls. First, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including serial number = n and counting ball reception = OFF to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P stand 2 returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n + 1, the number of game balls = 200, the number of counting balls = 0, and counting = OFF to the CU3.

  Thereafter, the player performs an operation of converting the game ball into a holding ball by long-pressing the count button 28 (an operation of pressing the button for 1 second or longer). By long-pressing the count button 28, 100 balls out of the number of game balls are counted and counted as counting balls in one command / response period (200 ms). When the initial number of game balls is “200”, the number of game balls is “100” and the counting ball is “100” in one command / response period.

  However, in the counting display performed on the display 54, the number of game balls and the number of counting balls are not instantaneously changed to such numbers, but the game balls are gradually counted and decreased. The effect is such that the ball is gradually increased. For this reason, until the counting display is completed, the number of game balls and the number of points on display on the display 54 do not match the number of game balls and points on the memory on the CU side and the P side.

  However, instead of such control, the counting status (conversion status) of the points on the display may be synchronized with the actual data conversion processing. In this case, since the data counting process (conversion process) can be completed immediately, the counting display (conversion display) synchronized therewith also ends immediately. In this case, it may not be possible to sufficiently notify the player that the data has been counted. Therefore, while displaying the count, the display may be switched from the middle to the display “Counting is completed”. In this case, the card return operation may be validated from the stage when the display of “counting has been completed” is started.

  Immediately after the operation of long-pressing the count button 28 is performed, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including serial number = n + 2 and count ball reception = OFF to the P platform 2.

  In response to this, in order to notify the CU 3 that the number of gaming balls = 100 and the number of counting balls = 100, the P stand 2 has a serial number = n + 3, the number of gaming balls = 100, the number of counting balls = 100, and counting = A status information response including ON is returned to CU3. In response to the response of the state information response, CU3 adds the counted number of balls (100 balls) to the number of balls (0 ball) and updates it to the number of balls = 100, and the number of game balls = 200 (game balls before update) Number) −100 (the number of counting balls) = 100 data is backed up.

  In response to the response of the state information response, the CU 3 performs display for counting 100 game balls in succession to the display for counting the previous 100 game balls.

  Thereafter, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including serial number = n + 4 and counting ball reception = ON to the P base 2. The reason why the counting ball reception = ON is to notify the P stand 2 of the reception of the counting ball in response to the response of the previous status information response.

  In order to notify the CU 3 that the number of game balls = 0 and the number of count balls = 100, the P table 2 that is long-pressing the count button 28 has a serial number = n + 5, the number of game balls = 0, the number of count balls = 100, A response of a status information response including ON during counting = ON is returned to CU3. Upon receiving the response to the status information response, CU3 adds the counted number of balls (100 balls) to the number of balls (100 balls) and updates the number of balls to 200, and the number of game balls = 100 (game balls before update) Number) −100 (number of balls) = 0.

  In response to the response of the state information response, the CU 3 performs display for counting 100 game balls in succession to the display for counting the previous 100 game balls.

  As the count display progresses, the number of game balls on the display on the display 54 eventually becomes zero. The player confirms that the number of game balls has become 0 and releases the counting button 28. By releasing the count button 28, the operation of converting the game ball into a holding ball is completed.

  Thereafter, the player performs an operation of pressing the return button 322. The CU 3 transmits a card return notification command including a serial number = n + 6 to the P unit 2 by performing an operation in which the player presses the return button 322. In response to this, the P platform 2 returns a response of the card return response including the serial number = n + 7, the card ID held on the payout control board 17 and the card insertion time to the CU 3.

  In response, the CU 3 compares the returned card ID and card insertion time with the card ID and card insertion time stored at the time of card insertion, and determines whether or not they match. . On the condition that they match, the card inserted in the card insertion / discharge slot 309 is returned to the player. At that time, the CU 3 transmits the card ID of the card and the data of the number of balls to the hall server 801, and the hall server 801 stores the data of the number of balls in association with the card ID of the card. If they do not match, an error is determined and error processing is executed. As the error processing, for example, control for prohibiting the return of the card in accordance with the return operation is performed to hold the card inside the CU 3, or the writing process to the holding card is prohibited. Furthermore, an error notification by an abnormality notification lamp or the like, notification of occurrence of abnormality to the hall server 801, and the like are performed. Note that when the card is returned, the hall server 801 controls the number of balls to be recorded and discharged on the card instead of storing the number of balls in association with the card ID of the card. Also good.

  Thereafter, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including a serial number = n + 8 and a card insertion state = OFF to the P unit 2. When receiving the state information response including the card insertion state = OFF, the P base 2 clears the card ID and the card insertion time data held in the payout control board 17. In response to this, the P stand 2 returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n + 9, the number of game balls = 0, the number of balls to be counted = 0, and the counting in progress = OFF to the CU3.

  Note that the sequence shown in FIG. 12 shows the control for transmitting the number of counting balls by the status information response from the P stand 2 to the CU 3 immediately after the counting button 28 is pressed, but instead the counting button 28 In the status information response immediately after is pressed, data indicating that the counting operation has been performed without transmitting the number of counting balls (for example, during counting = ON) is transmitted and it is possible to accept the count from the CU3. You may control to transmit the status information response containing the number of balls to CU3 on condition that the status information request containing the data to show (for example, count response = ON) has been returned.

<Configuration of open detection and connection detection>
The pachinko machine 2 according to the present embodiment has a configuration for detecting the opening of the glass door 6, detecting the opening of the front frame 5, and detecting the connection between the front frame 5 and the game board 26. FIG. 13 is a block diagram for explaining opening detection and connection detection of the pachinko machine 2 according to the present embodiment. The front frame 5 and the game board 26 shown in FIG. 13A are electrically connected by a concave drawer connector 33 provided on the front frame 5 side and a convex drawer connector 32 provided on the game board 26 side. . The front frame 5 includes an open detection unit 53, a front frame relay board 52, a payout control board 17, and a concave drawer connector 33 connected in series by a loop-shaped power line 500. That is, the power line 500 is wired to the opening detection unit 53, the front frame relay board 52, the payout control board 17 and the concave drawer connector 33 provided in the front frame 5, and the respective connections are disconnected (for example, disconnection or When the connector is disconnected, no current flows through the power line 500. The game board 26 has a convex drawer connector 32 and a main control board 16. By connecting the convex drawer connector 32 to the concave drawer connector 33, the main control board 16 is also connected in series to the loop-shaped power line 500. In other words, the power line 500 is also wired to the convex drawer connector 32 and the main control board 16 provided on the game board 26, and when the connection is disconnected (for example, disconnection or disconnection of the connector), the power line 500 No current flows in the. The convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33 correspond to board connection detection means that can detect the electrical connection between the front frame 5 and the game board 26 by disconnection.

  The power line 500 is included in wiring in a signal cable (for example, the signal cable 36 shown in FIG. 3) that transmits and receives signals between the front frame 5 and the game board 26. The signal cable of the front frame 5 and the signal cable of the game board 26 are connected by a 26-pin or 32-pin convex drawer connector 32 and a concave drawer connector 33. In FIG. 13A, the signal cable is not shown, and only the loop-shaped power line 500 is shown.

  FIG. 13B is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the opening detection unit 53. The open detection unit 53 includes an open detection switch 12a, a current detector 12b, and a count counter 120. The opening detection switch 12a is a glass door opening detection switch 12 that detects opening of the glass door 6 and a front frame opening detection switch 13 that detects opening of the front frame 5. When the glass door 6 or the front frame 5 is opened ( (OFF state) The loop-shaped power lines 500 are connected in series so as to be disconnected. FIG. 13B shows a case where one open detection switch 12a is illustrated for the sake of simplicity of explanation, but in an actual configuration, the glass door open detection switch 12 and the front frame open detection switch 13 are not shown. Corresponding to each, an open detection switch 12a is provided.

  The current detector 12 b is connected in series to the loop-shaped power line 500 and detects a current flowing through the loop-shaped power line 500. When the current flowing through the loop-shaped power line 500 is no longer detected, the current detector 12b detects that the open detection switch 12a is in the OFF state or the connection between the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33 is disconnected. can do. The current detector 12b outputs a detection signal to the count counter 120 when detecting that the open detection switch 12a is in the OFF state or the connection between the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33 is disconnected. The current detector 12b is backed up so that the power of the main power supply is supplied from the power supply circuit of the P stand 2 and can operate even when the main power supply is turned off (for example, at night). Power from the power supply is being supplied.

  The counting counter 120 calculates the number of times the glass door 6 is opened, the number of times the front frame 5 is opened, and the number of times that the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33 are disconnected based on the detection signal from the current detector 12b. Count. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the count counter 120 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 14, a counting counter 120 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10a as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 10b storing an operation program and control data of the CPU 10a, and a work of the CPU 10a. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 10c functioning as an area and an I / O port (Input / Output Port) 10d are provided.

  The count counter 120 is supplied with the power of the main power supply from the power supply circuit of the P stand 2, and the power of the backup power supply so as to be operable even when the main power supply is turned off (for example, at night). Is supplied. A clock signal (CLK signal) and a chip select signal (CS signal) are input from the payout control board 17 shown in FIG. 4, and a data signal indicating the value of the number of detections counted by the count counter 120 is a payout control unit. 171 is output.

  The count counter 120 counts the total number of times the glass door 6 is opened, the number of times the front frame 5 is opened, and the number of times the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33 are disconnected, and indicates the value of the number of detections. Output data signal. The counting counter 120 can individually detect and count the number of times the glass door 6 is opened, the number of times the front frame 5 is opened, and the number of times that the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33 are disconnected. You may comprise. In addition, the number of times the main control board 16 is removed from the game board 26 by the connecting portion between the power line 500 of the game board 26 and the power line 500a of the main control board 16 functioning as a main control connection detection means is also counted by the counter 120. Can be detected. The connecting portion between the power line 500 of the game board 26 and the power line 500a of the main control board 16 may be connected by a connector such as a drawer connector or may be directly soldered and connected. Here, the power line 500 a of the main control board 16 is configured as a part of the loop-shaped power line 500.

  Next, detection of opening of the glass door 6 or the front frame 5 and detection of disconnection of the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33 will be described with reference to FIG. In the P stand 2 shown in FIG. 15A, the glass door 6 or the front frame 5 is opened, and the opening detection unit 53 and the front frame relay board 52 are electrically disconnected. When the opening detector 53 and the front frame relay board 52 are electrically disconnected, no current flows through the loop-shaped power line 500, and the current detector 12b may detect the opening of the glass door 6 or the front frame 5. it can.

  15B, the connection between the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33 is disconnected, and the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33 are electrically disconnected. The situation is shown. When the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33 are electrically disconnected, no current flows through the loop-shaped power line 500 (that is, no current flows when the wiring constituting the power line 500 is disconnected). The current detector 12b can detect disconnection of the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33. As shown in FIG. 15, the open detection switch 12 a of the glass door 6 or the front frame 5 and the panel connection detection means of the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33 are connected in series by a loop power line 500. Yes. Therefore, the opening detection unit 53 can detect not only the opening of the glass door 6 or the front frame 5 but also the disconnection between the front frame 5 and the game board 26.

  Next, based on FIG. 16, the storage state of the data stored in the RAM 10c and the state in which the data signal is output in accordance with the input of the CS signal and the CLK signal will be described.

  In the RAM 10c, a storage area for storing data of 1 to 18 bits of 18 bits is prepared. In the image in the RAM 10c of FIG. 16, the bit storage areas 1 and 2 are areas for storing the disconnection with the CU3 or the normal state when the disconnection is not normal, and 01 is stored in the normal state. At the time of disconnection, a value other than 01 is stored.

  In the image of the RAM 10 c, the bit data storage areas 3 to 8 indicate the number of times the glass door 6 or the front frame 5 is opened at the start of power OFF of the P base 2, and the relationship between the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33. This is a storage value area for storing the number of times of disconnection (disconnection) (hereinafter also simply referred to as the number of detections). This stored value takes a value in the range of 000000 to 111110, and becomes 111111 at the time of overflow exceeding this range.

  Bit data storage areas 9 to 14 in the image in the RAM 10c are current value storage areas (current value tables) for storing the current values of the number of detections. This current value takes a value in the range of 000000 to 111110. The storage of the current value storage area (current value table) is not initialized by an external operation. However, as will be described with reference to FIG. 17C, in a normal time when the power supply of the P base 2 is turned on, when the current value reaches the upper limit, it is counted up again from the initial value and loops.

  The bit data storage areas 15 and 16 in the image of the RAM 10c take a value of 01 at a normal time when power is not interrupted and a value of 10 at a power disconnection. The bit data storage areas 17 and 18 in the figure of the image in the RAM 10c take a value of 01 after transmitting the number of detections to the payout control unit 171 and take a value of 10 before sending.

  As will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 17B, the current value storage area (current value table) is such that the glass door 6 or the front frame 5 is opened and convex when the power is cut off (when the power is off). Every time the connection between the mold drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33 is disconnected (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the opening of the glass door 6 or the front frame 5), the memory stored in the storage areas 3 to 8 is stored. The value is represented as n. Each time the glass door 6 or the front frame 5 is opened, it is counted up as n + 1, n + 2,... And the glass door 6 or the front frame 5 is further opened after it is counted up to the upper limit n + 61. The value is 63 (the value at which the round flag is set), and no further count-up is performed.

  Then, when the power supply of the P stand 2 is turned on, it is output to the payout control unit 171 as 12-bit data of 1 to 12 as shown in FIG. This data output indicates a normal time when the bit data in FIGS. 1 and 2 is 01, and a disconnection with the CU3 when the bit data is not 01. For the bit data of 3 to 8, the difference value (value in the range of 000000 to 111110) is output as a difference value obtained by subtracting the current value from the stored value at times other than the above-described overflow time. On the other hand, at the time of overflow, a value of 111111 is output.

  In addition, after the current value storage area (current value table) is counted up to n + 61 which is the upper limit, the glass door 6 or the front frame 5 is further opened and the value becomes 63 (a value in which the round flag is set). The count up may be continued even after. In this case, the final count value is not output when output to the payout control unit 171 but the above-described overflow value “111111” is output.

  The bit data of 9 and 10 has a value of 01 at normal time and 10 at power interruption. Since the output of bit data 9 and 10 is 10, it can be seen that, for example, the counting counter 120 is replaced at night. In other words, since these counters 120 are replaced, both the main power source and the backup power source are not supplied to the counters 120. In this case, the bit data of 9 and 10 becomes 10, and the 10 By outputting, it becomes possible for the payout control unit 171 to determine that the counter 120 has been illegally replaced at night.

  The bit data of 11 and 12 is 01 after the data is transmitted to the payout control unit 171 and is 10 before the data is transmitted.

  Next, the relationship between the data signal output to the payout control unit 171 and the CLK signal and CS signal input from the payout control board 17 will be described. The RAM 10c of the counting counter 120 stores the current value of the number of detections from the time when the game room is closed and the power supply of the P stand 2 is turned off until the power is turned on at the start of business the next morning. And after the power supply of P stand 2 is started, the payout control part 171 transmits CS signal and CLK signal to the count counter 120 in order to acquire the detection frequency.

  Receiving the CS signal and the CLK signal, the CPU 10a of the counting counter 120 repeatedly loops data until the CS signal falls according to the rising edge of the CS signal and outputs the data to the payout control unit 171. The payout control unit 171 determines that an appropriate data signal has been received when the data signal transmitted repeatedly is read, for example, three times and is the same data three times.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16, when there is no CLK signal for 100 .mu.m during the CS signal rising period (when it is low level), the data is set to 1 at the next rising edge of the CLK signal. Control to discharge from the bit is performed.

  This 100μ is configured so that the gaming machine maker can input and set it in the register of the counting counter 120. In addition, you may comprise so that it can input and set to a register | resistor in the game hall side.

  In addition, after the CS signal and the CLK signal have performed a predetermined operation, when the round flag is set, control is performed to clear the value stored in the RAM 10c of the count counter 120 and set the value to 000000. For example, the stored value of the CPU (register) 10a is cleared at the stage where the CLK signal repeats ON and OFF a predetermined number of times after the CS signal becomes low level.

  Note that a backable RAM is used as a memory to detect that the glass door 6 or the front frame 5 is opened even when the power of the P table 2 is turned off and store the count value. If 2 is always powered on, a register may be used instead of RAM.

Next, the control operation of the CPU 10a of the count counter 120 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, referring to FIG. 17A, it is determined in step S (hereinafter simply referred to as S) 1 whether or not the main power source of the P stand 2 is OFF and the backup power source is ON. Since the main power supply is on during normal business hours at the amusement hall, the determination of NO is made at S1, the control proceeds to S7, and the detection signal rises when the glass door 6 or the front frame 5 is opened. Is triggered every time it is opened, and the number of times of opening is counted, and the connection is triggered by the rise of the detection signal associated with the disconnection of the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33. Every time it is removed, the number of times is counted up. This count-up is counted up in the current value storage area (current value table) described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17C shows how the current value table is counted up in the normal state when the power is turned on. In the current value table, the count value is counted so as to loop, such as counting up from 0, counting up to 62 which is the upper limit thereof, and counting up from 0 again. Then, the values in the current value table counted up in S7 are displayed on the 7-segment display 50.

  On the other hand, during the period from the end of the game hall operation to the turn-off of the P main power supply until the main power supply startup time at the start of business the next morning, YES is determined in S1 and the control is performed in S2. Proceed to In S2, control is performed to store the value (current value) in the current value storage area (current value table) shown in FIG. 16 as a stored value in an area (3 to 8 in FIG. 16). Next, in S3, control is performed to count up the current value in the current value table every time it is opened or disconnected every time the detection signal rises until it returns to the stored value in the current value table. . FIG. 17B shows how the current value table counts up during monitoring when the main power supply is OFF. The stored value is set to n, counts up from n, counts up to the upper limit thereof, n + 61, and stores 63 as a value in which the one-round flag is set if the detection signal further rises in this state. When the stored value reaches the value at which this round flag is set, the stored value is held at the value of “63” without performing any counting operation even if the detection signal subsequently rises.

  Next, the control advances to S4, where it is determined whether or not the main power supply is turned on and the backup power supply is turned off. When the main power supply of the P-unit 2 is started up at the game hall at the start of business the next morning, the determination of YES is made in S4, the control advances to S5, and the stored value of the RAM is triggered by the call from the payout control board 17 Control is performed to calculate a difference value based on the current value and output the difference value to the payout control board 17. As described with reference to FIG. 16, this output is repeated in a loop by constantly repeating the same data during the rise of the CS signal (during high level). As described above, the CLK signal is timed out, for example, at 100 μs, and control is performed to output data from the first bit in synchronization with the next rise of the CLK signal.

  Next, in S6, after the data output (CS, CLK predetermined operation), when the round flag is set, the flag is cleared and the stored value stored in the bit storage area of 3 to 8 in the RAM is set to 0. To clear. On the other hand, when the round flag is not set, control is continued without clearing the stored value, and the process proceeds to S7.

  In S6 described above, before the stored value is cleared to 0, the stored value may be overwritten and saved to the current value, and then the stored value may be cleared to 0. In addition, the timing of overwriting and storing the stored value over the current value or clearing the stored value to 0 may be triggered by power-on, but in addition, after the transmission of the detection count data to the payout control unit 171, the difference Any timing may be used as long as the value data can be normally output.

  Next, specific control contents of the count display process by the payout control unit 171 will be described with reference to FIG. First, at S10, data such as a difference value from the count counter 120 is received when the power of the P base 2 is turned on. Next, in S11, it is determined whether or not the received value is a value (= 63) where the round flag is set. If the received value is not the value at which the round flag is set (= 63), the control proceeds to S12, and the received value is displayed on the 7-segment display 50. On the other hand, when the received value is a value (= 63) where the round flag is set, the control proceeds to S13, and the control for displaying the error number on the 7-segment display 50 is performed. This error number is a number representing an abnormality in which the glass door 6 and the front frame 5 are opened during the period when the power supply of the P stand 2 is OFF such as at night and the count value of the current value table reaches the number of times of opening. It is. Next, in S14, control for transmitting the error number to CU3 is performed. The CU 3 receives the error number, notifies the abnormality with an abnormality notification lamp or the like, displays the error number on the display 312, and further displays the error number to a higher-level device (for example, a hall management computer or the hall server 801). Control to send.

  In addition, the CU 3 that has received the error number may perform control to stop the game by the P stand 2 or restrict some functions by the CU 3 itself or in response to a command from the host device.

<Management of front frame and game board>
FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for explaining history management of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 according to the present embodiment. 19 is associated with the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided on the payout control board 17 connected to the front frame 5 and the main control board 16 connected to the game board 26. The information of the game board 26 is stored in the table shown in FIG. 20 in association with the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided in FIG. 20, and the history of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 is managed. The history management center 800A includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 8001 as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 8002 that stores operation programs and control data of the CPU 8001, and a RAM that functions as a work area for the CPU 8001. A (Random Access Memory) 8003, an I / O port (Input / Output Port) 8004, and a mass storage device 8005 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) are provided.

  FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a table that stores information on the front frame 5 and information on the game board 26 in order to manage the history of the front frame 5 and the game board 26. In the table shown in FIG. 20, a payout side table (FIG. 20A) that stores information on the game board 26 in association with the security chip ID of the payout control board 17, and a security chip ID of the main control board 16. A main control side table (FIG. 20B) that stores information on the game board 26 is included.

  Hereinafter, the history management of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. First, at the time of shipment / installation, (1) the semiconductor chip manufacturer 190 manufactures the payout control semiconductor chip 17a and ships it to the frame manufacturer 191 which is the manufacturer of the front frame 5. (2) The semiconductor chip manufacturer 190 manufactures the main control semiconductor chip 16a and ships it to the game board manufacturer 192, which is the manufacturer of the game board 26. The payout control semiconductor chip 17a and the main control semiconductor chip 16a are not limited to the case where they are manufactured by the same semiconductor chip manufacturer 190, and may be manufactured by different semiconductor chip manufacturers 190.

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

  (4) The frame maker 191 manufactures the front frame 5 by incorporating the payout control semiconductor chip 17a into the front frame 5. Further, the frame maker 191 ships the installed front frame 5 to the hall 193 and installs it. (5) The frame maker 191 notifies the machine history management center 800A of information specifying the front frame 5 installed in the hall 193, and updates the payout side table so as to be stored in association with the payout control security chip ID. As information specifying the front frame 5, as shown in FIG. 20A, the front frame manufacturing number, the delivery board management number, the product code for delivery control, the carrier code, the hall code, the shipping date, and the installation Date and time are included. Further, the information specifying the front frame 5 may include a frame format name, a product code, and a manufacturer code.

  (6) The game board maker 192 assembles the main control semiconductor chip 16 a into the game board 26 to manufacture the game board 26. Further, the game board maker 192 ships the manufactured game board 26 to the hall 193 and installs the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in combination. (7) The game board maker 192 notifies the machine history management center 800A of information specifying the game board 26 installed in the hall 193, and updates the main control side table so as to be stored in association with the main control security chip ID. To do. As information for specifying the game board 26, as shown in FIG. 20B, the model name of the gaming machine, product code, manufacturer code, game board production number, main control board management number, product code for main control. , Carrier code, hall code, shipping date, and installation date and time.

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

  If the result of the collation shows an abnormality, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality. The history management center 800A also manages the management state of the front frame 5 in which information such as the shipping date (information (3) -1 and (5) shown in FIG. 20A) included in the payout table is updated. (Status) is “Shipment”, and the management status of the front frame 5 in which the information of the security chip ID for main control of the pair included in the payout side table (information of (9) shown in FIG. 20A) is updated ( (Status) is determined as “installation”. The management state (status) of the front frame 5 may be stored in the payout side table or in a separate storage area. Note that re-shipment is not performed at the time of initial failure after shipping registration.

  Similarly, the machine history management center 800A has the game board 26 updated with information such as the shipping date (information (3) -2, (7) shown in FIG. 20B) included in the main control side table. The game board 26 in which the management state (status) is “shipment” and the information of the security chip ID for pair payout control included in the main control side table (information (9) shown in FIG. 20B) is updated. The management state (status) is determined as “installation”. The management state (status) of the game board 26 may be stored in the main control side table or in another storage area. Note that re-shipment is not performed at the time of initial failure after shipping registration.

  Next, (10) When the hole 193 is replaced with a new front frame 5 and game board 26, the installed front frame 5 and game board 26 are removed and stored in the warehouse. (11) The warehouse operator 194 notifies the history management center 800A of the storage information of the front frame 5 removed from the hall 193, and updates the payout side table so as to store it in association with the payout control security chip ID. Further, the warehouse trader 194 notifies the machine history management center 800A of the storage information of the game board 26 removed from the hall 193, and updates the main control side table so as to store it in association with the main control security chip ID. As shown in FIG. 20, the storage information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 includes a gaming machine manufacturer, an installation source hall, a removal date, a storage date, and a storage location.

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

  If the result of the collation shows an abnormality, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality. The history management center 800A also manages the management status of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in which information such as storage dates (information (11) shown in FIG. 20) included in the payout table and the main control table is updated. (Status) is determined as “Storage”. When the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are removed, it is not always necessary to remove the front frame 5 and the game board 26 as a set, and either one may be removed and removed. In this case, the history management center 800A updates only the information (11) (see FIG. 20) of either the payout side table or the main control side table.

  Next, at the time of resale, (12) the hole 193 requests the second trader 195 to resell the front frame 5 and the game board 26 stored by the warehouse trader 194. The used trader 195 resells the stored front frame 5 and game board 26 to another hall and installs them in the hall. (13) The used trader 195 notifies the history management center 800A of the resale information of the resold front frame 5 and updates the payout side table so as to store it in association with the payout control security chip ID. Further, the secondhand dealer 195 notifies the machine history management center 800A of resale information of the resold game board 26, and updates the main control side table so as to store it in association with the main control security chip ID. As shown in FIG. 20, the resale information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 includes an installation source hall, a removal date, an installation date, and a sales company name.

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

  If the result of the collation shows an abnormality, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality. Further, the machine history management center 800A manages the management status of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in which information such as sales company names (information (13) shown in FIG. 20) included in the payout side table and the main control sales table is updated. (Status) is determined to be “resale”, and the front frame 5 and the game in which the information of the pair security chip ID (information (9) shown in FIG. 20) included in the payout side table and the main control side table is updated. The management state (status) of the panel 26 is determined as “installation”. When reselling the front frame 5 and the game board 26, it is not always necessary to resell the front frame 5 and the game board 26 as a set, and either one may be resold. In this case, the history management center 800A updates only the information (13) (see FIG. 20) of either the payout side table or the main control side table. Further, reselling the front frame 5 and the game board 26 is not necessarily limited to reselling the front frame 5 and the game board 26 stored in the warehouse, but the front frame 5 and the game board 26 installed in the hall. May be resold. In addition, re-shipment at the time of resale is not performed.

  Next, at the time of disposal, (14) the hole 193 requests the disposal company 196 to discard the stored front frame 5 and game board 26. The discarder 196 discards the stored front frame 5 and game board 26 by an appropriate method. (15) The discarder 196 notifies the history management center 800A of the discard information of the discarded front frame 5 and updates the payout side table so as to store it in association with the payout control security chip ID. Further, the discarder 196 notifies the history management center 800A of the discard information of the discarded game board 26, and updates the main control side table so as to be stored in association with the main control security chip ID. As shown in FIG. 20, the discard information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 includes an installation source hall, a take-off date, and a discard date.

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

  If the result of the collation shows an abnormality, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality. Further, the history management center 800A manages the management status of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in which information such as the disposal date (information (15) shown in FIG. 20) included in the payout table and the main control table is updated. (Status) is determined to be “Discard”. When the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are discarded, it is not always necessary to discard the front frame 5 and the game board 26 as a set, and either one may be removed and discarded. In this case, the history management center 800A updates only the information (15) (see FIG. 20) of either the payout side table or the main control side table. Further, when discarding the front frame 5 and the game board 26, it is not necessarily limited to discarding the front frame 5 and the game board 26 stored in the warehouse, but the front frame 5 and the game board installed in the hall 193. 26 may be discarded.

<Abnormality judgment of machine history management center>
As described above, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality if it is abnormal as a result of comparing the gaming machine installation information and the non-operating information with the updated information. Specifically, processing for determining whether or not the machine history management center 800A is abnormal will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the abnormality determination process for management of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 by the machine history management center 800A. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a table referred to in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the machine history management center 800A determines the management state (status) of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 based on information included in the payout side table and the main control side table (S211). Specifically, the machine history management center 800A determines that the information such as the discard date (information (15) shown in FIG. 20) included in the payout side table and the main control side table is updated and the game board 26 is updated. The management state (status) is determined as “discard”.

  Next, the machine history management center 800A checks whether or not the transition from the previously determined management state to the currently determined management state is included in the transition prohibition table (S212). As shown in FIG. 22A, the transition prohibition table indicates a management state in which transition is prohibited from the management state determined last time. Specifically, when the frame maker 191 manufactures and ships the front frame 5, the front frame 5 is not discarded or resold. Therefore, in the transition prohibition table, the management state changes from “shipment” to “discard”. Transition to “resale” is prohibited. In addition, since the front frame 5 once installed, stored and resold is not shipped from the frame maker 191, in the transition prohibition table, the management status is “installed”, “storage” and “resale” to “shipment”. ”Is prohibited. Furthermore, since the discarded front frame 5 is not shipped, installed, stored, and resold, in the transition prohibition table, the management state changes from “discarded” to “shipped”, “installed”, “stored”, and “resolded”. ”Is prohibited. In the above-described transition prohibition table, the front frame 5 has been described as an example, but the same applies to the game board 26.

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

  Next, the machine history management center 800A checks whether or not the management state determined this time in S211 and the operation state determined in S213 are included in the update abnormality table (S214). As shown in the update abnormality table, FIG. 22 (b), the operation state prohibited in the management state determined this time in S211 is shown. Specifically, when the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are installed, they are in an operating state if they are within business hours, but are normally inactive if they are out of business hours. When the status is “Installation”, it is determined as abnormal if “Operates outside business hours”. In addition, when the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are not installed, the operation status is always inactive. Therefore, in the update abnormality table, the management status is “shipment”, “storage”, “resale”, and “discard”. When it becomes “operation”, it is determined as abnormal.

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

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

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

<Slot machine>
Next, a slot machine will be described as another example of the gaming machine. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front door of the slot machine is opened. In the description so far, the slot machine is also abbreviated as “S” in the following, because the pachinko machine is abbreviated as “P”.

  The above gaming system using game balls and holding balls is also applied to S units in the same manner. However, in the S platform, the game is played without using balls, and hence the game balls will be referred to as game points and the holding balls as points.

  Referring to FIG. 23, in the slot machine 2S, a front door 2bS is provided with respect to a main body frame 2aS so that the front door 2bS can be opened and closed with its left edge as a swing center. Although not shown in FIG. 23, a CU is connected to the left side of the slot machine 2S in the same manner as the P units. Further, the main body frame 2aS is provided with a front door opening detection switch (not shown) for detecting that the front door 2bS is opened, and has a circuit configuration similar to that of FIG. Control similar to that of 18 is performed.

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

  Inside the casing of the slot machine 2S, reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter also referred to as a left reel, a middle reel, and a right reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery are juxtaposed in a horizontal direction. Of the symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, three consecutive symbols are arranged so that they can be seen from the see-through window provided on the front door 2bS. A plurality of types of symbols are drawn in a predetermined order on the outer peripheral portions of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R.

  A touch panel display 510 is provided in a portion surrounding each reel 2L, 2C, 2R of the front door 2bS. The display 510 is a display corresponding to the P displays 54, and displays various types of information (game points, points, etc.) of the same type as the display 54, as well as the number of bets set in the game. Is displayed. The display unit 510 is connected to the CU display control unit 350 in the same manner as the display unit 54 in FIG. 4 and is controlled on the CU side. The indicator 510 is not provided in a portion surrounding each of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, but is provided at a lower panel portion (at a position below the start switch 7S shown in FIG. You may provide in the panel part provided with the conventional S medal payout opening.

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

  Further, the front door 2bS has a single BET switch 5S that is operated when setting the number of bets using “game points = 1” corresponding to one medal, and the maximum determined according to the game state. When setting the number of bets (for example, “game point = 3” in the normal game state before BB occurrence and RT (Replay Time) where the winning probability of replay is high, “game point = 2” in the bonus) The MAXBET switch 6S is operated, the start switch 7S is operated when the game is started, and the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R are respectively operated when the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped. Yes.

  When playing a game in the slot machine 2S, first, as with the P machines, after securing a game point using the adjacent CU, the number of bets is set using the game point. The game points are obtained by withdrawing the balance of the prepaid card inserted into the CU, the points, or the stored medals (corresponding to P stored balls) deposited in the game hall. In order to use the game points, the single BET switch 5S or the MAXBET switch 6S may be operated. In the present embodiment, for example, by setting the number of bets to 1, the game points are deducted by 1, and the display of the game points on the display 510 is also subtracted and updated. When the bet number is set, the pay line determined according to the bet number and the gaming state is valid, and the operation of the start switch 7S is valid, that is, the game can be started.

  When the start switch 7S is operated while the game can be started, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate, and the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R continuously change. When any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed on the fluoroscopic window.

  Then, when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, one game is completed, and a predetermined symbol combination (hereinafter also referred to as a role) on the activated pay line is assigned to each reel 2L, 2C, When the 2R display result is stopped, a prize is generated, a game point determined according to the prize is given to the player, and the display of the game point on the display 510 is also added and updated.

  In the case of S units, it is possible to count game points as in the case of P units. As shown in FIG. 23, the slot machine 2S is provided with a counting button 28S for counting game points and converting them into points. The ball lending button, the return button, and the replay button are provided on the CU side (see FIG. 4). The player executes the counting operation based on an arbitrary timing or a display for prompting the counting operation on the display unit 510 in the same manner as the P units. Then, the game points are counted and the display 510 displays a state in which the points are increased while the game points are decreased. The ball lending button may be provided not on the CU side but on the P platform side and the S platform side. In this case, the operation signal of the ball lending button may be directly input to the CU 2 or may be transmitted to the CU 3 as a status information response via the P unit 2 or the S unit (slot machine) 2S. It may be.

  The types of winning combinations are determined according to the state of the game, but can be broadly divided into special roles with a shift to the big bonus (BB) and regular bonus (RB), and small roles with payout of medals. And a re-gamer (replay) that allows the next game to be started without the need to set the bet amount.

  Which of a plurality of types of winning combinations is to be won or whether any winning combination is to be excluded is determined by, for example, the main control unit (S) controlling the slot machine 2S when a start operation is detected. It corresponds to the main control unit 161 of the stand). The main control unit of the slot machine 2S is mounted on a main control board corresponding to the main control board 16 mounted on the pachinko machine 2. The main control unit determines the presence / absence of a winning combination by, for example, drawing a random number generated from a predetermined random number generator or generated on software.

  After that, the main control unit waits for the reel stop operation by the player, draws in the symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the predetermined frame number range based on the stop operation time, otherwise draws another symbol Is controlled to stop the three symbols and determine whether or not there is a prize. When it is determined that the main control base is winning, the main control base transmits a signal corresponding to the type of winning to the payout control unit (corresponding to the payout control unit 171 in FIG. 4). The payout control unit gives the player a number of game points corresponding to the signal (adds game points).

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

  On the other hand, the main control board (not shown) of the slot machine 2S is delivered to the hall from the slot machine manufacturer separately from the main body frame 2aS in a state of being attached to a board mounting board for connecting wiring. The board mounting board is a board corresponding to the game board 26 shown in FIG. 3, and includes a connector similar to the convex drawer connector 32 provided on the game board 26.

  To connect a mounting mechanism for mounting the board mounting board and a convex drawer connector on the board mounting board side to a predetermined position (for example, below the reels 2L, 2C, 2R) in the main body frame 2aS of the slot machine 2S. The connector is provided. The attachment mechanism and the connector have the same structure as the attachment mechanisms 34a and 34b and the concave drawer connector 33 shown in FIG. 3, and are devised so that the board attachment board can be easily fixed to the attachment mechanism. The wiring extending from the concave drawer connector is connected to the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, various operation switches (buttons), and the like.

  Similarly to FIG. 13, the slot machine 2S has a configuration for detecting the opening of the front door 2bS corresponding to the front frame 5 of the pachinko machine 2 and detecting the connection between the main body frame 2aS and the board mounting board. The main control board is also connected in series to the loop-shaped power line 500.

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

  FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram for explaining various data stored in each of the card unit and the slot machine and their transmission / reception modes. The transmission / reception mode shown in FIG. 24 is obtained by replacing the terminology of FIG. 6 described as the configuration of P units with that for S units, and the mode is the same as that described with reference to FIG. Now, further explanation is omitted.

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

  (1) When a slot machine (S units), which is an example of a gaming machine, is applied to the above gaming system, for example, there are P units of reels and various sensor parts attached to the reels and a main control board for controlling the reels. Corresponding to the board, other configurations correspond to P game frames. However, the S units do not require the various detection switches 41a, 701, 33, the launch control board 31, and the launch motor 18 of the game frame shown in FIG.

  A conventional S unit is provided with a credit function. When this function is enabled, the credit is subtracted when the number of bets is set, and the credit is added when a winning occurs. However, there is an upper limit for credits, and when a winning occurs when the number of credits reaches the upper limit value, medals are paid out from the hopper.

  On the other hand, in the S units according to the present embodiment, game points are subtracted when the bet number is set, and game points are added when a winning occurs. Further, when the game points reach a predetermined number, a display for prompting a counting operation is made, and the gaming points are converted into points by performing the counting operation. For this reason, it is not necessary to pay out medals when the credit reaches the upper limit unlike the conventional S units. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a hopper on the S platform according to the present embodiment.

  As a result, the amusement hall does not need to secure a large number of medals, reducing the economic burden. The game arcade is also freed from operations such as replenishment / collection of medals and maintenance operations to deal with clogged medals. The player is relieved from the hassle of inserting medals for each betting operation after the credit is full, and can easily concentrate on the game.

  On the other hand, if S units become medalless, a player who has won a large number of medals will not be able to act to show off his arms by stacking boxes with medals beside the seat. Inconvenience arises. However, in the present embodiment, such a problem can be prevented by providing a function for displaying a dollar box. In addition, it is desirable for the dollar box display in the case of S units to have a large number of medals loaded instead of a large number of balls.

  When S machines are applied as a gaming machine, each type of data is expressed as follows using two types of data, “Points” and “Game Points”, and “Credit” and “Credit Excess Points”. It is also possible to configure a gaming system that is converted. Note that these four types of data are displayed on the S displays 510.

  First, when a conversion operation (lending operation, saving medal payout operation, or point payout operation) from a prepaid card balance, a saving medal, or a point is detected, each is withdrawn and converted into a game point. The

  A game point is data corresponding to a medal in a conventional slot machine. For this reason, for example, it is desirable to display the number of game points on the display 510 and to display the number of medal images corresponding to the game points. For example, when a pseudo-insertion medal operation (for example, an operation of pushing a medal) such that a player touches the medal image and inserts it into the slot machine is detected, the medal image disappears and the game points are subtracted. Instead, one bet is set. By performing such a pseudo medal insertion operation three times, the bet number is set to the maximum value of three.

  Thereafter, when a pseudo medal insertion operation is further detected, a credit is added in accordance with the detection. An upper limit value (for example, 50) is set for the credit, and when the credit exceeds the upper limit value, a credit excess point is added.

  The betting amount setting can be performed using the game points as described above, and can also be performed using credits. That is, if the one-sheet BET switch 5S is operated, 1 is added to the betting number setting value and 1 is subtracted from the credit. If the MAXBET switch 6S is operated, the bet number is set to 3, and the credit is subtracted according to the bet number setting.

  As a result of the game, when a winning occurs, a number of points corresponding to the winning is added to the credit. When a winning that exceeds the upper limit of credit occurs, the score for the excess is stored as a credit excess point. This credit excess point corresponds to a medal to be paid out when a winning occurs exceeding the upper limit of credit in the conventional slot machine. For this reason, for example, it is desirable to display the credit excess points on the display 510 and to display the number of medal images corresponding to the credit excess points. Further, it is desirable to change the color of this medal image so that it can be distinguished from the medal image corresponding to the game point.

  Further, it is desirable that the credit excess points are converted into game points by the player's operation. For example, when a pseudo medal conversion operation (for example, an operation of pushing a medal) is performed such that the player touches the medal image corresponding to the credit excess point and converts it to a game point, the medal image disappears and the credit excess Points are subtracted and game points are added.

  Alternatively, if the credit becomes less than the upper limit value, the credit excess point may be automatically converted into credit.

  When the player performs a counting operation, each of the game points, credits, and credit excess points is counted and converted into points. As a result, the player's points are posted as “card possession number + game points + credits + credit excess points”. The “card possession number” is the number of points before conversion (the number of possessions currently owned by the player) that has not been converted into game points.

  In the above description, the four types of data of points, game points, credits, and credit excess points may be stored on both sides by exchanging data between the CU and S units. You may memorize | store only in the S stand side only by CU side. Further, the credit excess point may be a target for dollar box display.

  Moreover, although the example using a credit excess point was demonstrated in the above description, it is not necessary to use a credit excess point. In this case, when the credit limit is exceeded, it may be added to the game points.

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

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

  (4) The recording medium for recording the holding point in an identifiable manner may use a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. In this case, the communication unit for communicating with the mobile terminal is provided in 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 above. On the other hand, at the end of the game, the portable terminal is again held over the communication unit, so that the score at the end of the game is added to the player's score through the ID.

  (5) The operation means for counting game points may be provided on the CU side. In this case, the operation means may be displayed on a touch panel, or may be constituted by a physical switch.

  (6) When an uncounted game point remains when the card return operation is performed, it is desirable to display a message prompting the counting on the P-unit or the CU side display. However, instead of such a configuration, when an uncounted game point remains when the card return operation is performed, the counting display is automatically started and the display on the P table or the CU side is used. It may be notified that automatic counting has started because there are still uncounted game points, or that, in addition, the card will be returned after completion of automatic counting.

  Alternatively, when an uncounted game point remains when the card return operation is performed, it is determined that there is a possibility that the player may leave the table temporarily, and the display (CU side or P stand side) You may display the message which confirms whether it is temporary leaving. Further, the display device may be constituted by a touch panel so that the player can input a response to the message. Furthermore, if the response input is the end of the game, a message prompting the counting operation is displayed. On the other hand, if the response input is temporarily away from the desk, the card may be temporarily ejected while the ID of the card is stored on the CU side, the P platform side, or both. Thereafter, when a card with the same ID is inserted, the game is resumed from the original state.

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

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

  (9) As the counting operation means for counting the game balls, one that exhibits a counting function when operated a predetermined number of times twice or more may be employed. As a result, erroneous operation can be prevented. Further, in this case, one function may be used to exhibit another function different from the counting function. For example, when there is no operation for a predetermined time (for example, within 1 second) after the operation is performed once, a function for turning on a lamp for calling a store clerk is exhibited, and 2 within 1 second from the operation. When the second operation is detected, it is conceivable to perform the counting function.

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

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

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

  Further, in order to invalidate the counting operation during the game, it is desirable to determine whether or not the game is in progress based on whether or not the ball firing operation is detected. Instead of this, or in addition to this, whether the number of in-game balls (floating ball floating in the game area 27) is 0 (not in game) or not (in game) It may be determined whether or not. In addition, it is also possible to determine whether or not the game is in progress based on whether or not the variable display device is changing, whether or not it is a big hit, whether or not the attacker is open.

  Further, “in game” when S units are applied as a gaming machine and the counting operation during the game is invalidated is, for example, a period from the start of rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R to the stop. . Alternatively, it is a period from when the start operation is detected until the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped.

  (13) When the number of game balls is greater than a predetermined number regardless of whether or not a big hit is being made, a display prompting a counting operation may be performed.

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

  (14) Referring to FIG. 6, the P platform has a counting ball counter that temporarily stores the counted counting balls (held balls), but does not have a counter that stores the cumulative value of the counting balls. . However, a counting ball cumulative storage counter that stores the cumulative value of counting balls may be provided on the P platform side. In addition, the CU side is provided with an area for storing card holding balls (counting balls). If a holding ball is recorded on the inserted card itself, this area holds the card holding ball. The current number of players' balls, including balls, is stored. For this reason, only in this area, the number of counting balls counted by the player in the current game cannot be specified. Therefore, an area for storing the number of counting balls counted by the player in this game may be further provided on the CU side. In this case, the CU adds balls to the area based on the information on the number of balls that are sent from the P cars after the game starts, and when the balls are converted into game balls, Subtract the holding ball.

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

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

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

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

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

  (18) In order to change the number of game points to be converted by one operation according to the time for which the count button is kept pressed, for example, when a long press (for example, continuous operation for 1 second or more), While all are counted, only 200 balls may be counted in a short press (for example, continuous operation for less than 1 second). However, in this case, when the remaining number of game balls is small, for example, when it is less than 200 balls, it is desirable that all game balls are counted by operating the counting button.

  (19) Depending on the remaining number of game points, when the number of points counted by one short pressing operation of the counting button is made different, for example, the following may be considered. For example, when the number of game points is less than 200, all the game points are counted by one short press operation of the counting button. When the game points are 200 or more and less than 1000, 200 points are counted by one short press operation. When the game points are 1000 or more and less than 5000, 1000 points are counted by one short press operation. When the game points are 5000 or more and less than 10,000, 2000 points are counted by one short press operation. When the number of game points is 10,000 or more, 2500 points are counted by one short press operation. The above numerical values are specific examples and can be set as appropriate.

  (20) When counting game balls (game points) and converting the points, not only counting display but also counting sound may be output from the speaker. In addition, when counting the game points, it is conceivable to display an image in which balls are dropped one by one from the ball storage tray to the counter.

  (21) Timing for performing conversion display (display indicating that game balls are counted and the number of balls is increased) based on a counting operation and subtracting game points on the data The timing for adding the points can be varied. The calculation may be executed after the conversion display is completed. For this purpose, count data may be transmitted from the gaming machine to the CU after the conversion display is completed. It should be noted that such a modification can be similarly applied to the case where the points are converted into game points.

  (22) In the present embodiment, in the communication between the CU and the gaming machine, a command-response method is adopted in which the CU is a primary station and the gaming machine is a secondary station. The relationship may be reversed. Alternatively, instead of adopting such a communication system having a master-slave relationship, a system may be employed in which both send data to the other party when a request to communicate occurs.

  (23) In FIG. 6 or FIG. 24, the game balls (game points) are stored on both the gaming machine side and the CU side, but the game balls (game points) are stored only on the game machine side, and the CU It may not be stored on the side. On the other hand, the card holding balls (scoring points) are stored only on the CU side, but may also be stored on the gaming machine side. In particular, game balls (game points) are stored only on the gaming machine side, while card holding balls (points) are stored only on the CU side to clarify the division of data storage management. Good.

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

  (25) In the CU, the stored number of game balls is updated based on the value of the added ball number counter (added ball number) and the value of the subtracted ball number counter (subtracted ball number) transmitted from the P platform side. When the number of game balls stored is subtracted based on the value of the counting ball number counter transmitted from the P platform side, if the value of the number of game balls becomes negative, an error (abnormal) determination is made. Then, error processing may be performed. As a specific example of error processing, error notification is performed by an abnormality notification lamp or the like, or an error notification signal indicating that an error has occurred is transmitted to the hall management computer or hall server 801 (in this case, for hall use). Error notification may be performed by the management computer or hall server 801).

  (26) When a lending operation or a conversion operation (lending operation) from a holding point (held ball) to a gaming point (game ball) is detected, the gaming points may be counted up one by one. In order to shorten the waiting time of the player, a display may be made so that a plurality of points (for example, 25 points equivalent to 100 yen) are counted up. Conversely, when a game point counting operation is executed, a display may be made so that the points are counted up by a plurality of points. Furthermore, the number of units for counting up and displaying game points or points may be set from a plurality of types. In the setting, it is conceivable to use a touch panel of P or S display devices.

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

  (28) A touch sensor may be provided on the hitting operation handle, and the counting operation may be invalidated while the touch sensor detects that the player is holding the hitting operation handle. Invalidating the counting operation means detecting the counting operation but not executing the counting operation based on the detection output, or not detecting the counting operation itself. Or, if the player does not invalidate the counting operation only by touching the hitting operation handle, and if the counting operation is disabled if the hitting operation handle is turned to such an extent that the ball firing drive pulse is output. Good.

  In these cases, when a counting operation is detected, a message “Please release handle” may be displayed on the display of the gaming machine or CU. Alternatively, when the counting operation button is displayed as an icon on the touch panel screen, the counting operation button may be grayed out to notify the player that the operation is impossible.

  (29) At least one or all of the ball lending button, the return button, the replay button, and the counting button may be provided on the gaming machine side, or may be provided on the CU side. Further, it is conceivable that the button is displayed on the display device on the gaming machine side or the CU side described as the touch panel type display device.

  (30) The sequence control shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 12 is not limited to the transmission / reception sequence between control devices in a single gaming machine such as CU3, P stand 2, S stand 2S, etc., particularly for processing related to security. Instead, for example, the present invention may be applied to a transmission / reception sequence between a plurality of gaming machines such as CU3, P unit 2, jet counter, and POS terminal.

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

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

  (33) In the above-described embodiment, the number of game balls and game points are directly added by the occurrence of a win, but instead, the points are added by the occurrence of a win, and the added points are calculated. It may be controlled so that the number of game balls and game points are added after being withdrawn.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  (40) In this embodiment, after a manufacturer, a warehouse company, or the like completes operations such as shipping, installation, and storage, necessary information (for example, as shown in FIG. 20, for example, from a terminal connected to the history management center 800A). The delivery side table and the main control side table are updated by inputting the shipping date, installation date and time, removal date, sales company name, and disposal date). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a manufacturer or a warehouse company fills in application documents with necessary information and sends it to the history management center 800A. The payout side table and the main control side table may be updated by inputting necessary information from a terminal or the like. Note that a terminal connected to the history management center 800A is also a terminal connected directly to the history management center 800A (for example, an internal terminal in the history management center 800A) via a communication line. It may be a terminal (for example, a terminal of a warehouse company or a second-hand company connected via the Internet).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  (45) In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the loop-shaped power line 500 is included in the wiring in the signal cable that transmits and receives signals between the front frame 5 and the game board 26. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a dedicated signal line may be provided separately from the signal cable that transmits and receives signals between the front frame 5 and the game board 26, and the signal line may be the loop power line 500.

  (46) In the present embodiment, as a board connection detecting means for detecting electrical connection between the front frame 5 and the game board 26, a convex drawer connector 32, which is a floating connector, is provided directly on the game board 26, and the floating connector is used. An example in which a certain concave drawer connector 33 is directly provided on the front frame 5 is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a separate sensor may be provided as a board connection detection unit that detects electrical connection between the front frame 5 and the game board 26.

  (47) In this embodiment, an example of a structure in which the main control means (including the main control board 16 and the main control unit 161) can be detached from the game board 26 by removing the game board 26 from the front frame 5 is shown. It was. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the main control means may be detachable from the game board 26 without removing the game board 26 from the front frame 5.

  (48) In this embodiment, since the loop-shaped power line 500 is also wired (power line 500a) in the main control board 16, the connection portion between the power line 500 of the game board 26 and the power line 500a of the main control board 16 is The example (refer FIG. 13A) which functions as a main control connection detection means and can detect the electrical connection between the game board 26 and the main control board 16 is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and, for example, the loop-shaped power line 500 may also be provided in the main control semiconductor chip 16 a of the main control unit 161 provided on the main control board 16. Thereby, replacement of the main control semiconductor chip 16a can also be detected.

  (49) In this embodiment, since the loop-shaped power line 500 is also wired in the payout control board 17, the connecting portion between the front frame 5 and the payout control board 17 functions as the payout control connection detection means, and the front An example (see FIG. 13A) in which electrical connection between the frame 5 and the payout control board 17 can be detected is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the loop-shaped power line 500 may also be wired in the payout control semiconductor chip 17 a of the payout control unit 171 provided on the payout control board 17. Thereby, replacement of the payout control semiconductor chip 17a can also be detected. Here, the payout control board 17, the payout control unit 171, the payout control semiconductor chip 17a, and the like are included in the payout control means.

<Various configurations included in the embodiment>
(1) History management system (machine history management center 800A) for managing the respective histories of a board (game board 26) and a frame (front frame 5, front door 2bS) constituting a gaming machine (P stand 2, S stand 2S) ) And
Based on the first security identification information (main control security chip ID) of the first security semiconductor (main control semiconductor chip 16a) provided on the board, a board information storage area (main memory) for storing the history information of the individual boards. Control side table), and
Based on the second security identification information (payout control security chip ID) of the second security semiconductor (payout control semiconductor chip 17a) provided in the frame, a frame information storage area (payout) for storing the history information of the individual frames. Side table),
The board information so as to store information specifying the board on which the first security semiconductor is provided (for example, a manufacturer code, a game board production number, a main control board management number, etc.) in association with the first security identification information. Board specific information update means for updating the storage area (for example, the CPU 8001 stores the information input by the game board maker 192 via the I / O port 8004 in the mass storage device 8005 and updates the main control side table) When,
Information for specifying the frame on which the second security semiconductor is provided (for example, a front frame manufacturing number, a payout board management number, and a product code for payout control) is stored in association with the second security identification information. Frame specific information update means for updating the frame information storage area (for example, the information entered by the frame maker 191 via the I / O port 8004 is stored in the large-capacity storage device 8005 by the CPU 8001 and the payout control table is stored. update),
When the board is installed in a game hall (hall 193), the board information storage area is configured to store the board installation information (for example, hall code, installation date, etc.) in association with the first security identification information. The CPU 8001 stores the installation information input by the board manufacturer 192, the supplier, or the hall 193 via the I / O port 8004 in the large-capacity storage device 8005. Update the control side table),
A frame for updating the frame information storage area so as to store installation information (for example, a hall code, an installation date, etc.) of the frame in association with the second security identification information when the frame is installed in a game hall Installation information update means (for example, the CPU 8001 stores the installation information input by the frame maker 191, the supplier, or the hall 193 via the I / O port 8004 in the mass storage device 8005 and updates the payout control table) When,
Board combination information update for updating the board information storage area so as to store the second security identification information of the combined frame in association with the first security identification information when the board and the frame are combined Means (for example, the CPU 8001 stores the information input by the key management server 800 via the I / O port 8004 in the mass storage device 8005 and updates the main control side table);
Frame combination information update for updating the frame information storage area so as to store the first security identification information of the combined board in association with the second security identification information when the board and the frame are combined Means (for example, the CPU 8001 stores the information input by the key management server 800 via the I / O port 8004 in the mass storage device 8005 and updates the payout side table);
Based on the updated information stored in the panel information storage area and the frame information storage area, abnormality determination means for determining an abnormality in the management state of the panel and the frame (for example, the CPU 8001 detects an abnormality according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 21). Determination).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to manage the history by associating boards and frames that may be distributed separately with each security identification information. In particular, it is possible to manage a history including information for identifying each panel and frame, installation information, and combined security identification information of the other party. Also, the history management system stores the information in the board information storage area and the frame information storage area by determining an abnormality in the management state of the board and the frame based on the information stored in the board information storage area and the frame information storage area. It is possible to prompt the update of information and maintain a state where correct information is stored.

(2) In the history management system of (1) above,
When the board is removed from the game hall and stored, the board information storage area stores the board storage information (for example, storage date, storage location, etc.) in association with the first security identification information. Board storage information update means (for example, the CPU 8001 stores the storage information input by the warehouse operator 194 via the I / O port 8004 in the mass storage device 8005 and updates the main control side table);
When the frame is removed from the game arcade and stored, the storage information (for example, storage date, storage location, etc.) of the frame is stored in association with the second security identification information. And a frame storage information update means for updating (for example, the CPU 8001 stores the storage information input by the warehouse operator 194 via the I / O port 8004 in the mass storage device 8005 and updates the payout side table). Prepare.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to manage a history including storage information, in particular, by associating boards and frames that may be distributed separately with each security identification information. In addition, the history management system determines an abnormality in the management state of the board and the frame based on the information stored in the board information storage area and the frame information storage area. It is possible to prompt the update of the information stored in the information storage area and maintain the state where correct information is stored.

(3) In the history management system of (1) or (2) above,
When reselling the board, the board information storage area is updated so that the resale information of the board (for example, destination hall, installation date, sales company name, etc.) is stored in association with the first security identification information. Board resale information updating means (for example, the CPU 8001 stores the used information input by the used dealer 195 via the I / O port 8004 in the mass storage device 8005 and updates the main control side table);
When reselling the frame, the frame information storage area is updated so as to store the resale information of the frame (for example, destination hall, installation date, sales company name, etc.) in association with the second security identification information. And a frame resale information update means (for example, the CPU 8001 stores the used information input by the used dealer 195 via the I / O port 8004 in the mass storage device 8005 and updates the payout side table).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to manage a history including second-hand information in particular by associating boards and frames that may be distributed separately with each security identification information. In addition, the history management system determines the abnormality of the management state of the board and the frame based on the information stored in the board information storage area and the frame information storage area, so that the board information storage area and It is possible to prompt the update of the information stored in the information storage area and maintain the state where correct information is stored.

(4) In the history management system according to any one of (1) to (3) above,
When discarding the board, the board information storage area is updated so that the board disposal information (for example, the collection date and the disposal date) is stored in association with the first security identification information. Means (for example, the CPU 8001 stores the discard information input by the discarder 196 via the I / O port 8004 in the mass storage device 8005 and updates the main control side table);
When discarding the frame, the frame discard information update is performed to update the frame information storage area so as to store the discard information of the frame (for example, the collection date or the discard date) in association with the second security identification information. (For example, the CPU 8001 stores the discard information input by the discarder 196 via the I / O port 8004 in the mass storage device 8005 and updates the payout table).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to manage a history including discard information, in particular, by associating boards and frames that may be distributed separately with each security identification information. Further, the history management system determines an abnormality in the management state of the board and the frame based on the information stored in the board information storage area and the frame information storage area, so that the board information storage area and It is possible to prompt the update of the information stored in the information storage area and maintain the state where correct information is stored.

(5) In the history management system according to any one of (1) to (4) above,
The information stored in the panel information storage area (main control side table) stores the second security identification information associated with the first security identification information (for example, paired main control security chip ID). It can be deleted separately from the frame information storage area (payout side table),
The information stored in the frame information storage area (payout-side table) is associated with the second security identification information (for example, a security chip ID for payout control of a pair). The first security identification information is stored. It is possible to delete it separately from the panel information storage area (main control side table).

  According to such a configuration, even if it is a board and a frame that are used for different periods (frames are used longer than the board), they can be deleted individually, so they should be managed appropriately Can do.

(6) In the history management system according to any one of (1) to (5) above,
The abnormality determination means is a relationship between the operation information of the panel updated in association with the first security identification information and the management state of the panel (for example, a relationship shown in the update abnormality table of FIG. 22B), Alternatively, based on the relationship between the operation information of the frame updated in association with the second security identification information and the management state of the frame (for example, the relationship included in the update abnormality table shown in FIG. 22B), An abnormality in the management state of the panel and the frame is determined (for example, when the management state is “discard”, it is determined as abnormal if the operation state is active).

  According to such a configuration, for a board and a frame having a defect in the management state and operation information, the information stored in the board information storage area and the frame information storage area is urged to be updated, and the state in which correct information is stored is maintained. It becomes possible to do.

(7) In the history management system according to any one of (1) to (5) above,
The abnormality determining means is configured to change the management state of the panel and the transition of the management state of the frame (for example, the transition included in the transition prohibition table shown in FIG. 22A). An abnormality in the management state of the frame is determined (for example, if the management state determined last time is “discard” and the management state determined this time is “installation”, it is determined as abnormal).

  According to such a configuration, for the board and the frame having a problem in the transition of the management state, the information stored in the board information storage area and the frame information storage area is prompted to be updated, and the state in which the correct information is stored is maintained. Is possible.

(8) A gaming machine (P unit 2, S unit 2S) in which a game is played by a player,
Frames (outer frame 4 and front frame 5, main body frame 2aS);
A front member (glass door 6, front door 2bS) provided on the frame so as to be opened and closed;
Detecting means for detecting the opening of the front member (glass door opening detection switch 12, front frame opening detection switch 13, front door opening detection switch);
A board (game board 26, board mounting board) detachably provided on the frame;
Panel connection detection means (a convex drawer connector 32, a concave drawer connector 33) for detecting electrical connection between the panel and the frame;
The panel connection detection means and the open detection means are connected in series, and a power line (loop-shaped power line 500) wired in a loop shape that supplies power from a backup power source during a power-off period, which is a period during which the power is off. )When,
It is operated by the backup power source during the power-off period and counts the number of detections of opening of the front member by the opening detection means and the number of detections of electrical disconnection between the panel and the frame by the panel connection detection means. Counting means (counting counter 120 including the CPU 10a operated by the backup power source of FIG. 14);
Output means (I / O port 10d) for outputting a count value in the power-off period in the counting means as a counting result;
The counting means is a circulation type counting means (FIG. 17 (c)) for counting from the initial value again after counting up to a predetermined upper limit value.
When the count value returns to the count value at the start time of the power-off by the counting process in the power-off period, the output means outputs a specific value indicating that as the count result (FIG. 13). A value (= 63) in which the round flag shown in (b) is set is output).

  According to such a configuration, not only the opening of the front member can be detected, but also the electrical connection between the panel and the frame can be detected. After counting up to a predetermined upper limit value, counting from the initial value is performed again. By counting the number of detections of opening of the front member by the circulation type counting means and the number of times of detecting electrical disconnection between the board and the frame by the board connection detecting means, the storage area of the count value of the number of detection times is excessive. It can be suppressed so that it does not become. In addition, when the count value returns to the count value at the start point of the power-off by the counting process in the power-off period, a specific value indicating that is output as the count result. The inconvenience that the numerical value goes around and the number of detection times is determined to be 0 can also be prevented. Also, even if an opening operation and a cutting operation are performed in which the counting range of the circulating counting means leaks and the count value of the counting means is intentionally made to circulate in accordance with the counting range, the determination of the opening is made accurately. Can be done.

(9) In the gaming machine of (8) above,
The power line (power line 500) is included in a wiring in a signal cable (for example, the signal cable 36 shown in FIG. 3) that transmits and receives signals between the frame and the panel.

  According to such a configuration, when removing the frame from the board, it is necessary to remove the signal cable including the power line, so that electrical disconnection between the board and the frame can be detected without fail.

(10) In the gaming machine of (9) above,
The panel connection detection means is the frame for connecting the signal cable and a floating connector (convex drawer connector 32, concave drawer connector 33) provided directly on the panel.

  According to such a configuration, when removing the frame from the board, it is necessary to remove the signal cable including the power line, so that electrical disconnection between the board and the frame can be detected without fail. Furthermore, when the board is attached to the frame, they can be coupled without being aware of the positional relationship between the frame and the floating connector provided directly on the board.

(11) In any of the above gaming machines (8) to (10),
Of the two sides of the board, main control means for controlling the gaming state is provided on the side opposite to the side facing the front member,
The main control means (main control board 16, main control unit 161) can be detached from the board by removing the board from the frame.

  According to such a configuration, when removing the main control means from the board, it is necessary to remove the board from the frame. Therefore, the operation of removing the main control means from the board can be detected by the board connection detecting means.

(12) In the gaming machine of (11) above,
The power line further connects in series a main control connection detecting means (a connecting portion between the power line 500 of the game board 26 and the power line 500a of the main control board 16) for detecting an electrical connection between the board and the main control means. (For example, the power line 500a of the main control means is configured as a part of the loop-shaped power line 500).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily detect that the main control means has been removed from the board by disconnecting the wiring constituting the power line when removing the main control means from the board.

(13) In the gaming machine of any of (8) to (12) above,
The frame is provided with payout control means (payout control board 17, payout control unit 171) for controlling the payout of game media,
The power line further connects in series with a payout control connection detecting means (connection portion between the board and the payout control means) for detecting an electrical connection between the board and the payout control means (for example, within the payout control means). A loop-shaped power line 500 is wired).

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily detect that the payout control means has been removed from the board by cutting the wiring constituting the power line when removing the payout control means from the board.

(14) In the gaming machine of any of (8) to (13) above,
The counting means counts the number of detections of the opening of the front member by the detection means during a period in which the power source other than the power-off period is on (FIG. 17 (c))
A first storage area (9 to 14 in the image in RAM of FIG. 16) in which the current count value by the counting means is stored and the stored value is not initialized by an external operation;
A second storage area (3 to 8 of the image in the RAM of FIG. 16) for storing a count value at the time when the power-off is started by the counting means;
The output means includes
When the count value does not return to the count value at the time when the power is turned off, the difference value between the first storage area and the second storage area is output as the count result (difference values 000000 to 111110 in FIG. 16 are output). Output),
When the count value returns to the count value at the time when the power is turned off, a value outside the range that the difference value can take is output as the specific value (111111 in FIG. 16 is output).

  According to such a configuration, when the count value does not return to the count value at the start time of power-off, the count value at the present time by the circulation type counting means and the count value at the start time of power-off by the circulation type counting means. Since the difference value from the numerical value is output as the counting result, the number of detections of opening of the front member during the power-off period and the number of detections of electrical disconnection between the panel and the frame by the panel connection detecting means are counted. It is output as a result and can be grasped. On the other hand, when the count value returns to the count value at the time when the power is turned off, a value other than the range that can be taken by the difference value is output as a specific value, so that the difference value of the output value can be taken. By judging whether or not the specific value is out of the range, it is possible to grasp that the count value of the circulation type counting means has made a full round, and it is possible to accurately detect the opening and the disconnection.

(15) In the gaming machine of (14) above,
The stored value in the second storage area is stored in the first storage area when the power is turned off, and the stored value in the first storage area is initialized when a predetermined condition is satisfied (in S6 shown in FIG. 17). Further, before clearing the stored value to 0, the stored value may be overwritten and saved to the current value, and then the stored value may be cleared to 0).

  According to such a configuration, the storage value of the second storage area that stores the count value at the start of power-off is stored in the first storage area, and the storage value of the first storage area satisfies the predetermined condition. Since it is initialized on the basis of this, it is possible to prevent leakage of information such as a count range related to the count value of the circulation type counting means by keeping the stored value in the first storage area as much as possible.

(16) In the gaming machine of any of (8) to (15) above,
The front member is pivotally supported at one end (FIG. 2),
The detection means is provided on the free end side of the front member opposite to the pivotally supported side (FIG. 2).

  According to such a configuration, the circulation type counting means is provided on the free end side of the front member opposite to the shaft-supported side. It can be detected at the end side, and the detection accuracy of the opening of the front member can be increased.

(17) In the gaming machine of (8) above,
Control means (dispensing control board 17) for performing control different from control for detecting and counting the opening of the front member is further provided,
The output means outputs a counting result to the control means when power is turned on (YES in S4 shown in FIG. 17 and output to the payout control board 17 in S5),
The control means outputs a signal indicating an abnormal state to the outside of the gaming machine when receiving the specific value (a value (= 63) where the round flag is raised) as the counting result (S14 shown in FIG. 18).

  According to such a configuration, when the power is turned on, the counting result is output to the control means, and when the control means receives the specific value as the counting result, a signal indicating an abnormal state is output to the outside of the gaming machine. In addition, fraud countermeasures can be strengthened.

  It should be thought that embodiment disclosed this time is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  2 Pachinko machine, 2S slot machine, 3 card unit, 16 main control board, 17 payout control board, 26 game board, 54, 312 display, 309 card insertion / discharge port, 319 replay button, 320 IR light receiving unit, 321 Lending button, 322 return button, 161 main control unit, 325 display control unit, 171 payout control unit, 50, 50S 7-segment display, 323 CU control unit, 12 glass door open detection switch, 13 front frame open detection switch.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine in which a game is played by a player,
Frame,
A front member provided on the frame so as to be openable and closable;
Opening detection means for detecting the opening of the front member;
A board detachably provided on the frame;
Board connection detection means for detecting electrical connection between the board and the frame;
Payout control means for controlling payout of game media provided in the frame;
A payout control connection detecting means for detecting an electrical connection between the payout control means and the panel;
The payout control connection detection means, the panel connection detection means, and the open detection means are connected in series and wired in a loop shape that supplies power from a backup power source during a power-off period, which is a period when the power is off. Power lines,
The number of times of detection of the opening of the front member by the opening detection means activated by the backup power source during the power off period, the number of times of detection of electrical disconnection between the board and the frame by the board connection detection means, and the payout Counting means for counting the total number of times of detection of electrical disconnection between the control means and the board;
Output means for outputting the count value in the power-off period in the counting means as a counting result,
The counting means is a circulating counting means for counting from an initial value again after counting up to a predetermined upper limit value,
When the count value is returned to the count value at the start of power-off by the counting process in the power-off period, the output means outputs a specific value indicating that as the count result.