JP2020037031A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of reducing encrypted communication processing to be executed between first control means and second control means.SOLUTION: The game machine according to the present invention includes a main control part 161 and a putout control part 171 that are communicated to each other. At least one of the main control part 161 and the putout control part 171 includes communication control circuits 161b and 171b for transmitting prescribed information generated by execution of a user program. When returning from a communication failure state, the communication control circuits 161b and 171b execute return processing for transmitting the prescribed information stored in an information storage part and, on the condition of termination of the return processing, restarts to generate the prescribed information by execution of the user program.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 25

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine typified by, for example, a pachinko gaming machine, a slot machine, and the like, which has a first control unit and a second control unit that communicate with each other.

  Conventionally, for example, the first control means includes a first control means communicably connected to the authentication information management device, and a second control means communicably connected to the first control means. A means is disclosed as a game machine in which one pair of authentication information is stored in advance and the second control means stores one of the pair authentication information in advance (Patent Document 1).

  Further, conventionally, for example, there has been a system in which a main CPU that controls a game state of a gaming machine and a sub CPU that controls, for example, a variable display device transmit and receive a cipher message using a common key cryptosystem (Patent Document 2). ).

JP 2012-100763 A JP-A-2004-89701

  In the gaming machine, when the first control means and the second control means communicate with each other, there is a possibility that the communication between the two control means is interrupted and the two cannot communicate with each other. Assuming such a situation, it is necessary to determine in advance a return procedure after a communication failure between the two. In this case, if the predetermined information generated on one side and scheduled to be transmitted to the other has not reached the other side, a return process for transmitting the predetermined information to the other side must be determined when returning.

  However, if such a return process is included in the user program executed by the control unit, the control load of the control unit executing the user program increases.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to reduce a control load relating to a return process after a state in which communication between a first control unit and a second control unit is disabled. That is.

(1) A gaming machine (P unit 2) including a first control unit (main control unit 161) and a second control unit (payout control unit 171) that communicate with each other,
At least one of the first control means and the second control means,
A user program area capable of storing a user program (main control storage unit 161c, payout control storage unit 171c);
A communication control circuit (communication control circuits 161b, 171b) for transmitting predetermined information generated by execution of the user program,
The communication control circuit,
An information storage unit (for example, a transmission data buffer 613 shown in FIG. 26, a data reception register 713 shown in FIG. 27, etc.) for storing the predetermined information,
An information transmitting unit that performs a predetermined mode conversion process for setting the predetermined information stored in the information storage unit in a predetermined mode (for example, a mode such as encryption) and transmits the predetermined information in the predetermined mode ( Encryption communication control units 600 and 700),
When the communication control circuit returns from the communication disabled state (the recovery function of the communication control circuits 161b and 171b), the communication control circuit executes the predetermined mode processing on the predetermined information stored in the information storage unit to execute the predetermined mode. 29, a return process for transmitting the predetermined information in the predetermined mode is executed, and the termination of the return process is performed on condition that the recovery process is completed (S292: recovery communication completion register 618 and recovery request / completion register 718 in FIG. 29). Is generated), the generation of the predetermined information by the execution of the user program is restarted (S293 in FIG. 29: A signal for starting the processing of the user program is transmitted, or the signal is stopped by the stop unit). Cancels the processing of the user program and restarts the processing of the user program),
The communication control circuit can set a valid period during which the predetermined information can be continuously written to the information storage unit after the authentication with the communication partner has expired (FIG. 27: main controller transmission buffer write valid time setting). The register 719c sets an effective time during which the data in the transmission data buffer 613 of the main control unit 161 can be written to the data reception register 713 after the authentication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 has expired. ).

  According to the above configuration, when returning from the communication disabled state, the communication control circuit does not regenerate and transmit the predetermined information that has not been transmitted due to the communication failure by executing the user program. Since the predetermined information stored in the information storage unit is transmitted, there is no need to execute a user program to recover from a state in which communication cannot be performed, and the control load can be reduced accordingly.

(2) In the above (1),
Both the first control means (main control section 161) and the second control means (payout control section 171) include the user program area and the communication control circuits (communication control circuits 161b, 171b).

  According to the above configuration, since both the first control means and the second control means include the user program area and the communication control circuit, the processing is appropriately restarted in both the first control means and the second control means. be able to.

(3) In the above (1) or (2),
Both the first control means (main control section 161) and the second control means (payout control section 171) include the user program area and the communication control circuits (communication control circuits 161b, 171b),
When transmitting the predetermined information, the communication control circuit also transmits arrival confirmation information updated according to a predetermined update pattern in order to confirm arrival of the predetermined information (FIG. 32: the payment control unit 171). To transmit a power-on notification command including the serial number transmitted last time (main control serial number = n + 1),
When the communication control circuit of one of the first control means and the second control means returns from the communication disabled state, the communication control circuit retransmits the previously transmitted arrival confirmation information (FIG. 32: a power supply in response to a power-on notification command). Send the response of the input reception),
The first control means or the second control means including the other communication control circuit, the return confirmation information received when returning from the communication disabled state, and the arrival confirmation information received before the communication was disabled Are not in the predetermined relationship (FIG. 32: when the main control serial number = n + 1 does not match the payout control serial number = n), the return processing is performed based on the predetermined information transmitted by the one communication control circuit. An information updating process (FIG. 32: executing a recovery process) is executed.

  According to the above configuration, when the arrival confirmation information received when returning from the communication disabled state and the arrival confirmation information received before the communication became unavailable do not have a predetermined relationship, one communication control is performed by the return processing. Since the information updating process is performed based on the predetermined information transmitted by the circuit, the burden of communication between the first control means and the second control means can be reduced.

(4) In the above (1) to (3),
The information storage unit includes a nonvolatile storage area (for example, a transmission data buffer 613 shown in FIG. 26, a data reception register 713 shown in FIG. 27) and a volatile storage area (for example, a register other than the transmission data buffer 613 shown in FIG. 26). , Registers other than the data reception register 713 shown in FIG. 27).

  According to the above configuration, since the information storage unit includes the nonvolatile storage area and the volatile storage area, it is possible to suppress the amount of data required in the recovery processing when restarting communication.

(5) In the above (1) to (4),
The communication control circuit can set a valid period during which the predetermined information can be continuously written to the information storage unit after the authentication with the communication partner has expired (FIG. 27: main controller transmission buffer write valid time setting). The register 719c sets an effective time during which the data in the transmission data buffer 613 of the main control unit 161 can be written to the data reception register 713 after the authentication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 has expired. ).

  According to the above configuration, the communication control circuit can set the valid period in which the predetermined information can be continuously written to the information storage unit after the authentication with the communication partner has expired. Necessary information can be surely stored even afterwards. For example, even if there is a floating ball (a ball that has not been dropped by being caught between nails or the like in the game area 27) when the authentication with the communication partner has been cut due to a power failure or disconnection, the predetermined information is continuously transmitted. By setting the valid period in which the information can be written in the information storage unit, the information that the floating ball has won can be reliably stored and protected.

(6) A game board (game board 26) including first control means (main control unit 161),
The first control means includes:
It is possible to communicate with the second control means (payout control unit 171) included in the game frame (front frame 5),
A user program area capable of storing a user program (main control storage unit 161c);
A communication control circuit (communication control circuit 161b) for transmitting predetermined information generated by execution of the user program,
The communication control circuit,
An information storage unit (eg, a transmission data buffer 613 shown in FIG. 26) for storing the predetermined information;
An information transmitting unit that performs a predetermined mode conversion process for setting the predetermined information stored in the information storage unit in a predetermined mode (for example, a mode such as encryption) and transmits the predetermined information in the predetermined mode ( Encryption communication control unit 600),
When the communication control circuit returns from the communication disabled state (recovery function of the communication control circuit 161b), the communication control circuit executes the predetermined mode processing on the predetermined information stored in the information storage unit to execute the predetermined mode. A return process for transmitting the predetermined information in the predetermined mode is executed, and a condition for ending the return process is satisfied (S292 in FIG. 29: A flag indicating recovery completion is written in the recovery communication completion register 618). Then, the generation of the predetermined information by the execution of the user program is restarted (S293 in FIG. 29: a signal for starting the processing of the user program is transmitted, or the processing of the user program which has been stopped by the stopping means is released. Resume the processing of the user program).

According to the above configuration, when returning from the communication disabled state, the communication control circuit does not regenerate and transmit the predetermined information that has not been transmitted due to the communication failure by executing the user program. Since the predetermined information stored in the information storage unit is transmitted, there is no need to execute a user program to recover from a state in which communication cannot be performed, and the control load can be reduced accordingly.
(6-1) In the above (6),
The second control means included in the game frame also includes the user program area and the communication control circuit,
The communication control circuit, when transmitting the predetermined information, also transmits arrival confirmation information updated according to a predetermined update pattern to confirm arrival of the predetermined information,
The communication control circuit of the first control means, when returning from a communication disabled state, retransmits the previously transmitted arrival confirmation information,
The second control means including the other communication control circuit is configured so that the arrival confirmation information received when returning from the communication disabled state and the arrival confirmation information received before the communication became disabled have a predetermined relationship. When there is no such information, an update process of information based on the predetermined information transmitted by the communication control circuit of the first control means is executed by the return process.

(7) A game frame (front frame 5) provided with second control means (payout control section 171) for communicating with the first control means (main control section 161) included in the game board (game board 26). ,
The second control means includes:
A user program area capable of storing a user program (payout control storage unit 171c);
A communication control circuit (communication control circuit 171b) for transmitting predetermined information generated by execution of the user program,
The communication control circuit,
An information storage unit (for example, a data reception register 713 shown in FIG. 27) for storing the predetermined information;
An information transmitting unit that performs a predetermined mode conversion process for setting the predetermined information stored in the information storage unit in a predetermined mode (for example, a mode such as encryption) and transmits the predetermined information in the predetermined mode ( Encryption communication control unit 700),
When the communication control circuit returns from the communication disabled state (the recovery function of the communication control circuit 171b), the predetermined information stored in the information storage unit is executed in the predetermined mode to execute the predetermined mode. A return process for transmitting the predetermined information in the predetermined mode is executed, and a condition for ending the return process is satisfied (S292 in FIG. 29: a flag indicating recovery completion is written in the recovery request / completion register 718). ), The generation of the predetermined information by the execution of the user program is restarted (S293 in FIG. 29: A signal for starting the processing of the user program is transmitted, or the processing of the user program stopped by the stopping means is canceled. To restart the processing of the user program).

According to the above configuration, when returning from the communication disabled state, the communication control circuit does not regenerate and transmit the predetermined information that has not been transmitted due to the communication failure by executing the user program. Since the predetermined information stored in the information storage unit is transmitted, there is no need to execute a user program to recover from a state in which communication cannot be performed, and the control load can be reduced accordingly.
(7-1) In the above (7),
The first control means included in the game board also includes the user program area and the communication control circuit,
The communication control circuit, when transmitting the predetermined information, also transmits arrival confirmation information updated according to a predetermined update pattern to confirm arrival of the predetermined information,
The communication control circuit of the first control means, when returning from a communication disabled state, retransmits the previously transmitted arrival confirmation information,
The second control means including the communication control circuit, when the arrival confirmation information received when returning from the communication disabled state, and the arrival confirmation information received before the communication is disabled is not in a predetermined relationship Then, an update process of information based on the predetermined information transmitted by the communication control circuit of the first control means by the return process is executed.

(8-1) The present invention provides a gaming machine (P unit 2) for giving a predetermined gaming point upon occurrence of a prize, the gaming machine being communicably connected to the gaming machine, and using a value owned by a player. A gaming device (CU3) that enables gaming on the machine,
The gaming machine is
Game point storage means (FIG. 4: game ball number counter) for storing the game points;
A count for counting the game points stored in the game point storage means to the score based on an operation for counting the game points to a predetermined score (for example, pressing a “count” button shown in FIG. 10). Counting request transmitting means for transmitting a request to the gaming machine (FIG. 11: When there is a counting ball payout request at the start of counting, the P unit 2 sends a status information response command including information of counting request = ON to CU3 To.), And
The gaming device,
Count processing means for counting the gaming points to the points based on the counting request from the counting request transmitting means (FIG. 11: When the CU 3 receives a state information response including information of counting request = ON, Add the number of counting balls to the number of holding balls.)
Recording medium receiving means (FIG. 1: card insertion / ejection port 309 for accepting a card) for accepting a recording medium capable of specifying a value owned by a player;
A recording medium processing means (FIG. 11: CU3 is inserted into a card insertion / ejection port 309) for processing the points counted by the counting processing means so as to be identifiable with the recording medium received by the recording medium receiving means. The number of balls held is stored in the card.)
Recording medium returning means for returning the recording medium processed by the recording medium processing means (FIG. 11: CU3 returns the card storing the number of balls held);
A removal waiting state notifying means for notifying the gaming machine that the recording medium returned by the recording medium returning means is in a removal waiting state (FIG. 11: CU3 prepares for card return when card removal is possible). The information of the state OFF and the card removal waiting ON is notified to the P-unit 2.).

  According to the above configuration, the removal waiting state notifying unit notifies the gaming machine that the recording medium returned by the recording medium returning unit is in the removal waiting state, so that the gaming machine can remove the recording medium to the player. Can be performed, and forgetting to remove the recording medium can be prevented. Further, it is possible to give a warning to prevent theft due to forgetting to remove the recording medium.

(8-2) The present invention is communicably connected to a gaming machine (P unit 2) for giving a predetermined gaming point when a prize is generated, and plays a game with the gaming machine using a value owned by the player. A gaming device (CU3) for enabling
Counting processing means for counting the gaming points to the points based on the counting request from the gaming machine (FIG. 11: When the CU 3 receives a status information response including the information of counting request = ON, The number is added to the number of balls.)
Recording medium receiving means (FIG. 1: card insertion / ejection port 309 for accepting a card) for accepting a recording medium capable of specifying a value owned by a player;
A recording medium processing means (FIG. 11: CU3 is inserted into a card insertion / ejection port 309) for processing the points counted by the counting processing means so as to be identifiable with the recording medium received by the recording medium receiving means. The number of balls held is stored in the card.)
Recording medium returning means for returning the recording medium processed by the recording medium processing means (FIG. 11: CU3 returns the card storing the number of balls held);
A removal waiting state notifying means for notifying the gaming machine that the recording medium returned by the recording medium returning means is in a removal waiting state (FIG. 11: CU3 prepares for card return when card removal is possible). The information of the state OFF and the card removal waiting ON is notified to the P-unit 2.)

  According to the above configuration, the removal waiting state notifying unit notifies the gaming machine that the recording medium returned by the recording medium returning unit is in the removal waiting state, so that the gaming machine can remove the recording medium to the player. Can be performed, and forgetting to remove the recording medium can be prevented. Further, it is possible to give a warning to prevent theft due to forgetting to remove the recording medium.

(8-3) The present invention provides a gaming machine (CU3) that is communicably connected to a gaming device (CU3) that enables a player to play a game by using a value possessed by a player, and that gives a predetermined gaming point when a prize is generated. P) 2)
Game point storage means (FIG. 4: game ball number counter) for storing the game points;
A count for counting the game points stored in the game point storage means to the score based on an operation for counting the game points to a predetermined score (for example, pressing a “count” button shown in FIG. 10). Counting request transmitting means for transmitting a request to the gaming machine (FIG. 11: When there is a counting ball payout request at the start of counting, the P unit 2 sends a status information response command including information of counting request = ON to CU3 To.), And
The point counted based on the counting request from the counting request transmitting means is processed to be identifiable with the recording medium received by the gaming device, and when the recording medium is returned, waiting for the recording medium to be removed. (FIG. 11: When the P-table 2 is in a card removal-possible state, the CU 3 sends a notification of a card return preparation state OFF and a card removal waiting ON information). Received.)

  According to the above configuration, the notification that the recording medium returned by the recording medium returning means is in the removal waiting state is received from the gaming device, so that the gaming machine prompts the player to remove the recording medium. Can be performed, and forgetting to remove the recording medium can be prevented. Further, it is possible to give a warning to prevent theft due to forgetting to remove the recording medium.

(8-4) In the above (8-1) to (8-3),
The gaming device includes a notifying unit (for example, a display 312 shown in FIG. 1) for notifying that the recording medium is waiting to be removed.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to notify that the recording device is in a state of waiting for the removal of the recording medium even in the gaming device, thereby preventing forgetting to remove the recording medium.

(8-5) In the above (8-1) to (8-3),
The gaming machine includes a display unit (for example, a variable display device 278 shown in FIG. 1) for notifying that the recording medium is waiting to be removed based on a notification from the gaming device.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to visually notify the gaming machine that the recording medium is waiting to be removed, so that forgetting to remove the recording medium can be prevented.

(8-6) In the above (8-1) or (8-2),
The removal waiting state notifying means notifies the gaming machine or a device connected to the gaming machine (for example, a hall computer, a call lamp on a P stand) that the recording medium is in a removal waiting state. .

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent forgetting to remove the recording medium by notifying the gaming machine or the gaming device that the recording medium is in a waiting state for removal of the recording medium.

(8-7) The present invention relates to a gaming machine (P unit 2) for giving a predetermined gaming point when a prize is generated, and the gaming machine is communicably connected to the gaming machine and uses a value owned by a player. A gaming device (CU3) that enables gaming on the machine,
The gaming device,
Recording medium receiving means (FIG. 1: card insertion / ejection port 309 for accepting a card) for accepting a recording medium capable of specifying a value owned by a player;
When the recording medium is received by the recording medium receiving means, a game place specifying information notifying means (not shown in FIG. 7) for notifying the gaming machine of game place specifying information capable of specifying a game place in which the gaming device is installed (FIG. 7). : When the card is received at the card insertion / ejection port 309, the CU 3 transmits a card insertion notification command including the “store code” added by the security board 325 to the P-unit 2.)
The gaming machine is
A game center specifying information storage unit that stores the game site specifying information notified by the game site specifying information notifying unit (FIG. 7: The P table 2 stores a “store code” included in the insertion notification command). ,
After recovering from a communication disabled state in which the gaming machine and the gaming device cannot communicate with each other, when the communication is restored, the game space specifying information newly notified by the game space specifying information notifying means, and the game space specifying A game center identification information comparison unit that compares the game site identification information stored in the information storage unit (FIG. 12: When the P unit 2 receives a recovery request including a “store code” from the CU 3, the “store code” Is determined to match with the “store code” stored therein.)
A game prohibition unit that prohibits the continuation of the game when the game site specification information is determined to be inconsistent by the game site specification information comparison unit (P-table 2 stores a “store code” from CU3). If the "store code" does not match, the continuation of the game is prohibited.).

  According to the above configuration, when the newly notified game space identification information and the game space identification information stored in the game space identification information storage unit do not match, the continuation of the game is prohibited, so that the counting ball is added to the game medium. It is possible to prevent fraud in moving the store in a state where the information is stored.

(8-8) In the above (8-7),
The gaming device,
A device capable of specifying a game control device (for example, a security board 325 shown in FIG. 2) included in the game device when the recording medium is received by the recording medium receiving means and when the communication is restored. A device specific information notifying means for notifying the gaming machine of specific information (SC board ID) (FIG. 7: When a card is received at the card insertion / ejection port 309, the CU 3 sets the “SC board ID” added by the security board 325. Is transmitted to the P units 2).
The gaming machine is
A device specifying information storage unit that stores the device specifying information notified by the device specifying information notifying unit (FIG. 7: P-table 2 stores “SC board ID” included in the insertion notification command);
When the communication is restored, the device identification information newly notified by the device identification information notification unit is compared with the device identification information stored in the device identification information storage unit. Compares the “SC board ID” from the CU 3 with the stored “SC board ID”.)
The game prohibition unit prohibits the continuation of the game when the device specifying information comparing unit determines that the device specifying information does not match (prohibits the continuation of the game when the device specifying information does not match).

  According to the above configuration, if the newly notified device specifying information and the device specifying information stored in the device specifying information storage unit do not match, the continuation of the game is prohibited, and the counting ball is stored in the game medium. It is possible to prevent improper movement of the gaming machine in the state.

(8-9) In the above (8-7) or the above (8-8),
The gaming machine is
Game site identification information reading means for reading the game site identification information added to the game medium used for the game (for example, a sensor is provided in the collection ball passage path of the P base 2, and the sensor is provided in the game ball. Read certain identification information (such as a mark on the surface).
The game place identification information comparing means, the game place identification information added to the game medium read by the game place identification information reading means, the game place identification information stored in the game place identification information storage means, Compare (Based on the read identification information, it is determined whether or not it matches the identification information of the game ball of the own store. If the identification information does not match, Bit0 of “fraud detection state 3” of the state information response is changed to “1”. I do.)

  According to the above configuration, if the game room identification information added to the game medium read by the game room identification information reading unit does not match the game room identification information stored in the game room identification information storage unit, the game medium Can be notified that a game ball from another store is mixed in the game.

It is a front view showing a card unit and a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in the card unit and the pachinko machine. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a process of notifying operation / non-operation information from a pachinko machine. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining various data stored on the card unit side and the pachinko machine side and transmission and reception thereof. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of commands and responses transmitted and received between the card unit and the pachinko machine. It is a figure showing an example of processing in a card unit and a pachinko machine at the time of power-on. It is a figure showing an example of processing of a card unit and a pachinko machine when a card is inserted in a card unit. It is a figure showing an example of processing of 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 of a card unit and a pachinko machine at the time of ball-payout and ball-payout. It is a figure showing an example of normal processing of a card unit and a pachinko machine at the time of counting game balls. It is a figure showing an example of the count processing at the time of a player performing a card return operation. It is a figure which shows an example of a process when the command of the status information request | requirement from a card unit to a pachinko machine has not arrived because of a power supply cutoff and a communication line disconnection. It is a figure for explaining the flow of history information (machine history information) from shipment to disposal of a game machine concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the detail of a flow until shipping information is registered with the history management center concerning this embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the concrete contents of shipping information. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating details of a flow until installation information is registered in the history management center according to the present embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of installation information input to the history management center in FIG. 16. It is a figure showing the flow until removal information is registered in the history management center concerning this embodiment. It is a figure showing a flow until destruction information is registered in a history management center concerning this embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the contents of discard information inputted into a history management center. It is a schematic diagram for explaining the history management of the front frame and the game board according to the present embodiment. It is the schematic of the table which stores the information of a frame and the information of a game board in order to manage the history of a front frame and a game board. It is a flowchart for explaining the abnormality determination processing of management of a front frame and a game board by a history management center. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a table referred to in the flowchart shown in FIG. 23. It is a schematic diagram for explaining communication performed with a main control part, a payout control part, and a communication control IC. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the communication control circuit for performing encryption communication with a payout control part. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for describing a configuration of a communication control circuit for performing cryptographic communication with a main control unit. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for describing a configuration of a communication control circuit for performing cryptographic communication with a communication control IC. It is a flow chart for explaining recovery completion confirmation processing. It is an explanatory view for explaining an outline of a command and a response transmitted and received between a main control unit and a payout control unit. It is a figure showing a communication sequence between a main control part and a payout control part. It is a figure which shows an example of a process when there is a power supply interruption and a communication line disconnection, and the command of the game state notification from the main control unit to the payout control unit has not arrived. It is a perspective view showing the state where the front door of the slot machine was opened. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining various data stored in each of the card unit and the slot machine and a transmission / reception mode thereof.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<Structure of pachinko machine>
First, the configuration of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In each of a plurality of gaming islands (not shown) arranged in a plurality of gaming arcades (hereinafter also referred to as halls), an enclosed circulation type pachinko machine (hereinafter abbreviated as a gaming machine, pachinko machine or P units) is an example of a gaming machine. ) 2 is also provided. In addition, a card unit (hereinafter, sometimes abbreviated as CU) 3 as an example of a game device is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the pachinko machine 2 at a predetermined lateral position of the pachinko machine 2. Have been.

  The pachinko machine 2 has a pachinko ball as an example of a game medium enclosed therein, and the player operates the hitting operation handle 25 to drive the firing motor 18 (see FIG. 2) to make one shot of the enclosed ball. It is configured so that a player can play a game by hitting the game area 27 on the front of the game board 26 at a time. Specifically, a touch sensor is provided around the hit ball operation handle 25, and the player's hand touches the touch sensor while the player operates the hit ball 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 ball firing force is adjusted according to the amount of rotation of the hitting operation handle 25 by the player, and the ball is fired in the game area 27.

  A keyhole 10 is provided above the hitting operation handle 25, and a key possessed by a person in charge at the game arcade is inserted to unlock the front frame 5 (see FIG. 2) (for example, clockwise rotation) to move forward. The frame 5 is opened, and the glass door (front member) 6 is unlocked (for example, rotated counterclockwise) to open the glass door 6.

  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. Further, in the game area 27, a plurality of types of winning ports in which the driven pachinko balls can win are provided. In the gaming area 27 shown in FIG. 1, one large winning opening (variable winning ball device) 271, three normal winning openings 272, 273, 274, and three starting winning openings 275, 276, 277 are shown. ing. In particular, the starting winning opening 276 is formed of an electric tulip that can be changed between a first state (for example, an open state) advantageous to the player and a second state (for example, the closed state) disadvantageous to the player. .

  The variable display device 278 variably displays based on the detection signal of the winning prize ball that has won each of the starting winning ports 275, 276, and 277. When the display result of the variable display device is a combination of specific identification information (for example, a double-row), a big hit state is established, and the special winning opening 271 is opened.

  In addition, the display result of the variable display device is a combination of predetermined special identification information (for example, a combination of positively-variable symbols such as 777) among the combinations (spots) of the big-hit symbols, so that the probability-variable big-hit state is changed. A probability variation state (probable variation state) occurs in which the probability of occurrence of the jackpot increases after the occurrence of the jackpot state.

  The pachinko balls hit into the game area 27 are either won in one of the winning ports or are collected in the out port (not shown) without winning. The pachinko ball that has won the winning opening and the pachinko ball that has been collected in the out opening pass through the collecting path (not shown) in the pachinko machine 2 again to be returned to the hit ball firing position. Then, when the player operates the hit ball operation handle 25, the pachinko ball at the hit ball firing position is hit into the game area 27 again.

  An indicator 54 is provided below the game area 27 in the pachinko machine 2. The display 54 is configured by a liquid crystal display device. The display unit 54 is formed integrally with the card unit (CU) 3 even if it is attached to the pachinko machine (P unit) 2 independently of the card unit (CU) 3 as shown in FIG. It may be configured to fit on the front surface of the (P stage) 2. If the display unit 54 of the card unit (CU) 3 is fitted to the front of the pachinko machine (P unit) 2, the card unit (CU) 3 and the pachinko machine (P unit) 2 are more strongly connected. Therefore, fraud can be further prevented.

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

  Further, at the left position of the hit ball operation handle 25 in the pachinko machine 2, a counting button 28 for performing a counting process from game balls to possessed balls is provided. As will be described in detail later, when the counting button 28 is pressed once, the number of game balls is counted from the game balls to the possessed balls, for example, 100 balls. The game balls are counted from the game balls to the possessed balls by the number of balls corresponding to the pressed time.

  As described above, since the counting button 28 is provided on the P platform side, the operability of the player sitting directly on the P platform can be improved as compared with the case where the counting button 28 is provided on the CU side.

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

  The card unit 3 that has received those cards converts the game value (for example, the card balance, the number of balls held, or the number of balls stored) owned by the player specified by the record information of the cards into “game ball data”. Having. In the pachinko machine 2, a ball game corresponding to the number of balls specified by the game ball data is enabled. That is, the "game ball data" is data indicating the number of remaining shots that can be fired. In the following description, the "game ball data" is simply referred to as "game ball", similarly to the storage and holding balls.

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

  On the surface of the protruding portion 305 facing the player, a display 312 and a member card ID (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a card ID) recorded on the member card when the member card is received, and a member An IR (Infrared) photosensitive unit 320 receives an infrared signal from a replay button 319 for performing a replay game using the number of accumulated balls specified by the card ID, and a remote controller (not shown) possessed by a staff at the game hall. An IR light receiving unit for converting the signal into an electronic signal and outputting the signal is provided.

  The display 312 displays a prepaid balance (hereinafter, also referred to as a card balance or simply a balance) recorded on the inserted game recording medium (card), and displays the number of game balls and other various information. It can be displayed and has a transparent touch panel on the surface, so that 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 inserted card records the number of possessed balls obtained by the player, a part of the possessed ball number is withdrawn and converted into a game ball, and the converted game ball is converted. , It is 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 balls held is not recorded and the ball is recorded on the hall management computer, a part of the ball is withdrawn and converted to a game ball. Then, the game with the pachinko machine 2 becomes possible. In other words, when both the accumulated ball and the score are stored in association with the inserted card, the possessed ball is withdrawn preferentially. It should be noted that a dedicated ball payout button for withdrawing a ball may be provided separately from the replay button 319, and the replay button 319 may be a button exclusively for withdrawing a ball.

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

  "Number of balls" is the number of balls that are owned by the player as a result of the player playing the game with the gaming machine and recorded 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 obtained by a player on the day at a game hall is referred to as "holding ball", and the number of balls obtained by the player before the previous day and deposited at the game hall is referred to as "ball savings". Say

  "Gaming balls" are data on the number of balls that can be fired by the gaming machine. As described above, this data is generated in exchange for the debit of the balance of the prepaid card, the value of the ball, or the value of the 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 “ball storage” and “holding ball” is the number of balls deposited in the game hall by performing a ball storage operation for depositing in the game hall, or the number of balls that are still deposited in the game hall. This is the number of balls that are not in the stage.

  In the present embodiment, the ball storage data is not recorded directly on the member card, but is stored in the hall server 801 (see FIG. 3) installed in a game hall such as a management computer for the hall in association with the member card number, and is stored in the member card number. It is configured to be able to search for a corresponding coin based on that. On the other hand, the possessed ball is recorded 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. Also in the case of a visitor card, the possessed ball is recorded directly on the visitor card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the possessed ball may be stored in the hall server 801 in association with the card number. When storing the hall server 801 in association with the card number, data that can specify the time stored in the hall server 801 may be written to a card (member card, visitor card) and discharged. The prepaid balance is directly written on a card (member card, visitor card) and discharged.

  The timing of storing the ball in the card (member card, visitor card) or the hall server 801 is, for example, stored in real time every time the counting button 28 is operated and the counting process is performed. For example, it is necessary to store the information in a memory or collectively when returning the card.

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

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

<Structure of card unit and pachinko machine>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2. With reference to FIG. 2, an outline of a control circuit for 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 (not shown), a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a program for operating the CPU, control data, and the like, and a work of the CPU. A random access memory (RAM) functioning as an area, an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices, and the like are provided.

  The CU control unit 323 is provided with an external communication unit (not shown) for communicating with a hall management computer and a hall server 801 (see FIG. 3) for security management. 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 (not shown) to the pachinko machine 2 side, and the pachinko machine 2 is provided with a connection (not shown) to the card unit 3 side. These connecting parts are constituted by, for example, connectors.

  The security board 325 on the CU side and the payout control board 17 on the P-th side are communicably connected via this connector and connection wiring. The security board 325 is provided with a communication control IC 325a for controlling communication between the security board 325 and the payout control board 17, and a security chip (SC) 325b for monitoring the security of the pachinko machine 2. Although not shown, the security chip (SC) 325b includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing programs for operating the CPU, control data, and the like. A RAM (Random Access Memory) functioning as a work area, an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices, and the like are provided. The SC 325b further includes a fraud detecting unit 1325, and the fraud detecting unit 1325 performs fraud detection by monitoring the addition request information of the game balls notified from the CU control unit 323 to the P platform 2, and performs key management at the time of fraud detection. Notify the server 800 (see FIG. 3). The setting value (constant) for fraud detection is notified from the key management server 800 as board control information. The communication control IC 325a includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center (not shown), a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a program for operating the CPU, control data, and the like, and a work area for the CPU. A functioning RAM (Random Access Memory), an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices, and the like are provided.

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

  The authenticity and type of the banknote are identified by the above-described currency 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 control possessed by a staff at the game arcade, the received light signal is input to the CU control unit 323. The recorded information of the inserted card is read by the card reader / writer, and the read information is input to the CU control unit 323, and the data to be written to the inserted card is transmitted from the CU control unit 323 to the card reader / writer. When transmitted, the card reader / writer writes the data on the inserted card.

  The CU control unit 323 manages and stores a ball held by the player when the player is playing the game. Data such as the balance or the number of game balls is output from the CU control unit 323 to the display control unit 350, and is converted into display data by the display control unit 350. The display data converted by the display control unit 350 is output to the display 312, and the display 312 displays the output display data. When the player operates the 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. Note that the ball lending button 321 is not limited to the configuration provided in the CU 3, and may be a configuration in which an operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323 by being provided in the P base 2. When the player operates the replay button 319, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the card return button 322, an operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323.

  The pachinko machine 2 has a main control board 16 for controlling the progress of the game of the pachinko machine 2, a payout control board 17 for managing and storing game balls, and a firing for controlling the firing motor 18 based on a command from the payout control board 17. The control board 31 and the variable display device 278 (see FIG. 1) are provided. In FIG. 2, a display control board (also referred to as an effect control board) for controlling the 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. On the main control board 16, a game control microcomputer as a main control unit 161 is mounted. The gaming machine control microcomputer includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a program for operating the CPU, control data, and the like, and a RAM (RAM) functioning as a work area of the CPU. Random Access Memory), an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices, and the like are provided. The main controller 161 is connected to a winning sensor 162 and a radio wave sensor 163 provided on the game board 26. For example, an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) substrate is used for the gaming machine control microcomputer of the main control unit 161. The game board 26 is further provided with a display control board (effect control board) for controlling the variable display device 278 and the like.

  The payout control board 17 is provided on the front frame 5 (game frame). The payout control board 17 has a payout control microcomputer 171 mounted thereon. 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, control data, and the like, and a RAM (RAM) functioning as a work area of the CPU. Random Access Memory), an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices, and the like are provided. For example, an FPGA board is used for the payout control microcomputer of the payout control unit 171.

  In addition, a firing 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 open detection switch 12, a front frame open detection switch with respect to the payout control board 17. 13 are provided in an electrically connected state. The radio wave sensor 173 is for detecting a fraudulent act of transmitting a radio wave illegally and mainly turning the ball-up switch (upper) 41a always on. The 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 firing of the game ball due to the change from ON to OFF, and based on the detection, the payout control unit 171 subtracts “1” from the game ball number. I do. Therefore, when the ball raising switch (upper) 41a is always turned on by an illegal radio wave, the number of game balls is not reduced no matter how many balls are fired. Such radio fraud is detected by the radio wave sensor 173. In addition, not only the ball raising switch (upper) 41a but also the fired ball detection switch may be subject to fraud by radio waves. That is, when only the ball raising switch (upper) 41a is constantly turned on by an illegal radio wave, the emission of the ball is not detected, and the actually fired ball is collected and detected by the fired ball detection switch. Inconsistent with the number of fired balls and collected balls (out balls), the abnormality is detected, and the fraud detection information of “number of fired / OUT mismatched balls” is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 Become. However, by transmitting an illegal radio wave also to the fired ball detection switch to make it undetectable, the inconvenience that the improper detection information of the above-mentioned “number of fired / OUT mismatched balls” is not transmitted from the P base 2 to the CU 3 occurs. . In the present embodiment, since the radio wave sensor 173 also detects an illegal radio wave transmitted to such a fired ball detection switch, the above-described inconvenience can be prevented.

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

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

  From the main control board 16 to the payout control board 17, a main chip ID (security chip ID for main control), winning opening information, round information, connection confirmation signal, winning detection signal, starting winning opening winning information, error information, symbol determination. The number of times, jackpot information, information on a manufacturer-specific jackpot, and the like 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 power of the pachinko machine 2 is turned on. The winning opening information is information including the type of winning opening (starting 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 payout control board 17 when the power of the machine 2 is turned on. For example, in the winning opening information, the winning opening type includes three balls in the large winning opening 271 (see FIG. 1), information requesting the payout control board 17 to pay out 300 balls as the number of winning balls, and a starting winning opening. Each of the 275 and the start winning opening 277 (see FIG. 1) includes information requesting a payout control board 17 to pay out 20 balls as the number of winning balls. Note that after a ball enters a winning port such as the normal winning port 272 and winning port information for requesting the payout of a prize ball is transmitted to the payout control board 17, the authentication with the communication partner is cut off due to a power cut or disconnection. In this case, the payout control board 17 has already received the winning opening information, and it is possible to pay out the prize balls based on the winning opening information. However, after the authentication with the communication partner is cut off due to power interruption or disconnection, etc., if a floating ball not caught by a nail or the like in the game area 27 enters a winning opening such as the normal winning opening 272, the payout is performed. The control board 17 cannot receive the winning opening information and cannot pay out prize balls. Therefore, after the authentication with the communication partner is cut off due to a power failure or disconnection, the winning prize hole information is continuously provided so that the prize ball can be paid out even if the floating ball enters the winning opening such as the normal winning opening 272. The validity period during which the payout control board 17 can receive (write to the information storage unit) is set. As a result, even if the floating ball enters the winning opening such as the normal winning opening 272 after the authentication with the communication partner is cut off due to the power supply cutoff or the disconnection, the payout control board 17 transmits the winning opening information within the valid period. Receiving the prize ball based on the floating ball becomes possible. The round information is information on the number of rounds at the time of a big hit, and is transmitted to the payout control board 17 when the power of the pachinko machine 2 is turned on.

  The connection confirmation signal is a signal for confirming that the main control board 16 and the payout control board 17 are connected, and a signal of a predetermined voltage is constantly supplied from the main control board 16 to the payout control board 17. The operation of the payout control board 17 is controlled on 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 the detection signal, the payout control board 17 performs control to add the number of balls to be awarded to one winning ball to the number of game balls and the number of additional balls.

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

  The symbol determination frequency is information of a symbol determined as a display result of the variable display device for winning in each starting winning opening.

  The jackpot information is information indicating that a jackpot has occurred, and the details include common jackpot information indicating a jackpot common to each maker and maker-specific jackpot information indicating a jackpot unique to a maker. The common jackpot information is a jackpot commonly used by each game machine maker, such as a 15-round jackpot, and includes a probability change information when a probability change occurs with the jackpot, and includes the probability change information. When a time saving state (a control state for reducing the variable display time of the variable display device) occurs, the time saving information is included. The maker-specific jackpot is a jackpot state that only a certain gaming machine maker employs, such as a sudden change (abrupt change).

  A health check command and a winning ball number reception 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 the main control board 16 is operating normally. The prize ball number reception command is a command indicating that the number of added balls has been received.

  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 balls being played (the number of floating balls floating in the game area 27) as described later. The payout control board 17 to which the foul ball detection signal is input from the foul ball detection switch 330 adds and updates the number of added balls and the number of game balls, and subtracts and updates the number of balls being played, as described later. A fired ball detection signal is input from the fired ball detection switch to the payout control board 17. The payout control board 17 to which the fired ball detection signal is input subtracts and updates the number of balls being played.

  The security board 325 of the card unit 3 and the payout control board 17 of the pachinko machine 2 are electrically connected, and the recovery request, the recovery detail request, and the communication start are transmitted from the security board 325 to the payout control board 17 as described later. 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 for requesting the pachinko machine 2 to notify the recovery information. Upon receiving the recovery request, the payout control board 17 notifies the card unit 3 of the recovery information of the pachinko machine 2. The recovery detailed request is a command for requesting the pachinko machine 2 to notify the detailed recovery information. The payout control board 17 receives the detailed recovery request and notifies the card unit 3 of the detailed recovery information of the pachinko machine 2. The communication start request is a command for requesting the pachinko machine 2 to start communication. Upon receiving the communication start request, the payout control board 17 responds to the card unit 3 that communication has started. The communication end request is a command for requesting the pachinko machine 2 to end the communication. Upon receiving the communication end request, the payout control board 17 responds to the card unit 3 that the communication has ended.

  The status information request is a command for requesting the pachinko machine 2 to notify the status information. Upon receiving the status information request, the payout control board 17 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 the card insertion notification and responds to the card unit 3 that the card has been inserted. The card return notification is a command for notifying the pachinko machine 2 that the card has been returned. Upon receiving the card return notification, the payout control board 17 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 receives the communication test request and responds the test data to the card unit 3.

  Various responses such as a recovery response, a recovery detailed 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 substrate 17 to the security substrate 325.

  In the front frame 5 (game frame), a launch control board 31 and a launch motor 18 are provided. The launch control board 31 emits an excitation output to the launch motor 18 when an input signal of a touch ring (hereinafter, also referred to as a touch sensor) that detects that the player is touching the hit ball operating handle 25 is input, The firing motor 18 is driven.

  A firing control signal and a firing permission signal are output from the payout control board 17 to the firing control board 31. Upon receiving the signal, the firing control board 31 outputs a signal for exciting the firing motor 18. As a result, the pachinko ball is fired and fired into the game area 27.

  An indicator 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 the present embodiment, the P-side display 54 is configured to be controlled by the CU. However, instead of this, the P-side display 54 is controlled to be displayed. May be provided. In this case, the display control board controls the display of the display 54 based on a command from the payout control unit 171.

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

  When the manufacturer (game machine maker) 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 transmitted from the pachinko machine 2 as shown in FIG. ) Is notified to the history management center 800A. Specifically, the game machine installation information (operation information) notified to the machine history management center 800A includes, 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. A chip ID, a security chip ID of a partner when the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are combined, and the like are included. Note that the security chip ID cannot be changed or deleted after registration in the history management center 800A.

  On the other hand, shipping information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 shipped by the manufacturer is input to the history management center 800A. Specifically, the shipping information is input to the history management center 800A from a terminal connected to the history management center 800A via a communication line or the like. Then, the 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 respectively, and notifies the stored information and the pachinko machine 2 of the information. The game machine setting information is collated with the set information. The machine history management center 800A reports the abnormality if the collation results in an abnormality. As the notification of the abnormality, for example, an error notification is performed by an abnormality notification lamp or a display 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, An error notification may be made by the hall management computer or the hall server 801). As a result, a predetermined notification that prompts the attendant to perform an artificial response is performed. The information in which the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are stored in association with the security chip ID cannot be changed after the shipping information is registered in the history management center 800A. In addition, it is desirable that the shipping information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 be registered in the history management center 800A one day before installation in the hall.

  Similarly, if the front frame 5 and the game board 26 (only one of the front frame 5 and the game board 26) installed in the hall are removed and stored in the warehouse, the pachinko machine 2 becomes inactive. As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko machine 2 notifies the non-operation information to the history management center 800A. Specifically, the non-operation information notified to the machine history management center 800A is information based on the fact that the security chip ID of the front frame 5 of the pachinko machine 2 and the game board 26 that has been installed is not transmitted.

  On the other hand, the removal information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 removed by the hall or the warehouse trader is input to the history management center 800A. Then, the history management center 800A stores the input removal information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in association with the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided respectively, and notifies the stored information and the pachinko machine 2 of the information. And collated with the non-operation information. The machine history management center 800A reports the abnormality if the collation results in an abnormality.

  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 transmitted from the pachinko machine 2 as shown in FIG. The history management center 800A is notified. Specifically, the game machine installation information (operation information) notified to the machine history management center 800A includes, 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 a second-hand dealer is input to the history management center 800A. The machine history management center 800A stores the input movement information of the game board 26 in association with the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided on the game board 26, and notifies the stored information and the pachinko machine 2 of the information. The game machine setting information is collated with the information. The machine history management center 800A reports the abnormality if the collation results in an abnormality.

  Further, if the front frame 5 and the game board 26 (only one of the front frame 5 and the game board 26) disposed by the discarder are discarded, the pachinko machine 2 is in a non-operational state, and thus is shown in FIG. In this way, the non-operation information is notified from the pachinko machine 2 to the history management center 800A. Specifically, the non-operation information notified to the history management center 800A includes the security chip of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 of the installed pachinko machine 2 (only one of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 may be used). This is information based on 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 and the game board 26 may be discarded) is input to the history management center 800A. Then, the history management center 800A stores the input removal information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in association with the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided respectively, and notifies the stored information and the pachinko machine 2 of the information. And collated with the non-operation information. The machine history management center 800A reports the abnormality if the collation results in an abnormality.

<Transmission / reception mode between card unit side and pachinko machine side>
Next, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing main data among various data stored in each of the card unit 3 side and the pachinko machine 2 side and a transmission / reception mode thereof. With reference to FIG. 4, a description will be given of main types of various data stored on the card unit 3 side (CU side) and the pachinko machine 2 side (P side), and the transmission / reception mode thereof.

  In the present embodiment, the fluctuation in the number of game balls is calculated on the P-side 2 side, and the current latest number of game balls 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 unit 2 side. On the other hand, CU3 manages and stores the number of balls (the number of cards held), the number of balls stored, and the card balance (balance).

  FIG. 4 shows data stored in the RAM provided in the CU control unit 323 on the CU 3 side and data stored in the RAM mounted on the payout control board 17 on the P-unit 2 side. First, when the power is turned on in a state where the P-table 2 (pachinko machine 2) and the CU 3 (card unit 3) are installed in the game hall and are electrically connected for the first time, the pay-out control board on the P-table 2 side A main chip ID (main control security chip ID) 17 is transmitted from the main control board 16, the main chip ID is transmitted to the CU 3, and the payout chip ID stored in the payout control board 17 itself. (Payout control security chip ID) is transmitted to the CU 3 side.

  The CU 3 stores the transmitted main chip ID and payout chip ID. Next, the connection time, that is, the data of the time when the CU 3 side and the P unit 2 side are connected and communication is started is transmitted from the CU 3 side to the P unit 2 side, and the transmitted connection time is transmitted on the P unit 2 side. Is stored.

  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-unit 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 unit 2 side to the CU 3 side.

  The CU 3 collates the transmitted data with the data already stored, and determines whether or not the same P unit 2 is connected as before. Each time the power is turned on, new connection time data at which communication between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 is started is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 and the new connection time data is transmitted. The time data will be stored on the P stage 2 side.

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

  A specific mode of backup of serial numbers between the CU 3 and the P units 2 in the present embodiment will be described. The CU 3 counts up (+1) the serial number and transmits a command to the P units 2. The P unit 2 backs up and stores the serial number of the received command as the last transmission serial number last time. Then, the P units 2 transmit a response to the received command to the CU 3 while keeping the serial number of the received command. The CU 3 backs up and stores the serial number of the received response as the last transmission serial number last time. The CU 3 and the P-unit 2 repeat such a process each time a response from the P-unit 2 is transmitted to the CU 3.

  For example, a command is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P-unit 2 and a serial number n at that time is transmitted. When the response is returned from the P-unit 2 to the CU 3, the P-unit 2 stores the transmitted sequence number n as the last transmission sequence number last time and transmits the response with the sequence number n as it is. The CU 3 stores the returned serial number n as the last transmission serial number last time. Next, when a command is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P-unit 2, the serial number is counted up (+1) and the serial number n + 1 is transmitted. When the response is returned from the P-unit 2 to the CU 3, the P-unit 2 stores the transmitted sequence number n + 1 as the last transmission sequence number last time and transmits the response with the sequence number n + 1 as it is. The P-unit 2 side determines that the data communication was normally performed because the transmitted serial number n + 1 has been added by 1 from the previously stored serial number n of the last transmission serial number, and responds to the P-unit 2 side. Replies to CU3. The CU 3 determines that the data communication has been normally performed because the returned serial number n + 1 has been added by 1 from the previously stored serial number n of the last transmission serial number, and determines the serial number when the next command is sent. It counts up (+1) and sends the command of serial number n + 2 to the P units 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. The latest game console information is stored in the latest game console information storage area of the RAM in the payout control unit 171 (see FIG. 2) on the P-side 2 side. Specifically, it includes information on an added ball counter, information on a subtracted ball counter, and information on a counted ball counter. Note that the number of gaming balls is not included in the latest gaming table information, but is transmitted from the P number 2 to the CU 3 as the count value of the gaming number counter as described later.

  The information of these counters is collectively transmitted to the CU as a response. The additional ball counter is a counter that counts the number of additional balls. The additional ball is the sum of “the number of winning balls × the number of winnings” and the “number of back balls”. The back ball is a foul ball. That is, the additional ball indicates the number that the additional 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 shot balls”. That is, the number of balls detected by the output change of the ball raising switch (upper) 41a from ON to OFF. The “number of counted balls” does not include the “number of counted balls”. The counting ball number counter is a counter that counts the number of counting balls. The counting ball is “the number of balls converted from gaming balls to possessed balls by a counting operation”.

  When a back ball is generated, the back ball is returned to the hit ball firing position, the ball is shot to the hit ball firing position, and the hit ball firing operation is performed, so that all the back balls are fired in the game area. Alternatively, control may be performed so that even if a back ball is generated, the back ball is not counted as an additional ball. In this case, “additional ball = award ball number × winning number”.

  For example, when a pachinko ball hit into the game area 27 wins and prize information is transmitted from the main control board 16 to the payout control board 17, an additional ball to which a game ball should be added based on the prize information is provided. The added ball number counter counts the number, and the value (added ball number) of the added ball number counter is transmitted from the P unit 2 side to the CU 3 side. In addition, the subtraction ball number counter counts the number of shot balls as the number of subtraction balls based on an output change from ON to OFF of the ball raising switch (upper) 41a due to the fact that the pachinko balls are fired in the game area 27, The value of the subtraction ball counter (the number of subtraction balls) is transmitted from the P unit 2 side to the CU 3 side.

  Alternatively, when the count button 28 is pressed, the payout control unit 171 counts the number of game balls as the number of counted balls, and transmits the value of the counted ball number counter (the number of counted balls) from the P unit 2 side to the CU 3 side.

  Each time the values of the added ball number counter, the subtracted ball number counter, and the counted ball number counter are transmitted to the CU 3 side, the P table 2 stores the count values in the previous game table information storage area (the RAM of the payout control unit 171). Etc.) as backup data (rewriting), and then clear the values of the added ball counter, the subtracted ball counter, and the counted ball counter as the latest gaming table information to 0 (excluding the game ball counter). In the present embodiment, “clear” has the same meaning as “initialization”.

  As a result, in the storage area of the previous gaming machine information (the gaming machine information transmitted immediately before), the data of the added ball number, the subtracted ball number, and the counted ball number, which are the gaming machine information transmitted to the CU 3 immediately before, are backed up. Stored as data. When the latest game console information is not transmitted from the P unit 2 side to the CU 3 side, this backup data includes not only the value of each counter of this time but also the value of each previous counter which was not transmitted at the next transmission. Is also transmitted.

  Further, the payout control board 17 updates the value of the game ball number counter in accordance with the occurrence of a prize, the firing of a ball, the generation of a back ball, and the generation of a counting ball (converting a game ball into a possession ball), The updated value of the game ball counter is transmitted to the CU 3 as the number of game balls.

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

  The total number of balls is added based on the value of the additional ball counter (number of additional balls) transmitted from the P unit 2 to update the number of balls. Further, the number of balls is updated by subtracting the total number of balls to be subtracted based on the value (number of subtracted balls) of the number-of-subtracted balls counter transmitted from the P unit 2 side. Further, based on the value of the counting ball number counter transmitted from the P units 2, the number of balls held by the card is added and updated. As described above, the CU 3 can manage the latest information by updating the total added ball number, the total subtracted ball number, and the card possessed ball number by the latest gaming machine information transmitted one by one from the P machines 2. It becomes possible.

  As shown, the CU 3 has an area for storing game balls, and also receives a count value of a game ball number counter (hereinafter, also referred to as game ball number or game ball total number information) from the P platform 2 side. I have. The CU 3 updates an area for storing game balls in the following procedure. That is, the CU 3 stores the value of the additional ball counter (the number of additional balls), the value of the subtraction ball number counter (the number of subtracted balls), and the value of the counted ball counter transmitted from the P units. 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 units at the same timing matches the updated number of game balls. If they match, continuation of the game is allowed, 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 display 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 notification server). An error notification may be performed by the management computer or the hall server 801). As a result, a predetermined notification that prompts the attendant to perform an artificial response is performed.

  Note that, instead of shifting to the error state and stopping the game, the number of game balls stored on the CU 3 is replaced with the count value of the game ball number counter transmitted from the P unit 2 side. Is also good. Alternatively, the average value of the number of game balls managed by the CU 3 and the number of game balls stored by the P-unit 2 may be corrected.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the number of game balls is also stored on the CU 3 side. However, it is determined whether or not the number of game balls matches the number of game balls managed and stored on the P unit 2 side. (CU3 side function). Therefore, even if a situation occurs in which the number of game balls stored on the P-side 2 side does not match the number of game balls stored on the CU 3 side due to misconduct or other circumstances, the fact 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 number of game balls stored on the P unit 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 whether or not both match may be determined.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the CU 3 stores a storage area for storing the number of cards held and the number of stored balls, a storage area for storing the card balance of the accepted (inserted) card, and a total added ball count (added ball count). It further includes a storage area for storing the total number of balls to be subtracted (total number of subtracted balls) and the number of balls when the card is inserted. The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 2) stores the accumulated coins in response to an input requesting the use of accumulated coins (for example, a press input of the replay button 319 provided in the CU 3 (when there is no possessed ball)). A predetermined number of coins is subtracted from the area.

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

  When a player performs an operation of deducting a value from a game value (for example, a prepaid balance, the number of balls held, or the number of stored balls) owned by the player and using the value for the game, the number of balls deducted is determined by the game ball. The number of balls to be added to the number counter is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P-unit 2 adds and updates the game ball number 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 or the like in which the gaming value owned by the player is deducted and exchanged for a drink or the like. However, it is restricted to receive wagon service with game balls, and can only receive wagon service with possessed balls. This is an image in which it is prohibited to use a wagon service by picking up balls remaining on the plate before counting in a conventional pachinko machine of an enclosed circulation type in which a counting machine is provided.

  For this reason, in the present embodiment, when the operation for performing the wagon service is executed, if the number of balls held is less than the number of balls corresponding to the desired menu of the wagon service, the player is prompted to perform a counting operation. ing. At this time, when the player performs a counting operation, the number of balls counted based on the operation is transmitted from the P-unit 2 to the CU 3. On the CU3 side, the number of game balls is subtracted, and the number of card balls is added and updated.

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

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

  First, a command named a recovery request is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P units 2. The recovery request command requests the P units 2 for recovery information. A response called a recovery response is transmitted from the P units 2 to the CU 3. This recovery response notifies the CU 3 of recovery information.

  The CU 3 sends a command named Recovery Detail Request to the P units 2. The command of the recovery details request is for requesting the P units 2 for recovery details information. A response named Recovery Detailed Response is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3. The response of the recovery detailed response notifies the CU 3 of recovery detailed information. These recovery details request and recovery details response are transmitted and received only when the recovery process is executed. Specifically, the CU 3 transmits a recovery detailed request command to the P units 2 only when the CU 3 that has received the above-described recovery response determines to execute the recovery process based on the information of the recovery response. This will be described in detail later. The recovery process needs to be performed when a power failure occurs in the CU 3 or the P unit 2 and a communication line disconnection is detected. In the present embodiment, the recovery process is also performed when the power is turned on at the start of business operation of the game arcade. However, the recovery process is not performed when the power is turned on at the start of business operation, and the power is cut off at the CU 3 and the P unit 2. May be controlled to be executed when a communication line disconnection is detected.

  The communication start request command is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P units 2. This communication start request command requests the P units 2 to start communication. A response of a communication start response is transmitted from the P units 2 to the CU 3. This response to the communication start response is a response to the CU 3 to start communication.

  A command of a communication end request is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P units 2. This communication end request command requests the P units 2 to end communication. The P unit 2 transmits a communication end response to the CU 3. This communication end response is a response to the CU 3 that the communication has ended.

  The CU 3 transmits a status information request command to the P units 2. The command for requesting the status information requests the P units 2 for the status of the CU 3. The CU 3 uses this command to periodically check the status of the P unit 2. Further, the command of the status information request includes the number of added balls going from the CU side to the P-unit side shown in FIG.

  The response of the status information response is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3. This response to the status information response notifies the CU 3 of the information and status of the P units 2. The response of the information response includes the latest game console information and the number of game balls shown in FIG.

  The CU 3 sends a card insertion notification command to the P units 2. This command of the card insertion notification is for notifying the P units 2 of the card insertion. A response of a card insertion response is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3. This response to the card insertion response is a response to the CU 3 for the card insertion.

  The CU 3 sends a card return notification command to the P units 2. This card return notification command is for notifying the P units 2 of the card return. The response of the card return response is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3. This response of the card return response is a response to the CU 3 that the card is returned.

  The CU 3 transmits a communication test request command to the P units 2. This communication test request command is for notifying the P units 2 of test data. A response of a communication test response is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3. This card return response is a response to the CU 3 with test data.

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

<< Power on >>
First, a sequence performed between the CU 3 and the P stage 2 when the power is turned on will be described with reference to FIG. The sequence illustrated in FIG. 6 is a process that is executed when communication is resumed after the communication between the CU 3 and the P units 2 ends normally. More specifically, the process is executed when the 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 a power supply is turned off after one business day ends in a game arcade, 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, the P-table 2 starts communication after the shooting motor 18 is stopped 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 units 2 to the CU 3. The CU 3 sends the received main chip ID and payout chip ID to the upper-level key management server 800, and inquires whether the main chip ID and payout chip ID are registered properly, and returns the result. I will have it. If it is registered properly, the authentication result will be proper.

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

  Upon receipt of the command, the P unit 2 returns the recovery information backed up inside the P unit 2 (specifically, the dispensing control board 17) to the CU 3 as a response based on the received recovery request command (recovery response). ).

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

  The serial number is a sequence number of the command and is a value from 1 to 255 (cyclic). The CU 3 counts up (+1) the serial number when transmitting the command to the P units 2. However, at the time of retransmission, the serial number is not counted up. The P-unit 2 transmits the response to the CU 3 by the serial number without counting up the received serial number.

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

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

  The CU 3 that has received the recovery response determines whether the recovery information matches the previously inserted card ID and the last card insertion time with the stored card ID and card insertion time. When the card ID and the card insertion time match, the CU 3 transmits a recovery detailed request to the P units 2. That is, the CU 3 transmits the recovery data to the P units 2. The recovery data includes the last transmission serial number last time and the number of added balls. Although not shown, serial numbers and commands are also included. At the stage when the power is turned on and the card has not been inserted into the CU 3 yet, the card ID = 0 and the card insertion time = 0 together 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 last 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 “0” indicates that there is no data. The previously inserted card ID is the data of the card ID of the card that was being inserted at the time of the previous connection. 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 “0” indicates that there is no data of the number of added balls.

  Receiving the request, the P unit 2 executes a recovery process based on the received recovery data, and returns the recovery data backed up inside the P unit 2 (specifically, the payout control board 17) to the CU 3 as a response. (Recovery detailed response).

  The recovery data includes the previous gaming table information, the previous gaming information, the latest gaming table information, and the latest gaming information.

  The CU 3 that has received the recovery detailed response starts the recovery process from that point. The recovery process is a process for restoring data consistency between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 and is performed not only when the power is turned on, but also when a trouble occurs and recovery is performed. Will be executed.

  The CU 3 counts up the serial number every time a command such as a recovery request is transmitted. However, it does not count up when resending a command. When receiving a command having the same serial number as the previously received serial number, the P unit 2 determines that a communication failure has occurred and the CU 3 has retransmitted the command. The CU 3 backs up the serial number when receiving the response. When transmitting a response corresponding to the received command, the P-unit 2 does not count up the serial number. When receiving a response having a serial number different from the serial number at the time of transmission, the CU 3 determines that a communication failure has occurred and the P units 2 have retransmitted the response. The P unit 2 backs up the serial number when transmitting the response.

  After the authentication sequence is completed, the CU 3 transmits a recovery request command to the P units 2 with the serial number set to “n”. The P-unit 2 returns the response of the recovery response to the CU 3 as “n” without counting up the serial number. Further, the CU 3 transmits a recovery detailed request command to the P units 2 with the serial number set to “n + 1”. The P-unit 2 returns a response of the recovery detailed response to the CU 3 as “n + 1” without counting up the serial number.

  After that, the CU 3 counts up the serial number to “n + 2” and transmits a communication start request (recovery clear ON) command to the P units 2. In response, the P-unit 2 clears the recovery data. Then, the P units 2 return a communication start response to the CU 3 with “n + 2” without counting up the serial number. In response to this, CU3 clears the recovery data. Thereafter, transmission and reception of the command of the status information request and the response of the status information response are performed between the CU 3 and the P units 2.

  The CU 3 transmits a command of a status information request with the serial number = n + 3 to the P units 2. In response to this, the P-unit 2 backs up the data of the number of game balls, the number of added balls, the number of subtracted balls, the number of symbols stopped, the number of winnings, and the state of the gaming table. In addition, the P-unit 2 clears the counter values of the number of added balls, the number of subtracted balls, the number of symbols stopped, and the number of winnings to zero. Then, the P units 2 return a response of the status information response of the serial number = n + 3 to the CU 3.

  The CU 3 receiving the response backs up the data of the number of game balls, the number of added balls, the number of subtracted balls, the number of symbols stopped, the number of winnings, and the state of the gaming table based on the state information response. Note that the breakdown of the number of added balls is “the number of winning balls × the number of winnings” and the “number of back balls”. The breakdown of the number of subtracted balls is “the number of launched balls” and “the number of counted balls”.

  Thereafter, the CU 3 transmits a command for a status information request with the serial number = n + 4 to the P-unit 2, and the P-unit 2 returns a response to the status information response with the serial number = n + 4 to the CU 3. The P unit 2 backs up the above-mentioned data and clears the above-mentioned counter every time a response to the status information response is transmitted. The CU 3 backs up the above data every time it receives a response of the status information response.

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

  Thereafter, when the card is inserted, the CU 3 outputs a command signal for taking in the card to the card reader / writer, and reads information (card ID and the like) recorded on the taken card by the card reader / writer. A card insertion process such as receiving the read information is executed.

  The CU 3 is in a state of inquiring of card information for a predetermined period after the card is inserted. This is due to whether the inserted card is appropriate or not, whether or not the card is a registered member card at the amusement arcade, or whether the possessed ball, the accumulated ball, the remaining card amount, and the like are inquired to, for example, the hall server 801 and authenticated. This means that the display is in progress on the display 312 and the process of displaying it on the display 54 of the P-unit 2 is being performed.

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

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

  In response to this, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including the serial number = n + 3 and the card return preparation status = ON to the P-unit 2, thereby notifying the P-unit 2 of the status of the card being inserted. . The P platform 2 receives the notification of the state of the card being inserted, permits the game, and returns a response of a status information response including the serial number = n + 3 and the game permission to the CU 3 to change the state of the game being permitted to the CU 3. Notify to

  During the card insertion, the CU 3 transmits a command of a status information request including the serial number = n + 4 and the card return preparation status = ON to the P-unit 2, and the P-unit 2 responds to the status information response including the serial number = n + 4 and the game permission. To CU3.

<< Prepaid loan >>
Next, with reference to FIG. 8, a description will be given of a sequence processed between the CU3 and the P-second when a game ball is lent from the prepaid balance of the inserted card. That is, a process for consuming the prepaid balance recorded on the inserted card will be described. In the processing shown in FIG. 8, the current number of game balls is “50”. First, the CU 3 transmits a command of a status information request including the serial number = n and the game ball addition request = OFF to the P units 2. In response, the P-unit 2 returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n and the number of game balls = 50 to the CU 3.

  Thereafter, when the player performs a lending operation (ball lending operation) in which the “lending” button is pressed once, the CU 3 lends 500 yen, that is, 125 balls. When the ball lending button (lending button) 321 is pressed, the CU 3 determines the prepaid consumption for 500 yen, and sets the number of game balls = 50 (the number of game balls before update) +125 (the number of added balls) = 175. Back up your data. As described above, the balance consumption is determined by the CU 3 alone when the lending operation is performed. After that, the CU 3 is displaying the addition. During this addition display, the display unit 54 displays that 125 balls have been deducted from the balance and are being added to the game balls.

  Next, the CU 3 transmits a command of a state information request including the serial number = n + 1, the game ball addition request = ON, and the number of added balls = 125 to the P units 2. In response, the P-unit 2 updates the number of game balls to the number of game balls = 50 (current number of game balls) +125 (number of additional balls) = 175, serial number = n + 1, number of additional balls = 175, game ball The status information response including the addition result = OK is returned to the CU 3.

  Thereafter, the CU 3 transmits a command of a status information request including the serial number = n + 2 and the game ball addition request = OFF to the P-unit 2, and the P-unit 2 transmits a status information response including the serial number = n + 2 and the number of added balls = 175. A response is sent back to CU3.

<< Payout and Payout (Replay) >>
Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a description will be given of a sequence that is processed between the CU 3 and the P-second when replaying is performed by paying out balls and paying out balls. In FIG. 9, the initial number of game balls is “50”. The replay processing shown in FIG. 9 is similar to the processing at the time of consumption of the balance shown in FIG. First, the CU 3 transmits a command of a status information request including the serial number = n and the game ball addition request = OFF to the P units 2. In response, the P-unit 2 returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n and the number of game balls = 50 to the CU 3.

  Thereafter, when the player presses the replay button 319 in a state where the ball or the ball is present, the CU 3 determines the consumption of 125 balls from the ball or the ball, updates the number of the game balls, and updates the game ball. The data of number = 50 (number of game balls before update) +125 (number of added balls) = 175 is backed up. As described above, the consumption of the possessed ball or the accumulated ball is determined by the CU 3 alone when the operation of pressing the replay button 319 is performed. In addition, when both a ball and a ball are present, the ball consumption is prioritized.

  In place of the control for preferentially consuming ball possession, a ball saving replay button and a ball possession replay button are provided, and the player can select and operate either the ball saving consumption or the ball possession consumption by selecting and operating. You may do so. That is, the replay button is used to obtain a game ball (game point) from a ball (medal), and is used to obtain a game ball (game point) from a ball (point). It may be composed of two buttons: a ball holding (point) replay button. In addition, a ball holding payout button may be provided on the CU 3 and the ball holding payout button may be pressed to convert a ball holding (point) into a game ball (game point).

  Thereafter, the CU 3 displays the addition of the game balls, and transmits a command of a state information request including the serial number = n + 1, the game ball addition request = ON, and the number of added balls = 125 to the P units 2. In response, the P-unit 2 updates the number of game balls to the number of game balls = 50 (current number of game balls) +125 (number of additional balls) = 175, serial number = n + 1, number of additional balls = 175, game ball The status information response including the addition result = OK is returned to the CU 3.

  The CU 3 indicates that the addition of the game balls is being displayed by displaying on the display 54 that 125 balls are being deducted from the ball held or accumulated and added to the game balls.

  Thereafter, the CU 3 transmits a command of a status information request including the serial number = n + 2 and the game ball addition request = OFF to the P-unit 2, and the P-unit 2 transmits a status information response including the serial number = n + 2 and the number of added balls = 175. A response is sent back to CU3.

<< Gaming ball count (normal) >>
Next, a normal counting process of counting and subtracting a part of the game balls will be described. FIG. 10 shows a case where the counting button is pressed without detecting a card return operation. Therefore, all the bits in the card return preparation state transmitted from the CU 3 to the P units 2 are OFF (= 0). Therefore, the description of the bits in the card return preparation state will be omitted below.

  Further, in FIG. 10, the number of balls held by the inserted recording medium (member card or visitor card) is “0”, and the initial number of game balls is “800”. I have.

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

  First, the CU 3 transmits a command of a status information request including the serial number = n, the card return preparation state = OFF, the counting serial number = m, and the counting response = OFF to the P units 2. In response, the P-unit 2 returns to the CU 3 a status information response including the serial number = n, the number of game balls = 800, the serial number = m, the number of counted balls = 0, and the count request = OFF.

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

  Thereafter, the player presses the counting button 28. In FIG. 10, immediately after the operation of pressing the count button 28 once, the command of the status information request including the serial number = n + 1, the card return preparation state = OFF, the count serial number = m, and the count response = OFF is sent from the CU3. It has been transmitted to the P-unit 2.

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

  The CU 3 that has received the status information response of the serial number n + 1 adds the number of balls required for the counted number of balls and updates the display of the number of balls to 100. That is, the CU control unit 323 transmits an instruction for counting display to the display control unit 350. The display control section 350 receives the command and controls the display of the display 54 on the P-table 2 side. As a result, an image is displayed on the display 54 in which the number of game balls is counted and the number of the game balls is decreased, while the number of possessed balls is increased.

  In this case, it is conceivable to perform an effect display in which the game balls are guided and counted by each counter one by one. Another example of this effect display may be a display in which data of the number of game balls is converted into data of the number of possessed balls over time. For example, the data of the number of game balls and the data of the number of balls are shown in a bar graph, and the bar graph of the number of balls is increased while the bar graph of the number of game balls is decreased. May be repeated. Further, as another example of the effect display, the present game ball data and the ball data are digitally displayed as they are, and the game ball number is increased while the game ball number is reduced, or a part of the game ball number is displayed. Is repeated to display the number of balls, or various effects are displayed.

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

  The P-unit 2 that has received this state information request finally subtracts the number of game balls by the number corresponding to the number of counted balls = 100, and updates the display of the game ball number display 29 from 800 to 700. At this stage, although the counting request state of the P-table 2 is turned OFF, the pressing of the counting button is continued, so that the P-plating 2 transmits the second counting request to the CU 3. That is, the status information response of the serial number n + 2 in which the count request value is specifically set to 100 is transmitted to the CU 3. However, even at this stage, the P-unit 2 does not perform counting for the counting request. Therefore, in the status information response of the serial number n + 2, the number of game balls = 700. Since this status information response is a message transmitted as a new count request, the count serial number is counted up to “m + 2”, the last last transmit count serial number is updated, and the updated last last transmit count serial number is updated. The data in the count request state ON is backed up.

  The CU 3 that has received the status information response of the serial number n + 2 adds the number of balls required for the number of counted balls and updates the display of the number of balls to 200. Further, the CU 3 updates the last transmission count serial number to “m + 2” and backs up the data. Subsequently, the CU 3 transmits a status information request of the serial number n + 3, the count serial number m + 2, and the count response = ON to the P units 2, and notifies that the requested count has been completed.

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

  The CU 3 receiving this status information response determines that the counting is completed. Although not shown, the CU 3 transmits a status information response of the serial number n + 4, the count serial number m + 2, the card return preparation state = OFF, and the count response = OFF to the P units 2.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the information status response notifying the number of counted balls is transmitted from the P units to the CU, it is likely that the number of game balls corresponding to the counted balls is subtracted as soon as possible at the P units. In the stage where the information status response for notifying the number of counted balls is transmitted and then the receipt confirmation is received from the CU, the P units subtract the game balls.

<< Game ball count (card return) >>
Next, a process of counting game balls when returning a card will be described. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a counting process when a player performs a card return operation. In FIG. 11, the number of cards held by the inserted recording medium (such as a member card) is 0, and the initial number of game balls is 800. First, the CU 3 transmits a command of a status information request including the serial number = n, the CU opening state = ON, the card return preparation state = OFF, the counting serial number = m, and the counting response = OFF to the P units 2. In response, the P-unit 2 returns to the CU 3 a status information response including serial number = n, number of game balls = 800, serial number = m, number of counted balls = 0, and counting request = OFF.

  Thereafter, the player presses the "card return" button when stopping the game or moving to another gaming table. However, when the player presses the "return card" button, the number of game balls on P2 is 800 and the CU3 determines that the number of game balls on P2 is not 0. Further, since the player has pressed the “card return” button, the CU 3 sets the card return preparation state = ON, and sets the serial number = n + 1, the CU opened state = ON, the count serial number = m, and the count information request including the count response = OFF. The command is transmitted to the P units 2. Note that the CU 3 notifies the P units 2 of the notification that the card return preparation state = ON for 10 seconds. Further, since the number of game balls in the P units 2 is 800 and not 0, the CU 3 displays a display urging a counting operation on the display 54 or the like as a card return standby.

  Upon receiving the display prompting the counting operation, the player presses the counting button 28 to perform an operation of converting the game ball into a possession ball. The P stage 2 determines that the counting operation of pressing the counting button 28 is the counting operation in the card return preparation state = ON, and performs the counting collectively, for example, instead of counting in units of 100 balls.

  The P stand 2 has a serial number = n + 1, a game ball number = 800, and a count serial number in order to notify the CU 3 of a count acceptance request for the 800 game balls and a 800 ball count that is a total of 800 game balls. A status information response including m + 1, the number of counted balls = 800, and the count request = ON is returned to the CU 3. However, at this stage, the P-unit 2 does not execute counting for the counting request. Therefore, in the state information response of the serial number n + 1, the number of game balls is still 800. Further, since this status information response is a message of a count request, the P-unit 2 counts up the counting serial number to “m + 1”, updates the last last transmission counting serial number, and updates the updated last last transmission counting serial number with the updated last last transmission counting serial number. The data in the count request state ON is backed up.

  In response, the CU 3 adds the counted ball number of 800 to the possessed ball number, and subtracts the counted ball number of 800 from the game ball number of 800 to 0. The CU 3 also backs up the updated last transmission count serial number data. Then, the CU 3 sends a command of a status information request including the serial number = n + 2, the CU opening state = ON, the card return preparation state = ON, the counting serial number = m + 1, and the counting response = ON to notify the reception of the counting ball 2 Send to

  In response to the response from the CU 3, the P-unit 2 subtracts 800 counting balls from 800 gaming balls and displays 0 gaming balls on the display 54 or the like. Further, the P-unit 2 notifies the CU 3 that the number of game balls is 0 and the count is completed, so that the serial number = n + 2, the number of game balls = 0, the count serial number = m + 1, the number of count balls = 0, and the count request = OFF. Is returned to the CU3. Since the counting request is turned off, the counting serial number is transmitted to the CU 3 without counting up while keeping the number m + 1.

  The CU 3 presses the counting button 28 to collectively count the number of game balls as the number of game balls by pressing the count button 28 before 10 seconds elapse after the player presses the card return button 322, that is, during the card return preparation state. Is set to 0, the card return process is executed. That is, the CU 3 transmits a card return notification command including the serial number = n + 3 to the P units 2. In response, the P-unit 2 returns to the CU 3 a card return response including the serial number = n + 3, the card ID held on the payout control board 17, and the card insertion time. After returning the card ID and the card insertion time to the CU 3, the data of the card ID and the card insertion time held on the payout control board 17 are cleared.

  In response, the CU 3 determines whether the card ID stored in the inserted card matches the card ID received from the P-unit 2, and returns the inserted card if they match, If they do not match, error processing is performed and a report is made to the hall server 801 or the like. When the card IDs match, the CU 3 stores the number of balls 800 in the card (inserted card) inserted in the card insertion / ejection port 309, and returns the card to the player. When the player has started a game by a deposit operation without inserting a card into the card insertion / ejection port 309, a card (stock card) stocked in a card stock section provided in the CU3. And the number of balls 800 is stored, and the card is returned to the player. When returning the inserted card or the stock card, the CU 3 sends the card ID of the card and the data of the number of balls to the hall server 801, and the hall server 801 associates the data of the number of balls with the card ID of the card. May be stored.

  After that, the card returned from the CU 3 can be removed from the card insertion / ejection port 309, so that a part of the card is held in a state protruding from the card insertion / ejection port 309 (card extraction enabled state). The CU 3 has a sensor capable of determining whether or not the card can be removed is mounted in the vicinity of the card insertion / ejection port 309. When the signal of the sensor is in the ON state, the CU 3 determines that the card can be removed. If the card is in the OFF state, it is determined that the card has been completely removed.

  Then, when the card return process is executed and the card can be removed, the CU 3 notifies the P unit 2 of the information of the card return preparation state OFF and the card removal waiting ON. Therefore, the CU 3 sends a command for a status information request including the serial number = n + 4, the CU opening state = ON, the card return preparation state = OFF, the card removal waiting = ON, the counting serial number = m + 1, and the counting response = OFF to the P units 2. Send. In response to this, the P platform 2 displays "Please remove the card" to the player on the variable display device 278 to prevent forgetting to remove the card. Further, in order to notify the removal of the card, the P stand 2 may turn on an LED or output a sound saying "Please remove the card" from the speaker. Further, the P-unit 2 transmits to the CU 3 a command of a status information response including the serial number = n + 4, the number of game balls = 0, the serial number = m + 1, the number of counted balls = 0, and the count response = OFF. The CU 3 not only notifies the P unit 2 that the card can be removed, but also a hall computer, which is a device connected to the CU 3 or the P unit 2, a call lamp mounted on the P unit 2. Such a device may be notified that the card can be removed. Thus, by notifying the CU 3 and the P base 2 that the card can be removed, it is possible to further prevent forgetting to remove the card (removal of the recording medium).

  If the sensor attached near the card insertion / ejection port 309 is in the ON state, the CU 3 sends a command for a state information request including “waiting for card removal = ON” to the P units 2. However, when the player removes the card from the card insertion / ejection port 309, the sensor attached near the card insertion / ejection port 309 is turned off, so the CU3 sets the serial number = n + 5 and waiting for card ejection = OFF. Is transmitted to the P units 2.

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

  It should be noted that the sequence of the game ball counting process when returning the card described with reference to FIG. 11 is not limited to the case of returning the card, and the same process can be applied at the time of simple leaving / meal break. Here, the simple leaving means that the player interrupts the game for a short time of about 5 to 10 minutes in order to complete the small use. The meal break is to interrupt the game, for example, for 30 minutes, which is longer than the simple leaving, to make a meal or a break.

<< abnormal sequence >>
Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a description will be given of a process of recovering the number of gaming balls when the status information request has not been reached due to power interruption / communication line interruption. FIG. 12 shows a state in which the status information request has not yet been reached (for example, when the power of the P unit 2 has been once turned off and then turned on again) due to power cutoff / communication line disconnection (from CU3 to P unit 2). FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram for explaining a counting process when a communication partner matches after recovery (command has not arrived).

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

  The CU 3 receives the status information response of the serial number = n, updates the last transmission serial number to “n”, and performs backup. Further, based on the information of the number of game balls = 480, the number of addition balls = 3, and the number of subtraction balls = 23, the number of game balls, the number of addition balls, and the number of subtraction balls stored therein are updated.

  Then, after a power-off occurs in the P-unit 2 during the game, if a status information request including the serial number = n + 1 is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P-unit 2, the P-unit 2 is in a power-off state. Unable to receive status information request. Since no status information response is transmitted from the P unit 2 thereafter, the CU 3 performs control to stop after detecting a communication line disconnection after 3 seconds. From the time that the P-unit 2 transmits the response of the status information response to the CU 3 to the time that the power is cut off, the game is continued at the P-unit 2 and the game table information changes, and the number of game balls = 450 and the number of additional balls = 6, the number of subtracted balls = 36, which is the latest gaming table information. On the other hand, the gaming machine information of the already transmitted gaming balls = 480, the number of added balls = 3, and the number of subtracted balls = 23 becomes the previous gaming machine information.

  Thereafter, the power-off of the P-unit 2 is restored and the P-unit 2 is turned ON, and the P-unit 2 starts operating. When the P-unit 2 starts operating, first, an authentication sequence is started between the CU 3 and the P-unit 2, and information including the main chip ID and the payout chip ID is transmitted from the P-unit 2 to the CU 3. You. The CU 3 transmits the received main chip ID and payout chip ID to a higher-level management server (the key management server 800 via the hall server 801) and whether the main chip ID and the payout chip ID are registered properly. Ask them to collate and return the result. If it is registered properly, the authentication result will be proper.

  After the authentication sequence, the CU 3 transmits a recovery request including the serial number = 1, the last last transmission serial number = n, the store code and the SC board ID to the P units 2. That is, the CU 3 requests the P units 2 to notify of the recovery information. Upon receiving the request, the P-table 2 first receives the “store code” and “SC board ID” notified from the security board 325 of the CU 3 and the “store code” and “SC board ID” held by the P-table 2. Is determined, and if they match, the following processing is performed. The P unit 2 determines whether the last last transmission serial number of the received recovery request = n matches the last last transmission serial number = n backed up inside the P unit 2 (specifically, the payout control board 17). Is determined. If they match, it can be determined that the status information response transmitted last from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 before the communication disconnection has reached the CU 3, and in this case, it is included in the status information response. The game information is also updated on the CU 3 side based on the game information to be updated. Therefore, in this case, the P units 2 return a recovery response (serial number = 1) to the CU 3 as no game information storage (specifically, no previous game table information). If the last transmission serial number = n of the received recovery request and the last transmission serial number = n backed up in the P unit 2 (specifically, the payout control board 17) do not match, the communication is cut off. In this case, it is possible to determine that the status information response transmitted last from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 before the CU 3 has not reached the CU 3. A recovery response (serial number = 1) including the game information is returned to the CU 3 as "Yes". Note that the P store 2 has a mismatch between the “store code” and “SC board ID” notified from the security board 325 of the CU 3 and the “store code” and “SC board ID” held by the P stand 2. In this case, the continuation of the game is prohibited.

  In FIG. 12, the CU 3 does not perform the addition recovery processing because there is no game information stored in the recovery response. The CU control unit 323 of the CU 3 that has received the recovery response checks whether or not the number of game balls included in the gaming machine information transmitted from the P-unit 2 as the recovery response has an appropriate value. Execute a first check process. Since there is no game information storage, the CU 3 transmits a communication start request including the serial number = 2 to the P units 2 without transmitting the recovery request 2 to the P units 2. Note that when the CU 3 transmits a communication start request command to the P units 2, the counting serial number is cleared to “0” (initial value). The P unit 2 receives the communication start request and transmits a communication start response including the serial number = 2 to the CU 3. After receiving the communication start request, the P units 2 clear the recovery data (game information) and also clear the count serial number to “0” (initial value).

  When the communication with the P-unit 2 is started, the CU 3 transmits a status information request including the serial number = 3 to the P-unit 2. Upon receiving the information, the P-unit 2 notifies the CU 3 of the unreported gaming machine information (the number of gaming balls that is the latest gaming machine information = 450, the number of added balls = 6, and the number of subtracted balls = 36) in a state information response. The last transmission serial number is updated last time, and the data is backed up. Specifically, the state information response includes the transmission serial number = 3, the number of game balls = 450, the number of added balls = 6, and the number of subtracted balls = 36. Upon receiving the status information response including the game console information that has not been notified, the CU 3 updates the last transmission serial number last time and backs up the data. The CU control unit 323 of the CU 3 having received the status information response performs a second check for checking whether or not the number of game balls included in the gaming table information transmitted as the status information response is an appropriate value. Execute the process.

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

  Referring to FIG. 13, when a gaming machine is shipped from game machine maker to hall A, a server (not shown) of the game machine maker transmits shipping information on the shipped gaming machine to a communication line. It is input to the history management center 800A by utilizing. The history management center 800A registers the input shipping information in the storage area of the server.

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

  Referring to FIG. 14, when ordering a gaming machine to a gaming machine maker, hall A sends a sales contract to the gaming machine maker. Upon receiving the sales contract sent from the hall A, the gaming machine maker confirms the order of the gaming machine according to the sales contract. Upon confirming the order, the gaming machine maker sends a copy of the warranty card and the certification notice to Hall A and starts production of the gaming machine. The gaming machine maker ships the produced gaming machine to the hall A from the gaming machine maker (is delivered to the hall A). After the gaming machine to be shipped to Hall A is delivered to the carrier, the server of the gaming machine maker inputs shipping information relating to the gaming machine to machine history management center 800A via the communication line. Upon receiving the input of the shipping information, the history management center 800A registers the input in the storage area of the server.

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

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

  The registration type indicates whether the gaming machine to be shipped is a conventional CR gaming machine, a sealed circulation gaming machine (pachinko machine 2), a gaming machine with replaced parts, or a gaming machine frame. Information to specify. Specifically, in FIG. 15B, when the registration type number is “11” to “14”, the gaming machine to be shipped is a CR gaming machine, and when the registration type number is “21” to “25”. Indicates that the game machine to be shipped is the pachinko machine 2. Furthermore, the registration type numbers "11" to "14" indicate a gaming board, a gaming machine frame, a gaming board + gaming machine frame, and a gaming board (component replacement), whose parts have been replaced, respectively. The registration type numbers "21" to "25" indicate that the game board, the game machine frame, the game board + game machine frame, the game board component, and the game machine frame component have been exchanged. When replacing a board of a game board or a board of a game machine frame, a board management number after replacement is set and registered when a board is replaced. Note that a part replacement in which the production numbers of the game board and the game machine frame are changed is registered as a new shipment. The registration type specifies the name of the gaming machine maker and the model name of the gaming machine.

The game board production number and the main board management number are information according to a two-dimensional code.
The main control chip ID number is information read by the ID reader, and is set only in the case of the pachinko machine 2 (setting is unnecessary in the conventional CR game machine). The main control product code is a product code of the main control chip (setting is unnecessary in a conventional CR game machine).

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

  The payout control chip ID number is information read by the ID reader and is set only in the case of the pachinko machine 2 (setting is unnecessary in the CR game machine). The payout control product code is a product code written in the payout control chip (setting is unnecessary for CR game machines).

  The shipping date is the date when the gaming machine was shipped, and is the date when the shipment was confirmed. The company code is information for specifying a carrier name. The hole code is information for specifying a delivery destination hall name. The cancellation flag is set to “0” when shipping information is registered, and “1” when canceling the registered shipping information. When registering incorrect shipping information in the history management center 800A, the gaming machine maker sets the cancellation flag of the incorrect shipping information to “1” and registers the incorrect shipping information again in the history management center 800A.

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

  Further, the history management center 800A can enable the receipt of shipping information including the cancellation flag in which “1” is set until the predetermined condition is satisfied. That is, after the predetermined condition is satisfied, it is not possible to register shipping information having the same content as shipping information including the cancellation flag in which “1” is set in the history management center 800A.

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

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

  Also, as shown in FIG. 15 (a), the shipping information can be set to the same format regardless of whether the gaming machine is an enclosed circulation gaming machine (pachinko machine 2) or a conventional CR gaming machine. In the management center 800A, the histories of the enclosed circulation type gaming machine (pachinko machine 2) and the conventional CR gaming machine can be uniformly managed.

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

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

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

  Referring to FIG. 16A, when a gaming machine is delivered from a gaming machine maker to hall A, a copy of a gaming machine delivery note is sent from hall A to the gaming machine maker. When the gaming machine maker receives the copy of the gaming machine delivery note, the installation information of the gaming machine is input from the gaming machine maker to the machine history management center 800A via the communication line, and the input installation information is stored in the storage area of the server. be registered. When the installation information is registered in the history management center 800A, the registration result is output via a communication line or as a document. In addition, in the hall A, when the jurisdiction execution inspection is performed and a change approval notification is given, the delivered gaming machine is installed in a predetermined place in the hall A.

  Referring to FIG. 16 (b), when the gaming machine is delivered from the gaming machine maker to hall A, a copy of the gaming machine delivery note is sent from hall A to the gaming machine maker. Thereafter, in the hall A, a jurisdiction execution inspection is performed, and when a change approval notification is given, the delivered gaming machine is installed at a predetermined place in the hall A. Since the hall computer and the history management center 800A are configured to be connectable via a communication line, when the power of the gaming machine installed in the hall A is turned on, the history is automatically read from the hall computer. The installation information is transmitted to the management center 800A. The machine history management center 800A associates the received installation information with the shipping information registered at the time of shipping and registers the information in the storage area.

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

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

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

  In the case of FIG. 16B, the machine history management center 800A includes, as installation information automatically transmitted from the hall computer, the name of the gaming machine maker, the model name, the installation date, the installation destination hall name, The main control chip ID and the payout control ID are registered. Note that the history management center 800A may receive some of the above information as installation information and register information common to shipping information with reference to shipping information.

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

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

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

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

  Referring to FIG. 18 (b), since the hall computer and the history management center 800A are configured to be communicable, the history management center 800A is configured based on the installation information registered in the storage area. If a state in which communication with the gaming machine supposed to be installed in the hall A cannot be performed for a certain period (for example, one month) has elapsed, it is determined that the gaming machine is not operating and has been removed. Then, the removal information is registered in the storage area. As in the case of FIG. 18A, the history management center 800A may register the removal information in the storage area based on the document sent from the hall A.

  When a conventional CR gaming machine is removed, the machine history management center 800A includes, as removal information, a gaming machine maker name, a game board serial number, a main board management number, a gaming frame serial number, a date of removal, and removal. The hall name is registered. When the pachinko machine 2 is removed, the payout control board management number is further registered in the history management center 800A as removal information in addition to the information registered in the case of the conventional CR gaming machine. Is done.

  Referring again to FIG. 13, when the gaming machine removed from hall A is stored in the warehouse of the dealer and the released gaming machine is to be discharged to another hall B, the distributor is required to enter the application form. The used movement information is entered and sent to the history management center 800A. The history management center 800A registers the used movement information in the server from the input means of the history management center 800A based on the sent application document. If the history management center 800A and the management computer of the dealer are configured to be able to communicate with each other, the management computer inputs used movement information to the history management center 800A via a communication line. Is also good.

  When the gaming machine delivered from the dealer is delivered to another hall B and the gaming machine is installed in another hall B, the gaming machine is installed in another hall B in the same manner as described in FIG. The information is registered in the server of the history management center 800A. Also, when the gaming machine installed in the hall B is removed, the removal information is registered in the history management center 800A according to the flow described with reference to FIG.

  Next, when the gaming machine removed from the hall A is collected by the processing company, and the collected gaming machine is discarded, the disposal information is described in the application document from the processing company, and the document is stored in the machine history. It is sent to the management center 800A. The history management center 800A registers the discard information in the storage area by inputting necessary information from an input unit in the device history management center 800A. If the history management center 800A and the management computer of the processing company are configured to be able to communicate with each other, the management computer may input discard information to the history management center 800A via the communication line. Good.

  Further, when a game machine traded from the hall A by the game machine maker is discarded, the hall computer inputs discard information on the discarded game machine to the history management center 800A via the communication line. The history management center 800A registers the input discard information in the storage area of the server.

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

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

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of the content of the discard information input to the history management center 800A.

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

  The discard date is the date when the gaming machine was discarded. The game board manufacturer code is information for specifying the game machine maker that has manufactured the game board. The gaming machine frame manufacturer code is information for specifying a gaming machine maker that has manufactured the gaming machine frame. The company code is information for specifying the company that has performed disposal processing. Typically, it is the company code of the disposal company (disposer), but when the game machine manufacturer performs disposal processing, it becomes the company code of the game machine manufacturer.

  When a conventional CR game machine is discarded, the machine history management center 800A stores the game machine maker name, game board serial number, main board management number, game frame serial number, discard date, and processing as discard information. The trader name is registered. When the pachinko machine 2 is discarded, the payout control board management number is further registered in the history management center 800A as discard information in addition to the information registered in the case of the conventional CR gaming machine. Is done.

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

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

  FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of a table storing information on the front frame 5 and information on the game board 26 for managing the history of the front frame 5 and the game board 26. The table shown in FIG. 22 includes a payout table (FIG. 22A) storing information on the game board 26 in association with the security chip ID of the payout control board 17 and a security chip ID of the main control board 16. A main control side table (FIG. 22B) for storing information of the game board 26 is included.

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

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

  (4) The frame maker 191 incorporates the payout control semiconductor chip 17a into the front frame 5 to manufacture the front frame 5. Further, the frame maker 191 ships the manufactured front frame 5 to the hole 193 and installs it. (5) The frame maker 191 notifies the history management center 800A of information specifying the front frame 5 installed in the hall 193, and updates the payout table so as to store the information in association with the payout control security chip ID. As the information for specifying the front frame 5, as shown in FIG. 22A, the front frame manufacturing number, the payout board management number, the product code for payout control, the carrier code, the hole code, the shipping date, and the installation Contains the date and time. Further, the information specifying the front frame 5 may include the format name of the frame, the product code, and the maker code.

  (6) The game board maker 192 manufactures the game board 26 by incorporating the main control semiconductor chip 16a into 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 store the information in association with the main control security chip ID. I do. As shown in FIG. 22 (b), as information for specifying the game board 26, as shown in FIG. 22 (b), a game machine model name, a product code, a maker code, a game board serial number, a main control board management number, a main control product code , Carrier code, hall code, shipping date, and installation date and time.

  (8) In the hall 193, the pachinko machine 2 configured by combining the front frame 5 and the game board 26 is operated. When driven, the pachinko machine 2 transmits to the key management server 800 gaming machine installation information (operation information) including the incorporated payout control security chip ID and the main control security chip ID. 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 gaming machine installation information to the history management center 800A, and pays out so as to store the main control security chip ID of the pair (combined) in association with the payout control security chip ID. The main control side table is updated so that the payout control security chip ID of the pair (combined) is stored in association with the main control security chip ID. The machine history management center 800A stores the gaming machine installation information transmitted from the key management server 800 and the contents of the payout table and the main control table updated by the semiconductor chip maker 190, the frame maker 191 and the game board maker 192. Collate.

  The machine history management center 800A reports the abnormality if the collation results in an abnormality. Further, the history management center 800A updates the management state of the front frame 5 in which information such as the shipping date (information of (3-1) and (5) shown in FIG. 22A) included in the payout table is updated. (Status) is set to “shipping”, and the management status of the front frame 5 (information of (9) shown in FIG. 22A) of the main control security chip ID of the pair included in the payout table is updated. Status) is determined to be “installed”. Note that the management state (status) of the front frame 5 may be stored in the payout table or in another storage area. It should be noted that reshipment is not performed at the time of initial failure after shipment registration.

  Similarly, the history management center 800A updates the game board 26 in which information such as the shipping date (information of (3-2) and (7) shown in FIG. 22B) included in the main control table is updated. The management state (status) is “shipping”, and the information of the payout control security chip ID (the information (9) shown in FIG. 22B) of the pair included in the main control side table is updated. The management state (status) is determined to be “installed”. Note that the management state (status) of the game board 26 may be stored in the main control side table or may be stored in another storage area. It should be noted that reshipment is not performed at the time of initial failure after shipment registration.

  Next, at the time of storage, when the (10) hall 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 a warehouse. (11) The warehouse agent 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 the information in association with the payout control security chip ID. Also, the warehouse agent 194 notifies the history management center 800A of the storage information of the game board 26 removed from the hall 193, and updates the main control side table so as to store it in association with the main control security chip ID. As shown in FIG. 22, the storage information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 includes a game machine manufacturer, an installation 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 no longer transmitted to the key management server 800. That is, it can be considered that the non-operation information has been transmitted to the key management server 800 from the removed front frame 5 and the game board 26. The non-operation information transmitted to the key management server 800 is further transmitted to the history management center 800A. The history management center 800A checks the non-operation information transmitted from the key management server 800 against the contents of the payout table and the main control table updated by the warehouse agent 194.

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

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

  When the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are resold, they are installed in another hall, and the pachinko machine 2 is operated by combining the front frame 5 and the game board 26. When driven, the pachinko machine 2 transmits to the key management server 800 gaming machine installation information (operation information) including the incorporated payout control security chip ID and the main control security chip ID. 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 gaming machine installation information to the history management center 800A and associates the payout control security chip ID with the payout control security chip ID to store the paired (combined) main control security chip ID. The main control side table is updated so that the payout control security chip ID of the pair (combined) is stored in association with the main control security chip ID. The machine history management center 800A checks the game machine installation information transmitted from the key management server 800 against the contents of the payout table and the main control table updated by the second-hand dealer 195.

  The machine history management center 800A reports the abnormality if the collation results in an abnormality. In addition, the history management center 800A manages the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in which information such as the sales company name (the information (13) shown in FIG. 22) included in the payout table and the main control sales table is updated. (Status) is determined to be "resale", and the information of the security chip ID of the pair (the information of (9) shown in FIG. 22) included in the payout side table and the main control side table is updated, and the front frame 5 and the game are updated. It is determined that the management state (status) of the board 26 is “installed”. When the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are resold, it is not always necessary to resell the front frame 5 and the game board 26 as a set, and one of them may be resold. In this case, the history management center 800A updates only the information of (13) (see FIG. 22) of either the payout table or the main control table. Further, the resale of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 is not necessarily limited to the case where the front frame 5 and the game board 26 stored in the warehouse are resold, but the front frame 5 and the game board 26 installed in the hall. May be resold. No reshipment is performed at the time of resale.

  Next, at the time of disposal, (14) the hall 193 requests the disposal company 196 to dispose of the stored front frame 5 and game board 26. The scrapper 196 discards the stored front frame 5 and the game board 26 by an appropriate method. (15) The discarding company 196 notifies the history management center 800A of the discard information of the discarded front frame 5 and updates the payout table so as to store the discard information in association with the payout control security chip ID. Further, the discarding company 196 notifies the discard information of the discarded game board 26 to the history management center 800A, and updates the main control side table so as to store the discard information in association with the main control security chip ID. As shown in FIG. 22, the disposal information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 includes an installation source hall, a pickup date, and a disposal 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 the non-operation information has been transmitted to the key management server 800 from the discarded front frame 5 and the game board 26. The non-operation information transmitted to the key management server 800 is further transmitted to the history management center 800A. The history management center 800A checks the non-operation information transmitted from the key management server 800 with the contents of the payout table and the main control table updated by the scrapper 196.

  The machine history management center 800A reports the abnormality if the collation results in an abnormality. In addition, 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 discard date (the information (15) shown in FIG. 22) included in the payout table and the main control table is updated. (Status) is determined as “discarded”. 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 one of them may be removed and discarded. In this case, the history management center 800A updates only the information of (15) (see FIG. 22) of either the payout table or the main control table. Further, when the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are discarded, it is not necessarily limited to the case where the front frame 5 and the game board 26 stored in the warehouse are discarded, but the front frame 5 and the game board installed in the hall 193 are disposed. 26 may be discarded.

<Abnormality judgment of the history management center>
As described above, the machine history management center 800A compares the gaming machine installation information and the non-operation information with the updated information, and if an abnormality is found, notifies the abnormality. Specifically, a process for determining whether or not the history management center 800A is abnormal will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining the abnormality determination processing for managing the front frame 5 and the game board 26 by the history management center 800A. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating 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 the information included in the payout table and the main control table (S211). Specifically, the machine history management center 800A updates the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in which the information such as the discard date (the information (15) shown in FIG. 22) included in the payout table and the main control table is updated. The management state (status) is determined to be "discarded".

  Next, the history management center 800A checks whether or not a change from the management state determined last time to the management state determined this time is included in the transition prohibition table (S212). As shown in FIG. 24A, the transition prohibition table indicates a management state in which a transition from the management state determined last time is prohibited. 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 is changed from “shipping” to “discard” or the like. 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 state is changed from “installed”, “storage”, and “resale” to “shipped”. ”Is prohibited. Further, since the discarded front frame 5 is not shipped, installed, stored, and resold, the transition prohibition table changes the management status from “discard” to “shipping”, “installation”, “storage”, and “resale”. ”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 history management center 800A, based on the information from the key management server 800, sets the front frame 5 and the game board. 26 is determined (S213). Specifically, the machine history management center 800A determines that the gaming machine installation information is in the operating state when the key management server 800 transmits the gaming machine installation information, and determines that the non-operating information is transmitted from the key management server 800 (the gaming machine installation information). Is not transmitted), it is determined to be in the non-operation state.

  Next, the history management center 800A checks whether the management state determined this time in S211 and the operation state determined in S213 are included in the update abnormality table (S214). The update abnormality table, as shown in FIG. 24B, shows an operation state that is prohibited in the management state determined this time in S211. Specifically, when the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are installed, the operating state is set during the business hours, but the operating state is usually set to the non-operating state outside the business hours. When the status is “installed”, it is determined to be abnormal if the status becomes “operated outside business hours”. In addition, when the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are not installed, they are always in the non-operation state. Therefore, in the update abnormality table, when the management states are “shipping”, “storage”, “resale”, and “discard”. Is determined to be abnormal when it becomes “operating”.

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

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

  As described above, the history management center 800A according to the present embodiment stores the payout table 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 the main control. The main control table stored in association with the security chip ID is included in the large-capacity storage device 8005, and the management state of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 based on the information stored in the payout table and the main control table by the CPU 8001. Is determined. 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 their respective security chip IDs.

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

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

  On the other hand, the payout control unit 171 includes a payout control circuit 171a, a communication control circuit 171b, and a payout control storage unit 171c. The payout control circuit 171a controls various processes in the payout control unit 171 (controls the firing motor 18 via the firing control board 31 or controls the CU 3 to change a game ball to a ball based on a signal from the count button 28). This is a circuit for executing a control program for performing a process such as requesting conversion. The communication control circuit 171b is a circuit for performing encrypted communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 and encrypted communication between the payout control unit 171 and the communication control IC 325a. The payout control storage unit 171c is a storage device for storing a user program to be executed by the payout control unit 171 and a control program, data, and the like, and is configured by, for example, a non-volatile memory FeRAM. Since the payout control storage unit 171c includes the FeRAM, the information stored in the FeRAM does not need to be backed up by an external power supply.

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

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

  The interrupt function notifies, for example, an interrupt after decoding of a message is completed, or notifies an interrupt when an authentication state changes. The recovery function is a function in which the encrypted communication control unit 600 performs recovery communication with the payout control unit 171 in response to a request from the user. Further, the communication control circuit 161b can set a timeout period of a communication response, and can set a communication interval between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 26, the communication control circuit 161b includes a plurality of registers for performing input / output with the control program executed by the main control circuit 161a, and cryptographic communication for performing cryptographic communication with the payout control unit 171. The control unit 600 is provided.

  Registers included in the communication control circuit 161b include, for example, an authentication status register 611, an authentication interrupt setting register 612, a transmission data buffer 613, a transmission data number register 614, an information transmission clear register 615, a main control game information register 616, and a payout control game. It has an information register 617, a recovery communication completion register 618, an encrypted communication data clear request / completion register 619, and the like.

  The authentication status register 611 indicates whether the chip ID of the main control unit 161 has been authenticated, the state of communication and authentication between the card unit and the payout control unit, and the state of communication and authentication between the main control unit and the payout control unit. The status has been written. The authentication interrupt setting register 612 sets whether to permit an interrupt that changes the state of chip ID authentication, authentication between the card unit and the payout control unit, and authentication between the main control unit and the payout control unit.

  The transmission data buffer 613 is a buffer (for example, the storage capacity is 128 bytes) in which game information to be transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171 is written, and the game information is stored in the buffer by FIFO (First In, First Out). Written. In addition, by configuring the transmission data buffer 613 with a non-volatile memory, a communication disconnection occurs between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, and the game information written in the buffer that has not been transmitted due to communication failure. Is retained after the return. Therefore, even when the recovery communication is performed, the recovery processing such as executing the user program again to generate the game information written in the transmission data buffer 613 becomes unnecessary, and the processing load of the main control unit 161 is eliminated. Can be reduced. Further, the amount of data required in the recovery processing can be suppressed. In addition, since the transmission data buffer 613 is configured by a nonvolatile memory, backup by an external power supply is unnecessary. Registers other than the transmission data buffer 613 are constituted by volatile memories.

  The transmission data number register 614 is a register for writing the number of data transmitted to the main control unit 161 payout control unit 171, and monitors the number of data in the transmission data buffer 613. The information transmission clear register 615 is a register for writing a request to clear data in the transmission data buffer 613.

  The main control game information register 616 is a register in which data transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171 is written. The data written in the main control game information register 616 is encrypted by the encryption communication control unit 600 and transmitted to the payout control unit 171. The payout control game information register 617 is a register in which data transmitted from the payout control unit 171 to the main control unit 161 is written. The data written in the payout control game information register 617 is data decrypted by the encryption communication control unit 600.

  The recovery communication completion register 618 is a register in which information indicating whether the recovery communication has been completed between the main control unit and the payout control unit is written. The encrypted communication data clear request / completion register 619 contains information requesting clearing of data such as a serial number held by the encrypted communication control unit 600 communicating with the payout control unit 171 and that the data has been erased. This is a register in which information indicating (clear completed) is written.

  The communication control circuit 171b is divided into a configuration for performing cryptographic communication with the main control unit 161 and a configuration for performing cryptographic communication with the communication control IC 325a. The part of the configuration for performing cryptographic communication with the circuit 171b1 and the communication control IC 325a will be described below as a communication control circuit 171b2.

  First, FIG. 27 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a communication control circuit 171b1 for performing cryptographic communication with the main control unit 161. First, the communication control circuit 171b1 has a plurality of functions, for example, an authentication communication function, an encryption communication function, an interrupt function, a recovery function, and the like.

  The authentication communication function is a function of performing mutual authentication with the main control unit 161 of the game board 26 and mutual authentication with the communication control IC 325a of the CU 3. The encryption communication function is a function of encrypting and decrypting a message between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. The encryption communication function can automatically insert a falsification prevention code into a message or a code for detecting a communication error. In addition, the encryption communication function can also pass information of the payout control unit 171 to the main control unit 161 and receive information of the main control unit 161 at regular intervals by setting a communication interval.

  The interrupt function notifies, for example, an interrupt after decoding of a message is completed, or notifies an interrupt when an authentication state changes. The recovery function is a function in which the encrypted communication control unit 700 performs recovery communication with the main control unit 161 and the communication control IC 325a in response to a request from a user. Further, the communication control circuit 171b1 can set a timeout period of a communication response, and can set a communication interval between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 27, the communication control circuit 171b1 includes a plurality of registers for performing input / output with the control program executed by the payout control circuit 171a, and cryptographic communication for performing cryptographic communication with the payout control unit 171. The control unit 700 is provided.

  Registers included in the communication control circuit 171b1 include, for example, an authentication status register 711, an authentication interrupt setting register 712, a data reception register 713, a reception data number register 714, an information reception clear register 715, a payout control game information register 716, and a main control game. It has an information register 717, a recovery request / completion register 718, an encrypted communication data clear request / completion register 719, and the like.

  The authentication status register 711 indicates whether the chip ID of the payout control unit 171 has been authenticated, the state of communication and authentication between the card unit and the payout control unit, and the state of communication and authentication between the main control unit and the payout control unit. The status has been written. The authentication interrupt setting register 712 sets whether to permit an interrupt that changes the state of chip ID authentication, authentication between the card unit and the payout control unit, and authentication between the main control unit and the payout control unit.

  The data reception register 713 is a buffer (for example, having a storage capacity of 128 bytes) in which game information transmitted from the main control unit 161 and received by the payout control unit 171 is written (for example, the storage capacity is 128 bytes). Information is written. In addition, by configuring the data reception register 713 with a non-volatile memory, a communication disconnection occurs between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, and the game information written in the register which has not been transmitted due to communication failure. Is retained after the return. Therefore, even when the recovery communication is performed, the recovery processing such as executing the user program again to generate the game information written in the data reception register 713 becomes unnecessary, and the processing load of the main control unit 161 is eliminated. Can be reduced. Further, the amount of data required in the recovery processing can be suppressed. Since the data reception register 713 is configured by a nonvolatile memory, backup by an external power supply is not required. Registers other than the data reception register 713 are constituted by volatile memories.

  The reception data number register 714 is a register for writing the number of data transmitted from the main control unit 161 and received by the payout control unit 171, and monitors the number of data in the data reception register 713. The information reception clear register 715 is a register for writing a request to clear the data of the data reception register 713.

  The payout control game information register 716 is a register in which data transmitted from the payout control unit 171 to the main control unit 161 is written. The data written in the payout control game information register 716 is encrypted by the encryption communication control unit 700 and transmitted to the main control unit 161. The main control game information register 717 is a register in which data transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171 is written. The data written in the main control game information register 717 is data decrypted by the encryption communication control unit 700.

  The recovery request / completion register 718 is a register in which information indicating whether a recovery communication is requested between the main control unit and the payout control unit and whether the recovery communication is completed is written. The encrypted communication data clear request / completion register 719 contains information requesting clearing of data such as a serial number held in the encrypted communication control unit 700 communicating with the main control unit 161 and that the data has been erased. This is a register in which information indicating (clear completed) is written.

  The communication control circuit 171b1 further includes a communication timeout time setting register 719a, a communication interval time setting register 719b, and a main control unit transmission buffer writing valid time setting register 719c.

  The main control unit transmission buffer write valid time setting register 719c stores the data in the transmission data buffer 613 of the main control unit 161 in the data reception register 713 after the authentication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 has expired. This is a register for setting the valid time during which writing is possible. By setting the register, writing to the data reception register 713 can be performed even after the authentication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 has expired. Seconds). Thereby, for example, even if there is a floating ball (a ball that is not caught and dropped between nails or the like in the game area 27) when the authentication is cut due to a power cut or a disconnection, the floating ball wins. Information can be securely stored and protected. Note that, even in the case of a gaming machine having a stage in which the ball stays for a long time, the validity period can be set longer so that information that the floating ball has won can be reliably stored.

  Originally, after the authentication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 has expired, information cannot be written into the data reception register 713 via the encryption communication control unit 700 from the viewpoint of security. However, in the data reception register 713, for example, it is necessary to write information that the floating ball has won after the authentication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 has expired. Therefore, the communication control circuit 171b1 sets the valid time in the main control unit transmission buffer write valid time setting register 719c and makes the main setting in the encryption communication control unit 700, whereby the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 are set. The information can be written to the data reception register 713 via the cryptographic communication control unit 700 within the validity period even after the authentication has expired. Note that the set value of the main control unit transmission buffer write valid time setting register 719c can be read out after it is permanently set by the encryption communication control unit 700.

  FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication control circuit 171b2 for performing cryptographic communication with the communication control IC 325a. As shown in FIG. 28, the communication control circuit 171b2 includes, for example, an authentication status register 721, an authentication interrupt setting register 722, a transmission data buffer 723a, a data reception register 723b, and a transmission data number register 724 for performing cryptographic communication with the communication control IC 325a. , Received data number register 725, recovery communication addition ball request register 726, recovery communication subtraction ball request register 727, recovery request / completion register 728, encrypted communication data clear request / completion register 729, communication timeout timer / prescaler setting register 729a, and communication A timeout time setting register 729b and the like are provided.

  The authentication status register 721 includes information indicating whether or not the chip ID of the payout control unit 171 has been authenticated, communication and authentication between the card unit and the payout control unit, and communication and authentication between the main control unit and the payout control unit. The status has been written. The authentication interrupt setting register 722 sets whether to permit an interrupt that changes the state of chip ID authentication, authentication between the card unit and the payout control unit, and authentication between the main control unit and the payout control unit.

  The transmission data buffer 723a is a buffer (for example, having a storage capacity of 128 bytes) for writing a business message to be transmitted from the payout control unit 171 to the communication control IC 325a, and the business message is written to the buffer by FIFO (First In, First Out). Be included. The data reception register 723b is a buffer (for example, having a storage capacity of 128 bytes) for writing a business message transmitted from the communication control IC 325a and received by the payout control unit 171, and the business message is stored in the buffer by FIFO (First In, First Out). Is written.

  Note that by configuring the transmission data buffer 723a and the data reception register 723b with a non-volatile memory, a communication disconnection occurs between the payout control unit 171 and the communication control IC 325a, and the buffer and the register which have not been transmitted due to the communication failure are stored. The written business message is retained even after the return. Therefore, even in the case of performing recovery communication, recovery processing such as re-executing a user program to generate a business message written in the transmission data buffer 723a and the data reception register 723b becomes unnecessary, and the payout control unit is not required. 171 and the communication control IC 325a can be reduced. Further, the amount of data required in the recovery processing can be suppressed. In addition, since the transmission data buffer 723a and the data reception register 723b are configured by a nonvolatile memory, backup by an external power supply becomes unnecessary. Registers other than the transmission data buffer 723a and the data reception register 723b are constituted by volatile memories.

  The transmission data number register 724 is a register for writing the number of data transmitted from the payout control unit 171 to the communication control IC 325a, and monitors the number of data in the transmission data buffer 723a. The reception data number register 725 is a register in which the number of data transmitted from the communication control IC 325a and received by the payout control unit 171 is written, and monitors the number of data in the data reception register 723b.

  The recovery communication addition ball request register 726 is a register to which the addition ball number is written when the addition ball is generated in the result of the recovery communication between the communication control IC and the payout control unit after the power is restored. Note that the recovery communication addition sphere request register 726 is updated only when the recovery communication is completed. The recovery communication subtraction ball request register 727 is a register to which the number of subtraction balls is written when a subtraction ball is generated as a result of the recovery communication between the communication control IC and the payout control unit after the power is restored. Note that the recovery communication subtraction ball request register 727 is also updated only when the recovery communication is completed.

  The recovery request / completion register 728 is a register in which information indicating whether or not recovery communication is requested between the communication control IC and the payout control unit and whether or not the recovery communication is completed is written. The encrypted communication data clear request / completion register 729 contains information requesting clearing of data such as a serial number held by the encrypted communication control unit 700 communicating with the communication control IC 325a, and that the data has been erased ( This is a register in which information indicating "clearing completed" is written.

<Recovery completion confirmation processing>
Next, in the communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, when returning from a communication disabled state such as power-off, the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 perform the main control storage unit 161 c and the payout control storage unit 161 c. A recovery process for transmitting the predetermined information stored in the unit 171c is performed. Then, the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 perform a recovery completion confirmation process of restarting generation of the predetermined information by executing the user program, on condition that the recovery process ends. Specifically, the recovery completion confirmation processing will be described using a flowchart. FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining the recovery completion confirmation processing.

  First, when the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 are powered on to recover from a communication disabled state such as a power-off, the main control circuit 161a and the payout control circuit 171a start the processing of the authentication sequence. When the authentication is completed, the authentication result is written in the authentication status registers 611 and 711 of the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. Then, the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 confirm whether or not authentication completion is written in the respective authentication status registers 611 and 711 (step S291). When the authentication completion is not written in each of the authentication status registers 611 and 711 (step S291: NO), the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 return to the process of step S291.

  When authentication completion is written in each of the authentication status registers 611 and 711 (step S291: YES), the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 perform recovery in the recovery communication completion register 618 and the recovery request / completion register 718. It is checked whether a flag indicating completion has been written (step S292). When the flag indicating the completion of recovery is not written in the recovery communication completion register 618 and the recovery request / completion register 718 (step S292: NO), the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 return to the process of step S292.

  When the flag indicating the recovery completion is written in the recovery communication completion register 618 and the recovery request / completion register 718 (step S292: YES), the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 start the processing of the user program. (Step S293). As means for starting the processing of the user program, for example, a means for starting the processing of the user program by transmitting a signal for starting the processing of the user program, and a stopping means for stopping the processing of the user program are provided. There is a means for starting the processing of the user program by releasing the means.

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

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

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

  First, the main control unit 161 transmits a command named power-on notification to the payout control unit 171. The power-on notification command notifies the payout control unit 171 that power is turned on and communication is started. The payout control unit 171 sends a response entitled Power On Reception to the main control unit 161. The power-on reception response is a response that the main control unit 161 receives the power-on notification and starts communication.

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

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

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

  The communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 is performed by polling using the main control unit 161 as a primary station, and the polling interval is 200 ms. Note that communication of power-on notification and power-on reception is excluded. If the request command from the main control unit 161 cannot be received within one second after transmitting the response, the payout control unit 171 determines that the communication line has been disconnected and stops the game.

  Further, the payout control unit 171 transmits a response command to the main control unit 161 only when normal data is received. When the main control unit 161 does not receive the response command within the polling interval time, it retransmits the command up to three times including the first time. The serial numbers used for transmission and reception are stored in the storage unit for both the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 and are used for confirming the normality of the command, at the time of power-off restoration, and at the time of communication-line restoration.

  Specifically, the communication sequence will be described. First, when the power is turned on, communication of a power-on notification and power-on reception is performed between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, and a new authentication sequence is started. . In the authentication sequence, as described above, the chip IDs of the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 are authenticated, and that the communication between the main control unit and the payout control unit is authenticated is written in the authentication status registers 611 and 711. . Further, a process of generating an encryption key and a decryption key used for encrypted communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 is performed according to the authentication sequence. The communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 after performing the process is performed by using the generated encryption key and decryption key.

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

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

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

<< Sequence after power off >>
Next, with reference to FIG. 32, a description will be given of a process performed when the status information request has not been reached due to power interruption / communication line interruption. FIG. 32 particularly shows that there is a power supply cutoff / communication line disconnection (for example, when the payout control unit 171 is once turned off and then turned on again), and the game state notification has not arrived (from the main control unit 161). FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram for explaining a process in a case where a command has not arrived at the payout control unit 171) and the communication partner after recovery matches.

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

  Then, after the power-off of the payout control unit 171 during the game, when the game state notification including the serial number = n + 1 is transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171, the payout control unit 171 turns off the power. The game status notification cannot be received due to the status. Thereafter, the main control unit 161 performs control to stop the communication assuming that the power is cut off after one second because the game state reception from the payout control unit 171 is not transmitted.

  Thereafter, when an authentication sequence is started between the power-on and main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, the main control unit 161 executes the power supply including the serial number = 1 and the main control serial number (previous last transmission serial number) = n + 1. An input notification is transmitted to the payout control unit 171. The payout control unit 171 has the payout control serial number = n backed up by the payout control unit 171 because the game state reception serial number transmitted to the main control unit 161 before the power interruption occurs is “n”. Therefore, the payout control serial number = n backed up by the payout control unit 171 does not match the main control serial number = n + 1 backed up by the main control unit 161. When the serial numbers do not match, the payout control unit 171 performs a recovery process on the information of the payout control unit 171 based on the recovery game information included in the power-on notification transmitted from the main control unit 161. Thereafter, the payout control unit 171 transmits a power-on reception including the serial number = 1 to the main control unit 161.

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

  Note that the above-described recovery processing was performed because the serial numbers did not match, but the information (for example, the number of game information, prize ball information, and the like) included in the recovery game information is transmitted to the main control unit 161 and the payout control. Even if they do not match with the unit 171, a recovery process may be performed.

<Slot machine>
Next, a slot machine will be described as another example of the gaming machine. FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing a state where 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-mentioned gaming system using a game ball and a holding ball is similarly applied to S units. However, in the S units, the game ball is hereinafter referred to as a game point and the possessed ball is referred to as a possessed point because the game is played without using the ball.

  Referring to FIG. 33, in slot machine 2S, a front door 2bS is provided on main body frame 2aS so as to be openable and closable around a left edge thereof. Although not shown in FIG. 33, a CU is connected to the left of the slot machine 2S in the drawing, similarly to the P units.

  In the slot machine 2S, the number of bets is set by using the game points, and the game points are added and updated according to the winning. Therefore, when playing a game in the slot machine 2S, a medal insertion operation is not required. Therefore, the slot machine 2S is not provided with a medal slot and a medal payout port.

  Inside the housing of the slot machine 2S, reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter, also referred to as left reel, middle reel, and right reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on an outer periphery are horizontally arranged in parallel. Of the symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, three consecutive symbols are arranged so as to be seen through the see-through window provided on the front door 2bS. On the outer peripheral portions of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, a plurality of types of symbols are drawn in a predetermined order.

  A touch panel display 510 is provided in a portion surrounding the reels 2L, 2C, 2R of the front door 2bS. The display 510 is a display corresponding to the P displays 54, and displays various kinds of information (game points, score points, etc.) of the same type as the display 54, as well as the number of bets set in the game. Is displayed. The display unit 510 is connected to the display control unit 350 of the CU similarly to the display unit 54 of FIG. 2, and the display control is performed on the CU side. Note that the display 510 is not provided in a portion surrounding each of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, but in a panel portion further lower than the P units (at a position lower than the start switch 7S shown in FIG. 33). It may be provided in a conventional panel portion provided with S medal payout openings.

  A 7-segment display 50S is provided below the display 510. The 7-segment display 50S is a display corresponding to the P 7-segment displays 50, and displays the same kind of information as the 7-segment display 50 (such as the number of times the front door 2bS has been opened).

  In addition, the front door 2bS has a single BET switch 5S that is operated when setting a bet amount using “gaming point = 1” corresponding to one medal, and a maximum BET switch determined according to the gaming state. When setting the number of bets (for example, "the game point = 3" in the normal game state before the occurrence of the BB and the RT (Replay Time) in which the winning probability of the replay becomes a high probability, and "game point = 2" in the bonus) , A start switch 7S operated when starting a game, and stop switches 8L, 8C and 8R operated when stopping rotation of the reels 2L, 2C and 2R, respectively. I have.

  When a game is played in the slot machine 2S, first, similarly to the P units, a betting number is set using the game points after securing game points using adjacent CUs. The game points can be obtained by deducting the balance of the prepaid card inserted in the CU, the points held, or the medal (equivalent to P coins) stored in the game hall. In order to use the gaming points, the single BET switch 5S or the MAXBET switch 6S may be operated. In the present embodiment, for example, the game point is deducted by 1 by setting the bet number to 1, and the display of the game point on the display 510 is also subtracted and updated. When the number of bets is set, the pay line determined according to the number of bets and the game state becomes 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 in a state where the game can be started, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate, and the symbols on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R change continuously. 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 see-through window.

  When one of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is stopped, one game is completed, and a predetermined combination of symbols (hereinafter, also referred to as a role) is displayed on the activated pay line. When the display is stopped as a result of the 2R display, 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 additionally updated.

  In the case of S units, the number of game points can be counted in the same manner as in the case of P units. As shown in FIG. 33, the slot machine 2S is provided with a count button 28S for counting game points and converting them into points. The ball lending button, the return button, and the replay button are provided on the CU side (see FIG. 2). The player performs the counting operation at an arbitrary timing or based on the fact that a display prompting the counting operation is performed on the display 510 as in the case of the P units. Then, the state where the game points are counted and the game points decrease and the holding points increase is displayed on the display 510. Note that the ball lending button may be provided on the P and S sides instead of the CU 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 game state, but are roughly divided into special roles with a shift to a big bonus (BB) and a regular bonus (RB), and small roles with a medal payout. And a replay (replay) in which the next game can be started without setting the bet amount.

  The main control unit (S) that controls the slot machine 2S when a start operation is detected, for example, determines whether any of a plurality of types of winning combinations is won or whether any of the winning combinations is not won. (Corresponding to the main control unit 161). 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 or absence of a winning combination by, for example, selecting a random number generated from a predetermined random number generator or generated on software.

  After that, the main control unit waits for a reel stop operation by the player, draws in a symbol corresponding to the winning combination in a predetermined frame number range if there is a symbol based on the stop operation time, and if not, another symbol Is performed, the three symbols are stopped, and the presence or absence of a prize is determined. When it is determined that a winning is achieved, the main control base transmits a signal corresponding to the type of winning to a payout control unit (corresponding to the payout control unit 171 in FIG. 2). The payout control unit gives a number of game points corresponding to the signal to the player (adds the game points).

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

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

  With the S units, the game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using the game value, and a 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 by deriving a display result to the device and a prize can be generated in accordance with the display result derived by the variable display device, wherein the display result is displayed on the variable display device. Prior to being derived, a pre-determining unit that determines whether or not occurrence of a plurality of types of winnings is permitted, and a control that causes the variable display device to derive a display result according to a determination result of the pre-determining unit. A slot machine is provided which includes a derivation control unit for performing the game and an awarding unit for awarding a game value when the prize is generated.

  FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram for explaining various data stored in each of the card unit and the slot machine and a transmission / reception mode thereof. In the transmission / reception mode shown in FIG. 34, the terms of FIG. 4 described as the configuration of P units are replaced with those of S units, and the mode is the same as that described with reference to FIG. Then, further description is omitted.

<Modifications and features>
Next, modifications and features of the present embodiment described above will be listed.

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

  Conventional S units are provided with a credit function. When this function is enabled, the credit is subtracted when a bet amount is set, and the credit is added when a winning occurs. However, an upper limit is set for credits, and if a prize is generated while the number of credits has reached the upper limit, medals are paid out from the hopper.

  On the other hand, in the S units according to the present embodiment, the game points are subtracted when the bet amount is set, and the game points are added when a winning occurs. When the number of game points reaches a predetermined number, a display prompting a counting operation is displayed, and by performing the counting operation, the game points are converted into the holding points. Therefore, there is no need to pay out medals when the credit reaches the upper limit unlike the conventional S cars. As a result, there is no need to provide a hopper on the S platform according to the present embodiment.

  As a result, there is no need to secure a large number of medals in the game hall, and the economic burden is reduced. In addition, the amusement arcade is free from tasks such as refilling and collecting medals and maintenance tasks for dealing with jammed medals. The player is relieved of the trouble of inserting medals for each betting operation after the credit is full, and can easily concentrate on the game.

  On the other hand, if the number of cars S is medalless, it will be impossible for a player who has acquired a large number of medals to pile up boxes with medals beside the seats and perform an action such as showing off their arms. Inconvenience occurs. However, in the present embodiment, by providing a function of displaying a dollar box, such inconvenience can be prevented. In addition, it is desirable that the dollar box display in the case of the S units includes a large number of medals instead of a large number of balls.

  When the S machine is applied as a gaming machine, each of the data is obtained as follows using two types of data of “point” and “game point” and two types of data of “credit” and “excess credit”. It is also possible to configure a gaming system that can be converted. These four types of data are displayed on the S displays 510.

  First, when a conversion operation (lending operation, medal payout operation, or point payout operation) from a prepaid card balance, a medal, or a point is detected, each of them is withdrawn and converted to a gaming point. You.

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

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

  The bet amount can be set using the game points as described above, and can also be set using credits. That is, when the one-sheet bet switch 5S is operated, the bet amount set value is incremented by one and the credit is decremented by one. If the MAXBET switch 6S is operated, the bet amount is set to 3, and the credit is reduced according to the bet amount setting.

  When a prize is generated as a result of the game, a score corresponding to the prize is added to the credit. When a winning that exceeds the upper limit of the credits occurs, the points corresponding to the excess are stored as credit excess points. This credit excess point corresponds to a medal to be paid out when a prize is generated by exceeding the upper limit of the credit in the conventional slot machine. For this reason, for example, it is desirable to display the number of medal images corresponding to the number of excess credits on the display 510 while displaying the number of excess credits. It is desirable that the medal image be changed in color so as to be distinguishable from the medal image corresponding to the gaming point.

  In addition, it is desirable that the excess credit points be converted into gaming points by the operation of the player. For example, when a pseudo-medal conversion operation (for example, an operation of pushing a medal) such that a player touches a medal image corresponding to an excess credit point and converts the medal image into a gaming point is detected, the medal image disappears and the excess credit is detected. It is assumed that points are subtracted and game points are added.

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

  When the player performs the counting operation, each of the gaming points, credits, and excess credit points is counted and converted into a point. As a result, the player's points are listed as "Number of cards held + game points + credits + credit excess points". Note that the “card possession number” is a pre-conversion possession point (the number of possessed balls owned by the player at the present time) that has not been converted to the gaming point.

  In the above description, the four types of data of points, gaming points, credits, and credit excess points may be stored by exchanging data between the CU and the S units. The data may be stored only on the CU side, and the others may be stored only on the S side. In addition, the excess credit point may be displayed in a dollar box.

  In the above description, the example using the excess credit point has been described, but the excess credit point may not be used. In this case, if the credit exceeds the upper limit, the credit may be added to the game point.

  (2) In the present embodiment, the game points are added by consuming the card frequency. Alternatively, the game points are added by consuming the coins (medals). In other words, the card frequency or the accumulated coins are converted into gaming points. On the other hand, the card frequency and the accumulated coins are not converted into points (counting balls, counting medals). However, you may make it convert into a point once from a card frequency and a ball storage.

  (3) In the present embodiment, the gaming points are converted to the points by the counting operation. The conversion rate in this case is 1: 1. However, the conversion ratio in the case of conversion may be other than 1: 1. For example, when 100 game points are converted, 97 points obtained by subtracting 3 of them may be converted to points. Alternatively, the game points may be converted into the number of game balls obtained by multiplying the score by a predetermined ratio of less than 100%.

  (4) The recording medium for recording the points to be identifiable may use a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. In this case, the CU 3 is provided with a communication unit for communicating with the mobile terminal, 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 described above. On the other hand, at the end of the game, the mobile 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 the game points may be provided on the CU side. In this case, the operation means may be displayed on the touch panel, or may be constituted by physical switches.

  (6) If there is an uncounted game point remaining when the card return operation is performed, it is desirable to display a message prompting the counting on the P-unit or the display unit on the CU side. However, instead of such a configuration, when an uncounted game point remains when a card return operation is performed, the counting display is automatically started, and a display on the P units or the CU side is displayed. It may be notified that automatic counting has been started due to the remaining uncounted game points, or that the card will be returned after the automatic counting is completed.

  Alternatively, when an uncounted game point remains when a card return operation is performed, it is determined that the player may temporarily leave the seat, and a display (CU side or P side) is displayed. A message for confirming whether or not the user is temporarily away may be displayed. Further, the display may be constituted by a touch panel so that the player can input a response to the message. Further, if the response input is a game end, a message prompting a counting operation is displayed. On the other hand, if the response input is temporarily away from the seat, the card may be ejected once with the card ID stored on the CU side or the P side or both. Thereafter, when a card with the same ID is inserted, the game is restarted from the original state.

  (7) The counting time from the start of the counting operation to the completion of the counting display is different from the game point when the game point is smaller than the first reference value and when the game point exceeds the first reference value. The increase rate of the counting time may be reduced. Thus, it is possible to perform an effect of counting display as if counting the actual balls, and it is possible to prevent that it takes too much time to complete the counting due to an increase in the number of game points. When the gaming points exceed a certain reference value, the counting times may be all the same. Alternatively, the same counting time may be uniformly employed regardless of the number of game points without providing a reference value.

  (8) In the above-described embodiment, the detection of the opening of the glass door 6 and the detection of the opening of the front frame 5 are 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, a means that exerts a counting function when operated a predetermined number of times two or more times may be adopted. Thereby, erroneous operation can be prevented. In this case, a single operation may cause another function different from the counting function to be exerted. For example, if there is no operation for a predetermined time (for example, within one second) after performing the operation once, a function of turning on a lamp for calling a clerk is performed, and the operation is performed within one second from one operation. When the second operation is detected, the counting function may be performed.

  (10) When the counting operation button is operated for a predetermined time (short-time operation), for example, the number of first balls is counted, while when the counting operation button is operated for a predetermined time or more (long-time operation), the first ball is counted according to the operation time. It is desirable to control so that a first ball number greater than one ball number is counted. For example, it is conceivable to count 100 balls in a short-time operation while counting a predetermined number exceeding 100 balls in a long-time operation, for example, 200 balls or 400 balls. Further, control may be performed such that the number of game points to be counted is different depending on the long press time of the counting operation button. For example, it is conceivable to count 100 balls by pressing and holding for 1 second and then continue pressing and holding for 5 seconds to count all remaining balls. Alternatively, control may be performed so that a predetermined number is counted by one operation and all remaining balls are counted by a fifth operation.

  (11) (A) If no game points equal to or more than the “predetermined number” are stored, even if the counting operation is performed, the game points are not counted, and the fact is notified. (B) When the counting of the game points is performed until the stored game points reach the “predetermined number”, the control is performed so that the further counting cannot be performed and the notification to that effect is performed. Is desirable. The predetermined points in these two cases (A) and (B), that is, the reference values, may be the same or may be different.

  (12) If a counting operation is performed while a ball is being fired, it is desirable to control the counting operation to be invalid if 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 firing of the balls exceeds the reference value, the number of balls counted in one counting operation is set to the predetermined number. In such a case, if the value obtained by subtracting the predetermined number from the number of game balls at the time when the counting operation is detected is less than the reference value, the counting operation may be invalidated.

  Also, in order to invalidate the counting operation during the game, it is desirable to determine whether or not the game is being performed based on whether or not the ball firing operation is detected. Instead or in addition to this, whether the number of playing balls (floating balls floating in the game area 27) is 0 (not playing) or not (playing) Or not. In addition, it is conceivable to determine whether or not the game is being played based on whether or not the variable display device is changing, whether or not a big hit is occurring, whether or not an attacker is open, and the like.

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

  (13) Regardless of whether or not a big hit is made, when the number of game balls is larger than a predetermined number, a display urging a counting operation may be displayed.

  Further, if the counting operation is not detected after a predetermined time has elapsed since the display prompting the counting operation is performed, the firing of the game ball may be forcibly stopped, and the shooting is not performed until the firing is forcibly stopped. It may be.

  (14) Referring to FIG. 4, P units have a counting ball number counter for temporarily storing the counted balls (holding balls), but do not have a counter for storing the accumulated value of the counting balls. . However, a counting ball accumulation storage counter that stores the accumulated value of the counting ball may be provided on the P side. The CU is provided with an area for storing a card possession ball (counting ball). In this area, if a possession ball is recorded on the inserted card itself, the card possession ball is counted. The current number of balls held by the player including the 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 the current game may be further provided on the CU side. In this case, the CU adds a ball to the area based on the information on the number of counted balls sent from the P units after the game starts, and when the ball is converted into a game ball, Subtract the ball.

  (15) The display for prompting the counting operation may be a display in the text stating that "there are game balls remaining, so please perform the returning operation" or display a counting button 28 on the screen. The display may be such that the display blinks.

  (16) When the number of game balls is equal to or more than a predetermined number (3000 or more), control is performed such that “control for performing a display prompting a counting operation on a display” is executed as “predetermined notification control”. It is desirable. Here, "prompt for a counting operation" means, for example, a message that displays "The counting operation has been performed because the number of game balls has reached the upper limit," or a message that simply displays "A counting operation is required." It may be. Further, the “predetermined notification control” may be control for outputting a notification sound prompting a counting operation from a speaker. Further, the "notification" may be simply a notification that "the number of gaming balls has reached the upper limit" (not a notification prompting the counting operation), instead of the "notification prompting the counting operation". .

  Further, when the gaming point is equal to or more than a predetermined first reference value (3000 balls or more), “predetermined notification control” is performed, and thereafter, the gaming point is changed to a second reference value that is larger than the first reference value. At this point, the game may be controlled to be in a game-disabled state, and the game may be controlled so as to permit (do not prohibit firing) the game 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 game can be disabled by operating the start lever so that the reels do not start rotating or the bet amount setting is invalidated.

  (17) When a game using a game point is being performed (while the ball is being fired), control is performed so that the counting operation is not activated unless the game point has a predetermined number of points (for example, 250 points) or more. It is desirable to do. Here, the predetermined point is not limited to 250 points, and may be any point as long as it is one point or more. However, if a point that is too small, such as one point, is set and the timing of firing and the timing of counting occur almost simultaneously, a problem occurs. Alternatively, when the counting operation is detected while the shooting is continued with the score being equal to or less than a predetermined score (for example, 10 or less), five points are left for firing and the remaining points are counted. May be controlled.

  In addition, if it is detected that the player has stopped the ball firing operation because the player has noticed that the counting operation has been invalidated because no more than a predetermined number of game points remain, the invalidation is first performed. The performed counting operation may be validated to automatically start the counting operation. That is, in this case, the player who has noticed 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 into points in one operation according to the time for which the count button is kept pressed, for example, in the case of a long press (for example, continuous operation for one second or more), the number of game points is changed. While everything is counted, only 200 balls may be counted in the case of a short press (for example, continuous operation for less than one second). However, in this case, when the remaining number of game balls is small, for example, when the number is less than 200, it is desirable that all game balls are counted by operating the count button.

  (19) In the case where the points counted by one short press operation of the counting button are made different according to the remaining number of game points, 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 number of game points is 200 or more and less than 1000, 200 points are counted by one short press operation. When the number of game points is 1000 or more and less than 5000, 1000 points are counted by one short press operation. When the number of game points is 5,000 or more and less than 10,000, 2,000 points are counted by one short press operation. When the gaming points are 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 the game balls (game points) are counted and converted into points, not only the count display but also control for outputting a count sound from a speaker may be performed. In counting the game points, it is conceivable to display an image in which balls are dropped one by one from a ball storage dish onto a counter.

  (21) Timing of performing conversion display (display indicating that game balls are counted and ball holdings increase) based on counting operation and conversion of game points to holding points, and subtracting game points from data However, the timing for performing the calculation for adding the points can be various. The above calculation may be performed after the conversion display. For this purpose, the game machine may transmit the count data to the CU after the conversion display is completed. In addition, such a modified example can be similarly applied to a case in which a possessed point is converted into a game point.

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

  (23) In FIG. 4 or FIG. 34, 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 is stored. It may not be stored on the side. On the other hand, the card possession (point) is 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 possessed balls (points) are stored only on the CU side, and the role of data storage management is clearly defined. Good.

  (24) The counting display and various kinds of notification performed on the display 54 may be similarly performed on the display 312.

  (25) The CU updates the stored number of game balls based on the value of the additional ball counter (number of additional balls) and the value of the subtraction ball counter (number of subtracted balls) transmitted from the P units. If the stored game ball count is subtracted from the stored game ball count based on the value of the counter ball count counter transmitted from the P units, an error (abnormal) determination is made if the game ball count becomes negative. Then, error processing may be performed. As a specific example of the error processing, an 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 the hall server 801 (in this case, the hall notification server). The error notification may be performed by the management computer or the hall server 801).

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

  (27) When the counting operation is performed, the points may be counted up at an accelerated rate after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of counting up the points. Alternatively, a speed-up button for accelerating the counting display may be displayed on the display of the touch panel on the CU side or the gaming machine side, and the acceleration counting display may be performed by detecting the operation. By performing the acceleration counting display of the points as described above, the waiting time of the player when counting a large number of game points can be shortened.

  (28) A touch sensor may be provided on the hit ball operation handle, and the counting operation may be invalidated while the touch sensor detects that the player is holding the hit ball operation handle. Invalidating the counting operation means both detecting the counting operation but not performing the counting operation based on the detection output, or not detecting the counting operation itself. Alternatively, even if the player does not invalidate the counting operation only by touching the hitting operation handle, but turns the hitting operation handle to the extent that the driving pulse for ball firing is output, the counting operation may be invalidated. Good.

  In these cases, when the counting operation is detected, a message “Please release the handle” may be displayed on the display of the gaming machine or the CU. Alternatively, when the counting operation button is displayed as an icon on the screen of the touch panel, the counting operation button may be grayed out to notify the player that the operation cannot be performed.

  (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 on the gaming machine side or the CU side described as a touch panel type display.

  (30) The sequence control shown in FIGS. 6 to 12 is not particularly limited to processing related to security, which is limited to a transmission / reception sequence between control devices in a single game device such as the CU 3, the P-unit 2, and the S-unit 2S. Instead, for example, the present invention may be applied to a transmission / reception sequence between a plurality of gaming machines such as the CU 3, the P unit 2, the jet counter, and the POS terminal.

  (31) In the above embodiment, the identity of the player is determined based on the card ID. Alternatively or additionally, the identity of the player is determined based on the biomass of the player's fingerprint or retina. May be performed.

  (32) In the above-described embodiment, a so-called enclosed circulation type gaming machine (P stage 2 and S stage 2S) has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be a general game machine that is supplied to the game machine and pays out the game media further by winning. Specifically, the ball stored in the ball storage dish is driven into the game area to play a game, and by winning, the ball is paid out to the ball storage dish, and is paid out to the ball storage dish at the end of the game. A pachinko machine that can exchange prizes using balls may be used. In addition, a coin stored in a coin tray is inserted into a coin slot, a bet amount is input and set, and a reel is rotated and stopped by operating a start lever, thereby ending one game and stopping the reel. If a display result prize displayed at the time is generated, a coin may be paid out to a coin tray and paid out to the coin tray at the end of the game, and a prize machine may be used to exchange prizes using coins. That is, a gaming machine that can play a game using a game medium (pachinko ball, coin) and pays out the game medium to a player according to the result of the game may be used.

  (33) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the number of game balls and game points are directly added when a prize is generated is shown. Instead, the points are added when a prize is generated, and the added points are added. Control may be performed such that the number of game balls and the number of game points are deducted and added.

  (34) In the above-described embodiment, when the value is deducted within the range of the value of the player's possession (prepaid balance, ball holdings, and ball savings) and the game points corresponding to the deduction are added, Although the game points having the same value are added, the control may be performed so as to add, for example, a game point which is smaller than the actually deducted value by an amount corresponding to the consumption tax.

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

  (36) The above-described displays 54 and 510 may be configured with a display with a touch panel. Further, the information transmitted and received between the P units and the CU is not limited to the information described in the above embodiment. The input settings may be made by touching the touch panel of the display 54 or 510 of the device.

  Also, in the S-unit 2S, the information output from the S-unit 2S is converted and transmitted to the hall controller as in the case of the P-unit 2 described above. The information to be converted includes, for example, a big bonus prize and a regular bonus prize. And winning information such as various small winning combinations, information indicating the replay time, the number of additions and subtractions in FIG. 34, the number of game starts, and the like. Further, the information to be converted may be the number of coins to be paid out when paying out coins upon winning.

  (37) In the above-described embodiment, the gaming machine determines that “the gaming device (CU) has a predetermined value on the condition that the conversion process for all gaming points is completed (gaming point = 0), with the gaming point as the holding point. Processing (a process of accepting a card at the prize exchange machine and consuming points specified by the card to enable prize exchange, inserting a card discharged from a CU into another CU connected to another gaming machine) Validating means for validating a recording medium processing operation (a card return operation (operation of a card return button 322)) for performing a CU process when using the CU.

  Here, the validating means may be, for example, "a means for confirming the game point 0 on the P side and transmitting a card ejection operation permission ON to the CU" or a "game when receiving a card return notification from the CU. It is determined whether the number of balls is 0 or not. If the number is 0, a card return response is returned to the CU to make the card return valid. Means for setting the number of balls to 0, thereby satisfying the condition for effectively returning the card.

(38) When the payout control unit 171 receives the value (= 63) at which the one-round flag is set, the payout control unit 171 adopts and executes one or two or more of the following items a to c as the abnormality control process. May be controlled as follows.
a Display unit of the P-unit 2 (for example, a 7-segment display 50 or a variable display device that variably displays identification information (design)) by the payout control unit 171 or the main control unit 161 that has received the abnormality information from the payout control unit 171. Display by
b. The CU 3 that has received the abnormality information from the payout control unit 171 notifies an abnormality such as an error number.
c An upper-level device such as a hall management computer that has received the abnormality information from the CU 3 notifies an abnormality such as an error number.

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

  (40) In the present embodiment, after the manufacturers, warehousers, and the like have completed operations such as shipping, installation, and storage, the terminal connected to the history management center 800A needs necessary information (for example, as shown in FIG. An example in which the payout table and the main control table are updated by inputting information such as a shipping date, an installation date, a removal date, a sales company name, and a disposal date). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by inputting necessary information in an application document and sending it to the history management center 800A, the input means (for example, an internal The payout table and the main control table may be updated by inputting necessary information from a terminal or the like. It should be noted that the terminal connected to the history management center 800A may be a terminal directly connected to the history management center 800A (for example, an internal terminal in the history management center 800A) via a communication line. Terminal (for example, a terminal of a warehouse trader or a secondhand trader connected via the Internet).

  (41) In the present embodiment, an example in which the payout table and the main control table are stored in one large-capacity storage device 8005 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the payout table and the main control table are stored separately in a plurality of mass storage devices, the large storage device that stores the payout table and the main control table are stored. Large-capacity storage device. In addition, the payout table and the main control table stored in the large-capacity storage device can erase the history information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 for each security chip ID. For example, the history information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 can be separately erased for each security chip ID even if the history information is associated with the security chip ID of the pair. Thereby, even the front frame 5 and the game board 26 (the period of use is longer than the front frame 5) having different periods of use can be individually deleted, so that they can be appropriately managed. it can.

  (42) In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which a manufacturer other than a hall, a warehousing company, or the like updates the payout table and the main control table by inputting necessary information to the history management center 800A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the payout table and the main control table may be updated by the hall itself inputting necessary information to the history management center 800A.

  (43) In the present embodiment, an example in which a second-hand dealer stores resale information as history information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 when reselling and installing the front frame 5 and the game board 26 to another hall. Indicated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when moving to another hole (for example, a hall having the same corporate code) in the same group as the hole where the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are installed, the front frame 5 and the game board may be used. The movement information may be stored in the history information as a simple movement of 26 (the management state (status) is changed from “installed” to “installed”). In other words, even if the installation of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 is moved between the halls of the same corporation code, it is not determined that there is an abnormality. Furthermore, the movement of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 is allowed between the halls of the same corporate code and only within the same prefecture, and when moving to another prefecture between the halls of the same corporate code, the same processing as resale is performed. You may.

  (44) In the present embodiment, the history management center 800A is set as follows, for example. A user registered in the system and authenticated by clear authentication is logged in the system history management center 800A. 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 designated user ID. (E) If the current time is not within the validity period of the password, login is performed, but only the user's own password change and logout can be used, and a message indicating that the password change is necessary is displayed. If the password is changed, log out to have the new password confirmed.

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

  The history management center 800A updates and sets the expiration date of the password when (a) newly registering the user, (b) when clearing the password, and (c) when changing the password by the user himself. The updated / set password is valid from that time until the [password validity period] elapses.

  When the authentication fails [upper limit of login attempts] in the same session, the history management center 800A transitions to a login NG screen instead of a login screen, and does not attempt login.

  When logging in, the history management center 800A warns that if the password of the user expires within the [password expiration warning period], the password may expire. The warning is displayed on, for example, a login completion screen. If there is no message to be displayed on the login completion screen, the display transits to the HOME menu without displaying the login completion screen.

  The history management center 800A determines whether (a) the number of login failures of the user exceeds the [number of failed user invalid logins] (permanent account lock state), or (a) the login attempt rejection time from the account lock date and time. If [] has not elapsed (temporary account lock state), the account is locked.

  The machine history management center 800A updates and sets the expiration date of the account when (a) newly registering a user or (a) updating the expiration date from the user information screen. Note that the account can be used for a period from the account effective start date to the account effective end date.

  The history management center 800A sets the maximum number of accounts that can be created at one time to, for example, 20 at the time of initial introduction. Here, [upper limit number of login attempts] is the number of times account lock is performed for a certain period due to successive failed login attempts, and is set to, for example, five at the time of initial introduction. [Number of times of user invalidation login failures] is the number of times of permanent account lock due to consecutive failures in login attempts, and is, for example, 100 at the time of initial introduction. The “login attempt rejection time” is a period during which account lock is performed for a certain period due to consecutive failed login attempts, and is, for example, 30 minutes at the time of initial introduction. [Password validity period] is the validity period of the password set when the password is changed, and is 90 days, for example, at the time of initial introduction. [Password expiration warning period] is a period for notifying a message of the expiration of the password of the account, and is, for example, 14 days at the time of initial introduction.

  Note that the history management center 800A sets the minimum number of characters of a password to, for example, 8 characters at the time of initial introduction, and sets the number of generations (including the present) for preventing reuse of a password to be, for example, 3 generations at the time of initial introduction. In addition, in order to register the user information, the history management center 800A is conditioned on the fact that the business information of the user is registered. The business information includes attribute information such as the type of business and address of each business 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 inputting it, and if an error occurs due to an erroneous operation or the like, a comment is entered in the "all machine history remarks column". Write down so others can understand. However, since there is a possibility of erroneous insertion, cancellation is possible only for the status inserted from the gaming machine status update screen. When the cancellation is enabled, the authority is controlled so that only a limited number of people can execute the cancellation. Further, when searching for a history to change the management state (status) of the gaming machine, the history management center 800A searches only the latest management state (status) of the gaming machine for 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 information, account information, etc.): Basically, control is performed only by logical deletion, and physical deletion is not performed.
(2) Master information of a game machine model and the like (for example, a game machine model master): Basically, control is performed only by logical deletion and not physical deletion.
(3) Information serving as a basis for management of machine history (for example, gaming machine chip shipping information, gaming machine shipping information, etc.): Basically, changes can be made until management is started, but editing is disabled thereafter. , Permanent management.
(4) History information (for example, history information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26): Since fact information is basically input, changes after the input are not permitted and are permanently managed.
(5) Information notified from the card unit key management center (for example, fraud detection): Since the information is detected by the system, no change is permitted and permanent management is performed.
(6) Input journal to the system (for example, Web input log, online input log, system cooperation input file, etc.): 14 days are stored for each type of input / node.
(7) Output journal from system (for example, Web output log, online output log, system transmission file, etc.): Retains 7 days for each type of output / node.
(8) Record of business communication of collection / distribution (for example, distribution schedule): Information is held for about 7 days.
(9) System temporary file (for example, CSV upload file): Deleted after application behavior. However, if it is determined that the cleaning batch is not necessary in consideration of abnormal termination, etc., it is deleted.
(10) Model information whose status has not been updated for a long time (for example, model information whose status has not been updated for a long time): Two generations are held.

  In the history management center 800A, regarding the abnormality of 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 update and the management state (status) after update becomes abnormal. It is possible to extract only the information or output only the information as a file. For this reason, based on the information output to the file, a notification such as contacting a user who has failed to update the management state (status) can be made, so that the management state (status) can be updated to the correct management state (status). It should be noted that not only the user who has not updated the management status (status) may be contacted, but also may be interviewed to confirm the correct management status (status) and then take action. In addition, the history management center 800A notifies the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in which a management state (status) abnormality has occurred at present, for example, by making a notification. Further, the latest information (at the time of file output) of the abnormal front frame 5 and the game board 26 can be downloaded from a terminal connected to the history management center 800A.

  In the history management center 800A, the management information (status) other than “discard” or “other” is set to the history information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in which the management status (status) is not updated for a long time. 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 in which the management status (status) has not been updated for a long period of time, information at the time of processing is extracted by batch processing and downloaded from a terminal connected to the history management center 800A. One file to be downloaded is set with a maximum number of thresholds (at the time of initial construction: 100,000 records). If the threshold is exceeded, the file is output to another file. Further, when a file is downloaded, the result of the processing performed on the same day is collectively output as a compressed file.

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

  (46) In the present embodiment, a configuration is shown in which the gaming machine maker ships the gaming machine to the hall and then registers the shipping information in the history management center 800A via the communication line, but the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that when the information for shipping the gaming machine to the hall is input by the gaming machine maker, the shipping information is automatically registered in the history management center 800A. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the history of the shipping state from being forgotten without being registered.

  (47) In the present embodiment, when the gaming machine manufacturer installs the enclosed revolving pachinko machine (P unit 2) or the front frame 5 and the game board 26 constituting the P unit 2 in the hall, The management center 800A stores the gaming machine installation information (operating information) notified from the P units 2 in association with the security chip IDs of the semiconductor chips provided therein, and notifies the stored information and the pachinko machine 2 of the stored information. The game machine installation information is collated. If the result of the comparison indicates that there is an abnormality, the history management center 800A reports that an error has been reported by, for example, an abnormality notification lamp or the display 312, or that an error has occurred in the hall management computer or the hall server 801. , Or the error notification signal is transmitted. However, the history management center 800A is not limited to the configuration for notifying the abnormality as a result of the collation, but the P base 2 or the front frame 5 and the game board 26 constituting the P base 2 determined to be abnormal are determined to be abnormal. A configuration in which a game is prohibited may be used. Note that the machine history management center 800A may be configured so that even if it is determined to be abnormal, the game on the P-table 2 is provisionally permitted for a certain period of time so as not to hinder the business operation of the hall.

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

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

Claims (1)

A gaming machine comprising a first control means and a second control means communicating with each other,
At least one of the first control means and the second control means,
A user program area capable of storing a user program,
A communication control circuit for transmitting predetermined information generated by execution of the user program,
The communication control circuit,
An information storage unit that stores the predetermined information;
An information transmission unit that performs a predetermined mode conversion process that sets the predetermined information stored in the information storage unit to a predetermined mode, and transmits the predetermined information that is the predetermined mode;
The communication control circuit, when returning from the communication disabled state, the predetermined information stored in the information storage unit performs the predetermined mode processing to the predetermined mode, the predetermined mode, the predetermined mode Performing a return process of transmitting the predetermined information, and restarting the generation of the predetermined information by executing the user program, on condition that the return process is completed;
A gaming machine, wherein the communication control circuit can set a valid period in which the predetermined information can be continuously written to the information storage unit after authentication with a communication partner has expired.