JP2020073036A - History management system - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

  The present invention relates to a history management system that manages a history of a gaming machine represented by, for example, a pachinko gaming machine, a slot machine, etc., in which a game is played by a player.

  The board and the frame that compose the gaming machine are manufactured by a manufacturer, and are installed in combination at a game hall (hereinafter, also referred to as a hall) so that the player can play the game. The board is equipped with a game control microcomputer including a ROM storing a game control program and the like, and individual identification is possible by the security chip ID of the game control microcomputer.

  In Patent Document 1, by using the security chip ID of the game control microcomputer, it is possible to inspect the game control microcomputer even if not a police officer to prevent the forgery of the game control microcomputer. Further, by storing the security chip ID of the game control microcomputer in the management server, it becomes possible to prevent unauthorized distribution of the board.

JP, 2005-349078, A

  However, the gaming machine is not only shipped, installed, and discarded, but can be distributed around different places. Therefore, after the game machine that has been shipped is installed in the hall, it may be resold by a second-hand dealer or discarded by a second-hand dealer due to changes in fashion.

  Therefore, as shown in Patent Document 1, the history of the gaming machine may be circulated in different places only by storing the security chip ID of the gaming control microcomputer in the management server and managing the gaming machine. Can't manage.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to manage the history of gaming machines that may be distributed around different places.

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

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

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

  According to the above configuration, when the used movement information is registered in the storage area, the removal registration means registers the state information of the gaming machine in the storage area as the removed state, so that the gaming machine is treated as used. , It is possible to manage the history of the gaming machine by presuming that the game machine has been removed from the hall, and it is possible to reduce the burden of inputting removal information from the hall to the history management system.

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

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

(4) In the above (1),
When the trade-in information by the game machine maker is registered in the storage area, the removal registration means registers the state information of the game machine in the storage area as a removal state (FIG. 19: trade-in information is machine history management center 800A). Removal information will be registered when registered in).

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

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

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

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

  According to the above configuration, in the storage area, the information in which the parts included in the gaming machine are exchanged is stored in association with the specific information, so that it is possible to grasp the history of whether or not the gaming machine in which the parts have been exchanged, Security is improved by making it impossible for parts other than game machine makers to replace parts.

(7) In the above (1) to (6),
A cancellation variable indicating whether or not the specific information received by the specific information receiving means and the state information of the gaming machine registered by the registration means are information to be canceled from the storage area (FIG. 15, FIG. 17, FIG. 20). Including the cancellation flag of
When the specific information and the state information of the gaming machine include the cancellation variable in the ON state, a cancellation processing unit that deletes the specific information including the cancellation variable and information corresponding to the gaming machine from the storage area. (Information including a cancellation flag set to “1” is deleted from the storage area of the history management center 800A).

  According to the above configuration, the specific information received by the specific information receiving means and the state information of the gaming machine registered by the registration means include a cancellation variable indicating whether or not the information is to be canceled from the storage area. By turning it on, it is possible to easily cancel the specific information and the state information of the gaming machine.

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

  According to the above configuration, the registration means registers the state information of the gaming machine in which the cancellation variable is on until the predetermined condition is satisfied, so the state information of the gaming machine in which the cancellation variable is on until the predetermined condition is satisfied. Can be canceled from the storage area, and it can be prevented that the state information of the gaming machine is illegally tampered with after the predetermined condition is satisfied.

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

  According to the above configuration, since the specific information includes the security identification information of the security means provided in the gaming machine, it is possible to manage the history of the gaming machine based on the security identification information.

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

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

It is a front view showing a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram showing a control circuit used for a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the notification processing of the operation / non-operation information from a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the various data memorize | stored in the card unit side and the pachinko machine side, and transmission / reception thereof. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the command and response transmitted / received between a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows an example of a process by 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 which shows an example of a process of a card unit and a pachinko machine when a ball is lent 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 paying out a dime ball and paying out a ball. It is a figure which shows an example of the normal process of a card unit and a pachinko machine at the time of counting a game ball. It is a figure which shows an example of a counting process when a player performs a card return operation. It is a figure which shows an example of a process when the command of a status information request | requirement from a card unit to a pachinko machine has not arrived due to power-off and communication line disconnection. It is a figure for explaining the flow of history information (machine history information) from shipment to disposal of the game machine according to the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the detail of the flow until shipping information is registered into the machine history management center concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the specific content of shipping information. It is a figure which shows the detail of the flow until installation information is registered into the machine history management center concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of the installation information input into the machine history management center in FIG. It is a figure which shows the flow until registration information is registered in the machine history management center concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flow until discard information is registered in the machine history management center concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of the discard information input into a machine history management center. It is a schematic diagram for explaining machine history management of a front frame and a game board concerning this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of a table that stores frame information and game board information for performing machine history management of the front frame and the game board. It is a flow chart for the machine history management center to explain the abnormality determination processing of the management of the front frame and the game board. It is a figure explaining the table referred in the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram for explaining communication performed between a main control part, a payout control part, and a communication control IC. It is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a communication control circuit for cryptographic communication with a payout control unit. It is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a communication control circuit for cryptographic communication with the main control unit. It is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a communication control circuit for cryptographic communication with a communication control IC. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a recovery completion confirmation process. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the command and response transmitted / received between the main control part and the payout control part. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence between a main control part and a payout control part. It is a figure which shows an example of a process when the command of the game state notification from the main control part to the payout control part has not arrived due to power supply disconnection and communication line disconnection. It is a perspective view showing a state in which a front door of the slot machine is opened. It is an explanatory view for explaining various data stored in each of the card unit and the slot machine and a transmission / reception mode thereof.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<Pachinko machine configuration>
First, the configuration of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. A plurality of gaming islands (not shown) arranged in a game arcade (hereinafter, also referred to as a hall) include an enclosed circulating pachinko machine (hereinafter, abbreviated as a gaming machine, a pachinko machine or a P machine) as an example of a gaming machine. ) 2 are installed side by side. It should be noted that at a predetermined lateral position of the pachinko machine 2, a card unit (hereinafter also abbreviated as CU) 3 which is an example of a gaming device is installed in a one-to-one correspondence with the pachinko machine 2. There is.

  The pachinko machine 2 encloses a pachinko ball, which is an example of a game medium, inside, and when the player operates the hit ball operation handle 25, the launch motor 18 (see FIG. 2) is driven to eject the enclosed ball. It is configured so that a game can be played by hitting each in the game area 27 on the front surface of the game board 26. Specifically, a touch sensor is provided around the hit ball operating handle 25, and the player's hand touches the touch sensor while the player is operating the hit ball operating handle 25, and the player's hand touches the touch sensor. Is detected by the touch sensor, and the firing motor 18 is driven. In this state, the hitting ball firing momentum is adjusted according to the amount of turning operation of the hitting ball operating handle 25 by the player, and the ball is shot into the game area 27.

  A keyhole 10 is provided above the hitting ball operation handle 25, and a key carried by an attendant at the game arcade is inserted and the front frame 5 (see FIG. 2) is unlocked (for example, rotated clockwise) to the front. 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 of pachinko machine, and a variable display device (hereinafter, also referred to as a special symbol) 278 is provided at the center of the game area 27. In addition, the game area 27 is provided with a plurality of types of winning openings that allow the driven pachinko balls to win. In the game area 27 shown in FIG. 1, one big 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 composed of an electric tulip that can be changed to a first state that is advantageous to the player (for example, an open state) and a second state that is disadvantageous to the player (for example, a closed state). ..

  The variable display device 278 variably displays based on the detection signals of the starting winning balls that have won the starting winning openings 275, 276, 277. When the display result of the variable display device becomes a combination of specific identification information (for example, a grid pattern), a big hit state is established and the special winning opening 271 is opened.

  Further, the display result of the variable display device is a combination of predetermined special identification information (combination of probability variation symbols such as 777) out of a combination of big hit symbols (grooves), so that the probability variation big hit state is Occurrence occurs, and after that, the probability variation state (probability variation state) in which the probability of occurrence of the big hit is improved after the end of the big hit state occurs.

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

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

  A 7-segment display 50 is provided below the display 54. The 7-segment display device 50 is composed of 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 the error number of an error that will be described later.

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

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

<Structure of card unit>
Next, referring to FIG. 1 continuously, the configuration of the card unit 3 according to the present embodiment will be described. This card unit 3 is a visitor card (hereinafter also referred to as a general card) having a prepaid function, which is a recording medium for games issued to a general player who has not registered as a member, or a member registration at the game hall. The member card which is a recording medium for games issued to the member player who has made a purchase is accepted. Visitor cards and membership cards are IC cards.

  The card unit 3 that has received these cards has a function of converting the game value (for example, the card balance, the number of balls, or the number of balls accumulated) owned by the player specified by the record information of the card into "game ball data". Have. In the pachinko machine 2, it is possible to perform a ball game equivalent to the number of balls specified by the data of the game balls. That is, the "gaming ball data" is data indicating the number of remaining shots that can be shot. In the following description, the "gaming ball data" will be simply referred to as "gaming ball", as is the case with the accumulated or held balls.

  On the front side of the card unit 3, a bill insertion slot 302 for inserting bills, a projecting portion 305 projecting from the front of the device in the front direction of the device, a card insertion / ejection port for inserting a membership card or a visitor card. 309 and the like are provided. The member card or visitor card inserted in the card insertion / ejection slot 309 is accepted by a card reader / writer (not shown), and the information recorded on the card is read.

  On the surface of the protrusion 305 facing the player, the display 312 and the membership card ID (hereinafter also simply referred to as a card ID) recorded in the membership card when the membership card is received and the membership An IR (Infrared) photosensitive unit 320 receives an infrared signal from a replay button 319 for carrying out a replay game using the number of coins specified by the card ID, and a remote controller (not shown) carried by an attendant at the game hall. Then, an IR light receiving unit is provided for converting into an electronic signal and outputting it.

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

  When the player has operated the replay button 319 and the number of balls held by the player is recorded in the inserted card, a part of the number of balls held is converted to a game ball, and the converted game ball is converted. It becomes possible to play a game with the pachinko machine 2 based on the. On the other hand, if the inserted card is a membership card, the number of balls held is not recorded, and the accumulated coins are recorded in the hall management computer, etc., part of the accumulated coins will be withdrawn and converted into game balls. Then, the game with the pachinko machine 2 becomes possible. In other words, if both the accumulated balls and the points are stored in association with the inserted card, the balls are preferentially withdrawn. In addition to the replay button 319, a dedicated ball payout button for withdrawing balls may be provided, and the replay button 319 may be a button dedicated to withdrawing balls.

  Here, the "payment" 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.

  The "number of balls owned" is the number of game balls that the player owns as a result of the player playing a game with the gaming machine, and is the number of balls that have not been deposited in the game hall yet. That is. In general, the number of balls that a player has acquired on the day of play at a game hall is called "Jiden", and the number of balls that the player has acquired before the previous day and that has been deposited at the game hall is called "savings". Say

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

  The number of balls held may be managed by a management device for managing the number of balls held set in the game hall. In short, the difference between "balls" and "balls" is the number of balls deposited in the amusement hall after the operation to deposit a coin in the amusement hall has been performed, or it is still deposited in the amusement hall. The point is whether or not the number of balls is not yet reached.

  In the present embodiment, the ball storage data is not directly recorded in the membership card but is stored in the hall server 801 (see FIG. 3) installed in the game hall such as a hall management computer in association with the membership card number, and the membership card number is stored. Based on this, it is possible to search for the corresponding savings. On the other hand, the dice are 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. In the case of the visitor card, the dice are also recorded directly on the visitor card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the balls may be stored in the hall server 801 in association with the card number. When storing in 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 on a card (membership card, visitor card) and discharged. In addition, the prepaid balance is directly written on the card (member card, visitor card) and discharged.

  The timing of storing the balls 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 may be stored, or may be stored collectively when returning the card.

  The bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 302 is taken in by a currency discriminator (not shown) to identify its authenticity and bill type.

  On the front side of the card unit 3, a ball lending button (hereinafter, also referred to as lending button) 321 and a card return button 322 are further provided. The ball lending button 321 is a button for performing an operation (conversion operation to a game ball) for withdrawing the balance recorded in the inserted card and using it for a game by the pachinko machine 2. The card return button 322 is operated when the player finishes the game, and the number of confirmed game balls at the end of the game in the inserted card (the number of balls held when the card is inserted-the number converted into game balls + counting) This is an operation button for storing and ejecting the number of balls possessed by the operation.

<Structure of card unit and pachinko machine>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configurations of the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2. An outline of a control circuit for the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The card unit 3 is provided with a CU control unit 323 composed of a microcomputer or the like. Although not shown, the CU control unit 323 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing programs and control data for operating the CPU, and a work of the CPU. A RAM (Random Access Memory) functioning as an area, an input / output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices, and the like are provided.

  The CU control unit 323 is provided with an external communication unit (not shown) for performing communication with the hall management computer and the hall server 801 (see FIG. 3) that performs security management, and the pachinko machine 2 A security board 325 is provided for communicating with the payout control board 17 while ensuring security. The card unit 3 is provided with a connection portion (not shown) to the pachinko machine 2 side, and the pachinko machine 2 is provided with a connection portion (not shown) to the card unit 3 side. These connecting portions are composed of, for example, connectors.

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

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

  The currency discriminator discriminates the authenticity and type of the bill, and the discrimination result signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the IR photosensitive unit 320 receives the infrared light emitted from the remote controller carried by the attendant at the game arcade, the received light signal is input to the CU control unit 323. The card reader / writer reads the record information of the inserted card, the read information is input to the CU control unit 323, and the CU control unit 323 sends to the card reader / writer the data to be written to the inserted card. When transmitted, the card reader / writer writes the data in the inserted card.

  The CU control unit 323 manages and stores the balls of 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 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 output display data is displayed on the display 312. 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. The ball lending button 321 is not limited to the configuration provided in the CU 3, and may be provided in the P stand 2 to input an operation signal to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the replay button 319, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the card return button 322, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323.

  In the pachinko machine 2, a main control board 16 that controls the progress of the game of the pachinko machine 2, a payout control board 17 that manages and stores game balls, and a launch motor 18 that controls the firing motor 18 based on commands from the payout control board 17. A control board 31, a variable display device 278 (see FIG. 1) and the like are provided. Note that, in FIG. 2, a display control board (also referred to as a production control board) that controls 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. A game control microcomputer, which is a main control unit 161, is mounted on the main control board 16. The gaming machine control microcomputer includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, and a RAM (functioning as a work area of the CPU). Random Access Memory), an input / output interface for maintaining signal integrity with peripheral devices, etc. The main controller 161 is connected to the winning sensor 162 and the 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 (production 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). On the payout control board 17, a payout control microcomputer that is a payout control unit 171 is mounted. The payout control microcomputer includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, and a RAM (functioning as a work area of the CPU). Random Access Memory), an input / output interface for maintaining signal integrity with peripheral devices, etc. For example, an FPGA board is used for the payout control microcomputer of the payout control unit 171.

  Further, for the payout control board 17, a shot ball detection switch (not shown), an out ball detection switch 701, a foul ball detection switch 330, a counting button 28, a radio wave sensor 173, a glass door opening detection switch 12, a front frame opening detection switch. 13 is provided in a state of being electrically connected. The radio wave sensor 173 is for detecting an illegal act that illegally emits a radio wave and mainly turns on the raised switch 41a. The detection signal of the radio wave sensor 173 is input to the payout control unit 171 through an input port (not shown) of the payout control board 17. As described above, the ball raising switch (upper) 41a detects the launch of the game ball due to the change from ON to OFF, and the payout control unit 171 subtracts "1" from the game ball number based on the detection. To do. Therefore, when the ball raising switch (upper) 41a is constantly turned on by an illegal radio wave, the number of game balls is not subtracted no matter how many balls are shot. The radio wave sensor 173 detects such illegality caused by radio waves. Not only the ball raising switch (upper) 41a, but also the launch ball detection switch may be a target of illegality by radio waves. In other words, when only the ball raising switch (upper) 41a is constantly turned on by an illegal radio wave, the firing of the ball is no longer detected, while the actually fired ball is collected and detected by the firing ball detection switch. In addition, there is a discrepancy in the number of shot balls and collected balls (out balls), an abnormality is detected, and fraud detection information of "fire / OUT inconsistent ball number" is transmitted from P stand 2 to CU3. Become. However, by sending an illegal radio wave to this launching ball detection switch to make it undetectable, there is a disadvantage that the fraudulent detection information of the “firing / OUT inconsistent ball number” is not transmitted from the P stand 2 to the CU 3. .. In the present embodiment, since the radio wave sensor 173 also detects an illegal radio wave transmitted to such a launch ball detection switch, the above-mentioned inconvenience can be prevented.

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

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

  From the main control board 16 to the payout control board 17, main chip ID (security chip ID for main control), winning hole information, round information, connection confirmation signal, winning detection signal, start winning hole winning information, error information, symbol determination The number of times, big hit information, maker-specific big hit information, etc. are transmitted.

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

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

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

  The number of times of symbol determination is the information of the symbol determined as the display result of the variable display device with respect to the winning of each starting winning opening.

  The big hit information is information indicating that a big hit has occurred, and its details include common big hit information indicating a big hit common to each maker and maker-specific big hit information indicating a big hit unique to a maker. The common jackpot information is a jackpot commonly adopted by each gaming machine maker, such as a 15-round jackpot, and if the jackpot causes a jackpot change, the jackpot information is included and accompanied by the jackpot. If a time saving state (a control state that shortens the variable display time of the variable display device) occurs, the time saving information is included. The maker-specific jackpot is a jackpot state adopted only by a certain game machine maker, such as a sudden change (sudden change).

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

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

  The security board 325 of the card unit 3 and the payout control board 17 of the pachinko machine 2 are electrically connected, and a recovery request, a recovery detail request, and a communication start 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 that requests the pachinko machine 2 to notify the recovery information. Upon receipt of the recovery request, the payout control board 17 notifies the card unit 3 of the recovery information of the pachinko machine 2. The recovery detail request is a command that requests the pachinko machine 2 to notify the recovery detailed information. The payout control board 17 receives the recovery detail request and notifies the card unit 3 of the recovery detail information of the pachinko machine 2. The communication start request is a command that requests the pachinko machine 2 to start communication. The payout control board 17 receives the communication start request and responds to the card unit 3 with the communication start. The communication end request is a command that requests the pachinko machine 2 to end communication. The payout control board 17 responds to the card unit 3 with the completion of communication in response to the request for completion of communication.

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

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

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

  A discharge control signal and a discharge permission signal are output from the payout control board 17 to the discharge control board 31. The firing control board 31 that has received it outputs a signal for exciting the firing motor 18. As a result, the pachinko balls are in a state of being shot and ejected to the game area 27.

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

<Notification processing of operation / non-operation information from pachinko machines>
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a process of notifying operation / non-operation information from a pachinko machine. The pachinko machine 2 shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the card unit 3, the hall server 801, the key management server 800, and the machine history management center 800A. Here, the key management server 800 manages a key that stores 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. It is a server. The key management server 800 is a server that can communicate with the main control board 16. The machine history management center 800A associates the 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. It includes a history management system that stores information about the game board 26 in association with the security chip ID of the chip and manages the history of the front frame 5 and the game board 26.

  When the manufacturer (game machine 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 pachinko machine 2 transmits the game machine installation information (operation information as shown in FIG. 3). ) Is notified to the machine history management center 800A. Specifically, the gaming 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. The chip ID and the security chip ID of the opponent when the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are combined are included. The security chip ID cannot be changed or deleted after being registered in the history management center 800A.

  On the other hand, the machine history management center 800A receives the shipping information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 shipped by the manufacturer. Specifically, the shipment information is input to the machine history management center 800A from a terminal connected to the machine history management center 800A via a communication line or the like. Then, the machine history management center 800A stores the input shipping information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in association with the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided in each, and notifies the stored information and the pachinko machine 2 from the pachinko machine 2. It is collated with the installed game machine installation information. If the result of the collation is abnormal, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality. As the notification of the abnormality, for example, an error notification is given by an abnormality notification lamp or a display device 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, Error notification may be performed by the hall management computer or the hall server 801). As a result, a predetermined notification is given to prompt the personnel to artificially respond. 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 machine history management center 800A. Further, it is desirable that the shipping information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 be registered in the machine history management center 800A one day before installation in the hall.

  Similarly, if the front frame 5 and the game board 26 (may be only one of the front frame 5 or the game board 26) installed in the hall are removed and stored in the warehouse, the pachinko machine 2 becomes inoperative. As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko machine 2 notifies the machine history management center 800A of non-operation information. Specifically, the non-operation information notified to the machine history management center 800A is information obtained by not transmitting the security chip ID of the front frame 5 of the installed pachinko machine 2 and the game board 26.

  On the other hand, in the machine history management center 800A, the removal information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 removed by the hall or the warehouse company is input. Then, the machine history management center 800A stores the input withdrawal information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in association with the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided therein, and notifies the stored information and the pachinko machine 2 from the information. It collates with the non-operation information that has been obtained. If the result of the collation is abnormal, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality.

  Further, when the second-hand dealer resells the game board 26 to another hall and installs it in the hall, when the pachinko machine 2 is operated, the pachinko machine 2 provides game machine installation information (operation information) 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, a security chip ID of a semiconductor chip provided on the main control board 16, a 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 used dealer is input to the machine history management center 800A. Then, 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 is notified from the stored information and the pachinko machine 2. Collate with the game machine installation information. If the result of the collation is abnormal, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality.

  Furthermore, when the front frame 5 and the game board 26 (only one of the front frame 5 or the game board 26 may be installed) installed by the disposal company are discarded, the pachinko machine 2 is in the non-operational state, so that it is shown in FIG. In this way, the pachinko machine 2 notifies the machine history management center 800A of the non-operation information. Specifically, the non-operation information notified to the machine history management center 800A is a security chip of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 (only one of the front frame 5 or the game board 26 may be installed) of the installed pachinko machine 2. This is information due to the ID not being transmitted.

  On the other hand, the machine history management center 800A receives the removal information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 (only one of the front frame 5 or the game board 26 may be discarded) discarded by the disposal company. Then, the machine history management center 800A stores the input withdrawal information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in association with the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided in each, and notifies the stored information and the pachinko machine 2 from the information. It collates with the non-operation information that has been obtained. If the result of the collation is abnormal, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality.

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

  In the present embodiment, the variation of the number of game balls is calculated on the P unit 2 side to store and manage the current latest number of game balls. The CU3 side also calculates and stores the current number of game balls, but the number of game balls is based on the information transmitted from the P unit 2 side. On the other hand, the number of balls held (number of cards held), the number of balls stored, and the card balance (balance) are managed and stored on the CU3 side.

  FIG. 4 shows the storage data of the RAM provided in the CU control unit 323 on the CU 3 side and the storage data of the RAM mounted on the payout control board 17 on the P stand 2 side. First, when the power supply is started in a state where the P stand 2 (pachinko machine 2) and the CU 3 (card unit 3) are installed in the game hall and electrically connected for the first time, the payout control board on the P stand 2 side The main control board 16 sends a main chip ID (main control security chip ID) 17, the main chip ID is sent to the CU 3 side, and the payout chip ID stored in the payout control board 17 itself. (Payout control security chip ID) is transmitted to the CU3 side.

  The CU3 side stores the transmitted main chip ID and payout chip ID. Next, the connection time, that is, the data of the time when the CU3 side and the P unit 2 side are connected and the communication is started is transmitted from the CU3 side to the P unit 2 side, and the transmitted connection time is transmitted on the P unit 2 side. Memorize

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

  On the CU3 side, the transmitted data is collated with the already stored data to determine whether or not the same P unit 2 as the previous one is connected. The connection time data is new connection time data when communication between the CU3 side and the P unit 2 side is started each time the power is turned on, and the new connection time data is transmitted from the CU 3 side to the P unit 2 side. The time data will be stored on the P stand 2 side.

  Also, every time a command and a response are transmitted on the CU 3 side and the P unit 2 side, the serial number is incremented by “1” and updated, and the serial number is stored on the CU 3 side and the P unit 2 side. This serial number is a communication number for checking whether or not the number is updated every time data is transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the P stand 2, and whether communication is properly performed. The CU3 (primary station) counts up (+1) the serial number received at the time of transmission and transmits, and the P unit 2 (secondary station) transmits the received serial number as it is. It should be noted that the CU 3 does not count up the serial number at the time of retransmission, and if the serial number continuity is not established, the CU 3 makes no response. The last last transmission sequence number is a communication number updated at the time of the last transmission / reception and is a number to be backed up.

  A specific mode of backup of serial numbers in the CU 3 and the P unit 2 in this embodiment will be described. The CU 3 counts up (+1) the serial number and transmits the command to the P unit 2. The P machine 2 backs up and stores the serial number of the received command as the last transmitted serial number. Then, the P unit 2 transmits the 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. The CU 3 and the P unit 2 repeat such processing each time the response from the P unit 2 is transmitted to the CU 3.

  For example, a certain command is transmitted from the CU 3 side to the P unit 2 side and the serial number n at that time is transmitted. Then, when the response is returned from the P unit 2 side to the CU 3 side, the P unit 2 side stores the transmitted serial number n as the last last transmission serial number, and transmits the response with the serial number n as it is. The CU3 side stores the returned serial number n as the last transmitted serial number. Next, when a certain command is transmitted from the CU 3 side to the P unit 2 side, the sequence number is counted up (+1) and the sequence number n + 1 is transmitted. Then, when the response is returned from the P unit 2 side to the CU 3 side, the P unit 2 side stores the transmitted serial number n + 1 as the last last transmission serial number, and transmits the response with the serial number n + 1 as it is. On the P unit 2 side, since the transmitted serial number n + 1 is incremented by 1 from the previously stored last transmitted serial number n, which is already stored, it is determined that the data communication is normally performed, and the response is transmitted to the P unit 2 side. Reply to the CU3 side. On the CU3 side, since the returned serial number n + 1 is incremented by 1 from the previously stored serial number n of the last transmission serial number, it is determined that the data communication has been normally performed, and the serial number is sent when the next command is sent. It counts up (+1) and sends the command of serial number n + 2 to the P unit 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 gaming machine information is stored in the latest gaming machine information storage area of the RAM in the payout controller 171 (see FIG. 2) on the P machine 2 side. Specifically, the information on the addition ball number counter, the information on the subtraction ball number counter, and the information on the counting ball number counter are included. The number of game balls is not included in the latest game table information, and is transmitted from the P machine 2 side to the CU 3 side as a count value of the game ball number counter as described later.

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

  In addition, when a backing ball occurs, the backing ball is returned to the hitting ball firing position and the ball feeding to the hitting ball firing position is stopped to perform a ball hitting operation to shoot all the backing balls to the game area. Even if a back ball is generated, the back ball may not be counted as an added ball. In this case, “additional balls = number of prize balls × number of winning prizes”.

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

  Alternatively, the payout control unit 171 counts the number of game balls as the number of counting balls by pressing the counting button 28, and transmits the value of the counting ball number counter (the number of counting balls) from the P unit 2 side to the CU 3 side.

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

  As a result, the data of the number of added balls, the number of subtracted balls, and the number of counted balls, which is the game table information transmitted to the CU3 side immediately before, is backed up in the storage area of the last game table information (the game table information transmitted immediately before). It is stored as data. When the latest gaming machine information is not transmitted from the P machine 2 side to the CU 3 side, this backup data is not only the value of each counter this time at the time of the next transmission, but also the value of each previous counter that has not been transmitted. Is also to be able to send.

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

  On the CU3 side, the accumulated data storage area in the RAM stores the number of game balls, the number of card possessions (hereinafter also simply referred to as the number of possession balls), the number of stored balls, the balance, the total number of added balls (total number of added balls), the total The number of subtracted balls (cumulative number of subtracted balls) and the number of balls held when the card is inserted are stored. The number of balls held is the number of balls added by subtracting the number of held balls paid out (the number of balls converted from the number of held balls to the number of game balls) from the number of held balls when inserting the card and adding the number of counting balls. In other words, the number of balls held by the card is the number of balls held by the player at the present time.

  Based on the value (added ball number) of the added ball number counter transmitted from the P machine 2 side, the total added ball number is added to update the ball number. Further, the total number of subtracted balls is subtracted based on the value of the number-of-reduced-balls counter (the number of subtracted balls) transmitted from the P unit 2 side to update the number of balls. Further, the number of card balls is added and updated based on the value of the counting ball number counter transmitted from the P machine 2. In this way, the CU 3 can manage the latest information by updating the total number of added balls, the total number of subtracted balls, and the number of cards held by the latest game machine information transmitted from the P machine 2 one by one. It will be possible.

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

  As a result, for example, an error notification is given 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). The management computer or the hall server 801 may notify the error). As a result, a predetermined notification is given to prompt the personnel to artificially respond.

  Instead of shifting to the error state and stopping the game, the number of game balls stored on the CU3 side is replaced with the count value of the game ball number counter transmitted from the P unit 2 side. Good. Alternatively, instead of this, the average value of the number of game balls managed on the CU 3 side and the number of game balls stored on the P stand 2 side may be corrected.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the number of game balls is also stored in the CU3 side, but it is determined whether or not the number of game balls matches the number of game balls managed and stored on the P unit 2 side. It can be done (CU3 side function). Therefore, even if a situation occurs in which the number of game balls stored on the P unit 2 side does not match the number of game balls stored on the CU 3 side due to misconduct or other circumstances, that fact can be checked. Although the determination function is provided on the CU3 side here, the number of game balls stored on the CU3 side and the P unit 2 side are stored by, for example, the hall server 801 connected to the CU3 or the hall management computer. It is also possible to receive the number of playing game balls and determine whether the two match.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the CU 3 stores a storage area for storing the number of balls held and the number of stored balls, a storage area for storing the card balance of the received (inserted) card, and the total number of added balls (the number of added balls). It further has a storage area for storing the total number), the total number of subtracted balls (total number of subtracted balls), and the number of balls held when the card is inserted. The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 2) stores the stored coins in response to an input requesting the use of the accumulated coins (for example, a pressing input of a replay button 319 provided in the CU3 (however, when no balls are held)). A predetermined number of coins is subtracted from the area.

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

  When the player performs an operation to deduct the value from the gaming value owned by the player (for example, the prepaid balance, the number of balls held, or the number of accumulated coins), the number of balls deducted from the game ball The number of balls to be added to the number counter is transmitted from the CU 3 side to the P stand 2 side. In response to this, on the P machine 2 side, the game ball number counter is incremented and updated.

  In the game system according to the present embodiment, on the other hand, it is possible to accept a so-called wagon service order of deducting the game value owned by the player and exchanging it for a drink or the like. However, the wagon service is restricted for playing balls, and you can only receive the wagon service for holding balls. This is an image that a conventional enclosed-type pachinko machine equipped with a counter for each unit prohibits the uncounted balls remaining on the plate from being used for wagon service.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the number of balls held is less than the number of balls corresponding to the desired menu of the wagon service when the operation for performing the wagon service is executed, it is configured to prompt the player to perform the counting operation. ing. At that time, when the player performs a counting operation, the number of counting balls based on the operation is transmitted from the P unit 2 side to the CU 3 side. On the CU3 side, upon receipt of this, the number of game balls is subtracted, and the number of card balls is added to update.

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

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

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

  A command named recovery detail request is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2. The recovery detail request command requests the P units 2 for recovery detail information. The P unit 2 sends a response named recovery detailed response to the CU 3. The response of this recovery detail response notifies the CU 3 of recovery detail information. The recovery detail request and the recovery detail response are transmitted and received only when executing the recovery process. Specifically, the CU 3 sends the recovery detail request command to the P unit 2 only when the CU 3 that has received the 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 executed when a power failure occurs in the CU 3 and the P stand 2 and a communication line failure is detected. In the present embodiment, the recovery process is executed even when the power is turned on at the start of business in the amusement hall, but the power is cut off to the CU 3 and the P stand 2 without being executed when the power is turned on at the start of business. It may be controlled so as to be executed when a communication line disconnection is detected.

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

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

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

  A response of status information response is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3. The response of this status information response notifies the CU 3 of the information and status of the P unit 2. The response of the information response includes the latest gaming machine information and the number of gaming balls shown in FIG.

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

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

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

<Main sequence processed between CU and P unit>
Next, based on FIGS. 6 to 12, the processing is performed between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 by the 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, the sequence of processing between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 when the power is turned on will be described with reference to FIG. The sequence shown in FIG. 6 is a process executed when communication is resumed after the communication between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 is normally completed. Specifically, it is executed when communication is resumed after the power supply of the CU 3 is turned off in the standby state where the card is not inserted. A typical example is a case in which one day of business ends at a game arcade, the power is turned off, and the power is turned on at the start of business the next day.

  First, turn on the power. When the power is turned on, the P motor 2 stops the firing motor 18 to stop the game and then starts the communication. After that, the authentication sequence is started, and the information including the main chip ID and the payout chip ID is transmitted from the P stand 2 to the CU 3. The CU 3 transmits the received main chip ID and payout chip ID to the upper-level key management server 800 to inquire whether the main chip ID and payout chip ID are properly registered, and returns the result. Ask. If it is registered properly, the authentication result will be proper.

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

  In response to the command of the received recovery request, the P unit 2 receiving it returns the recovery information backed up inside the P unit 2 (specifically, the payout control board 17) to the CU 3 as a response (recovery response). ).

  The recovery information includes the last transmission serial number of the last time, the card ID of the previously inserted card, and the last card insertion time. Although not shown, a serial number and a command 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 a command to the P unit 2. However, when retransmitting, the serial number is not counted up. The P console 2 does not count up the received serial number, and sends the response to the CU 3 with the serial number as it is.

  The last last transmission sequence number is the data of the sequence number included in the response of the status information response transmitted last to the CU 3 at the time of the previous connection, and when it is “0”, there is no stored sequence 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, and when it is "0", there is no inserted card.

  The previous card insertion time is the 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 2-digit YY for year information, 2-digit MM for month information, 2-digit DD for day information, 2-digit hh for time information, 2-digit mm for minute information, and 2-digit ss for second information. Is.

  Upon receiving the recovery response, the CU 3 determines whether or not the previously inserted card ID and the previous card insertion time of the recovery information match the stored card ID and card insertion time. When the card ID and the card insertion time match, the CU 3 transmits a recovery detail request to the P unit 2. That is, the CU 3 transmits the recovery data to the P unit 2. This recovery data includes the last transmitted serial number and the number of added balls. Although not shown, serial numbers and commands are also included. At the stage when the card is not yet inserted into the CU3 when the power is turned on, the card ID = 0 and the card insertion time = 0 along with the CU3 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 sequence number is the sequence number data of the last status information request command transmitted to the P unit 2 at the time of previous connection, and when it is "0", 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, and when it is "0", there is no inserted card.

  The number of additional balls is data of the number of additional balls of the game ball, and when it is "0", there is no data of the number of additional balls.

  In response to this, the P unit 2 executes the 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 previous game table information, previous game information, latest game table information, and latest game information.

  The CU 3 which has received this recovery detail response starts the recovery process from that point. This recovery process is a process for recovering the mutual data consistency between the CU 3 and the P unit 2, and is executed not only when the power is turned on, but also when a trouble occurs and recovery is performed. Is executed.

  The CU 3 counts up the serial number each time a command such as a recovery request is transmitted. However, it does not count up when the command is retransmitted. When the P unit 2 receives a command with the same serial number as the previously received serial number, it determines that a communication failure has occurred and the CU 3 has retransmitted the command. CU3 backs up the serial number when receiving the response. The P unit 2 does not count up the serial number when transmitting the response corresponding to the received command. When the CU 3 receives 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 unit 2 has 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 sends a recovery request command to the P unit 2 with the serial number set to “n”. The P console 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 detail request command to the P units 2 with the serial number being “n + 1”. The P console 2 returns the 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 and sets it to “n + 2”, and transmits the command of the communication start request (recovery clear ON) to the P unit 2. The P unit 2 receives this and clears the recovery data. Then, the P stand 2 returns the response of the communication start response to the CU 3 as "n + 2" without counting up the serial number. The CU3 receives it and clears the recovery data. After that, the command for requesting the status information and the response for the status information response are transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the P unit 2.

  The CU 3 transmits a command for requesting status information of serial number = n + 3 to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P machine 2 backs up the number of game balls, the number of added balls, the number of subtracted balls, the number of symbols stopped, the number of winning prizes, and the data of the game table state. In addition, the P stand 2 clears the values of the respective counters of the number of added balls, the number of subtracted balls, the number of symbols stopped, and the number of winning prizes to zero. Then, the P stand 2 sends back the response of the status information response with the serial number = n + 3 to the CU 3.

  Upon receiving the response, the CU 3 backs up the data on the number of game balls, the number of added balls, the number of subtracted balls, the number of symbol stops, each winning number, and the game table state based on the state information response. The breakdown of the number of added balls is “number of prize balls × number of prizes” and “number of back balls”. The breakdown of the number of subtracted balls is “the number of shot balls” and “the number of counted balls”.

  After that, the CU 3 transmits a command for requesting status information of serial number = n + 4 to the P unit 2, and the P unit 2 returns a response of status information response of serial number = n + 4 to the CU 3. The P stand 2 backs up the above-mentioned data and clears the above-mentioned counter each time the response of the status information response is transmitted. Further, the CU 3 backs up the above-mentioned data every time the response of the status information response is received.

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

  After that, in the CU 3, when the card is inserted, the card reader / writer outputs a command signal for loading the card, and the card reader / writer reads the information (card ID etc.) recorded in the loaded card, A card insertion process such as receiving the read information is executed.

  The CU 3 is in a card information inquiry state for a predetermined period after the card is inserted. This is in the process of inquiring about the adequacy of the inserted card, whether it is a membership card registered at the amusement hall, or the ball server, the accumulated ball, the card balance, etc. by inquiring to the hall server 801, for example. This means that it is in the process of displaying a certain thing on the display 312 and displaying it on the display 54 on the P stand 2 side.

  While the CU 3 does not authenticate the inserted card while the display 312 indicates that the inserted card is being inquired, the CU 3 requests the status information including serial number = n + 1 and card return preparation status = OFF. Is transmitted to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P unit 2 sends back 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 P stand 2 side is subjected to display control by the display control unit 350 of the CU 3, and a display indicating that a card inquiry is being made is displayed.

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

  In response to this, the CU 3 sends a status information request command including serial number = n + 3 and card return preparation status = ON to the P unit 2 to notify the P unit 2 of the state in which the card is being inserted. .. The P machine 2 receives the notification that the card is 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 CU3, thereby making the game permitted state the CU3. Notify.

  While the card is being inserted, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including serial number = n + 4 and card return preparation status = ON to the P unit 2, and the P unit 2 responds with a status information response including serial number = n + 4 and game permission. To CU3.

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

  After that, when the player performs the lending operation (ball lending operation) by pressing the "lending" button once, the CU 3 lends 500 yen, that is, 125 balls. When the ball lending button (lending button) 321 is pressed, the CU 3 confirms the prepaid consumption of 500 yen, and the number of game balls = 50 (the number of game balls before update) +125 (the number of added balls) = 175. Back up your data. In this way, the balance consumption is fixed by the CU 3 side alone when the lending operation is performed. After that, CU3 is in the addition display. During this addition display, the display 54 displays that 125 coins have been deducted from the balance and are being added to the game balls.

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

  After that, 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 sends the status information response including the serial number = n + 2 and the number of added balls = 175. The response is sent back to CU3.

<< Distribution of coins and coins (replay) >>
Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a sequence to be processed between the CU 3 and the P second at the time of re-playing after performing ball-bearing payout and stored-ball payout will be described. In FIG. 9, the initial number of game balls is "50". The replay process shown in FIG. 9 is similar to the process for consuming the balance shown in FIG. First, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including a serial number = n and a game ball addition request = OFF to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P console 2 returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n and the number of game balls = 50 to the CU3.

  After that, when the player presses the replay button 319 in the state where there are balls or accumulated balls, the CU3 confirms the consumption of 125 balls from the balls or accumulated balls, updates the number of balls, and Data of number = 50 (number of game balls before update) +125 (number of added balls) = 175 is backed up. In this way, the consumption of balls or accumulated balls is determined by the CU 3 side alone when the operation of pressing the replay button 319 is performed. If both balls and accumulated balls exist, ball consumption is prioritized.

  In place of the control for preferentially consuming the balls, a ball replay button and a ball replay button are provided, and the player can select and operate either the ball consumption or the ball consumption by selecting and operating. You may do it. That is, the re-play button is used to obtain a game ball (game point) from a game ball (stored medal) and a game ball (game point) to obtain a game ball (game point) from a held ball (game point). It may be configured with two buttons (ball holding) and replay button. Further, a ball holding button payout button may be provided in the CU3, and the ball holding ball payout button may be pressed to convert the ball holding ball (points) into a game ball (game point).

  After that, the CU 3 makes the addition display of the game balls, and transmits the command of the 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 unit 2. In response to this, 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 balls The response of the status information response including the addition result = OK is returned to the CU3.

  Note that the CU 3 indicates that the addition of game balls is being displayed by displaying on the display 54 that 125 balls have been withdrawn from the owned or accumulated balls and added to the game balls.

  After that, 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 sends the status information response including the serial number = n + 2 and the number of added balls = 175. The response is sent back to CU3.

<< Game Ball Count (Normal) >>
Next, the normal counting process of counting and subtracting a part of the game balls will be described. FIG. 10 shows a case where the counting button is pressed without detecting the card return operation. Therefore, all the bits in the card return preparation state transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 are OFF (= 0). For this reason, the description of the card return preparation state bit is 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". There is.

  Note that, here, an example will be described in which counting is performed in units of 100 points while the operation of the counting button is detected, and the counting operation ends when the operation of the counting button is no longer detected.

  First, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including serial number = n, card return preparation state = OFF, counting serial number = m, counting response = OFF to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P console 2 returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n, the number of game balls = 800, the counting serial number = m, the number of counting balls = 0, and the counting request = OFF to the CU3.

  With respect to the serial number n transmitted from the CU 3, the serial number n + 1 is returned from the P console 2. The same counting sequence number m is returned from the P stand 2 to the counting sequence number m transmitted from the CU 3. This is because the counting serial number is updated with the generation of the counting request as a trigger, and the updating is ended when the counting is completed.

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

  When the operation of the counting button 28 is detected, the P console 2 transmits, to the CU 3, as the response to the command of the status information request, the status information response of the serial number n + 1 in which the count request value is specifically set to 100. However, at this stage, the P stand 2 does not count the count request. Therefore, in the state information response of the serial number n + 1, the number of game balls is still 800. Also, since this status information response is a telegram indicating a counting request, the counting serial number is counted up to "m + 1". At this time, the P stand 2 updates the last transmission count serial number of the last time and backs up the updated data of the last transmission count serial number and the count request state ON.

  Upon receiving the status information response with the serial number n + 1, the CU 3 adds the required number of balls to be counted and updates the displayed number of balls to 100. That is, the CU control unit 323 transmits a count display command to the display control unit 350. The display control unit 350 receives the instruction and controls the display of the display unit 54 on the P stand 2 side. As a result, the display 54 displays an image in which the number of game balls is counted and the number is decreased, while the number of balls held is increased.

  In this case, it is conceivable to perform an effect display in which each game ball is guided and counted by each counter. Another example of the effect display may be a display in which the data of the number of game balls is converted into the data of the number of ball possessions over time. For example, the data of the number of balls played and the number of balls held are shown in a bar graph, the bar graph of the number of balls played is increased while the bar graph of the number of games played is decreased, and the number of balls held is part of the bar graph of the number of games played. The display for moving to the bar graph of may be repeated. Further, as another example of the effect display, the current number of playing balls and the number of owned balls are digitally displayed as they are to increase the number of owned balls while decreasing the number of playing balls, or a part of the number of playing balls. It is conceivable to repeat the display for moving the number of balls to the number of balls, or to display various effects.

  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 serial number n + 2, counting serial number m + 1, and counting response = ON to the P unit 2 to notify that the requested counting is completed.

  Upon receipt of this status information request, the P console 2 finally subtracts the number of game balls by the number corresponding to the number of count balls = 100, and updates the display of the game ball number display 29 from 800 to 700. At this stage, the counting request state of the P unit 2 is turned OFF, but since the counting button is continuously pressed, the P unit 2 transmits the second counting request to the CU 3. That is, the state information response of the serial number n + 2 in which the count request value is specifically set to 100 is transmitted to CU3. However, even at this stage, the P stand 2 does not perform counting for the counting request. Therefore, in the state information response of the serial number n + 2, the number of game balls = 700. Since this status information response is a telegram sent as a new counting request, the counting serial number is incremented to "m + 2" to update the last transmission count serial number of the last time, and the updated last transmission count serial number is updated. Back up the data when the counting request state is ON.

  The CU 3, which has received the status information response of the serial number n + 2, adds the dice corresponding to the requested number of counting dice and updates the dice display to 200. Further, the CU 3 updates the last transmission count sequence number to “m + 2” and backs up the data. Subsequently, the CU 3 transmits a status information request of serial number n + 3, counting serial number m + 2, and counting response = ON to the P unit 2 to notify that the requested counting is completed.

  The P console 2 that has received this status information request subtracts the number of game balls by the number corresponding to the number of count 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 is separated from the counting button, and the counting operation is completed. For this reason, the P stand 2 notifies the CU 3 of the completion of counting with a status information response of number n + 3. That is, with the current number of game balls = 600, the state information response of the count request = OFF and the number of count balls = 0 is transmitted to the CU3. Further, since all counting operations corresponding to the counting request have been completed, the counting sequence number included in the status information response is still m + 2 and is not updated.

  Upon receiving this status information response, CU3 determines that the counting is completed. Although not shown, the CU 3 transmits a status information response of serial number n + 4, counting serial number m + 2, card return preparation state = OFF, counting response = OFF to the P unit 2.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the information status response for notifying the number of counting balls is transmitted from the P units to the CU, it is assumed that the P balls side is already subtracting the number of game balls from the counting balls. Instead, at the stage when the information confirmation response for notifying the number of counting balls is transmitted and the receipt confirmation is received from the CU, the P units subtract the gaming balls.

<< Game ball count (card return) >>
Next, a game ball counting process when returning a card will be described. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for explaining the counting process when the player performs a card return operation. In FIG. 11, the number of card balls specified by the inserted recording medium (member's card or the like) is 0, and the initial number of game balls is 800. First, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including serial number = n, CU opening state = ON, card return preparation state = OFF, counting serial number = m and counting response = OFF to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P unit 2 returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n, the number of game balls = 800, the counting serial number = m, the number of counting balls = 0 and the counting request = OFF to the CU3.

  After that, the player presses the "return card" button when stopping the game or moving to another game table. However, when the player presses the "return card" button, the number of game balls in the P unit 2 is 800, and the CU 3 determines that the number of game balls in the P unit 2 is not 0. In addition, since the player has pressed the "return card" button, the CU3 sets the card return preparation state to ON, and requests the state information including serial number = n + 1, CU opening state = ON, counting serial number = m, and counting response = OFF. The command is transmitted to the P unit 2. The CU 3 notifies the P device 2 of the card return preparation state = ON notification for 10 seconds. Further, since the number of game balls on the P unit 2 is 800 and not 0, the CU 3 displays a message prompting the 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 balls into balls. The P console 2 determines that the counting operation of pressing the counting button 28 is the counting operation in the card return preparation state = ON, and processes the counting collectively, for example, not in units of 100 balls.

  In order to notify the CU3 of the request for counting the number of game balls of 800, the P unit 2 notifies the CU 3 of the number of game balls of 800, which is the total number of game balls of 800, and the number of game balls is 800. The response of the status information response including m + 1, the number of counting balls = 800, and the counting request = ON is returned to the CU3. However, at this stage, the P stand 2 does not count the count 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 telegram of the counting request, the P-base 2 counts up the counting serial number to “m + 1”, updates the last last transmitted counting serial number, and updates the last last transmitted counting serial number. Back up the data when the counting request state is ON.

  In response to this, the CU 3 adds 800 counting balls to the number of balls, and subtracts 800 counting balls from 800 gaming balls to 0 balls. Further, the CU 3 backs up the updated last transmission count serial number data. Then, the CU 3 sends a status information request command including serial number = n + 2, CU opening state = ON, card return preparation state = ON, counting serial number = m + 1 and counting response = ON in order to notify the receipt of counting balls. Send to.

  In response to the response from the CU 3, the P console 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 counting is completed. The serial number = n + 2, the number of game balls = 0, the counting sequence number = m + 1, the number of counting balls = 0, and the counting request = OFF. The response of the status information response including "" is returned to CU3. Since the counting request is turned off, the counting sequence number is transmitted to CU3 without counting up as m + 1.

  CU3, before 10 seconds have elapsed since the player pressed the card return button 322, that is, in the card return preparation state, press the counting button 28 to collectively count the game balls as balls and count the number of game balls. Since 0 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 unit 2. In response to this, the P stand 2 returns a response of a card return response including the serial number = n + 3, the card ID held in the payout control board 17 and the card insertion time to the CU 3. After returning the card ID and the card insertion time to the CU 3, the data of the card ID and the card insertion time held in the payout control board 17 are cleared.

  In response, the CU 3 determines whether the card ID stored in the inserted card and the card ID received from the P stand 2 match, and if they match, returns the inserted card, If they do not match, error processing is performed and the result is reported to the hall server 801 or the like. When the card IDs match, the CU 3 stores the number of balls held 800 in the card (inserted card) inserted in the card insertion / ejection slot 309 and returns the card to the player. Further, when the player starts the game by the deposit operation without inserting the card into the card insertion / ejection slot 309, the card stocked in the card stock section provided in the CU 3 (stock card) The number of balls held is stored in 800 and the card is returned to the player. When returning the inserted card or the stock card, the CU 3 transmits the card ID of the card and the number of balls held to the hall server 801, and the hole server 801 associates the card ID of the card with the number of balls held data. May be stored.

  After that, the card returned from the CU 3 can be removed from the card insertion / ejection port 309, so that the part of the card is held in a state of protruding from the card insertion / ejection port 309 (card ejection possible state). The CU 3 is provided with a sensor capable of determining whether or not the card can be removed, in the vicinity of the card insertion / ejection port 309, and when the signal of the sensor is in the ON state, it is determined that the card can be removed. If it is OFF, it is determined that the card removal is completed.

  Then, when the card return processing 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 state ON. Therefore, the CU 3 issues a status information request command including serial number = n + 4, CU opening state = ON, card return preparation state = OFF, waiting for card removal = ON, counting serial number = m + 1 and counting response = OFF to the P unit 2. Send. In response to this, in order to prevent the player from forgetting to remove the card, the P stand 2 displays to the player "Please remove the card" on the variable display device 278. Further, in order to notify the removal of the card, the P stand 2 may turn on the LED, or may output a voice message "Please remove the card" from the speaker. Further, the P console 2 transmits to the CU 3 a status information response command including serial number = n + 4, game ball number = 0, counting serial number = m + 1, counting ball number = 0 and counting response = OFF.

  If the sensor attached in the vicinity of the card insertion / ejection slot 309 is in the ON state, the CU 3 sends a status information request command including “card removal waiting = ON” to the P stand 2. However, when the player pulls out the card from the card insertion / ejection slot 309, the sensor mounted near the card insertion / ejection slot 309 is turned off, so that the CU 3 has the serial number = n + 5 and the card removal waiting state = off. A command for requesting a state information including the above is transmitted to the P unit 2.

  In response to this, the P stand 2 stops the display of "please remove the card" displayed on the variable display device 278 and ends the notification of the removal of the card. Note that the notification of the card removal is continued until the status information request command including the card removal waiting = ON is received until the status information request command including the card removal waiting = OFF is received. Further, the P console 2 transmits to the CU 3 a status information response command including the serial number = n + 5.

  The sequence of the game ball counting process when returning the card described with reference to FIG. 11 is not limited to the time of returning the card, and the same process can be applied to the simple leave / meal break. Here, the simple leaving is to interrupt the game for a short time of about 5 to 10 minutes so that the player can finish the small use. A meal break is a meal or break that is longer than a simple leaving time, such as 30 minutes, interrupting a game.

<< Abnormal sequence >>
Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a process of recovering the number of game balls when the status information request has not arrived due to power failure / communication line disconnection will be described. In FIG. 12, there is a power supply disconnection / communication line disconnection (for example, when the power supply of the P unit 2 is once turned off and then turned on again), and the status information request has not arrived (from the CU 3 to the P unit 2). FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram for explaining a counting process in the case where a command has not arrived) and a communication partner matches after recovery.

  With reference to FIG. 12, CU3 transmits a status information request including the serial number = n to P unit 2 before the power failure occurs during the game. In response, the P console 2 sends a status information response including serial number = n, number of game balls = 480, number of added balls = 3, and number of subtracted balls = 23 to the CU3 in order to notify the game table information to the CU3. To do. The P machine 2 updates the last last transmission sequence number, which is the previous game machine information, to "n".

  The CU 3 receives the status information response with the serial number = n, updates the last transmission serial number to “n”, and backs up. 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 by itself are updated.

  Then, when a status information request including the serial number = n + 1 is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 after the P unit 2 is powered off during the game, the P unit 2 is in the power-off state. Cannot receive status information request. Since the status information response from the P unit 2 has not been transmitted thereafter, the CU 3 detects the communication line disconnection after 3 seconds and performs control to stop it. After the P machine 2 transmits the response of the status information response to the CU 3, until the power is cut off, the game continues on the P machine 2 and the game machine information changes, and the number of game balls = 450 and the number of added balls = 6, the number of subtracted balls = 36, which is the latest gaming machine information. On the other hand, the already-transmitted game table information of the number of game balls = 480, the number of added balls = 3, and the number of subtracted balls = 23 is the previous game table information.

  After that, the power failure of the P stand 2 is restored and the P stand 2 is turned on, and the P stand 2 starts operating. When the P stand 2 starts to operate, first, the authentication sequence is started between the CU 3 and the P stand 2, and the P stand 2 sends information including the main chip ID and the payout chip ID to the CU 3. It 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) so that the main chip ID and payout chip ID are properly registered. Ask them to check whether they are correct or not and send back the results. 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 transmission serial number = n, the store code and the SC board ID to the P unit 2. That is, the CU 3 requests the P unit 2 to notify the recovery information. In the P stand 2 which received it, first, the “store code” and “SC board ID” notified from the security board 325 of the CU 3 and the “store code” and “SC board ID” held in the P stand 2 are stored. Is determined, and if they match, the following processing is performed. In the P machine 2, whether or not the last last transmission sequence number = n of the received recovery request and the last last transmission sequence number = n backed up inside the P machine 2 (specifically, the payout control board 17) match. To determine. If they match, it can be determined that the last status information response transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU3 before the communication disconnection has reached the CU3. In this case, it is included in the status information response. The game information is also updated on the CU3 side based on the game information displayed. Therefore, in this case, the P machine 2 returns a recovery response (serial number = 1) to the CU 3 as no game information storage (specifically, no game machine information last time). If the previous last transmission sequence number = n of the received recovery request and the last last transmission sequence number = n backed up in the P unit 2 (specifically, the payout control board 17) do not match, the communication is disconnected. Since it can be determined that the last status information response transmitted from the P machine 2 to the CU3 before the CU3 has not reached the CU3, in such a case, the game information is stored (specifically, the last game machine information). A recovery response (serial number = 1) including game information is returned to CU3. In the P stand 2, the “store code” and “SC board ID” notified from the security board 325 of the CU 3 and the “store code” and “SC board ID” held in the P stand 2 do not match. In that case, the continuation of the game is prohibited.

  In FIG. 12, the CU 3 does not store the game information included in the recovery response, and therefore does not perform the addition recovery process. The CU control unit 323 of the CU 3 that has received the recovery response checks whether or not the number of gaming balls included in the gaming machine information transmitted from the P machine 2 as the recovery response is an appropriate value. The first check process is executed. The first check process will be described later with reference to FIG. Since there is no game information stored, the CU 3 does not send the recovery request 2 to the P unit 2, but sends a communication start request including the serial number = 2 to the P unit 2. When the CU 3 transmits the command of the communication start request to the P unit 2, the counting sequence number is cleared to “0” (initial value). The P unit 2 receives the communication start request, and transmits a communication start response including the serial number = 2 to the CU 3. Further, after receiving the communication start request, the P machine 2 clears the recovery data (game information) and also clears the counting sequence 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. In the P console 2 which received it, the CU3 is notified of the unnotified game table information (the latest game table information, the number of game balls = 450, the number of added balls = 6, the number of subtracted balls = 36) by a status information response. , Update the last transmission serial number last time and back up the data. Specifically, as the status information response, the transmission serial number = 3, the number of game balls = 450, the number of added balls = 6, and the number of subtracted balls = 36 are included. The CU 3 receives the status information response including the uninformed gaming machine information, updates the last transmission serial number last time, and backs up the data. The CU control unit 323 of the CU 3 that has received the status information response checks whether or not the number of gaming balls included in the gaming table information transmitted as the status information response is an appropriate value. Execute the process. The second check process will be described later with reference to FIG.

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

  With reference to FIG. 13, when a game machine maker ships a game machine to Hall A, a server (not shown) of the game machine maker sends shipping information about the shipped game machine to the communication line. It is used to input to the machine history management center 800A. The machine history management center 800A registers the input shipping information in the storage area of the server.

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

  Referring to FIG. 14, Hall A sends a sales contract to the gaming machine manufacturer when ordering the gaming machine from the gaming machine manufacturer. Upon receiving the sales contract sent from Hall A, the gaming machine maker confirms the order for the gaming machine according to the sales contract. When the gaming machine maker confirms the order, the gaming machine manufacturer sends a copy of the guarantee certificate and the certification notice to the hall A, and starts the production of the gaming machine. The game machine maker ships the produced game machine to the hall A (delivered to the hall A) from the game machine maker. Further, after the gaming machine to be shipped to the hall A is handed over to the carrier, the server of the gaming machine maker inputs the shipping information about the gaming machine into the machine history management center 800A via the communication line. Upon receiving the input of the shipping information, the machine history management center 800A registers it in the storage area of the server.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing 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 showing the registration classification included in the registration type.

  Referring to FIG. 15A, the 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 game machine. It includes a frame manufacturing number, a payout substrate management number, a payout control chip ID number (payout chip ID), a payout control product code, a shipping date, a company code, a hall code, and a cancellation flag.

  The registration type indicates whether the gaming machine to be shipped is a conventional CR gaming machine, an enclosed circulating gaming machine (pachinko machine 2), a gaming board with parts replaced, or a gaming machine frame. This is information for specifying. 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 in the case of "21" to "25". Indicates that the gaming machine to be shipped is the pachinko machine 2. Further, the registration type numbers "11" to "14" indicate that the game board, the game machine frame, the game board + gaming machine frame, and the game board (parts replacement) are parts-replaced, respectively. Further, the registration type numbers “21” to “25” indicate that they are the game board, the game machine frame, the game board + game machine frame, the game board part, and the game machine frame part that have been replaced, respectively. When the board of the game board or the board of the game machine frame is replaced, the board management number after the replacement is set and registered when the board is replaced. It should be noted that the replacement of parts such that the manufacturing numbers of the game board and the game machine frame are changed is registered as a new shipment. Note that the game machine manufacturer name and the game machine model name are specified by the registration type.

The game board serial 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 (it is not necessary to set it in the conventional CR gaming machine). The main control product code is the product code of the main control chip (setting is not necessary in the conventional CR gaming machine).

  The gaming machine frame manufacturing number and the payout board management number are information according to a two-dimensional code. The payout board management number does not need to be set in the 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 (not required in the CR gaming machine). The payout control product code is the product code written in the payout control chip (the CR game machine does not require setting).

  The shipping date is the date when the gaming machine is shipped, and is the date when the shipping is confirmed. The business code is information for identifying the name of the carrier. The hall code is information for identifying the hall name of the delivery destination. The cancel flag is set to "0" when registering the shipping information and set to "1" when canceling the registered shipping information. If the erroneous shipping information is registered in the machine history management center 800A, the gaming machine maker sets the cancellation flag of the erroneous shipping information to "1" and registers it again in the machine history management center 800A.

  When receiving the shipping information in which the cancellation flag is set to "1", the machine history management center 800A cancels the registration of the shipping information in which the cancellation flag is set to "0" with the same contents 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 machine history management center 800A can easily cancel the shipping information by setting the cancel flag to "1" (on state).

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

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

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 16B is a diagram showing the flow when the hall computer and the history management center 800A are communicable. In FIG. 16B, the case of the enclosed circulation type gaming machine (pachinko machine 2) is mainly used, and the pachinko machine 2 is installed in the hall A where the hall computer and the machine history management center 800A are connected by a communication line. It is assumed that it has been done.

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

  With reference to FIG. 16B, 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. After that, in the hall A, a jurisdiction implementation inspection is performed, and when a change approval notification is given, the delivered gaming machine is installed in a predetermined place in the hall A. Since the hall computer and the machine history management center 800A are configured to be connectable via a communication line, when the game machine installed in the hall A is powered on, the hall computer automatically records the machine history. The installation information is transmitted to the management center 800A. The machine history management center 800A registers the received installation information and the shipping information registered at the time of shipment in association with each other in the storage area.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the installation information input to the machine history management center 800A in FIG. 16 (a). Referring to FIG. 17, the installation information includes a registration type, a game board manufacturing number, a main board management number, a gaming machine frame manufacturing number, an installation date, a hall code, and a cancellation flag. The registration type, gaming board serial number, main board management number, gaming machine frame serial number, hole code, and cancellation flag are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 15, and thus detailed description thereof will not be repeated. ..

  As described above, in the case of FIG. 16A, since it is assumed that the 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 date of opening the warranty.

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

  Further, in the case of FIG. 16B, the machine history management center 800A has the game machine manufacturer name, model name, installation date, installation hall name, and installation information automatically transmitted from the hall computer. The main control chip ID and the payout control ID are registered. The machine history management center 800A may receive some of the above-mentioned information as the installation information and register the shipping information with reference to the shipping information in common with the shipping information.

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

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a flow until the removal information is registered in the machine 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 machine history management center 800A are not communicable. Note that in FIG. 18A, it is assumed that a conventional CR gaming machine is mainly installed in Hall A where the hall computer and machine history management center 800A are not connected by a communication line.

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

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

  Referring to FIG. 18B, since the hall computer and the history management center 800A are communicable, the history management center 800A is based on the installation information registered in the storage area. If a state in which communication with the gaming machine that should have been installed in Hall A cannot be established for a certain period (for example, one month), 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 machine history management center 800A may register the removal information in the storage area based on the document sent from the hall A.

  When the conventional CR gaming machine is removed, the machine history management center 800A has the removal information, such as the gaming machine manufacturer name, gaming board serial number, main board management number, gaming frame serial number, removal date, and removal. The hall name is registered. In addition, when the pachinko machine 2 is removed, the payout control board management number is further registered in the machine history management center 800A as removal information, in addition to each information registered in the case of the conventional CR gaming machine. To be done.

  Referring again to FIG. 13, when the gaming machine removed from the hall A is stored in the warehouse of the seller and the gaming machine that is stored in the hall B is put out in another hall B, the seller describes the application documents. The used movement information is entered and sent to the machine history management center 800A. The machine history management center 800A registers the used movement information in the server from the input means of the machine history management center 800A based on the sent application documents. When the history management center 800A and the management computer of the seller are communicable, the management computer inputs the used movement information to the history management center 800A via a communication line. Good.

  When the gaming machine delivered from the seller is delivered to another hall B and the gaming machine is installed in another hall B, the same 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 machine history management center 800A. Further, even when the gaming machine installed in the hall B is removed, the removal information is registered in the machine history management center 800A in the flow described in FIG.

  Next, when the gaming machine removed from Hall A is collected by the processing company and the collected gaming machine is discarded, the disposal information is entered from the processing company in the application documents and It is sent to the management center 800A. The machine history management center 800A registers the discard information in the storage area by inputting necessary information from the input means in the device itself. If the machine history management center 800A and the management computer of the processing company are communicable with each other, even if the management computer inputs discard information to the machine history management center 800A via a communication line. Good.

  When the gaming machine trade-in from the hall A is discarded by the gaming machine maker, the hall computer inputs the discard information regarding the gaming machine to be discarded via the communication line to the machine history management center 800A. The machine 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 machine history management center 800A according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 19, when the game machine maker notifies hall A of acceptance of trade-in of the game machine, the game machine is handed over from hall A to the game machine maker. In the gaming machine maker, when the gaming machine is collected and stored and then discarded, the processing company (disposal company) requests disposal processing. When the gaming machine maker receives a notification (processing details, etc.) from the processing company that the processing of discarding the gaming machine has been completed, the gaming machine maker's server sends the discarding information regarding the gaming machine via the communication line to the machine history. Input to the management center 800A. Upon receiving the input of the discard information, the machine history management center 800A registers it in the storage area of the server.

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

  With reference to FIG. 20, the disposal information includes a registration type, a disposal date, a game board manufacturer code, a game board manufacturer number, a main board management number, a game machine frame manufacturer code, and a game machine. It includes a frame manufacturing number, a payout board control number, a company code, and a cancellation flag. The registration type, gaming board serial number, main board management number, gaming machine frame serial number, and 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 game machine is discarded. The game board manufacturer code is information for identifying the game machine manufacturer that manufactured the game board. The gaming machine frame manufacturer code is information for identifying the gaming machine maker that manufactured the gaming machine frame. The business entity code is information for identifying the business entity that has performed the disposal process. Typically, it is the business code of the processing company (disposal company), but when it is discarded by the game machine maker, it is the business code of the game machine maker.

  When the conventional CR game machine is discarded, the machine history management center 800A has the game machine manufacturer 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. Further, when the pachinko machine 2 is discarded, the payout control board management number is further registered in the machine history management center 800A as the disposal information, in addition to each information registered in the case of the conventional CR gaming machine. To be 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, but since the pachinko machine 2 is formed by combining the front frame 5 and the game board 26, the front frame 5 and the game are played. It is also possible to manage the history separately for the board 26. Therefore, the history management of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 will be described below.

  FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining the machine history management of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 according to this embodiment. The machine history management center 800A shown in FIG. 21 is associated with the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided on the payout control board 17 connected to the front frame 5, the information of 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, 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 that stores an operation program and control data of the CPU 8001, and a RAM that functions as a work area of the CPU 8001. A (Random Access Memory) 8003, an I / O port (Input / Output Port) 8004, and a mass storage device 8005 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) are provided.

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

  Hereinafter, the history management of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. First, at the time of shipping and installation, (1) the semiconductor chip maker 190 manufactures the payout control semiconductor chip 17a and ships it to the frame maker 191 which is a manufacturer of the front frame 5. Further, (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. Note that the payout control semiconductor chip 17a and the main control semiconductor chip 16a are not limited to being manufactured by the same semiconductor chip maker 190, and may be manufactured by different semiconductor chip makers 190.

  (3-1) The semiconductor chip maker 190 notifies the machine history management center 800A of the payout control security chip ID of the manufactured payout control semiconductor chip 17a, and inputs the payout control security chip ID to the payout side table. , Update the payout table. Similarly, (3-2) the semiconductor chip maker 190 notifies the machine history management center 800A of the main control security chip ID of the manufactured main control semiconductor chip 16a, and the main control side security chip ID is displayed 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 machine history management center 800A of information specifying the front frame 5 installed in the hall 193, and updates the payout side table so as to be stored in association with the payout control security chip ID. As information for identifying the front frame 5, as shown in FIG. 22A, the front frame serial number, the payout board management number, the product code for payout control, the carrier code, the hall code, the shipping date, and the installation. Contains the date and time. Further, the information specifying the front frame 5 may include the frame format name, product code, and manufacturer code.

  (6) The game board maker 192 incorporates the main control semiconductor chip 16a into the game board 26 to manufacture the game board 26. Further, the game board maker 192 ships the manufactured game board 26 to the hole 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 for identifying 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 security chip ID for main control. To do. As information for identifying the game board 26, as shown in FIG. 22B, the game machine type name, product code, manufacturer code, game board serial number, main control board management number, product code for main control. Includes carrier code, hall code, shipping date, and installation date.

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

  If the result of the collation is abnormal, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality. Further, the machine history management center 800A manages the front frame 5 in which the information such as the shipping date (information in (3-1) and (5) shown in FIG. 22A) included in the payout side table is updated. (Status) is “shipment”, and the management state of the front frame 5 in which the information of the security chip ID for main control of the pair (information of (9) shown in FIG. 22A) included in the payout side table is updated ( (Status) is determined as "installed". The management status (status) of the front frame 5 may be stored in the payout side table or in another storage area. In addition, at the time of initial failure after shipping registration, reshipping is not performed.

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

  Next, regarding storage (10), when replacing the front frame 5 and the game board 26 with new holes, the front frame 5 and the game board 26 that have been installed are removed and stored in a warehouse. (11) The warehouse agent 194 notifies the machine history management center 800A of the storage information of the front frame 5 removed from the hall 193, and updates the payout side table so as to store it in association with the payout control security chip ID. Further, the warehouse agent 194 notifies the machine history management center 800A of the storage information of the game board 26 removed from the hall 193, and updates the main control side table so as to store it in association with the main control security chip ID. Note that the storage information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 includes a game machine manufacturer, an installation source hall, a removal date, a storage date, and a storage location, as shown in FIG.

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

  If the result of the collation is abnormal, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality. Further, the machine history management center 800A manages the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in which the information such as the storage date (the information of (11) shown in FIG. 22) included in the payout side table and the main control side table is updated. (Status) is judged to be "storage". In addition, 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 either one may be removed and removed. In that case, the machine history management center 800A updates only the information of (11) (see FIG. 22) of either the payout side table or the main control side table.

  Next, at the time of resale, (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 dealer 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 machine history management center 800A of the resale information of the resold front frame 5, and updates the payout side table so as to store the resale information in association with the payout control security chip ID. In addition, the second-hand dealer 195 notifies the machine history management center 800A of the resale information of the game board 26 that has been resold, and updates the main control side table so as to store it in association with the security chip ID for main control. Note that, as the resale information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26, as shown in FIG. 22, an installation source hall, a removal date, an installation date, and a sales company name are included.

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

  If the result of the collation is abnormal, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality. Further, the machine history management center 800A manages the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in which the information such as the sales company name (the information of (13) shown in FIG. 22) included in the payout side 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 (information of (9) shown in FIG. 22) included in the payout side table and the main control side table has been updated. The management state (status) of the board 26 is determined to be "installation". When reselling the front frame 5 and the game board 26, it is not always necessary to resell the front frame 5 and the game board 26 as a set, and either one may be resold. In that case, the machine history management center 800A updates only the information of (13) (see FIG. 22) of either the payout side table or the main control side table. Further, when the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are resold, the front frame 5 and the game board 26 that are installed in the hall are not necessarily limited to the case where the front frame 5 and the game board 26 stored in the warehouse are resold. May be resold. In addition, it will not be reshipped at the time of resale.

  Next, at the time of disposal, the (14) hole 193 requests the disposal company 196 to dispose of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 that have been stored. The disposal company 196 disposes of the stored front frame 5 and game board 26 by an appropriate method. (15) The discarding company 196 notifies the machine history management center 800A of the discard information of the discarded front frame 5, and updates the payout side table so as to store the information in association with the payout control security chip ID. Further, the disposal company 196 notifies the machine history management center 800A of the disposal information of the discarded game board 26, and updates the main control side table so as to be stored in association with the main control security chip ID. Note that 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, as shown in FIG.

  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 is transmitted from the discarded front frame 5 and the game board 26 to the key management server 800. The non-operation information transmitted to the key management server 800 is further transmitted to the machine history management center 800A. The machine history management center 800A collates the non-operation information transmitted from the key management server 800 with the contents of the payout side table and the main control side table updated by the disposal company 196.

  If the result of the collation is abnormal, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality. Further, the machine history management center 800A manages the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in which the information such as the disposal date included in the payout side table and the main control side table (information (15) shown in FIG. 22) is updated. (Status) is judged as "discard". When discarding the front frame 5 and the game board 26, it is not always necessary to discard the front frame 5 and the game board 26 as a set, and either one may be removed and discarded. In that case, the machine history management center 800A updates only the information of (15) (see FIG. 22) of either the payout side table or the main control side table. Furthermore, when discarding the front frame 5 and the game board 26, it is not necessarily limited to discarding the front frame 5 and the game board 26 stored in the warehouse, and the front frame 5 and the game board installed in the hole 193 are not limited to the above. 26 may be discarded.

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

  Next, the machine history management center 800A confirms whether or not the transition prohibition table includes a change from the previously determined management state to the currently determined management state (S212). As shown in FIG. 24A, the transition prohibition table shows the management state in which the transition is prohibited from the previously determined management state. 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 from “shipment” to “discard”. The transition to "resale" is prohibited. Further, since the front frame 5 once installed, stored, and resold is not shipped from the frame maker 191, the transition prohibition table indicates that the management states are “installed”, “stored”, and “resold”. It is prohibited to transition to ". Further, since the discarded front frame 5 is not shipped, installed, stored, or resold, in the transition prohibition table, the management states are from “disposal” to “shipment”, “installation”, “storage”, and “resale”. It is prohibited to transition to ". In the above-mentioned 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 machine history management center 800A does not include the change to the management state determined this time in the transition prohibition table (S212: N), the machine history management center 800A determines the front frame 5 and the game board based on the information from the key management server 800. The operating state of 26 is determined (S213). Specifically, the machine history management center 800A determines that the gaming machine installation information is in the operating state when it is transmitted from the key management server 800, and when the non-operating information is transmitted from the key management server 800 (the gaming machine installation information Is not sent), it is determined to be non-operational.

  Next, the machine history management center 800A confirms whether or not the management status determined this time in S211 and the operating status determined in S213 are included in the update abnormality table (S214). As shown in the update abnormality table, FIG. 24B, the operation state prohibited in the management state determined this time in S211 is shown. Specifically, when the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are installed, it is in the operating state during the business hours, but is normally in the non-operating state after the business hours, so the update abnormality table manages it. When the status is "Installed", it is determined to be abnormal if "Operates outside business hours". In addition, when the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are not installed, they are always in a non-operating state. Therefore, in the update abnormality table, when the management states are "shipment", "storage", "resale", and "disposal". , When it becomes “operating”, it is determined to be abnormal.

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

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

  As described above, the machine history management center 800A according to this embodiment uses the payout side table that stores 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. A main control side table stored in association with the security chip ID is included in the mass storage device 8005, and the management state of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 is based on the information stored in the payout side table and the main control side table by the CPU 8001. To determine the abnormality. Therefore, the machine 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 separately distributed, with each security chip ID.

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

  The main controller 161 and the payout controller 171 shown in FIG. 25 will be described below as one chip, but a plurality of chips may have the same function. 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 prize sensor 162, a process of detecting fraud based on a signal from the radio wave sensor 163, and the like). ) Is a circuit that executes a control program. The communication control circuit 161b is a circuit for performing encrypted communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. The main control storage unit 161c is a storage device for storing a user program, a control program and data to be executed by the main control unit 161, and is constituted by, for example, a nonvolatile memory 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 uses the payout control unit 171 to perform various processes (controls the firing motor 18 via the firing control board 31 and, based on a signal from the counting button 28, switches the game ball from the playing ball to the holding ball. It is a circuit that executes a control program for performing processing such as requesting conversion. The communication control circuit 171b is a circuit for performing cryptographic communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, and cryptographic 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, a control program, data, and the like, and is configured by, for example, a nonvolatile 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 for explaining the configuration of the communication control circuit 161b for cryptographic communication with the payout control unit 171. First, the communication control circuit 161b has a plurality of functions, such as an authentication communication function, a cryptographic communication function, an interrupt function, and a recovery function.

  The authentication communication function is a function of mutual authentication with the payout control unit 171 of the game slot 5. The cryptographic communication function is a function of encrypting or decrypting a telegram between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. The encrypted communication function can be automatically inserted into a telegram of the tampering prevention code, or a code for detecting a communication error can be automatically inserted. Further, the cryptographic communication function can periodically pass the information of the main controller 161 to the payout controller 171 and receive the information of the payout controller 171 by setting the communication interval.

  The interrupt function, for example, notifies an interrupt after the decoding of a message is completed, or notifies an interrupt when the 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. In addition, the communication control circuit 161b can set a timeout time of a communication response and can set a communication interval between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171.

  Next, the communication control circuit 161b, as shown in FIG. 26, is a cryptographic communication for performing cryptographic communication with a plurality of registers for inputting / outputting with the control program executed by the main control circuit 161a and the payout control unit 171. It has a controller 600.

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

  The authentication status register has a status indicating whether or not the chip ID of the main controller 161 has been authenticated, a communication and authentication status between the card unit and the payout controller, and a communication and authentication status between the main controller and the payout controller. Is written. The authentication interrupt setting register sets whether or not 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 is a buffer for writing the game information to be transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171, and the game information is written to the buffer by FIFO (First In, First Out). In addition, by configuring the transmission data buffer with a non-volatile memory, the communication information between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 is interrupted, and the game information written in the buffer that has not been transmitted due to communication failure is , It is retained even after returning. Therefore, even when recovery communication is performed, recovery processing such as re-execution of the user program to generate the game information written in the transmission data buffer is unnecessary, and the processing load of the main control unit 161 is reduced. Can be reduced. Moreover, the amount of data required in the recovery process can be suppressed. Since the transmission data buffer is composed of a non-volatile memory, backup by an external power supply is unnecessary. Registers other than the transmission data buffer are composed of volatile memory.

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

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

  The recovery communication completion register is a register in which information indicating whether the recovery communication between the main control unit and the payout control unit is completed is written. The encrypted communication data clear request / completion register has information that requests 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 deleted ( This is a register in which information indicating clear completion) is written.

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

  The authentication communication function is a function of mutual authentication with the main control unit 161 of the game board 26 and mutual authentication with the communication control IC 325a of the CU3. The cryptographic communication function is a function of encrypting or decrypting a telegram between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. The encrypted communication function can be automatically inserted into a telegram of the tampering prevention code, or a code for detecting a communication error can be automatically inserted. Further, the cryptographic communication function can periodically pass the information of the payout control unit 171 to the main control unit 161 and receive the information of the main control unit 161 by setting the communication interval.

  The interrupt function, for example, notifies an interrupt after the decoding of a message is completed, or notifies an interrupt when the 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 the user. Further, the communication control circuit 171b can set the timeout time of the communication response, and can set the communication interval between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 27, the communication control circuit 171b performs a cryptographic communication for performing a cryptographic communication with the payout control unit 171 and a plurality of registers that perform input / output with the control program executed by the payout control circuit 171a. It has a control unit 700.

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

  The authentication status register is a state of whether or not the chip ID of the payout control unit 171 is authenticated, a communication and authentication state between the card unit and the payout control unit, and a communication and authentication state between the main control unit and the payout control unit. Is written. The authentication interrupt setting register sets whether or not 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 is a buffer for writing the game information transmitted from the main control unit 161 and received by the payout control unit 171, and the game information is written in the buffer by FIFO (First In, First Out). Further, by configuring the data reception register with a non-volatile memory, the communication information between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 is interrupted, and the game information written in the register that has not been transmitted due to the communication failure is , It is retained even after returning. Therefore, even if recovery communication is performed, recovery processing such as re-execution of the user program to generate the game information written in the data reception register becomes unnecessary, and the processing load of the main control unit 161 is reduced. Can be reduced. Moreover, the amount of data required in the recovery process can be suppressed. Since the data reception register is composed of a non-volatile memory, backup by an external power supply is unnecessary. Registers other than the data reception register are composed of volatile memory.

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

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

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

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

  The main control unit transmission buffer write valid time setting register can write the data in the transmission buffer of the main control unit 161 to the data reception register after the authentication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 is terminated. This is a register that sets the available effective time. By setting the register, writing to the data reception register allows the set valid time (for example, 5 to 15 seconds) even after the authentication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 has expired. It can be done. As a result, for example, even if there is a floating ball (a ball that is not caught and dropped between the nails in the game area 27) when the authentication is cut off due to a disconnection or the like, the information that the floating ball has won is displayed. Can be reliably stored and protected. Even in the case of a gaming machine having a stage where the ball stays for a long time, the valid period can be set to be long so that the information that the floating ball has won can be surely stored.

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

  The authentication status register is a state of whether or not the chip ID of the payout control unit 171 is authenticated, a communication and authentication state between the card unit and the payout control unit, and a communication and authentication state between the main control unit and the payout control unit. Is written. The authentication interrupt setting register sets whether or not 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 is a buffer in which a business electronic message to be transmitted from the payout control unit 171 to the communication control IC 325a is written, and the business electronic message is written in the buffer by FIFO (First In, First Out). The data reception register is a buffer for writing the business electronic message transmitted from the communication control IC 325a and received by the payout control unit 171, and the business electronic message is written in the buffer by FIFO (First In, First Out).

  By configuring the transmission data buffer and the data reception register with a non-volatile memory, communication is disconnected between the payout control unit 171 and the communication control IC 325a, and the data is written in the buffer and the register that have not been transmitted due to communication failure. The business message received is retained after returning. Therefore, even when recovery communication is performed, recovery processing such as re-execution of a user program to generate a business message written in the transmission data buffer and the data reception register becomes unnecessary, and the payout control unit 171 and The processing load of the communication control IC 325a can be reduced. Moreover, the amount of data required in the recovery process can be suppressed. Since the transmission data buffer and the data reception register are composed of non-volatile memories, backup by an external power supply is unnecessary. Registers other than the transmission data buffer and the data reception register are composed of volatile memory.

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

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

  The recovery request / completion register is a register in which information indicating whether to request recovery communication between the communication control IC and the payout control unit and whether or not the communication is completed is written. The encrypted communication data clear request / completion register is used for clearing the information such as the serial number held by the encrypted communication control unit 700 communicating with the communication control IC 325a, and the information indicating that the data has been erased (cleared). This is a register in which information indicating (completion) 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 an incommunicable state such as power-off, the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 have the main control storage unit 161c and the payout control storage unit. A recovery process of transmitting the predetermined information stored in the unit 171c is executed. Then, the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 perform the recovery completion confirmation process for restarting the generation of the predetermined information by executing the user program, on condition that the recovery process is completed. Specifically, the recovery completion confirmation process will be described using a flowchart. FIG. 29 is a flow chart for explaining the recovery completion confirmation processing.

  First, when the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 are powered on in order to recover from an incommunicable state such as 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 respective authentication status registers of the main controller 161 and the payout controller 171. Then, the main controller 161 and the payout controller 171 confirm whether or not the authentication completion is written in the respective authentication status registers (step S291). When the authentication completion is not written in the respective authentication status registers (step S291: NO), the main controller 161 and the payout controller 171 return to the process of step S291.

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

  When a flag indicating recovery completion is written in the recovery communication completion register and the recovery request / completion register (step S292: YES), the main controller 161 and the payout controller 171 start the processing of the user program (step S292). S293). As a means for starting the processing of the user program, for example, a means for transmitting a signal for starting the processing of the user program to start the processing of the user program and a stopping means for stopping the processing of the user program are provided and There is a means for starting the processing of the user program by canceling 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 generated by the processing of the user program before the information to be restored by the recovery processing is fixed. It is possible to appropriately restart the processing of the user program by not writing the.

<Commands and responses sent and received between the main controller and the payout controller>
Next, with reference to FIG. 30, an outline of commands and responses transmitted and received between the main controller 161 and the payout controller 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 its outline.

  First, the main control unit 161 sends a command named power-on notification to the payout control unit 171. This power-on notification command notifies the payout controller 171 that the power is turned on and communication is started. The payout control unit 171 transmits a response named 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 communication is started.

  Next, the main control unit 161 sends a command named gaming state notification to the payout control unit 171. This game state notification command notifies the payout controller 171 of the game state. The payout control unit 171 transmits a response called a game state response to the main control unit 161. The response of 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 controller and payout controller>
Next, based on FIG. 31 and FIG. 32, a main sequence performed by the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 will be described.

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

  Further, the main controller 161 and the payout controller 171 communicate with each other by a polling method using the main controller 161 as a primary station, and the polling interval is 200 ms. Note that communication for power-on notification and power-on reception is excluded. When the request command from the main control unit 161 cannot be received within 1 second after the response is transmitted, the payout control unit 171 sets "communication line disconnection" and stops the game.

  Furthermore, the payout control unit 171 transmits a response command to the main control unit 161 only when normal data is received. If the response command is not received within the polling interval time, the main control unit 161 resends the command up to three times including the first time. The serial number used for transmission / reception is stored in the storage unit together with the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, and is used for confirming the normality of the command, when the power supply is restored and when the communication line is restored.

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

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

  After that, the main control unit 161 counts up the serial number and sets it as “n + 2”, and transmits the command of the game state notification to the payout control unit 171. Then, the payout control unit 171 returns a response to 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 between the command transmission of the game state notification of the serial number “n” and the command transmission of the game state notification of the serial number “n + 1”, the game state notification of the serial number “n + 1” The intervals from the command transmission to the command transmission of the game state notification of the serial number “n + 2” are 200 ms intervals.

<< Sequence after power off >>
Next, with reference to FIG. 32, a process when the status information request is unreachable due to power failure / communication line failure will be described. 32, in particular, there is a power supply disconnection / communication line disconnection (for example, when the power supply of the payout control unit 171 is once turned off and then turned on again), and the game state notification has not arrived (from the main control unit 161) It is a sequence diagram for explaining a process in the case where the command has not arrived at the payout control unit 171) and the communication partners after recovery match.

  With reference to FIG. 32, the main control unit 161 transmits a gaming state notification including the serial number = n to the payout control unit 171, before the power is cut off during the game. In response to this, the payout control unit 171 transmits a game state reception including the serial number = n to the main control unit 161.

  Then, 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 after the power supply to the payout control unit 171 is cut off during the game, the payout control unit 171 is turned off. Since it is in the state, the game state notification cannot be received. After that, since the gaming state reception from the payout control unit 171 is not transmitted, the main control unit 161 performs control to stop the communication because the power is cut off after 1 second.

  After that, when the power is turned on and the authentication sequence is started between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, the main control unit 161 determines that the power supply including the serial number = 1 and the main control serial number (previous last transmission serial number) = n + 1. The notification of insertion is transmitted to the payout control unit 171. Since the payout control unit 171 has the game number reception serial number transmitted to the main control unit 161 before the power is cut off, the payout control serial number = n backed up by the payout control unit 171. Therefore, the payout control serial number = n backed up by the payout control unit 171 and the main control serial number = n + 1 backed up by the main control unit 161 do not match. 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. After that, the payout control unit 171 transmits a power-on reception including the serial number = 1 to the main control unit 161.

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

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

<Slot machine>
Next, a slot machine will be described as another example of the gaming machine. FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing a state where the front door of the slot machine is opened. In the above description, the slot machine is also abbreviated as “S” in the following because of the fact that the pachinko machine is abbreviated as “P”.

  The above-mentioned gaming system is the same as the above-mentioned gaming system using a game ball and a holding ball. However, since the game is played without using balls on the S units, the game balls are hereinafter referred to as game points and possessed balls as points.

  Referring to FIG. 33, in the slot machine 2S, the front door 2bS is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the main body frame 2aS with the left edge thereof as the swing center. Although illustration is omitted in FIG. 33, CUs are connected to the left side of the slot machine 2S on the left side of the drawing in the same manner as 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, it is not necessary to insert a medal when playing a game in the slot machine 2S. Therefore, the slot machine 2S is not provided with a medal insertion slot and a medal payout slot.

  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 the outer periphery are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, Of the symbols arranged on the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, three consecutive symbols are arranged so that they can be seen from a 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 type display device 510 is provided in a portion of the front door 2bS surrounding each reel 2L, 2C, 2R. The display device 510 is a display device corresponding to the P display devices 54, and displays various kinds of information (game points, score points, etc.) of the same type as the display device 54, and 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 is controlled on the CU side. The indicator 510 is not provided in a portion surrounding the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, but is further below the panel portion (a position lower than the start switch 7S shown in FIG. 33, like the P stand). It may be provided in a panel portion provided with the conventional S token payout outlets).

  Further, a 7-segment display device 50S is provided below the display device 510. The 7-segment display device 50S is a display device corresponding to the P-segment 7-segment display device 50, and various kinds of information similar to the 7-segment display device 50 (such as the number of times the front door 2bS is opened) is displayed.

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

  In the case of playing a game in the slot machine 2S, first, as in the case of P machines, the adjacent CUs are used to secure a game point, and the bet number is set using the game point. The game points can be obtained by withdrawing the balance of the prepaid card inserted in the CU, the points, or the saved medals (corresponding to P balls) deposited at the game hall. In order to use the game point, the one-piece BET switch 5S or the MAXBET switch 6S may be operated. In the present embodiment, for example, by setting the bet amount to 1, the game point is deducted by 1, and the display of the game point on the display 510 is also subtracted and updated. When the bet number is set, the pay line determined according to the bet number and the gaming state becomes valid, and the operation of the start switch 7S becomes 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, 2R rotate, and the symbols on the reels 2L, 2C, 2R continuously change. When any 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.

  Then, all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped to complete one game, and a predetermined symbol combination (hereinafter, also referred to as a winning combination) on the activated pay line is set for each reel 2L, 2C, If the player stops 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 also updated.

  Even in the case of S machines, it is possible to count the game points as in the case of P machines. As shown in FIG. 33, the slot machine 2S is provided with a counting button 28S for counting game points and converting them into points. The ball lending button, the return button, and the replay button are provided on the CU side (see FIG. 2). The player executes the counting operation at an arbitrary timing or on the display 510 prompting the counting operation as in the case of the P unit. Then, the number of game points is counted and the number of game points decreases while the number of game points increases is displayed on the display unit 510. The ball lending button may be provided on the P side and the S side instead of the CU side. In that case, the operation signal of the ball lending button may be directly input to the CU2, or may be transmitted to the CU3 as a status information response via the P unit 2 or the S unit (slot machine) 2S. You can

  The type of winning combination is determined according to the game state, but it is roughly classified into a special combination involving the transition to a big bonus (BB) and a regular bonus (RB), and a small combination involving the payout of medals. There is a replay role (replay) that enables the next game to be started without the need to set the bet number.

  Which of the plurality of types of winning combinations is to be won, or which of the winning combinations is not to be won is determined by, for example, a main control unit (S that controls the slot machine 2S when a start operation is detected). (Corresponding to the main controller 161 of the table). 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 the winning combination by, for example, drawing a random number generated from a predetermined random number generator or generated on software.

  After that, the main control unit waits for the player's reel stop operation, and if there is a symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the predetermined number of frames based on the stop operation, pull it in, otherwise, other symbols Is controlled to stop the three symbols, and it is determined whether or not there is a winning. When the main control base unit determines that the prize is won, it sends a signal according to the type of prize to the payout controller (corresponding to the payout controller 171 in FIG. 2). The payout control unit gives the player a number of game points according to the signal (adds the game points).

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

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

  With the S unit, the game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using the gaming value, and variable display capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified A slot machine in which one game is finished by deriving a display result to the device, and a prize can be generated according to the display result derived to the variable display device, wherein the display result is displayed on the variable display device. Before being derived, a pre-determining means for deciding whether or not to allow occurrence of a plurality of types of winnings, and a control for deriving the display result on the variable display device according to the determination result of the pre-determining means. A slot machine including a derivation control means for performing and a granting means for giving a game value when the prize is won is configured.

  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 in FIG. 4 described as the configuration of the P unit are replaced with those for the S unit, and the mode is the same as that described using FIG. Then, further description is omitted.

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

  (1) When a slot machine (S units), which is an example of a game machine, is applied to the above-mentioned gaming system, for example, a reel and various sensor parts attached to the reel and a main control board for controlling the reel are P units. Corresponding to the board, other configurations correspond to the game frame of P units. However, the various detection switches 41a, 701, 33 of the game frame shown in FIG. 2, the firing control board 31, and the firing motor 18 are unnecessary for the S stand.

  A credit function is provided in the conventional S-tablet, and when this is valid, the credit is subtracted when the bet number is set, and the credit is added when a winning occurs. However, an upper limit is set for credits, and when a prize occurs with the number of credits reaching the upper limit, medals are paid out from the hopper.

  On the other hand, in the S unit according to the present embodiment, the game point is subtracted when the bet number is set, and the game point is added when a winning occurs. When the number of game points reaches a predetermined number, a display prompting a counting operation is displayed, and the game points are converted into points by performing the counting operation. For this reason, it is not necessary to pay out medals when the credit reaches the upper limit as in the conventional S unit. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a hopper on the S table according to this embodiment.

  As a result, it is not necessary for the game arcade to secure a large number of medals, and the economic burden is reduced. In addition, the amusement hall is also freed from operations such as replenishment and collection of medals and maintenance operations to deal with clogging of medals. The player is relieved of the hassle of inserting a medal for each betting operation after the credits are full, and it becomes easier for the player to concentrate on the game.

  On the other hand, if the S unit becomes medal-less, it is impossible for a player who has won a large number of medals to stack boxes with medals on the side of the seat and show off his or her own arm. Inconvenience occurs. However, in the present embodiment, such a problem can be prevented by providing the function of displaying the dollar box. In the case of S units, it is preferable that the dollar box display is such that a large number of medals are loaded instead of a large number of balls.

  When S machines are applied as a gaming machine, each data is calculated as follows using two types of data, "points" and "game points" and two types of data, "credit" and "credit excess points". It is also possible to configure a gaming system that can be converted. It should be noted that these four types of data are displayed on the S displays 510.

  First, when a conversion operation from the balance of a prepaid card, medals, or points (lending operation, medals payout operation, point payout operation) is detected, each is withdrawn and converted to a game point. It

  The game points are data corresponding to medals in conventional slot machines. Therefore, for example, it is desirable to display the number of game points on the display unit 510 and also display the number of medal images corresponding to the game points. For example, when a pseudo-insertion medal operation (for example, an operation of pushing a medal) such that a player touches this medal image and inserts it into the slot machine is detected, the medal image disappears, the game point is subtracted, Instead, one bet is set. The number of bets is set to the maximum value of 3, by performing such pseudo medal insertion operation three times.

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

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

  When a prize is generated as a result of the game, the number of points corresponding to the prize is added to the credit. When a prize that exceeds the upper limit of credits is generated, the score of the overrun is stored as the credit excess point. The credit excess points correspond to medals to be paid out when a winning occurs over the upper limit of credits in the conventional slot machine. For this reason, for example, it is desirable to display the credit excess points on the display unit 510 and also display the number of medal images corresponding to the credit excess points. Further, it is desirable to change the color of this medal image so that it can be distinguished from the medal image corresponding to the game point.

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

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

  When the player performs the counting operation, each of the game points, the credits, and the credit excess points is counted and converted into the points. As a result, the player's points are posted as "number of cards held + game points + credits + credit excess points". Note that the "number of card balls" is the number of points before conversion (the number of balls owned by the player at the moment) that has not been converted into game points.

  In the above description, the four types of data of the points, game points, credits, and credit excess points may be stored in both by exchanging data between the CU and the S unit, or the points may be stored. It may be stored only on the CU side, and on the S side only in other cases. Further, the credit excess points may be targets of the dollar box display.

  Further, in the above description, an example in which the credit excess point is used has been described, but the credit excess point may not be used. In this case, when the credit upper limit is exceeded, the game points may be added.

  (2) In the present embodiment, the game points are added by consuming the card frequency. Alternatively, the game points are added by consuming the accumulated balls (saving medals). That is, the card frequency or the accumulated coins are converted into game points. On the other hand, the card frequency and the accumulated balls are not converted into the points (counting balls, counting medals). However, the card frequency and the accumulated coins may be once converted into points.

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

  (4) As a recording medium for recording the points that can be specified, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone may be used. In this case, the CU 3 is provided with a communication unit for communicating with the mobile terminal, and by holding the mobile terminal over the communication unit, the CU recognizes the ID stored in the mobile terminal. The game can be performed by the procedure as 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 score of the player through the ID.

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

  (6) When there is an uncounted game point 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 there is an uncounted game point when a card return operation is performed, the count display is automatically started, and the display on the P unit or CU side displays, It may be notified that automatic counting is started because there are uncounted game points remaining, or in addition to this, that the card will be returned after the automatic counting is completed.

  Alternatively, when there is an uncounted game point when the card return operation is performed, it is determined that the player may temporarily leave the seat, and the display (CU side or P stand side) A message confirming whether or not the user is temporarily away may be displayed. Further, the display device may be configured with a touch panel so that the player can input a response to the message. Further, if the response input is the end of the game, a message prompting the counting operation is displayed. On the other hand, if the response input is temporarily leaving the seat, the card may be once ejected while the card ID is stored in the CU side, the P stand side, or both. After that, when the 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 when the game point is less 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. As a result, it is possible to perform the effect of counting display as if counting the real balls, and it is possible to prevent too much time until the completion of counting due to an increase in game points. Further, when the game points exceed a certain reference value, all the counting times may be the same. Alternatively, the same counting time may be uniformly adopted regardless of the number of game points without setting a reference value.

  (8) In the above embodiment, the detection of opening the glass door 6 and the detection of opening the front frame 5 are detected by separate detection switches 12 and 13. However, instead of this, a common detection switch is used. It may be configured to detect both.

  (9) As the counting operation means for counting the game balls, it may be possible to employ one that exerts a counting function when operated a predetermined number of times twice or more. This can prevent erroneous operation. Further, in this case, the one-time operation may exert other functions different from the counting function. For example, if there is no operation for a predetermined time (for example, within 1 second) after one operation, a function for turning on a lamp for calling a clerk is displayed, and within 1 second after one operation, 2 It is also conceivable that the counting function is exerted when the second operation is detected.

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

  (11) (A) Since no more than "predetermined number of game points" are stored, even if the counting operation is performed, the game points are not counted, and a notification to that effect is given. Further, (B) when the game points are stored until the stored game points reach the "predetermined number", it is impossible to count any more, and it is controlled so as to notify that effect. Is desirable. The predetermined score in the two cases (A) and (B), that is, the reference value, may be the same or different.

  (12) If a counting operation is performed during the firing of balls, it is desirable to control the counting operation to be invalid if the number of game balls at that time is less than or equal to a reference value. However, further, even when the number of game balls when the counting operation is detected during the ball shooting exceeds the reference value, the number of balls counted by one counting operation is set to a predetermined number. In this case, when the value obtained by subtracting the predetermined number from the number of game balls when the counting operation is detected is less than the reference value, the counting operation may be invalidated.

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

  Further, when the S operation is applied as a game machine and the counting operation during the game is invalidated, the "during game" is, for example, a period from when the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R start to stop until they stop. .. Alternatively, it is a period from the detection of the start operation to the stop of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R.

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

  Also, if the counting operation is not detected within a predetermined time after the display prompting the counting operation is performed, the game ball may be forcibly stopped from firing, and the firing may not be forcibly stopped. You can

  (14) With reference to FIG. 4, the P units are provided with a counting ball number counter for temporarily storing the counted balls (balls), but are not provided with a counter for storing the cumulative value of the counting balls. .. However, a counting ball cumulative storage counter that stores the cumulative value of counting balls may be provided on the P side. Further, the CU side is provided with an area for storing card balls (counting balls). In this area, if the inserted card itself has recorded balls, the card holding The current number of balls owned by the player, including balls, is stored. Therefore, the number of counting balls counted by the player in this game cannot be specified only in this area. Therefore, an area for storing the number of counting balls counted by the player in this game may be further provided on the CU side. In this case, the CU adds the dice balls to the area based on the information on the number of counting balls sent from the P units after the game is started, and when the dice balls are converted into the gaming balls, the area is removed from the area. Subtract your ball.

  (15) The display prompting the counting operation may be a display such as “A game ball remains, so please count and return it”, or display a counting button 28 on the screen. The display may be blinking.

  (16) When the number of game balls is equal to or more than a predetermined number (3,000 or more), control is performed so that "control for performing a display prompting a counting operation on a display" is executed as "predetermined notification control". Is desirable. Here, "prompt for counting operation" means, for example, one that displays "Because the number of game balls has reached the upper limit, please perform counting operation." Or one that simply displays "Counting operation is required." May be Further, the “predetermined notification control” may be control of outputting a notification sound prompting the counting operation from the speaker. Further, the "notification" may be not only "notification for prompting counting operation" but merely "notifying that the number of game balls has reached the upper limit" (not notification for prompting counting operation). ..

  Further, when the game point is equal to or higher than a predetermined first reference value (3000 balls or more), "predetermined notification control" is performed, and then the game point is set to a second reference value that is larger than the first reference value. When the game point is reached, it may be controlled to be in a game-disabled state, and may be controlled to allow the game (not to prohibit firing) 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-disabled state can be realized by controlling the start lever so that the reel does not start rotating or the bet number setting is invalidated.

  (17) When a game using the game points is being performed (balls are being fired), control is performed so that the counting operation is not activated unless there are more than a predetermined number of game points (for example, 250 points). It is desirable to do. Here, the predetermined score is not limited to 250, and any score may be used as long as it is 1 or more. However, if too few points are set, such as one point, problems occur when the firing timing and the counting timing occur almost at the same time. Alternatively, if the counting operation is detected while the number of points is equal to or less than a predetermined number (for example, 10 or less) and the firing is continued, five points are left for firing and the remaining points are counted. It may be controlled to.

  In addition, when it is detected that the player has stopped the ball firing operation, the player has noticed that the counting operation has been invalidated because there are no more than a certain number of game points remaining, and it is invalidated first. The counting operation may be enabled to automatically start the counting operation. That is, in this case, the player who notices that the counting operation has been invalidated only has to stop the shooting operation, and does not have to perform the counting operation again.

  (18) In order to make the number of game points converted in one operation different depending on the time for which the counting button is held down, for example, when pressing and holding (for example, continuous operation for 1 second or more) While all are counted, only 200 balls may be counted during a short press (for example, continuous operation of less than 1 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 the game balls be counted by operating the counting button.

  (19) In the case where the number of points counted by one short press operation of the counting button differs depending on the remaining number of game points, for example, the following can be considered. For example, when the game points are less than 200 points, all the game points are counted by one short pressing operation of the counting button. When the game points are 200 or more and less than 1000, 200 points are counted by one short press operation. When the game points are 1000 or more and less than 5000, 1000 points are counted by one short press operation. When the game points are 5000 or more and less than 10000, 2000 points are counted by one short press operation. When the game 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 counting game balls (game points) and converting the points, not only the count display but also the control of outputting the count sound from the speaker may be performed. Further, when counting the game points, it is conceivable that an image is displayed such that the balls drop one by one from the ball storage tray to the counter.

  (21) Timing of performing conversion display for converting game points to points based on counting operation (display for counting game balls and showing how many balls are held) and subtracting game points from data However, the timing for performing the operation of adding points can be various. The calculation may be executed after the conversion display is completed. For that purpose, the counting data may be transmitted from the gaming machine to the CU after the conversion display is completed. It should be noted that such a modification can be similarly applied to the case where the points are converted into the game points.

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

  (23) In FIG. 4 or 34, the game balls (game points) are stored on both the game machine side and the CU side, but the game balls (game points) are stored only on the game machine side, and CU It may not be stored on the side. On the other hand, the card balls (points) are stored only on the CU side, but may be stored on the gaming machine side. In particular, the game balls (game points) are stored only on the gaming machine side, while the card balls (points) are stored only on the CU side, even if the division of roles for data storage management is made clear. Good.

  (24) The count display and various notifications performed on the display 54 may be similarly performed on the display 312.

  (25) In the CU, the stored number of game balls is updated based on the value of the added ball number counter (the number of added balls) and the value of the subtracted ball number counter (the number of subtracted balls) transmitted from the P unit side. Then, when the number of game balls stored is subtracted based on the value of the counting ball number counter transmitted from the P side, if the value of the number of game balls becomes negative, an error (abnormal) determination is made. However, error processing may be performed. As a specific example of the error processing, an error notification is given by an error 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, for the hall). Error notification may be performed by the management computer or the hall server 801).

  (26) When a lending operation or a conversion operation (rental operation) from a holding point (balls) to a gaming point (balls) is detected, the gaming points 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 by a plurality of points (for example, 25 points equivalent to 100 yen). Further, conversely, when the game point counting operation is executed, it may be displayed such that the number of owned points is incremented by a plurality of points. Further, the number of units when counting up the game points or the score points may be set from a plurality of types. It is conceivable to use touch panels of P or S display devices for the setting.

  (27) When the counting operation is executed, the holding points may be counted up at an accelerating rate when a predetermined time elapses after the counting of the holding points is started. Alternatively, a speed-up button for accelerating the count display may be displayed on the display of the touch panel on the CU side or the gaming machine side, and the acceleration count display may be performed by detecting the operation thereof. By performing the accelerated counting display of the holding points in this way, it is possible to shorten the waiting time of the player when counting a large number of playing points.

  (28) A touch sensor may be provided on the hitting ball operation handle to invalidate the counting operation while the touch sensor detects that the player holds the hitting ball operation handle. The invalidation of the counting operation means that the counting operation is detected, but the counting operation based on the detection output is not executed, or the counting operation itself is not detected. Alternatively, if the player does not invalidate the counting operation just by touching the ball-striking operation handle, and if the counting operation is invalid even when the ball-striking operation handle is rotated to such an extent that a drive pulse for ball firing is output. 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 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 is impossible.

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

  (30) The sequence control shown in FIGS. 6 to 12 is not limited to the transmission / reception sequence between the control devices in the gaming machine single unit such as the CU 3, the P unit 2 and the S unit 2S, especially regarding the process related to security. Instead, for example, it may be applied to a transmission / reception sequence between a plurality of gaming devices 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 by the card ID, but instead of or in addition to this, the identity of the player is determined by the fingerprint, the retina, or other biomass of the player. May be performed.

  (32) In the above-described embodiment, the so-called enclosed game machine (P stand 2 and S stand 2S) is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a game medium (pachinko ball or the like) is played from the top of the island. It may be a general game machine that is supplied to the machine and further pays out the game medium by winning. Specifically, the balls stored in the ball storage tray are driven into the game area to play the game, and the balls are paid out to the ball storage tray by winning the prize, and are paid out to the ball storage tray at the end of the game. It may be a pachinko machine that can exchange prizes using balls. In addition, the coins stored in the coin tray are inserted into the coin insertion slot to input and set the number of bets, and the reel is rotated and stopped by operating the start lever, thereby ending one game and stopping the reel. A slit machine in which coins are paid out to a coin tray when a display result winning that is displayed at a time occurs and the coins are paid out to the coin tray at the end of the game and coins can be used to exchange prizes may be used. In other words, it may be a gaming machine in which a game can be played using a game medium (pachinko ball, coin), and the game medium is paid out to the player according to the result of the game.

  (33) In the above-described embodiment, the number of game balls and the number of game points are directly added when a prize is generated, but instead, a point is added when a prize is generated and the added points are added. It may be controlled to withdraw and add the number of game balls and the game points.

  (34) In the above-described embodiment, when the value is deducted within the range of the valuable value owned by the player (prepaid balance, balls owned, and accumulated balls) and the game points corresponding to the debit are added, the value deducted is Although it has been shown that game points of the same value are added, instead, for example, control may be performed so as to add a game point that is smaller by the amount equivalent to the consumption tax to the value actually deducted.

  (35) In the above-described embodiment, various authentication keys are used for authentication, but instead of these various authentication keys, for example, authentication IDs or the like may be used for authentication.

  (36) The aforementioned display devices 54, 510 may be configured with a display device with a touch panel. In addition, the information transmitted and received between the P unit and the CU is not limited to the one described in the above embodiment, and what kind of information is output from the P unit to the CU is a game. You may make it possible to input and set by touching on the touch panel of the display 54, 510 of the machine.

  In addition, 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 conversion target information is, for example, a big bonus prize or a regular bonus prize. And winning information such as various small winning awards, information indicating the replay time, the number of additions and the number of subtractions in FIG. 34, the number of game starts, and the like. Further, the conversion target information may be the number of coins to be paid out when coins are paid out in accordance with a prize.

  (37) In the above-described embodiment, the gaming machine "provides a predetermined gaming device (CU) with the game point as the holding point, provided that the conversion process for all the game points is completed (game point = 0). Processing (processing that accepts the card at the prize exchange machine and consumes the points specified by the card to enable the gift exchange, insert the card discharged from the CU into another CU connected to another gaming machine) "Effective means for activating a recording medium processing operation (card return operation (operation of the card return button 322)) for performing CU processing when used as".

  Here, the validating means is, for example, "a means for confirming the game point 0 on the P-side and transmitting a card discharge operation permission ON to the CU", or "a game when a card return notification is received from the CU. A means for determining whether or not the number of balls = 0, and in the case of 0, validating the card return by returning a card return response to the CU, and further, "a game is performed by performing a counting operation or the like. The number of balls = 0, and as a result, means for satisfying the condition for validating the card return is included.

  (38) When the payout control unit 171 receives a value (= 63) for which the one-round flag is set, one or two or more of those listed in a to c below are adopted and executed as the abnormality control processing. May be controlled as follows.

    a display unit of the P stand 2 (for example, a 7-segment display unit 50 or a variable display device for variably displaying identification information (design)) by the payout control unit 171 or the main control unit 161 that has received abnormality information from the payout control unit 171. To display.

    b The CU 3 which receives the abnormality information from the payout control unit 171 issues an abnormality such as an error number.

    c A host device such as a hall management computer that has received the abnormality information from the CU 3 reports an abnormality such as an error number.

  (39) In the present embodiment, the history information of the front frame 5 stored in the payout side table in association with the payout control security chip ID includes information specifying the front frame 5, storage information, resale information, disposal information, and the like. The following shows an example. However, 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 history information of the game board 26 stored in the main control side table in association with the security chip ID for main control, information for identifying the game board 26, storage information, resale information, disposal information, and the like. An example is included. However, without being 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 a manufacturer, a warehouse dealer, or the like completes the work such as shipping, installation, and storage, necessary information is obtained from a terminal connected to the machine history management center 800A (shown in FIG. 22, for example, An example is shown in which the payout side table and the main control side table are updated by inputting information such as shipping date, installation date, removal date, sales company name, and disposal date. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and, for example, a manufacturer, a warehouse trader, or the like fills in the necessary information in the application document and sends it to the machine history management center 800A. The payout side table and the main control side table may be updated by inputting necessary information from a terminal or the like). 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. It may be a terminal that has been established (for example, a terminal of a warehouse dealer or a second-hand dealer connected via the Internet).

  (41) In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the payout side table and the main control side table are stored in one large capacity storage device 8005. However, not limited to this, for example, even if the payout side table and the main control side table are stored separately in a plurality of large capacity storage devices, the large capacity storage device storing the payout side table and the main control side table are stored. Mass storage device. Further, the payout side table and the main control side table stored in the mass storage device can erase the history information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 for each security chip ID. Even if it is associated with the security chip ID of the pair, the history information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 can be erased separately for each security chip ID. As a result, even if the front frame 5 and the game board 26 (used for a longer period than the front frame 5) used for different periods can be individually deleted, it is possible to manage them appropriately. it can.

  (42) In the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which a manufacturer other than a hall, a warehouse dealer, or the like inputs necessary information into the machine history management center 800A to update the payout side table and the main control side table. However, not limited to this, for example, the hall itself may update the payout side table and the main control side table by inputting necessary information to the machine history management center 800A.

  (43) In the present embodiment, an example in which a used dealer stores resale information as history information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 when the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are resold and installed in another hall. Indicated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are moved to another hole in the same group (for example, a hole having the same corporation code), the front frame 5 and the game board are moved. The movement information may be stored in the history information as a simple movement of 26 (management state (status) from “installation” to “installation”). That is, even if the installation of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 moves between the halls of the same corporation code, it is not determined to be abnormal. Furthermore, the movement of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 is permitted only between the halls of the same corporation code and within the same prefecture, and when moving to another prefecture even between the halls of the same corporation code, the same processing as resale should be performed. May be.

  (44) In this embodiment, the machine history management center 800A is set as follows, for example. In the machine history management center 800A, a user registered in the system and authenticated by clear authentication is logged in to the system. For authentication at login, (a) the specified user ID exists in the system. (B) The specified user is within the account expiration date. (C) The account of the specified user is not locked. (D) The entered password matches the password of the specified user ID. (E) If the password is not currently within the valid period, the user is allowed to log in, but only the user's own password change and logout can be used, and a message indicating that the password change is required is displayed. If the password is changed, log out to have the new password confirmed.

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

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

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

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

  If the number of login failures of the user exceeds (the number of login invalidations of the user invalidation) (permanent account lock state), the machine history management center 800A determines (a) the account lock date and time to [login attempt rejection time ] Has not elapsed (temporary account lock state), the account is locked.

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

  The machine history management center 800A sets the maximum number of accounts that can be generated at one time to 20, for example, at the time of initial introduction. Here, the [upper limit number of login attempts] is the number of times account lock is performed for a certain period of time due to consecutive failed login attempts, and is set to, for example, 5 times at the initial introduction. [User invalidation login failure count] is the number of times the account is permanently locked due to consecutive failed login attempts, and is 100 at the time of initial introduction. [Login attempt refusal time] is a period during which account login is performed for a certain period of time due to consecutive failed login attempts, and is 30 minutes at the time of initial introduction. [Password valid period] is the valid period of the password set when the password is changed, and is 90 days at the time of initial introduction. [Password expiration warning period] is a period for notifying a message that the account password is about to expire, and is 14 days at the time of initial introduction.

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

  The machine history management center 800A cannot basically cancel the management state (status) of the gaming machine after inputting, and if an error occurs due to an erroneous operation, comment in the "all history of machine history remarks column". Make it easier for others to understand. However, since there is a possibility of incorrect insertion, it is possible to cancel only the status that is inserted from the game machine status update screen. When it is possible to cancel, the authority is controlled so that only a limited number of people can execute the cancellation. Further, when the machine history management center 800A searches the machine history to change the management state (status) of the gaming machine, the search target is only the latest management state (status) of the gaming machine.

  The machine history management center 800A manages the type 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, not physical deletion.

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

    (3) Information that is the basis of machine history management (for example, gaming machine chip shipping information, gaming machine shipping information, etc.): Basically, change is possible until management is started, but editing is disabled after that. , Manage permanently.

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

    (6) Input journal to the system (for example, Web input log, online input log, system cooperation input file, etc.): Holds 14 days for each type of input and each node.

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

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

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

    (10) Model information for which status has not been updated for a long period of time (for example, model information for which status has not been updated for a long period of time): Two generations are retained.

  In the machine history management center 800A, regarding the abnormality in the management state (status), information on the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in which the relationship between the management state (status) before the update and the management state (status) after the update becomes abnormal Only the information can be extracted or only the relevant information can be output as a file. Therefore, based on the information output to the file, it is possible to notify the user of the lack of update of the management status (status) to notify the user that the management status (status) is updated correctly. It should be noted that a user whose management status (status) has not been updated may not only be contacted but also interviewed to confirm the correct management status (status) before taking any action. Further, the machine history management center 800A notifies all of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 where the management state (status) abnormality is present, such as contacting them. In addition, the latest information (at the time of file output) of the abnormal front frame 5 and game board 26 can be downloaded from the terminal connected to the machine history management center 800A.

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

  (45) In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the removal information is input to the machine history management center 800A has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and used movement information, disposal information, trade-in information, and the like are stored in the machine history management center 800A. The removal information may be automatically registered in the machine history management center 800A when input. With this configuration, it is possible to manage the history of the gaming machine by presuming that the game machine has been removed from the hall, and reduce the burden of inputting removal information from the hall to the history management system.

  (46) In the present embodiment, after the game machine manufacturer has shipped the game machine to the hall, the shipment information is registered in the machine history management center 800A via the communication line, but the present invention is not limited to this. The game machine maker may automatically register the shipping information in the machine history management center 800A when the information for shipping the game machine to the hall is input. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the history of shipping status from being forgotten without being registered.

  The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope.

  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 Lend button, 322 card return button, 161 main control unit, 325 display control unit, 171 payout control unit, 50,50S 7-segment display unit, 323 CU control unit, 12 glass door opening detection switch, 13 front frame opening detection switch.

Claims (1)

A history management system for managing the history of gaming machines,
Specific information receiving means for receiving specific information for identifying the individual gaming machine,
Registration means for registering the state information of the gaming machine in a storage area in association with the specific information received by the specific information receiving means,
Operation confirmation means for confirming operation information of the gaming machine,
Regarding the gaming machine for which the operation information cannot be confirmed for a predetermined period from the operation confirming means, there is provided with removal registration means for registering withdrawal information in the storage area as status information of the gaming machine,
The removal registration means stores the removal information in the storage area when the removal information is not registered in the storage area when used movement information is registered as state information of the gaming machine in the storage area. A history management system to register.