JP4702913B2 - Identification information management system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention is a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine.Identification information including an identification information management device that manages identification information that can individually identify control boards that control the operation of the game machine, and a portable inspection device that is used to inspect the control boards at the destination of the gaming machine Management systemIt is about.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Game machines such as pachinko machines and pachislot machines are provided with a game control board for controlling the game machines. On the game control board, a game control ROM storing a game control program for controlling a gaming machine, and a game control microcomputer incorporating such a game control ROM and CPU in one chip are attached. . However, the game control ROM and game control microcomputer were illegally replaced during the transportation of the game machine from the manufacturing factory to the delivery destination or at the game hall at night, etc., and such illegal modification was performed. There is a possibility that a criminal act of stealing an unfair profit by a gaming machine may be performed.
[0003]
In order to prevent such illegal acts, a function for determining whether or not the game control program stored in the game control ROM or the game control microcomputer is legitimate is provided in the game control ROM or the game control microcomputer. It was also made in this program. This is because when the power is turned on, the game control program stored in the game control ROM or the game control microcomputer is read to check whether the read game control program is correct or not. This is a function that prevents the normal game operation from being performed when it is determined that the game is not.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Even if the game control ROM and the game control microcomputer have such a game control program determination function, if the game control ROM or the game control microcomputer itself is replaced with an illegal one, this function is demonstrated. Can not. In fact, crimes that illegally replace game control ROMs and game control microcomputers have also occurred. The game control program determination function provided in the game control ROM or the game control microcomputer has a problem that such fraud cannot be found.
[0005]
  Therefore, the present invention provides a gaming machineInformation management system that can detect unauthorized replacement of control boards that control the operation ofThe purpose is to provide.
[0006]
  In order to achieve the above object, the present inventionThe identification information management systemControl that controls the gamesubstrateAnd the controlsubstrateEmbedded in the electronic circuit component having a storage means for storing a control program related to the game, and embedded in the electronic circuit component package and inseparably provided with the electronic circuit component,The control boards can be individually identifiedWhen we hold identification informationBoth control boardsIdentification information holding means for outputting the identification information in response to a request signal from outsideAn identification information management system including an identification information management device for managing the identification information, and a portable inspection device used for inspection of the control board at a loading destination of the gaming machine. The identification information management device includes an identification information input means for inputting the identification information read by the reading device from the identification information holding means of the gaming machine in a process from manufacture to unloading of the gaming machine, and the game A management number input means for inputting a management number unique to each gaming machine displayed in a place other than the control board of the machine and given in advance to the gaming machine; a management number input from the management number input means; Management device-side storage means for storing management data associated with identification information read from the holding means of the gaming machine with the management number and input from the identification information input means; and the management device And output means for storing the management data stored in the side storage means in order to be stored in the portable inspection apparatus, and the portable inspection apparatus stores the management data output from the output means Whether the identification information read by the inspection apparatus side storage means, the identification information reading means for reading the identification information from the holding means of the gaming machine in a non-contact manner, and the identification information read by the identification information reading means is stored in the inspection apparatus side storage means Identification information determination means for determining whether or not the identification information determination means determines that the identification information is stored, and stores the identification information in association with the identification information in the inspection device-side storage means While displaying information that can identify the management number, on the basis of the fact that it is determined that the identification information is not stored by the identification information determination means, a display means for displaying that fact,It is what has.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 as an example of the gaming machine of the present invention. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a card unit 35 adjacent thereto. The card availability display lamp 47 provided in the card unit 35 is for informing the player by lighting or blinking whether or not the card unit 35 is usable. This card unit 35 is installed in a state of being inserted between the pachinko machines 1 installed on a plurality of gaming machine installation islands, and it indicates which of the left and right pachinko machines 1 is connected to the connected platform direction display. Displayed by the instrument 49.
[0020]
When the player inserts a common card (prepaid card) on which the card balance is recorded from the card insertion slot 50, the card balance recorded on the common card is read. Then, when the player performs a ball lending operation, a predetermined lending unit amount is reduced from the card balance, and a pachinko ball corresponding to the lending unit amount is lent out in the upper plate 87 of the pachinko machine 1. Supplied.
[0021]
The card unit 35 is provided with an information display switch 48. By pressing this information display switch 48, information such as a card balance and an error code when an error occurs is provided in the pachinko machine 1. It can be displayed on an information display (not shown). The card unit lock 51 is a lock for locking the front surface of the card unit 35. By inserting a predetermined key into the card unit lock 51 and performing an unlocking operation, the front side of the card unit 35 can be opened.
[0022]
The game board 3 of the pachinko machine 1 is formed as a game surface, and various parts are arranged on the surface thereof. A central portion of the game board 3 is a circular game area partitioned by a partition rail 2 made of a strip-shaped sheet metal material. A variable display unit 4 is provided at the center of the game area, and a display screen of the image display device 5 is arranged at the center of the variable display unit 4. As the image display device 5, a CRT, a liquid crystal display, or the like can be used. On the display screen of the image display device 5, information related to the game such as a slot machine-like special symbol that can be changed and stopped, other moving images, and still images is displayed. A starting port 9 is disposed at the lower part of the image display device 5. The probability that a ball enters the starting port 9 can be changed by fine adjustment of a plurality of winning adjustment nails just above the starting port 9. The pachinko ball that has entered the start port 9 is detected by a start detector (not shown).
[0023]
When the start detector detects a winning pachinko ball, it pays out a predetermined number of pachinko balls as premium balls. Simultaneously with the payout, the image display device 5 displays a moving image as if the symbol display (special symbol) of the slot machine-like rotating body is rotating. If the rotation of the rotating body stops and the special symbol matches a specific combination, a big hit will be made. Here, the “big hit” means that the display on the image display device 5 matches a predetermined combination, and the open / close plate 61 of the variable winning ball device 10 is opened to become a big winning opening, and the number of winning from the big winning opening is large. This means that a pachinko ball can enter, that is, a big hit state.
[0024]
When the opening / closing plate 61 is opened, a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses, or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of pachinko balls enter from the big prize opening, either condition is satisfied. close. In the big hit state, the LED (light emitting diode) 62 blinks. The number display 63 displays the number of pachinko balls that have entered from the big prize opening.
[0025]
Warp inlets 21 are provided on both sides of the variable display portion 4. The probability that a ball enters the warp inlet 21 is changed by fine adjustment of a plurality of winning adjustment nails immediately above the warp inlet 21. The pachinko ball that has entered the warp inlet 21 comes out of the warp outlet 8 immediately above the starting port 9. For this reason, the pachinko ball that has come out of the warp outlet 8 is relatively easy to win the start opening 9.
[0026]
A normal symbol starting gate 23 is provided at the warp inlet 21 provided on the left side of the variable display portion 4. The pachinko ball that has entered the normal symbol start gate 23 is detected by the passing ball detector 23a, and the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 17 changes accordingly. When a normal symbol matches a specific symbol, it is a hit. Here, “winning” means that the symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 17 is a predetermined symbol, the movable piece 20 of the starting port 9 is opened, and the probability that the pachinko ball enters the starting port 9 as a winning ball. Says the state of becoming high.
[0027]
A start memory display 6 is provided below the image display device 5. The start memory display 6 is for displaying the number of pachinko balls that have won the start opening 9 and have not yet started the variable display of the image display device 5. The start memory display 6 can display up to four start memory numbers. Furthermore, a passing memory display 18 is provided on both sides of the normal symbol display 17. The passing memory display 18 is for storing and displaying the number of pachinko balls that have passed through the normal symbol start gate 23 and have not yet started the symbol variation of the normal symbol display 17. The passage memory display 18 can store and display up to four symbol fluctuation numbers.
[0028]
In the game area, fixed winning ports 7, 11, 15 are also provided. The side lamp 22 is a decorative lamp that blinks when a pachinko ball enters the fixed winning openings 7, 11, 15 or the starting opening 9 and wins a prize. The windmill 19 rotates when the pachinko ball collides with it, and changes the fall speed and fall direction of the pachinko ball. The out port 16 is where a pachinko ball that has not entered any winning port or start port 9 is discharged from the game area as an out ball.
[0029]
A handle 82 is rotatably provided at the lower part of the pachinko machine 1. By rotating the handle 82, the pachinko balls can be electrically driven toward the game area. The upper plate 87 is a container for storing a large number of balls to be launched by operating the handle 82. The upper plate 87 is configured to receive a prize ball to be paid out when winning.
[0030]
When the upper plate 87 is filled with pachinko balls, the prize ball is automatically paid out to the lower plate 86 arranged at the lower part of the upper plate 87. Further, the pachinko ball of the upper plate 87 can be moved to the lower plate 86 by moving the upper plate ball removal lever 84 laterally. In order to remove the pachinko balls from the lower plate 86, the lower plate ball removal lever 85 is moved laterally to drop the pachinko balls into a separately prepared container (not shown). The front frame lock 83 is for locking the door-shaped front frame on the front side of the pachinko machine 1. The open detection switch 266 is a switch for detecting the open / closed state of the front frame.
[0031]
The speaker 81 provided on the upper part of the pachinko machine 1 outputs a sound signal such as a sound effect, music, and voice message in stereo. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with decorative LEDs 262 and decorative fluorescent lamps 263, 264, and 265. These are lit or flashed in accordance with the gaming state of the pachinko machine 1 to notify the player of the occurrence or continuation of the big hit and to increase the gaming atmosphere. Further, a ball-out LED 260 for notifying that there is a shortage of prize balls and a payout LED 261 for notifying that a predetermined number of prize balls have been paid out based on the occurrence of prize balls are provided.
[0032]
FIG. 2 is a view of the pachinko machine 1 and the card unit 35 as seen from the back side. The pachinko machine 1 is mounted and fixed in the outer frame 52. A mechanism plate 53 is attached to the back side of the pachinko machine 1, and various devices, circuit boards, and the like are provided on the mechanism plate 53. The ball tank 54 is for storing pachinko balls and driving balls supplied from a pachinko ball supply device (not shown). The ball alignment rail 55, the curve rod 57, and the passage body 58 are for supplying the pachinko balls in the ball tank 54 to the prize ball payout device 59.
[0033]
The prize ball payout device 59 is for paying out pachinko balls as prize balls to the upper plate 87 in accordance with winning. Pachinko balls are supplied from the ball tank 54 to the prize ball payout device 59. A game control board 87a (see FIG. 3) for controlling the game operation of the pachinko machine 1 including the game board 3 is accommodated in the game control board box 87b. The winning ball processing device 72 includes a winning ball detecting switch 74 and a winning ball discharging solenoid 73, and processes the pachinko balls that have won from each winning port.
[0034]
Further, a relay board box 76 that houses the unit relay board 75, an electrical board box 64 that houses the electrical board 65, and a terminal board box 68 that houses the terminal board 67 are provided. The unit relay board 75 relays the wiring between the pachinko machine 1 and the card unit 35. In addition, the electrical decoration board 65 controls the operation of electrical decorative parts (decorative LEDs 262, decorative fluorescent lamps 263 to 265, etc.) provided on the front surface of the pachinko machine 1 based on commands or data from the game control board 87a. It is. The terminal board 67 supplies power to various electrical devices provided in the pachinko machine 1, relays signal lines inside the pachinko machine 1, and relays signal lines between the pachinko machine 1 and the outside.
[0035]
The prize ball board 69 controls the prize ball payout device 59 to control the payout of the prize ball, and is stored in the prize ball board box 77. The hitting unit 71 is for the player to launch a pachinko ball into the game area of the game board 3 by turning the handle 82 (see FIG. 1). To control the operation.
[0036]
A window opening 56 is opened at the center of the mechanism plate 53, and a winning ball collective cover body 66 attached to the back surface of the game board 3 passes through the window opening 56. The winning ball collective cover body 66 is provided with a relay board 78 and the image display device 5. Various electrical components on the game board 3 are connected to the relay board 78 and a game control board 87a described later is connected. An image display control board (not shown) is provided in the image display device 5. The image display device 5 displays various special symbols, characters, and other images on the display screen based on the image display control signal of the image display control board. The relay board 78, the game control board 87a, and the image display device 5 are connected to each other by a cable 90. Each cable 90 is detachably attached by a connector 88.
[0037]
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the game control board box 87b. The game control board box 87b includes a box body 110 that houses the game control board 87a, and a lid 91 that covers the game control board 87a. The lid 91 and the box body 110 are assembled and fixed to each other by attachment pieces 80 a to 80 c provided on the surface of the lid 91. The attachment pieces 80a to 80c leave a trace of opening when the lid 91 is opened, and have a function of preventing unauthorized opening of the lid 91 for the purpose of illegal replacement of the game control board 87a.
[0038]
A plurality of attachment pieces 80 a to 80 c are arranged in parallel on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the surface of the lid 91. The attachment pieces 80a to 80c are for irreversibly fixing the box main body 110 and the lid 91. The attachment pieces 80a to 80c are connected to and between the lids 91 by connecting parts 94a to 94c on the side surfaces, and are connected to the lid 91 by connecting parts 93a to 93c on the upper surface. . A slit-shaped groove is formed between the attachment pieces 80a to 80c, and the attachment pieces 80a to 80c can be separated from the lid 91 when the connecting portions 93a to 93c and 94a to 94c are cut. it can. Mounting holes 95a to 95c are provided on the top surfaces of the mounting piece portions 80a to 80c, respectively, and mounting holes 95d are provided on the top surface of the adjacent portion of the mounting piece portion 80c.
[0039]
Each of the connecting portions 93a to 93c and 94a to 94c is provided with engravings “1 to 3” for instructing an operator or the like on the opening order of the game control board box 87b. Specifically, the connecting portions 93a and 94a corresponding to the mounting piece 80a are marked with “1”, and the connecting portions 93b and 94b corresponding to the mounting piece 80b are marked with “2”. The connecting portions 93c and 94c corresponding to the mounting piece portion 80c are marked with “3”. When the game control board 87a needs to be repaired or exchanged, the worker cuts the connecting portions 93a to 93c and 94a to 94c according to these marks, and opens the lid 91 of the game control board box 87b.
[0040]
First, the box body 110 and the lid body 91 are fixed by a one-way screw 140 screwed into the mounting hole 95a. The one-way screw 140 is a special screw that rotates only in the screw tightening direction, and once tightened, the screw cannot be removed. Therefore, in order to open the lid 91, the connecting portions 93 a and 94 a must be cut to separate the attachment piece 80 a from the lid 91. The attachment piece 80a remains fixed to the box body 110 as it is. Next, in order to fix the lid 91, the one-way screw 140 housed in the box body 110 is taken out and screwed into the mounting hole 95b of the mounting piece 80b. Thus, the lid body 91 can be opened up to three times, and finally the lid body 91 is fixed using the mounting hole 95d.
[0041]
On the upper surface of the lid 91, a model name seal 97b and an inspection history seal 98b which indicate the model name of the pachinko machine 1 are attached. The inspection history seal 98b is provided with an “inspector” field and an “inspection date” field to be written when the game control board 87a is inspected, repaired, or exchanged. If the lid 91 is opened, fill in each item. With such a configuration, the lid body 91 cannot be easily opened, and even if the lid body 91 is forcibly opened, the trace can be identified at a glance.
[0042]
In order to prevent unauthorized opening of the lid body 91, sealing seals 104 and 105 printed with holograms are stuck and sealed between the lid body 91 and the box body 110. When the seal seals 104 and 105 are peeled off, the hologram remains partially on the lid 91 and the box body 110 so that it can be seen at a glance. However, even with these unauthorized opening prevention means, if the entire box body 110 is completely exchanged illegally, it cannot be determined. In order to solve such problems, in the present invention, an ID transmitter 235 that stores and transmits identification information in an electronic circuit component mounted on the game control board 87a is inseparably installed.
[0043]
A game control microcomputer 200 is mounted on the game control board 87a housed in the game control board box 87b. The game control microcomputer 200 is an electronic circuit component that includes a CPU, a ROM (game control ROM) storing a game control program, and a RAM on one chip, and plays a central role in the function of the game control board 87a. The game control board 87a controls game operations of game devices such as the variable display unit 4 and the variable winning ball device 10. For example, the game control board 87a is connected to the image display control board in the image display device 5 by a cable, and transmits a signal for designating an image to be displayed on the display screen to the image display control board. The game control board 87 a is a rectangular printed wiring board fixed to the box body 110 by a fixing screw 139, and a plurality of connectors 88 are mounted on one side exposed from the lid 91.
[0044]
4 is a cross-sectional view of the game control board box 87b as viewed from the right in FIG. The lid 91 of the game control board box 87b is provided with a recess 92, and the game control microcomputer 200 is provided on the game control board 87a at a position corresponding to the recess 92. An antenna portion of an ID reading / writing device 300 (see FIG. 9), which will be described later, is disposed in the concave portion 92 to read identification information of an ID transmitter 235 that is inseparably provided in the game control microcomputer 200, or ID Identification information can be written to the transmitter 235. Identification information can be read and written by radio waves without contact. Since the lid 91 is provided with the recess 92, the distance between the antenna section of the ID reader / writer 300 and the ID transmitter 235 can be shortened, and the identification information can be reliably read and written.
[0045]
As will be described later, the game control microcomputer 200 is provided with an ID transmitter 235 that is inseparably integrated with the game control microcomputer 200. The ID transmitter 235 includes an IC chip of the same type as an IC chip that is embedded and used in a non-contact type IC card and an antenna unit. The memory (flash memory) in the ID transmitter 235 can store identification information (ID code) that is different for each pachinko machine 1 and can identify each pachinko machine 1. The identification information is stored by causing the ID reading / writing device 300 to approach the ID transmitter 235 and sending an identification information write request signal. The ID transmitter 235 transmits identification information stored therein in response to a transmission request from the ID reading / writing device 300 or the ID inspection device 300a (see FIG. 24). By confirming this identification information, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the game control board 87a has been tampered with or replaced.
[0046]
Since the game control microcomputer 200 is provided with a CPU together with the game control ROM, unauthorized modification of the game control board 87a becomes extremely difficult without replacing the game control microcomputer 200, and security against unauthorized modification is provided. Can be improved. Further, even if the game control microcomputer 200 is illegally exchanged, the identification information is lost or inconsistent, so that the illegal exchange can be easily determined, and damage due to these illegal acts can be prevented. it can.
[0047]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the game control microcomputer 200 that is integrally provided with the ID transmitter 235. The game control microcomputer 200 is obtained by integrally molding and fixing an IC chip 202 and a plurality of IC leads 203 with a synthetic resin package 201. When the package 201 is molded, the ID transmitter 235 is disposed at a position where it does not come into contact with the IC chip 202 and the IC lead 203, and the ID transmitter 235 is molded and fixed so as to be integral with the game control microcomputer 200. . The ID transmitter 235 is not electrically connected to the IC chip 202 and the IC lead 203, and the ID transmitter 235 does not affect the operation of the game control microcomputer 200. Therefore, it can be used as it is without changing the specification of the circuit part of the conventional game control microcomputer.
[0048]
In this way, by providing the ID transmitter 235 inseparably with the game control microcomputer 200, even if the game control microcomputer 200 is illegally replaced, it is easy to find illegal modifications due to missing or inconsistent identification information. can do. In addition, it becomes extremely difficult to separate the ID transmitter 235 from the game control microcomputer 200, and even if the ID transmitter 235 is forcibly taken out, the ID transmitter 235 is destroyed, and the legitimate identification information becomes illegally modified. It can be prevented from crossing. Furthermore, if a transparent or translucent light-transmitting synthetic resin is used as the synthetic resin forming the package 201, the presence or absence of the ID transmitter 235 in the game control microcomputer 200 can be confirmed by visual observation or the like. Security is improved.
[0049]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another method for providing the ID transmitter 235. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the game control microcomputer 200 as viewed from the side. In this method, a recess 204 is provided at a predetermined position of the package 201 of the game control microcomputer 200. The position of the recess 204 is set so as not to interfere with the IC chip 202 and the IC lead 203. An ID transmitter 235 is disposed inside the concave portion 204, and the ID transmitter 235 is inseparably fixed to the game control microcomputer 200 by a synthetic resin 205. In addition to sealing the ID transmitter 235 in the recess with synthetic resin, the ID transmitter 235 is placed in the recess and then sealed with a seal sticker on the recess, or a lid is provided on the upper portion of the recess. It may be bonded and sealed.
[0050]
According to this method, the ID transmitter 235 is not integrally formed in the package 201 in the manufacturing process of the game control microcomputer 200, but after the game control microcomputer 200 is manufactured, the ID transmitter 235 is connected to the game control microcomputer 200. And can be fixed integrally. Even in this method, the ID transmitter 235 becomes inseparable from the game control microcomputer 200, and even if the game control microcomputer 200 is illegally exchanged, illegal modification can be easily found due to missing or inconsistent identification information. It is also extremely difficult to separate the ID transmitter 235 from the game control microcomputer 200.
[0051]
In addition, the ID transmitter 235 can be provided in a separate process after the manufacture of the game control microcomputer, increasing the degree of freedom of the manufacturing process and improving the safety against theft of the game control microcomputer. That is, if the ID transmitter 235 is integrated within the gaming machine manufacturer, the possibility that the game control microcomputer 200 integrated with the ID transmitter 235 is stolen can be reduced. Furthermore, if a transparent or translucent light-transmitting synthetic resin 205 is used as the synthetic resin 205 for sealing the ID transmitter 235, the presence or absence of the ID transmitter 235 can be confirmed by the naked eye or the like. improves. In this case, the material of the package 201 does not need to be a light-transmitting synthetic resin, and a normal material can be used.
[0052]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the ID transmitter 235. The ID transmitter 235 is configured by fixing an electronic circuit portion 237, a connecting portion 238, and an antenna portion 406 to an insulating base 236 made of a synthetic resin material or the like. The electronic circuit unit 237 is an electronic circuit composed of an IC chip or the like, the antenna unit 406 is for communicating with the ID reading / writing device 300 or the ID inspection device 300a, and the connection unit 238 is an electronic circuit unit 237 and an antenna. This is for electrically connecting the unit 406. As shown in FIG. 7, the antenna unit 406 is disposed so as to surround the electronic circuit unit 237. For this reason, the electronic circuit part 237 is protected by the antenna part 406, and destruction of the electronic circuit part 237 due to a mechanical external force can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to prevent the ID transmitter 235 from being damaged at the time of transport or at the time of the integration process with the game control microcomputer 200.
[0053]
The ID transmitter 235 has the base 236. However, when the ID transmitter 235 is integrally formed in the package 201 of the game control microcomputer 200 as shown in FIG. 5, or the game control microcomputer 200 of FIG. The substrate 236 is not always necessary when encapsulated in the recess 204 of the package 201. The ID transmitter 235 may be in a state of being affixed to a temporarily fixed film or the like so as to keep the arrangement of each part.
[0054]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the ID transmitter 235. The electronic circuit unit 237 of the ID transmitter 235 is configured by an IC chip of the same type as that used by being embedded in a non-contact type IC card. A one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) 400 is an IC in which a CPU 401, a flash memory 402, a RAM 403, and the like are mounted in one chip. Identification information is stored in the nonvolatile flash memory 402, and the identification information is retained even when there is no power. Identification information is unique (no two identical information) private information with a predetermined bit length. An identification information database is created and managed by pachinko halls, pachinko machine manufacturers, third party information management organizations, etc. It is preferable.
[0055]
A RAM 403 is a working memory for the CPU 401. The communication circuit 405 and the antenna unit 406 receive the identification information transmission request signal and the identification information write request signal transmitted from the ID reader / writer 300, and transmit the identification information stored in the flash memory 402. Is. The carrier wave component transmitted together with the identification information transmission request signal or the identification information write request signal from the ID reader / writer 300 is received by the communication circuit 405 and sent to the power supply circuit 404. The power supply circuit 404 rectifies this carrier wave component to obtain a DC voltage. Then, this DC voltage is supplied to the microcomputer 400 and the communication circuit 405 as a DC power source. Therefore, the ID transmitter 235 can transmit and write identification information whenever necessary without using a battery or an external power source. Thereby, the ID transmitter 235 can read and write the identification information in a non-contact manner without requiring a special battery or an external power source. Therefore, the identification information writing operation, registration operation, and inspection operation can be easily performed.
[0056]
When receiving the identification information write request signal, the ID transmitter 235 writes the identification information included in the identification information write request signal into the flash memory 402. At this time, if the identification information is already stored in the flash memory 402, the identification information is rewritten with new identification information. When receiving the identification information transmission request signal, the ID transmitter 235 transmits the identification information stored in the flash memory 402. Thus, since the identification information of the ID transmitter 235 can be rewritten, the gaming machine manufacturer can give the identification information to the ID transmitter 235 in the production line or the like, and the identification information is known to an external third party. It is possible to improve the security against unauthorized modification and the like.
[0057]
Note that the entire electronic circuit unit 237 including the microcomputer 400, the power supply circuit 404, and the communication circuit 405 is preferably configured as a one-chip IC. However, the microcomputer 400, the power supply circuit 404, and the communication circuit 405 may be provided as separate chips.
[0058]
A gaming machine inspection system for inspecting a gaming machine of the present invention includes an identification information management device and a gaming machine inspection device as constituent elements. FIG. 9 is a front view of an ID reading / writing device 300 that is a component of the identification information management device, and FIG. 10 is a side view of the ID reading / writing device 300. In the manufacturing process of the pachinko machine 1 in the production factory, the ID reading / writing device 300 connected to a computer or the like writes the identification information to the ID transmitter 235 provided in the game control microcomputer 200 or the ID transmitter 235 is identified. Can read information. The ID reading / writing device 300 alone can also read and display the identification information.
[0059]
A data transmission / reception unit 302 that transmits an identification information write request signal and an identification information transmission request signal and receives identification information is provided at the tip of the main body 301 of the ID reader / writer 300. The rear end portion of the main body 301 is shaped so that it can be grasped by hand. The ID reading / writing device 300 is small and light enough to be carried by an operator with one hand, and is excellent in portability.
[0060]
The display LED 304 displays whether the data transmission / reception unit 302 has successfully transmitted / received data such as identification information. On the display panel 303, katakana, English letters, and numerals can be displayed in 10 characters × 2 lines. The identification information is confirmed by the character information displayed on the display panel 303, or the work content is selected from the menu. The display panel 303 also displays the remaining battery capacity.
[0061]
The power key 305 is for turning on / off the power of the ID reading / writing device 300. A down key 307 and an up key 308 are used to move a cursor displayed on the display panel 303 and to switch a menu display page. A cancel key 309 is used to interrupt the process or return to the menu hierarchy. A determination key 306 is used to execute a process or determine a menu. If the determination key 306 is pressed simultaneously when the power key 305 is pressed, a setting menu for setting various parameters of the ID reading / writing device 300 is displayed and activated, and when the power key 305 is pressed alone, it will be described later. Start in PC read / write mode or read display mode.
[0062]
A battery cover 310 is detachably provided on the back side of the main body 301. When the battery cover 310 is removed, a dry battery, a rechargeable battery, or the like can be replaced. Further, a buzzer hole (not shown) for outputting a buzzer sound to the outside and an infrared communication window (not shown) for infrared communication are provided on the side surface opposite to FIG. On the lower surface of the main body 301, a connector 311 for connecting to an external device from a serial input / output circuit 325 (see FIG. 11) is provided.
[0063]
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the ID reading / writing device 300. In the ID reader / writer 300, a CPU 320 is provided as information processing means. The CPU 320 can access various memories such as the flash memory 330 and the SRAM 340 via the bus 321 and can access other input / output circuits and the like. The flash memory 330 is a non-volatile ROM, but can electrically rewrite the stored contents in units of blocks.
[0064]
The flash memory 330 stores a basic program and data such as an initialization program executed by the CPU 320 when the power is turned on and BIOS. Since these programs and data are stored in the non-volatile flash memory 330, they are stored even when the power is turned off, and even when the main battery 350 and the backup battery 351 are exhausted. Further, the stored contents can be electrically rewritten if the program and data in the flash memory 330 need to be changed.
[0065]
The SRAM 340 is a rewritable static RAM, but the stored contents are backed up by the main battery 350 and the backup battery 351. That is, even if the ID reading / writing device 300 is turned off, the stored contents of the SRAM 340 are retained, and the SRAM 340 is a nonvolatile memory. Various programs to be described later are stored in the SRAM 340, and a password storage area for storing a password for confirming the operation qualification of the operator is also provided. In addition, a working memory area for the CPU 320 is also provided in the SRAM 340.
[0066]
However, when the main body 301 is disassembled in order to prevent unauthorized actions such as disassembling the ID reading / writing device 300 and performing internal analysis, the backup power supply circuit by the main battery 350 and the backup battery 351 is disconnected. Then, the supply of backup power is cut off, and all programs and data in the SRAM 340 are erased. For this reason, the ID reading / writing device 300 can be disassembled, the program and data can be analyzed, and illegal acts such as illegally obtaining identification information can be prevented.
[0067]
The communication circuit 322 and the antenna 323 transmit an identification information transmission request signal for requesting transmission of identification information to the ID transmitter 235, or transmit an identification information write request signal for requesting writing of identification information. , For receiving the identification information transmitted from the ID transmitter 235. The antenna 323 is disposed inside the data transmission / reception unit 302 of the ID reading / writing device 300. The communicable distance between the ID reader / writer 300 and the ID transmitter 235 is several centimeters, and the identification information can be read and written without contact. The infrared communication circuit 324 is for exchanging information with an external device such as a general-purpose personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer) using infrared rays.
[0068]
The serial input / output circuit 325 is for exchanging information with an external device such as a personal computer using a serial signal. The serial input / output circuit 325 is a standard communication circuit such as RS232C, for example, and is connected from the connector 311 to a personal computer or the like via a cable. Through this serial input / output circuit 325, an identification information read command is received from the personal computer, the identification information is read from the ID transmitter 235 in accordance with the command, and the read identification information is transmitted to the personal computer side. Further, it receives an identification information write command from the personal computer via the serial input / output circuit 325, sends an identification information write request signal to the ID transmitter 235, and writes the identification information.
[0069]
The display panel 303 and the display LED 304 are as described above. The input key 326 includes the power key 305, the enter key 306, the down direction key 307, the up direction key 308, and the cancel key 309 described above. The calendar clock 327 is a clock that holds the current date (year / month / day) and time in real time, and is backed up by the main battery 350 and the backup battery 351 even when the ID reader / writer 300 is turned off. ing. The buzzer 328 is used to transmit a sound message to an operator who operates the ID reading / writing device 300.
[0070]
The main battery 350 is a battery for supplying power, such as an alkaline battery, and supplies power supply voltage to all the circuits of the ID reading / writing device 300. The backup battery 351 is used to back up the SRAM 340 and the calendar clock 327 so that the stored contents are not lost when the main battery 350 is replaced. As the backup battery 351, a button-type lithium battery or the like can be used.
[0071]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the program contents stored in the SRAM 340 of the ID reading / writing device 300. The activation program 361 is a program for performing activation processing when the power key 305 is pressed and the power is turned on. If the enter key 306 is pressed at the start-up, the setting mode is displayed in which the setting menu (see FIG. 16) is displayed on the display panel 303. If the enter key 306 is not pressed, the identification information of the ID transmitter 235 is read or A personal computer reading / writing mode or a reading display mode for writing data is entered.
[0072]
When the power key 305 alone is activated without pressing the enter key 306, if a signal of a specific signal line of the serial input / output circuit 325 (for example, ER signal of RS232C) is on at the time of activation, an external device such as a personal computer Since it is connected, it shifts to the personal computer read / write mode, and if the signal is off, the ID read / write device 300 shifts to the read / display mode for reading and displaying the identification information independently.
[0073]
The communication program 362 is for controlling the communication circuit 322 to perform communication according to a predetermined protocol. The communication program 362 transmits an identification information write request signal and an identification information transmission request signal to the ID transmitter 235, and further receives and decodes the identification information transmission signal from the ID transmitter 235 to obtain identification information. . The external communication control program 363 receives an identification information write command and an identification information read command from an external device such as a personal computer connected to the serial input / output circuit 325, and controls the communication circuit 322 according to the command to the ID transmitter 235. This is for writing the identification information, reading the identification information from the ID transmitter 235, and transmitting the read identification information to the personal computer side.
[0074]
The identification information reading / display program 364 is a program for reading the identification information of the ID transmitter 235 and displaying the identification information on the display panel 303. The setting program 365 displays a setting menu (see FIG. 16) on the display panel 303, branches to a process selected by the operator from the setting menu, and sets various parameters of the ID reading / writing device 300. It is a program for.
[0075]
The other processing program 366 includes display control of the display panel 303, lighting control of the display LED 304, sound generation control of the buzzer 328, control of the infrared communication circuit 324, battery remaining amount display, power shutdown at low battery, program self A program for diagnosis and the like is included. Since these programs are stored in the SRAM 340 backed up by the main battery 350 and the backup battery 351, the stored contents are not lost even when the power is turned off.
[0076]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display on the display panel 303 in the personal computer reading / writing mode. When the power key 305 is pressed alone to turn on the power, the initial screen (1a) is displayed first. The initial screen displays “SENYO” and the current time (month / day, hour: minute) set in the calendar clock 327. The battery remaining amount display 352 displays the remaining capacity of the main battery 350. When the battery is full, all three blocks in the battery remaining amount display 352 are turned on, and the blocks disappear one by one as the output voltage of the main battery 350 decreases.
[0077]
If a specific signal (for example, ER signal of RS232C) of the serial input / output circuit 325 is on after a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) from the start of the display of the initial screen of (1a), the personal computer reading book of (1b) Switches to the display of the recording mode. The personal computer read / write mode is a mode in which the ID read / write device 300 is activated in a state where an external device such as a personal computer is connected to the connector 311 of the ID read / write device 300 (ER signal is on). In this personal computer reading / writing mode, power may be supplied from the outside.
[0078]
In the personal computer read / write mode, when an ID information write command is sent from an external device such as a personal computer, the ID read / write device 300 is brought close to the ID transmitter 235 and the determination key 306 is pressed, the ID read / write device 300 An identification information write request signal is sent to the ID transmitter 235 to write desired identification information. In addition, by sending an identification information reading command from an external device such as a personal computer, the ID reading / writing device 300 is automatically ready to read the identification information of the ID transmitter 235, and the identification read by pressing the enter key 306. Information is automatically sent to an external device such as a personal computer.
[0079]
That is, in this personal computer read / write mode, the ID read / write device 300 functions as an input / output device for identification information for a personal computer or the like. From the personal computer or the like, display data to the display panel 303 is sent out following the identification information write command and the identification information read command. This display data is displayed as a message in the portion of “XXX...” In the two rows of (1b).
[0080]
In the case of the identification information reading command, on this display screen, the data transmitting / receiving unit 302 of the ID reading / writing device 300 is brought close to the ID transmitter 235 attached to the game control board box 87b or the like of the pachinko machine 1, and the decision key 306 is pressed. When pressed, the identification information is read from the ID transmitter 235. The read identification information is sent to a personal computer or the like, but if a communication error occurs, retransmission processing is performed up to three times. If a communication error still occurs after three retransmissions, the screen of (1c) is displayed and the identification information reading operation is interrupted. From the state of the screen of (1c), the ER signal is turned off from the personal computer side for a predetermined time (1 second) or more and then turned on again to return to the command waiting state of (1b).
[0081]
In the personal computer read / write mode, the personal identification number stored in the SRAM 340 of the ID read / write device 300 can be sent to the personal computer side in response to a command from the personal computer side. This is for allowing the operator to input a personal identification number on the personal computer side and determining whether the operator is qualified to perform the work. In this way, identification information can be written to the ID transmitter 235 by the ID reading / writing device 300 connected to an external device such as a personal computer, and the identification information can be easily input to the external device such as a personal computer. it can. By registering the identification information in the database together with the manufacturing number of the pachinko machine, a database for determining unauthorized modification of the pachinko machine can be easily constructed.
[0082]
14 and 15 show displays on the display panel 303 in the reading display mode. When the power key 305 is pressed alone to turn on the power, the initial screen (2a) is displayed first. If a specific signal (for example, the ER signal of RS232C) of the serial input / output circuit 325 is OFF after a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) from the start of the display of the initial screen, the mode shifts to the reading display mode, and (2b) Switch to the password input screen. The reading display mode is a mode when the ID reading / writing device 300 is activated independently without being connected to a personal computer or the like.
[0083]
(2b) is a password input screen. In order to perform an operation that requires safety, such as the reading display mode, in the ID reading / writing device 300, it is necessary to input a personal identification number. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an illegal act or the like in which an outsider illegally acquires identification information. The cursor 354 is initially located at the first digit position from the left of the password, and the first digit number can be increased or decreased by operating the up key 308 and the down key 307. When the enter key 306 is pressed, the first digit is determined, the first digit is changed to “*”, and the cursor moves to the second digit. (2c) is a screen in which the third digit of the password is determined in this way and the fourth digit is being entered. When the cancel key 309 is pressed while the password is being input, the currently input digit returns to “0”, and the cursor 354 moves to the left one digit. When the cancel key 309 is pressed at the first digit, the power is turned off.
[0084]
If all the four digits of the code number are input and match the code number set in the ID reading / writing device 300, the state shifts to a state where the identification information can be read as shown in FIG. If the personal identification number does not match the personal identification number set in the ID reader / writer 300 even if the personal identification number is entered, the power is turned off. When the data transmission / reception unit 302 of the ID reader / writer 300 is brought close to the ID transmitter 235 of the pachinko machine 1 and the determination key 306 is pressed in the state of the screen display of (2d), the identification information is read from the ID transmitter 235. . During reading, (2e) is displayed.
[0085]
If the identification information is normally read, the buzzer 328 sounds briefly once and the screen moves to the screen (2f). The identification information is displayed in the “NNN...” Portion of the lower line of the display panel 303. . By pressing the enter key 306 from this screen, the identification information of other pachinko machines can be read continuously. When the cancel key 309 is pressed, the screen returns to (2d). If the reading of the identification information from the screen (2e) ends abnormally, the buzzer 328 sounds three times and the screen shifts to the screen (2g). Here, when the determination key (R / W key) 306 is pressed again, the identification information reading operation from the ID transmitter 235 is performed again. When the cancel key 309 is pressed, the screen returns to (2d).
[0086]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a setting menu displayed on the display panel 303. This setting menu is displayed when the power key 305 and the enter key 306 are pressed simultaneously to turn on the power. First, as shown in (3a), the “Setting menu” is displayed. When the display of (3a) is displayed for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds), the display is switched to the display of (3b).
[0087]
(3b) to (3d) are setting menus for selecting setting contents of the ID reading / writing device 300. On the screen of (3b), “1. TOY SET” and “2.RS232C” are displayed, but the display page can be switched by operating the down key 307 and the up key 308. The up / down display 353 is a display indicating that the up / down direction keys 308 and 307 are valid. The cursor 354 can be moved up and down by the up and down direction keys 308 and 307, a desired setting content is selected by the cursor 354, and the determination key 306 is pressed to determine.
[0088]
(3b) When the cursor 354 is moved to “2” on the screen and the down key 307 is further pressed, the display page is switched as shown in (3c). When the display page is further switched, (3d) is obtained. In the setting menus (3b) to (3d), “1. Setting” is for setting the time of the calendar clock 327, and “2.RS232C” is a communication parameter (communication of the serial input / output circuit 325). Baud rate, number of character bits, presence / absence of parity, stop bit length, etc.) “3. Kiki Setup” is used to set the presence / absence of sound generated when a key is pressed and the volume of buzzer sound. “4. Unshow No” is for performing an operation of changing the personal identification number necessary for the operation of the ID reading / writing apparatus 300.
[0089]
When “4. Unshow No” in (3c) is selected, the personal identification number required for the operation of the ID reading / writing device 300 can be changed. First, an input of an old password is required, and then a new password is entered twice for confirmation to change the password. If “5. END” is selected, the power of the ID reading / writing device 300 is turned off.
[0090]
As described above, the identification information of the pachinko machine 1 can be easily read and displayed simply by operating according to the menu or guidance displayed on the display panel 303 of the ID reading / writing device 300. Further, it can be used as an identification information writing device or reading input device by connecting to an external device such as a personal computer.
[0091]
Next, an identification information management device that connects to the ID reading / writing device 300 to input and output identification information and creates gaming machine information management data for managing the identification information of the gaming machine will be described. The identification information management device in the gaming machine inspection system includes a personal computer 100 and an ID reading / writing device 300 connected thereto. FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the personal computer 100. The personal computer 100 is obtained by installing a program recorded on a recording medium for functioning as an identification information management device in a normal computer. As the recording medium, an FD, a CD-ROM, or the like can be used.
[0092]
In the personal computer 100, a CPU 101 as information processing means is provided. The CPU 101 can access various memories such as the ROM 103 and the RAM 120 via the bus 102 and can access other input / output circuits.
[0093]
The CPU 101 operates in accordance with a system program and data such as BIOS stored in the ROM 103 and the program and data loaded in the RAM 120. As programs loaded in the RAM 120 in this way, the OS (operating system) that is a basic program, the identification information registration program 121 that is an application program, the reading control program 122, the inspection information output program 123, and the display means 106 are included. For example, there are display control programs for displaying characters and figures.
[0094]
Here, the identification information registration program 121 reads the identification information of the ID transmitter 235 provided in the game control microcomputer 200 of each game control board via the ID reading / writing device 300 connected to the personal computer 100, This is a program for registering identification information corresponding to the delivery number of the machine and the management number set in each game control board. The management number is a number assigned to each game control board such as a production number when the game control board is manufactured, and is attached and displayed on each game control board by engraving or sticking. The management number is also displayed on the gaming machine to which the game control board is attached. In order to specify only one game control board by this management number, a serial number without duplication is assigned as the management number.
[0095]
The reading control program 122 is called from the identification information registration program 121, and is a program for transmitting an identification information reading command to the ID reading / writing device 300 and reading the identification information of the game control board. The inspection information output program 123 is a program for outputting a part or all of the gaming machine information management data 131 registered with the identification information read by the ID reader / writer 300 as inspection information to a recording medium or a communication line.
[0096]
Further, a fixed disk device 130 as an auxiliary storage device is connected to the CPU 101 via the bus 102. The fixed disk device 130 stores an OS program to be executed by the CPU 101, various application programs, and the like, and appropriately loads these programs and the like from the fixed disk device 130 to the RAM 120. Further, gaming machine information management data 131 is stored in the fixed disk device 130. The gaming machine information management data 131 is data that is the basis of a database for managing identification information.
[0097]
Input / output devices are connected to the CPU 101 via the bus 102. As input / output devices, display means 106 for displaying characters and graphics, and input means 107 for an operator to input data are connected to the bus 102 via an interface circuit. A CRT, a liquid crystal display, or the like can be used as the display unit 106, and a keyboard, a mouse, or the like can be used as the input unit 107. A recording medium input / output device 108 is provided as input / output means for data input / output. This is an apparatus for reading and inputting data recorded on a recording medium and recording the created gaming machine information management data 131 as inspection information on a recording medium. The management number of the game control board is input from the recording medium input / output device 108.
[0098]
Recording media include magnetic disks such as flexible disks (FD), magneto-optical disks, and CD-RW (trade name), as well as ICs such as compact flash (trade name) and smart media (trade name). Recording media can be used. In particular, since the IC recording medium is small in size and the input / output device is also small, it can be directly read by the ID reading / writing device 300 or the ID inspection device 300a. Is preferred.
[0099]
The personal computer 100 is further provided with a serial interface circuit 109 for connecting the ID reading / writing device 300. The serial interface circuit 109 is for exchanging information with the ID reader / writer 300 by a serial signal. The serial interface circuit 109 is a standard communication circuit such as RS232C, for example, and is connected to the connector 311 of the ID reader / writer 300 by a cable. An identification information reading command is transmitted to the ID reading / writing device 300 via the serial interface circuit 109. The ID reading / writing device 300 reads the identification information from the ID transmitter 235 in the game control board box according to the command, and transmits the read identification information to the personal computer 100.
[0100]
The personal computer 100 is also provided with an infrared communication circuit 111. Information exchange between the personal computer 100 and the ID reader / writer 300 can be performed by the infrared communication circuit 111 instead of the serial interface circuit 109. According to the infrared communication circuit 111, information exchange can be performed without connecting the ID reading / writing device 300 to a position where infrared communication can be performed with the personal computer 100 without being connected by a cable.
[0101]
The personal computer 100 is further provided with a communication circuit 112. The personal computer 100 communicates with a server computer 150 of an information management unit (to be described later) via a communication line 152 by a communication circuit 112. As a result, the personal computer 100 can send the gaming machine information management data 131 to the server computer 150, or distribute the inspection information to the sales office or the delivery destination gaming store via the server computer 150.
[0102]
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a data structure of the gaming machine information management data 131 stored in the fixed disk device 130. The gaming machine information management data 131 is collected for each transaction with a delivery destination store, for example, and is given an instruction number. Each data group is designated and managed by an instruction number. For example, the data group of the instruction number “0001” is data of three game control boards delivered to “Parlor XX” of “Tokyo XX Ward”.
[0103]
The gaming machine information management data 131 is data composed of a plurality of fields. One piece of district data (location data of a delivery destination store) and store data (store name data of a delivery destination store) are associated with one instruction number data. Is recorded. A plurality of management number data corresponds to one instruction number, and constitutes a data group of a group of game control boards. As described above, the management number is a number that is set and assigned at the time of manufacturing each game control board, such as a manufacturing number, and is attached and displayed on each game control board by engraving, sealing, or the like.
[0104]
The machine number is a number for managing a gaming machine at a delivery destination game shop, and is information sent from the game shop. If the machine number is not sent from the delivery amusement shop (the machine number is not yet determined), the machine number is set to “0000”. The machine number is mostly a serial number, but numbers with numbers that tend to be disliked by players such as “4” and “9” may be skipped. In any case, the machine number designated by the delivery destination game store is entered in this field.
[0105]
The identification information reads and registers the identification information held in the ID transmitter 235 provided in the game control microcomputer 200 of the game control board, and is initially not input. Since the identification information is given by the manufacturer of the gaming machine on the production line or the like using the ID reading / writing device 300, the identification information is read and registered. The model name is model name data indicating the model of the gaming machine. The number of units indicates the number of units delivered for each model name. The board shipping date is the date of delivery of the game control board. The company code is data indicating the manufacturer of the game control board.
[0106]
As such gaming machine information management data 131, management number data and machine number data are input from the recording medium input / output device 108 to the personal computer 100, and identification information can be registered in the personal computer 100 and stored again in the recording medium. . Further, the input and output of the gaming machine information management data 131 can be performed not via a recording medium but via a communication line. Note that the gaming machine information management data 131 is an example, and necessary fields may be added as appropriate or unnecessary fields may be deleted. For example, the management number column may be omitted without using the management number data, or the unit number column may be omitted without using the unit number data.
[0107]
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an execution screen of the identification information registration program 121 in the personal computer 100. Since the identification information is given by the manufacturer of the gaming machine on the production line using the ID reading / writing device 300, the identification information is read and registered. When the identification information registration program 121 is started, an initial menu screen shown in FIG. Here, five buttons are displayed in the window, and a desired menu can be executed by clicking one of the buttons with the mouse as the input means 107 or pressing a function key of the keyboard.
[0108]
The menu of “F1: Management number data input” is for inputting management number data as the gaming machine information management data 131. The menu of “F2: Identification information registration” is for registering identification information in the gaming machine information management data 131. The menu of “F3: inspection information output” outputs a part or all of the gaming machine information management data 131 in which the identification information is registered to the recording medium as inspection information, or transmits the inspection information via the communication line 152. Is to do. When the menu of “F3: Inspection information output” is selected and executed, the inspection information output program 123 is called, and after the output destination is selected, the inspection information is output. In addition, the inspection information can be output after being encrypted.
[0109]
The menu of “F7: Environment setting” sets the drive name of the recording medium input / output device 108, sets the port number of the serial interface circuit 109, communication conditions, etc., and sets the communication conditions of the communication circuit 112, etc. It is for doing. The menu of “F11: End” is for ending the identification information registration program 121.
[0110]
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a management number data reading screen. In the screen shown in FIG. 19, the button displaying “F1: Management number data input” is clicked with the mouse or the F1 key is pressed to shift to the management number data reading screen. On this screen, three buttons are displayed in the window, and a desired menu can be executed by clicking one of the buttons with the mouse of the input means 107 or pressing a function key of the keyboard.
[0111]
The menu “F1: Read from FD” is for reading the management number data from the FD (flexible disk). The management number data is gaming machine information management data 131 for which identification information has not been input, and is created in advance by a production management computer or the like at a production factory for game control boards and recorded in the FD. By inserting the FD in which the management number data is recorded into the FD device of the recording medium input / output device 108 and selecting this menu, the data is read into the fixed disk device 130 of the personal computer 100 as the gaming machine information management data 131.
[0112]
The menu “F2: Read past data” is used to reread the management number data read from the FD previously. The management number data read from the FD is stored together with the date and time when it is read as backup data in a predetermined directory in the fixed disk device 130 at the same time as the read. By designating the date and time of reading, the desired past data can be read again. The menu “F12: Return to menu” is for returning to the initial menu screen shown in FIG.
[0113]
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an identification information registration screen. When the menu of “F2: Registration of identification information” is selected from the screen of FIG. By entering instruction number data in the instruction number input field at the upper left of the window and clicking the “F1: Search” button or pressing the F1 key, the gaming machine information management data 131 corresponding to the instruction number is displayed in the center of the window. Listed. Initially, identification information is not registered in the gaming machine information management data 131, and registration is performed by reading the identification information from this screen. On the right side of the instruction number input field, the contents of the district data and the contents of the store data are displayed.
[0114]
The display of “communication mode” in the upper right part of the window displays the operation mode on this screen. When the ID reading / writing device 300 is normally connected to the serial interface circuit 109 of the personal computer 100 and the ID reading / writing device 300 is powered on, the display of the operation mode is “communication mode” as shown in FIG. . In the communication mode, data can be transmitted to and received from the ID reading / writing device 300, and the identification information of the game control board can be read and registered via the ID reading / writing device 300.
[0115]
When the ID reading / writing device 300 is not normally connected to the serial interface circuit 109 of the personal computer 100 or when the ID reading / writing device 300 is turned off, the operation mode is displayed in the “reference mode”. In the reference mode, the identification information cannot be read and registered, but the management number data and past data read from the FD can be referenced, and the machine number can be read. In order to shift from the reference mode to the communication mode, once return to the initial menu screen of FIG. Should be selected.
[0116]
In the list display at the center of the window, the data of each field of the gaming machine information management data 131 including the management number is displayed. In addition, one management number in the list display can be selected, and the selected line can be moved by an arrow key of a mouse or a keyboard. In FIG. 21, the row with the management number “009981N” is selected. Here, when the identification information is read from the ID reading / writing device 300, the read data can be registered in the identification information of the selected row.
[0117]
When the identification information is read from the ID reading / writing device 300, the read data is displayed and registered in the identification information column, and the selected row is automatically set to the next row (here, the row of the management number “009982N”). Moving. Even when the registered identification information is corrected, the identification information may be read from the ID reading / writing device 300 by selecting the line to be corrected. The identification information is overwritten and corrected.
[0118]
The “F1: Search” button at the bottom of the window is for searching for and displaying a list of data of the instruction numbers input in the instruction number input field at the top left of the window. The “F2: Next instruction number” button is used to start input in the instruction number input field.
[0119]
The menu “F3: Read machine number” is for reading machine number data from the recording medium. The machine number data is data in which machine numbers sent from the game store to which the gaming machine is delivered are recorded in order. The machine number data recorded on the flexible disk or the IC recording medium can be read and input sequentially from the first line of the machine number column of the currently displayed gaming machine information management data 131. The machine number data may be input in advance into the gaming machine information management data 131 by a production control computer for the gaming control board.
[0120]
The “F8: Delete identification information” button is for deleting the identification information of the selected row. When the identification information is registered by mistake, only the identification information of the selected row can be deleted by clicking this button. The “F12: Registration end” button is used to end the identification information registration screen and return to the initial menu screen of FIG. In addition, instead of clicking these buttons with the mouse, the same operation is performed by pressing a function key displayed on the button.
[0121]
The gaming machine information management data 131 in which the identification information is registered on the screen of FIG. 21 is output to the server computer 150 via the communication line 152 by selecting “F3: Test information output” from the initial menu of FIG. Or can be stored in a recording medium. By inputting the gaming machine information management data 131 to the server computer 150 of the information management unit, a database for managing identification information can be constructed, and the identification information of gaming machines can be managed centrally. Note that the input and output of the gaming machine information management data 131 may be performed via the communication line 152 or via a recording medium.
[0122]
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a part of the gaming machine inspection system of the present invention. The identification information is given by using the ID reading / writing device 300 on a production line of a production factory for gaming machines. The personal computer 100 and the ID reading / writing device 300 as the identification information management device are placed in the production factory, read the identification information of the ID transmitter 235 provided in the game control microcomputer 200 on the game control board 87a, and a gaming machine. It can be registered in the information management data 131. The gaming machine information management data 131 in which the identification information is registered is transmitted to the server computer 150 of the information management unit via the communication line 152. This gaming machine information management data 131 is used as inspection information for inspecting identification information of gaming machines.
[0123]
A plurality of communication lines 152, 153, and 154 are connected to the server computer 150 via the communication device 151. As the communication line 152, a LAN communication line, a dedicated line, a public line, or the like can be used. As the communication lines 153, 154, a dedicated line, a public line, or the like can be used. The server computer 150 is connected to the personal computer 100 in the production factory via a communication line 152. In the server computer 150, a database for identification information management is constructed by the gaming machine information management data 131 sent from the personal computer 100 of the production factory. The information management unit is installed in the gaming machine manufacturer, and the gaming machine manufacturer manages the identification information.
[0124]
In addition, a sales computer 160 is placed at the sales office of the gaming machine manufacturer installed in each sales district, and the sales computer 160 is connected to the server computer 150 via a communication line 153. Further, a printer 161 is connected to the business computer 160. At each sales base, gaming machine information management data 131 corresponding to the gaming control board to be delivered to the gaming store is distributed from the server computer 150 to the sales computer 160 as inspection information and stored in the sales computer 160. The
[0125]
In the sales office, the inspection information is printed by the printer 161, the identification information of the gaming machine (game control board) sent from the production factory is read by the ID reading / writing device 300, and compared with the printed inspection information. Check whether there is any abnormality in the identification information. Thereafter, the game control board whose identification information has been confirmed is sent to the game store. In this way, the identification information of the game control board can be confirmed at the sales base of the distribution route, and illegal acts such as switching the game control board in the middle of the distribution route can be prevented.
[0126]
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a portion on the game store side of the gaming machine inspection system of the present invention. Each game store is provided with a hall computer 170 for managing game information and the like. The hall computer 170 is connected to the server computer 150 of the information management unit via a communication line 154. Inspection information corresponding to a game control board to be delivered at each game store is distributed from the server computer 150 to the hall computer 170 and stored in the hall computer 170.
[0127]
In the game store, necessary data in the inspection information is transferred from the hall computer 170 to the ID inspection device 300a via the infrared communication circuit or the serial interface circuit, and the identification information of the game machine (game control board) sent is sent. It is read by the ID inspection device 300a and checked against the inspection information to check whether there is any abnormality in the identification information. The ID inspection device 300a is a portable inspection device having substantially the same configuration as that of the ID reading / writing device 300, and only the ID inspection device 300a can be carried to inspect the identification number of the gaming machine. In this way, the identification information of the game control board can be confirmed at the delivery destination game store, and illegal acts such as switching the game control board in the middle of the distribution route can be prevented.
[0128]
The inspection information distributed from the server computer 150 to the hall computer 170 of each amusement store may include all the data fields of the gaming machine information management data 131 shown in FIG. It is preferable to distribute only the data columns of number, unit number, and identification information. Among the data of the management number, the unit number, and the identification information, the essential data is the identification information, and either one or both of the management number and the unit number can be omitted.
[0129]
Instead of connecting the hall computer 170 of each amusement store and the server computer 150 by the communication line 154, the inspection information may be distributed by the recording medium 155. The recording medium 155 can be a medium readable by the hall computer 170 (for example, FD) or a medium readable by the ID inspection apparatus 300a. In particular, it is preferable that the recording medium 155 is an IC recording medium and is attached to the ID inspection apparatus 300a so that the inspection information can be directly read.
[0130]
In this case, the gaming machine manufacturer manages the identification information by the information management department and the sales office. However, the information management department is installed in a third party and the third party base is used instead of the sales office. And the identification information may be managed by a third party. Further, although the personal computer 100 and the server computer 150 are separate computers, the functions of the information management unit may be incorporated in the personal computer 100 by using the same computer.
[0131]
In addition, at the sales office, the gaming machine information management data 131 is printed by the printer 161 so as to confirm the identification information. However, the identification is performed in the same manner as at the gaming shop using the ID inspection device 300a for the gaming shop. Information inspection may be performed. In this case, the inspection information is transmitted from the sales computer 160 to the ID inspection device 300a via the infrared communication circuit or the serial interface circuit, or stored, or stored in the ID inspection device 300a by the recording medium 155.
[0132]
Further, the inspection information transmitted from the personal computer 100 to the server computer 150 and the inspection information distributed from the server computer 150 to the sales computer 160, the hall computer 170, and the ID inspection device 300a by communication or sending a recording medium are encrypted. Preferably, the information is converted into information. By encrypting and distributing the inspection information, even if the information is obtained by a third party, the information cannot be decrypted and the identification information is not leaked to the third party. When the inspection information is encrypted and distributed, the server computer 150, the sales computer 160, the hall computer 170, and the ID inspection device 300a are provided with decryption means for decrypting the encrypted information.
[0133]
FIG. 24 is a side view of the ID inspection apparatus 300a. In each game store, the ID information of the gaming machine is inspected by the ID inspection device 300a. The ID inspection device 300a has almost the same configuration as the ID reading / writing device 300 shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, but includes an input / output slot 312 on the side surface. A recording medium 155 made of an IC recording medium can be mounted in the input / output slot 312. An input / output circuit for reading the recording medium 155 is provided inside the ID inspection apparatus 300a. The ID inspection device 300a can read inspection information from the attached recording medium 155 and store it in an internal memory.
[0134]
Further, in the ID inspection device 300a, the program stored in the SRAM 340 is different from that of the ID reading / writing device 300. The SRAM 340 is a rewritable static RAM, but the stored contents are backed up by the main battery 350 and the backup battery 351. That is, even if the ID inspection apparatus 300a is powered off, the stored contents of the SRAM 340 are retained, and the SRAM 340 functions as a nonvolatile memory.
[0135]
An identification information table in which individual identification information of the ID transmitter 235 and information such as the machine number of the pachinko machine 1 to which the ID transmitter 235 is attached are stored in the SRAM 340 of the ID inspection device 300a in association with each other. 341 areas are provided. In the SRAM 340, a password storage area for storing a password for confirming the operator's qualification is provided. In addition, a working memory area for the CPU 320 is also provided in the SRAM 340.
[0136]
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the program contents stored in the SRAM 340 of the ID inspection device 300a. The activation program 371 is a program for performing activation processing when the power key 305 is pressed and the power is turned on. If the enter key 306 is pressed at the time of startup, the process selection mode is displayed in which a selection menu is displayed on the display panel 303. If the enter key 306 is not pressed, the inspection mode for inspecting the identification information of the pachinko machine 1 is entered. .
[0137]
If the recording medium 155 is loaded in the input / output slot 312 when the power is turned on, a recording medium reading program 376, which will be described later, is called and the inspection information in the recording medium 155 is decoded as necessary. Is read and registered in a free area of the identification information table 341 (see FIG. 26) in the SRAM 340. Thereafter, the process shifts to the process selection mode or the inspection mode according to the state of the enter key 306 when the power is turned on.
[0138]
The communication program 372 is for controlling the communication circuit 322 to perform communication according to a predetermined protocol. The communication program 372 transmits an identification information transmission request signal to the ID transmitter 235, and further receives and decodes the identification information transmission signal from the ID transmitter 235 to obtain identification information. The menu display selection program 373 is a program for displaying a selection menu (see FIG. 27) on the display panel 303 and branching to a process selected by the operator from the selection menu.
[0139]
The identification information registration program 374 is a program for initially setting and registering the identification information of the pachinko machine 1 in the identification information table 341 (see FIG. 26) in the SRAM 340. The identification information of the pachinko machine 1 obtained by the communication program 372 is stored in the identification information table 341 together with the machine number of the pachinko machine and registration time information. When the recording medium 155 is loaded in the input / output slot 312 when the power is turned on, the inspection information in the recording medium 155 is read and registered in the identification information table 341.
[0140]
The consistency determination program 375 is for determining the consistency of the identification information in the inspection mode in which the identification information of the pachinko machine 1 is inspected. The identification information of the pachinko machine 1 is received from the ID transmitter 235, and it is searched whether or not the identification information is registered in the identification information table 341. If registered, the machine number corresponding to the identification information is displayed so that the operator can determine at a glance whether the machine number matches the actual machine number of the pachinko machine 1 or not. If identification information is not registered, a message to that effect is displayed.
[0141]
The recording medium reading program 376 is a program for reading inspection information from the recording medium 155 mounted in the input / output slot 312 and registering it in the identification information table 341. As described above, if the recording medium 155 is loaded in the input / output slot 312 when the power is turned on, the inspection information is automatically read and registered in the identification information table 341. Note that if the machine number data is not recorded as the inspection information in the recording medium 155, the machine number is registered in the identification information table 341 as “0000”. In addition, the time when the examination information is read is registered in the time information.
[0142]
When the power is turned on normally, the inspection information is registered in a free area of the identification information table 341. When inspection information to be read is recorded in a plurality of recording media 155, after reading the first recording medium, the ID inspection device 300a is powered off and the next recording medium is mounted in the input / output slot 312. Then turn on the power. By repeating such an operation, the inspection information of the plurality of recording media 155 can be sequentially read into the empty area.
[0143]
On the other hand, to erase the entire identification information table 341 and read the inspection information from the beginning of the identification information table 341, the power is turned on while pressing the cancel key 309. When such an operation is performed, all previously stored inspection information can be erased, and new inspection information can be stored from the storage area start portion (first portion) of the identification information table 341. In this way, it is possible to select whether to newly register inspection information or additionally register the inspection information depending on whether or not the cancel key 309 is pressed when the power is turned on.
[0144]
The other processing program 377 includes a program for performing other processing in the selection menu, display control of the display panel 303, lighting control of the display LED 304, sound generation control of the buzzer 328, control of the infrared communication circuit 324, and serial input / output circuit 325. A program for controlling the above is included. Since these programs are stored in the SRAM 340 backed up by the main battery 350 and the backup battery 351, the stored contents are not lost even when the power is turned off.
[0145]
However, when the main body 301 is disassembled in order to prevent acts such as illegally disassembling the ID inspection device 300a and performing internal analysis, the backup power supply circuit by the main battery 350 and the backup battery 351 is disconnected. The supply of backup power is cut off and all programs and data in the SRAM 340 are erased. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an act of illegally obtaining identification information by analyzing the program and the identification information table 341.
[0146]
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a data structure of the identification information table 341 stored in the SRAM 340. As shown in FIG. The identification information table 341 in FIG. 26 is in a state where n pieces of identification information 1 to n are registered. The ID inspection device 300a is brought close to the game control board box 87b of the pachinko machine 1 that is not registered, and the ID inspection device 300a is positioned in the recess 92 of the lid 91 of the game control board box 87b, and is identified from the ID transmitter 235. Read information. The identification information can be read while the lid 91 of the game control board box 87b remains closed.
[0147]
The read identification information is registered in the identification information field 342 of the identification information table 341. The entered machine number of the pachinko machine 1 is registered in the machine number field 343 in correspondence with the identification information. If no machine number is entered, the machine number is set to “0000”. In the time information field 344, the date and time when the identification information is registered are recorded. The time information is read from the calendar clock 327 and recorded.
[0148]
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a selection menu displayed on the display panel 303 of the ID inspection apparatus 300a. This selection menu is displayed when the power key 305 and the enter key 306 are pressed simultaneously to turn on the power. First, as shown in (a), the display of “menu” and the current time (month / day, hour: minute) set in the calendar clock 327 are displayed. The battery remaining amount display 352 displays the remaining capacity of the main battery 350. When the battery is full, all three blocks in the battery remaining amount display 352 are turned on, and the blocks disappear one by one as the output voltage of the main battery 350 decreases. When the display of (a) is displayed for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds), the display is switched to the display of (b).
[0149]
(B) is a selection menu for selecting the work content of the ID inspection apparatus 300a. On the screen, “1. LOGIC” and “2. KAKININ” are displayed, but the display page can be switched by operating the down key 307 and the up key 308. The up / down display 353 is a display indicating that the up / down direction keys 308 and 307 are valid. The cursor 354 can be moved up and down by the up and down direction keys 308 and 307, a desired work content is selected by the cursor 354, and the determination key 306 is pressed to determine.
[0150]
(B) On the screen, when the cursor 354 is moved to “2” and the down key 307 is further pressed, the display page is switched as shown in (c). Further, when the display page is switched, it becomes as shown in (d). In the selection menu of (b) to (d), “1. Toroku” is for newly registering the identification information of the pachinko machine 1, and “2. Kakunin” has already registered the identification information. This is for confirming the pachinko machine 1, "3. Success" is for deleting the registered identification information, and "4. Unshow No" is for the ID inspection apparatus 300a. This is for changing the password required for the operation, “5. SETTING” is for setting various functions of the ID inspection apparatus 300a, and “6.END” is registered. This is for shifting to an inspection mode for inspecting the identification information of the pachinko machine 1.
[0151]
FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 show the display on the display panel 303 in the identification information registration work procedure. Such registration work is necessary when an amusement shop performs its own inspection regardless of inspection information from the manufacturer. When “1. LOGIC” is selected in the selection menu in FIG. 27B and the enter key 306 is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 28A is displayed, and registration of identification information becomes possible. The number of registered identification information is displayed in the lower line. After the screen of (1a) is displayed for a predetermined time, the screen shifts to the screen of (1b).
[0152]
(1b) is a password input screen. In order to perform work that requires safety, such as this registration work, in the ID inspection apparatus 300a, it is necessary to input a personal identification number. As a result, it is possible to prevent an illegal act or the like that changes the identification information illegally. The cursor 354 is initially located at the first digit position from the left of the password, and the first digit number can be increased or decreased by operating the up key 308 and the down key 307. When the enter key 306 is pressed, the first digit is determined, the first digit is changed to “*”, and the cursor moves to the second digit. (1c) is a screen in which the third digit of the password is determined in this way and the fourth digit is being entered. When the cancel key 309 is pressed while the password is being input, the currently input digit returns to “0”, and the cursor 354 moves to the left one digit. When the cancel key 309 is pressed at the first digit, the display returns to the selection menu display screen of FIG.
[0153]
If all four digits of the password are entered and match the password set in the ID inspection device 300a, the screen shifts to a registration work screen such as (1d). If the personal identification number does not match the personal identification number set in the ID inspection device 300a, the buzzer 328 sounds three times and the screen returns to the selection menu display screen of FIG. On the screen (1d), first, the machine number of the pachinko machine 1 to be registered is input. The machine number is a serial number of the pachinko machine 1 used in the pachinko hall, and a number plate or the like displaying the machine number is attached in the vicinity of the pachinko machine 1. Individual pachinko machines 1 can be designated without overlapping by the machine number.
[0154]
The input of the machine number is selected by the up key 308 and the down key 307 in order from the first digit from the left, and is determined by the enter key 306 in the same manner as the input of the password. However, here, the already determined number is also displayed as it is and does not change to “*”. If the cancel key 309 is pressed while inputting the machine number, the currently input digit remains unchanged, and the cursor 354 moves to the left one digit. When the cancel key 309 is pressed at the first digit, the display returns to the selection menu display screen of FIG.
[0155]
When all four digits are entered, the screen moves to (1e). On the screen (1e), the unit number can be increased by 1 by pressing the up key 308, and the unit number can be decreased by 1 by pressing the down key 307. However, the changeable range of the machine number is in the range of 0001 to 9999. When the data transmitter / receiver 302 of the ID inspection apparatus 300a is brought close to the ID transmitter 235 of the pachinko machine 1 and the determination key 306 is pressed in the state of the screen display of (1e), the identification information is read from the ID transmitter 235. During reading, the display shown in FIG. 29 (1f) is displayed.
[0156]
When the unit number “0000” is input on the screen of FIG. 28 (1 d), the registration is made without the unit number, and a plurality of data having different identification information and time information are registered as the unit number “0000”. This is effective in a hall where the pachinko machine 1 is not managed by the machine number, or a hall using a machine identification code other than a number instead of the machine number.
[0157]
FIG. 29 (1 f) is a display screen in the middle of reading identification information from the ID transmitter 235. If the reading of the identification information is normally performed, the buzzer 328 sounds briefly once and the screen shifts to the screen (1g), where the identification information, the machine number, and the time information are registered in each field of the identification information table 341. In the lower line of the screen (1g), the machine number is automatically incremented by 1 and the next pachinko machine 1 can be registered as it is. The data transmitter / receiver 302 may be brought close to the ID transmitter 235 of the next pachinko machine 1 and the decision key 306 may be pressed. In addition, when the unit number is automatically increased by 1, it is possible to skip unit numbers including “4” and “9” which are generally disliked. In general amusement stores, “4” and “9” are often not used as machine numbers, improving convenience at the amusement store. Also on the screen of (1g), the unit number can be increased by 1 by pressing the up direction key 308, and the unit number can be decreased by 1 by pressing the down direction key 307.
[0158]
If reading of the identification information from the screen (1f) ends abnormally, the buzzer 328 sounds three times and the screen shifts to the screen (1h). When the enter key 306 is pressed again, the identification information reading operation from the ID transmitter 235 is performed again. When the cancel key 309 is pressed, the display returns to the machine number input screen of FIG. When the identification information is read from the screen of (1f), if the identification information is already registered but the machine number is different, the buzzer 328 sounds three times and the screen of (1i) is displayed. Inform the user that the identification information has already been registered with a different machine number. When the enter key 306 or the cancel key 309 is pressed here, the screen shifts to the screen (1j), and it is confirmed whether or not the old machine number can be changed to the currently entered machine number. When the enter key 306 is pressed on the screen (1j), the unit number is changed and registered, and the screen shifts to the screen (1g). When the cancel key 309 is pressed on the screen (1j), the registration is canceled and the screen shifts to the screen shown in FIG. 28 (1e).
[0159]
When the identification information is read from the screen shown in FIG. 29 (1f), if the identification information and the machine number have already been registered, if the machine number has already been registered and the identification information is different, an attempt is made to register beyond the maximum number of registrations. Also when the buzzer 328 is sounded, the buzzer 328 sounds three times, and each confirmation screen is displayed to display an error content and a message for prompting the operation.
[0160]
FIG. 30 shows the display on the display panel 303 in the procedure for confirming the registered identification information. When “2. Kakunin” is selected in the selection menu in FIG. 27B and the enter key 306 is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 30A is displayed, and the identification information can be confirmed. The number of registered identification information is displayed in the lower line. After the screen of (2a) is displayed for a predetermined time, the screen shifts to the screen of (2b).
[0161]
On the screen (2b), the machine number of the pachinko machine 1 to be confirmed is input. The input of the machine number is the same as the input of the machine number in FIG. If the cancel key 309 is pressed while inputting the machine number, the currently input digit remains unchanged, and the cursor 354 moves to the left one digit. When the cancel key 309 is pressed at the first digit, the display returns to the selection menu display screen of FIG.
[0162]
If all four digits are entered on the screen of (2b) and the device number is registered in the identification information table 341, the screen moves to the screen of (2c) and displays the device number and the registered time information. . If the entered machine number is not in the identification information table 341, a registered machine number larger than the entered machine number is displayed. However, when a large machine number is not registered, the smallest registered machine number is displayed. On the screen of (2c), by pressing the up key 308, the unit number is increased, and by pressing the down key 307, the unit number is decreased and the registered information of the next registered unit number is displayed. it can. However, if the unit number is further increased from 9999, it becomes 0001, and if the unit number is further decreased from 0001, it becomes 9999. When the cancel key 309 is pressed on this screen, the display returns to the unit number input screen (2b).
[0163]
If the machine number is entered on the screen (2b), but all registered data has no machine number (when the machine number is 0000), the screen (2e) is displayed. When the cancel key 309 is pressed on this screen, the display returns to the unit number input screen (2b). When the unit number “0000” is input on the screen (2b), the screen shifts to the screen (2d), and the mode is a mode in which the identification information of the pachinko machine 1 is read to check whether it is registered. The same operation is performed when checking the registered data without the machine number.
[0164]
When the data transmitter / receiver 302 of the ID inspection device 300a is brought close to the ID transmitter 235 of the pachinko machine 1 and the determination key 306 is pressed in the state of the screen display of (2d), the identification information is read from the ID transmitter 235. While the identification information is being read, the same display as in FIG. 29 (1f) is performed. If the identification information is normally read and the identification information is registered, the screen of (2c) is displayed, and the reading of the identification information fails or if the read identification information is not registered, The screen display (2e) is performed.
[0165]
When “3. Success” is selected from the selection menu in FIG. 27C, the registered identification information can be deleted. First, the user is prompted to enter a personal identification number. Next, the registered machine number to be deleted is input and deleted. The procedure of the deletion work is the same as the confirmation work of the registered identification information in FIG. When “4. Unshow No” in FIG. 27C is selected, the personal identification number necessary for the operation of the ID inspection apparatus 300a can be changed. First, an input of an old password is required, and then a new password is entered twice for confirmation to change the password.
[0166]
When “5. SETTING” is selected from the selection menu of FIG. 27D, a setting menu is further displayed, and various functions of the ID inspection apparatus 300a can be set. Here, setting the time of the calendar clock 327, setting of communication parameters (communication baud rate, number of characters, presence / absence of parity, stop bit length, etc.) of the serial input / output circuit 325, presence / absence of sound generated when a key is pressed, buzzer The sound volume can be set. In addition, the entire identification information table 341 can be deleted. When “6.END” in FIG. 27D is selected, it is possible to shift to an inspection mode for inspecting the identification information of the registered pachinko machine 1.
[0167]
FIG. 31 shows a display on the display panel 303 in the identification information inspection work in the inspection mode. The inspection mode can also be entered by selecting “6. END” from the selection menu of FIG. 27 (d), but by pressing the power key 305 alone from the power-off state of the ID inspection device 300a, the ID inspection is performed. The apparatus 300a starts in the direct inspection mode. As shown in FIG. 31 (6a), the initial screen of the inspection mode displays “Check” and the current time (month / day, hour: minute) set in the calendar clock 327. When the screen display of (6a) is displayed for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds), the screen display is switched to the screen display of (6b).
[0168]
In the state of the screen display of (6b), the data transmitter / receiver 302 of the ID inspection device 300a is brought close to the ID transmitter 235 fixed to the game control board box 87b of the pachinko machine 1, and the decision key (R / W key) 306 When is pressed, the identification information is read from the ID transmitter 235. While the identification information is being read, the same display as in FIG. 29 (1f) is performed. If the identification information is normally read and the identification information is registered, the buzzer 328 sounds briefly once and the display LED 304 lights in green, and the screen display (6c) is performed. When the reading of the identification information fails, the buzzer 328 sounds three times and the display LED 304 lights in red, and the screen shifts to the screen (6d). If the read identification information is not registered, the buzzer 328 sounds three times and the display LED 304 is lit red to display the screen (6e).
[0169]
The screen (6c) is displayed when there is no abnormality in the identification information inspection, and the registered machine number is displayed in the lower line of the screen. The operator compares the displayed machine number with the actual machine number, and can determine that it is normal if they match. If the machine numbers do not match, investigation of the pachinko machine is necessary. From the screen of (6c), if the data transmitter / receiver 302 is brought close to the ID transmitter 235 of the next pachinko machine 1 and the determination key 306 is pressed, the identification information of the next pachinko machine is read, and the pachinko machine identification is continuously performed. Information can be examined. When the cancel key 309 is pressed from the screen (6c), the screen returns to the screen (6b).
[0170]
The screen (6d) is a display when the reading of the identification information has failed. Here, once again the data transmitter / receiver 302 is brought close to the ID transmitter 235 of the pachinko machine 1 and the enter key 306 is pressed, the second time. Read identification information. If (6d) is still displayed, there is a possibility that the ID transmitter 235 is abnormal, that is, the game control board 87a has been illegally replaced. When the cancel key 309 is pressed from the screen (6d), the screen returns to the screen (6b).
[0171]
The screen (6e) is displayed when the read identification information is not registered. If the enter key 306 or cancel key 309 is pressed here, the screen returns to (6b). In this case, the confirmation operation for the registered identification information described with reference to FIG. 30 is performed. If the machine number of the pachinko machine that has just been inspected is registered, there is a possibility that the game control board 87a has been tampered with. If the machine number of the pachinko machine that has just been inspected is not registered, the registration of that machine number is performed because it is not registered.
[0172]
Although the case of inspecting the gaming machine installed in the gaming store has been described with reference to FIG. 31, the same can be done in the case where the identification information of the gaming machine delivered from the gaming machine manufacturer is inspected immediately after delivery. . In this case, since the inspection information is distributed from the server computer 150 of the information management unit to each game store via the communication line 154 or the recording medium 155, it is not necessary to perform the registration work as shown in FIGS. . In the amusement store, inspection information relating to the delivered gaming machine is transferred from the hall computer 170 to the ID inspection device 300a, or the recording medium 155 is attached to the ID inspection device 300a, so that it is stored in the identification information table 341 of the ID inspection device 300a. Register inspection information.
[0173]
If the machine number data has been sent from the game store to the machine manufacturer in advance, a sticker indicating the machine number is affixed to the delivered game machine, and the machine information and identification information are also included in the inspection information. Registered in association. If the machine number data has not been sent from the game store to the gaming machine manufacturer in advance, the machine number is not displayed on the gaming machine, and all the machine numbers in the inspection information are registered as “0000”. Since such inspection information is read and stored in the ID inspection device 300a, the identification information of the gaming machine immediately after delivery can be inspected in the same manner as described with reference to FIG.
[0174]
When the machine number is not registered in the inspection information (when the machine number is “0000”), the same identification information is read more than once after the ID inspection apparatus 300a is turned on. A message such as “2” is displayed to indicate that the same identification information has been read twice or more. That is, when the same identification information is read twice or more with respect to one power-on of the ID inspection apparatus 300a, this is displayed. As a result, it is possible to discriminate fraudulent acts that appear to be legitimate gaming machines by attaching the same identification information (regularly obtained legitimate identification information) to a plurality of gaming machines.
[0175]
As described above, registration of identification information and inspection of identification information of the pachinko machine 1 can be performed simply by operating according to a menu or guidance displayed on the display panel 303 of the ID inspection apparatus 300a. Further, even if the game control microcomputer 200 is illegally exchanged or the game control board 87a is illegally exchanged for the entire game control board box 87b, the illegal exchange can be determined. Furthermore, the ID reading / writing device 300 can be connected to the personal computer 100 to easily input identification information, and a database for determining unauthorized modification of the pachinko machine can be easily constructed. By extracting the inspection information from this database and distributing it to the delivery destination, it is possible to easily discriminate unauthorized modification.
[0176]
FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a management method of identification information of gaming machines when a gaming machine is moved from one gaming store to another gaming store (in the case of used trading, etc.). This shows a case where a gaming machine is transferred from a gaming store A to a second-hand dealer, and the gaming store B purchases the gaming machine. The second-hand dealer maintains the gaming machine carried in from the game store A and checks whether or not unauthorized modification or the like has been made. Then, before carrying out the maintained gaming machine to the gaming store B, the information such as the management number of the gaming control board such as the identification number of the gaming machine, the moving destination, the moving date and time, etc. are notified to the inspection organization as the moving information.
[0177]
The inspection organization corresponds to the information management unit in FIGS. 22 and 23, and is an organization operated by a gaming machine manufacturer or a third party. This inspection organization is a specialized organization that concentrates inspection of identification information of gaming machines and management of identification information. When the inspection organization receives the information on the movement of the gaming machine from the secondhand dealer, it accumulates the information and sends it to each branch / sales office of the gaming machine manufacturer. The gaming machine manufacturer searches for the legitimate identification information of the gaming machine from information such as the management number and sends it back to the inspection organization as the legitimate identification information of the moving gaming machine.
[0178]
The inspection organization receives the legitimate identification information of the moving gaming machine and inputs the information to the ID reader or ID inspection device. Then, at the time of delivery of the gaming machine from the second-hand dealer to the game shop B, an inspector of the inspection organization goes to the game shop B and inspects the identification number of the moved gaming machine by the ID reading device or the ID inspection device. In this way, it is possible to accurately and quickly determine whether or not a gaming machine has been tampered with based on the presence or absence of legitimate identification information.
[0179]
In this example, although it is a case of second-hand sales, the inspection organization may also perform inspection when a gaming machine manufacturer sells a new machine. In that case, at the time of selling a new machine, the gaming machine manufacturer sends information such as the selling destination and delivery date of the gaming machine and identification information of the gaming machine to the inspection organization, and the inspection organization manages and inspects the information. By doing so, it is not necessary for the inspection organization to inquire the game machine manufacturer for identification information even at the time of second-hand sales.
[0180]
In the above embodiment, a pachinko machine has been described as an example of a gaming machine. However, the present invention can be applied to any gaming machine such as a pachislot machine other than a pachinko machine. In addition, although the ID transmitter is provided in the game control microcomputer, when the game control ROM and the CPU are mounted as separate electronic circuit parts, the ID transmitter is inseparably integrated with the game control ROM. To be provided. Further, the ID inspection apparatus 300a can select whether to newly register the inspection information or additionally register it in the empty area depending on whether or not the cancel key 309 is pressed when the power is turned on. Alternatively, the range of the registered inspection information may be specified to be partially erased, or the range specified may be overwritten and registered.
[0181]
Further, the embodiments disclosed above are merely examples in all respects, and do not limit the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments of the invention but by the scope of the claims, and includes all modifications within the scope of the claims and equivalents thereof.
[0182]
【The invention's effect】
Since the present invention is configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained.
[0183]
  According to the invention of claim 1,In the identification information management device, the identification information read from the holding means of the gaming machine in the process from the manufacture to the carry-out of the gaming machine, and the management number displayed at a place other than the control board are stored and output as management data. In the portable inspection device used at the carry-in destination of the gaming machine, the output management data is stored, and whether or not the identification information read from the holding means of the gaming machine is stored in the management data. Based on determining that it is not stored, while displaying information that can identify the management number stored in association with the identification information based on determining that it is stored Since this fact is displayed, it is possible to detect an illegal act such as exchanging the control board.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine as an example of a gaming machine of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine and the card unit.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a game control board box.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a game control board box.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a game control microcomputer that is integrally provided with an ID transmitter;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a game control microcomputer showing another method of providing an ID transmitter.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an ID transmitter.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of an ID transmitter.
FIG. 9 is a front view of the ID reading / writing device.
FIG. 10 is a side view of the ID reading / writing device.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of an ID reading / writing device;
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a program in the SRAM of the ID reading / writing device;
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display on the display panel in a personal computer reading / writing mode of identification information;
FIG. 14 shows display of identification information in a reading display mode.
FIG. 15 shows a display in a reading display mode of identification information.
FIG. 16 shows a display of a setting menu for identification information.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the identification information management apparatus.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a data structure of gaming machine information management data.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an execution screen of an identification information registration program.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a management number data reading screen.
FIG. 21 shows an identification information registration screen.
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a part of the gaming machine inspection system.
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another part of the gaming machine inspection system.
FIG. 24 is a side view of the ID inspection device.
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a program in the SRAM of the ID inspection device.
FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of an identification information table.
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a selection menu displayed on the display panel.
FIG. 28 shows a display in registration work of identification information.
FIG. 29 shows a display in identification information registration work.
FIG. 30 shows a display in the confirmation operation of the identification information.
FIG. 31 shows a display in the inspection work of identification information.
FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a management method of gaming machine identification information when a gaming machine is moved from a gaming store to another gaming store.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Pachinko machine
2 ... Division rail
3 ... Game board
4. Variable display section
5. Image display device
6 ... Start memory indicator
7 ... Fixed prize opening
8 ... Warp exit
9 ... Starter
10 ... Variable winning ball device
16 ... out mouth
17 ... Normal symbol display
18 ... Passing memory indicator
19 ... Windmill
20 ... movable piece
21 ... Warp entrance
22 ... Side lamp
23 ... Normal design starting gate
35 ... Card unit
47 ... Card use indicator lamp
48 ... Information display switch
49. Connection table direction indicator
50 ... Card insertion slot
51 ... Card unit lock
52 ... Outer frame
53 ... Mechanism plate
54 ... Jade tank
55 ... Ball alignment rail
56 ... Window opening
57 ... Curve
58 ... passage body
59. Prize ball dispensing device
61 ... Opening and closing plate
87a ... Game control board
87b ... Game control board box
91: Lid
100 ... PC
110 ... Box body
150: Server computer
151. Communication device
152 ... Communication line
153: Communication line
154: Communication line
155 ... Recording medium
160 ... Sales computer
161: Printer
170 ... Hall computer
200: Game control microcomputer
201 ... Package
202 ... IC chip
203 ... IC lead
205 ... Synthetic resin
235 ... ID transmitter
236 ... Substrate
237 ... Electronic circuit section
238 ... connection part
300 ... ID reading / writing device
300a ... ID inspection device
301 ... Body
302: Data transmission / reception unit
303 ... Display panel
304 ... Display LED
305 ... Power key
306 ... Enter key
307 ... Down key
308 ... Up key
309 ... Cancel key
310 ... Battery cover
311 ... Connector
312 ... I / O slot
352: Battery remaining amount display
353 ... Vertical display
354 ... Cursor
400 ... Microcomputer
406 ... Antenna

Claims (1)

A control board for performing control relating to the game, is mounted on the control board, and an electronic circuit component which includes a storage means for storing a control program relating to the game, said electronic circuit is buried in the package and integrated electronic circuit components parts and provided inseparably, by request signal from the outside of both the control board when holding the identification information capable of identifying the control board to the individual gaming machine and a identification information holding means for outputting said identification information, An identification information management device for managing the identification information;
A portable inspection device used for inspection of the control board at the destination of the gaming machine;
An identification information management system comprising:
The identification information management device includes:
Identification information input means for inputting the identification information read by the reader from the identification information holding means of the gaming machine in the process from manufacture to unloading of the gaming machine;
Management number input means for inputting a management number unique to each gaming machine that is displayed in a place other than the control board of the gaming machine and is given in advance to the gaming machine;
The management apparatus side that stores management data in which the management number input from the management number input means is associated with the identification information read from the holding means of the gaming machine with the management number and input from the identification information input means Storage means;
Output means for outputting the management data stored in the management device-side storage means to be stored in the portable inspection device,
The portable inspection device includes:
Inspection device side storage means for storing the management data output from the output means;
Identification information reading means for reading the identification information from the holding means of the gaming machine in a non-contact manner;
Identification information determination means for determining whether or not the identification information read by the identification information reading means is stored in the inspection device-side storage means;
While the identification information determination means determines that the identification information is stored, the information that can identify the management number stored in the storage means in association with the identification information is displayed. An identification information management system comprising: display means for displaying the fact based on the fact that the identification information determination means determines that the identification information is not stored.

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