JP5912387B2 - Gaming system, each device, enclosed game machine, and abnormality detection method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming system, each device, an enclosed game machine, and an abnormality detection method, and in particular, a gaming system capable of efficiently performing maintenance including cleaning of an internal circulation gaming medium enclosed in an enclosed gaming machine, The present invention relates to each device, an enclosed game machine, and an abnormality detection method.

  Conventionally, gaming machines such as pachinko parlors have been generally provided with gaming machines (hereinafter referred to as “open-type gaming machines”) that throw out pachinko balls and other gaming media outside the gaming machines. However, recently, problems of brought-in balls from other stores and brought-in balls between different lending rates have become apparent, and therefore, enclosed gaming machines that do not generate such brought-in balls are attracting attention.

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes a structure in which a player does not touch a pachinko ball, and when the pachinko ball wins, the number of pachinko balls for the winning prize is added to the number of possessed balls, and the number of pachinko balls for the out ball that does not win is held. An enclosed game machine that subtracts from the number of balls is disclosed.

  In such an enclosed game machine, a small amount (for example, 200 balls) of pachinko balls are repeatedly used as an internal circulation ball, so that no discharge of pachinko balls to the outside of the device or acceptance of pachinko balls from the outside of the device occurs. There is no problem with the ball.

JP 2002-233635 A

  However, for such an enclosed game machine, there is a problem of how to perform maintenance including cleaning of the internal circulation ball. In general, it is considered that the cause of the pachinko balls becoming dirty is metal powder, dust, or human hand dust caused by wear on the board or passage, but in the case of enclosed game machines, the effects of human hand dust can be excluded. On the other hand, adhesion of metal powder or dust becomes a larger problem than in the case of an open-type game machine. This is because an enclosed game machine using an internal circulation ball has a high use frequency per ball and is highly likely to be attached with metal powder or dust.

  Originally, in an enclosed game machine that plays a game with a small amount of internal circulation balls, it is desired that the behavior of each internal circulation ball is uniform, and the behavior should not change for each internal circulation ball. This is because it greatly affects the playability of the enclosed game machine.

  For these reasons, it is an important task to maintain (including cleaning) the internal circulation bulb at what timing. In particular, each enclosed game machine has a different board surface for each gaming machine manufacturer, and the maintenance timing varies depending on the installation environment and operating rate of the enclosed gaming machine. Therefore, it is necessary to set the maintenance timing for each enclosed gaming machine. .

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and is a gaming system, each device, and an enclosure capable of efficiently performing maintenance including cleaning of an internal circulating game medium enclosed in an enclosed game machine An object is to provide a game machine and an abnormality detection method.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides an enclosed game machine that provides a game using a predetermined number of internal circulation game media that are restricted from being taken out of the apparatus, and the enclosed game A gaming system in which each device connected to the machine is communicably connected, wherein the enclosed game machine is counted by the counting means for counting information relating to the internal circulation game medium, and the counting means. A notification means for notifying each of the table devices of the count result related information relating to the counting result, wherein each of the table devices detects a failure based on the count result related information, and the abnormality detected by the detection device. and a abnormality informing means for informing the said counting means counts the number of the internally circulating game medium as information relating to the internal circulation game medium, said detecting means, before having received from the sealed type game machine By comparing the number of the predetermined number of game media internal circulation game medium, the difference is characterized in that detects that an abnormality has occurred if more than a predetermined value.

In addition, the present invention communicates between an enclosed game machine that provides a game using a predetermined number of internal circulation game media that is restricted from being taken out of the apparatus, and each of the stand devices provided in the enclosed game machine. The enclosed game machine includes a counting unit that counts information related to the internal circulation game medium, and a count result related information related to a count result counted by the counting unit. A notification means for notifying the apparatus, each of the stand devices includes a detection means for detecting an abnormality based on the counting result related information, and an abnormality notification means for notifying an abnormality detected by the detection means , The counting means counts the cumulative number of the internal circulation game media fired on a predetermined board surface as information related to the internal circulation game medium, and the detection means receives the internal circulation received from the enclosed game machine. If the cumulative number of tricks medium exceeds a predetermined number of game media and detecting that an abnormality has occurred.

Further, the present invention is each stand device provided communicably with an enclosed game machine that provides a game using a predetermined number of internal circulation game media that are restricted from being taken out of the device, Information on the number of the internal circulation game media is received from the gaming machine , the received number of the internal circulation game media is compared with the predetermined number of game media , and if the difference exceeds a predetermined value, an abnormality has occurred. It is characterized by comprising detection means for detecting a thing and abnormality notification means for notifying abnormality detected by the detection means.
In addition, the present invention is each stand device provided communicably with an enclosed game machine that provides a game using a predetermined number of internal circulation game media that are restricted from being taken out of the device, Information regarding the cumulative number of the internal circulation game media launched in the period is received from the enclosed game machine, and if the cumulative number of the internal circulation game media received exceeds a predetermined number of game media, an abnormality has occurred. It has a detecting means for detecting, and an abnormality notifying means for notifying an abnormality detected by the detecting means.

In addition, the present invention is an enclosed game machine that provides a game using a predetermined number of internal circulation game media that are restricted from being taken out of the apparatus, and that counts information related to the internal circulation game media Detecting means for detecting an abnormality based on information on the counting result counted by the counting means, an abnormality notifying means for notifying an abnormality detected by the detecting means, an abnormality is detected by the detecting means, and And a control means for controlling the internal circulation game medium to be discharged from a discharge port provided on the front surface of the apparatus when a predetermined clerk operation is accepted .

  In addition, the present invention communicates between an enclosed game machine that provides a game using a predetermined number of internal circulation game media that is restricted from being taken out of the apparatus, and each of the stand devices provided in the enclosed game machine. An abnormality detection method for a game system that is connected to the game system, wherein the enclosed game machine counts information related to the internal circulation game medium, and count result related information related to the count result counted by the count process A notification step of notifying each of the table devices, a detection step of detecting an abnormality based on the counting result related information, and an abnormality notification step of notifying the abnormality detected by the detection step. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, the information related to the internal circulation game medium of the enclosed game machine is counted, the abnormality is detected based on the counting result, and the detected abnormality is notified, so that it is enclosed in the enclosed game machine. In addition, maintenance including cleaning of the internal circulation game medium can be performed efficiently.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the gaming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of the gaming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the inter-card card processing machine and the enclosed game machine shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the inter-card card processing machine and the enclosed game machine shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the counting of the number of shot balls and the number of internal balls by the enclosed game machine. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the sensor shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the ball discharge port shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the introduction of a cleaned pachinko ball. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the inter-card card processor. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the cleaning determination process shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for describing the internal ball number abnormality determination process shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the residence time determination process shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the inter-card card processing machine and the enclosed game machine when managing the holding balls in the enclosed game machine. FIG. 14 is an external configuration diagram showing an external configuration of an integrated enclosed game machine. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the enclosed game machine shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a configuration in the case where a cleaning unit is installed inside the enclosed game machine.

  Exemplary embodiments of a game system, each machine, an enclosed game machine, and an abnormality detection method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in Example 1 shown below, the case where the ball data is managed in the enclosed game machine is shown, and in Example 2, other modifications of the configuration are shown.

  First, the concept of the gaming system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the gaming system according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, in Example 1, the pachinko balls (internal circulation balls) stored in the ball storage section 26 of the enclosed game machine 20 are fired onto the board surface by the handle 21 and are stored via the board surface. Return to section 26.

  A sensor 28 is provided on the path from the ball storage unit 26 to the handle 21. The sensor 28 counts the number of pachinko balls fired by the handle 21 as the number of fired balls. The gaming system determines whether or not the pachinko balls need to be cleaned (washed) based on the cumulative number of shots obtained by adding the counting results of the number of shots. If it is determined that the pachinko ball needs to be cleaned, the gaming system notifies the determination result and controls so that the pachinko ball can be discharged from the ball discharge port 25 of the enclosed game machine 20.

  The ball reservoir 26 is provided with a sensor 28. The sensor 28 counts the number of pachinko balls stored in the ball storage unit 26 as the number of internal balls. The gaming system determines whether or not a pachinko ball is clogged based on the number of internal balls. If it is determined that clogging has occurred, the gaming system notifies the determination result, and controls so that the pachinko ball can be discharged from the ball discharge port 25 of the enclosed game machine 20.

  The pachinko ball discharged from the ball discharge port 25 is subjected to maintenance including cleaning and the like, and is then sealed in the enclosed game machine 20 again. Therefore, the enclosed gaming machine 20 is maintained at an appropriate timing, and the behavior of the pachinko balls can be kept uniform.

  As described above, the gaming system according to the present embodiment counts the number of shot balls and the number of internal balls of the pachinko balls, detects an abnormality based on the counting result, and notifies the detected abnormality. Maintenance including cleaning of the enclosed internal circulation game medium can be performed efficiently.

  Next, the system configuration of the gaming system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of the gaming system according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, this gaming system includes a plurality of enclosed gaming machines 20, a card processing machine 10 provided corresponding to each enclosed gaming machine 20, a card management device 40, a member A management device 50, a payment machine 60, a prize management device 70, and a game hall management device 90 are connected via a communication line 80.

  The enclosed game machine 20 is a device such as a pachinko machine in which a player plays a pachinko game by driving a pachinko ball enclosed in the device into the game area. The enclosed game machine 20 adds the number of balls when the inter-card processing machine 10 performs ball lending processing, and can drive a pachinko ball into the game area (board surface) within the range where the balls are present. it can. The game area is provided with a plurality of winning areas (winning openings), and a predetermined number of pachinko balls are awarded as prize balls based on the passage of the pachinko balls through the winning area. Further, a predetermined number of start areas (start ports) are provided in the game area, and a predetermined lottery is performed based on the pachinko ball passing through the start area. If the lottery is a big hit, an operation that is advantageous in terms of game is performed, for example, by increasing the probability of passing the pachinko ball to the winning area or other starting area by operating a predetermined movable member or the like. There may be an area that doubles as a starting area and a winning area.

  The winning area is provided with a predetermined detection sensor for detecting the passage of a pachinko ball to the winning area, and the sensor detects the passage (winning) of the pachinko ball driven into the winning area. It is like that. In addition, the control device of the gaming machine has a prize ball memory for storing how many pachinko balls are awarded as prize balls for each winning area.

  Therefore, when the sensor detects the passing of the pachinko ball that has been struck to the specific winning area, the winning ball to be awarded is determined from the stored contents of the winning ball memory and the number of pachinko balls that have passed the winning area. Add the number of pachinko balls that won a prize ball to the number data.

  Further, the enclosed game machine 20 counts and stores the number of shot balls and the number of internal balls. Then, when a ball return instruction is received from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the number of balls is notified, and the number of fired balls and the number of internal balls are notified to the inter-card card processing machine 10. Further, when a ball discharge permission is notified from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the pachinko balls can be discharged.

  The inter-card processing machine 10 performs management of prepaid value, rental of pachinko balls, card return processing, and communication with the card management device 40. The inter-card processing machine 10 stores the prepaid value for the banknote when the banknote inserted by the player is received, and subtracts the predetermined number of prepaid values when a predetermined ball lending operation is performed. Meanwhile, the enclosed game machine 20 is caused to add the number of possessed balls corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

  In addition, when the inter-card processing machine 10 accepts the card, the pre-paid value associated with the card is stored, and the number of balls associated with the card is set as the number of balls of the enclosing game machine 20. Let them add. If the card return operation is accepted, the inter-card processing machine 10 sends a ball return instruction to the enclosed game machine 20, receives a notification of the number of balls from the enclosed game machine 20, and encloses it. The number of held balls notified from the type gaming machine 20 and the prepaid value stored in the inter-card card processing machine 10 are discharged in association with the card.

  Further, the inter-card processing machine 10 detects an abnormality based on the number of shot balls and the number of internal balls notified from the enclosed game machine 20. When an abnormality is detected, the inter-card card processing machine 10 notifies the detected abnormality, notifies the enclosing game machine 20 of the ball discharge permission, and is enclosed inside the enclosing game machine 20. Pachinko balls can be discharged.

  The island controller 30 is a relay device that bundles a group of enclosed gaming machines 20 and inter-card card processing machines 10 provided on the game island. The card management device 40 is a management device that manages the prepaid value of a card, the number of balls, etc. as card data.

  The card management device 40 updates the card data when it receives the card ID and the number of balls from the inter-card card processing machine 10, and responds to the card ID when it receives the card ID from the inter-card card processing machine 10. The number of holding balls to be notified is notified to the inter-card card processing machine 10. Further, when the card management device 40 receives the card ID from the premium management device 70, the card management device 40 notifies the premium management device 70 of the number of possessions corresponding to the card ID. Further, when the card ID is received from the settlement machine 60, the prepaid value corresponding to the card ID is notified to the settlement machine 60. Further, the card management device 40 notifies the inter-card card processing machine 10 of a plurality of rates that can be selected by the player in the inter-card card processing machine 10 as selectable rates.

  The member management device 50 is a management device that manages member data of members registered as members in the amusement store. Specifically, the storage card, points, password, name, etc. are managed in association with the member card ID issued to the member.

  The game hall management device 90 is a management device that manages gaming machines and shop assistants. As for the clerk, the clerk ID for identifying the clerk, the name of the clerk, the identification information of the clerk terminal carried by the clerk, the authority given to the clerk, the arrangement and the business are managed. As for gaming machines, it manages the types of gaming machines, the state of gaming machines, abnormality histories, maintenance histories and the like.

  When the card associated with the prepaid value is inserted, the checkout machine 60 transmits the card ID of the card to the card management device 40, acquires the prepaid value corresponding to the card, and corresponds to the acquired prepaid value. Make a cash withdrawal.

  The prize management device 70 is a terminal device for exchanging prizes that is attached to a prize exchange counter in the amusement store, and performs prize exchange processing for storing and holding balls. The premium management device 70 is connected to a reader / writer that reads the card ID of the card and a special special gift dispensing device that dispenses special premiums. When the reader / writer accepts a general card or a membership card, the gift management device 70 transmits the card ID of the card read by the reader / writer to the card management device 40, and requests the number of balls in the card. In addition, when exchanging prizes for the stored balls, the member management device 50 is requested for the number of stored balls.

  Next, the external configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the enclosed game machine 20 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the enclosed game machine 20 shown in FIG. Although the inter-card card processing machine 10 that accepts only banknotes is shown in the figure, a unit for accepting coins may be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inter-card card processing machine 10 includes a status display unit 11 that displays the status of the apparatus of the inter-card card processing machine 10 by lighting or blinking a predetermined color lamp, and various types of pachinko balls. And a bill insertion slot 12 for accepting bills. In addition, the inter-card processing machine 10 includes a display unit 13 including a display unit such as a display, and an operation unit including a numeric keypad and various buttons, and a card in which a card ID, prepaid value, stored data, and possession data are stored. A receiving card insertion slot 14 is provided.

  In addition, the enclosed game machine 20 has a handle 21 used for driving the enclosed pachinko ball into the game area, a prepaid value display unit 15 for displaying the remaining number of prepaid values, and a holding unit for displaying the number of balls. A ball number display unit 16, a ball lending button 17 for instructing a transition from a prepaid value to a possession ball, a card return button 18 for instructing a card return, and a pachinko ball from the inside of the enclosed game machine 20 A ball outlet 25 for discharging, and a clerk terminal authentication unit 24a for authenticating a portable terminal carried by the clerk are provided. Although the detailed description thereof will be described later, the prepaid value display unit 15 and the card return button 18 are directly connected to the control unit of the inter-card processing machine 10 although they are provided on the front surface of the enclosed game machine 20. .

  Next, the internal configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the enclosed game machine 20 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the enclosed game machine 20 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the inter-card processing machine 10 includes a display operation unit 13, an R / W unit 10a, a banknote transport unit 10b, a communication I / F unit 10c, a storage unit 10e, and a control unit 10f. And have.

  The R / W unit 10 a is a reading unit that reads the card ID, the number-of-balls data, and the prepaid value data stored in the card inserted into the card insertion slot 14. The card inserted into the card insertion slot 14 is stored in a card storage unit (not shown) through the R / W unit 10a.

  The banknote conveyance part 10b is a conveyance part conveyed to the banknote storage part which is not shown in figure, discriminating the money type and authenticity of the banknote inserted from the banknote insertion port 12. FIG. The communication I / F unit 10 c is an interface unit for performing data communication between the enclosed game machine 20 and the card management device 40.

  The communication I / F unit 10c has a security chip unit. The security chip unit has its own identification ID and a predetermined encryption / decryption program, and communicates with the security chip unit of the enclosed gaming machine 20 described later. The security chip unit determines whether or not the data to be input / output from the communication I / F unit 10c corresponds to a predetermined data type requiring security, and if not, inputs / outputs the data as it is. On the other hand, in the case of a data type requiring security, mutual authentication processing is performed between the security chip unit of the enclosed game machine 20 using its own identification ID and the other party's identification ID when inputting / outputting data. Do. If mutual authentication is OK, the data encrypted by the encryption program is output in the case of output, and in the case of input, the data received from the other party is awaited and the received data is decrypted. An encryption / decryption method is determined in advance with the security chip unit of the enclosed game machine 20, and data encrypted by the other party can be mutually decrypted. Here, the data that does not require security includes data that is not substantially damaged even if it is illegally input, such as an input signal such as a return button. The data that requires security includes data directly related to the profits of the player / game store, such as the number-of-balls data and the fraud detection signal in the gaming machine. Further, the control unit 10f may determine whether the data type requires security. Also, if the mutual authentication results in NG, the device (game machine or inter-card card processing machine) that detected the mutual authentication NG outputs an error to the host device and the display unit of the device itself, and the error is reduced. To do. Note that the communication I / F unit 10c performs a process of mutually confirming the legitimacy in units of interrupt processing and the security chip unit of the enclosed game machine 20.

  The storage unit 10e is a storage device composed of a hard disk device, a non-volatile memory, or the like, and stores a card ID 10e1, prepaid value data 10e3, cumulative firing ball number data 10e4, an internal ball number initial value 10e5, and a residence time initial value 10e6.

  The card ID 10e1 is a card ID read by the R / W unit 10a. When a card is conveyed from a card storage unit (not shown) to the card insertion slot 14 and the card is ejected, the card ID 10e1 is updated with the card ID read by the R / W unit 10a during the conveyance. Also, when a card is transported from the card insertion slot 14 to a card storage unit (not shown), the card ID 10e1 is updated with the card ID read by the R / W unit 10a during the transport. The prepaid value data 10e3 is the remaining number of prepaid values of the player at the present time, and is added when a bill or a card is inserted, and is subtracted when the number of coins is transferred.

  Cumulative fired ball number data 10e4 indicates the cumulative number of fired balls obtained by adding the number of fired balls every time the number of fired balls is received from the enclosed game machine 20. The cumulative number of balls to be fired has an initial value of zero, and is reset to zero when the ball is discharged from the enclosed game machine 20 and a cleaned ball is inserted. That is, the cumulative number of balls to be fired is a cumulative value of pachinko balls that have been fired since the previous cleaning (or new installation of the enclosed game machine 20).

The internal ball number initial value 10e5 indicates the number of pachinko balls enclosed in the enclosed game machine 20. The residence time initial value 10e6 is an initial value of the average time that the fired pachinko ball stays in the game area. When the pachinko ball is fired N times consecutively from time T1, the average residence time is T2 when the pachinko ball first returns from the game area to the ball storage unit 26, and finally the pachinko ball is stored from the game area. Assuming that the time of returning to the section 26 is T3,
(T3-T1) / N
Sought by. T2-T1 is the shortest residence time. The initial average residence time is an average residence time in the first game after the enclosed game machine 20 is connected to the inter-card card processing machine 10. The initial average residence time value may be stored in the enclosed game machine 20 in advance, and the inter-card card processing machine 10 may acquire the average residence time initial value from the enclosed game machine 20.

  The control unit 10f is a control unit that totally controls the inter-card card processing machine 10, and includes a data management unit 10f1, a banknote processing unit 10f2, a card processing unit 10f3, a detection unit 10f4, and an abnormality notification unit 10f5. Further, a prepaid value display unit 15 and a card return button 18 are directly connected to the control unit 10f.

  The data management unit 10f1 manages the prepaid value using the prepaid value data 10e3 stored in the storage unit 10e. When a bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 12, the data management unit 10f1 adds a prepaid value corresponding to the bill to the prepaid value data 10e3. Similarly, when a card is inserted into the card insertion slot 14, the data management unit 10f1 adds the prepaid value associated with this card to the prepaid value data 10e3. In addition, the card ID 10e1 is transmitted to the card management device 40, the number of possessed balls corresponding to the card ID is received from the card management device 40, notified to the enclosed game machine 20, and added to the number of retained balls.

  When the ball lending button 17 of the enclosed game machine 20 is pressed, the data management unit 10f1 subtracts a predetermined number (for example, 10 times) of the prepaid value data 10e3 and adds a corresponding number of balls. Notify the enclosed game machine 20.

  If the card return button 18 is pressed, the data management unit 10f1 obtains the number of balls 22a stored in the enclosed game machine 20, and the number of balls and the card indicated by the number of balls 22a. The ID 10e1 is transmitted to the card management device 40 and a card data update request is made. Thereafter, the data management unit 10f1 instructs the enclosed game machine 20 to clear the number-of-balls data 22a to zero.

  The banknote processing unit 10f2 is a processing unit that stores the banknotes in a banknote storage unit (not shown) after carrying out conveyance control of the banknotes received from the banknote insertion slot 12 and performing denomination and authenticity identification of the banknotes. When the banknote processing unit 10f2 identifies that the accepted banknote is a genuine banknote, the banknote processing unit 10f2 notifies the data management unit 10f1 of the value corresponding to the denomination, and causes the prepaid value to be added.

  When the card processing unit 10f3 receives the card from the card insertion slot 14, the card processing unit 10f3 reads the card ID and the prepaid value by the R / W unit 10a. The card ID 10e1 is stored in the storage unit 10e, and the prepaid value is added to the prepaid value data 10e3. Further, the card processing unit 10f3 writes the prepaid value data 10e3 to the card and ejects it from the card insertion slot 14 after the card return button 18 is pressed and the card data of the card management device 40 is updated by the data management unit 10f1. To do.

  When the detection unit 10f4 receives a notification of the number of shots from the enclosed game machine 20, the detection unit 10f4 adds the number of shots to the cumulative shot number data 10e4 and updates the cumulative shot number data 10e4. When the cumulative number of shots indicated by the cumulative shot number data 10e4 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the first abnormality detection is output. In this case, cleaning is considered necessary.

  In addition, when the detection unit 10f4 receives a notification of the number of internal balls from the enclosed game machine 20, the detection unit 10f4 compares the internal ball number with the internal ball number initial value 10e5, and the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold value. In the case, the second abnormality detection is output. In this case, it is considered that clogging has occurred in the enclosed game machine 20.

  In addition, when the detection unit 10f4 receives a notification of the average residence time from the enclosed game machine 20, the detection unit 10f4 compares the average residence time with the initial residence time 10e6, and the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Outputs a third abnormality detection. In this case, it is considered that the residence time abnormality has occurred in the enclosed game machine 20.

  If the abnormality detection by the detection unit 10f4 is output, the abnormality notification unit 10f5 notifies that there is an abnormality and the content of the abnormality. The form of abnormality notification includes display of a sign / character indicating whether the detected abnormality is the first to third abnormality, or display of a sign / character indicating a possible abnormality (cleaning, etc.) However, there is no particular limitation as long as the type of abnormality can be identified. The abnormality notification output destination device may include one or more of notification to the host device to the card management device 40 and the like, display output to the display operation unit 13, and notification to the clerk terminal.

  The launch control unit 10f6 is a part that controls the launch of the pachinko balls in the enclosed game machine 20, and if an abnormality detection is output by the detection unit 10f4, launching that prohibits the launch of the pachinko balls of the enclosed game machine 20 Prohibit signal is output. The launch prohibition signal is intermittently or continuously output until the completion of the launch prohibition process is received from the enclosed game machine 20.

  The discharge control unit 10f7 is a part that controls the discharge of pachinko balls (internal balls) in the enclosed game machine 20, and when the abnormality detection is output by the detection unit 10f4 and the abnormality is the first abnormality, A discharge permission signal is output to the enclosed game machine 20. The discharge permission signal is intermittently or continuously output until a signal indicating that the discharge permission flag is set to “1” (discharge permission) is received from the enclosed gaming machine 20.

  The opening / closing control unit 10f8 is a part that controls opening / closing of a front frame (not shown) in the enclosed gaming machine 20. The front frame is a door that covers the front side of the game board surface of the enclosed gaming machine 20, and the game board surface is covered by the front frame so that the game board surface cannot be accessed from the outside in a normal state. When the abnormality detection is output by the detection unit 10f4 and the abnormality is the second or third abnormality, an opening permission signal for the front frame is output toward the enclosed game machine 20. The release permission signal is intermittently or continuously output until a signal indicating that the release permission flag is set to “1” (open permission) is received from the enclosed gaming machine 20.

  The abnormality handling unit 10f9 controls the abnormality notification unit 10f5, the firing control unit 10f6, the discharge control unit 10f7, and the opening / closing control unit 10f8 based on the reception of the abnormality detection by the detection unit 10f4.

  The enclosed game machine 20 includes a communication I / F unit 24, a store clerk terminal authentication unit 24 a, a ball lending button 17, a number-of-balls display unit 16, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. The communication I / F unit 24 is an interface unit for performing data communication with the inter-card card processor 10.

  The communication I / F unit 24 has a security chip unit. The security chip unit has its own identification ID and a predetermined encryption / decryption program, and communicates with the security chip unit of the inter-card card processing machine 10. The security chip unit determines whether the data input / output from the communication I / F unit 24 corresponds to a predetermined data type requiring security, and if not, inputs / outputs the data as it is. On the other hand, in the case of a data type that requires security, mutual authentication processing is performed between the security chip unit of the inter-card card processing machine 10 using its own identification ID and the other party's identification ID when inputting / outputting data. I do. If mutual authentication is OK, the data encrypted by the encryption program is output in the case of output, and in the case of input, the data received from the other party is awaited and the received data is decrypted. An encryption / decryption method is determined in advance with the security chip unit of the inter-card processing machine 10, and data encrypted by the other party can be mutually decrypted. Here, the data that does not require security includes data that is not substantially damaged even if it is illegally input, such as an input signal such as a return button. The data that requires security includes data directly related to the profits of the player / game store, such as the number-of-balls data and the fraud detection signal in the gaming machine. Further, the control unit 23 may determine whether the data type requires security.

  The clerk terminal authentication unit 24a communicates with a clerk portable terminal (hereinafter, clerk terminal) such as a clerk remote controller carried by the clerk by non-contact communication such as infrared communication, and based on the terminal identification information received from the clerk terminal, The clerk terminal is authenticated by inquiring to the host device such as the game hall management device 90 whether the clerk terminal is valid. Further, it is preferable that at the time of authentication, not only the terminal identification information but also identification information for identifying the clerk is received from the clerk terminal and the clerk who communicated is thereby identified.

  The ball lending button 17 and the number of possessed balls display unit 16 are connected to the control unit 23 of the enclosed game machine 20. When the ball lending button 17 is pressed, the control unit 23 transmits a ball lending request to the inter-card card processing machine 10. When the inter-card processing machine 10 receives the ball lending request from the control unit 23, the inter-card gaming machine 20 notifies the enclosed game machine 20 to subtract the prepaid value and add a corresponding number of balls. In response to the notification from the inter-card card processing machine 10, the control unit 23 adds the number-of-balls data 22 a stored in the storage unit 22. The number of possessed balls display unit 16 displays the number of retained balls indicated by the number of possessed balls data 22 a stored in the storage unit 22.

  The prepaid value display unit 15 is provided on the front surface of the enclosed game machine 20 and is directly connected to the control unit 10 f of the inter-card processing machine 10. The prepaid value display unit 15 displays the remaining frequency of the prepaid value data 10e3 stored in the storage unit 10e of the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The storage unit 22 of the enclosed game machine 20 is a storage device composed of a hard disk device, a non-volatile memory, etc., and has a ball count data 22a, a shot ball count data 22b, an internal ball count data 22c, a dwell time data 22d, and a discharge permission. The flag 22e, the release permission flag 22f, and the internal ball number setting data 22g are stored.

  The number-of-balls data 22a is the number of balls currently held by the player, and is subtracted when a pachinko ball is launched into the game area, and is added by winning. The number-of-fired ball data 22b indicates the number of pachinko balls fired by the enclosed game machine 20. Further, the internal ball count data 22c indicates the number of pachinko balls stored in the ball storage section 26 of the enclosed game machine 20. The residence time data 22d indicates the latest average residence time of the enclosed game machine 20.

  The discharge permission flag 22e takes a value of “0” (discharge prohibited) or “1” (discharge permission). The discharge permission flag 22e is set to “0” (discharge prohibited) in a normal state, and is switched in response to a discharge permission signal from the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The opening permission flag 22f takes a value of “0” (opening prohibition) or “1” (opening permission). The opening permission flag 22e is set to “0” (opening prohibited) in a normal business state, but is set to “1” (opening permission) when the store closing process is performed. The opening permission flag 22f is switched based on the opening permission signal from the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The internal ball number setting data 22g indicates a set value of the number of pachinko balls enclosed in the enclosed game machine 20 and circulated inside. This internal ball number setting data 22g can be set / changed by an operation by a store clerk terminal of the store clerk or by a signal from the amusement hall management device 90, and is transmitted to the inter-card processing machine 10 at the time of setting, and the internal ball initial value 10e5 Is remembered as

  The control unit 23 is a control unit that controls the enclosed game machine 20 as a whole, and includes a game control unit 23a, a ball management unit 23b, a shot ball count unit 23d, an internal ball count unit 23e, a residence time measurement unit 23f, It has a notification unit 23g, a clerk operation reception unit 23i, a discharge processing unit 23j, and an opening processing unit 23k.

  The game control unit 23a controls a game using the enclosed pachinko. Moreover, the possession management part 23b manages the possession number data 22a. Specifically, when the possession management unit 23b receives a notification of the number of balls to be added to the possession from the inter-card processing machine 10, it updates the possession number data 22a by adding the notified number of balls. To do. Further, the holding ball management unit 23b subtracts the number of balls every time it hits a pachinko ball in the game area, and when the pachinko ball wins, adds the number of balls and updates the ball number data 22a.

  Based on the output of the sensor 28, the shot ball number counting unit 23d adds the shot ball number data 22b each time the enclosed game machine 20 fires a pachinko ball. In addition, after the notifying unit 23g notifies the inter-card processing machine 10 of the number of shots indicated by the shot number data 22b, the number of shots data 22b is cleared to zero.

  The internal ball count unit 23e receives pachinko ball return instructions from the inter-card processing machine 10 and, based on the output of the sensor 27, the pachinko balls stored in the ball storage unit 26 of the enclosed game machine 20 The number is counted and the internal ball number data 22c is updated.

  The residence time measuring unit 23f calculates the average residence time already described for the pachinko balls that have been continuously fired, and stores them in the storage unit 22 as residence time data 22d. The residence time measuring unit 23f calculates and updates the residence time data 22d as needed during the execution of the game, and after the notification unit 23g notifies the inter-card card processing machine 10 of the average residence time indicated by the residence time data 22d. The dwell time data 22d is cleared to zero.

  When the notifying unit 23g receives a ball return instruction from the inter-card processing machine 10, the notifying unit 23g reads out the fired ball number data 22b, the internal ball number data 22c, and the residence time data 22d, and the number of fired balls, the number of internal balls, The residence time is notified to the inter-card card processing machine 10.

  The store clerk operation reception unit 23i is a portion that receives an input instruction from the store clerk terminal when the store clerk terminal received by the store clerk terminal authentication unit 24a is authenticated as valid. The input instruction is performed based on a button operation or the like at the clerk terminal.

  The discharge processing unit 23j is a part that performs discharge processing of pachinko balls (internal balls). After the clerk terminal authentication unit 24a confirms that the clerk terminal is valid, the clerk operation reception unit 23i When the internal ball discharge instruction is accepted, if the state of the discharge permission flag is “1” (discharge permission), the opening / closing mechanism of the ball discharge port 25 is opened and the passage switching mechanism 29 described later is controlled, The internal ball is discharged.

  The opening processing unit 23k is a part that performs the opening process of the front frame. After the salesclerk terminal authentication unit 24a confirms that the salesclerk terminal is valid, the salesclerk operation reception unit 23i releases the front frame. When the instruction is accepted and the state of the release permission flag is “1” (open permission), the front frame is unlocked and the front frame is unlocked. The state of the discharge permission flag and the release permission flag can also be changed by a signal from the game hall management device 90.

  Next, the counting of the number of shot balls and the number of internal balls by the enclosed game machine 20 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining counting of the number of shot balls and the number of internal balls by the enclosed game machine 20. As shown in the figure, the pachinko balls are supplied one by one from the ball reservoir 26 to the launching mechanism 21a that launches the pachinko balls. A sensor 28 is provided on the supply path from the ball reservoir 26 to the launching mechanism 21a, and detects the passage of pachinko balls supplied to the launching mechanism 21a.

  Of the pachinko balls launched by the launching mechanism 21a, the pachinko balls that have not reached the game area are inserted between the sensor 28 and the launching mechanism 21a and sent to the launching mechanism 21a again. On the other hand, pachinko balls that have been launched by the launch mechanism 21a and have reached the game area are stored in the ball storage unit 26 after passing through the game area.

  The ball storage unit 26 is provided with a sensor 27. The sensor 27 is provided at a predetermined height from the bottom of the ball storage unit 26. If the number of pachinko balls stored in the ball storage unit 26 exceeds a predetermined number, the pachinko balls reach the height at which the sensor 27 is provided, and therefore the sensor 27 is used for the pachinko balls stored in the ball storage unit 26. It is possible to detect whether the number is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

  A passage switching mechanism 29 is provided on the supply path from the ball storage unit 26 to the launching mechanism 21a. The passage switching mechanism 29 switches whether the pachinko balls supplied from the ball storage unit 26 are sent to the firing mechanism 21 a or the discharge port 25.

  Next, a specific configuration of the sensor 28 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the sensor 28 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the count wheel 28a of the sensor 28 causes the wing member to protrude into the supply path of the pachinko balls, and rotates by one wing member due to the falling weight of the pachinko balls. A gear 28b having the same number of teeth as the number of blade members of the count wheel 28a is fixed to the count wheel 28a. Further, the count wheel 28a and the gear 28b share the rotation shaft 28c.

  One end of the swing member 28d is engaged with the gear 28b, and swings about the swing shaft 28e every time the tooth of the gear 28b rotates by one. A shield member 28f is provided at the other end of the swing member 28d, and shields the light receiving portion of the photodiode 28g each time the swing member 28d swings. The swinging member 28d is biased toward an adjacent position (the lowest part of the swinging range) where the engaging end on the side engaging the gear 28b is approached by a biasing member (not shown). The urging force of the urging member is set so as to be weaker than the falling weight of the pachinko ball. As the gear 28b rotates due to the falling weight of the pachinko ball, the engaging end is pushed by the teeth of the gear 28b. The gear 28b is pushed toward a position away from the rotary shaft 28c (the uppermost part of the swing range). After the engaging end of the swinging member rides up to the top of the tooth and passes through the top, it returns to the close position again by the biasing force.

  That is, when one pachinko ball passes, the count wheel 28a and the gear 28b rotate, and the swing member 20d swings once. Therefore, by monitoring the output of the photodiode 28g and counting the light receiving state (on state) and the shielding state (off state) as one set, the number of pachinko balls that have passed can be counted. Further, the swinging member is provided with a stopper (not shown) to temporarily suppress the swinging member from being detached from the gear 28b every time the passage of one ball is detected. When the passage of the number of balls to be guided to the firing mechanism is detected, the stopper is fixed in a state that prevents the pachinko balls from falling. Although the configuration of the sensor 28 is described above, the structure is not particularly limited as long as it has a function of controlling the supply of balls to the launching device and a function of counting the number of supplied balls.

  Next, the ball outlet 25 will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the ball outlet 25. The ball discharge port 25 is provided on the front surface of the enclosed game machine 20. Moreover, the position of the ball discharge port 25 is higher than the gutter plate on which the ball box is placed. Then, a flange 25 b is provided on the bottom surface of the ball discharge port 25, and a flange 25 a is provided on both side surfaces of the ball discharge port 25.

  With this configuration, the pachinko balls discharged from the ball discharge port 25 can be easily collected by the ball box 100 placed on the slab. Further, the flange 25a and the flange 25b can prevent the pachinko balls discharged from the ball discharge port 25 from spilling.

  Further, the ball discharge port 25 is provided with an opening / closing mechanism that can be opened only when the pachinko ball is discharged. For this reason, it is difficult to understand the presence of the ball outlet 25 except when the pachinko balls are discharged, which can contribute to prevention of fraud.

  In addition, although the structure which discharges | emits and collects the pachinko ball in a ball box was illustrated in FIG. 7, if the groove | channel for collection | recovery of a pachinko ball is laid in the store, the enclosure type game machine 20 needs cleaning. When determined, the pachinko ball can be discharged into the groove. The pachinko ball collection groove is used in stores where game machines with counters are installed, etc., and the pachinko balls discharged into the groove are collected and cleaned by the island reduction machine. Is automatically replenished. When adopting a configuration in which the pachinko balls are discharged into the pachinko ball collecting groove, the ball discharge port 25 is provided on the back surface of the enclosed game machine 20.

  Next, the introduction of a cleaned pachinko ball will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the introduction of a cleaned pachinko ball. FIG. 8A shows a configuration in which pachinko balls are thrown into the enclosed game machine 20 from a ball supply path 101 for supplying cleaned balls. In the configuration of FIG. 8A, the ball insertion port 103 is provided on the upper surface or the back surface of the enclosed game machine 20. The pachinko balls thrown into the ball slot 103 are stored in the ball storage unit 26. When a pachinko ball is inserted into the ball insertion slot 103, the number of balls introduced by the sensor 102 provided in the vicinity of the ball insertion slot 103 is counted to obtain a count value. Then, the number of balls counted from the number of balls indicated by the internal ball number setting data 22g is subtracted to obtain an additional required value that is the number of balls to be additionally inserted. During the insertion process, the count value and the additional required value are alternately displayed on the number-of-balls display section 16 on the front surface of the gaming machine. Thereby, the store clerk can grasp the number of balls to be additionally inserted. When the predetermined number of balls is inserted, the shutter 104 is closed, the discharge permission flag is reset to “0” (discharge prohibited), and the intercard card processing machine 10 is notified that the discharge permission flag is set to “0”. Send. After the shutter 104 is closed, only the count value is displayed for a certain period of time, and then the display on the number-of-balls display section 16 is erased. From the ball discharge process to the shutter closing, functions related to the game including the pachinko ball launching function are controlled to be disabled. Further, when the state of the discharge permission flag becomes “1” (discharge permission) and the clerk operation has not been performed for a predetermined time, the enclosed game machine 20 goes down in error.

  FIG. 8B shows a configuration in which a cleaned pachinko ball is inserted from the front side of the enclosing game machine 20. In the configuration of FIG. 8B, when the glass panel 20a and the game board 20b of the enclosed game machine 20 are opened, the ball slot 105 provided in the frame 20c is exposed. When a cleaned pachinko ball is inserted into the ball insertion port 105, the inserted pachinko ball is stored in a ball storage unit 26 (not shown).

  Next, the processing procedure of the inter-card card processing machine 10 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure of the inter-card card processing machine 10. As shown in the figure, when the inter-card card processing machine 10 accepts the pressing operation of the card return button 18 (Step S101; Yes), it transmits a ball return instruction to the enclosed game machine 20 (Step S101). S102). When the enclosed game machine 20 receives the ball return instruction from the inter-card card processing machine 10, it notifies the inter-card card processing machine 10 of the number of balls, the number of fired balls, the number of internal balls, and the average residence time.

  The card processing unit 10f3 of the inter-card processing machine 10 returns the card by associating the number of possessed balls notified from the enclosed game machine 20 and the prepaid value indicated by the prepaid value data 10e3 with the card ID 10e1 (step S103). ).

  After step S103, the detection unit 10f4 of the inter-card card processing machine 10 performs a cleaning determination process (step S104), an internal ball number abnormality determination process (step S105), and a residence time determination process (step S106). Details of the cleaning determination process, the internal ball number abnormality determination process, and the residence time determination process will be described later.

  The abnormality notification unit 10f5 determines whether the first to third abnormality flags are set to “1” by the cleaning determination process, the internal ball number abnormality determination process, and the residence time determination process (step S107), and which abnormality is detected. If the flag is not set to “1” (step S107; No), the process is terminated. Each abnormality flag has an initial value “0”, and is reset to “0” when maintenance of the enclosed game machine 20 is performed. Specifically, if the first abnormality flag is “1”, the first abnormality flag is reset to “0” after the pachinko ball is cleaned and the cleaned pachinko ball is inserted. If the second abnormality flag is “1”, the second abnormality flag is reset to “0” after the internal ball number abnormality is eliminated by eliminating clogging. If the third abnormality flag is “1”, the third abnormality flag is reset to “0” after the residence time abnormality is resolved by adjusting the panel surface or the like.

  If any abnormality flag is set to “1” (step S107; Yes), the abnormality notification unit 10f5 transmits a game prohibition instruction to the enclosed gaming machine 20 (step S108) and ball discharge permission. Is transmitted (step S109), and the process is terminated.

  Next, details of the cleaning determination process shown in FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the cleaning determination process shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, when the detecting unit 10f4 acquires the number of fired balls from the enclosed game machine 20 (step S201), the detected number of fired balls is added to the cumulative number of fired ball data 10e4 (step S202).

  After step S202, the detection unit 10f4 compares the cumulative number of fired balls with a threshold value (step S203). If the cumulative number of shot balls is equal to or less than the threshold (step S202; No), the detection unit 10f4 ends the cleaning determination process.

  On the other hand, if the cumulative number of shot balls exceeds the threshold value (step S203; Yes), the detection unit 10f4 determines that the pachinko ball needs to be cleaned (step S204), and the abnormality notification unit 10f5 It is notified that the pachinko ball needs to be cleaned (step S205). This notification can include notification to a higher-level device such as the card management device 40, display on the display operation unit 13, and notification to the salesclerk terminal. After step S205, the detection unit 10f4 sets “1” to the first abnormality flag (step S206), and ends the cleaning determination process.

  Next, details of the internal ball number abnormality determination process shown in FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for describing the internal ball number abnormality determination process shown in FIG. 9. As shown in the figure, when the detecting unit 10f4 acquires the number of internal balls from the enclosed game machine 20 (step S301), the acquired internal ball number is compared with the internal ball initial value 10e5 (step S302). .

  If the difference between the acquired number of internal balls and the internal ball number initial value 10e5 is equal to or smaller than the threshold value (step S302; No), the detection unit 10f4 ends the internal ball number abnormality determination process. On the other hand, if the difference between the acquired number of internal balls and the internal ball number initial value 10e5 exceeds the threshold value (step S302; Yes), the detection unit 10f4 detects the pachinko ball in the gaming area of the enclosed gaming machine 20. It is determined that clogging has occurred (step S303), and the abnormality notifying unit 10f5 notifies that clogging has occurred (step S304). After step S304, the detection unit 10f4 sets “1” to the second abnormality flag (step S305), and ends the internal ball number abnormality determination process.

  Next, details of the residence time determination process shown in FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the residence time determination process shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, when the detection unit 10f4 acquires the average residence time from the enclosed game machine 20 (step S401), the detection unit 10f4 compares the acquired average residence time with the initial residence time value 10e6 (step S402).

  If the difference between the acquired average residence time and the residence time initial value 10e6 is equal to or smaller than the threshold value (step S402; No), the detection unit 10f4 ends the residence time determination process. On the other hand, if the difference between the acquired average dwell time and the dwell time initial value 10e6 exceeds the threshold value (step S402; Yes), the detection unit 10f4 causes the game area of the enclosed game machine 20 to become dirty or pachinko. It is determined that the behavior of the pachinko ball is disturbed due to dirt on the ball and the residence time is abnormal (step S403), and the abnormality notifying unit 10f5 notifies that the residence time is abnormal (step S404). After step S404, the detection unit 10f4 sets “1” to the third abnormality flag (step S405), and ends the residence time determination process.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the enclosed game machine 20 counts information related to the internal circulation ball and notifies the inter-card card processing machine 10 of the count result, and the inter-card card processing machine 10 is encapsulated. Since the abnormality is detected based on the counting result received from the gaming machine 20 and the detected abnormality is notified, the maintenance including the cleaning of the pachinko balls enclosed in the enclosed gaming machine 20 can be performed efficiently. .

  Specifically, the internal ball number counting unit 23e counts the number of pachinko balls enclosed in the enclosed game machine 20 and counts the internal ball number data 22c, and the internal ball number and the internal ball indicated by the internal ball number data 22c. In comparison with the numerical initial value 10e5, when the difference exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that clogging has occurred.

  The number of pachinko balls fired by the enclosed game machine 20 is counted by the fired ball counting unit 23d to calculate the cumulative number of fired balls, and when the cumulative number of fired balls exceeds a predetermined threshold, the pachinko balls are cleaned. Is determined to be necessary.

  The residence time measuring unit 23f measures the average residence time of the number of pachinko balls fired by the enclosed game machine 20, and the difference between the average residence time and the residence time initial value 10e6 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Determines that an abnormality has occurred in the residence time of the pachinko ball.

  If an abnormality is detected, the ball outlet 25 of the enclosed game machine 20 is permitted to be opened, and when a ball discharge instruction is received from the clerk terminal, the pachinko ball is controlled to be discharged from the ball outlet 25. The internal circulation ball can be easily taken out and maintained.

  By the way, in the said Example 1, although the case where the enclosure-type game machine 20 managed the ball was shown, this invention is not limited to this, A structure and operation | movement can be changed and implemented. In the second embodiment, various modifications will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the inter-card card processing machine and the enclosed game machine when managing the holding balls in the enclosed game machine. In the configuration shown in the figure, not the enclosed gaming machine 120 but the inter-card processing machine 110 manages the number of balls. Therefore, in the inter-card card processing machine 10, the storage unit 10e further stores the number-of-balls data 10e2, and the data management unit 111 of the control unit 10f manages the number-of-balls data 10e2. The ball number display unit 16 and the ball lending button 17 are provided on the front surface of the enclosed game machine 120, but are directly connected to the control unit 10 f of the inter-card card processing machine 10. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the inter-card card processing machine 10 and the enclosed game machine 20 shown in FIG. 4, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The data management unit 111 of the control unit 10f is a management unit that manages the number of possessed balls and the prepaid value using the number of possessed balls data 10e2 and the prepaid value data 10e3 stored in the storage unit 10e.

  When the lending button 17 is pressed, the data management unit 111 adds the number of balls corresponding to a predetermined number in the prepaid value data 10e3 to the number of balls data 10e2. In addition, every time the pachinko ball enclosed in the enclosed game machine 120 is driven into the game area, the signal from the detecting means in the enclosed game machine 120 is received and the number-of-balls data 10e2 is subtracted to win the pachinko ball. Then, in response to a signal from the enclosed game machine 120, a predetermined number (for example, 15 balls) is added to the number-of-balls data 10e2. When the card return button 18 is pressed and the card is ejected, the number-of-balls data 10e2 is cleared to zero after the number-of-balls data 10e2 is associated with the card. Further, when a card is inserted from the card insertion slot 14, the number of balls associated with this card is added to the number of balls data 10e2. In addition, when discharging the card, the ball count data 10e2 is written to the card, and the ball count data 10e2 and the card ID 10e1 are transmitted to the card management device 40 to give an instruction to update the card data. The numerical data 10e2 is associated with the card.

  In addition, when a banknote is inserted into the banknote insertion slot 12, the data management unit 111 adds a prepaid value corresponding to this banknote to the prepaid value data 10e3. If the ball lending button 17 is pressed, a predetermined number (for example, 10 degrees) is subtracted from the prepaid value data 10e3. When the card return button 18 is pressed and the card is ejected, the prepaid value data 10e3 is cleared to zero after the prepaid value data 10e3 is associated with the card. Further, when a card is inserted from the card insertion slot 14, the prepaid value associated with this card is added to the prepaid value data 10e3. Here, for convenience of explanation, the case where “addition” and “subtraction” are performed is shown. However, for example, instead of adding to the prepaid value data 10e3 itself, the prepaid value data 10e3 may be updated with the added value. Is possible.

  Next, an integrated enclosed game machine incorporating the functions of the inter-card card processing machine will be described. FIG. 14 is an external configuration diagram showing an external configuration of an integrated enclosed game machine 220. As shown in the figure, the enclosed game machine 220 has a state display section 11, a bill insertion slot 12, a display operation section 13, a card insertion slot 14, a handle 21, and a prepaid value display section on the front surface thereof. 15, a ball number display unit 16, a ball lending button 17, a card return button 18, a ball outlet 25, and a clerk terminal authentication unit 24 a.

  Next, the internal configuration of the enclosed game machine 220 shown in FIG. 14 will be described. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the enclosed game machine 220 shown in FIG. 15 includes a display operation unit 13, an R / W unit 10a, a banknote transport unit 10b, a communication I / F unit 10c, a prepaid value display unit 15, and a number of balls. Unit 16, ball lending button 17, card return button 18, clerk terminal authentication unit 24 a, storage unit 221, control unit 222, and abnormality display unit 223.

  The storage unit 221 stores the card ID 10e1, the number-of-balls data 10e2, the prepaid value data 10e3, the cumulative number-of-fired-balls data 10e4, the initial number of internal balls 10e5, and the residence time stored in the storage unit 10e of the inter-card processing machine 110. The initial value 10e6 and the shot ball data 22b, the internal ball data 22b, the dwell time data 22c, the discharge permission flag 22e, the release permission flag 22f, and the internal ball number setting data stored in the storage unit 22 of the enclosed game machine 120 22g is memorized.

  Similarly, the control unit 222 includes a data management unit 111, a bill processing unit 10f2, a detection unit 10f4, an abnormality notification unit 10f5, a firing control unit 10f6, and a discharge control unit that the control unit 10f of the inter-card processing machine 110 has. 10f7, opening / closing control unit 10f8, abnormality handling unit 10f9 and game control unit 23a, firing ball number counting unit 23d, internal ball number counting unit 23e, residence time measuring unit 23f included in the control unit 23 of the enclosed game machine 120 , A salesclerk operation reception unit 23i, a discharge processing unit 23j, and an opening processing unit 23k. The abnormality notification unit 10f5 notifies the occurrence and type of abnormality by controlling the abnormality display unit 223.

  Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the inter-card card processing machine 110 and the enclosed game machine 120, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. Thus, even when the enclosed game machine 220 is provided with the function of an inter-card card processing machine, the maintenance including the cleaning of the pachinko balls enclosed in the enclosed game machine as in the first embodiment is efficient. Can be done well. Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the enclosed game machine 220 is provided with the function of the inter-card card processing machine is described, but the function of the inter-card card processing machine is not provided, and an abnormality is detected and notified. Of course, the present invention can be applied to the case where only the above functions (abnormality notification unit, abnormality handling unit, abnormality display unit) are provided in the gaming machine and these configurations are not provided in the inter-card card processing machine.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a configuration in the case where a cleaning unit is installed inside the enclosed game machine. The enclosed game machine 320 shown in the figure has a cleaning unit 322 in addition to the configuration of the enclosed game machine 20 shown in FIG. In addition, the control unit 23 of the enclosed game machine 320 includes a cleaning processing unit 321 instead of the discharge processing unit 23j. Similarly, the inter-card card processing machine 310 includes a cleaning control unit 311 instead of the discharge processing unit 10f7 shown in FIG. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the inter-card processing machine 10 and the enclosed game machine 20 shown in FIG. 4, and thus the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Description is omitted.

  The cleaning control unit 311 of the inter-card processing machine 310 is a part that controls the cleaning of the pachinko balls (inner balls) in the enclosed game machine 320, and the abnormality detection is output by the detection unit 10f4, and the abnormality is the first abnormality. If it is, an internal ball cleaning control signal is output to the enclosed game machine 320. The cleaning control signal is output intermittently or continuously until a signal indicating that cleaning is executed is received from the enclosed game machine 320.

  The cleaning unit 322 of the enclosed game machine 320 is preferably provided in the course of the path from the ball storage unit 26 to the launching mechanism 21a, and is preferably configured in a removable cassette type.

  The cleaning unit 322 cleans the pachinko balls with a polishing cloth or a cleaning liquid. In the configuration using the polishing cloth, the cleaning unit 322 rubs the polishing cloth to clean the pachinko balls. In the configuration using the cleaning liquid, the cleaning unit 322 performs cleaning by immersing the pachinko balls in the cleaning liquid.

  When the cleaning processing unit 321 of the enclosed game machine 320 receives the cleaning control signal from the cleaning control unit 311, the cleaning processing unit 321 transmits a cleaning execution notification to the cleaning control unit 311 and causes the cleaning unit 322 to clean the pachinko ball. .

  Thus, the enclosed game machine 320 can automatically execute the cleaning by the cleaning unit 322 when the pachinko ball needs to be cleaned. The cleaning control unit 311 stores the number of cleanings performed by the cleaning processing unit 321. When the number of cleaning executions exceeds a certain number, the cleaning control unit 311 detects an abnormality and replaces the member of the cleaning unit 322. Request. Such a request can be made by notifying an arbitrary device such as a game hall management device 90 or a salesclerk terminal, or by displaying it on an abnormality display unit.

  In the first and second embodiments, the discharge permission control and the unlock permission control are exemplified by a configuration in which the game machine is instructed to change the flag in advance and the operation by the store clerk is waited for when the condition is satisfied. The inter-card card processing machine may be configured to accept operations by store clerk, and when the inter-card card processing machine accepts store clerk authentication and store clerk operation, the discharge control and front door unlock control may be performed.

  Moreover, in the said Example 1 and 2, although detailed description about the form of a card | curd was abbreviate | omitted, such a card | curd includes a magnetic card, an IC card, etc. Further, here, for convenience of explanation, the “card” has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to a case where a chip, a stick, a portable terminal, or the like is used in addition to the card. In particular, when an IC chip-equipped mobile terminal is used as a medium, the IC chip and the R / W are not connected to each other by placing the mobile terminal on a reader / writer (R / W) provided in the inter-card processing unit 10. The prepaid value and the number of possessions associated with the mobile terminal can be acquired by contact communication.

  Furthermore, when the medium for authenticating the store clerk is composed of an IC medium such as an IC tag, a reader / writer that accepts a portable terminal with an IC chip carried by the member can also be used for authentication of the store clerk.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where abnormality detection is performed in conjunction with the card return operation has been described as an example. However, abnormality detection is performed at the time of closing processing or when an abnormality detection start is received by a store clerk. You may comprise as follows. In the case of an instruction by a store clerk, it is preferable that the instruction is made by an instruction from a store clerk terminal or an operation means provided inside a card processing machine or an enclosed game machine that is normally inaccessible. Further, the number of balls to be fired and the residence time may be started at any time during the game, and the abnormality detection process may be performed in parallel with the game process.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, a pachinko gaming machine using a game ball as an enclosed game machine has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a revolving type in which the enclosed game machine uses a game ball. The present invention can also be applied to a swivel type game machine using a game machine and a game medal. That is, in the spinning-type gaming machine, instead of the “winning” signal due to the passing of the game ball in the specific gaming area in the above embodiment, a specific symbol combination among a plurality of symbol combinations on the spinning cylinder The configuration can be realized when each inter-card card processing machine 10 receives and processes a “winning” signal due to the fact that they are arranged on the line.

  In the first embodiment, the inter-card card processing machine 10 has a card processing function and an abnormality coping / notification function. An inter-device that can communicate with the device may be provided separately from the inter-card card processor 10, and the inter-device may be provided with an abnormality handling / notification function.

  Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, when an abnormality notification related to cleaning (the number of balls used) is performed, a certain number of times of use (cumulative number of balls) is stored, and the first number based on this number of times is stored. Instead of outputting an abnormality notification, the number of times of use (cumulative number of balls) can be stored in a plurality of stages instead. For example, the number of times of use that requires cleaning (cumulative number of balls) is the first value, and the first value and a second value that is smaller than the first value by a predetermined number (for example, the number of balls fired per hour). And remember. When the cumulative number of balls reaches the second number of balls, a normal cleaning request (normal first abnormality notification) is output and the function of the gaming machine does not stop, and then the first number of balls. In such a case, an urgent cleaning request (urgent first abnormality notification) is made, and control to stop the function of the gaming machine is performed. By doing in this way, even if it is in business, it can cope with abnormally promptly and can reduce the case where a player becomes unable to play a game. Further, the number of balls used for the abnormality determination does not necessarily need to be stored / transmitted as it is, and a plurality of balls may be encoded as one unit and stored / transmitted for each unit.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the signal based on the winning of the pachinko ball is transmitted to the inter-card processing machine 10 and added to the number of balls, but the player cannot take out the game ball to the outside. If it is a structure, you may count a game ball with the counter provided corresponding to the inter-card card processing machine 10. FIG. For example, a counting device that counts pachinko balls so as to be communicable with the inter-card card processing machine 10 is connected below a storage tray provided in the gaming machine, and a path from the pachinko balls of the storage tray and the storage tray to the counting device is connected. The pachinko balls that pass through are made inoperable from the outside. Then, the pachinko balls paid out as prizes may be counted and added to the number of balls in the counting device.

  Each illustrated configuration is schematic in function, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to the one shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof may be functionally / physically distributed / integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads and usage conditions. Can be configured. For example, the game hall management device (hall computer), the card management device, and the member management device may be a device in which a plurality of them are integrated.

  As described above, the gaming system, each device, the enclosed game machine, and the abnormality detection method according to the present invention are suitable for the case where the maintenance including the cleaning of the internal circulation gaming medium enclosed in the enclosed game machine is efficiently performed. ing.

10, 110, 310 Inter-card processing unit 10a R / W unit 10b Bill transport unit 10c Communication I / F unit 10e Storage unit 10e1 Card ID
10e2 Number of balls data 10e3 Prepaid value data 10e4 Cumulative number of balls 10e5 Initial number of internal balls 10e6 Initial residence time 10f Control unit 10f1, 111 Data management unit 10f2 Banknote processing unit 10f3 Card processing unit 10f4 Detection unit 10f5 Abnormality notification unit 10f6 launch control unit 10f7 discharge control unit 10f8 opening / closing control unit 10f9 abnormality handling unit 11 status display unit 12 bill insertion slot 13 display operation unit 14 card insertion slot 15 prepaid value display unit 16 number of balls display unit 17 ball lending button 18 card return Button 20, 120, 220, 320 Enclosed game machine 20a Glass panel 20b Game board 20c Frame 21 Handle 21a Launching mechanism 22 Storage unit 22a Number of possession balls 22b Number of firing balls 22c Internal number of balls 22d Residence time Data 22e Discharge permission flag 22f Release permission flag 22g Internal ball count setting data 23 Control unit 23a Game control unit 23b Retained ball management unit 23d Fired ball count unit 23e Internal ball count unit 23f Residence time measurement unit 23g Notification unit 23i Clerk operation Reception unit 23j Discharge processing unit 23k Opening processing unit 24 Communication I / F unit 24a Clerk terminal authentication unit 25 Ball outlet 25a, 25b Head 26 Ball storage unit 27, 28 Sensor 29 Path switching mechanism 30 Island controller 40 Card management device 50 Member Management device 60 Settlement machine 70 Prize management device 80 Communication line 90 Amusement hall management device 100 Ball box 101 Ball supply path 102 Sensor 103, 105 Ball slot 104 Shutter

Claims (6)

A game system in which a sealed game machine that provides a game using a predetermined number of internal circulation game media that is restricted from being taken out of the device, and each device that is attached to the sealed game machine are communicably connected. Because
The enclosed game machine is
Counting means for counting information relating to the internal circulation game medium;
Notification means for notifying each of the table devices of count result related information related to the count result counted by the counting means,
Each of the stand devices is
Detecting means for detecting an abnormality based on the counting result related information;
An abnormality notification means for notifying the abnormality detected by the detection means ;
The counting means includes
Count the number of the internal circulation game media as information related to the internal circulation game media,
The detection means includes
The number of the internal circulation game media received from the enclosed game machine is compared with a predetermined number of game media, and if the difference exceeds a predetermined value, it is detected that an abnormality has occurred. Game system. A game system in which a sealed game machine that provides a game using a predetermined number of internal circulation game media that is restricted from being taken out of the device, and each device that is attached to the sealed game machine are communicably connected. Because
The enclosed game machine is
Counting means for counting information relating to the internal circulation game medium;
Notification means for notifying each of the table devices of count result related information related to the count result counted by the counting means,
Each of the stand devices is
Detecting means for detecting an abnormality based on the counting result related information;
An abnormality notification means for notifying the abnormality detected by the detection means;
The counting means includes
Counting the cumulative number of internal circulation game media fired on a predetermined board as information related to the internal circulation game medium,
The detection means includes
Yu TECHNICAL system that is characterized in that the cumulative number of the internal circulation game medium received from the sealed type gaming machine when more than a predetermined number of game media to detect that an abnormality has occurred. Each stand device provided communicably with an enclosed game machine that provides a game using a predetermined number of internal circulation game media that is restricted from being taken out of the device,
Information regarding the number of the internal circulation game media is received from the enclosed game machine , and the received number of the internal circulation game media is compared with a predetermined number of game media. Detecting means for detecting the occurrence of
Each stand apparatus comprising: an abnormality notifying means for notifying an abnormality detected by the detecting means.   Each stand device provided communicably with an enclosed game machine that provides a game using a predetermined number of internal circulation game media that is restricted from being taken out of the device,
  Information on the cumulative number of internal circulating game media launched on a predetermined board surface is received from the enclosed game machine, and an abnormality occurs when the cumulative number of internal circulating game media received exceeds the predetermined number of game media Detection means for detecting
  An abnormality notifying means for notifying an abnormality detected by the detecting means;
  The game system according to claim 1, further comprising: An enclosed game machine that provides a game using a predetermined number of internally circulating game media that is restricted from being taken out of the device,
Counting means for counting information relating to the internal circulation game medium;
Detecting means for detecting an abnormality based on information on a counting result counted by the counting means;
An abnormality notifying means for notifying an abnormality detected by the detecting means ;
And a control means for controlling to discharge the internal circulation game medium from a discharge port provided on the front surface of the apparatus when an abnormality is detected by the detection means and a predetermined staff operation is accepted. Enclosed game machine characterized by A game system in which a sealed game machine that provides a game using a predetermined number of internal circulation game media that is restricted from being taken out of the device, and each device that is attached to the sealed game machine are communicably connected. An abnormality detection method for
The enclosing game machine counts information related to the internal circulation game medium; and
A notification step of notifying each of the table devices of count result related information related to the count result counted by the counting step;
Each stand device detects an abnormality based on the counting result related information,
The abnormality detection method characterized by including the abnormality notification process of notifying the abnormality detected by the said detection process.

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