JP6096544B2 - Pachislot machines, game boards and game frames - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by, for example, a pachinko gaming machine, a slot machine, and the like, and relates to a gaming machine provided with first control means and second control means that communicate with each other.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, it includes a first control means communicably connected to an authentication information management apparatus and a second control means communicably connected to the first control means, and the first control means and the second control A means is disclosed as a pair authentication information, and a second control means is disclosed as a gaming machine in which one of the pair authentication information is stored in advance (Patent Document 1).

  Conventionally, for example, there is one that performs transmission / reception of ciphertexts by a common key cryptosystem between a main CPU that controls the gaming state of a gaming machine and a sub CPU that controls, for example, a variable display device (Patent Document 2). ).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-1000076 JP 2004-89701 A

  However, in the gaming machine, when the first control unit and the second control unit communicate with each other, if the encrypted communication is performed between the first control unit and the second control unit, the processing load increases. there were. On the contrary, if a configuration is adopted in which the processing is reduced when encrypted communication is performed between the first control means and the second control means, there is a problem that the content of the encrypted information leaks and the security is lowered.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing the processing of encrypted communication performed between the first control means and the second control means. .

(1) A gaming machine (P 2) provided with first control means (main control part 161) and second control means (payout control part 171) communicating with each other,
At least one of the first control means and the second control means is:
User program area capable of storing user programs (area for storing user programs in main control storage unit 161c and payout control storage unit 171c);
Data area capable of storing data used for execution of the user program (area for storing data in main control storage unit 161c and payout control storage unit 171c, for example, data stored in FeRAM or table stored in ROM Etc.) and
An arithmetic processing unit (main control circuit 161a, payout control circuit 171a) that reads the user program from the user program area and executes the read user program;
A communication control circuit (communication control circuits 161b, 171b) for transmitting predetermined information generated by the execution of the user program,
The communication control circuit includes:
An information storage unit (for example, a transmission data buffer 613 shown in FIG. 26, a data reception register 713 shown in FIG. 27, etc.) for storing the predetermined information;
Encryption means for encrypting the predetermined information stored in the information storage unit (encrypted communication function of the communication control circuits 161b and 171b);
Encryption information transmission means (encrypted communication function of communication control circuits 161b and 171b) for transmitting the encrypted information encrypted by the encryption means,
At least one of the first control means and the second control means is a decryption means for decrypting the encrypted information transmitted by the other (for example, the communication control circuit 161b decrypts the information encrypted by the communication control circuit 161b). Including
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
Addresses for reading or writing data from at least one of the data area and the information storage unit are first address information (for example, address information of upper 8 bits of an address for reading data) and second address When specifying by combination with address information (for example, address information of lower 8 bits of an address for reading data), the first address information is previously stored in a storage area (for example, register Q shown in FIG. 29). Store it,
Said first address information stored in the storage area, based on the designated second address information by the user program to identify the address of the data (the register Q and the OP code k shown in FIG. 30 a in combination identify the address of the data a "F020h"),
The communication control circuit can set a valid period during which the predetermined information can be written to the information storage unit continuously after authentication with the communication partner is terminated .

  According to the above configuration, at least one of the first control unit and the second control unit encrypts the information stored in the information storage unit by the encryption unit of the communication control circuit and transmits the information transmitted by the other decryption unit. Since the information is decrypted, the processing of the encrypted communication performed between the first control means and the second control means can be reduced, and the contents of the encrypted information can be prevented from leaking and the security from being lowered. it can.

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

  According to the above configuration, since both the first control unit and the second control unit include the user program area and the communication control circuit, the encrypted communication process is performed in both the first control unit and the second control unit. In addition to mitigation, it is possible to prevent the content of encrypted information from leaking and reducing security.

(3) In the above (1) or (2),
The communication control circuit is configured to generate an encryption key and a decryption key used for encryption communication when the power is turned on (for example, an encryption key and a decryption key are generated by an authentication sequence performed when the power is turned on shown in FIG. 33); A process of performing cryptographic communication using the encryption key and decryption key generated by the process is executed (after the authentication sequence shown in FIG. 33, encrypted communication is possible using the generated encryption key and decryption key).

  According to the above configuration, the communication control circuit executes a process of generating an encryption key and a decryption key used for encryption communication when the power is turned on, and a process of performing encryption communication using the encryption key and the decryption key generated by the process Therefore, it is possible to reduce the encryption communication process performed between the first control unit and the second control unit, and to appropriately restart the process in at least one of the first control unit and the second control unit. .

(4) In the above (1) to (3),
In the communication control circuit, it is possible to set a valid period in which the predetermined information can be continuously written in the information storage unit after the authentication with the communication partner is disconnected (FIG. 27: main control unit transmission buffer write valid time setting) The register 719c sets an effective time during which the data in the transmission data buffer 613 of the main control unit 161 can be written into the data reception register 713 after the authentication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 has expired. ).

  According to the above configuration, the communication control circuit can set a valid period during which the predetermined information can be written to the information storage unit continuously after the authentication with the communication partner expires. It is possible to reliably store the necessary information even after. For example, even when there is a floating ball (a ball that has not been dropped due to being caught between nails of the game area 27) when authentication with the communication partner is cut off due to power interruption or disconnection, the predetermined information is continuously displayed. By setting an effective period writable in the information storage unit, it is possible to reliably store and protect information that the floating ball has won.

(5) A game board (game board 26) provided with first control means (main control unit 161),
The first control means includes
It is possible to communicate with the second control means (payout control unit 171) included in the game frame (front frame 5),
A user program area capable of storing a user program (an area for storing the user program in the main control storage unit 161c);
A data area capable of storing data used for execution of the user program (including an area for storing data in the main control storage unit 161c, for example, data stored in FeRAM or a table stored in ROM);
An arithmetic processing unit (main control circuit 161a) that reads the user program from the user program area and executes the read user program;
A communication control circuit (communication control circuit 161b) for transmitting predetermined information generated by the execution of the user program,
The communication control circuit includes:
An information storage unit (for example, a transmission data buffer 613 shown in FIG. 26) for storing the predetermined information;
An encryption unit (encrypted communication function of the communication control circuit 161b) for encrypting the predetermined information stored in the information storage unit;
The second control including decryption means for decrypting the encrypted information encrypted by the encryption means (for example, information encrypted by the communication control circuit 161b is decrypted by the communication control circuit 171b). Encryption information transmitting means (encrypted communication function of the communication control circuit 161b) for transmitting to the means,
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
Addresses for reading or writing data from at least one of the data area and the information storage unit are first address information (for example, address information of upper 8 bits of an address for reading data) and second address When specifying by combination with address information (for example, address information of lower 8 bits of an address for reading data), the first address information is previously stored in a storage area (for example, register Q shown in FIG. 29). Store it,
Said first address information stored in the storage area, based on the designated second address information by the user program to identify the address of the data (the register Q and the OP code k shown in FIG. 30 a in combination identify the address of the data a "F020h"),
The communication control circuit can set a valid period during which the predetermined information can be written to the information storage unit continuously after authentication with the communication partner is terminated .

  According to the above configuration, the first control means encrypts the information stored in the information storage unit by the encryption means of the communication control circuit and decrypts the encrypted information transmitted by the other decryption means. The processing of the encrypted communication performed between the means and the second control means can be reduced, and the content of the encrypted information can be prevented from leaking and the security from being lowered.

(6) A game frame (front frame 5) comprising second control means (payout control part 171) communicating with the first control means (main control part 161) included in the game board (game board 26). ,
The second control means includes
A user program area in which a user program can be stored (an area for storing the user program in the payout control storage unit 171c);
A data area capable of storing data used for execution of the user program (including an area for storing data in the payout control storage unit 171c, for example, data stored in FeRAM or a table stored in ROM);
An arithmetic processing unit (payout control circuit 171a) that reads the user program from the user program area and executes the read user program;
A communication control circuit (communication control circuit 171b) for transmitting predetermined information generated by execution of the user program,
The communication control circuit includes:
An information storage unit (for example, a data reception register 713 shown in FIG. 27) for storing the predetermined information;
Encryption means for encrypting the predetermined information stored in the information storage unit (encrypted communication function of the communication control circuit 171b);
The first control including decryption means for decrypting the encrypted information encrypted by the encryption means (for example, information encrypted by the communication control circuit 171b is decrypted by the communication control circuit 161b). Encrypted information transmitting means (encrypted communication function of the communication control circuit 171b) for transmitting to the means,
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
Addresses for reading or writing data from at least one of the data area and the information storage unit are first address information (for example, address information of upper 8 bits of an address for reading data) and second address When specifying by combination with address information (for example, address information of lower 8 bits of an address for reading data), the first address information is previously stored in a storage area (for example, register Q shown in FIG. 29). Store it,
Said first address information stored in the storage area, based on the designated second address information by the user program to identify the address of the data (the register Q and the OP code k shown in FIG. 30 a in combination identify the address of the data a "F020h"),
The communication control circuit can set a valid period during which the predetermined information can be written to the information storage unit continuously after authentication with the communication partner is terminated .

  According to the above configuration, the second control unit encrypts the information stored in the information storage unit by the encryption unit of the communication control circuit and decrypts the encrypted information transmitted by the other decryption unit. It is possible to reduce the processing of encrypted communication performed between the control means and the second control means, and to prevent the content of the encrypted information from leaking and lowering the security.

(7-1) The present invention is connected to a gaming machine (P 2) that gives a predetermined gaming point by the occurrence of a prize, and the gaming machine so as to be communicable, and uses the valuable value possessed by the player. A gaming system comprising a gaming device (CU3) that enables gaming on a machine,
The gaming machine is
Game point storage means for storing the game points (FIG. 4: game ball counter);
Count for counting the game points stored in the game point storage means based on an operation for counting the game points to a predetermined score (for example, pressing the “count” button shown in FIG. 10). Count request transmitting means for transmitting a request to the gaming device (FIG. 11: When there is a counting ball payout request at the start of counting, the P table 2 sends a status information response command including information of counting request = ON to CU3. To send to
The gaming device is:
Based on the counting request from the counting request transmission means, the counting processing means for counting the gaming points to the possession points (FIG. 11: CU3 is requested when receiving a status information response including information of counting request = ON. The number of counting balls is added to the number of holding balls)
A recording medium receiving means (FIG. 1: a card insertion / ejecting port 309 for receiving a card) for receiving a recording medium capable of specifying a valuable value owned by a player;
Recording medium processing means (FIG. 11: CU3 is inserted into the card insertion / discharge port 309) for processing the holding points counted by the counting processing means so as to be specified by the recording medium received by the recording medium receiving means. Memorize the number of balls in the card.),
Recording medium return means for returning the recording medium processed by the recording medium processing means (FIG. 11: CU3 returns a card storing the number of possessed balls);
Removal waiting state notifying means for notifying the gaming machine that the recording medium returned by the recording medium returning means is waiting to be removed (FIG. 11: CU3 prepares for card return when card removal is possible) Information on status OFF and card waiting for card removal ON is sent to the P stand 2).

  According to the above configuration, the removal waiting state notifying means notifies the gaming machine that the recording medium returned by the recording medium returning means is waiting for removal, so that the gaming machine removes the recording medium from the player. Can be notified, and forgetting to remove the recording medium can be prevented. In addition, it is possible to call attention to prevent theft caused by forgetting to remove the recording medium.

(7-2) The present invention is communicably connected to a gaming machine (P 2) that gives a predetermined gaming point when a winning occurs, and uses the valuable value owned by the player to play a game in the gaming machine. A gaming device (CU3) that enables
Count processing means for counting the gaming points based on the counting request from the gaming machine (FIG. 11: When the CU3 receives a status information response including information of counting request = ON, the requested counting ball And add the number to the number of balls.)
A recording medium receiving means (FIG. 1: a card insertion / ejecting port 309 for receiving a card) for receiving a recording medium capable of specifying a valuable value owned by a player;
Recording medium processing means (FIG. 11: CU3 is inserted into the card insertion / discharge port 309) for processing the holding points counted by the counting processing means so as to be specified by the recording medium received by the recording medium receiving means. Memorize the number of balls in the card.),
Recording medium return means for returning the recording medium processed by the recording medium processing means (FIG. 11: CU3 returns a card storing the number of possessed balls);
Removal waiting state notifying means for notifying the gaming machine that the recording medium returned by the recording medium returning means is waiting to be removed (FIG. 11: CU3 prepares for card return when card removal is possible) The P table 2 is notified of information indicating that the state is OFF and the card is waiting to be removed.).

  According to the above configuration, the removal waiting state notifying means notifies the gaming machine that the recording medium returned by the recording medium returning means is waiting for removal, so that the gaming machine removes the recording medium from the player. Can be notified, and forgetting to remove the recording medium can be prevented. In addition, it is possible to call attention to prevent theft caused by forgetting to remove the recording medium.

(7-3) The present invention is connected to a gaming device (CU3) that enables a game using a valuable value possessed by the player so as to be communicable, and gives a predetermined gaming point when a winning occurs ( P stand 2)
Game point storage means for storing the game points (FIG. 4: game ball counter);
Count for counting the game points stored in the game point storage means based on an operation for counting the game points to a predetermined score (for example, pressing the “count” button shown in FIG. 10). Count request transmitting means for transmitting a request to the gaming device (FIG. 11: When there is a counting ball payout request at the start of counting, the P table 2 sends a status information response command including information of counting request = ON to CU3. To send to
When the points counted based on the counting request from the counting request transmission means are processed in a manner that can be specified by the recording medium received by the gaming device, and the recording medium is returned, the recording medium is awaiting removal. (FIG. 11: When the card P 2 is ready for card removal, the CU 3 notifies the CU 3 of information indicating that the card return preparation state is OFF and the card is waiting to be removed). Receive.)

  According to the above configuration, since the game device receives a notification that the recording medium returned by the recording medium return means is in a removal waiting state, the game machine prompts the player to remove the recording medium. This makes it possible to prevent forgetting to remove the recording medium. In addition, it is possible to call attention to prevent theft caused by forgetting to remove the recording medium.

(7-4) In the above (7-1) to (7-3),
The gaming device includes notification means (for example, the indicator 312 shown in FIG. 1) for notifying that the recording medium is waiting to be removed.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to notify the gaming device that the recording medium is waiting to be removed, so that it is possible to prevent forgetting to remove the recording medium.

(7-5) In the above (7-1) to (7-3),
The gaming machine includes display means (for example, a variable display device 278 shown in FIG. 1) for notifying that the recording medium is waiting to be removed based on a notification from the gaming device.

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

(7-6) In the above (7-1) or (7-2),
The removal waiting state notification means notifies the gaming device or a device connected to the gaming machine (for example, a hall computer, a call lamp on P units) that the recording medium is waiting to be removed. .

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to remove the recording medium by notifying a device other than the gaming machine or gaming device that the recording medium is waiting to be removed.

(7-7) The present invention relates to a gaming machine (P 2) that gives a predetermined gaming point when a prize is generated, and is connected to the gaming machine so as to be communicable, and uses the valuable value possessed by the player. A gaming system comprising a gaming device (CU3) that enables gaming on a machine,
The gaming device is:
A recording medium receiving means (FIG. 1: a card insertion / ejecting port 309 for receiving a card) for receiving a recording medium capable of specifying a valuable value owned by a player;
When the recording medium is received by the recording medium receiving means, a game hall specifying information notifying means (FIG. 7) for notifying the gaming machine of game hall specifying information capable of specifying the game hall in which the gaming device is installed. When the card is received at the card insertion / discharge port 309, the CU 3 transmits a card insertion notification command including the “store code” added by the security board 325 to the P base 2).
The gaming machine is
Game hall identification information storage means for storing the game hall identification information notified by the game hall identification information notification means (FIG. 7: P stand 2 stores “store code” included in the insertion notification command). ,
The game room specifying information newly notified by the game hall specifying information notifying means when the communication is restored after recovering from the communication incapable state where the gaming machine and the gaming device cannot communicate, and the game hall specifying When a recovery request including “store code” is transmitted from the CU 3 to the game hall specifying information comparing means for comparison with the game hall specifying information stored in the information storage means, the “store code” ”And the stored“ store code ”are determined to match.)
The game prohibition means for prohibiting the continuation of the game when the game hall specific information comparison means determines that the game hall specific information is inconsistent (P table 2 stores “store code” from CU3. If the store code does not match, continuation of the game is prohibited.

  According to the above configuration, if the newly notified game hall specifying information and the game hall specifying information stored in the game hall specifying information storage means do not match, the continuation of the game is prohibited. It is possible to prevent fraud in which the store is moved in the stored state.

(7-8) In the above (7-7),
The gaming device is:
A device capable of specifying a game control device (for example, the security board 325 shown in FIG. 2) included in the gaming device when the recording medium is received by the recording medium receiving means and when the communication is restored. Device specific information notifying means for notifying the gaming machine of specific information (SC board ID) (FIG. 7: When the card is received at the card insertion / ejecting port 309, the CU 3 receives the “SC board ID” added by the security board 325. And a card insertion notification command including:
The gaming machine is
Device specifying information storage means for storing the device specifying information notified by the device specifying information notifying means (FIG. 7: P base 2 stores “SC board ID” included in the insertion notification command);
When the communication is recovered, the device specifying information comparing unit (P unit 2) compares the device specifying information newly notified by the device specifying information notifying unit with the device specifying information stored in the device specifying information storing unit. Further compares “SC board ID” from CU3 with the stored “SC board ID”),
The game prohibiting means prohibits continuation of the game when the device specifying information comparing means determines that the device specifying information is inconsistent (in the case of mismatch, prohibiting continuation of the game).

  According to the above configuration, when the newly notified device identification information and the device identification information stored in the device identification information storage means do not match, the game is prohibited from being continued, so the counting balls are stored in the game medium. Unauthorized movement of the gaming machine in the state can be prevented.

(7-9) In the above (7-7) or (7-8) above,
The gaming machine is
A game hall specifying information reading means for reading the game hall specifying information added to the game medium used for the game (for example, a sensor is provided in the collection ball passage path of the P stand 2, and the sensor is provided in the game ball. Read certain identification information (such as surface markings).
The game hall specifying information comparing means includes the game hall specifying information added to the game medium read by the game hall specifying information reading means, and the game hall specifying information stored in the game hall specifying information storage means. Compare (by the read identification information, it is determined whether or not it matches the identification information of the game ball of the own store, and in the case of a mismatch, the Bit 0 of the “illegal detection state 3” of the status information response is set to “1”. To do.)

  According to the above configuration, if the game hall identification information added to the game medium read by the game hall identification information reading means and the game hall identification information stored in the game hall identification information storage means do not match, the game medium It is possible to notify that game balls from other stores are mixed.

It is a front view which shows a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit used for a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the notification process of the operating / non-operating information from a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the various data memorize | stored in the card unit side and the pachinko machine side, and its transmission / reception. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the command and response which are transmitted / received between a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with the card unit and the pachinko machine at the time of power activation. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with a card unit and a pachinko machine when a card is inserted in a card unit. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with a card unit and a pachinko machine when lending a ball from the prepaid balance of the inserted card. It is a figure which shows an example of a process with a card unit and a pachinko machine when paying out a lot of balls and paying out a stored ball. It is a figure which shows an example of the normal process of a card unit and a pachinko machine when counting game balls. It is a figure which shows an example of the count process when a player performs card return operation. It is a figure which shows an example of a process when there exists a power supply disconnection and a communication line disconnection, and the command of the status information request | requirement from a card unit to a pachinko machine has not reached | attained. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of the historical information (machine history information) from the shipment of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment to disposal. It is a figure which shows the detail of the flow until shipping information is registered into the machine history management center which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the specific content of shipping information. It is a figure which shows the detail of the flow until installation information is registered into the machine history management center which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of the installation information input into a machine history management center in FIG. It is a figure which shows the flow until removal information is registered into the machine history management center which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flow until discard information is registered into the machine history management center which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of the discard information input into a machine history management center. It is the schematic for demonstrating the history management of the front frame and game board which concern on this embodiment. It is the schematic of the table which memorize | stores the information of a frame, and the information of a game board, in order to perform machine history management of a front frame and a game board. 10 is a flowchart for explaining abnormality determination processing for management of a front frame and a game board by a machine history management center. It is a figure explaining the table referred with the flowchart shown in FIG. It is the schematic for demonstrating the communication performed between a main control part, the payout control part, and communication control IC. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the communication control circuit for carrying out encryption communication with the payout control part. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the communication control circuit for carrying out encryption communication with the main control part. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the communication control circuit for carrying out encryption communication with communication control IC. It is a figure for demonstrating in detail the function of the main control circuit which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the procedure in which the main control circuit reads the data memorize | stored in the main control memory | storage part. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a recovery completion confirmation process. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the command and response which are transmitted / received between the main control part and the payout control part. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence between a main control part and a payout control part. It is a figure which shows an example of a process when there exists a power-off and a communication line disconnection, and the command of the game state notification from the main control part to the payout control part has not reached | attained. It is a perspective view which shows the state which opened the front door of the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the various data memorize | stored in each of a card unit and a slot machine, and its transmission / reception aspect.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  An indicator 54 is provided at a position below the game area 27 in the P stand 2. The display 54 is composed of a liquid crystal display device. In addition, even if the display 54 is configured to be attached to the P base 2 (pachinko machine 2) independently of the CU 3 (card unit 3) as shown in FIG. The structure to fit may be sufficient. If the display 54 of the CU 3 is configured to be fitted to the front surface of the P base 2, the CU 3 and the P base 2 can be more strongly connected, so that fraud can be further prevented.

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

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

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

<Configuration of card unit>
Next, the configuration of the CU 3 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This CU3 is a visitor card (hereinafter also referred to as a general card) having a prepaid function, which is a game recording medium issued to a general player who has not registered as a member, and a member who has registered as a member in the game hall. Receive a membership card, which is a game recording medium issued to a player. Visitor cards and membership cards are composed of IC cards.

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

  On the front side of CU3, a bill insertion slot 302 for inserting bills, a protruding portion 305 formed to project forward from the front side of the device, a card insertion / discharge port 309 for inserting a membership card or a visitor card, etc. Is provided. The member card or visitor card inserted into the card insertion / discharge port 309 is received by a card reader / writer (not shown), and information recorded on the card is read.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<Configuration of card unit and pachinko machine>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the CU 3 and the P stand 2. With reference to FIG. 2, the outline of the control circuit of CU3 and P stand 2 is demonstrated.

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

  The CU control unit 323 is provided with an external communication unit (not shown) for communicating with a hall management computer and a hall server 801 (see FIG. 3) for security management. A security board 325 for communicating with the payout control board 17 while ensuring security is provided. The CU 3 is provided with a connection portion (not shown) to the P stand 2 side, and the P stand 2 is provided with a connection portion (not shown) to the CU 3 side. These connection parts are constituted by connectors, for example.

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

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

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

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

  The P base 2 includes a main control board 16 that controls the progress of the game of the P base 2, a payout control board 17 that manages and stores game balls, and a launch motor 18 that drives and controls the launch motor 18 based on commands from the payout control board 17. A control board 31, a variable display device 278 (see FIG. 1), and the like are provided. In FIG. 2, a display control board (also referred to as an effect control board) that controls display of the variable display device based on a command from the main control board 16 is omitted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The main chip ID is a chip ID recorded on the main control board 16 of the P base 2 and is information transmitted to the payout control board 17 when the power of the P base 2 is turned on. The winning opening information is information including the type of winning opening (start winning opening, ordinary winning opening, large winning opening) and the number of winning balls (the number of balls to be paid out when a game ball enters the winning opening). This is transmitted to the payout control board 17 when the power of the table 2 is turned on. For example, in the winning opening information, the type of winning opening includes three balls in the large winning opening 271 (see FIG. 1), and information on requesting the payout control board 17 to pay 300 balls as the number of winning balls, Each of H.275 and the start winning opening 277 (see FIG. 1) includes information for entering one ball and requesting the payout control board 17 to pay 20 balls as the number of winning balls. In addition, after a ball enters a winning port such as the normal winning port 272 and winning port information requesting the paying out of the winning ball is transmitted to the payout control board 17, the authentication with the communication partner is disconnected due to power interruption or disconnection. In such a case, the payout control board 17 has already received the winning opening information, and the winning ball can be paid out based on the winning opening information. However, if authentication with the communication partner is cut off due to power interruption or disconnection, etc., and a floating ball that is not dropped due to being caught between the nails of the game area 27 enters the winning opening such as the normal winning opening 272, payout The control board 17 cannot receive the winning opening information and cannot pay out the winning ball. Therefore, after the authentication with the communication partner is cut off due to power interruption or disconnection, etc., the winning hole information is continuously displayed so that the prize ball can be paid out even if the floating ball enters the winning hole such as the normal winning hole 272. An effective period in which the payout control board 17 can receive (write to the information storage unit) is set. As a result, even if the floating ball enters the winning opening such as the normal winning opening 272 after the authentication with the communication partner is cut off due to power interruption or disconnection, the payout control board 17 displays the winning opening information if it is within the valid period. It is possible to receive award balls based on floating balls. The round information is information on the number of rounds when a big hit is made, and is transmitted to the payout control board 17 when the power of the P unit 2 is turned on.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The security board 325 of the CU 3 and the payout control board 17 of the P stand 2 are electrically connected, and a recovery request, a recovery detail request, a communication start request, Various commands such as a communication end request, a status information request, a card insertion notification, a card return notification, and a communication test request are transmitted.

  The recovery request is a command that requests the P unit 2 to notify the recovery information. The payout control board 17 receives the recovery request and notifies the CU 3 of the recovery information of the P unit 2. The recovery detail request is a command that requests the P unit 2 to notify the recovery detail information. The payout control board 17 receives the recovery detail request and notifies the CU 3 of the recovery detailed information of the P unit 2. The communication start request is a command for requesting the P base 2 to start communication. The payout control board 17 receives the communication start request and responds to the CU 3 with the communication start. The communication end request is a command for requesting the P unit 2 to end communication. In response to the communication end request, the payout control board 17 responds to the CU 3 with the communication end.

  The status information request is a command for requesting the P unit 2 to notify the status information. The payout control board 17 receives the status information request and notifies the CU 3 of the status information of the P platform 2. The card insertion notification is a command for notifying the P unit 2 that a card has been inserted. The payout control board 17 receives the card insertion notification and responds to the CU 3 that the card has been inserted. The card return notification is a command for notifying the P unit 2 that the card has been returned. The payout control board 17 receives the card return notification and responds to the CU 3 that the card has been returned. The communication test request is a command for notifying the P unit 2 of test data. The payout control board 17 receives the communication test request and returns test data to the CU 3.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Similarly, when the front frame 5 and the game board 26 (only one of the front frame 5 or the game board 26) installed in the hall is removed and stored in the warehouse, the P stand 2 becomes in an unoperated state. As shown in FIG. 3, non-operating information is notified from the P unit 2 to the machine history management center 800A. Specifically, the non-operating information notified to the machine history management center 800A is information obtained when the front frame 5 of the P platform 2 and the security chip ID of the game board 26 that have been installed are not transmitted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 4 shows RAM storage data provided in the CU control unit 323 on the CU3 side and RAM storage data mounted on the payout control board 17 on the P table 2 side. First, when the power supply is turned on for the first time when the P stand 2 (pachinko machine 2) and the CU 3 (card unit 3) are electrically connected for the first time after being installed in the game hall, the payout control board on the P stand 2 side. 17 receives the main chip ID (main control security chip ID) from the main control board 16 and transmits the main chip ID to the CU 3 side, and also the payout chip ID stored in the payout control board 17 itself. (Payout control security chip ID) is transmitted to the CU3 side.

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

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

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

  Each time a command and response is transmitted between the CU 3 side and the P base 2 side, the serial number is incremented by “1”, and the serial number is stored on the CU 3 side and the P base 2 side. This serial number is a communication number for confirming whether or not communication is properly performed by updating the number every time data is transmitted / received between the CU 3 and the P unit 2. CU3 (primary station) counts up (+1) and transmits the serial number received at the time of transmission, and P station 2 (secondary station) transmits the received serial number as it is. Note that CU3 does not count up the serial number at the time of retransmission, and does not respond if the serial number continuity is not established. The previous last transmission serial number is a communication number updated at the previous transmission / reception and is a number to be backed up.

  A specific mode of serial number backup in the CU 3 and the P stand 2 in this embodiment will be described. The CU 3 counts up the serial number (+1) and transmits the command to the P unit 2. The P unit 2 backs up the serial number of the received command as the previous last transmission serial number. Then, the P platform 2 transmits a response to the received command to the CU 3 with the serial number of the received command. The CU 3 backs up and stores the sequence number of the received response as the previous last transmission sequence number. The CU 3 and the P base 2 repeat such processing every time a response from the P base 2 is transmitted to the CU 3.

  For example, a certain command is transmitted from the CU 3 side to the P stand 2 side, and the serial number n at that time is transmitted. When returning a response from the P base 2 side to the CU 3 side, the P base 2 side stores the transmitted serial number n as the last transmission serial number and transmits the response with the serial number n as it is. On the CU3 side, the returned serial number n is stored as the previous last transmission serial number. Next, when a certain command is transmitted from the CU 3 side to the P stand 2 side, the serial number is counted up (+1) and the serial number n + 1 is transmitted. When returning the response from the P base 2 side to the CU 3 side, the P base 2 side stores the transmitted serial number n + 1 as the last transmission serial number and transmits the response with the serial number n + 1 as it is. On the P base 2 side, since the serial number n + 1 transmitted is incremented by 1 from the serial number n of the previous last transmission serial number that has already been stored, it is determined that data communication has been performed normally, and the response is sent to the P base 2 side. Reply from CU3 side. On the CU3 side, since the returned serial number n + 1 is incremented by 1 from the serial number n of the previous last transmission serial number that has already been stored, it is determined that data communication has been performed normally, and the serial number is sent the next time a command is sent. Count up (+1) and send the command of serial number n + 2 to the P platform 2 side.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 2, the CU 3 has a storage area for storing the number of cards held and the number of stored balls, a storage area for storing the card balance of the received (inserted) card, and the total number of added balls (the number of added balls). (Cumulative total), the total number of subtracted balls (total number of subtracted balls), and a storage area for storing balls when the card is inserted. The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 2) stores a stored ball in response to an input requesting the use of the stored ball (for example, a press input of the replay button 319 provided in the CU 3 (when there is no holding ball)). Subtract a certain number of balls from the area.

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

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

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

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

<Commands and responses sent and received between the CU and the P platform>
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the outline of the command and response transmitted / received between CU3 (card unit 3) and P stand 2 (pachinko machine 2) is demonstrated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<< Power-on >>
First, a sequence processed between the CU 3 and the P base 2 when the power is turned on will be described with reference to FIG. The sequence shown in FIG. 6 is a process executed when communication is resumed after the communication between the CU 3 and the P platform 2 is normally completed. More specifically, it is executed when communication is resumed after the power of the CU 3 is turned off while the card is not inserted. A typical example is a case where the power supply is turned off after one day of business at the amusement hall is finished, and the power supply is turned on at the start of business the next day.

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

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

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

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

  The serial number is a sequence number of the command and is a value from 1 to 255 (cyclic). The CU 3 counts up (+1) the serial number when transmitting the command to the P platform 2. However, the serial number is not counted up at the time of retransmission. The P base 2 does not count up the received serial number and transmits the response to the CU 3 as it is.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The CU 3 counts up the serial number each time a command such as a recovery request is transmitted. However, it does not count up when retransmitting a command. When the P unit 2 receives a command having the same serial number as the previously received serial number, it determines that a communication failure has occurred and the CU 3 has retransmitted the command. CU3 backs up the serial number when receiving the response. The P unit 2 does not increment the serial number when transmitting a response corresponding to the received command. When the CU 3 receives a response having a sequence number different from the sequence number at the time of transmission, the CU 3 determines that a communication failure has occurred and the P unit 2 has retransmitted the response. The P unit 2 backs up the serial number when the response is transmitted.

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

  Thereafter, the CU 3 counts up the serial number to “n + 2”, and transmits a communication start request (recovery clear ON) command to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P unit 2 clears the recovery data. Then, the P platform 2 returns “n + 2” as a communication start response to the CU 3 without counting up the serial number. In response, CU3 clears the recovery data. Thereafter, a status information request command and a status information response response are transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the P platform 2.

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

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

  Thereafter, the CU3 transmits a status information request command with a serial number = n + 4 to the P unit 2, and the P unit 2 returns a response with a status information response with a serial number = n + 4 to the CU3. Each time the P unit 2 transmits a response of the status information response, it backs up the data and clears the counter. Further, the CU 3 backs up the data every time it receives a response of the status information response.

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

  Thereafter, in CU3, when the card is inserted, the card reader / writer outputs a command signal for taking the card into the card reader / writer, and the card reader / writer reads information (card ID, etc.) recorded in the taken-in card. A process at the time of card insertion, such as receiving the read information, is executed.

  The CU 3 is in a card information inquiry state for a predetermined period after the card is inserted. This is in the middle of verifying whether the inserted card is appropriate, whether it is a membership card registered at the amusement hall, or inquiring the hall server 801 about the holding ball, storage ball, remaining card amount, etc. This means that the process of displaying the fact on the display 312 and the display on the display 54 on the P platform 2 side is being executed.

  Since the CU 3 does not authenticate the inserted card while displaying that the inserted card is being inquired on the display 312, a status information request including serial number = n + 1, card return ready state = OFF Is sent to the P-unit 2. In response to this, the P unit 2 returns a response of the status information response including serial number = n + 1 and game prohibition to the CU3. The display 54 on the P platform 2 side is controlled by the display control unit 350 of the CU 3 to display that the card is being inquired.

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

  In response to this, the CU 3 sends a status information request command including a serial number = n + 3 and a card return ready state = ON to the P unit 2 to notify the P unit 2 of the card being inserted. . The P table 2 receives the notification that the card is being inserted, permits the game, and returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n + 3 and the game permission to the CU3, thereby indicating that the game is being permitted. To notify.

  While the card is being inserted, the CU 3 sends a command for status information request including the serial number = n + 4 and the card return ready state = ON to the P unit 2, and the P unit 2 responds to the status information response including the serial number = n + 4 and the game permission. Is returned to CU3.

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

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

  Next, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including the serial number = n + 1, the game ball addition request = ON, and the number of addition balls = 125 to the P unit 2. In response, P 2 updates the number of game balls to the number of game balls = 50 (current number of game balls) +125 (number of additional balls) = 175, serial number = n + 1, number of additional balls = 175, game balls. A response of the status information response including the addition result = OK is returned to CU3.

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

≪Mochitama payout and savings ball payout (replay) ≫
Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the sequence processed between CU3 and P 2nd at the time of performing a replay by carrying out and paying out the ball will be described. In FIG. 9, the initial number of game balls is “50” balls. The replay process shown in FIG. 9 is similar to the process at the time of consumption of the balance shown in FIG. First, the CU 3 transmits a status information request command including a serial number = n and a game ball addition request = OFF to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P platform 2 returns a response of the status information response including the serial number = n and the number of game balls = 50 to the CU3.

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

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

  Thereafter, the CU 3 displays the addition of the game balls, and transmits a status information request command including the serial number = n + 1, the game ball addition request = ON, and the number of added balls = 125 to the P stand 2. In response, P 2 updates the number of game balls to the number of game balls = 50 (current number of game balls) +125 (number of additional balls) = 175, serial number = n + 1, number of additional balls = 175, game balls. A response of the status information response including the addition result = OK is returned to CU3.

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

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

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

  Also, in FIG. 10, the number of balls specified by the inserted recording medium (member card or visitor card) is “0” balls, and the initial number of game balls is “800” balls. Yes.

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

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

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

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

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

  CU3 which received the status information response of serial number n + 1 adds the number of balls equivalent to the requested number of balls and updates the display of balls to 100. That is, the CU control unit 323 transmits a count display command to the display control unit 350. The display controller 350 receives the command and controls the display 54 on the P platform 2 side. As a result, the display 54 displays an image in which the number of game balls is counted and the number of balls is decreased, while the number of balls is increased.

  In this case, it is conceivable to perform an effect display such that game balls are guided and counted by each counter one by one. Another example of the effect display may be a display in which the number of game balls is converted to the number of balls in time. For example, the data for the number of balls and the data for the number of balls are shown in a bar graph, and the number of balls in the game ball number is increased while the number of balls in the game ball is increased while the number of balls in the game ball is decreased. The display to move to the bar graph may be repeated. In addition, as another example of the effect display, the current game ball number data and the number of possession balls data are digitally displayed as they are, and the number of possession balls is increased while decreasing the number of game balls, or a part of the number of game balls It is possible to repeat the display for moving the number of balls to the number of balls, and various display effects.

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

  The P table 2 that has received this status information request finally subtracts the number of game balls by the number corresponding to the number of balls counted = 100, and updates the display on the game ball number display 29 from 800 to 700. At this stage, the count request state of the P base 2 is OFF, but since the count button is continuously pressed, the P base 2 transmits a second count request to the CU 3. That is, a status information response of serial number n + 2 in which the count request value is specifically set to 100 is transmitted to CU3. However, even at this stage, the P base 2 does not perform counting for the counting request. For this reason, in the status information response of the serial number n + 2, the number of game balls = 700. Since this status information response is a message transmitted as a new count request, the count sequence number is incremented to “m + 2”, the previous last transmission count sequence number is updated, and the updated last transmission count sequence number is updated. Back up data with counting request status ON.

  CU3 which received the status information response of serial number n + 2 adds the number of balls equivalent to the requested number of balls, and updates the display of balls to 200. Further, the CU 3 updates the previous last transmission count sequence number to “m + 2” and backs up the data. Subsequently, the CU 3 transmits a status information request with a serial number n + 3, a count serial number m + 2, and a count response = ON to the P platform 2 to notify that the requested count has been completed.

  The P table 2 that has received this status information request subtracts the number of game balls by the number corresponding to the number of balls counted = 100, and updates the display of the game ball number display 29 from 700 to 600. However, at this stage, the player's hand is separated from the counting button, and the counting operation is completed. For this reason, the P platform 2 notifies the CU 3 of the completion of counting with a status information response of serial number n + 3. That is, with the current number of game balls = 600, a status information response of count request = OFF and count ball count = 0 is transmitted to CU3. In addition, since all the counting operations corresponding to the counting request have been completed, the counting sequence number included in this status information response remains m + 2 and is not updated.

  The CU 3 that has received this status information response determines that the counting is complete. Although not shown, the CU 3 transmits a status information response of serial number n + 4, counting serial number m + 2, card return ready state = OFF, and counting response = OFF to the P base 2.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the information state response for notifying the number of balls to be counted is transmitted from the P cars to the CU, the game balls for the counting balls are subtracted quickly on the P cards side. In the stage where the information status response for notifying the number of balls is transmitted and the receipt confirmation is received from the CU, the P machines subtract the game balls.

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

  Thereafter, when the player stops the game or moves to another game table, the player presses the “card return” button. However, at the time when the player presses the “card return” button, the number of game balls in the P unit 2 is 800 balls, and the CU 3 determines that the number of game balls in the P unit 2 is not 0. In addition, since the player presses the “card return” button, the CU 3 sets the card return ready state = ON, the state information request including the serial number = n + 1, the CU opening state = ON, the counting sequence number = m, and the counting response = OFF. A command is transmitted to the P unit 2. Note that the CU 3 notifies the P stand 2 of the card return preparation state = ON notification for 10 seconds. Furthermore, since the number of game balls in the P stand 2 is 800 balls and not 0 balls, the CU 3 displays a display for prompting a counting operation on the display 54 or the like as a card return standby.

  In response to the display prompting the counting operation, the player presses the counting button 28 to perform an operation of converting the game ball into a holding ball. The P stand 2 determines that the counting operation for depressing the counting button 28 is a counting operation with the card return preparation state = ON, and processes the counting in a lump instead of counting in units of 100 balls, for example.

  In order to notify the CU 3 of the counting ball number 800 balls obtained by batch counting the 800 ball balls, the P stand 2 has a serial number = n + 1, a game ball number = 800, a counting serial number = The response of the status information response including m + 1, the number of counting balls = 800 and the counting request = ON is returned to the CU3. However, at this stage, the P base 2 does not execute counting for the counting request. For this reason, in the state information response of the serial number n + 1, the number of game balls is still 800. Since this status information response is a count request message, the P platform 2 counts up the count sequence number to “m + 1”, updates the previous last transmission count sequence number, and updates the previous last transmission count sequence number. Back up data with counting request status ON.

  In response to this, CU3 adds 800 counting balls to the number of holding balls, and subtracts 800 counting balls from 800 gaming balls to 0. Further, the CU 3 backs up the data of the updated last transmission count sequence number. Then, in order to notify receipt of the counting ball, the CU 3 sends a command for status information request including serial number = n + 2, CU opening state = ON, card return preparation state = ON, counting serial number = m + 1 and counting response = ON. Send to.

  In response to the response from the CU 3, the P stand 2 subtracts 800 counting balls from the 800 gaming balls and displays 0 gaming balls on the display 54 or the like. Further, the P stand 2 notifies the CU 3 that the number of game balls is 0 and the counting is completed, so that the sequence number = n + 2, the number of game balls = 0, the count sequence number = m + 1, the count ball number = 0, and the count request = OFF. A response of the status information response including is returned to CU3. Since the counting request is turned OFF, the counting sequence number remains m + 1 and is transmitted to CU3 without counting up.

  CU3 counts the number of game balls by pressing the count button 28 and counting the number of game balls in a lump before 10 seconds have elapsed since the player pressed the card return button 322, that is, in the card return preparation state. Card is returned to 0, so card return processing is executed. That is, the CU 3 transmits a card return notification command including the serial number = n + 3 to the P unit 2. In response to this, the P platform 2 returns a response of the card return response including the serial number = n + 3, the card ID held on the payout control board 17 and the card insertion time to the CU 3. After returning the card ID and the card insertion time to the CU 3, the card ID and the card insertion time data held on the payout control board 17 are cleared.

  In response, the CU 3 determines whether the card ID stored in the inserted card and the card ID received from the P-unit 2 match, and if they match, returns the inserted card. If they do not match, error processing is performed and reported to the hall server 801 or the like. When the card IDs match, the CU 3 stores the number of balls 800 in the card (inserted card) that has been inserted into the card insertion / discharge port 309 and returns the card to the player. Further, when the player has started the game by depositing without inserting the card into the card insertion / discharge slot 309, the card (stock card) stocked in the card stock section provided in CU3 Store the number of balls 800 and return the card to the player. When the inserted card or stock card is returned, the CU 3 transmits the card ID of the card and the data of the number of balls to the hall server 801, and the hall server 801 associates the card ID of the card with the data of the number of balls. May be stored.

  Thereafter, since the card returned from the CU 3 can be extracted from the card insertion / discharge port 309, a part of the card is held in a state of protruding from the card insertion / discharge port 309 (card extraction possible state). The CU 3 is attached with a sensor capable of determining whether or not the card can be removed in the vicinity of the card insertion / discharge port 309. When the signal of the sensor is ON, the card is determined to be ready for card removal. If it is in the OFF state, it is determined that the card removal is complete.

  Then, when the card return process is executed and the card can be removed, the CU 3 notifies the P unit 2 of information indicating that the card return preparation state is OFF and the card is waiting to be removed. Therefore, the CU 3 sends a command for status information request including the serial number = n + 4, the CU opening state = ON, the card return ready state = OFF, waiting for card removal = ON, the counting serial number = m + 1, and the counting response = OFF to the P unit 2 Send. In response to this, the P stand 2 displays a message “Please remove the card” on the variable display device 278 to prevent the player from forgetting to remove the card. In addition, the P stand 2 may turn on the LED or notify the speaker of “please remove the card” in order to notify the card removal. Further, the P stand 2 transmits a command of a status information response including the serial number = n + 4, the number of game balls = 0, the counting serial number = m + 1, the counting ball number = 0, and the counting response = OFF to the CU3. The CU 3 not only notifies the P stand 2 that the card can be removed, but also is a device connected to the CU 3 or the P stand 2, a hall computer, a call lamp mounted on the P stand 2. The device may be notified that the card can be removed. Thereby, it is possible to further prevent forgetting to remove the card (removal of the recording medium) by notifying other than the CU 3 and the P stand 2 that the card can be removed.

  If the sensor attached in the vicinity of the card insertion / ejection slot 309 is in the ON state, the CU 3 transmits a command for a status information request including “Waiting for card removal = ON” to the P base 2. However, when the player removes the card from the card insertion / discharge port 309, the sensor attached in the vicinity of the card insertion / discharge port 309 is turned off, so that the CU3 is waiting for the serial number = n + 5 and the card removal = OFF A command for requesting the state information including is transmitted to the P unit 2.

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

  The sequence of the game ball counting process when returning the card described with reference to FIG. 11 is not limited to when the card is returned, and the same process can also be applied during a simple leave / meal break. Here, the simple leaving means that the game is interrupted for a short time of about 5 to 10 minutes in order to allow the player to make a small use. A meal break is a meal or break that is interrupted by a game such as 30 minutes longer than a simple leave.

<< Abnormal sequence >>
Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a description will be given of the recovery processing of the number of game balls when the status information request is unreached due to power interruption / communication line interruption. FIG. 12 particularly shows that there is a power interruption / communication line disconnection (for example, when the power supply of the P base 2 is once turned off and then turned on again), and the status information request has not reached (from the CU 3 to the P base 2). FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for explaining a counting process in a case where a command has not arrived) and communication partners after recovery match.

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

  CU3 receives the status information response of serial number = n, updates the previous last transmission serial number to “n”, and backs up. Further, based on the information of the number of game balls = 480, the number of additional balls = 3, and the number of subtracted balls = 23, the number of game balls, the number of added balls, and the number of subtracted balls stored therein are updated.

  Then, after a power interruption occurs in the P stand 2 during the game, when a status information request including a serial number = n + 1 is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P stand 2, the P stand 2 is in a power cut off state. Status information request cannot be received. Thereafter, since the status information response from the P stand 2 is not transmitted, the CU 3 performs control to detect and stop the communication line disconnection after 3 seconds. From the time when the P table 2 transmits the response of the status information response to the CU 3 until the power interruption occurs, the game is continued in the P table 2 and the game table information is changed. The number of game balls = 450, the number of additional balls = 6. Number of balls to be subtracted = 36, which is the latest game table information. On the other hand, the game table information of the number of game balls already transmitted = 480, the number of additional balls = 3, and the number of subtraction balls = 23 is the previous game table information.

  Thereafter, the power failure of the P stand 2 is restored and the P stand 2 starts to operate. When the P table 2 starts operation, first, an authentication sequence is started between the CU 3 and the P table 2, and information including the main chip ID and the payout chip ID is transmitted from the P table 2 to the CU 3. The The CU 3 transmits the received main chip ID and payout chip ID to the upper management server (the key management server 800 via the hall server 801), and whether the main chip ID and the payout chip ID are properly registered. Ask them to check whether they have returned the results. If it is properly registered, an appropriate authentication result is obtained.

  After the authentication sequence, the CU 3 transmits a recovery request including the serial number = 1, the previous last transmission serial number = n, the store code, and the SC board ID to the P unit 2. That is, the CU 3 requests the P unit 2 to notify the recovery information. In response to this, the P stand 2 first receives the “store code” and “SC board ID” notified from the security board 325 of the CU 3, and the “store code” and “SC board ID” held in the P stand 2. Are matched, and if they match, the following processing is performed. In the P unit 2, whether or not the previous last transmission sequence number = n of the received recovery request matches the previous last transmission sequence number = n backed up inside the P unit 2 (specifically, the payout control board 17). Determine whether. If they match, it can be determined that the last status information response sent from the P-unit 2 to the CU3 before the communication interruption has reached the CU3. In this case, the status information response is included in the status information response. The game information is updated on the CU 3 side based on the game information to be played. Therefore, in this case, the P stand 2 returns a recovery response (serial number = 1) to the CU 3 as no game information storage (specifically, no previous game stand information). If the previous last transmission sequence number = n of the received recovery request does not match the previous last transmission sequence number = n backed up inside the P unit 2 (specifically, the payout control board 17), the communication is interrupted. Since it can be determined that the status information response last transmitted from the P stand 2 to the CU 3 before the CU 3 has not reached the CU 3, in this case, the game information is stored (specifically, the previous game stand information) A recovery response (sequence number = 1) including game information is returned to CU3. Note that the “store code” and the “SC board ID” notified from the security board 325 of the CU 3 and the “store code” and the “SC board ID” held by the P board 2 do not match the P board 2. In this case, continuation of the game is prohibited.

  In FIG. 12, CU3 does not store the game information included in the recovery response, and therefore does not perform the addition recovery process. The CU control unit 323 of the CU 3 that has received the recovery response checks whether or not the number of game balls included in the gaming machine information transmitted from the P machine 2 as the recovery response is an appropriate value. The first check process is executed. Since there is no game information storage, the CU 3 transmits a communication start request including the serial number = 2 to the P unit 2 without transmitting the recovery request 2 to the P unit 2. When the CU 3 transmits a communication start request command to the P base 2, the counting sequence number is cleared to “0” (initial value). The P unit 2 receives the communication start request and transmits a communication start response including the serial number = 2 to the CU 3. Further, after receiving the communication start request, the P platform 2 clears the recovery data (game information) and also clears the counting sequence number to “0” (initial value).

  When communication with the P table 2 is started, the CU 3 transmits a status information request including a serial number = 3 to the P table 2. In response to this, the P table 2 notifies the CU 3 of unreported game table information (the number of game balls as the latest game table information = 450, the number of added balls = 6, the number of subtracted balls = 36) as a status information response. Update the last transmission serial number and back up the data. Specifically, the status information response includes a transmission sequence number = 3, the number of game balls = 450, the number of added balls = 6, and the number of subtracted balls = 36. In response to the status information response including unnotified gaming machine information, the CU 3 updates the previous last transmission serial number and backs up the data. The CU control unit 323 of the CU 3 that has received the status information response checks whether or not the number of game balls included in the gaming machine information transmitted as the status information response is an appropriate value. Execute the process.

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

  Referring to FIG. 13, when a gaming machine is shipped from a gaming machine manufacturer to Hall A, the gaming machine manufacturer's server (not shown) sends shipping information about the shipped gaming machine to a communication line. The information is input to the machine history management center 800A. The history management center 800A registers the input shipping information in the storage area of the server.

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

  Referring to FIG. 14, when ordering a gaming machine from a gaming machine maker, Hall A sends a sales contract to the gaming machine maker. When the gaming machine manufacturer receives the sales contract sent from Hall A, it confirms the order of the gaming machine according to the sales contract. When the gaming machine manufacturer confirms the order, it sends a copy of the warranty card and the certification notice to Hall A and starts production of the gaming machine. The gaming machine manufacturer ships the produced gaming machine to Hall A from the gaming machine manufacturer (delivered to Hall A). In addition, after a gaming machine to be shipped to Hall A is delivered to a carrier, the gaming machine manufacturer's server inputs shipping information regarding the gaming machine to the machine history management center 800A via a communication line. When the history management center 800A accepts the input of the shipping information, it registers it in the storage area of the server.

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

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

  The registration type indicates whether the gaming machine to be shipped is a conventional CR gaming machine, an enclosed circulating gaming machine (P 2), a gaming board with a replaced part, or a gaming machine frame. This is information to specify. Specifically, in FIG. 15B, when the registration type number is “11” to “14”, the gaming machine to be shipped is a CR gaming machine, and when “21” to “25”. Indicates that the number of gaming machines to be shipped is P. Furthermore, the registration type numbers “11” to “14” indicate that the game board, the gaming machine frame, the gaming board + the gaming machine frame, and the gaming board (parts replacement) are replaced. Also, the registration type numbers “21” to “25” indicate that they are replaced gaming boards, gaming machine frames, gaming boards + gaming machine frames, gaming board parts, gaming machine frame parts, respectively. When replacing the board of the game board or the board of the gaming machine frame, the board management number after replacement is set and registered when the base is replaced. In addition, replacement of parts in which the production numbers of the game board and the gaming machine frame are changed is registered as a new shipment. Note that the name of the gaming machine manufacturer and the model name of the gaming machine are specified by the registration type.

The game board production number and main board management number are information according to a two-dimensional code.
The main control chip ID number is information read by an ID reader, and is set only for the P unit 2 (setting is not necessary for a conventional CR gaming machine). The main control product code is the product code of the main control chip (setting is not necessary in the conventional CR gaming machine).

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

  The payout control chip ID number is information read by the ID reader, and is set only for the P unit 2 (setting is not necessary for the CR gaming machine). The payout control product code is a product code written in the payout control chip (setting is not necessary in the CR gaming machine).

  The shipment date is the date when the gaming machine is shipped, and is the date when shipment is confirmed. The business operator code is information for specifying the name of the carrier. The hole code is information for identifying the hall name of the delivery destination. The cancellation flag is set to “0” when shipping information is registered, and “1” when canceling registered shipping information. If the gaming machine manufacturer has registered incorrect shipping information in the machine history management center 800A, the gaming machine manufacturer sets a cancellation flag for the incorrect shipping information to “1” and registers it again in the machine history management center 800A.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 16B is a diagram showing the flow when the hall computer and the history management center 800A are configured to be communicable. In FIG. 16 (b), this is mainly the case of an enclosed circulating game machine (P 2), and the P 2 is installed in Hall A where the hall computer and the machine history management center 800A are connected by a communication line. Is assumed.

  Referring to FIG. 16A, when a gaming machine is delivered from hall A to hall A, a copy of the gaming machine delivery form is sent from hall A to the gaming machine manufacturer. When the gaming machine manufacturer receives a copy of the gaming machine delivery form, the gaming machine installation information is input from the gaming machine manufacturer to the machine history management center 800A via the communication line, and the input installation information is stored in the storage area of the server. be registered. When the installation information is registered in the machine history management center 800A, the registered result is output via a communication line or as a document. In Hall A, when a jurisdiction implementation inspection is conducted and a change approval notification is made, the delivered gaming machine is installed at a predetermined location in Hall A.

  Referring to FIG. 16B, when a gaming machine is delivered from hall A to Hall A, a copy of the gaming machine delivery form is sent from Hall A to the gaming machine manufacturer. Thereafter, in Hall A, a jurisdiction implementation inspection is performed, and when a change approval notification is made, the delivered gaming machine is installed at a predetermined location in Hall A. Since the hall computer and the history management center 800A are configured to be connectable via a communication line, when the gaming machine installed in the hall A is turned on, the history computer automatically starts the history. Installation information is transmitted to the management center 800A. The history management center 800A associates the received installation information with the shipping information registered at the time of shipping and registers them in the storage area.

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

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

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

  In the case of FIG. 16 (b), the machine history management center 800A has a game machine manufacturer name, model name, installation date, installation destination hall name, as installation information automatically transmitted from the hall computer. The main control chip ID and the payout control ID are registered. The history management center 800A may receive a part of the above information as installation information, and register information that is common with the shipping information with reference to the shipping information.

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

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

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

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

  Referring to FIG. 18B, since the hall computer and the history management center 800A are configured to communicate with each other, the history management center 800A is based on the installation information registered in the storage area. If a certain period of time (for example, one month) has passed and no communication with the gaming machine that should have been installed in Hall A, it is determined that the gaming machine has not been operated and has been removed. Then, the removal information is registered in the storage area. As in FIG. 18A, the history management center 800A may register the removal information in the storage area based on the document sent from the hall A.

  When a conventional CR gaming machine is to be removed, the machine history management center 800A provides, as removal information, a gaming machine manufacturer name, a game board production number, a main board management number, a game frame production number, a removal date, and removal. The hall name is registered. In addition, when the P unit 2 is removed, in the machine history management center 800A, in addition to the information registered in the case of the conventional CR gaming machine, a payout control board management number is further registered as removal information. Is done.

  Referring to FIG. 13 again, when the gaming machine removed from the hall A is stored in the seller's warehouse and the received gaming machine is released to another hall B, the seller enters the application document. The used movement information is entered and sent to the history management center 800A. The machine history management center 800A registers the used movement information in the server from the input means of the machine history management center 800A based on the sent application documents. When the history management center 800A and the management computer owned by the dealer are configured to be communicable, the management computer inputs used movement information to the history management center 800A via a communication line. Also good.

  When a gaming machine issued from a dealer is delivered to another hall B and the gaming machine is installed in another hall B, the installation is performed in the other hall B as shown in FIG. Information is registered in the server of the machine history management center 800A. Also, when the gaming machine installed in the hall B is removed, the removal information is registered in the machine history management center 800A according to the flow described in FIG.

  Next, when the gaming machine removed from Hall A is collected by the processing company and the collected gaming machine is discarded, the disposal information is entered in the application document from the processing company, and the document is recorded. It is sent to the management center 800A. The history record management center 800A registers the discard information in the storage area by inputting necessary information from the input means in its own device. When the history management center 800A and the management computer owned by the processing company are configured to be able to communicate with each other, the management computer may input the discard information to the history management center 800A via the communication line. Good.

  When the gaming machine traded in from the hall A by the gaming machine maker is discarded, the hall computer inputs the discard information regarding the gaming machine to be discarded through the communication line to the history management center 800A. The history management center 800A registers the input discard information in the storage area of the server.

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

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

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

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

  The discard date is the date when the gaming machine is discarded. The game board manufacturer code is information for identifying the gaming machine manufacturer that manufactured the game board. The gaming machine frame manufacturer code is information for identifying the gaming machine manufacturer that manufactured the gaming machine frame. The business operator code is information for identifying the business operator that has performed the disposal process. Typically, it is the operator code of the processing company (disposal company), but when it is discarded by the gaming machine manufacturer, it becomes the operator code of the gaming machine manufacturer.

  When a conventional CR gaming machine is to be discarded, the machine history management center 800A has a gaming machine manufacturer name, a game board production number, a main board management number, a game frame production number, a disposal date, and processing as disposal information. The trader name is registered. Further, when the P-unit 2 is discarded, in the machine history management center 800A, in addition to each information registered in the case of a conventional CR gaming machine, a payout control board management number is further registered as discard information. Is done.

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

  FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining history management of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 according to the present embodiment. The history management center 800A shown in FIG. 21 associates the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided on the payout control board 17 connected to the front frame 5 with information on the front frame 5 and the main control board 16 connected to the game board 26. The information of the game board 26 is stored in the table shown in FIG. 22 in association with the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided in FIG. 22, and the history of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 is managed. The history management center 800A includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 8001 as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 8002 that stores operation programs and control data of the CPU 8001, and a RAM that functions as a work area for the CPU 8001. A (Random Access Memory) 8003, an I / O port (Input / Output Port) 8004, and a mass storage device 8005 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) are provided.

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

  Hereinafter, machine history management of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. First, at the time of shipment / installation, (1) the semiconductor chip manufacturer 190 manufactures the payout control semiconductor chip 17a and ships it to the frame manufacturer 191 which is the manufacturer of the front frame 5. (2) The semiconductor chip manufacturer 190 manufactures the main control semiconductor chip 16a and ships it to the game board manufacturer 192, which is the manufacturer of the game board 26. The payout control semiconductor chip 17a and the main control semiconductor chip 16a are not limited to the case where they are manufactured by the same semiconductor chip manufacturer 190, and may be manufactured by different semiconductor chip manufacturers 190.

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

  (4) The frame maker 191 manufactures the front frame 5 by incorporating the payout control semiconductor chip 17a into the front frame 5. Further, the frame maker 191 ships the installed front frame 5 to the hall 193 and installs it. (5) The frame maker 191 notifies the machine history management center 800A of information specifying the front frame 5 installed in the hall 193, and updates the payout side table so as to be stored in association with the payout control security chip ID. As information specifying the front frame 5, as shown in FIG. 22A, the front frame manufacturing number, the delivery board management number, the product code for delivery control, the transporter code, the hall code, the shipping date, and the installation Date and time are included. Further, the information specifying the front frame 5 may include a frame format name, a product code, and a manufacturer code.

  (6) The game board maker 192 assembles the main control semiconductor chip 16 a into the game board 26 to manufacture the game board 26. Further, the game board maker 192 ships the manufactured game board 26 to the hall 193 and installs the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in combination. (7) The game board maker 192 notifies the machine history management center 800A of information specifying the game board 26 installed in the hall 193, and updates the main control side table so as to be stored in association with the main control security chip ID. To do. As information for specifying the game board 26, as shown in FIG. 22B, the model name of the gaming machine, product code, manufacturer code, game board production number, main control board management number, product code for main control. , Carrier code, hall code, shipping date, and installation date and time.

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

  If the result of the collation shows an abnormality, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality. The history management center 800A also manages the management status of the front frame 5 in which information such as the shipping date (information (3-1) and (5) shown in FIG. 22A) included in the payout table is updated. (Status) is “Shipment”, and the management status of the front frame 5 in which the information (the information (9) shown in FIG. 22A) of the paired main control security chip ID included in the payout table is updated ( (Status) is determined as “installation”. The management state (status) of the front frame 5 may be stored in the payout side table or in a separate storage area. In the case of initial failure after shipment registration, re-shipment is not performed.

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

  Next, (10) When the hole 193 is replaced with a new front frame 5 and game board 26, the installed front frame 5 and game board 26 are removed and stored in the warehouse. (11) The warehouse operator 194 notifies the history management center 800A of the storage information of the front frame 5 removed from the hall 193, and updates the payout side table so as to store it in association with the payout control security chip ID. Further, the warehouse trader 194 notifies the machine history management center 800A of the storage information of the game board 26 removed from the hall 193, and updates the main control side table so as to store it in association with the main control security chip ID. As shown in FIG. 22, the storage information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 includes a gaming machine manufacturer, an installation source hall, a removal date, a storage date, and a storage location.

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

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

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

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

  If the result of the collation shows an abnormality, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality. Further, the machine history management center 800A manages the management status of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in which information such as sales company names (information (13) shown in FIG. 22) included in the payout side table and the main control sales table is updated. (Status) is determined as “resale”, and the front frame 5 and the game in which the information of the pair security chip ID (information (9) shown in FIG. 22) included in the payout side table and the main control side table is updated. The management state (status) of the panel 26 is determined as “installation”. When reselling the front frame 5 and the game board 26, it is not always necessary to resell the front frame 5 and the game board 26 as a set, and either one may be resold. In that case, the history management center 800A updates only the information (13) (see FIG. 22) of either the payout side table or the main control side table. Further, reselling the front frame 5 and the game board 26 is not necessarily limited to reselling the front frame 5 and the game board 26 stored in the warehouse, but the front frame 5 and the game board 26 installed in the hall. May be resold. In addition, we do not re-ship at the time of resale.

  Next, at the time of disposal, (14) the hole 193 requests the disposal company 196 to discard the stored front frame 5 and game board 26. The discarder 196 discards the stored front frame 5 and game board 26 by an appropriate method. (15) The discarder 196 notifies the history management center 800A of the discard information of the discarded front frame 5 and updates the payout side table so as to store it in association with the payout control security chip ID. Further, the discarder 196 notifies the history management center 800A of the discard information of the discarded game board 26, and updates the main control side table so as to be stored in association with the main control security chip ID. In addition, as shown in FIG. 22, the discard information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 includes an installation source hall, a pick-up date, and a discard date.

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

  If the result of the collation shows an abnormality, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality. The history management center 800A also manages the management status of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 in which information such as the discard date (information (15) shown in FIG. 22) included in the payout table and the main control table is updated. (Status) is determined to be “Discard”. When the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are discarded, it is not always necessary to discard the front frame 5 and the game board 26 as a set, and either one may be removed and discarded. In this case, the history management center 800A updates only the information (15) (see FIG. 22) of either the payout side table or the main control side table. Further, when discarding the front frame 5 and the game board 26, it is not necessarily limited to discarding the front frame 5 and the game board 26 stored in the warehouse, but the front frame 5 and the game board installed in the hall 193. 26 may be discarded.

<Abnormality judgment of machine history management center>
As described above, the machine history management center 800A notifies the abnormality if it is abnormal as a result of comparing the gaming machine installation information and the non-operating information with the updated information. Specifically, processing for determining whether or not the machine history management center 800A is abnormal will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining the abnormality determination process for management of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 by the machine history management center 800A. FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining a table referred to in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the machine history management center 800A determines the management state (status) of the front frame 5 and the game board 26 based on information included in the payout side table and the main control side table (S211). Specifically, the machine history management center 800A determines that the information such as the discard date (information (15) shown in FIG. 22) included in the payout side table and the main control side table has been updated and the game board 26 is updated. The management state (status) is determined as “discard”.

  Next, the machine history management center 800A checks whether or not the transition from the previously determined management state to the currently determined management state is included in the transition prohibition table (S212). As shown in FIG. 24A, the transition prohibition table indicates a management state in which transition is prohibited from the management state determined last time. Specifically, when the frame maker 191 manufactures and ships the front frame 5, the front frame 5 is not discarded or resold. Therefore, in the transition prohibition table, the management state changes from “shipment” to “discard”. Transition to “resale” is prohibited. In addition, since the front frame 5 once installed, stored and resold is not shipped from the frame maker 191, in the transition prohibition table, the management status is “installed”, “storage” and “resale” to “shipment”. ”Is prohibited. Furthermore, since the discarded front frame 5 is not shipped, installed, stored, and resold, in the transition prohibition table, the management state changes from “discarded” to “shipped”, “installed”, “stored”, and “resolded”. ”Is prohibited. In the above-described transition prohibition table, the front frame 5 has been described as an example, but the same applies to the game board 26.

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

  Next, the machine history management center 800A checks whether or not the management state determined this time in S211 and the operation state determined in S213 are included in the update abnormality table (S214). As shown in the update abnormality table, FIG. 24 (b), the operation state prohibited in the management state determined this time in S211 is shown. Specifically, when the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are installed, they are in an operating state if they are within business hours, but are normally inactive if they are out of business hours. When the status is “Installation”, it is determined as abnormal if “Operates outside business hours”. In addition, when the front frame 5 and the game board 26 are not installed, the operation status is always inactive. Therefore, in the update abnormality table, the management status is “shipment”, “storage”, “resale”, and “discard”. When it becomes “operation”, it is determined as abnormal.

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

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

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

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

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

  On the other hand, the payout control unit 171 includes a payout control circuit 171a, a communication control circuit 171b, and a payout control storage unit 171c. The payout control circuit 171a controls various processes (the launch motor 18 via the launch control board 31 by the payout control unit 171 or the game ball to the holding ball for the CU3 based on the signal from the counting button 28. A circuit for executing a control program for performing a process of requesting conversion). The communication control circuit 171b is a circuit for performing encryption communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 and encryption communication between the payout control unit 171 and the communication control IC 325a. The payout control storage unit 171c is a storage device for storing a user program, a control program, data, and the like to be executed by the payout control unit 171, and is configured by, for example, a FeRAM that is a nonvolatile memory. Since the payout control storage unit 171c includes a FeRAM, the information stored in the FeRAM does not need to be backed up by an external power source.

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

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

  For example, the interrupt function notifies an interrupt after completion of decryption of a message, or notifies an interrupt when the authentication state changes. The recovery function is a function for performing recovery communication with the payout control unit 171 in the encryption communication control unit 600 according to a request from the user. In addition, the communication control circuit 161b can set a communication response timeout time or can set a communication interval between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 26, the communication control circuit 161b performs encryption communication with a plurality of registers that perform input / output with the control program executed by the main control circuit 161a and encryption communication with the payout control unit 171. A control unit 600 is included.

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

  The authentication status register 611 indicates whether or not the chip ID of the main control unit 161 is authenticated, the communication and authentication status between the card unit and the payout control unit, and the communication and authentication between the main control unit and the payout control unit. The status is written. In the authentication interrupt setting register 612, whether or not to permit interruption for changing the state of chip ID authentication, authentication between the card unit and the payout control unit, and authentication between the main control unit and the payout control unit is set.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The authentication communication function is a function for mutual authentication with the main control unit 161 of the game board 26 and mutual authentication with the communication control IC 325a of the CU3. The encryption communication function is a function for encrypting and decrypting a message between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. The encryption communication function can be automatically inserted into a tamper-proof code message, or a code for detecting a communication error can be automatically inserted. In addition, the encryption communication function can periodically pass information of the payout control unit 171 to the main control unit 161 and receive information of the main control unit 161 by setting a communication interval.

  For example, the interrupt function notifies an interrupt after completion of decryption of a message, or notifies an interrupt when the authentication state changes. The recovery function is a function for performing recovery communication with the main control unit 161 and the communication control IC 325a in the encryption communication control unit 700 in response to a request from the user. In addition, the communication control circuit 171b1 can set a communication response time-out period and can set a communication interval between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171.

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

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

  The authentication status register 711 indicates whether or not the chip ID of the payout control unit 171 is authenticated, the communication and authentication status between the card unit and the payout control unit, and the communication and authentication between the main control unit and the payout control unit. The status is written. In the authentication interrupt setting register 712, whether or not to permit an interrupt that changes the chip ID authentication, the authentication between the card unit and the payout control unit, and the authentication between the main control unit and the payout control unit is set.

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

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

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

  The recovery request / completion register 718 is a register in which information indicating whether or not recovery communication is requested between the main control unit and the payout control unit and whether or not the recovery communication is completed is written. The encryption communication data clear request / completion register 719 stores information requesting to clear data such as a serial number held in the encryption communication control unit 700 communicating with the main control unit 161, and that the data has been deleted. This is a register in which information indicating (clear completion) is written.

  In addition, the communication control circuit 171b1 includes a communication timeout time setting register 719a, a communication interval time setting register 719b, and a main control unit transmission buffer write effective time setting register 719c.

  The main control unit transmission buffer write effective time setting register 719c stores the data in the transmission data buffer 613 of the main control unit 161 in the data reception register 713 after the authentication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 expires. This register sets the valid time that can be written. By setting the register, the data reception register 713 can be written to even after the authentication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 has expired (for example, from 5 seconds to 15 seconds). About seconds). Thus, for example, even when there is a floating ball (a ball that has not been dropped due to being caught between nails of the game area 27) when authentication is cut off due to power interruption or disconnection, the floating ball has won a prize. It is possible to securely store and protect the information. Even in the case of a gaming machine having a stage with a long ball residence time, it is assumed that the effective period can be set long so that the information that the floating ball has won can be reliably stored.

  Originally, data cannot be written in the data reception register 713 via the encryption communication control unit 700 from the viewpoint of security after the authentication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 is terminated. However, in the data reception register 713, for example, it is necessary to write information that the floating ball has won after the authentication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 has expired. Therefore, the communication control circuit 171b1 sets an effective time in the main control unit transmission buffer write effective time setting register 719c, and this setting is performed in the encryption communication control unit 700, whereby the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 are set. Information can be written to the data reception register 713 via the encryption communication control unit 700 within the valid period even after the authentication between the two is expired. It should be noted that the set value of main control unit transmission buffer write effective time setting register 719c can be read out after this setting is made by encryption communication control unit 700.

  FIG. 28 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a communication control circuit 171b2 for performing cryptographic communication with the communication control IC 325a. As shown in FIG. 28, the communication control circuit 171b2 performs, for example, an authentication status register 721, an authentication interrupt setting register 722, a transmission data buffer 723a, a data reception register 723b, and a transmission data number register 724 in order to perform cryptographic communication with the communication control IC 325a. , Received data count register 725, recovery communication addition sphere request register 726, recovery communication subtraction sphere request register 727, recovery request / completion register 728, encrypted communication data clear request / completion register 729, communication timeout timer-prescaler setting register 729a, and communication It has a timeout time setting register 729b and the like.

  The authentication status register 721 indicates whether or not the chip ID of the payout control unit 171 is authenticated, the communication and authentication status between the card unit and the payout control unit, and the communication and authentication between the main control unit and the payout control unit. The status is written. In the authentication interrupt setting register 722, whether or not to permit an interrupt that changes the chip ID authentication, the authentication between the card unit and the payout control unit, and the authentication between the main control unit and the payout control unit is set.

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

  By configuring the transmission data buffer 723a and the data reception register 723b with a nonvolatile memory, communication disconnection occurs between the payout control unit 171 and the communication control IC 325a, and the buffer and register that have not been transmitted due to communication failure are stored in the buffer and register The written business message is retained even after returning. Therefore, even when recovery communication is performed, recovery processing such as re-execution of a user program to generate a business message written in the transmission data buffer 723a and the data reception register 723b becomes unnecessary, and the payout control unit 171 and the processing load of the communication control IC 325a can be reduced. In addition, the amount of data required in the recovery process can be suppressed. Note that since the transmission data buffer 723a and the data reception register 723b are configured by a nonvolatile memory, backup by an external power source is not necessary. Registers other than the transmission data buffer 723a and the data reception register 723b are composed of a volatile memory.

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

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

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

<Recovery completion confirmation process>
Next, in the communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, when returning from an incommunicable state such as a power-off, the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 have the main control storage unit 161 c and the payout control memory. The recovery process which transmits the predetermined information memorize | stored in the part 171c is performed. Then, the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 perform a recovery completion confirmation process for resuming the generation of predetermined information by executing the user program on the condition that the recovery process ends. Specifically, the recovery completion confirmation process will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 31 is a flowchart for explaining the recovery completion confirmation process.

  First, when the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 are turned on in order to recover from an incommunicable state such as a power failure, the main control circuit 161a and the payout control circuit 171a start the processing of the authentication sequence. When the authentication is completed, the authentication results are written in the authentication status registers 611 and 711 of the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, respectively. Then, the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 confirm whether or not authentication completion is written in the respective authentication status registers 611 and 711 (step S291). When the authentication completion is not written in the respective authentication status registers 611 and 711 (step S291: NO), the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 return to the process of step S291.

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

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

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

<Functional configuration of main control circuit>
Next, the functional configuration of the main control circuit 161a will be described.

  FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining in detail the function of the main control circuit 161a according to the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 29A is a block diagram showing a main functional configuration of the main control circuit 161a. FIG. 29B is a schematic diagram illustrating a register configuration of the register unit.

  Referring to FIG. 29A, main control circuit 161a includes a calculation unit 661, a register unit 662, and a control unit 663 as main functional configurations. Each of the arithmetic unit 661, the register unit 662, and the control unit 663 transmits and receives addresses, data, and the like via the bus 664. Although not shown, the main control circuit 161a includes an input / output unit connected to the bus 664, and transmits data to / from an external device such as a memory (main control storage unit 161c) via the input / output unit. Sending and receiving. The data processed by the main control circuit 161a includes, for example, commands transmitted / received between the CU 3 and the P base 2 as shown in FIG. 5 and jackpot information indicating that the P base 2 is in a probabilistic state. The area in which the game information is stored and the data is stored is, for example, any area such as a main control storage unit 161c, a RAM connected to the main control circuit 161a, or a register in the communication control circuit 161b. May be.

  The arithmetic unit 661 performs a logical operation based on data or an address read from the main control storage unit 161c or the like into the register unit 662 in order to execute processing based on the user program or the control program. The configuration in which the arithmetic unit 661 can process data and addresses in units of 8 bits will be described below, but the unit that can be processed is not limited to 8 bits, and may be 16 bits or 32 bits.

  The register unit 662 is a storage area for storing data and addresses used for calculations performed by the calculation unit 661 in order to execute processing based on a user program or a control program. The configuration of the register unit 662 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 29B, the register unit 662 includes nine registers in units of 8 bits. Specifically, the register unit 662 includes an A register (accumulator), an F register (flag register), a general-purpose register (B, C, D, E, H, L register), and a Q register. Although not shown, the register unit 662 includes a program counter, an instruction register, and the like. The A register, F register, general purpose register, and Q register are 8-bit registers, respectively. The general purpose registers according to the present embodiment are a B register, a C register, a D register, an E register, an H register, and an L register. The B register, C register, D register, E register, H register, and L register are a 16-bit register (pair of BC register, DE register, and HL register that can perform 16-bit operations as a pair. It can also be used as a register.

  In addition, the register unit 662 illustrated in FIG. 29B is an example including nine registers, but is not limited thereto. For example, each register of A, F, B, C, D, E, H, and L As auxiliary registers (back registers) corresponding to (front registers), A ′, F ′, B ′, C ′, D ′, E ′, H ′, and L ′ registers may be included.

  The A register (accumulator) is a register that temporarily holds many operation results. The F register is a register indicating an operation state (status). In the F register, when an instruction is executed, the bit information in the F register changes according to the execution result. For example, the bits in the F register include an S flag (sign flag), a Z flag (zero flag), an SZ flag (second zero flag), an H flag (half carry flag), bit 3 (empty bit), and a P / V flag. (Parity / overflow flag), N flag (addition / subtraction flag), and C flag (carry flag).

  Here, the S flag (sign flag) is a flag that is set to “1” when the calculation result is negative. Further, the most significant bit of the operation result is included in the bit of the S flag. The Z flag (zero flag) is a flag that is set to “1” when the calculation result is zero. The SZ flag (second zero flag) is a flag that changes mainly for instructions in which the Z flag changes. The H flag (half carry flag) is a flag that changes depending on the operation result of the third bit. The P / V flag (parity / overflow flag) is a flag that can be changed depending on the instruction to indicate whether the flag represents parity or overflow. The N flag (addition / subtraction flag) is a flag in which “0” is set when the instruction executed immediately before is an addition instruction, and “1” is set when the instruction is a subtraction instruction. The C flag (carry flag) is a flag that is set to “1” when the most significant bit is carried by an addition instruction and when a borrow is caused by a subtraction instruction.

  Each flag set in the F register (for example, the S flag and the C flag) is an example, and is not limited to the case where 1-bit information is assigned to each flag. A plurality of bits of information may be allocated, and information according to the execution result may be stored in each flag set in the F register.

  General-purpose registers (B, C, D, E, H, and L registers) are registers that can be used for any instruction, not just registers for specific instructions such as the A register and the F register. In addition, not only all of the B, C, D, E, H, and L registers are general-purpose, but also a specification that some registers are dedicated to a certain instruction may be used.

  The Q register is a register for storing an address for reading or writing data from a register of the main control storage unit 161c or the communication control circuit 161b by executing an instruction. The main control circuit 161a uses 16 bits as an address for reading or writing data. Therefore, the Q register stores only a part of the address, for example, the upper 8-bit address (first address information). That is, when reading or writing a plurality of data, the Q register can store in advance a common address portion (for example, an upper 8-bit address (first address information)). Therefore, when reading or writing individual data, main control circuit 161a stores only the address portion other than the address stored in Q register (for example, the lower 8-bit address (second address information)) in the register. It is only necessary to perform the storing process. As a result, the main control circuit 161a can reduce the address specified in the data read or write process by 1 byte, reduce the program capacity, and store the address of 1 byte in the register. Can be reduced.

  The value stored in the Q register can be set by a program executed by the main control circuit 161a, and an address of a storage area that is frequently read or written by processing of the executed program is set. Also good. The value stored in the Q register is set to the address of the storage area where the initial setting value is written by the initial setting program executed when the power is turned on, and then frequently used data is stored. The address of the storage area may be set. The above-described register is initialized to “0” (zero) at the time of reset. However, the Q register is not initialized to “0” (zero) at the time of resetting, but is initialized to “F0h”.

  The control unit 663 specifies an address for accessing data used when the calculation unit 661 executes the user program. Specifically, the control unit 663 uses the 8-bit first address information stored in the Q register in the register unit 662 and the 8-bit first address information stored as the operand code (OP code) in the main control storage unit 161c. A 16-bit address is specified by combining the two address information. Here, it has been described that the second address information is an operand code used by the arithmetic unit 661 for an instruction by the execution of the user program stored in the main control storage unit 161c. However, the second address information is not limited to this. An operand code stored in a register of the communication control circuit 161b may be used for an instruction for transmitting the generated information. For example, the control unit 663 uses the first address information as the upper byte (upper 8 bits) of the address, the second address information as the lower byte (lower 8 bits) of the address, and combines the address information to generate the address Is identified.

  FIG. 30 is a diagram for describing a procedure in which main control circuit 161a reads data stored in main control storage unit 161c. The main control circuit 161a shown in FIG. 30 may execute a user program and process an instruction to read data stored in the main control storage unit 161c as one of the instructions of the user program. Specifically, there is an instruction “LD” as an instruction to transfer data stored in the main control storage unit 161c. This “LD” instruction can be expressed as “LD A, (x, y)”, for example, as an instruction for reading data at an address specified by operand codes x, y into register A. Further, “LD (x, y), A” can be expressed as an instruction for writing data stored in the register A to an address specified by the operand codes x, y.

  However, when reading a plurality of data having consecutive addresses in the main control storage unit 161c, the operand code x corresponding to the upper 8-bit address is always the same among the operand codes x and y specifying the address. Only y is an instruction to change. For this reason, every time data is read from the main control storage unit 161c, it is necessary to store the same operand code x in a register and perform an operation, and redundant processing is performed. In addition, the program executed by the main control storage unit 161c also has a problem that the program capacity increases due to duplication of information for designating the operand code x. Note that the address of the data read from the main control storage unit 161c is not necessarily limited to a continuous address, and may be data having an address having a common upper 8-bit address.

  Therefore, in the main control circuit 161a according to the present embodiment, a Q register is provided in the register unit 662, and a common upper 8-bit address is stored in advance so that data is read from the main control storage unit 161c. In addition, the redundant processing for storing the same operand code in the register becomes unnecessary, and the burden of data reading processing can be reduced. Also, in the program executed by the main control storage unit 161c, it is not necessary to redundantly describe information for designating the operand code x, and the program capacity can be reduced. Specifically, in the main control circuit 161a, a Q register is provided in the register unit 662, and an “LDQ” instruction is set as an instruction for transferring data.

  With reference to FIG. 30, the case where the arithmetic unit 661 executes the “LDQ” instruction will be described. The “LDQ” instruction includes, for example, a Q register (a register storing an address corresponding to the operand code x of the “LD” instruction) and an operand code k (corresponding to the operand code y of the “LD” instruction). Can be expressed as “LDQ A, (k)”. The second address information “20h” is stored as the operand code k in the main control storage unit 161c shown in FIG. Therefore, the control unit 663 combines the first address information “F0h” stored in the Q register with the second address information “20h” of the operand code k, and sets the address of data read by the arithmetic unit 661 to “F020h”. ". Operation unit 661 reads data a at the specified address “F020h” into the A register. As described above, when the Q address is provided in the register unit 662, a process for storing the address information of 2 bytes (16 bits) in the register every time is required for the process for specifying the address for reading data. However, by storing the common address information in the Q address in advance, the processing of storing the 1-byte (8-bit) address information in the register is sufficient. Therefore, the processing burden on the main control circuit 161a can be reduced. In addition, in the program executed by the main control storage unit 161c, it is not necessary to redundantly describe information for specifying a common address, and the program capacity can be reduced. Here, the “LDQ” instruction can be expressed as “LDQ (k), A” as an instruction for writing the data stored in the register A to the address specified by the Q register and the operand code k. A, (k) "has the same effect.

  In this embodiment, the configuration in which the Q register is provided in the main control circuit 161a has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a Q register is provided in the payout control circuit 171a to similarly reduce the processing load on the payout control circuit 171a. May be. In addition, in the program executed by the payout control circuit 171a, it is not necessary to redundantly describe information for specifying a common address, and the program capacity can be reduced. Here, the data processed by the payout control circuit 171a includes, for example, information from the counting button 28 and various sensors, payout information such as winning prize information for requesting the payout of prize balls, and the data is stored. The area may be any area such as a RAM connected to the payout control storage unit 171c and the payout control circuit 171a, and a register in the communication control circuit 171b.

<Commands and responses sent and received between the main control unit and the payout control unit>
Next, with reference to FIG. 32, the outline of the command and response transmitted / received between the main control part 161 and the payout control part 171 is demonstrated.

  FIG. 32 shows the transmission direction, whether the data to be transmitted is a command or a response, the name of transmission information, and its outline.

  First, a command named power-on notification is transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171. This power-on notification command notifies the payout control unit 171 that power is turned on and communication is started. A response named power-on reception is transmitted from the payout control unit 171 to the main control unit 161. This power-on reception response is a response to the main control unit 161 receiving a power-on notification and starting communication.

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

<Main sequence processed between main control unit and payout control unit>
Next, a main sequence processed between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 by processing executed by the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 will be described with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34.

<< Communication sequence >>
First, with reference to FIG. 33, a sequence processed between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 when the power is turned on will be described. The sequence shown in FIG. 33 is a process executed when communication is resumed after the communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 has been normally completed.

  The communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 is performed by a polling method using the main control unit 161 as a primary station, and the polling interval is 200 ms. Note that communication of power-on notification and power-on reception is excluded. The payout control unit 171 sets “communication line disconnection” and stops the game when the request command from the main control unit 161 is not received even after 1 second has elapsed since the response was transmitted.

  Furthermore, the payout control unit 171 transmits a response command to the main control unit 161 only when normal data is received. When the main control unit 161 does not receive a response command within the polling interval time, the main control unit 161 retransmits the command up to three times including the first time. The serial number used for transmission / reception is stored in the storage unit for both the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 and used for command normality confirmation, power-off recovery, and communication line disconnection recovery.

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

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

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

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

<< Sequence after power off >>
Next, with reference to FIG. 34, a process when the status information request is not reached due to power-off / communication line disconnection will be described. In particular, FIG. 34 shows that there is a power interruption / communication line disconnection (for example, when the power supply of the payout control unit 171 is once turned off and then turned on again), and the gaming state notification is not reached (from the main control unit 161). FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for explaining processing when a post-recovery communication partner matches with a payout control unit 171 having not reached a command).

  Referring to FIG. 34, the main control unit 161 transmits a gaming state notification including a serial number = n to the payout control unit 171 before the power interruption occurs during the game. In response to this, the payout control unit 171 transmits a game state reception including a serial number = n to the main control unit 161.

  Then, after a power interruption occurs in the payout control unit 171 during the game, when a game state notification including a serial number = n + 1 is transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171, the payout control unit 171 is turned off. The game state notification cannot be received because of the state. Thereafter, since the gaming state reception from the payout control unit 171 has not been transmitted, the main control unit 161 performs control to stop communication on the assumption that the power is cut off after 1 second.

  Thereafter, when the authentication sequence is started between the power-on and main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, the main control unit 161 includes a power source including serial number = 1 and main control serial number (previous last transmission serial number) = n + 1. An insertion notification is transmitted to the payout control unit 171. The payout control unit 171 has the game state reception serial number transmitted to the main control unit 161 before the power interruption occurs, and therefore, the payout control serial number backed up by the payout control unit 171 becomes n. Therefore, the payout control sequence number = n backed up by the payout control unit 171 and the main control sequence number = n + 1 backed up by the main control unit 161 are inconsistent. When the serial numbers do not match, the payout control unit 171 performs recovery processing on the information of the payout control unit 171 based on the recovery game information included in the power-on notification transmitted from the main control unit 161. Thereafter, the payout control unit 171 transmits the power-on reception including the serial number = 1 to the main control unit 161.

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

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

<Slot machine>
Next, a slot machine will be described as another example of the gaming machine. FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front door of the slot machine is opened. Unlike the conventional slot machine, the slot machine shown in FIG. 35 is a medal-free slot machine that does not require a medal to be played and a prize to be awarded.

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

  Referring to FIG. 35, a slot machine (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as a gaming machine or S unit) 2S is provided so that front door 2bS can be opened and closed with respect to main body frame 2aS with its left edge as a swing center. It has been. Although not shown in FIG. 35, a CU is connected to the left side of the S base 2S in the same manner as the P base.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In the case of S units, it is possible to count game points as in the case of P units. As shown in FIG. 35, the S stand 2S is provided with a counting button 28S for counting game points and converting them into points. The ball lending button, the return button, and the replay button are provided on the CU side (see FIG. 2). The player executes the counting operation based on an arbitrary timing or a display for prompting the counting operation on the display unit 510 in the same manner as the P units. Then, the game points are counted and the display 510 displays a state in which the points are increased while the game points are decreased. The ball lending button may be provided not on the CU side but on the P platform side and the S platform side. In this case, the operation signal of the ball lending button may be directly input to the CU 2 or may be transmitted to the CU 3 as a status information response via the P unit 2 or the S unit (slot machine) 2S. It may be.

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

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

  After that, the main control unit waits for the reel stop operation by the player, draws in the symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the predetermined frame number range based on the stop operation time, otherwise draws another symbol Is controlled to stop the three symbols and determine whether or not there is a prize. If the main control base determines that a winning is made, the main control base transmits a signal corresponding to the type of winning to the payout control unit (corresponding to the payout control unit 171 in FIG. 2). The payout control unit gives the player a number of game points corresponding to the signal (adds game points).

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

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

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

  FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram for explaining various data stored in each of the card unit and the slot machine and their transmission / reception modes. The transmission / reception mode shown in FIG. 36 is obtained by replacing the term of FIG. 4 described as the configuration of P units with that for S units, and the mode is the same as that described with reference to FIG. Now, further explanation is omitted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  (4) The recording medium for recording the holding point in an identifiable manner may use a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. In this case, the communication unit for communicating with the mobile terminal is provided in CU3, and the CU recognizes the ID stored in the mobile terminal by holding the mobile terminal over the communication unit. The game is made possible by the procedure as described above. On the other hand, at the end of the game, the portable terminal is again held over the communication unit, so that the score at the end of the game is added to the player's score through the ID.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  (14) Referring to FIG. 4, the P platform includes a counting ball counter that temporarily stores the counted counting balls (held balls), but does not include a counter that stores the cumulative value of the counting balls. . However, a counting ball cumulative storage counter that stores the cumulative value of counting balls may be provided on the P platform side. In addition, the CU side is provided with an area for storing card holding balls (counting balls). If a holding ball is recorded on the inserted card itself, this area holds the card holding ball. The current number of players' balls, including balls, is stored. For this reason, only in this area, the number of counting balls counted by the player in the current game cannot be specified. Therefore, an area for storing the number of counting balls counted by the player in this game may be further provided on the CU side. In this case, the CU adds balls to the area based on the information on the number of balls that are sent from the P cars after the game starts, and when the balls are converted into game balls, Subtract the holding ball.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  (23) In FIG. 4 or FIG. 36, game balls (game points) are stored on both the gaming machine side and the CU side, but the game balls (game points) are stored only on the game machine side, and the CU It may not be stored on the side. On the other hand, the card holding balls (scoring points) are stored only on the CU side, but may also be stored on the gaming machine side. In particular, game balls (game points) are stored only on the gaming machine side, while card holding balls (points) are stored only on the CU side to clarify the division of data storage management. Good.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  (30) The sequence control shown in FIGS. 6 to 12 is not limited to the transmission / reception sequence between control devices in a single gaming machine such as CU3, P2 and S2S, especially for security processing. Instead, for example, the present invention may be applied to a transmission / reception sequence between a plurality of gaming machines such as CU3, P unit 2, jet counter, and POS terminal.

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

  (32) In the above-described embodiment, the so-called enclosed circulation type gaming machines (P stand 2 and S stand 2S) are shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a game medium (pachinko ball or the like) is provided from the top of the island. It may be a conventional gaming machine that is supplied to a gaming machine and from which a gaming medium is paid out by winning. Specifically, the game is performed by hitting the balls stored in the ball storage tray into the game area, and when winning, the balls are paid out to the ball storage tray, and are paid out to the ball storage tray at the end of the game. A conventional pachinko machine that counts balls may be used. Also, the medal stored in the medal tray is inserted into the medal slot, the bet number is input and set, the reel is rotated and stopped by operating the start lever, and one game is finished, and the reel is stopped. When a display result winning that is sometimes displayed has occurred, a conventional slot machine may be used in which medals are paid out to a medal tray, and paid out to the medal tray at the end of the game to count the medals. In other words, a gaming machine that can be played using game media (pachinko balls, medals) and the game media is paid out to the player in accordance with the result of the game may be used.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(38) When the payout control unit 171 receives a value (= 63) in which the round flag is raised, the abnormality control process is executed by adopting one or more of the following listed in a to c You may control as follows.
a Display device of P stand 2 (for example, a variable display device variably displaying 7-segment display 50 and identification information (design)) by the payout control portion 171 or the main control portion 161 receiving the abnormality information from the payout control portion 171 Is displayed.
b CU3 that receives the abnormality information from the payout control unit 171 performs abnormality notification such as an error number.
c An abnormality notification such as an error number is given in a host device such as a hall management computer that has received the abnormality information from the CU 3.

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

  (40) In this embodiment, after a manufacturer, warehouse, or the like completes operations such as shipping, installation, and storage, necessary information (for example, as shown in FIG. 22, for example, from a terminal connected to the history management center 800A). The delivery side table and the main control side table are updated by inputting the shipping date, installation date and time, removal date, sales company name, and disposal date). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a manufacturer or a warehouse company fills in application documents with necessary information and sends it to the history management center 800A. The payout side table and the main control side table may be updated by inputting necessary information from a terminal or the like. Note that a terminal connected to the history management center 800A is also a terminal connected directly to the history management center 800A (for example, an internal terminal in the history management center 800A) via a communication line. It may be a terminal (for example, a terminal of a warehouse company or a second-hand company connected via the Internet).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The history management center 800A manages the types of data and the retention period for each type as follows, for example.
1. Account-related data (for example, operator information, account information, etc.): Basically, control is performed only by logical deletion, not physical deletion.
2. Master information such as gaming machine model (for example, gaming machine model master): Basically, control is performed only by logical deletion, and physical deletion is not performed.
3. Information that is the basis for machine history management (for example, gaming machine chip shipment information, gaming machine shipment information, etc.): Basically, changes can be made until management is started, but editing is impossible after that and is permanent. To manage.
4). Machine history information (for example, history information of the front frame 5 and the game board 26): Since it is basically an input of fact information, changes after the input are not allowed and are managed permanently.
5. Information notified from the card unit key management center (for example, fraud detection, etc.): Information detected by the system, so it is not allowed to be changed and managed permanently.
6). Input journal to system (for example, Web input log, online input log, system linkage input file, etc.): 14 days are stored for each type of input and each node.
7). Output journals from the system (for example, Web output log, online output log, system transmission file, etc.): Holds 7 days by output type and node.
8). Record of business communication of concentration / distribution (for example, distribution schedule, etc.): Information is retained for about 7 days.
9. System temporary file (for example, CSV upload file): Deleted after application behavior. However, it is deleted when it is confirmed that the cleaning batch is unnecessary in consideration of abnormal termination.
10. Model information that has not been updated for a long period of time (for example, model information that has not been updated for a long period of time): Two generations are retained.

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

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

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

  (46) In the present embodiment, a configuration is shown in which shipping information is registered in the machine history management center 800A via a communication line after a gaming machine manufacturer ships a gaming machine to a hall. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration may also be adopted in which shipping information is automatically registered in the machine history management center 800A at the time when the gaming machine manufacturer inputs information for shipping gaming machines to the hall. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the shipping state history from being forgotten without being registered.

  (47) In the present embodiment, when the game machine is installed in the hall with the enclosed circulation pachinko machine (P machine 2) shipped from the game machine maker or the front frame 5 and the game board 26 constituting the P machine 2, The management center 800A stores the gaming machine installation information (operation information) notified from the P unit 2 in association with the security chip ID of the semiconductor chip provided in each, and the stored information and the P unit 2 notified Matching with game machine installation information. If the machine history management center 800A is abnormal as a result of the collation, for example, an error notification lamp or a display 312 is used to notify an error, or an error has occurred in the hall management computer or the hall server 801. The error notification signal is transmitted, and the abnormality is notified. However, the machine history management center 800A is not limited to the configuration for notifying the abnormality as a result of the comparison, but the P frame 2 or the front frame 5 constituting the P table 2 and the game board 26 determined to be abnormal. It may be configured to prohibit gaming. Note that the history management center 800A may be configured to temporarily allow a game on the P-unit 2 for a certain period of time even if it is determined to be abnormal, so as not to hinder the business activities of the hall.

  (48) In the present embodiment, the case where the main control circuit 161a specifies the address of the data stored in the main control storage unit 161c has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the main control circuit 161a may specify the register address of the communication control circuit 161b by combining the first address information stored in the Q register and the second address information stored in the main control storage unit 161c. Good. That is, the main control circuit 161a may specify the register address of the communication control circuit 161b in order to transmit information generated by executing the user program. By storing a part of the register address (upper 8-bit address) of the communication control circuit 161b in the Q register in advance, as described above, the redundant process among the processes necessary for specifying the address is deleted. Therefore, the processing load for transmitting information can be reduced. In addition, in the communication program executed by the main control storage unit 161c, it is not necessary to redundantly describe information for specifying a common address, and the program capacity can be reduced.

  When the storage area is viewed from the user program executed by the main control circuit 161a, whether the data is stored in the built-in register, the main control storage unit 161c, or the register of the communication control circuit 161b It does not matter if it is stored in Specifically, the main control storage unit 161c is allocated to the first memory area (for example, 0000h to 2FFFh), the built-in register of the main control circuit 161a is allocated to the second register area (for example, 3000h to 30FFh), By allocating the built-in register of the communication control circuit 161b to the third register area (for example, 4000h to 40FFh), it may be handled virtually as one storage area.

  The first address information stored in the Q register may be associated with the first to third register areas described above. For example, when the register address of the communication control circuit 161b is assigned to 4000h to 40FFh (when the third register area is 4000h to 40FFh), the main control circuit 161a is assigned to the register of the communication control circuit 161b. When accessing, the first address information stored in the Q register in advance is set to “40”. For this reason, the main control circuit 161a performs an overlapping process among processes necessary for specifying an address when performing a process of reading data from the register of the communication control circuit 161b or a process of writing data to the register. It can be deleted and the processing load can be reduced. Furthermore, even in the program executed by the main control storage unit 161c, it is not necessary to redundantly describe information for specifying a common address, and the program capacity can be reduced.

  (49) In the present embodiment, the case has been described in which the address of the data is specified using the first address information as the upper bits and the second address information as the lower bits, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the address may be specified using the first address information as the lower bits and the second address information as the upper bits. That is, any method may be used as long as the address can be specified by a combination of the first address information and the second address information.

  (50) In the present embodiment, the configuration for reading data from the storage means (for example, the register of the main control storage unit 161c or the communication control circuit 161b) provided in the main control unit 161 has been described. Storage means such as RAM or ROM connected to the control unit 161 may be used.

  (51) In this embodiment, when specifying an address, a configuration has been described in which a Q register for storing a common address portion in advance is newly provided. However, a Q register is not newly provided, and the existing general register 1 A configuration may be employed in which a dedicated register for storing a common address portion in advance is used.

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

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

Claims (3)

A gaming machine comprising first control means and second control means for communicating with each other,
At least one of the first control means and the second control means is:
A user program area capable of storing a user program;
A data area capable of storing data used to execute the user program;
An arithmetic processing unit that reads the user program from the user program area and executes the read user program;
A communication control circuit for transmitting predetermined information generated by execution of the user program,
The communication control circuit includes:
An information storage unit for storing the predetermined information;
Encryption means for encrypting the predetermined information stored in the information storage unit;
Encryption information transmitting means for transmitting the encrypted information encrypted by the encryption means,
At least one of the first control means and the second control means includes decryption means for decrypting the encrypted information transmitted by the other,
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
In the case where an address for reading or writing data from at least one of the data area and the information storage unit is specified by a combination of first address information and second address information, the first address information is Store it in the storage area in advance,
Specifying the address of the data based on the first address information stored in the storage area and the second address information specified by the user program ;
The gaming machine, wherein the communication control circuit can set a valid period in which the predetermined information can be continuously written in the information storage unit after the authentication with the communication partner has expired . A game board comprising first control means,
The first control means includes
It is possible to communicate with the second control means included in the game frame,
A user program area capable of storing a user program;
A data area capable of storing data used to execute the user program;
An arithmetic processing unit that reads the user program from the user program area and executes the read user program;
A communication control circuit for transmitting predetermined information generated by execution of the user program,
The communication control circuit includes:
An information storage unit for storing the predetermined information;
Encryption means for encrypting the predetermined information stored in the information storage unit;
Encrypted information transmission means for transmitting the encrypted information encrypted by the encryption means to the second control means including a decryption means for decrypting the encrypted information;
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
In the case where an address for reading or writing data from at least one of the data area and the information storage unit is specified by a combination of first address information and second address information, the first address information is Store it in the storage area in advance,
Specifying the address of the data based on the first address information stored in the storage area and the second address information specified by the user program ;
The game control board, wherein the communication control circuit is capable of setting a valid period during which the predetermined information can be continuously written in the information storage unit after authentication with the communication partner has expired . A game frame comprising second control means for communicating with the first control means included in the game board,
The second control means includes
A user program area capable of storing a user program;
A data area capable of storing data used to execute the user program;
An arithmetic processing unit that reads the user program from the user program area and executes the read user program;
A communication control circuit for transmitting predetermined information generated by execution of the user program,
The communication control circuit includes:
An information storage unit for storing the predetermined information;
Encryption means for encrypting the predetermined information stored in the information storage unit;
Encrypted information transmission means for transmitting the encrypted information encrypted by the encryption means to the first control means including a decryption means for decrypting the encrypted information;
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
In the case where an address for reading or writing data from at least one of the data area and the information storage unit is specified by a combination of first address information and second address information, the first address information is Store it in the storage area in advance,
Specifying the address of the data based on the first address information stored in the storage area and the second address information specified by the user program ;
The game frame, wherein the communication control circuit can set a valid period during which the predetermined information can be continuously written in the information storage unit after the authentication with the communication partner has expired .

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