JP6671148B2 - Game device and game system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology of a game device and a game system provided in a gaming machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the technology of a game device and a game system provided side by side with a gaming machine is known. For example, it is determined whether a difference value between the number of possessed balls calculated from various values and the number of possessed balls obtained from the inter-vehicle machine is within a predetermined value range, and the difference value is set in advance. A head-to-rail device or a management system capable of recognizing an out-of-range value as an abnormal state has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2014-223494 A

  However, since the gaming device is system-managed by the technique described in Patent Literature 1, various settings and data (information) are managed for each gaming device in recent years, and various data are stored in the gaming device. In some cases, it may be necessary to restore data corresponding to the gaming device. In such a case, quick recovery is required for data recovery, and a method for easily acquiring data required for recovery has been required.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and when data (information) corresponding to a gaming device is required to be recovered, data (information) required for recovery can be easily obtained. It is an object to provide a game device and a game system.

  A gaming device according to the present invention is a gaming device provided corresponding to a gaming machine, a display means for displaying gaming information that is information of the gaming machine, and a management device for managing the gaming information Communication means for communicating, identification information stored in the gaming device, identification information capable of identifying the gaming device, and clearing means capable of clearing the game information, the identification information, When the power of the gaming device is turned on after the game information is cleared, the identification information can be obtained from a device provided corresponding to the gaming machine other than the gaming device, and The game information can be obtained from the management device based on the identification information.

  Further, a gaming device according to the present invention is a gaming device provided corresponding to a gaming machine, a display means for displaying gaming information which is information of the gaming machine, and a management device for managing the gaming information. Communication means for communicating with the device, identification information stored in the gaming device, which can identify the gaming device, clearing means capable of clearing the gaming information, and inputting the identification information Input means, and when the power of the gaming apparatus is turned on after the identification information and the game information are cleared, when the input of the identification information is performed by the input means, the management apparatus It is characterized in that the game information can be obtained more.

  Further, a gaming system according to the present invention is a gaming system having a gaming device provided corresponding to a gaming machine, wherein a display means for displaying gaming information which is information on the gaming machine, and Communication means for communicating with a managing device for managing, identification information stored in the gaming device, identification information capable of identifying the gaming device, and clearing means capable of clearing the gaming information, When the game device is turned on after the identification information and the game information are cleared, the game device is configured to store the identification information corresponding to the game machine other than the game device. The game information can be obtained from the provided device, and the game information can be obtained from the management device based on the obtained identification information.

  According to the present invention, when recovery of data (information) corresponding to a gaming device is required, data (information) required for recovery can be easily acquired.

It is a figure showing a basic outline of a game system including each unit display concerning the present invention. It is a block diagram showing the composition of a game medium handling device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a server device. It is a block diagram showing the composition of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram showing the composition of a pachislot machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of each display unit. It is a lineblock diagram showing connection of a game medium handling device, a pachinko machine, and each display. It is a lineblock diagram showing connection of a game medium handling device, a pachislo machine, and each display. It is an external view of the game medium handling apparatus used for a pachinko machine. It is an external view of the game medium handling apparatus used for a pachislo machine. It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a pachinko machine. It is an exploded perspective view of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view showing the appearance structure of a pachislot machine. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a pachislot machine, and is a perspective view in the state where the middle door was closed. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a pachislot machine, and is a perspective view in the state which opened the middle door. It is a front view which shows each display unit typically. It is a system configuration diagram of a game system including each unit display device according to the present invention. It is a control flow regarding the first function setting control executed by each display device and the server device. It is a control flow regarding the second function setting control executed by each display device and the server device. It is a control flow regarding the third function setting control executed by each display device and the server device. It is a control flow regarding the first data recovery control executed by each display, the game medium handling device, and the server device. It is a control flow regarding the second data recovery control executed by each display, the game medium handling device, and the server device. It is a control flow regarding the first unauthorized / door opening notification control executed by each display, the game medium handling device, the game machine, and the server device. It is a control flow regarding the second unauthorized / door opening notification control executed by each display, the game medium handling device, the game machine, and the server device. It is a control flow regarding the first data correction control executed by each display, the game medium handling device, the game machine, and the server device. It is a figure showing an example of a data table which each display has. It is a figure which shows an example of the data table at the time of factory shipment of each display unit. It is a figure showing a specific example of predetermined amendment by each display. It is a control flow regarding the second data correction control executed by each display, the game medium handling device, the game machine, and the server device. It is a figure showing the 1st another example of predetermined amendment by each display. It is a figure which shows the 2nd another example of predetermined correction by each display unit. It is a control flow regarding the first data communication control executed by each display device and the server device. It is a control flow regarding the second data communication control executed by each display device and the server device. It is a control flow regarding the third data communication control executed by each display device and the server device. It is a control flow regarding the first automatic file search control executed by each display device and USB. It is a control flow regarding the second automatic file search control executed by each unit display and USB.

  First, a basic outline of a game system including each display 4 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming system according to the present embodiment includes at least a game medium handling device 1, a server device 2, a gaming machine 3, and a display unit 4, each of which is shown in FIG. Connected as shown.

  In the present embodiment, a card is used as an example of the “storage medium”. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, coins, tokens, and the like on which an IC chip or the like is mounted may be used. It includes all applicable to the invention.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a description is given using a banknote as an example of “money”, but the present invention is not limited to this, and all applicable to the invention according to the present embodiment, such as banknotes, coins, coins, etc. Shall be included.

  Also, in this embodiment, when simply referred to as “card”, a membership card lent to a player who has become a member of the game store and a counting card (visitor card) temporarily lent by the game store Shall be included.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when simply described as “holding ball”, it includes both the ball saving stored in association with the member card and the counting ball held in association with the counting card, In the case of describing “holding ball information”, it is referred to as ball holding information indicating ball storage (hereinafter referred to as “ball storage information”) and ball holding information indicating counting ball holdings (hereinafter, “counting ball information”). ). In addition, the information indicating the amount of money inserted by the player is referred to as “money information” (or also referred to as “balance information”). In the case of particularly indicating, the “money information” includes “money information”. There may be cases. It is assumed that the member card can separately store ball saving information, counting ball information, and money information. Further, for convenience of explanation, the expression “holding ball” indicating information about a game ball held by a player is usually used, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is information on the medal held by the player and information on the game value held by the player by the electromagnetic method, and includes all other similar information.

(Rental function of game media)
The game medium handling device 1 is connected to the server device 2 via a switching hub, a controller, and the like, and when a player inserts a card, a card ID, a member ID, or the like added to an IC chip or the like of the card. (Hereinafter, simply referred to as "identification information") to the server device 2, and the server device 2 stores the ball information of the player stored in association with the received identification information in the game medium handling device. Send to 1. Then, when there is a payout instruction from the player, the server device 2 updates the ball holding information, and the game medium handling device 1 drives a payout device 106 to be described later to execute the payout control of the game medium. . When a bill is inserted by the player, the balance information corresponding to the amount of the bill (inserted amount) is transmitted to the server device 2. Then, when there is a payout instruction from the player, the server device 2 updates the balance information, and the game medium handling device 1 similarly executes the payout control of the game medium.

(Gaming media counting function)
The game medium handling device 1 counts the number of game media inserted when a game medium is inserted into a counting device 107 described later, by the operation of the player or directly from the gaming machine 3, and the counting result is displayed. Is transmitted to the server device 2 as the counted ball information of the player, and the server device 2 stores the received counted ball information in association with the identification information added to the card. When the card is not inserted, the received ball information is stored in association with the identification information added in advance to the counting card stored in the game medium handling device 1.

  In the present embodiment, the server device 2 manages the ball information and the balance information of the player, but the game medium handling device 1 may manage these information. In addition, a storage area may be provided in addition to the identification information on the card, and the information may be stored in the storage area to manage the information. The update of the information may be performed by the server device 2 or the game medium handling device 1. Furthermore, the possessed ball information may be managed by the server device 2 or the game medium handling device 1, and the remaining amount information may be stored directly in the storage area of the card.

  That is, as long as the identification information, the ball information, and the balance information are appropriately managed and updated, all of them can be applied to the present invention.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, when no card is inserted, the counting ball information and the remaining amount information are associated with the identification information added in advance to the counting card stored in the game medium handling device 1. However, when there is a card return request, the game medium handling device 1 or the server device 2 newly adds identification information to the counting card stored in the game medium handling device 1. In this case, the newly added identification information may be stored in association with the counted ball information or the remaining amount information.

  In other words, the “information corresponding to the ball information” in the present embodiment refers to only the identification information added to the card, the information indicating the identification information and ball information added and stored on the card, or “information corresponding to the ball information”. In the case where the aspect of the "ball information" is an aspect including possessed ball information and balance information, identification information added to and stored in the card, information representing the possessed ball information and balance information, and including all of these aspects means.

  In the case where the gaming machine 3 is provided with a game ball or the like lending device connection terminal plate (hereinafter, referred to as a “lending terminal plate”), the gaming medium handling device 1 is also connected to a lending terminal plate 307 described later. Based on the reception of the lending request signal, the return request signal, and the like output from the lending terminal plate 307, transmission of the payout request signal to the gaming machine 3, return of the card, and the like are performed.

  That is, “executing the payout of the game medium” in the present embodiment is not limited to directly paying out the game medium from the game medium handling device 1, but the game machine based on a signal from the game machine 3. 3 means that the game medium is paid out.

  The game medium handling device 1 is also connected to each of the display units 4 via a converter or the like, and outputs a game information signal, an error signal, and the like output from an external terminal plate 308 described later provided in the game machine 3. And transmits the ball information of the player to each display device 4.

  As described above, the server device 2 is connected to the game medium handling device 1 and also to each of the display devices 4, and the game result management information managed by the server device 2 (for example, the past several days). The payout history information including the minutes, fraud detection information, and the like) and information about the game store (for example, new stand information, vacant stand information, and the like) are transmitted to each display unit 4.

  In addition, the server device 2 is also connected to an external management device (not shown) managed by a third-party center company other than the game store, and stores card identification information, member information, and player possession information. The data is transmitted at predetermined intervals (for example, once a day). The external management device backs up each transmitted information. When the connection with the external management device is interrupted for a predetermined number of days (for example, 15 days), the server device 2 stops updating the ball information of the player.

  As described above, the gaming machine 3 may be connected to the game medium handling device 1, and may also be connected to each of the display devices 4, and each time a game is played or the internal state changes. In this case, a game information signal, an error signal, and the like are output from the external terminal board 308 to be described later to each display device 4.

  As described above, each display unit 4 is connected to the game medium handling device 1, the server device 2, and the game machine 3, and based on an input signal or a received signal, or based on a player's operation. Various information is displayed on the display screen.

  In addition, the connection method of the game medium handling device 1, the server device 2, the gaming machine 3, and the display units 4 is not limited to the above-described method. For example, the server device 2 is configured such that only the game medium handling device 1 is connected, and the game medium handling device 1 and each of the display devices 4 are connected by USB so that the above-described information can be mutually transmitted and received. It may be configured. In this case, the display content displayed on each display may be controlled by the control unit 100 of the game medium handling device 1 described later. In this case, a DVI system or an HDMI for image output is further used. (Registered trademark).

  As described above, when entering a game store, the player first sits on a desired gaming machine 3 while watching various information displayed on each display unit 4. Next, when the player is a member of the game store, the member card is inserted into the game medium handling device 1, and after the identification (for example, input of a registered personal identification number), the server device 2 If the ball information is stored in the game machine 3, the ball is used. If the ball information is not stored, or if the ball information is the number of balls that cannot be rented by the gaming machine 3, the banknote is used. , A lending request is made, a game medium is lent out, and a game is started by inserting the game medium into the gaming machine 3. Alternatively, when the player is not a member of the gaming store, the player starts to insert a bill, makes a lending request, borrows a game medium, and inserts the game medium into the gaming machine 3 to start a game. At this time, the ball information and the balance information stored in the server device 2 are updated (subtracted) by the amount lent.

  Then, when the game is continued without being able to receive the payout of the game medium from the gaming machine 3, every time a lending request is made, the ball information and the balance information stored in the server device 2 are updated. , Are sequentially updated (subtracted) by the amount lent. On the other hand, if the payout of the game media can be received from the gaming machine 3, the paid-out game media is inserted into the game medium handling device 1, and the number of the inserted game media is counted. Based on the information, the ball holding information stored in the server device 2 is updated (added).

  Thereafter, when ending the game in the gaming machine 3, the player makes a card return request. Here, when the member card is inserted into the game medium handling device 1, the member card is returned as it is after identification (for example, input of a registered personal identification number). When the member card is not inserted into the game medium handling device 1, when the counted ball information is stored in the server device 2 or when there is remaining amount information, the membership card is stored in the game medium handling device 1. Return (issue) the counting card. If the counting ball information is not stored in the server device 2 and there is no remaining amount of the input money, the counting card is not returned (issued).

  If the counting card is returned (issued) and the player wants to play a game with another gaming machine 3, the counting card is provided to the game medium handling device 1 provided corresponding to the other gaming machine 3. , The game can be started (re-played) in the same procedure as for the membership card (except for the identity verification). In the above case, the replay based on the ball storage information is referred to as “ball replay”, and the replay based on the counted ball information is referred to as “ball replay”.

<Gaming media handling device 1>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the game medium handling device 1. The game medium handling device 1 includes components described below, a control unit 100 including a CPU 101 and a ROM 102 for controlling the components, and a storage unit (RAM) 103.

  The control unit 100 reads the control program stored in the ROM 102 by the CPU 101 and controls the CPU 101 based on the control program to control each component, the server device 2, the gaming machine 3, The communication control with the display 4 is performed. Further, control unit 100 causes storage unit 103 to store these control results.

  When a card is inserted from the card insertion slot 14, the card reader / writer 104 determines the authenticity and the usability of the card. When it is determined that the card is a legitimate card and that the card can be used, the type and identification information of the card are read. Then, the read information is transmitted by the control unit 100 to the server device 2 via the IF 110. On the other hand, when it is determined that the card is an unauthorized card or that it is unusable, the control unit 100 notifies the server unit 2 of the fact via the touch panel LCD 16 and the like, and transmits the notification to the server device 2 via the IF 110. You. In this case, the inserted card may be returned, or a predetermined authentication operation (for example, an operation of authenticating a non-contact IC card reader / writer 18 for a sales clerk IC) or a predetermined authentication signal ( For example, the card may not be returned until the server device 2 transmits an authentication signal).

  When bills are inserted from the bill insertion slot 15, the bill burr 105 determines the authenticity of the bill. When it is determined that the bill is a legitimate bill, the type (denomination information) of the bill is read. Then, the read information is transmitted to the server device 2 via the IF 110 by the control unit 100 as remaining amount information. On the other hand, when it is determined that the bill is an irregular (or unreadable) bill, the control unit 100 notifies the fact on the touch panel LCD 16 or the like and transmits the bill to the server device 2 via the IF 110. In this case, the inserted bill may be returned, or a predetermined authentication operation (for example, an operation of authenticating a non-contact IC card reader / writer 18 for a clerk IC card) or a predetermined authentication signal ( For example, the bill may not be returned until the server device 2 transmits an authentication signal).

  The touch panel LCD 16 has a function of both a display unit for displaying various information to the player and a receiving unit for receiving various operations from the player. For example, when a card is inserted, an operation button of “confirm ball information” for the player to confirm the current ball information is displayed on the reception unit of the touch panel LCD 16, and the operation button is displayed by the player. By touching the displayed portion, the current ball information for each rate is displayed on the display unit of the touch panel LCD 16. It is desirable that the operation button of “check ball information” is always displayed. With this configuration, the player can always check the current ball information for each rate. Of course, when a card is inserted, the current ball holding information for each rate may always be displayed in a predetermined area of the display unit of the touch panel LCD 16. The various information displayed on the other touch panel LCD 16 and the various received operations will be described later.

  The camera unit 17 captures an image of the front of the gaming machine 3 and detects whether or not the player in the capturing range is seated (seated result information). The camera section 17 detects facial data of a player in a seated state. The seating result information and the facial data are transmitted from the control unit 100 to the server device 2 via the IF 110.

  By detecting the seating result information by the camera unit 17, for example, if the player forgets to take out a card with the ball information or the remaining amount information remaining, the touch panel LCD 16 or the status display lamp 13 to be described later is notified to that effect. It can also be used to notify the clerk or player of the game store. Thereby, it is possible to prevent forgetting to take the card.

  Further, by detecting the facial data by the camera section 17, for example, when the player moves on a platform, it can be determined whether or not the players are the same player. The fact can be notified to the clerk or the player of the game store using the touch panel LCD 16 or the status display lamp 13 described later. As a result, the possibility of improper conduct can be suppressed.

  Here, the camera unit 17 receives an infrared LED substrate 17A (not shown) for irradiating infrared light and reflected light obtained by reflecting the infrared light on the object (player), thereby obtaining the object. It has a CMOS camera 17B (not shown) for capturing an image, and a filter 17C (not shown). The infrared LED substrate 17A emits infrared light by the infrared LED under the control of the control unit 100. The CMOS camera 17B sends the facial data to the control unit 100. The filter 17C is a filter that transmits infrared light and does not transmit light of other wavelengths, and transmits only reflected light of infrared light emitted from the infrared LED substrate 17A to the subject to the CMOS camera 17B. It is designed to receive light. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the influence of the staging light of the gaming shop where the gaming machine 3 is installed, and to clearly capture the image of the subject (player).

  Note that the facial data described above may be used at the time of replay of accumulated ball or replay of possessed ball. More specifically, even if it is determined that the accumulated ball replay or the possessed ball replay is possible, if the facial data does not match, control is performed by the control unit 100 so that these replays cannot be performed. It may be that. Thus, for example, it is possible to prevent an illegal actor who is trying to play a game illegally using another person's card at the stage of these replays.

  The non-contact IC card reader / writer 18 reads the identification information stored in the IC card or the ball information stored in the IC card itself when the player holds the IC card over the corresponding IC card. Then, the read information is transmitted by the control unit 100 to the server device 2 via the IF 110. That is, in addition to the above-described card insertion and bill insertion, it is possible to lend game media. Alternatively, at the end of the game, when the player holds the corresponding IC card, the identification information stored in the IC card is stored in the server device 2 in association with the current ball information, or the IC card itself In this way, the returned ball can be returned.

  The non-contact IC card reader / writer 18 enables the clerk of the game arcade to hold the corresponding clerk IC card over, thereby releasing various error states in the control unit 100 and performing other authentication.

  Note that the non-contact IC card reader / writer 18 may further be capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a mobile phone, a smartphone, and other information communication devices (hereinafter, referred to as “mobile terminal devices”) owned by the player. . For example, when the player holds his / her mobile terminal device in front of the non-contact IC card reader / writer 18, the control unit 100 transmits the URL of the homepage of the game store or the mail member registration page to the mobile terminal. Is also good. Further, the mobile terminal device itself may function as a membership card by using hardware or software mounted on the mobile terminal device. Furthermore, when the electronic payment function is mounted on the portable terminal device, the balance information may be updated (added) by the function, as in the case of inserting a bill.

  When the payout device 106 receives a payout instruction from the player (for example, a lending request operation to the reception unit of the touch panel LCD 16), the control unit 100 controls the drive of the drive circuit 106a, and the number of game media based on the payout instruction. Pay out. The control unit 100 transmits to the server device 2 the ball information and the balance information for the paid-out amount.

  When the gaming medium handling device 1 is connected to a later-described lending terminal plate 307 of the gaming machine 3, the payout device 106 issues a payout instruction from the player (for example, a lending request operation on the gaming machine 3 side). ), The payout request signal is transmitted to the gaming machine 3 under the control of the control unit 100.

  When the game medium paid out from the gaming machine 3 is inserted by the player, the control device 100 controls the driving of the drive circuit 107a and counts the number of the inserted game media. The control unit 100 transmits the counted ball information based on the counting result to the server device 2.

  The speaker 108 responds to a change in the operation state of each component in the game medium handling device 1 (for example, according to a display on the display unit of the touch panel LCD 16 or an operation on the reception unit, or lighting of a status display lamp 13 described later). (Depending on the mode), the control unit 100 controls the drive of the drive circuit 108a and outputs sound. However, sound is output regardless of a change in the operation state of each component in the game medium handling device 1 (for example, in accordance with a time measurement result by an RTC built in or externally attached to the game medium handling device 1). It may be that.

  The sensor group 109 is provided in the payout device 106, provided in the counting device 107, or a plurality of sensors provided in a predetermined portion of the front portion 11 and the housing 12 described later, It is a sensor provided to detect a payout result or a counting result, or provided to detect an improper act.

  The status display lamp 13 is a lamp for notifying the current status of the game medium handling device 1 to the outside. The control unit 100 drives and controls the driving circuit 109a based on the current state, and emits a full-color LED in a lighting color and a lighting mode (light emitting mode) according to the current state. Let it.

<Server device 2>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the server device 2. The server device 2 includes a ball management device 200, a member management device 210, a game information management device 220, a display device management device 230, an input unit 240, an output unit 250, a display unit 260, and an IF 270. Further, the ball management device 200 includes a control unit 201 and a storage unit 202, the member management device 210 includes a control unit 211 and a storage unit 212, and the game information management device 220 includes a control unit 221 and a storage unit. The display device management device 230 includes a control unit 231 and a storage unit 232.

  The ball management device 200 manages ball information of a player by the control unit 201 and the storage unit 202. Specifically, in the game medium handling device 1, when there is a change in the ball information or balance information owned by the player, the identification information of the card transmitted through the IF 110 of the game medium handling device 1, Information such as ball information and balance information is received via the IF 270, and the information is stored (updated) in the storage unit 202 in association with the information. In addition, when the gaming shop allows games at different rates, the storage unit 202 stores ball holding information for each of the different rates. For example, the number of types of diving information (for example, two types of ball storage information and counted ball information) and the number of types of lending rates that can be set (for example, the 1 yen rate and 4 yen rate in the pachinko machine 3a, the pachislot machine 3b In this case, the ball position information (for example, 8 types) multiplied by the 5 yen rate and the 20 yen rate) and the balance information can be stored separately. In addition, about the balance information, you may just memorize | store the value of the inserted money (in this embodiment, a bill), and may convert it into a predetermined frequency (for example, "10" frequency of 1,000 yen). It may be stored, or may be stored after being converted into the number of game media corresponding to the set rate.

  Further, the possessed ball management device 200 sets various settings of the game medium handling device 1 (for example, a setting of a lending rate, a setting of enabling / disabling replay, etc.) based on information input from the input unit 240. Do. The set information is transmitted to the game medium handling device 1 via the IF 270 and the IF 110, and is stored in the storage unit 103. However, these various settings may be performed on the game medium handling device 1 side, and the set information may be transmitted to the ball management device 200 via the IF 110 and the IF 270 and stored in the storage unit 202. In this case, a configuration screen may be displayed on the touch panel LCD 16 by holding the above-mentioned clerk IC card over the non-contact IC card reader / writer 18 so that various settings can be made.

  The member management device 210 manages member information of a player who is a member by the control unit 211 and the storage unit 212. Specifically, regardless of whether or not the card is inserted in the game medium handling device 1, the identification information and various member information (for example, name, address, date of birth, Password, etc.).

  The game information management device 220 manages information related to the game by the control unit 221 and the storage unit 222. Specifically, when various information described later in the description of FIGS. 7 and 8 is transmitted via the IF 410 of each display device 4 and received via the IF 270, the information is associated with the storage unit. 222 is stored (updated).

  Further, based on the information input from the input unit 240, the game information management device 220 converts various types of information stored in the storage unit 222 into sales form data, sales analysis data, or error history data from the output unit 250. It is output or displayed on the display unit 260.

  The display device management device 230 uses the control unit 231 and the storage unit 232 to set the functions of the individual display devices 4 (for example, the display content on the liquid crystal display unit 405, the light emission mode of the lamp 406, and the sound output mode of the speaker 407). Etc.). Specifically, information such as the model information and the model image of the gaming machine 3 installed in association with each display unit 4 and the setting of the function of each display unit 4 are set via the IF 270 and the IF 410. The information is transmitted to the display units 4 and is managed so that the information is displayed or reflected on each display unit 4.

  The storage unit 232 stores a specific setting (“setting A” described later) as the setting of the function of each display device 4. The setting A is applied as the setting of the function of each display unit 4 when the power of each display unit 4 is turned on. The contents of the setting A can be arbitrarily changed by an employee of the game arcade. In the present embodiment, the setting A relates to the display content on the liquid crystal display unit 405, the light emission mode of the lamp 406, and the sound output mode of the speaker 407. For example, a plurality of buttons 902 to 908 (operation means) And the like.

  Further, the display device management device 230 performs various settings of each of the display devices 4 based on the information input from the input unit 240 (for example, information information, telop information, and home screen settings in addition to the above example). Etc.). The set information is transmitted to each display unit 4 via the IF 270 and the IF 410, and is stored in the RAM (storage unit) 403. However, these various settings may be performed on each display device 4 side, and the set information may be transmitted to the display device management device 230 via the IF 410 and the IF 270 and stored in the storage unit 232. In this case, a configuration screen may be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 405 by operating a remote controller (not shown) attached to each of the display devices 4 so that various settings can be made.

  Note that, in the present embodiment, the server device 2 is configured to control the ball management device 200, the member management device 210, the game information management device 220, the display device management device 230, the input unit 240, the output unit 250, the display unit 260, and the IF 270. Each of the ball management device 200, the member management device 210, the game information management device 220, and the display device management device 230 is configured as an independent server device (for example, the ball management device as the server device 2a). The device 200 may be configured, the member management device 210 may be configured as the server device 2b, the game information management device 220 may be configured as the server device 2c, and the display device management device 230 may be configured as the server device 2d. The ball management device 200 and the member management device 210 are configured as the same server device, and the game information management device 220 and the table It is also possible to configure the machine management device 230 as a separate server device. Needless to say, these can be various combinations of configurations. Further, in the case of configuring as another server device, an IF (communication interface) is provided in each server device to transmit and receive information between each server or with other devices constituting the game system. May be configured to perform the following.

  In this case, the input unit 240, the output unit 250, and the display unit 260 may be functions of the ball management device 200 or functions of the game information management device 220. Alternatively, a device (for example, the game information utilizing device 2e) having the functions of the input unit 240, the output unit 250, and the display unit 260 may be separately configured.

  In this case, the server device 2 is configured as a higher-level integrated management device (for example, an integrated management device), and the server device 2a (the ball management device 200), the server device 2b (the member management device 210), and the server device 2c ( The game information management device 220), the server device 2d (display device management device 230), and the game information utilization device 2e may be configured to exhibit their respective functions under the control of the integrated management device. Further, the function performed by the game information using device 2e may be a function of the integrated management device.

  When the game information using device 2e is separately configured, it may be configured by installing a dedicated application on a general-purpose personal computer. In this case, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel and the like become the input unit 240, a printer and the like become the output unit 250, and a monitor and the like become the display unit 260.

  Also, in the present embodiment, the functions of the ball management device 200 and the member management device 210 are different, but they may have exactly the same function. In particular, among the functions of the ball management device 200, the functions related to ball holding may be configured to be performed by the member management device 210.

<Pachinko machine 3a>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the pachinko machine 3a. The pachinko machine 3a includes a main control unit 301a that controls a main device group 303a, a sub control unit 302a that controls a sub device group 304a, and a payout control unit 305 that controls a payout device group 306. Are connected to the sub-control unit 302a by one-way communication, and the main control unit 301a and the pay-out control unit 305 are connected so as to be capable of two-way communication. In addition, a lending terminal plate 307 is connected to the payout control unit 305 so as to be capable of two-way communication, and an external terminal plate 308a is connected by one-way communication. The main control unit 301a and the sub control unit 302a each include a CPU, a ROM in which programs and the like are stored, and an RWM in which information on games and effects is stored.

  The main device group 303a includes, for example, a starting port switch, a count switch, a winning port switch, a normal electric accessory solenoid, a winning port solenoid, and the like. The main control unit 301a controls these devices, The progress of the game in the pachinko machine 3a is controlled. Further, the main control unit 301a transmits a command corresponding to a change in the game state or the like to the sub control unit 302a and the payout control unit 305.

  The sub device group 304a includes, for example, a liquid crystal module, an effect button sensor, an accessory control circuit, an illumination control circuit, a speaker control circuit, and the like, and the sub control unit 302a transmits a command transmitted from the main control unit 301a. By controlling these devices on the basis of, the effect in the pachinko machine 3a is controlled.

  The payout device group 306 includes, for example, a payout control circuit, a payout ball detection switch, a firing control circuit, a touch switch, and the like. The payout control unit 305 performs these operations based on a command transmitted from the main control unit 301a. By controlling these devices or automatically controlling these devices, the launch and payout of game balls in the pachinko machine 3a are controlled.

  The payout control unit 305 is connected to the game medium handling device 1 via the lending terminal board 307, and outputs a lending request signal and a return request signal based on a player's operation.

  Further, the payout control unit 305 is connected to each of the display units 4 via the external terminal board 308a, so that a game information signal or an error signal is generated for each game or when the internal state changes. Etc. are output.

<Pachislot machine 3b>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the pachislot machine 3b. The pachislot machine 3b includes a main control unit 301b for controlling the main device group 303b and a sub control unit 302b for controlling the sub device group 304b. The main control unit 301b is connected to the sub control unit 302b by one-way communication. ing. An external terminal plate 308b is connected to the main control unit 301b by one-way communication. The main control unit 301b and the sub control unit 302b each include a CPU, a ROM in which programs and the like are stored, and an RWM in which information on games and effects is stored.

  The main device group 303b includes, for example, a reel control circuit, a medal sensor, a start lever sensor, a stop button sensor, a hopper control circuit, and the like. The main control unit 301b controls these devices so that the pachislot machine is controlled. The progress of the game in 3b is controlled. In addition, the main control unit 301a transmits a command corresponding to a change in the game state or the like to the sub control unit 302b.

  The sub device group 304b includes, for example, a liquid crystal module, an effect button sensor, an accessory control circuit, an illumination control circuit, a speaker control circuit, and the like, and the sub control unit 302b transmits a command transmitted from the main control unit 301b. By controlling these devices on the basis of, the effect in the pachislot machine 3b is controlled.

  The main control unit 301b is connected to each of the display units 4 via the external terminal board 308b, and outputs a game information signal, an error signal, and the like for each game or when the internal state changes. Output.

  As described above, also in the pachi-slot machine 3b, the main control unit 301b is connected to the game medium handling device 1 via the lending terminal plate 307, and a lending request signal or a return request signal is returned based on the operation of the player. It may be configured to output a signal.

<Each unit display 4>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of each display device 4. Each display unit 4 includes components described below, a control unit 400 including a CPU 401 and a ROM 402 for controlling the components, and a storage unit (ROM) 403.

  The control unit 400 reads the control program stored in the ROM 402 by the CPU 401 and executes the control based on the control program, thereby controlling each component, the game medium handling device 1, the server device 2, and the like. The communication control with the gaming machine 3 is performed. Further, control unit 400 causes storage unit 403 to store these control results. The control unit 400 has a real-time clock (not shown). The timing result of the real-time clock is input as the current time. Note that the storage unit 403 stores a corresponding machine number as information (identification information) for identifying each machine display 4 from each other machine display 4.

  The button sensor group 404 is a plurality of sensors for detecting operations on a plurality of buttons 902 to 908 described below. When an operation is detected by these sensors, the control unit 400 changes the display content of the liquid crystal display unit 405, the light emission mode of the lamp 406, and the sound output mode of the speaker 407 according to the operation, by the respective drive circuits 405a, Control is performed by driving 406a and 407a.

  When the liquid crystal display unit 405 further functions as a touch panel, the button sensor group 404 includes a sensor for detecting a touch operation on the touch panel.

  The IF 410 is an interface for communicating with the game medium handling device 1, the server device 2, and the gaming machine 3, and is also a conversion module that converts input information into an optimal format when outputting the information. The IF 410 and the IF 110 in the game medium handling device 1 are connected by a contact input / output method by a harness, and two-way communication is possible. Further, the IF 410 and the IF 270 of the server device 2 are connected by a wired LAN system by a coaxial cable and are connected by a contact output system by a harness, thereby enabling two-way communication. The IF 410 and the external terminal board 308 of the gaming machine 3 are connected by a contact input method, and one-way communication is performed from the gaming machine 3 to each display 4. The connection method is not limited to these methods, and each connection may use a wireless LAN method or an optical communication method using an optical cable. Further, a combination of these methods may be used.

<Connection of pachinko machine 3a etc.>
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing connections between the game medium handling device 1, the pachinko machine 3a, and the display units 4 for each unit. In FIG. 7, for convenience of explanation, only the IF 110 in the game medium handling device 1, the external terminal plate 308a in the pachinko machine 3a and the IF 410 in each display unit 4 are shown, and other components are not shown. ing. FIG. 7 shows input and output of main signals, and does not exclude input and output of other signals.

  From the IF 110 of the game medium handling device 1 to the IF 410 of each display unit 4, a “card issuance” signal indicating that a card has been issued (returned) and a “game” indicating that a game ball has been lent (paid out) `` Ball lending '' signal, `` ball storage replay '' signal indicating that ball pool replay has been performed, `` ball information '' signal indicating current counted ball information, `` ball information '' signal indicating current ball information, any error A “security signal” indicating that (abnormal) has occurred is input, and a “call” indicating that a “call” button 902 described later has been operated is transmitted from the IF 410 of each display unit 4 to the IF 110 of the game medium handling device 1. Information "is entered.

  In addition, from the external terminal board 308a of the pachinko machine 3a to the IF 410 of each display unit 4, a "prize ball signal" indicating the number of game balls paid out to the player, a big hit in the pachinko machine 3a. , Or the "external information 1" signal indicating that the big hit is in progress, the "external information 2" signal indicating that the pachinko machine 3a has become probable, or the special symbol game has started in the pachinko machine 3a. "External information 3" signal indicating that the game ball fired at the pachinko machine 3a has won the starting port, and "External information 4" signal indicating that some error (abnormality) has occurred at the pachinko machine 3a. "Security signal", that the base door 33 (door) or the glass door 34 (frame) to be described later in the pachinko machine 3a is in an open state. "Door-frame open signal" is input as shown. The content of the "external information 1" signal to "external information 7" signal may be changed as appropriate according to the specifications of the pachinko machine 3a on the transmitting side and the specifications of each display unit 4 on the receiving side. Can be. Further, an "out ball information" signal indicating that the game ball fired in the pachinko machine 3a did not win any of the winning ports and entered the out port (not shown) is output from an out ball sensor (not shown). The signal is input from another signal line based on the detection result, but when the out ball sensor is controlled by controlling the pachinko machine 3a, it may be output from the external terminal board 308a of the pachinko machine 3a.

  In addition, the above-mentioned “out information” based on the “out ball information” signal, “safe information” based on the “prize ball signal”, and “external information 1” are transmitted from the IF 410 in each display device 4 to the IF 270 in the server device 2. ”Signal,“ probable change information ”based on the“ external information 2 ”signal,“ start signal ”based on the“ external information 3 ”signal,“ start opening information ”based on the“ external information 4 ”signal,“ "Door opening information" based on "door / frame opening signal" and "abnormal 1 information" based on "security signal" are input. When the type of the error (abnormal) can be determined from the output time of the “security signal”, “anomaly 1 information”, “abnormal 2 information”, or “abnormal 2 information”, depending on the type of the error (abnormal). The information may be converted into “abnormal 3 information” and output to the server device 2. Further, as will be described later, predetermined information may be added under the control of the control unit 400 and output to the server device 2. In addition, the IF 410 may receive each signal input from the external terminal board 308a by itself and output each input signal as it is to the server device 2 (through signal).

  The type of the error (abnormality) indicated by the “security signal” in the pachinko machine 3a is such that the start-up switch is turned on due to illegal means or other factors even though the game ball has not entered. Start port switch error indicating that the count switch has failed, or count switch error indicating that the count has been performed even though the winning port solenoid has not been driven (win port has been opened) due to illegal means or other factors. For example, a sensor detection error (for example, a magnetic sensor error) indicating that various sensors (for example, a magnetic sensor) provided in the pachinko machine 3a for detecting fraud are in a detection state can be cited as an example.

<Connection of pachislot machine 3b etc.>
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing the connection between the game medium handling device 1, the pachislot machine 3b, and the display units 4 on each unit. In FIG. 8, for convenience of explanation, only the IF 110 in the game medium handling device 1, the external terminal plate 308b in the pachislot machine 3b, and the IF 410 in each display unit 4 are shown, and other components are not shown. ing.

  From the IF 110 in the game medium handling device 1 to the IF 410 in each display unit 4, a “card issue” signal indicating that a card has been issued (returned) and a “medal lending” indicating that a medal has been lent (paid). Signal, a "playing ball replay" signal indicating that the play has been performed, a "playing ball information" signal indicating the current ball count information, a "playing ball information" signal indicating the current ball playing information, any error (abnormal ) Is input, and the “call information” indicating that a “call” button 902 described later has been operated from the IF 410 of each display unit 4 to the IF 110 of the game medium handling device 1. Is entered.

  In addition, from the external terminal board 308b of the pachi-slot machine 3b to the IF 410 of each display device 4, a “medal insertion signal” indicating the number of medals inserted by the player, and a “medal number paid out to the player” "Medal payout signal", "external signal 2" indicating that an AT described later has occurred in the pachislot machine 3b, "external signal 1" indicating that a pseudo bonus described later has occurred in the pachislot machine 3b, or that a pseudo bonus is being performed. A signal and a "security signal" indicating that some error (abnormality) has occurred in the pachislot machine 3b are input. In the pachislot machine 3b, the fact that the front door 61b described later is in an open state is input to each display unit 4 by a "security signal". By outputting the "signal 4" separately from the "security signal", a signal indicating that a front door 61b described later is in an open state may be output. The content of the “external signal 1” to “external signal 4” can be changed as appropriate according to the specifications of the pachislot machine 3b on the transmitting side and the specifications of each display unit 4 on the receiving side. .

  Also, the above-mentioned “IN information” based on the “medal insertion signal”, “OUT information” based on the “medal payout signal”, and “external signal 2” from the IF 410 in each display device 4 to the IF 270 in the server device 2. "AT information" based on the "external signal 1," "pseudo bonus information" based on the "external signal 1," and "error information" based on the "security signal." If the type of error (abnormal) can be determined from the output time of the “security signal”, “error information”, “abnormal 1 information”, “abnormal 1” The information may be converted into “2 information” or “abnormal 3 information” and output to the server device 2. Further, as will be described later, predetermined information may be added under the control of the control unit 400 and output to the server device 2. In addition, the IF 410 may receive each signal input from the external terminal board 308b itself, and may output each input signal as it is to the server device 2 (through signal).

  The types of errors (abnormalities) indicated by the "security signal" in the pachi-slot machine 3b include a door opening error indicating that the front door 61b is in the open state, and a failure in reading / writing of the RWM to be performed normally. A selector error indicating that normal detection is no longer performed due to illegal means or other factors (for example, jammed medals) in a selector 85 described later. Due to other factors (for example, a medal empty), a hopper error indicating that normal payout is no longer performed, and a medal auxiliary storage for storing an excess of medals that could not be stored in the hopper 83, and further the medal auxiliary storage Medal auxiliary storage error indicating that the medals stored in the garbage are full It can be cited as an example.

  Although not shown, in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, “call information” indicating that a “call” button 902 described later has been operated is transmitted from the IF 410 in each of the display devices 4 to the IF 270 in the server device 2. Is transmitted from the IF 270 of the server device 2 to the IF 410 of each display device 4 by the server device 2 (particularly, the game information management device 220) such as operation data and payout data of each vehicle at the gaming shop. Is sent.

<Appearance of gaming media handling device 1a used in pachinko machine 3a>
FIG. 9 is an external view of the game medium handling device 1a used in the pachinko machine 3a. In FIG. 9, the pachinko machine 3a is omitted. As shown in FIG. 9, the game medium handling device 1a includes a front portion 11a and a housing 12a, and the front portion 11a has a status indicator light 13a, a card insertion slot 14a, and a bill insertion slot through which bills can be inserted. 15a, a touch panel LCD 16a, a camera section 17a, a non-contact IC card reader / writer 18a, a speaker cover 19a, a counting slot 20, a fraction payout slot 21 and the like are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a guide device 120 is detachably provided in the game medium handling device 1a. The guide device 120 is mounted so that the mounting portion 121 provided in a part thereof covers the counting slot 20 and the fraction payout port 21. The game balls that have fallen from the lower plate of the pachinko machine 3a to the guide plate 123 of the guide device 120 are thrown into the counting slot 20 through a counting passage provided in the guide device 120. Further, the fractional game balls paid out from the fractional payout opening 21 are paid out to the payout plate 124 provided exclusively for the fractional number through the fractional passage provided in the guide device 120. The player can move a fraction of the game balls paid out to the payout plate 124 to the upper plate of the pachinko machine 3a and use it for a game. In addition, on the upper surface of the housing 122 of the guide device 120, a hand placement portion 125 is provided on which a player operates a handle when the player operates the handle of the pachinko machine 3a.

  In addition, in the game medium handling device 1a in the present embodiment, when receiving a lending request signal from the lending terminal plate 307 of the pachinko machine 3a or receiving a payout instruction from the player to the game medium handling device 1a, the supply unit ( Control for directly paying out the number of balls (for example, 125 balls) according to the lending request signal to the upper plate of the pachinko machine 3a from a pachinko machine 3a through a supply passage (not shown) inside the pachinko machine 3a. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a ball payout outlet (for example, a ball payout outlet 23a) is provided at a location on the front surface 11a above the upper plate of the pachinko machine 3a. A nozzle for guiding the game ball paid out from the ball payout exit to the upper plate of the pachinko machine 3a is detachably provided, and the number of balls according to the lending request signal is controlled from the ball payout outlet. It may be. That is, the nozzle may be used to indirectly pay out game balls to the pachinko machine 3a. In addition, it may be configured such that either the direct payout or the indirect payout can be selectively performed.

<Appearance of the game media handling device 1b used in the pachislot machine 3b>
FIG. 10 is an external view of a game medium handling device 1b used in the pachislot machine 3b. In FIG. 10, the pachislot machine 3b is omitted. As shown in FIG. 10, the game medium handling device 1b includes a front portion 11b and a housing 12b, and the front portion 11b has a status indicator light 13b, a card insertion slot 14b, and a bill insertion slot through which bills can be inserted. 15b, a touch panel LCD 16b, a camera unit 17b, a non-contact IC card reader / writer 18b, a speaker cover 19b, a front panel 22, a medal payout slot 23, a medal counting slot 24, a medal guide member 25, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a medal payout unit 130 is detachably provided in the game medium handling device 1b. The medal payout unit 130 can be shifted between a use state (use position) as shown in FIG. 10 and a storage state (storage position). In the use state, the medals paid out from the medal payout exit 23 are set so as to slide down the inclined surface due to their own weight, and the medals sliding down the inclined surface are on the front side of the pachislot machine 3b, and the medals are inserted. It is stored at a height between the mouth and the lower plate. The inclined surface of the medal payout unit 130 is configured to be expandable and contractible so as to draw an arc, and the medal payout unit 130 is configured to be rotatable upward, so that the inclined surface is contracted and the contracted medal payout is performed. By turning the unit 130 upward, a transition from the use state (use position) to the storage state (storage position) is performed.

  In the game medium handling device 1b according to the present embodiment, when receiving a payout instruction from the player to the game medium handling device 1b or receiving a lending request signal from the lending terminal plate 307 of the pachislot machine 3b, a medal is received. The payout unit 130 pays out a predetermined number of medals (for example, 50), but is not limited to this. For example, similarly to the game medium handling device 1a, medals are directly sent to the pachislot machine 3b. The payout control may be performed. Further, instead of the medal payout unit 130 or alternatively, a nozzle for guiding the medal paid out from the medal payout outlet 23 to the lower plate of the pachislot machine 3b is detachably provided, and the nozzle is indirectly provided by the nozzle. It may be configured to pay out medals to 3b.

<Structure of pachinko machine 3a>
Next, the structure of the pachinko machine 3a will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the pachinko machine 3a, and FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko machine 3a.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the pachinko machine 3 a includes a main body 32, a base door 33 pivotally mounted on the main body 32, and a glass door 34 pivotally mounted on the base door 33. Have.

  The main body 32 is formed in a rectangular frame shape having an opening 32a (see FIG. 12). As a material of the main body 32, for example, wood can be used.

  The base door 33 is formed in a rectangular shape having substantially the same outer shape as the main body 32. The base door 33 is arranged in front of the main body 32 and opens and closes an opening 32a of the main body 32. The base door 33 has an opening 33a. The opening 33a is formed in a rectangular shape having a size occupying most of the upper portion from the substantially central portion of the base door 33.

  Further, a speaker 41, a game board 42, a display device 43, a plate unit 44, a firing device 45, a payout device 46, and a board unit 47 are attached to the base door 33. The speaker 41 and the display device 43 show one specific example of the notification means according to the present invention.

  The speaker 41 is arranged above the base door 33. The game board 42 is arranged in front of the base door 33 and covers the opening 33 a of the base door 33. The entire game board 42 is formed of a plate-shaped resin having transparency (a member having transparency). Examples of the resin having transparency include an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, and a methacrylic resin.

  On the front surface of the game board 42, a game area 42a in which game balls fired from the firing device 45 roll is formed. The game area 42a is an area surrounded by a guide rail (not shown). A plurality of game nails (not shown) are driven into the game area 42a.

  The display device 43 is disposed so as to overlap the rear side of the game board 42. The display device 43 has a display area 43a for displaying an image. The display area 43a is set to have a size that overlaps the whole or a part of the game board 42. In the display area 43a of the display device 43, various images such as an effect identification symbol, an effect image, a decorative image, and the like are displayed. The player can visually recognize the image displayed on the display area 43a of the display device 43 via the game board 42.

  In addition, as the display device 43, for example, a liquid crystal display device can be applied. However, the display device according to the present invention is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, but may be a plasma display, a rear projection display, or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display.

  On the back side of the game board 42, a spacer 49 is provided. The spacer 49 forms a space between the rear surface of the game board 42 and the front surface of the display device 43, which serves as a flow path for game balls rolled in the game area 42a of the game board 42. The spacer 49 is formed of a material having transparency. Note that the spacer according to the present invention is not limited to being formed of a transmissive material, and for example, may be partially formed of a transmissive material. Further, it may be formed of a material having no transmissivity.

  The plate unit 44 is arranged below the game board 42. The plate unit 44 has an upper plate 51 and a lower plate 52, and the lower plate 52 is located below the upper plate 51. The upper plate 51 and the lower plate 52 are formed with payout holes 51a and 52a for renting out game balls and paying out game balls (prize balls), respectively. When the predetermined payout condition is satisfied, the game balls are discharged from the payout ports 51a and 52a and stored in the upper plate 51 and the lower plate 52. The game balls stored in the upper plate 51 are fired by the firing device 45 to the game area 42a.

  An effect button 53 is provided on the plate unit 44. The effect button 53 is arranged on the upper plate 51. A dial operation unit (jog dial) 54 is rotatably fitted to the periphery of the effect button 53. When performing a predetermined effect, an image prompting the operation of the effect button 53 and the dial operation unit 54 is displayed in the display area 43a of the display device 43.

  The launching device 45 is arranged at the lower right of the base door 33. The firing device 45 includes a firing handle 55 that can be operated by a player, and a panel body 56 that engages with a lower right portion of the plate unit 44. The firing handle 55 is arranged on the front side of the panel body 56 and is rotatably supported by the panel body 56. A solenoid actuator (not shown), which is a specific example of a driving device that fires game balls, is provided on the back surface side of the panel body 56.

  A touch sensor (not shown) is provided on the periphery of the firing handle 55, and a firing volume is provided inside the firing handle 55. The firing volume changes the resistance value according to the amount of rotation of the firing handle 55, and changes the power supplied to the solenoid actuator.

  When the player's hand touches the touch sensor of the firing handle 55, the touch sensor outputs a detection signal. Thereby, it is detected that the player has gripped the firing handle 55, and the shooting ball can be fired by the solenoid actuator.

  When the player grips the firing handle 55 and rotates in the clockwise direction, the resistance value of the firing volume changes according to the rotation angle of the firing handle 55, and the power corresponding to the resistance value is supplied to the solenoid actuator. Supplied. As a result, the game balls stored in the upper plate 51 are sequentially fired, and the fired game balls are guided by the guide rail and released to the game area 42a of the game board 42.

  A firing stop button (not shown) is provided on the side of the firing handle 55. The firing stop button is provided to stop firing of the game ball by the solenoid actuator. When the player presses the firing stop button, the firing of the game ball is stopped even when the firing handle 55 is gripped and rotated.

  The payout device 46 and the board unit 47 are arranged on the back side of the base door 33. Game balls are supplied to the payout device 46 from a storage unit (not shown). The payout device 46 pays out a predetermined number of game balls supplied to the storage unit to the upper plate 51 or the lower plate 52 based on establishment of a payout condition. The board unit 47 has various control boards. Various control boards are provided with the above-described main control unit 301a and sub-control unit 302a.

  The glass door 34 is arranged in front of the game board 42 and is formed in a substantially square shape large enough to cover the game board 42. A speaker cover 59 facing the speaker 41 is provided above the glass door 34.

  In addition, an opening 34 a having a size that exposes at least the game area 42 a of the game board 42 is formed in the center of the glass door 34. The opening 34a of the glass door 34 is closed by a protective glass 58 having transparency. Therefore, when the glass door 34 is closed with respect to the base door 33, the protective glass 58 faces at least the game area 42a of the game board 42.

<Structure of the pachislot machine 3b>
Next, the structure of the pachislot machine 3b according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the external structure of the pachislot machine 3b of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the pachislot machine 3b includes a cabinet 61a that accommodates reels, circuit boards, and the like, and a front door 61b that is openably and closably attached to the cabinet 61a. Inside the cabinet 61a, three reels 63L, 63C, 63R are provided, and the three reels 63L, 63C, 63R are arranged in a row in a horizontal direction (a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the reels). Hereinafter, the reels 63L, 63C, and 63R are referred to as a left reel 63L, a middle reel 63C, and a right reel 63R, respectively.

  Each reel (display row) has a cylindrical reel body and a light-transmissive sheet material mounted on a peripheral surface (circular surface) of the reel body. A plurality of (for example, 21) symbols are continuously drawn on the surface of the sheet material along the circumferential direction of the reel body.

  In the center of the front door 61b, a liquid crystal display device 70 and a display window 64 for displaying symbols drawn on the three reels 63L, 63C, 63R are provided. Then, in the liquid crystal display device 70, an image is displayed and an effect is performed.

  The display window 64 is made of, for example, a transparent member such as an acrylic plate, and is provided at a position overlapping with the arrangement area of the three reels when viewed from the front (from the player side), as shown in FIG. It is provided so as to be located closer to the one reel (player side). Therefore, the symbols drawn on the three reels provided behind the display window 64 can be viewed through the display window 64.

  On the left side of the display window 64 when viewed from the front, a 7-segment display 66 including a 7-segment LED (Light Emitting Diode) is provided. The 7-segment display 66 displays the number of medals inserted in the current game (hereinafter, referred to as inserted number), the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a privilege (hereinafter, referred to as paid-out number), and deposited inside the pachislot machine 3b. Information such as the number of medals (hereinafter referred to as the number of credits) is digitally displayed.

  The front door 61b is provided with various devices (medal slot 71, MAX bet button 72, 1 BET button 74, start lever 76, stop buttons 77L, 77C, 77R) to be operated by the player.

  The medal insertion slot 71 is provided for receiving a medal inserted into the pachislot machine 3b from outside by a player. The medals accepted via the medal insertion slot 71 are inserted into one game with a predetermined number (for example, three) as an upper limit, and the amount exceeding the predetermined number can be deposited inside the pachi-slot machine 3b ( So-called credit function). In the pachislot machine 3b of the present embodiment, the number of medals that can be inserted in one game is one, two, or three.

  The MAX bet button 72 and the 1-BET button 74 are provided to determine the number of medals deposited in the pachi-slot machine 3b to be inserted into one game. Although not shown in FIG. 13, a settlement button is provided on the front door 61b (disposed on the side of the start lever 76 opposite to the stop button side). The payment button is provided to pull out (discharge) medals stored in the pachislot machine 3b.

  The start lever 76 is provided for starting rotation of all reels (63L, 63C, 63R). The stop buttons 77L, 77C, 77R are provided in association with the left reel 63L, the middle reel 63C, and the right reel 63R, respectively, and each stop button is provided to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel. Hereinafter, the stop buttons 77L, 77C, and 77R are referred to as a left stop button 77L, a middle stop button 77C, and a right stop button 77R, respectively.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the front door 61b is provided with a medal payout port 78, a medal tray 79, speakers 80L and 80R, and the like.

  The medal payout port 78 guides medals discharged by driving of a medal payout device 83 described later to the outside. The medal tray 79 stores medals discharged from the medal payout port 78. The various lamps provided on the front door 61b are configured by LEDs or the like, and turn on and off the light in a pattern corresponding to the content of the effect. The speakers 80L and 80R output sound such as sound effects and music corresponding to the contents of the effect.

  In the present embodiment, a configuration including the liquid crystal display device 70 will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged in a matrix on the upper part of the reel, and effects (notification) are performed by a dot pattern by turning on and off these LEDs.

  Next, the internal structure of the pachislot machine 3b will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which the front door 61b is opened and the middle door 86 provided on the back side of the front door 61b is closed with respect to the front door 61b. FIG. 15 shows a state where the front door 61b is opened and the middle door 86 is opened with respect to the front door 61b.

  A medal dispensing device 83 (hereinafter referred to as a hopper 83) having a structure capable of accommodating a large amount of medals and capable of discharging the medals one by one in a lower portion of the cabinet 61a below the inside of the cabinet 61a. Is provided. A power supply device 84 that supplies necessary power to each device of the pachislot machine 3b is provided on one side (left side in the example shown in FIG. 14) of the hopper 83 in the cabinet 61a.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the middle door 86 is arranged at the center of the back surface of the front door 61b, and is configured to be able to open and close the display window 64 (see FIG. 15) from the back side. Door stoppers 86a, 86b, 86c are provided on the upper and lower portions of the middle door 86. The door stoppers 86a, 86b, 86c fix (prohibit) the opening operation of the middle door 86 in a state where the display window 64 is closed from the back side. That is, to open the middle door 86, it is necessary to rotate the door stoppers 86a, 86b, 86c to release the fixing of the middle door 86.

  The middle door 86 is provided with a main board 81 constituting the main control section 301b described above. The main control unit 301b controls main operations of the game in the pachi-slot machine 3b, such as determination of an internal winning combination, rotation and stop of each reel, and determination of winning, and a flow between the operations.

  In addition, three reels (a left reel 63L, a middle reel 63C, and a right reel 63R) are provided at a central portion of the middle door 86. Although not shown in FIG. 14, each reel is connected to a corresponding stepping motor via a gear having a predetermined reduction ratio.

  Above the middle door 86, the sub-board 82 constituting the sub-control unit 302b is provided. The sub control unit 302b controls execution of an effect by displaying a video or the like.

  Further, a selector 85 is provided on the back side of the front door 61b below the area where the display window 64 is arranged. The selector 85 is a device for selecting whether or not the material, shape, and the like of a medal inserted from the outside via the medal insertion slot 71 are appropriate, and guides the medal determined to be appropriate to the hopper 83. Although not shown in FIG. 14, a medal sensor 85S for detecting that a proper medal has passed is provided on a path through which the medal passes in the selector 85.

<Structure of each display unit 4>
Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the structure of each display 4 will be described. FIG. 16 is a front view schematically showing each display 4.

  Each display unit 4 has a main body casing 911 having a liquid crystal display unit 405 on the front surface, and is installed so as to be located above the gaming machine 3. Above the liquid crystal display unit 405, a unit number display unit 901 for displaying a unit number is provided, and around the liquid crystal display unit 405, lamps 406 are provided on the left and right of the unit number display unit 901.

  On the liquid crystal display unit 405, game data relating to today's game for the corresponding gaming machine 3 is displayed. The game data mainly includes information managed by the gaming machine 3, specifically, the number of game media launched by the player (number of outs) and the number of game media paid out by the gaming machine 3 (the number of safes) , A game state of the gaming machine 3 (game state signal), a door open, an error, and the like, and information about the game. Further, the game data mainly includes information managed by the game medium handling device 1, specifically, lending of game media from the game medium handling device 1 and the number of game media in the game medium handling device 1. And information on the game such as replay using a counting card or the like. Note that the display content on the liquid crystal display unit 405 can be changed (set) by operating a plurality of buttons 902 to 908.

  The liquid crystal display unit 405 displays a game when a certain error (abnormality) occurs in the gaming machine 3 or when the base door 33 (door) or the glass door 34 (frame) of the pachinko machine 3a is open. Characters (for example, characters such as “in error”) for notifying the employees and players of the event of these are displayed.

  Further, a plurality of buttons 902 to 908 are arranged side by side on the lower front side of the main body casing 911. Specifically, in order from the left side, a “call” button 902, a “forward” button 903, a “decision” button 904, a “back” button 905, a “past” button 906, a “history” button 907, and a “graph switching” button 908 Is provided. Further, on the right side, a remote control communication unit 909 for receiving instruction data from the remote control is provided. Further, a speaker 407 is provided on the lower right side of the front surface of the main body casing 911.

  By operating the remote controller, various types of information can be input to the display units 4. For example, by operating the remote controller, the unit number of each display unit 4 can be input. Note that the unit number of each unit display 4 can also be input by operating a plurality of buttons 902 to 908 without using a remote controller. In the case where the liquid crystal display unit 405 functions as a touch panel, the unit number of each display unit 4 can be input by touching the touch panel.

  The “call” button 902 is a button for calling a clerk of the game store. The “forward” button 903, the “determine” button 904, and the “return” button 905 are buttons for selecting and determining display data. The “past” button 906 is a button for displaying a past game history (for example, weekly data for one week). The “history” button 907 is a button for displaying today's game history. A “graph switching” button 908 is a button for instructing to switch the display of the slump graph.

  In addition, when an appropriate operation is performed on these buttons 902 to 908, setting of the function of each display unit 4 (specifically, display contents on the liquid crystal display unit 405, a light emission mode of the lamp 406, a speaker mode, 407) can be changed to one desired by the player. The setting changed by the player (setting after the change) is stored in the storage unit 403 in a predetermined case.

<System configuration diagram of the gaming system>
FIG. 17 is a system configuration diagram of a game system including the individual display devices 4 according to the present invention. A plurality of island controllers 8 and HUBs 9 are connected to the server device 2 via a LAN. The island edge counting device 5, the settlement device 6, and the prize management device 7 are connected via the HUB 9 to the LAN.

  In addition, when the game medium handling device 1a, the pachinko machine 3a, and the display units 4 are defined as one unit (hereinafter, referred to as a “pachinko game unit”), the server device 2 includes a predetermined number of pachinko game units. , LAN connection via the island controller 8 and the HUB 9. Similarly, in the case where the game medium handling device 1b, the pachislot machine 3b, and each of the display units 4 are defined as one unit (hereinafter, referred to as a “pachislot game unit”), a predetermined number of pachislot game units are included in the island controller 8 and the island controller 8. It is connected to LAN via HUB9. A unit to which these pachinko game units or pachislot game units are connected is called an island unit.

  The server device 2 is normally configured to set rate information for each island. For example, a pachinko gaming unit set in parallel with a pachinko gaming unit shown in parallel immediately below the island edge counting device 5 in FIG. Set the 1 yen rate.

  The island end counting device 5 is provided at a game island end or the like, counts game balls or medals obtained by the player, and associates the count value with the rate information and the identification information of the card. Further, the island edge counting device 5 prints information indicating the count value and the lending rate on a receipt and issues it. In addition, the island end counting device 5 may be provided for each lending rate, or may be capable of selecting a lending rate to be associated when counting game balls or medals.

  When the balance information is associated with the card identification information and the card is inserted, the settlement apparatus 6 pays out cash corresponding to the balance information. Note that the settlement apparatus 6 may pay out cash corresponding to the information based on not only the balance information but also the ball holding information for each rate associated with the identification information of the card.

  The prize management device 7 is a prize exchange terminal device attached to a prize exchange counter in the game store, and manages exchange between the acquired number of game media and prizes using exchange game medium number management information (not shown). I do. Note that the exchange game medium number management information is information in which the number of game media required for exchange with a prize is associated with each prize. For example, in the case of the 4-yen rate, two coins are associated with the number of game media requiring exchange with the lowest-priced premium, and in the case of the 1-yen rate, eight coins are associated with the number of game media requiring exchange with the minimum-cost premium. Are associated. The number of game media that need to be exchanged for the lowest unit price prize is not limited to the above example, but can be set as appropriate.

  Here, when the player brings a card associated with the ball holding information and inserts the card into a card insertion slot of a card processing machine (not shown), a prize according to the ball holding information for each rate. Can be received. In the prize management device 7, the player can also bring a receipt, and can exchange prizes based on information indicating the count value and the lending rate printed on the brought receipt.

  At this time, a clerk in the prize exchange counter presses an exchange button (not shown) corresponding to the prize specified by the player. Upon receiving the press of the exchange button, the prize management device 7 executes exchange control for subtracting the number of game media corresponding to the designated prize from the count value. Thereafter, the clerk hands over the designated prize to the player by hand. Note that a special prize, which will be described later, may be automatically paid out from a prize payout machine (not shown) connected to the prize management device 7.

  In the present embodiment, since the possessed ball information is stored for each rate, the prize management device 7 adds the possessed ball information to execute the prize exchange when executing the exchange control. May be performed.

  Here, conventionally, the technology of a gaming device and a gaming system provided in parallel with a gaming machine is known. For example, as described in JP-A-2014-223494. The game device and the game system described in JP-A-2014-223494 have versatility.

  However, gaming devices and gaming systems require high versatility.

  Therefore, each display 4 and the gaming system including each display 4 according to the present invention are configured to be able to execute various controls in order to enhance versatility. The various controls include a function setting control described later, a data recovery control, an unauthorized / door opening notification control, a data correction control, a data communication control, and an automatic file search control. The versatility of the display units 4 and the game system including the display units 4 can be improved by these controls.

<Function setting control (selection of whether to use main unit setting)>
Here, as described above, conventionally, the technology of a game device and a game system provided in parallel with a gaming machine is known. For example, a booth device or a management system that can switch the operation mode of the booth device (game device) and that can be controlled between a normal business mode and a normal store closing mode has been proposed (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-223494). Gazette).

  However, since the gaming machine and the gaming device are system-managed by the technique described in JP-A-2014-223494, the setting of the gaming device can be arbitrarily changed by various setting methods in recent gaming devices. Depending on the gaming machine, it is necessary to determine whether to apply a predetermined setting or a changed setting, and to select an arbitrary setting according to the situation.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has a game apparatus capable of applying an arbitrary setting (enhancing versatility) according to a situation even if it has various setting methods. And a gaming system.

  Each of the display units 4 and the game system according to the embodiment of the present invention has a control (hereinafter, referred to as “first”) that can apply any setting according to the situation even if it has various setting methods. Function setting control ”).

  In the following, a control flow relating to first function setting control executed by each display 4 and the server device 2 (game system) will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 18, the process shown on the left is a process executed by each display device 4, and the process shown on the right is a process executed by the server device 2. The process executed by the first function setting control includes a process at the time of initial power-on, a process at the time of a setting operation, a process at the time of power failure, and a process at the time of power failure recovery. The function setting control is described as “setting”, but is not limited thereto, and may be various data such as data on a game result, an advertisement, an error, and the like.

  First, the processing at the time of the first power-on in the first function setting control will be described. The process at the time of first power-on is, for example, a process executed when each of the display units 4 is installed in a game arcade and the power of each of the display units 4 is turned on for the first time.

  When the power is turned on to each of the display units 4 for the first time, the server device 2 assigns a specific setting (hereinafter referred to as “setting A”) to each of the display units 4 as the setting of the function of each of the display units 4. It is transmitted (step S2111). In the present embodiment, the setting A relates to the display content on the liquid crystal display unit 405, the light emission mode of the lamp 406, and the sound output mode of the speaker 407.

  Upon receiving the setting A (step S1111), each display 4 applies the setting A as a function setting. In this way, when each of the display units 4 applies the setting A as a function setting, the content of the setting A is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 405 of each of the display units 4, the light emission mode of the lamp 406, and the sound output from the speaker 407 Reflected in the mode.

  As described above, when the power is turned on for the first time, the display units 4 apply the setting A stored in the server device 2 as the function setting. Note that the “setting A” may be a default setting managed by the server device 2, and may be a previous setting of each of the previous display units installed before the current display unit 4 is installed. 4 may be provided. The “setting B” may be a setting that can be changed by a player, or may be a setting that can be set only by an administrator who manages the game arcade. May be settable.

  Next, processing at the time of a setting operation in the first function setting control will be described. Note that the process at the time of the setting operation is a process executed when an appropriate operation is performed with respect to the setting of the function of each display device 4.

  When an appropriate operation is performed regarding the setting of the function of each display unit 4 (more specifically, when an appropriate operation is performed on the plurality of buttons 902 to 908), each display unit 4 is set based on the operation. Is changed (set) from the initial setting A (step S1112). In the following, the setting after the change of the function of each display device 4 is referred to as “setting B”.

  When the setting of the function of each display unit 4 is changed, each display unit 4 applies the setting B (the setting after the change) as the function setting. In this way, the content of the setting B is reflected on the display content on the liquid crystal display unit 405 of each unit display 4, the light emission mode of the lamp 406, and the sound output mode of the speaker 407.

  As described above, the display units 4 can change the display content and the like on the liquid crystal display unit 405 from the initial one to the one desired by the player.

  Next, a process at the time of power interruption in the first function setting control will be described. The processing at the time of power failure is executed when the power of each display 4 is cut off (for example, when the employee turns off the power of each display 4 after the business hours of the game arcade are closed). This is the process to be performed. The power supply is not limited to the case where it is determined that the power is cut off due to the fact that the power supply is actually cut off. Even when it is determined that a power failure has occurred depending on the cause, it is possible to recognize that the power failure has occurred.

  When the power of each display unit 4 is turned off, each display unit 4 stores the current setting of the function (that is, the setting B changed from the setting A in the processing at the time of the setting operation) in the storage unit 403. (Step S1113). In the present embodiment, even when the power of each display unit 4 is cut off, the data is stored in the storage unit 403 of each display unit 4 by the power from the backup battery (not shown) or the like. Content shall not be cleared. The backup battery may be installed on each display 4 or may be installed outside each display 4.

  Next, a process at the time of power failure recovery in the first function setting control will be described. In addition, the process at the time of recovery from power interruption is when the power of each display unit 4 is turned off (for example, an employee turns on the power supply of each display unit 4 before the business operation of the game arcade starts). ). Not only in the case where it is determined that the power supply has been restored due to the actual restart of the power supply, but also in the case where it is determined that the power supply has been interrupted due to a cause different from the power supply as described above, It may be the case that it is determined that the power has been restored because the cause has been eliminated.

  When the power of each display unit 4 is restored, each display unit 4 transmits information indicating that the power supply is restored to the server device 2. As a result, each of the display devices 4 applies any setting of the setting A stored in the server device 2 or the setting B stored in each of the display devices 4 to the server device 2 as a function setting. A request is made to select whether or not to do so (step S1114).

  Note that each of the display units 4 requests the server device 2 to select whether to apply the setting as a function. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When it is detected that the power of the device 4 is restored (whether the power is turned on), the server device 2 may transmit the setting to each display device 4. In this case, no matter what setting is made on each display device 4, the setting stored in the server device 2 may be prioritized and the function of each display device 4 may be set. Conceivable.

  When the server device 2 receives the information indicating that the power of each of the display devices 4 has been restored, the server device 2 changes either the setting A stored in the server device 2 or the setting B stored in each of the display devices 4. A selection (judgment) as to whether or not to apply the setting of the function of each display unit 4 is made (step S2112). In addition, the result of the determination (that is, which setting of the setting A or the setting B is applied) is arbitrarily set by an employee of the game arcade and stored in the server device 2.

  In this way, when the server device 2 determines that the setting A stored in the server device 2 is applied as the setting of the function of each display device 4, the server device 2 transmits the setting A to each display device 4 (step S2113). On the other hand, when the server device 2 determines that the setting B stored in each of the display units 4 is to be applied as the setting of the function of each of the display units 4, the server device 2 does not transmit the setting A to each of the display units 4. When it is determined that the setting B stored in each of the display units 4 is applied as the setting of the function of each of the display units 4, the setting A is not transmitted to each of the display units 4, but is limited to this. Instead, a signal (for example, a response signal) that allows each display unit 4 to determine that the setting A is not used may be transmitted.

  After transmitting the information indicating that the power has been restored to the server device 2 as described above (step S1114), each of the display devices 4 determines whether or not the setting A has been received from the server device 2 within a predetermined period. (Step S1115).

  When each of the display units 4 determines that the setting A has been received from the server device 2 within a predetermined period (step S1115; Yes), the received setting A is applied as a function setting (step S1115). S1116). In this way, when the display unit 4 applies the setting A as a function setting, the content of the setting A is reflected on the display content on the liquid crystal display unit 405, the light emission mode of the lamp 406, and the sound output mode of the speaker 407.

  On the other hand, when each display 4 determines that the setting A has not been received from the server device 2 within the predetermined period (step S1115; No), the stored setting B is applied as the function setting. (Step S1117). In this way, when the display unit 4 applies the setting B as the function setting, the content of the setting B is reflected on the display content on the liquid crystal display unit 405, the light emission mode of the lamp 406, and the sound output mode of the speaker 407. That is, the display contents and the like on the liquid crystal display unit 405 are the same as when the power of each of the display units 4 is turned off.

  As described above, in the first function setting control, when the power of each of the display devices 4 is restored, the setting A stored in the server device 2 or the Which of the settings B stored in the stand display device 4 is to be preferentially applied can be appropriately selected according to the settings of the server device 2 (settings by employees of the game arcade).

  In the process at the time of power-off recovery, when each of the display devices 4 determines that the setting A has not been received from the server device 2 within a predetermined period (step S1115; No), the stored setting B is stored. Is applied as a function setting. However, a specific setting may be stored in the storage unit 403 in advance, and the specific setting may be applied as a function setting.

As described above, in the first function setting control, each of the display devices 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:
A control unit 400 (setting changing means) capable of changing the setting relating to each of the display units 4 (gaming devices) is provided, and the setting A (the first setting) which is the setting relating to each of the display units 4 (gaming device) is provided. 1) can be stored, and the setting B (second setting) and the setting A, which are the settings related to each of the display units 4 (game devices) changed by the control unit 400 (setting changing means). Each of the display devices 4 (gaming devices) capable of communicating with the server device 2 (management device) capable of selecting which setting of (first setting) is to be prioritized,
When the setting A (first setting) is received by communicating with the server device 2 (management device) when the power is turned on, each of the display units 4 is set based on the setting A (first setting). (Gaming device) is set, and when the setting A (first setting) is not received, each of the display units 4 (gaming device) is set based on the setting B (second setting). Things.

  With such a configuration, each unit display 4 can be improved in versatility. Further, even if each of the display devices 4 has various setting methods, it is possible to apply arbitrary settings according to the situation.

  Specifically, the setting of each of the display devices 4 is performed by communicating with the server device 2 when the power is turned on, so that the setting B changed on the display device 4 side or the setting A stored by the server device 2 side is determined. Is given priority. Thus, even if the setting of the function of each display unit 4 can be changed on both the display unit 4 side and the server device 2 side, the display unit 4 can easily change the setting. Becomes That is, even if each unit display device 4 has various setting methods, appropriate settings can be applied according to the situation, and versatility can be improved.

Further, in the first function setting control, each unit display 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:
If the setting is changed based on the setting A (first setting) at the time of turning on the power and then changed to the setting B (second setting) by the control unit 400 (setting changing means), the power failure occurs. The setting B (second setting) can be stored, and when the power is turned on again, it is determined whether or not to use the setting stored in each of the display units 4 (gaming apparatus). If it is determined that the setting stored in each display unit 4 (game device) is to be used, the display unit 4 (game device) is set based on the setting B (second setting). If it is determined that the settings stored in the display units 4 (game devices) are not used, the settings A (first settings) stored in the server device 2 (management device) are used. Things.

  With such a configuration, each of the display devices 4 only needs to receive the setting A from the server device 2 when using the setting A stored in the server device 2, and receive the setting A from the server device 2 when using the setting B. No need to receive. That is, when using the setting B, each display unit 4 can be started quickly. In this manner, each display unit 4 can select a setting method according to the purpose, and can increase versatility.

Further, the gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention, which executes the first function setting control,
A display unit 4 (gaming device) provided with a control unit 400 (setting change means) capable of changing settings relating to each display unit 4 (gaming device),
The setting A (first setting), which is a setting relating to each of the display units 4 (game device), can be stored, and each of the display units 4 (game) changed by the control unit 400 (setting change unit). It is possible to select which of the setting B (second setting) and the setting A (first setting), which are the settings relating to the display device, is given priority. And a server device 2 (management device) that can communicate.
When the setting A (first setting) is received by communicating with the server device 2 (management device) when the power is turned on, each of the display units 4 is set based on the setting A (first setting). (Gaming device) is set, and when the setting A (first setting) is not received, each of the display units 4 (gaming device) is set based on the setting B (second setting). Things.

  With such a configuration, the gaming system can increase versatility. Further, in the gaming system, it is possible to apply an arbitrary setting depending on the situation, even if each display device 4 has various setting methods.

  Specifically, in the gaming system, the setting of each display 4 is stored in the setting B changed on each display 4 or the server 2 by communicating with the server 2 when the power is turned on. Any of the settings A has priority. Thus, even if the setting of the function of each display unit 4 can be changed on both the display unit 4 side and the server device 2 side, the display unit 4 can easily change the setting. Becomes That is, in the gaming system, even if each of the display units 4 has various setting methods, appropriate settings can be applied according to the situation, and versatility can be improved.

  In addition, in this embodiment, as an embodiment of the gaming device according to the present invention, each unit display 4 is exemplified, but the gaming device according to the present invention is limited to each unit display. is not. That is, the gaming device according to the present invention may be any device that constitutes a pachinko gaming unit or a pachislot gaming unit.

  In the first function setting control, each process performed by each display 4 and the server 2 may be performed by at least one of the display 4 and the server 2. It is not limited to the embodiment.

  In addition, even if it has various setting methods, the control which can apply arbitrary setting according to a situation is not limited to the first function setting control as described above. Hereinafter, two different examples of the first function setting control (hereinafter, referred to as “second function setting control” and “third function setting control”) will be described.

  In the following, a control flow regarding the second function setting control executed by each of the display devices 4 and the server device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the second function setting control, unlike the first function setting control, for example, for each island unit, any one of the plurality of display units 4 is a master display unit 4 (hereinafter referred to as a master display unit 4). , For convenience, each unit is referred to as a “unit display 4M”, and the other units are set as slave units 4 (hereinafter, referred to as a “unit display 4S” for convenience). The master display 4M plays a more central role than the slave display 4S in the second function setting control. The master display 4M and the slave display 4S can transmit and receive various kinds of information to and from each other. In the present embodiment, the number of master display units 4M is one, but two or more may be provided.

  In FIG. 19, the processing shown on the left is processing executed by each slave display 4S, the processing shown in the center is processing executed by each master display 4M, and the processing shown on the right is performed. Is a process executed by the server device 2. Similar to the first function setting control, the processing executed by the second function setting control includes processing at the time of initial power-on, processing at the time of setting operation, processing at the time of power failure, and processing at the time of power failure recovery. included. Note that the processing at the time of initial power-on and the processing at the time of the setting operation in the second function setting control are substantially the same as the processing in the first function setting control, and are not shown in FIG.

  First, a process at the time of power interruption in the second function setting control will be described.

  When the power of each slave display unit 4S is turned off, each slave display unit 4S masters the current function setting (that is, the setting B changed from the setting A in the processing at the time of the setting operation). Is transmitted to the display units 4M (step S1121). Upon receiving the setting B from each slave display 4S, the master display 4M stores the received setting B in the storage unit 403 of each display 4M (step S1131).

  As described above, for example, when the power of each of the slaves 4S is cut off, the master display 4M stores all of the changed settings for each of the displays 4S. I do.

  Next, a process at the time of power failure recovery in the second function setting control will be described.

  When the power supply of each slave display 4S is restored, each display 4S transmits information indicating that the power is restored to each master display 4M. Thereby, each slave display 4S is different from the master display 4M in either the setting A stored in the server device 2 or the setting B stored in the master display 4M. A request is made to select whether or not to apply the setting as a function setting (step S1122).

  Then, upon receiving the information indicating that the power of the slave display units 4S has been restored, the master display units 4M transmit the information to the server device 2. Accordingly, the master display unit 4M slaves the server device 2 with either the setting A stored in the server device 2 or the setting B stored in the master display unit 4M. Is requested to apply the setting of the function of each of the display units 4S (step S1132).

  When the server device 2 receives the information indicating that the power of each of the slave display devices 4S has been restored, the server device 2 sets the setting A stored in the server device 2 or the setting B stored in the master display device 4M. The user selects (determines) which setting is to be applied as the setting of the function of each slave display device 4S (step S2121). In addition, the result of the determination (that is, which setting of the setting A or the setting B is applied) is arbitrarily set by an employee of the game arcade and stored in the server device 2.

  Thus, when the server device 2 determines that the setting A stored in the server device 2 is applied as the setting of the function of each slave display device 4M, the server device 2 assigns the setting A to each master display device 4M. It is transmitted (step S2122). On the other hand, the server apparatus 2 applies the setting B stored in the master display unit 4M as the setting of the function of each slave display unit 4S (the setting A stored in the server apparatus 2 is applied to the slave display unit 4S). If it is determined that the setting A is not applied to the setting of the function of the display device 4S), the setting A is not transmitted to the master display device 4M.

  After transmitting the information indicating that the power of the slave display units 4S has been restored to the server device 2 (step S1132), the master display units 4M change the setting A within a predetermined period, as described above. It is determined whether it has been received from the device 2 (step S1133).

  If the master display 4M determines that the setting A has been received from the server device 2 within the predetermined period (step S1133; Yes), the master displays 4M display the received setting A in each slave display. It is determined as the setting of the 4S function (step S1134). On the other hand, when each of the master display devices 4M determines that the setting A has not been received from the server device 2 within the predetermined period (step S1133; No), the stored setting B is displayed on each slave device. The setting of the function of the display device 4S is determined (step S1135).

  The master display unit 4M displays the setting A or the setting B determined as the setting of the function of the slave display unit 4S (the setting to be reflected on the display contents or the like on the liquid crystal display unit 405) on each slave display unit. It is transmitted to the device 4S (step S1136).

  When each of the slave displays 4S receives the setting A or the setting B determined as the function setting, the slave display 4S applies the received setting as the function setting (step S1123). In this way, when each of the slave displays 4S applies the setting A or the setting B as the function setting, the contents of the setting are changed to the display contents on the liquid crystal display unit 405, the light emission mode of the lamp 406, and the sound output mode of the speaker 407. Will be reflected.

  As described above, in the second function setting control, when the power of each of the slave displays 4S is restored, the setting A stored in the server device 2 as the setting of the function of each of the slave displays 4S, Alternatively, which of the settings B stored in each of the master display devices 4M is to be applied with priority can be appropriately selected according to the settings of the server device 2 (settings by employees of the game arcade).

  In the process at the time of power recovery, when each of the master display devices 4M determines that the setting A has not been received from the server device 2 within the predetermined period (step S1133; No), the information is stored. Although the setting B is determined as the function setting (step S1135), the specific setting may be stored in the storage unit 403 in advance, and the specific setting may be determined as the function setting.

As described above, in the second function setting control, each unit display 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:
A control unit 400 (setting changing means) capable of changing the setting relating to each of the display units 4 (gaming devices), which is the own unit, is provided, and each of the slave display units 4S (first gaming device) and each of the master units are provided. Each unit display 4 (game device) having the display device 4M (second game device),
Each of the master display units 4M (second game device)
A setting A (first setting), which is a setting related to each of the slave display devices 4S (first game apparatus), can be stored, and each of the slaves changed by the control unit 400 (setting changing means) can be stored. The server device 2 (management) that can select which setting of the setting B (second setting) and the setting A (first setting), which are the settings related to the table display device 4S (first game device), or the setting A (first setting). Device), and
It is possible to communicate with each of the slave displays 4S (first gaming device),
A storage unit 403 (storage means) capable of storing the setting A (first setting) and the setting B (second setting),
When the power of each slave display device 4S (first game device) of the slave is turned on, the slave device communicates with the server device 2 (management device) and the server device 2 (management device) stores the server device 2 (management device). When the setting A (first setting) is received, each slave display 4S (first game apparatus) of the slave is set based on the setting A (first setting), and the server device is set. If the setting A (first setting) is not received from 2 (management device), each slave display 4S (first game device) of the slave is set based on the setting B (second setting). A control unit 400 (setting means) for performing
It is provided with.

  With such a configuration, each unit display 4 can be improved in versatility. Further, even if each of the display devices 4 has various setting methods, it is possible to apply arbitrary settings according to the situation.

  Specifically, the setting of each of the slave displays 4S is performed by setting B changed on each of the displays 4 by the master display 4M communicating with the server device 2 when the power is turned on, or Any of the settings A stored by the server device 2 has priority. In this way, even if the setting of the function of each slave display 4S can be changed on both the respective slave display 4S side and the server device 2 side, each slave display 4S can easily change the setting. Becomes possible. That is, even if each slave display device 4S has various setting methods, appropriate settings can be applied according to the situation, and versatility can be improved.

  In addition, since each slave display 4S is controlled by the master display 4M, the server device 2 does not need to transmit the setting to each slave display 4S, and the slave display 4S is not required. Processing relating to the setting of each display unit 4S can be distributed by the master display unit 4M and the server device 2. In this way, it is possible to reduce the processing load on each of the display units 4 (each of the slave display units 4S and the master of each display unit 4M).

  Although the setting A and the setting B are described as being stored in the storage unit 403 of the master display unit 4M, the present invention is not limited to this. The first storage unit of the master display unit 4M is not limited thereto. And the setting B may be stored in the second storage unit. This is because there are a main control circuit and a sub-control circuit as control circuits in the master display units 4M. The main control circuit manages the settings of the master display units 4M. This is because it is assumed that the setting of the display unit 4S is managed. In this case, the sub-control circuit in each of the master displays 4M controls the display screen in each of the master displays 4M, and each of the slave displays 4S does not have a main control circuit. It has only the same sub-control circuit as the master unit display 4M provided in each unit display 4S, and the sub-control circuit in the slave unit display 4S displays the display screen on the slave unit display 4S. Control may be controllable. Therefore, the main control circuit in each master display unit 4M controls the sub-control circuit in each master display unit 4M and the sub-control circuit in each slave display unit 4S. By providing a master storage unit and a slave storage unit in the main control circuit of the display unit 4M, it is conceivable to control the settings so as not to be confused.

  Hereinafter, a control flow regarding the third function setting control executed by each of the display devices 4 and the server device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 20, the process shown on the left is a process executed by each display device 4, and the process shown on the right is a process executed by the server device 2. The processing executed by the third function setting control includes, as in the first function setting control, processing at the time of initial power-on, processing at the time of setting operation, processing at the time of power failure, and processing at the time of power failure recovery. included.

  First, the processing at the time of first power-on in the third function setting control will be described.

  When the power is turned on to each of the display units 4 for the first time, each of the display units 4 applies a default setting (hereinafter, referred to as “setting D”) stored in advance as a function setting (step S1141). . In this way, when each display 4 applies the setting D as a function setting, the content of the setting D is reflected on the display content on the liquid crystal display unit 405, the light emission mode of the lamp 406, and the sound output mode of the speaker 407. Further, each display 4 transmits the setting D to the server device 2. Upon receiving the setting D, the server device 2 stores the setting D in the storage unit 403 (Step S2131).

  As described above, when the power is turned on for the first time, each of the display units 4 applies the default setting (setting D) stored in the display unit 4 as a function setting.

  Next, processing at the time of a setting operation in the third function setting control will be described.

  When an appropriate operation is performed regarding the setting of the function of each display unit 4 (more specifically, when an appropriate operation is performed on the plurality of buttons 902 to 908), each display unit 4 is set based on the operation. Is changed (set) from the initial setting D to the setting B (step S1142).

  When the setting of the function of each display unit 4 is changed, each display unit 4 applies the setting B (the setting after the change) as the function setting. In this way, the content of the setting B is reflected on the display content on the liquid crystal display unit 405 of each unit display 4, the light emission mode of the lamp 406, and the sound output mode of the speaker 407. In addition, each display 4 transmits the setting B to the server device 2. Upon receiving the setting B, the server device 2 stores the setting B in the storage unit 403 (Step S2132).

  As described above, when an appropriate operation is performed regarding the setting of the function of each of the display units 4, the server apparatus 2 sets the default setting (the setting D) of the respective display unit 4 and the changed setting (the setting). B) are stored.

  Next, processing at the time of power interruption in the third function setting control will be described.

  The power of each display unit 4 is cut off without storing the function settings or transmitting the function settings to the server device 2 or the like (step S1143).

  Next, processing at the time of power failure recovery in the third function setting control will be described.

  When the power of each display unit 4 is restored, each display unit 4 transmits information indicating that the power supply is restored to the server device 2. Thereby, each of the display units 4 determines which setting of the setting D or the setting B stored in the server device 2 is to be applied to the server device 2 as the setting of the function of each of the display units 4. A request for selection is made (step S1144).

  When the server device 2 receives the information indicating that the power of each of the display devices 4 has been restored, the server device 2 stores the setting D stored in the server device 2 (which is the default setting of each of the display devices 4) or (after the change). The user selects (determines) which setting of setting B is to be preferentially applied as the setting of the function of each display unit 4 (step S2133). In addition, the result of the determination (that is, which setting of the setting D or the setting B is applied) is arbitrarily set by an employee of the game arcade and stored in the server device 2.

  In this way, when the server device 2 determines that the setting D is preferentially applied as the setting of the function of each display device 4 (step S2133; No), the server device 2 transmits the setting D to each display device 4 (step S2133; No). Step S2135). On the other hand, when the server device 2 determines that the setting B is to be preferentially applied as the setting of the function of each display device 4 (step S2133; Yes), the server device 2 transmits the setting B to each display device 4. (Step S2134).

  When receiving the setting D or the setting B determined as the function setting, the display units 4 apply the received setting as the function setting (step S1145). In this way, when each of the display units 4 applies the setting D or the setting B as the function setting, the contents of the setting are reflected on the display content on the liquid crystal display unit 405, the light emission mode of the lamp 406, and the sound output mode of the speaker 407. You.

  As described above, in the third function setting control, when the power of each display unit 4 is restored, the setting of the function of each display unit 4 is the default setting of each display unit 4. Which one of D and the setting B which is the changed setting is applied with priority can be appropriately selected according to the setting of the server device 2 (setting by the employee of the game arcade).

  In the first to third function setting controls, each of the display units 4 is used as an embodiment of the gaming device according to the present invention, but the gaming medium handling device 1 may be used. .

<Data recovery control (data recovery today)>
Here, as described above, conventionally, the technology of a game device and a game system provided in parallel with a gaming machine is known. For example, it is determined whether a difference value between the number of possessed balls calculated from various values and the number of possessed balls obtained from the inter-vehicle machine is within a predetermined value range, and the difference value is set in advance. A head-to-rail device or a management system capable of recognizing an out-of-range value as an abnormal state has been proposed (JP-A-2014-223494).

  However, since the gaming device is system-managed by the technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-223494, various settings and data are managed for each gaming device in recent years. When handling data, there is a case where restoration of data corresponding to the gaming device is required in some cases. In such a case, quick recovery is required for data recovery, and a method for easily acquiring data required for recovery has been required.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problem, and when it is required to restore data corresponding to a gaming device, it is possible to easily acquire data required for restoration (to increase versatility). It is an object to provide a game device and a game system.

  The display unit 4 and the game system according to the embodiment of the present invention are capable of easily acquiring data required for recovery when recovery of data corresponding to each display unit 4 is required. Hereinafter, “first data recovery control” is executed.

  Hereinafter, a control flow relating to the first data recovery control executed by each display 4, the game medium handling device 1, the game machine 3, and the server device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 21, the processing shown on the left side is processing executed by each display unit 4, the processing shown on the upper center is the processing executed on the game medium handling device 1, and the processing shown on the lower center is The processing executed by the gaming machine 3 is the processing executed by the server device 2 on the right side. The processing executed by the first data recovery control includes processing at the time of inputting a machine number, processing of managing game data, processing at the time of selecting a device update, and processing at the time of restart (power ON).

  First, the processing at the time of inputting the machine number in the first data recovery control will be described. The process at the time of inputting the machine number is, for example, a process executed when the game medium handling device 1 is installed in a game arcade.

  When the game medium handling device 1 is installed in a game arcade, for example, an employee of the game arcade inputs a predetermined machine number. The machine number input to the game medium handling device 1 is stored in the storage unit 103 of the game medium handling device 1. In this way, the unit number is set in the game medium handling device 1 (step S3211).

  The machine number set in the game medium handling device 1 is transmitted to the server device 2. The machine number transmitted to the server device 2 is stored in the storage unit 222 of the game information management device 220 in the server device 2. Thus, the server number set in the game medium handling device 1 is managed by the server device 2.

  Next, a process of managing game data in the first data recovery control will be described. Note that the game data management process is a process executed to manage game data.

  In the process of managing the game data, information on the game is transmitted from the game medium handling device 1 and the game machine 3 to the server device 2.

  Specifically, information such as lending of game media, measurement of the number of game media, replay using a counting card or the like is transmitted from the game medium handling device 1 to the server device 2 as information relating to the game (step). S3212). In addition, information about the number of game media fired by the player (number of outs), the number of paid out media (the number of safes), the gaming state of the gaming machine 3, and the like are transmitted from the gaming machine 3 to the server device 2 as information regarding the game. It is transmitted (step S4211).

  When the server device 2 receives the information on the game from the game medium handling device 1 and the gaming machine 3, the server device 2 manages the information by the game information management device 220. Specifically, in the server device 2, the control unit 221 of the game information management device 220 classifies the received information on the game into predetermined items for each corresponding machine number. Then, the control unit 221 of the game information management device 220 stores the classified information in the storage unit 222 and manages the classified information as game data (step S2211).

  The game data managed by the server device 2 is transmitted to each of the display devices 4 in a predetermined case.

  Next, a process when a device update is selected in the first data recovery control will be described. The process at the time of selecting the device update is, for example, a process that is executed when an update for the purpose of troubleshooting a bug or adding various functions (update of a control program) is selected.

  When the execution of the update is selected, each display 4 (control unit 400) deletes all data stored in the storage unit 403 (more specifically, all data stored after shipment from the factory). (clear. In this way, when the execution of the update is selected, each of the display units 4 returns to the state at the time of factory shipment (step S1211). The power supply of each of the display units 4 is turned off when the factory default state is reached (step S1212).

  Next, a process at the time of restart (power ON) in the first data recovery control will be described. Note that the process at the time of restart (power ON) is a process executed when each of the display units 4 is restarted.

  When each of the display units 4 is set to the state at the time of shipment from the factory, the power is turned on and restarted. Upon restarting, each unit display 4 transmits, for example, information indicating that the restart has been performed to the game medium handling device 1 and requests the game medium handling device 1 to transmit a unit number. The game medium handling device 1 transmits a machine number to each machine display 4 in response to the request. In this way, each display 4 receives (acquires) the device number from the game medium handling device 1. Upon acquiring the machine number, each machine display device 4 stores the acquired machine number in the storage unit 403. In this way, each of the display units 4 obtains again the unit number set before the factory default state (step S1213).

  Upon acquiring the machine number, each machine display 4 transmits, for example, information to the effect that the machine number has been acquired to the server device 2 and manages the game data (corresponding to the machine number) managed by the server device 2. Request transmission. In response to the request, the server device 2 transmits game data corresponding to the device number to the display devices 4. In this way, each display 4 receives (acquires) game data from the server device 2. Upon acquiring the game data, each display 4 stores the acquired game data in the storage unit 403. In this way, each display 4 acquires game data corresponding to the machine number (more specifically, game data related to today's game including game data cleared in the process at the time of device update selection) (step S1214). ).

  Upon acquiring the game data, each of the display units 4 displays the acquired game data on the liquid crystal display unit 405 by classifying the acquired game data into predetermined items, or uses the acquired game data in the processing of the display unit 4. Create data for That is, each display 4 restores today's data corresponding to each display 4 (step S1215).

As described above, in the first data recovery control, each display 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:
Each display 4 (game device) provided corresponding to the gaming machine 3,
A liquid crystal display unit 405 (display means) for displaying game data (game information) which is information on the gaming machine 3;
A control unit 400 (communication means) for communicating with the server device 2 (management device) for managing the game data (game information);
A table number (identification information) that can be used to identify each of the display units 4 (game devices) and the game data (game information) stored in the display units 4 (game devices). A clearable control unit 400 (clearing means);
With
When the power of each of the display units 4 (gaming device) is turned on after the stand number (identification information) and the game data (game information) are cleared, the stand number (identification information) Can be obtained from the game medium handling device 1 (a device provided corresponding to the gaming machine 3) other than each of the display devices 4 (gaming devices), and based on the obtained platform number (identification information). Thus, the game data (game information) can be obtained from the server device 2 (management device).

  With such a configuration, each unit display 4 can be improved in versatility. Further, when it is required that the data corresponding to each of the display units 4 is restored, the display units 4 can easily acquire the data required for the restoration.

  Specifically, when the power is turned on after clearing the information such as the vehicle number (vehicle information) and game data stored in the storage unit 403, each vehicle display device 4 displays the vehicle number as a game. The game data can be obtained from the medium handling device 1 and the game data can be obtained from the server device 2 based on the obtained device number. Therefore, after the information is cleared, even if the power is turned on after clearing the information, for example, when an update is performed or when a new model is exchanged, the display number of the display 4 is changed to a game media handling number. It is possible to acquire game data from the server device 2 based on the acquired device number acquired from the device 1. As described above, when it is required that the data corresponding to each of the display units 4 is restored, the display units 4 can easily acquire the game data required for the restoration.

In the first data recovery control, the gaming system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes:
A gaming system having each display 4 (game device) provided corresponding to the gaming machine 3,
A liquid crystal display unit 405 (display means) for displaying game data (game information) which is information on the gaming machine 3;
A control unit 400 (communication means) for communicating with the server device 2 (management device) for managing the game data (game information);
A table number (identification information) that can be used to identify each of the display units 4 (game devices) and the game data (game information) stored in the display units 4 (game devices). A clearable control unit 400 (clearing means);
With
Each of the display units 4 (game device) is turned on after the display number (identification information) and the game data (game information) are cleared. In this case, the machine number (identification information) can be obtained from a game medium handling device 1 (a device provided corresponding to the game machine 3) other than the respective machine display devices 4 (game devices). The game data (game information) can be obtained from the server device 2 (management device) based on the obtained machine number (identification information).

  With such a configuration, the gaming system can increase versatility. Further, when it is required to restore data corresponding to each display device 4, the gaming system can easily acquire data required for restoration.

  Specifically, in the gaming system, when each of the display devices 4 is turned on after clearing information such as a device number (device information) and game data stored in the storage unit 403, The machine number can be acquired from the game medium handling device 1, and game data can be acquired from the server device 2 based on the acquired machine number. Therefore, after the information is cleared, even if the power is turned on after clearing the information, for example, when an update is performed or when a new model is exchanged, the display number of the display 4 is changed to a game media handling number. It is possible to acquire game data from the server device 2 based on the acquired device number acquired from the device 1. As described above, in the gaming system, when it is required that the data corresponding to each of the display devices 4 be restored, the display devices 4 can easily acquire the game data required for the recovery.

  In the present embodiment, all the data stored in the storage unit 403 are deleted (step S1211) by the display units 4 in the process of selecting the device update. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. Specifically, each of the display devices 4 only needs to delete at least the device number and the game data from all the data stored in the storage unit 403 in the process when the device update is selected (first). The effect of the data recovery control is obtained.)

  Further, in the present embodiment, the data stored in the storage unit 403 of each display device 4 is deleted when the process at the time of selecting the device update is executed, but the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, the data stored in the storage unit 403 of each display 4 may be deleted when the display 4 is replaced with a new model.

  In the present embodiment, in the process of managing game data, information relating to the game from the game medium handling device 1 and the game machine 3 is classified into predetermined items by the server device 2 and managed as game data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Information related to a game from the game medium handling device 1 and the gaming machine 3 may be classified (edited) into predetermined items as game data before transmission (in advance). In addition, information on the game from the game medium handling device 1 and the gaming machine 3 may not be directly received by the server device 2 but may be received by the server device 2 indirectly via another device.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when all data is deleted from each display unit 4 in the process at the time of selecting the device update, the power supply of each display unit 4 is turned off. It is not necessary.

  Further, in the processing at the time of selecting the device update, each of the display units 4 may be restarted after obtaining the game data corresponding to the unit number and before recovering the data of today. In such a case, the process of restoring today's data (refer to step S1215) can be shared with the process at the time of normal startup of each of the display devices 4, and thus the display of each device 4 The executed process can be simplified.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the server device 2 transmits game data corresponding to the machine number in response to a request from each machine display 4, but automatically responds to the machine number even without the request. May be transmitted.

  Also, in the present embodiment, each unit display 4 is illustrated as an embodiment of the gaming device according to the present invention, but the gaming device according to the present invention is limited to each unit display. is not. That is, the gaming device according to the present invention may be any device that constitutes a pachinko gaming unit or a pachislot gaming unit.

  In the first data recovery control, each process performed by each of the display units 4, the game medium handling device 1, the gaming device 3, and the server device 2 includes at least each of the display devices 4, the game medium handling device 1, The processing may be performed by either the device 3 or the server device 2, and the processing target is not limited to the present embodiment.

  In addition, when recovery of data corresponding to each display 4 is required, the control that can easily acquire the data required for recovery is not limited to the first data recovery control as described above. . Hereinafter, another example of the first data recovery control (hereinafter, referred to as “second data recovery control”) will be described.

  Hereinafter, a control flow relating to the second data recovery control executed by each of the display devices 4, the game medium handling device 1, the game device 3, and the server device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 22, the process shown on the left side is a process executed on each display unit 4, the process shown on the upper center is a process executed on the game medium handling device 1, and the process shown on the lower center is The processing executed by the gaming machine 3 is the processing executed by the server device 2 on the right side. The processing executed by the second data recovery control includes a machine number setting process and a process when a device update is selected.

  First, the unit number setting process in the second data recovery control will be described. Note that the machine number setting process is a process executed when, for example, each machine display 4 is installed in a game arcade.

  For example, when each of the display units 4 is installed in a game hall, a predetermined machine number is input by operating a plurality of buttons 902 to 908 by employees of the game hall (step S1221). The unit number input to each unit display 4 is stored in the storage unit 403 of each unit display 4. In this way, the vehicle number is set in each vehicle display 4.

  The unit number set in each unit display 4 is transmitted to the server device 2. The machine number transmitted to the server device 2 is stored in the storage unit 222 of the game information management device 220. In this manner, the server numbers set in the respective display devices 4 are managed by the server device 2. In the server device 2, the machine number set in the game medium handling device 1 is transmitted. In this way, the server number set in the game medium handling device 1 is managed by the server device 2 together with the device number set in each of the display devices 4.

  In addition, information relating to the game is transmitted from the game medium handling device 1 and the gaming machine 3 to the server device 2.

  Specifically, information such as lending of game media, measurement of the number of game media, replay using a counting card or the like is transmitted from the game medium handling device 1 to the server device 2 as information relating to the game (step). S3221). In addition, information about the number of game media fired by the player (number of outs), the number of paid out media (the number of safes), the gaming state of the gaming machine 3, and the like are transmitted from the gaming machine 3 to the server device 2 as information regarding the game. It is transmitted (step S4221).

  When the server device 2 receives the information on the game from the game medium handling device 1 and the gaming machine 3, the server device 2 manages the information by the game information management device 220. Specifically, in the server device 2, the control unit 221 of the game information management device 220 sets the unit numbers of the game medium handling device 1 and the display units 4 that match each other as one group, and sets the information on the received game. Are classified into predetermined items for each corresponding unit number (as one group). Then, the control unit 221 of the game information management device 220 stores the classified information in the storage unit 222 and manages the classified information as game data (step S2221).

  The game data managed by the server device 2 is transmitted to each display 4 in a predetermined case (Step S2222).

  Next, a process when a device update is selected in the second data recovery control will be described.

  When the execution of the update is selected, each display 4 (control unit 400) deletes all data stored in the storage unit 403 (more specifically, all data stored after shipment from the factory). (clear. In this way, when the execution of the update is selected, each of the display units 4 returns to the state at the time of factory shipment (step S1222).

  Each of the display units 4 is restarted when it comes to the state at the time of factory shipment (step S1223). When each of the display units 4 is restarted, a predetermined unit number is input by the operation of the plurality of buttons 902 to 908 by the employee (step S1224). Each unit display 4 stores the input unit number in the storage unit 403. In this way, each unit display 4 acquires the unit number that was set before the factory shipment state was restored.

  Upon acquiring the machine number, each machine display 4 transmits, for example, information to the effect that the machine number has been acquired to the server device 2 and manages the game data (corresponding to the machine number) managed by the server device 2. Request transmission. In response to the request, the server device 2 transmits game data corresponding to the unit number (as one group) to each display unit 4 (Step S2222). In this way, each display 4 receives (acquires) game data from the server device 2.

  Upon acquiring the game data, each display 4 stores the acquired game data in the storage unit 403. In this manner, each display 4 acquires game data corresponding to the machine number (more specifically, game data relating to today's game including game data cleared in the process at the time of device update selection) (step S1225). ).

  Upon acquiring the game data, each of the display units 4 displays the acquired game data on the liquid crystal display unit 405 by classifying the acquired game data into predetermined items, or uses the acquired game data in the processing of the display unit 4. Create data for That is, each display 4 restores today's data corresponding to each display 4 (step S1226).

As described above, in the second data recovery control, each display 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention
Each display 4 (game device) provided corresponding to the gaming machine 3,
A liquid crystal display unit 405 (display means) for displaying game data (game information) which is information on the gaming machine 3;
A control unit 400 (communication means) for communicating with the server device 2 (management device) for managing the game data (game information);
A table number (identification information) that can be used to identify each of the display units 4 (game devices) and the game data (game information) stored in the display units 4 (game devices). A clearable control unit 400 (clearing means);
A plurality of buttons 902 to 908 (input means) capable of inputting the machine number (identification information);
With
When the power of each of the display units 4 (gaming devices) is turned on after the stand number (identification information) and the game data (game information) are cleared, the plurality of buttons 902 to 908 ( The game data (game information) can be obtained from the server device 2 (management device) when the machine number (identification information) is input by the input means).

  With such a configuration, each unit display 4 can be improved in versatility. Further, when it is required that the data corresponding to each of the display units 4 is restored, the display units 4 can easily acquire the data required for the restoration.

  Specifically, when the power is turned on after clearing information such as the vehicle number (vehicle information) and game data stored in the storage unit 403, each vehicle display device 4 has a plurality of vehicle numbers. The information can be obtained from the server device 2 by inputting through the buttons 902 to 908. In this way, when it is required that the data corresponding to each of the display devices 4 be restored, the display devices 4 can easily acquire the game data required for the recovery.

  In addition, for example, when the layout of a game arcade is changed, when an arbitrary machine number different from the initially used machine number is input to each machine display device 4, the server machine 2 adds It is possible to acquire the information based on the information. As described above, each display unit 4 is, for example, a case where the layout of the game arcade is changed (when an arbitrary base number different from the one originally used for each display unit 4 is input), and the like. Also, it is possible to easily obtain game data required for recovery.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of buttons 902 to 908 are used for inputting the machine number of each machine display 4, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an arbitrary means such as the remote controller is used. be able to.

<Illegal / door opening notification control (illegal / door opening)>
Here, as described above, conventionally, the technology of a game device and a game system provided in parallel with a gaming machine is known. For example, a booth device or a management system that can switch the operation mode of the booth device and that can be controlled between a normal business mode and a normal store closing mode has been proposed (see JP-A-2014-223494).

  A gaming machine and a gaming device are system-managed by the technology described in JP-A-2014-223494, but since a game hall has a concept of business hours, the gaming device is determined according to the business hours. Function is different. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-223494 discloses a technique for switching between a normal business mode and a normal store closing mode as an operation mode (function) according to business hours.

  However, in recent years, business hours are often changed, and simply switching modes (functions) in accordance with the business hours as described above has been insufficient as a function of the gaming machine.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus and a game system that are useful for a game arcade.

  In each of the display units 4 and the game system according to the embodiment of the present invention, control (hereinafter, referred to as “first fraud / door opening notification control”) that can be useful for the game arcade is performed. Be executed.

  In the following, a control flow relating to the first unauthorized / door opening notification control executed by each display 4, the gaming machine 3, the gaming medium handling device 1, and the server device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 23, the process shown on the left side is a process executed by each display unit 4, the process shown on the upper right side is a process executed on the gaming machine 3, and the process shown on the right center is a game medium handling. The processing executed by the device 1 is shown in the lower right part of FIG. The processing executed by the first fraud / door opening notification control includes a game data management processing and a fraud / door opening notification processing.

  In the first fraud / door opening notification control, security information transmitted from the gaming machine 3 is used (step S4311). The security information from the gaming machine 3 includes information such as that an error (abnormality) has occurred in the gaming machine 3 and that the base door 33 or the glass door 34 of the pachinko machine 3a is open. The security information from the gaming machine 3 includes a security signal output from the pachinko machine 3a or the pachislot machine 3b, a door / frame opening signal, and the like.

  In addition, in the first illegality / door opening notification control, information regarding a game transmitted from the gaming machine 3 is used (step S4312). The information on the game from the gaming machine 3 includes information such as the number of game media launched by the player (the number of outs), the number of paid out gaming media (the number of safes), the gaming state of the gaming machine 3, and the like. The information on the game from the gaming machine 3 includes an out-ball information signal output from the pachinko machine 3a or the pachi-slot machine 3b, a medal insertion signal, a prize ball signal, a medal payout signal, an external information 1 signal, and the like.

  In the first unauthorized / door opening notification control, security information transmitted from the game medium handling device 1 is used (step S3311). The security information from the game medium handling device 1 includes information indicating that an error (abnormality) has occurred in the game medium handling device 1 or the like. The security information from the game medium handling device 1 is composed of a security signal output from the game medium handling device 1 and the like.

  In the first fraud / door opening notification control, information on the game transmitted from the game medium handling device 1 is used (step S3312). The information on the game from the game medium handling device 1 includes information such as lending of a game medium, measurement of the number of game media, and replay using a counting card or the like. Information about the game from the game medium handling device 1 includes a card issuing signal output from the game medium handling device 1, a game ball lending signal, a ball replay signal, a possession ball information signal, a ball information signal, a medal lending signal, and the like. It consists of.

  First, processing for managing game data in the first fraud / door opening notification control will be described.

  Upon receiving the security information and the game-related information transmitted from the gaming machine 3 and the game medium handling device 1, the server device 2 stores and manages the information in the storage unit 222 of the game information management device 220 (step S2311). ).

  In addition, the server device 2 performs time management of the gaming machine 3, the gaming medium handling device 1, and the display units 4 (step S2312). For example, the server device 2 transmits information on the current time in response to a request from each of the display devices 4, and the current time measured by each of the display devices 4 is the same as the current time managed by the server device 2. Match. In addition, the server device 2 transmits information on the preset closing time to each display device 4.

  In addition, the server device 2 manages the opening and closing shop (step S2313). Specifically, when the managed current time reaches a preset closing time, the server device 2, for example, the ball management device 200, the member management device 210, the game information management device 220, and the display device management device 230. And so on for various devices. That is, the server device 2 invalidates various functions of the ball management device 200 and the like, and carries over the results of the ball held information, sales information, game information, and the like for the day.

  Next, the processing of the fraud / door opening notification in the first fraud / door opening notification control will be described.

  Each of the display units 4 has a case where some error (abnormality) occurs in the gaming machine 3 or the game medium handling device 1 or a case where the base door 33 or the glass door 34 of the gaming machine 3 (sling machine 3a) is open. For example, the security information transmitted from the gaming machine 3 or the game medium handling device 1 is received (step S1311).

  In this manner, the display units 4 indicate that an error has occurred in the gaming machine 3 or the game medium handling device 1 or that the base door 33 or the glass door 34 of the gaming machine 3 (sling machine 3a) is open. When the information (security information) is obtained, a request is made to the server device 2 to obtain information on the current time managed by the server device 2. When each unit display 4 acquires information on the current time from the server device 2, the current time managed by the server device 2 is measured by each unit display 4 (more specifically, the real-time clock). Check if it is the same as.

  If each of the display devices 4 confirms that the current time managed by the server device 2 is not the same (different) as the current time measured by each of the display devices 4, the display device 4 Is synchronized with the current time managed by the server device 2 (step S1312). Thus, the current time measured by each display device 4 is the same as the current time managed by the server device 2. In this way, each display 4 transmits and receives time data to and from the server device 2 to synchronize (coincide) the current time measured by each display 4 with the current time managed by the server 2. ).

  After setting the current time to be measured to be the same as the current time managed by the server device 2, each of the display devices 4 determines whether or not the current time to be measured is the store closing time (received from the server device 2). A determination is made (step S1313). Thus, each display 4 determines the business hours of the game arcade based on the current time matched with the server device 2.

  Then, when it is determined that the counted current time is the store closing time (the store is closed) (step S1314; Yes), each of the display devices 4 receives the game from the gaming machine 3 and the game medium handling device 1. It is determined whether or not a period during which no information about the terminal has been received has passed a specific period (step S1315). In the following, a period during which information regarding a game is not received from the gaming machine 3 and the game medium handling device 1 is referred to as a “non-reception period”.

  When each of the display units 4 determines that the non-reception period has passed the specific period (step S1315; Yes), a predetermined display (hereinafter, “error during error”) notifying that the security information has been received is given. (Referred to as “/ open door display”) is not displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 405 (step S1316).

  On the other hand, each of the display devices 4 determines that the measured current time is not the store closing time (the store is not closed) (step S1314; No), or that the measured current time is the store closing time (store closing). In the case where it is determined that the reception period is not longer than the specified period (Step S1314; Yes, Step S1315; No), the error / door open display is displayed. Settings that can be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 405 are performed (step S1317).

  In this way, after the display units 4 are set to be able to display the error / door open display on the liquid crystal display unit 405, if a predetermined display condition is satisfied, the error / door open display is displayed. Is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 405. That is, each of the display units 4 notifies the liquid crystal display unit 405 that the security information has been received. Note that the predetermined display condition is arbitrarily set by an employee of the game arcade or the like.

As described above, each of the display units 4 according to the embodiment of the present invention that executes the first unauthorized / door opening notification control is configured as follows.
The security information (first information) transmitted from the gaming machine 3 provided in correspondence with the gaming machine 3 provided in the game arcade, and the game of the gaming machine 3 different from the security information (first information) A display unit 4 (game device) capable of receiving information (second information);
A control unit 400 (business hours determination means) capable of determining the business hours of the game arcade;
A liquid crystal display unit 405 (notifying unit) for performing a predetermined notification according to the security information (first information);
With
If the security information (first information) is received (step S1311) when the game hall is open (step S1314; No), the liquid crystal display unit 405 (notification unit) transmits the security information (first information). Information) according to the information (step S1317),
When the game arcade is not open (Step S1314; Yes), when the non-reception period of the game information (second information) of the gaming machine 3 exceeds a specific time (Step S1315; Yes), the security information ( Even if the first information) is received (step S1311), the liquid crystal display unit 405 (notification unit) does not perform the predetermined notification (step S1316).

  With such a configuration, each unit display 4 can be improved in versatility. In addition, each display unit 4 can be useful for a game arcade.

  Specifically, even when it is determined that the game arcade is closed, each of the display devices 4 determines that the non-reception period does not exceed the specific time (that is, the period during which the game is not performed is longer than the specified period). For example, when the glass door 34 of the pachinko machine 3a is opened (when the specific time has not elapsed), a predetermined notification is issued from the liquid crystal display unit 405. In this way, even if, for example, there is an error in the setting of the store closing time, or when the store closing time is different from the normal business due to all-night business, etc., the individual display devices 4 prevent the intention of the game hall (to prevent improper activities). Along with the intention).

  In addition, since each of the display devices 4 can appropriately perform the notification as described above, the reliability of the notification can be maintained, and the security can be improved.

  In addition, for example, in the case where the setting of the closing time is correct, or in the case of normal business, the display unit 4 of the pachinko machine 3a operates under the premise that the illegal operation (game) is not performed after the closing time. Even if the base door 33 is in the open state, the predetermined notification is prevented from being performed (that is, unnecessary notification that does not conform to the intention of the game arcade is prevented), and the maintenance of each display unit 4 is prevented. Can be prevented from giving an uncomfortable feeling to the worker performing the operation.

In addition, each display 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
When the security information (first information) is received from the gaming machine 3, it communicates with the server device 2 (management device) that manages the gaming arcade, and exchanges time data used for determining the business hours with each other. To send and receive.

  With such a configuration, each display device 4 can mutually communicate with the server device 2 when receiving the security information and update the current time, so that the predetermined notification can be accurately executed. Becomes possible.

Further, the gaming system according to the embodiment of the present invention that executes the first unauthorized / door opening notification control,
The security information (first information) transmitted from the gaming machine 3 provided in correspondence with the gaming machine 3 provided in the game arcade, and the game of the gaming machine 3 different from the security information (first information) A game system including each display 4 (game device) capable of receiving information (second information),
A control unit 400 (business hours determination means) capable of determining the business hours of the game arcade;
A liquid crystal display unit 405 (notifying unit) for performing a predetermined notification according to the security information (first information);
With
Each of the display units 4 (game device)
If the security information (first information) is received (step S1311) when the game hall is open (step S1314; No), the liquid crystal display unit 405 (notification unit) transmits the security information (first information). Information) according to the information (step S1317),
When the game arcade is not open (Step S1314; Yes), when the non-reception period of the game information (second information) of the gaming machine 3 exceeds a specific time (Step S1315; Yes), the security information ( Even if the first information) is received (step S1311), the liquid crystal display unit 405 (notification unit) does not perform the predetermined notification (step S1316).

  With such a configuration, the gaming system can increase versatility. Also, the gaming system can be beneficial to a gaming arcade.

  More specifically, in the gaming system, each of the display units 4 determines that the non-receiving period does not exceed a specific time period even when it is determined that the game hall is closed (that is, when the game is played). In a case where the period during which the pachinko machine has not been operated does not exceed the specific time, for example, when the glass door 34 of the pachinko machine 3a is opened, a predetermined notification is issued from the liquid crystal display unit 405. In this way, in the gaming system, each of the display devices 4 can be used for the purpose of the amusement arcade (unauthorized) even if the closing time is incorrectly set or the closing time is different from normal business due to all-night business. Along with the intention of preventing the act).

  Further, in the gaming system, since each of the display devices 4 can appropriately perform the notification as described above, the reliability of the notification can be maintained, and the security can be improved.

  Further, in the gaming system, for example, in the case where the setting of the store closing time is correct, or in the case of normal business, for example, under the premise that improper conduct (game) is not performed after the store closing time, Even if the base door 33 of the pachinko machine 3a is in the open state, the predetermined notification is prevented from being performed (that is, unnecessary notification that does not conform to the intent of the game arcade is prevented), and the display of each unit is performed. It is possible to prevent a worker who performs maintenance of the machine 4 from feeling uncomfortable.

  In the present embodiment, the security information transmitted from the gaming machine 3 and the gaming medium handling device 1 and the information about the game transmitted from the gaming machine 3 and the gaming medium handling device 1 are defined as the gaming machine 3 or the gaming medium. Although it is transmitted directly from the handling device 1 to each display unit 4, it may be transmitted to each display unit 4 via another device (that is, indirectly). Specifically, the security information transmitted from the gaming machine 3 is transmitted from the gaming machine 3 to each display 4 via the gaming medium handling device 1 or from the gaming machine 3 via the server device 2. It may be transmitted to each display unit 4 or transmitted to each display unit 4 from the gaming machine 3 via another gaming device. The server device 2 receives information about the number of game media used as information about the game and information about the game media (or the number of game media) such as the number of payouts from the gaming machine 3, but is not limited thereto. Information about the game media (or the number of game media) output from the game machine 3 may be received from the game medium handling device 1, and the same applies to the security signal.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the business hours of the game arcade, that is, whether or not the store is closed, are determined by the display units 4, but may be determined by the server device 2. When the server device 2 determines whether or not the store is closed, each display unit 4 receives the determination result of the server device 2.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the management of the opening and closing shop is performed by the server device 2, but may be performed by each display device 4. Further, the management of the opening and closing shop may be selectively performed according to the mutual state of the server device 2 and the respective display devices 4.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display unit 405 has been described as an example of a notification unit that performs a predetermined notification. However, for example, a speaker 407 or the like may be used, and any device may be used.

  Also, in the present embodiment, each unit display 4 is illustrated as an embodiment of the gaming device according to the present invention, but the gaming device according to the present invention is limited to each unit display. is not. That is, the gaming device according to the present invention may be any device that constitutes a pachinko gaming unit or a pachislot gaming unit.

  In the first fraud / door opening notification control, each process performed by each of the display units 4, the game medium handling device 1, the gaming machine 3, and the server device 2 includes at least each of the display units 4, the game media handling device. 1. The processing may be performed by any one of the gaming machine 3 and the server device 2, and the processing target is not limited to that of the present embodiment.

  Also, unlike the case where the first unauthorized / door opening notification control is executed, for example, one of the plurality of display units 4 is set as the master display unit 4M. Others may be set as slave display units 4S. In the following, control in a case where each car display 4 is set as a master car display 4M and a slave car display 4S (hereinafter, referred to as “second unauthorized / door opening notification control”). Will be described. In the present embodiment, the number of master display units 4M is one, but two or more may be provided.

  In the following, a control flow regarding the second unauthorized / door opening notification control executed by the master display 4M, the slave display 4S, the gaming machine 3, the gaming medium handling device 1, and the server device 2 will be described. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 24, the processing shown on the upper left is processing executed by each slave display 4S, the processing shown on the lower left is processing executed on each master display 4M, and the processing shown on the upper right is performed. Is a process executed in the gaming machine 3, a process shown in the right center is a process executed in the game medium handling device 1, and a process shown in the lower right is a process executed in the server device 2. is there.

  The processing executed by the second injustice / door opening notification control includes a game data management process and an injustice / door opening notification process as in the first injustice / door opening notification control. In the process of managing game data in the second unauthorized / door opening notification control, substantially the same processing as the first unauthorized / door opening notification control is used in the description of the first unauthorized / door opening notification control. The description is omitted by attaching the reference numerals.

  The processing of the fraud / door opening notification in the second fraud / door opening notification control will be described.

  Each of the slave display devices 4S is in a state where an error (abnormality) occurs in the gaming machine 3 or the game medium handling device 1 or when the base door 33 or the glass door 34 of the gaming machine 3 (sling machine 3a) is open. In some cases, the security information transmitted from the gaming machine 3 or the game medium handling device 1 is received (step S1331). Upon receiving the security information, each slave display unit 4S transmits the security information to each master display unit 4M.

  In addition, after acquiring the security information, the slave display devices 4S perform display control of the liquid crystal display unit 405 when receiving information about the game from the game machine 3 or the game medium handling device 1 (step S1332). That is, as described later, when a setting is made so that a predetermined notification can be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 405, each of the slave display units 4S displays an error / open door message on the liquid crystal display unit 405. Is displayed (step S1333).

  When each slave display 4S receives information related to the game from the gaming machine 3 or the game medium handling device 1, the slave display 4S transmits the information related to the game to the master display 4M.

  As described above, when each of the slave displays 4S receives the security information, it transmits the security information to each of the master displays 4M. Therefore, each of the master displays 4M also acquires the security information. (Step S1341).

  In this way, upon acquiring the security information, the master display units 4M request the server device 2 and acquire information on the current time managed by the server device 2. Upon acquiring information on the current time from the server device 2, each of the master display devices 4 </ b> M measures the current time managed by the server device 2 with the corresponding display device 4 </ b> M (more specifically, the real-time clock). Check if the current time is the same as the current time.

  When the master display 4M confirms that the current time managed by the server device 2 is not the same as (different from) the current time measured by the display 4M, the master display 4M displays the display of the respective display. The current time measured by the device 4M is synchronized with the current time managed by the server device 2 (step S1342). In this way, the current time measured by each master display 4M becomes the same as the current time managed by the server device 2. As described above, the master display units 4M transmit and receive time data to and from the server device 2 to synchronize the current time measured by the display units 4M with the current time managed by the server device 2. (Match).

  The master display unit 4M sets the current time to be measured to be the same as the current time managed by the server device 2, and then determines whether or not the current time to be measured is the store closing time (received from the server device 2). Is determined (step S1343). In this way, each of the master display devices 4M determines the business hours of the game arcade based on the current time matched with the server device 2.

  Then, when it is determined that the measured current time is the store closing time (the store is closing) (step S1344; Yes), each of the master display devices 4M transmits the information from the gaming machine 3 and the game medium handling device 1. It is determined whether or not a period during which information regarding the game has not been received (non-reception period) has passed a specific period (step S1345).

  Then, when it is determined that the unreceived period has passed the specific period (Step S1345; Yes), each of the master display devices 4M (including the slave display devices 4S) has the respective display device 4M. In step S1346, a setting is made so that a predetermined display (error / opening door display) notifying that the security information has been received is not displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 405.

  On the other hand, each of the master display units 4M determines that the measured current time is not the store closing time (it is not closed) (step S1344; No), or the measured current time is the store closing time. If it is determined that (the store is closed) and it is determined that the non-reception period has not passed the specific period (step S1344; Yes, step S1345; No), the display of each slave is displayed. For each of the display units 4 (including the unit 4S), a setting is made so that an error / door open display can be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 405 (step S1347).

  In this manner, the setting is performed so that the master display 4M (including the slave display 4S) can display an error / door open display on the liquid crystal display unit 405 (including the slave display 4S). In this case, when each slave display 4S acquires security information (step S1331) and receives information related to the game from the gaming machine 3 or the game medium handling device 1 (step S1332), the liquid crystal display unit 405 is displayed. Displays an error / door open message (step S1333). That is, predetermined notification is performed in each slave display 4S.

In the present embodiment, each of the displays 4 has a master and a slave. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The game medium handling device 1 may be a master and each of the displays 4 may be a slave. In this case, the game medium handling device 1 is provided with a main control unit for controlling main functions of the game medium handling device 1 and a sub-control unit for controlling a display unit of the game medium handling device 1. 4 is provided with a sub-control unit that mainly performs display control of each display unit 4, and controls the main control unit of the game medium handling device 1 to issue a command to the sub-control unit of each display unit 4. Can be considered.
Then, the processing executed by each of the display devices 4 (master) and the game medium handling device 1 may be executed by the game medium handling device 1 and vice versa.

  Also, in steps S1346 and S1347 of this embodiment (the processing of the fraud / door opening notification in the second fraud / door opening notification control), a predetermined display (during error / door opening) to notify that security information has been received. The "medium display" refers to a predetermined display (error indicating that the security information has been received in steps S1316 and S1317 of the above-described processing (the processing of the fraud / door opening notification in the first fraud / door opening notification control). Medium / door open).

<Data correction control (correction of table data)>
Here, as described above, conventionally, the technology of a game device and a game system provided in parallel with a gaming machine is known. For example, it is determined whether or not a difference value between the number of held balls calculated from each numerical value and the number of held balls obtained from the inter-vehicle machine is within a range of a preset value, and the difference value is set in advance. A head-to-rail device or a management system capable of recognizing an out-of-range value as an abnormal state has been proposed (JP-A-2014-223494).

  However, gaming devices are system-managed by a technique as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-223494, and in recent years, the gaming devices handle various data, and in some cases, the data assumed by the gaming devices. In some cases, the type of data and the data to be received are different, and it is required that the gaming device can handle a variety of data.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object to provide a game apparatus and a game system that can handle various data and have improved versatility.

  Each display 4 and the game system according to the embodiment of the present invention can handle various data and can increase versatility (hereinafter, referred to as “first data correction control”). ) Is executed.

  In the following, a control flow regarding the first data correction control executed by each display 4, the gaming machine 3, the gaming medium handling device 1, and the server device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 25, the process shown on the left side is a process executed on each display unit 4, the process shown on the upper right side is a process executed on the gaming machine 3, and the process shown on the right center is the handling of the game medium. The processing executed by the device 1 is shown in the lower right part of FIG. The processing executed by the first data correction control includes a processing when selecting a device update.

  First, a process at the time of selecting a device update in the first data correction control will be described. The process at the time of selecting the device update is, for example, a process that is executed when an update for the purpose of troubleshooting a bug or adding various functions (update of a control program) is selected.

  In the first data correction control, information on the game transmitted from the gaming machine 3 is used (step S4411). The information on the game from the gaming machine 3 includes information such as the number of game media launched by the player (the number of outs), the number of paid out gaming media (the number of safes), the gaming state of the gaming machine 3, and the like. The information on the game from the gaming machine 3 includes an out-ball information signal output from the pachinko machine 3a or the pachi-slot machine 3b, a medal insertion signal, a prize ball signal, a medal payout signal, an external information 1 signal, and the like.

  In the first data correction control, information on the game transmitted from the game medium handling device 1 is used (step S3411). The information on the game from the game medium handling device 1 includes information such as lending of a game medium, measurement of the number of game media, and replay using a counting card or the like. Information about the game from the game medium handling device 1 includes a card issuing signal output from the game medium handling device 1, a game ball lending signal, a ball replay signal, a possession ball information signal, a ball information signal, a medal lending signal, and the like. It consists of.

  Thus, when the server device 2 receives the information on the game from the game medium handling device 1 and the gaming machine 3, the server device 2 manages the information by the game information management device 220. Specifically, in the server device 2, the control unit 221 of the game information management device 220 classifies the received information on the game into predetermined items for each corresponding machine number. Then, the control unit 221 of the game information management device 220 stores the classified information in the storage unit 222 and manages the classified information as game data. In a predetermined case, the server device 2 transmits the managed game data to each of the display devices 4 (see step S1415 described later).

  Then, when the execution of the update is selected by the employee of the amusement arcade, each display unit 4 (control unit 400) stores all the data stored in the storage unit 403 (more specifically, stores the data after shipment from the factory. Deleted) (cleared). In this way, when the execution of the update is selected, each of the display units 4 returns to the factory default state (step S1411).

  When each of the display units 4 is in the state at the time of shipment from the factory, it is restarted (step S1412). When each of the display units 4 is restarted, a predetermined unit number is input by an operation on a plurality of buttons 902 to 908 by an employee. Each unit display 4 stores (sets) the input unit number in the storage unit 403 (step S1413). In this way, each unit display 4 acquires the unit number that was set before the factory shipment state was restored. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the input machine number is the same as the machine number set before the factory default state, but the present invention is not limited to this. If the set machine number is different from the machine number set before the factory shipment, the data corresponding to the machine number input this time may be obtained.

  Upon setting the unit number, each unit display 4 transmits, for example, information indicating that the unit number has been set to the server device 2, and transmits update data (device data) of a device managed by the server device 2. Request. The server device 2 transmits the device data to each display 4 in response to the request. In this way, each display 4 receives (acquires) the device data from the server device 2 (step S1414). The device data includes data relating to a table (hereinafter, referred to as a “data table T1”) that stores game data for each item.

  When each device 4 acquires the device data, it transmits, for example, information to the effect that the device data has been acquired to the server device 2 and transmits the game data managed by the server device 2 (corresponding to the device number). Request. In response to the request, the server device 2 transmits game data corresponding to the device number to the display devices 4. Thus, each display 4 receives (acquires) the game data from the server device 2 (step S1415).

  Upon receiving the game data, each display 4 determines whether or not an item corresponding to the received game data exists in the item of the updated data table T1 (step S1416).

  When each of the display units 4 determines that there is no item corresponding to the received game data in the item of the updated data table T1, the display unit 4 discards the received game data from the storage unit 403 and Then, a data reception error for the game data is transmitted to the server device 2 (Step S1416; No, Step S1417).

  When receiving the reception error for the game data, the server device 2 cannot properly receive the game data from each of the display units 4 and discards the data from the storage unit 403 (that is, all the data transmitted to the display unit 4). Is displayed on the display section 260. As described above, the display units 4 notify the data of the game data that could not be properly received to the employees of the game hall via the server device 2 (step S2411).

  In addition, when each of the display devices 4 determines that there is an item corresponding to the received game data in the item of the data table T1 after the update, the display device 4 displays the item of the data table T1 (the received game data). Update by. In this case, if there is an item in the data table T1 that has not been updated by the game data, each display unit 4 updates the (not updated) item by performing a predetermined correction (step). S1416; Yes, step S1418). The predetermined correction process will be described later.

  Each display unit 4 displays, on the liquid crystal display unit 405, the presence or absence of an item that has not been updated with the received game data in the data table T1, and notifies the employee of the game hall. In addition, when there is an item that has not been updated by the received game data in the data table T1, each display unit 4 displays the item that has not been updated on the liquid crystal display unit 405, and the employee (Step S1419).

  In addition, when there is no item corresponding to the received game data in the items of the data table T1, each display unit 4 transmits to the server device 2 information on the data having no corresponding item. Upon receiving the information on the data, the server device 2 displays the data on the display unit 260. As described above, the display units 4 notify the data of the game data that could not be properly received to the employees of the game hall via the server device 2 (step S2411).

  In the following, a description will be given of a predetermined correction process performed by each of the display units 4 (control unit 400).

  The predetermined correction process performed by each of the display units 4 (the control unit 400) means that when there is an item that has not been updated by the game data in the data table T1 as described above, the update of the item that has not been updated is performed. This is the processing to be performed. In addition, the predetermined correction process performed by each of the display units 4 (the control unit 400) is included in the process performed by the first data correction control.

  First, an example of the data table T1 of each display 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The data table T1 shown in FIG. 26 is stored in the storage unit 403 of each display device 4. The data table T1 includes items “number”, “time”, “game state”, “(A) total game number (number of times)”, “(B) total number of outs (number of times)”, “(C) total number of outs”. Number of safes (sheets), "(D) Difference ball (sheets)", "(E) Final start (number of times)", "(F) Out between prizes (sheets)", "(G) Safe between prizes (sheets) ) "," (H) Grand Prize Middle Prism (pieces) "," (I) Grand Prize Out (pieces) "," (J) Grand Prize Safe (pieces) "," (K) Grand Prize Medium Difference Ball (pieces) " ) "And" (L) Maximum holding ball (sheets) ".

The “unit number” is a unique identification number for each gaming unit (pachinko gaming unit and pachislot gaming unit).
The “time” is a time at which a special prize, counting, fraud, or the like occurs.
The "game state" is a type of bonus.
The “(A) total game number (number of times)” is obtained by subtracting the previous “(E) final start (number of times)” from the total of “(E) final start (number of times)”.
In addition, “(B) total number of outs (number of times)” is the sum of “(F) Out of special prize (pieces)” and “(I) Out of special prize (pieces)”. It is.
“(C) Total safe number (pieces)” is the sum of “(G) Safe between prizes (pieces)” and “(J) Safe during prize (pieces)”. It is.
Further, “(D) Difference ball (sheets)” is obtained by subtracting “(C) Total safe number (sheets)” from “(B) Total number of outs (number of times)”.
Further, “(E) final start (number of times)” is obtained by subtracting “(A) total number of games (number of times)” from the last “(A) total number of games (number of times)” to “(A) total number of games (number of times)”. is there.
Further, “(F) Out of special prize (sheets)” is the number of outs between special prizes.
Also, “(G) safe between special prizes (sheets)” is the number of safes between special prizes.
Further, “(H) Special prize difference (sheets)” is obtained by subtracting “(F) Special prize out (sheets)” from “(G) Safe between prizes (sheets)”.
Further, “(I) Out (prize) during special prize” is the number of outs during the special prize. Specifically, “(I) Out of special prize (pieces)” is 48 (24 payouts with two pieces) when the bonus is “BB”, and is “RB” when the bonus is “RB”. Is 20 (10 payouts with 2 cards).
"(J) Safe during special prize (sheets)" is the number of safes during the special prize. More specifically, “(J) Safe during special prize (sheet)” is 360 when the bonus is “BB” (15 winning combinations are formed 24 times), and when the bonus is “RB”. , 150 (15 winning combinations are established 10 times).
The “(K) special prize middle difference (sheets)” is obtained by subtracting “(J) special prize safe (sheets)” from “(I) special prize out (sheets)”.
Further, “(L) maximum holding ball (pieces)” is a maximum value obtained by subtracting “(B) total number of outs (number of times)” from “(C) total safe number (pieces)”. In addition, since “(L) maximum possessed ball (pieces)” can have the maximum value after the end of the special prize, it can be calculated by comparing the values immediately after the end of the special prize, and can also be calculated in real time.

In the present embodiment, the expressions of the number of outs and the number of safes are used. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of outs (the number of hits, the number of coins played by a player, or the number of ), And may be a safe number (payout number, or the number of coins paid out from the gaming machine, or the number of balls paid out from the gaming machine).
In particular, as a method of managing the number of outs of the gaming machine 3 that uses the gaming ball, a game ball discharged from the outlet of the gaming machine 3 (e.g., discharged from the gaming machine 3 without passing through the payout device 106 of the gaming machine 3). Game balls) are detected (or counted) by an outbox (such as an out detection sensor) provided as an island facility, and the detection (or count) is performed in the gaming machine 3 (the number of balls fired). However, the present invention is not limited to this. The gaming device provided in the gaming machine 3 may be used to determine the number of used gaming machines.
In particular, in the enclosed game machine, the game balls are sealed in the game machine 3 and the number of shot balls (or a signal output for each shot) is directly or indirectly transmitted because the game balls are not discharged to the outside. It is conceivable to manage the number of balls fired by the game medium lending device attached to the gaming machine 3 in order to obtain the number of balls, but the present invention is not limited to this. If it is a gaming device corresponding to the gaming machine 3, There is no particular limitation. At this time, it is conceivable that the number of shot balls is managed as electronic data, and the game media used in the enclosed game machine or the island equipment is not limited.
The above-mentioned island facilities may be various facilities such as facilities for installing a game machine, facilities for managing game media, and facilities for managing valuable values (paper sheets). Generally manages gaming machines on an island basis, and includes all facilities for managing gaming machines installed on an island basis.

  In the following, for convenience of explanation, “(A) total number of games (number of times)”, “(B) total number of outs (number of times)”, “(C) total number of safes (pieces)”, “(D) difference ball” (Sheets) "," (E) Final start (number of times) "," (F) Out between prizes (sheets) "," (G) Safe between prizes (sheets) "," (H) Special prize middle difference balls (sheets) ) "," (I) Out of special prize (piece) "," (J) Safe during prize (piece) "," (K) Medium prize ball (piece) "," (L) Maximum holding ball (piece) With “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “F”, “G”, “H”, “I”, “J”, “K”, “L” ".

  In the data table T1, the game data of the gaming machine 3 (pachi-slot machine 3b) of “serial number” (unit number) 1 performed from time 10:00 to time 22:50 is “serial number” or “time number”. , "Game state", "A" and the like. Thus, the data classified in the data table T1 is managed as today's data corresponding to each of the display devices 4 (having the data table T1).

  Next, an example of the data table T1 in a state at the time of factory shipment will be described with reference to FIG.

  For example, when execution of update is selected for each display unit 4, each display unit 4 deletes (clears) all data stored in the storage unit 403, and returns to the state at the time of factory shipment. In such a state, the data table T1 is set to NULL data, which means that there is no corresponding data for all items. Thus, in the state at the time of factory shipment, NULL data is set for all items, so that after clearing all data, a numerical value “0” remains in any item. Also, it can be easily determined that the numerical value “0” does not mean the initial value, but means that the clearing process was not performed normally.

  Next, a specific example of the predetermined correction will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the following, for convenience of explanation, the game data (see step S1415 shown in FIG. 25) received by each display device 4 from the server device 2 includes, as items, a game number, a time, a game state, a total number of games, and a total number of games. Includes data (numerical values) related to the number, the total safe number, and the difference (namely, items corresponding to the items “number”, “time”, “game state”, and “A” to “D” in the data table T1). It is assumed that

  Upon receiving such game data, each display unit 4 updates an item of the data table T1 with the received game data. Specifically, each display unit 4 displays data (numerical values) related to the received game data items (number, time, game state, total number of games, total number of outs, total number of safes, and difference balls). An input is made to an item of the data table T1 corresponding to the received game data item. In this way, the items corresponding to the items “serial number”, “time”, “game state”, and “A” to “D” in the data table T1 are updated, and the items corresponding to the current day corresponding to the respective display devices 4 are updated. Data is created.

  In addition, since each of the display units 4 has an item that has not been updated with the game data among the items of the data table T1 (that is, “E” to “L”), the item that has not been updated as a predetermined correction includes a numerical value. Enter "0". As described above, the display units 4 update the items that are not updated by the game data among the items of the data table T1 with the numerical value “0” (corrected value).

  By performing such a correction, for example, when each of the display units 4 in a factory-shipped state receives game data, an item of the game data (received) corresponds to an item of the data table T1. Even when the number is small, it is possible to prevent NULL data from remaining in the item of the data table T1. In this way, even when performing an arithmetic operation on the data (numerical values) relating to the items “E” to “L” of the data table T1, for example, and performing some display, an error occurs due to NULL data that cannot be arithmetically operated. Can be prevented.

  When the numerical value “0” is input as data relating to the items “E” to “L” in the data table T1 as described above, each unit display 4 displays the items “E” to “L” of the liquid crystal display unit 405. It is not necessary to display data (numerical value “0”) in the display area related to items, and it is not necessary to display the display area itself related to items “E” to “L”.

  In the present embodiment, the numerical value “0” is input (updated) as the corrected value, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the corrected value may be a preset value and may be updated in a format corresponding to the item of the data table T1. Specifically, the item “time” of the data table T1 will be described as an example. The corrected value is obtained by updating a preset numerical value “0” in a format corresponding to the item “time”. The above-mentioned “00:00” may also be used. Note that a format corresponding to an item in the data table T1 can be set for each item. Further, on the liquid crystal display unit 405 of each display unit 4, the display of the items of the data table T1 is not affected by the format of the received game data.

As described above, each unit display 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention that executes the first data correction control includes:
Each display unit 4 (gaming device) provided corresponding to the gaming machine 3 and capable of communicating with a server device 2 (management device) capable of managing game data (game information) as information of the gaming machine 3. So,
A liquid crystal display unit 405 (display means) for displaying the game data (game information);
A data table T1 (storage table) for storing the game data (game information) for each item;
An IF 410 (receiving means) for receiving the game data (game information) transmitted from the server device 2 (management device);
A control unit 400 (updating unit) that updates the data table T1 (storage table) according to the game data (game information) received by the IF 410 (receiving unit);
With
The control unit 400 (update means)
The game data (game information) received by the IF 410 (receiving means) includes, for example, data (information) regarding the total number of games (first item) and the total number of outs (second item) in the data table T1 (storage table). ) Is included in the data table T1 (storage table) in accordance with the game data (game information) received by the IF 410 (receiving means) and "(A) the total number of games (number of times)" and " (B) the total number of outs (number of times)
If the game data (game information) includes, for example, data (information) related to the total number of games and does not include data (information) related to the final start, the data table is set according to the game data (game information). The “(A) total number of games (number of times)” in T1 (storage table) is updated, and the “(E) final start (number of times)” is a numerical value according to the “(E) final start (number of times)”. "0" (corrected value).

  With such a configuration, each display unit 4 can handle a variety of data, and can increase versatility.

  Specifically, each display 4 can change the update mode of the data table T1 according to the data included in the game data received by the IF 410. That is, when the received game data includes, for example, data relating to the total number of games and the total number of outs, the display units 4 may display “(A) total number of games (number of times)”, “( B) The total number of outs (the number of times) is updated. When the received game data includes, for example, data relating to the total number of games, and there is no data relating to the final start, each of the display devices 4 determines “(A) the total number of games (number of times)” according to the received data. Is updated, and the data related to “(E) final start (number of times)” is updated with a numerical value “0” corrected according to “(E) final start (number of times)”.

  As described above, each of the display units 4 determines whether the data regarding the first item and the second item exists, the case where the data regarding the first item exists but the data regarding the second item does not exist, , The game data can be received. In this way, in each of the display devices 4, for example, data relating to the first item and the second item are transmitted from the server device of company A, and only data relating to the first item is transmitted from the server device of company B. Even in such a case, it is possible to cope with the situation, and the versatility can be improved.

Further, each unit display 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention that executes the first data correction control includes:
Each display unit 4 (gaming device) provided corresponding to the gaming machine 3 and capable of communicating with a server device 2 (management device) capable of managing game data (game information) as information of the gaming machine 3. So,
A liquid crystal display unit 405 (display means) for displaying the game data (game information);
A storage unit 403 (storage means) capable of storing the game data (game information);
A data table T1 (storage table) for storing the game data (game information) stored in the storage unit 403 (storage means) for each item;
An IF 410 (receiving means) for receiving the game data (game information) transmitted from the server device 2 (management device);
A control unit 400 (updating unit) that updates the data table T1 (storage table) according to the game data (game information) received by the IF 410 (receiving unit);
A control unit 400 (clear means) capable of clearing the game data (game information) stored in the storage unit 403 (storage means);
With
The data table T1 (storage table)
When cleared by the control unit 400 (clearing means), for example, NULL data (arithmetic impossible) is added to “(A) total number of games (number of times)” (first item) and “time” (second item). Value)
The control unit 400 (update means)
The game data (game information) received by the IF 410 (receiving means) includes data (information) related to the “(A) total number of games (number of times)” (first item), and the “time” (number of times) If the data (information) relating to the second item) is not included, the “(A) total number of games (number of times)” in the data table T1 (storage table) according to the game data (game information) ( The first item is updated, and the "time" (second item) is set to a value predetermined according to the "time" (second item) in a format corresponding to the second item. To be updated.

  With such a configuration, each display unit 4 can handle a variety of data, and can increase versatility.

  Specifically, when each of the display units 4 (control unit 400) clears the data stored in the storage unit 403, it stores the same value in a plurality of items of the data table T1. Can be simplified.

  If the received game data includes data relating to “(A) total number of games (number of times)”, but does not include data relating to “time”, each of the display devices 4 responds to the game data. Then, “(A) total number of games (number of times)” in the data table T1 is updated, and “time” updates a predetermined value according to the “time” in a format corresponding to “time”. For example, each display unit 4 sets NULL data that cannot be arithmetically operated when cleared, for “(A) total number of games (number of times)” and “time”, and receives data. Updates "(A) total number of games (number of times)" based on the data.

  Also, the value of “time” is updated in a format corresponding to “time”, so that the value of “time” differs depending on the number of digits (for example, “00:00” and “00:00:00”). The likelihood of a problem occurring can be reduced. It is assumed that the problem may be such that when the condition determination is performed, the number of digits of the data to be referred to changes and the condition determination cannot be performed normally. In addition, even if each arithmetic unit 4 updates an arithmetically operable numerical value such as “0” with respect to “time” in the data table T1 as a predetermined value, the initial value is “0”. Can be clarified as to whether or not “0” exists as a result of updating, so that data can be received within a range where items exist in the data table T1. Can be enhanced.

Further, the gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention, which executes the first data correction control,
A server device 2 (management device) capable of managing game data (game information), which is information on the gaming machine 3,
A gaming system provided with each of the gaming machines 3 and having a display unit 4 (gaming device) capable of communicating with the server device 2 (management device);
A liquid crystal display unit 405 (display means) for displaying the game data (game information);
A data table T1 (storage table) for storing the game data (game information) for each item;
An IF 410 (receiving means) for receiving the game data (game information) transmitted from the server device 2 (management device);
A control unit 400 (updating unit) that updates the data table T1 (storage table) according to the game data (game information) received by the IF 410 (receiving unit);
With
The control unit 400 (update means)
The game data (game information) received by the IF 410 (receiving means) includes, for example, data (information) regarding the total number of games (first item) and the total number of outs (second item) in the data table T1 (storage table). ) Is included in the data table T1 (storage table) in accordance with the game data (game information) received by the IF 410 (receiving means) and "(A) the total number of games (number of times)" and " (B) the total number of outs (number of times)
If the game data (game information) includes, for example, data (information) related to the total number of games and does not include data (information) related to the final start, the data table is set according to the game data (game information). The “(A) total number of games (number of times)” in T1 (storage table) is updated, and the “(E) final start (number of times)” is a numerical value according to the “(E) final start (number of times)”. "0" (corrected value).

  With such a configuration, the gaming system can handle a variety of data, and can increase versatility.

  Specifically, in the gaming system, each display 4 can change the update mode of the data table T1 according to the data included in the game data received by the IF 410. That is, when the received game data includes, for example, data relating to the total number of games and the total number of outs, the display units 4 may display “(A) total number of games (number of times)”, “( B) The total number of outs (the number of times) is updated. When the received game data includes, for example, data relating to the total number of games, and there is no data relating to the final start, each of the display devices 4 determines “(A) the total number of games (number of times)” according to the received data. Is updated, and the data related to “(E) final start (number of times)” is updated with a numerical value “0” corrected according to “(E) final start (number of times)”.

  As described above, in the gaming system, each of the display devices 4 determines whether the data regarding the first item and the second item exists and the case where the data regarding the first item exists but the data regarding the second item exists. If not, game data can be received even if exists. In this way, in each of the display devices 4, for example, data relating to the first item and the second item are transmitted from the server device of company A, and only data relating to the first item is transmitted from the server device of company B. Even in such a case, it is possible to cope with the situation, and the versatility can be improved.

  In addition, in this embodiment, as an embodiment of the gaming device according to the present invention, each unit display 4 is exemplified, but the gaming device according to the present invention is limited to each unit display. is not. That is, the gaming device according to the present invention may be any device that constitutes a pachinko gaming unit or a pachislot gaming unit.

  In the first data correction control, each process performed by each of the display units 4, the game medium handling device 1, the gaming machine 3, and the server device 2 includes at least each of the display devices 4, the game medium handling device 1, The processing may be performed by either the device 3 or the server device 2, and the processing target is not limited to the present embodiment.

  Note that control capable of handling various data and increasing versatility is not limited to the first data correction control as described above. Hereinafter, another example of the first data correction control (hereinafter, referred to as “second data correction control”) will be described.

  In the following, a control flow relating to the second data correction control executed by each of the display devices 4, the game medium handling device 1, the game device 3, and the server device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 29, the process shown on the left side is a process executed by each display unit 4, the process shown on the upper right side is a process executed on the gaming machine 3, and the process shown on the right center is a game media handling. The processing executed by the device 1 is shown in the lower right part of FIG. The processing executed by the second data correction control includes the processing at the time of selecting the device update, similarly to the first data correction control. In addition, among the processing at the time of selecting the device update in the second data correction control, the processing that is substantially the same as the first data correction control is denoted by the reference numeral used in the description of the first correction control. Description is omitted.

  First, a process when a device update is selected in the second data correction control will be described.

  Upon receiving the game data (step S1415), each display unit 4 inputs (stores) the received game data (numerical value) into the corresponding item of the data table T1 (step S1421). At this time, when there is an item that does not correspond to the item in the data table T1 in the game data, each display unit 4 deletes the data without storing the data relating to the item that does not correspond.

  After storing the received game data, if there is an item in the data table T1 that has not been updated by the game data, each display unit 4 performs the predetermined correction as described above to update the item. The missing item is updated (step S1422). If there is an item in the data table T1 that has not been updated by the game data, the display units 4 may display the information (even if the update is performed by performing the predetermined correction as described above). ) The display area pertaining to the item is not displayed (step S1423).

  It should be noted that a specific example of the predetermined correction by each of the display devices 4 is not limited to the one shown in FIG. In the following, another example (another specific example) of the predetermined correction by each display device 4 will be described.

  First, a first different example of the predetermined correction by each display 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the following, for convenience of explanation, the game data received by each display unit 4 from the server device 2 includes items such as a number, a time, a game state, a total number of games, a total number of outs, and a total number of safes (that is, data). It is assumed that data (numerical values) relating to the items of “table number”, “time”, “game state”, and “A” to “C” in the table T1 are included.

  Upon receiving such game data, each display unit 4 updates an item of the data table T1 with the received game data. Specifically, each of the display units 4 displays data (numerical values) related to the received game data items (number, time, game state, total number of games, total number of outs and total number of safes) in the received game data. An input is made to an item of the data table T1 corresponding to the item of data. In this way, the items corresponding to the items “serial number”, “time”, “game state”, and “A” to “C” in the data table T1 are updated, and the items corresponding to the current day corresponding to the respective display devices 4 are updated. Data is created.

  In addition, among the items “D” to “L” that have not been updated by the game data, “D” (that is, difference ball) refers to “(B) the total number of outs (number of times)” to “( C) The total safe number (sheets) "is subtracted. Here, each display device 4 has received data on the items “B” and “C”. Therefore, each display 4 performs the above-described arithmetic operation on the data regarding the items “B” and “C” to calculate the difference. In this way, each display unit 4 updates the item “D” of the data table T1 using the data on the calculated difference ball as a predetermined correction.

  As described above, by performing the predetermined correction (the first alternative example), even when there is an insufficient item in the received game data, each display unit 4 receives the missing item. Updates can be made using other items. That is, each display unit 4 can easily update the items of the data table T1.

  Next, a second alternative example of the predetermined correction by the display units 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the following, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that each display device 4 has received two game data (hereinafter, referred to as “data A” and “data B”) from the server device 2 for convenience.

  The data A also includes items such as a game number, a time, a game state, a total number of games, a total number of outs, a total number of safes, and a difference ball (that is, the items “general number”, “time”, “game” It is assumed that data (numerical values) relating to “state” and “items corresponding to“ A ”to“ D ”) are included. Further, the data B includes items such as serial number, time, final start, special prize out, special prize same, and special prize middle difference ball (that is, the items “general number”, “time” and “E” in the data table T1). It is assumed that data (numerical value) related to the item “H”) is included.

  Upon receiving such game data, each display unit 4 performs a combining process of the data A and the data B. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 31, for example, each of the display devices 4 has one game data (hereinafter referred to as "data") so that items (serial number and time) of both data do not overlap. C "). In this manner, each of the display devices 4 performs the predetermined correction from the two game data based on the game number, the time, the game state, the total number of games, the total number of outs, the total number of safes, the difference ball, the final start, the inter-prize out, the special award One piece of data (data C) including the items of the inter-same and the special middle prize ball is generated.

  After generating the data C, each display unit 4 updates the items of the data table T1 with the data C. More specifically, each of the display units 4 displays the items of the generated data C (number, time, game state, total number of games, total number of outs, total number of safes, difference balls, final start, out of special prize, special prize). The data (numerical value) relating to the inter-same and the special prize middle difference ball) is input to the data table T1 corresponding to the data C item. In this way, the items corresponding to the items “serial number”, “time”, “game state”, and “A” to “H” in the data table T1 are updated, and the items corresponding to the current day corresponding to the respective display devices 4 are updated. Data is created.

  As described above, by performing the predetermined correction (the second alternative example), each of the display units 4 can appropriately update the item of the data table T1 even if the received game data is plural. Can be done.

<Data communication control (device update)>
Here, as described above, conventionally, the technology of a game device and a game system provided in parallel with a gaming machine is known. For example, it is determined whether or not a difference value between the number of held balls calculated from each numerical value and the number of held balls obtained from the inter-vehicle machine is within a range of a preset value, and the difference value is set in advance. A head-to-rail device or a management system capable of recognizing an out-of-range value as an abnormal state has been proposed (JP-A-2014-223494).

  A gaming device is system-managed by a technique described in JP-A-2014-223494, and recently various settings and data are managed for each gaming device. In managing such a gaming device, the gaming device may receive a large amount of data from the management device or the like.

  However, since it is conceivable that the gaming device has a small storage capacity due to the nature of operation, data communication is always required in consideration of the storage capacity of the gaming device.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problem, and has as its object to provide a game device and a game system that are highly secure by performing data communication in consideration of the storage capacity of the game device.

  The display units 4 and the game system according to the embodiment of the present invention perform control (hereinafter, referred to as “the first control unit”) that can enhance security by performing data communication in consideration of the storage capacity of each display unit 4. One data communication control ”is executed.

  In the following, a control flow regarding the first data communication control executed by each of the display devices 4 and the server device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 32, the process shown on the left is a process executed by each display device 4, and the process shown on the right is a process executed by the server device 2. The processing executed by the first data communication control includes a machine number setting processing and a processing when selecting a device update.

  First, the unit number setting process in the first data communication control will be described. Note that the machine number setting process is a process executed when, for example, each machine display 4 is installed in a game arcade.

  For example, when each unit display 4 is installed in a game hall, a predetermined machine number is input by operating a plurality of buttons 902 to 908 by employees of the game hall. The unit number input to each unit display 4 is stored in the storage unit 403 of each unit display 4. In this way, the vehicle number is set to each vehicle display 4 (step S1511).

  The unit number set in each unit display 4 is transmitted to the server device 2. The machine number transmitted to the server device 2 is stored in the storage unit 222 of the game information management device 220. In this manner, the server numbers set in the respective display devices 4 are managed by the server device 2.

  The server device 2 manages information about the game transmitted from the game medium handling device 1 and the gaming machine 3 as game data. The information on the game transmitted from the game medium handling device 1 includes information such as lending of the game medium, measurement of the number of game media, and replay using a counting card or the like. In addition, the information on the game transmitted from the gaming machine 3 includes information such as the number of game media fired by the player (number of outs), the number of paid out gaming media (the number of safes), and the gaming state of the gaming machine 3. It is.

  Further, the server device 2 manages update data for the purpose of, for example, dealing with a bug in each of the display devices 4. Note that the update data is information relating to the update of the control program of each display device 4. The update data includes, for example, version information of each display device 4 (device).

  These (unit number, update data, and game data) are managed in association with each other, and are appropriately used in a process when selecting a device update described later.

  Next, a process when a device update is selected in the first data communication control will be described. The process at the time of selecting the device update is, for example, a process that is executed when an update for the purpose of troubleshooting a bug or adding various functions (update of a control program) is selected.

  When the execution of the update is selected, each display 4 (control unit 400) deletes all data stored in the storage unit 403 (more specifically, all data stored after shipment from the factory). (clear. In this way, when the execution of the update is selected, each of the display units 4 returns to the factory default state (step S1512).

  When each of the display units 4 is in the state at the time of shipment from the factory, it is restarted (step S1513). When each of the display units 4 is restarted, a predetermined unit number is input by an operation on a plurality of buttons 902 to 908 by an employee. Each unit display 4 stores the input unit number in the storage unit 403. In this way, for each of the display units 4, the unit number set before the factory default state is set again (step S1514).

  When the vehicle number is set, each vehicle display 4 transmits the server number and the current version information of each vehicle display 4 (device) to the server device 2.

  In this way, when the server device 2 receives the machine number and the current version information (hereinafter, referred to as “second version information” for convenience), the server 2 sets the received second version information and the machine number setting process as described above. And the version number of the update data (hereinafter, referred to as “first version information” for convenience) managed by the system. If the server device 2 determines that the second version information is older than the first version information, the server device 2 transmits the managed update data to each of the display devices 4 (step S2511).

  In this way, after performing the restart, if the second version information is older than the first version information, each display unit 4 receives the update data from the server device 2 (step S1515). Each display unit 4 stores the received update data in the storage area.

  When each of the display units 4 receives the update data from the server device 2, the data amount of the received update data is equal to the data capacity (the data reception limit and the storage limit) of each of the display units 4. Is determined (step S1516).

  Note that even if the update data does not exceed the data capacity of each of the display devices 4, the update data may exceed the capacity allocated as the system data area. This is performed based on whether the data exceeds the capacity allocated as the data area of each display device 4 or whether the data exceeds the free space of the entire memory.

  Here, there are two methods for the judgment of each display device 4. Specifically, the two methods are methods for confirming whether or not the amount of information received (downloaded) by each display 4 from the server device 2 exceeds the storage capacity of each display 4. (Hereinafter, referred to as a “first confirmation method”), the amount of information after decompressing or updating (installing) the information received (downloaded) from the server device 2 by each display device 4 is determined by the amount of information of each display device 4 This is a method of confirming whether or not the storage capacity is exceeded (hereinafter, referred to as a “second confirmation method”). Each display unit 4 may perform both the first confirmation method and the second confirmation method, or may perform only one of the first confirmation method and the second confirmation method.

  When each of the display devices 4 determines that the data amount of the received update data exceeds the data capacity of the display device 4 (step S1516; Yes), the display device 4 receives the update data. Canceled in the middle (step S1517). Further, each display 4 deletes the already received update data (step S1518). As a result, the display units 4 execute various controls based on the control program in which the control program is not updated (updated).

  On the other hand, when each display device 4 determines that the data amount of the received update data does not exceed the data capacity of each display device 4 (step S1516; No), the display data of the update data is received. Continue receiving (do not cancel midway). When the reception of the update data is completed, each display unit 4 updates based on the received update data (step S1519). As a result, the display units 4 execute various controls based on the control program in which the control program is updated (updated).

  After performing the update (step S1519) or deleting the received update data (step S1518), each display unit 4 transmits information indicating that these processes are completed to the server device 2, Requests transmission of game data managed by the server device 2. In response to the request, the server device 2 transmits game data corresponding to the machine number to each machine display 4 (step S2512). In this way, each display 4 receives (acquires) game data corresponding to the device number from the server device 2 (step S1520).

  When receiving the game data, each display 4 transmits the reception result of the update data and the reception result of the game data to the server device 2 (step S1521). That is, when the update data is deleted (step S1518), each display unit 4 stores information on the reception failure of the update data and information on the completion of the reception of the game data (data of today) in the server. Transmit to device 2. In addition, when the update is performed (step S1519), each of the display devices 4 sends, to the server device 2, information indicating that the update data has been successfully received and information indicating that the game data (today's data) has been completely received. Send.

  Further, when the game data is acquired, the display units 4 classify the acquired game data into predetermined items, thereby displaying the game data on the liquid crystal display unit 405 or using the game data in the processing of the display unit 4. Or create data for That is, each display 4 restores today's data corresponding to each display 4 (step S1522).

  In addition, when the server device 2 acquires the information of the failure of the reception of the update data from each of the display devices 4, the maintenance of each of the display devices 4 is necessary (that is, the version of each of the display devices 4 is changed). It needs to be updated) (step S2513). Thus, when the server device 2 determines that the maintenance of each of the display devices 4 is necessary, the server device 2 performs a predetermined display on the display unit 260 to notify the employee of the game arcade.

  As described above, when it is determined in the processing at the time of selecting the device update that the data amount of the update data exceeds the data capacity, each of the display devices 4 cancels the reception of the update data, To receive. In this way, after restarting, the display units 4 can be used for the time being, and can prevent the operation of the game arcade from being hindered.

As described above, each display device 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention that executes the first data communication control includes:
Each display unit 4 (gaming device) provided corresponding to the gaming machine 3 and capable of communicating with a server device 2 (management device) capable of managing game data (game information) as information of the gaming machine 3. So,
A liquid crystal display unit 405 (display means) for displaying the game data (game information);
A storage area (storage means) for storing a control program for each of the display units 4 (game device);
A control unit 400 (update means) for updating the control program;
IF410 (receiving means) for receiving update data (information on the control program) from the server device 2 (management device) when updating the control program;
When the IF 410 (receiving means) receives the update data, the update data (information on the control program) stored in the storage area (storage means) reduces the storage capacity of the storage area (storage means). A control unit 400 (determination means) for determining whether or not to exceed
When the control unit 400 (determination means) determines that the storage capacity of the storage area (storage means) is exceeded, the control unit 400 (storage area excess) discards the update data received by the IF 410 (reception means). Control means),
It is provided with.

  With such a configuration, each unit display 4 can be improved in versatility. In addition, each display device 4 can improve security by performing data communication in consideration of storage capacity.

  Specifically, when updating (updating) the control program, each display unit 4 determines whether or not the received update data exceeds the storage capacity of each display unit 4. In this way, each display unit 4 receives the update data, and updates the control program (update) when it determines that the update data does not exceed the storage capacity of each display unit 4. Data can be prevented from being transmitted beyond the storage capacity of each display device 4.

  When each of the display devices 4 determines that the update data exceeds the storage capacity of each of the display devices 4, the control program presses the storage area to discard the received update data. It is possible to prevent the control of each display unit 4 from being reduced, and to prevent the stability of the operation from being reduced (the safety can be improved).

Further, each of the display units 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention that executes the first data communication control includes:
The IF 410 (receiving means) receives game data (game information) performed by the gaming machine 3 irrespective of the determination of the storage capacity of the ROM 402 (storage means) by the control section 400 (determining means). It is.

  With such a configuration, each display unit 4 can receive the game data performed by the gaming machine 3 irrespective of the determination regarding the storage capacity. Therefore, if the control program cannot be updated, , It is possible to receive game data. In this way, each display unit 4 can display game data and execute processing using the game data even if the control program cannot be updated (updated), thereby improving versatility. It becomes possible.

Further, a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention, which executes the first data communication control,
A server device 2 (management device) capable of managing game data (game information), which is information on the gaming machine 3,
A gaming system provided with each of the gaming machines 3 and having a display unit 4 (gaming device) capable of communicating with the server device 2 (management device);
A storage area (storage means) for storing a control program for each of the display units 4 (game device);
A control unit 400 (update means) for updating the control program;
IF410 (receiving means) for receiving update data (information on the control program) from the server device 2 (management device) when updating the control program;
When the IF 410 (receiving means) receives the update data, the update data (information on the control program) stored in the storage area (storage means) reduces the storage capacity of the storage area (storage means). A control unit 400 (determination means) for determining whether or not to exceed
When the control unit 400 (determination means) determines that the storage capacity of the storage area (storage means) is exceeded, the control unit 400 (storage area excess) discards the update data received by the IF 410 (reception means). Control means),
It is provided with.

  With such a configuration, the gaming system can increase versatility. Further, the gaming system can improve security by performing data communication in consideration of the storage capacity.

  Specifically, in the gaming system, when each of the display units 4 updates (updates) the control program, it is determined whether or not the received update data exceeds the storage capacity of each of the display units 4. judge. In this way, in the gaming system, each display unit 4 receives the update data, and when it is determined that the update data does not exceed the storage capacity of each display unit 4, the control program is updated (updated). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the update data from being transmitted beyond the storage capacity of each display device 4.

  Further, in the gaming system, when each display 4 determines that the update data exceeds the storage capacity of each display 4, the control program is stored in order to discard the received update data. It is possible to prevent the control of each of the display devices 4 from being reduced by pressing the area, thereby preventing the stability of operation from being reduced (the safety can be improved).

  In each of the display devices 4, the game data received after the update may be different from the game data held before the update (before the factory shipment). In such a case, different game data will be displayed on each display unit 4 before and after the update. Therefore, the display units 4 are controlled so that the update can be executed only outside the business hours of the game arcade, or controlled such that the update can be executed only outside the business hours and after the completion of the carry-over process of the management device. It is desirable.

  Also, in the present embodiment, each unit display 4 is illustrated as an embodiment of the gaming device according to the present invention, but the gaming device according to the present invention is limited to each unit display. is not. That is, the gaming device according to the present invention may be any device that constitutes a pachinko gaming unit or a pachislot gaming unit.

  In the first data communication control, each process performed by each display 4 and the server device 2 may be performed by at least one of each display device 4 and the server device 2. It is not limited to the embodiment.

  The control capable of improving the security by performing the data communication in consideration of the storage capacity of each display device 4 is not limited to the first data communication control as described above. Hereinafter, two different examples of the first data communication control (hereinafter, referred to as “second data communication control” and “third data communication control”) will be described.

  In the following, a control flow relating to the second data communication control executed by each display device 4 and the server device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 33, the process shown on the left is a process executed by each display device 4, and the process shown on the right is a process executed by the server device 2. The processing executed by the second data communication control includes, like the first data communication control, a machine number setting process and a process at the time of selecting a device update. Since the machine number setting process in the second data communication control is substantially the same as the machine number setting process in the first data communication process, the same reference numerals as used in the description of the first data communication process are given. Therefore, the description is omitted.

  First, a process when a device update is selected in the second data communication control will be described.

  When the execution of the update is selected, each display 4 (control unit 400) deletes all data stored in the storage unit 403 (more specifically, all data stored after shipment from the factory). (clear. In this way, when the execution of the update is selected, each of the display units 4 returns to the state at the time of factory shipment (step S1532).

  When each of the display units 4 is in the state at the time of shipment from the factory, it is restarted (step S1532). When each of the display units 4 is restarted, a predetermined unit number is input by an operation on a plurality of buttons 902 to 908 by an employee. Each unit display 4 stores the input unit number in the storage unit 403. In this way, for each of the display units 4, the unit number set before the factory default state is set again (step S1534). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the input machine number is the same as the machine number set before the factory default state, but the present invention is not limited to this. If the set machine number is different from the machine number set before the factory shipment, the data corresponding to the machine number input this time may be obtained.

  When the vehicle number is set, each vehicle display 4 transmits the server number and the current version information of each vehicle display 4 (device) to the server device 2.

  Thus, upon receiving the second version information (unit number and current version information), the server device 2 manages the received second version information and the first version information (managed by the unit number setting process as described above). And the version number of the update data). When the server device 2 determines that the second version information is older than the first version information, the server device 2 transmits information on the data capacity of the update data being managed to each of the display devices 4 ( Step S2521).

  In this way, after the restart, the respective display devices 4 receive information on the data capacity of the update data from the server device 2 when the second version information is older than the first version information. Upon receiving the information on the data capacity of the update data, each display 4 compares the data capacity with the storage area of each display 4 (step S1535).

  After each display unit 4 compares the data capacity of the update data with the storage area of each display unit 4, the free space in the storage area of each display unit 4 is small enough to receive the update data. It is determined whether or not there is (step S1536).

  When each of the display devices 4 receives the update data and determines that there is no free space in the storage area of each of the display devices 4 (step S1536; No), the display device 4 receives the update data. do not do. That is, the display units 4 do not update (update) the control program, and execute various controls based on the control program that has not been updated.

  On the other hand, when each of the display units 4 determines that there is free space in the storage area of each of the display units 4 even when the update data is received (step S1536; Yes), the corresponding display unit 4 Information indicating that there is a capacity (information indicating that update data can be received) is transmitted to the server device 2 (step S1537).

  Thus, when the server device 2 receives the information indicating that the free space is present from each of the display devices 4 (step S2522; Yes), the server device 2 transmits the update data to each of the display devices 4 (step S2523). .

  On the other hand, when the server device 2 does not receive the information indicating that there is the free space from each of the display devices 4 (step S2522; No), the maintenance of each of the display devices 4 is necessary (that is, each of the display devices 4 is not required). It is determined that the version of the display device 4 needs to be updated) (step S2525). Thus, when the server device 2 determines that the maintenance of each of the display devices 4 is necessary, the server device 2 performs a predetermined display on the display unit 260 to notify the employee of the game arcade.

  When the update data is transmitted from the server device 2 (step S2523), each display unit 4 receives the transmitted update data if the update data can be received. Then, each display unit 4 updates based on the received update data (step S1538).

  After performing the update, each display 4 transmits information indicating that the update has been completed to the server device 2 and requests transmission of game data managed by the server device 2. In response to the request, the server device 2 transmits game data corresponding to the machine number to each machine display 4 (step S2524). In this way, each display 4 receives (acquires) game data corresponding to the device number from the server device 2 (step S1539).

  Upon acquiring the game data, each of the display units 4 displays the acquired game data on the liquid crystal display unit 405 by classifying the acquired game data into predetermined items, or uses the acquired game data in the processing of the display unit 4. Create data for That is, each display 4 restores today's data corresponding to each display 4 (step S1541).

As described above, each display device 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention that executes the second data communication control includes:
Each display unit 4 (gaming device) provided corresponding to the gaming machine 3 and capable of communicating with a server device 2 (management device) capable of managing game data (game information) as information of the gaming machine 3. So,
A liquid crystal display unit 405 (display means) for displaying the game data (game information);
A storage area (storage means) for storing a control program for each of the display units 4 (game device);
A control unit 400 (update means) for updating the control program;
IF410 (receiving means) for receiving update data (information on the control program) from the server device 2 (management device) when updating the control program;
Before the IF 410 (receiving means) receives the update data, the update data (information on the control program) stored in the storage area (storage means) reduces the storage capacity of the storage area (storage means). A control unit 400 (determination means) for determining whether or not to exceed
When the control unit 400 (determination unit) determines that the storage capacity of the storage area (storage unit) is exceeded, the control unit 400 (storage area excess) that controls the IF 410 (reception unit) not to receive the information. Control means),
It is provided with.

  With such a configuration, each unit display 4 can be improved in versatility. In addition, each display device 4 can improve security by performing data communication in consideration of storage capacity.

  Specifically, when updating (updating) the control program, each of the display units 4 determines whether or not the update data to be received before the reception exceeds the storage capacity of the display unit 4. Is determined. In this way, each display unit 4 determines beforehand whether or not the storage capacity of each display unit 4 is exceeded before transmission, confirms the reception of the update data, and confirms that the update data is Since the control program is updated (updated) when it is determined that the storage capacity does not exceed the storage capacity of the display 4, it is possible to prevent the update data from being transmitted exceeding the storage capacity of each display device 4.

  Further, when it is determined beforehand that the update data exceeds the storage capacity of each of the display devices 4, each display device 4 does not receive the update data, and the control program presses the storage area. As a result, it is possible to prevent the control of each of the display devices 4 from being reduced, and to prevent the stability of operation from being reduced (the safety can be improved).

  In the following, a control flow relating to the third data communication control executed by each of the display devices 4 and the server device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 34, the process shown on the left is a process executed by each display device 4, and the process shown on the right is a process executed by the server device 2. The processing executed by the third data communication control includes, like the first data communication control, a machine number setting process and a process at the time of selecting a device update. Since the machine number setting process in the third data communication control is substantially the same as the machine number setting process in the first data communication process, the same reference numerals as used in the description of the first data communication process are given. Therefore, the description is omitted.

  First, a process when a device update is selected in the third data communication control will be described.

  When the processing at the time of selecting the device update is started, each display 4 transmits the current version information (second version information) of each display 4 (device) to the server device 2 (step S1552). ). Thus, upon receiving the second version information, the server device 2 manages the second version information in association with the machine number, the update data (first version information), and the game data.

  Further, upon receiving the second version information (current version information), the server device 2 compares the received second version information with the first version information (version information of the data for update). . When the server device 2 determines that the second version information is older than the first version information, the server device 2 transmits information on the data capacity of the update data being managed to each of the display devices 4 ( Step S2531).

  In this way, when the second version information is older than the first version information, each display unit 4 receives information on the data capacity of the update data from the server device 2. Upon receiving the information on the data capacity of the update data, each display 4 compares the data capacity with the storage area of each display 4 (step S1553).

  After each display unit 4 compares the data capacity of the update data with the storage area of each display unit 4, the free space in the storage area of each display unit 4 is small enough to receive the update data. It is determined whether or not there is, and the result of the determination is transmitted to the server device 2 (step S1554).

  In this way, if the received determination result indicates that there is no free space in the storage area of each display device 4 to the extent that update data can be received (step S2532; No), each server device 2 It is determined that maintenance of the display device 4 is necessary (that is, it is necessary to update the version of each display device 4) (step S2535). Thus, when the server device 2 determines that the maintenance of each of the display devices 4 is necessary, the server device 2 performs a predetermined display on the display unit 260 to notify the employee of the game arcade.

  It has been described that it is determined that the maintenance of each display 4 is necessary (that is, the version of each display 4 needs to be updated). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the storage capacity of each display 4 is described. Storage of each display unit 4 such as needing to sort out, needing to free up storage capacity, needing to delete unnecessary data, or increasing physical (hardware) memory This can be considered when it is determined that there is no free space in the area.

  On the other hand, if the received determination result indicates that there is free space in the storage area of each display device 4 to the extent that the update data can be received (step S2532; Yes), the server 2 The data is transmitted to each display 4 (step S2533).

  When the update data is transmitted from the server device 2 (step S2533), each display unit 4 receives the transmitted update data if the update data can be received. Then, each display 4 performs an update based on the received update data (step S1555).

  Note that each of the display units 4 does not necessarily need to receive all of the update data according to the free space of the storage area of each of the display units 4. That is, when the storage area becomes limited while receiving the update data, each display unit 4 may store only the data already received. In such a case, each display 4 may discard the data already received. Note that such processing (whether to store only the data already received or to discard it) may be selectable, or may be automatically performed under the control of the display units 4.

  After performing the update, each display 4 transmits information indicating that the update has been completed to the server device 2 and requests transmission of game data managed by the server device 2. In response to the request, the server device 2 transmits game data corresponding to the machine number to each machine display 4 (step S2534). Thus, each display 4 receives (acquires) the game data corresponding to the vehicle number from the server device 2 (step S1556).

  When receiving the game data, each display 4 transmits the reception result of the game data to the server device 2 (step S1557). That is, each display device 4 transmits to the server device 2 information that the game data (today's data) has been received.

  Further, when the game data is acquired, the display units 4 classify the acquired game data into predetermined items, thereby displaying the game data on the liquid crystal display unit 405 or using the game data in the processing of the display unit 4. Or create data for That is, each display 4 restores today's data corresponding to each display 4 (step S1558).

With such a configuration, in the third data communication control, unlike the first and second data communication controls, each of the display units 4 does not have the state at the time of shipment from the factory (that is, stores the information after shipment from the factory). When the update data is received, it is possible to prevent the data from being transmitted exceeding the storage capacity of each display unit 4 (without deleting all the data that has been performed).
In the above configuration, since the storage capacity of each display unit 4 is referred to, the update data received in the factory default state exceeds the storage capacity of each display unit 4. Even if there is, it is possible to respond.

  In order to prevent the update data from being transmitted beyond the storage capacity of each display device 4 as described above, the configuration in which each display device 4 does not have to be in the state at the time of shipment from the factory is as follows. Not only the third data communication control but also the first and second data communication controls can be applied.

<Automatic file search control (automatic file search in USB)>
In addition, in each of the display units 4 and the game system according to the embodiment of the present invention, control (hereinafter, referred to as “first automatic file search control”) capable of improving versatility is executed.

  In the following, a control flow relating to the first automatic file search control executed by each display 4 and the USB memory 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 35, the process shown on the left is a process executed by each display device 4, and the data shown on the right is data stored in the USB memory 10. The process executed by the first automatic file search control includes a process when a USB connection is detected.

  First, a process at the time of detecting a USB connection in the first automatic file search control will be described. The process at the time of detecting the USB connection is a process executed when the data stored in each display device 4 is updated using the USB memory 10.

  Here, the USB memory 10 is a portable small memory. A file (data) having a specific character string is stored in the USB memory 10 in order to update data stored in each display device 4. In this embodiment, three types of data (character string A data, character string B data, and character string C data) are stored in the USB memory 10 as data having a specific character string. ing.

  When the USB memory 10 is connected to each of the display units 4, each of the display units 4 automatically stores data having a specific character string (for example, data of the character string B) stored in the USB memory 10. (Step S1611).

  Then, each display 4 determines whether or not the data to be searched is stored in the USB memory 10 (step S1612). If each of the display units 4 determines that the search target data (the data of the character string B) is stored in the USB memory 10 (step S1612; Yes), the display unit 4 It is determined whether there is data having a specific character string in the storage area (that is, data having the same character string) (step S1613).

  If each of the display devices 4 determines that data having a specific character string exists in the storage area of the display device 4 (step S1613; Yes), the display device 4 deletes the data having the specific character string. It is deleted from the storage area (step S1614). After deleting the data having the specific character string, each display 4 reads data having the specific character string from the USB memory 10 and stores the data in the storage area of each display 4 (step S1615). ). Also, when each of the display devices 4 determines that there is no data having the specific character string in the storage area of the respective display device 4 (step S1613; No), the specific character string is read from the USB memory 10. Is read and stored in the storage area of each display 4 (step S1615).

  When reading the data having the specific character string from the USB memory 10, each display device 4 deletes the data having the specific character string existing in the storage area of each display device 4. Instead, overwriting may be performed.

  When the data read from the USB memory 10 is compressed, each display unit 4 decompresses the data and stores the data in the storage area (step S1616). In this way, each display unit 4 completes updating of the data of each display unit 4 by storing the data having the specific character string stored in the USB memory 10 in the storage area. When the updating of the data is completed, each display unit 4 gives a predetermined notification to the liquid crystal display unit 405 (step S1617).

  In this way, after performing the predetermined notification, each of the display units 4 shifts to a state in which the connection of the USB memory 10 can be released (ie, a state in which the USB memory 10 is disconnected from each of the display units 4).

  With such a configuration, when updating the data stored in the storage area using the USB memory 10, the display units 4 can automatically update the data. Work efficiency can be increased. That is, each display unit 4 can be improved in versatility.

  Note that the control that can enhance the versatility is not limited to the first automatic file search control as described above. Hereinafter, another example of the first automatic file search control (hereinafter, referred to as “second automatic file search control”) will be described.

  In the following, a control flow regarding the second automatic file search control executed by each of the display devices 4 and the USB memory 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 36, the process shown on the left is a process executed by each display device 4, and the data shown on the right is data stored in the USB memory 10. The process executed by the second automatic file search control includes a process when a USB connection is detected, as in the first automatic file search control.

  First, a process when a USB connection is detected in the second automatic file search control will be described.

  Here, a file (data) having a specific file format (extension) is stored in the USB memory 10 in order to update data stored in each display device 4. In the present embodiment, three types of data having a predetermined file format (data A (MP3), data B (MP4), and data C (MP4)) are stored in the USB memory 10.

  When the USB memory 10 is connected to each of the display units 4, each of the display units 4 converts data having a specific file format (for example, an MP4 file format) from the data stored in the USB memory 10. A search is performed (step S1621).

  Then, each display 4 determines whether or not the data to be searched is stored in the USB memory 10 (step S1622). When each of the display devices 4 determines that the search target data (MP4 file format data) is stored in the USB memory 10 (step S1622; Yes), the display device 4 exists in the USB memory 10. The data name to be displayed is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 405 (data display screen) of each display device 4. Thus, the employees of the amusement arcade can visually recognize the liquid crystal display unit 405 of each display device 4 and select desired data. In the present embodiment, data B (MP4) and data C (MP4) are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 405 of each display unit 4. When desired data is selected from the display on the liquid crystal display unit 405, each display 4 reads the selected data (in this embodiment, data B (MP4)) from the USB memory 10 ( Step S1623).

  If the data compatible with the selected data exists in the storage area of the respective display 4, the respective display 4 deletes the compatible data (step S1624). .

  After deleting the compatible data, each display 4 reads the selected data from the USB memory 10 and stores it in the storage area of each display 4 (step S1625). Further, even when the compatible data does not exist in the display area of each of the display units 4, each of the display units 4 reads the selected data from the USB memory 10 and reads the selected data from the USB memory 10. It is stored in the storage area of the display device 4.

  When reading the selected data from the USB memory 10, each display unit 4 may overwrite the compatible data instead of deleting the compatible data.

  When the selected data is compressed, each display unit 4 decompresses the data and stores the data in a storage area (step S1626). In this way, each of the display units 4 stores the selected data in the storage area among the data of the specific file format stored in the USB memory 10 so that the data of the respective display units 4 can be stored. Complete the update. When the update of the data is completed, each display unit 4 gives a predetermined notification to the liquid crystal display unit 405 (step S1627).

  In this way, after performing the predetermined notification, each of the display units 4 shifts to a state in which the connection of the USB memory 10 can be released (ie, a state in which the USB memory 10 is disconnected from each of the display units 4).

  With such a configuration, when updating the data stored in each of the display units 4 using the USB memory 10, each of the display units 4 identifies the data from the plurality of data displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 405. Is selected, the employee of the game arcade does not need to visually check all the data in the USB memory 10, and the work efficiency of the data update can be improved. That is, each display unit 4 can be improved in versatility.

Note that a configuration is described in which data compatible with each display unit 4 is deleted and then data is read from the USB memory. However, the present invention is not limited to this. May be controlled so that data is read from the USB memory without being backed up or deleted.
Further, in this embodiment, it is assumed that each of the display units 4 is provided for each gaming machine 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. There may be a case where information of a plurality of gaming machines 3 is displayed by being installed in any place. In any case, the above-described embodiment can be implemented. The collected data is data collected from one or a plurality of gaming machines 3 corresponding to the gaming device. The function of totaling is provided in the server device 2. The gaming device has a function of displaying information and a function of displaying information. It is assumed that there is a selection means capable of performing a selection operation.
Also, since the information on the game includes information on the result of the game being played on the gaming machine 3 and the result of the game not being played on the gaming machine 3, the jackpot signal, the BB signal, the ART signal, the prize ball, and the prize Information that can be output from the gaming machine 3 including a signal indicating the state of the gaming machine 3 such as a start, an error, a demonstration, etc., so that the operating status of the gaming machine 3 May be included, and may be the same as the game information that is the information of the gaming machine 3, or may be the result of a game played by a player.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game media handling device 2 Server device 3 Game machine
4 Each display unit 4S Each display unit of slave 4M Each display unit of master 400 Control unit 402 ROM
403 storage unit 405 liquid crystal display unit 410 IF
902-908 button

Claims (3)

A gaming device provided corresponding to a gaming machine,
Display means for displaying game information, which is information on the gaming machine,
Communication means for communicating with a management device that manages the game information;
Clear information that is stored in the gaming device and that can identify the gaming device and the gaming information,
With
When the power of the gaming device is turned on after the identification information and the gaming information are cleared, the identification information is transmitted from a device provided corresponding to the gaming machine other than the gaming device. A gaming device, wherein the gaming information can be acquired, and the gaming information can be acquired from the management device based on the acquired identification information. A gaming device provided corresponding to a gaming machine,
Display means for displaying game information, which is information on the gaming machine,
Communication means for communicating with a management device that manages the game information;
Clear information that is stored in the gaming device and that can identify the gaming device and the gaming information,
Input means capable of inputting the identification information,
With
When the game device is powered on after the identification information and the game information are cleared, the game device can acquire the game information from the management device when the input device inputs the identification information. A game device characterized by the following. A gaming system having a gaming device provided corresponding to the gaming machine,
Display means for displaying game information, which is information on the gaming machine,
Communication means for communicating with a management device that manages the game information;
Clear information that is stored in the gaming device and that can identify the gaming device and the gaming information,
With
When the game device is turned on after the identification information and the game information are cleared, the game device corresponds to the game device other than the game device. A game system, wherein the game information can be obtained from a device provided in the game device, and the game information can be obtained from the management device based on the obtained identification information.

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