JP6723031B2 - Amusement machine - Google Patents

Description

A first control means, connected to the first control means about the gaming machine and a second control means capable of communicating with each other.

Conventionally, for example, in a gaming machine including a main control unit and a payout control unit that communicate with each other, at least one of the main control unit and the payout control unit performs communication control for transmitting predetermined information generated by execution of a user program. Contains the circuit. When the communication control circuit recovers from the incommunicable state, the communication control circuit executes a recovery process of transmitting the predetermined information stored in the information storage unit, and on condition that the recovery process ends, the predetermined information by executing the user program Generation is restarted (Patent Document 1).

JP, 2014-155662, A

However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, it is only understood that the user program is not normally started if any abnormality occurs between the time when the power is turned on and the time when the execution of the user program is started. Met. That is, the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 cannot grasp whether an abnormality has occurred before execution of a predetermined process such as a user program or an abnormality has occurred in the execution of the predetermined process. There was a problem.

The present invention has been conceived in view of the actual situation, and an object thereof is to distinguish whether an abnormality has occurred before the execution of a predetermined process or an abnormality has occurred in the execution of the predetermined process. It is to provide a game machine that can be grasped.

(1) In the present invention, a first control unit (for example, a main control unit 161 and the like), a second control unit (for example, a payout control unit 171 and the like) capable of communicating with the first control unit, and the first control unit . A gaming machine having a third control means capable of receiving the specific information from the control means and executing a specific process based on the specific information ( for example, an enclosed circulating pachinko machine (P stand 2), a medal is unnecessary. Slot machines (S 2S, etc.),
The first control means is
First timing means (for example, a startup extension timer 161A) capable of timing the period elapsed from the startup of the first control means,
Process execution means (for example, a CPU of the main control unit 161) that executes a predetermined process (for example, a user program) when the first clock means measures a predetermined period of time ;
Anda first transmitting means for transmitting predetermined information to the second control means with arrival acknowledgment information is updated according to predetermined update pattern to the arrival confirmation,
The second control means is
Second time measuring means capable of measuring a specific period (for example, a startup wait monitoring timer 171A),
A process for performing a first notification when the second control unit cannot confirm that the predetermined process has been executed by the process execution unit while the second time measurement unit measures the specific period. 1 notification processing means (for example, when the time of the activation waiting monitoring timer 171A has elapsed (timed up) for 90 seconds, an error code "F97" is displayed on the game ball number display 29, which is a 7-segment LED display, etc. )When,
Second notification processing means (for example, before the user program is started) that performs processing for performing the second notification when a predetermined error occurs even before the second timing means measures the specific period. In the recovery process of No., when a communication abnormality occurs between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, and no communication is detected, the payout control unit 171 displays an error code “F96” on the game ball number display 29. It is displayed to notify the error of communication error in the gaming machine.) ,
Having a second transmission means for transmitting to said first control means specials together with the arrival acknowledgment information.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to distinguish and grasp whether the abnormality has occurred before the execution of the predetermined processing or the abnormality has occurred in the execution of the predetermined processing.

(2) In (1) above,
The second control unit can confirm that the predetermined process has been executed by the process execution unit by a communication state with the first control unit (for example, when a user program is executed by the main control unit 161, In the payout control communication unit (main side) 171C, the game information acquisition permission flag is in the ON state, etc.,
The predetermined error is an error relating to a communication abnormality between the first control unit and the second control unit (for example, a communication abnormality occurs between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, and no communication response is given). When it is detected, the payout control unit 171 displays an error code “F96” on the game ball number display 29 to give an error notification of communication abnormality in the game machine, etc.).

According to the above configuration, it is possible to distinguish whether the predetermined process is not started or whether the first control unit and the second control unit are not able to communicate with each other, and the predetermined process is started. The communication abnormality can be grasped before the timing.

(3) In the above (1) or (2),
The second control unit is connectable to the first control unit of a different type (for example, the main control unit 161 including IC chips of a different type), and the specific period of time measured by the second time counting unit. Can be set for each type of the first control means (for example, the activation extension timer 161A is set to a predetermined time according to the type of the IC chip of the main control unit 161 connected to the payout control unit 171). is there.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to appropriately monitor until the predetermined process is executed by the process execution unit, depending on the type of the first control unit.

(4) In the above (1) to (3),
The second control means is capable of outputting status information indicating a running status,
The state information includes state information indicating a waiting state for activation of the first control unit (for example, a payout control unit activation waiting (busy1) state) and state information indicating a waiting state for activation of the second control unit (for example, Status information (for example, recovery instruction waiting (busy3) status) indicating main controller startup waiting (busy2) status and waiting for an instruction of a recovery process for recovering data between the second control means and a device connected thereto. Etc.) at least.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to grasp from outside which state the second control means is in.

It is a front view showing a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is a perspective view showing a state in which a glass door and a front frame of the pachinko gaming machine are opened. It is a figure showing a situation before and after a game board is attached to a front frame. It is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a notification process when an abnormality is detected as a result of mutual authentication. It is an explanatory view for explaining various data stored in the card unit side and the pachinko gaming machine side and transmission/reception thereof. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the command and response transmitted/received between a card unit and a pachinko game machine. It is a diagram showing an example of processing in the card unit and the pachinko gaming machine when the power is turned on. It is a figure for demonstrating the encryption key used for communication between a key management server and a communication control IC. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the command and response transmitted/received between CU control part 323 and security chip (SC) 325b. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the command and response transmitted/received between CU control part 323 and security chip (SC) 325b. It is a figure for demonstrating the power-up of the CU control part 323 and the start-up process at the time of hall installation. It is a figure for demonstrating the power-on / normal start-up process of CU control part 323. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a process of turning on a power of the CU control unit 323 and standing up at the time of factory shipment. It is a schematic diagram for explaining communication performed between a main control part, a payout control part, and a communication control IC. It is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a communication control circuit for cryptographic communication with a payout control unit. It is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a communication control circuit for cryptographic communication with the main control unit. It is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a communication control circuit for cryptographic communication with a communication control IC. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the command and response transmitted/received between the main control part and the payout control part. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence between a main control part and a payout control part. It is a figure which shows an example of a process when the command of the game state notification from the main control part to the payout control part has not arrived due to power supply disconnection and communication line disconnection. It is a block diagram for explaining the composition provided with various timers used at the time of starting P units. It is a figure which shows the sequence for demonstrating the process at the time of starting P machines using various timers. It is a figure for explaining the kind of error which can be notified in a game system. It is a perspective view showing a state in which a front door of the slot machine is opened. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating various data stored in each of the card unit and the slot machine and a transmission/reception mode thereof.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
<Structure of pachinko machine>
First, the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In each of the gaming islands (not shown) arranged in the game hall (hole), an enclosed circulating pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as gaming machine, pachinko machine, or P machine) as an example of gaming machine. ) 2 are installed side by side. In addition, at a predetermined lateral position of the P base 2, a card unit (hereinafter also referred to as CU) 3 as an example of a gaming device is installed corresponding to the P base 2 in a one-to-one correspondence. There is. Of course, the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment may be a pachinko gaming machine that requires island equipment and does not enclose a game medium. In addition, gaming machines (P units 2, S units 2S, etc.) and gaming devices (card units, CU 3, etc.) are collectively referred to as gaming machines. In the present embodiment, an example of a card unit as a gaming device will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the gaming machine is connected to the P stand 2 to report a big hit or an abnormality, collect game information such as the number of winnings, and the like. A calling lamp device for performing a game may be included in the game device.

The P stand 2 encloses a pachinko ball (gaming ball), which is an example of a game medium, inside, and when the player operates the hit ball operation handle 25, the launch motor 18 (see FIG. 4) is driven and enclosed. The balls are shot one by one into the game area 27 on the front of the game board 26 so that a game can be played. Specifically, a touch sensor is provided around the hit ball operating handle 25, and the player's hand touches the touch sensor while the player is operating the hit ball operating handle 25, and the player's hand touches the touch sensor. The contact of the touch sensor is detected by the touch sensor, and the firing motor 18 is driven. In this state, the hitting ball firing momentum is adjusted according to the amount of turning operation of the hitting ball operating handle 25 by the player, and the ball is shot into the game area 27.

The firing intensity of the pachinko ball (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the firing intensity T) can be adjusted according to the amount of rotation operation of the hitting ball operation handle 25 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the handle operation amount), and the handle operation amount is increased. The firing intensity T increases accordingly. Therefore, the player can adjust the firing strength T so that the pachinko ball passes through the area targeted by the player, by adjusting the handle operation amount.

The P stand 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called first-class pachinko game machine, and a variable display device (also called a special symbol) 278 is provided at the center of the game area 27. In addition, the game area 27 is provided with a plurality of types of winning openings that allow the driven pachinko balls to win. In the game area 27 shown in FIG. 1, one big winning opening (variable winning ball device) 271, three normal winning openings 272, 273, 274, and three starting winning openings 275, 276, 277 are shown. ing. In particular, the starting winning opening 276 is composed of an electric tulip that can be changed to a first state that is advantageous for the player (for example, an open state) and a second state that is disadvantageous for the player (for example, a closed state). ..

The variable display device 278 is provided with a variable display section capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (designs), and based on the detection signals of the starting winning balls that have won in the respective starting winning openings 275, 276, 277, these. The variable display of plural kinds of identification information is started. When the display result of the variable display device becomes a combination of specific identification information (for example, a grid pattern), a big hit state is established and the special winning opening 271 is opened.

In addition, the display result of the variable display device 278 is a combination of predetermined special identification information (combination of probability variation symbols such as 777) out of a combination of jackpot symbols (matching), and thus the probability variation big hit state. Occurs, and a probability fluctuation state (probability variation state) in which the probability of occurrence of a big hit is improved after the big hit state ends.

The pachinko balls that are hit in the game area 27 are collected in any of the winning ports or are collected in the out port 154 without winning. The pachinko balls that have won any of the winning openings and the pachinko balls that have been collected at the out openings 154 are returned again to the hitting ball firing position through the recovery path inside the P base 2. Then, when the player operates the hit ball operating handle 25, the pachinko ball at the hit ball firing position is again hit into the game area 27.

By installing the CU 3 at the lateral position, the P base 2 fits the indicator 54 extending from the CU 3 to the connection surface 54 a provided on the front surface of the P base 2. Therefore, a display 54 is provided below the game area 27 on the P base 2. The display unit 54 is composed of a liquid crystal display device, and displays to the player various effect images that are interlocked with the points, the card remaining amount, or the display of the variable display device 278. In addition, the display 54 is fitted to the P base 2 by connecting a connection terminal (not shown) provided on the back surface to a connection terminal 54b provided on the connection surface 54a of the P base 2. As described above, with the configuration in which the display 54 of the CU 3 is fitted to the connection surface 54a of the P base 2, the CU 3 and the P base 2 can be more strongly connected and fraud can be prevented. Further, since the connection and locking with the indicator 54 can be released only by opening the glass door 6 or the lower door provided with the ball hitting operation handle 25, fraud can be further prevented. Note that the display 54 is not limited to the configuration in which it is integrally formed with the CU 3 and fitted to the connection surface 54a of the P base 2 as shown in FIG. It may be attached.

A game ball number indicator for displaying the number of game balls is provided above the connection surface 54a of the P table 2. The game ball number display 29 is composed of a 7-segment LED display, and is controlled by the payout controller 171. The game ball number display 29 displays the number of game balls and the error number of the error that has occurred. The game ball number display 29 is not limited to a 7-segment LED display, but may be a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or another display.

Furthermore, a counting button 28 for counting the number of game balls from the number of game balls is provided on the left side of the game ball number display 29 on the P base 2. In the present embodiment, the counting operation is repeatedly executed according to the time when the counting button 28 is continuously pressed. It should be noted that regardless of the pressing duration time, once pressed, a predetermined number (for example, 100 balls) may be counted from game balls to possessed balls, or when the count button 28 is pressed once. In addition, all of the game balls currently owned by the player may be counted regardless of the pressing time (whether or not the key is pressed for a long time). Further, the counting speed is further improved when performing a card return operation, and a smooth card return process is realized.

As described above, since the counting button 28 is provided on the P table 2 side, the operability of the player sitting directly facing the P table 2 can be improved compared to the case where the counting button 28 is provided on the CU 3 side. .. In addition, the P stand 2 is provided with speakers 270 for outputting music data to be reproduced in accordance with the effect displayed on the variable display device 278 at the upper right position and the upper left position of the game area 27. The position and the number of speakers are not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, and the position and the number may be changed as necessary.

The P stand 2 according to the present embodiment can be divided into a game board 26 and a front frame (game machine frame) 5 other than the game board 26. In particular, the game board 26 is different for each model of the pachinko game machine developed by each company, while the front frame 5 is a common frame regardless of the model. For this reason, it is sufficient for the game store to replace only the game board 26 when replacing the new base.

<Structure of card unit>
Next, referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of the CU 3 according to the present embodiment will be described. This CU3 is a visitor card (also called a general card) having a prepaid function, which is a recording medium for games issued to a general player who has not registered as a member, or a member player who has registered as a member at the game hall. A membership card, which is a game recording medium issued to, is accepted. Visitor cards and membership cards consist of IC cards.

The CU 3 that accepts those cards has a function of converting the game value (for example, the remaining amount of the card, the number of balls held, or the number of accumulated coins) owned by the player specified by the record information of the card into "game ball data". .. On the P base 2, a ball game equivalent to the number of balls specified by the data of the game balls is possible. In other words, "gaming ball data" is data indicating the number of remaining balls that can be fired. In the following description, the "gaming ball data" is simply called "gaming ball", as is the case with the stored or held balls.

On the front side of the CU 3, a bill insertion slot 302 for inserting a bill, a card insertion/ejection slot 309 for inserting a membership card or a visitor card, etc. are provided. The member card or visitor card inserted into the card insertion/ejection slot 309 is accepted by a card reader/writer (not shown), and the information recorded on the card is read.

On the front side of the CU 3, the display 312 and the member card ID (also simply referred to as a card ID or C-ID) recorded in the member card when the member card is received and the member card ID are specified. A replay button 319 for carrying out a replay game using the number of balls is provided.

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

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

Here, the "payment ball" is a ball that has been acquired before the day before and is deposited in the hole, and becomes a game ball by paying out the stored balls. The coins are game media deposited in the game hall, and are generally managed by a hall management computer or another management computer installed in the game hall.

The "balls" are balls that have been acquired on the day of the game, and become ball games by paying out balls. In addition, the number of balls held is a number of balls that the player owns as a result of the player playing the game on the gaming machine, and is the number of balls that have not been deposited in the game hall. That is. In general, the number of balls that a player has acquired on the day of play at a game hall is called “Jiden”, and the number of balls that the player has acquired before the previous day and that has been deposited at the game hall is called “savings”. Say

A "gaming ball" is a ball that can be launched by a gaming machine. As described above, the data on the number of game balls is generated in exchange for withdrawing the remaining amount of the prepaid card, the owned balls, or the accumulated balls.

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

In the present embodiment, the savings ball data is not directly recorded in the membership card but is stored in a server such as a hall management computer installed in a game hall in association with the membership card number, and the corresponding savings ball is searched based on the membership card number. It is configured to be able to. On the other hand, the dice are recorded directly on the card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and both may be stored in the hall server 801 in association with the card number. In the case of the visitor card, the dice are also recorded directly on the visitor card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the balls may be stored in the hall server 801 in association with the card number. When the hole server 801 stores the data in association with the card number, data that can specify the time stored in the hole server 801 may be written on a card (membership card, visitor card) and discharged. The prepaid balance will be directly written on the card (membership card, visitor card) and discharged.

The timing of storing the balls in the card (member card, visitor card) or the hall server is, for example, stored in real time every time the counting button 28 is operated and the counting process is performed. It is conceivable that the timing is such that the card is returned or the cards are collectively stored when returning the card.

Further, when the player finishes the game and returns the card from CU3, the balls held in CU3 are once stored in the hall server 801 as accumulated balls, and the day when the player receives the card returned. When the card is inserted into the same or another CU3 again on the same day as the above, only the balls for the current day that have been temporarily stored as coins are stored again in that CU3, and the game balls are added within the range of the balls and the game is played. You may be able to.

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

An IR (Infrared) photosensitive unit (also referred to as an IR light receiving unit) 320, a ball lending button (also referred to as a lending button) 321, and a card return button 322 are further provided on the front surface side of the CU 3. The IR photosensitive unit 320 is an IR photosensitive unit 320 that receives an infrared signal from a remote controller (not shown) carried by an attendant at a game hall, converts the infrared signal into an electronic signal, and outputs the electronic signal. The ball lending button 321 is a button for performing an operation (conversion operation to a game ball) for withdrawing the remaining amount recorded in the inserted card and using it for a game by the P base 2. The card return button 322 is operated when the player finishes the game, and the number of fixed game balls at the end of the game in the inserted card (the number of held balls when the card is inserted-the number converted into game balls + counting) This is an operation button for storing and ejecting the number of balls possessed by the operation.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, with respect to the P frame 2, the front frame (hereinafter also referred to as a cell) 5 and the glass door 6 are opened and closed with respect to the frame-shaped outer frame 4 with the left side edge thereof as a swing center. It is possible.

A pair of upper and lower engaging projections 6a and 6b are provided near the edge of the front frame 5 opposite to the swing center (on the free end side). The engagement protrusions 6a and 6b are pressed downward by a spring (not shown). On the other hand, engagement receiving pieces 7a and 7b are provided at positions facing the engagement protrusions 6a and 6b of the outer frame 4. By pressing the open front frame 5 against the outer frame 4, the engagement protrusions 6a, 6b move over the engagement receiving pieces 7a, 7b, and in the state of overcoming, the engagement protrusions 6a, 6b move downward by the biasing force of the spring. It moves and becomes locked.

Then, an attendant of the game arcade inserts the key into the keyhole 10 shown in FIG. 1 and unlocks it (for example, rotates it clockwise), thereby resisting the biasing force of the spring, and a pair of upper and lower engaging projections 6a. 6b is pushed upward, and as a result, the engagement protrusions 6a, 6b are disengaged from the engagement receiving pieces 7a, 7b to be in the unlocked state, and the front frame 5 is opened.

Further, the front frame 5 is also provided with an engagement protrusion 8 for the glass door 6, and an engagement hole 9 is provided in a portion of the glass door 6 facing the engagement protrusion 8. The engagement protrusion 8 is pressed downward by a spring (not shown), and by pressing the open glass door 6 against the front frame 5, the engagement protrusion 8 is pushed up by the lower edge portion of the engagement hole 9. By overcoming, the engaging projection 8 is pushed down by the urging force of the spring, and the engaging projection 8 and the engaging hole 9 are engaged with each other to be locked. In this state, an attendant of the game arcade inserts a key into the keyhole 10 shown in FIG. 1 and unlocks (for example, rotates counterclockwise) the pull-out engagement protrusion 8 against the biasing force of the spring. As a result, the engagement between the engagement protrusion 8 and the engagement hole 9 is released, the lock is released, and the glass door 6 is opened.

A front frame opening detection switch 13 is provided at a portion of the lower portion of the front frame 5 that contacts the outer frame 4, and it is detected that the front frame 5 has been opened. Further, a glass door opening detection switch 12 is provided at a contact portion of the upper portion of the front frame 5 with the glass door 6, and the glass door opening detection switch 12 detects that the glass door 6 is opened.

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

The main control board 16 is provided on the back surface (the surface opposite to the surface facing the glass door 6) of the game board 26. Since the back surface of the outer frame 4 is closed, first opening the front frame 5 and removing the game board 26 from the front frame 5, the main control board 16 becomes detachable from the game board 26. That is, in order to remove the main control board 16 from the game board 26 or replace the semiconductor chip provided on the main control board 16, it is necessary to open the front frame 5, so the front frame open detection switch 13 is used. The work can be detected without fail. Therefore, if the main control board 16 is illegally removed from the game board 26, or if the semiconductor chip provided on the main control board 16 is illegally replaced, the front frame open detection switch 13 can always detect.

Further, a payout control board 17 is provided on the back surface of the front frame 5. The payout control board 17 also needs to be opened from the front frame 5 and then removed from the back surface of the front frame 5. Therefore, if the payout control board 17 is illegally removed from the rear surface of the front frame 5 or if the semiconductor chip provided on the payout control board 17 is illegally replaced, the front frame open detection switch 13 can always detect.

Next, a configuration for installing the game board 26 on the front frame 5 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state before and after the game board 26 is attached to the front frame 5. As shown in FIG. 3, attachment mechanisms 34a and 34b are provided on the back surface of the front frame 5 so as to be openable and closable around hinges 35a and 35b, respectively. The attachment mechanisms 34a and 34b are U-shaped and have a bottom having a width corresponding to the game board 26. By pushing the game board 26 into the front frame 5 in the arrow direction of FIG. 3B, the game board 26 is fixed by the attachment mechanisms 34a and 34b as shown in FIG. 3A. When the game board 26 is fixed by the mounting mechanisms 34a and 34b, the convex drawer connector 32 provided on the game board 26 side is coupled with the concave drawer connector 33 provided on the front frame 5 side. Here, the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33 are floating connectors having flexibility with respect to displacement.

Further, when the game board 26 is installed in the front frame 5, the convex drawer connector 32 is combined with the concave drawer connector 33, so that the main control board 16 on the game board 26 side and the payout control board on the front frame 5 side. 17 will be connected. Further, the game board 26 is fixed at a fixed position, and the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33 have flexibility with respect to positional displacement to some extent. Therefore, the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 32 are provided. These can be coupled without being aware of the positional relationship with the connector 33. Even if the game board 26 is installed in the front frame 5 only by the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33 without providing the mounting mechanisms 34a and 34b, the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33 are provided. Since the floating connector itself has flexibility, these can be connected without being aware of the positional relationship between the game board 26 and the front frame 5. Here, the convex drawer connector 32 is connected to the main control board 16 via the internal wiring (not shown) of the game board 26, and the concave drawer connector 33 is delivered via the signal cable 36 as shown in FIG. It is connected to the control board 17.

<Structure of card unit and pachinko machine>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the CU 3 and the P stand 2. An outline of a control circuit for the CU 3 and the P stand 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

The CU 3 is provided with a CU control unit 323 composed of a microcomputer or the like. The CU control unit 323 is a main control function unit of the CU 3, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, A RAM (Random Access Memory) that functions as a work area of the CPU, an input/output interface for maintaining signal consistency with peripheral devices, and the like are provided.

The CU control unit 323 is provided with an external communication unit (not shown) for communicating with a hall management computer and a hall server 801 (see FIG. 5) that performs security management. A security board (SC board) 325 for communicating with the payout control board 17 of the P stand 2 while ensuring security is connected to the CU control unit 323. The security board 325 is a security monitoring function unit of the CU 3. The CU controller 323 may be provided on the security board 325, or the CU controller 323 may be provided on a board different from the security board 325. The CU 3 is provided with a connection portion (not shown) to the P base 2 side, and the P base 2 is provided with a connection portion (not shown) to the CU 3 side. These connecting portions are composed of, for example, connectors. The connection between the CU 3 and the P base 2 will be described with reference to an example in which the CU 3 and the P base 2 are electrically connected by wiring through a connector. However, necessary information (for example, identification information and addition Any connection method such as wired or wireless may be used as long as the information on the number of balls can be communicated.

The security board 325 on the CU 3 side and the payout control board 17 on the P stand 2 side are communicatively connected via this connector and connection wiring. The security board 325 is provided with a communication control IC 325a for controlling communication between the security board 325 and the payout control board 17, and a security chip (SC) 325b for monitoring the security of the P stand 2. Further, the SC 325b includes a fraud detection unit 1325, and the fraud detection unit 1325 monitors fraudulent game ball addition request information notified from the CU control unit 323 to the P unit 2 to perform fraud detection, and performs key management at the time of fraud detection. Notify the server 800 (see FIG. 5). Further, the setting value (constant) for fraud detection is notified from the key management server 800 as board control information.

To the CU control unit 323, the authenticity and type of the bill are discriminated by the currency discriminator described above, and the discrimination result signal is input. Further, if the IR photosensitive unit 320 receives infrared rays emitted from a remote controller held by a staff member of the game arcade, the light reception signal is input to the CU control section 323. The card reader/writer reads the record information of the inserted card to the CU control unit 323, the read information is input, and the CU control unit 323 writes the information to the inserted card to the card reader/writer. When data is transmitted, the card reader/writer writes the data in the inserted card. The card record information includes the card ID. The CU control unit 323 stores the card ID read by the card reader/writer until the game ends.

The CU control unit 323 manages and stores the balls of the player when the player is playing the game. Data such as the balance or the number of game balls is output from the CU control unit 323 to the display control unit 350, and converted into display data by the display control unit 350. The display data converted by the display controller 350 is transmitted to the display 312 provided on the front surface of the CU 3 and the display 54 arranged on the front surface of the P stand 2 as shown in FIG. 1. The display data transmitted to the display 54 is first input to the relay board 14. Images corresponding to the display data are displayed on the display 312 and the display 54. When the player operates the touch panel provided on the surface of the display 312, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323 via the display control unit 350. When the player operates the ball lending button 321, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. The ball lending button 321 is not limited to the configuration provided in the CU 3, and may be provided in the P stand 2 to input an operation signal to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the replay button 319, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the card return button 322, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323.

The P stand 2 has a main control board 16 for controlling the progress of the game on the P stand 2, a payout control board 17 for managing and storing game balls, and a drive motor 18 for controlling the firing motor 18 based on a command from the payout control board 17. The firing control board 31, the variable display device 278, and the effect control board 15 which controls the display of the variable display device 278 based on the command transmitted from the main control board 16 are provided.

The main control board 16 and the effect control board 15 are provided on the game board 26. On the main control board 16, a game control microcomputer, which is the main control unit 161, is mounted. The main control unit 161 is a main control function unit of the gaming machine. The gaming machine control microcomputer includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing programs and control data for operating the CPU, and a RAM (functioning as a work area of the CPU). Random Access Memory), an input/output interface for maintaining signal integrity with peripheral devices, etc. The main controller 161 is connected to a winning sensor 162 and a radio wave sensor 163 provided on the game board 26.

When a ball is won in each of the starting winning openings 275, 276, 277, the main control unit 161 randomly selects a random number for determining a big hit (or a small hit is included)/miss, and stores the random number. This is called a reserved memory. The maximum value of the number of reserved storages is “4”, for example. When the variable display device 278 is ready to start a new variable display, the main control unit 161 consumes one pending storage, makes a big hit determination based on the pending storage, and derives the display result from the variable start. The variable display time up to this point is determined from multiple types. Further, when the big hit is decided, it is also decided whether or not the probability variation is caused. The main control unit 161 transmits the result of the jackpot determination (including whether or not to make a probable change) and information regarding the variable display time to the effect control unit 151 mounted on the effect control board 15 as a command.

The command regarding the variable display transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the effect control unit 151 specifies a variable start command indicating the start of the variable display, a display result command indicating the result of the variable display (big hit/out), and a variable display pattern. A possible variable display time command, a variable stop command indicating the timing of deriving and displaying the variable display result, and the like are included. Furthermore, in the command transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the effect control unit 151, a command that can specify the progress status of the big hit during the big hit, a command that indicates the occurrence of new pending storage, and an occurrence of a game state error. There is a command to show.

The effect control unit 151 determines the variable display content of the variable display device 278 based on these commands transmitted from the main control unit 161. For example, the production control unit 151 identifies the variable display result and the variable display time based on the command transmitted from the main control unit 161, determines the stop symbol, and at the same time, the variable display pattern (presence or absence of reach, type of reach). And further decide the effect pattern of the notice effect regarding the big hit and reach. The effect control unit 151 controls the display of the variable display device 278 according to the determined variable display content.

The effect control board 15 is also connected to the display 54 via the relay board 14 of the CU 3. The production control unit 151 transmits a display control signal for variable display and the like to the variable display device 278, and also transmits a display control signal for performing display interlocking with the display of the variable display device 278 to the display device 54. It is possible. The relay board 14 and the display 54 may be provided on the P stand 2 side. In this case, the effect control board 15 on the P stand 2 side is directly connected to the relay board 14 on the P stand 2 side without the CU 3.

The payout control board 17 is provided on the front frame 5. The payout control board 17 is equipped with a payout control microcomputer 171 for payout control. The payout control unit 171 is a payout control function unit of the gaming machine. The payout control microcomputer includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control center, a ROM (Read Only Memory) which stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, and a RAM (which functions as a work area of the CPU). Random Access Memory), an input/output interface for maintaining signal integrity with peripheral devices, etc.

Further, a launch ball detection switch 903, an out ball detection switch 701, a foul ball detection switch 33A, a counting button 28, and a radio wave sensor 173 are provided in a state of being electrically connected to the payout control board 17. The radio wave sensor 173 is for detecting an illegal act that illegally emits a radio wave and mainly turns on the raised switch 41a. The detection signal of the radio wave sensor 173 is input to the payout control unit 171 via an input port (not shown) of the payout control board 17. The ball raising switch (upper) 41a detects the firing of the gaming balls due to the change from ON to OFF, and the payout control unit 171 subtracts "1" from the number of gaming balls based on the detection.

Therefore, when the ball raising switch (upper) 41a is constantly turned on by an illegal radio wave, the number of game balls is not subtracted no matter how many balls are shot. The radio wave sensor 173 detects such illegality caused by radio waves.

From the main control board 16 to the payout control board 17, main control chip ID, winning prize information, round information, connection confirmation signal, winning prize detection signal, starting winning prize winning information, error information, number of symbols fixed, big hit information, manufacturer specific The jackpot information is sent.

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

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

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

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

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

A health check command and a prize ball number acceptance command are transmitted from the payout control board 17 to the main control board 16. The health check command is a command for checking whether the main control board 16 is operating normally. The prize ball number acceptance command is a command indicating that the number of added balls has been accepted.

An out-ball detection signal is input from the out-ball detection switch 701 to the payout control board 17. The payout control board 17 to which this out ball detection signal is input subtracts and updates the number of balls in play (the number of floating balls floating in the game area 27). In the payout control board 17 to which the foul ball detection signal is input from the foul ball detection switch 33A, the addition ball number and the game ball number are added and updated, and the in-game ball number is subtracted and updated. A shooting ball detection signal is input from the shooting ball detection switch 903 to the payout control board 17. The payout control board 17 to which this shot ball detection signal is input subtracts and updates the number of balls in the game.

The security board 325 of the CU 3 and the payout control board 17 of the P stand 2 are electrically connected, and various commands are transmitted from the security board 325 to the payout control board 17. On the contrary, various responses are transmitted from the payout control board 17 to the security board 325.

In addition to the payout control board 17, the front frame 5 is provided with a launch control board 31, a launch motor 18, and a game ball number display 29. The game ball number indicator 29 may be directly attached to the front frame 5, but like the upper plate and the lower plate provided on the front side of a normal pachinko gaming machine in which balls are paid out, the game frame number indicator 29 is attached to the front frame 5. It may be provided in a rotatable manner. This also applies to the display 54. The payout controller 171 of the payout control board 17 displays the number of game balls currently owned by the player on the game ball number display 29.

A discharge control signal and a discharge permission signal are output from the payout control board 17 to the discharge control board 31. The firing control board 31 that has received it outputs a signal for exciting the firing motor 18 of the firing device. As a result, the pachinko balls are in a state of being shot and ejected to the game area 27. The launch control board 31 emits a launch motor excitation output to drive the launch motor 18 when an input signal of a touch ring that detects that the player is touching the hit ball operation handle 25 is input.

The firing intensity sensor 19 detects the firing intensity T of the pachinko ball by the firing motor 18. For example, the firing intensity sensor 19 detects, as the firing intensity T, a value obtained by converting an analog value output from a variable resistor configured to change an electric resistance value according to a steering wheel operation amount into a digital value. In the following description, it is assumed that the firing intensity T changes from 0 (minimum value) to 99 (maximum value) according to the steering wheel operation amount. The detection result of the firing intensity sensor 19 is output to the payout control board 17 and the CU 3 via the firing control board 31.

A display 54 and a relay board 14 extending from the CU 3 are provided on the front surface of the P base 2. The display 54 receives the display data (display control signal) from the display controller 350 of the CU 3 via the relay board 14. Further, the display 54 receives display data (display control signal) from the effect control board 15 via the relay board 14.

The relay board 14 outputs a display control signal from one of the effect control board 15 and the display control section 350 to the display 54, and the display 54 is based on the display control signal from the effect control board 15 or the display control section 350. A switching circuit 141 for displaying an image is mounted.

In the present embodiment, the indicator 54 extending from the CU3 provided on the front surface of the P stand 2 is configured to be controlled on the CU3 side, but instead of this, the indicator 54 on the P stand 2 side is controlled. May be provided so that the display control can be performed from the CU 3 side, or the display 54 can be provided on the P stand 2 side and the display control substrate can be provided on the P stand 2 side so that the display control can be performed on the P stand 2 side. In this case, the display control board controls the display of the display 54 based on the command from the payout control unit 171.

The RAM clear switch 293 is a switch for erasing the gaming machine information and the game information stored in the RAM of the P machine 2, and is initially operated by a clerk operating the switch after the P machine is in an error state. It is possible to return to the state. The RAM clear switch 293 is operated by a store clerk, for example, after the card is ejected.

<Pachinko ball circulation route>
Here, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, an outline of a pachinko ball circulation path in the P stand 2 will be described.

When the player operates the hit ball operation handle 25, the firing motor 18 is driven. As a result, one pachinko ball that has been supplied to the firing position is repelled by the hitting hammer and the pachinko ball is driven into the game area 27.

The detection of launching a game ball is detected when the ball raising switch (upper) 41a changes from on to off. This detection is detected by a port input on the payout control board 17 (see FIG. 4) provided with the payout control unit 171, and based on the detection, the payout control unit 171 subtracts "1" from the number of game balls. To do.

Out of the balls hit in the game area 27, the out balls that have entered the out port 154 (see FIG. 1) flow down the out ball downflow route and are detected by the out ball detection switch 701 provided in the middle of the out ball. .. The foul ball flows down through the foul ball return path and is detected by a foul ball detection switch 33A provided in the middle of the foul ball.

All winning balls that have won the winning opening or the variable winning ball device are collected on the back of the gaming machine and guided to the collecting ball passage path. Similarly, the out balls and the foul balls are also guided to the collected ball passing path. A fired ball detection switch 903 is provided on the collected ball passage path. Therefore, the winning ball, the out ball, and the foul ball are all detected by the fired ball detection switch 903. That is, the shot ball detection switch 903 is a switch that detects all of the pachinko balls that have been shot. When the number of detections of this switch and the number of pachinko balls ejected by the firing motor 18 become equal, it can be determined that all the driven pachinko balls have been recovered.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the difference between the number detected by the firing ball detection switch 903 and the number of shots is calculated, and when this difference is not 0, the balls hit in the game area 27 have not been collected. It is determined that it is not. By making this determination, it can be determined whether or not the game area 27 is rolling or there is a floating ball that is caught between nails or the like in the game area and is not dropped.

<Notification processing of abnormalities that occurred in the card unit and pachinko gaming machine>
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a notification process when an abnormality is detected as a result of mutual authentication.

Referring to FIG. 5, when an abnormality occurs in CU control unit 323, security board 325, payout control section 171, or main control board 16, notification is made in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. The abnormality referred to here is that the CU control unit 323, the security board 325, the payout control section 171, or the main control board 16 is replaced with another one that is illegally manufactured, or malfunction or failure due to noise or the like occurs. This includes cases such as the case of an accident or an offline state due to a disconnection. The key management server 800 shown in FIG. 5 is a key management server which stores the SID of the CU communication control unit and the authentication key in association with each serial ID (also referred to as SID) of the electronic component inside the CU 3. is there. The key management server 800 is a server that can communicate with the main control board 16 with each other.

First, when an abnormality occurs in the security board 325 of the CU 3, the CU control section 323 detects the abnormality as a result of the mutual authentication performed between the CU control section 323 and the security board 325 described above. In this mutual authentication, in addition to serial ID authentication and device authentication, device authentication using a session key is also included.

The serial ID is the serial ID of the security board 325 (board serial ID), and is stored in the ROM of the security chip 325b at the stage of manufacturing the security chip 325b of the security board 325. When the CU 3 is brought into the game hall and connected to the hall server 801, the board serial ID is downloaded from the key management server 800 of the key management center via the hall server 801 and stored in the CU control unit 323. It

When the CU control unit 323 detects an abnormality in the security board 325, the CU control unit 323 notifies the hall server 801 to that effect and also transmits an abnormality notification command to the display control unit 350 of the CU 3. The CU control unit 323 causes the display control unit 350 to control the display 312 to indicate that an abnormality has occurred, and also turns on or blinks an abnormality notification lamp (not shown) to notify the abnormality. Further, the CU control unit 323 transmits a signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred from the external communication unit to the hall management computer.

When an abnormality occurs by the CU control unit 323 of the CU 3, the security board 325 detects the abnormality occurrence by the above-described mutual authentication, and notifies the payout control unit 171 of a signal (abnormality notification signal) to that effect. The security board 325 notifies the payout controller 171 by a parallel signal via the PIF circuit 326 which is a parallel interface circuit. Upon receipt of this, the payout control unit 171 notifies the main control board 16 that an abnormality has occurred. In the same manner as described above, the main control board 16 controls the operation of the abnormality notification lamp and transmits a signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred to the hall management computer.

When the security board 325 detects an abnormality of the payout control unit 171, the CU control unit 323 is notified of that fact, and the CU control unit 323 notifies the hall server 801 of that effect.

In this way, when the security board 325 detects an abnormality in the CU control unit 323, it notifies the payout control unit 171 of the abnormality via the PIF circuit 326. Is notified to the CU control unit 323, and the notification destination of the abnormality occurrence by the security board 325 is different. The reason is that even if the control unit in which the abnormality has occurred is notified that the abnormality has occurred, the control for notifying the abnormality is not performed at all, and it is not a measure for preventing the abnormality. Moreover, the security board 325 has a communication control function but does not have an abnormality notification control function. Therefore, the control of the abnormality notification cannot be performed by itself, and for that reason, the notification that the abnormality has occurred is always made in the direction of the control unit on the side opposite to the control unit in which the abnormality has occurred. The payout control unit 171 that has received the notification of the occurrence of an abnormality from the security board 325 via the PIF circuit 326 notifies the main control board 16 of that fact. Upon receiving the notification, the main control board 16 performs the same control for abnormality notification as described above.

When an abnormality occurs in the payout control unit 171, the fact is detected by the security board 325, the occurrence of the abnormality is notified to the CU control unit 323, and the CU control unit 323 performs the above-described abnormality notification control. The hall server 801 is notified that an abnormality has occurred. Further, when an abnormality occurs in the payout control unit 171, it is detected that the main control board 16 has an abnormality, and upon receipt of the notification, the above-described abnormality occurrence notification control is performed.

As described above, the payout control board 17 detects the abnormality when the security board 325 occurs and notifies the main control board 16 of the abnormality, while it notifies the main control board 16 when the abnormality occurs. It detects and notifies the security board 325 that an abnormality has occurred. Similar to the security board 325 described above, when the payout control board 17 detects that an abnormality has occurred, the notification control is performed even if the control section having the abnormality is notified. Since it does not exist, the control unit or control board on the side opposite to the control unit in which the abnormality has occurred is notified. It should be noted that the security board 325 and the payout control board 17 are not connected to an abnormality notification means such as an abnormality notification lamp or an abnormality notification display, and have a function of controlling the abnormality notification by itself even if an abnormality is detected. Absent. In the above description, the security board 325 and the payout control board 17 are not connected to an abnormality notification means such as an abnormality notification lamp or an abnormality notification display, and the abnormality notification is controlled by itself even if an abnormality is detected. Although it is described that the security board 325 and the payout control board 17 have no function, an abnormality notification function may be provided in the security board 325 and the payout control board 17 to directly notify the fact that an abnormality has occurred.

<Transmission/reception mode between card unit side and pachinko game machine side>
Next, FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing main data among various data stored on the CU 3 side and the P stand 2 side and a transmission/reception mode thereof. With reference to FIG. 6, main ones of various data stored on the CU (card unit) 3 side and the P unit (pachinko gaming machine) 2 side and the transmission/reception mode thereof will be described.

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

FIG. 6 shows the storage data of the RAM provided in the CU control unit 323 on the CU 3 side and the storage data of the RAM mounted on the payout control board 17 on the P stand 2 side. First, when the power supply is started in a state where the P unit (pachinko game machine) 2 and the CU (card unit) 3 are installed in the game hall and electrically connected for the first time, the payout control board on the P unit 2 side The main control board 16 sends a main chip ID (main control chip ID) 17, the main chip ID is sent to the CU 3 side, and the payout chip ID (payout ID) is stored in the payout control board 17 itself. Control chip ID) to the CU3 side. Communication between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 is performed via the security board 325 (communication control ICs 325a and SC 325b) and the PIF circuit 326 as shown in FIG. Data, communication commands, etc. communicated between the two are relayed by the security board 325 (communication control ICs 325a and SC325b) and the PIF circuit 326. Therefore, for example, when the communication between the communication control IC 325a and the SC 325b is interrupted and the communication between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 cannot be performed, the CU control unit 323 in the CU 3 transmits a status information request command to the SC 325b. Does not reach P stand 2.

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

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

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

Both the CU and the P units add a "serial number" to the message and transmit it. Further, both the CU and the P unit store the “serial number” received from the other party. There are three types of "serial number": "normal serial number", "additional serial number" and "counting serial number". The "normal serial number" indicates the sequence number of the electronic message. As for the "normal serial number", the CU3 side (primary station side) sets the initial value to "1" and counts up (+1) the serial number received at the time of transmission and transmits. However, the "normal serial number" is not incremented when retransmitting. The P station 2 side (secondary station side) transmits the received serial number as it is. In addition, if the continuity of serial numbers is not established, there is no response. The “additional serial number” is a serial number used when the CU 3 requests the P base 2 to add game balls. The "counting serial number" is a serial number used when the P unit 2 requests the CU 3 to count the gaming balls.

Only the CU3 has the right to update the normal serial number. When the same normal serial number as the transmitted normal serial number is returned, the CU 3 backs up and stores the normal serial number, and then transmits the updated normal serial number. Only CU3 has the right to add and update the addition serial number. When making an addition request, the CU 3 transmits the addition sequence number, which is the addition sequence number used for communication up to that, to the P station 2 by +1. When the P machine 2 accepts the request, it returns the same addition serial number. When rejecting the request, the addition serial number received last time (addition serial number-1 received this time) is returned. Only the P stand 2 has the right to add and update the counting sequence number. When the P unit 2 makes a count request, it transmits to the CU 3 a count sequence number that is +1 from the count sequence number used for communication until then. When accepting the request, the CU 3 returns the same counting sequence number. When rejecting the request, the received counting serial number (currently received counting serial number-1) is returned.

In the following, for the “normal serial number”, a configuration will be described in which the CU 3 counts up (+1) the serial number received at the time of transmission and transmits. However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration, and the P-unit 2 and the CU 3 each count up (+1) the serial number received at the time of transmission by the P-unit 2 and transmit, and the other transmits the received serial number. May be transmitted as it is.

The “additional serial number” and the “counting serial number” are special serial numbers that are counted up in the addition request processing and the counting request processing, respectively. Hereinafter, a configuration will be described in which when the "additional serial number" and the "counting serial number" are counted up, the "normal serial number" is also counted up. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and may be configured to stop the count-up of the “normal sequence number” when the “additional sequence number” and the “counting sequence number” are counted up. In the following, the "normal serial number" is simply referred to as "serial number". Further, the "additional serial number" and the "counting serial number" are collectively referred to as "request serial number".

The latest game machine information (game machine information being counted) is transmitted from the P machine 2 side to the CU 3 side. This latest gaming machine information is stored in the latest gaming machine information storage area of the RAM of the payout controller 171 (see FIG. 4) on the P machine 2 side. Specifically, it includes information on the added ball number counter, information on the subtracted ball number counter, and information on the counted ball number counter. The number of game balls is not included in the latest game machine information, and is transmitted from the P unit 2 side to the CU 3 side as the count value of the game ball number counter. However, instead of this, or in addition to the game ball number counter, the number of game balls may be included in the latest gaming machine information.

Information of these counters is collectively transmitted to the CU side as a response. The added ball number counter is a counter that counts the added ball number. The addition balls are the sum of “the number of prize balls×the number of winning balls” and “the number of back balls”. The back balls are foul balls. That is, the additional balls indicate the number that the additional ball counter should add to the game balls. The subtraction ball number counter is a counter that counts the subtraction ball number. The subtracted ball is the “number of fired balls”. That is, it is the number of balls detected by the output change of the ball raising switch (upper) 41a from on to off. The "number of subtracted balls" does not include the "number of counted balls". The counting ball number counter is a counter that counts the counting ball number. The counting balls are "the number of balls converted from game balls to holding balls by counting operation". Here, the "prize ball ball" is a safe ball, which is a ball paid out when a ball wins the winning opening. The “launch ball” is a ball that has been shot by the gaming machine, and if there is a back ball, the number of balls from which the back ball is subtracted becomes the number of balls to be shot. A "back ball" is a ball that has returned without launching a shot ball onto the board. “Out-out passage ball” is a ball that has passed through the out-out port 154, and the total number of out-balls and safe balls means the number of out-out passage balls.

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

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

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

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

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

On the CU3 side, in the cumulative data storage area in the RAM, the number of game balls, the number of cards possessed (also simply referred to as the number of possessed balls), the number of stored balls, the remaining amount, the total number of added balls (total number of added balls), and the total subtraction The number of balls (cumulative number of subtracted balls) and the number of balls held when the card is inserted are stored. The number of balls held is the number of balls added when the number of balls paid out (the number of balls converted from the number of cards held to the number of gaming balls) is subtracted from the number of balls held when the card is inserted. That is, the number of balls held by the card is the number of balls held by the player at the present time.

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

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

As a result, for example, an error notification is given by the abnormality notification lamp or the display 312, or an error notification signal indicating that an error has occurred is transmitted to the hall management computer or the hall server 801 (in this case, hall management). The computer or the hall server 801 may notify the error). As a result, a predetermined notification is given to prompt the staff to make an artificial response.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 6, the CU 3 has a storage area for storing the number of coins held and the number of stored coins, a storage area for storing the card balance of the received (inserted) card, and the total number of added balls (the number of added balls). It further has a storage area for storing the total number of balls), the total number of subtracted balls (total number of subtracted balls) and the number of balls held when the card is inserted. The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 4) stores the stored coins in response to an input requesting the use of the accumulated coins (for example, a pressing input of the replay button 319 provided in the CU3 (however, when there are no balls)). A predetermined number of coins is subtracted from the area.

The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 4) is an input requesting the use of balls (for example, pressing input of the replay button 319 provided in the CU 3 when balls are held (when balls are held)). The predetermined number of balls is subtracted from the storage area for storing balls. Further, the CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 4) subtracts a predetermined value from the storage area for storing the card remaining amount according to an input requesting the use of the card remaining amount (for example, pressing input of the ball lending button 321).

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

In the game system according to the present embodiment, on the other hand, it is possible to accept a so-called wagon service order of deducting the game value owned by the player and exchanging it for a drink or the like. However, the wagon service is restricted for playing balls, and you can only receive the wagon service for holding balls. This is an image that in a conventional enclosed circulating pachinko gaming machine in which each counter is provided, it is prohibited to grab the uncounted balls remaining on the plate by hand and use them for wagon service.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the number of balls held is less than the number of balls corresponding to the desired menu of the wagon service when the operation for performing the wagon service is executed, the player is prompted to perform the counting operation. Has been done. At that time, when the player executes the counting operation, the number of counting balls based on the operation is transmitted from the P unit 2 side to the CU 3 side. In response to this, the CU3 side subtracts the number of game balls and adds the number of card possessions to update.

<Frame structure used in communication>
Next, the communication between the CU 3 and the P stand 2 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail. The electronic message used in the communication is composed of a frame having a predetermined format. The transmission data (telegram) is always transmitted in 1-frame units. That is, the message is not divided and transmitted. In addition, when transmitting electronic messages continuously, an interval of 1 millisecond or more is provided.

The transmission data of one frame includes a data length, a normal serial number, an addition serial number, a counting serial number, a command, and a data part. “Data length” indicates the data length of the transmission data (serial number to data part (business message range)). “Command” is a command code of a message. The "data part" is data of a telegram.

<Commands and responses sent and received between CU and P unit>
Next, referring to FIG. 7, an outline of commands and responses transmitted and received between the CU (card unit) 3 and the P units (pachinko gaming machine) 2 will be described.

FIG. 7 shows the transmission direction, whether the data to be transmitted is a command or a response, the name of the transmission information and its outline.

<Main sequence in communication between CU and P unit>
<<Sending commands and responses>>
First, the transmission of commands and responses between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 will be described. A command is transmitted from the CU3 (primary station) to the P unit 2 (secondary station), and the P unit 2 returns a response to the CU3 in response to the command. That is, the business message is transmitted by the command/response method in which the CU 3 is the primary station and the P unit 2 is the secondary station.

The period from the transmission of the first command to the P unit 2 from the CU 3 to the transmission of the next command is controlled to 200 ms, that is, 0.2 seconds. Also, the period from the transmission of the response from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 until the transmission of the next response is controlled to 200 ms, that is, 0.2 seconds.

Thus, both the command and the response are transmitted between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 at intervals of 200 ms. On the other hand, since the P table 2 operates 100 hitting pachinko balls into the game area 27 per minute by operating the hitting ball operation handle 25, the hitting ball firing time interval is 0.6 seconds. As a result, a plurality of commands and responses are transmitted/received during one shot of the ball.

Therefore, a response for notifying the amount of change in the number of game balls is transmitted from the P console 2 to the CU 3 one after another at intervals shorter than the ball firing time interval. As a result, the P unit 2 can minutely notify the CU 3 of the amount of change in the number of game balls.

Although the command and response transmission interval is set to 200 ms here, the transmission interval may be set to a longer interval or a shorter interval. For example, the transmission interval may be set to the firing time interval of the P unit 2. It is also possible to match with.

<<Detection of communication line disconnection on CU side>>
Next, a process when the communication interruption is detected on the CU3 side will be described. If the response is not received within 200 ms after the CU 3 transmits the command to the P unit 2, the same command is transmitted to the P unit 2 again. Further, if no response is received within 200 ms after that, the same command is transmitted to the P unit 2 for the second retransmission. The same command is retransmitted to the P unit 2 up to 14 times. When the response is not received from the P unit 2 even after the 14th retransmission, the CU 3 determines that the communication is abnormal after 3 seconds and sets “communication disconnected”. This communication abnormality may be caused by the disconnection of the connector of the CU 3 and the connector of the P base 2, or the disconnection of the connection wiring, or the power supply of the P base 2 may be disconnected. The CU 3 does not count up the serial number when the command is retransmitted.

<<Detection of communication line disconnection on P side>>
The processing when the communication failure is detected on the P stand 2 side will be described. A command is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2, and the P unit 2 returns a response to the CU 3 in response to the command. After that, if the command from the CU 3 is not transmitted to the P unit 2 for 3 seconds, the P unit 2 determines that the communication is disconnected, stops the driving of the firing motor 18, and stops the game. The cause of this communication disconnection may be disconnection between the connector of the CU3 and the connector of the P stand 2, disconnection of the connection wiring, or power failure of the CU3.

It should be noted that the command and response for detecting communication disconnection on the P unit 2 side include a recovery request/recovery response, a recovery request 2/recovery response 2, a communication start request/communication start response, a notification end request/communication end response, and a communication. Does not include test request/communication test response commands and responses.

<<Power on>>
Next, the processing of the connection sequence when the power is turned on will be described. The sequence process shown in FIG. 8 is a process executed when communication is resumed after the communication between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 ends normally. Specifically, it is executed when communication is resumed after the power supply of the CU 3 is turned off in the standby state where the card is not inserted. A typical example is a case in which one day of business ends at a game arcade, the power is turned off, and the power is turned on at the start of business the next day.

First, turn on the power. When the power is turned on, in the P stand 2, the firing motor 18 is stopped to stop the game and then the communication is started. After that, the authentication sequence is started, and the information including the main chip ID and the payout chip ID is transmitted from the P stand 2 to the CU 3. The CU 3 sends the received main chip ID and payout chip ID to the upper management server to inquire whether the main chip ID and payout chip ID are properly registered and have the result returned. .. If it is registered properly, the authentication result will be proper.

After the authentication sequence, the CU 3 transmits a counting history request command including the serial number=255 to the P unit 2. The P stand 2 sends a response of the counting history response including the serial number=255, the counting history result indicating the presence or absence of history, and the stored data of the counting history 1 and the counting history 2 to the CU 3. Next, the CU 3 transmits a recovery request including the last last transmission sequence number and the last last transmission count sequence number to the P unit 2, and requests the P unit 2 for recovery information. The P unit 2 executes the count recovery process by referring to the last final transmission count serial number notified from the CU 3. Specifically, the P unit 2 refers to the last transmission counting serial number last time, if the CU 3 has not performed the counting process, it is considered that the counting request has not been made, and if the CU 3 has already performed the counting process, the counting is performed. The number of counting balls is subtracted from the number of previous gaming balls to determine the number of gaming balls.

After the execution of the counting recovery process, the P machine 2 returns the game information recovery data backed up inside the P machine 2 (specifically, the payout control board 17) to the CU 3 as a response (recovery response). The recovery information includes the last last transmission serial number, the last insertion card ID, the last card insertion time, the last last transmission addition serial number, the last gaming machine information, and the like.

When the CU3 that has received the recovery response has not executed the processing of the last final transmission addition serial number included in the recovery information, the addition recovery processing of the CU3 is performed using the previous gaming machine information included in the recovery information. When performing the additional ball recovery process, the CU 3 transmits a recovery request 2 to the P unit 2 and the recovery data to the P unit 2. This recovery data includes the last transmission sequence number of the previous time and the number of added balls.

Receiving it, the P unit 2 executes addition recovery processing based on the received recovery data, and returns the result to the CU 3 as a response (recovery response 2). In the case where the P machine 2 cannot receive the added number of balls, the recovery process NG is returned as the recovery result.

This recovery process is a process for recovering the mutual data consistency between the CU 3 and the P unit 2, and is executed not only when the power is turned on, but also when a trouble occurs and recovery is performed. To be executed.

The CU 3 counts up the serial number each time a command such as a recovery request is transmitted. However, it does not count up when the command is retransmitted. When the P unit 2 receives a command with the same serial number as the previously received serial number, it determines that a communication failure has occurred and the CU 3 has retransmitted the command. The CU 3 sends a command, and backs up the serial number when the response of the same serial number is notified from the P unit 2. When transmitting the response corresponding to the received command, the P unit 2 notifies the CU 3 of the received serial number as it is. The P unit 2 backs up the serial number when transmitting the response.

After the end of the authentication sequence, the CU 3 sets the serial number to “1” and sends a recovery request command to the P unit 2. The P-unit 2 returns the received serial number "1" to the CU 3 as a response of the recovery response as it is. Further, the CU 3 transmits the command of the recovery request 2 to the P unit 2 with the serial number as “2”. The P machine 2 returns the received serial number "2" as it is to the response of the recovery response 2 to the CU 3.

After that, the CU 3 counts up the serial number to “3”, and transmits a communication start request command to the P unit 2. When the recovery request 2 is not transmitted, the CU 3 has a serial number of "2" which is counted down by 1 (-1). The P unit 2 receives it and clears the recovery data. Then, the P unit 2 returns the response of the communication start response to the CU 3 while keeping the received serial number "3". After that, the command for requesting the status information and the response for the status information response are transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the P unit 2.

The CU 3 counts up the serial number to “4”, and transmits a command for requesting status information to the P unit 2. The status information request command includes information about the unit price of the ball. By transmitting the ball unit price to the P unit 2, the P unit 2 can recognize whether the ball unit price set in the CU 3 is 4 yen per ball or 1 yen per ball. In addition, since the status information request command is transmitted at a cycle of 200 ms as described above, it is possible to transmit information on the maximum unit price of the ball three times to the P unit 2 within the cycle of 600 ms that the game ball fires. is there. Therefore, it becomes possible to change the ball unit price for each of the game balls played on the P base 2. If it becomes possible to manage the ball unit price for each small number (for example, one ball unit) of game balls, the demand of the player (for example, the desire to slowly play a small amount of money, the number of remaining game balls in a short time) It is possible to provide a variety of games according to the desire to consume). The command of the status information request transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 described below also includes the information on the ball unit price, but if the information on the ball unit price is not directly related to the contents of the sequence to be described, it is not particularly specified.

In response, the P machine 2 updates the game machine information, the game information, and the last transmission serial number last time, and backs up the updated data every time the response of the status information response is transmitted. Then, the P stand 2 returns the response of the status information response to the CU 3 while keeping the received serial number "4". It should be noted that the response of the status information response does not include the information on the unit price. This prevents illegally changing the information on the unit price of the ball currently being played on the P unit 2 and transmitting the information to the CU3, thereby making an illegal operation on the unit price of the game ball managed by the CU3. .. As a result, the security of the gaming system can be improved.

In response to this, the CU 3 updates the last transmission serial number last time and backs up the updated data each time the response of the status information response is received.

After that, the CU 3 counts up the serial number and sets it to "5", and sends the command of the status information request to the P unit 2, and the P unit 2 keeps the received serial number "5" and sends the response of the status information response to the CU3. Reply to.

<Encryption key used for communication from the key management server to the communication control IC>
Next, an encryption key used for communication from the key management server to the communication control IC will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an encryption key used for communication between the key management server and the communication control IC 325a. First, the encryption key used for communication from the key management server to the communication control IC 325a is mainly a board shipping key, a board initial key, a board authentication key, a main authentication key, a temporary authentication key, a valid key (commercial). , Communication key 1 (session key) and communication key 2 (session key). The board shipping key is used for communication between the CU control unit and the SC, and is used only for encryption of the communication test message before shipping. The board initial key is used for communication of the CU control unit-SC, is received by the CU control unit 323 at the first communication with the hall server, and is stored in the RAM of the CU control unit 323. The SC 325b generates a board initial key from the embedded information at the time of manufacture and stores it in the RAM. Authentication communication using the board initial key (board initial key mode) is permitted (timed operation) only for a limited period. Here, in the board initial key mode, as described above, it is necessary to normally communicate with the hall server at least once to acquire the board initial key, and therefore security is ensured.

Here, the "limited period" is, for example, a limited period of two days. In this way, by enabling timed operation, even if the key exchange with the key management server is not possible immediately after the system is installed in the hall, the hall will start operating immediately after the system is installed. It becomes possible. In addition, as the limited period, for example, a fixed period of one day may be set such as every morning from 9:00 to 17:00.

Although the board initial key mode described above has a limitation that enables the authentication communication using the board initial key for a limited period of time, the present invention is not limited to this, and the usable amount of money ( You may limit the card balance or cash). Alternatively, the game may be forcibly ended and the gaming machine may be controlled to the immobilization state when the number of times the symbols change in the variable display device reaches a certain number. Alternatively, when the cumulative number of jackpots reaches a certain number, the game may be forcibly ended and the gaming machine may be controlled in the immobilization state. In addition, it may be possible to allow only a game by throwing in cash so that the game using the remaining amount of the card cannot be performed, or it is possible to limit the game to the game using the balls.

The board authentication key is an encryption key used for communication between the CU control unit and the SC and received from the key management server as a part of the board security information. By performing the authentication communication using the board authentication key, the communication mode (board authentication key mode) is switched from the timed operation using the board initial key to the permanent operation (normal operation). The board authentication key is stored in the RAM of the CU control unit and the RAM of the SC.

For both the timed operation using the board initial key and the permanent operation using the board authentication key, the CU control unit 323 receives the valid key stored in the hall server, and the SC 325b receives the valid key from the communication control IC 325a. It is realized by enabling the communication between the P units and the CU by setting for.

This authentication key is used for communication between the SC and the communication control IC, is generated by the SC325b from the update information received from the key management server, is stored in the RAM of the SC325b, and is the same in the communication control IC325a as the SC325b. Is generated from the update information and stored in the RAM of the communication control IC 325a. The main authentication key itself may be acquired from a key management server or the like. Further, the CU control unit 323 and the communication control IC 325a may generate themselves by themselves without receiving the update information from the key management server or the like. Further, the CU control unit 323 and the communication control IC 325a generate predetermined second data by themselves while obtaining the predetermined first data from the key management server or the like, and obtain the main authentication key from the first data and the second data. It may be generated.

The temporary authentication key is used for communication between the SC-communication control IC, and is connected to SC325b until the main authentication key is generated (or the set allowable time (for example, 2 days) elapses). Used for encrypted communication with the communication control IC 325a. The encrypted communication using the temporary authentication key (temporary authentication key mode) is allowed (timed operation) only for a limited period (for example, 2 days). The SC 325b and the communication control IC 325a store the temporary authentication key in each ROM from the manufacturing stage. The valid key (commercial) is a key that the SC 325b receives via the CU control unit 323 during the first communication with the hall server and is transmitted (set) to the communication control IC 325a. By setting the valid key, communication with P units becomes possible. The valid key is data for activating the communication control IC 325a. In other words, the valid key is permission information for permitting communication between the CU and the P units.

The communication key 1 (session key) is used for communication between the CU control unit and the SC, and is used for business message communication for the game machine, and is created by the SC 325b every business day using some variable. As the variable, for example, a counter value (random number) or date/time information may be used. The communication key 2 (session key) is used for communication between the SC and the communication control IC, and is used for business message communication for the game machine.

Even if the key described above has a configuration in which the key data is directly embedded in each part, the information for generating the key data is stored in each part and May be used to generate the key data.

Next, a method for obtaining an encryption key and a method for performing encrypted communication using the obtained encryption key will be described. First, the SC 325b acquires a valid key via the CU control unit 323 during the first communication with the hall server. The SC 325b transmits (sets) the acquired valid key to the communication control IC 325a, thereby enabling communication with P units. The CU control unit 323 receives the board initial key during the first communication with the hall server and stores it in the RAM of the CU control unit 323. The SC 325b generates a board initial key from the embedded information at the time of manufacture and stores it in the RAM. The SC 325b performs cryptographic authentication with the CU control unit 323 using the acquired board initial key, and performs cryptographic communication with the CU control unit 323 in a timed manner using the board initial key. Further, the hall server, which has received the connection request sent from the CU control unit 323 when the power is turned on, returns to the CU control unit 323 a unified store code for identifying the game hall in which the hall server is installed. Specifically, the unified store code is transmitted from the input/output interface of the hall server to the CU control unit 323 under the control of the CPU of the hall server.

On the other hand, between the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b, authentication is performed using the board manufacturer code stored as initial information in both. The board maker code is a code that identifies the maker that manufactured the security board 325. The board connection request and the board connection response are exchanged on condition that the authentication using the board maker code is successful. The unified store code is included in the board connection request transmitted from the CU control unit 323 to the SC325b, and the SC325b acquires the unified shop code by receiving the board connection request.

Next, the CU control unit 323 requests the board security information from the key management server, and receives the board security information transmitted from the key management server via the hall server, so that the board security information is included in the board security information. Get the board authentication key. The CU control unit performs cryptographic authentication with the SC using the obtained board authentication key, and performs cryptographic communication with the SC using the board authentication key. The CU control unit 323 does not change the key from the initial board key to the board authentication key immediately after acquiring the board authentication key, but changes the key on the condition that the gaming machine is in the inactive state. To do.

This board authentication key may be generated by the CU control unit 323 itself instead of being obtained from the key management server or the like, and the CU control unit 323 itself may obtain the predetermined first data from the key management server or the like. The predetermined second data may be generated, and the board authentication key may be generated from the first data and the second data.

Next, the SC 325b performs encrypted communication with the communication control IC 325a using the stored temporary authentication key. Then, the SC performs encrypted communication with the CU control unit using the board authentication key, decrypts the update information acquired from the key management server with the temporary authentication key, and inquires the board inquiry number. When the inquired board inquiry number matches, the SC generates a main authentication key from the update information, and performs encrypted communication with the communication control IC 325a using the generated main authentication key. The authentication key is not stored even in the communication control IC 325a from the time of shipment, and is generated from the update information as in the SC325b.

Next, the SC notifies the CU control unit of the communication key 1, and the subsequent communication with the CU control unit is performed using the communication key 1, so that the business message communication with the gaming machine is possible. Becomes Further, the SC receives a notification of the communication key 2 from the communication control IC by setting an effective key in the communication control IC, and uses the communication key 2 for subsequent communication with the communication control IC. As a result, business message communication with the gaming machine becomes possible.

<Commands and responses sent and received between the CU control unit and SC>
Next, communication within the CU 3 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. In particular, communication between the CU control unit 323 and the security chip (SC) 325b of the security board 325 will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, an outline of commands and responses transmitted and received between the CU control unit 323 and the security chip (SC) 325b will be described.

10 and 11, the transmission direction, whether the data to be transmitted is a command or a response, the name of the transmission information and its outline are shown.

<Main sequence in communication between CU control unit and SC>
Next, the processing executed by the CPU in the CU control unit 323 and the processing executed by the security chip (SC) 325b will be described based on FIGS.

First, with reference to FIG. 12, a process of starting up the CU control unit 323 when the power is turned on and the hall is installed will be described. This FIG. 12 is a sequence when the CU 3 is installed in a game arcade and the power is first turned on. In particular, a startup sequence at the time of installing a hall using a substrate initial key will be described.

First, when the power of the CU3 is turned on, the CU control unit 323 and SC325b are activated. When the CU 3 is installed in the game arcade and the power is first turned on, the CU control unit 323 causes the board initial key A from the host device (specifically, from the hall server) and the message authentication code of the board initial key A ( For example, a valid key (commercial/P unit shipment), such as a MAC key, etc., is also acquired. Here, the board initial key A is an encryption key that is downloaded from the hall server and stored in the CU control unit 323 when it is first communicated to the host device after being delivered to the game hall, and is installed in the key management center. It is an encryption key used for communication between the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b until the board information (board serial ID and board authentication key) stored in the key management server is acquired. The board initial key A is decrypted using the board maker code, while the MAC key of the board initial key A is also decrypted using the board maker code. The decryption is performed by a decryption method according to an encryption method such as DES (Data Encryption Standard), AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and IDEA (International Data Encryption Algorithm).

After that, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b execute a board maker code authentication sequence, a board initial key authentication sequence, and a security board information inquiry sequence.

The board maker code authentication sequence uses the challenge/response method to authenticate the board maker code between the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b. After the processing of the board maker code authentication sequence, the CU control unit 323 thereafter sends a board connection request command including at least the unified store code, the gaming machine number (gaming machine number), and the current time information to the SC325b. The SC 325b holds the received unified store code, gaming machine number, and current time information. Further, the SC 325b transmits a response of the board connection response including the connection result and the security information to the CU control unit 323. The CU control unit 323 sends the security information acquired from the SC 325b to the key management center.

Specifically, the CU control unit 323 notifies the SC 325b of the CU control unit unique information (unified store code, unit number, current time), and transmits a board connection request command requesting connection with the gaming machine.

After receiving the board connection request command from the CU control unit 323, the SC 325b holds the information on the unified store code, the night and night, and the current time, and when the previous unified store code matches, the CU control unit 323. To the board connection response indicating that the connection request has been accepted (OK).

On the other hand, when it does not match the previous unified store code, the CU control unit 323 returns the response of the board connection response notifying that the connection request is not accepted (NG), and the board stored in the RAM. The authentication key is cleared, and the process proceeds to the substrate initial key mode (see FIG. 12), which is a mode in which the process proceeds using the substrate initial key as the encryption key. At this time, the CU control unit 323 acquires security information such as the board connection request result from the SC 325b.

Next, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b perform the board initial key authentication sequence using the board initial key acquired from the hall server as the encryption key, and if the board initial key authentication is completed, the authentication is OK.

After that, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b use the board initial key acquired from the hall server for the encryption key, perform the security board information inquiry sequence, and if the security board information can be acquired, the acquisition is OK. The security board information is acquired from the key management server of the key management center and includes a board serial ID and a board authentication key. The board authentication key is an encryption key downloaded from the key management server installed in the key management center and used for communication between the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b. The key management server stores the board authentication key in association with the board serial number or the like.

When the security board information can be acquired in the security board information inquiry sequence, the SC 325b executes authentication with the communication control IC 325a.

After that, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b use the board initial key acquired from the hall server as the encryption key, perform the communication key exchange sequence, and exchange the communication key for business message communication.

After that, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b use the board initial key as the encryption key, perform the communication key exchange sequence, and generate the communication key. In the communication key exchange sequence, when the board information can be acquired in the board information acquisition sequence, the board authentication key is used as the encryption key, but when the board information cannot be acquired, the board initial key is used as the encryption key in a timed manner. Specifically, the communication key generation method uses a random number and current time data. The method of generating the communication key (session key) is not limited to the random number and the data of the current time, and any variable data other than the key used for mutual authentication between the devices performing the encrypted communication may be used. Good. The communication key exchange sequence is for exchanging a key (communication key) used for encrypted communication with the gaming machine so as to enable a game by the gaming machine.

When the communication key can be generated by the communication key exchange sequence, the SC 325b acquires the gaming machine control board information from the communication control IC 325a.

After that, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b use the communication key acquired from the communication key exchange sequence as the encryption key, perform the security board information inquiry 2 sequence, and inquire/notify the gaming machine control board information. The gaming machine control board information includes a main control board number (main control chip ID of the main control board 16), a frame control board number (payout chip ID of the payout control board 17), and the like. The security board information inquiry 3 sequence is performed only when there is security information 3 to be notified from the CU control unit 323 to the SC 325b.

Next, the CU control unit 323 transmits a board information request command to the SC325b to request the status of the security board and the gaming machine to the SC325b. The SC 325b returns to the CU control unit 323 a response of a board status response including board status=operable. When the security board cannot be operated, the CU control unit 323 performs the processing suitable for each board status. Specifically, when the CU control unit 323 receives the response of the board state response including the board state=communication key request (inoperable), the process returns to the communication key exchange sequence. That is, when the SC 325b determines that the communication key has not been normally generated in the communication key exchange sequence, it sends a response of the board state response including the board state=communication key request (inoperable) to the CU control unit 323. ..

When the CU control unit 323 receives the response of the board status response including the board status=security board information inquiry instruction notification 2 request (inoperable), the processing returns to the security board information inquiry 2 sequence. In other words, when the SC 325b determines that the main control board number and the frame control board number have not been normally acquired in the security board information inquiry 2 sequence, board status=security board information inquiry instruction notification 2 request (inoperable) ) Is sent to the CU control unit 323.

When the CU control unit 323 receives the response of the board state response including the board state=not operable, the CU control section 323 repeatedly transmits the board state request to the SC 325b. That is, when the SC 325b determines that the operation is not normal except through the communication key exchange sequence and the security board information inquiry 2 sequence, the SC 325b transmits a board status response response including board status=inoperable to the CU control unit 323.

By performing the above processing, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b can perform business telegram communication with the gaming machine. By performing business telegram communication with this gaming machine, a game can be played on the gaming machine. A communication key (session key) is used for business telegram communication with this gaming machine. As described above, the communication at this time is time-limited communication, and is allowed only for a certain period (for example, 2 days). The communication mode performed through the above processing is the restricted communication mode (board initial key mode (board initial key operation)). If a certain period (for example, 2 days) is exceeded during this time-limited operation, the temporary operation is stopped, and the SC 325b notifies the key management server via the CU control unit 323 and the hall server. It

Thereafter, the CU 3 makes a count history request to the P unit 2, and the P unit 2 sends back a count history response response including the count history result, the count history 1, and the count history 2 to the CU 3.

Next, with reference to FIG. 13, a power-on/normal start-up process of the CU control unit 323 will be described. This FIG. 13 is a sequence when the power is normally started up after the CU 3 is installed in the game arcade, and particularly the start-up sequence using the board authentication key will be described.

First, when the power of the CU3 is turned on, the CU control unit 323 and SC325b are activated. When the CU3 is installed in the game arcade and the power is first turned on, the CU control unit 323 causes the board serial ID key, the board from the host device (specifically, from the key management server via the hall server). The authentication key version, the board authentication key A, and the MAC key of the board authentication key A are acquired. The board serial ID key is decrypted with the board initial key, the board initial key A is decrypted with the board serial ID, and the MAC key of the board initial key A is similarly decrypted with the board serial ID. To be done. The decryption is performed by a decryption method according to an encryption method such as DES, AES or IDEA.

After that, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b execute a board maker code authentication sequence, a board authentication key authentication sequence, and a security board information inquiry sequence.

The board maker code authentication sequence uses the challenge/response method to authenticate the board maker code between the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b. After the processing of the board maker code authentication sequence, the CU control unit 323 sends a board connection request command including at least the unified store code, the gaming machine number, and the current time information to the SC 325b. The SC 325b holds the received unified store code, gaming machine number, and current time information, and compares the received unified store code with the previously stored unified store code. If the received unified store code and the previously stored unified store code do not match, the SC 325b transitions to the board initial key sequence. Further, the SC 325b transmits a response of the board connection response including the connection result and the security information to the CU control unit 323. The CU control unit 323 sends the security information acquired from the SC 325b to the key management center. Next, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b use the board authentication key acquired from the key management server as the encryption key, and perform the board authentication key authentication sequence.

After that, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b use the board authentication key acquired from the key management server as the encryption key and perform the security board information inquiry sequence only when the key is updated.

When the board authentication key can be authenticated in the board authentication key authentication sequence and there is no key update, or when there is a key update and the security board information inquiry sequence allows the authentication, the SC 325b executes authentication with the communication control IC 325a. ..

After that, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b use the board authentication key as the encryption key, perform the communication key exchange sequence, and generate the communication key. Specifically, the communication key generation method uses a random number and current time data. The method of generating the communication key (session key) is not limited to the random number and the data of the current time, and any variable data other than the key used for mutual authentication between the devices performing the encrypted communication may be used. Good. The communication key exchange sequence is for exchanging a key (communication key) used for encrypted communication with the gaming machine so as to enable a game by the gaming machine.

When the communication key can be generated by the communication key exchange sequence, the SC 325b further acquires the gaming machine control board information from the communication control IC 325a.

After that, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b use the communication key acquired from the communication key exchange sequence as the encryption key, perform the security board information inquiry 2 sequence, and inquire/notify the gaming machine control board information. The gaming machine control board information includes a main control board number, a frame control board number, and the like. The security board information inquiry 3 sequence is performed only when there is security information 3 to be notified from the CU control unit 323 to the SC 325b.

Next, the CU control unit 323 transmits a board information request command to the SC325b to request the status of the security board and the gaming machine to the SC325b. The SC 325b returns to the CU control unit 323 a response of a board status response including board status=operable. When the security board cannot be operated, the CU control unit 323 performs the processing suitable for each board status. Specifically, when the CU control unit 323 receives the response of the board state response including the board state=communication key request (inoperable), the process returns to the communication key exchange sequence. That is, when the SC 325b determines that the communication key has not been normally generated in the communication key exchange sequence, it sends a response of the board state response including the board state=communication key request (inoperable) to the CU control unit 323. ..

When the CU control unit 323 receives the response of the board status response including the board status=security board information inquiry instruction notification 2 request (inoperable), the processing returns to the security board information inquiry 2 sequence. In other words, when the SC 325b determines that the main control board number and the frame control board number have not been normally acquired in the security board information inquiry 2 sequence, board status=security board information inquiry instruction notification 2 request (inoperable) ) Is sent to the CU control unit 323.

When the CU control unit 323 receives the response of the board state response including the board state=not operable, the CU control section 323 repeatedly transmits the board state request to the SC 325b. That is, when the SC 325b determines that the operation is not normal except through the communication key exchange sequence and the security board information inquiry 2 sequence, the SC 325b transmits a board status response response including board status=inoperable to the CU control unit 323.

By performing the above processing, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b can perform business telegram communication with the gaming machine. By performing business telegram communication with this gaming machine, a game can be played on the gaming machine. A communication key (session key) is used for business message communication with this gaming machine. The communication at this time is a normal communication mode (board authentication key mode (board authentication key operation)) without restrictions such as a restricted communication mode.

Next, with reference to FIG. 14, a process of turning on the power of the CU control unit 323 and standing up at the time of factory shipment will be described. FIG. 14 shows a sequence at the time of factory shipment before the CU 3 is shipped to the game arcade, and particularly, a factory shipment start-up sequence using a board shipment key will be described. The sequence is a process in the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b that are not connected to the host device when shipped from the factory.

First, when the power of the CU3 is turned on, the CU control unit 323 and SC325b are activated. The CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b execute a board maker code authentication sequence and a board initial key authentication sequence.

The board maker code authentication sequence uses the challenge/response method to authenticate the board maker code between the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b. After the processing of the board maker code authentication sequence, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b use the board initial key as the encryption key and perform the board initial key authentication sequence. However, since the CU3 has not been installed in the amusement hall at the stage of factory shipment, the CU control unit 323 cannot obtain the board initial key from the hall server of the amusement hall, and as a result, the board initial key authentication The result is NG.

After that, the CU control unit 323 transmits to the SC 325b a board connection request command including at least the unified store code, the gaming machine number, and the current time information. The SC 325b holds the received unified store code, gaming machine number, and current time information. Further, the SC 325b transmits a response of the board connection response including the connection result and the security information to the CU control unit 323. The CU control unit 323 sends the security information acquired from the SC 325b to the key management center. Next, the CU control unit 323 requests the board shipment key used for the test of the security board 325 to the SC 325b because the board initial key authentication sequence is authentication NG, and the board shipment key is acquired from the SC 325b. To do. Then, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b use the board shipping key acquired from the SC 325b as the encryption key and perform the board shipping key authentication sequence.

When the board shipping key can be authenticated in the board shipping key authentication sequence, the SC 325b executes authentication with the communication control IC 325a.

After that, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b use the board shipping key as the encryption key, perform the communication key exchange sequence, and generate the communication key. Specifically, the communication key generation method uses a random number and current time data. The method of generating the communication key (session key) is not limited to the random number and the data of the current time, and any variable data other than the key used for mutual authentication between the devices performing the encrypted communication may be used. Good. The communication key exchange sequence is for exchanging a key (communication key) used for encrypted communication with the gaming machine so as to enable a game by the gaming machine.

When the communication key can be generated by the communication key exchange sequence, the SC 325b acquires the gaming machine control board information from the communication control IC 325a.

After that, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b use the communication key acquired from the communication key exchange sequence as the encryption key, perform the security board information inquiry 2 sequence, and inquire/notify the gaming machine control board information. The gaming machine control board information includes a main control board number, a frame control board number, and the like.

After that, the CU 3 makes a communication test request to the P unit 2, and the P unit 2 transmits a communication test response to the CU 3.

Next, the CU control unit 323 transmits a board information request command to the SC325b to request the status of the security board and the gaming machine to the SC325b. The SC 325b returns to the CU control unit 323 a response of a board status response including board status=operable. When the security board cannot be operated, the CU control unit 323 performs the processing suitable for each board status. Specifically, when the CU control unit 323 receives the response of the board state response including the board state=communication key request (inoperable), the process returns to the communication key exchange sequence. That is, when the SC 325b determines that the communication key has not been normally generated in the communication key exchange sequence, it sends a response of the board state response including the board state=communication key request (inoperable) to the CU control unit 323. ..

When the CU control unit 323 receives the response of the board status response including the board status=security board information inquiry instruction notification 2 request (inoperable), the processing returns to the security board information inquiry 2 sequence. In other words, when the SC 325b determines that the main control board number and the frame control board number have not been normally acquired in the security board information inquiry 2 sequence, board status=security board information inquiry instruction notification 2 request (inoperable) ) Is sent to the CU control unit 323.

When the CU control unit 323 receives the response of the board state response including the board state=not operable, the CU control section 323 repeatedly transmits the board state request to the SC 325b. That is, when the SC 325b determines that the operation is not normal except through the communication key exchange sequence and the security board information inquiry 2 sequence, the SC 325b transmits a board status response response including board status=inoperable to the CU control unit 323.

By performing the above processing, the CU control unit 323 and the SC 325b can communicate with the gaming machine only by the communication test message. A communication test at the time of factory shipment is performed by communicating this communication test message. The CU3 that has passed the communication test at the time of factory shipment is delivered to the game arcade, and the first power-on sequence is the hall installation start-up sequence described in FIG. 12, and is executed after obtaining the board authentication key. The sequence is the normal startup sequence described in FIG.

<Communication between main controller and payout controller>
Next, the communication between the main controller 161 and the payout controller 171 in the P stand 2 will be described in more detail. First, in the P stand 2 shown in FIG. 4, communication between the main control board 16 provided on the game board 26 and the payout control board 17 provided on the front frame 5 is performed by the main control provided on the main control board 16. This is performed between the section 161 and the payout control section 171 provided on the front frame 5. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining communication performed between the main control unit 161, the payout control unit 171, and the communication control IC.

The main controller 161 and the payout controller 171 shown in FIG. 15 will be described below as one chip, but a plurality of chips may have the same function. The main control unit 161 includes a main control circuit 161a, a communication control circuit 161b, and a main control storage unit 161c. The main control circuit 161a performs various processes in the main control unit 161 (for example, a process of counting prize balls based on a signal from the prize sensor 162, a process of detecting fraud based on a signal from the radio wave sensor 163, etc.). ) Is a circuit that executes a control program. The communication control circuit 161b is a circuit for performing encrypted communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. The main control storage unit 161c is a storage device for storing a user program, a control program, and data to be executed by the main control unit 161, and is composed of, for example, a nonvolatile memory FeRAM (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory). .. Since the main control storage unit 161c includes the FeRAM, the information stored in the FeRAM does not need to be backed up by an external power supply.

On the other hand, the payout control unit 171 includes a payout control circuit 171a, a communication control circuit 171b, and a payout control storage unit 171c. The payout control circuit 171a includes a CPU having an arithmetic processing function, and the payout control unit 171 performs various processes (controls the firing motor 18 via the firing control board 31 or sends the CU3 based on a signal from the counting button 28). On the other hand, it is a circuit that executes a control program for performing a game ball-to-ball conversion request or the like and a user program stored in the payout control storage unit 171c. The communication control circuit 171b is a circuit for performing cryptographic communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, and cryptographic communication between the payout control unit 171 and the communication control IC 325a. The payout control storage unit 171c is a storage device for storing a user program to be executed by the payout control unit 171, a control program, data, and the like, and is configured by, for example, a nonvolatile memory FeRAM. Since the payout control storage unit 171c includes the FeRAM, the information stored in the FeRAM does not need to be backed up by an external power supply.

The payout control unit 171 transmits/receives data to/from the communication control IC 325a of the CU 3 via the communication control circuit 171b. Specifically, the payout control unit 171 receives the various commands as shown in FIG. 7 described above from the communication control IC 325a of the CU 3. Then, the payout control unit 171 stores data included in various commands. These data are basically stored in the payout control storage unit 171c configured by a RAM or the like. However, from the viewpoint of security, some of these data may not be stored in the payout control storage unit 171c in which the user program and the like are stored.

Therefore, the payout control unit 171 (payout control circuit 171a) does not store the predetermined data related to security (security-related information) in the data received by the communication control circuit 171b in the payout control storage unit 171c, and performs the payout. The data is stored in a predetermined storage area in the control circuit 171a. That is, the payout control circuit 171a stores the security-related information received by the communication control circuit 171b in the register in the payout control circuit 171a without notifying the user program. This user program is not a program predetermined by specifications such as a control program for controlling the basic operation of the CU 3, but a program that can be added at the development stage of the gaming machine. Therefore, security can be improved by not notifying the user program, which is relatively accessible from the outside, of the predetermined data. Further, by not storing the predetermined data in the payout control storage unit 171c accessible from the outside, access to the predetermined data is prohibited and the security is improved.

For example, the security-related information includes “count reception time” included in the status information request command, “store code” and “SC board ID” included in the card insertion notification command, and the like. Note that the security-related information is not limited to this, and includes predetermined data that is preferably stored in the payout control storage unit 171c from the viewpoint of security.

Then, the payout control circuit 171a updates or erases the security-related information stored in its own register when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Specifically, the payout control circuit 171a includes the "count reception time" stored in the register in the response of the status information response transmitted from the P machine 2 to the CU3, Bit4 of the gaming machine status 1="1"( It is updated when the response of the status information response is transmitted to the CU 3 (when the count information is requested) (when the status information response is transmitted). The payout control circuit 171a stores the “counting reception time” when the P unit 2 transmits a response of the communication start response to the CU 3 (when transmitting the communication start response) or in the RAM provided in the P unit 2 (for example, the main control storage unit). 161c, payout control storage unit 171c, etc.) is erased when an instruction to clear is issued (when a RAM clear instruction is issued).

Further, the payout control circuit 171a uses the “store code” and the “SC board ID” stored in the register when the P unit 2 transmits a response of the card insertion response to the CU 3 (when transmitting the card insertion response) or the P unit. 2 newly registers or updates when it receives a counting history request command from the CU 3 (when counting history is requested). The payout control circuit 171a erases the "store code" and the "SC board ID" when an instruction to clear the RAM provided on the P stand 2 is issued (when a RAM clear instruction is issued).

As described above, the information of the “count receipt time”, the “store code”, and the “SC board ID” is deleted or updated in the payout control circuit 171a when the above conditions are satisfied, so that security can be ensured. it can.

The "store code" is used in the counting history sequence when returning from the incommunicable state. Specifically, the payout control circuit 171a receives a counting history request command including the serial number=n, the store code and the SC board ID from the communication control IC 325a of the CU 3 via the communication control circuit 171b. In the payout control circuit 171a, the "store code" transmitted from the CU3 by the card insertion notification command and stored in the register in the payout control circuit 171a and the "store code" transmitted from the CU3 by the count history request command , And compare. The payout control circuit 171a sets the data of the count history 1 and the count history 2 that are stored in the response of the count history response so that the stored data of the count history 1 and the count history 2 can be transmitted to the CU 3 when the “store code” matches as a result of the comparison. Then, the communication control circuit 171b returns a response of the count history response including the serial number=n, the count history 1 and the count history 2 to the CU 3 (communication control IC 325a). In this way, the communication control circuit 171b can improve the accuracy of recovery processing by transmitting the past two count histories (count history 1 and count history 2) to the CU 3 (communication control IC 325a). The plurality of counting histories transmitted from the communication control circuit 171b to the CU3 are not limited to the past two times, but may be the past three times or more.

On the other hand, the payout control circuit 171a sets the data as no count history in the response of the count history response transmitted to the CU3 when the “store code” does not match as a result of comparing these. Then, the communication control circuit 171b returns a response of the counting history response including the serial number=n and no counting history to the CU3. Here, when the response of the count history response including the serial number=n and no count history is returned from the P machine 2 to the CU 3 (when the above-mentioned “store code” does not match), the payout control circuit 171a plays the game. Is prohibited.

That is, when the “store code” stored in the register in the payout control circuit 171a and the “store code” transmitted from the CU 3 by the count history request command match, it is determined that communication is impossible. It is possible to return to the previous game state using the counting history, but if they do not match, the communication is not returned to the previous game state.

In the above, the case where the payout control circuit 171a compares the “store code” has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the communication control circuit 171b refers to the register of the payout control circuit 171a and refers to the payout control circuit. The “store code” stored in the register in 171a may be compared with the “store code” transmitted from the CU 3 by the count history request command. In this case, the communication control circuit 171b notifies the payout control circuit 171a of the determination result. When the determination result that the “store code” matches, the payout control circuit 171a sets the data of the stored counting history 1 and counting history 2 in the response of the counting history response, and the “store code” matches. In the case of the determination result of not performing, data is set in the response of the counting history response as no counting history. Then, the communication control circuit 171b returns the response of the counting history response including the set data to the CU3.

Further, the communication control circuits 161b and 171b will be described in detail. FIG. 16 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the communication control circuit 161b for cryptographic communication with the payout control unit 171. First, the communication control circuit 161b has a plurality of functions, such as an authentication communication function, an encryption communication function, an interrupt function, and a recovery function.

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

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

Next, the communication control circuit 161b, as shown in FIG. 16, is a cryptographic communication for performing cryptographic communication with a plurality of registers for inputting/outputting to/from the control program executed by the main control circuit 161a and the payout control unit 171. It has a controller 600.

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

The authentication status register 611 indicates whether the chip ID of the main control unit 161 is authenticated, the communication state between the card unit and the payout control unit and the authentication state, the communication between the main control unit and the payout control unit and the authentication state. The state is written. The authentication interrupt setting register 612 sets whether to permit an interrupt that changes the chip ID authentication, the authentication between the card unit and the payout controller, and the authentication between the main controller and the payout controller.

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

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

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

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

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

First, FIG. 17 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the communication control circuit 171b1 for cryptographic communication with the main control unit 161. First, the communication control circuit 171b1 has a plurality of functions, such as an authentication communication function, a cryptographic communication function, an interrupt function, and a recovery function.

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

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

Next, as shown in FIG. 17, the communication control circuit 171b1 performs a cryptographic communication for performing a cryptographic communication with the payout control unit 171 and a plurality of registers that perform input/output with the control program executed by the payout control circuit 171a. It has a control unit 700.

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

The authentication status register 711 indicates whether the chip ID of the payout control unit 171 is authenticated, communication between the card unit and the payout control unit and the authentication status, communication between the main control unit and the payout control unit and authentication. The state is written. The authentication interrupt setting register 712 is set whether to permit an interrupt that changes the chip ID authentication, the authentication between the card unit and the payout control unit, and the authentication between the main control unit and the payout control unit.

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

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

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

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

The communication control circuit 171b1 further includes a communication timeout time setting register 719a, a communication interval time setting register 719b, and a main control unit transmission buffer write valid time setting register 719c.

The main control unit transmission buffer write valid time setting register 719c stores the data of the transmission data buffer 613 of the main control unit 161 in the data reception register 713 after the authentication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 is cut off. This is a register that sets the valid time that can be written. By setting the register, writing to the data reception register 713 allows the set valid time (for example, 5 seconds to 15 seconds) even after the authentication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 is terminated. You can do it for about a second. Thereby, for example, even if there is a floating ball (a ball that is not caught and dropped between the nails or the like in the game area 27) when the authentication is cut off due to a power failure or disconnection, the floating ball has won the prize. Information can be reliably stored and protected. Even in the case of a gaming machine having a stage in which the ball stays for a long time, the valid period can be set to be long so that the information that the floating ball has won can be surely stored.

Originally, after the authentication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 is cut off, information cannot be written in the data reception register 713 via the encrypted communication control unit 700 from the viewpoint of security. However, in the data reception register 713, for example, it is necessary to write information that a floating ball has won after the authentication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 has expired. Therefore, the communication control circuit 171b1 sets the valid time in the main control unit transmission buffer write valid time setting register 719c and makes the main setting in the encrypted communication control unit 700, so that the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 are set. Information can be written in the data reception register 713 via the encrypted communication control unit 700 within the valid period even after the authentication between and has expired. The setting value of the main control unit transmission buffer write valid time setting register 719c can be read out after the main setting is made by the encrypted communication control unit 700.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the communication control circuit 171b2 for cryptographic communication with the communication control IC 325a. As shown in FIG. 18, the communication control circuit 171b2 uses, for example, an authentication status register 721, an authentication interrupt setting register 722, a transmission data buffer 723a, a data reception register 723b, and a transmission data number register 724 to perform cryptographic communication with the communication control IC 325a. , Reception data number register 725, recovery communication addition sphere request register 726, recovery communication subtraction sphere request register 727, recovery request/completion register 728, encrypted communication data clear request/completion register 729, communication timeout timer-prescaler setting register 729a and communication It has a timeout time setting register 729b and the like.

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

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

In addition, by configuring the transmission data buffer 723a and the data reception register 723b with a non-volatile memory, communication is interrupted between the payout control unit 171 and the communication control IC 325a, and the buffer and the register that have not been transmitted due to communication failure are stored in the buffer and the register. The written business message is retained after returning. Therefore, even when recovery communication is performed, recovery processing such as re-execution of the user program to generate the business message written in the transmission data buffer 723a and the data reception register 723b is unnecessary, and the payout control unit It is possible to reduce the processing load of the communication management IC 171 and the communication control IC 325a. Moreover, the amount of data required in the recovery process can be suppressed. Since the transmission data buffer 723a and the data reception register 723b are composed of non-volatile memories, backup by an external power supply is unnecessary. Registers other than the transmission data buffer 723a and the data reception register 723b are composed of volatile memory.

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

The recovery communication addition sphere request register 726 is a register in which the number of addition spheres is written when the addition sphere is generated in the recovery communication result between the communication control IC and the payout control unit after the power is restored. The recovery communication addition sphere request register 726 is updated only when the recovery communication is completed. The recovery communication subtraction sphere request register 727 is a register in which the number of subtraction spheres is written when a subtraction sphere is generated in the recovery communication result between the communication control IC and the payout control unit after the power supply is restored. The recovery communication subtraction sphere request register 727 is also updated only when the recovery communication is completed.

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

The payout control unit 171 does not notify the user program executed in the payout control circuit 171a of the security-related information among the data received by the data reception register 723b of the communication control circuit 171b2 in the encrypted communication with the communication control IC 325a. , In the register in the payout control circuit 171a. That is, since the user program executed by the payout control circuit 171a is restricted so that it cannot directly access the security-related information received by the data reception register 723b, the security-related information is stored in the payout control storage unit 171c. I can't write it out. Although the communication control circuit 171b2 has described the case where the data reception register 723b receives the security-related information, a security-related information reception register which the user program executed in the payout control circuit 171a cannot directly access is provided separately. May be.

The security-related information received by the data reception register 723b is stored in the register in the payout control circuit 171a, but the user program executed in the payout control circuit 171a cannot directly access the payout control unit 171. explained. However, the payout control unit 171 is not limited to this, and does not store the security-related information received by the data reception register 723b in the register in the payout control circuit 171a, only holds it in the data reception register 723b. The user program executed by the payout control circuit 171a may not be directly accessible.

<Commands and responses sent and received between the main controller and the payout controller>
Next, with reference to FIG. 19, an outline of commands and responses transmitted and received between the main controller 161 and the payout controller 171 will be described.

FIG. 19 shows the transmission direction, whether the data to be transmitted is a command or a response, the name of the transmission information, and its outline.

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

Next, the main control unit 161 sends a command named gaming state notification to the payout control unit 171. This game state notification command notifies the payout controller 171 of the game state. The payout control unit 171 sends a response called a game state response to the main control unit 161. The response of the game state response is a response to the reception of the game state notification to the main control unit 161.

<Main sequence processed between main controller and payout controller>
Next, based on FIGS. 20 and 21, a main sequence performed by the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 will be described.

<<Communication sequence>>
First, with reference to FIG. 20, a sequence of processing between the main controller 161 and the payout controller 171 when the power is turned on will be described. The sequence shown in FIG. 20 is a process executed when communication is resumed after the communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 is normally completed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

<<Sequence after power off>>
Next, with reference to FIG. 21, a process when the status information request is unreachable due to power failure/communication line failure will be described. In FIG. 21, in particular, there is a power supply disconnection/communication line disconnection (for example, when the power supply of the payout control unit 171 is once turned off and then turned on again), and the game state notification has not arrived (from the main control unit 161) It is a figure which shows the sequence for demonstrating the process in case the command has not arrived at the payout control unit 171) and the communication partners after recovery match.

With reference to FIG. 21, the main control unit 161 transmits a game state notification including the serial number=n to the payout control unit 171, before the power is cut off during the game. In response to this, the payout control unit 171 transmits a game state reception including the serial number=n to the main control unit 161.

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

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

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

Note that the above-described recovery processing was configured to be performed because the serial numbers did not match, but the information included in the recovery game information (for example, the number of game information, prize ball information, etc.) and the payout control with the main controller 161. The recovery process may be performed even if the unit 171 does not match.

<Processing at game machine startup>
Next, with reference to FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, a process when the P stand 2 is activated will be described. FIG. 22 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration in which various timers used when the P stand 2 is activated are provided. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a sequence for explaining a process when the P stand 2 is started up using various timers.

First, in the CU 3 shown in FIG. 22, the activation of the P unit 2 is completed before a predetermined time (for example, while command and response communication is performed 900 times (200 ms×900 times=180 seconds)). The CU control unit 323 is provided with a monitoring timer 323a for monitoring whether or not it is present. Further, in the P stand 2, the payout control unit 171 is provided with a start waiting monitoring timer 171A, and the main control unit 161 is provided with a start extension timer 161A. The activation waiting monitoring timer 171A is a timer that waits until a predetermined time (for example, 90 seconds) elapses until the user program is activated by the main control unit 161. The activation extension timer 161A is a timer that delays the activation of the user program in the main control unit 161 by a predetermined time (for example, 90 seconds).

The payout control unit 171 includes a payout control communication unit (CU side) 171B for communicating with the CU 3, and a payout control communication unit (main side) 171C for communicating with the main control unit 161. The CU control unit 323 is not directly connected to the payout control unit 171, but is connected to the payout control unit 171 via the communication control IC 325a. The security is improved by the communication between the CU control unit 323 and the payout control unit 171 via the communication control IC 325a that performs the encryption process.

Next, the activation of the P stand 2 will be described in sequence using the sequence shown in FIG. First, when the power of the P stand 2 is turned on, the startup extension timer 161A starts counting time. Since the activation extension timer 161A is activated, the activation is delayed so that the user program is not activated by the main control unit 161 immediately after the power of the P stand 2 is turned on. As a result, the main control unit 161 can execute necessary processing before starting the user program. Incidentally. There are different types of IC chips forming the main control unit 161, and the waiting time for activation differs depending on the type of IC chip. For example, the waiting time for starting the IC chip of the company A is 30 seconds, and the waiting time for starting the IC chip of the company B is 90 seconds. The start-up extension timer 161A sets a maximum start-up waiting time (for example, 90 seconds) to a predetermined time so as to be compatible with different types of IC chips. As a result, the activation extension timer 161A can delay the user program from being activated, regardless of which type of IC chip the main control unit 161 employs.

As the processing required before the user program of the main control unit 161 is activated, there is the gaming machine authentication processing specifically described in the sequence processing shown in FIG. In the gaming machine authentication process, information including the main chip ID and the payout chip ID is transmitted from the P machine 2 to the CU 3, and the CU 3 sends the received main chip ID and payout chip ID to a higher-level management server. This is a process in which the main chip ID and the payout chip ID are transmitted and inquired as to whether they are properly registered, and if they are registered as a result, an appropriate authentication result is obtained.

Gaming machine authentication processing is performed, and if the authentication result is proper, tentative communication between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 is started. Therefore, the CU control unit 323 sends a game machine connection request command to the payout control unit 171. However, immediately after the power of the P unit 2 is turned on, the start-up of the payout control unit 171 itself is not completed, and the payout control unit 171 is in a payout control unit start waiting (busy1) state. When the payout control unit 171 is in the payout control unit activation waiting (busy1) state, the payout control communication unit (CU side) 171B of the payout control unit 171 that communicates with the CU control unit 323 is a gaming machine connection request from the CU control unit 323. In response to the command, the response of the game machine connection response in the payout control unit activation waiting (busy1) state is returned.

When the CU control unit 323 receives the response of the gaming machine connection response in the payout control unit activation waiting (busy1) state, the CU control unit 323 starts the time counting of the monitoring timer 323a. The CU control unit 323 monitors whether or not the P unit 2 is activated within a predetermined time before the command communication and the response communication are performed 900 times (less than 900 times) by the monitoring timer 323a. If the P unit 2 is activated before the command/response communication is performed 900 times, the CU control unit 323 determines that the P unit 2 is normally activated and continues the subsequent processing. On the other hand, if the P unit 2 is not activated before the command and response communication is performed 900 times, the CU control unit 323 issues an error notification that the P unit 2 is abnormal.

Next, when the payout control unit 171 itself is activated, the payout control unit 171 first shifts to the main control unit activation waiting (busy2) state. When the payout control unit 171 shifts to the main control unit activation waiting (busy2) state, the payout control unit 171 notifies the payout control communication unit (main side) 171C by a register to transmit a recovery request command to the main control unit 161. The payout control communication unit (CU side) 171B is notified by a register so that it can return to the CU control unit 323 that it is in the main control unit activation waiting (busy2) state in response to the game machine connection response. Accordingly, when the CU control unit 323 next transmits a command for a gaming machine connection request to the payout control unit 171, the payout control communication unit (CU side) 171B waits for the main control unit activation to the CU control unit 323 ( The response of the game machine connection response in the busy2) state is returned.

Next, the payout control unit 171 starts time counting by the activation waiting monitoring timer 171A. The activation waiting monitoring timer 171A is a timer for monitoring activation of a user program by the main control unit 161 until 90 seconds have elapsed. Here, the predetermined time counted by the activation waiting monitoring timer 171A is set to 90 seconds, which corresponds to the predetermined time set by the activation extension timer 161A, and which kind of IC chip is used. Even in the main controller 161, it is the time when the user program is running.

The payout control unit 171 displays an error code “F97” on the game ball number display 29, which is a 7-segment LED display, when the activation waiting monitoring timer 171A has counted 90 seconds (time-up). Error notification of main control board startup error. Then, the payout control unit 171 shifts to the main control unit activation waiting excess (busy2 over) state. When the payout control unit 171 shifts to the main control unit activation wait excess (busy2 over) state, the main control unit activation wait excess (busy2 over) is returned to the payout control communication unit (CU side) 171B in response to the game machine connection response. The state is notified by the register so that it can be returned to the CU control unit 323. As a result, when the CU control unit 323 next transmits a command for a gaming machine connection request to the payout control unit 171, the payout control communication unit (CU side) 171B causes the CU control unit 323 to wait for activation of the main control unit. The response of the game machine connection response in the (busy2 over) state is returned.

When the CU control unit 323 receives the response of the gaming machine connection response in the main control unit activation waiting excess (busy2 over) state, the error code "F97" is displayed on the display unit 312 of the CU3 or the main control board activation error occurs. You may give an error notification to that effect. Further, the CU control unit 323 may notify an upper level server such as the connected hall server 801 that the error code is “F97” or that the main control unit activation waiting excess (busy2 over) state is present. .. It should be noted that the payout control unit 171 resets the error state when the P stand 2 is reset after the error notification of the start abnormality of the main control board, and automatically recovers (automatic recovery).

Next, as a process required before the user program of the main control unit 161 is activated, there is a recovery process other than the gaming machine authentication process. In the recovery processing, the payout control unit 171 shifts to the main control unit activation waiting (busy2) state, and the register is set so that the payout control communication unit (main side) 171C sends a recovery request command to the main control unit 161. It is started by being notified.

First, the payout control communication unit (main side) 171C sends a recovery request command to the main control unit 161 based on the notified register. Upon receiving the recovery request command from the payout control unit 171, the main control unit 161 returns a recovery response. The recovery response includes recovery data (for example, information such as the number of game balls and the number of possessed balls) stored in the main controller 161. When the payout control communication unit (main side) 171C receives the response of the recovery response from the main control unit 161, it temporarily stores the recovery data until the recovery process is started with the CU control unit 323, and the CU control unit At the time of recovery processing with 323, the recovery data is transmitted to the CU control unit 323.

Next, the payout control communication unit (main side) 171C transmits a game information request command to the main control unit 161. However, since the command of the game information request transmitted at this timing is before the user program is started on the P machine 2, it does not request the main control unit 161 for the information of the type or the prize ball, but at the time of the start of the game information request. Request status information only. When the main control unit 161 receives the game information request command from the payout control unit 171, the main control unit 161 returns a response of the game information response including the state information of the main control unit 161.

After that, when the activation extension timer 161A finishes measuring a predetermined time of 90 seconds and stops, the main control unit 161 starts activation of the user program. As described above, in the main controller 161, the gaming machine authentication process, the recovery process, the game information process, and the like are executed between the time when the power is turned on and the time when the user program is activated. However, if a communication error occurs between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 before the user program is activated, recovery processing, game information processing, and other processing cannot be executed.

In the conventional gaming machine, even if a communication abnormality occurs between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, the user program is not executed because the error processing is not notified and the processing such as the recovery processing and the game information processing cannot be executed. It cannot be activated within a predetermined time, and the main control unit activation wait excess (busy2 over) state is notified as an error. Therefore, in the conventional gaming machine, it is not possible to determine whether the error is due to a communication error between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, or the error cannot start the user program. That is, in the conventional gaming machine, it is not possible to grasp whether the abnormality has occurred before the execution of the predetermined processing such as the user program or the abnormality has occurred in the execution of the predetermined processing.

Therefore, in the P machine 2 according to the present embodiment, when an error occurs in the execution of the gaming machine authentication processing, the recovery processing, the game information processing, etc. before the user program is activated, the payout control unit 171 waits for activation. The fact that an error has occurred is notified even before the monitoring timer 171A measures 90 seconds (time-up). Specifically, in the gaming machine authentication process before the user program is activated, authentication is not performed between the front frame (game machine frame) 5 and the game board 26 (between the payout control unit 171 and the main control unit 161). When the match is detected, the payout control unit 171 displays an error code “F91” on the game ball number display 29 to notify the error of the in-game machine authentication mismatch. In the recovery process before the user program is activated, a communication error occurs between the game board 26 and the front frame (game machine frame) 5 (between the main controller 161 and the payout controller 171), and communication is performed. When the non-response is detected, the payout control unit 171 displays an error code “F96” on the game ball number display 29 to notify an error of communication error in the gaming machine. Therefore, in the P machine 2 according to the present embodiment, it is necessary to distinguish whether an abnormality has occurred before the execution of the predetermined processing such as the user program or the abnormality has occurred in the execution of the predetermined processing. Is possible.

In the P stand 2 according to the present embodiment, when an error code “F91” or an error code “F96” occurs before the user program is started, the user program is stopped and the error is detected. The user program cannot be started until it is resolved. As a result, with the P base 2 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent a game in an illegal state and provide a gaming machine with high security. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and if an error code “F91” or error code “F96” occurs before the user program is started, the process is provisionally performed without stopping the start of the user program. May continue. As a result, even if an error code "F91" or an error code "F96" occurs before the user program is started, the user program can be started and the game on the P base 2 can be temporarily performed. Is possible. However, in order to prevent a game in an illegal state for a long period of time, the user program may be activated for a temporary period (for example, one week) so that the game can be played. Further, some functions may be restricted (restriction is possible only with a membership card), and a user program may be activated to allow a game to be played. Further, the error code “F91” or the error code “F96” may be displayed on the game ball number display 29 to clearly indicate that the operation is provisional.

Next, when the user program is executed in the main control unit 161, in the payout control communication unit (main side) 171C, the game information acquisition permission flag is turned on, and the fact that the game information acquisition permission state is indicated is the payout control unit 171. Is notified in the register. When the payout control unit 171 is notified that it is in the game information acquisition permitted state, the payout control unit 171 stops the timing of the activation waiting monitoring timer 171A. The payout control unit 171 shifts to the recovery instruction waiting (busy3) state by stopping the clocking of the activation waiting monitoring timer 171A.

When the payout control unit 171 shifts to the recovery instruction waiting (busy3) state, the payout control communication unit (CU side) 171B indicates that it is in the recovery instruction waiting (busy3) state in response to the game machine connection response. Notify by register so that 323 can be returned. As a result, when the CU control unit 323 next transmits a command for a gaming machine connection request to the payout control unit 171, the payout control communication unit (CU side) 171B waits for a recovery instruction to the CU control unit 323 (busy3). The response of the gaming machine connection response in the state is returned.

Next, the payout control unit 171 notifies the payout control communication unit (CU side) 171B that it is in the recovery request state in the register in the recovery instruction waiting (busy3) state. After that, the payout control unit 171 shifts the connection to the main control unit 161 to a normal state (OK state), and the connection is normal to the payout control communication unit (CU side) 171B in response to the game machine connection response ( The register notifies the CU control unit 323 that it is in the OK state). As a result, when the CU control unit 323 next transmits a command for a gaming machine connection request to the payout control unit 171, the payout control communication unit (CU side) 171B has a normal connection (OK) to the CU control unit 323. The response of the game machine connection response of (state) is returned. When the CU control unit 323 receives the response of the game machine connection response in which the connection is in the normal state (OK state), it stops the time counting of the monitoring timer 323a.

The CU control unit 323 starts the recovery process when the clocking of the monitoring timer 323a is stopped. When this recovery process is executed, the payout control unit 171 reads the recovery data temporarily stored in the payout control communication unit (main side) 171C by FIFO (First In, First Out), and the CU control unit 323 reads it. Send. Note that the payout control unit 171 transmits a game information request command requesting information on the type and prize ball to the main control unit 161, after reading the recovery data from the main control unit 161. When receiving the game information request command, the main control unit 161 returns a game information response.

When the recovery process is completed between the CU 3 and the P unit 2, the communication start request, the communication start response command, and the response communication are performed between the CU control unit 323 and the payout control unit 171, and the P unit 2 performs the communication. Launch of game balls is permitted. After that, communication of a status information request, a status information response command, and a response is performed between the CU control unit 323 and the payout control unit 171.

Next, the errors reported in the game system according to the present embodiment will be collectively described. FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the types of errors that can be notified in the game system. In FIG. 24, 36 types of errors are described, and each error has “priority”, “error code”, “error name”, “error detection content”, “informing means”, and “error cancellation method”. Is listed.

For example, for the error of number 7, "priority" is "22", "error code" is "F97", "error name" is "main control board startup error", and "error detection content" is "main control board is It has been detected that it will not be activated even after a lapse of a prescribed time", "notification means" is "game machine frame, unit", and "error cancellation method" is "automatic recovery". Here, when notifying by a gaming machine frame, in addition to displaying an “error code” on a display device (such as the variable display device 278) such as the number-of-games indicator 29 and notifying, the payout control board 17 is provided. Alternatively, the 7-segment LED display may display an "error code" for notification. Further, instead of displaying the "error code", the game may be stopped and the error may be notified, or the error information may be output to the outside.

The notifying means may notify the error by outputting a voice or lighting an electric decoration on the game board depending on the type of the error. Further, the notification means may notify the error by outputting the information output 1 and the information output 2 to the hall controller depending on the type of the error. In addition to the "automatic recovery", the "error clearing method" includes a "power off/on" method that temporarily turns off the power and turns it on, and a "release switch" that presses the release switch.

The "automatic recovery" is an error canceling method in which the processing automatically recovers from the error state after a certain period of time elapses after the notification means notifies the error. The “power OFF/ON” is an error canceling method for recovering from an error state by literally turning off the power of the P stand 2 once and turning it on. The “release switch” is an error release method for returning from an error state by pressing an error release switch (not shown) provided on the payout control board 17, for example. By pressing the error release switch, the abnormality flag of the subtraction sensor or the like stored in the payout control board 17 is reset, and the error state can be recovered. That is, as for the error requiring the error canceling method by the “cancellation switch”, some data is stored in the payout control board 17, and the error requiring the resetting of the data is mainly targeted. Errors requiring a method of releasing the error due to “power OFF/ON” include not only data stored in the payout control board 17 but also data stored in the main control board 16 or the like that needs to be reset. Mainly targeted. "Automatic recovery" mainly targets errors that do not require data reset.

Further, the error that occurs before the execution of the predetermined processing such as the user program is the error in the in-game machine authentication error with the error code "F91" and the error in the in-game machine communication error code with the error code "F96". However, if they occur at the same time, the error with the higher priority is notified. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 24, the priority of the error code “F91” is “16” and the priority of the error code “F96” is “21”, so that the error code “F91” having a high priority is It is displayed on the game ball number display 29. If the display device can display a plurality of errors, the plurality of errors may be displayed in order of priority.

<Slot machine>
Next, a slot machine will be described as another example of the gaming machine. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a state where the front door of the slot machine is opened. In the above description, the slot machine is also abbreviated as “S” in the following because of the fact that the pachinko gaming machine is abbreviated as “P”.

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

Referring to FIG. 25, a slot machine (hereinafter also abbreviated as a gaming machine or an S table) 2S is provided so that a front door 2bS can be opened and closed with a left edge of the main frame 2aS as a swing center. Has been. Although not shown in FIG. 25, a CU is connected to the left side of the S stand 2S in the drawing in the same manner as the P stand.

On the S table 2S, the number of bets is set by using the game points, and the game points are added and updated according to the winning. Therefore, it is not necessary to insert medals when playing a game on the S table 2S. Therefore, the S table 2S is not provided with a medal insertion slot and a medal payout slot.

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

A touch panel type display device 510 is provided in a portion of the front door 2bS surrounding each reel 2L, 2C, 2R. The display device 510 is a display device corresponding to the P display devices 54, and displays various kinds of information (game points, score points, etc.) of the same type as the display device 54, and the number of bets set in the game, etc. Is displayed. The display unit 510 is connected to the display control unit 350 of the CU similarly to the display unit 54 of FIG. 4, and the display is controlled on the CU side. The indicator 510 is not provided in the portion surrounding the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, but is located below the panel portion (a position lower than the start switch 7S shown in FIG. 25, like the P stand). It may be provided in a panel portion where conventional S token payout openings are provided).

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

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

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

Then, all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped to complete one game, and a predetermined symbol combination (hereinafter, also referred to as a winning combination) on the activated pay line is the reels 2L, 2C, If the player stops as a result of the 2R display, a prize is generated, a game point determined according to the prize is given to the player, and the display of the game point on the display 510 is also updated.

Even in the case of S machines, it is possible to count the game points as in the case of P machines. As shown in FIG. 1, the S table 2S is provided with a counting button 28S for counting game points and converting them into holding points. The ball lending button, the card return button, and the replay button are provided on the CU side (see FIG. 4). The player executes the counting operation at an arbitrary timing, or based on the display on the display unit 510 prompting the counting operation as with the P console. Then, the number of game points is counted and the number of game points is decreased while the number of game points is increased is displayed on the display unit 510. The ball lending button may be provided on the P side and the S side instead of the CU side. In that case, the operation signal of the ball lending button may be directly input to the CU 3, or may be transmitted to the CU 3 as a status information response via the P unit 2 or the S unit (slot machine) 2S. You may

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

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

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

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

On the other hand, the main control board (not shown) of the S stand 2S is delivered to the hall from the slot machine maker separately from the main body frame 2aS in a state of being attached to the board mounting board for connecting the wiring. The board mounting board is a board corresponding to the game board 26 shown in FIG. 3, and is provided with a connector similar to the convex drawer connector 32 provided on the game board 26.

To connect a mounting mechanism for mounting the board mounting board and a convex drawer connector on the board mounting board side at a predetermined position (for example, below the reels 2L, 2C, 2R) in the main body frame 2aS of the S stand 2S. Connector is provided. This mounting mechanism and connector have the same structure as the mounting mechanisms 34a and 34b and the concave drawer connector 33 shown in FIG. 3, and are devised so that the board mounting board can be easily fixed to the mounting mechanism. The wiring extending from the concave drawer connector is connected to the reels 2L, 2C, 2R and various operation switches (buttons).

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

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram for explaining various data stored in each of the card unit and the slot machine and a transmission/reception mode thereof. The transmission/reception mode shown in FIG. 26 is obtained by replacing the term of FIG. 6 described as the configuration of the P unit for the S unit, and since the mode is the same as that described using FIG. 6, Here, further description is omitted.

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

(1) In the present embodiment, the addition sequence number and the counting sequence number are defined as separate data in the message format, but they may be shared as the request sequence number. In particular, since the process of adding game balls and the process of counting game balls are the opposite processes, it is unlikely that both processes will occur at the same time, and from that perspective it is possible to reduce the message data volume by sharing both serial numbers. Is.

Further, in the present embodiment, when a new request is generated, the request sequence number is updated based on the previously updated value until a new upper limit value is reached. However, instead of such control, when all the processes corresponding to one request are completed, the request sequence number may be initialized to a predetermined initial value.

Further, the request sequence numbers such as the addition sequence number and the counting sequence number, and the normal sequence number are not counted up one by one, but are updated (addition update, subtraction according to a predetermined rule stored in both the P unit 2 and the CU3). It may be updated or updated by other arithmetic expressions). In this case, the serial number is not a "sequential number" such as 1, 2, 3 but is data that is updated based on the concept of A, B, C and the like.

(2) When a slot machine (S units), which is an example of a gaming machine, is applied to the above-mentioned gaming system, for example, a reel and various sensor parts attached to the reel and a main control board for controlling the reel are P units. It corresponds to the board, and the other configurations correspond to the front frame of the P unit. However, various detection switches 41a, 701, 33 of the front frame shown in FIG. 4, the firing control board 31, and the firing motor 18 shown in FIG.

The conventional S machine has a credit function, and when this is valid, the credit is subtracted when the bet number is set, and the credit is added when a winning occurs. However, an upper limit is set for credits, and when a prize occurs in a state where the number of credits reaches the upper limit value, medals are paid out from the hopper.

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

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

On the other hand, if the S units become medal-less, the player who has won a large number of medals cannot stack the boxes with medals on the side of the seat to show off his or her own arm. Inconvenience occurs. However, in the present embodiment, since the function of displaying the dollar box is provided as described above, it is possible to prevent such an inconvenience. In the case of S units, it is preferable that the dollar box display is such that many medals are loaded instead of many balls.

When S machines are applied as a gaming machine, each data is calculated as follows using two types of data, "points" and "game points", and two types of data, "credits" and "credit excess points". It is also possible to configure a gaming system that can be converted. Note that these four types of data are displayed on the S displays 510 or the displays 29S.

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

The game points are data corresponding to medals in conventional slot machines. Therefore, for example, it is desirable to display the number of game points on the display unit 510 or the display unit 29S and also display the medal images corresponding to the number of game points. For example, when a pseudo-insertion medal operation (for example, an operation of pushing a medal) such that a player touches this medal image and inserts it into the slot machine is detected, the medal image disappears, the game point is subtracted, Instead, one bet is set. The number of bets is set to the maximum value of 3 by performing such a pseudo medal insertion operation three times.

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

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

When a winning is generated as a result of the game, the number of points corresponding to the winning is added to the credit. When a prize that exceeds the upper limit of credits is generated, the score of the overrun is stored as the credit excess point. The credit excess points correspond to medals to be paid out when a prize is generated in excess of the credit upper limit in the conventional slot machine. Therefore, for example, it is desirable to display the credit excess points and the number of medal images corresponding to the credit excess points on the display unit 510 or the display unit 29S. Further, it is desirable to change the color of this medal image so that it can be distinguished from the medal image corresponding to the game point.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(5) The recording medium for recording the points that can be specified may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. In this case, a communication unit for communicating with the mobile terminal is provided in the CU, and the mobile terminal is held over the communication unit so that the CU recognizes the ID stored in the mobile terminal. The game can be played by the procedure as described. On the other hand, at the end of the game, the mobile terminal is again held over the communication unit so that the score at the end of the game is added to the score of the player through the ID.

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

(7) In the present embodiment, the start-up extension timer 161A sets the maximum start-up waiting time (for example, 90 seconds) to a predetermined time so that it can correspond to different types of IC chips, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is not something that will be done. For example, the activation extension timer 161A may be set to a predetermined time depending on the type of the IC chip of the main controller 161 connected to the payout controller 171. For example, if the main control unit 161 of the IC chip of the company A is connected to the payout control unit 171, the waiting time for activation of 30 seconds is set to a predetermined time, and the main control unit 161 of the IC chip of the company B is set. If it is connected to the payout control unit 171, the 90 second activation waiting time is set to a predetermined time. The waiting time for activation may be set manually or automatically.

(8) In the present embodiment, after the payout control unit 171 notifies the main control board of the start error that an error has occurred (error code “F97”), when the P stand 2 is reset, the error state is also reset and automatically. Although it has been described that the system is restored (automatically restored), the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the error state may not be reset unless the power supply of the P stand 2 is switched between OFF and ON and the P stand 2 is once stopped and restarted.

(9) In the present embodiment, the payout control unit 171 is a state at the start of the game information request without requesting the main control unit 161 for the information about the type and the prize ball before starting the user program on the P unit 2. Although it has been described that only information is requested, it is not limited to this. For example, the payout control unit 171 may request the main control unit 161 for information about the type and prize balls stored as data used for the recovery process even before the user program is activated on the P machine 2.

(10) In the present embodiment, the payout control communication unit (main side) 171C temporarily stores the recovery data from the main control unit 161, so that the main control unit 161 starts the activation of the user program. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is determined whether or not the recovery data is stored in the main control unit 161, and when the recovery data is not stored, the payout control communication unit (main side) 171C temporarily stores the recovery data from the main control unit 161. You may skip the process of entrusting yourself.

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

2 Pachinko gaming machine, 2S slot machine, 3 card unit, 16 main control board, 17 payout control board, 26 gaming board, 54, 312 display, 309 card insertion/ejection slot, 319 replay button, 320 IR light receiving unit, 321 lend button, 322 return button, 161 main control unit, 161A activation extension timer, 171 payout control unit, 171A activation waiting monitoring timer, 323 CU control unit, 323a monitoring timer, 325 display control unit.

Claims (1)

A third control means capable of receiving the first control means, the second control means capable of communicating with the first control means and the specific information from the first control means, and executing the specific processing based on the specific information. A gaming machine comprising a control means ,
The first control means is
First clocking means capable of clocking a period elapsed from the activation of the first control means,
Process execution means for executing a predetermined process when the first time measuring means measures a predetermined period ,
Anda first transmitting means for transmitting predetermined information to the second control means with arrival acknowledgment information is updated according to predetermined update pattern to the arrival confirmation,
The second control means is
Second time measuring means capable of measuring a specific period,
A process for performing a first notification when the second control unit cannot confirm that the predetermined process has been executed by the process execution unit while the second time measurement unit measures the specific period. 1 notification processing means,
Second notification processing means for performing processing for performing the second notification when a predetermined error occurs even before the second time measuring means measures the specific period ;
A gaming machine having: a second transmission means for transmitting special information together with the arrival confirmation information to the first control means .

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