JP6778066B2 - Gaming equipment and gaming systems - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming device provided corresponding to a gaming machine and a gaming system including the gaming device.

Conventionally, as a gaming machine that outputs a plurality of types of external signals, there is one in which the type of the output signal is assigned in advance to each of the output terminals (output ports) that output the external signal (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-200506

However, in Patent Document 1, when the game machine is replaced in the game hall, the type of signal output from the output terminal differs depending on the model and specifications of the game machine, so that the type of output signal is supported. There was a problem that the connection work had to be done.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game device and a game system capable of saving labor in connecting signal lines.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming device according to claim 1 of the present invention is used.
A gaming device (eg, CU3 and liquid crystal unit 500) provided corresponding to a gaming machine (for example, P stand 2).
It has a plurality of signal output units (for example, external output port 1 to external output port 4), and different types of signals (for example, total jackpot signal, security signal, start signal, model-specific signal, specific type) are provided from each signal output unit. Big hit signal, small hit signal, short time (during consecutive villas) signal, prize ball number signal, prize ball scheduled number signal, special figure 1 start opening prize signal, special figure 2 start opening prize signal, door open signal, out number signal Etc.) with an external signal output means (for example, outer end output unit 331) capable of outputting to the outside.
Output setting information acquisition means (for example, a ball management server 902) that acquires output setting information (for example, terminal setting data shown in FIG. 30) for a type of signal to be output from each of the signal output units from an external device (for example, a ball management server 902). For example, as shown in FIG. 29, the portion where the CU control unit 323 acquires the terminal setting data from the ball management server 902) and
A signal type setting means (for example, as shown in FIG. 29) that sets the type of the signal to be output for each of the signal output units based on the output setting information acquired by the output setting information acquisition means. Based on the terminal setting data, the CU control unit 323 assigns and sets the first terminal 333a to the fourth terminal 333d connected to each external output port 1 to the external output port 4 to each signal).
It is characterized by having.
According to this feature, the labor for connecting the signal lines can be saved.

The gaming system according to claim 2 of the present invention
A game device (for example, CU3 and a liquid crystal unit 500) provided corresponding to the game machine (for example, P stand 2), a management device connected to the game device (for example, a ball management server 902), and It is a game system including
The gaming device is
It has a plurality of signal output units (for example, external output port 1 to external output port 4), and different types of signals (for example, total jackpot signal, security signal, start signal, model-specific signal, specific type) are provided from each signal output unit. Big hit signal, small hit signal, short time (during consecutive villas) signal, prize ball number signal, prize ball scheduled number signal, special figure 1 start opening prize signal, special figure 2 start opening prize signal, door open signal, out number signal Etc.) with an external signal output means (for example, outer end output unit 331) capable of outputting to the management device.
Output setting information acquisition means (for example, as shown in FIG. 29) for acquiring output setting information (for example, terminal setting data shown in FIG. 30) for the type of signal to be output from each of the signal output units from the outside. The part where the CU control unit 323 acquires the terminal setting data from the ball management server 902) and
A signal type setting means (for example, as shown in FIG. 29) that sets the type of the signal to be output for each of the signal output units based on the output setting information acquired by the output setting information acquisition means. Based on the terminal setting data, the CU control unit 323 assigns and sets the first terminal 333a to the fourth terminal 333d connected to each external output port 1 to the external output port 4 to each signal).
It is characterized by having.
According to this feature, the labor for connecting the signal lines can be saved.

The gaming device or gaming system of means 1 of the present invention is the gaming device or gaming system according to claim 1 or 2.
The output setting information acquisition means acquires the output setting information from the external device (for example, the CU control unit 323 obtains terminal setting data from the ball management server 902 as an external device provided in the amusement park. Part to get)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, output setting information can be acquired from an external device.

The gaming device or gaming system of means 2 of the present invention is the gaming device or gaming system according to claim 1, claim 2, and means 1.
The external device stores the output setting information in association with the model information of the game machine (for example, as shown in FIG. 30, stores the terminal setting data in association with each model in the terminal setting data storage table. The part),
The output setting information acquisition means transmits the model information stored in the game control means that controls the progress of the game to the external device, and acquires the output setting information stored in association with the model information. (For example, as shown in FIG. 30, the CU control unit 323 transmits the game machine model code stored in the main control unit 161 to the ball management server 902, and the ball management server 902 receives the game machine model code. The part that acquires the terminal setting data specified based on the model of P stand 2 shown)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it is possible to set a type of signal corresponding to the model of the game machine.

The gaming device or gaming system of means 3 of the present invention is the gaming device or gaming system according to any one of claims 1, 2, 2, means 1, and means 2.
The external device is provided in the game hall where the game machine is installed, and the output setting information can be updated in the external device (for example, as shown in FIG. 31, a clerk of the game hall or the like can update the output setting information. The part that updates each terminal setting data by operating the ball management server 902 provided in the game hall)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, the playground can update the output setting information as appropriate.

The gaming device or gaming system of the means 4 of the present invention is the gaming device or gaming system according to any one of claims 1, 2, and means 1 to 3.
The external device is
In addition to being provided in the game hall where the game machine is installed, individual output setting information by the game hall (for example, as shown in FIG. 31, a clerk of the game hall or the like operates the ball holding management server 902. (Terminal setting data set by) and general output setting information (for example, initial setting data) that does not depend on the playground can be stored.
It is possible to set whether the output setting information acquired by the output setting information acquisition means is the general output setting information or the individual output setting information (for example, as shown in FIG. 31, the ball holding management server). By clicking the "OK" area on the operation screen of 902, the store clerk of the amusement park or the like stores the terminal setting data set by operating the ball management server 902, and by clicking the "Reset" area, the initial setting is performed. The part that stores the setting data)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it is possible to set whether the playground uses general output setting information or individual output setting information.

The gaming device or gaming system of means 5 of the present invention is the gaming device or gaming system according to any one of claims 1, 2, and means 1 to 4.
A plurality of external terminals corresponding to each of the signal output units and to which a signal line can be connected are provided in the gaming device (for example, an outer end having a first terminal 333a to a fourth terminal 333d). The output unit 331 is provided in the CU 3), and the control means for controlling the gaming device functions as the signal type setting means (for example, as shown in FIG. 27, the CU control unit 323 has fraud detection information. When the response of the status information response including 1 is received, the part that outputs the security signal from the terminal according to the allocation setting made based on the terminal setting data)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it is not necessary to individually provide the signal type setting means, and the manufacturing cost of the gaming device can be reduced.

The gaming device or gaming system of means 6 of the present invention is the gaming device or gaming system according to any one of claims 1, 2, and means 1 to 5.
The gaming device is
A display means capable of displaying an error notification display for notifying the occurrence of at least an error (for example, radio wave error, illegal winning error, magnet error, vibration error, etc.) (for example, as shown in FIG. 27, in the liquid crystal display 504. The part that displays the error) and
An error in which the information distribution server 901 includes data of the main chip ID from the CU 3 as shown in FIG. 25, a model information receiving means (for example, as shown in FIG. 25) that receives the model information (for example, the main chip ID) stored in the corresponding game machine. The part that receives the display data request command) and
Error display information (for example, error display data) that is information corresponding to the model of the game machine and can specify the error notification display for each type of error that has occurred in the game machine is associated with the model information of the game machine. The error display information acquisition means (for example, the figure) that transmits the model information received by the model information receiving means to the external device to be stored and acquires the error display information stored in association with the model information. As shown in FIG. 25, the CU 3 sends an error display data request command including the main chip ID to the information distribution server 901, and the information distribution server 901 displays an error stored corresponding to the model indicated by the main chip ID. The part where the liquid crystal unit 500 acquires the data) and
An error occurrence information receiving means (for example, as shown in FIG. 27) that receives error occurrence information (for example, game console error information) that can identify the type of error that has occurred in the corresponding gaming machine is CU3 by the liquid crystal unit control unit 502. The part that receives the status request command including the game console error information from),
An error notification display specifying means (for example, as shown in FIG. 27) that specifies an error notification display corresponding to an error of a type specified from the error occurrence information received by the error occurrence information receiving means based on the error display information. , The part that identifies the error detected by the P unit 2 from the game table error information received by the liquid crystal unit control unit 502)
Display control means for displaying the error notification display specified by the error notification display identification means on the display means (for example, as shown in FIG. 27, error display data corresponding to the error specified by the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 is used. The part that executes the error display on the liquid crystal display 504) and
It is characterized by having.
According to this feature, it is possible to display an error notification display corresponding to the model of the game machine even in the game device outside the game machine.

The gaming device or gaming system of means 7 of the present invention is the gaming device or gaming system according to any one of claims 1, 2, and means 1 to 6.
The gaming device is
A first control means (for example,) capable of performing predetermined control (for example, accepting cards and banknotes, lending game balls, etc.) and storing information about a game output from a corresponding game machine (for example, P unit 2). , CU control unit 323),
A display unit (for example, a liquid crystal unit 500) capable of displaying at least information about the game in the corresponding game machine, and
While controlling the operation of the display unit, it is possible to store information about the game acquired from the first control means, and respond based on the stored information and the information acquired from the first control means. A second control means (for example, a liquid crystal unit control unit 502) capable of executing control for displaying information on the game in the gaming machine to be displayed on the display unit, and
With
The second control means includes an erasure information input means (for example, a portion that receives a stand data clear instruction as shown in FIG. 33) capable of inputting erase information (for example, a stand data clear instruction).
The first control means and the second control means erase at least a part of the stored game information based on the fact that the erase information is input to the erase information input means (for example, FIG. 33). As shown in the above, based on the fact that the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 receives the unit data clear instruction, the game information storage table (see FIG. 34 (B)) stored in the RAM (not shown) of the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 is displayed. Stored game information and game information storage table stored in a RAM (not shown) of the CU control unit 323 (a part that clears the game information stored in FIG. 34 (A)))
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it is possible to prevent inappropriate information from being displayed because the information related to the game is not properly deleted.

In addition, the present invention may have only the invention-specific matters described in the claims of the present invention, and has a configuration other than the invention-specific matters together with the invention-specific matters described in the claims of the present invention. It may be a thing.

It is a front view which shows the card unit, the liquid crystal unit and the pachinko game machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which opened the glass door and the front frame of a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the state before and after the game board is attached to the front frame. It is a figure which shows the system structure of the game system. It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit used for a card unit, a liquid crystal unit and a pachinko gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the notification processing when an abnormality is detected as a result of mutual authentication. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating various data stored in a card unit side and a pachinko game machine side, and their transmission / reception. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the command and response sent and received between a card unit and a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the state information request. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of a state information response. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of a state information response. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the command sent and received between a card unit and a liquid crystal unit. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the game table connection notification command. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the state request command. It is explanatory drawing explaining the outline of the state response command. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing between a card unit and a pachinko gaming machine when a card is inserted into a card unit. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing between a card unit and a pachinko machine when a card is returned. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the relationship between the card insertion notification command, the CU state included in the state information request command, and the card insertion state. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing of a card unit, a liquid crystal unit and a pachinko game machine when the ball is lent from the prepaid balance of the inserted card. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing of a card unit, a liquid crystal unit, and a pachinko gaming machine when paying out a ball with a ball and paying out a stored ball. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the state information request reception process. It is a figure for demonstrating the type of an error which can be notified in a game system. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing of a card unit, a liquid crystal unit, and P unit. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing between an information distribution server and a liquid crystal unit when an information distribution server distributes a content. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing of a CU, a liquid crystal unit and an information distribution server when a power is turned on to a CU and a liquid crystal unit. (A) is a diagram showing a model identification table, (B) is a diagram showing an error display data storage table, and (C) is a diagram showing a support data storage table. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing in the P stand, the CU and the liquid crystal unit when an error occurs in the P stand. It is a figure which shows the error storage table. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing of a CU and a ball management server when a power is turned on to a CU. It is a figure which shows the terminal setting data storage table. It is a figure which shows the setting screen of the terminal setting data. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing of a CU and a liquid crystal unit from turning on a power to a CU and a liquid crystal unit to clearing a stand data. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing of a CU and a liquid crystal unit from turning on a power to a CU and a liquid crystal unit to clearing a stand data. It is a figure which shows the game information storage table. It is a flow chart which shows an example of the liquid crystal unit timer interrupt processing. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen of a variable display device and a liquid crystal display when an error occurs. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen of the liquid crystal display when an error occurs. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen of the liquid crystal display when an error occurs. It is a figure which shows the case where the error history display instruction signal is transmitted to CU by a remote controller. It is a figure when the error history is displayed on the liquid crystal display.

Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the gaming machine and the gaming system according to the present invention will be described below based on examples. In the description of each step of the flowchart in this embodiment, for example, the part described as "step S1" may be abbreviated as "S1".

First, the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Each game island (not shown) arranged in a plurality of game halls (halls) may be abbreviated as an enclosed circulation pachinko machine (hereinafter, a game machine, a pachinko machine or a P machine) as an example of a game machine. ) 2 is attached. A card unit (hereinafter, also abbreviated as CU) 3 which is an example of a gaming device is installed one-to-one with respect to the P stand 2 at a predetermined side position of the P stand 2. There is. The card unit will be described below as an example of the game device according to the present embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the game information such as big hits and abnormalities is notified and the number of winnings is collected by connecting to the P unit 2. It may be a call lamp device or the like.

The P stand 2 contains a pachinko ball, which is an example of a game medium, inside, and when the player operates the ball striking operation handle 25, the launch motor 18 (see FIG. 5) is driven to eject one enclosed ball. It is configured so that the game can be played by hitting the game area 27 on the front surface of the game board 26 one by one. Specifically, a touch sensor is provided around the ball striking operation handle 25, and the player's hand touches the touch sensor while the player is operating the ball striking operation handle 25, and the player's hand The launch motor 18 is driven by detecting the contact with the touch sensor. In this state, the hitting ball launching momentum is adjusted according to the amount of rotation of the hitting ball operating handle 25 by the player, and the ball is launched 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 rotation operation amount 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 intensity T so that the pachinko ball passes through the area aimed at by the player by adjusting the amount of steering wheel operation.

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

The variable display device 278 is provided with a variable display unit capable of variable display (also referred to as variable display) of a plurality of types of identification information (designs), and detects start winning balls that have won prizes in each start winning opening 275, 276, 277. A variable display of these multiple types of identification information is started based on the signal. When the display result of the variable display device becomes a combination of specific identification information (for example, doublet), a big hit state (also referred to as a big hit game state) is set, and the big winning opening 271 is opened. The large winning opening 271 is closed when a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) of game balls are won or a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds) elapses. Then, when the opening and closing of the big winning opening 271 is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times or 15 times), the big winning opening 271 is closed and the big hit state ends.

Further, the display result of the variable display device 278 is a combination of special identification information (for example, a combination of probabilistic symbols such as 777) among the combinations of jackpot symbols (doublets), so that the probabilistic jackpot state Occurs, and after the end of the jackpot state, a probability fluctuation state (probability variation state) in which the probability of occurrence of the jackpot is improved occurs.

The pachinko balls driven into the game area 27 are either won in one of the winning openings or are collected in the out opening 154 without winning. The pachinko balls that have won in any of the winning openings and the pachinko balls that have been collected in the out opening 154 are returned to the hitting ball launching position through the collection path in the P stand 2 again. Then, when the player operates the hitting ball operation handle 25, the pachinko ball at the hitting ball launching position is hit into the game area 27 again.

In the P stand 2, the liquid crystal unit 500 extending from the CU 3 is arranged in front of the P stand 2 by installing the CU 3 in a lateral position. Therefore, the liquid crystal unit 500 is provided at a position below the game area 27 on the P stand 2. The liquid crystal unit 500 has a liquid crystal display 504, and gives the player various images according to the number of balls held, the number of stored balls, the prepaid balance (also referred to as the card balance or simply the balance), or the state of the P unit 2. It can be displayed.

Further, a game ball number display 29 for displaying the number of game balls is provided at a position below the game area 27 on the P stand 2. The game ball number display 29 is composed of a 7-segment LED display, and is controlled by a payout control unit 171 described later. The game ball number display 29 displays the number of game balls and the error number of the error that has occurred, which will be described later. Further, as will be described later, when a request for addition of game balls is made even though the card is not inserted in CU3, the information that can identify the number of illegal balls to be rented is the game ball number display 29. Is displayed in. The game ball number display 29 is not limited to the 7-segment LED display, and may be composed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or another display.

Further, a counting button 28 for counting from the game ball to the possessed ball is provided at the left position of the game ball number display 29 on the P stand 2. In this embodiment, the counting operation is repeatedly executed according to the time that the counting button 28 is continuously pressed. It should be noted that, regardless of the duration of pressing, if the button is pressed once, a predetermined number (for example, 100 balls) may be counted from the game balls to the balls held, or when the counting button 28 is pressed once. May be such that all game balls currently owned by the player are counted regardless of the pressing time (whether or not they are pressed for a long time). In addition, the counting speed is further improved when the card return operation is performed, and smooth card return processing is realized.

In this way, since the counting button 28 is provided on the P stand 2 side, the operability of the player sitting facing the P stand 2 can be improved as compared with the case where the counting button 28 is provided on the CU3 side. .. Further, the P stand 2 is provided with speakers 270 at the upper right position and the upper left position of the game area 27 for outputting music data to be reproduced according to the effect displayed by the variable display device 278. The position and number of speakers are not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, and the position and number may be changed as needed.

The P stand 2 according to this embodiment can be divided into a game board 26 and other front frames (game frames) 5. In particular, the game board 26 is different for each model of the pachinko gaming 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 machine.

Next, the configuration of the CU 3 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This CU3 is a visitor card (also referred to as a general card) having a prepaid function, which is a storage 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. Accepts membership cards, which are storage media for games issued to. Visitor cards and membership cards are composed of IC cards.

The CU3 that receives these cards has a function of converting the game value (for example, the prepaid balance, the number of balls held, or the number of stored balls) owned by the player specified by the stored information of the card into "game ball data". .. In the P stand 2, a ball game corresponding to the number of balls specified by the game ball data is possible. That is, the "game ball data" is data indicating the remaining number of balls that can be fired. In the following description, "game ball data" is simply referred to as "game ball" in the same way as stored balls and possessed balls.

On the front side of the CU 3, a bill insertion slot 302 for inserting bills, a card insertion / discharge port 309 for inserting a membership card or a visitor card, and the like are provided. The membership card or visitor card inserted into the card insertion / ejection port 309 is accepted by the card reader / writer 337 provided in the CU 3, and the information stored in the card is read. The card reader / writer 337 of this embodiment is provided with a storage unit capable of storing a predetermined number (for example, 10) of visitor cards used for issuance, and is returned when there is a prepaid balance due to cash acceptance. In the event that the card is returned even if there is no prepaid balance and the number of balls is present, the visitor card stored in the storage section is ejected (issued) from the card insertion / ejection port 309. ).

In the CU3 of the present embodiment, the membership card is detected by detecting that the replay button (replay display) displayed on the liquid crystal unit 500 has been operated via the liquid crystal display 504 (see FIG. 5). It is possible to carry out a replay game using the number of stored balls specified by the ID. The details of the liquid crystal unit 500 in this embodiment will be described later, but by receiving a specific command or signal from the CU 3 or the information distribution server 901, the liquid crystal display 504 has a large hit count, a small hit count, a probability variation count, and a start count. , Big hit probability, number of balls, number of stored balls, number of game balls, base when P stand 2 is low base, highlighting of ball rental button, warning display when game time by P stand 2 becomes long, game It is possible to display the closing notice of the venue.

When the replay button is operated, when the number of balls held by the player is stored in the inserted card, a part of the number of balls held is withdrawn and converted into a game ball, based on the converted game ball. It becomes possible to play a game with the P stand 2. On the other hand, if the inserted card is a membership card and the number of balls held is not stored and the stored balls are stored in the management computer 900 or the like, a part of the stored balls is withdrawn and converted into game balls. Then, the game by the P stand 2 becomes possible. That is, when both the stored ball and the possessed ball are stored in association with the inserted card, the possessed ball is preferentially withdrawn.

Here, the "stored ball" is a ball that has been acquired before the previous day and is deposited in the hall, and becomes a game ball by paying out the stored ball. The ball storage is a game medium deposited in the game hall, and is generally managed by a management computer 900 (see FIG. 5) or another management computer installed in the game hall.

A "mochi ball" is a ball acquired on the day of the event, and becomes a game ball by paying out the mochi ball. In addition, the number of balls possessed is a card that stores the number of game balls owned by the player as a result of the player playing a game on the P stand 2, and is the number of balls that have not yet been deposited in the game hall. That is. Generally, the number of balls acquired by the player on the day of the game is called "mochi ball", and the number of balls acquired by the player before the previous day and deposited in the game field is called "stored ball". To tell.

The "game ball" is a ball that can be fired by the P stand 2. The data on the number of game balls is generated in exchange for withdrawing the remaining amount of the prepaid card, the possessed balls, or the stored balls, as described above.

The number of balls held may be managed by a management device for managing the number of balls held in the game hall. In short, the difference between "ball storage" and "mochi ball" is the number of balls that have been deposited in the game hall after the ball storage operation for depositing in the game hall, or the stage where the balls have not yet been deposited in the game hall. The point is whether it is the number of balls.

In this embodiment, the stored ball data is not stored directly in the membership card, but is stored in a server installed in the game hall such as the management computer 900 in association with the membership card number, and the corresponding stored ball can be searched based on the membership card number. It is configured as follows. On the other hand, the ball is stored directly on the card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and both may be stored in the hall server 801 (see FIG. 5) in association with the card number. Even in the case of a visitor card, the possession ball is stored directly in the visitor card. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the possession ball may be stored in the hall server 801 in association with the card number. When the hall server 801 is stored in correspondence with the card number, data that can specify the time stored in the hall server 801 may be written on the card (membership card, visitor card) and discharged. In addition, the prepaid balance is written directly on the card (membership card, visitor card) and discharged.

The timing of storing the balls in the card (membership card, visitor card) or hall server 801 is, for example, stored in real time each time the counting button 28 is operated and the counting process is performed, at regular intervals. It is conceivable to set the timing such as memorizing or memorizing all at once when returning the card.

In addition, when the player finishes the game and returns the card from the CU3, the ball held in the CU3 is temporarily stored in the hall server 801 as a stored ball, 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, only the balls for the day that were once stored as stored balls are stored in the CU3 again, the game balls are added within the range of the balls, and the game is played. You may be able to do it.

The bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 302 is taken in by a currency classifier (not shown) to identify its authenticity and bill type. Further, on the front side of the CU 3, an infrared light receiving unit 324 capable of receiving infrared rays emitted from a remote controller or the like for operating the CU 3 is provided.

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

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

Then, a staff member of the game hall inserts the key into the keyhole 10 shown in FIG. 1 and unlocks the key (for example, clockwise rotation) to counteract the urging force of the spring and perform a pair of upper and lower engaging protrusions 6a. 6b is pushed upward, and as a result, the engaging protrusions 6a and 6b are disengaged from the engaging receiving pieces 7a and 7b to be in the unlocked state, and the front frame 5 is opened.

Further, the front frame 5 is also provided with an engaging protrusion 8 for the glass door 6, and the glass door 6 portion facing the engaging protrusion 8 is provided with an engaging hole 9. The engaging protrusion 8 is pressed downward by a spring (not shown), and by pressing the open glass door 6 against the front frame 5, the engaging protrusion 8 is pushed up by the lower edge portion of the engaging hole 9. By getting over, the engaging protrusion 8 is pushed down by the urging force of the spring, and the engaging protrusion 8 and the engaging hole 9 are engaged and locked. In this state, when the staff of the game hall inserts the key into the keyhole 10 shown in FIG. 1 and unlocks it (for example, counterclockwise rotation), the engaging protrusion 8 is pulled up against the urging force of the spring. Then, the engagement between the engaging protrusion 8 and the engaging 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 position in contact with the outer frame 4 in the lower portion of the front frame 5, and it is detected that the front frame 5 is opened. Further, a glass door opening detection switch 12 is provided at a portion in contact with the glass door 6 in the upper portion of the front frame 5, and the opening of the glass door 6 is detected by the glass door opening detection switch 12.

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 counting counter (not shown). The counting counter is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and can be operated by a backup power supply even when the power supply of the P unit 2 is interrupted, such as at night. Even when the power is turned off, the number of times the glass door 6 and the front frame 5 are detected to be opened can be counted and the counted 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 unit 2.

The main control board 16 is provided on the back surface of the game board 26 (the surface opposite to the surface facing the glass door 6). Since the back surface of the outer frame 4 is closed, the main control board 16 becomes removable from the game board 26 by first opening the front frame 5 and removing the game board 26 from the front frame 5. 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, the front frame 5 needs to be opened, so that the front frame open detection switch 13 is used. The work can always be detected. Therefore, if the main control board 16 is illegally removed from the game board 26 or the semiconductor chip provided on the main control board 16 is illegally replaced, the front frame open detection switch 13 can always detect the detection.

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 removed from the back surface of the front frame 5 after the front frame 5 is first opened. Therefore, if the payout control board 17 is illegally removed from the back surface of the front frame 5 or the semiconductor chip provided on the payout control board 17 is illegally replaced, the detection can always be performed by the front frame open detection switch 13.

Next, a configuration in which the game board 26 is installed in 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, mounting 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 mounting 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 against the front frame 5 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3 (b), the game board 26 is fixed by the mounting mechanisms 34a and 34b as shown in FIG. 3 (a). 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 to 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 against misalignment.

Further, when the game board 26 is installed on the front frame 5, the convex drawer connector 32 is coupled to the concave drawer connector 33 to form a main control board 16 on the game board 26 side and a payout control board on the front frame 5 side. 17 will be connected. Further, since the game board 26 is fixed at a fixed position and the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 33 have flexibility against a certain degree of misalignment, the convex drawer connector 32 and the concave drawer connector 32 have a certain degree of flexibility. These can be connected without being aware of the positional relationship with the connector 33. Even if the game board 26 is installed on the front frame 5 with only 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 Since the floating connector itself has flexibility, they 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 paid out via the signal cable 36 as shown in FIG. It is connected to the control board 17.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used for the CU 3 and the P stand 2. The outline of the control circuit of the CU 3, the P stand 2, and the liquid crystal unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG.

The CU 3 is provided with a CU control board 320, and the CU control board 320 is provided with a CU control unit 323 composed of a microcomputer or the like. The CU control unit 323 is the main control function unit of the CU 3, and is a CPU as a control center, a ROM that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, a RAM that functions as a work area of the CPU, and peripherals. Input / output interfaces are provided to maintain signal consistency with the equipment. In the ROM in the CU control unit 323, the data of the unit number of the P unit 2 to which the CU 3 is provided in advance is stored.

Further, the CU control board 320 includes an information distribution server 901, a ball management server 902, a content management server 903, and a T-BOX 904 (see FIG. 4. The "T-BOX" is a terminal box (for sales management). (Abbreviation) and the first LAN communication unit 328 for communicating using the local area network, the management computer 900, the hall server 801 for security management (see FIG. 6), and the local area network (LAN). A second LAN communication unit 329 for communicating with the call lamp 1000 and a call lamp communication unit 327 for communicating with the call lamp 1000, which will be described later, are provided. A security board (SC board) 325 for performing communication while ensuring security is connected to the payout control board 17 of the P stand 2 to the CU control unit 323. The security board 325 is a security monitoring function unit of the CU3. The CU control unit 323 may be provided on the security board 325, or the CU control unit 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 stand 2 side, and the P stand 2 is provided with a connection portion (not shown) to the CU 3 side. These connection portions are composed of, for example, connectors.

The security board 325 on the CU3 side and the payout control board 17 on the P stand 2 side are communicably connected via this connector and the 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 SC325b is provided with a fraud detection unit (not shown) inside, and the fraud detection unit detects fraud by monitoring the addition request information of the game balls notified from the CU control unit 323 to the P unit 2. Occasionally, the key management server 800 (see FIG. 6) is notified. Further, the setting value (constant) for fraud detection is notified from the key management server 800 as board control information.

Further, the CU 3 of the present embodiment has an outer end output unit for outputting signals from the RTC (real-time clock) 330 and the CU 3 (more specifically, the CU control unit 323) capable of measuring the date and time to the outside. A command transmission / reception unit 335 for transmitting / receiving commands (data) between the 331, CU 3 and the liquid crystal unit 500 is provided, and these RTC 330, outer end output unit 331, and command transmission / reception unit 335 are connected to the CU control board 320. Has been done.

The outer end output unit 331 is provided with an external output circuit 332 that controls to output a signal from the CU 3 to the outside, and external output ports 1 to 4 connected to the external output circuit 332. Further, any of the first terminal 333a to the fourth terminal 333d is connected to each of the external output ports 1 to 4. That is, the signal from the CU 3 can be output to the outside by connecting the input terminal of the external device to the first terminal 333a to the fourth terminal 333d. In this embodiment, the external device to which the signal from the CU 3 is output via the first terminal 333a to the fourth terminal 333d is, for example, the game information (for example, the number of big hits and the number of starts) in the P unit 2. It may be a management computer 901 or a hall server 801 that can manage errors, etc., or a call lamp 1000 that can display at least a part of game information such as the number of big hits and the number of starts in the P unit 2.

Further, the liquid crystal unit 500 is provided with a liquid crystal control board 501, and the liquid crystal control board 501 is provided with a liquid crystal unit control unit 502 composed of a microcomputer or the like. Further, the liquid crystal control board 501 includes a liquid crystal display control unit 503 for controlling the display of an image on the liquid crystal display 504 provided in the liquid crystal unit 500, an information distribution server 901 (see FIG. 4), and a local area network (see FIG. 4). A LAN communication unit 505 for performing communication using a LAN) and an RTC (real-time clock) 507 capable of measuring a date and time are provided. Further, the liquid crystal unit 500 is also provided with a command transmission / reception unit 506 for transmitting / receiving commands (data) between the liquid crystal unit 500 and the CU 3. The liquid crystal display 504 in this embodiment is provided with a touch panel, and the touch panel can detect an operation of a player or the like.

The authenticity and type of banknotes are identified by the above-mentioned money classifier in the CU control unit 323, and the identification result signal is input to the CU control unit 323. Further, if the infrared light receiving unit 324 receives infrared rays emitted from the remote controller possessed by the staff of the amusement park, the CU control unit 323 receives the light receiving signal. The card reader / writer 337 reads the stored information of the inserted card into the CU control unit 323, and the read information is input to the CU control unit 323, and the CU control unit 323 sends the card reader / writer 337 to the inserted card. When the data to be written is transmitted, the card reader / writer 337 writes the data to the inserted card. The stored information of the card includes the card ID. The CU control unit 323 stores the card ID read by the card reader / writer 337 until the end of the game.

The CU control unit 323 manages and stores the player's balls when the player is playing. Data such as the balance or the number of game balls is output from the CU control unit 323 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and converted into display data by the liquid crystal display control unit 503.

When the player operates the touch panel provided on the surface of the liquid crystal display 504, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323 via the liquid crystal display control unit 503, the command transmission / reception unit 506, and the command transmission / reception unit 335. Will be done. That is, in this embodiment, the ball lending button (ball lending display), the replay button (replay display), the card return button (card return display), and the like displayed on the liquid crystal display 504 are operated by the player. By detecting this with the touch panel, the operation signals of these operations are input to the CU control unit 323.

The P stand 2 has a main control board 16 that controls the progress of the game of the P stand 2, a payout control board 17 that manages and stores game balls, and a launch motor 18 that is driven and controlled based on a command from the payout control board 17. The launch control board 31 is provided, the fluctuation display device 278, and the effect control board 15 that displays and controls the fluctuation display device 278 based on the command transmitted from the main control board 16.

The main control board 16 and the effect control board 15 are provided on the game board 26. A game control microcomputer, which is a main control unit 161, is mounted on the main control board 16. The main control unit 161 is a main control function unit of the game machine. The microcomputer for controlling a game machine maintains the consistency of signals with a CPU as a control center, a ROM that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, a RAM that functions as a work area of the CPU, and peripheral devices. An input / output interface for this is provided. The main control unit 161 is connected to a winning sensor 162, a radio wave sensor 163, a vibration sensor 164, and a magnetic sensor 165 provided on the game board 26.

When a ball wins in each start winning opening 275, 276, 277, the main control unit 161 draws a random number for determining a big hit (or further including a small hit) / loss, and stores the random number. This is called hold memory. The maximum value of the number of reserved storages is, for example, "4". When the main control unit 161 is in a state where a new fluctuation display can be started by the fluctuation display device 278, the main control unit 161 digests one hold memory, makes a jackpot determination based on the hold memory, and derives the display result from the variable start. The variable display time up to that point is determined from multiple types. In addition, when the jackpot is decided, it is also decided whether or not to cause a probability fluctuation. The main control unit 161 transmits the result of the jackpot determination (including whether or not to make a probability change) and information on the fluctuation display time as commands to the effect control unit 151 mounted on the effect control board 15.

The commands related to the variation display transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the effect control unit 151 include a variable start command indicating the start of the variation display, a display result command (big hit / miss) indicating the result of the variation display, and a variation display pattern. It includes possible variable display time commands, variable stop commands that indicate when to derive and display variable display results. Further, the commands transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the effect control unit 151 include a command that can specify the progress of the big hit during the big hit, a command that indicates the occurrence of a new hold memory, and the occurrence of a game state error. There are commands to show.

The effect control unit 151 determines the variation display content of the variation display device 278 based on these commands transmitted from the main control unit 161. For example, the effect control unit 151 specifies the variation display result and the variation display time based on the command transmitted from the main control unit 161, determines the stop symbol, and determines the variation display pattern (presence / absence of reach, type of reach). And also decide the production pattern of the notice production regarding big hits and reach. The effect control unit 151 displays and controls the variation display device 278 according to the determined variation display content.

The payout control board 17 is provided on the front frame 5. The payout control board 17 is equipped with a payout control microcomputer, which is a payout control unit 171. The payout control unit 171 is a payout control function unit of the game machine. The payout control microcomputer maintains signal consistency with a CPU as a control center, a ROM that stores programs and control data for operating the CPU, a RAM that functions as a work area of the CPU, and peripheral devices. An input / output interface for this is provided.

Further, the launch ball detection switch 703, the out ball detection switch 701, the foul ball detection switch 33A, the counting button 28, and the radio wave sensor 173 are electrically connected to the payout control board 17. The radio wave sensor 173 is for detecting fraudulent acts that illegally transmit radio waves and mainly turn on the ball-raising switch (upper) 41a at all times. 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 launch of a game ball by changing from on to off, and based on the detection, the payout control unit 171 subtracts "1" from the number of game balls.

Therefore, when the ball raising switch (upper) 41a is always turned on due to an illegal radio wave, the number of game balls is not subtracted no matter how many balls are fired. The radio wave sensor 173 detects such fraud due to radio waves.

Main control chip ID, winning opening information, round information, connection confirmation signal, winning detection signal, starting winning opening winning information, error information, number of symbol confirmations, jackpot information, model-specific for the payout control board 17 from the main control board 16. Big hit information is sent.

The main control chip ID (also referred to as the main chip ID) is a chip ID stored in 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 opening information is information including the type of winning opening (starting winning opening, normal winning opening, large winning opening) and the number of winning balls (the number of balls to be paid out when a game ball enters the winning opening). It is transmitted to the payout control board 17 when the power of the stand 2 is turned on. The round information is information on the number of rounds when a big hit is made, and is transmitted to the payout control board 17 when the power of the P unit 2 is turned on.

The connection confirmation signal is a signal for confirming that the main control board 16 and the payout control board 17 are connected, and a signal of a predetermined voltage is constantly supplied from the main control board 16 to the payout control board 17. The payout control board 17 is configured to control the operation on the condition that the payout control board 17 receives the predetermined voltage signal. The winning detection signal is a detection signal of a pachinko ball that has won a prize in a winning opening other than the starting winning opening. Upon receiving this detection signal, the payout control board 17 controls 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 a prize in any of the starting winning openings. The error information is information for notifying the payout control board 17 when an error occurs while the main control board 16 is performing game control.

The symbol fixed number of times is information on the symbol confirmed as a display result of the variable display device for winning a prize in each starting winning opening.

The jackpot information is information indicating that a jackpot has occurred, and the breakdown thereof includes common jackpot information indicating a jackpot common to each manufacturer and model-specific jackpot information indicating a model-specific jackpot. The common jackpot information is a jackpot that is commonly adopted by each game machine maker, for example, a 15-round jackpot, and if a probability change occurs due to the jackpot, the probability variation information is included, and the jackpot is accompanied by the probability variation information. When a time saving state (a control state that shortens the fluctuation display time of the fluctuation display device) occurs, the time saving information is included. The model-specific jackpot is a jackpot state adopted only by a certain model, such as a jackpot that is controlled in response to a sudden change (sudden probability) or a game ball passing through a specific area. In this embodiment, the time saving state may be referred to as a high base state (or simply a high base).

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 or not the main control board 16 is operating normally. The prize ball number acceptance command is a command indicating that the number of additional balls has been accepted.

An out-ball detection signal is input from the out-ball detection switch 701 to the payout control board 17. The payout control board 17 to which the out-ball detection signal is input subtracts and updates the number of balls in the game (the number of floating balls floating in the game area 27) as described later. In the payout control board 17 to which the foul ball detection signal is input from the foul ball detection switch 33A, the number of added balls and the number of game balls are added and updated, and the number of balls in the game is subtracted and updated as described later. A launch ball detection signal is input from the launch ball detection switch 703 to the payout control board 17. The payout control board 17 to which the launch ball detection signal is input subtracts and updates the number of balls during the game.

The security board 325 of the CU 3 and the payout control board 17 of the P stand 2 are electrically connected via a command communication unit 180 provided in the game frame (front frame) 17 and a PIF circuit 326 provided in the CU 3. Therefore, various commands are transmitted from the security board 325 to the payout control board 17 as described later. On the contrary, various responses are transmitted from the payout control board 17 to the security board 325 as described later.

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 indicator 29. The game ball number display 29 may be directly attached to the front frame 5, but it is attached to the front frame 5 like an upper plate or a lower plate provided on the front side of a normal pachinko game machine on which balls are paid out. It may be provided in a rotatable manner. This point is the same for the liquid crystal unit 500. The payout control unit 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 launch control signal and a launch permission signal are output from the payout control board 17 to the launch control board 31. Upon receiving this, the launch control board 31 outputs a signal for exciting the launch motor 18 of the launch device. As a result, the pachinko ball is in a state of being shot and fired into the game area 27. The launch control board 31 emits a launch motor excitation output when an input signal of a touch ring for detecting that the player is touching the ball striking handle 25 is input, and drives the launch motor 18. Further, a launch intensity sensor 19 and a launch stop switch 20 are connected to the launch control board 31.

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 so that the electrical resistance value changes according to the amount of steering wheel operation into a digital value. Hereinafter, it will be described as an example that the firing intensity T changes from 0 (minimum value) to 99 (maximum value) according to the amount of steering wheel operation. 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.

Further, the launch stop switch 20 is a switch for stopping the launch of the game ball by the launch motor 18, and is provided on the ball striking operation handle 25 so that the player can operate it. When the launch stop switch 20 is operated (turned on), the operation is detected by the launch control board 31, regardless of the amount of operation of the ball striking handle 25 (launch intensity T by the launch intensity sensor 19). The launch of the game ball by the launch motor 18 is stopped.

The liquid crystal unit 500 receives display data (display control signal) from the CU 3 via command transmission / reception units 335 and 506.

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

Here, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, the circulation path of pachinko balls in the P platform 2 will be outlined. When the player operates the ball striking operation handle 25, the launch motor 18 is driven. As a result, one pachinko ball supplied to the launch position is repelled by the hitting hammer, and the pachinko ball is driven into the game area 27.

The launch detection of the game ball is detected when the ball raising switch (upper) 41a changes from on to off. This detection is detected by port input on the payout control board 17 (see FIG. 5) 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.

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

All the winning balls that have won the winning opening or the variable winning ball device are collected on the back of the game machine and guided to the collection ball passing path. Similarly, out balls and foul balls are also guided to the collection ball passage path. A launch ball detection switch 703 is provided in the collection ball passage path. Therefore, the winning ball, the out ball, and the foul ball are all detected by the firing ball detection switch 703. That is, the launch ball detection switch 703 is a switch that detects all of the launched pachinko balls. When the number of detected pachinko balls of this switch becomes equal to the number of pachinko balls ejected by the launch motor 18, it can be determined that all the pachinko balls that have been driven have been recovered.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the difference between the number of detected shots of the launch ball detection switch 703 and the number of shots is calculated, and when this difference is not 0, the balls driven into the game area 27 have been collected. It is judged that there is no such thing. By making this determination, it is possible to determine whether or not the game area 27 is rolling, or whether or not there is a floating ball that is caught between nails or the like in the game area and does not fall.

As described above, as shown in FIG. 4, the P unit 2 is communicably connected to the CU 3. Further, the CU 3 is also communicably connected to the call lamp 1000 provided in the amusement park in a one-to-one correspondence with each P stand 2. In addition, the calling lamp 1000 in this embodiment can update and display the number of big hits, the number of probability changes, the number of starts, and the number of balls held in the P unit 2 to which the CU3 is connected by receiving the signal output from the CU3. It has become. Further, the CU 3 is communicably connected to the management computer 900 and the hall server 801 via the HUB (concentrator) 1001, and the information distribution server 901, the ball management server 902, and the ball management server 902 are connected via the HUB (concentrator) 1002. The information distribution server 901, which is connected to the T-BOX 904, is a server that mainly distributes content data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 504 to the liquid crystal unit 500. The possession ball management server 902 manages the number of stored balls that the player (member player) who possesses the membership card can use for the next game, and the number of possessed balls recorded on each visitor card and the membership card. It is a server to do.

The T-BOX 904 is a controller that manages the visitor card, membership card, and CU3 used in the CU3. The T-BOX 904 of this embodiment manages the prepaid balance (game value) remaining on each membership card and each visitor card, and also manages these membership cards and visitor cards via the communication line 11. It is connected to the payment server 905 installed in the card management company outside the amusement park so that data communication can be performed, and various management information is transmitted from the T-BOX 904 to these payment servers 905. The card management company can grasp the sales of the membership card and the visitor card of each amusement park on the payment server 905.

Next, the visitor card and the membership card used in the present embodiment will be briefly described. The visitor card and the membership card used in the present embodiment are non-volatile memories for storing various data. An IC card equipped with an IC chip having a control unit for rewriting and reading these recorded information and performing non-contact communication with an external reader / writer device is used, and these visitor cards and the visitor card and the IC card are used. A card ID that can identify each card is stored in the membership card, specifically, a card ID that starts with VC is stored in the visitor card, and a membership card ID that starts with KC is stored in the membership card in advance without rewriting. The type can be identified from the card ID, and the prepaid balance data that can specify the prepaid balance is stored.

The membership card is issued to a member player who has registered as a member at the amusement park, and the member ID given to the member is stored in a non-rewritable manner. In addition, as will be described later, the member player can use the membership card to store the game balls once acquired and counted so that they can be used for the game again on the next day or later. However, these membership cards do not directly store the number of balls stored, which is the data of the stored balls, and the number of balls held, which is the data of the balls held, and these numbers of balls are stored in the ball holding management server 902 as the membership card ID. By storing it in association with the member ID, it can be identified from the member card ID and the member ID.

In addition, the visitor card is purchased and issued at a card issuing / depositing machine (not shown) installed in the amusement park, and is also issued at CU3. In addition, the visitor card stores the number of balls held and the date based on the number of counted balls (the number of acquired game media) counted by the player who owns the visitor card, and the number of balls held on that day is stored. Only can be used in each CU3 in the amusement park.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the number of balls held is written and recorded only on the visitor card, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the visitor card is used in the same manner as the membership card. The number of balls may be specified from the card ID without memorizing the number of balls.

When the player inserts the visitor card or the membership card into the card insertion / ejection port 309, the CU control unit 323 charges the member card or the visitor card's (member) card ID, member ID (member card only), and prepaid card. Read the balance data, the number of balls you have (visitor card only), etc. Then, the CU control unit 323 transmits an authentication request including the (member) card ID read from the received membership card or visitor card, the prepaid balance data, and the device ID to the T-BOX 904.

In the T-BOX 904, whether or not the received card ID is stored in the member card table or the visitor card table stored in the T-BOX 904 in advance, and the prepaid balance specified from the received prepaid balance data is stored in the T-BOX 904. It is determined whether or not it matches the stored prepaid balance, and whether or not to authenticate the inserted visitor card or membership card. When the received card ID is stored in the member card table or visitor card table stored in the T-BOX 904 in advance, or the prepaid balance specified from the received prepaid balance data is stored in the T-BOX 904. If it matches the balance, the T-BOX 904 sends a command indicating that the inserted visitor card or membership card has been authenticated to the CU control unit 323, and the received card ID is sent to the T-BOX 904 in advance. If it is not stored in the stored membership card table or visitor card table, or if the prepaid balance specified from the received prepaid balance data does not match the prepaid balance stored in the T-BOX 904, the T-BOX 904 , A command indicating that the inserted visitor card or membership card is not authenticated is transmitted to the CU control unit 323.

Then, when the CU control unit 323 receives a command to authenticate the visitor card or membership card inserted from the T-BOX 904, the CU control unit 323 sends a card acceptance notification to the ball management server 902 to store the balls or stored balls. When it becomes possible to pay out as a game ball and a command for authenticating the inserted visitor card or membership card is received from the T-BOX 904, the inserted visitor card or membership card is ejected from the card insertion / ejection port 309.

The hall server 801 is further communicably connected to the key management server 800 and the game machine management server 802, and the information distribution server 901 and the ball management server 902 are communicably connected to the content management server 903. The content management server 903 is, for example, a server provided in an organization that manages game machines operated by an organization to which a plurality of game machine makers belong, and mainly distributes content data to each information distribution server 901. It is a server for.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a notification process when an abnormality is detected as a result of mutual authentication. With reference to FIG. 6, when an abnormality occurs in the CU control unit 323, the security board 325, the payout control unit 171 or the main control board 16, a notification is given in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. The abnormality mentioned here is that the CU control unit 323, the security board 325, the payout control unit 171 or the main control board 16 is replaced with another illegally manufactured one, or malfunctions or malfunctions due to noise or the like. This includes cases such as when the product is broken or when it is offline due to disconnection. The key management server 800 shown in FIG. 6 is a key management server that stores the SID and the authentication key of the CU communication control unit in association with each serial ID (also referred to as SID) of the electronic component inside the CU 3. is there. Further, the key management server 800 is a server capable of communicating with the main control board 16.

First, when an abnormality occurs in the security board 325 of the CU 3, the CU control unit 323 detects the abnormality as a result of mutual authentication performed between the CU control unit 323 and the security board 325 described above. This mutual authentication includes device authentication using a session key in addition to serial ID authentication and device authentication described later.

The serial ID is a serial ID (board serial ID) of the security board 325, 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. Further, when the CU 3 is brought into the amusement park and then 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. To.

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 transmits an abnormality notification command to the liquid crystal unit 500. The liquid crystal unit control unit 502 causes the liquid crystal display control unit 503 to perform control for displaying that an abnormality has occurred, and also lights or blinks an abnormality notification lamp (not shown) to perform abnormality notification. Further, the CU control unit 323 transmits a signal from the external communication unit to the management computer 900 to the effect that an abnormality has occurred.

When an abnormality occurs in the CU control unit 323 of the CU 3, the security board 325 detects the occurrence of the abnormality by the above-mentioned 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 control unit 171 by a parallel signal via the PIF circuit 326 which is a parallel interface circuit. In response to this, the payout control unit 171 notifies the main control board 16 that an abnormality has occurred. The main control board 16 controls the operation of the abnormality notification lamp and transmits a signal to the management computer 900 that an abnormality has occurred, as described above.

When the security board 325 detects an abnormality in the payout control unit 171, the security board 325 notifies the CU control unit 323 to that effect, and the CU control unit 323 notifies the hall server 801 to 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 to that effect via the PIF circuit 326, and when it detects an abnormality in the payout control unit 171, it does so. Is notified to the CU control unit 323, and the notification destination of the occurrence of an abnormality 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, no control for notifying the abnormality is performed and no abnormality prevention measure is taken. Moreover, although the security board 325 has a communication control function, it does not have an abnormality notification control function. Therefore, it is not possible to control the abnormality notification by itself, and therefore, the notification that the abnormality has occurred is always given in the direction of the control unit on the opposite side of the control unit where the abnormality has occurred. The payout control unit 171 that has received the notification of the occurrence of the abnormality from the security board 325 via the PIF circuit 326 notifies the main control board 16 to that effect. 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 security board 325 detects that fact, and the CU control unit 323 is notified that the abnormality has occurred, and the CU control unit 323 performs the above-mentioned abnormality notification control. Notify the hall server 801 that an abnormality has occurred. Further, when an abnormality occurs in the payout control unit 171, the main control board 16 detects that the abnormality has occurred, and receives the notification to perform the above-mentioned control for notifying the occurrence of the abnormality.

As described above, the payout control board 17 detects an abnormality in the security board 325 and notifies the main control board 16 of the abnormality, while the payout control board 17 notifies the main control board 16 when an abnormality occurs. Detects and notifies the security board 325 that an abnormality has occurred. Similar to the security board 325 described above, the payout control board 17 is also controlled for abnormality notification even if the control unit in which the abnormality has occurred is notified when an abnormality is detected. Therefore, the control unit or the control board on the side opposite to the control unit in which the abnormality has occurred is notified. 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 themselves 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 even if an abnormality is detected, the abnormality notification control is performed by itself. Although it has been described as having no function, the security board 325 and the payout control board 17 may be provided with an abnormality notification function to directly notify that an abnormality has occurred.

The game machine management server 802 shown in FIG. 6 is provided in, for example, an organization that manages game machines operated by an organization to which a plurality of game machine makers belong, and the game machines installed in the game hall differ from the design values. It is a server that manages game machines by checking whether it is in an abnormal state. The game machine management server 802 may be provided in another organization. The game machine management server 802 can communicate with the hall server 801 and the CU (card unit) 3 and the P unit 2.

In this embodiment, the information distribution server 901 associates each gaming machine such as the main chip ID with the information for identifying the gaming machine, and determines the abnormality of the gaming machine as a part of the design value of the gaming machine (P unit 2). The judgment value for doing this is stored.

Next, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the main data stored in each of the CU3 side and the P stand 2 side and the transmission / reception mode thereof. With reference to FIG. 7, the main data stored in each of the CU3 side and the P stand 2 side and the transmission / reception mode thereof will be described.

In this embodiment, the fluctuation of the number of game balls is calculated on the P stand 2 side, and the current latest number of game balls is stored and managed. 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 (number of cards held), the number of stored balls, and the prepaid balance (remaining amount) are managed and stored on the CU3 side.

FIG. 7 shows the stored data of the RAM provided in the CU control unit 323 on the CU3 side and the stored data of the RAM mounted on the payout control board 17 on the P stand 2 side. First, when the power supply is turned on in a state where the P stand 2 and the CU 3 are electrically connected for the first time after being installed in the amusement park, the payout control board 17 on the P stand 2 side is the main chip from the main control board 16. The ID (main control chip ID) is transmitted, the main chip ID is transmitted to the CU3 side, and the payout chip ID (payout control chip ID) stored in the payout control board 17 itself is transmitted to the CU3 side. ..

On the CU3 side, the transmitted main chip ID and payout chip ID are stored. Next, the data of the connection time, that is, 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 transmitted connection time is transmitted on the P unit 2 side. Remember.

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

On the CU3 side, the transmitted data is collated with the already stored data, and it is determined whether or not the same P unit 2 as the previous time is connected. As for the connection time data, new connection time data in which 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 unit 2 side.

Both the CU 3 and the P unit 2 transmit the telegram with a "serial number" added. Further, both the CU 3 and the P unit 2 store the "serial number" received from the other party. There are three types of "serial numbers": "normal serial numbers", "addition serial numbers", and "counting serial numbers". "Normal serial number" indicates the sequence number of the telegram. The "normal serial number" is transmitted by counting up (+1) the serial number received at the time of transmission by the CU3 side (primary station side) with the initial value set to "1". However, when resending, the "normal serial number" is not counted up. The P unit 2 side (secondary station side) transmits the received serial number as it is. If the continuity of the serial numbers is not established, there is no response. The "addition serial number" is a serial number used when the CU 3 requests the P unit 2 to add a game ball. The "counting serial number" is a serial number used when the P stand 2 requests the CU 3 to count the game balls.

Only CU3 has the right to renew 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 renew the addition serial number. When making an addition request, the CU 3 transmits an addition serial number +1 to the addition serial number used for communication up to that point to the P unit 2. When accepting the request, the P unit 2 returns the same additional serial number. When rejecting the request, the previously received additional serial number (additional serial number -1 received this time) is returned. Only P unit 2 has the right to add and update the counting serial number. When making a counting request, the P unit 2 transmits a counting serial number +1 to the counting serial number used for communication up to that point to the CU 3. The CU3 returns the same counting serial number when accepting the request. When rejecting the request, the received counting serial number (counting serial number-1 received this time) is returned.

Hereinafter, regarding the "normal serial number", a configuration will be described in which the serial number received by the CU 3 at the time of transmission is counted up (+1) and transmitted. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and each of the P unit 2 and the CU 3 or the P unit 2 counts up (+1) the serial number received at the time of transmission and transmits the other, and the other receives the serial number. May be transmitted as it is.

Further, the "addition serial number" and the "counting serial number" are special serial numbers that are counted up in the processing of the addition request and the processing of the counting request, respectively. Hereinafter, 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 serial number" when the "addition serial number" and the "count serial number" are counted up. In the following, the "normal serial number" is simply referred to as a "serial number". Further, the "additional serial number" and the "counting serial number" are also collectively referred to as a "request serial number".

The latest game machine information (game machine information being counted) is transmitted from the P stand 2 side to the CU 3 side. This latest game machine information is stored in the latest game machine information storage area of the RAM of the payout control unit 171 (see FIG. 5) on the P unit 2 side. Specifically, the information of the addition ball number counter, the information of the subtraction ball number counter, and the information of the counting ball number counter are included. 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 CU3 side as a count value of the game ball number counter as described later. However, instead of this, or in addition to the game ball number counter, the game ball number may be included in the latest game machine information.

The information of these counters is collectively transmitted to the CU3 side as a response. The additional ball number counter is a counter that counts the number of additional balls. The additional ball is the sum of "the number of prize balls x the number of winning balls" and "the number of back balls". The back ball is a foul ball. That is, the addition ball indicates the number to be added to the game ball by the addition ball counter. The subtraction ball number counter is a counter that counts the number of subtraction balls. The subtraction ball is the "number of fired balls". That is, 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 number of counting balls. The counting ball is "the number of balls converted from a game ball to a possession ball by a counting operation". Here, the "prize ball ball" is a ball that is paid out when a ball wins a prize in the winning opening, and is a safe ball. The "launched ball" is a ball fired by a game machine, and if there is a back ball, the number of balls obtained by subtracting the back ball is the number of fired balls. A "back ball" is a ball in which a fired ball returns without jumping onto the board. The “out port passing ball” is a ball that has passed through the out port 154, and the total number of out balls and safe balls means the number of balls passing through the out port.

For example, when a pachinko ball driven into the game area 27 wins a prize and the winning information is transmitted from the main control board 16 to the payout control board 17, an additional ball to be added based on the winning information. The number of added balls is counted by the number of added balls counter, and the value (number of added balls) of the added ball number counter is transmitted from the P unit 2 side to the CU3 side. Further, the subtraction ball number counter counts the number of fired balls as the number of subtraction balls based on the output change of the ball raising switch (top) 41a from on to off due to the pachinko balls being fired in the game area 27. The value of the subtracted ball counter (the number of subtracted balls) is transmitted from the P unit 2 side to the CU 3 side.

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

On the P unit 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 CU3 side, the count values are stored in the previous game machine information storage area (RAM of the payout control unit 171). After storing (rewriting) as backup data in (etc.), the values of the addition ball number counter, the subtraction ball number counter, and the counting ball number counter as the latest game machine information are cleared to 0 (excluding the game ball number counter). In this embodiment, "clear" has the same meaning as "initialization".

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

In addition, the payout control board 17 updates the value of the game ball number counter according to the occurrence of winning, the firing of balls, the generation of back balls, and the generation of counting balls (conversion from game balls to possession balls). The updated value of the game ball counter is transmitted to the CU3 side as the number of game balls.

On the CU3 side, the total number of game balls, the number of cards held (also simply called the number of balls held), the number of stored balls, the remaining amount, the total number of added balls (cumulative number of added balls), and the total subtraction are stored in the cumulative data storage area in the RAM. 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 by the card is the number of balls held by subtracting the number of balls held when the card is inserted (the number of balls held by the card converted into the number of game balls) and adding the number of counted balls. That is, the number of cards held is the number of balls owned by the player at the present time.

The total number of added balls is added based on the value (number of added balls) of the added ball number counter transmitted from the P unit 2 side to update the number of balls. Further, the total number of subtracted balls is subtracted based on the value (number of subtracted balls) of the subtracted ball number counter transmitted from the P unit 2 side to update the number of balls. Further, the number of cards held is added and updated based on the value of the counting ball counter transmitted from the P unit 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 game 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 a game ball counter (also referred to as a game ball number or a game ball total number information) from the P stand 2 side. The CU 3 updates the area for storing the game ball by the following procedure. That is, the CU 3 stores based on the value of the added ball number counter (added ball number), the subtracted ball number counter value (subtracted ball number), and the value of the counting ball number counter transmitted from the P unit 2 side. In addition to updating the number of game balls being played, it is determined whether or not the count value of the game ball number counter transmitted from the P unit 2 side and the updated number of game balls match at the same timing. If they match, the game is allowed to continue, but if they do not match, control is performed to shift to an error state.

As a result, for example, an error notification is performed by the abnormality notification lamp or the liquid crystal unit 500, or an error notification signal indicating that an error has occurred is transmitted to the management computer 900 or the hall server 801 (in this case, the management computer 900 or The error notification may be performed by the hall server 801). As a result, a predetermined notification is performed to encourage the staff to take 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 counter sent from the P unit 2 side. Good. Alternatively, instead, it may be corrected to the average value of the number of game balls managed on the CU3 side and the number of game balls stored on the P unit 2 side.

As described above, in this embodiment, the number of game balls is also stored on the CU3 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. It is possible to do it (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 CU3 side due to fraudulent activity or other circumstances, it is possible to check that fact. Here, the determination function is provided on the CU3 side. For example, the hall server 801 connected to the CU3 or the management computer 900 stores the number of game balls stored on the CU3 side and the number of game balls stored on the P unit 2 side. It may be possible to receive the number of game balls and determine whether or not the two are consistent.

As shown in FIG. 7, the CU 3 has a storage area for storing the number of cards held and the number of stored balls, a storage area for storing the prepaid balance of the received (inserted) card, and the total number of added balls (number of added balls). It also has a storage area for storing the total number of subtracted balls (cumulative number of subtracted balls) and the number of balls held when the card is inserted. The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 5) stores the stored balls in response to an input requesting the use of the stored balls (for example, an operation of the replay button (replay display) on the liquid crystal display (however, when there is no ball)). A predetermined number of stored balls are subtracted from the storage area to be stored.

The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 5) has a predetermined number of balls stored in the storage area in response to an input requesting the use of the balls (for example, an operation of a replay button (replay display) on the liquid crystal display). Subtract the ball you have. Further, the CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 5) subtracts a predetermined value from the storage area for storing the prepaid balance in response to an input requesting the use of the prepaid balance (for example, a pressing input of the ball lending button 321).

When the player performs an operation of deducting a value of a predetermined size from the possession value owned by the player (for example, the number of balls held, the number of stored balls, or the balance of the prepaid card) and using it for the game, the number of balls for the withdrawn amount. The number of added balls for adding to the game ball number counter is transmitted from the CU3 side to the P unit 2 side. In response to this, the P-unit 2 side adds and updates the game ball number counter.

On the other hand, the game system according to the present embodiment can accept an order of a so-called wagon service in which the ownership value owned by the player is deducted and exchanged for a drink or the like. However, receiving wagon service with game balls is restricted, and wagon service can only be received with possession balls. This is an image that prohibits the conventional enclosed circulation type pachinko game machine in which each machine is equipped, from grasping the uncounted ball remaining on the plate by hand and using it for the wagon service.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the operation of performing the wagon service is executed, if the number of balls held is less than the number of balls corresponding to the desired menu of the wagon service, the player is urged to perform the counting operation. ing. 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 CU3 side. In response to this, the CU3 side subtracts the number of game balls and adds the number of cards held to update.

Next, the communication between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail. The telegram used in the communication is composed of frames having a predetermined format. The transmission data (telegram) is always transmitted in units of one frame. That is, the telegram is not divided and transmitted. In addition, when transmitting telegrams continuously, leave an interval of 1 millisecond or more.

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 unit. The "data length" indicates the data length of the transmitted data (serial number to data section (business telegram range)). A "command" is a telegram command code. The "data unit" is telegram data.

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the outline of the command and the response transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 will be described.

FIG. 8 shows the transmission direction, whether the data to be transmitted is a command or a response, the name of the transmission information, and the outline thereof. 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 CU 3 (primary station) to the P unit 2 (secondary station), and the P unit 2 returns a response to the CU 3 in response to the command. That is, the transmission of the business telegram is a 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 transmission of the next command from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 is controlled to 200 ms, that is, 0.2 seconds. Further, the period from the transmission of the response from the P unit 2 to the CU 3 to the transmission of the next response is controlled to 200 ms, that is, 0.2 seconds.

In this way, 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, in the P stand 2, 100 pachinko balls are driven into the game area 27 per minute by operating the hitting operation handle 25, so that the hitting time interval is 0.6 seconds. As a result, a plurality of commands and responses are transmitted and received while one ball is fired.

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

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

First, a command named recovery request is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2. This recovery request command requests recovery information from the P unit 2. In response to this recovery request, a response named recovery response is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU3. The response of this recovery response notifies the CU3 of the recovery information.

The recovery request command is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 after the CU 3 completes the authentication. The recovery request command requests recovery information from the CU 3 to the P unit 2, and the CU 3 first transmits the same command after the authentication is completed. The recovery request includes "serial number", "command", "last last transmission serial number", and "last last transmission count serial number". The "serial number" is a sequence number (1 to 255). The "command" is the command code of the recovery request and is shown in hexadecimal binary data.

The "last last transmission serial number" is the serial number of the status information request command last transmitted to the P unit 2 at the time of the previous connection. When the "last last transmission serial number" is "0", it indicates that there is no memorized serial number. The "previous final transmission serial number" is a serial number that stores the "serial number" as the previous final transmission serial number (serial number) on both the P unit 2 and the CU 3 side when the status information response is transmitted on the P unit 2 and when the status information response is received on the CU3. Is.

The "previous last transmission count serial number" is the count serial number of the response of the state information request last transmitted to the P unit 2 at the time of the previous connection. When the "previous last transmission count serial number" is "0", it indicates that there is no stored serial number. The "previous final transmission count serial number" is a serial number in which the count serial number is stored as the previous final transmission count serial number on both the P unit 2 and the CU 3 side when the status information response is transmitted on the P unit 2 and when the status information response is received on the CU3. ..

In the recovery process (counting ball number) of the P unit 2, the "store code" and the "SC board ID" notified from the security board 325 in the counting history sequence described later, and the "store code" held by the P unit 2. And "SC board ID" are matched, and if they match, the following processing is performed. If they do not match, the number of balls requested to be counted = 0 is set in the subtraction register and notified to the user program.

The P unit 2 refers to the "previous final transmission counting serial number" notified by the CU3, and if the CU3 has not performed the counting process for the counting request, sets the counting request ball number = 0 in the subtraction register. Notify the user program executed on the P unit 2. If the CU 3 has already performed the counting process, the number of counting request balls notified to the CU 3 is set in the subtraction register and notified to the user program. If all the store codes held by the P unit 2 are "F" (hexabyte number), it is determined that the store codes match. Further, when the "store code" notified from the security board 325 and the "store code" held by the P unit 2 do not match, the user program is notified of the store code mismatch via the register. When the P unit 2 receives the recovery request command from the CU 3, the P unit 2 notifies the user program side via the register.

The response of the recovery response is to respond to the CU 3 with the recovery information held by the P unit 2. The recovery information includes "serial number", "command", "last last transmission serial number", "last inserted card ID", "last card insertion time", "last last transmission addition serial number", "ball unit price", and "game information". Includes "presence / absence of storage", "previous game machine information", and "previous game information". Since the "serial number" and "command" are the same as described above, the explanation is not repeated.

The "last last transmission serial number" is the serial number data included in the response of the status information response last transmitted to the CU3 at the time of the previous connection, and when it is "0", there is no serial number held. The "previously inserted card ID" is the data of the card ID of the card that was being inserted at the time of the previous connection, and when it is "0", there is no card being inserted. The payout control unit 171 of the P unit 2 stores and holds the card ID that was being inserted based on the information transmitted from the CU 3.

The "last card insertion time" is the data of the insertion time of the card that was being inserted at the time of the previous connection, and when it is "0", there is no card being inserted. This data is also represented by year information in 2-digit YY, month information in 2-digit MM, day information in 2-digit DD, time information in 2-digit hh, minute information in 2-digit mm, and second information in 2-digit ss. Is. The "previous last transmission addition serial number" is an addition serial number included in the response of the status information response last transmitted to the CU3 at the time of the previous connection, and when it is "0", there is no such addition serial number. The "ball unit price" is the ball unit price (0.01 yen to 99.99 yen) per ball playing on the P stand 2. The “presence / absence of game information storage” is “0x00” when the game information is not stored, and “0x01” when the game information is stored.

The "previous game machine information" is the game machine information previously notified to the CU3, and includes information of "game ball number", "game ball information", "counting request ball number", and "counting serial number". The "number of game balls" is the number of game balls previously notified to CU3. The "game ball information" is the game ball information previously notified. The game ball information includes, for example, information such as the number of fired balls previously notified to CU3, the number of balls passing through the out port, and the total number of prize balls. The “number of balls requested to be counted” is the number of game balls requested to be counted. The "counting serial number" is the counting serial number previously notified to CU3.

The "previous game information" is the game information previously notified to the CU3, and includes the "number of game information" and the information of "game information 1" to "game information n". The "game information number" is the number of game information (0 to n) previously notified to the CU3. The variable length is n = 0 to 22. The "game information 1" is the game information 1 previously notified to the CU3. The “game information n” is the game information n previously notified to the CU3. The game information n includes, for example, the type information previously notified to the CU3, the game prize ball information, and the like.

The "previous final transmission addition serial number" is a serial number that is stored as the previous final transmission addition serial number on both the CU3 side and the P unit 2 when the status information request is transmitted by the CU 3 and when the status information request is received by the P unit 2.

In the recovery process (game information) of the P unit 2, the "store code" and the "SC board ID" notified from the security board 325 in the counting history sequence described later, the "store code" held by the P unit 2, and the "store code" A match determination with the "SC board ID" is performed, and if the "store code" does not match, the recovery data is processed as none. If they match, the following processing is performed.

When there is recovery data of game information, "whether or not game information is stored" is stored: 0x01, the previous "game ball number", the previous "game ball information", the previous "counting request ball number", the previous "counting required ball number" The recovery data held by the P unit 2 is set in the "counting serial number", the previous "number of game information", and the previous "game information 1 to n". When there is no recovery data for game information or when the last transmission serial number was 0, "whether or not game information is stored" is set to "0x00", and the previous "game ball information", the previous "counting request ball number", and the previous time Set ALL "0" for the "counting serial number" and the previous "game information number". However, the number of game balls is set to the number of game balls notified last time. If all the store codes held by the P unit 2 are "F" (hexabyte number), it is determined that the store codes match.

If it is determined that the "store code" notified from the security board 325 does not match the store code held by the P unit 2, it is treated as no card. That is, ALL "0" is set for "previously inserted card ID" and "last card insertion time".

The P unit 2 stores the serial number at the time of responding to the status information request as the previous final transmission serial number. If there is a discrepancy between the "store code" and "SC board ID" notified from the security board 325 and the information held by the P unit, the last transmission serial number = 0 is notified. The "store code" and "SC board ID" notified from the security board 325 are compared with the information held by the P unit, and if they match, the last last transmission serial number stored is notified.

The P unit 2 stores the counting serial number as the previous final transmission counting serial number when the state information response is transmitted. If there is a discrepancy between the "store code" and "SC board ID" notified from the SC325b and the information held by the P unit, the last transmission count serial number = 0 is notified. The "store code" and "SC board ID" notified from the security board 325 are compared with the information held by the P unit, and if they match, the last last transmission count serial number stored is notified.

Further, if the CU 3 has not executed the process of the "previous final transmission serial number" notified from the P unit 2, the CU 3 performs the recovery process using the previous game machine information. When the process of "previous last transmission serial number" is executed, CU3 performs recovery process using only the previous game machine information. However, the number of counting balls is not recovered.

A command named recovery request 2 is transmitted from CU3 to P unit 2. The command of the recovery request 2 notifies the P unit 2 of the additional recovery information. In response to this recovery request 2, a response named recovery response 2 is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU3. The response of the recovery response 2 notifies the CU 3 of the processing result of the additional recovery information.

The command of the recovery request 2 notifies the P unit 2 of the addition recovery information, and includes data of "serial number", "command", "previous last transmission addition serial number", and "number of addition balls". There is. Since the "serial number" and "command" are the same as described above, the explanation is not repeated. The recovery request 2 is transmitted when the CU 3 determines that it is necessary to perform the addition ball recovery process on the P unit 2. CU3 compares the "last last transmission addition serial number" included in the recovery response received from the P unit 2 with the "last last transmission addition serial number" stored by itself, and if they match, the addition ball recovery It is determined that processing is not necessary, and if there is a discrepancy, it is determined that additional ball recovery processing is necessary. When it is determined that the additional ball recovery process is necessary, the recovery request 2 is transmitted.

The "last last transmission addition serial number" included in the recovery request 2 is the addition serial number data of the status information request command last transmitted to the P unit 2 at the time of the previous connection, and the "additional ball number" is the game ball. It is the data of the number of added balls of.

Next, the recovery process of the P unit 2 will be described in detail. In the recovery process of the P unit 2, if the P unit 2 has not performed the process of the "previous final transmission serial number" notified by the CU3 based on the recovery request 2, the number of added balls is referred to and the game ball is used. It is a process of adding to.

The response of the recovery response 2 notifies the CU 3 of the processing result of the addition recovery information on the P unit 2, and includes a "serial number", a "command", and a "recovery result". The "recovery result" is "0x00", the recovery result processing is OK, and "0x01" is the recovery result processing NG. If the P unit 2 cannot receive the number of additional balls, the processing NG is returned as a recovery result.

When performing recovery processing (number of balls to be added) for P unit 2, if P unit 2 has not performed the processing of the "previous final transmission addition serial number" notified by CU3, processing is OK as "recovery result" for CU3. Is set in the addition register and the number of additional balls notified by CU3 is set in the addition register and notified to the user program. When the number of added balls notified from the CU 3 is 0, the number of added balls = 0 is set in the addition register, the user program is notified, and the processing OK is returned to the CU 3. However, when the CU state of the state information request described later is in the game ball addition request (Bit = 1) and the game machine state 1 responds to the game ball addition result (Bit5 = 1) in the state information response, the CU3 is "recovered". As a result, the process NG is returned, the number of added balls = 0 is set in the addition register, and the user program is notified.

If the "previous final transmission addition serial number" notified by CU3 is the same as the "previous final transmission addition serial number" held by the chip of P unit 2, the number of additional balls = 0 is set in the addition register. Notify the user program and respond to CU3 with processing NG as a "recovery result". When the "previous last transmission addition serial number" notified from CU3 = 0, the number of addition balls = 0 is set in the addition register regardless of the number of addition balls notified from CU3, and the user program is notified to CU3. Respond processing OK.

Further, at the timing when the recovery process is completed (for example, the timing when the recovery completion flag is set), the "previous final transmission addition serial number" notified by CU3 is notified to the user program via the register regardless of the recovery result. .. If the recovery request 2 is not received, the user program is notified of the "previous final transmission addition serial number" held by the chip of the P unit 2 at the timing when the recovery process is completed.

A status information request command is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 at predetermined intervals (for example, 200 ms). This status information request command requests the status of the CU 3 from the P unit 2. The CU3 uses this command to periodically check the status of the P unit 2. Further, the command for requesting the state information includes the number of additional balls from the CU3 side shown in FIG. 7 toward the P unit 2 side.

The state information request will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the content of the state information request. The specific data of the status information request includes data of "serial number", "command", "CU status", "number of additional balls", "additional serial number", "counting serial number", and "unit price of balls". There is. Since the "serial number" and "command" are the same as described above, the explanation is not repeated.

The "CU state" represents the state of the CU3 notified to the P unit 2, and the card insertion state is ON when Bit0 is "1", that is, the card is being inserted, and the card insertion state is when "0". It indicates OFF, that is, no card is inserted. That is, Bit0 represents a state in which a card (general card / membership card) is inserted in CU3 (card insertion state). In addition, the general card is being inserted by depositing the stock card (general 0 yen 0 ball card) stocked in advance in the card stock section of the CU3.

When Bit1 is "1", the card unit is open, and when it is "0", the card unit is closed. That is, Bit1 notifies the P unit 2 of the card unit opening state according to the state of CU3. The timing for notifying that the card unit is open is, for example, when the opening of the store is completed. The timing for notifying that the card unit is closed is, for example, when the store is closed. When the same state changes from opening to closing, the P stand 2 notifies the CU3 of all the game balls it holds as the number of counting balls in the state information response.

When Bit2 is "1", it indicates that the card is being prepared for return, and when it is "0", it indicates that the card is not being prepared for return. The CU 3 notifies the P unit 2 of "preparing to return the card" for a certain period of time (10 seconds) by setting this bit at the time of each operation of card return, simple leaving, and meal break. When the operation of the counting button 28 is detected, the P stand 2 has operated the counting button once or multiple times if the bit preparing to return the card has received the on status information request. Regardless of, or regardless of the operation duration, all the stored game balls are notified to the CU3 as the number of counting balls by the status information response.

When Bit3 is "1", the game ball addition request is ON, that is, there is a game ball addition request, and when "0", the game ball addition request is OFF, that is, there is no game ball addition request. That is, Bit3 requests the addition of game balls (the number of added balls) at the time of ball lending, ball payout, and ball storage payout operations.

When Bit4 is "1", it indicates that the counting ball has been received, and "0" indicates that the counting ball has not been received. Bit4 notifies P unit 2 that the receipt has been completed when the counting ball is received. That is, it is used to confirm the delivery of the response "counting ball number" of the state information response. When the P unit 2 receives the completion of receipt of the counting balls, it checks whether the counting serial number is the same as the P unit 2, and if the serial numbers do not match, notifies the CU 3 without subtracting the number of game balls.

When Bit5 is "1", it indicates that the card is being removed, and "0" indicates that the card has been removed. Bit5 notifies P unit 2 of the state in which the card is waiting to be removed from CU3. Bit 6 and Bit 7 are unused.

The "number of added balls" is the number of added balls of the game ball, and the data of the number of added balls is valid only when Bit3 in the CU state is "1". The "addition serial number" is a sequence number for addition (0 to 255), and the sequence number is updated (+1) and notified when a game ball addition request is made. The "counting serial number" is a counting sequence number (0 to 255), and notifies the counting serial number received at the time of the counting request as it is. However, if the continuity of the counting serial number is not established, the counting will not be received.

The "ball unit price" is the ball unit price (0.01 yen to 99.99 yen) per ball of the game ball played on the P stand 2. The ball unit price notified from the CU 3 to the P unit 2 is stored in, for example, the RAM of the payout control board 17 of the P unit 2. Then, the P unit 2 notifies the CU 3 of the ball unit price stored in the RAM when the predetermined condition is satisfied by the state information response. Specifically, when recovery information for recovering from the incommunicable state is requested from CU3 to P unit 2 (recovery request command is transmitted from CU3), P unit 2 responds to the recovery response. Set the ball unit price and send it to CU3. That is, the ball unit price is not output to the outside except for notifying the CU3 at the time of the recovery response. The ball unit price stored in the P unit 2 is set in the response of the recovery response when the recovery request command is transmitted from the CU 3, and is transmitted to the CU 3. As a result, it is possible to accurately grasp the ball unit price of the game ball that was being played on the P stand 2 before the recovery, and after the recovery, the player can restart the game with an appropriate game value. In addition, security is ensured so that the ball unit price is not changed illegally by not outputting the ball unit price stored in the P unit 2 to the outside except for notifying the CU 3 at the time of the recovery response. Further, the ball unit price stored in the P unit 2 is prohibited from being overwritten with a new ball unit price when the P unit 2 holds the number of game balls. Even when the P unit 2 holds the number of game balls, the number of game balls stored in the P unit 2 is allowed to be overwritten and displayed by converting the number of held game balls into the overwritten unit price. It may be configured to update.

In response to the status information request, the status information response response is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU3. The response of this status information response notifies the CU3 of the information / status of the P unit 2. The response of the state information response includes the latest game machine information and the number of game balls shown in FIG. 7.

The state information response will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. 10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the content of the state information response. Specific data of the state information response includes "serial number", "command", "CU control unit request information", "number of game balls", "number of fired balls", "number of balls passed through outro", and "total prize ball". "Number", "Number of balls requested to count", "Counting serial number", "Launch intensity", "Game machine status", "Game machine error status", "Fraud detection information", "Fraud detection status", "Additional serial number", And "game information" data is included. Since the "serial number" and "command" are the same as described above, the explanation is not repeated.

The "number of game balls" is the current number of game balls (the number of game balls as a result of calculating addition / subtraction). The "number of shot balls" is the number of shots (if there are multiple shot balls at the time of transmission, they are added up). The "number of balls passing through the out port" is the number of balls that have passed through the out port 154 (if there are a plurality of passing balls at the time of transmission, they are added up). The "total number of prize balls" is the total number of prize balls in the prize ball information 1-n. The "counting request number of balls" is the number of game balls requested to be counted. The "counting serial number" is a counting sequence number (0 to 255), and when a counting request is made, the sequence number is updated (+1) and notified. The "first winning opening prize" is information on winning a prize in the ordinary winning opening 272. The "second winning opening prize" is information on winning a prize in the ordinary winning opening 273. The "third winning opening prize" is information on winning a prize in the ordinary winning opening 274. The "fourth winning opening prize" is information on winning a prize in the starting winning opening 275. The "fifth winning opening prize" is information on winning a prize in the starting winning opening 276. The "sixth winning opening prize" is information on winning a prize in the starting winning opening 277. The "large winning opening prize" is information on winning a prize in the large winning opening 271.

The "launch intensity" is information on the launch intensity of the game ball. The "game machine state" indicates the state of the P machine 2 at the time when the command for requesting the state information is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P machine 2, and indicates the "game machine state 1", "game machine state 2", and "game machine state 2". It contains information on "game machine state 3" and "game machine error state".

For example, Bit 5 of the "game machine state 1" indicates the result of whether or not the P unit 2 has added the game balls according to the addition request received from the CU 3. Bit5 is set to "0" when the game balls are normally added, and Bit5 is set to "1" when the game balls are not added normally.

The "fraud detection information" is the information detected by the P unit 2 at the time when the command for requesting the state information is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2, and is "fraud detection state 1" and "fraud detection state 2". , And the information of "fraud detection information 1" to "fraud detection information 4" is included.

For example, Bit 6 of "fraud detection state 2" is a fraudulent ball lending detection flag, and indicates whether or not an addition request is received in a state where a card is not inserted in CU3. Bit6 is set to "0" when the addition request is received with the card inserted in the CU3, and Bit6 is set to "1" when the addition request is received with the card not inserted in the CU3. Specifically, when the payout control unit 171 determines in the status information request reception process (see FIG. 21) described later that the card is not inserted in the CU 3 even though the addition request is received, Bit 6 is set to "1". Set to. Once the Bit 6 in the "fraud detection state 2" is set to "1", it is maintained in the state set to "1" until the power supply of the P unit 2 is turned off.

Further, the "fraud detection information 3" is valid when Bit 6 of the "fraud detection state 2" is "1", and the number of balls to be lent when the card is not inserted (also referred to as the number of illegal balls to be lent) is It represents the accumulated results.

The "addition serial number" is a sequence number for addition, and the addition serial number received at the time of the addition request is notified as it is. However, if the continuity of the addition serial number is not established, the addition NG is notified.

The “fraud detection state 3” is fraud detection information of the payout control board 17. For example, Bit1 of "fraud detection state 3" indicates that it is fraud detection information of iron ball detection when it is "1".

The "game information" is the information of the P machine 2 at the time when the command of the state information request is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P machine 2, and is the "number of game information", "type information 1" to "type information n". , "Count information 1" to "Count report n" are included.

The card insertion notification command notifies the P unit 2 of the card insertion. In response to this card insertion notification, the response of the card insertion response is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3. The response of this card insertion response is a response to the effect that the card insertion notification has been received for the CU3.

The card insertion notification command notifies the P unit 2 of the card ID and insertion time of the inserted card at the time of card insertion, and "serial number", "command", "card ID", "card insertion time", The data of "store code" and "SC board ID" is included. Since the "serial number" and "command" are the same as described above, the explanation is not repeated.

The "card ID" is the identification ID information of the IC card inserted in the CU 3, and is used for associating with the game ball held by the P stand 2. The "card insertion time" is the time when the IC card is inserted into the card insertion / ejection port 309 (see FIG. 1) of the CU3, and the year information is 2-digit YY, the month information is 2-digit MM, and the day information is 2-digit. The data is represented by DD, time information in 2 digits hh, minute information in 2 digits mm, and second information in 2 digits ss. The card insertion time is used to determine whether the game ball held by P stand 2 is the same day ball or the past ball.

The "store code" is a store identification code in which the CU 3 is installed, and is used for linking with the game ball held by the P unit 2. It is also used to determine whether or not the CU3 has been moved to a store. CU3 remembers the store code in which it is installed. The store code is notified to the P unit by adding information from the security board 325. The "SC board ID" is an SC board ID for identifying the CU3, and is used for determining whether or not the CU3 has been replaced. The SC board ID is notified to the P stand 2 by adding information from the security board 325. The payout control unit 171 of the P unit 2 stores information notified by the card insertion notification command such as these card IDs (C-IDs) and card insertion times. The "store code" and "SC board ID" are deleted in the payout control circuit without notifying the user program side.

The response of the card insertion response notifies the CU3 that the card insertion notification has been successfully received, and includes data of "serial number", "command", and "result". Since the "serial number" and "command" are the same as described above, the explanation is not repeated. The “result” indicates information on whether or not the card ID and the card insertion time were normally overwritten when the payout control unit 171 received the card insertion notification, that is, whether or not the card insertion notification was normally received. ing. When the card insertion notification is normally accepted, OK is displayed as a "result", and when the card insertion notification is not normally accepted, NG is displayed as a "result". If the "card insertion time" specified by the card insertion notification is a value having a format other than a value having a predetermined format (for example, a BCD value (binary coded decimal number)), the "result" is NG. Is shown.

Here, the operation of the P unit 2 at the time of card insertion / return notification will be described. First, a membership card or a general card is inserted into the card insertion / ejection port 309 of the CU3, or a general 0 yen 0 ball card is deposited, so that the card is sent to the P unit 2 as a card insertion notification. Information such as ID and card insertion time is notified. When the card insertion notification is received, the P unit 2 backs up information such as the card ID and the card insertion time. However, when the card insertion notification command is received and the state information request including the information of the card insertion state (CU state Bit0 = 1) is received in the CU3 state (when the P unit 2 determines that the card is being inserted). ), The P unit 2 transmits only the response without backing up information such as the card ID and the card insertion time. Further, when the card return button 322 of the CU 3 is pressed, a card return notification is sent to the P unit 2, and the P unit 2 clears information such as the backed up card ID and the card insertion time. The condition for canceling the card insertion state is when the P unit 2 receives the card return notification command.

When the card ID, the card insertion time, and the like are normally overwritten, that is, when the card insertion notification is normally received, the P unit 2 sets a card insertion flag indicating that the card is in the inserted state in the RAM of the payout control unit 171. Set.

The card return notification command notifies the P unit 2 of the card return. In response to this card return notification, the card return response response is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU3. The response of this card return response is to respond to the CU3 by returning the card.

The card return notification command notifies the P unit 2 of the card return, and the CU 3 sends the same notification when the "card return" button is pressed. The card return notification includes "serial number" and "command" data. Since the "serial number" and "command" are the same as described above, the explanation is not repeated.

The response of the card return response sends the response of the card return notification to the CU3, and includes data of "serial number", "command", "card ID", and "card insertion time". Since the "serial number", "command", "card ID" and "card insertion time" are the same as described above, the description is not repeated. The CU3 does not return the card when the card ID included in the command does not match the ID of the card currently being inserted or there is a problem with the card insertion time included in the command when the card is returned. , Prohibit writing of the ball to the card.

Here, the operation of the P unit 2 at the time of card insertion notification or card return notification will be described. When the member card is inserted, the general card is inserted, or the general 0 yen 0 ball card is deposited at the time of the card insertion notification, the P unit 2 backs up the card ID and the card insertion time. When the CU3 presses the "card return" button at the time of card return notification, the P stand 2 clears the card ID and the card insertion time. Further, the P unit 2 clears the card insertion flag set in the RAM of the payout control unit 171.

The command for requesting the acquisition of the design value requests the CU3 to acquire the design value (design value excluding the determination value for determining the abnormality of the P unit 2) such as the number of prize balls for each winning opening. It is sent when the game machine is started. The command for requesting the acquisition of design values in this embodiment includes data on design values such as the number of prize balls for each winning opening. That is, the CU 3 acquires the data of the design value such as the number of prize balls for each winning opening by receiving the design value acquisition request command from the P unit 2.

In response to this design value acquisition request, a response named design value acquisition response is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2. The response of the design value acquisition response is to respond to the P unit 2 with the acquisition of the design value such as the number of prize balls for each winning opening, and is transmitted in response to the acquisition of the design value of the CU3.

The test hit mode request command requests the CU 3 to control the P stand 2 to the test hit mode described later, and when the test hit mode signal is received from the ball management server 902 when the power is turned on. Will be sent. In response to this test hit mode request, the response of the test hit mode response is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU3. The response of this test hit mode response is a response to the CU 3 that the P unit 2 is controlled to the test hit mode.

The business mode request command requests the CU3 to control the P unit 2 to the business mode described later, and when the business mode signal is received from the ball management server 902 when the power is turned on. Will be sent. In response to this business mode request, the response of the business mode response is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU3. The response of the business mode response is a response to the CU 3 that the P unit 2 is controlled to the business mode.

Bit 4 and Bit 5 of the “fraud detection state 3” of FIG. 11 described above indicate that when the value is “1”, they are fraud detection information of the low base time base abnormality and the high base time base abnormality, respectively.

Further, in this embodiment, in addition to the base, the abnormality of the accessory ratio and the continuous accessory ratio is also determined. The definition of the accessory ratio and the continuous accessory ratio is stipulated in the rules regarding the certification of game machines and the certification of types.

The character ratio (also referred to as the character ratio) refers to the ratio of the game balls acquired by the game balls launched in 10 hours due to the operation of the character. The above rules stipulate that the accessory ratio must be 70% or less. In this embodiment, the bonus ratio corresponds to the game value given by winning all the winning pachinko balls (60,000 balls because 100 balls can be fired per minute) fired in 10 hours. Of the number of pachinko balls, the pachinko balls to the starting winning opening 276 composed of the electric tulip, which is one of the accessories, and the large winning opening 271 composed of the variable winning ball device, which is one of the accessories. The ratio of the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the game value given by winning a prize.

The continuous accessory ratio (also referred to as the role ream) refers to the ratio of the number of game balls acquired by the game balls fired in 10 hours due to the operation of the accessory when the accessory operates continuously. .. The above rules stipulate that the ratio of continuous bonuses must be 60% or less. In this embodiment, the continuous accessory ratio corresponds to the game value given by winning all the winning pachinko balls (60,000 balls because 100 balls can be fired per minute) fired in 10 hours. Of the number of pachinko balls to be played, the ratio of the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the game value given by winning the pachinko balls to the large winning opening 271 provided with the variable winning ball device, which is one of the winning characters. ..

Bit 4 and Bit 5 of the “fraud detection state 3” of FIG. 11 described above indicate that when the value is “1”, they are fraud detection information of the low base time base abnormality and the high base time base abnormality, respectively.

Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the outline of the command transmitted and received between the CU 3 (CU control unit 323) and the liquid crystal unit 500 (liquid crystal unit control unit 502) will be described.

FIG. 12 shows the transmission direction, the command to be transmitted, the name of each command, and the outline thereof. First, the transmission of commands between the CU 3 and the liquid crystal unit 500 will be described. A command is transmitted from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the liquid crystal unit 500 returns the command in response to the command.

The period from the transmission of the first command to the transmission of the next command from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500 is controlled to 200 ms, that is, 0.2 seconds. Further, the period from the transmission of the command from the liquid crystal unit 500 to the CU3 until the transmission of the next command is controlled to 200 ms, that is, 0.2 seconds.

First, the connection request command is a command for transmitting a display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500 when the CU 3 and the liquid crystal unit 500 are connected, and the connection response command is a connection request command. This command indicates the response to.

The game console connection notification command is a command for transmitting data at the time of connecting the game console from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500 when the CU 3 and the game console (P stand 2) are connected, and is a game console connection response. The command of is a command indicating a response to the command of the game console connection notification. As shown in FIG. 13, the specific data of the game console connection notification command includes "game machine chip ID", "game machine maker code", "game machine model code", and "winning opening prize ball number 1". , "Number of prize-winning balls 2", "Number of prize-winning balls", etc. are included.

The start-up notification command is a command for transmitting a start screen display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the start-up response command is a command indicating a response to the start-up notification command.

The standby display notification command is a command for transmitting a standby screen display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the standby display response command is a command indicating a response to the standby display notification command. Is.

The screen switching notification command is a command for transmitting a switching instruction to various display screens from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the screen switching response command is a command indicating a response to the screen switching notification command.

The state request command is a command for transmitting the notification content when the screen switching operation is not performed from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the state response command is a command indicating a response to the state request command. As shown in FIG. 14, the status request commands include "number of game balls", "number of fired balls", "number of balls passed out", "total number of prize balls 1", "ball firing volume", and " Game table state 1 ”,“ Game table state 2 ”,“ Game table state 3 ”,“ Game table error state ”,“ Winning opening 1 ”,“ Winning opening 2 ”,“ Winning opening 3 ”,“ Winning opening 4 ” , "Winning opening 5", "Winning opening 6", "Large winning opening", "Event mode setting presence / absence", "Trial hit mode designated number of balls" and the like are included. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the state response command includes data such as a “liquid crystal control notification event”.

The P stand 2 in this embodiment has a business mode in which a player can play a game by accepting a player's deposit, a game ball lending operation, and a holding ball or storage ball withdrawal operation and lending the game ball. A trial hit mode in which the game balls are automatically fired without accepting deposits and game ball lending operations, payout operations of possessed balls and stored balls, etc., and without paying out prize balls, game balls without payment by the player It is possible to switch to an event mode in which the prize balls are not paid out while the game can be played by accepting the lending operation of the game and lending the game balls. The data of "whether or not the event mode is set" is data for notifying the liquid crystal unit 500 whether the P unit 2 is controlled (switched) to any of these business modes, trial hit modes, and event modes. ..

The card information notification command is a command for transmitting a card insertion screen display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the card information response command is a command indicating a response to the card information notification command. ..

The payment detection notification command is a command for transmitting a payment in-screen display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the payment detection response command is a command indicating a response to the payment detection notification command.

The payment completion notification command is a command for transmitting a payment completion screen display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the payment completion response command is a command indicating a response to the payment completion notification command.

The consumption completion notification command is a command for transmitting a consumption screen display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the consumption completion response command is a command indicating a response to the consumption completion notification command.

The counting completion notification command is a command for transmitting a counting completion screen display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the counting completion response command is a command indicating a response to the counting completion notification command.

The payout completion notification command is a command for transmitting a payout screen display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the payout completion response command is a command indicating a response to the payout completion notification command.

The error notification command is a command for transmitting an error screen display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the error response command is a command indicating a response to the error notification command.

The shared information notification command is a command for transmitting a display instruction and data of the sharing start screen from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the shared information response command is a command indicating a response to the shared information notification command.

The shared notification command is a command for transmitting a display instruction and data during sharing processing from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the shared response command is a command indicating a response to the shared notification command.

The total ball number notification command is a command for transmitting a total ball number screen display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the total ball number response command indicates a response to the total ball number notification command. It is a command.

The point notification command is a command for transmitting a point screen display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the point response command is a command indicating a response to the point notification command.

The card OP notification command is a command for transmitting the stock card operation mode screen display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the card OP response command is a command indicating a response to the card OP notification command. is there.

The safe OP notification command is a command for transmitting the display instruction and data of the safe operation mode screen from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the safe OP response command is a command indicating a response to the safe OP notification command. ..

The address setting notification command is a command for transmitting an address setting screen display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the Aso-less setting response command is a command indicating a response to the address setting notification command. ..

The polling start notification command is a command for transmitting display instructions and data on the display screen when electronic money is used from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the polling start response command indicates a response to the polling start notification command. It is a command.

The leave notification command is a command for transmitting the display instruction and data of the screen during leaving from the CU3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the leave response command is a command indicating a response to the leave notification command. ..

The trouble mode notification command is a command for transmitting a trouble mode screen display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the trouble mode response command is a command indicating a response to the trouble mode notification command.

The store closing processing notification command is a command for transmitting a store closing screen display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the store closing processing response command is a command indicating a response to the store closing processing notification command.

The maintenance start notification command is a command for transmitting a maintenance display display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the maintenance start response command is a command indicating a response to the maintenance start notification command.

The transaction data notification command is a command for transmitting transaction data display instructions and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the transaction data response command is a command indicating a response to the transaction data notification command.

The error log data notification command is a command for transmitting an error log data display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the error log data response command is a command indicating a response to the error log data notification command. Is.

The communication status notification command is a command for transmitting a communication status display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the communication status response command is a command indicating a response to the communication status notification command.

The unit information notification command is a command for transmitting a simple unit information display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the unit information response command is a command indicating a response to the unit information notification command. ..

The unit reservation notification command is a command for transmitting the display instruction and data of the unit reservation screen from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the unit reservation response command is a command indicating a response to the unit reservation notification command. ..

The password input screen notification command is a command for transmitting a password input screen display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the password input screen response command is a command indicating a response to the password input screen notification command. Is.

The operation-specific latest data notification command is a command for transmitting the operation-specific latest data display display instruction and data from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the operation-specific latest data response command is an operation-specific latest data notification command. This command indicates the response to.

The game ball OP notification command is a command for transmitting the display instruction and data of the game ball operation mode screen from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the game ball OP response command is a response to the game ball OP notification command. This is the command to show.

The quantitative system setting notification command is a command for transmitting a display instruction and data of the quantitative system setting screen from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the quantitative system setting response command indicates a response to the quantitative system setting notification command. It is a command.

The game table count history data notification command is a command for transmitting the display instruction and data of the game table count history data screen from the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the game table count history data response command is the game table count history. This command indicates the response to the data notification command.

The inspection command is a command used for inspection by the manufacturer of the liquid crystal unit 500.

Next, the main sequences in the communication between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 will be described.

The processing of the CU 3 and the P stand 2 when the card is inserted is as shown in FIG.

The processing of the CU 3 and the P unit 2 when the card is returned is as shown in FIG.

The card ID and insertion time are prohibited from being updated during card insertion. As a condition for prohibiting this, the relationship between the card insertion notification command and the CU state included in the state information request command is as shown in FIG.

The process of lending a game ball from the prepaid balance of the inserted card is as shown in FIG.

The process of paying out the balls and paying out the stored balls and replaying them is as shown in FIG.

The state information request reception process is as shown in FIG.

Next, the errors notified in the gaming system according to this embodiment will be collectively described. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the types of errors that can be notified in the gaming system. In FIG. 22, 36 types of errors are described, and the "priority", "error code", "error name", "error detection content", "notification means", and "error cancellation method" of each error are described. "Is described.

For example, the error of number 28 has "priority" of "7", "error code" of "F60", "error name" of "illegal ball lending detection", and "error detection content" other than "card insertion". "A request to add the number of balls to be rented" is received, "notification means" is "game machine frame, unit", and "error cancellation method" is "automatic recovery". Here, in the case of notifying in the game machine frame, in addition to displaying an "error code" on a display device such as a game ball number display 29 (for example, a variable display device 278) and notifying the notification, the payout control board 17 is provided. An "error code" may be displayed on the 7-segment LED display for notification. Further, instead of displaying the "error code", the game may be stopped to notify the error, or the error information may be output to the outside.

Depending on the type of error, the notification means may notify the error by outputting voice on the game board or turning on the illumination. Further, the notification means may notify the error by outputting information output 1 and information output 2 to the hall controller depending on the type of error. In addition to the "automatic recovery method", the "error release method" includes a "power OFF / ON" method in which the power is temporarily turned off and then turned on, and a "release switch" in which the release switch is pressed.

The "automatic recovery" is an error canceling method in which the processing automatically recovers from the error state after a certain period of time has elapsed after the notification means has notified the error. "Power OFF / ON" is an error canceling method for recovering from an error state by literally turning off the power of the P unit 2 and then turning it on. The “release switch” is an error release method for recovering from an error state by pressing, for example, an error release switch (not shown) provided on the payout control board 17. 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, for an error that requires an error release method by the "release switch", some data is stored in the payout control board 17, and the error that requires the reset of the data is mainly targeted. An error that requires an error cancellation method due to "power OFF / ON" includes not only the data stored in the payout control board 17 but also the data stored in the main control board 16 and the like, and an error that requires resetting. Mainly targeted. "Automatic recovery" is mainly targeted for errors that do not require a data reset.

In addition, errors that occur before the execution of a predetermined process such as a user program is started include an error code "F91" for inconsistent in-game authentication and an error code "F96" for in-game communication error. However, if they occur at the same time, the error with the higher priority is notified. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, 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. A display device capable of displaying a plurality of errors may display a plurality of errors in order of priority.

Next, the main sequence in communication when the power is turned on to the P unit 2, the CU 3, and the liquid crystal unit 500, the liquid crystal unit 500 and the information distribution server 901 when the content is distributed from the information distribution server 901 to the liquid crystal unit 500. The main sequences in the communication of the above will be described.

The processing of the CU 3, the liquid crystal unit 500, and the P stand 2 when the power is turned on to the CU 3, the liquid crystal unit 500, and the P stand 2 is as shown in FIG. In particular, in this embodiment, when the power is turned on to the P unit 2, the CU3, and the liquid crystal unit 500, first, the CU3 issues a design value acquisition request command including data of the design value such as the number of prize balls from the P unit 2. Data of design values such as the number of prize balls for each winning opening is stored in a RAM (not shown) in the CU control unit 323 by transmitting to.

Then, after the initial operation (initialization process in the liquid crystal unit 500) of the liquid crystal unit 500 is completed and communication between the CU 3 and the liquid crystal unit 500 becomes possible (the liquid crystal unit 500 responds to the connection request command of the CU 3). After it becomes possible to reply to the command), the game machine chip ID, the game machine maker code, the game machine model code, the number of winning opening prize balls 1, the number of winning opening prize balls 2, and the big prize are given to the liquid crystal unit 500 from CU3. Send a game console connection notification command including each command for the number of prize balls. The game machine chip ID is data that can identify the P unit 2 (more accurately, the main control unit 161), and the game machine maker code is data that can identify the manufacturer of the P unit 2. The machine model code is data that can identify the model of the P unit 2. These game chip IDs, game machine maker codes, and game machine model codes are stored in advance in a RAM storage unit (not shown) of the main control unit 161, and when the power is turned on to the P unit 2 and the CU 3, the P second Is transmitted to the CU 3 and stored in a storage unit such as a RAM (not shown) of the CU control unit 323.

When the liquid crystal unit 500 receives the game console connection notification command from the CU3, the winning openings 1 to 4 and the winning openings 6 (ordinary winning openings 272 to 274, starting winning openings 275 and starting) specified from the winning opening winning ball number 1 command are received. The number of prize balls for winning the winning opening 277) is the nth winning opening number of winning balls An (n is a value of 1 to 4 or 6), the winning opening number of winning balls 2 The winning opening 5 specified from the command ( The number of prize balls for winning the starting prize opening 276) has a role. Starting winning opening winning class number As, the number of large winning opening prize balls The number of winning balls for winning the large winning opening 271 specified from the command is the large winning opening prize. It is stored as the number of balls Ab.

Then, the main processing when the power is turned on to the CU3, the liquid crystal unit 500, and the P unit 2 (game table connection response, start-up notification, start-up response, standby between the CU3 and the liquid crystal unit 500 shown in FIG. 23). After the display notification and the transmission / reception of each standby display response command are completed, the CU3 sends a status connection request command to the P unit 2. When the P unit 2 receives the state information request command from the CU 3, it transmits a state information response command (see FIG. 10) including data such as game ball information, firing intensity, and game state to the CU 3.

When the CU 3 receives the state information response command from the P unit 2, it transmits the state request command to the liquid crystal unit 500. The state request command includes commands indicating each data specified from the state information response command received from the P unit 2 (number of game balls, number of fired balls, number of balls passed through the out port, total number of prize balls shown in FIG. 14). 1. Commands for ball launch volume, game console states 1 to 3, game console error status, winning openings 1 to 6, large winning openings, etc.) are included. Therefore, in the liquid crystal unit 500, the contents of the state request command received from the CU 3 (number of game balls, number of shot balls, number of balls passed through the out port, total number of prize balls 1, ball firing volume, game table states 1 to 3, game It is possible to update the display of the liquid crystal display 504 based on the command of the table error state, winning openings 1 to 6, large winning openings, etc.).

When the liquid crystal unit 500 receives the status request command from the CU 3, the liquid crystal unit 500 transmits the status response command to the CU 3. When the CU 3 receives the status response command from the liquid crystal unit 500, the CU 3 transmits the status information request command to the P unit 2 again. Hereinafter, transmission / reception of a state information request command, a state information response command, a state request command, and a state response command is repeatedly executed between the CU 3, the liquid crystal unit 500, and the P unit 2.

The processing of the liquid crystal unit 500 and the information distribution server 901 when the content is distributed from the information distribution server 901 to the liquid crystal unit 500 is as shown in FIG. 24.

In the liquid crystal unit 500 of this embodiment, when an error such as a radio wave error, a magnetic error, an illegal winning error, or a vibration error occurs in the corresponding P unit 2, the liquid crystal display 504 displays the error generated in the P unit 2. It is possible to notify by the display. Then, in the CU3 and the liquid crystal unit 500, by communicating with the information distribution server 901 when the power is turned on, the data for displaying each error (error display data), the clerk of the amusement park, etc., each error. It is possible to acquire data (support data) for dealing with. Specifically, the processing of the CU3, the liquid crystal unit 500, and the information distribution server 901 when the power is turned on to the CU3 and the liquid crystal unit 500 is as shown in FIG.

When the power is turned on to the CU 3 and the liquid crystal unit 500, after the initial operation (initialization process in the liquid crystal unit 500) of the liquid crystal unit 500 is completed and communication between the CU 3 and the liquid crystal unit 500 becomes possible ( After the liquid crystal unit 500 can reply to the connection request command of the CU3), the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 tells the information distribution server 901 from the liquid crystal unit 500 and the P unit 2 corresponding to the CU3. The error display data request notification command including the transmitted main chip ID is transmitted.

In a storage unit such as a RAM (not shown) of the information distribution server 901, a model identification table shown in FIG. 26 (A), an error display data storage table shown in FIG. 26 (B), and support data shown in FIG. 26 (C) are stored. The storage table and is stored.

In the model identification table shown in FIG. 26 (A), the main chip IDs (***-0001, ***-0002, *) as the model information that can identify the identification information that can identify each of the plurality of P units 2 **-0101, ***-0102, etc.) are stored in association with each model information (model names such as XXX1, XXX2, etc.).

In the error display data storage table shown in FIG. 26 (B), an error notification display for each type (type) of an error (for example, radio wave error, magnetic error, illegal winning error, vibration error, etc.) generated on the P unit 2 is displayed. Error display data (AAA1, AAA2 ..., BBB1, BBB2 ... CCC1, CCC2 ...) as identifiable error display information is associated with each model information (model names such as XXX1, XXX2 ...). It is remembered. That is, the error display data transmitted to the liquid crystal unit 500 when the above various errors occur on the P unit 2 may differ depending on the model. Therefore, the error display data storage table stores the error display data corresponding to each model. The error display data in this embodiment also includes an error code for each model.

The support data storage table shown in FIG. 26C provides coping information indicating a coping method when an error (for example, radio wave error, magnetic error, illegal winning error, vibration error, etc.) occurs on the P unit 2. Support data (radio error support data for XXX1, radio error support data for XXX2, etc.) is stored in association with each model information (model names such as XXX1, XXX2, etc.). That is, the coping method for dealing with the above-mentioned various errors generated in the P unit 2 may differ depending on the model. Therefore, the support data storage table stores the support data corresponding to each model.

In this embodiment, radio wave error, magnetic error, illegal winning error, and vibration error are described as examples of the types of errors that can occur in the P unit 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. An error of a type other than the above (for example, a model-specific error, etc.) that may occur in the P unit 2 may be included, and such an error of a type other than the above may be stored in the error display data storage table. In addition, handling information for errors of types other than the above may be stored in the support data storage table.

The model-specific errors include, for example, a specific area passage error in a game machine that controls a jackpot game state by passing a game medium through a specific area, or a game machine that controls a probability fluctuation state, and a first start area for the game medium. Includes a sorting error in a gaming machine equipped with a sorting device having a sorting means for sorting to and a second starting area.

When the information distribution server 901 receives the error display data request notification command from the liquid crystal unit 500, the information distribution server 901 sends the error display data request notification command from the received main chip ID based on the model identification table shown in FIG. 26 (A). The model information of the P unit 2 corresponding to the liquid crystal unit 500 is specified. Then, the error display data corresponding to the specified model information is specified based on the error display data storage table shown in FIG. 26 (B), and is specified based on the support data storage table shown in FIG. 26 (C). Identify the support data that corresponds to the model information.

The information distribution server 901 transmits the specified error display data and support data to the liquid crystal unit 500 to which the error display data request notification command is transmitted. When the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 receives the specified error display data and support data, the received error display data and support data are stored as data corresponding to the P unit 2 corresponding to the liquid crystal unit 500, which is not shown. Store in a unit (for example, RAM).

Next, the processing in the P stand 2 (main control board 16, payout control board 17), the CU 3 and the liquid crystal unit 500 when an error occurs in the P stand 2 is as shown in FIG. 27.

When the main control unit 161 of the main control board 16 detects an error generated on the P stand 2 by an input signal from each sensor (winning sensor 162, radio wave sensor 163, vibration sensor 164, magnetic sensor 165), the error Error detection information is transmitted to the payout control board 17 as error occurrence information that can identify the occurrence of the error and the type of the error that has occurred, and an error detection notification command is transmitted to the effect control board 15. The effect control board 15 that received the error detection notification command specified the type of error that occurred from the error detection notification command received by the effect control unit 151, and the variation display device 278 generated the specified type of error. An error notification display indicating that is executed.

Upon receiving the error detection information, the payout control unit 171 can specify the type of error specified from the error detection information received from the main control board 16 when the status information request command is received from the CU 3. The state information response response including is transmitted to CU3.

When the CU control unit 323 receives the status information response response, the CU control unit 323 issues a status request command including game console error information capable of specifying the type of error specified from the fraud detection information 1 included in the status information response response to the liquid crystal unit 500. Send. After transmitting the status request command to the liquid crystal unit 500, the CU control unit 323 outputs a security signal corresponding to the above error type from any terminal set based on the terminal setting data described later. To execute.

Although not particularly shown, the CU control unit 323 of the present embodiment is controlled to the big hit game state, the variation display is started, and as a model-specific phenomenon, for example, the small hit game state is controlled. When a state information response response including game state data indicating is received, the received game state data is controlled to the jackpot game state, variable display is started, and a model-specific phenomenon occurs. It is determined which one is indicated, and each signal (for example, total jackpot signal, security signal, start signal, model-specific signal, specific type jackpot signal, small hit signal, time saving medium (ream)) is determined from the terminal corresponding to the determination result. The signal, the number of prize balls signal, the planned number of prize balls signal, the special figure 1 start opening winning signal, the special figure 2 starting opening winning signal, the door opening signal, or the out number signal) may be output.

When the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 receives the status request command, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 identifies the type of error from the game console error information included in the status request command, and also refers to RTC507 to generate an error at the time when the status request command is received. Specify as time. Then, the type and time of these identified errors are added to and stored in the error storage table shown in FIG. 28. In this way, each time the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 receives the game console error information from the CU 3, the types of errors that have occurred in the P stand 2 are stored in the error storage table in chronological order, so that the error occurs in the P stand 2. The history of the error can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 504 of the liquid crystal unit 500.

Next, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 uses the error display data corresponding to the specified error type among the error display data received and stored from the information distribution server 901 when the power is turned on, and uses the liquid crystal display 504. An error notification display process is executed to display an error screen capable of specifying the type of the error that occurred in the above and a coping screen indicating a coping method for the error. Then, a state response command indicating that the error notification process has been executed is transmitted to the CU3.

As described above, in this embodiment, when an error occurs in the P unit 2, not only the error notification display is performed by the fluctuation display device 278 of the P unit 2, but also the liquid crystal unit 500 corresponding to the P unit 2 also displays. , Since the error notification display corresponding to the model of P unit 2 is displayed, even if the game board of P unit 2 connected to CU3 is replaced, the situation of P unit 2 can be checked. Can be accurately grasped at the place where is installed.

Further, when a game machine not equipped with a display device such as the variable display device 278 of the P stand 2 is connected to the CU3, if an error occurs in the game machine, a clerk at the game hall or the like causes an error. Since it is difficult to recognize, it is possible to improve the recognizability of the occurrence of an error by executing the error notification display on the liquid crystal display 504 of the liquid crystal unit 500.

Further, when the error display data is set in the management device, an error may occur due to the work. Therefore, as in this embodiment, an error occurs from the information distribution server 901 every time the liquid crystal unit 500 is started. By receiving and storing the display data, the setting work can be omitted and the accurate setting can always be performed.

In addition to the fact that an error has occurred on the P unit 2, information on how to deal with the error that has occurred is displayed, so that accurate countermeasures can be taken promptly.

Further, in this embodiment, since the error display data received from the information distribution server 901 is stored in the RAM or the like of the liquid crystal unit 500, the error display data is received from the information distribution server 901 every time the liquid crystal unit 500 is started. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the error display data received from the information distribution server 901 is stored in a state where the power of the EEPROM or the like of the liquid crystal unit 500 is not turned on. However, after the stored contents are stored in the storage unit that can hold the stored contents, the error display data stored in the storage unit may be used without receiving the error display data each time the data is started.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the game information is acquired from the P stand 2 corresponding to the CU 3 (specified from the received state information response response), a part of the acquired game information is provided in the outer end output unit 331. Output is possible from any of the 1st terminal 333a to the 4th terminal 333d. Then, the CU 3 can set which terminal to output the acquired game information from based on the terminal setting data acquired from the ball management server 902. Specifically, the processing of the CU3 and the ball management server 902 when the power is turned on to the CU3 is as shown in FIG. 29.

First, when the power is turned on to the CU 3, the game machine model code (indicating the model of the P unit 2) transmitted from the P unit 2 corresponding to the CU 3 to the ball management server 902 from the CU control unit 323. Send a pin setting data request command including code).

The terminal setting data storage table shown in FIG. 30 is stored in a storage unit such as a RAM (not shown) of the ball holding management server 902. In the terminal setting data storage table shown in FIG. 30, a total jackpot signal is provided for each of the first terminal 333a, the second terminal 333b, the third terminal 333c, and the fourth terminal 333d provided in the outer end output unit 331 of the CU3. Security signal, start signal, model-specific signal, specific type big hit signal, small hit signal, time saving medium (during consecutive villas) signal, prize ball number signal, prize ball scheduled number signal, special figure 1 start opening winning signal, special figure 2 The terminal setting data assigned as a signal to be output by any of the start port winning signal, door opening signal, out number signal, and no signal allocation is stored corresponding to the model indicated by the game machine model code of each P unit 2. Has been done. The total jackpot signal is a signal output when the gaming state is controlled to the jackpot gaming state on the P unit 2 regardless of the jackpot type, and the security signal is a radio wave error, vibration error, or the like on the P unit 2. This is the signal that is output when an error occurs. Further, the start signal is a signal output every time the fluctuation display is started on the P unit 2, and the model-specific signal is the model of the P unit 2 such as when the game ball passes through a specific area. It is a signal that is output when a peculiar phenomenon occurs, and the small hit signal is a signal that is output when the gaming state is controlled to the small hit gaming state on the P stand 2, and is during a short time (ream villa). The middle) signal is a signal output when the game state is controlled to the time saving state (high base state) after the big hit game is completed on the P stand 2, and the prize ball number signal is a predetermined prize ball number (middle) signal. For example, it is a signal output when 10 balls) are paid out, and the planned number of prize balls signal is a signal output for each predetermined number of planned prize balls (for example, 10 balls) when a game ball is won. The special figure 1 start opening winning signal is a signal output every time a game ball wins in the starting winning openings 275 and 277, and the special drawing 2 starting opening winning signal is a game in the starting winning opening 276. It is a signal output every time a ball wins, a door opening signal is a signal output when the glass door 6 is opened, and an out number signal is a predetermined number of game balls in the out port 154. (For example, 10 balls) It is a signal output every time it enters.

In this embodiment, as signals that can be output from the first terminal 333a to the fourth terminal 333d, a total jackpot signal, a security signal, a start signal, a model-specific signal, a specific type jackpot signal, a small hit signal, and a time saving medium (ream). (Souchu) signal, prize ball number signal, prize ball scheduled number signal, special figure 1 start opening prize signal, special figure 2 start port prize signal, door open signal, out number signal, no signal allocation, etc. The present invention is not limited to this, and in place of or in addition to these signals, the number of game balls fired, whether or not variable display is in progress, the game ball firing intensity, and the firing stop button 20 ON. A signal indicating OFF or the like may be provided as a signal that can be output from the first terminal 333a to the fourth terminal 333d.

For example, in the terminal setting data storage table shown in FIG. 30, a total jackpot signal is assigned to the first terminal 333a, a security signal is assigned to the second terminal 333b, a start signal is assigned to the third terminal 333c, and a model-specific signal is assigned to the fourth terminal 333d. Terminal setting data 1 corresponding to the model XXX1, start signal to the first terminal 333a, full jackpot signal to the second terminal 333b, security signal to the third terminal 333c, and no signal to the model XXX2 assigned to the fourth terminal 333d. Corresponding terminal setting data 2, terminal setting corresponding to model XXX3 to which the security signal is assigned to the first terminal 333a, no signal is assigned to the second terminal 333b, the start signal is assigned to the third terminal 333c, and the model-specific signal is assigned to the fourth terminal 333d. Terminal setting data corresponding to each of a plurality of types of P units 2 such as data 3 ... Is stored.

Further, on the display screen of the display device of the ball management server 902, a setting screen (menu screen) for inputting terminal setting data corresponding to each model can be displayed, and data input is performed on the setting screen. By doing so, the contents of the terminal setting data can be set (changed).

For example, as shown in FIG. 31, a plurality of tabs such as data 1, data 2, data 3, data 4, etc. are displayed at the upper part of the terminal setting data setting screen, and these multiple tabs are displayed. By selecting one of them, the setting screen of the predetermined terminal setting data is displayed.

The setting screen is provided with setting areas corresponding to the first terminal 333a, the second terminal 333b, the third terminal 333c, and the fourth terminal 333d. Each setting area includes an input area corresponding to the "all jackpot signal", an input area corresponding to the "security signal", an input area corresponding to the "start signal", an input area corresponding to the "model-specific signal", and "specification". Input area corresponding to "type big hit signal", input area corresponding to "small hit signal", input area corresponding to "time saving medium (continuous villa) signal", input area corresponding to "prize ball number signal", " The input area corresponding to the "planned number of prize balls signal", the input area corresponding to the "special figure 1 start opening winning signal", the input area corresponding to the "special figure 2 starting opening winning signal", and the "door opening signal" The input area, the input area corresponding to the "out number signal", and the input area corresponding to "no signal allocation" are displayed, respectively, and are displayed in the first terminal 333a, the second terminal 333b, the third terminal 333c, and the fourth terminal 333d, respectively. By clicking the input area corresponding to the signal to be assigned from the input areas displayed in the corresponding setting area, one signal to be assigned to each terminal can be set individually. In FIG. 31, the input area displayed in black indicates the selected input area.

Then, by selecting one of the input areas at each of the first terminal 333a, the second terminal 333b, the third terminal 333c, and the fourth terminal 333d, the selection of the "determination" area at the lower right of the setting screen is enabled. By clicking on the activated "decision" area, the data content of the selected terminal setting data is stored. In addition, all big hit signals, security signals, start signals, model-specific signals, specific type big hit signals, small hit signals, time saving medium (during consecutive villas) signals, prize ball number signals, prize ball planned number signals, special figure 1 start port One of the winning signal, the special figure 2 starting port winning signal, the door opening signal, and the out number signal is selected by two or more terminals of the first terminal 333a, the second terminal 333b, the third terminal 333c, and the fourth terminal 333d. In this case, the "decision" area is not activated, so the data content of the selected terminal setting data cannot be stored.

If you click the "Reset" area on the right side of the "Decision" area, the initial setting data in the terminal setting data (for example, the first terminal 333a is the "total jackpot signal", the second terminal 333b is the "security signal", and the third The terminal 333c stores a "start signal", and the fourth terminal 333d stores a "model-specific signal"). Alternatively, clicking the "reset" area may only select the signal corresponding to the initial setting data, and then clicking the "determine" area may store the initial setting data.

Returning to FIG. 29, when the possession ball management server 902 receives the terminal setting data request command from the CU 3, it obtains model information (model of P unit 2) from the game machine model code included in the received terminal setting data request command. Specify and specify the terminal setting data corresponding to the specified model based on the terminal setting data storage table shown in FIG. Then, the terminal setting data response command including the specified terminal setting data is transmitted to the CU3 to which the terminal setting data request command is transmitted.

When the CU control unit 323 receives the terminal setting data from the ball management server 902, the CU control unit 323 receives the terminal setting data, and based on the received terminal setting data, the first terminal 333a, the second terminal 333b, and the third terminal 333c of the external output ports 1 to 4 A process of assigning and setting the type of the output signal is executed for each of the fourth terminal 333d and the fourth terminal 333d.

As described above, in this embodiment, even when the game board of the P stand 2 connected to the CU 3 is replaced, the first terminal 333a and the second terminal 333b of the external output ports 1 to 4 of the P stand 2 are replaced. , Since the type of the signal to be output can be assigned and set for each of the third terminal 333c and the fourth terminal 333d, the labor for connecting the signal lines can be saved.

In particular, in the enclosed game machine as in this embodiment, the terminal is provided in the CU 3, and depending on the manufacturer (maker) of the P stand 2 (game board 26) and the specifications (specifications) of the P stand 2. Since the information to be output to the outside or the information to be collected on the hall (game hall) side is different, if the reconnection is performed along with the replacement of the game board 26, the workability at the time of replacement of the game board 26 is significantly reduced. .. On the other hand, as in this embodiment, by making it possible to acquire and set the terminal setting data from the ball management server 902 using communication, the workability at the time of replacing the game board 26 is improved. Can be done.

Further, since the terminal setting data can be acquired from the ball holding management server 902, which is an external device, it is not necessary to set the CU3 every time the model of the P unit 2 is changed, which saves time and effort.

Further, the possession ball management server 902 stores terminal setting data in association with the model information of the P unit 2, and the CU 3 serves as model information stored in the main control unit 161 that controls the progress of the game. Since the main chip ID is transmitted to the ball management server 902 and the terminal setting data stored in association with the model information is acquired, it is possible to set a signal of the type corresponding to the model of the P unit 2.

Further, the holding ball management server 902 is provided in the game hall where the P stand 2 is installed, and the terminal setting data can be updated in the holding ball management server 902, so that the game hall can perform the terminal setting data. Can be updated as appropriate.

Further, the ball management server 902 is provided in the game hall where the P stand 2 is installed, and the individual output setting information by the game hall (first terminal 333a, first terminal 333a on the terminal setting screen shown in FIG. 31). Terminal setting data set by selecting any input area in the setting area corresponding to each of the 2 terminal 333b, the 3rd terminal 333c, and the 4th terminal 333d), and general output setting information regardless of the amusement park (Fig. The initial setting data set by selecting the "reset" area shown in 31) and the terminal setting data acquired by the CU3 can be stored as either general output setting information or individual output setting information. By being settable, it is possible to select (set) whether the playground uses general output setting information or individual output setting information.

Further, the CU 3 is provided with a plurality of terminals corresponding to each of the signal output ports 1 to 4 and to which a signal line can be connected, and the type of signal output by the CU control unit 323. Functions as the signal type setting means for setting. By doing so, it is not necessary to individually provide the signal type setting means, and the manufacturing cost of the gaming device can be reduced.

Next, a game information storage table (see FIG. 34 (A)) stored in the CU 3 and a game information storage table (FIG. 34 (B)) stored in the liquid crystal unit 500 will be described. As shown in FIG. 34 (A), a RAM (not shown) of the CU control unit 323 stores a game information storage table for storing game information on the P stand 2 corresponding to the CU 3. Further, in the RAM (not shown) of the liquid crystal unit control unit 502, as shown in FIG. 34 (B), a game information storage table for storing the game information acquired (specified from the state request command) received from the CU 3 is stored. Has been done. Further, in the liquid crystal unit 500, the display on the liquid crystal display 504 can be updated based on the game information stored in the game information storage table (game information storage table on the liquid crystal unit 500 side) shown in FIG. 34 (B). ing.

Therefore, the same game information is stored in the game information storage table on the CU3 side (see FIG. 34 (A)) and the game information storage table on the liquid crystal unit 500 side (see FIG. 34 (B)). ing. However, if it is desired to initialize the display on the liquid crystal display 504 for reasons such as connecting the liquid crystal unit 500 to another CU3, the contents of the game information storage table (see FIG. 34 (B)) on the liquid crystal unit 500 side are cleared. However, the display of the liquid crystal display 504 cannot be properly initialized unless the contents of the game information storage table (see FIG. 34 (A)) on the CU3 side are also cleared.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the display of the liquid crystal display 504 is initialized, the game information storage on the liquid crystal unit 500 side is stored together with the contents of the game information storage table (see FIG. 34 (B)) on the liquid crystal unit 500 side. Clear both the contents of the table and the contents of the game information storage table on the CU3 side. Hereinafter, the processing of the CU 3 and the liquid crystal unit 500 when initializing the display of the liquid crystal display 504 will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 32, when the power is turned on to the CU 3 and the liquid crystal unit 500, the liquid crystal unit 500 (liquid crystal unit control unit 502) starts an initial operation for displaying an image on the liquid crystal display 504. Further, the CU 3 (CU control unit 323) repeatedly transmits a connection request including the serial number data of the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500.

Then, when the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 receives the connection request command after the initial operation is completed, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 identifies the serial number of the CU 3 from the connection request command and stores it in a RAM (not shown). Further, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 transmits a connection response command to the CU3.

Upon receiving the connection response command, the CU control unit 323 determines that the CU 3 and the liquid crystal unit 500 are communicably connected, and determines that the CU 3 serial number, operation history management serial number, and operation history request command including game information data are included. Is transmitted to the liquid crystal unit 500. The game status data included in the operation history request command is a game acquired and stored by the CU 3 from the P unit 2 by the CU 3 and the P unit 2 transmitting and receiving the state request command and the state response response. It is data such as the number of shot balls and the number of big hits. Further, the CU control unit 323 transmits the chip number of the payout control unit 171 of the P unit 2 corresponding to the CU 3 to the liquid crystal unit 500.

Upon receiving these operation history request commands and the game console connection notification command, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 issues a game console connection response command to the CU3 indicating that the liquid crystal unit 500 is connected to the P unit 2 via the CU3. And send.

Upon receiving the game console connection response command, the CU control unit 323 transmits a start-up notification command to the liquid crystal unit 500. When the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 receives the start-up notification command, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 controls the liquid crystal display control unit 503 to indicate that the CU3 or the liquid crystal unit 500 has started up (started) on the liquid crystal display 504. Is displayed and a startup response command is sent to CU3.

Upon receiving the start-up response command, the CU control unit 323 transmits a standby display notification command to the liquid crystal unit 500. When the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 receives the standby display notification command, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 controls the liquid crystal display control unit 503 and waits without a card (membership card or visitor card) or bill being inserted in the liquid crystal display 504 by CU3. A standby screen (described later) indicating that the status is inside is displayed. Then, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 transmits a standby display response command to the CU3.

Then, when the card (membership card or visitor card) is inserted into the card insertion / ejection port 309 after the CU control unit 323 receives the standby display response command, the CU control unit 323 receives the card reader / writer from the card. Based on the information read in 337, a card information notification command including data such as the prepaid balance, the number of game balls, and the number of balls held is transmitted to the liquid crystal unit 500.

Upon receiving the card information notification command, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 controls the liquid crystal display control unit 503 based on the data specified from the card information notification command, and displays the card insertion screen on the liquid crystal display 504. Then, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 transmits a card information response command to the CU3.

As shown in FIG. 36, the card insertion screen is operated by a player's avatar image, a menu button that displays items that can be selected by the player or the like by being operated by the player or the like, and a player or the like. A leave button that switches the screen of the liquid crystal display 504 to a screen indicating that the person is away from the desk, and a return button for returning the card inserted in the CU 3 by a player or the like to return the card to the CU 3. , Ball rental button for CU3 to lend game balls by operating by the player, etc., number of big hits, number of small hits, number of probability changes, number of starts, big hit probability, balls possessed by the player on the day This screen displays the number (number of balls held), the number of game balls, and the number of stored balls. Further, the standby screen has the same avatar image, menu button, leave button, return button, ball rental button, big hit count, small hit count, probability change count, start count, and jackpot probability as in the card insertion screen shown in FIG. While it is displayed, it is a screen in which the number of balls held and the number of stored balls are not displayed.

Then, after the CU control unit 323 receives the card information response command, the CU 3 and the liquid crystal unit 500 execute a lending sequence that performs a process related to lending the game ball according to the operation of the player.

As shown in FIG. 33, after the execution of the lending sequence, in the CU 3 and the liquid crystal unit 500, the CU 3 has the game information, the movable history management serial number, and the number of shots stored in the game information storage table shown in FIG. 34 (A). A state request command including data of the table data clear state (none) indicating that the table data, which is game information such as the number of big hits, the number of probability changes, and the number of starts, is not cleared is transmitted to the liquid crystal unit 500. When the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 receives the state request command, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 updates the operation history information based on the received state request command, and the contents of the game information storage table for initializing the display of the liquid crystal display 504. A status response command including the data of the stand data clear instruction (none) indicating that there is no clear instruction is transmitted to the CU3.

Further, when the CU control unit 323 acquires game information from the P unit 2 to which data such as launching a game ball is added to the P unit 2, the RAM or the like (not shown) of the CU control unit 323 is based on the acquired game information. The contents of the game information storage table stored in (for example, the number of shots, the number of big hits, the number of probability changes, the number of starts, etc. shown in FIG. 34A) are updated. Then, a state request command including game information including data such as launch of a game ball, movable history management serial number, and data indicating a stand data clear state (none) is transmitted to the liquid crystal unit 500.

When the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 receives the state request command, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 is stored in a RAM or the like (not shown) of the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 based on the game information to which the data such as the launch of the game ball specified from the state request command is added. The contents of the game information storage table (for example, the number of shots, the number of big hits, the number of probability changes, the number of starts, etc. shown in FIG. 34 (B)) are updated. Then, a state request command including game information including data such as launch of a game ball between the CU 3 and the liquid crystal unit 500, a movable history management serial number, and data indicating a machine data clear state (none), and a machine data clear state. Repeatedly send and receive status response commands containing (none) data.

Next, when the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 receives, for example, a table data clear instruction (signal or command) of the contents of the game information storage table for initializing the display of the liquid crystal display 504 from the information distribution server 901, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 receives the liquid crystal unit. The game information storage table on the 500 side (see FIG. 34 (B)) and the operation history response data are cleared. Then, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 includes a state response including data of the table data clear instruction (yes) indicating that there is a table data clear instruction of the contents of the game information storage table for initializing the display of the liquid crystal display 504. Send the command to CU3.

When the CU control unit 323 receives the state response command including the data of the unit data clear instruction (with) from the liquid crystal unit 500, the CU control unit 323 clears the game information storage table (see FIG. 34 (A)) on the CU3 side. That is, in this embodiment, when the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 receives the instruction to clear the contents of the game information storage table from the information distribution server 901, the contents of the game information storage table on the liquid crystal unit 500 side are first cleared. Next, the contents of the game information storage table on the CU3 side are cleared.

While clearing the contents of the game information storage table on the CU3 side, a movable history management serial number between the CU3 and the liquid crystal unit 500, a status request command including data indicating the unit data clear state (none), and the unit data clear Repeatedly send and receive state response commands that include state (yes) data. In particular, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 repeatedly transmits a state response command including data in the table data clear state (presence) to the CU3 until the contents of the game information storage table on the CU3 side are cleared.

Further, when the CU control unit 323 acquires new game information from the P unit 2 while clearing the contents of the game information storage table on the CU3 side, the CU control unit 323 uses the acquired game information as the game information on the CU3 side. Clear without storing in the storage table. As described above, in this embodiment, if the game information changes while the contents of the game information storage table on the CU3 side are cleared, the new game information is not stored in the game information storage table on the CU3 side. It is possible to prevent the stored contents of the game information storage table on the CU3 side and the game information storage table on the liquid crystal unit 500 side from being different from each other, and to prevent inappropriate display from being performed on the liquid crystal display 504.

In this embodiment, a mode in which game information including the number of times a game ball is fired, the number of big hits, the number of probability changes, the number of starts, etc. is stored in the game information storage table on the CU3 side is illustrated, but the present invention is limited to this. The game information stored in the game information storage table on the CU3 side may include the game state of the P unit 2. In this way, when the game state of the P unit 2 is included as the game information stored in the game information storage table on the CU3 side, the CU control unit 323 is on the P unit while clearing the contents of the game information storage table on the CU3 side. When the game information acquired from 2 indicates that the game state of the P unit 2 has changed, the acquired game information may be cleared without being stored in the game information storage table on the CU3 side.

As described above, in this embodiment, the game information or the game state of the P unit 2 is changed under an unstable situation such as when the contents of the game information storage table (see FIG. 34 (A)) on the CU3 side are being cleared. If the game information including the above is stored in the game information storage table on the CU3 side, the stored contents will be inconsistent between the CU3 and the liquid crystal unit 500 (the stored contents of the game information storage table on the CU3 side and the liquid crystal unit 500 side). (The stored contents of the game information storage table are different), it is possible to prevent the stored contents from being inconsistent between the CU 3 and the liquid crystal unit 500, and to manage the game information more appropriately between the CU 3 and the liquid crystal unit 500.

Then, when the clearing of the contents of the game information storage table on the CU3 side is completed, the CU control unit 323 is in the stand data clear state indicating that the clearing of the movable history management serial number and the contents of the game information storage table on the CU3 side is completed. A status request command including data indicating completion) is transmitted to the liquid crystal unit 500. As a result, the process of clearing the contents of the game information storage table on the CU3 side and the game information storage table on the liquid crystal unit 500 side is completed.

Next, a display mode on the screen of the liquid crystal display 504 will be described. As shown in FIG. 31, on the screen of the liquid crystal display 504, an avatar image of the player, a menu button for displaying items that can be selected by the player or the like by operating the player or the like, and a menu button operated by the player or the like. By doing so, the screen of the liquid crystal display 504 is switched to the screen indicating that the person is away from the seat, the seat leaving button, the return of the card inserted in the CU3 by the operation of the player, etc. is returned to the CU3. A ball rental button for CU3 to lend a game ball by operating a button, a player, etc., the number of big hits, the number of small hits, the number of probability changes, the number of starts, the probability of big hits, the possession of the player on the day The number of balls (number of balls held), the number of game balls, and the number of stored balls are displayed. Further, below the number of game balls, a firing intensity gauge indicating the firing intensity of the game balls on the P stand 2 is displayed.

In addition, on the right side of the number of balls held on the day, a button for displaying / hiding the number of balls held on that day is displayed, and on the left side of the number of balls held on the day. , A payout button for causing the CU3 to pay out a part of the number of balls (for example, 125 balls) as a game ball is displayed. Further, on the right side of the number of stored balls, a button for switching the display / non-display of the number of stored balls is displayed, and on the left side of the number of stored balls, one of the number of stored balls is displayed in CU3. A replay button for paying out a part (for example, 125 balls) as a game ball is displayed.

In addition, at the bottom of the screen of the liquid crystal display 504, the number of prize balls when the game ball is used as a winning opening, the balance based on the amount received by CU3, the number of game balls that can be lent out by the balance, the player, etc. A game guide button that switches the screen of the liquid crystal display 504 to a screen that explains the game method and the like on the P stand 2 to which the CU3 is connected by operating the liquid crystal display unit 504, and the operating method of the liquid crystal unit 500 by being operated by the player or the like. An operation explanation button for switching to the explanation screen is displayed.

Next, the error notification function and the error history display function of the liquid crystal unit 500 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 37 to 41.

For example, as shown in FIG. 37 (A), when an error occurs during the fluctuation display due to the occurrence of a defect in the mounted device or the execution of fraud in the P unit 2, the P unit 2 On the fluctuation display device 278 of the above, for example, an error display of "Call a staff member! E-33 prize ball abnormality error, please turn on the power again" is displayed as shown in FIG. 37 (B1), and the error is displayed. The response of the state information response including the data of the fraud detection information 1 including the error code (E-33) of is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU3.

In response to the reception of the response of the status information response, the CU control unit 323 of the CU 3 sends the liquid crystal unit 500 a status request command including game console error information indicating the type of error identified from the data of the fraud detection information 1. To send.

In response to the reception of the status request command from CU3, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 includes the error type and error code included in the received status request command (game table error information), and the time data at that time acquired from RTC507. Is additionally stored as a new error history, and an error notification display corresponding to the corresponding P unit 2 model, for example, an error notification display of "prize ball abnormality error" is received and stored in advance from the information distribution server 901. Based on the specified error display data, as shown in FIG. 37 (B2), "A prize ball abnormality error (E-33) has occurred in the game machine. Call the staff. The error notification screen including the display of "Please!" And the menu display of "Call" is instructed to the liquid crystal display control unit 503 to be superimposed on the display screen of the business mode and displayed on the liquid crystal display 504. Notifies that an error has occurred in the P unit 2 and the type of error that has occurred.

When the player operates the "call" menu display on this error notification screen, the operation is detected by the liquid crystal unit control unit 502, and a call request command is transmitted to the CU 3. In response to the reception of this call request command, the CU control unit 323 outputs a call signal to the connected call lamp 1000, so that the call lamp 1000 lights up. In this case, by outputting an error call signal different from the normal call signal to the call lamp 1000, the lighting mode of the call lamp 1000 is changed to a lighting mode corresponding to an error different from the normal call lighting mode. By turning on the light, it may be possible for the clerk of the amusement park to confirm that an error has occurred in the lighting mode of the calling lamp 1000 from a place away from the liquid crystal unit 500.

Further, when the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 detects the operation of the menu display of the "call", the menu display of the "call" is displayed so that the operation of the menu display of the "call" is not repeatedly executed. Instead, as shown in FIG. 39 (A), the blinking display of "calling" is executed for a predetermined period, and when the predetermined period elapses, the blinking display of "ringing" is terminated.

By turning on the call lamp 1000 in this way, the clerk of the amusement park rushes to display the contents of the error notification screen displayed on the liquid crystal unit 500 and the fluctuation display device 278 of the P unit 2. By confirming that the error contents are the same, it is possible to confirm whether the error type is correct.

In addition, as the error of the mounted equipment, there is also an error due to a malfunction of the fluctuation display device 278 and its peripheral equipment, a malfunction of the power supply circuit, the power supply wiring, etc. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 37 (B1). Error display may not be displayed on the variable display device 278, but even in such a case, according to this embodiment, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 originally has the same error display as shown in FIG. 37 (B2). , The display corresponding to the same error type as the error type displayed on the variable display device 278, that is, the error type differs depending on the model of the P unit 2, but the display corresponding to the model of the P unit 2 is displayed. , It is possible to easily grasp the type of the error that occurred as well as the error that occurred in the P unit 2.

Further, as the error of the P unit 2, not only the error of 1 but also a plurality of errors may occur consecutively. For example, as shown in FIG. 38 (A), a prize ball abnormality error occurs. If another error occurs while the error notification screen for the prize ball abnormality error is displayed, the type and error of the error newly generated on the error notification screen are as shown in FIG. 38 (B). By updating the display so that the error code of is displayed in order below the display of the type of error that occurred earlier and the error code of the error, the content of the error that occurred earlier is not unknown. It has become like.

In this embodiment, when a plurality of errors occur consecutively, a mode in which all the individual error types and error codes of the errors are displayed has been illustrated, but the present invention is limited to this. Instead, only the last error of 1 may be displayed. For example, when the priority of each error is described in the error display information, the priority of each error can be specified. Only when the error that occurred later has a higher priority than the error that occurred earlier, the error notification screen that notifies the error that occurred earlier is changed to the error notification screen that notifies the newly generated error. You may do so. However, even when changing to the error notification screen for these high-priority errors, if the previous error is an error in which the game is stopped on the P unit 2, an error notification that notifies a newly generated error is notified. By not making changes to the screen, it may be possible to prevent the error that the game is stopped from being confirmed on the P unit 2.

If the clerk who has confirmed the occurrence of the error and the type of the error wants to confirm the coping method for the generated error, he / she may perform the coping method confirmation operation (operation of the support display button) with the remote controller in possession. By the confirmation operation, the support display instruction signal by infrared rays is transmitted from the remote controller.

This support display instruction signal is received by the infrared light receiving unit 324 provided in the CU 3, and based on the reception, the CU control unit 323 transmits a support display request command to the liquid crystal unit 500.

In response to the reception of this support display request command, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 receives and stores in advance the display contents of the "cause" and the "countermeasure" corresponding to the stored error code from the information distribution server 901. As shown in FIG. 39B, a support display screen is specified from the support data (countermeasure information), and includes the identified "cause" and "countermeasure" and the display of the error type corresponding to the error code. Instructing the liquid crystal display control 503, the liquid crystal display 504 superimposes the display on the display screen of the business mode.

Specifically, when the error code is (E-33), for example, "Prize ball abnormality error" is displayed at the top of the support display screen, and in the "Cause" item below it, the error code is used. The cause message of "A prize ball abnormality occurred due to an abnormal winning during the game" described in the support data in association with a certain (E-33) is displayed, and the item of "Countermeasure" below it. In, "1; Please confirm that no fraud has been carried out. 2; Turn off the power of the pachinko game machine and restart it" described in the support data in association with the error code (E-33). Remedy for "Please do" message is displayed.

That is, in the support data of this embodiment, the data of the cause message and the coping method message are described in association with the error code in the corresponding P unit 2 model, and the error code is changed to the error of the error code. The corresponding cause message and corrective action message can be identified.

In addition, the display of these support display screens is deleted when the clerk operates the remote controller or when a predetermined display end condition such as the lapse of a predetermined display time is satisfied, and a person other than the clerk In addition, support information is not inadvertently obtained.

Further, in this embodiment, the support display screen is displayed only by operating the remote controller possessed only by the clerk so that detailed information on the coping method is not known to a person other than the clerk. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the error notification screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 504 of the liquid crystal unit 500 is provided with a "support display" menu, and the "support display" is provided. The support display screen may be displayed according to the operation of the menu.

As shown in FIG. 38 (B), when the error notification screen for notifying the occurrence of a plurality of errors is displayed and the confirmation operation of the coping method is performed on the remote controller, the individual errors are dealt with. The support display screen of is switched and displayed at predetermined time intervals. As described above, in this embodiment, when the error notification screen for notifying the occurrence of a plurality of errors is displayed, the support display screen for the generated error is displayed by switching the support display screen. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only the support display screen of the error that has occurred most recently may be displayed, and if the error has a priority, the priority is set. It is also possible to display only the support display screen for high errors.

In addition, if the clerk wants to check what kind of error has occurred on the day when canceling the error, etc., the error history display operation (error history display button) on the remote controller that is carried Operation) may be performed, and the error history display instruction signal by infrared rays is transmitted from the remote controller by the error history display operation.

As shown in FIG. 40, this error history display instruction signal is received by the infrared light receiving unit 324 provided in the CU 3, and the CU control unit 323 sends an error history display request command to the liquid crystal unit 500 based on the reception. Send to.

In response to the reception of this error history display request command, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 reads out the stored error history data of the day, and instructs the liquid crystal display control 503 to display the error history screen shown in FIG. 41 for business. The mode display is superimposed on the screen and displayed on the liquid crystal display 504.

Specifically, as the error history, as shown in FIG. 41, the error code, the type of error, and the time of occurrence are displayed for each error, and the most recently generated error is arranged at the top. Is displayed.

In this way, the error history screen is displayed on the liquid crystal unit 500 by the operation of the remote controller of the clerk, so that what kind of error has occurred in the P unit 2 on the day, or no error has occurred. If the same error occurs repeatedly, it is possible to easily check whether the error is occurring, and by understanding that the problem has not been resolved even if the error is dealt with, the corresponding P unit 2 It is possible to quickly determine measures such as stopping the operation of the LCD.

In this embodiment, an example of displaying an error code, an error type, and an occurrence time on the error history screen has been illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the contents to be displayed on the error history screen and The items may be set as appropriate, and the game hall may be able to select the contents and items to be displayed on these error history screens.

Further, the error history screen of this embodiment is deleted when a clerk operates the remote controller or when a predetermined display end condition such as the elapse of a predetermined display time is satisfied, as in the case of the support display screen described above. It has become like.

As described above, in the gaming system having the P stand 2, the CU 3 provided corresponding to the P stand 2, and the liquid crystal unit 500 in this embodiment, the CU 3 is a total jackpot signal based on the acquired terminal setting data. Security signal, start signal, model-specific signal, specific type big hit signal, small hit signal, time saving medium (during consecutive villas) signal, prize ball number signal, prize ball scheduled number signal, special figure 1 start opening winning signal, special figure 2 Since terminals for outputting a start port winning signal, a door opening signal, an out number signal, etc. to an external device can be set, it is possible to save labor in the connection work for outputting each signal.

Further, in this embodiment, the CU 3 has a total jackpot signal, a security signal, a start signal, a model-specific signal, a specific type jackpot signal, and a small hit based on the terminal setting data acquired from the external device, the ball management server 902. Signals, short-time (during consecutive villas) signals, number of prize balls signal, planned number of prize balls, special figure 1 start port winning signal, special figure 2 start port winning signal, door opening signal, out number signal, etc. to external devices Since the terminal for outputting to the terminal can be set, it is possible to set the type of signal corresponding to the first terminal 333a to the fourth terminal 333d according to the model of the P unit 2.

Further, in the present embodiment, the type corresponding to the terminals (first terminal 333a to fourth terminal 333d) for each model by operating the ball holding management server 902 provided in the game hall by a clerk of the game hall or the like. Since the terminal setting data, which is the setting data of the signal of, can be updated, the contents of the terminal setting data can be updated as appropriate on the playground side. In particular, in this embodiment, the clerk of the amusement park operates the ball holding management server 902 provided in the amusement park to set the initial setting data (general output setting information) stored in advance and the clerk himself. Since either of the data (individual output Sesoko information) can be used as the terminal setting data, more detailed terminal settings can be made according to the amusement park and the model.

Further, in the present embodiment, by functioning as the signal type setting means for setting the type of the signal output by the CU control unit 323, it is not necessary to individually provide the signal type setting means in the CU3, and the manufacturing cost of the CU3 Can be reduced.

Further, in this embodiment, by transmitting an error display data request signal from the CU 3 to the information distribution server 901, the liquid crystal unit 500 is made to acquire the error display data of the P unit 2 corresponding to the CU 3. When an error occurs in the P unit 2, the error display data acquired from the information distribution server 901 is used in the liquid crystal unit 500 (the liquid crystal display 504 of the liquid crystal unit 500) to generate an error in the P unit 2. Since the error notification display corresponding to the above can be displayed, the error notification display corresponding to the model of the P unit 2 can be displayed even in the liquid crystal unit 500 provided outside the P unit 2.

Further, in this embodiment, the game information stored in the game information storage table (see FIG. 34 (A)) stored in the CU control unit 323 and the game information storage table stored in the liquid crystal unit control unit 502. By clearing the game information stored in (see FIG. 34 (B)) based on the reception of the stand data clear instruction, the game information is stored in the game information storage table (see FIG. 34 (A)) on the CU3 side. It is possible to prevent inappropriate information from being displayed on the liquid crystal display 504 by not properly erasing the game information.

In this embodiment, the game information stored in the game information storage table (see FIG. 34 (A)) stored in the CU control unit 323 based on the reception of the unit data clear instruction in the liquid crystal unit 500. And the game information stored in the game information storage table (see FIG. 34 (B)) stored in the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 are cleared, but it is inappropriate for the liquid crystal display 504 after the clearing. If no information is displayed, the game information stored in the game information storage table (see FIG. 34 (A)) stored in the CU control unit 323 and the game information stored in the liquid crystal unit control unit 502. It is not necessary to clear some of the game information stored in the storage table (see FIG. 34 (B)).

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 38, when the liquid crystal display 504 is displaying the notification of the error that occurred on the P stand 2, an error of a different type (type) is newly generated on the P stand 2. When it occurs, the liquid crystal display 504 executes a notification display of a plurality of errors including a newly generated error, so that the player can display the liquid crystal display even if different types of errors occur at the same time. The occurrence of each error can be recognized from the device 504.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 39, when the liquid crystal display 504 is displaying the notification of the error generated on the P stand 2, the clerk of the amusement park or the like operates the remote controller to display the liquid crystal. Since the device 504 can display the coping method and the like for the error, the clerk at the amusement park can promptly take an appropriate coping method by referring to the coping method for the error generated on the P stand 2. Can be done.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the liquid crystal display 504 is displaying the notification of the error generated on the P stand 2, the "call" menu is displayed in addition to the notification display of the error, and the "call" is displayed. Since the call lamp 1000 can be turned on and the clerk of the amusement park can be called based on the operation of the menu display of the above, the call operation can be performed while confirming the content of the error by the error notification display.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33, when the liquid crystal unit 500 receives the unit data clear instruction from the information distribution server 901, the game information storage table on the liquid crystal unit 500 side (see FIG. 34 (B)). By clearing the game information stored in the game information and then clearing the game information stored in the game information storage table (see FIG. 34 (A)) on the CU3 side, the processing related to clearing the data of these units is simplified. Can be transformed into.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 clears the game information stored in the game information storage table (see FIG. 34 (B)) on the liquid crystal unit 500 side, and then then. Until a state request command including data of the stand data clear state (completion) indicating that the game information stored in the game information storage table (see FIG. 34 (A)) on the CU3 side is received from CU3 is received. By transmitting the response of the state response including the data of the repeat table data clear instruction (with) to the CU3, the game information stored in the game information storage table on the CU3 side (see FIG. 34 (A)) is deleted. Can be done more reliably. In this embodiment, after clearing the game information stored in the game information storage table (see FIG. 34 (B)) on the liquid crystal unit 500 side, the game information storage table on the CU3 side (see FIG. 34 (A)) is cleared. ) Is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the game stored in the game information storage table on the CU3 side (see FIG. 34 (A)) is illustrated. After clearing the information, the game information stored in the game information storage table (see FIG. 34 (B)) on the liquid crystal unit 500 side may be cleared.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33, the CU control unit 323 transmits a state request command including data in the stand data clear state (with or without) to the liquid crystal unit 500, and the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 sends a state request command. , When the data of the unit data clear state (without) is received, the data of the unit data clear instruction (with) is sent by sending the status response command including the data of the unit data clear instruction (with) to CU3. Can be ensured to be received in CU3.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33, the information distribution server 901 transmits a unit data clear instruction to the liquid crystal unit 500 to display the game information storage table on the CU3 side (see FIG. 34 (A)). Since the game information stored in the game information storage table (see FIG. 34 (B)) on the liquid crystal unit 500 side can be cleared, it is necessary for a clerk at the game hall to directly operate the CU 3 or the liquid crystal unit 500. It is possible to improve the work efficiency for clearing the display on the liquid crystal display 504.

In this embodiment, the game information stored in the game information storage table on the CU3 side (see FIG. 34 (A)) and the game information storage table on the liquid crystal unit 500 side (see FIG. 34 (B)) are cleared. In order to do so, an example is shown in which the information distribution server 901 transmits a unit data clear instruction to the liquid crystal unit 500, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the hall server 801 provided in the amusement park is not limited to this. The game information storage table on the CU3 side (see FIG. 34 (A)) and the liquid crystal unit 500 side by transmitting a unit data clear instruction to the liquid crystal unit 500 from the management computer 900, the ball management server 902, the T-BOX 904, etc. The game information stored in the game information storage table (see FIG. 34 (B)) may be cleared. In addition, the game information storage table on the CU3 side is transmitted from the game machine management server 802, the content management server 903, etc. provided outside the game hall to the liquid crystal unit 500 to clear the unit data (see FIG. 34 (A)). And the game information stored in the game information storage table (see FIG. 34 (B)) on the liquid crystal unit 500 side may be cleared.

Although examples of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these examples, and any changes or additions within the scope of the gist of the present invention are included in the present invention. Is done.

For example, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the holding ball management server 902 stores the terminal setting data for each model of each P unit 2, and the CU 3 has the holding ball management server 902 to the P unit. The form of acquiring the terminal setting data according to the two models has been illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the hall server 801 provided in the amusement park, the management computer 900, the information distribution server 901, and T -The terminal setting data for each model of each P unit 2 is stored in the BOX 904, the key management server 800, the game machine management server 802, the content management server 903, the payment server 905, etc. provided outside the game hall, and the CU 3 uses these. Terminal setting data corresponding to the model of the P unit 2 supported by the CU 3 may be acquired from a server or computer other than the ball management server 902.

Further, in the above embodiment, in the CU3 which is the gaming device of the present invention, a total jackpot signal, a security signal, a start signal, a model-specific signal, a specific type jackpot signal, a small hit signal, a time saving medium (in a row) signal, and a prize. Outside having a first terminal 333a to a fourth terminal 333d capable of outputting a ball number signal, a planned number of prize balls signal, a special figure 1 starting port winning signal, a special drawing 2 starting port winning signal, a door opening signal, an out number signal, etc. Although the embodiment in which the end output unit 331 is provided has been illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this, and the liquid crystal unit which is the other gaming device in the present invention and the P stand 2 (payout control board 17 and main control) The outer end output unit 331 may be provided on the substrate 16 or another control substrate).

Further, in the above embodiment, in the CU3 game device of the present invention, a total jackpot signal, a security signal, a start signal, a model-specific signal, a specific type jackpot signal, a small hit signal, a time saving medium (in a row) signal, and a prize. Outside having a first terminal 333a to a fourth terminal 333d capable of outputting a ball number signal, a planned number of prize balls signal, a special figure 1 start port winning signal, a special figure 2 starting port winning signal, a door opening signal, an out number signal, etc. Although the embodiment in which the end output unit 331 is provided has been illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this, and the outer end output unit 331 may be provided with 3 or less or 4 or more terminals. In particular, by providing the outer end output unit 331 with terminals having a number of signals that can be output, such as 16, for example, all the signals disclosed in the present invention can be output from the outer end output unit 331 to the outside. Good.

Further, in the above embodiment, in the liquid crystal unit 500, the type of error, the error code, and the time when the error occurred are stored as the error occurrence history in the P unit 2 corresponding to the liquid crystal unit 500. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that at least one of these error types, error codes, and error occurrence times is stored as the error occurrence history.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the embodiment in which the gaming machine in which the CU 3 and the liquid crystal unit 500 are provided correspondingly in the gaming system of the present invention is an enclosed circulation type pachinko gaming machine (P stand 2) is illustrated, but the present invention illustrates the embodiment. The gaming machine to which the CU 3 and the liquid crystal unit 500 are provided correspondingly is not limited to this, and may be a slot machine.

Further, in the above embodiment, a mode in which the ball rental button is highlighted on the liquid crystal display 504 of the liquid crystal unit 500 provided corresponding to the enclosed circulation type pachinko gaming machine (P stand 2) has been illustrated. Is not limited to this, and the liquid crystal display 504 of the liquid crystal unit 500 provided for a pachinko gaming machine of a type in which the game balls are not circulated inside by paying out the game balls to the outside such as an upper plate. The ball rental button may be highlighted in.

As described above, in the game device and the game system including the game device in the present invention, the output setting information acquisition means acquires the output setting information from the external device (for example, CU control unit 323). Is a part that acquires terminal setting data from the ball management server 902 as an external device provided in the game hall), so that output setting information can be acquired from the external device.

Further, the external device stores the output setting information in association with the model information of the game machine (for example, as shown in FIG. 30, the terminal setting data is associated with each model in the terminal setting data storage table. The output setting information acquisition means transmits the model information stored in the game control means that controls the progress of the game to the external device, and is stored in association with the model information. Acquires the output setting information (for example, as shown in FIG. 30, the CU control unit 323 transmits the game machine model code stored in the main control unit 161 to the ball management server 902, and the ball management server Since 902 is a portion for acquiring terminal setting data specified based on the model of the P stand 2 indicated by the game machine model code), it is possible to set a type of signal corresponding to the model of the game machine.

Further, the external device is provided in the game hall where the game machine is installed, and the output setting information can be updated in the external device (for example, as shown in FIG. 31, a clerk in the game hall). Etc.) to update each terminal setting data by operating the ball management server 902 provided in the game hall), so that the game hall can update the output setting information as appropriate.

Further, the external device is provided in the game hall where the game machine is installed, and individual output setting information by the game field (for example, as shown in FIG. 31, a clerk of the game hall or the like has a ball. The terminal setting data set by operating the management server 902) and the general output setting information (for example, initial setting data) that does not depend on the amusement park can be stored and acquired by the output setting information acquisition means. It is possible to set whether the output setting information to be output is the general output setting information or the individual output setting information (for example, as shown in FIG. 31, "determine" on the operation screen of the ball management server 902. The terminal setting data set by the clerk of the amusement park operating the ball management server 902 by clicking the area is stored, and the initial setting data is stored by clicking the "reset" area). , It is possible to set whether the playground uses the general output setting information or the individual output setting information.

Further, a plurality of external terminals which are terminals corresponding to each of the signal output units and to which a signal line can be connected are provided in the gaming device (for example, have first terminal 333a to fourth terminal 333d). The outer end output unit 331 is provided in the CU 3), and the control means for controlling the game device functions as the signal type setting means (for example, as shown in FIG. 27, the CU control unit 323 is illegal. When the response of the status information response including the detection information 1 is received, the security signal is output from the terminal according to the allocation setting made based on the terminal setting data), so there is no need to provide individual signal type setting means. , The manufacturing cost of the gaming device can be reduced.

Further, the display control means can execute control to simultaneously display different error notification displays specified by the error notification display specifying means on the display means (for example, as shown in FIG. 38, the liquid crystal display 504). If a new error occurs while the error notification screen is displayed, the part that additionally displays that a new error has occurred on the error notification screen), so even if different types of errors occur at the same time, each error Can be notified of the occurrence of.

Further, the gaming device controls the liquid crystal unit as shown in FIG. 39, as shown in FIG. 39, for the coping information specifying means (for example, as shown in FIG. 39) for specifying the coping information (for example, support data) corresponding to the type of error specified from the error occurrence information. The display control means displays the coping information specified by the coping information identifying means on the display means. The unit 502 includes a portion for specifying the support data received and stored in advance from the information distribution server 901). Since the control can be executed (for example, as shown in FIG. 39B, the part where the support display is executed on the liquid crystal display 504 based on the specified support data), the handling information of the generated error is displayed. Therefore, it is possible to take appropriate measures promptly.

Further, the display means has an operation reception means (for example, a liquid crystal display 504 provided with a touch panel) capable of receiving the operation of the player, and the display control means controls to display a call display together with the error notification display. (For example, as shown in FIG. 37 (B2), the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 displays "A prize ball abnormality error (E-33) has occurred in the game machine. Please call the staff!" And " The part that displays the error notification screen including the menu display of "call"), the gaming device calls a predetermined call signal externally when the operation receiving means receives an operation corresponding to the call display. When a call signal output means (for example, when the player operates the menu display of "call") that can be output to the device (for example, the call lamp 1000), the operation is detected by the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 and the CU control unit. Since the 323 includes a portion that outputs a call signal to the call lamp 1000 connected to the CU 3, the call operation can be performed while confirming the content of the error by the error notification display.

Further, the erasing is performed by the second control means before the first control means (for example, as shown in FIG. 33, the game information storage table on the liquid crystal unit 500 side (see FIG. 34 (B))). After clearing the stored game information, the game information storage table on the CU3 side (the part that clears the game information stored in FIG. 34 (A)) is the second control means for inputting the erase information. By performing the erasure in the above, the processing related to these erasures can be simplified.

Further, in the second control means, the erasure request transmitting means (for example, as shown in FIG. 33, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 clears the unit data) capable of transmitting the erasing request of the information related to the game to the first control means. The erasure request transmitting means includes an erasure completion notification to the effect that erasure is completed in response to the output of the erasure request, including a portion (a part for transmitting a state response command including instruction (with) data) to the CU3. If not received from the first control means, the erasure request is transmitted again (for example, as shown in FIG. 33, the liquid crystal unit control unit 502 includes data in the unit data clear state (completed) from the CU 3. If the status request command is not received, the status response command including the data of the repeat table data clear instruction (with) is transmitted to the CU3), so the information about the game stored in the first control means is deleted. , Can be done more reliably.

Further, the first control means transmits a state request (for example, a state request command shown in FIG. 33) requesting the second control means to transmit information regarding the state of the second control means, and the above-mentioned first control means. Since the erasure request transmitting means transmits the erasure request as a state response (for example, the state response command shown in FIG. 33) which is a response to the state request, the erasure request is transmitted as a state response which is a response to the state request. By doing so, it is possible to ensure that the erasure request is received by the first control means.

Further, the erase information is output from the management device that manages the game device (for example, as shown in FIG. 33, the liquid crystal unit control unit 323 issues a unit data clear instruction output from the information distribution server 901. Since the game information storage table (the part that clears the game information stored in FIG. 34 (B)) based on the reception, the management device can instruct the erasure of the information related to the game.

2 P stand 3 CU
161 Main control unit 171 Payout control unit 323 CU control unit 500 Liquid crystal unit 502 Liquid crystal unit control unit 504 Liquid crystal display

Claims (2)

It is a gaming device provided corresponding to a gaming machine.
An external signal output means that has a plurality of signal output units and can output different types of signals to the outside from each signal output unit.
Output setting information acquisition means for acquiring output setting information for the type of signal to be output from each of the signal output units from the outside, and
Based on the output setting information acquired by the output setting information acquisition means, the signal type setting means for setting the type of the signal to be output for each of the signal output units, and the signal type setting means.
A gaming device characterized by being equipped with. A game system including a game device provided corresponding to a game machine and a management device connected to the game device.
The gaming device is
An external signal output means having a plurality of signal output units and capable of outputting different types of signals from each signal output unit to the management device.
Output setting information acquisition means for acquiring output setting information for the type of signal to be output from each of the signal output units from the outside, and
Based on the output setting information acquired by the output setting information acquisition means, the signal type setting means for setting the type of the signal to be output for each of the signal output units, and the signal type setting means.
A game system characterized by being equipped with.

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