JP6919108B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Conventionally, in a game machine, the main control board is provided with a predetermined storage area for storing changes such as the number of prize balls, the number of prizes, and the number of times a symbol is confirmed during a game, and when transmitting a table state inquiry response, Data such as the number of prize balls to the number of prizes stored in the storage area is transmitted to the payout control board. Then, the main control board clears the storage area after transmitting data such as the number of prize balls to the number of prizes stored in the storage area, and stores the prize balls and prizes newly generated after that. Make it memorable in the area. That is, the main control board accumulates data such as the number of prize balls to the number of winnings between the transmission of the previous table state inquiry response and the transmission of the next table state inquiry response, and then pays out the data. It is transmitted to the substrate (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-249647

However, in the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, one piece of data such as the number of prize balls to the number of winnings accumulated in a certain period from the transmission of the previous table state inquiry response to the transmission of the next table state inquiry response. Since the data is transmitted to the payout control board, even if the gaming state changes during the period, it cannot be reflected in the transmitted data. Therefore, in the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, if the aggregation is performed using data such as the number of prize balls to the number of winnings accumulated during the period when the gaming state changes in the middle, the accuracy of the aggregation result becomes insufficient. There was a risk.

The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of accurately totaling information regarding the addition of game value according to a gaming state.

(1) A gaming machine (for example, P machine 2) in which a gaming medium (for example, a gaming ball) is enclosed.
It is possible to control multiple gaming states (for example, big hits and small hits), and certain conditions are met (for example, game balls pass through the large winning opening 271, the normal winning opening 272-274, and the starting winning opening 275-277). A first control means (for example, main control) capable of transmitting information (for example, the number of winnings) given to the player based on the game value (for example, game points) and state information indicating the state of the gaming machine. Part 161) and
A second control means (for example, payout control) capable of executing a predetermined process (for example, calculation of a base, a bonus ratio, a continuous bonus ratio, etc.) based on the grant information and the state information transmitted from the first control means. With part 171)
The grant information is composed of type information and count number information.
The type information is composed of a data type indicating the type of winning opening and a data number corresponding to each winning opening.
The count number information is composed of information indicating the number of winning balls and information indicating the number of winning balls.
The first control means
When the given information is transmitted to the second control means at a predetermined interval and the gaming state changes within the predetermined interval and a prize is generated before and after the change, the given information based on the winning before the change, said. The state information and the grant information based on the winning after the change are transmitted in this order (for example, the communication shown in FIG. 13).

According to such a configuration, it is possible to notify the second control means of the accurate grant information corresponding to the game state, and the second control means performs a predetermined process based on the accurate grant information corresponding to the game state. It can be carried out.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above
When the gaming state is changed, the first control means sends state information for notifying the change after transmitting grant information based on the establishment of the predetermined condition before the change, and then the change. After that, the grant information based on the satisfaction of the predetermined condition is transmitted (for example, the communication shown in FIG. 13).

According to such a configuration, it is possible to notify the second control means of accurate grant information corresponding to the gaming state.

(3) In the gaming machine of (1) or (2) above
The second control means calculates the ratio of the number of game media corresponding to the game value given based on the establishment of the predetermined condition to the number of game media driven into the game area (for example, the number of bases, etc.). ), It is possible to determine an abnormality in the calculated ratio (for example, a base abnormality).

According to such a configuration, the ratio can be calculated from the accurate grant information corresponding to the game state, and the accurate abnormality determination becomes possible.

(4) In any of the gaming machines (1) to (3) above,
Based on the operating state when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the second control means provides value information (for example, a bonus ratio, a continuous bonus ratio, etc.) about the game value given in response to the fulfillment of the predetermined condition. It is possible to calculate and display the calculated value information.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to calculate and display accurate value information from accurate grant information corresponding to the gaming state.

(5) In the gaming machine of (4) above
The second control means can transmit the calculated value information to the outside.

According to such a configuration, accurate value information calculated from accurate grant information corresponding to the gaming state can be transmitted to the outside.

(6) In any of the gaming machines (1) to (5) above,
The second control means can output the imparted information transmitted from the first control means and the state information transmitted from the first control means to the gaming device connected to the gaming machine.

According to such a configuration, in the gaming device, it is possible to perform processing based on accurate grant information and state information corresponding to the gaming state.

(7) In the gaming machine of (1) above
The gaming machine is provided with a plurality of specific areas (for example, a large winning opening 271, a normal winning opening 272 to 274, and a starting winning opening 275 to 277) in which a gaming value is given to the player according to the passage of the gaming medium. ,
The first control means
A transmission means (for example, a game state notification from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171) that transmits the given information to the second control means assuming that the predetermined condition is satisfied by passing through the specific area.
The specific area through which the game medium has passed and the operating state of the specific area when the game medium has passed (for example, during continuous operation of the large winning opening accessory, during operation of the large winning opening accessory, during operation of other winning opening accessories, It is provided with an information generation means (for example, main control unit 161) that generates specific information (for example, game information) that can identify (for example, no accessory operation).
The second control means
Calculation means (for example, payout control unit 171, FIG. 19) for calculating grant information (for example, bonus ratio, continuous bonus ratio) given according to the passage of the specific region based on the specific information. Step S252, step S253) and
A display enablement means for executing a display enablement process (for example, a process of displaying on the display means, a process of outputting to display on an external device) for making the given information calculated by the calculation means displayable (for example). For example, the payout control unit 171 is provided with step S252 and step S253) of FIG.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of easily confirming whether or not the performance related to the addition of the game value is exhibited according to the design value of the gaming machine.

It is a front view which shows the card unit and the pachinko 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 block diagram which shows the control circuit used for a card unit and a pachinko 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 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 the communication sequence between a main control part and a payout control part. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating content of game state notification and game state reception. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of game information in more detail among game state notifications. It is a figure for demonstrating the total result of the winning number before and after the game state changes. In this embodiment, it is a figure for demonstrating the total result of the winning number before and after the game state changes. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the design value acquisition process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the game board surface determination-related processing. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the passing number addition process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the modification of the game board surface determination-related processing. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline of the game system in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the game board surface determination process in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the situation of calculation and display of the accessory ratio / continuous accessory ratio in the 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the display of the accessory ratio and the continuous accessory ratio in the second embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the winning of a game ball to a starting winning opening.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Composition of pachinko machine>
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 type pachinko game 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, notification of abnormalities, and number of winnings can be 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 the player operates the ball striking operation handle 25 to drive the launch motor 18 (see FIG. 4) 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 strength of the pachinko ball (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the firing strength T) can be adjusted according to the rotation operation amount of the ball striking 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 includes a variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (designs), and based on the detection signals of the starting winning balls that have won each starting winning opening 275, 276, 277. Start variable display of multiple types of identification information. 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.

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 either win a prize 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 table 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.

By installing the CU 3 in a lateral position, the P stand 2 fits the display 54 extending from the CU 3 into the connection surface 54a provided on the front surface of the P stand 2. Therefore, a display 54 is provided at a position below the game area 27 on the P stand 2. The display 54 is composed of a liquid crystal display device, and displays to the player various effects images linked to the points held, the prepaid balance (also referred to as the card balance or simply the balance), or the display of the variable display device 278. Further, the display 54 is fitted to the P stand 2 by connecting a connection terminal (not shown) provided on the back surface to the connection terminal 54b provided on the connection surface 54a of the P stand 2. In this way, if the display 54 of the CU 3 is fitted to the connection surface 54a of the P stand 2, the CU 3 and the P stand 2 can be more strongly connected, and fraud can be prevented. Further, fraud can be further prevented by making it possible to unlock the connection with the display 54 only by opening the lower door provided with the glass door 6 or the ball striking operation handle 25. As shown in FIG. 1, the display 54 is not limited to a configuration that is integrally formed with the CU 3 and fitted to the connection surface 54a of the P stand 2, but is formed independently of the CU 3 and is formed on the front surface of the P stand 2. It may be a structure that can be attached.

Further, a game ball number display for displaying the number of game balls is provided at a position above the connection surface 54a of 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 ball rentals 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 other 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 the present 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 of the 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 is returned, 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 the present 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.

<Structure of card unit>
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 called a general card) having a prepaid function, which is a storage medium for games issued to general players who have 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 player-owned game value (for example, the prepaid balance, the number of balls held, or the number of stored balls) 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 number of remaining shots of balls that can be fired. In the following description, the "game ball data" is simply referred to as a "game ball" in the same way as a stored ball or a possession ball.

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 a card reader / writer (not shown), and the information stored in the card is read.

On the front side of the CU3, when a membership card is received, it is specified by a display 312, a membership card ID (simply referred to as a card ID or C-ID) stored in the membership card, and a membership card ID. A replay button 319 for carrying out a replay game using the number of stored balls is provided.

The display 312 displays the prepaid balance stored in the inserted game storage medium (card), but can display the number of game balls and various other information, and has a transparent touch panel on the surface. It is configured so that various operations can be input by touching various display items displayed on the display unit of the display 312 with a finger.

When the replay button 319 is operated and the number of balls held by the player is stored in the inserted card, a part of the number of balls held is withdrawn and converted into a game ball, and the converted game ball is used. Based on this, it is 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 hall management computer or the like, a part of the stored balls is withdrawn and used as a game ball. It is converted and 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. In addition to the replay button 319, a dedicated ball payout button for withdrawing the ball may be provided, and the replay button 319 may be a button dedicated to withdrawing the stored ball.

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 hall management computer or other 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 the game on the P unit 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 area is called "stored ball". Say.

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 "reservoir" and "possessed ball" is the number of balls deposited in the amusement park after the ball storage operation for depositing in the amusement park, or it is still deposited in the amusement park. It is the point whether it is the number of balls at the stage where it is not.

In the present embodiment, the ball storage data is not stored directly in the membership card, but is stored in a server installed in a game hall such as a hall management computer in association with the membership card number, and the corresponding ball storage is searched for based on the membership card number. It is configured so that it can be done. 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 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 for storing the possessed 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, an IR (Infrared) photosensitive unit (also referred to as an IR light receiving unit) 320, a ball lending button (also referred to as a lending button) 321 and a card return button 322 are provided on the front side of the CU 3. The IR photosensitive unit 320 is an IR photosensitive unit 320 that receives an infrared signal from a remote controller (not shown) possessed by a staff member of the amusement park, converts it into an electronic signal, and outputs the infrared signal. The ball lending button 321 is a button for performing an operation (conversion operation to a game ball) for withdrawing the remaining amount stored in the inserted card and using it for a game by the P stand 2. The card return button 322 is operated when the player ends the game, and the fixed number of game balls at the end of the game (number of balls held when the card is inserted-number of conversions to game balls + count) is inserted into the inserted card. It is an operation button for storing and discharging the number of balls held by the operation.

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 amusement park inserts the key into the keyhole 10 shown in FIG. 1 and unlocks the key (for example, clockwise rotation). 6b is pushed upward, and as a result, the engagement protrusions 6a and 6b are released from the engagement 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 an engaging hole 9 is provided in the portion of the glass door 6 facing the engaging protrusion 8. 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 with each other to be in a locked state. 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 has been opened. Further, a glass door opening detection switch 12 is provided at a contact portion 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, it is necessary to open the front frame 5, 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 detection can always be performed by the front frame opening detection switch 13.

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 have a U-shaped shape 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 it is a floating connector having flexibility itself, these can be connected without being aware of the positional relationship between the game board 26 and the front frame 5. Here, the convex drawer connector 32 is connected to the main control board 16 via the internal wiring (not shown) of the game board 26, and the concave drawer connector 33 is paid out via the signal cable 36 as shown in FIG. It is connected to the control board 17.

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

The CU 3 is provided with a CU control unit 323 composed of a microcomputer or the like. The CU control unit 323 is 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.

The CU control unit 323 is provided with an external communication unit (not shown) for communicating with a hall management computer and a hall server 801 (see FIG. 5) that manages security. A security board (SC board) 325 for communicating with the payout control board 17 of the P stand 2 while ensuring security is connected to the CU control unit 323. The security board 325 is a security monitoring function unit of the 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 includes a fraud detection unit 1325, and the fraud detection unit 1325 performs fraud detection by monitoring the game ball addition request information notified from the CU control unit 323 to the P unit 2, and manages the key at the time of fraud detection. Notify server 800 (see FIG. 5). Further, the set value (constant) for fraud detection is notified from the key management server 800 as board control information.

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, when the IR photosensitive unit 320 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 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 at the same time, the CU control unit 323 writes the stored information of the inserted card to the inserted card to the card reader / writer. When the data is transmitted, the card reader / writer writes the data to the inserted card. The stored information of the card includes a card ID. The CU control unit 323 stores the card ID read by the card reader / writer 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 display control unit 350, and is converted into display data by the display control unit 350. The display data converted by the display control unit 350 is transmitted to the display 312 provided on the front surface of the CU 3 and the display 54 arranged on the front surface of the P stand 2 as shown in FIG. The display data transmitted to the display 54 is first input to the relay board 14. An image corresponding to the display data is displayed on the display 312 and the display 54. Further, when the player operates the touch panel provided on the surface of the display 312, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323 via the display control unit 350. When the player operates the ball lending button 321, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. The ball lending button 321 is not limited to the configuration provided in the CU 3, and may be provided in the P stand 2 to input an operation signal to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the replay button 319, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the card return button 322, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323.

The P stand 2 has a main control board 16 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 variable display device 278, and the effect control board 15 that controls the display of the variable 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 gaming 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 the purpose is provided. The main control unit 161 is connected to a winning sensor 162 and a radio wave sensor 163 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 variable display device 278 is in a state where a new variable display can be started, the main control unit 161 digests one reserved memory, makes a jackpot determination based on the reserved memory, and derives a 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 variable display time as commands to the effect control unit 151 mounted on the effect control board 15.

For the commands related to the variable display transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the effect control unit 151, the variable start command indicating the start of the variable display, the display result command (big hit / miss) indicating the result of the variable display, and the variable display pattern are specified. It includes a possible variable display time command, a variable stop command that indicates when to derive and display the variable display result, and so on. 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 variable display content of the variable display device 278 based on these commands transmitted from the main control unit 161. For example, the effect control unit 151 specifies the variable display result and the variable display time based on the command transmitted from the main control unit 161 to determine the stop symbol and the variable 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 variable display device 278 according to the determined variable display content.

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

The payout control board 17 is provided on the front frame 5. The payout control board 17 is equipped with a payout control microcomputer, which is a payout control unit 171. The payout control unit 171 is a payout control function unit of the gaming 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 the purpose is provided.

Further, the launch ball detection switch 903, 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 firing 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.

The payout control board 17 is provided with a display 30 (see FIG. 21) on the board. The on-board display 30 is a 7-segment LED display. The display on the board 30 is controlled by the payout control unit 171 to display predetermined information.

From the main control board 16 to the payout control board 17, the 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, manufacturer-specific 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 prize 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 confirmation number 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 manufacturer-specific jackpot information indicating a manufacturer-specific jackpot. The common jackpot information is a jackpot that is commonly adopted by each gaming machine manufacturer, such as 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 variable display time of the variable display device) occurs, the time saving information is included. The manufacturer-specific jackpot is a jackpot state adopted only by a certain gaming machine manufacturer, such as a sudden change (sudden probability).

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 903 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, and 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. Although the game ball number display 29 may be directly attached to the front frame 5, the front frame 5 may be 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 display 54. 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.

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 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 as the firing intensity T. 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.

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

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

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

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

<Pachinko ball circulation route>
Here, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, 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. 4) provided with the payout control unit 171, and based on the detection, the payout control unit 171 subtracts "1" from the number of game balls. 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 gaming 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 903 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 903. That is, the launch ball detection switch 903 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 firing motor 18, it can be determined that all the pachinko balls that have been driven have been recovered.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the difference between the number of detected shots of the firing ball detection switch 903 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 it is not. By making this determination, it can be determined 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.

<Notification processing of abnormalities that occur in card units and pachinko machines>
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a notification process when an abnormality is detected as a result of mutual authentication. With reference to FIG. 5, 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. 5 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. be. 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. NS.

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 display control unit 350 of the CU 3. The CU control unit 323 causes the display control unit 350 to control the display 312 to indicate that an abnormality has occurred, and also lights or blinks an abnormality notification lamp (not shown) to notify the abnormality. Further, the CU control unit 323 transmits a signal from the external communication unit to the hall management computer 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 hall management computer 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, 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. 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 also controls for abnormality notification even if it notifies the control unit in which the abnormality has occurred when it detects that an abnormality has occurred. 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. No. 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 gaming machine management server 802 shown in FIG. 5 is provided in, for example, an organization that manages gaming machines operated by an organization to which a plurality of gaming machine manufacturers are affiliated, and the gaming machines installed in the amusement park are different from the design values. It is a server that manages gaming 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 card unit 3 and the P unit 2.

In the present embodiment, the gaming machine management server 802 designs the gaming machine for determining the model name of the gaming machine and the abnormality of the gaming machine by associating each gaming machine such as the main chip ID with the identification information. Remember the value. Details will be described later.

<Transmission / reception mode between the card unit side and the pachinko machine side>
Next, FIG. 6 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. 6, 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 the present 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 held (the number of cards held), the number of stored balls, and the prepaid balance (remaining amount) are managed and stored on the CU3 side.

FIG. 6 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. When the CU3 accepts the request, it returns the same counting serial number. 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 a configuration in which the count-up of the "normal serial number" is stopped when the "additional serial number" and the "counting 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 gaming machine information (game machine information being counted) is transmitted from the P stand 2 side to the CU3 side. This latest gaming machine information is stored in the latest gaming machine information storage area of the RAM of the payout control unit 171 (see FIG. 4) 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 number of added balls counter is a counter that counts the number of added 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 gaming 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-mouth passing ball” is a ball that has passed through the out-mouth 154, and the total number of out-balls and safe balls means the number of balls that have passed through the out-mouth.

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 subtraction ball counter (the number of subtraction 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 added ball number counter, the subtracted 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 the present 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. When the latest gaming machine information is not transmitted from the P machine 2 side to the CU3 side, 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. 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.

Further, 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 number 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 referred to as 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 cards held is the number of balls obtained by subtracting the number of balls paid out (the number of balls converted from the number of cards held into the number of game balls) from the number of balls held when the card is inserted, 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 balls held on the card is added and updated based on the value of the counting ball number 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 gaming machine information transmitted from the P machine 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. The number of game balls being played is updated, and 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 display 312, or an error notification signal indicating that an error has occurred is transmitted to the hall management computer or the hall server 801 (in this case, the hall management). An error notification may be performed by a computer or a 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 transmitted from the P unit 2 side. good. Alternatively, instead, 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 may be corrected.

As described above, in the present 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. (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 number of game balls stored on the CU3 side and the number of game balls stored on the P unit 2 side are stored by the hall server 801 connected to the CU3 or the hall management computer. It may be possible to receive the number of game balls being played and determine whether or not the two are consistent.

As shown in FIG. 6, 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 balls to be subtracted (cumulative number of balls to be subtracted) and the number of balls to be held when the card is inserted. The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 4) stores the stored balls in response to an input requesting the use of the stored balls (for example, a pressing input of the replay button 319 provided on the CU 3 (however, when there is no ball)). Subtract a predetermined number of stored balls from the area.

The CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 4) stores the ball in response to an input requesting the use of the ball (for example, a pressing input of the replay button 319 provided on the CU 3 when the ball is present). Subtract a predetermined number of balls from the area. Further, the CU control unit 323 (see FIG. 4) 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 possessed 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 to be added 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, in the game system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to 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 gaming machine equipped with each counter from picking up the uncounted balls remaining on the plate by hand and using them for the wagon service.

Therefore, in the present 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. Has been done. At that time, when the player executes the counting operation, the number of counting balls based on the counting 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 possessed to update.

<Frame configuration used in communication>
Next, the communication between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail. The telegram used in the communication is composed of frames having a predetermined format. 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. "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.

<Commands and responses sent and received between the CU and the P unit>
Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the outline of the command and the response transmitted and received between the CU 3 and the P unit 2 will be described.

<< Sending commands and responses >>
FIG. 7 shows the transmission direction, whether the data to be transmitted is a command or a response, the name of the transmission information, and 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 table 2, 100 pachinko balls are driven into the game area 27 per minute by operating the ball striking operation handle 25, so that the ball striking 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 an interval 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.

<< Recovery request, recovery response >>
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.

<< Recovery request 2, recovery response 2 >>
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.

<< Status information request >>
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 state information includes the number of additional balls from the CU3 side shown in FIG. 6 toward the P unit 2 side.

<< Status information response >>
In response to the status information request, the response of the status information 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 gaming machine information and the number of gaming balls shown in FIG.

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

<< Card return notification, card return response >>
A card return notification command is transmitted from the CU 3 to the P unit 2. This 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.

<< Design value acquisition request, design value acquisition response >>
A command named design value acquisition request is transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU3. This design value acquisition request command requests the game machine management server 802 outside the game hall to acquire the design value such as the base via the CU3, and is transmitted when the game machine is started.

The base is a prize such as a large winning opening 271, a normal winning opening 272 to 274, and a starting winning opening 275 to 277 provided in the game area 27 for the number of pachinko balls driven into the game area 27 of the P stand 2. It is the ratio of the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the game value given according to the winning of the pachinko balls to the mouth.

Obstacles such as nails and windmills are provided in the game area 27. The pachinko ball driven into the game area 27 hits these obstacles and wins each winning opening, or does not win any winning opening and reaches the out opening 154. The average value of the number of winnings in each winning opening is determined with respect to the number of pachinko balls driven into the game area 27 according to the installation state such as the position where the obstacle is provided. In addition, the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the game value given to each winning opening is predetermined for each winning opening. Thereby, the design value of the base can be determined by designing the installation state of these obstacles. These obstacles are manufactured in the installed state designed for each model of pachinko machine. Therefore, the design value of the base is a value in a certain range for each model.

The design value acquisition request command includes data of "serial number", "command", "model name", and "main chip ID". The "serial number" is a sequence number (01H to FFH). The "command" is a design value acquisition request command code, and is shown in hexadecimal binary data. The "model name" is the model name of the model acquired from the main control board 16. The “main chip ID” is identification information of the main control board 16 acquired from the main control board 16.

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 this design value acquisition response is to respond to the P machine 2 with a design value such as a base, and is transmitted in response to the acquisition of the design value of the gaming machine from the gaming machine management server 802. Instead of requesting the design value from the P unit 2 to the CU3, a command named design value acquisition notification is transmitted from the CU3 to the P unit 2 (the content is equivalent to the design value acquisition response). In response to the design value acquisition notification, a response named design value acquisition reception may be transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3.

The response of the design value acquisition response includes "serial number", "command", "low base lower limit Bll", "low base upper limit Blu", "high base lower limit Bhl", and "high base". The data of "hour-based upper limit value Bhu" is included. The "serial number" is a sequence number (01H to FFH). The "command" is a design value acquisition response command code, and is shown in hexadecimal binary data. "Low base lower limit Bl" and "Low base upper limit Blu" are design values of the base lower limit and upper limit at low base, respectively. The "high base base lower limit Bhl" and the high base upper limit Bhu are design values of the base lower limit and upper limit, respectively, at the time of high base.

In the design value of the base, the winning opening that can be changed into a first state that is advantageous to the player and a second state that is disadvantageous to the player, such as the starting winning opening 276 provided with the electric tulip, is set as the first state. There are a design value in a high base state in which the winning frequency to the winning opening is high due to a high frequency, and a design value in a low base state in which such a winning frequency is not high. In addition, the base value is statistically included in a predetermined range at a predetermined ratio. The lower and upper limits of this predetermined range are used as the lower and upper limits of the base design value. As a result, if the base value frequently falls below this lower limit value or exceeds the upper limit value, it can be determined that the state of obstacles such as nails of pachinko gaming machines is in an abnormal state.

Further, in the present embodiment, in addition to the base, the abnormality of the accessory ratio and the continuous accessory ratio is also determined. The definition of the bonus ratio and the continuous bonus ratio is stipulated in the rules regarding the certification of gaming 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 the present 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 to be played, pachinko to the starting prize opening 276 composed of an electric tulip, which is one of the characters, and the large winning opening 271 composed of the variable winning ball device, which is one of the characters. The ratio of the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the game value given by winning a ball.

The continuous bonus ratio (also referred to as the continuous ratio) 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 bonus when the bonus is continuously operated. .. The above rules stipulate that the continuous bonus ratio must be 60% or less. In the present embodiment, the continuous bonus ratio is 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 corresponding number of pachinko balls, 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. say.

Next, using the command shown in FIG. 7, a sequence at the time of card insertion is illustrated as an example of a main sequence in communication between the CU 3 and the P unit 2. FIG. 8 is a sequence relating to the processing of the CU 3 and the P stand 2 when the card is inserted.

<Communication between the main control unit and the payout control unit>
Next, communication between the main control unit 161 provided in the P stand 2 and the payout control unit 171 (see FIG. 4) will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 9, a sequence processed between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 when the power is turned on will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a communication sequence between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171.

Further, the communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 is performed by the polling method with the main control unit 161 as the primary station, and the polling interval is 200 ms. The power-on notification and power-on reception communications are excluded. If the request command from the main control unit 161 cannot be received even after one second has elapsed from the transmission of the response, the payout control unit 171 determines "communication line disconnection" and stops the game.

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

Specifically, to explain the communication sequence, first, when the power is turned on, the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 perform communication of power-on notification and power-on reception, and further, a new authentication sequence is started. .. In the authentication sequence, it is written in the authentication status register that the chip IDs of the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 are authenticated and the communication between the main control unit and the payout control unit is authenticated. Further, the authentication sequence is used to generate an encryption key and a decryption key used for encrypted communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171. In the communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171 after the processing is performed, the encrypted communication is performed using the generated encryption key and decryption key.

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

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

In the communication between the main control unit 161 and the payout control unit 171, the interval from the transmission of the game status notification command of the serial number "n" to the transmission of the game status notification command of the serial number "n + 1", from the transmission of the game status notification command of the serial number "n + 1". The interval until the game status notification command of the serial number "n + 2" is transmitted is an interval of 200 ms, respectively.

Next, the game status notification command and the response of the game status reception will be described in more detail. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contents of the game state notification and the game state reception. First, the game state notification will be described with reference to FIG. 10A. The specific data of the game status notification includes data of "serial number", "command code", "game table status 1", "game table status 2", "fraud detection information", and "game information". There is. The "serial number" is a sequence number (01H to FFH). The "command code" is a game status notification command code, and is shown as binary data in hexadecimal notation.

The "game table state 1" indicates the state of the main control unit 161 at the time when the game state notification command is transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171. Similarly, the "game table state 2" is a state of the main control unit 161 that is not included in the "game table state 1" at the time when the game state notification command is transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171. Shown.

For example, "game table state 1" includes information on the game state such as a big hit, a small hit, and a type of big hit, and "game table state 2" includes whether or not the probability is changing, whether or not the time is shortened, and the like. Contains information on the game status of. In "game table state 1" and "game table state 2", information on one game state is provided for one game state notification command. Therefore, when the game state changes between the previously transmitted game state notification command and the game state notification command transmitted this time, the newly changed game state information in the game state notification command transmitted this time is sent to the payout control unit 171. You will be notified.

The "fraud detection information" is the information detected by the main control unit 161 at the time when the game status notification command is transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171. For example, the "fraud detection information" includes information when an illegal radio wave is detected by the radio wave sensor 163 (see FIG. 4), base abnormality information, accessory ratio abnormality information, and the like.

The "game information" is the information of the main control unit 161 at the time when the game status notification command is transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171. It includes "type information n", "count information 1" to "count report n".

The "game information" will be described in more detail. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the content of the game information in the game state notification in more detail.

First, the number of game information indicates the number n of pairs of type information and count number information included in the game status notification. The number n is variable and ranges from 0 to 22.

Since the data structures of the type information 1 to the type information n are the same, the type information 1 will be described here. The type information 1 is composed of 1 byte (8 bits). The 4 to 7 bits of the type information 1 indicate the data type (winning opening type) of the game information of the set of the type information 1 and the count number information 1.

If the data type is 1h (0001b), it indicates that the game information of the set of the type information and the count number information is the information related to the starting winning opening. Similarly, if the data type is 2h (0010b), it indicates that the game information of the set of the type information and the count number information is the information related to the big winning opening. Further, when the data types are 3h (0011b) and Bh (1011b), it indicates that the game information of the set of the type information and the count number information is the information related to the normal winning opening.

If the data type is 4h (0100b), 5h (0101b), 6h (0110b), Fh (1111b), the game information of the set of the type information and the count number information is the number of symbol stops, the big hit, and the small hit, respectively. ， Indicates that the information is related to information.

The 0 to 3 bits of the type information 1 indicate the data number (winning opening number) in the data type indicated by the 4 to 7 bits.

When the data type is 1h, that is, when the starting winning opening is indicated, if the data number is 1h (0001b) to 3h (0011b), it indicates that the accessory of the starting winning opening is not operating (or there is no accessory). If the data numbers are 9h (1001b) to Bh (1011b), it indicates that the accessory of the starting winning opening is in operation. The data numbers 1h and 9h correspond to the first starting winning opening, the data numbers 2h and Ah correspond to the second starting winning opening, and the data numbers 3h and Bh correspond to the third starting winning opening. Corresponds to the winning opening. Which of the starting winning openings provided in the game area 27 of the game board 26 corresponds to the first to third starting winning openings here is determined in advance.

Here, the accessory is to open or expand the entrance of the winning opening, and specifically, it changes into a state in which the game ball can enter the winning opening and a state in which it is difficult or impossible to enter. It is capable of operation. The operation of the accessory is to open or expand the entrance of the winning opening, and specifically, to change to a state in which the game ball can enter the winning opening.

When the data type is 2h, that is, indicating a large winning opening, if the data number is 1h (0001b) to 2h (0010b), it indicates that the accessory of the large winning opening is operating (not continuous operation). If the data numbers are 9h (1001b) to Ah (1010b), it indicates that there is continuous operation of the winning combination. In addition, in the big hit game state, the accessory of the big winning opening operates continuously. Further, the data numbers 1h and 9h correspond to the first big winning opening, and the data numbers 2h and Ah correspond to the second big winning opening. Which of the large winning openings provided in the game area 27 of the game board 26 corresponds to the first to second large winning openings here is determined in advance.

When the data type is 3h, that is, when the normal winning opening is indicated, if the data number is 1h (0001b) to Fh (1111b), it indicates that the accessory of the ordinary winning opening is not operating (or there is no accessory). .. When the data type is Bh, that is, when the normal winning opening is indicated, if the data number is 1h (0001b) to Fh (1111b), it indicates that the accessory of the ordinary winning opening is operating. The data numbers 1h to Fh correspond to the first to Fth ordinary winning openings. Which of the ordinary winning openings provided in the game area 27 of the game board 26 corresponds to the first to Fth ordinary winning openings here is determined in advance.

When the data type is 5h, that is, a jackpot is indicated, if the data number is 1h (0001b), it indicates that the number of balls is large, and if the data number is 2h (0010b), the number of balls is small. It indicates that it is a big hit, and if the data number is 3h (0011b), it indicates that the number of balls is a medium big hit.

When the data type is 6h, that is, a small hit is indicated, and the data number is 1h (0001b), it indicates that it is a small hit.

When the data type is Fh, that is, when information is indicated, if the data number is 0h (0000b), it indicates that it is a status notification.

Since the data structure of the count number information 1 to the count number information n is the same, the count number information 1 will be described here. The count number information 1 is composed of 1 byte (8 bits).

When the data types are 1h to 3h and Bh, the 4 to 7 bits of the count number information 1 indicate the number of prize balls at the time of winning the winning opening indicated by the game table information and the data type for each type information, and are counted. The 0 to 3 bits of the numerical information 1 indicate the cumulative number of winnings in the winning opening indicated by the data type for each game table information and type information. If the game status has not changed between the previous game status notification and the current game status notification, the cumulative number of winnings is the total from the previous game status notification to the current game status notification. However, when the game state changes between the previous game state notification and the current game state notification, the cumulative number of winnings is the total until the game state changes from the previous game state notification. Then, the cumulative total from the change of the game state to the notification of the game state this time is the count number information of another type information. The number of prize balls and the number of prizes are indicated by 1h (0001b) to Fh (1111b) (corresponding to 1 to 15 decimal numbers, respectively).

Specifically, when the number of prize balls in the first starting winning opening is 3, the accessory of the starting winning opening is operating, and the number of winnings is 2, the game information. Is 1932h. If the number of prize balls in the first prize opening is 15, the characters in the prize opening are continuously operating, and the number of prizes is 1, the game information is 29F1h. .. Further, when the number of prize balls in the second normal winning opening is eight, there is no accessory of the ordinary winning opening, and the number of winnings is one, the game information is 3281h. When the number of prize balls in the second normal winning opening is eight, the accessory of the ordinary winning opening is operating, and the number of winnings is one, the game information is B281h.

When the data type is 4h, the 4 to 7 bits of the count number information 1 are spare and fixed at 0h (0000b), and the 0 to 3 bits of the count number information 1 are the current game from the previous game status notification. Indicates the number of symbol stops until the status notification. The number of symbol stops is indicated by 1h (0001b) to Fh (1111b) (corresponding to 1 to 15 decimal numbers, respectively).

When the data type is 5h or 6h, the 4 to 7 bits of the count number information 1 are spare and fixed at 0h (0000b), and the 0 to 3 bits of the count number information 1 are this time from the previous game status notification. Indicates the number of hits until the game status notification of. The number of hits is indicated by 1h (0001b) to Fh (1111b) (corresponding to 1 to 15 decimal numbers, respectively).

When the data type is Fh, the 3 to 7 bits of the count number information 1 are spare and fixed at 0h (0000b), and the 0 to 2 bits of the count number information 1 are the current game from the previous game status notification. Indicates the game state that has changed until the state notification. If "Bit0" indicating the base is "0", it indicates a low base, and if it is "1", it indicates a high base. If "Bit1" indicating a big hit is "0", it means that it is a normal time, and if it is "1", it means that it is a big hit. If "Bit2" indicating a small hit is "0", it means that it is a normal time, and if it is "1", it means that it is a small hit.

By setting Fh as the data type in the game status notification command, it is possible to represent the game status information that has changed between the previous game status notification and the current game status notification, so that the previous game can be displayed. It is possible to distinguish between the cumulative number of winnings from the status notification to the change in the game status and the cumulative number of winnings from the change in the gaming status to the current game status notification, and notify the payout control unit 171. rice field. By providing Fh as the data type in the game status notification command, it is possible to notify the payout control unit 171 from the main control unit 161 of the game status information that has changed between the previous game status notification and the current game status notification. However, the information on the gaming state may be notified to the CU3 which is a gaming device, the hall server 801 which is a higher-level server, the hall computer, and the like.

Specifically, a configuration capable of distinguishing the cumulative total of winning numbers before and after the game state changes will be described. First, before that, a problem will be described when the cumulative number of winnings cannot be distinguished before and after the game state changes. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the aggregation result of the number of winnings before and after the game state changes. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the gaming state changes from the normal state to the jackpot state in the middle, and the main control unit 161 receives the prize ball commands a to f from the winning sensor 162 (see FIG. 4) before and after the state change. doing. More specifically, the main control unit 161 receives the prize ball commands a to c during the normal state period, and receives the prize ball commands d to f during the jackpot period.

However, the main control unit 161 does not notify the payout control unit 171 of the number of winnings for each received prize ball command, but is cumulatively transmitted to the game state notification command transmitted every 200 ms. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the winning numbers of the prize ball commands a and b are accumulated and transmitted to the payout control unit 171 by the communication command A, and the winning numbers of the prize ball commands c and d are accumulated and the communication command B Is transmitted to the payout control unit 171, the number of winning balls of the prize ball commands e and f is accumulated, and is transmitted to the payout control unit 171 by the communication command C.

On the other hand, when the game state has changed, information on the game state such as a big hit, a small hit, and a type of big hit is paid out from the main control unit 161 in the "game table state 1" included in the game state notification command shown in FIG. It is transmitted to the control unit 171. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the change to the big hit game state by the communication command B "game table state 1" immediately after the change from the normal state to the big hit state is transmitted to the payout control unit 171. The change in the gaming state that can be known on the control unit 171 side is from the time when the communication command B is received as shown in the jackpot state of the communication telegram.

Therefore, if the prize ball commands are distinguished based on the jackpot state of the communication message, the prize ball commands a and b are accumulated as the number of prizes in the normal state (prize ball totaling result), and the prize ball commands c to f are prizes in the jackpot state. It will be accumulated as the number (results of totaling prize balls). However, when the number of prizes is accumulated based on the actual game state, the prize ball command c needs to be accumulated as the number of prizes in the normal state period, not as the jackpot period. Therefore, there is a problem that an error occurs in the prize ball totaling result by the number of prize balls of the prize ball command c, and it is not possible to accurately calculate the base, the accessory ratio, and the continuous accessory ratio, which will be described later.

Therefore, in the main control unit 161 according to the present embodiment, the game status notification command is provided with Fh as the data type, and the award is given for the game status changing between the previous game status notification and the current game status notification. A configuration that can distinguish the number of winning ball commands is adopted. Specifically, FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the aggregation result of the number of winnings before and after the game state changes in the present embodiment. Also in the example shown in FIG. 13, the gaming state changes from the normal state to the jackpot state in the middle, and the main control unit 161 receives the prize ball commands a to f from the winning sensor 162 (see FIG. 4) before and after the state change. doing. More specifically, the main control unit 161 receives the prize ball commands a to c during the normal state period, and receives the prize ball commands d to f during the jackpot period.

Also in the example shown in FIG. 13, the winning numbers of the prize ball commands a and b are accumulated and transmitted to the payout control unit 171 by the communication command A, and the winning numbers of the prize ball commands c and d are accumulated and paid out by the communication command B. It is transmitted to the control unit 171 and the winning numbers of the prize ball commands e and f are accumulated and transmitted to the payout control unit 171 by the communication command C.

However, in the game status notification command according to the present embodiment, Fh is provided as the data type of the game information to distinguish between the number of prize balls of the prize ball command c and the number of prizes of the prize ball command d. Specifically, in addition to the information of the prize ball command c and the prize ball command d being included in the communication command B, the game state has changed due to a big hit between the prize ball command c and the prize ball command d. The state change information F indicating the above is included. Therefore, the main control unit 161 uses the winning number of the prize ball command c received in the normal state as the type information 1 and the count number information 1 (see FIG. 11), and the state change information F as the type information 2 and the count number information 2. The winning number of the prize ball command d is stored in the type information 3 and the count number information 3, respectively, and a game status notification command is generated. Then, the main control unit 161 transmits the game status notification command to the payout control unit 171 to sequentially deliver the game information of the type information 1 and the count number information 1 to the type information 3 and the count number information 3 to the payout control unit 171. Will be sent to. That is, when the game state is changed, the main control unit 161 transmits the winning number (type information 1 and count number information 1) of the prize ball command c before the change, and then notifies the change of information F (type). After transmitting the information 2 and the count number information 2), the winning number (type information 3 and the count number information 3) of the prize ball command d after the change is transmitted.

Therefore, the payout control unit 171 distinguishes the prize ball command c received before the state change information F as the number of prizes in the normal state and the prize ball command d received after the state change information F as the number of prizes in the jackpot state. The prize ball commands a to c are accumulated as the number of prizes in the normal state (prize ball total result), and the prize ball commands d to f are accumulated as the number of prizes in the jackpot state (prize ball total result). Therefore, there is no error in the prize ball totaling result, and the base, the accessory ratio, and the continuous accessory ratio, which will be described later, can be accurately calculated.

Returning to FIG. 10, the game state reception will be described with reference to FIG. 10 (a). The specific data of the game status notification includes data of "serial number", "command code", "main body frame information 1", and "main body frame information 2". The "serial number" is a sequence number (01H to FFH). The "command code" is a command code for receiving the game state, and is shown as binary data in hexadecimal notation.

The “main body frame information 1” indicates the state of the payout control unit 171 at the time when the response of the game state reception is transmitted from the payout control unit 171 to the main control unit 161. Similarly, the "main unit frame information 2" is the state of the payout control unit 171 that is not included in the "main unit frame information 1" at the time when the response of the game state reception is transmitted from the payout control unit 171 to the main control unit 161. Is shown.

<Design value acquisition process>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the design value acquisition process. With reference to FIG. 14, first, the payout control unit 171 of the payout control board 17 determines whether or not the P stand 2 is started (step S101). Whether or not it is at the time of startup can be determined by whether or not the payout control unit 171 is executing the process at the time of startup. If it is determined that it is not at the time of activation (NO in step S101), the payout control unit 171 ends this design value acquisition process and returns the process to be executed to the caller.

When it is determined that the P unit 2 is activated (YES in step S101), the payout control unit 171 uses the model name, the main chip ID, and the nth winning opening without any accessory (here, other than the large winning opening 271). The winning openings are numbered n. For example, the ordinary winning openings 272 to 274 are numbered 1 to 3, that is, the first winning opening to the third winning opening, and the starting winning openings 275 to 277 are numbers 4 to 6, respectively. The 4th prize opening to the 6th prize opening. Therefore, the winning opening without a character is the number of prize balls for one winning of the 1st winning opening to the 4th winning opening and the 6th winning opening. An (for example, the 1st to 3rd winning openings are 3 pieces, the 4th winning opening and the 6th winning opening are 5), and the starting winning opening 276 with a character (here, the 5th winning opening). ), The number of prize balls As (for example, 5) for one prize and the number of prize balls Ab (for example, 3) for one prize of the large winning opening 271 are acquired from the main control board 16. It is stored in the RAM of the payout control unit 171 (step S102).

Next, the payout control unit 171 has a low base lower limit value Bll, a low base upper limit value Blu, and a high base time base lower limit value corresponding to the model name and the main chip ID acquired from the main control board 16. Bhl and the high base upper limit value Bhu are acquired from the game machine management server 802 and stored in the RAM of the payout control unit 171 (step S103). For example, Bll = 30, Blu = 39, Bhl = 80, Bhu = 95. After that, the payout control unit 171 ends the design value acquisition process and returns the process to be executed to the caller.

<Game board surface judgment related processing>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the game board surface determination related processing. With reference to FIG. 15, the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the period is not subject to the determination value calculation (step S111). The period outside the judgment value calculation target is a period during which the judgment value is excluded from the calculation of the base, the accessory ratio, the continuous accessory ratio, and the like. For example, the glass door 6 and the front frame 5 are open. The period, the period during which the pachinko ball is not fired (for example, the period after 15 seconds have passed since the last pachinko ball was fired), and the period during which the amusement park is closed, etc. .. When it is determined that the period is not subject to the determination value calculation (YES in step S111), the payout control unit 171 ends the game board surface determination related process and returns the process to be executed to the caller.

When it is determined that the period is not subject to the determination value calculation (NO in step S111), the payout control unit 171 executes the pass number addition process shown in FIG. 16 described later (step S120).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the passing number addition process. With reference to FIG. 16, the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the game is in the jackpot game state (step S121). The payout control unit 171 determines the game state based on the information of the "game table state 1" and the "game table state 2" included in the game state notification command transmitted from the main control unit 161. The same judgment is made in the following flowchart. When it is determined that the game is not in the jackpot game state (NO in step S121), the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not it is in the high base state (step S122).

When it is determined that the base is not in the high base state (NO in step S122), that is, when the game is not in the jackpot game state and the base is in the low base state, it is determined whether or not the detection signal is received from the out ball detection switch 701 (NO). Step S123). If it is determined that the signal has been received (YES in step S123), the number of passing through the out port at the time of low base pl is added by 1 (step S124).

Further, each of the nth winning openings (from the first winning opening to the sixth winning opening in the present embodiment) is provided with a detection switch for detecting a winning ball. When it is determined that the detection signal has not been received from the out ball detection switch 701 (NO in step S123), and after step S124, the payout control unit 171 receives the detection information of the nth winning opening from the main control unit 161. It is determined whether or not the included command has been received (step S125).

The command including the detection information is an interval at which the main control unit 161 receives a detection signal (for example, a prize ball command) from the detection switch of the nth winning opening, which is one of the winning sensors 162, and transmits a game status notification command. This is a game status notification command that includes information on the count number (number of winnings) of the nth winning opening, which is the sum of the detection signals received during. As described above, the game status notification command is data of game information so that when the game status changes during the transmission interval, the count number (winning number) can be distinguished before and after the game status changes. Fh is provided for the type. Hereinafter, the payout control unit 171 receives the command including the detection information of the winning from the winning opening from the main control unit 161 in the same manner. If it is determined that the signal has been received (YES in step S125), the count number (number of winnings) is added to the number of passing through the nth winning opening at the time of low base (step S126). However, when the payout control unit 171 includes the game information of the Fh data type indicating that the game state has changed in the game state notification command, the count number (number of prizes) of the nth winning opening thereafter is increased. It is added to the number of passages of the out port at the time of base, phn.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the player is in the high base state (YES in step S122), that is, when the player is not in the jackpot game state and is in the high base state, it is determined whether or not the detection signal is received from the out ball detection switch 701. Determine (step S127). If it is determined that the signal has been received (YES in step S127), the passing number ph of the out port at the time of high base is added by 1 (step S128).

When it is determined that the detection signal has not been received from the out ball detection switch 701 (NO in step S127), and after step S128, the payout control unit 171 receives the detection information of the nth winning opening from the main control unit 161. It is determined whether or not the included command has been received (step S129). If it is determined that the reception has been received (YES in step S129), the count number (winning number) is added to the number of passages qhn of the nth winning opening at the time of high base (step S130). However, if the payout control unit 171 includes game information of the data type of "Fh" indicating that the game state has changed in the game state notification command, the count number (number of winnings) of the nth winning opening thereafter. Is added to the number of passing through the out port at the time of low base.

If it is determined that the game is in the jackpot game state (YES in step S121), and if it is determined that the command including the detection information of the nth winning opening has not been received (NO in step S125 and step S129), after step S126, Then, after step S130, the payout control unit 171 has no accessory from the main control unit 161. The nth winning opening (in the present embodiment, the first winning opening to the fourth winning opening, the sixth winning opening). It is determined whether or not a command including the detection information of is received (step S131). If it is determined that the reception has been received (YES in step S131), the payout control unit 171 adds the count number (winning number) to the passing number qn of the nth winning opening (step S132).

When it is determined that the command including the detection information of the nth winning opening has not been received (NO in step S131), and after step S132, the payout control unit 171 has a start winning prize from the main control unit 161. It is determined whether or not a command including the detection information of the mouth 276 has been received (step S133). If it is determined that the reception has been received (YES in step S133), the payout control unit 171 adds the count number (winning number) to the passing number qs of the starting winning opening 276 having the accessory (step S134).

When it is determined that the command including the detection information of the start winning opening 276 having the accessory has not been received (NO in step S133), and after step S134, the payout control unit 171 receives a large prize from the main control unit 161. It is determined whether or not a command including the detection information of the mouth 271 has been received (step S135). If it is determined that the reception has been received (YES in step S135), the payout control unit 171 adds the count number (winning number) to the passing number qb of the large winning opening 271 (step S136).

When it is determined that the command including the detection information of the winning opening 271 has not been received (NO in step S135), and after step S136, the payout control unit 171 has received the detection signal from the out ball detection switch 701. Whether or not it is determined (step S137). If it is determined that the game has been received (YES in step S137), the payout control unit 171 adds 1 to the number of out balls r (step S138).

Further, when it is determined that the detection signal has not been received from the out ball detection switch 701 (NO in step S137), and after step S138, the payout control unit 171 receives the detection information of all winning openings from the main control unit 161. It is determined whether or not a command including the above is received (step S139). If it is determined that the game has been received (YES in step S139), the payout control unit 171 adds the count number (winning number) to the number of out balls r (step S140).

When the payout control unit 171 determines that the command including the detection information of all the winning openings has not been received (NO in step S139), the payout control unit 171 ends the process of adding the number of passes and executes the process. Return to the caller.

Returning to FIG. 15, after step S120, the payout control unit 171 calculates the number of out balls rl = pl + Σqln at the time of low base (step S141). Then, the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the calculated number of out balls rl = 100 at the time of low base (step S142).

When it is determined that the number of out balls at the time of low base is rl = 100 (YES in step S142), the number of safe balls at the time of low base sl = Σ (An × pln) is calculated (step S143). Further, the base bl = 100 × sl / rl at the time of low base is calculated and stored in the RAM (step S144).

Next, the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the low base time base lower limit value Bll <low base time base bl <low base time base upper limit value Blu (step S145). When it is determined that Bll <Bl <Blu (YES in step S145), the payout control unit 171 outputs the low base time base abnormality information to the game machine management server 802 via the CU 3 (step S146).

When it is determined that Bll <Bl <Blu (NO in step S145), and after step S146, the payout control unit 171 resets pl and qln to 0 (step S147).

When it is determined that the number of out balls at low base is not rl = 100 (NO in step S142), and after step S147, the payout control unit 171 calculates the number of out balls at high base rh = ph + Σqhn (step). S151). Then, the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the calculated number of out balls rh = 100 at the time of high base (step S152).

When it is determined that the number of out balls at high base is rh = 100 (YES in step S152), the number of safe balls at high base sh = Σ (An × phn) is calculated (step S153). Further, the base bh = 100 × sh / rh at the time of high base is calculated and stored in the RAM (step S154).

Next, the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the high base time base lower limit value Bhl <high base time base bh <high base time base upper limit value Bhu (step S155). When it is determined that Bl <Bh <Bhu (YES in step S155), the payout control unit 171 outputs the high base time base abnormality information to the gaming machine management server 802 via the CU 3 (step S156).

When it is determined that Bhl <Bh <Bhu (NO in step S155), and after step S156, the payout control unit 171 resets ph and qhn to 0 (step S157).

Next, it is determined whether or not the number of out balls r = 60,000 (step S161). The P stand 2 of the present embodiment can shoot 100 pachinko balls into the game area 27 in one minute. Therefore, 60,000 balls is the number of balls that can be fired in 10 hours. If it is determined that r = 60000 (NO in step S161), the payout control unit 171 returns the process to be executed to the caller of this process.

When it is determined that the number of out balls r = 60,000 (YES in step S161), the payout control unit 171 has a winning opening without a bonus (here, the first winning opening to the fourth winning opening, the sixth winning opening). The number of prize balls sn = Σ (An × qn) is calculated (step S162), and the number of prize balls ss = As × qs of the winning opening with the accessory (here, the fifth winning opening) is calculated (step S163). ), The number of prize balls sb = Ab × qb of the large winning opening 271 is calculated (step S164).

Next, the payout control unit 171 calculates the accessory ratio u = 100 × (ss + sb) / (sn + ss + sb) and stores it in the RAM (step S165), and the continuous accessory ratio v = 100 × sb / (sn + ss + sb). Is calculated and stored in the RAM (step S166).

Then, the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the accessory ratio u> 70% (step S171). When it is determined that u> 70% (YES in step S171), the payout control unit 171 outputs the accessory ratio abnormality information to the gaming machine management server 802 via the CU 3 (step S172).

When it is determined that the accessory ratio u> 70% (NO in step S171), and after step S172, the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the continuous accessory ratio v> 60% (step). S173). When it is determined that v> 60% (YES in step S173), the payout control unit 171 outputs the continuous accessory ratio abnormality information to the gaming machine management server 802 via the CU 3 (step S174).

When it is determined that the continuous accessory ratio v> 60% (NO in step S173), and after step S174, the payout control unit 171 ends this game board surface determination-related process, and sets the process to be executed as the caller. return.

<Modification example of game board surface judgment related processing>
FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a modified example of the game board surface determination-related processing. With reference to FIG. 17, in this modification, as shown in FIG. 17, between steps S146 and S147 in the portion of the game board surface determination-related processing described in FIG. 15 from step S141 to step S147, step S183. ~ Step S186 is added.

When it is determined that Bll <Bl <Blu (NO in step S145), and after step S146, the payout control unit 171 calculates the number of safe balls sln = An × qln for each winning opening at the time of low base. Step S183). Further, the base bln = 100 × sln / rl for each winning opening at the time of low base is calculated and stored in the RAM (step S184).

Next, the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the base lower limit value Blln for each winning opening at low base <base bln for each base at low base <base upper limit value Blun for each winning opening at low base. Determine (step S185). Blln and Blun are previously acquired from the game machine management server 802 and stored in the same manner as in step S103 of FIG. When it is determined that Blln <Bln <Blun (YES in step S185), the payout control unit 171 outputs the winning opening base abnormality information to the game machine management server 802 via the CU 3 (step S186).

When it is determined that Blln <Bln <Blun (NO in step S185), and after step S186, the payout control unit 171 resets pl and qln to 0 (step S147).

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, a gaming machine (for example, P machine 2) capable of outputting information on the suitability of the base to the outside of the gaming machine, a gaming device (for example, CU3), and a gaming system including these (for example, CU3). , Game system). In the second embodiment, a gaming machine (for example, P machine 2), a gaming frame (for example, front frame 5), and a gaming device (for example) that can calculate the accessory ratio and the continuous accessory ratio and output or display them to the outside. , CU3), a management device (for example, a gaming machine management server 802, a key management server 800, or a ball management server 803), and a gaming system (for example, a gaming system).

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the gaming system according to the second embodiment. With reference to FIG. 18, the gaming system includes a gaming machine management server 802, a key management server 800, a ball management server 803, a card unit (CU) 3, 3A, and a pachinko gaming machine (P unit) 2. , Includes slot machine 2A.

The key management server 800 and the gaming machine management server 802 are the same as those described with reference to FIG. The ball holding management server 803 is installed in each game hall, and stores the number of balls held and the number of stored balls in association with the card IDs of the membership card and the visitor card issued at the game field. Although the ball management server 803 and the hall server 801 shown in the first embodiment are configured to be separate computers, they may be configured by one computer.

The P stand 2 and the CUs 3 and 3A are the same as those described in the first embodiment. The slot machine 2A is, for example, an enclosed circulation type slot machine in which medals are enclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a conventional slot machine in which medals are not enclosed may be used. The P stand 2 is an enclosed circulation type pachinko gaming machine in which pachinko balls are enclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a conventional pachinko gaming machine in which no pachinko balls are enclosed may be used.

Servers outside the amusement park such as the game machine management server 802 and the key management server 800 are such as the ball management server 803 and the hall server 801 via the Internet or a public network 700 such as a public wireless LAN (Local Area Network). It is possible to communicate with the server inside the amusement park.

Servers inside the amusement park such as the ball management server 803 and the hall server 801 can communicate with the CU3, the P unit 2, and the slot machine 2A via a private network 900 such as a LAN or VPN (Virtual Private Network). ..

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the game board surface determination process in the second embodiment. With reference to FIG. 19, the payout control unit 171 of the payout control board 17 determines whether or not the launch ball detection signal has been received from the launch ball detection switch 903 (step S211). If it is determined that the signal has been received (YES in step S211), the payout control unit 171 adds 1 to the number of fired balls r (step S212).

When it is determined that the launch ball detection signal has not been received (NO in step S211), and after step S212, the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the game information has been received from the main control board 16 (NO). Step S221). Communication between the payout control unit 171 of the payout control board 17 and the main control unit 161 of the main control board 16 is performed by transmitting and receiving commands and responses as shown in FIG. Specifically, the main control unit 161 transmits a game status notification command including game information to the payout control unit 171 and returns a game status reception command as a response as a response to the game status notification command received by the payout control unit 171. .. The game status notification command includes the game information shown in FIG. Specifically, the game information is provided by the main control unit 161 of the main control board 16 according to the type of winning opening that the game ball has won since the previous control cycle, the number of the winning opening, and the winning ball for the winning opening. The number and the number of winnings to the winning opening are stored, and the data is generated based on the stored data. In addition to being used in this process, the game information is included in the state information response command shown in FIG. 7 by the payout control unit 171 and transmitted from the P unit 2 to the CU 3.

Further, the game information is stored in addition to data such as the type of winning opening, the number of winning opening, the number of winning balls, and the number of winnings, as well as information on the game state (big hit, base, etc.). Therefore, the payout control unit 171 can distinguish in which game machine state the game ball wins and the prize ball is paid out based on the game information.

If it is determined that the signal has not been received (NO in step S221), the payout control unit 171 advances the process to be executed to step S231. On the other hand, if it is determined that the signal has been received (YES in step S221), it is determined whether or not the period is not subject to determination value calculation (step S222).

As described in step S111 of FIG. 15, the determination value non-calculation period is a period excluded from the calculation of determination values such as the base, the accessory ratio, and the continuous accessory ratio. For example, glass. The period during which the door 6 and the front frame 5 are open, the period during which the pachinko ball is not fired (for example, the period after 15 seconds have passed since the last pachinko ball was fired), and the period during which the amusement park is closed. , It is a period during which fraud is possible by the staff of the amusement park.

When it is determined that the period is not subject to determination value calculation (YES in step S222), the payout control unit 171 advances the process to be executed to step S231. On the other hand, when it is determined that the period is not subject to the determination value calculation (NO in step S222), the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the received game information is the game information indicating the continuous operation of the accessory of the big winning opening. Determine (step S223). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not the upper byte (type information) of the 2-byte game information is any of 29h to 2Ah.

When it is determined that the game information indicates the continuous operation of the prize opening (YES in step S223), the payout control unit 171 determines the number of prize balls and the prize, which are indicated by the lower byte (count number information) of the game information. It is multiplied by the number and added to the number of prize balls sb and the total number of prize balls sa in the addition area of the RAM of the payout control unit 171 shown in FIG. 20 (step S224). After that, the payout control unit 171 advances the process to be executed to step S231.

If it is determined that the game information is not the game information indicating the continuous operation of the prize opening (NO in step S223), the payout control unit 171 determines whether the received game information is the game information indicating that the prize opening has the character operation. It is determined whether or not (step S225). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not the upper byte (type information) of the 2-byte game information is any of 19h to 1Bh, 21h to 22h, and B1h to BFh.

When it is determined that the game information indicates that the winning opening has the accessory operation (YES in step S225), the payout control unit 171 determines the number of winning balls and the number of winning balls indicated by the lower byte (count number information) of the game information. Is multiplied by and added to the number of prize balls ss and the total number of prize balls sa in the bonus operation winning opening prize ball number sa in the addition area of the RAM of the payout control unit 171 shown in FIG. 20 (step S226). After that, the payout control unit 171 advances the process to be executed to step S231.

If it is determined that the game information is not the game information indicating that the winning opening has the accessory operation (NO in step S225), the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the received game information is the game information indicating that the winning opening has no accessory operation. (Step S227). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not the upper byte (type information) of the 2-byte game information is any of 11h to 13h and 31h to 3Fh.

When it is determined that the game information indicates that the winning opening has no accessory operation (YES in step S227), the payout control unit 171 determines the number of winning balls and the number of winning balls indicated by the lower byte (count number information) of the game information. Is multiplied and added to the total number of prize balls sa in the addition area of the RAM of the payout control unit 171 shown in FIG. 20 (step S228). After that, the payout control unit 171 advances the process to be executed to step S231.

When the process proceeds to step S231, it is determined whether or not the number of fired balls r = 6000 balls (step S231). When it is determined that r = 6000 (YES in step S231), the payout control unit 171 has the oldest prize operating prize ball number ss in the RAM holding area of the payout control unit 171 shown in FIG. The number of prize-winning balls sb and the total number of prize-balls sa are deleted (step S232), and the character operation in the addition area is set to the holding area. It moves (step S233) and resets the number of fired balls r to 0 (step S234).

Next, the accessory ratio u = 100 × Σ (ss + sb) / Σsa is calculated and transmitted to the ball management server 803 via the CU 3 (step S235). Further, the continuous accessory ratio v = 100 × Σsb / Σsa is calculated and transmitted to the ball holding management server 803 via the CU 3 (step S236).

When the ball management server 803 receives the bonus ratio u and the continuous bonus ratio v, the ball management server 803 corresponds to the received bonus ratio u and the continuous bonus ratio v with the main chip ID for identifying the source gaming machine. Attach and memorize. The stored accessory ratio u and continuous accessory ratio v can be displayed on the ball management server 803.

Here, the accessory ratio u and the continuous accessory ratio v are transmitted to the ball management server 803 so that they can be displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and instead of the ball management server 803, a server inside another game hall such as the hall server 801 or a server outside the game field such as the key management server 800 or the game machine management server 802, etc. It may be another management device, or it may be a gaming device such as CU3.

Then, the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the accessory ratio u> 70% (step S241). When it is determined that u> 70% (YES in step S241), the payout control unit 171 outputs the accessory ratio abnormality information to the gaming machine management server 802 via the CU 3 (step S242).

When it is determined that the accessory ratio u> 70% (NO in step S241), and after step S242, the payout control unit 171 determines whether or not the continuous accessory ratio v> 60% (step). S243). When it is determined that v> 60% (YES in step S243), the payout control unit 171 outputs the continuous accessory ratio abnormality information to the gaming machine management server 802 via the CU 3 (step S244). When the gaming machine management server 802 receives these abnormality information, the abnormality information is stored together with the information that can identify the gaming machine (for example, the main chip ID), and the abnormality information is based on the abnormality information. Notification processing is executed to notify information that can identify the type and gaming machine.

Here, the accessory ratio abnormality information and the continuous accessory ratio abnormality information are transmitted to the gaming machine management server 802, and the gaming machine management server 802 notifies the abnormality. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and instead of the game machine management server 802, a server inside the game hall such as the hall server 801 and the ball management server 803, another server outside the game field such as the key management server 800, etc. It may be another management device, or it may be a gaming device such as CU3.

When it is determined that r = 6000 (NO in step S231), when it is determined that the continuous accessory ratio v> 60% (NO in step S243), and after step S244, the payout control unit 171 , It is determined whether or not there is an operation for displaying the accessory ratio / continuous accessory ratio (step S251). The operation is performed, for example, by operating an operation switch provided on the payout control board 17 for displaying the accessory ratio / continuous accessory ratio.

If it is determined that there is no display operation (NO in step S251), the payout control unit 171 returns the process to be executed to the caller of this process. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a display operation (YES in step S251), the payout control unit 171 calculates the accessory ratio u = 100 × Σ (ss + sb) / Σsa, and displays 3 on the substrate. Display for seconds (see step S252, FIG. 21 (A)). At this time, if the data for 6000 balls × 10 sets is not stored in the holding area, that fact is also displayed (see the second digit from the top of FIG. 21B).

Next, the payout control unit 171 calculates the continuous accessory ratio v = 100 × Σsb / Σsa and displays it on the display 30 on the substrate for 3 seconds (see step S253, FIG. 21C). At this time, if the data for 6000 balls × 10 sets is not stored in the holding area, that fact is also displayed (see the second digit from the top of FIG. 21 (D)). After that, the payout control unit 171 returns the process to be executed to the caller of this process.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the state of calculation and display of the accessory ratio / continuous accessory ratio in the second embodiment. When game information capable of specifying the winning opening type, the winning opening number, the number of winning balls, and the number of winnings is received from the main control board 16 with reference to FIG. 20, in steps S223 to S228 of FIG. As shown, the winning opening indicated by the game information and the winning opening winning ball number ss, the large winning opening winning ball number sb, total stored in the addition area according to the operating state of the winning opening. The number of prize balls sa multiplied by the number of prize balls indicated by the game information and the number of winning balls is added.

Every time the number of fired balls r reaches 6000, the number of winning prize balls ss, the number of large winning prize balls sb, and the total number of winning balls sa stored in the addition area are moved to the holding area. Before this movement, the oldest holding area 10 winning prize balls ss10, large winning opening prize balls sb10, and total prize balls sa10 are erased, and the holding area 1 to the holding area 9 winning prizes are activated. The number of prize balls ss, the number of large prize balls sb, and the total number of prize balls sa are shifted and stored from the holding area 2 to the holding area 10, respectively.

Then, when the operation of displaying the accessory ratio / continuous accessory ratio is performed, the accessory ratio and the continuous accessory ratio are calculated as shown in steps S252 to S253 of FIG. 19, and the 7-segment type substrate is used. It is displayed on the upper display 30.

When the accessory ratio or the continuous accessory ratio is not displayed on the display 30 on the substrate, nothing in particular may be displayed, or the number of fired balls r may be displayed.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the display of the accessory ratio and the continuous accessory ratio in the second embodiment. With reference to FIG. 21, as shown in FIG. 21 (A), when the accessory ratio is displayed, the symbol corresponding to the letter y is displayed in the first digit from the left of the display 30 on the substrate. NS. Here, it is shown that the accessory ratio is 70%.

Further, as shown in FIG. 21 (B), when the information stored in the holding area does not reach 10 sets, the symbol corresponding to the underscore indicating that fact is on the left side of the display 30 on the board. It is displayed in the second digit from.

As shown in FIG. 21C, when the continuous accessory ratio is displayed, the symbol corresponding to the letter r is displayed in the first digit from the left of the display 30 on the substrate. Here, it is shown that the accessory ratio is 60%.

Further, as shown in FIG. 21 (D), when the information stored in the holding area does not reach 10 sets, the symbol corresponding to the underscore indicating that fact is on the left side of the display 30 on the board. It is displayed in the second digit from.

[Modified example of the second embodiment]
In the second embodiment described above, as shown in steps S252 and S253 of FIG. 19, the bonus ratio u and the continuous bonus ratio v are calculated and displayed in a gaming machine such as the P machine 2. bottom.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the following may be applied. Game information (or information such as a state information response including game information) may be transmitted to CU3, in which the accessory ratio u and the continuous accessory ratio v may be calculated and displayed. Further, in the CU, it may be determined whether the calculated accessory ratio u and the continuous accessory ratio v are abnormal, and if it is determined to be abnormal, the occurrence of the abnormality may be notified. Further, the calculated bonus ratio u and the continuous bonus ratio v may be transmitted to the management device, and the bonus ratio u and the continuous bonus ratio v may be displayed on the management device.

Further, the game information may or may not be passed through the CU3, such as a server inside the game hall such as the hall server 801 or the ball management server 803, or a server outside the game field such as the key management server 800 or the game machine management server 802. The accessory ratio u and the continuous accessory ratio v may be calculated and displayed in the management device. Further, the management device may determine whether the calculated accessory ratio u and the continuous accessory ratio v are abnormal, and if it is determined to be abnormal, notify the occurrence of the abnormality. Further, the calculated bonus ratio u and the continuous bonus ratio v may be transmitted to another management device, and the bonus ratio u and the continuous bonus ratio v may be displayed in the other management device.

<Modification example>
(1) In the second embodiment described above, the ball management server 803 can display the bonus ratio u and the continuous bonus ratio v for each gaming machine installed in the game hall. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and information other than the accessory ratio u and the continuous accessory ratio v can be displayed on the management device such as the internal server of the game hall such as the possession ball management server 803 and the external server. It may be.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, the bonus ratio / continuous bonus ratio is increased by operating the operation switch for displaying the bonus ratio / continuous bonus ratio provided on the payout control board 17. Made it displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the accessory ratio is displayed by operating an operation switch (for example, an error release switch, a RAM clear switch) provided on the payout control board 17 for displaying the accessory ratio. By operating an operation switch (for example, a ball removal switch, a game ball clear switch) for displaying the continuous accessory ratio provided on the payout control board 17, the continuous accessory ratio is displayed. May be good. At this time, it may be added as a display condition that the front frame 5 is open.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in steps S252, S253 and 21 of FIG. 19, the accessory ratio u and the continuous accessory ratio v are displayed on the display 30 on the substrate. I made it. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the pachinko / pachislot machine may be displayed on a portion other than the display 30 on the board of the gaming machine. It may be displayed at 29. Even when the display is performed on a portion other than the display 30 on the substrate, the display may be performed according to a predetermined operation as shown in step S251 of FIG. Further, the display may be performed by a dedicated display different from the display 30 on the board. For example, a dedicated display may be provided on the main control board 16 or the relay board 14.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the accessory ratio u and the continuous accessory ratio v are calculated and displayed by the payout control unit 171. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the accessory ratio u and the continuous accessory ratio v are calculated or displayed by a control unit other than the payout control unit 171 of the gaming machine, for example, the main control unit 161 of the main control board 16. You may try to do it.

(5) The start winning opening 276 described above may be such that the game ball cannot win a prize in a state where the accessory is closed. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the winning of the game ball into the starting winning opening 276. As shown in FIG. 22, the game ball 101 is in a state where the accessory 276A of the starting winning opening 276 is closed (a state in which the accessory is not operating) and is open (a state in which the accessory is operating). It is possible to win a prize, and the open state may be easier to win than the closed state. Specifically, when the accessory 276A is closed, it is possible to enter only from directly above the starting winning opening 276, and when it is open, in addition to directly above the starting winning opening 276, from an angle. May also be accessible. A nail 102 is arranged above the starting winning opening 276.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the number of prize balls in the first starting winning opening 276 is 3, the accessory 276A is open (the accessory is operating), and the number of winnings is 2. In the case of the number, the game information is 1932h. In this case, it is determined in step S225 of FIG. 19 that the game information indicates that the accessory is operating, and in step S226, the value obtained by multiplying the number of prize balls indicated in the game information by the number of winnings is the combination of the addition area. It is added to the number of prize balls ss and the total number of prize balls sa.

On the other hand, when the number of prize balls of the first starting winning opening 276 is 3, the character 276A is closed (the character is not operating), and the number of prizes is 2, the game information. Is 1132 h. In this case, in step S227 of FIG. 19, it is determined that the game information indicates that the winning opening does not operate, and in step S228, the value obtained by multiplying the number of prize balls indicated in the game information by the number of winnings is added. It is added to the total number of prize balls sa in the area.

(6) In the first embodiment described above, the accessory ratio u and the continuous accessory ratio v are calculated as follows. Specifically, as shown in step S131 of FIG. 16, when a command including the nth winning opening detection information having no accessory is received, the number of passages qn of the nth winning opening having no accessory is set to 1. Added. As shown in step S133, when the command including the start winning opening detection information having the accessory is received, the number of passages qs of the starting winning opening having the accessory is added by 1. As shown in step S135, when the command including the large winning opening detection information is received, the number of passing through the large winning opening qb is added by 1. As shown in step S138, when the detection signals from the detection switch of all winning openings and the out ball detection switch 701 are received, the number of out balls r is added by 1.

Further, as shown in step S102 of FIG. 14, the number of prize balls An of the nth winning opening, the number of prize balls As of the starting winning opening with the accessory, and the number of prize balls Ab of the large winning opening are the numbers of the gaming machines. At startup, it is acquired from the main control board 16 and stored in the RAM of the payout control unit 171 of the payout control board 17.

Then, as shown in steps S162 to S166 of FIG. 15, each time r = 60,000 is reached, the number of prize-winning balls without a prize sn = Σ (An × qn) and the number of prize-winning balls with a character ss. = As × qs, number of winning prize balls sb = Ab × qb, accessory ratio u = 100 × (ss + sb) / (sn + ss + sb), and continuous accessory ratio v = 100 × sb / (sn + ss + sb) I did.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the game information from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171 shown in the second embodiment may be used to calculate as follows. As shown in step S212 of FIG. 19, when the detection signal from the launch ball detection switch is received, the number of launch balls r is added by 1. As shown in steps S221 to S228, game information including the type of winning opening in which the game ball has won, the number of the winning opening, the number of winning balls for the winning opening, and the number of winnings in the winning opening. Is received from the main control board 16, and if it is game information indicating the continuous operation of the accessory of the large winning opening, the number of prize balls of the large winning opening indicated by the game information is multiplied by the number of winnings, and the addition area of the RAM If the game information is added to the number of prize balls sb and the total number of prize balls sa (= sn + ss + sb) and indicates that the prize opening has an operation, the number of prize balls and the number of prizes in the prize opening indicated by the game information. Is added to the number of prize balls ss and the total number of prize balls sa (= sn + ss + sb) in the addition area, and if the game information indicates that the prize opening does not operate, the game information indicates. The number of prize balls in the winning opening is multiplied by the number of winning balls and added to the total number of prize balls sa in the addition area. Then, as shown in steps S231 to S236, every time r = 6000 is reached, the addition area sb, ss, sa is moved to the RAM holding area, and based on the holding area sb, ss, sa. , The accessory ratio u = 100 × Σ (ss + sb) / Σsa, and the continuous accessory ratio v = 100 × Σsb / Σsa may be calculated.

(7) In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the above-mentioned predetermined information is specified and transmitted by the gaming machine or the gaming device. However, the card is not limited to this, and the above-mentioned predetermined information is handled by a server inside the game hall (hall server 801, hall computer, etc.) or an external server (game machine management server 802, key management server 800, CU3). It may be specified by a management device such as a card management server of a card management company that manages the information.

When the predetermined information specified by the management device or the game device is the result of determining the suitability of the base, the external output information from the game machine to the game device or the management device is in steps S144 and S154 of FIG. The base bl at the time of low base, the base b at the time of high base, and the base bln for each winning opening shown in step S184 of FIG. 17 may be used. These predetermined information can be specified by the management device or the game device in the same manner as the method shown in FIGS. 15 and 17 based on the external output information.

When the predetermined information specified by the management device or the gaming device is a low base bl, a high base bl, a base bln for each winning opening, or a judgment result of suitability of the base, the game is played from the gaming machine. The external output information to the device or management device includes the number of safe balls at low base and the out balls at low base shown in step S141 in FIG. 15, step S143, step S151, step S153, and step S183 in FIG. It may be several rl, the number of safe balls sh at the time of high base, the number of out balls rh at the time of high base, and the number of safe balls sln for each winning opening. These predetermined information can be specified by the management device or the game device in the same manner as the method shown in FIGS. 15 and 17 based on the external output information.

Predetermined information specified by the management device or the gaming device is the number of safe balls sl at the time of low base, the number of out balls rl at the time of low base, the number of safe balls sh at the time of high base, the number of out balls rh at the time of high base, If the number of safe balls per winning opening is sln, the base is low, the base is high, the base is bln for each winning opening, or the judgment result is the suitability of the base, the gaming device or management device can be used from the gaming machine. The external output information to is shown in step S124, step S126, step S128, and step S130 of FIG. The number of passing through the nth winning opening may be qhn, and the number of passing through the out opening at high base may be ph. These predetermined information can be specified by the management device or the gaming device in the same manner as the method shown in FIG. 15 based on the external output information.

When the predetermined information specified by the management device or the gaming device is the determination result of the suitability of the continuous accessory ratio / accessory ratio, the external output information from the gaming machine to the gaming device or the management device is shown in FIG. The continuous accessory ratio v and the accessory ratio u shown in steps S165 and S166 of the above may be used. These predetermined information can be specified by the management device or the gaming device in the same manner as the method shown in FIG. 15 based on the external output information.

When the predetermined information specified by the management device or the gaming device is the determination result of the suitability of the continuous prize ratio v, the prize ratio u, or the continuous prize ratio / prize ratio, the game machine can be used for the game. The external output information to the device or the management device is the number of winning prize balls sn without the winning combination, the number of winning opening prize balls with the accessory ss, and the number of winning lottery balls sb without the winning combination shown in steps S162 to S164 of FIG. There may be. These predetermined information can be specified by the management device or the gaming device in the same manner as the method shown in FIG. 15 based on the external output information.

Predetermined information specified by the management device or the gaming device is the number of winning opening prize balls sn without the accessory, the number of winning opening prize balls with the accessory ss, the number of large winning opening prize balls sb, the continuous bonus ball ratio v, and the accessory. When the ratio u or the judgment result of the suitability of the continuous prize ratio / prize ratio is obtained, the external output information from the gaming machine to the gaming device or the management device is the step S132, step S134, step S136 of FIG. The number of passages through the nth winning opening shown in the above may be qn, the number of passages through the starting winning opening with the accessory qs, and the number of passages through the large winning opening qb. These predetermined information can be specified by the management device or the gaming device in the same manner as the method shown in FIG. 15 based on the external output information.

Further, the specified predetermined information may be transmitted to another management device. As a result, especially when predetermined information is transmitted to an external management device, the base, the bonus ratio, and the continuous bonus ratio indicated by the predetermined information for the gaming machines of a plurality of amusement machines such as the entire market in the external management device. Can be grasped and managed.

(8) In the management device or the gaming device that has received the predetermined information, the base, the accessory ratio, or the continuous combination is based on the predetermined information itself (for example, the result of determining the suitability of the base, the accessory ratio, or the continuous accessory ratio). The abnormality of the object ratio may be monitored, and if it is determined to be abnormal, the abnormality may be notified, or predetermined information (for example, low base time base, high base time base, continuous accessory ratio, accessory ratio, out). From the number of balls + the number of safe balls, the number of out balls + the number of safe balls for each winning opening), calculate the base, bonus ratio or continuous bonus ratio, monitor the abnormality, and notify the abnormality if it is judged to be abnormal. You may try to do it.

(9) In the above-described embodiment, the above-mentioned predetermined information is specified by the payout control unit 171 of the payout control board 17. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be specified by other control units of the gaming machine, such as the main control unit 161 of the main control board 16.

(10) In the above-described embodiment or modification, when the predetermined information is specified in the gaming machine or the gaming device, the gaming machine or the gaming device may notify the abnormality based on the predetermined information.

(11) In the above-described embodiment, when communication is disabled (offline state) when the above-mentioned predetermined information is transmitted to the outside of the game hall, the game machine, the game device, etc. on the game hall side. The predetermined information may be temporarily stored in the management device, and when the communication is restored, the predetermined information may be transmitted to the external management device.

(12) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in step S142, step S152, and step S161 of FIG. 15, the base, accessory ratio, and continuous accessory ratio are abnormal due to the payout control unit 171 of the P unit 2. Whether or not it is, is calculated and judged periodically for each predetermined number of out balls. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be calculated and judged periodically every predetermined time (for example, 1 hour), or the base and the accessory may be determined in real time as the number of out balls increases by one. The ratio and the continuous accessory ratio may be calculated so that it can be determined whether or not it is abnormal.

(13) In the above-described embodiment, the above-mentioned predetermined information is transmitted every time the base, the accessory ratio and the continuous accessory ratio are calculated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the above-mentioned predetermined information may be transmitted periodically (for example, every hour).

(14) In the above-described embodiment, the abnormality of the base, the accessory ratio, and the continuous accessory ratio indicates that the on-board display 30 (FIG. 4, FIG. 4) is a 7-segment LED display of the payout control board 17. (See FIG. 21) to be notified by displaying on the display unit. This notification may be performed in response to a specific operation. Further, the values of the base, the accessory ratio, or the continuous accessory ratio may be displayed on the display unit of the payout control board 17. Further, the display may be displayed on a display unit that can be viewed by a player different from the display unit that the player cannot normally see, such as the display unit of the payout control board 17, for example, the display 54. In this case, the display may be displayed according to a specific operation on the touch panel of the display device 54. Further, it may be always displayed even if there is no specific operation. Also, even if the base, the bonus ratio and the continuous bonus ratio are abnormal, and at least one or more of the base, the bonus ratio and the continuous bonus ratio are displayed. good. Also, information suggesting one or more of these pieces of information (eg, displaying a red icon, making the background red) or related information (eg, base, bonus ratio, or continuous bonus ratio). A graph display such as a bar graph or a line graph) may be displayed.

(15) In the above-described embodiment, the upper limit value Blun and the lower limit value Blln of the base bln for each winning opening are given in advance in the abnormality determination of the bias of the base for each winning opening, and are based on these values. Therefore, the abnormality determination is performed as shown in step S185 of FIG.

However, the winning opening is not limited to this, and the winning opening is calculated from the total number of out balls and the number of safe balls for each winning opening so that the design value of the ratio between the winning openings of the base for each winning opening is given in advance. Anomaly determination may be made depending on how much the ratio between the winning openings on each base deviates from the design value.

In addition, the ratio between the base winning openings for each winning opening calculated from the total number of out balls and the number of safe balls for each winning opening is that of other winning openings after considering the number of winning balls for each winning opening. An abnormality determination may be made when there is something relatively larger than the ratio.

(16) In the above-described embodiment, the base calculation results calculated in steps S144 and S154 of FIG. 15 and step S184 of FIG. 17 are retained for, for example, a predetermined time (for example, 10 hours). The oldest one may be deleted every hour. Further, the calculation result may be retained for a predetermined time, and the oldest one may be deleted each time the calculation result is calculated.

(17) In the above-described embodiment, the number of out balls is calculated by the methods shown in step S141 and step S154 of FIG. 15, step S137 and step S138 of FIG. However, the number of out balls may be calculated by subtracting the number of balls detected by the foul ball detection switch 33A from the number of balls detected by the launch ball detection switch 903.

(18) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in step S142, step S145, step S152, and step S155 of FIG. 15, the base makes an abnormality determination every time the number of out balls reaches 100 balls. bottom. Further, as shown in steps S161, S171, and S173 of FIG. 15, the bonus ratio and the continuous bonus ratio are determined to be abnormal every time the number of out balls reaches 60,000. However, the number of out balls is not limited to this, and the base makes an abnormality judgment every time the number of out balls reaches a different number from 100 balls (for example, 60,000 balls), and the bonus ratio and the continuous bonus ratio are such that the number of out balls is An abnormality determination may be made each time the number of balls differs from 60,000 (for example, 600,000). Further, at the same timing, the abnormality determination of the base, the accessory ratio and the continuous accessory ratio may be made.

(19) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in step S161, step S171, and step S173 of FIG. 15, the accessory ratio and the continuous accessory ratio are determined to be abnormal every time the number of out balls reaches 60,000. I tried to do it. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and every time the number of out balls reaches a predetermined number (for example, 60,000 balls), the accessory ratio and the continuous accessory ratio are calculated, and every time the number of out balls is calculated a plurality of times (for example, 10 times). , An abnormality may be determined.

(20) In the above-described embodiment, when the base, the accessory ratio, and the continuous accessory ratio are continuously determined to be abnormal, when it is determined that the abnormality has been resolved, information indicating that fact is provided. It may be transmitted to the management device outside or inside the game hall.

(21) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in step S103 of FIG. 14, the reference value for determining the abnormality of the base or the like is acquired from the management device such as the game machine management server 802. bottom. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and such a reference value is stored in advance in a device (for example, a gaming machine, a gaming device, a management device different from the gaming machine management server 802, etc.) in which the reference value is determined. It may be. Further, such a reference value may be input and set and stored in a device in which a clerk of a game hall or the like determines the reference value.

(22) In the above-described embodiment, the number of winnings (granting information) included in the game status notification command transmitted from the main control unit 161 of the P-unit 2 which is the enclosed circulation type pachinko gaming machine to the payout control unit 171 is obtained. The configuration in which Fh is provided for the data type has been described so that it can be distinguished before and after the game state changes. The configuration is not limited to the P unit 2, and can be similarly applied to a slot machine or the like. For example, in a slot machine, when the gaming state is changed from the normal state to the AT state, for example, the state information indicating the AT state for notifying the change after transmitting the winning number of the prize ball command before the change. Is transmitted, and then the number of winning balls of the prize ball command after the change is transmitted. The change in the gaming state includes a change to the bonus state, a change to the ART state, and the like.

(23) In the above-described embodiment, data is provided so that the number of winnings (granting information) included in the game status notification command transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the payout control unit 171 can be distinguished before and after the game status changes. The configuration in which Fh is provided for each type has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any configuration may be used as long as the number of winnings (granting information) can be distinguished before and after the game state changes. For example, the game status information may be added and distinguished for each winning number (granting information), or the winning number (granting information) may be counted separately for each gaming status.

(24) In the above-described embodiment, when the data type of the game information included in the game status notification command is Fh as shown in FIG. 11, between the previous game status notification and the current game status notification. He explained that it is possible to show that the game state has changed to low base, high base, big hit, and small hit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, when the data type of the game information included in the game state notification command is Fh, the game state is probable changed between the previous game state notification and the current game state notification, and the time is shortened. You may be able to show that it has changed to.

(25) In the above-described embodiment, as a predetermined process performed by the payout control unit 171 based on the number of winnings (granting information) transmitted from the main control unit 161, a low base time base bl or a high base time base bh It includes a process of calculating a base, calculating a bonus ratio u, a continuous bonus ratio v, and the like. Of course, the predetermined process may be any process other than the above process as long as it is a process based on the given information.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

2 Pachinko game machine, 3 card unit, 16 main control board, 17 payout control board, 26 game board, 29 game ball number indicator, 171 payout control unit, 309 card insertion / ejection port, 319 replay button, 320 IR light receiving Unit, 321 ball lending button, 322 return button, 323 CU control unit.

Claims (1)

It is a gaming machine with a gaming medium enclosed in it.
A first control means that can control a plurality of gaming states and can transmit information on the gaming value given to the player based on the establishment of a predetermined condition and state information indicating the state of the gaming machine.
A second control means capable of executing a predetermined process based on the given information and the state information transmitted from the first control means is provided.
The grant information is composed of type information and count number information.
The type information is composed of a data type indicating the type of winning opening and a data number corresponding to each winning opening.
The count number information is composed of information indicating the number of winning balls and information indicating the number of winning balls.
The first control means
When the given information is transmitted to the second control means at a predetermined interval and the gaming state changes within the predetermined interval and a prize is generated before and after the change, the given information based on the winning before the change, said. A gaming machine that transmits status information and grant information based on winning after the change.

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