JP7078287B2 - Game system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming system.

A game store that provides games such as pachinko is a game system configured by connecting a game table, a calling lamp device, a ball lending device, and each device installed in the game store such as a hall computer with a twisted pair wire or the like. Has been introduced. The game table outputs game information indicating the game state of the game table to a calling lamp device, a hall computer, or the like. The game information output from the game table is collected and managed by the hall computer, and is collected by the call lamp device and posted in the game store.

By the way, the type of game information output from the game console differs depending on the model of the game console. Further, the types of information collected among the game information output from the game console differ depending on the game store. Further, the connection form of each device installed in the game store differs depending on the game store. Moreover, each device installed in the amusement store often has different introduction times to manufacturers and amusement stores, and often does not have unified specifications. Therefore, in the existing game system, it is not easy to partially replace each device installed in the game store because it involves complicated connection work and setting work.

Under such circumstances, in Patent Document 1, a gaming machine generates a plurality of types of gaming information in a predetermined data format, and the connection form of each device installed in the game store is unified into a connection form capable of serial communication. Therefore, it has been proposed that a single serial communication cable can transmit a plurality of types of game information at one time.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-24193

However, the game system disclosed in Patent Document 1 may not be able to collect game information that should be originally collected by each device when a communication error occurs between the devices installed in the game store. Therefore, in the gaming system disclosed in Patent Document 1, even if the communication state between the devices returns to normal, the gaming state grasped by each device may not always be the normal gaming state.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an example of a problem to solve the above-mentioned problems. That is, one example of the problem of the present invention is to provide a gaming system capable of appropriately grasping a gaming state even if a communication error occurs.

The gaming system according to one aspect of the present invention is connected to a gaming device including a gaming table that provides a game using a gaming medium to a player, and a management device that manages a gaming state in the gaming table, and is connected to the gaming device. The game device is provided with an information device installed in the game store where the game is installed, and a relay device installed in the game store and relaying communication between the game device and the information device, and the game device is the game. Game information that is assigned to different types according to the state and includes at least out information indicating the number of game balls fired on the game board surface of the game table and safe information indicating the number of prize balls paid out to the player. The relay device outputs the output to the relay device according to the progress order of the game, and the relay device calculates the cumulative value obtained by accumulating the number of times the out information output from the game device is output and the number of times the safe information is output. A message including the accumulated cumulative value is transmitted to the information device by serial communication, and the information device uses the game included in the message based on the cumulative value included in the message transmitted from the relay device. The game state when the information is output from the game device is specified, and the cumulative value included in the message transmitted this time from the relay device is included in the message transmitted from the relay device before the previous time. By using the cumulative value and the game information included in the message transmitted this time from the relay device, the game state when the game information is output from the game device is specified.

Preferably, in the gaming system, the information device has the cumulative value included in the message transmitted this time from the relay device and the cumulative value included in the message transmitted from the relay device before the previous time. And, are used to specify the game state when the game information included in the message transmitted this time from the relay device is output from the game device.

Preferably, in the gaming system, the information device executes a determination as to whether or not there is an error in the message based on the message transmitted from the relay device, and the result of the determination is the error. If it indicates that it exists, a request for resending the message is transmitted to the relay device.

Preferably, in the gaming system, the information device includes a first information device connected to the relay device and a second information device connected to the first information device, and the relay device is the relay device. The same message is transmitted to each of the first information device and the second information device all at once.

Preferably, in the gaming system, when the first information device receives the message transmitted from the relay device, the determination is executed, and the result of the determination indicates that the error exists. When the retransmission request is transmitted to the relay device and the second information device receives the message transmitted from the relay device via the first information device, the determination is executed and the result of the determination is obtained. When it indicates that there is the error, the retransmission request is transmitted to the relay device, and the relay device receives the retransmission request transmitted from at least one of the first information device and the second information device. Then, the message is retransmitted to each of the first information device and the second information device.

Preferably, in the game system, the game device further includes a rental device that supplies the game medium to the game table and rents the game medium to the player, and the game table generates the game information. The lending device generates lending information indicating the lending state of the game medium and outputs the lending information to the relay device, and the lending device outputs the game information output from the game console to the relay device. Output to.

Preferably, in the gaming system, the relay device is integrally formed inside the gaming device.

The gaming system according to one aspect of the present invention can appropriately grasp the gaming state even if a communication error occurs.

Some embodiments of the present invention will be described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a gaming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a connection mode of the gaming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a message transmitted from the relay device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a communication control sequence viewed from a signal terminal included in the serial connector of the relay device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration of an IF circuit connected to a serial connector in the relay device or management device terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the message reception process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the cumulative value analysis process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the content of the cumulative value analysis process shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the cumulative value analysis process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the content of the cumulative value analysis process shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a message transmitted from the relay device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below show some examples of the present invention and do not limit the content of the present invention. Moreover, not all of the configurations and operations described in each embodiment are essential for the configurations and operations of the present invention. The same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

[1. Overall configuration of the game system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of the game system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The game system 1 according to the first embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to a game system provided with a pachinko machine.

The game system 1 is configured by connecting each device installed in the game store with a communication cable, and is a system for managing the operating state of each device installed in the game store. The game system 1 includes, for example, a game table 10, a rental device 20, a relay device 30, an information posting device 40, a management device terminal 50, and a management device 60. The game console 10, the rental device 20, the relay device 30, the information display device 40, the management device terminal 50, and the management device 60 are connected in series in this order. The game system 1 may be provided with various devices other than the devices shown in FIG. 1, such as an island counter and a ball storage prize exchange.

The game table 10 is a pachinko machine that provides a player with a game using a game ball as a game medium. The game console 10 is connected to the rental device 20. The game table 10 launches a game ball onto the game board surface by the operation of the player, and performs a game in which a prize is awarded to a winning opening provided on the game board surface.

When the game ball wins a prize in the winning opening, the game table 10 performs an internal lottery. Based on the lottery result, the game table 10 pays out prize balls according to the winnings to the player while shifting to various game modes such as loss, big hit game, probabilistic game, and time-saving game. The operating state of the game table 10 related to the game, such as the game mode and the winning state of the game table 10, is also referred to as a "game state" in the game table 10.

The game table 10 generates "game information" which is information indicating a game state. The game information is assigned to different types according to the game state of the game table. The game information output from the game console differs depending on the model of the game console. The game information includes, for example, out information indicating the number of game balls fired on the game board surface, safe information indicating the number of prize balls paid out to the player, information indicating the number of times the symbol has been changed, and winning a jackpot game. Information indicating the number of times, information indicating the number of times the probabilistic game has been won, information indicating the number of times the time-saving game has been won, and the like are included. Further, the game information includes information indicating the start of the jackpot game, information indicating the end of the jackpot game, information indicating the start of the probabilistic game, information indicating the end of the probabilistic game, information indicating the start of the time-saving game, and time-saving. Information indicating the end of the game is included. Further, the game information may include time information in which such information is generated.

The game state of the game table 10 changes according to the progress of the game. Each time the game state changes, the game table 10 generates game information according to the game state and outputs it to the lending device 20. In other words, each time the game information changes, the game table 10 outputs the game information to the rental device 20 according to the progress order of the game.

The gaming table 10 is an enclosed gaming table (eco-game machine, managed game machine) in which a predetermined number of gaming balls are enclosed inside the gaming table 10 and these gaming balls are circulated and used inside the gaming table 10. It may be a machine).

The rental device 20 is a device that supplies a game ball to the game table 10 and rents the game ball to the player. The lending device 20 may be, for example, a ball lending device. The rental device 20 is provided on a one-to-one basis with the game console 10. The rental device 20 is provided so as to be sandwiched between a plurality of game consoles 10. The rental device 20 is connected to each of the game table 10 and the relay device 30.

When cash, a prepaid card, a membership card, or the like is inserted into a predetermined slot by a player's operation and the lending button is pressed, the lending device 20 supplies a game ball according to the inserted amount to the game table 10. By doing so, the game ball is lent to the player. The operating state of the lending device 20 related to the lending of the game medium, such as the relationship between the input amount and the number of rented game balls, is also referred to as a “lending state” in the lending device 20.

The lending device 20 generates "lending information" which is information indicating a lending state. The lending information includes information on the amount of money put in, information on the number of game balls lent out, and the like. Further, the lending information may include time information in which such information is generated.

The lending state of the lending device 20 changes according to the operation of the player related to the lending of the game ball. Each time the lending state changes, the lending device 20 generates lending information according to the lending state and outputs it to the relay device 30. Further, the rental device 20 outputs the game information output from the game table 10 to the relay device 30. That is, the lending device 20 once takes in the game information generated by the game table 10, integrates it with the lending information generated by the lending device 20, and outputs it to the relay device 30. At this time, the lending device 20 outputs the game information to the relay device 30 according to the progress order of the game each time the game information changes.

The game console 10 and the rental device 20 are collectively referred to as "game device 2". One gaming device 2 includes one gaming table 10 and one rental device 20.

Further, when the game table 10 is an enclosed game table, the rental device 20 does not need to supply the game balls to the game table 10, and the information on the number of game balls to be rented according to the amount of money put into the game table is used as the game table. It may be output to 10. Further, when the game table 10 is an enclosed game table, the rental device 20 may be integrally formed with the game table 10, and it can be said that the game information and the rental information are output from the game device 2. ..

The relay device 30 is a communication module that relays communication between the game device 2 and the information display device 40. The relay device 30 is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the game device 2. The relay device 30 may be integrally formed inside the gaming device 2. The relay device 30 may be provided as an external option module of the rental device 20 included in the gaming device 2. The relay device 30 may be connected to the rental device 20 and the information posting device 40, respectively.

When the game information output from the game device 2 is input, the relay device 30 calculates a cumulative value obtained by accumulating the number of times the game information is output for each type of game information. The relay device 30 adds the calculated cumulative value to the game information on which the cumulative value is calculated, and generates a telegram suitable for the serial communication method. At this time, the relay device 30 generates the message after including the error detection code (EDC) of the data constituting the message. Further, at this time, the relay device 30 may generate the message after performing encryption processing on the data constituting the message. The relay device 30 transmits the generated telegram to the information posting device 40 by serial communication according to the progress order of the game every time the game information changes, that is, every time the cumulative value changes.

For example, it is assumed that the game information is output from the game device 2 and the type of the game information is safe information. In this case, the relay device 30 calculates the cumulative value by accumulating the number of times that the safe information is output from the gaming device 2. Subsequently, it is assumed that the game information is output from the game device 2 and the type of the game information is out information. In this case, the relay device 30 calculates the cumulative value by accumulating the number of times the out information is output from the game device 2. That is, the relay device 30 separately calculates the cumulative value of the safe information and the cumulative value of the out information. In this way, the relay device 30 accumulates the number of times the game information is output from the game device 2 for each type of game information, and calculates the cumulative value for each type of game information.

The cumulative value is calculated as the number of times the game information is output immediately after the game device 2 is cleared. Generally, each device of the game system 1 is cleared at least before the opening of the game store. If the game device 2 has not been cleared between the opening of the game store and the current time of the day, the cumulative value indicates the number of times the game information has been output from the opening of the game store to the present time of the day. There is.

Further, when the rental information output from the gaming device 2 is input, the relay device 30 generates a telegram including the rental information and transmits it to the information posting device 40 by serial communication. At this time, the relay device 30 can calculate the cumulative value of the lending information and transmit it to the information posting device 40 in the same manner as the game information.

The detailed configuration of the relay device 30 and the telegram will be described later with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

The information posting device 40 is a device that collects game information and posts it in the game store. The information posting device 40 may be, for example, a call lamp device. The information posting device 40 can collect and store game information and rental information. The information posting device 40 can transmit the collected information to these devices after a trouble occurs in the management device terminal 50, the management device 60, and the like and is restored, and can prevent the information from being lost. can. The information posting device 40 is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the game table 10. The information posting device 40 is provided so as to be placed on the upper part of the game table 10. The information posting device 40 is connected to each of the relay device 30 and the management device terminal 50.

When the information posting device 40 receives the message transmitted from the relay device 30, the information posting device 40 transmits the received message as it is to the management device terminal 50. Further, the information posting device 40 executes a determination as to whether or not there is an error in the telegram based on the received telegram. That is, the information posting device 40 performs error detection processing of the received telegram. Then, if there is an error in the telegram, the information posting device 40 transmits a retransmission request for the telegram to the relay device 30. The process performed when the telegram transmitted from the relay device 30 is received is also referred to as "telegram reception process".

Further, the information posting device 40 specifies the game state when the game information included in the message is output from the game device 2 based on the cumulative value included in the received message. Then, the information posting device 40 displays the game information indicating the specified game state on the display. In order to specify the game state when the game information included in the received message is output from the game device 2, the process of analyzing the number of times the game information is output using the cumulative value included in the message is performed. Also referred to as "cumulative value analysis processing". The cumulative value analysis process is executed as part of the telegram reception process.

The detailed configuration of the information posting device 40 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. Further, the telegram reception process and the cumulative value analysis process of the information posting device 40 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

The management device terminal 50 is a communication module that relays communication between the information posting device 40 and the management device 60. The management device terminal 50 may be, for example, a stand controller (table unit). The management device terminal 50 can collect and store game information and rental information. The management device terminal 50 can transmit the collected information to these devices after a trouble occurs in the information posting device 40, the management device 60, and the like and is restored, so that the loss of the information can be prevented. can. The management device terminal 50 is provided with a one-to-one correspondence with the game console 10. The management device terminal 50 is connected to each of the information posting device 40 and the management device 60.

When the management device terminal 50 receives the message transmitted from the relay device 30 via the information posting device 40, the management device terminal 50 executes a determination as to whether or not there is an error in the message based on the received message. Then, if there is an error in the message, the management device terminal 50 transmits a retransmission request for the message to the relay device 30. That is, the management device terminal 50 executes the message reception process in the same manner as the information posting device 40.

Further, the management device terminal 50 specifies the game state when the game information included in the message is output from the game device 2 based on the cumulative value included in the received message. That is, the management device terminal 50 executes the cumulative value analysis process in the same manner as the information posting device 40. Then, the management device terminal 50 transmits the results of the message reception process and the cumulative value analysis process to the management device 60.

The information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 are collectively referred to as "information device 3". Further, when one "island" is formed by a plurality of game consoles 10, the management device terminal 50 provided in a one-to-one correspondence with each of the plurality of game consoles 10 is a management device terminal 50 and a management device 60. It may be connected to the management device 60 via an "island controller" that relays communication with and from. In this case, the information device 3 may include an island controller in addition to the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50. That is, the information device 3 is arranged between the relay device 30 and the management device 60, and includes a device capable of communicating game information.

The detailed configuration of the management device terminal 50 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. Further, the detailed contents of the telegram reception process and the cumulative value analysis process of the management device terminal 50 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

The management device 60 is a device that comprehensively manages each device constituting the game system 1. The management device 60 collects game information and rental information, and manages the game state in the game table 10 and the rental state in the rental device 20. The management device 60 can transmit the collected information to these devices after a trouble occurs in the information posting device 40, the management device terminal 50, and the like and is restored, so that the loss of the information can be prevented. can. The management device 60 may be, for example, a hall computer. The management device 60 may be connected to a device other than the device shown in FIG. 1, such as an island counter and a ball storage prize exchange, and may collect various information other than game information and rental information.

[2. Detailed configuration of the game system]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a connection mode of the game system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a message transmitted from the relay device 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a communication control sequence viewed from a signal terminal included in the serial connector of the relay device 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, the game device 2 including the game table 10 and the rental device 20 outputs the game information and the rental information to the relay device 30.

At this time, the game console 10 generates a pulse signal indicating game information and outputs the pulse signal from the connector for external output. The output pulse signal indicating the game information is input to the connector on the game table 10 side of the rental device 20. The lending device 20 outputs a pulse signal indicating the input game information from the connector on the relay device 30 side. The output pulse signal indicating the game information is input to the connector 31 on the rental device 20 side of the relay device 30.

The lending device 20 generates a pulse signal indicating lending information and outputs the pulse signal from the connector on the relay device 30 side. The output pulse signal indicating the rental information is input to the connector 31 on the rental device 20 side of the relay device 30.

The pulse signal indicating the game information and the pulse signal indicating the rental information are generated as different types of signals depending on the type of the game information and the type of the rental information. Each signal terminal included in each connector of the game table 10 and the rental device 20 and the connector 31 of the relay device 30 is assigned in association with the type of the game information or the pulse signal indicating the rental information.

The connector 31 of the relay device 30 is connected to the control unit in the relay device 30 via, for example, a capacitive insulation type or a photocoupler insulation type IF (Interface) circuit. The control unit of the relay device 30 identifies the signal number of the pulse signal input from the connector 31. The signal number is assigned in association with the type of pulse signal indicating game information or lending information. That is, the signal number indicates game information or rental information, and the type of signal number indicates the type of game information or rental information.

The control unit of the relay device 30 uses the signal number corresponding to the pulse signal as the transmission data instead of the pulse signal input from the connector 31. Then, the control unit of the relay device 30 creates data including the signal number and the above-mentioned cumulative value, and adds an error detection code, a command, and the like to conform to the serial communication method as shown in FIG. Generate a telegram.

The control unit of the relay device 30 is connected to the connector 32 on the information display device 40 side via a photocoupler insulation type IF circuit. The connector 32 is a serial connector suitable for a serial communication method such as SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface). The signal terminals included in the connector 32 include, for example, a CS (Chip Select) terminal, a CK (Clock) terminal, a MOSI (Master Out Slave In) terminal, and a MISO (Master In Slave Out) terminal.

The MOSI terminal is a terminal for transmitting the generated above-mentioned telegram to the succeeding devices (information posting device 40 and management device terminal 50) of the relay device 30. The MISO terminal is a terminal for receiving an ACK (Acknowledgement) or NAK (Negative Acknowledgement) response from a device that receives the telegram. The CK terminal is a terminal for transmitting a CK signal (clock signal). The CS terminal is a terminal for transmitting a CS signal (select signal) that specifies a succeeding device that receives the telegram.

When transmitting the generated above-mentioned message from the connector 32, the control unit of the relay device 30 activates the CS signal and designates a succeeding device to receive the message, as shown in FIG. However, as will be described later, since the succeeding device that receives the telegram is connected to the relay device 30 so as to form a bus-type communication topology, when the CS signal is activated, any succeeding device is concerned. You are specified to receive a telegram.

Subsequently, the control unit of the relay device 30 activates the CK signal at a predetermined cycle and writes the telegram to the MOSI terminal in synchronization with the CK signal. When the writing of the telegram is completed, the control unit of the relay device 30 returns the CS signal to inactivity. Further, the MISO terminal is set to high impedance. In this way, the telegram written in the MOSI terminal is transmitted to the succeeding device.

When the message is transmitted to the succeeding device of the relay device 30, the succeeding device transmits an ACK or NAK response to the relay device 30. At this time, the ACK or NAK response is transmitted to the MISO terminal of the connector 32 and read out to the control unit of the relay device 30. In this way, the relay device 30 receives the ACK or NAK response from the MISO terminal. The NAK response corresponds to the above-mentioned request for retransmitting the telegram transmitted from the relay device 30.

As shown in FIG. 2, the message transmitted from the connector 32 of the relay device 30 is received from the connector 41 on the relay device 30 side of the information posting device 40. The connector 41 of the information posting device 40 is a serial connector having the same shape as the connector 32 of the relay device 30, and includes a signal terminal similar to that of the connector 32. The CS terminal, CK terminal, MOSI terminal and MISO terminal included in the connector 41 are connected to the CS terminal, CK terminal, MOSI terminal and MISO terminal included in the connector 32, respectively.

The connector 41 of the information bulletin board 40 is connected to the control unit in the information bulletin board 40 via a photocoupler isolated IF circuit. The control unit of the information posting device 40 holds a library 43 of a program that controls communication of the information posting device 40. The library 43 includes a library of a program that executes a telegram reception process and a cumulative value analysis process.

The control unit of the information posting device 40 is connected to the connector 42 on the management device terminal 50 side via a photocoupler isolated IF circuit. The connector 42 of the information display device 40 is a serial connector having the same shape as the connector 32, and like the connector 32, includes a CS terminal, a CK terminal, a MOSI terminal, and a MISO terminal.

When receiving the message transmitted from the connector 32 of the relay device 30, the control unit of the information posting device 40 executes the message reception process using the library 43 and reads the message from the MOSI terminal included in the connector 41. Then, the control unit of the information posting device 40 writes the read message to the MOSI terminal of the connector 42, and transmits the message as it is to the management device terminal 50 of the succeeding device.

Further, the control unit of the information posting device 40 writes the above-mentioned ACK or NAK response, which is the result of performing the error detection processing of the read message in the message reception process, to the MISO terminal of the connector 41, thereby writing the above-mentioned ACK. Alternatively, the NAK response is transmitted to the relay device 30. Then, the control unit of the information posting device 40 performs a cumulative value analysis process using the library 43, and stores the count value described later in the volatile memory of the information posting device 40.

The management device terminal 50 also has the same configuration as the information posting device 40. That is, the connector 51 on the information display device 40 side of the management device terminal 50 has the same configuration as the connector 41. The library 53 of the management device terminal 50 also has the same configuration as the library 43. Then, the control unit of the management device terminal 50 executes the message reception process and the cumulative value analysis process using the library 53 in the same manner as the control unit of the information posting device 40.

The communication between the management device terminal 50 and the management device 60 is performed by a unique communication method different from the serial communication method which is the communication method between the relay device 30 and the management device terminal 50. The communication method between the management device terminal 50 and the management device 60 may be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network).

The connector 52 on the management device 60 side of the management device terminal 50 and the connector 61 on the management device terminal 50 side of the management device 60 are connectors suitable for the communication method such as LAN. The control unit of the management device terminal 50 transmits the results of the message reception process and the cumulative value analysis process to the management device 60 by the communication method. The management device 60 receives and stores the results of the message reception process and the cumulative value analysis process transmitted from the management device terminal 50.

In the above, it has been described that the relay device 30 generates a telegram for serial communication from a pulse signal indicating game information or rental information, but the game table 10 or the rental device 20 has serial communication including game information or rental information. You may generate the telegrams for each. That is, the lending device 20 may transmit a telegram including game information or lending information to the relay device 30 by serial communication.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration of an IF circuit connected to a serial connector in the relay device 30 to the management device terminal 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Subsequent devices (information posting device 40 and management device terminal 50) that receive the message transmitted from the relay device 30 are connected to the relay device 30 that transmits the message so as to form a bus-type communication topology. ..

Each IF circuit connected to the serial connector (connector 32 and connector 42) on the message transmission side in the relay device 30 to the management device terminal 50 is a photocoupler isolated type IF circuit. That is, each IF circuit is configured so that the output from each photocoupler turns on each MOSI terminal as a contact signal.

In each IF circuit connected to the serial connectors (connector 41 and connector 51) on the message receiving side in the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50, each receiver is directly connected to each photocoupler on the message transmitting side. Then, each IF circuit is configured to detect the voltage at each contact output point using its own power supply and turn on each subsequent photocoupler on the message transmission side by the detection signal. The voltage at each contact output point is detected by utilizing the fact that when the contact output of each photocoupler is turned on, it becomes 0V, and when the contact output of each photocoupler is turned off, it becomes the voltage value of the self-power supply.

Then, when transmitting the telegram, the photocoupler for the MOSI terminal is turned on in the IF circuit connected to the connector 32 of the relay device 30. Then, in the IF circuit connected to the connector 41 of the information display device 40, the receiver for the MOSI terminal is turned on. Then, in the IF circuit connected to the connector 42 of the information display device 40, the photocoupler for the MOSI terminal is turned on. Similarly, in the IF circuit connected to the connector 51 of the management device terminal 50, the receiver for the MOSI terminal is turned ON, and in the IF circuit connected to the connector 52, the photocoupler for the MOSI terminal is turned ON. The same applies to the device following the management device terminal 50.

That is, the change in the message signal transmitted from the relay device 30 changes the state of the message signal transmitted from the information posting device 40 at the same time in terms of logical operation. The signal values of the message signals received by the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 are all the same in terms of logical operation.

Therefore, in the game system 1 according to the first embodiment, the relay device 30 can simultaneously transmit a telegram having the same contents to each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50. The contents of the message to be received by each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 need to be essentially the same. Therefore, it is preferable that the relay device 30 simultaneously transmits the same message.

Here, the rental device 20, the information posting device 40, and the management device terminal 50, which supply electric power to the relay device 30, are manufactured by different manufacturers and often have different power supply systems. Therefore, in the relay device 30 to the management device terminal 50, it is often difficult to connect to a common power source when detecting the voltage at the contact output point on the message receiving side.

In the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment, each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 detects the voltage at the contact output point on the message receiving side by using the self-power supply. Therefore, in the game system 1 according to the first embodiment, even if the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 are manufactured by different manufacturers, the message transmitted from the relay device 30 is the information posting device 40 and the management. The same message is transmitted to each of the device terminals 50 all at once.

In the IF circuit of the information display device 40 and the management device terminal 50, a filter circuit is provided between the receiver and the photocoupler to remove noise, or the output of the receiver is once received by the control unit and the noise is removed by software. It is also possible to do it. Even in this case, it can be said that the relay device 30 and the management device terminal 50 are logically connected in a connection form constituting a bus-type communication topology.

Further, in each IF circuit connected to the serial connector (connector 41 and connector 51) on the ACK or NAK response transmission side of the information display device 40 and the management device terminal 50, the output from each photocoupler is a contact signal of each MISO terminal. Is configured to be turned on. Then, each photocoupler for the MISO terminal in each IF circuit is connected in parallel to the receiver for the MISO terminal of the relay device 30 by a wired OR connection method.

Therefore, in the game system 1 according to the first embodiment, the relay device 30 monitors the output of the receiver for the MISO terminal, and thereby receives the NAK response transmitted from at least one of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50. Can be detected and received. Even when a NAK response is transmitted from either the information posting device 40 or the management device terminal 50, the relay device 30 simultaneously sends a message having the same content to each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50. Resend to.

[3. Detailed flow of various processes]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the message reception process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The main processing contents of the message reception processing executed by each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 are substantially the same. Therefore, in FIG. 6, the message reception process executed by the information posting device 40 will be described as a representative.

In step S601, the information posting device 40 receives the telegram transmitted from the relay device 30.

In step S602, the information posting device 40 analyzes the received telegram. Then, the information posting device 40 executes the error detection process using the error detection code included in the message.

In step S603, the information posting device 40 executes a determination as to whether or not there is an error in the received message based on the result of the error detection process. When the result of the determination indicates that there is an error in the received telegram, the information posting device 40 proceeds to step S604. On the other hand, if the determination result does not indicate that there is an error in the received message, the information posting device 40 proceeds to step S605.

In step S604, the information posting device 40 transmits an ACK response to the relay device 30, and the process proceeds to step S606. The ACK response may be, for example, returning a value of ACK = 0 to the relay device 30. When the ACK response is transmitted, the relay device 30 determines that the telegram has been normally received.

In step S605, the information posting device 40 transmits a NAK response to the relay device 30, and ends this process. The NAK response may be, for example, returning a value of NAK = 1 to the relay device 30. When the NAK response is transmitted, the relay device 30 simultaneously retransmits a message having the same content to each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 up to a predetermined number of times. That is, the NAK response corresponds to a telegram retransmission request.

In step S606, the information posting device 40 executes the cumulative value analysis process based on the cumulative value included in the received message, and ends this process.

The detailed flow of the cumulative value analysis process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the cumulative value analysis process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The main processing contents of the cumulative value analysis processing executed by each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 are substantially the same. Therefore, in FIG. 7, the cumulative value analysis process executed by the information posting device 40 will be described as a representative.

In step S701, the information posting device 40 analyzes the message transmitted this time from the relay device 30 and stores the cumulative value P transmitted this time. Specifically, the information posting device 40 analyzes the signal number included in the message transmitted this time, and stores the cumulative value P included in the message transmitted this time for each type of signal number, that is, the type of game information. do.

In step S702, the information posting device 40 determines whether or not LP, which is the latest cumulative value among the cumulative values transmitted from the relay device 30 before the previous time, is stored.

For example, if the current time is immediately after the opening of the amusement store, the information posting device 40 is immediately after the activation, and the latest cumulative value LP is not stored. Further, for example, if a communication error occurs at the time of the previous message transmission and the cumulative value P is not reached, and if the cumulative value P is normally received at the time of the previous message transmission, the latest cumulative value LP is , It becomes the cumulative value P transmitted at the time of sending the message two times before.

If the latest cumulative value LP is stored, the information posting device 40 proceeds to step S703. On the other hand, the information posting device 40 proceeds to step S704 if the latest cumulative value LP is not stored.

In step S703, the information posting device 40 reads the latest cumulative value LP and proceeds to step S705.

In step S704, the information posting device 40 sets the difference value ΔP = 1 and proceeds to step S708. The difference value ΔP is a difference value between the cumulative value P transmitted this time and the LP which is the latest cumulative value. Since the difference value ΔP cannot be calculated unless the latest cumulative value LP is stored, the information posting device 40 sets the difference value ΔP = 1 in step S704.

In step S705, the information posting device 40 determines whether or not the latest cumulative value LP is larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time.

The cumulative value P basically increases if the gaming device 2 has not been cleared between the opening of the gaming store and the current time of the day. Therefore, the cumulative value P transmitted this time is basically larger than the latest cumulative value LP. The case where the latest cumulative value LP is larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time is a case where the information posting device 40 has not been cleared and the gaming device 2 has just been cleared. That is, the information posting device 40 can grasp when the game device 2 is cleared by executing the determination in step S705.

If the latest cumulative value LP is larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time, the information posting device 40 proceeds to step S707. On the other hand, if the latest cumulative value LP is not larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time, the information posting device 40 shifts to step S706.

In step S706, the information posting device 40 calculates the difference value ΔP using the following equation, and proceeds to step S708.
ΔP = P-LP

In step S707, the information posting device 40 sets the difference value ΔP = P, and proceeds to step S708. If the latest cumulative value LP is larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time, the difference value ΔP becomes a negative value, so the information posting device 40 sets the difference value ΔP = P in step S704.

In step S708, the information posting device 40 determines whether or not the count value T counted by using the cumulative value P transmitted this time and the latest cumulative value LP is stored.

The count value T is a value obtained by counting the number of times the information posting device 40, which is the recipient of the cumulative value P, outputs the game information immediately after the information posting device 40 is cleared. The count value T has the same concept as the cumulative value P. The count value T is counted for each type of game information and is associated with the cumulative value P. The count value T is counted using the difference value ΔP between the cumulative value P transmitted this time and the latest cumulative value LP. The count value T is not stored in the information posting device 40 immediately after the information posting device 40 is cleared.

If the count value T is stored, the information posting device 40 proceeds to step S709. On the other hand, if the count value T is not stored, the information posting device 40 proceeds to step S710.

In step S709, the information posting device 40 reads the count value T and proceeds to step S711.

In step S710, the information posting device 40 sets the count value T = 0, and proceeds to step S711. If the count value T is not stored, it is immediately after the information posting device 40 is cleared, so the information posting device 40 sets the counting value T = 0 as an initial value in step S710.

In step S711, the information posting device 40 counts the count value T using the following equation, and proceeds to step S712.
T = T + ΔP

In step S712, the information posting device 40 stores the count value T counted in step S711, and ends this process.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the content of the cumulative value analysis process shown in FIG. 7.

It is assumed that t1 in FIG. 8 is immediately after the opening of the amusement store. The time of t1 is the time when the game information is output for the first time after the game device 2 is cleared, and the cumulative value P transmitted this time is "P = 1". At t1, the latest cumulative value LP is not stored, so “LP =?”. At t1, since the latest cumulative value LP is not stored, it is determined as No in step S702 in FIG. 7, and the difference value ΔP becomes “ΔP = 1” (step S704 in FIG. 7). Since the count value T is not stored at t1, it is determined as No in step S708 of FIG. 7, and the initial value “T = 0” is set for the count value T (step S710 of FIG. 7).
Therefore, the count value T is counted and stored as “T = 0 + 1 = 1” using step S711 in FIG. 7 (step S712 in FIG. 7).

It is assumed that t2 in FIG. 8 is the time when the specific type of game information is output from the game device 2 for the second time. At t2, the cumulative value P to be transmitted this time is "P = 2", but the cumulative value P does not reach the information posting device 40 due to a communication error.

It is assumed that t3 in FIG. 8 is the time when the specific type of game information is output from the game device 2 for the third time. At t3, the cumulative value P transmitted this time is "P = 3". At the time of t3, the cumulative value P = 1 at the time of t1 is stored in the latest cumulative value LP (Yes in step S702 in FIG. 7), and “LP = 1”. At t3, since the latest cumulative value LP is not larger than the cumulative value P (Yes in step S705 in FIG. 7), the difference value ΔP is “ΔP = 3-1 = 2” (step S706 in FIG. 7). ). At the time of t3, the count value T = 1 at the time of t1 is stored in the count value T (Yes in step S708 of FIG. 7).
Therefore, the count value T is counted and stored as “T = 1 + 2 = 3” using step S711 in FIG. 7 (step S712 in FIG. 7).

It is assumed that t4 in FIG. 8 is the time when the specific type of game information is output from the game device 2 for the fifth time, and immediately after the latest cumulative value LP stored in the information posting device 40 has evaporated. .. At t4, the cumulative value P transmitted this time is "P = 5". At t4, the latest cumulative value LP is not stored, so “LP =?”. At t4, since the latest cumulative value LP is not stored, it is determined as No in step S702 in FIG. 7, and the difference value ΔP becomes “ΔP = 1” (step S704 in FIG. 7). At t4, it is assumed that the previously counted count value T = 4 is stored in the count value T (Yes in step S708 of FIG. 7).
Therefore, the count value T is counted and stored as “T = 4 + 1 = 5” using step S711 in FIG. 7 (step S712 in FIG. 7).

It is assumed that t5 in FIG. 8 is the time when the specific type of game information is output from the game device 2 for the seventh time, and immediately after the information posting device 40 is cleared. At t5, the cumulative value P transmitted this time is "P = 7". At t5, the latest cumulative value LP stores the previously transmitted cumulative value P = 6 (Yes in step S702 in FIG. 7), and “LP = 6”. At t5, since the latest cumulative value LP is not larger than the cumulative value P (Yes in step S705 in FIG. 7), the difference value ΔP is “ΔP = 7-6 = 1” (step S706 in FIG. 7). ). Since the count value T is not stored at t5, it is determined as No in step S708 of FIG. 7, and the initial value “T = 0” is set for the count value T (step S710 of FIG. 7).
Therefore, the count value T is counted and stored as “T = 0 + 1 = 1” using step S711 in FIG. 7 (step S712 in FIG. 7).

It is assumed that t6 in FIG. 8 is immediately after the game device 2 is cleared after the specific type of game information is output from the game device 2 for the ninth time. At t6, the game information is output for the first time after the game device 2 is cleared, and the cumulative value P transmitted this time is “P = 1”. At t6, the most recent cumulative value LP stores the previously transmitted cumulative value P = 9 (Yes in step S702 in FIG. 7), and “LP = 9”. At t6, since the latest cumulative value LP is larger than the cumulative value P (No in step S705 in FIG. 7), the difference value ΔP becomes “ΔP = P = 1” (step S707 in FIG. 7). At t6, the previously counted count value T = 3 is stored in the count value T (Yes in step S708 of FIG. 7).
Therefore, the count value T is counted and stored as “T = 3 + 1 = 4” using step S711 in FIG. 7 (step S712 in FIG. 7).

As described above, in the cumulative value analysis process according to the first embodiment, the latest count value T counted and stored before the previous time in the information posting device 40, which is the recipient of the cumulative value, is converted into the cumulative value P and the latest cumulative value. The current count value T is counted by updating with the difference value ΔP from the value LP. That is, in the cumulative value analysis process according to the first embodiment, the current count value T is counted in the information posting device 40, which is the recipient of the cumulative value, without depending on the cumulative value P itself transmitted this time. Therefore, even if the cumulative value P is not reached due to a communication error, the information posting device 40 accurately counts the number of times the game information is output (counting value T) immediately after the information posting device 40 is cleared. Can be done.

Here, each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 can store the count value T in the non-volatile memory, and even if its own power failure or reboot occurs, the count value T disappears. Can be prevented. Further, even when each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 is replaced, the count value T transmitted to the management device 60 up to that point can be acquired from the management device 60. As a result, each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 can specify the normal game state when the game information included in the message transmitted this time is output from the game device 2.

As described above, the information posting device 40 can grasp when the gaming device 2 is cleared. Immediately after the game device 2 is cleared, the information posting device 40 stores the cumulative value P immediately before the clear as the latest cumulative value LP. The added value of the cumulative value P immediately before clearing and the current cumulative value P immediately after clearing corresponds to the current normal cumulative value P. Therefore, the information posting device 40 can specify the normal gaming state when the gaming information included in the message transmitted this time is output from the gaming device 2 even immediately after the gaming device 2 is cleared.

As described above, the main processing contents of the cumulative value analysis processing executed by each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 are substantially the same as each other. Therefore, the contents described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 also apply to the cumulative value analysis process executed by the management device terminal 50. Further, as described above, the main processing contents of the cumulative value analysis process when the cumulative value is generated based on the lending information are the same as when the cumulative value is generated based on the game information. Therefore, the contents described in FIGS. 7 and 8 also apply to the cumulative value analysis process when the cumulative value is generated based on the loan information.

[4. Action effect]
Therefore, in the game system 1 according to the first embodiment, even if the cumulative value is not reached due to a communication error, the game information or the rental information included in the telegram transmitted this time is output from the game device 2. It is possible to specify the formal gaming state or lending state at the time. In other words, the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment can appropriately grasp the gaming state and the lending information even if a communication error occurs.

Further, the game system 1 according to the first embodiment is included in the message transmitted this time even when the game device 2 (particularly the rental device 20), the information posting device 40, the management device terminal 50, and the like are cleared. It is possible to specify the normal gaming state or lending state when the game information or lending information is output from the gaming device 2. Therefore, in the game system 1 according to the first embodiment, all the devices of the game system 1 are interlocked and cleared in synchronization, or all of them are not replaced all at once, but the game device 2 is in a normal game state or rented. The state can be specified.

In particular, in the game system 1 according to the first embodiment, even if each device manufactured by a different manufacturer is partially replaced or a trouble occurs in only a part of each device and the device is rebooted, the game is played. It is possible to specify the normal gaming state or lending state of the device 2. Therefore, the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment can partially replace each device manufactured by a different manufacturer without complicated connection work and setting work.

Further, in the game system 1 according to the first embodiment, as described above, a telegram having the same contents is simultaneously transmitted to each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50. In addition, even when a retransmission request is transmitted from either the information posting device 40 or the management device terminal 50, the same message is retransmitted to each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 all at once. Will be done. At this time, in the game system 1 according to the first embodiment, since the game table 10 to the management device terminal 50 are installed at a short distance, the probability that noise is mixed in the cable connecting these is low, and almost no communication error occurs. Does not occur. Therefore, in the game system 1 according to the first embodiment, the telegram is hardly retransmitted.

Therefore, the game system 1 according to the first embodiment reduces the number of times the telegram including the retransmission is transmitted, as compared with the case where the telegrams having the same contents are individually transmitted to the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 on a one-to-one basis. It can be reduced. Specifically, the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment can reduce the number of times the telegram is transmitted to the same extent as when the number of devices for receiving the telegram is one. Therefore, in the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment, the number of devices following the relay device 30 can be easily increased by cascade connection, and the communication time does not increase even if the number of succeeding devices increases. Therefore, the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment can reduce the load on the relay device 30 and suppress the delay in the telegram reception timing in the succeeding device of the relay device 30.

Further, the gaming system 1 according to the first embodiment can be applied to the existing gaming device 2 that outputs the gaming information or the lending information as a pulse signal as described above. Further, the game system 1 according to the first embodiment can also be applied to a game device 2 that outputs game information or rental information as a telegram for serial communication. The game system 1 according to the first embodiment can coexist a game device 2 that outputs game information or rental information as a pulse signal and a game device 2 that outputs a message for serial communication.

Therefore, the game system 1 according to the first embodiment can be easily introduced into an existing game store in which devices manufactured by different manufacturers or introduced at different times are mixed, which is natural for the next-generation communication method. It can be migrated by the flow.

[5. Other embodiments]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of the cumulative value analysis process according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Also in the cumulative value analysis processing according to the second embodiment, the main processing contents in each of the information posting device 40 to the management device 60 are substantially the same. Therefore, in FIG. 9, the cumulative value analysis process executed by the information posting device 40 will be described as a representative.

In the cumulative value analysis process according to the second embodiment, the clear cumulative value CP and the clear count value CT are used. The clear cumulative value CP is the cumulative value P immediately after the information posting device 40 or the game device 2 is cleared. The clear count value CT is the count value T immediately after the information posting device 40 or the gaming device 2 is cleared. The clear cumulative value CP is CP = P immediately after the information posting device 40 is cleared, and CP = (P-1) immediately after the gaming device 2 is cleared. The clear count value CT is CT = 1 immediately after the information posting device 40 is cleared, and CT = T immediately after the gaming device 2 is cleared. Then, the information posting device 40 of the second embodiment stores the latest cumulative value LP, clear cumulative value CP, and clear count value CT in the non-volatile memory.

In step S901, the information posting device 40 analyzes the telegram transmitted this time from the relay device 30 and stores the cumulative value P transmitted this time, similarly to step S701 of FIG.

In step S902, the information posting device 40 determines whether or not the latest cumulative value LP is stored, as in step S702 in FIG.

If the latest cumulative value LP is stored, the information posting device 40 proceeds to step S903. On the other hand, the information posting device 40 proceeds to step S904 if the latest cumulative value LP is not stored.

In step S903, the information posting device 40 determines whether or not the information posting device 40 has just been cleared. The information posting device 40 proceeds to step S906 immediately after the information posting device 40 is cleared. On the other hand, the information posting device 40 proceeds to step S905 unless the information posting device 40 is cleared immediately.

In step S904, the information posting device 40 sets the clear cumulative value CP = 0 and the clear count value CT = 0, and proceeds to step S910. If the latest cumulative value LP is not stored, it is immediately after the opening of the amusement store, and the clear cumulative value CP and the clear count value CT are not stored. Therefore, the information posting device 40 sets the clear cumulative value CP = 0 and the clear count value CT = 0 as initial values in step S904.

In step S905, the information posting device 40 reads out the latest cumulative value LP and proceeds to step S907 in the same manner as in step S703 of FIG.

In step S906, the information posting device 40 sets the clear cumulative value CP = P and the clear count value CT = 1, and proceeds to step S910. Since the information posting device 40 has just been cleared, the information posting device 40 sets the clear cumulative value CP = P and the clear count value CT = 1 in step S906.

In step S907, the information posting device 40 determines whether or not the latest cumulative value LP is larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time, as in step S705 of FIG. If the latest cumulative value LP is larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time, the information posting device 40 proceeds to step S909. On the other hand, if the latest cumulative value LP is not larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time, the information posting device 40 shifts to step S908.

In step S908, the information posting device 40 determines whether or not the clear cumulative value CP is larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time.

The case where the clear cumulative value CP is larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time is the case immediately after the game device 2 is cleared. That is, the information posting device 40 can grasp when the game device 2 is cleared by executing the determination in step S908.

If the clear cumulative value CP is larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time, the information posting device 40 proceeds to step S909. On the other hand, if the clear cumulative value CP is not larger than the cumulative value P transmitted this time, the information posting device 40 proceeds to step S910.

In step S909, the information posting device 40 sets the clear cumulative value CP = (P-1) and the clear count value CT = T, and proceeds to step S910. Since the game device 2 has just been cleared, the information posting device 40 sets the clear cumulative value CP = (P-1) and the clear count value CT = T in step S909.

In step S910, the information posting device 40 counts the count value T using the following equation, and proceeds to step S911.
T = CT + P-CP

The difference value (P-CP) between the cumulative value P and the clear cumulative value CP indicates the amount of increase in the cumulative value immediately after the information posting device 40 or the gaming device 2 is cleared. The clear count value CT indicates the count value T immediately after the information posting device 40 or the game device 2 is cleared.

In step S911, the information posting device 40 stores the count value T counted in step S910 and ends this process, similarly to step S712 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the content of the cumulative value analysis process shown in FIG.

It is assumed that t11 in FIG. 10 is immediately after the opening of the amusement store. At t11, the game information is output for the first time after the game device 2 is cleared, and the cumulative value P transmitted this time is “P = 1”. At t11, the latest cumulative value LP is not stored, so “LP =?”. At t11, it is immediately after the opening of the amusement store, and the clear cumulative value CP and the clear count value CT are not stored. Therefore, it is determined as No in step S902 of FIG. 9, and the clear cumulative value CP and the clear count value CT are used. , The initial values "CP = 0" and "CT = 0" are set (step S904 in FIG. 9).
Therefore, the count value T is counted and stored as “T = 0 + 1-0 = 1” using step S910 in FIG. 9 (step S911 in FIG. 9).

It is assumed that t12 in FIG. 10 is the time when the specific type of game information is output from the game device 2 for the second time. At t12, the cumulative value P to be transmitted this time is "P = 2", but the cumulative value P does not reach the information posting device 40 due to a communication error.

It is assumed that t13 in FIG. 10 is the time when the specific type of game information is output from the game device 2 for the third time. At t13, the cumulative value P transmitted this time is "P = 3". At t13, the latest cumulative value LP stores the cumulative value P = 1 at t11 (Yes in step S902 in FIG. 9), and “LP = 1”. At t13, not immediately after the information posting device 40 is cleared (No in step S903 of FIG. 9), the latest cumulative value LP is not larger than the cumulative value P (No in step S907 of FIG. 9), and the clear cumulative value is cleared. CP is not larger than the cumulative value P (No in step S908 of FIG. 9). Therefore, at t13, the clear cumulative value CP and the clear count value CT remain the clear cumulative value CP = 0 and the clear count value CT = 0 at the time of t11, and “CP = 0” and “CT = 0”. ".
Therefore, the count value T is counted and stored as “T = 0 + 3-0 = 3” using step S910 in FIG. 9 (step S911 in FIG. 9).

It is assumed that t14 in FIG. 10 is the time when the specific type of game information is output from the game device 2 for the fifth time, and immediately after the information posting device 40 is rebooted. At t14, the cumulative value P transmitted this time is "P = 5". At t14, even immediately after the information posting device 40 is rebooted, the latest cumulative value LP, clear cumulative value CP, and clear count value CT are held in the non-volatile memory. At t14, the latest cumulative value LP stores the previously transmitted cumulative value P = 4 (Yes in step S902 in FIG. 9), and “LP = 4”. At t14, not immediately after the information posting device 40 is cleared (No in step S903 of FIG. 9), the latest cumulative value LP is not larger than the cumulative value P (No in step S907 of FIG. 9), and the clear cumulative value is cleared. CP is not larger than the cumulative value P (No in step S908 of FIG. 9). Therefore, at t14, the clear cumulative value CP and the clear count value CT remain the clear cumulative value CP = 0 and the clear count value CT = 0 at the time of t11, and “CP = 0” and “CT = 0”. ".
Therefore, the count value T is counted and stored as “T = 0 + 5-0 = 5” using step S910 in FIG. 9 (step S911 in FIG. 9).

It is assumed that t15 in FIG. 10 is the time when the specific type of game information is output from the game device 2 for the seventh time, and immediately after the information posting device 40 is cleared. At t15, the cumulative value P transmitted this time is "P = 7". At t15, the latest cumulative value LP stores the previously transmitted cumulative value P = 6 (Yes in step S902 in FIG. 9), and “LP = 6”. At t15, since the information posting device 40 has just been cleared (Yes in step S903 of FIG. 9), CP = P and CT = 1 are set for the clear cumulative value CP and the clear count value CT, and " CP = 7 ”and“ CT = 1 ”(step S906 in FIG. 9).
Therefore, the count value T is counted and stored as “T = 1 + 7-7 = 1” using step S910 in FIG. 9 (step S911 in FIG. 9).

It is assumed that t16 in FIG. 10 is immediately after the game device 2 is cleared after the specific type of game information is output from the game device 2 for the ninth time. At t16, it is the time when the game information is output for the first time after the game device 2 is cleared, and the cumulative value P transmitted this time is “P = 1”. At t16, the latest cumulative value LP stores the previously transmitted cumulative value P = 9 (Yes in step S902 in FIG. 9), and “LP = 9”. At t15, not immediately after the information posting device 40 is cleared (No in step S903 in FIG. 9), but because the latest cumulative value LP is larger than the cumulative value P (Yes in step S907 in FIG. 9), the cleared cumulative value. CP = (P-1) and CT = T are set in the CP and the clear count value CT, and “CP = 1-1 = 0” and “CT = 3” are set (step S909 in FIG. 9).
Therefore, the count value T is counted and stored as “T = 3 + 1-0 = 4” using step S910 in FIG. 9 (step S911 in FIG. 9).

As described above, in the cumulative value analysis process according to the second embodiment, the latest cumulative value LP, the clear cumulative value CP, and the clear count value CT are stored in the non-volatile memory, and the current count value T is used by using these. Is counted accurately. That is, in the cumulative value analysis process according to the second embodiment, even if the latest count value T is not stored, the count value immediately after being cleared (clear count value CT) is the cumulative value immediately after being cleared. By updating with the increase amount (P-CP), the current count value T is accurately counted. Thereby, the information posting device 40 can specify the normal game state when the game information included in the message transmitted this time is output from the game device 2.

As described above, also in the cumulative value analysis processing according to the second embodiment, the main processing contents in each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 are substantially the same. Therefore, the contents described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 also apply to the cumulative value analysis process executed by the management device terminal 50. Further, as described above, the main processing contents of the cumulative value analysis process when the cumulative value is generated based on the lending information are the same as when the cumulative value is generated based on the game information. Therefore, the contents described in FIGS. 9 and 10 also apply to the cumulative value analysis process when the cumulative value is generated based on the loan information.

Therefore, in the game system 1 according to the second embodiment, each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 has the latest cumulative value LP, clear cumulative value CP, and clear count value stored in the non-volatile memory immediately before the stop of the information display device 40 and the management device terminal 50. The current count value T can be accurately counted using the CT and the cumulative value P transmitted after the restoration. As a result, in the game system 1 according to the second embodiment, the information on the change in the game state or the lending state while the information posting device 40 or the management device terminal 50 is stopped is not lost and is included in the message transmitted this time. The regular gaming state or lending state of the gaming device 2 can be specified.

Since other configurations, operations, and effects in the game system 1 of the second embodiment are the same as those of the game system 1 of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a message transmitted from the relay device 30 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

The telegram transmitted from the relay device 30 according to the third embodiment may include a hash value obtained by adding a plurality of cumulative values. Each of the plurality of cumulative values may be a cumulative value calculated from different types of game information.

Similar to the above-described first and second embodiments, the relay device 30 according to the third embodiment calculates and stores a plurality of types of cumulative values P according to the types of game information as P1, ..., Pn, respectively. ing.

When the game information of a specific type is input, the relay device 30 according to the third embodiment calculates and stores the cumulative value P1 of the specific type. The relay device 30 reads out the cumulative values P2, P3, ..., Pn of a type other than the specific type currently stored. The relay device 30 calculates the hash value H by adding the total cumulative values P1 to Pn currently stored as shown in the following equation.
H = P1 + P2 + ... + Pn

The relay device 30 according to the third embodiment creates data including a signal number corresponding to the input specific type of game information, a cumulative value P1 of the specific type, and a hash value H, and detects an error. A code, a command, and the like are added to generate a message as shown in FIG. Then, the relay device 30 simultaneously transmits the generated message to each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50.

Each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 according to the third embodiment has a plurality of types of count values T according to the type of game information, T1, T2, ... ..., Calculated as Tn and stored. Further, each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 according to the third embodiment has a plurality of types of cumulative LPs according to the type of game information, LP1 and LP2, respectively, as in the above-described first and second embodiments. , ..., I remember it as LPn.

Each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 according to the third embodiment performs the same processing as the cumulative value analysis processing according to the above-described first or second embodiment, and the cumulative value of the specific type transmitted this time is performed. The count value T1 corresponding to P1 is counted and stored. Further, each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 reads out a plurality of types of cumulative values LP1, LP2, ..., LPn that are currently stored. As shown in the following equation, each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 adds the total cumulative values LP1 to LPn currently stored to calculate the hash value H'.
H'= LP1 + LP2 + ... + LPn

Then, each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 according to the third embodiment compares the hash value H transmitted this time with the calculated hash value H'. If the hash value H transmitted this time and the calculated hash value H'are the same value, each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 ends the cumulative value analysis process. On the other hand, if the hash value H transmitted this time and the calculated hash value H'are different values, each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 requests the relay device 30 to "retransmit all messages". Is sent. The total telegram retransmission request is a request for retransmitting all telegrams including all cumulative values P1 to Pn to the relay device 30.

When the relay device 30 according to the third embodiment sends a full message retransmission request from any of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50, the relay device 30 sends a full message to each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50. Resend each of them in sequence. At this time, the relay device 30 according to the third embodiment simultaneously retransmits the same message to each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50, as in the above-described first and second embodiments.

Each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 according to the third embodiment recounts and stores each of the count values T1 to Tn using each of the cumulative values P1 to Pn included in each of the retransmitted messages. do. Further, each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 according to the third embodiment calculates the hash value H'using the cumulative values LP1 to LPn. When calculating the hash value H', each of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 calculates after receiving all the telegrams.

Here, when any of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 according to the third embodiment reboots, the hash value H transmitted immediately after the reboot and the calculated hash value H'are always different values. Therefore, a full message retransmission request is transmitted to the relay device 30. Further, when a communication error occurs and a period in which the cumulative value does not reach the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 occurs, the hash value H transmitted immediately after the communication error is recovered and the calculated hash Since the value H'is always different from the value H', a full message retransmission request is transmitted to the relay device 30.

Therefore, in the game system 1 according to the third embodiment, even if any of the information posting device 40 and the management device terminal 50 reboots or a communication error occurs, all the total values P1 to Pn are included. The message is immediately retransmitted from the relay device 30. Thereby, in the game system 1 according to the third embodiment, the total count values T1 to Tn can be immediately counted, and the normal game state or the lending state of the game device 2 can be quickly specified.

Since other configurations, operations, and effects in the game system 1 of the third embodiment are the same as those of the game system 1 of the first and second embodiments, the description thereof will be omitted.

[6. others]

The above-described embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to a game system including a pachinko machine, but the game system including a slot machine which is a game table 10 for providing a game using a game medal as a game medium to a player. Can also be applied to.

In the above-described embodiment, the gaming system 1 corresponds to an example of the "gaming system" described in the claims. The gaming device 2 corresponds to an example of the "gaming device" described in the claims. The information device 3 corresponds to an example of the "information device" described in the claims. The game table 10 corresponds to an example of the "game table" described in the claims. The lending device 20 corresponds to an example of the “lending device” described in the claims. The relay device 30 corresponds to an example of the "relay device" described in the claims. The information posting device 40 corresponds to an example of the "first information device" described in the claims. The management device terminal 50 corresponds to an example of the "second information device" described in the claims. The management device 60 corresponds to an example of the "management device" described in the claims.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above embodiments may apply each other's techniques to each other, including modifications.

The above description is intended to be merely an example, not a limitation. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to embodiments of the invention without departing from the claims.

Terms used throughout the specification and claims should be construed as "non-limiting" terms. For example, the terms "contains" and "contains" should be construed as "not limited to those described as being included." The term "have" should be construed as "not limited to what is described as having."

1 Game system 2 Game equipment 3 Information equipment 10 Game table 20 Rental device 30 Relay device 31 Connector 32 Connector 40 Information display device 41 Connector 42 Connector 43 Library 50 Management device terminal 51 Connector 52 Connector 53 Library 60 Management device 61 Connector

Claims (6)

A game machine including a game table that provides a player with a game using a game medium, and a game machine.
An information device that is connected to a management device that manages the game state of the game table and is installed in the game store where the game device is installed.
A relay device installed in the game store and relaying communication between the game device and the information device,
Equipped with
The game device is assigned to a different type according to the game state, and at least out information indicating the number of game balls fired on the game board surface of the game table and safe information indicating the number of prize balls paid out to the player are provided. The included game information is output to the relay device according to the progress order of the game.
The relay device serializes a telegram including a cumulative value obtained by accumulating the number of times the out information output from the gaming device is output and a cumulative value obtained by accumulating the number of times the safe information is output to the information device. Send by communication,
The information device identifies the game state when the game information included in the message is output from the game device, based on the cumulative value included in the message transmitted from the relay device.
The cumulative value included in the telegram transmitted this time from the relay device and
The cumulative value included in the telegram transmitted from the relay device before the previous time and
Using,
The game state when the game information included in the message transmitted this time from the relay device is output from the game device is specified.
Game system. The telegram contains a plurality of hash values of the cumulative values.
The information device is
Based on the telegram transmitted from the relay device, it is determined whether or not there is an error in the telegram.
The gaming system according to claim 1. The information device includes a first information device connected to the relay device and a second information device.
The relay device simultaneously transmits the same message to each of the first information device and the second information device.
The gaming system according to claim 1 or 2. When the first information device receives the message transmitted from the relay device, it executes a determination as to whether or not the message has an error, and when the result of the determination indicates that the error exists, the first information device executes the determination. A message resending request is sent to the relay device, and the message is transmitted to the relay device.
When the second information device receives the message transmitted from the relay device via the first information device, if the result of the determination indicates that there is the error, the second information device sends the retransmission request to the relay device. Send to
When the relay device receives the retransmission request transmitted from at least one of the first information device and the second information device, the relay device sends the message to each of the first information device and the second information device. resend,
The gaming system according to claim 3. The gaming device further includes a lending device that supplies the gaming medium to the gaming table and rents the gaming medium to the player.
The game table generates the game information and outputs it to the rental device.
The lending device generates lending information indicating the lending state of the game medium and outputs it to the relay device, and outputs the game information output from the game table to the relay device.
The gaming system according to claim 4. The relay device is integrally formed inside the gaming device.
The gaming system according to claim 5.

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