JP7371972B2 - gaming equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to technology for gaming devices.

Conventionally, the technology of gaming devices is well known. For example, it is determined whether the difference between the number of balls calculated from each numerical value and the number of balls obtained from the machine between machines is within a preset value range, and the difference value is set in advance. An inter-machine device or management system that can recognize a value outside the range as an abnormal state has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

JP2014-223494A

However, gaming devices are system-managed using the technology described in Patent Document 1, and in recent years, gaming devices have been handling a variety of data, and in some cases, the type of data expected by the gaming device and the reception Since there are cases where the data to be used differs, gaming devices are required to be able to handle a variety of data.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming device that can handle a variety of data (information) and has increased versatility.

(1) The gaming device according to the present invention includes:
A gaming device that is provided corresponding to a gaming machine and can communicate with a management device that can manage gaming information related to information of the gaming machine,
Display means for displaying the game information;
a storage table that stores the gaming information item by item;
receiving means for receiving the game information transmitted from the management device;
updating means for updating the storage table according to the gaming information received by the receiving means;
a transmitting means capable of transmitting information to the management device ;
Equipped with
The updating means includes:
If the gaming information received by the receiving means includes information regarding the first item and the second item of the storage table, the gaming information of the storage table is the first item and the second item can be updated;
If the gaming information includes information regarding the first item and does not include information regarding the second item, updating the first item of the storage table in accordance with the gaming information; The second item can be updated with a value corrected according to the second item,
If the game information includes information regarding an item that is not in the storage table, the information can be discarded;
The transmitting means includes:
Information regarding the restoration of power can be sent to the management device.
It is characterized by

(2) The gaming device according to the present invention includes:
A gaming device that is provided corresponding to a gaming machine and can communicate with a management device that can manage gaming information related to information of the gaming machine,
Display means for displaying the game information;
a storage table that stores the gaming information item by item;
receiving means for receiving the game information transmitted from the management device;
updating means for updating the storage table according to the gaming information received by the receiving means;
a transmitting means capable of transmitting information to the management device ;
Equipped with
The updating means includes:
When the receiving means receives the game information, the first item among the items is updated, and when the second item is not updated, the second item includes the second item. It can be updated with a corrected value according to
If the game information includes information regarding an item that is not in the storage table, the information can be discarded;
The transmitting means includes:
Information regarding the restoration of power can be sent to the management device.
It is characterized by
(3) The gaming system according to the present invention includes:
a management device capable of managing gaming information related to gaming machine information;
a gaming device provided corresponding to the gaming machine and capable of communicating with the management device;
A gaming system having
Display means for displaying the game information;
a storage table that stores the gaming information item by item;
Receiving means capable of receiving the gaming information;
updating means for updating the storage table according to the gaming information received by the receiving means;
Equipped with
The updating means includes:
If the gaming information received by the receiving means includes information regarding the first item and the second item of the storage table, the gaming information of the storage table is the first item and the second item can be updated;
If the gaming information includes information regarding the first item and does not include information regarding the second item, updating the first item of the storage table according to the gaming information; The second item can be updated with a value corrected according to the second item,
If the game information includes information regarding an item that is not in the storage table, the information can be discarded;
The receiving means includes:
Can receive information that power has been restored
It is characterized by

According to the present invention, it is possible to handle various data (information) and increase versatility.

1 is a diagram showing a basic outline of a gaming system including display devices according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a game media handling device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server device. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a pachinko machine. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a pachi-slot machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of each display device. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the connection of a game media handling device, a pachinko machine, and each display device. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing connections between a game media handling device, a pachi-slot machine, and each display device. FIG. 2 is an external view of a game media handling device used in a pachinko machine. 1 is an external view of a game media handling device used in a pachi-slot machine. It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a pachinko machine. It is an exploded perspective view of a pachinko machine. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external structure of a pachi-slot machine. It is a diagram showing the internal structure of the pachi-slot machine, and is a perspective view with the middle door closed. It is a diagram showing the internal structure of the pachi-slot machine, and is a perspective view with the middle door open. FIG. 3 is a front view schematically showing each display device. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a gaming system including display devices according to the present invention. It is a control flow regarding the first function setting control executed by each display device and the server device. It is a control flow regarding the second function setting control executed by each display device and the server device. It is a control flow regarding the third function setting control executed by each display device and the server device. This is a control flow related to first data recovery control executed by each display device, game media handling device, and server device. This is a control flow regarding second data recovery control executed by each display device, game media handling device, and server device. This is a control flow relating to first fraud/door opening notification control executed by each display device, game media handling device, game machine, and server device. This is a control flow related to the second fraud/door opening notification control executed by each display device, game media handling device, game machine, and server device. This is a control flow related to first data correction control executed by each display device, game media handling device, game machine, and server device. It is a figure which shows an example of the data table which each display device has. It is a figure which shows an example of the data table of each display device at the time of factory shipment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of predetermined correction by each display device. This is a control flow regarding second data correction control executed by each display device, game media handling device, game machine, and server device. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a first alternative example of predetermined correction by each display device. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second alternative example of predetermined correction by each display device. It is a control flow regarding the first data communication control executed by each display device and the server device. It is a control flow regarding the second data communication control executed by each display device and the server device. It is a control flow regarding the third data communication control executed by each display device and the server device. It is a control flow regarding the first automatic file search control executed by each display device and USB. It is a control flow regarding the second automatic file search control executed by each display device and USB.

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

Note that in this embodiment, a card is used as an example of a "storage medium"; however, it is not limited to this, and may include coins, tokens, etc. equipped with an IC chip, etc. It shall include everything applicable to the invention.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the explanation is given using banknotes as an example of "money," but the invention is not limited to this, and all things applicable to the invention according to this embodiment, such as banknotes, coins, coins, etc. shall be included.

In addition, in this embodiment, when simply written as a "card", it refers to a membership card lent to a player who has become a member of a gaming parlor, and a counting card (visitor card) temporarily lent by the gaming parlor. shall include both.

In addition, in this embodiment, when it is simply written as "balls held", it includes both the stored balls stored in association with the membership card and the counted balls stored in association with the counting card; When described as "held ball information", held ball information indicating accumulated balls (hereinafter referred to as "held ball information") and held ball information indicating counted held balls (hereinafter referred to as "counted held ball information"). ) shall be included. In addition, information indicating the amount of money inserted by the player is referred to as "money information" (or also referred to as "remaining amount information"), and when specifically indicated, "money information" is included in "balls held information". There may be cases. Furthermore, the membership card is capable of separately storing ball information, counted ball information, and monetary information. Furthermore, for convenience of explanation, the expression "balls held" is usually used to indicate information regarding the game balls held by the player, but this is not limiting; Information regarding held medals, information regarding gaming values held by players by electromagnetic means, and includes all other similar information.

(Game media lending function)
The game media handling device 1 is connected to the server device 2 via a switching hub, a controller, etc., and when a card is inserted by a player, the card ID, member ID, etc. added to the IC chip of the card, etc. identification information (hereinafter simply referred to as "identification information") to the server device 2, and the server device 2 transmits the player's ball information stored in association with the received identification information to the gaming media handling device. Send to 1. When there is a payout instruction from the player, the server device 2 updates the ball information, and the game media handling device 1 drives the payout device 106, which will be described later, to control the payout of game media. . Further, when a banknote is inserted by a player, remaining amount information corresponding to the amount of the banknote (inserted amount) is transmitted to the server device 2. Then, when there is a payout instruction from the player, the server device 2 updates the remaining amount information, and the game media handling device 1 similarly executes payout control of the game media.

(Game media counting function)
Furthermore, when game media are inserted into a counting device 107 (to be described later) by the player's action or directly from the gaming machine 3, the gaming media handling device 1 counts the number of inserted gaming media, and calculates the counting result. is transmitted to the server device 2 as the player's counted ball information, and the server device 2 stores the received counted ball information in association with the identification information added to the card. Further, when no card is inserted, the received counted ball information is stored in association with the identification information added in advance to the counted card stored in the game medium handling device 1.

In this embodiment, the server device 2 manages the player's ball information and balance information, but the game media handling device 1 may manage this information. Further, in addition to adding identification information to the card, a storage area may also be provided, and this information may be stored in the storage area to manage this information. The updating of this information may be performed by the server device 2 or by the game media handling device 1. Furthermore, the ball information may be managed by the server device 2 or the game media handling device 1, and the remaining amount information may be stored directly in the storage area of the card.

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

In addition, in this embodiment, when no card is inserted, the counted ball information and balance information are displayed in association with the identification information added in advance to the counted card stored in the game media handling device 1. However, when a card return request is made, the game media handling device 1 or the server device 2 adds new identification information to the counting card stored in the game media handling device 1. In this case, this newly added identification information and the counted balls information or remaining amount information may be stored in association with each other.

In other words, in this embodiment, "information corresponding to the ball information" refers to only the identification information added to the card, identification information added and stored on the card and the ball information, or "information corresponding to the ball information". If the form of "ball information" includes information on the number of balls held and balance information, it shall include identification information added and stored on the card, information on balls held and balance information, and all of these forms. means.

Furthermore, if the game machine 3 is provided with a terminal board for connecting a rental device such as game balls (hereinafter referred to as a "rental terminal board"), the gaming media handling device 1 is also connected to a rental terminal board 307, which will be described later. Based on the reception of a lending request signal, a return request signal, etc. output from the lending terminal board 307, a payout request signal is transmitted to the gaming machine 3, a card is returned, etc.

In other words, "executing the payout control of game media" in this embodiment is not limited to directly paying out game media from the game media handling device 1, and is not limited to directly dispensing game media from the game media handling device 1, but rather executes payout control of the game media based on a signal from the gaming machine 3. This means that it includes the one that causes the payout of game media from 3 onwards.

The game media handling device 1 is also connected to each display device 4 via a converter or the like, and game information signals, error signals, etc. are output from an external terminal board 308 provided in the game machine 3, which will be described later. At the same time, the player's ball information is transmitted to each display device 4.

As mentioned above, the server device 2 is connected to the gaming media handling device 1 and also to each machine display device 4, and the server device 2 is connected to the game media handling device 1 and also to each machine display device 4, and the server device 2 is connected to the gaming media handling device 1, and is also connected to each display device 4. information regarding the game parlor (for example, new machine information, vacant machine information, etc.) is transmitted to each machine display device 4.

The server device 2 is also connected to an external management device (not shown) managed by a center operator, which is a third party other than the game parlor, and stores card identification information, membership information, and information on players' holdings. It is transmitted at predetermined intervals (for example, once a day). The external management device backs up each piece of transmitted information. The server device 2 stops updating the player's ball information when the connection with the external management device is interrupted for a predetermined number of days (for example, 15 days).

As mentioned above, the gaming machine 3 may be connected to the gaming media handling device 1, and may also be connected to each display device 4, and may be connected to each machine display device 4 for each game or when there is a change in the internal state. In this case, a game information signal, an error signal, etc. are output to each machine display 4 from an external terminal board 308, which will be described later.

As mentioned above, each machine display device 4 is connected to the gaming media handling device 1, the server device 2, and the gaming machine 3. Various information is displayed on the display screen.

Note that the connection method of the game media handling device 1, the server device 2, the game machine 3, and each display device 4 is not limited to the above method. For example, the server device 2 is configured so that only the game media handling device 1 is connected, and the game media handling device 1 and each display device 4 are connected by USB, so that the above-mentioned information can be sent and received between them. It may also be configured. In this case, the display content displayed on each display device may be controlled by the control unit 100 of the game media handling device 1, which will be described later. (registered trademark) method.

As described above, when a player enters a gaming parlor, he or she first takes a seat at a desired gaming machine 3 while looking at various information displayed on each machine display 4. Next, if the player is a member of the gaming parlor, insert the membership card into the gaming media handling device 1, and after verifying the player's identity (for example, inputting a registered PIN number), the player enters the server device 2. If the number of balls held by the gaming machine 3 is stored, that ball is used, and if the number of balls held is not stored or the number of balls held by the gaming machine 3 cannot be lent out, banknotes are used. The user inserts the game media into the gaming machine 3, makes a lending request, receives the lending of the gaming media, and starts playing by inserting the gaming media into the gaming machine 3. Alternatively, if the player is not a member of the gaming parlor, the player inserts banknotes, requests lending to receive the lending of gaming media, and starts playing by inserting the gaming media into the gaming machine 3. At this time, the ball information and balance information stored in the server device 2 are updated (subtracted) by the amount lent out.

If the game continues without being able to receive the payout of the game media from the game machine 3, each time a loan request is made, the ball information and remaining amount information stored in the server device 2 are updated. , will be sequentially updated (subtracted) by the lent amount. On the other hand, when the game media can be paid out from the gaming machine 3, the paid out gaming media are put into the gaming media handling device 1, the number of inserted gaming media is counted, and the counting result is Based on this, the ball information stored in the server device 2 is updated (added).

Thereafter, when the player wants to end the game on the gaming machine 3, the player requests the return of the card. Here, if the membership card has been inserted into the gaming medium handling device 1, the membership card is returned as is after the user confirms his/her identity (for example, inputting a registered PIN number, etc.). If the membership card is not inserted into the gaming media handling device 1, if the server device 2 stores the counted ball information, or if there is balance information, the membership card is stored in the gaming media handling device 1. Return (issue) the counting card. If the server device 2 does not store the counted ball information and there is no remaining amount of the inserted amount, the counting card will not be returned (issued).

If the counting card has been returned (issued) and you wish to play a game on another gaming machine 3, transfer the counting card to the gaming media handling device 1 provided corresponding to the other gaming machine 3. By inserting the card, you can start playing (replay) the game using the same procedure as with a membership card (excluding identity verification). In the above case, the replay based on the stored ball information is referred to as "replay with stored balls," and the replay based on the counted ball information is referred to as "replay with balls."

<Game media handling device 1>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game media handling device 1. As shown in FIG. The gaming media handling device 1 includes a control section 100 that includes various components described below, a CPU 101 and a ROM 102 that control them, and a storage section (RAM) 103.

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

When a card is inserted from the card insertion slot 14, the card reader/writer 104 determines its authenticity and usability. If it is determined that the card is legitimate and can be used, the type and identification information of the card are read. The read information is then transmitted by the control unit 100 to the server device 2 via the IF 110. On the other hand, if it is determined that the card is non-regular or unusable, the control unit 100 notifies the touch panel LCD 16 or the like, and also sends a message to the server device 2 via the IF 110. Ru. In this case, the inserted card may be returned, or a predetermined authentication operation (for example, an authentication operation of the clerk's IC card to the non-contact IC card reader/writer 18) or a predetermined authentication signal ( For example, the card may not be returned until an authentication signal (authentication signal) is sent from the server device 2.

When a bill is inserted from the bill slot 15, the bill validator 105 determines its authenticity. If it is determined that the banknote is a regular banknote, the type (denomination information) of the banknote is read. The read information is then transmitted to the server device 2 via the IF 110 by the control unit 100 as remaining amount information. On the other hand, if it is determined that the bill is a non-regular (or unreadable) bill, the control unit 100 notifies the touch panel LCD 16 or the like, and also transmits the information to the server device 2 via the IF 110. In this case, the inserted banknotes may be returned, or a predetermined authentication operation (for example, an authentication operation of the clerk's IC card to the non-contact IC card reader/writer 18) or a predetermined authentication signal ( For example, the banknotes may not be returned until an authentication signal (authentication signal) is sent from the server device 2.

The touch panel LCD 16 has the function of serving as a display section that displays various information to the player and a reception section that receives various operations from the player. For example, when a card is inserted, a "confirm ball information" operation button is displayed on the reception section of the touch panel LCD 16 for the player to check the current ball information, and the player can click the operation button. By touching the displayed area, current ball information by rate is displayed on the display section of the touch panel LCD 16. It is desirable that this "confirm ball information" operation button is always displayed. With this configuration, the player can always check the current ball information by rate. However, when a card is inserted, the current ball information by rate may be always displayed in a predetermined area of the display section of the touch panel LCD 16. Note that various information displayed by the other touch panel LCD 16 and various operations accepted will be described later.

The camera section 17 photographs the front of the gaming machine 3 and detects whether or not a player within the photographing range is seated (seating result information). The camera unit 17 also detects facial data of a player who is seated. These seating result information and facial data are transmitted by the control unit 100 to the server device 2 via the IF 110.

By detecting seating result information using the camera unit 17, for example, if you forget to take out a card with ball information or balance information remaining, the touch panel LCD 16 or a status indicator light 13 (described later) will notify you of this fact. It can also be used to notify staff and players at the game parlor. This can prevent forgetting to take out the card.

In addition, by detecting facial data using the camera unit 17, it is possible to determine whether or not the players are the same, for example, when the machines are moved, and even if they are different players. It is also possible to notify the game parlor staff and players of this fact using the touch panel LCD 16 or the status indicator light 13, which will be described later. This can prevent the possibility of fraudulent acts.

Here, the camera section 17 uses an infrared LED board 17A (not shown) that irradiates infrared light and receives reflected light obtained by reflecting the infrared light on the subject (player). It has a CMOS camera 17B (not shown) that captures an image, and a filter 17C (not shown). The infrared LED board 17A emits infrared light using its infrared LEDs under the control of the control unit 100. CMOS camera 17B sends facial data to control unit 100. The filter 17C is a filter that transmits infrared light and blocks light of other wavelengths, and transmits only the reflected light of the infrared light irradiated to the subject from the infrared LED board 17A to the CMOS camera 17B. It is designed to receive light. Thereby, the influence of the effect light of the gaming parlor where the gaming machine 3 is installed can be suppressed, and the image of the subject (player) can be clearly captured.

Note that the above-mentioned facial data may be used when replaying accumulated balls or replaying balls held. Specifically, even if it is determined that it is possible to replay the accumulated balls or the balls in possession, if the facial data do not match, the control unit 100 is controlled so that these replays cannot be performed. It may also be a thing. Thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent a fraudster who is trying to illegally play a game using another person's cards at the stage of replaying the game.

When a player holds up a corresponding IC card, the non-contact IC card reader/writer 18 reads the identification information stored in the IC card or the ball information stored in the IC card itself. The read information is then transmitted by the control unit 100 to the server device 2 via the IF 110. That is, in addition to the above-mentioned insertion of cards and banknotes, it is also possible to lend game media. Alternatively, at the end of the game, when the player holds up the corresponding IC card, the identification information stored on the IC card and the current ball information are stored in the server device 2 in association with each other, or the IC card itself By storing the information in the memory, it is possible to return the balls.

In addition, the non-contact IC card reader/writer 18 enables a clerk at a game parlor to clear various error states in the control unit 100 and perform other authentication by holding the clerk's IC card over the corresponding clerk's IC card.

Note that the contactless IC card reader/writer 18 may also be capable of transmitting and receiving data with a mobile phone, smartphone, or other information communication device (hereinafter referred to as a "mobile terminal device") owned by the player. . For example, when a player holds his mobile terminal device in front of the non-contact IC card reader/writer 18, the control unit 100 sends the URL of the gaming parlor's homepage or e-mail membership registration page to the mobile terminal. Good too. Furthermore, the mobile terminal device itself may function as a membership card using hardware and software installed in the mobile terminal device. Further, if the mobile terminal device is equipped with an electronic payment function, the remaining amount information may be updated (added) using the function in the same way as inserting banknotes.

In the payout device 106, when there is a payout instruction from a player (for example, a lending request operation to the reception section on the touch panel LCD 16), the control unit 100 drives and controls the drive circuit 106a, and dispenses the amount of game media based on the payout instruction. pay out. The control unit 100 transmits the paid-out ball information and remaining amount information to the server device 2.

In addition, when the gaming media handling device 1 is connected to a lending terminal board 307 (described later) of the gaming machine 3, the dispensing device 106 receives a dispensing instruction from the player (for example, a lending request operation on the gaming machine 3 side). ), a payout request signal is transmitted to the gaming machine 3 under the control of the control unit 100.

In the counting device 107, when game media paid out from the gaming machine 3 are inserted by a player, the control unit 100 drives and controls the drive circuit 107a to count the number of game media that have been inserted. The control unit 100 transmits counted ball information based on the counting result to the server device 2.

The speaker 108 is activated in response to a change in the operating state of each component in the game media handling device 1 (for example, in response to a display on the display section of the touch panel LCD 16 or an operation on the reception section, or the lighting of a status indicator light 13, which will be described later). (depending on the mode), the control unit 100 drives and controls the drive circuit 108a to output sound. However, regardless of changes in the operating state of each component in the game media handling device 1 (for example, depending on the timing results from an RTC built in or externally attached to the game media handling device 1), the sound is output. It may also be a thing.

The sensor group 109 is a plurality of sensors provided in the payout device 106, the counting device 107, or a predetermined portion of the front section 11 or the casing 12, which will be described later. This is a sensor provided to detect payout results or counting results, or to detect fraudulent activity.

The status indicator light 13 is a lamp for informing the outside of the current status of the game medium handling device 1. A full-color LED is built inside, and the control unit 100 drives and controls the drive circuit 109a based on the current state, and causes the full-color LED to emit light in a lighting color and lighting mode (light-emitting mode) according to the current state. let

<Server device 2>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server device 2. As shown in FIG. The server device 2 includes a ball management device 200, a member management device 210, a game information management device 220, a display management device 230, an input section 240, an output section 250, a display section 260, and an IF 270. Further, the ball management device 200 includes a control unit 201 and a storage unit 202, the member management device 210 includes a control unit 211 and a storage unit 212, and the gaming information management device 220 includes a control unit 221 and a storage unit. 222 , and the display management device 230 includes a control section 231 and a storage section 232 .

The ball management device 200 manages ball information of a player using its control section 201 and storage section 202. Specifically, in the gaming media handling device 1, when there is a change in information on the number of balls owned by the player, balance information, etc., the identification information of the card, the information on the remaining amount, etc. Information such as ball information and balance information is received via the IF 270, and these pieces of information are stored (updated) in the storage unit 202 in association with each other. Furthermore, if the game parlor allows games at different rates, the storage unit 202 stores information on the balls held for each different rate. For example, the number of types of rental rates that can be set (for example, the 1 yen rate and 4 yen rate in the pachinko machine 3a, the 4 yen rate in the pachinko machine 3b, the It is configured to be able to distinguish and store information on the number of balls held (for example, eight types) multiplied by four types (5 yen rate and 20 yen rate) and remaining amount information. Regarding the remaining amount information, the amount of the inserted money (in this embodiment, banknotes) may be stored as is, or it may be converted into a predetermined frequency (for example, "10" frequency for 1,000 yen). It may be stored, or it may be converted into the number of game media according to the set rate and stored.

The ball management device 200 also controls various settings of the gaming media handling device 1 (for example, settings for lending rates, settings for enabling/disabling replay, etc.) based on information input from the input unit 240. conduct. The set information will be transmitted to the gaming media handling device 1 via the IF 270 and the IF 110, and will be stored in the storage unit 103. However, these various settings may be performed on the gaming media handling device 1 side, and the set information may be transmitted to the ball management device 200 via the IF 110 and the IF 270 and stored in the storage unit 202. In this case, by holding the clerk's IC card mentioned above over the non-contact IC card reader/writer 18, a setting screen may be displayed on the touch panel LCD 16, and various settings may be made.

The member management device 210 manages member information of players who are members using its control section 211 and storage section 212. Specifically, regardless of whether or not the card is inserted into the gaming media handling device 1, the identification information and various member information (for example, name, address, date of birth, PIN number, etc.).

The game information management device 220 manages information regarding games using its control section 221 and storage section 222. Specifically, when various types of information, which will be described later in the explanation of FIGS. 7 and 8, are transmitted via the IF 410 of each display device 4 and received via the IF 270, these pieces of information are associated and stored in the storage unit. 222 (updated).

Furthermore, based on the information input from the input section 240, the gaming information management device 220 outputs various information stored in the storage section 222 from the output section 250 as sales form data, business analysis data, or error history data. It is output or displayed on the display section 260.

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

The storage unit 232 stores specific settings (“setting A” to be described later) as settings for the functions of each display device 4. Setting A is applied as a function setting of each display device 4 when the power of each display device 4 is turned on. The contents of setting A can be arbitrarily changed by an employee of the gaming hall. Note that in this embodiment, setting A relates to the display content on the liquid crystal display section 405, the light emission mode on the lamp 406, and the sound output mode on the speaker 407. It may also be related to the operation of .

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

In addition, in this embodiment, the server device 2 is configured to control the ball management device 200, the member management device 210, the game information management device 220, the display management device 230, the input section 240, the output section 250, the display section 260, and the IF 270. However, each of the balls management device 200, member management device 210, game information management device 220, and display management device 230 is configured as an independent server device (for example, the balls management device 2a is configured as an independent server device). The device 200 may be configured, the member management device 210 may be configured as the server device 2b, the gaming information management device 220 may be configured as the server device 2c, and the display device management device 230 may be configured as the server device 2d. Ball management device 200 and member management device 210 may be configured as the same server device, and game information management device 220 and display device management device 230 may be configured as separate server devices. It goes without saying that these can be combined in various configurations. In addition, when configured as separate server devices in this way, each server device is provided with an IF (communication interface) to transmit and receive information between each server or with other devices that make up the gaming system. It is only necessary to configure the system so that it can perform the following.

In this case, the input section 240, the output section 250, and the display section 260 may be functions that are performed by the ball management device 200, or functions that are performed by the game information management device 220. Alternatively, a device (eg, game information utilization device 2e) having the functions of the input section 240, the output section 250, and the display section 260 may be separately configured.

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

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

Moreover, in this embodiment, although the functions of the ball management device 200 and the member management device 210 are different, they may have exactly the same functions. In particular, the member management device 210 may be configured to handle the functions related to the balls held among the functions of the balls managed device 200.

<Pachinko machine 3a>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the pachinko machine 3a. The pachinko machine 3a includes a main control section 301a that controls a main device group 303a, a sub-control section 302a that controls a sub-device group 304a, and a payout control section 305 that controls a payout device group 306. is connected to the sub-control unit 302a by one-way communication, and the main control unit 301a and payout control unit 305 are connected to enable bi-directional communication. In addition, a rental terminal board 307 is connected to the payout control unit 305 for two-way communication, and an external terminal board 308a is connected for one-way communication. The main control unit 301a and the sub-control unit 302a each include a CPU, a ROM in which programs and the like are stored, and an RWM in which information regarding games and performances is stored.

The main device group 303a includes, for example, a starting port switch, a count switch, a winning port switch, a normal electric accessory solenoid, a winning port solenoid, etc., and the main control unit 301a controls these devices to Controls the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 3a. Further, the main control section 301a transmits commands corresponding to changes in the gaming state, etc. to the sub-control section 302a and the payout control section 305.

The sub-device group 304a includes, for example, a liquid crystal module, a performance button sensor, an accessory control circuit, an illumination control circuit, a speaker control circuit, etc., and the sub-control unit 302a receives commands sent from the main control unit 301a. By controlling these devices based on the above, the performance in the pachinko machine 3a is controlled.

The payout device group 306 includes, for example, a payout control circuit, a payout ball detection switch, a firing control circuit, a touch switch, etc., and the payout control unit 305 controls these based on commands sent from the main control unit 301a. The launching and payout of game balls in the pachinko machine 3a is controlled by controlling the devices or automatically controlling these devices.

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

Further, the payout control unit 305 is connected to each machine display 4 via an external terminal board 308a, and sends a game information signal and an error signal for each game or when there is a change in the internal state. etc. is output.

<Pachislot machine 3b>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the pachi-slot machine 3b. The Pachislot machine 3b includes a main control section 301b that controls a main device group 303b, and a sub-control section 302b that controls a sub-device group 304b, and the main control section 301b is connected to the sub-control section 302b by one-way communication. ing. Further, an external terminal board 308b is connected to the main control unit 301b through one-way communication. The main control unit 301b and the sub-control unit 302b each include a CPU, a ROM in which programs and the like are stored, and an RWM in which information regarding games and performances is stored.

The main device group 303b includes, for example, a reel control circuit, a medal sensor, a start lever sensor, a stop button sensor, a hopper control circuit, etc., and the main control unit 301b controls these devices to control the pachislot machine. Controls the progress of the game in 3b. Further, the main control section 301a transmits commands corresponding to changes in the gaming state, etc. to the sub-control section 302b.

The sub-device group 304b includes, for example, a liquid crystal module, a performance button sensor, an accessory control circuit, an illumination control circuit, a speaker control circuit, etc., and the sub-control unit 302b receives commands sent from the main control unit 301b. By controlling these devices based on the above, the performance in the pachi-slot machine 3b is controlled.

The main control unit 301b is connected to each machine display 4 via an external terminal board 308b, and sends game information signals, error signals, etc. for each game or when there is a change in the internal state. Output.

As mentioned above, in the Pachislot machine 3b as well, the main control unit 301b is connected to the game media handling device 1 via the rental terminal board 307, and sends a rental request signal or a return request based on the player's operation. It may be configured to output a signal.

<Each display device 4>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of each display device 4. As shown in FIG. Each display device 4 includes a control section 400 that includes components described below, a CPU 401 that controls them, and a ROM 402, and a storage section (ROM) 403.

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

The button sensor group 404 is a plurality of sensors for detecting operations on a plurality of buttons 902 to 908, which will be described later. When an operation is detected by these sensors, the control unit 400 controls the display content on the liquid crystal display unit 405, the light emission mode on the lamp 406, and the sound output mode on the speaker 407 according to the operation, respectively, in accordance with the operation. Control is performed by driving 406a and 407a.

Note that the button sensor group 404 includes a sensor for detecting a touch operation on the touch panel when the liquid crystal display section 405 is also made to function as a touch panel.

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

<Connection of pachinko machine 3a, etc.>
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing the connection of the game media handling device 1, the pachinko machine 3a, and each machine display device 4. As shown in FIG. In addition, in FIG. 7, for convenience of explanation, only the IF 110 in the game media handling device 1, the external terminal board 308a in the pachinko machine 3a, and the IF 410 in each machine display 4 are shown, and illustration of other components is omitted. ing. Further, FIG. 7 shows input/output of main signals, and does not exclude input/output of other signals.

From the IF 110 in the game media handling device 1 to the IF 410 in each display device 4, a "card issue" signal indicating that a card has been issued (returned) and a "game card issue" signal indicating that a game ball has been lent (paid out) are sent. "Ball rental" signal, "Stored balls replay" signal indicating that ball storage has been replayed, "Holding ball information" signal indicating the current ball count information, "Stored ball information" signal indicating the current ball information, some kind of error. A "security signal" indicating that an abnormality (abnormality) has occurred is input, and a "call" signal indicating that a "call" button 902 (to be described later) has been operated is sent from the IF 410 of each machine display 4 to the IF 110 of the game media handling device 1. information” is input.

Also, from the external terminal board 308a of the pachinko machine 3a to the IF 410 of each machine display 4, a "prize ball signal" indicating the number of game balls paid out to the player, and a signal indicating that a jackpot has been won in the pachinko machine 3a are sent. , or the "external information 1" signal indicating that the jackpot is in progress, the "external information 2" signal indicating that the pachinko machine 3a has changed or is in the process of changing, or the special symbol game has started on the pachinko machine 3a. An "external information 3" signal indicates that the game ball fired at the pachinko machine 3a has entered the starting slot, an "external information 4" signal indicates that some kind of error (abnormality) has occurred in the pachinko machine 3a. A "security signal" and a "door/frame open signal" indicating that a base door 33 (door) or a glass door 34 (frame), which will be described later, are in an open state in the pachinko machine 3a are input. Note that the contents of the "external information 1" to "external information 7" signals may be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications of the pachinko machine 3a on the transmitting side and the specifications of each machine display 4 on the receiving side. I can do it. In addition, an "out ball information" signal indicating that the game ball fired in the pachinko machine 3a has not entered any of the winning holes but has entered the out hole (not shown) is sent to the out ball sensor (not shown). Based on the detection result, the out ball sensor is input from another signal line, but if the out ball sensor is controlled by the control of the pachinko machine 3a, it may be output from the external terminal board 308a in the pachinko machine 3a.

Further, from the IF 410 in each display device 4 to the IF 270 in the server device 2, the above-mentioned "out information" based on the "out ball information" signal, "safe information" based on the "prize ball signal", and "external information 1 ``jackpot information'' based on the ``external information 2'' signal, ``probability change information'' based on the ``external information 2'' signal, ``start signal'' based on the ``external information 3'' signal, ``starting opening information'' based on the ``external information 4'' signal, `` "Door open information" based on the "door/frame open signal" and "abnormality 1 information" based on the "security signal" are input. Regarding the "security signal," if the type of error (abnormality) can be determined from the output time, "abnormality 1 information", "abnormality 2 information", or "abnormality 2 information" is displayed depending on the type of error (abnormality). The information may be converted into "Abnormality 3 Information" and output to the server device 2. Furthermore, as will be described later, predetermined information may be added under the control of the control unit 400 and output to the server device 2. In addition, the IF 410 may also receive each signal input from the external terminal board 308a, and output each input signal as is to the server device 2 (through signal).

In addition, the type of error (abnormality) indicated by the "security signal" in the pachinko machine 3a is when the start switch is turned on due to illegal means or other factors even though no game balls have entered the machine. A count switch error indicating that the count switch was counted even though the winning hole solenoid was not activated (the winning hole was opened) due to fraudulent means or other factors. , a sensor detection error (for example, magnetic sensor error) indicating that various sensors (for example, magnetic sensor) provided in the pachinko machine 3a for fraud prevention have entered a detection state, etc. can be cited as an example.

<Connection of Pachislot machine 3b, etc.>
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing the connection of the game media handling device 1, the pachi-slot machine 3b, and each display device 4. As shown in FIG. In addition, in FIG. 8, for convenience of explanation, only the IF 110 in the game media handling device 1, the external terminal board 308b in the pachi-slot machine 3b, and the IF 410 in each machine display 4 are shown, and illustration of other components is omitted. ing.

From the IF 110 in the game media handling device 1 to the IF 410 in each display device 4, a "card issue" signal indicating that a card has been issued (returned) and a "medal lending" signal indicating that a medal has been lent (paid out) are sent. ” signal, “Stored balls replay” signal indicating that the ball storage has been replayed, “Stored balls information” signal that shows the current counted ball information, “Stored ball information” signal that shows the current ball information, some kind of error (abnormality) ) is input, and from the IF 410 of each machine display 4 to the IF 110 of the game media handling device 1, "call information" indicating that the "call" button 902 described later has been operated is input. is input.

Furthermore, from the external terminal board 308b of the Pachislot machine 3b to the IF 410 of each machine display 4, a "medal input signal" indicating the number of medals inserted by the player, and a "medal input signal" indicating the number of medals paid out to the player are transmitted. ``Medal Payout Signal'', ``External Signal 2'' indicating that an AT (described later) has occurred in the Pachislot machine 3b, and ``External Signal 1'' indicating that a pseudo bonus (described later) has occurred in the Pachislot machine 3b, or that a pseudo bonus is in progress. A "security signal" indicating that some kind of error (abnormality) has occurred in the pachi-slot machine 3b is input. In addition, in the pachislot machine 3b, the fact that the front door 61b, which will be described later, is in an open state is input to each machine display 4 by a "security signal". By outputting the "signal 4" separately from the "security signal", a signal indicating that the front door 61b, which will be described later, is in an open state may be output. Furthermore, the output contents of "External Signal 1" to "External Signal 4" can be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications of the pachi-slot machine 3b that is the transmitting side and the specifications of each machine display 4 that is the receiving side. .

Furthermore, from the IF 410 in each display device 4 to the IF 270 in the server device 2, the above-mentioned "IN information" based on the "medal input signal", "OUT information" based on the "medal payout signal", and "external signal 2" are sent. "AT information" based on "external signal 1", "pseudo bonus information" based on "external signal 1", and "error information" based on "security signal" are input. Regarding the "security signal", if the type of error (abnormality) can be determined from the output time, "error information", "abnormality 1 information", "abnormality 2 information" or "Abnormality 3 information" and output to the server device 2. Furthermore, as will be described later, predetermined information may be added under the control of the control unit 400 and output to the server device 2. In addition, the IF 410 may also receive each signal input from the external terminal board 308b, and output each input signal as is to the server device 2 (through signal).

The types of errors (abnormalities) indicated by the "security signal" in the pachi-slot machine 3b include the above-mentioned door open error indicating that the front door 61b is open, and RWM reading and writing not being performed normally. A selector error indicating that normal detection is no longer performed in the selector 85 (described later) due to fraudulent means or other factors (for example, a medal jam); A hopper error indicating that normal dispensing is no longer possible due to other factors (e.g. empty medals), a medal auxiliary storage that stores excess medals that could not be accommodated in the hopper 83, and an additional medal auxiliary storage An example of this is a medal auxiliary storage error indicating that the medals stored in the storage are full.

Although not shown, in FIGS. 7 and 8, "call information" indicating that a "call" button 902, which will be described later, has been operated is transmitted from the IF 410 in each display device 4 to the IF 270 in the server device 2. is transmitted from the IF 270 in the server device 2 to the IF 410 in each machine display device 4, which is managed by the server device 2 (in particular, the gaming information management device 220), such as operating data and ball output data of each machine in the gaming parlor. data is sent.

<External appearance of the game media handling device 1a used in the pachinko machine 3a>
FIG. 9 is an external view of the game media handling device 1a used in the pachinko machine 3a. In addition, in FIG. 9, the pachinko machine 3a is omitted. As shown in FIG. 9, the gaming medium handling device 1a is composed of a front part 11a and a housing 12a. 15a, a touch panel LCD 16a, a camera section 17a, a non-contact IC card reader/writer 18a, a speaker cover 19a, a counting slot 20, a fractional number dispensing slot 21, and the like.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a guide device 120 is removably provided in the game medium handling device 1a. The guide device 120 is mounted so that a mounting portion 121 provided in a part thereof covers the counting input port 20 and the fraction dispensing port 21. The game balls that have fallen from the lower tray of the pachinko machine 3a onto the guide tray 123 of the guide device 120 are thrown into the counting slot 20 via a counting passage provided in the guide device 120. Further, the fractional game balls paid out from the fractional payout port 21 are paid out through a fractional passage provided in the guide device 120 to a payout tray 124 provided exclusively for fractional numbers. The player can move the fractional number of game balls paid out to the payout tray 124 to the upper tray of the pachinko machine 3a and use them for a game. A hand rest 125 is provided on the upper surface of the casing 122 of the guide device 120 on which the player rests his or her operating hand when operating the handle of the pachinko machine 3a.

In addition, in the gaming media handling device 1a in this embodiment, when receiving a lending request signal from the lending terminal board 307 of the pachinko machine 3a or receiving a payout instruction from a player to the gaming media handling device 1a, the supply unit ( Control for directly dispensing the number of balls (for example, 125 balls) according to the lending request signal from the supply passage (not shown) inside the pachinko machine 3a to the upper tray of the pachinko machine 3a. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, a ball dispensing port (for example, a ball dispensing port 23a) may be provided in the front portion 11a above the upper plate of the pachinko machine 3a, and A nozzle for guiding the game balls paid out from the ball dispensing port to the upper plate of the pachinko machine 3a is removably provided, and control is performed to pay out the number of balls from the ball dispensing port according to the lending request signal. Good too. That is, the nozzle may be configured to indirectly pay out game balls to the pachinko machine 3a. In addition, it may be configured such that either the above-mentioned direct payout or indirect payout can be selectively performed.

<External appearance of the game media handling device 1b used in the pachi-slot machine 3b>
FIG. 10 is an external view of the game media handling device 1b used in the pachi-slot machine 3b. Note that in FIG. 10, the pachi-slot machine 3b is omitted. As shown in FIG. 10, the game medium handling device 1b is composed of a front part 11b and a housing 12b, and the front part 11b includes a status indicator light 13b, a card insertion slot 14b, and a bill slot into which banknotes can be inserted. 15b, a touch panel LCD 16b, a camera section 17b, a non-contact IC card reader/writer 18b, a speaker cover 19b, a front panel 22, a medal payout port 23, a medal counting slot 24, a medal guide member 25, and the like.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a medal payout section 130 is removably provided in the game medium handling device 1b. The medal payout unit 130 can be changed between a usage state (use position) and a storage state (storage position) as shown in FIG. 10. In use, the medals dispensed from the medal payout port 23 are set to slide down the slope due to their own weight, and the medals that have slid down the slope are placed on the front side of the pachi-slot machine 3b, where the medals are inserted. It is stored at a height between the mouth and the lower plate. Note that by configuring the inclined surface of the medal dispensing section 130 to be expandable and contractible in an arcuate manner, and by configuring the medal dispensing section 130 to be rotatable upward, the oblique surface can be contracted and the contracted medal dispensing section 130 can be compressed. By rotating the portion 130 upward, a transition is made from the usage state (use position) to the storage state (storage position).

In addition, in the game media handling device 1b in this embodiment, when receiving a payout instruction from a player to the game media handling device 1b or receiving a lending request signal from the lending terminal board 307 of the pachi-slot machine 3b, medals are Although it is assumed that a predetermined number of medals (for example, 50 medals) are paid out to the payout unit 130, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, similarly to the game media handling device 1a, medals may be paid out directly to the pachi-slot machine 3b. It is also possible to perform payout control. In addition, instead of the medal dispensing section 130 or as an alternative, a nozzle for guiding the medals dispensed from the medal dispensing port 23 to the lower tray of the pachi-slot machine 3b is removably provided, and the nozzle indirectly directs the medals to the pachi-slot machine 3b. It may be configured such that medals are paid out for 3b.

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

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the pachinko machine 3a includes a main body 32, a base door 33 pivotally attached to the main body 32 so as to be freely openable and closable, and a glass door 34 pivotally attached to the base door 33 so as to be freely openable and closable. We are prepared.

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

The base door 33 is formed into a rectangular shape with approximately the same external shape as the main body 32. This base door 33 is arranged in front of the main body 32 and opens and closes the opening 32a of the main body 32. The base door 33 is provided with an opening 33a. The opening 33a is formed into a rectangular shape that occupies most of the upper portion of the base door 33 from the approximate center thereof.

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

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

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

The display device 43 is arranged so as to overlap the back side of the game board 42. This display device 43 has a display area 43a that displays images. The display area 43a is set to a size that overlaps all or part of the game board 42. In the display area 43a of the display device 43, various images such as identification symbols for presentation, presentation images, decorative images for decoration, etc. are displayed. The player can visually recognize the image displayed on the display area 43a of the display device 43 via the game board 42.

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

Furthermore, a spacer 49 is provided on the back side of the game board 42. This spacer 49 forms a space between the back surface of the game board 42 and the front surface of the display device 43, which serves as a flow path for the game balls rolling on the game area 42a of the game board 42. The spacer 49 is made of a transparent material. Note that the spacer according to the present invention is not limited to being formed of a transparent material, and may be formed of a partially transparent material, for example. Alternatively, it may be formed of a material that does not have transparency.

The plate unit 44 is arranged below the game board 42. This plate unit 44 has an upper plate 51 and a lower plate 52, and the lower plate 52 is located below the upper plate 51. The upper tray 51 and the lower tray 52 are respectively formed with payout ports 51a and 52a for lending game balls and paying out game balls (prize balls). When predetermined payout conditions are met, game balls are ejected from the payout ports 51a and 52a and stored in the upper tray 51 and the lower tray 52. Further, the game balls stored in the upper tray 51 are fired into the game area 42a by the firing device 45.

The dish unit 44 is provided with a presentation button 53. This effect button 53 is arranged on the upper plate 51. Further, a dial operation section (jog dial) 54 is rotatably fitted around the periphery of the production button 53. When performing a predetermined performance, an image prompting the user to operate the performance button 53 and the dial operation section 54 is displayed in the display area 43a of the display device 43.

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

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

When the player's hand contacts the touch sensor of the firing handle 55, the touch sensor outputs a detection signal. As a result, it is detected that the player has grasped the firing handle 55, and the solenoid actuator can fire the game ball.

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

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

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

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

Furthermore, an opening 34a is formed in the center of the glass door 34, and is large enough to expose at least the game area 42a of the game board 42. The opening 34a of the glass door 34 is covered with a transparent protective glass 58. Therefore, when the glass door 34 is closed with respect to the base door 33, the protective glass 58 faces at least the gaming area 42a of the gaming board 42.

<Structure of Pachislot machine 3b>
Next, the structure of the pachi-slot machine 3b in this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15. Note that FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the external structure of the pachi-slot machine 3b of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 13, the pachi-slot machine 3b includes a cabinet 61a containing reels, circuit boards, etc., and a front door 61b attached to the cabinet 61a so as to be openable and closable. Three reels 63L, 63C, and 63R are provided inside the cabinet 61a, and the three reels 63L, 63C, and 63R are arranged in a row in the lateral direction (direction perpendicular to the rotational direction of the reels). Hereinafter, the reels 63L, 63C, and 63R will be referred to as a left reel 63L, a middle reel 63C, and a right reel 63R, respectively.

Each reel (display row) has a cylindrical reel body and a translucent sheet material attached to the circumferential surface (circulating surface) of the reel body. A plurality of (for example, 21) patterns are continuously drawn on the surface of the sheet material along the circumferential direction of the reel body.

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

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

Further, a 7-segment display 66 made of 7-segment LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) is provided on the left side of the display window 64 when viewed from the front. The 7-segment display 66 displays the number of medals inserted into the current game (hereinafter referred to as the number of inserted medals), the number of medals paid out to the player as a bonus (hereinafter referred to as the number of paid out medals), and the number of medals deposited inside the Pachislot machine 3b. Digitally displays information such as the number of medals (hereinafter referred to as the number of credits).

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

The medal insertion slot 71 is provided to receive medals inserted into the pachi-slot machine 3b from the outside by a player. The medals accepted through the medal slot 71 are inserted into one game up to a predetermined number (for example, 3 medals), and the amount exceeding the predetermined number can be deposited inside the Pachislot machine 3b ( so-called credit function). In addition, in the pachi-slot machine 3b of this embodiment, the number of medals that can be inserted into one game is one, two, or three.

The MAX BET button 72 and 1 BET button 74 are provided to determine the number of medals deposited inside the Pachislot machine 3b to be inserted into one game. Although not shown in FIG. 13, a payment button is provided on the front door 61b (arranged on the side of the start lever 76 opposite to the stop button). This payment button is provided for withdrawing (discharging) the medals deposited inside the pachi-slot machine 3b.

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

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

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

Note that in this embodiment, a configuration including a liquid crystal display device 70 will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of LEDs may be arranged in a matrix above the reels, and effects (notifications) may be performed using dot patterns caused by turning on and off these LEDs.

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

A medal dispensing device 83 (hereinafter referred to as a hopper 83) has a structure in which a large amount of medals can be stored and can be discharged one by one. ) will be established. Further, in the cabinet 61a, on one side of the hopper 83 (the left side in the example shown in FIG. 14), a power supply device 84 is provided that supplies necessary power to each device included in the pachi-slot machine 3b.

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

The middle door 86 is provided with a main board 81 that constitutes the main control section 301b described above. The main control unit 301b controls the main operations of the game in the pachi-slot machine 3b, such as determining internal winning combinations, rotating and stopping each reel, and determining whether there is a prize or not, and the flow between the operations.

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

Above the middle door 86, a sub-board 82 constituting the sub-control unit 302b described above is provided. The sub-control unit 302b controls execution of effects such as video display.

Further, on the back side of the front door 61b, a selector 85 is provided below the area where the display window 64 is arranged. The selector 85 is a device that selects whether or not the material, shape, etc. of the medals input from the outside through the medal slot 71 are appropriate, and guides the medals determined to be appropriate to the hopper 83. Further, although not shown in FIG. 14, a medal sensor 85S is provided on the route through which the medals pass within the selector 85 to detect that a proper medal has passed.

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

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

The liquid crystal display section 405 displays game data regarding today's games for the corresponding gaming machine 3. The gaming data mainly includes information managed by the gaming machine 3, specifically the number of gaming media fired by the player (number of outs) and the number of gaming media paid out by the gaming machine 3 (number of safes). , the gaming status of the gaming machine 3 (gaming status signal), door opening, errors, and other information related to gaming. In addition, the game data mainly includes information managed by the game media handling device 1, specifically information such as the lending of game media from the game media handling device 1 and the number of game media in the game media handling device 1. Contains information related to games, such as measurements, replays using counting cards, etc. Note that the display contents on the liquid crystal display section 405 can be changed (set) by operating a plurality of buttons 902 to 908.

In addition, the liquid crystal display unit 405 displays information indicating whether the game is displayed when an error (abnormality) occurs in the gaming machine 3 or when the base door 33 (door) or glass door 34 (frame) of the pachinko machine 3a is open. Characters (for example, characters such as "In error") are displayed to inform the employees and players of the venue.

Further, on the lower front side of the main body housing 911, a plurality of buttons 902 to 908 are arranged side by side. Specifically, from the left, a "call" button 902, a "forward" button 903, a "decision" button 904, a "back" button 905, a "past" button 906, a "history" button 907, and a "graph switching" button 908. is provided. Further, on the right side thereof, there is provided a remote control communication section 909 that receives instruction data from the aforementioned remote control. Further, a speaker 407 is provided on the lower right side of the front surface of the main body housing 911.

Various information can be input to each display device 4 by operating the remote controller. For example, the machine number of each machine display 4 can be input by operating the remote controller. Note that the machine number of each machine display 4 can also be input by operating a plurality of buttons 902 to 908 without using a remote control. Furthermore, when the liquid crystal display section 405 is made to function as a touch panel, the machine number of each display device 4 can also be input by a touch operation on the touch panel.

A "call" button 902 is a button for calling a clerk at the game parlor. Further, a "forward" button 903, a "decision" button 904, and a "back" button 905 are buttons for selecting and determining display data. Moreover, the "past" button 906 is a button for displaying past game history (for example, one week's worth of weekly data). Further, the "history" button 907 is a button for displaying today's game history. Further, a "graph switching" button 908 is a button for instructing switching of the display of the slump graph.

In addition, by performing appropriate operations on these plurality of buttons 902 to 908, the functions of each display 4 can be set (specifically, the display content on the liquid crystal display 405, the light emission mode of the lamp 406, the speaker 407) can be changed to what the player desires. Note that settings changed by the player (changed settings) are stored in the storage unit 403 in a predetermined case.

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

In addition, the server device 2 has a predetermined number of pachinko game units, when the game media handling device 1a, pachinko machine 3a, and each machine display 4 are considered as one unit (hereinafter referred to as "pachinko game unit"). , the island controller 8 and the HUB 9 are connected to the LAN. Similarly, when the game media handling device 1b, pachislot machine 3b, and each machine display 4 are considered as one unit (hereinafter referred to as "pachislot game unit"), a predetermined number of pachislot game units are connected to the island controller 8 and the pachislot game unit. It is connected to the LAN via HUB9. The unit to which these pachinko game units or pachislot game units are connected is called an island unit.

The server device 2 is normally configured to set rate information on an island-by-island basis. For example, a 4 yen rate is set for the pachinko game units shown in parallel directly below the Shimabata counting device 5 in FIG. Set the 1 yen rate.

The island counting device 5 is provided at the gaming island edge, etc., counts game balls and medals acquired by players, and associates the counted value with rate information and card identification information. In addition, the Shimabata counting device 5 prints information indicating the counted value and the rental rate on a receipt and issues it. The island counting device 5 may be provided for each lending rate, or may be capable of selecting an associated lending rate when counting game balls or medals.

When the remaining amount information is associated with the identification information of the card, the settlement device 6 pays out cash corresponding to the remaining amount information when the card is inserted. Note that the settlement device 6 may pay out cash corresponding to these pieces of information based not only on the remaining amount information but also on the ball information by rate that is associated with the identification information of the card.

The prize management device 7 is a terminal device for prize exchange that is attached to the prize exchange counter in the game store, and manages the number of acquired game media and the exchange with prizes using exchange game media number management information (not shown). do. Note that the exchange game media number management information is information that associates each prize with the number of game media required to be exchanged for the prize. For example, in the case of a 4 yen rate, 2 balls are associated as the number of game media that must be exchanged for the lowest unit price prize, and in the case of 1 yen rate, 8 balls are associated as the number of game media that must be exchanged for the lowest unit price prize. are associated. Note that the number of game media that must be exchanged for the lowest unit price prize is not limited to the above example, and can be set as appropriate.

Here, when the player brings a card with which the information on the balls held is associated and inserts the card into the card insertion slot of the card processing machine (not shown), the player receives a prize according to the information on the balls held by rate. shall be able to receive. Furthermore, in the prize management device 7, the player can bring a receipt and exchange prizes based on information indicating the count value and lending rate printed on the receipt.

At that time, the clerk at the prize exchange counter presses an exchange button (not shown) corresponding to the prize specified by the player. Upon receiving the pressing of the exchange button, the prize management device 7 executes exchange control to subtract the number of game media corresponding to the specified prize from the count value. Thereafter, the clerk manually hands over the designated prize to the player. Note that special prizes to be described later may be automatically paid out from a prize dispensing machine (not shown) connected to the prize management device 7.

In addition, in this embodiment, since the structure is such that the ball information is stored for each rate, the prize management device 7 adds up the ball information and determines the prize exchange when executing the exchange control. It is also possible to do this.

Here, the technology of gaming devices and gaming systems that are provided alongside gaming machines is conventionally known. For example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-223494. The gaming device and gaming system described in JP-A-2014-223494 have versatility.

However, gaming devices and gaming systems are required to have high versatility.

Therefore, each display device 4 according to the present invention and a gaming system including the respective display device 4 are configured to be able to perform various controls in order to increase versatility. The various controls include function setting control, data recovery control, unauthorized/door opening notification control, data correction control, data communication control, and automatic file search control, which will be described later. The individual display devices 4 and the game system including the respective display devices 4 can have increased versatility through these controls.

<Function setting control (selection of whether to use main unit settings)>
Here, as mentioned above, the technology of gaming devices and gaming systems that are provided alongside gaming machines is conventionally known. For example, an inter-machine device or management system has been proposed that can switch the operation mode of an inter-machine device (gaming device) and control it between a normal business mode and a normal closing mode (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-223494 (see official bulletin).

However, since gaming machines and gaming devices are system-managed using the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-223494, the settings of gaming devices in recent years can be changed arbitrarily using various setting methods. Depending on the gaming device, it is necessary to determine whether to apply predetermined settings or changed settings, and select any setting depending on the situation.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and is a gaming device that can apply arbitrary settings depending on the situation (improves versatility) even if it has a variety of setting methods. and a gaming system.

Each display device 4 and gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention has a control (hereinafter referred to as "first "Function setting control") is executed.

Below, a control flow related to the first function setting control executed by each display device 4 and the server device 2 (gaming system) will be explained using FIG. 18.

Note that in FIG. 18, the processing shown on the left side is the processing executed by each display device 4, and the processing shown on the right side is the processing executed by the server device 2. The processes executed by the first function setting control include processes at the time of initial power-on, processes at the time of setting operation, processes at the time of power outage, and processes at the time of recovery from power outage. Further, although the function setting control is described as "setting", it is not limited to this, and may be various data such as data related to game results, advertisements, errors, etc.

First, the processing at the time of initial power-on in the first function setting control will be explained. Note that the processing at the time of initial power-on is, for example, a process executed when each machine display device 4 is installed in a game hall and the power is turned on to each machine display device 4 for the first time.

When power is turned on to each display device 4 for the first time, the server device 2 assigns a specific setting (hereinafter referred to as "setting A") to each display device 4 as a function setting of each display device 4. Transmit (step S2111). Note that in this embodiment, setting A relates to the display content on the liquid crystal display section 405, the light emission mode of the lamp 406, and the sound output mode of the speaker 407.

When each display device 4 receives the setting A (step S1111), it applies the setting A as a function setting. In this way, when each display device 4 applies setting A as a function setting, the content of the setting A changes to the display content on the liquid crystal display section 405 of each display device 4, the light emission mode of the lamp 406, and the sound output from the speaker 407. It is reflected in the aspect.

In this way, when each display device 4 is powered on for the first time, the setting A stored in the server device 2 is applied as the function setting. Note that the above-mentioned "Setting A" may be the default setting managed by the server device 2, and may be the default setting managed by the server device 2, or the previous each display device that was installed before the current display device 4 was installed. 4 may be installed. Further, "Setting B" may be a setting that can be changed by the player, or may be a setting that can be set only by the administrator who manages the gaming hall, and may be a setting that can be set only by the administrator who manages the gaming hall. may be configurable.

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

When an appropriate operation is performed regarding the setting of the function of each display device 4 (more specifically, when an appropriate operation is performed on a plurality of buttons 902 to 908), each display device 4 The setting of the function is changed (set) from the initial setting A (step S1112). In addition, below, the setting after changing the function of each display device 4 will be referred to as "setting B."

When the function setting of each display device 4 is changed, each display device 4 applies setting B (the changed setting) as the function setting. In this way, the contents of setting B are reflected in the display contents on the liquid crystal display section 405 of each display device 4, the light emission mode of the lamp 406, and the sound output mode of the speaker 407.

In this way, each display device 4 can change the display contents on the liquid crystal display section 405 from the original contents to those desired by the player.

Next, the processing at the time of power cut in the first function setting control will be explained. Note that the processing at the time of power outage is executed when the power to each display device 4 is cut off (for example, when an employee turns off the power to each display device 4 after the game hall has closed). This is the process to be performed. Note that this is not limited to cases in which it is determined that a power outage has occurred due to the fact that the power supply actually ceases; for example, this is different from a power supply in which the signals transmitted and received by each display unit 4 cannot be received and transmitted normally. Even if it is determined that there is a power outage depending on the cause, it is possible to recognize that the power is out.

When the power to each display device 4 is cut off, each display device 4 stores the current function setting (that is, the setting B changed from setting A in the processing during the setting operation) in the storage unit 403. (Step S1113). In this embodiment, even if the power to each display device 4 is cut off, the information is stored in the storage unit 403 of each display device 4 using power from a backup battery (not shown) or the like. The contents will not be cleared. The backup battery may be installed in each display 4 or outside each display 4.

Next, the processing at the time of power failure recovery in the first function setting control will be explained. Note that the processing at the time of recovery from a power outage refers to when the power to each display device 4 that was cut off is restored (for example, when an employee turns on the power to each display device 4 before the start of business at the amusement center). This is the process that is executed when Note that this is not limited to cases in which it is determined that the power supply has been restored due to the actual resumption of power supply, but in cases where it is determined that the power outage was due to a cause different from the power supply as described above. This may also be a case where it is determined that the power has been restored because the cause has been resolved.

When the power to each display device 4 is restored, each display device 4 transmits information to the server device 2 that the power has been restored. As a result, each display device 4 applies either setting A stored in the server device 2 or setting B stored in each display device 4 to the server device 2 as a function setting. A request is made to select whether to do so (step S1114).

Although it has been described that each display device 4 requests the server device 2 to select whether to apply the function settings, the present invention is not limited to this. The server device 2 may transmit the settings to each display device 4 when it detects that the power of the display device 4 has been restored (or has been turned on). In this case, regardless of which settings are made on each display 4, the settings stored in the server device 2 may take priority and become the function settings for each display 4. Conceivable.

When the server device 2 receives the information that the power to each display device 4 has been restored, it selects either the setting A stored in the server device 2 or the setting B stored in each display device 4. A selection (determination) is made as to whether to apply it as a function setting of each display device 4 (step S2112). Note that the result of the determination (that is, which setting, setting A or setting B, is to be applied) is arbitrarily set by an employee of the gaming hall, and is stored in the server device 2.

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

After transmitting the information that the power has been restored to the server device 2 as described above (step S1114), each display device 4 determines whether setting A has been received from the server device 2 within a predetermined period. (Step S1115).

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

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

In this way, in the first function setting control, when the power of each display device 4 is restored, the setting A stored in the server device 2 or each Which of the settings B stored in the stand display device 4 is to be applied with priority can be appropriately selected according to the settings of the server device 2 (settings made by an employee of the game parlor).

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

As described above, in the first function setting control, each display device 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention
A control unit 400 (setting change means) capable of changing settings regarding each display device 4 (gaming device) is provided, and a control section 400 (setting change means) that can change the settings regarding each display device 4 (gaming device) is provided, Setting B (second setting), which is a setting related to each display device 4 (gaming device) that can store the setting 1) and changed by the control unit 400 (setting changing means), and the setting A Each display device 4 (gaming device) capable of communicating with a server device 2 (management device) that can select which setting to prioritize (first setting),
By communicating with the server device 2 (management device) when the power is turned on, if the setting A (first setting) is received, each display device 4 is configured based on the setting A (first setting). (gaming device), and if the setting A (first setting) is not received, each display device 4 (gaming device) is set based on the setting B (second setting). It is something.

With such a configuration, the versatility of each display device 4 can be increased. Further, even if each display device 4 has various setting methods, it is possible to apply arbitrary settings depending on the situation.

Specifically, the settings of each display device 4 are set by communicating with the server device 2 when the power is turned on, so that either the setting B changed on the side of each display device 4 or the setting A stored on the server device 2 side is set. is given priority. In this way, even if the function settings of each display 4 can be changed both on the side of each display 4 and on the server device 2 side, the settings of each display 4 can be easily changed. becomes. That is, even if each display device 4 has various setting methods, appropriate settings can be applied depending on the situation, and versatility can be increased.

In addition, in the first function setting control, each display device 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention:
If the setting is changed to the setting B (second setting) by the control unit 400 (setting changing means) after being set based on the setting A (first setting) when the power is turned on, the setting is changed to the setting B (second setting) when the power is turned off. The setting B (second setting) can be stored, and when the power is turned on again, each display device 4 (gaming device) determines whether or not to use the stored setting. If it is determined that the settings stored in each machine display 4 (gaming device) are to be used, the each machine display 4 (gaming device) is set based on the setting B (second setting). , if it is determined that the settings stored in the respective display devices 4 (gaming devices) are not used, the settings A (first settings) stored in the server device 2 (management device) are used. It is something.

With such a configuration, each display device 4 only needs to receive the setting A from the server device 2 when using the setting A stored in the server device 2, and only needs to receive the setting A from the server device 2 when using the setting B. There is no need to receive. That is, each display device 4 can be started up quickly when setting B is used. In this way, for each display device 4, it is possible to select a setting method according to the purpose, and it is possible to increase versatility.

Further, a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention that executes the first function setting control,
Each display device 4 (gaming device) is provided with a control unit 400 (setting change means) that can change settings regarding each display device 4 (gaming device);
The setting A (first setting), which is a setting related to each machine display 4 (gaming device), can be stored and changed by the control unit 400 (setting changing means). It is possible to select which of the setting B (second setting) and the setting A (first setting), which are settings related to the display device 4 (playing device), and the setting A (first setting) should be prioritized. A gaming system comprising a communicable server device 2 (management device),
By communicating with the server device 2 (management device) when the power is turned on, if the setting A (first setting) is received, each display device 4 is configured based on the setting A (first setting). (gaming device), and if the setting A (first setting) is not received, each display device 4 (gaming device) is set based on the setting B (second setting). It is something.

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

Specifically, in the gaming system, the settings of each display device 4 are changed by communicating with the server device 2 when the power is turned on, and the settings B are changed on the side of each display device 4 or stored by the server device 2 side. Either setting A has priority. In this way, even if the function settings of each display 4 can be changed both on the side of each display 4 and on the server device 2 side, the settings of each display 4 can be easily changed. becomes. That is, in the gaming system, even if each display device 4 has various setting methods, appropriate settings can be applied depending on the situation, and versatility can be increased.

In addition, in this embodiment, each display device 4 is illustrated as an embodiment of the gaming device according to the present invention, but the gaming device according to the present invention is limited to the individual display device. isn't it. That is, the gaming device according to the present invention may constitute a pachinko gaming unit or a pachislot gaming unit.

In addition, in the first function setting control, each process performed by each display 4 and the server device 2 may be performed by at least either each display 4 or the server device 2, and the target to be processed may be It is not limited to the embodiment.

Note that even if there are various setting methods, the control that can apply arbitrary settings depending on the situation is not limited to the first function setting control as described above. Two other examples of the first function setting control (hereinafter referred to as "second function setting control" and "third function setting control") will be described below.

Below, the control flow regarding the second function setting control executed by each display device 4 and the server device 2 will be explained using FIG. 19.

Note that in the second function setting control, unlike the first function setting control, for example, for each island, any one of the plurality of display devices 4 is the master display device 4 (hereinafter, , for convenience, are set as "each display device 4M"), and the others are set as slave display devices 4 (hereinafter, for convenience, referred to as "each display device 4S"). The master display device 4M plays a more central role than the slave display device 4S in the second function setting control. The master display device 4M and the slave display device 4S can send and receive various information to and from each other. In this embodiment, each master display device 4M is one, but there may be two or more.

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

First, the processing at the time of power outage in the second function setting control will be explained.

When the power to each slave display unit 4S is cut off, each slave display unit 4S masters the current function settings (i.e., setting B changed from setting A in the processing during setting operation). The information is transmitted to each display device 4M (step S1121). When the master display device 4M receives the setting B from the slave display device 4S, the master display device 4M stores the received setting B in the storage unit 403 of the slave display device 4M (step S1131).

In this way, the master display device 4M stores all changed settings for each slave display device 4S, for example, when the power to each slave display device 4S is cut off. do.

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

When the power of each slave display device 4S is restored, the respective slave display device 4S transmits information to the effect that the power has been restored to the master display device 4M. As a result, each slave display device 4S selects either the setting A stored in the server device 2 or the setting B stored in the master display device 4M for each master display device 4M. A request is made to select whether to apply the settings as function settings (step S1122).

When the master display device 4M receives information indicating that the power of the slave display device 4S has been restored, the master display device 4M transmits the information to the server device 2. As a result, each master display device 4M sends either the setting A stored in the server device 2 or the setting B stored in the master display device 4M to the server device 2 as a slave device. A request is made to select whether to apply it as a function setting for each display device 4S (step S1132).

When the server device 2 receives the information that the power of each slave display device 4S has been restored, the server device 2 changes settings A stored in the server device 2 or settings B stored in the master display device 4M. A selection (judgment) is made as to which setting is to be applied as the function setting of each slave display device 4S (step S2121). Note that the result of the determination (that is, which setting, setting A or setting B, is to be applied) is arbitrarily set by an employee of the gaming hall, and is stored in the server device 2.

In this way, when the server device 2 determines to apply the setting A stored in the server device 2 as the function setting of each slave display device 4M, the server device 2 applies the setting A to each master display device 4M. Transmit (step S2122). On the other hand, the server device 2 applies the setting B stored in the master display device 4M as the function setting of each slave display device 4S (the setting A stored in the server device 2 is applied to each slave display device 4S). If it is determined that the setting A is not applied as a function setting of the display device 4S, the setting A is not transmitted to each master display device 4M.

After each master display device 4M transmits information to the server device 2 that the power of each slave display device 4S has been restored as described above (step S1132), the master display device 4M transfers setting A to the server device within a predetermined period. It is determined whether or not it has been received from device 2 (step S1133).

When the master display device 4M determines that the setting A has been received from the server device 2 within a predetermined period (step S1133; Yes), the master display device 4M transfers the received setting A to each slave display device. This is determined as the 4S function setting (step S1134). On the other hand, if the master display device 4M determines that the setting A has not been received from the server device 2 within the predetermined period (step S1133; No), the master display device 4M transfers the stored setting B to each slave device. This is determined as the function setting of the display device 4S (step S1135).

The master display unit 4M displays the setting A or setting B (the setting to be reflected in the display contents, etc. on the liquid crystal display unit 405) determined as the function settings of the slave display unit 4S on each slave display unit. The information is transmitted to the machine 4S (step S1136).

When each slave display device 4S receives setting A or setting B determined as a function setting, it applies the received setting as the function setting (step S1123). In this way, when each slave display device 4S applies setting A or setting B as a function setting, the content of the setting changes to the display content on the liquid crystal display section 405, the light emission mode of the lamp 406, and the sound output mode of the speaker 407. reflected.

In this way, in the second function setting control, when the power of each slave display device 4S is restored, the setting A stored in the server device 2 is set as the function setting of each slave display device 4S. Alternatively, it is possible to appropriately select which of the settings B stored in the master display device 4M is to be applied with priority according to the settings of the server device 2 (settings by an employee of the gaming hall).

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

As described above, in the second function setting control, each display device 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention
A control unit 400 (setting change means) capable of changing settings regarding each display device 4 (gaming device) is provided, and controls each slave display device 4S (first gaming device) and each master device. Each display device 4 (gaming device) having a display device 4M (second gaming device),
Each display device 4M (second gaming device) of the master is:
Each of the slaves is capable of storing a setting A (first setting) that is a setting regarding each display device 4S (first gaming device) of the slave, and is changed by the control unit 400 (setting changing means). The server device 2 (management device), and
capable of communicating with each slave display device 4S (first gaming device),
a storage unit 403 (storage means) capable of storing the settings A (first settings) and the settings B (second settings);
When each slave display device 4S (first gaming device) is powered on, it communicates with the server device 2 (management device), and the server device 2 (management device) stores the information from the server device 2 (management device). When the setting A (first setting) is received, each slave display device 4S (first gaming device) is set based on the setting A (first setting), and the server device If the setting A (first setting) is not received from 2 (management device), each display device 4S (first gaming device) of the slave is set based on the setting B (second setting). control unit 400
(setting means) and
It is equipped with the following.

With such a configuration, the versatility of each display device 4 can be increased. Further, even if each display device 4 has various setting methods, it is possible to apply arbitrary settings depending on the situation.

Specifically, the settings of each slave display device 4S are set to setting B changed on each display device 4 side by the master display device 4M communicating with the server device 2 when the power is turned on, or One of the settings A stored on the server device 2 side is given priority. In this way, even if the function settings of each slave display device 4S can be changed both on the side of each display device 4S and on the server device 2 side, the settings of each display device 4S can be easily changed. becomes possible. That is, even if each slave display device 4S has a variety of setting methods, appropriate settings can be applied depending on the situation, making it possible to increase versatility.

Furthermore, since each slave display device 4S is substantially controlled by the master display device 4M, there is no need for the server device 2 to send settings to each slave display device 4S. Processing related to the settings of each display device 4S can be distributed and processed by the master display device 4M and the server device 2. In this way, it is possible to reduce the processing load on each display device 4 (slave display device 4S and master display device 4M).

Although it has been described that the settings A and B are stored in the storage unit 403 of each master display unit 4M, the configuration is not limited to this, and the first storage unit of each master display unit 4M Setting A may be stored in the second storage unit, and setting B may be stored in the second storage unit. There is a main control circuit and a sub control circuit as control circuits for each master display 4M, the main control circuit manages the settings of each master display 4M, and the sub control circuit manages each slave display 4M. This is because the setting of the stand display device 4S is assumed to be managed. In this case, the sub-control circuit in each master display 4M controls the display screen in each master display 4M, and each slave display 4S does not have a main control circuit, and the slave display 4S does not have a main control circuit. Each display 4S has only the same sub-control circuit as the master display 4M, and the display screen on each slave display 4S is controlled by the sub-control circuit in each slave display 4S. The control may be controllable. Therefore, the main control circuit in each master display 4M controls the sub control circuit in each master display 4M and the sub control circuit in each slave display 4S. It is also conceivable that the main control circuit in the display unit 4M is provided with a master storage means and a slave storage means to control the settings so as not to mix them up.

Below, the control flow regarding the third function setting control executed by each display device 4 and the server device 2 will be explained using FIG. 20.

Note that in FIG. 20, the processing shown on the left side is the processing executed by each display device 4, and the processing shown on the right side is the processing executed by the server device 2. Similar to the first function setting control, the processes executed by the third function setting control include the process at the time of initial power-on, the process at the time of setting operation, the process at the time of power outage, and the process at the time of recovery from power outage. included.

First, the process when the power is turned on for the first time in the third function setting control will be explained.

When each display device 4 is powered on for the first time, each display device 4 applies a pre-stored default setting (hereinafter referred to as "setting D") as a function setting (step S1141). . In this way, when each display device 4 applies the setting D as a function setting, the contents of the setting D are reflected in the display contents on the liquid crystal display section 405, the light emission mode of the lamp 406, and the sound output mode of the speaker 407. Further, each display device 4 transmits the setting D to the server device 2. Upon receiving the settings D, the server device 2 stores the settings D in the storage unit 403 (step S2131).

In this way, when each display device 4 is powered on for the first time, the default setting (setting D) stored in advance in each display device 4 is applied as the function setting.

Next, processing during a setting operation in the third function setting control will be explained.

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

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

In this way, when an appropriate operation is performed regarding the function settings of each display device 4, the default settings (settings D) of each display device 4 and the changed settings (settings) are stored in the server device 2. Two types of settings are stored: B).

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

Each display device 4 is powered off without storing the function settings or transmitting the function settings to the server device 2 or the like (step S1143).

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

When the power to each display device 4 is restored, each display device 4 transmits information to the server device 2 that the power has been restored. As a result, each display device 4 informs the server device 2 which setting, setting D or setting B stored in the server device 2, is to be applied as the function setting of each display device 4. A selection is requested (step S1144).

When the server device 2 receives the information that the power of each display device 4 has been restored, the server device 2 sets the setting D (which is the default setting of each display device 4) stored in the server device 2 or (after the change) A selection (determination) is made as to which setting (setting B) is to be applied preferentially as the function setting of each display device 4 (step S2133). Note that the result of the determination (that is, which setting, setting D or setting B, is to be applied) is arbitrarily set by an employee of the gaming hall, and is stored in the server device 2.

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

When each display device 4 receives the setting D or setting B determined as the function setting, it applies the received setting as the function setting (step S1145). In this way, when each display device 4 applies setting D or setting B as a function setting, the content of the setting is reflected in the display content on the liquid crystal display section 405, the light emission mode in the lamp 406, and the sound output mode in the speaker 407. Ru.

In this way, in the third function setting control, when the power of each display device 4 is restored, the settings that are the default settings of each display device 4 are set as the function settings of the respective display device 4. Depending on the settings of the server device 2 (settings made by an employee of the gaming hall), it is possible to appropriately select which of the settings D and settings B after the change should be applied with priority.

In addition, in the first to third function setting controls, each display device 4 is used as an embodiment of the gaming device according to the present invention, but a configuration using the gaming media handling device 1 may also be used. .

<Data recovery control (today's data recovery)>
Here, as mentioned above, the technology of gaming devices and gaming systems that are provided alongside gaming machines is conventionally known. For example, it is determined whether the difference between the number of balls calculated from various values and the number of balls obtained from the machine between machines is within a preset value range, and the difference value is set in advance. An inter-machine device or management system that can recognize that a value outside the range is an abnormal state has been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-223494).

However, since gaming devices are system-managed using the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2014-223494, various settings and data have been managed for each gaming device in recent years. When handling data, there may be cases where it is required to restore data corresponding to a gaming device. Since data recovery in such cases requires a quick response, there has been a need for a method for easily acquiring the data required for recovery.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to easily obtain the data required for recovery (increase versatility) when data corresponding to a gaming device is required to be recovered. The purpose is to provide gaming devices and gaming systems.

Each display device 4 and the gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention provide control ( (hereinafter referred to as "first data recovery control") is executed.

Below, a control flow related to the first data recovery control executed by each display device 4, game medium handling device 1, gaming machine 3, and server device 2 will be explained using FIG. 21.

In addition, in FIG. 21, the process shown on the left side is the process executed by each display device 4, the process shown at the upper center is the process executed by the game media handling device 1, and the process shown at the lower center is the process executed by the game media handling device 1. This is a process executed by the gaming machine 3, and the process shown on the right side is a process executed by the server device 2. The processes executed by the first data recovery control include a process when inputting a machine number, a process for managing game data, a process when selecting a device update, and a process when restarting (power ON).

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

For example, when the game media handling device 1 is installed at a game hall, a predetermined machine number is input by an employee of the game hall. The machine number input to the gaming media handling device 1 is stored in the storage unit 103 of the gaming media handling device 1. In this way, the machine number is set in the gaming medium handling device 1 (step S3211).

Note that the machine number set in the game media handling device 1 is transmitted to the server device 2. The machine number transmitted to the server device 2 is stored in the storage unit 222 of the game information management device 220 in the server device 2. In this way, the machine number set in the game media handling device 1 is managed by the server device 2.

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

In the game data management process, information regarding the game is transmitted from the game medium handling device 1 and the gaming machine 3 to the server device 2.

Specifically, information regarding lending of game media, counting of the number of game media, replay using counting cards, etc. is transmitted from the game media handling device 1 to the server device 2 as information related to the game (step S3212). In addition, the gaming machine 3 sends information related to the game, such as the number of gaming media fired by the player (out number), the number of gaming media paid out (safe number), and the gaming status of the gaming machine 3. It is transmitted (step S4211).

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

Note that the game data managed by the server device 2 is transmitted to each display device 4 in a predetermined case.

Next, the process when selecting a device update in the first data recovery control will be explained. Note that the process when a device update is selected is a process that is executed when an update (control program update) is selected for the purpose of dealing with bugs or adding various functions, for example.

When execution of the update is selected, each display device 4 (control unit 400) deletes all data stored in the storage unit 403 (more specifically, all data stored after shipment from the factory). (clear. In this way, each display device 4 returns to its factory-shipped state when execution of the update is selected (step S1211). When each display device 4 reaches its factory-shipped state, the power is turned off (step S1212).

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

When each display device 4 returns to its factory-shipped state, the power is turned on and the display device 4 is restarted. When each machine display device 4 is restarted, it transmits, for example, information to the effect that the restart has been performed to the game media handling device 1, and requests the game media handling device 1 to transmit the machine number. The game media handling device 1 transmits the machine number to each machine display device 4 in response to the request. In this way, each machine display device 4 receives (acquires) the machine number from the game medium handling device 1. When each machine display device 4 acquires the machine number, it stores the obtained machine number in the storage unit 403. In this way, each display device 4 reacquires the machine number that was set before the factory default state was reached (step S1213).

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

When each machine display 4 acquires game data, it classifies the acquired game data into predetermined items and displays it on the liquid crystal display section 405 or uses it in the processing of the respective machine display 4. Create data for That is, each display device 4 restores today's data corresponding to each display device 4 (step S1215).

As described above, in the first data recovery control, each display device 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention
Each display device 4 (gaming device) provided corresponding to the gaming machine 3,
a liquid crystal display section 405 (display means) that displays gaming data (gaming information) that is information of the gaming machine 3;
a control unit 400 (communication means) that communicates with the server device 2 (management device) that manages the gaming data (gaming information);
A machine number (identification information) that can identify each machine display machine 4 (gaming machine) and the game data (gaming information) stored in the machine display machine 4 (gaming machine). a clearable control unit 400 (clearing means);
Equipped with
If the machine number (identification information) and the game data (gaming information) are turned on and the power of each machine display device 4 (gaming device) is turned on, the machine number (identification information) can be obtained from the gaming media handling device 1 (device provided corresponding to the gaming machine 3) other than the respective machine display device 4 (gaming device), and based on the obtained machine number (identification information). The gaming data (gaming information) can be acquired from the server device 2 (management device).

With such a configuration, the versatility of each display device 4 can be increased. Further, when each display device 4 is required to restore data corresponding to the respective display device 4, it becomes possible to easily acquire data required for recovery.

Specifically, when the power is turned on after clearing information such as the machine number (machine information) and game data stored in the storage unit 403, each machine display 4 displays the machine number as the game data. The game data can be acquired from the media handling device 1, and the game data can be acquired from the server device 2 based on the acquired machine number. Therefore, even if after clearing the information, each machine display 4 has been updated or replaced with a new model, when the power is turned on, the machine number will be displayed as a game media handling machine. It becomes possible to acquire game data from the server device 2 based on the acquired machine number. In this way, each display device 4 can easily acquire game data required for recovery when data corresponding to the respective display device 4 is required to be restored.

Furthermore, in the first data recovery control, the gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention:
A gaming system having each display device 4 (gaming device) provided corresponding to a gaming machine 3,
a liquid crystal display section 405 (display means) that displays gaming data (gaming information) that is information of the gaming machine 3;
a control unit 400 (communication means) that communicates with the server device 2 (management device) that manages the gaming data (gaming information);
A machine number (identification information) that can identify each machine display machine 4 (gaming machine) and the game data (gaming information) stored in the machine display machine 4 (gaming machine). a clearable control unit 400 (clearing means);
Equipped with
After the machine number (identification information) and the gaming data (gaming information) are cleared, the power of each machine display 4 (gaming device) is turned on. If the machine number (identification information) is
(a device provided corresponding to the gaming machine 3), and acquires the gaming data (gaming information) from the server device 2 (management device) based on the obtained machine number (identification information). It is possible.

With such a configuration, the gaming system can have increased versatility. Furthermore, when the gaming system is required to restore data corresponding to each display device 4, it becomes possible to easily acquire the data required for restoration.

Specifically, in the gaming system, when each machine display device 4 is turned on after clearing information such as the machine number (machine information) and game data stored in the storage unit 403, The machine number can be acquired from the gaming media handling device 1, and game data can be acquired from the server device 2 based on the acquired machine number. Therefore, even if after clearing the information, each machine display 4 has been updated or replaced with a new model, when the power is turned on, the machine number will be displayed as a game media handling machine. It becomes possible to acquire game data from the server device 2 based on the acquired machine number. In this manner, in the gaming system, when each display device 4 is required to recover the data corresponding to the respective display device 4, it becomes possible to easily acquire the game data required for recovery.

In the present embodiment, all data stored in the storage unit 403 of each display device 4 is deleted in the process at the time of device update selection (step S1211), but the present invention is not limited to this. do not have. Specifically, each machine display device 4 only needs to delete at least the machine number and game data out of all the data stored in the storage unit 403 in the process at the time of device update selection (first effect of data recovery control).

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

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the game data management process, information regarding games from the game media handling device 1 and the gaming machine 3 is classified into predetermined items by the server device 2 and managed as game data. However, it is not limited to this. The information regarding the game from the game media handling device 1 and the gaming machine 3 may be classified (edited) into predetermined items as game data before being transmitted (in advance). Further, the information regarding games from the game media handling device 1 and the gaming machine 3 may not be directly received by the server device 2, but may be indirectly received by the server device 2 via another device.

In addition, in this embodiment, when all data is deleted from each display device 4 in the process at the time of device update selection, the power to each display device 4 is turned off. You don't have to.

Further, in the process when selecting a device update, each machine display device 4 may be restarted after acquiring the game data corresponding to the machine number and before restoring today's data. In such a case, the process for restoring today's data (see step S1215) can be shared with the normal startup process of each display 4, so It is possible to simplify the processing to be executed.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the server device 2 transmits the game data corresponding to the machine number in response to a request from each machine display device 4, but even if there is no such request, the server device 2 automatically corresponds to the machine number. You may also send game data to play.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, each display device 4 is illustrated as an embodiment of the gaming device according to the present invention, but the gaming device according to the present invention is limited to each display device. isn't it. That is, the gaming device according to the present invention may constitute a pachinko gaming unit or a pachislot gaming unit.

In addition, in the first data recovery control, the respective processes performed by each display device 4, game media handling device 1, gaming machine 3, and server device 2 are performed at least by each display device 4, gaming media handling device 1, gaming machine 3, and server device 2. The processing may be performed by either the machine 3 or the server device 2, and the object to be processed is not limited to that of this embodiment.

Note that when the data corresponding to each display device 4 is required to be restored, the control that can easily obtain the data required for restoration is not limited to the first data restoration control as described above. . Another example of the first data recovery control (hereinafter referred to as "second data recovery control") will be described below.

Below, a control flow related to the second data recovery control executed by each display device 4, game medium handling device 1, gaming machine 3, and server device 2 will be explained using FIG. 22.

In addition, in FIG. 22, the processing shown on the left side is the processing executed by each display device 4, the processing shown at the upper center is the processing executed by the game media handling device 1, and the processing shown at the lower center is the processing executed by the game media handling device 1. This is a process executed by the gaming machine 3, and the process shown on the right side is a process executed by the server device 2. The processes executed by the second data recovery control include a machine number setting process and a process when selecting a device update.

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

When each machine display device 4 is installed in a game hall, for example, a predetermined machine number is input by operating a plurality of buttons 902 to 908 by an employee of the game hall (step S1221). The machine number input to each machine display 4 is stored in the storage unit 403 of each machine display 4. In this way, the machine number is set on each machine display 4.

Note that the machine number set on each machine display 4 is transmitted to the server device 2. The machine number sent to the server device 2 is stored in the storage section 222 of the game information management device 220. In this way, the machine number set on each machine display 4 is managed by the server device 2. Further, in the server device 2, the machine number set in the game media handling device 1 is transmitted. In this way, the machine number set on the game media handling device 1 is managed by the server device 2 together with the machine number set on each machine display device 4.

Further, information regarding games is transmitted to the server device 2 from the game media handling device 1 and the gaming machine 3.

Specifically, information regarding lending of game media, counting of the number of game media, replay using counting cards, etc. is transmitted from the game media handling device 1 to the server device 2 as information related to the game (step S3221). In addition, the gaming machine 3 sends information related to the game, such as the number of gaming media fired by the player (out number), the number of gaming media paid out (safe number), and the gaming status of the gaming machine 3. It is transmitted (step S4221).

When the server device 2 receives information regarding the game from the game media handling device 1 and the game machine 3, the server device 2 manages the information using the game information management device 220. Specifically, in the server device 2, the control unit 221 of the game information management device 220 groups the machine numbers of the game media handling devices 1 and the display devices 4 that match each other into one group, and stores information regarding the received game. are classified into predetermined items for each corresponding machine number (as one group). Then, the control unit 221 of the game information management device 220 stores the classified information in the storage unit 222 and manages it as game data (step S2221).

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

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

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

When each display device 4 returns to the factory-shipped state, it is restarted (step S1223). When each machine display device 4 is restarted, a predetermined machine number is input by the employee's operation of a plurality of buttons 902 to 908 (step S1224). Each machine display device 4 stores the input machine number in the storage unit 403. In this way, each machine display device 4 reacquires the machine number that was set before the factory-shipped state.

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

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

When each machine display 4 acquires game data, it classifies the acquired game data into predetermined items and displays it on the liquid crystal display section 405 or uses it in the processing of the respective machine display 4. Create data for That is, each display device 4 performs recovery of today's data corresponding to each display device 4 (step S1226).

As described above, in the second data recovery control, each display device 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention
Each display device 4 (gaming device) provided corresponding to the gaming machine 3,
a liquid crystal display section 405 (display means) that displays gaming data (gaming information) that is information of the gaming machine 3;
a control unit 400 (communication means) that communicates with the server device 2 (management device) that manages the gaming data (gaming information);
A machine number (identification information) that can identify each machine display machine 4 (gaming machine) and the game data (gaming information) stored in the machine display machine 4 (gaming machine). a clearable control unit 400 (clearing means);
a plurality of buttons 902 to 908 (input means) through which the machine number (identification information) can be input;
Equipped with
When the power of each machine display device 4 (gaming device) is turned on after the machine number (identification information) and the game data (gaming information) are cleared, the plurality of buttons 902 to 908
When the machine number (identification information) is input using the input means, the game data (game information) can be acquired from the server device 2 (management device).

With such a configuration, the versatility of each display device 4 can be increased. Further, when each display device 4 is required to restore data corresponding to the respective display device 4, it becomes possible to easily acquire data required for recovery.

Specifically, if the power is turned on after clearing information such as the machine number (machine information) and game data stored in the storage unit 403, each machine display 4 displays multiple machine numbers. By inputting the information using the buttons 902 to 908, the information can be acquired from the server device 2. In this way, when each display device 4 is required to restore data corresponding to the respective display device 4, it becomes possible to easily acquire game data required for recovery.

In addition, if you input an arbitrary machine number different from the one originally used for each machine display 4, for example, when changing the layout of the gaming hall, the server device 2 will change the input machine number. It becomes possible to acquire the information based on the above information. In this way, each machine display 4 is changed, for example, when the layout of the game hall is changed (when an arbitrary machine number different from the one originally used is entered for each machine display 4), etc. It also becomes possible to easily obtain game data required for restoration.

Note that in this embodiment, a plurality of buttons 902 to 908 are used to input the machine number of each machine display 4, but the invention is not limited to this, and any means such as the aforementioned remote control may be used. be able to.

<Unauthorized/door open notification control (unauthorized/door open)>
Here, as mentioned above, the technology of gaming devices and gaming systems that are provided alongside gaming machines is conventionally known. For example, an inter-office device or a management system has been proposed that is capable of switching the operation mode of the inter-office device and can be controlled between a normal business mode and a normal closing mode (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-223494).

Gaming machines and gaming devices are system-managed using the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-223494, but since the concept of business hours exists in gaming parlors, gaming devices are required according to business hours. They have different functions. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-223494 discloses a technique for switching between a normal business mode and a normal closing mode as operation modes (functions) according to business hours.

However, in recent years, business hours have often changed, and simply switching modes (functions) according to the business hours as described above is insufficient for the functionality of gaming devices.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming device and a gaming system that are useful for gaming parlors.

In each display device 4 and the gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention, control that can be beneficial to the gaming hall (hereinafter referred to as "first fraud/door opening notification control") is performed. executed.

Below, a control flow related to the first fraud/door opening notification control executed by each display device 4, gaming machine 3, gaming medium handling device 1, and server device 2 will be explained using FIG. 23.

In addition, in FIG. 23, the processing shown on the left side is the processing executed by each machine display 4, the processing shown on the upper right side is the processing executed by the gaming machine 3, and the processing shown in the center right is the processing executed by the gaming machine 3. This is a process executed by the device 1, and the process shown on the lower right side is a process executed by the server device 2. The processing executed by the first fraud/door opening notification control includes a game data management process and a fraud/door opening notification process.

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

Furthermore, in the first fraud/door opening notification control, information regarding the game transmitted from the gaming machine 3 is used (step S4312). The information regarding the game from the gaming machine 3 includes information such as the number of gaming media fired by the player (number of outs), the number of gaming media paid out (number of safes), and the gaming status of the gaming machine 3. The information regarding the game from the gaming machine 3 includes an out ball information signal outputted from the pachinko machine 3a or the pachislot machine 3b, a medal insertion signal, a prize ball signal, a medal payout signal, an external information 1 signal, and the like.

Furthermore, in the first unauthorized/door opening notification control, security information transmitted from the gaming medium handling device 1 is used (step S3311). The security information from the game media handling device 1 includes information such as information indicating that some kind of error (abnormality) has occurred in the game media handling device 1. The security information from the gaming media handling device 1 is composed of a security signal etc. output from the gaming media handling device 1.

Furthermore, in the first fraud/door opening notification control, information regarding the game transmitted from the gaming medium handling device 1 is used (step S3312). The information regarding the game from the game media handling device 1 includes information such as lending of game media, counting of the number of game media, and replay using a counting card. Information regarding the game from the game media handling device 1 includes a card issue signal outputted from the game media handling device 1, a game ball lending signal, a stored ball replay signal, a ball information signal, a stored ball information signal, a medal lending signal, etc. Consisted of.

First, the game data management process in the first fraud/door opening notification control will be explained.

When the server device 2 receives the security information and the information regarding the game transmitted from the gaming machine 3 and the gaming media handling device 1, the server device 2 stores and manages this information in the storage unit 222 of the gaming information management device 220 (step S2311 ).

Further, the server device 2 manages the time of the gaming machine 3, the gaming medium handling device 1, and each display device 4 (step S2312). For example, the server device 2 transmits information regarding the current time in response to a request from each display device 4, and sets the current time measured by the respective display device 4 to the current time managed by the server device 2. Match. Further, the server device 2 transmits information regarding the preset closing time to each display device 4.

The server device 2 also manages opening and closing (step S2313). Specifically, when the current managed time reaches a preset closing time, the server device 2 controls, for example, the ball management device 200, the member management device 210, the game information management device 220, and the display device management device 230. Perform closing processing for various devices such as. That is, the server device 2 disables various functions handled by the ball management device 200 and the like, and carries over the results of the day's ball information, sales information, game information, and the like.

Next, processing of unauthorized/door opening notification in the first unauthorized/door opening notification control will be explained.

Each machine display 4 is displayed when an error (abnormality) occurs in the gaming machine 3 or the gaming media handling device 1, or when the base door 33 or glass door 34 of the gaming machine 3 (pachinko machine 3a) is open. etc., the security information transmitted from the gaming machine 3 or gaming media handling device 1 is received (step S1311).

In this way, each machine display 4 indicates that an error has occurred in the gaming machine 3 or the gaming media handling device 1, or that the base door 33 or glass door 34 of the gaming machine 3 (pachinko machine 3a) is open, etc. When the information (security information) is obtained, a request is made to the server device 2, and information regarding the current time managed by the server device 2 is obtained. When each display device 4 acquires information regarding the current time from the server device 2, the current time managed by the server device 2 is the current time measured by each display device 4 (more specifically, the real-time clock). Check whether it is the same as.

When each display device 4 confirms that the current time managed by the server device 2 is not the same as the current time measured by each display device 4, the respective display device 4 The current time measured by the server device 2 is synchronized with the current time managed by the server device 2 (step S1312). In this way, the current time measured by each display device 4 becomes the same as the current time managed by the server device 2. In this way, each display device 4 transmits and receives time data to and from the server device 2, so that the current time measured by each display device 4 is synchronized (coincident) with the current time managed by the server device 2. ).

Each display device 4 sets the current time to be measured to be the same as the current time managed by the server device 2, and then displays whether or not the current time to be measured (received from the server device 2) is the closing time. A determination is made (step S1313). In this way, each display device 4 determines the business hours of the gaming hall based on the current time that is matched with the server device 2.

Then, if it is determined that the current clocked time is the closing time (the store is currently closed) (step S1314; Yes), each machine display 4 displays the game information from the gaming machine 3 and the gaming media handling device 1. A determination is made as to whether or not a specific period has elapsed during which information regarding the information has not been received (step S1315). Note that, hereinafter, a period in which information regarding games is not received from the gaming machine 3 and the gaming medium handling device 1 will be referred to as a "non-receiving period."

Then, when it is determined that the non-reception period has exceeded a specific period (step S1315; Yes), each display device 4 displays a predetermined display (hereinafter referred to as "error in progress") to notify that the security information has been received. / door open display) is set not to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 405 (step S1316).

On the other hand, if each display device 4 determines that the current measured time is not the closing time (not closed) (step S1314; No), or the current measured time is the closing time (the store is not closed) If it is determined that the unreceived period has not passed a specific period (step S1314; Yes, step S1315; No), an error/door open display is displayed. Settings that can be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 405 are made (step S1317).

In this way, each display device 4 is configured to display the error/door open display on the liquid crystal display section 405, and then displays the error/door open display when the predetermined display conditions are met. is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 405. That is, each display device 4 notifies on the liquid crystal display section 405 that the security information has been received. Note that the predetermined display conditions are arbitrarily set by an employee of the gaming hall or the like.

As described above, each display device 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention, which executes the first unauthorized/door opening notification control,
Security information (first information) provided corresponding to a gaming machine 3 provided in a gaming parlor and transmitted from the gaming machine 3 is a game of the gaming machine 3 that is different from the security information (first information). Each display device 4 (gaming device) capable of receiving information (second information),
a control unit 400 (business hours determining means) capable of determining business hours of the gaming hall;
a liquid crystal display section 405 (notifying means) that makes a predetermined notification according to the security information (first information);
Equipped with
When the security information (first information) is received (step S1311) while the gaming hall is open for business (step S1314; No), the liquid crystal display section 405 (notification means) displays the security information (first information). perform the predetermined notification according to the information (step S1317);
When the game parlor is not open for business (step S1314; Yes) and the period during which the game information (second information) of the game machine 3 has not been received exceeds a specific time (step S1315; Yes), the security information ( Even if the first information is received (step S1311), the liquid crystal display section 405 (notifying means) does not make the predetermined notification (step S1316).

With such a configuration, the versatility of each display device 4 can be increased. Furthermore, each display device 4 can be beneficial to the gaming hall.

Specifically, even if it is determined that the gaming hall is closed, each machine display 4 displays the message if the period of no reception has not exceeded a specific time (that is, the period of no gaming If the specific time has not been exceeded, for example, when the glass door 34 of the pachinko machine 3a is opened, a predetermined notification is made from the liquid crystal display section 405. In this way, each machine display 4 can be used to display the game facility's intentions (to prevent fraudulent activities), even if there is an error in the setting of the closing time, or if the closing time is different from normal business due to all-night operation, etc. (Intention)

Moreover, since each display device 4 can appropriately notify as described above, the reliability of the notification can be maintained, and crime prevention can be improved.

In addition, each machine display 4 displays, for example, the pachinko machine 3a on the premise that no fraudulent activities (games) will occur after the closing time if the closing time setting is correct or in the case of normal business hours. Even if the base door 33 is in an open state, it is possible to prevent a predetermined notification from being made (that is, to prevent unnecessary notifications that are not in line with the intention of the game hall), and to maintain the display device 4 for each machine. It is possible to prevent discomfort from being caused to the worker who performs the work.

Moreover, each display device 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is
When the security information (first information) is received from the gaming machine 3, it communicates with the server device 2 (management device) that manages the gaming hall, and mutually exchanges the time data used for determining the business hours. It is something that is sent and received.

With such a configuration, each display device 4 can mutually communicate with the server device 2 and update the current time when receiving security information, so that it is possible to accurately execute a predetermined notification. becomes possible.

Further, a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention that executes the first fraud/door opening notification control,
Security information (first information) provided corresponding to a gaming machine 3 provided in a gaming parlor and transmitted from the gaming machine 3 is a game of the gaming machine 3 that is different from the security information (first information). A gaming system comprising each display device 4 (gaming device) capable of receiving information (second information),
a control unit 400 (business hours determining means) capable of determining business hours of the gaming hall;
a liquid crystal display section 405 (notifying means) that makes a predetermined notification according to the security information (first information);
Equipped with
Each display device 4 (gaming device) is
When the security information (first information) is received (step S1311) while the gaming hall is open for business (step S1314; No), the liquid crystal display section 405 (notification means) displays the security information (first information). perform the predetermined notification according to the information (step S1317);
When the game parlor is not open for business (step S1314; Yes) and the period during which the game information (second information) of the game machine 3 has not been received exceeds a specific time (step S1315; Yes), the security information ( Even if the first information is received (step S1311), the liquid crystal display section 405 (notifying means) does not make the predetermined notification (step S1316).

With such a configuration, the gaming system can have increased versatility. Additionally, the gaming system can be beneficial to gaming parlors.

Specifically, in the gaming system, even if it is determined that the gaming hall is closed, the display device 4 of each machine displays the message if the unreceived period has not exceeded a specific time (that is, if no gaming is being played). For example, when the glass door 34 of the pachinko machine 3a is opened, a predetermined notification is made from the liquid crystal display section 405. In this way, in the gaming system, each machine display 4 will be able to display the intention of the gaming hall (unauthorized use of the information) even if the closing time is incorrectly set, or if the closing time is different from normal business due to all-night operation, etc. Appropriate notifications can be made in accordance with the intention of preventing such acts.

Furthermore, in the gaming system, each machine display 4 can appropriately notify as described above, so that the reliability of the notification can be maintained and crime prevention can be improved.

In addition, in the gaming system, each machine display 4 displays, for example, on the assumption that if the closing time setting is correct or in the case of normal business, no fraudulent activities (games) will be performed after the closing time. Even if the base door 33 of the pachinko machine 3a is in an open state, it is possible to prevent a predetermined notification from being made (that is, to prevent unnecessary notifications that are not in line with the intention of the game parlor), and to display each machine. It is possible to prevent the operator who maintains the machine 4 from feeling uncomfortable.

In addition, in this embodiment, the security information transmitted from the gaming machine 3 and the gaming media handling device 1 and the information regarding the game transmitted from the gaming machine 3 and the gaming media handling device 1 refer to the security information transmitted from the gaming machine 3 and the gaming media handling device 1. Although the information is directly transmitted from the handling device 1 to each display device 4, it may also be transmitted to each display device 4 via another device (that is, indirectly). Specifically, the security information transmitted from the gaming machine 3 is transmitted from the gaming machine 3 to each display device 4 via the gaming media handling device 1, or from the gaming machine 3 via the server device 2. It may be transmitted to each machine display 4, or it may be transmitted from the gaming machine 3 to each machine display 4 via another gaming device. Although the server device 2 receives information regarding the game media (or number of game media) such as the number of game media used and the number of payouts from the gaming machine 3, the information is not limited to this. , information regarding the game media (or the number of game media) output from the game machine 3 may be received from the game media handling device 1, and the same applies to the security signal.

Further, in this embodiment, the business hours of the game hall, that is, whether or not the game hall is closed is determined by each display device 4, but the server device 2 may also determine the business hours of the game hall. In addition, when the server device 2 determines whether the store is currently closed, each display device 4 receives the determination result of the server device 2.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the server device 2 manages opening and closing, but each display device 4 may manage the opening and closing. Moreover, the management of opening and closing may be selectively performed according to the mutual states of the server device 2 and each display device 4.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display section 405 has been described as an example of a notification means for making a predetermined notification, but for example, the speaker 407 or the like may be used, and any device can be used.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, each display device 4 is illustrated as an embodiment of the gaming device according to the present invention, but the gaming device according to the present invention is limited to each display device. isn't it. That is, the gaming device according to the present invention may constitute a pachinko gaming unit or a pachislot gaming unit.

In addition, in the first fraud/door opening notification control, the respective processes performed by each display device 4, the game media handling device 1, the gaming machine 3, and the server device 2 are performed at least by each machine display device 4, the game media handling device 1. The processing may be performed by either the gaming machine 3 or the server device 2, and the object to be processed is not limited to that of this embodiment.

Furthermore, unlike the case where the first unauthorized/door open notification control is executed, each display device 4 is configured such that, for example, any one of the plurality of display devices 4 is set as the master display device 4M. , and others may be set as each slave display device 4S. In the following, control when each display device 4 is set as a master display device 4M and a slave display device 4S (hereinafter referred to as "second unauthorized/door open notification control") I will explain about it. In this embodiment, each master display device 4M is one, but there may be two or more.

Below, the control flow regarding the second fraud/door opening notification control executed by the master display device 4M, the slave display device 4S, the game machine 3, the game medium handling device 1, and the server device 2 will be described. This will be explained using FIG. 24.

In addition, in FIG. 24, the process shown in the upper left side is the process executed by each slave display device 4S, the process shown in the lower left side is the process executed by each master display device 4M, and the process shown in the upper right side is the process executed by each slave display device 4S. The process shown in is the process executed by the gaming machine 3, the process shown in the center right is the process executed by the game media handling device 1, and the process shown in the lower right side is the process executed by the server device 2. be.

Similar to the first fraud/door opening notification control, the processing executed by the second fraud/door opening notification control includes the game data management process and the fraud/door opening notification process. In addition, in the process of managing gaming data in the second fraud/door opening notification control, processing that is substantially the same as the first fraud/door opening notification control will not be used in the explanation of the first fraud/door opening notification control. By assigning the same reference numerals, the explanation thereof will be omitted.

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

Each slave machine display 4S is displayed when an error (abnormality) occurs in the gaming machine 3 or the gaming media handling device 1, or when the base door 33 or glass door 34 of the gaming machine 3 (pachinko machine 3a) is open. In certain cases, security information transmitted from the gaming machine 3 or gaming media handling device 1 is received (step S1331). In addition, each slave display device 4S, upon receiving the security information, transmits the security information to the master display device 4M.

Further, each slave display device 4S performs display control on the liquid crystal display section 405 when receiving information regarding the game from the gaming machine 3 or the gaming medium handling device 1 after acquiring the security information (step S1332). That is, as will be described later, each slave display device 4S displays an error/door open indication on the liquid crystal display section 405 when the liquid crystal display section 405 is set to display a predetermined notification. is displayed (step S1333).

In addition, when each slave display device 4S receives information regarding the game from the gaming machine 3 or the game medium handling device 1, it transmits the information regarding the game to the master display device 4M.

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

In this way, each master display device 4M, upon acquiring the security information, makes a request to the server device 2 and acquires information regarding the current time managed by the server device 2. When each master display device 4M acquires information regarding the current time from the server device 2, the master display device 4M measures the current time managed by the server device 2 on the respective display device 4M (more specifically, the real-time clock). Check whether it is the same as the current time.

If the master display unit 4M confirms that the current time managed by the server device 2 is not the same as the current time measured by each display unit 4M, the master display unit 4M displays the current time on each unit display unit 4M. The current time measured by the machine 4M is synchronized with the current time managed by the server device 2 (step S1342). In this way, the current time measured by each master display device 4M becomes the same as the current time managed by the server device 2. In this way, each master display device 4M synchronizes the current time measured by each display device 4M with the current time managed by the server device 2 by mutually transmitting and receiving time data with the server device 2. (match)

Each master display device 4M sets the current time to be measured to be the same as the current time managed by the server device 2, and then determines whether the current time to be measured (received from the server device 2) is the closing time. A determination is made (step S1343). In this way, each master display device 4M determines the business hours of the game hall based on the current time that is matched with the server device 2.

Then, if the master machine display device 4M determines that the current time is the closing time (the store is currently closed) (step S1344; Yes), the master machine 3 and gaming media handling device 1 It is determined whether the period during which information regarding the game is not received (non-receiving period) has exceeded a specific period (step S1345).

Then, if the master display device 4M determines that the non-reception period has exceeded a specific period (step S1345; Yes), each master display device 4M (including the slave display device 4S) , a setting is made so that a predetermined display (in error/door open display) notifying that security information has been received is not displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 405 (step S1346).

On the other hand, if the master display device 4M determines that the current time is not the closing time (step S1344; No), or the current time is the closing time. (The store is closed), and if it is determined that the unreceived period has not exceeded a specific period (step S1344; Yes, step S1345; No), (the slave unit display Settings are made for each display device 4 (including the machine 4S) so that an error/door open display can be displayed on the liquid crystal display section 405 (step S1347).

In this way, the master display device 4M sets each display device 4 (including the slave display device 4S) to display an error/door open indication on the liquid crystal display section 405. In this case, each slave display device 4S acquires the security information (step S1331), and when receiving information regarding the game from the gaming machine 3 or gaming media handling device 1 (step S1332), the liquid crystal display unit 405 An error/door open display is displayed on the screen (step S1333). That is, a predetermined notification is performed on each slave display device 4S.

In this embodiment, each display device 4 has a master and a slave, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the game medium handling device 1 may be the master and each display device 4 may be a slave. In this case, the gaming media handling device 1 is provided with a main control section that controls the main functions of the gaming media handling device 1, a subcontrol section that controls the display section of the gaming media handling device 1, and a display on each machine. 4 is provided with a sub-control section that mainly controls the display of each display device 4, and controls the main control section of the gaming medium handling device 1 to issue commands to the sub-control section of each display device 4. is possible.
In this case, the processing executed by each display device 4 (master) and the game medium handling device 1 may be executed by the game medium handling device 1, or vice versa.

Furthermore, in step S1346 and step S1347 of the present embodiment (processing of unauthorized/door open notification in second unauthorized/door open notification control), a predetermined display (in error/door open) is displayed to notify that security information has been received. (Middle display) refers to a predetermined display (error This is the same as the inside/door open display).

<Data correction control (table data correction)>
Here, as mentioned above, the technology of gaming devices and gaming systems that are provided alongside gaming machines is conventionally known. For example, it is determined whether the difference between the number of balls calculated from each numerical value and the number of balls obtained from the machine between machines is within a preset value range, and the difference value is set in advance. An inter-machine device or management system that can recognize that a value outside the range is an abnormal state has been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-223494).

However, gaming devices are system-managed using the technology described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-223494, and in recent years, gaming devices have been handling various data. Since there are cases where the type of data received differs from the type of data received, gaming devices are required to be able to handle a variety of data.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming device and a gaming system that can handle a variety of data and have increased versatility.

Each display device 4 and the gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention are capable of handling a variety of data and have control (hereinafter referred to as "first data correction control") that can increase versatility. ) is executed.

Below, a control flow related to the first data correction control executed by each display device 4, gaming machine 3, gaming medium handling device 1, and server device 2 will be explained using FIG. 25.

In addition, in FIG. 25, the processing shown on the left side is the processing executed by each machine display 4, the processing shown on the upper right side is the processing executed by the gaming machine 3, and the processing shown in the center right is the processing executed by the gaming machine 3. This is a process executed by the device 1, and the process shown on the lower right side is a process executed by the server device 2. The processing executed by the first data correction control includes processing when selecting a device update.

First, the process when selecting a device update in the first data correction control will be described. Note that the process when a device update is selected is a process that is executed when an update (control program update) is selected for the purpose of dealing with bugs or adding various functions, for example.

Note that in the first data correction control, information regarding the game transmitted from the gaming machine 3 is used (step S4411). The information regarding the game from the gaming machine 3 includes information such as the number of gaming media fired by the player (number of outs), the number of gaming media paid out (number of safes), and the gaming status of the gaming machine 3. The information regarding the game from the gaming machine 3 includes an out ball information signal outputted from the pachinko machine 3a or the pachislot machine 3b, a medal insertion signal, a prize ball signal, a medal payout signal, an external information 1 signal, and the like.

Furthermore, in the first data correction control, information regarding the game transmitted from the game medium handling device 1 is used (step S3411). The information regarding the game from the game media handling device 1 includes information such as lending of game media, counting of the number of game media, and replay using a counting card. Information regarding the game from the game media handling device 1 includes a card issue signal outputted from the game media handling device 1, a game ball lending signal, a stored ball replay signal, a ball information signal, a stored ball information signal, a medal lending signal, etc. Consisted of.

In this way, when the server device 2 receives information regarding games from the game media handling device 1 and the gaming machine 3, the server device 2 manages the information using the gaming information management device 220. Specifically, in the server device 2, the control unit 221 of the game information management device 220 classifies the received game-related information into predetermined items for each corresponding machine number. Then, the control unit 221 of the game information management device 220 stores the classified information in the storage unit 222 and manages it as game data. The server device 2 transmits the managed game data to each display device 4 in a predetermined case (see step S1415, which will be described later).

Then, when an employee of the game parlor selects to update, each machine display 4 (control unit 400) updates all the data stored in the storage unit 403 (more specifically, the data stored after shipment from the factory). Delete (clear) all data that has been In this way, each display device 4 returns to its factory-shipped state when execution of the update is selected (step S1411).

When each display device 4 returns to the factory-shipped state, it is restarted (step S1412). When each machine display device 4 is restarted, a predetermined machine number is input by an employee's operation of a plurality of buttons 902 to 908. Each machine display device 4 stores (sets) the input machine number in the storage unit 403 (step S1413). In this way, each machine display device 4 reacquires the machine number that was set before the factory-shipped state. In addition, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the entered machine number is the same as the machine number that was set before the factory default state, but the case is not limited to this. If the entered machine number is different from the machine number that was set before the factory-shipped state, data corresponding to the currently input machine number may be acquired.

When each device display device 4 sets the device number, it sends, for example, information that the device number has been set to the server device 2, and sends update data (device data) for devices managed by the server device 2. request. The server device 2 transmits device data to each display device 4 in response to the request. In this way, each display device 4 receives (acquires) device data from the server device 2 (step S1414). Note that the device data includes data regarding a table (hereinafter referred to as "data table T1") that stores game data item by item.

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

When each machine display device 4 receives the game data, it determines whether or not there is an item corresponding to the received game data in the items of the updated data table T1 (step S1416).

If each display device 4 determines that there is no item corresponding to the received game data in the updated data table T1, it discards the received game data from the storage unit 403 and , transmits a data reception error regarding the game data to the server device 2 (step S1416; No, step S1417).

When the server device 2 receives a reception error regarding the game data, the server device 2 deletes the game data that each machine display 4 could not properly receive and discarded from the storage unit 403 (that is, all the data that was sent to each machine display 4). game data) is displayed on the display section 260. In this way, each machine display device 4 notifies the game hall employee of the game data that could not be properly received via the server device 2 (step S2411).

In addition, if it is determined that there is an item corresponding to the received gaming data in the updated data table T1, each display device 4 changes the item of the data table T1 to the (received) gaming data. Updated by. In this case, if there is an item in the data table T1 that has not been updated by the game data, each display device 4 updates the (unupdated) item by making a predetermined correction (step S1416; Yes, step S1418). Note that the predetermined correction process will be described later.

Each machine display 4 displays on the liquid crystal display section 405 whether or not there are any items that have not been updated with the received game data in the data table T1, and notifies the employees of the game hall. Furthermore, if there is an item in the data table T1 that has not been updated based on the received game data, each machine display 4 displays the item that has not been updated on the liquid crystal display section 405, and (Step S1419).

Further, each display device 4 transmits information regarding data for which the corresponding item does not exist to the server device 2 when there is no item in the data table T1 that corresponds to the received game data. Upon receiving the information regarding the data, the server device 2 displays the data on the display unit 260. In this way, each machine display device 4 notifies the game hall employee of the game data that could not be properly received via the server device 2 (step S2411).

Below, a predetermined correction process by each display device 4 (control unit 400) will be explained.

Note that the predetermined correction processing by each machine display device 4 (control unit 400) refers to, when there is an item in the data table T1 that has not been updated by game data as described above, the processing for updating the item that has not been updated. This is a process to perform. Further, the predetermined correction processing by each display device 4 (control unit 400) is included in the processing executed by the first data correction control.

First, an example of the data table T1 that each display device 4 has will be described using FIG. 26.

The data table T1 shown in FIG. 26 is stored in the storage unit 403 of each display device 4. Data table T1 includes items such as "machine number", "time", "gaming status", "(A) total number of games (number of times)", "(B) total number of outs (number of times)", "(C) total Safe number (pieces)", "(D) Difference ball (pieces)", "(E) Final start (number of times)", "(F) Out between special prizes (pieces)", "(G) Safe between special prizes (pieces)")","(H) Special prize medium difference ball (pieces)", "(I) Special prize medium out (pieces)", "(J) Special prize medium difference ball (pieces)", "(K) Special prize medium difference ball (pieces) )” and “(L) Maximum number of balls (balls)”.

Note that the "machine number" is a unique identification number for each gaming unit (pachinko gaming unit and pachislot gaming unit).
Further, the "time" is the time when the special prize, counting, fraud, etc. occurred.
Furthermore, the "gaming state" is the type of bonus.
Further, "(A) Total number of games (number of times)" is the sum of "(E) Final starts (number of times)" minus the previous "(E) Final start (number of times)".
In addition, "(B) Total number of outs (number of times)" is the sum of "(F) Outs between special prizes (sheets)" and "(I) Outs during special prizes (sheets)". It is.
In addition, "(C) Total number of safes (sheets)" refers to the total of "(G) Safes between special prizes (sheets)" and "
(J) Special Prize Safe (Coins)'' is added.
Further, "(D) Different balls (sheets)" is obtained by subtracting "(C) Total number of safe balls (sheets)" from "(B) Total number of outs (number of times)".
In addition, "(E) Final start (number of times)" is the final "(A) Total number of games (number of times)" minus "(A) Total number of games (number of times)" before the final start. be.
Furthermore, “(F) Outs between special prizes (sheets)” is the number of outs between special prizes.
Furthermore, “(G) Safe between special prizes (sheets)” is the number of safes between special prizes.
Furthermore, "(H) Special prize middle difference balls (pieces)" is obtained by subtracting "(F) Special prize out (pieces)" from "(G) Special prize safe (pieces)."
Furthermore, "(I) Outs during the special prize (sheets)" is the number of outs during the special prize. Specifically, "(I) Special prize out (sheets)" is 48 (24 payouts with 2 cards) when the bonus is "BB", and when the bonus is "RB" is 20 (10 payouts with 2 cards).
Furthermore, "(J) Safe (sheets) during the special prize" is the number of safes during the special prize. Specifically, "(J) Safe in special prize (pieces)" is 360 (15-card hand completed 24 times) when the bonus is "BB", and when the bonus is "RB" , 150 (a 15-card winning combination is realized 10 times).
Furthermore, "(K) Special prize medium difference balls (pieces)" is obtained by subtracting "(J) Special prize medium safe (pieces)" from "(I) Special prize medium out (pieces)."
Further, "(L) Maximum number of balls held (balls)" is the maximum value obtained by subtracting "(B) Total number of outs (number of times)" from "(C) Total number of safes (balls)". Note that "(L) Maximum number of balls held (balls)" can reach its maximum value after the end of the special prize, so it can be calculated by comparing the value immediately after the end of the special prize, and it can also be calculated in real time.

In this embodiment, the expressions ``number of outs'' and ``number of safes'' are used, but they are not limited to these. ), and may be the safe number (the number of payouts, the number of coins paid out from the gaming machine, or the number of balls paid out from the gaming machine).
In addition, as a method for managing the number of outs of the gaming machine 3 that uses game balls, there is a method for controlling the number of outs of the gaming machine 3 that uses game balls (ejected from the gaming machine 3 without going through the payout device 106 of the gaming machine 3). The out box (out detection sensor, etc.) provided as an island equipment detects (or counts) the game balls used in the gaming machine 3 (the number of balls fired). However, it is not limited to this, and a gaming device attached to the gaming machine 3 may be able to grasp the number of games used by the gaming machine 3.
In particular, in enclosed type game machines, the game balls are sealed inside the game machine 3 and are not ejected to the outside, so the number of balls fired (or the signal output for each shot) is directly or indirectly transmitted to the game machine 3. It is conceivable to manage the number of balls fired by a gaming media lending device attached to the gaming machine 3 in order to obtain the information from Not particularly limited. At this time, the number of balls fired may be managed as electronic data, and the game media used in the enclosed game machine and the island equipment are not limited.
The above-mentioned island equipment can be various types of equipment, such as equipment for installing gaming machines, equipment for managing gaming media, or equipment for managing valuables (paper sheets). In general, gaming machines are managed on an island-by-island basis, and includes all equipment for managing gaming machines installed on an island-by-island basis.

In addition, for convenience of explanation, "(A) total number of games (number of times)", "(B) total number of outs (number of times)", "(C) total number of safes (sheets)", and "(D) difference ball (sheets)'', ``(E) Final start (number of times)'', ``(F) Out between special prizes (sheets)'', ``(G) Safe between special prizes (sheets)'', ``(H) Special prize middle difference balls (sheets)''. )", "(I) Special prize medium out (pieces)", "(J) Special prize medium safety ball (pieces)", "(K) Special prize middle difference ball (pieces)", "(L) Maximum ball held (pieces) ” respectively as “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “F”, “G”, “H”, “I”, “J”, “K”, “L” ”.

In the data table T1, the game data of the gaming machine 3 (pachislot machine 3b) with the "machine number" (machine number) 1 that was played from time 10:00 to time 22:50 is ”, “gaming status”, and “A”. In this way, the data classified into the data table T1 is managed as today's data corresponding to each display device 4 (having the data table T1).

Next, an example of the data table T1 in the factory-shipped state will be described using FIG. 27.

For example, when updating is selected for each display device 4, each display device 4 deletes (clears) all data stored in the storage unit 403, and returns to the state at the time of shipment from the factory. In such a state, NULL data is set for all items in the data table T1, meaning that no corresponding data exists. In this way, when shipped from the factory, NULL data is set for all items, so even if the value "0" remains in any item after processing to clear all data. However, it can be easily determined that the numerical value "0" does not mean the initial value, but means that the clearing process was not performed normally.

Next, a specific example of the predetermined correction will be described using FIG. 28.

In addition, for convenience of explanation, the game data (see step S1415 shown in FIG. 25) that each machine display device 4 receives from the server device 2 includes items such as machine number, time, gaming status, total number of games, and total outs. Contains data (numeric values) regarding the number, total number of safes, and difference balls (that is, items corresponding to the items "Machine number", "Time", "Game status", and "A" to "D" of data table T1). It is assumed that

When each display device 4 receives such game data, it updates the items of the data table T1 with the received game data. Specifically, each machine display 4 displays data (numeric values) related to the received gaming data items (machine number, time, gaming status, total number of games, total number of outs, total number of safes, and difference balls). The input is made to the item of the data table T1 corresponding to the item of the received game data. In this way, the items corresponding to the items "machine number", "time", "gaming status", and "A" to "D" of the data table T1 are updated, and the items corresponding to today's machine display 4 for each machine display 4 are updated. Data is created.

In addition, since the data table T1 includes items that were not updated by game data (ie, "E" to "L"), each display device 4 makes a predetermined correction by adding numerical values to the items that were not updated. Enter "0". In this way, each display device 4 updates the items of the data table T1 that have not been updated with the game data using the numerical value "0" (corrected value).

By performing such correction, for example, when each display device 4 in the factory-shipped state receives game data, the items of the (received) game data are changed for the items of the data table T1. Even if there are few items, it is possible to prevent NULL data from remaining in the items of the data table T1. In this way, even if each display device 4 performs arithmetic operations on the data (numeric values) related to items "E" to "L" in the data table T1 to display something, an error may occur due to NULL data that cannot be arithmetic. It is possible to prevent this from happening.

Note that when the numerical value "0" is input as the data regarding the items "E" to "L" of the data table T1 as described above, each display device 4 displays the items "E" to "L" on the liquid crystal display section 405. It is not necessary to display data (numerical value "0") in the display area for items "E" to "L", and it is not necessary to display the display area itself for items "E" to "L".

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

As described above, each display device 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention executes the first data correction control,
Each display device 4 (gaming device) is provided corresponding to the gaming machine 3 and is capable of communicating with a server device 2 (management device) capable of managing gaming data (gaming information) that is information of the gaming machine 3. There it is,
a liquid crystal display section 405 (display means) that displays the gaming data (gaming information);
a data table T1 (storage table) that stores the gaming data (gaming information) for each item;
an IF 410 (receiving means) that receives the gaming data (gaming information) transmitted from the server device 2 (management device);
a control unit 400 (updating unit) that updates the data table T1 (storage table) according to the gaming data (gaming information) received by the IF 410 (receiving unit);
Equipped with
The control unit 400 (updating means)
The game data (gaming information) received by the IF 410 (receiving means) includes data (information) about, for example, the total number of games (first item) and the total number of outs (second item) in the data table T1 (memory table). ) in the data table T1 (memory table) according to the gaming data (gaming information) received by the IF 410 (receiving means). (B) Update the total number of outs (number of times),
If the game data (game information) includes data (information) regarding the total number of games, but does not include data (information) regarding the final start, the data table is changed according to the game data (game information). The "(A) Total number of games (number of times)" in T1 (memory table) is updated, and the "(E) Final start (number of times)" is changed to the numerical value "(E) Final start (number of times)" according to the "(E) Final start (number of times)". 0" (corrected value).

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

Specifically, each display device 4 can change the update mode of the data table T1 according to the data included in the game data received by the IF 410. That is, when the received game data includes data regarding the total number of games and the total number of outs, each display device 4 displays "(A) total number of games (number of times)" and "( B) Update the total number of outs (number of times). Then, if the received game data includes data regarding the total number of games, but there is no data regarding the final start, each display device 4 displays "(A) Total number of games (number of times)" according to the received data. is updated, and the data related to "(E) Final start (number of times)" is updated with a numerical value "0" corrected according to "(E) Final start (number of times)".

In this way, each display device 4 has cases in which data regarding the first item and second item exist, and cases in which data regarding the first item exists but data regarding the second item does not exist. It is possible to receive game data even if there is a In this way, each display device 4 receives, for example, data regarding the first item and second item from the server device of company A, and only data regarding the first item from the server device of company B. Even in such cases, it is possible to deal with such cases, and versatility can be increased.

Further, each display device 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention that executes the first data correction control,
Each display device 4 (gaming device) is provided corresponding to the gaming machine 3 and is capable of communicating with a server device 2 (management device) capable of managing gaming data (gaming information) that is information of the gaming machine 3. There it is,
a liquid crystal display section 405 (display means) that displays the gaming data (gaming information);
a storage unit 403 (storage means) capable of storing the gaming data (gaming information);
a data table T1 (storage table) that stores the game data (gaming information) stored in the storage unit 403 (storage means) for each item;
an IF 410 (receiving means) that receives the gaming data (gaming information) transmitted from the server device 2 (management device);
a control unit 400 (updating unit) that updates the data table T1 (storage table) according to the gaming data (gaming information) received by the IF 410 (receiving unit);
a control section 400 (clearing means) capable of clearing the game data (game information) stored in the storage section 403 (storage means);
Equipped with
The data table T1 (memory table) is
When cleared by the control unit 400 (clearing means), for example, "(A) Total number of games (number of times)" (first item) and "Time" (second item) are NULL data (arithmetic impossible) value),
The control unit 400 (updating means)
The gaming data (gaming information) received by the IF 410 (receiving means) includes data (information) regarding the "(A) total number of games (number of times)" (first item), and the "time" (first item) is included. If the data (information) regarding item 2) is not included, the "(A) Total number of games (number of times)" ( The "time" (second item) updates the "time" (second item) with a predetermined value according to the "time" (second item) in a format corresponding to the second item. It is to be updated.

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

Specifically, each display device 4 (control unit 400) stores the same value in multiple items of the data table T1 when the data stored in the storage unit 403 is cleared. can be made simple.

In addition, if the received game data includes data related to "(A) total number of games (number of times)" but does not include data related to "time", each display device 4 will respond according to the game data. "(A) Total number of games (number of times)" in the data table T1 is updated, and "time" is updated with a predetermined value according to the "time" in a format corresponding to the "time". For example, each display device 4 sets NULL data, which cannot be arithmetic when cleared, for "(A) total number of games (number of times)" and "time", and when the data is received, updates “(A) Total number of games (number of times)” based on the data.

Also, by updating the value in the format corresponding to "time", the value of "time" can be changed depending on the number of digits (for example, "00:00" and "00:00:00", etc.). It can reduce the possibility of problems occurring. Note that the above-mentioned problem is assumed to be when the number of digits of the data to be referred to changes when performing a condition determination, so that the condition determination may not be performed normally. Furthermore, even if the "time" of the data table T1 is updated with an arithmetical numerical value such as "0" as a predetermined value, each display device 4 will set "0" as the initial value. Since it is possible to clarify whether "0" exists as a result of updating, it is possible to receive data within the range where the item exists in the data table T1, and it is possible to receive data within the range where the item exists in the data table T1. You can increase your sexuality.

Further, a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention that executes the first data correction control,
a server device 2 (management device) capable of managing gaming data (gaming information) that is information of the gaming machine 3;
A gaming system having each display device 4 (gaming device) provided corresponding to the gaming machine 3 and capable of communicating with the server device 2 (management device),
a liquid crystal display section 405 (display means) that displays the gaming data (gaming information);
a data table T1 (storage table) that stores the gaming data (gaming information) for each item;
an IF 410 (receiving means) that receives the gaming data (gaming information) transmitted from the server device 2 (management device);
a control unit 400 (updating unit) that updates the data table T1 (storage table) according to the gaming data (gaming information) received by the IF 410 (receiving unit);
Equipped with
The control unit 400 (updating means)
The game data (gaming information) received by the IF 410 (receiving means) includes data (information) about, for example, the total number of games (first item) and the total number of outs (second item) in the data table T1 (memory table). ) in the data table T1 (memory table) according to the gaming data (gaming information) received by the IF 410 (receiving means). (B) Update the total number of outs (number of times),
If the game data (game information) includes data (information) regarding the total number of games, but does not include data (information) regarding the final start, the data table is changed according to the game data (game information). The "(A) Total number of games (number of times)" in T1 (memory table) is updated, and the "(E) Final start (number of times)" is changed to the numerical value "(E) Final start (number of times)" according to the "(E) Final start (number of times)". 0" (corrected value).

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

Specifically, in the gaming system, each machine display device 4 can change the update mode of the data table T1 according to the data included in the gaming data received by the IF 410. That is, when the received game data includes data regarding the total number of games and the total number of outs, each display device 4 displays "(A) total number of games (number of times)" and "( B) Update the total number of outs (number of times). Then, if the received game data includes data regarding the total number of games, but there is no data regarding the final start, each display device 4 displays "(A) Total number of games (number of times)" according to the received data. is updated, and the data related to "(E) Final start (number of times)" is updated with a numerical value "0" corrected according to "(E) Final start (number of times)".

In this way, in the gaming system, each display device 4 has data regarding the first item and the second item, and data regarding the first item but not the second item. Even if there is a case where the game data is not played, it is possible to receive game data. In this way, each display device 4 receives, for example, data regarding the first item and second item from the server device of company A, and only data regarding the first item from the server device of company B. Even in such cases, it is possible to deal with such cases, and versatility can be increased.

In addition, in this embodiment, each display device 4 is illustrated as an embodiment of the gaming device according to the present invention, but the gaming device according to the present invention is limited to the individual display device. isn't it. That is, the gaming device according to the present invention may constitute a pachinko gaming unit or a pachislot gaming unit.

In addition, in the first data correction control, the respective processes performed by each display device 4, the game media handling device 1, the gaming machine 3, and the server device 2 are performed at least by each display device 4, the gaming media handling device 1, the gaming The processing may be performed by either the machine 3 or the server device 2, and the object to be processed is not limited to that of this embodiment.

Note that the control that can handle a variety of data and increase versatility is not limited to the first data correction control as described above. Another example of the first data correction control (hereinafter referred to as "second data correction control") will be described below.

Below, a control flow related to the second data correction control executed by each display device 4, game medium handling device 1, gaming machine 3, and server device 2 will be explained using FIG. 29.

In FIG. 29, the process shown on the left side is the process executed by each machine display 4, the process shown in the upper right side is the process executed by the gaming machine 3, and the process shown in the center right is the process executed by the gaming machine 3. This is a process executed by the device 1, and the process shown on the lower right side is a process executed by the server device 2. Similar to the first data correction control, the processing executed by the second data correction control includes the processing at the time of device update selection. Note that among the processes during device update selection in the second data correction control, processes that are substantially the same as the first data correction control are indicated by the reference numerals used in the explanation of the first correction control. The explanation will be omitted.

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

When each display device 4 receives the game data (step S1415), it inputs (stores) the received game data (numeric value) into the corresponding item of the data table T1 (step S1421). At this time, if there is an item in the game data that does not correspond to an item in the data table T1, each display device 4 deletes the data regarding the item that does not correspond to the item without storing it.

After storing the received game data, each display device 4, if there is an item in the data table T1 that has not been updated with the game data, performs the predetermined correction as described above to update the item. The missing items are updated (step S1422). In addition, each display device 4 displays, if there is an item in the data table T1 that has not been updated by the game data (even if the update has been performed by performing a predetermined correction as described above). ) The display area itself related to the item is not displayed (step S1423).

Note that the specific example of the predetermined correction by each display device 4 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 28. Another example (another specific example) of the predetermined correction by each display device 4 will be described below.

First, a first alternative example of the predetermined correction by each display device 4 will be described using FIG. 30.

In the following, for convenience of explanation, the game data that each machine display device 4 receives from the server device 2 includes the following items: machine number, time, gaming status, total number of games, total number of outs, and total number of safes (i.e., data It is assumed that data (numerical values) related to the items "machine number", "time", "gaming status", and items corresponding to "A" to "C" of table T1 are included.

When each display device 4 receives such game data, it updates the items of the data table T1 with the received game data. Specifically, each machine display 4 displays data (numerical values) related to the received game data items (machine number, time, game status, total number of games, total number of outs, and total number of safes) for the received game data. Input is made into the item of the data table T1 corresponding to the data item. In this way, the items corresponding to the items "Machine number", "Time", "Game status", and "A" to "C" of the data table T1 are updated, and the items corresponding to each machine display 4 regarding the relevant items are updated. Data is created.

Of the items "D" to "L" that were not updated by the game data, "D" (i.e., difference ball) is defined as "(B) Total number of outs (number of times)" to "( C) Total safe number (sheets)” is calculated by subtracting it. Here, each display device 4 has received data regarding items "B" and "C". Therefore, each display device 4 performs the above-mentioned arithmetic on the data regarding items "B" and "C" to calculate the difference. In this way, each display device 4 updates item "D" of the data table T1 using the data regarding the calculated difference ball as a predetermined correction.

In this way, by performing the predetermined correction (first alternative example), even if there is a missing item in the received game data, each machine display 4 can correct the received game data for the missing item. Updates can be made using other items. That is, each display device 4 can easily update the items in the data table T1.

Next, a second alternative example of the predetermined correction by each display device 4 will be described using FIG. 31.

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

Data A also includes items such as machine number, time, gaming status, total number of games, total number of outs, total number of safes, and difference balls (i.e., the items "machine number", "time", "gaming It is assumed that data (numerical values) regarding "state" and items corresponding to "A" to "D" are included. Data B also includes items such as machine number, time, final start, out between special prizes, same between special prizes, and difference between special prizes (i.e., items "machine number", "time", and "E" of data table T1). It is assumed that data (numerical values) regarding items corresponding to "H" are included.

When each display device 4 receives such game data, it performs a process of combining data A and data B. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 31, each machine display 4 displays one game data (hereinafter, "data") so that the items (machine number, time) that both pieces of data have do not overlap (referred to as "C"). In this way, each machine display device 4 displays the machine number, time, game status, total number of games, total number of outs, total number of safes, difference balls, final start, outs between special prizes, and special prizes from the two game data as predetermined corrections. One piece of data (data C) having the items of the difference ball and the special prize middle difference ball is generated.

When each display device 4 generates the data C, it updates the items of the data table T1 with the data C. Specifically, each machine display 4 displays the items of the generated data C (machine number, time, gaming status, total number of games, total number of outs, total number of safes, difference balls, final start, outs between special prizes, special prizes). The data (numerical values) regarding the special prize center difference ball and the special prize center difference ball are input into the items of the data table T1 corresponding to the data C items. In this way, the items corresponding to the items "machine number", "time", "gaming status", and "A" to "H" of the data table T1 are updated, and the items corresponding to each machine display 4 regarding the relevant items are updated. Data is created.

In this way, by performing the predetermined correction (second example), each display device 4 can appropriately update the items in the data table T1 even when a plurality of pieces of game data have been received. can be done.

<Data communication control (device update)>
Here, as mentioned above, the technology of gaming devices and gaming systems that are provided alongside gaming machines is conventionally known. For example, it is determined whether the difference between the number of balls calculated from each numerical value and the number of balls obtained from the machine between machines is within a preset value range, and the difference value is set in advance. An inter-machine device or management system that can recognize that a value outside the range is an abnormal state has been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-223494).

Gaming devices are system-managed using technology such as that described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2014-223494, and in recent years, various settings and data have been managed for each gaming device. When managing such a gaming device, it is conceivable that the gaming device receives a large amount of data from a management device or the like.

However, since gaming devices may have a small storage capacity due to the nature of their operation, there is a need for data communication that always takes the storage capacity of gaming devices into consideration.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a highly secure gaming device and gaming system by performing data communication in consideration of the storage capacity of the gaming device.

Each display device 4 and the gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention have control (hereinafter referred to as “second display device”) that can improve safety by performing data communication that takes into account the storage capacity of each display device 4. 1) is executed.

Below, a control flow related to the first data communication control executed by each display device 4 and the server device 2 will be explained using FIG. 32.

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

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

When each machine display device 4 is installed at a game parlor, for example, a predetermined machine number is input by operating a plurality of buttons 902 to 908 by an employee of the game parlor. The machine number input to each machine display 4 is stored in the storage unit 403 of each machine display 4. In this way, the machine number is set on each machine display 4 (step S1511).

The machine number set on each machine display 4 is transmitted to the server device 2. The machine number sent to the server device 2 is stored in the storage section 222 of the game information management device 220. In this way, the machine number set on each machine display 4 is managed by the server device 2.

Furthermore, the server device 2 manages information regarding games transmitted from the game media handling device 1 and the gaming machine 3 as game data. Note that the information regarding games transmitted from the game media handling device 1 includes information such as lending of game media, counting of the number of game media, and replay using counting cards and the like. In addition, the information regarding the game transmitted from the gaming machine 3 includes information such as the number of gaming media fired by the player (number of outs), the number of gaming media paid out (number of safes), and the gaming status of the gaming machine 3. It will be done.

The server device 2 also manages update data for each display device 4 for the purpose of dealing with bugs and failures. Note that the update data is information related to updating the control program of each display device 4. The update data includes, for example, version information of each display 4 (device).

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

Next, a process when selecting a device update in the first data communication control will be described. Note that the process when a device update is selected is a process that is executed when an update (control program update) is selected for the purpose of dealing with bugs or adding various functions, for example.

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

When each display device 4 returns to the factory-shipped state, it is restarted (step S1513). When each machine display device 4 is restarted, a predetermined machine number is input by an employee's operation of a plurality of buttons 902 to 908. Each machine display device 4 stores the input machine number in the storage unit 403. In this way, each display device 4 is reset to the machine number that was set before the factory default state (step S1514).

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

In this way, upon receiving the machine number and the current version information (hereinafter referred to as "second version information" for convenience), the server device 2 uses the received second version information and the machine number setting process as described above. The machine number and the version information of the update data (hereinafter referred to as "first version information" for convenience) managed by If the server device 2 determines that the second version information is older than the first version information, it transmits the managed update data to each display device 4 (step S2511).

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

In addition, when each display device 4 receives update data from the server device 2, the data amount of the received update data is the data capacity (data reception limit, storage limit) of each display device 4. (step S1516).

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

Here, regarding the above-mentioned judgment of each display device 4, there are two methods. Specifically, the above two methods are a method of checking whether the amount of information that each display device 4 has received (downloaded) from the server device 2 exceeds the storage capacity of each display device 4; (hereinafter referred to as the "first confirmation method"), the amount of information after decompressing or updating (installing) the information received (downloaded) by each display device 4 from the server device 2 is determined by the amount of information on each display device 4. This is a method of checking whether the storage capacity has been exceeded (hereinafter referred to as the "second checking method"). Each display device 4 may perform both the first confirmation method and the second confirmation method, or may perform only one of the first confirmation method and the second confirmation method regarding the above-described determination.

If each display device 4 determines that the amount of the received update data exceeds the data capacity of each display device 4 (step S1516; Yes), the display device 4 stops receiving the update data. It is canceled midway (step S1517). Furthermore, each display device 4 deletes the update data that has already been received (step S1518). As a result, each display device 4 executes various types of control based on the control program that has not been updated.

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

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

When each display device 4 receives the game data, it transmits the result of receiving the update data and the result of receiving the game data to the server device 2 (step S1521). That is, when each display device 4 deletes the update data (step S1518), the display device 4 sends the information of failure to receive the update data and the information of completion of reception of gaming data (today's data) to the server. Send to device 2. Furthermore, when updating is performed (step S1519), each display device 4 sends to the server device 2 information that the update data has been successfully received and information that the game data (today's data) has been successfully received. Send.

In addition, when each machine display 4 acquires game data, it classifies the acquired game data into predetermined items and displays it on the liquid crystal display section 405 or uses it in the processing of the respective machine display 4. Create data for That is, each display device 4 performs recovery of today's data corresponding to the respective display device 4 (step S1522).

Note that when the server device 2 acquires information about failure to receive update data from each display device 4, maintenance of each display device 4 is required (in other words, the server device 2 updates the version of each display device 4). (step S2513). In this way, when the server device 2 determines that maintenance of each machine display device 4 is required, it displays a predetermined message on the display unit 260 in order to notify the employees of the game parlor.

In this way, each display device 4 cancels the reception of the update data while canceling the reception of the game data if it is determined that the amount of update data exceeds the data capacity in the process when selecting a device update. receive. In this way, each display device 4 is ready for use after being restarted, and can be prevented from interfering with the operation of the game hall.

As described above, each display device 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention executes the first data communication control,
Each display device 4 (gaming device) is provided corresponding to the gaming machine 3 and is capable of communicating with a server device 2 (management device) capable of managing gaming data (gaming information) that is information of the gaming machine 3. There it is,
a liquid crystal display section 405 (display means) that displays the gaming data (gaming information);
a storage area (storage means) for storing a control program for each display device 4 (gaming device);
a control unit 400 (updating means) that updates the control program;
an IF 410 (receiving means) that receives update data (information regarding the control program) from the server device 2 (management device) when updating the control program;
When the IF 410 (receiving means) receives the update data, the update data (information regarding the control program) stored in the storage area (storage means) exceeds the storage capacity of the storage area (storage means). A control unit 400 (determination means) that determines whether or not the
When the control unit 400 (determination means) determines that the storage capacity of the storage area (storage means) is exceeded, the control unit 400 (storage area excess) discards the update data received by the IF 410 (reception means). control means);
It is equipped with the following.

With such a configuration, the versatility of each display device 4 can be increased. Further, each display device 4 can improve safety by performing data communication taking storage capacity into consideration.

Specifically, each display device 4 determines whether the received update data exceeds the storage capacity of each display device 4 when updating the control program. In this way, each display device 4 receives the update data, and updates the control program when it is determined that the update data does not exceed the storage capacity of the respective display device 4. data exceeding the storage capacity of each display device 4 can be prevented from being transmitted.

Furthermore, if each display device 4 determines that the update data exceeds the storage capacity of the respective display device 4, the control program discards the received update data. It is possible to prevent the control of each display device 4 from being reduced and to prevent the stability of operation from being reduced (safety can be improved).

Further, each display device 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention that executes the first data communication control is
The IF 410 (receiving means) receives game data (game information) performed on the gaming machine 3, regardless of the determination made by the control unit 400 (determination means) regarding the storage capacity of the ROM 402 (storage means). It is.

With this configuration, each display device 4 can receive game data played on the gaming machine 3 regardless of the determination regarding storage capacity, so even if the control program cannot be updated It becomes possible to receive game data even if In this way, each display device 4 can display game data and execute processing using game data even if the control program cannot be updated, so versatility can be increased. It becomes possible.

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

With such a configuration, the gaming system can have increased versatility. Furthermore, the gaming system can improve safety by performing data communication that takes storage capacity into consideration.

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

In addition, in the gaming system, if each machine display device 4 determines that the update data exceeds the storage capacity of the respective machine display device 4, the control program is stored in order to discard the received update data. It is possible to prevent the area from being compressed and the control of each display device 4 to be reduced, and it is possible to prevent the operational stability from being reduced (safety can be improved).

In addition, in each display device 4, the game data received after the update may be different from the game data it had before the update (before the state was set to factory shipment). In such a case, different game data will be displayed on each machine display 4 before and after the update. Therefore, each display device 4 is controlled so that the update can only be executed outside the business hours of the game hall, or controlled so that it can only be executed outside the business hours and after the carryover processing of the management device is completed. This is desirable.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, each display device 4 is illustrated as an embodiment of the gaming device according to the present invention, but the gaming device according to the present invention is limited to each display device. isn't it. That is, the gaming device according to the present invention may constitute a pachinko gaming unit or a pachislot gaming unit.

In addition, in the first data communication control, each process performed by each display device 4 and the server device 2 may be performed by at least either each display device 4 or the server device 2, and the target to be processed may be It is not limited to the embodiment.

Note that the control that can improve safety by performing data communication in consideration of the storage capacity of each display device 4 is not limited to the first data communication control as described above. Two other examples of the first data communication control (hereinafter referred to as "second data communication control" and "third data communication control") will be described below.

Below, the control flow regarding the second data communication control executed by each display device 4 and the server device 2 will be explained using FIG. 33.

Note that in FIG. 33, the processing shown on the left side is the processing executed by each display device 4, and the processing shown on the right side is the processing executed by the server device 2. Similar to the first data communication control, the processes executed by the second data communication control include the machine number setting process and the process when selecting a device update. Note that the machine number setting process in the second data communication control is approximately the same as the machine number setting process in the first data communication process, so the reference numerals used in the explanation of the first data communication process are used. Therefore, the explanation will be omitted.

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

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

When each display device 4 returns to the factory-shipped state, it is restarted (step S1532). When each machine display device 4 is restarted, a predetermined machine number is input by an employee's operation of a plurality of buttons 902 to 908. Each machine display device 4 stores the input machine number in the storage unit 403. In this way, each display device 4 is reset to the machine number that was set before the factory default state (step S1534). In addition, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the entered machine number is the same as the machine number that was set before the factory default state, but the case is not limited to this. If the entered machine number is different from the machine number that was set before the factory-shipped state, data corresponding to the currently input machine number may be acquired.

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

In this way, upon receiving the second version information (machine number and current version information), the server device 2 combines the received second version information with the first version information (managed by the machine number setting process as described above). Compare the current machine number and update data version information). If the server device 2 determines that the second version information is older than the first version information, it transmits information regarding the data capacity of the update data that it manages to each display device 4 ( Step S2521).

In this way, after restarting each display device 4, if the second version information is older than the first version information, each display device 4 receives information regarding the data capacity of the update data from the server device 2. When each display device 4 receives the information regarding the data capacity of the update data, it compares the data capacity with the storage area of the respective display device 4 (step S1535).

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

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

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

In this way, when the server device 2 receives the information that there is free space from each display device 4 (step S2522; Yes), it transmits update data to each display device 4 (step S2523). .

On the other hand, if the server device 2 does not receive the information that there is free space from each display device 4 (step S2522; No), maintenance of each display device 4 is required (that is, each device display device 4 requires maintenance). It is determined that the version of the display device 4 needs to be updated (step S2525). In this way, when the server device 2 determines that maintenance of each machine display device 4 is required, it displays a predetermined message on the display unit 260 in order to notify the employees of the game parlor.

When the update data is transmitted from the server device 2 (step S2523), each display device 4 receives the transmitted update data if it is able to receive it. Then, each display device 4 performs an update based on the received update data (step S1538).

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

When each machine display 4 acquires game data, it classifies the acquired game data into predetermined items and displays it on the liquid crystal display section 405 or uses it in the processing of the respective machine display 4. Create data for That is, each display device 4 performs recovery of today's data corresponding to the respective display device 4 (step S1541).

As described above, each display device 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention executes the second data communication control,
Each display device 4 (gaming device) is provided corresponding to the gaming machine 3 and is capable of communicating with a server device 2 (management device) capable of managing gaming data (gaming information) that is information of the gaming machine 3. There it is,
a liquid crystal display section 405 (display means) that displays the gaming data (gaming information);
a storage area (storage means) for storing a control program for each display device 4 (gaming device);
a control unit 400 (updating means) that updates the control program;
an IF 410 (receiving means) that receives update data (information regarding the control program) from the server device 2 (management device) when updating the control program;
Before the IF 410 (receiving means) receives the update data, the update data (information regarding the control program) stored in the storage area (storage means) exceeds the storage capacity of the storage area (storage means). A control unit 400 (determination means) that determines whether or not the
When the control unit 400 (determination unit) determines that the storage capacity of the storage area (storage unit) is exceeded, the control unit 400 (storage area excess capacity) controls the IF 410 (reception unit) not to receive the information. control means);
It is equipped with the following.

With such a configuration, the versatility of each display device 4 can be increased. Further, each display device 4 can improve safety by performing data communication taking storage capacity into consideration.

Specifically, when updating the control program, each display device 4 determines whether the update data scheduled to be received exceeds the storage capacity of the respective display device 4 before receiving the update data. Determine. In this way, each display device 4 determines in advance whether or not the storage capacity of each display device 4 is exceeded, confirms the reception of the update data, and confirms that the update data is stored in the storage capacity of each display device 4. Since the control program is updated when it is determined that the storage capacity of each display device 4 is not exceeded, it is possible to prevent the update data from being transmitted in excess of the storage capacity of each display device 4.

Furthermore, if each display device 4 determines in advance that the update data exceeds the storage capacity of the respective display device 4, the control program will not receive the update data. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the control of each display device 4 from being reduced, and to prevent the stability of operation from being reduced (safety can be improved).

Below, the control flow related to the third data communication control executed by each display device 4 and the server device 2 will be explained using FIG. 34.

Note that in FIG. 34, the processing shown on the left side is the processing executed by each display device 4, and the processing shown on the right side is the processing executed by the server device 2. Similar to the first data communication control, the processes executed by the third data communication control include the machine number setting process and the process when selecting a device update. Note that the machine number setting process in the third data communication control is approximately the same as the machine number setting process in the first data communication process, so the reference numerals used in the explanation of the first data communication process are used. Therefore, the explanation will be omitted.

First, the process when selecting a device update in the third data communication control will be explained.

When the device update selection process is started, each display device 4 transmits the current version information (second version information) of the respective display device 4 (device) to the server device 2 (step S1552 ). In this way, upon receiving the second version information, the server device 2 manages the second version information in association with the machine number, update data (first version information), and game data.

Further, upon receiving the second version information (current version information), the server device 2 compares the received second version information with the first version information (version information of the update data). . If the server device 2 determines that the second version information is older than the first version information, it transmits information regarding the data capacity of the update data that it manages to each display device 4 ( Step S2531).

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

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

In this way, if the received judgment result is that there is not enough free space in the storage area of each display device 4 to receive the update data (step S2532; No), the server device 2 It is determined that maintenance of the display device 4 is required (that is, it is necessary to update the version of each display device 4) (step S2535). In this way, when the server device 2 determines that maintenance of each machine display device 4 is required, it displays a predetermined message on the display unit 260 in order to notify the employees of the game parlor.

Although it has been described that it is determined that maintenance of each display device 4 is required (that is, it is necessary to update the version of each display device 4), this is not limited to this, and the storage capacity of each display device 4 It is necessary to organize the memory of each display unit 4, or there is a need to free up space in the storage capacity, or there is a need to delete unnecessary data, or there is a need to physically increase the memory (on the hardware side). This can be taken into consideration when it is determined that there is no free space in the area.

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

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

Note that each display device 4 does not necessarily need to receive all of the update data depending on the free capacity of the storage area of each display device 4. That is, if the storage area of each display device 4 reaches its limit while receiving update data, the display device 4 may store only the data that has already been received. Further, in such a case, each display device 4 may discard the data already received. Note that such processing (whether to store only the data already received or to discard it) may be selectable, or may be performed automatically under the control of each display device 4.

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

When each display device 4 receives the game data, it transmits the result of receiving the game data to the server device 2 (step S1557). That is, each display device 4 transmits information indicating completion of receiving game data (today's data) to the server device 2.

In addition, when each machine display 4 acquires game data, it classifies the acquired game data into predetermined items and displays it on the liquid crystal display section 405 or uses it in the processing of the respective machine display 4. Create data for That is, each display device 4 restores today's data corresponding to each display device 4 (step S1558).

With this configuration, in the third data communication control, each display device 4 is not set to the factory-shipped state (that is, stored after being shipped from the factory), unlike the first and second data communication controls. When update data is received without deleting all data that has been updated, it is possible to prevent the data from being transmitted in excess of the storage capacity of each display device 4.
With the above configuration, since the free storage capacity of each display 4 is referred to, if the received update data exceeds the storage capacity of each display 4 when the factory default state is Even if there is, it will be possible to deal with it.

In addition, in order to prevent the above-mentioned update data from being transmitted in excess of the storage capacity of each display device 4, a configuration in which each display device 4 does not have to be in the factory-shipped state is as follows. It can be applied not only to the third data communication control but also to the first and second data communication control.

<Automatic file search control (automatic file search in USB)>
Further, each display device 4 and the gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention are subjected to control (hereinafter referred to as "first automatic file search control") that can increase versatility.

Below, the control flow regarding the first automatic file search control executed by each display device 4 and the USB memory 10 will be explained using FIG. 35.

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

First, the process performed when USB connection is detected in the first automatic file search control will be described. Note that the process when USB connection is detected is a process that is executed when data stored in each display device 4 is updated using the USB memory 10.

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

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

Then, each display device 4 determines whether data to be searched is stored in the USB memory 10 (step S1612). Then, when each display device 4 determines that the data to be searched (data of character string B) is stored in the USB memory 10 (step S1612; Yes), the display device 4 It is determined whether data having a specific character string (that is, data having the same character string) exists in the storage area (step S1613).

Then, if each display device 4 determines that data having a specific character string exists in the storage area of each display device 4 (step S1613; Yes), the display device 4 stores data having the specific character string. It is deleted from the storage area (step S1614). After deleting the data having the specific character string, each display 4 reads the data having the specific character string from the USB memory 10 and stores it in the storage area of each display 4 (step S1615 ). Furthermore, even when it is determined that data having a specific character string does not exist in the storage area of each display device 4 (step S1613; No), each display device 4 stores a specific character string from the USB memory 10. is read and stored in the storage area of each display device 4 (step S1615).

Note that each display device 4, when reading data having a specific character string from the USB memory 10, deletes the data having the specific character string existing in the storage area of each display device 4. You may overwrite it instead.

If the data read from the USB memory 10 is compressed, each display device 4 decompresses the data and then stores the data in the storage area (step S1616). In this way, each display device 4 stores the data having the specific character string stored in the USB memory 10 in its storage area, thereby completing the update of the data of each display device 4. When the data update is completed, each display device 4 issues a predetermined notification to the liquid crystal display unit 405 (step S1617).

In this way, each display device 4 makes a predetermined notification and then transitions to a state in which the USB memory 10 can be disconnected (that is, a state in which the USB memory 10 can be removed from each display device 4).

With such a configuration, each display device 4 can automatically update data when updating data stored in the storage area using the USB memory 10. can improve work efficiency. That is, each display device 4 can have increased versatility.

Note that the control that can increase versatility is not limited to the first automatic file search control as described above. Another example of the first automatic file search control (hereinafter referred to as "second automatic file search control") will be described below.

Below, the control flow regarding the second automatic file search control executed by each display device 4 and the USB memory 10 will be explained using FIG. 36.

Note that in FIG. 36, the processing shown on the left side is the processing executed by each display device 4, and the data shown on the right side is data stored in the USB memory 10. Similar to the first automatic file search control, the processes executed by the second automatic file search control include the process when a USB connection is detected.

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

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

When the USB memory 10 is connected to each display device 4, each display device 4 saves data having a specific file format (for example, MP4 file format) from the data stored in the USB memory 10. Search (step S1621).

Then, each display device 4 determines whether data to be searched is stored in the USB memory 10 (step S1622). Then, if each display device 4 determines that the data to be searched (MP4 file format data) is stored in the USB memory 10 (step S1622; Yes), The data name to be displayed is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 405 (data display screen) of each display device 4. In this way, an employee of the gaming parlor can visually check the liquid crystal display section 405 of each machine display 4 and select desired data. In this embodiment, data B (MP4) and data C (MP4) are displayed on the liquid crystal display section 405 of each display device 4. Further, when desired data is selected from the display on the liquid crystal display unit 405, each display device 4 reads the selected data (in this embodiment, data B (MP4)) from the USB memory 10 ( Step S1623).

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

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

Note that each display device 4 may overwrite the compatible data instead of deleting it when reading the selected data from the USB memory 10.

If the selected data is compressed, each display device 4 stores the data in the storage area after decompressing it (step S1626). In this way, each display device 4 stores the selected data in the storage area among the data in the specific file format stored in the USB memory 10, thereby updating the data of each display device 4. Complete the update. When the data update is completed, each display device 4 issues a predetermined notification to the liquid crystal display unit 405 (step S1627).

In this way, each display device 4 makes a predetermined notification and then transitions to a state in which the USB memory 10 can be disconnected (that is, a state in which the USB memory 10 can be removed from each display device 4).

With such a configuration, each display device 4 can perform identification from a plurality of pieces of data displayed on the liquid crystal display section 405 when updating data stored in each display device 4 using the USB memory 10. Since this data is selected, there is no need for an employee of the gaming parlor to visually check all the data in the USB memory 10, and it is possible to improve the work efficiency of updating the data. That is, each display device 4 can have increased versatility.

Although a configuration has been described in which data is read from a USB memory after deleting compatible data in each display device 4, the configuration is not limited to this. The data may be backed up or read from the USB memory without being deleted.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is assumed that each display device 4 is installed for each gaming machine 3, but it is not limited to this, and if it is installed for each island, It is conceivable that the information of a plurality of gaming machines 3 is displayed when the gaming machines 3 are installed at any location, but the above embodiment can be implemented in any case, and in particular, it is possible to implement the above embodiments. The collected data is data aggregated from one or more gaming machines 3 corresponding to the gaming device.The server device 2 has the aggregating function, and the gaming device has the function of displaying information and the data to be displayed. A case is assumed in which a selection means capable of performing a selection operation is provided.
In addition, the information related to games includes information on the results of games played on the gaming machine 3 and the results of games not played on the gaming machine 3, such as jackpot signals, BB signals, ART signals, prize balls, winnings, etc. , information that can be output from the gaming machine 3 including signals indicating the status of the gaming machine 3 such as startup, error, demo, etc. The information may include the results of determining the information, and may be the same as the gaming information that is the information of the gaming machine 3, or may be the result of the player playing the game.

1 Game media handling device 2 Server device 3 Game machine
4 Each display device 4S Each slave display device 4M Each master display device 400 Control unit 402 ROM
403 Storage section 405 Liquid crystal display section 410 IF
902-908 button

Claims (3)

A gaming device that is provided corresponding to a gaming machine and can communicate with a management device that can manage gaming information related to information of the gaming machine,
Display means for displaying the game information;
a storage table that stores the gaming information item by item;
receiving means for receiving the game information transmitted from the management device;
updating means for updating the storage table according to the gaming information received by the receiving means;
a transmitting means capable of transmitting information to the management device ;
Equipped with
The updating means includes:
If the gaming information received by the receiving means includes information regarding the first item and the second item of the storage table, the gaming information of the storage table is the first item and the second item can be updated;
If the gaming information includes information regarding the first item and does not include information regarding the second item, updating the first item of the storage table in accordance with the gaming information; The second item can be updated with a value corrected according to the second item,
If the game information includes information regarding an item that is not in the storage table, the information can be discarded;
The transmitting means includes:
Information regarding the restoration of power can be sent to the management device.
A gaming device characterized by: A gaming device that is provided corresponding to a gaming machine and can communicate with a management device that can manage gaming information related to information of the gaming machine,
Display means for displaying the game information;
a storage table that stores the gaming information item by item;
receiving means for receiving the game information transmitted from the management device;
updating means for updating the storage table according to the gaming information received by the receiving means;
a transmitting means capable of transmitting information to the management device ;
Equipped with
The updating means includes:
When the receiving means receives the game information, the first item among the items is updated, and when the second item is not updated, the second item is It can be updated with a corrected value according to
If the game information includes information regarding an item that is not in the storage table, the information can be discarded;
The transmitting means includes:
Information regarding the restoration of power can be sent to the management device.
A gaming device characterized by: a management device capable of managing gaming information related to gaming machine information;
a gaming device provided corresponding to the gaming machine and capable of communicating with the management device;
A gaming system having
Display means for displaying the game information;
a storage table that stores the gaming information item by item;
Receiving means capable of receiving the gaming information;
updating means for updating the storage table according to the gaming information received by the receiving means;
Equipped with
The updating means includes:
If the gaming information received by the receiving means includes information regarding the first item and the second item of the storage table, the gaming information of the storage table is the first item and the second item can be updated;
If the gaming information includes information regarding the first item and does not include information regarding the second item, updating the first item of the storage table according to the gaming information; The second item can be updated with a value corrected according to the second item,
If the game information includes information regarding an item that is not in the storage table, the information can be discarded;
The receiving means includes:
Can receive information that power has been restored
A game system characterized by:

Images