JPH08280915A - Game hall equipment apparatus and data collection method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To collect game data by simple and inexpensive constitution by issuing discrimination data to a game card and collecting the data related to the game stored in the game card on the basis of the discrimination data to control the same. CONSTITUTION: A card issuing machine 13, a premium exchanger 14, game machine attaching equipment 15 and a card exact calculator 16 are arranged to a game shop 1 other than a card control unit 11 and a hall control unit 12. A large number of game medium conversion devices 21a-21n, a large number of game machines 22a-22n and a sealed pinball circulating control unit 23 are arranged to the game machine attaching equipment 15. Further, the card control unit 11 is connected to a card company 2 by a telephone circuit and a card management control unit 31 and a communication control unit 32 are arranged. The card management control unit 31 performs the control managing the data of respective terminal devices 13, 22, 14, 16 and stores and controls the data equal to the amt. data or game value data stored in a game card on the basis of the discrimination data of the game card.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game hall facility device and a method for collecting information thereof, and more specifically, to a game card capable of storing at least number-of-balls information, player profit information and identification information in addition to amount information. Issued, manage the information equivalent to the game card in the game card management device to enable the game on the game machine, and collect the information related to the game stored in each game card based on the identification information of the game card. The present invention relates to an amusement hall facility device and a method for collecting information thereof, which are managed by the above.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, as a game device using a game medium, for example, a pachinko machine, an arrange ball machine, a sparrow ball machine,
There is a throttle machine using coins (rotary drum type throttle game machine) and the like. Conventionally, for example, a pachinko machine is typical as a game machine using balls as a game medium. Also,
Recently, a pachinko gaming machine that uses a gaming card has been developed. In a gaming system that uses this gaming machine, a card with money amount information is purchased, and the ball number information conversion device provided in the gaming machine is purchased. Inserted into, converted to a predetermined number of balls information, play a game within the range of the number of balls information, when the number of balls information is lost, again, from the amount information to the number of balls information, play a game, As a result, the updated amount information and number of balls information are stored in the game card. On the other hand, when a player purchases a card, the card issuing machine issues a card that stores only the code number that can identify the card, and the amount information is stored in the centralized management device of the hall, and the player plays the card. Another card that calls the stored amount information by inserting it into the machine and converts it into predetermined number of balls information to play a game, and stores the updated amount information and number of balls information as a result in the central management device There is also a game system.

In a so-called enclosed type game machine used in these game systems, a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed in the main body of the game machine, a launch sensor for detecting the launch of the game ball to the game area, and a game. It is equipped with a foul sensor that detects return balls that have not reached the area, a collection sensor (out sensor) that detects all game balls that have passed through the game area, and a safe sensor that detects a prize. The number of balls held is changed according to the detection result, and the number of balls held is subtracted by 1 by detecting the game ball with the launch sensor within the range of the number of balls held, and the ball is detected with the foul sensor. As a result, the number of balls held is incremented by 1 and the game is played. Also, purchase a game ball, put the purchased game ball into the game machine, and launch it into the game area. For example, use the game ball obtained from another game machine as a business in a game hall that uses the current game machine. And prohibit playing games on new gaming machines (so-called carry-on ball games are prohibited), or prohibit continuous playing of game balls that have been won by jackpots (so-called one-time exchange rules) Businesses such as ripping are taken. In the case of the former, it is possible to play a game by purchasing a new game ball, and in the case of the latter, the game ball that has been acquired is once exchanged for a prize, and a game ball can be purchased by purchasing a new game ball. ing.

Applying such a business form of prohibiting carry-on balls to a card type game system is as follows. -Prohibition of carry-on balls on a game machine Prohibition of playing with a carry-on ball, that is, another carry-on ball by using the number-of-balls information (for example, data corresponding to the acquired game ball) stored in the card acquired by another game machine It is prohibited to play a game using the number-of-balls information in the prohibited gaming machine. -It is prohibited to continuously use the number-of-balls information stored in the card obtained in the big hit to use the number-of-balls information on the continuous play prohibition table. On the other hand, recently, various computers have been introduced in a game store to collect game information such as operation data of a game machine. In this case, the game information is collected and stored and managed for each machine number of the gaming machine, which is useful for the sales of the hall.
Regarding games using prepaid cards, no identification number is given to the prepaid cards, and information is not collected based on the prepaid cards.

[0005]

However, the conventional amusement hall equipment has the following problems in collecting game information. (B) It is possible to collect detailed game information such as how many prepaid cards have been used for the game machine only by collecting and managing the game information for each machine number of the game machine. could not. For prepaid cards, it was only enough to understand the card sales. (B) Conventionally, the prepaid card is not given an identification number, but the trend of the player in units of the prepaid card, such as the number of machines played, how much money is left on the card, and some playing time. It was not possible to collect game information about players such as Toka. (C) When business such as banned ball games is prohibited or once exchanged, it is impossible to collect game information according to these business rules using a prepaid card in the past.
There was room for improvement in terms of effective use of prepaid cards. (D) On the other hand, in order to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks, for example, a card-type game system that can automatically cope with business such as prohibition of carry-in ball game, prohibition of continuous game etc. It may be possible to collect game information, but in order to have such a configuration, it is necessary to construct a basic system such as using an IC card and to make a large-scale repair of the game hall facility device. As a result, there are new drawbacks that the structure of the amusement hall equipment becomes extremely complicated, resulting in high cost, an increase in processing load of the hall management device, and an increase in equipment investment in the amusement store. (E) Therefore, it is desired to construct a system capable of collecting game information at a low cost by using a conventional prepaid card and only by slightly improving the conventional game hall facility device.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to collect the game information at a low cost by utilizing the information of the game card and without significantly modifying the game hall facility device. An object of the present invention is to provide a game hall facility device and a method for collecting information on the game facility facility device.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the amusement hall facility device according to the invention of claim 1 can store at least ball number information, player profit information and identification information in addition to the amount information. A gaming machine provided with a gaming card, a card issuing machine for issuing the gaming card, and a gaming value conversion device for playing the game within the range of the amount information or the number of balls held stored by inserting the gaming card. And a settlement machine that converts the number-of-balls information into player profit information by inserting a game card, and a prize exchange machine that performs settlement within the range of number-of-balls information and player profit information by inserting a game card , A gaming card issuing machine, a gaming machine equipped with a gaming value conversion device, a settlement machine, and a prize exchange machine via an information transmission path, and a gaming card management device for controlling the management of such information. And the game card management device collects information related to the game stored in each game card based on the identification information issuing means for issuing the identification information to the game card. And an information management unit for managing the information.

A preferred embodiment is, for example, claim 2.
As described above, the game card management device, the amount information stored in the game card, the number of balls held information, the player profit information,
File storage means having a card file capable of storing at least information equivalent to the game card including identification information,
It is also possible to have information display means for reading out necessary information from the file storage means based on the output of a predetermined input means and organizing and displaying the information. For example, as described in claim 3, the gaming card is a prepaid card type magnetic card issued by a card management company, and security information capable of determining the validity of the card can be stored. Alternatively, a judgment means for judging the security information to judge the validity of the card may be provided. For example, as described in claim 4, each gaming machine is provided with an address so that the gaming machine can be identified, and a gaming machine individual information collecting means for individually collecting information of the gaming card inserted for each gaming machine is provided. Good.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information collecting method for a game hall facility device, which issues a game card capable of storing at least number-of-balls information, player profit information, and identification information in addition to the amount information, thereby playing a game. Add identification information to the card,
It enables the game on the gaming machine within the range of the amount information and the number of balls held stored in the game card, converts the number of balls held in the game card into player profit information, and holds the number of balls held in the game card and Is settled within the range of player profit information, and information related to the game stored in each game card is collected and managed based on the identification information of the game card.

[0010]

In the present invention, in addition to the amount information, at least the number-of-balls information, the player's profit information (for example, the number of settlement balls) and the identification information can be issued, and the game card is issued by the card management device. Identification information is added (for example, when a game is started for the first time), information equivalent to the card is collected by the card management device based on the added identification information, and the card file can be managed by a card-type game. Is done. Then, for example, the balls acquired by the player due to the occurrence of the big hit are stored in the card as the number of balls owned. In addition, the information related to the game stored in each card is collected by the card management device based on the identification information given to the card. Therefore, by utilizing the identification information individually given to the game card, the trend of the player in units of cards, for example, on which table the game is played,
It is possible to easily collect game information about the player such as how much money is left on the card and how much game time is spent. Moreover, it is possible to use a conventional prepaid card as a game card, and it is possible to build a game hall facility device that can collect game information at low cost without major modification of the game facility facility device. become. Further, even when carrying out a business such as prohibiting a carry-in ball game or exchanging once, it is possible to easily collect game information according to these business rules by using a game card.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (I) Overall Configuration of Card Type Game System FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a card type game system. In FIG. 1, 1 is a game store and 2 is a card management company. The game store 1 is roughly divided into a card management device (game card management device) 11, a hall management device (hereinafter referred to as a management device) 12, a card issuing machine 13, a prize exchange device (prize exchange device) 14, and a game machine installation facility ( So-called island equipment) 1
5, a card settlement device (hereinafter referred to as a settlement device) 16 is arranged, and further, a plurality of gaming medium conversion devices (game value conversion devices) 21a to 21n (hereinafter,
A plurality of gaming machines 22a to 22)
n (hereinafter, simply represented by the reference numeral 22 as appropriate), a sealed sphere circulation control device 23 is arranged. Although only one gaming machine mounting facility 15 is shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of such gaming machine mounting facilities 15 are arranged in island units. In addition, each gaming machine 22 is configured to integrally include the game medium conversion device 21.

The card management device 11 is connected to the card company 2 by a telephone line (for example, a digital line such as ISDN), and the card company 2 issues a prepaid card common throughout the country as a game card or at the game store 1. You can also settle game cards. Moreover, various information of the card management apparatus 11 is received as needed. The amusement store 1 is connected to the card company 2 via a telephone line in order to obtain card issuing information or necessary information from the card company 2 or to make an inquiry. In the following description, a game card 800, which will be described later, is simply abbreviated and used as a card. The card management device 11 includes a card issuing machine 13, a game machine 22 having a game medium conversion device 21, and a prize exchange device 1.
4 and the settlement device 16 via an information transmission line 24. The card management device 11 includes a card management control device 31 and a communication control device 32. The card management control device 31 includes a card issuing machine 13, a gaming machine 22 including a game medium conversion device 21, a prize exchange device 14, and a settlement machine. 16 is treated as a terminal device, control is performed to manage the information of each of these terminal devices, and the amount information stored in each gaming card is based on the identification information of the gaming card described below that is inserted / discharged in each terminal device. And control is performed to store and manage information equivalent to the game value information.

The communication control device 32 transfers (transmits / receives) necessary information to the communication control devices 33, 34, 35a to 35n, 36 of each terminal device through the information transmission path 24. Information is transmitted by constructing a LAN (for example, Ethernet). The card issuing machine 13 issues a prepaid card purchased from the card company 2 to the player as a game card. For example, 1,000 yen, 2
Issue game cards for 5,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen. The card issuing machine 13 has a communication control device 33 and an issuing machine control device 41, and the communication control device 33 communicates with the card management device 11 via an information transmission path 24 (for example, sales information of gaming cards). Etc.), and the issuing machine control device 41 performs control necessary for issuing a game card. The prize exchange device 14 performs a prize exchange process based on a game card, and has a communication control device 34 and a prize exchange control device 42. The communication control device 34 transfers information (for example, control information for prize exchange, etc.) with the card management device 11 via the information transmission line 24, and the prize exchange control device 42 controls necessary for prize exchange. I do. The settlement device (settlement machine) 16 converts the number of balls held in the game card (information that can be used in the game) into the number of settlement balls that cannot be used in the game (player profit information). The communication control device 36 and the settlement control device 45 are included. The communication control device 36 is the card management device 11
Information (for example, control information for settlement processing) is transferred to and from the settlement control device 4 via the information transmission path 24.
Reference numeral 5 carries out control necessary for the settlement process.

When the game card is inserted into the game medium conversion devices 21a to 21n, information on the game card (amount data, owned ball data, etc.) is read to lend a ball, or the number of balls acquired by the player is calculated. It is stored in a game card, and communication control devices 35a to 35n (hereinafter appropriately referred to simply as 35) and a game medium conversion control device 43.
a to 43n (hereinafter simply referred to as 43 as appropriate). The communication control devices 35a to 35n transfer information (for example, control information for lending a ball or recording the number of balls held) to the card management device 11 via the information transmission path 24 to control the game medium conversion. The devices 43a to 43n perform control necessary for lending a game card or the like. The game medium conversion devices 21a to 21n are integrally formed with the game machines 22a to 22n, respectively, and signals and data can be transmitted between them.

The enclosed ball circulation control device 23 encloses the enclosed balls in the plurality of gaming machines 22a to 22n arranged in the gaming machine mounting facility 15. The management device 12 is installed in the management room of the hall, and the information transmission path 4 is provided to each of the gaming machines 22a to 22n arranged in the gaming machine mounting facility 15.
It is connected via 4 and collects game data and the like from each of the gaming machines 22a to 22n to manage the business of the hall. Specifically, a large number of enclosed ball-type gaming machines 22a in the hall
Collect the necessary data from ~ 22n and arrange the data corresponding to various game states, and display the arranged data on the display (for example, in order of the number of big jackpots, the number of jackpots with the highest jackpot occurrence rate. Or) and perform necessary data calculation processing. By operating the terminal input device of the management device 12, big hit data, prize ball data, etc. are collected and displayed on the display by game type, machine type, island unit, and manufacturer.

(II) Configuration of Communication Control Device Communication control devices 32, 33, 34, 35a shown in FIG.
Both 35n and 36 have the same configuration, and the configuration of the communication control device 32 in the card management device 11 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the card management device 1
The communication control device 32 of No. 1 is the communication interface circuit 5
1, communication driver / receiver 52, communication controller 5
3, memory 54, microprocessor 55, clock circuit 56, memory 57, and bidirectional memory 58.

The communication interface circuit 51 intervenes in the information transmission path 24 to perform interface processing for taking in and transferring data from the information transmission path 24, and the communication driver / receiver 52 for transmitting / receiving data. Drive process. The communication controller 53 performs communication control necessary for data transmission / reception via the information transmission path 24, and the memory 54 transmits / receives data via the information transmission path 24.
Temporarily stores the received data. The microprocessor 55 reads data stored in the memory 54 and writes it in the bidirectional memory 58, or reads data from the bidirectional memory 58 and stores it in the memory 54. The clock circuit 56 is a microprocessor 55
Etc. to generate a clock signal required for processing. Memory 57
Is composed of a program memory 57a composed of a ROM storing a program, a data memory 57b composed of a ROM storing data, and a work memory 57c composed of a RAM used as a work area. The bidirectional memory (dual port RAM) 58 can write data in both directions of the microprocessor 55 or the card management control device 31.

(III) Configuration of Card Management Device FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the card management device 11. FIG.
In addition to the communication control device 32, the card management device (identification information issuing means, information management means, file storage means, information display means) 11 includes a microprocessor 101, a clock circuit 102, a memory 103, as a control part.
The I / O interface circuit 104 is provided, and various operation switch sections include a reset switch 111, a tightening switch 112, a work start switch 113, and a business start switch 1
14, a display switch 115, a print switch 116, a pointing switch 117, a forced start switch 118, and a signal conversion device 121, a printer 122, a display device 123, and an external storage device 124 as auxiliary devices.

(A) Structure of control unit The microprocessor 101 creates a file corresponding to the game card based on the identification information, and carries out arithmetic processing for managing various information (amount data, ball data, etc.). In this case, the microprocessor 101 is the gaming card 800.
When the identification information creation request command is received, the identification information of the gaming card 800 is created, and based on the created identification information of each gaming card 800, the amount information and the gaming value information stored in each gaming card 800, etc. Performs the processing required to create and manage a card file that can store equivalent information. Therefore, the card management device 11 has a function of creating the identification information of the game card 800 and a function of creating a card file together with the game medium conversion control device 43. The clock circuit 102 generates a clock signal necessary for the processing of the microprocessor 101 and the like. The memory 103 is a program memory 10 including a ROM that stores a control program for the microprocessor 101.
3a, a data memory 103b including a ROM that stores data required for file management of a game card, and a work memory 103c including a RAM used as a work area. The card file is created in the work memory 103c. The contents of the work memory 103c are backed up by the uninterruptible device, and the information of the card file created on the work memory 103c is stored in the external storage device regularly (for example, every day). And saved as past data. Examples of the external storage device include a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, and other storage devices.

(B) Configuration of operation switch section In the microprocessor 101, a reset switch 111, a tightening switch 112, a work start switch 113, a business start switch 114, a display switch 115, and a print switch 116 are provided via an I / O interface circuit 104. ,
Pointing switch 117, forced start switch 11
The signal from 8 is input. Reset switch 11
1 is for resetting the processing of the card management device 11. The closing switch 112 is operated when the business of the hall is finished, and the job start switch 113 is operated when the job of the card management device 11 is started. The business start switch 114 is operated when the business of the hall is started, and the display switch 115
The (predetermined input means) is operated when the input screen is displayed on the display device 123, and the print switch 116 is operated when the necessary information is printed by the printer 122. The pointing switch 117 (predetermined input means) is a device such as a mouse, and is used to input a desired instruction when the display device 123 becomes an input screen. The forced start switch 118 is operated, for example, when the game of the certain gaming machine 22 is forcibly started and the business of the card management device 11 is forcibly started to start business.

(C) Configuration of accessory device The signal conversion device 121 takes in a request from the external card company 2, converts the information of the card management device 11 according to the request into a signal that can be transmitted to the outside, and sends it out. Perform processing to do so. The printer 122 prints the file information of the card management device 11 according to the operation of the print switch 116. The display device 123 displays the card management device 11 according to the operation of the display switch 115 or the pointing switch 117.
The file information of is displayed. The external storage device 124 is
For example, it is configured by a hard disk device having a predetermined capacity and stores file information and the like of the card management device 11.
Further, the microprocessor 101 is connected to the communication control device 32 via the I / O interface circuit 104,
The communication control device 32 is a terminal device (card issuing machine 13, game medium conversion device 21, prize exchange device 14, settlement device 1).
6) The process of transferring (transmitting / receiving) necessary information to each of the communication control devices 33, 34, 35 and 36 via the information transmission path 24 is performed. Further, the microprocessor 10
1 is connected to the management device 12 of the hall via the I / O interface circuit 104, and performs a process of transmitting necessary information to the management device 12.

(IV) Configuration of Card Issuing Machine FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the card issuing machine 13. In FIG. 4, in addition to the communication control device 33, the card issuing machine 13
The control unit includes a microprocessor 131, a clock circuit 132, a memory 133, and an I / O interface circuit 134.
0 yen switch 141, 2000 yen switch 142, 50
00 yen switch 143, 10000 yen switch 144,
It has a bill return switch 145, and further has a sound generator 151, a voice synthesis IC 152, a printer 153, a display device 154, a stop lamp 155, a sales lamp 156, a game card issuing device 157, a bill validator 158, and a bill dispensing device 159 as an accessory device. have.

(A) Structure of Control Unit The microprocessor 131 performs arithmetic processing necessary for issuing a game card. The clock circuit 132 generates a clock signal necessary for the processing of the microprocessor 131 and the like. The memory 133 is a program memory 133a including a ROM that stores a control program for the microprocessor 131, and a data memory 133b including a ROM that stores data necessary for issuing a game card.
And a work memory 133c including a RAM used as a work area.

(B) Configuration of operation switch section The microprocessor 131 is provided with 1000-yen switches 141 and 200 via the I / O interface circuit 134.
0 yen switch 142, 5000 yen switch 143, 10
Signals from the 000 yen switch 144 and the bill return switch 145 are input. The 1000-yen switch 141 is operated when inserting a bill and purchasing a 1000-yen game card (that is, a prepaid card).
The 000 yen switch 142 is operated when a 2000 yen game card is purchased. The 5000 yen switch 143 is operated when purchasing a 5000 yen gaming card, and the 10000 yen switch 144 is 1000
It is operated when purchasing a game card of 0 yen. The banknote return switch 145 is operated when requesting the return of the banknote inserted by the purchaser when the operation is mistaken.

(C) Structure of attached device The sound generator 151 generates a sound effect necessary for card issuance, and amplifies the sound effect by the amplifier 161 to make the speaker 1
Sound from 62. The voice synthesizing IC 152 performs voice synthesizing necessary for card issuance, similarly amplifies by the amplifier 161, and outputs a sound from the speaker 162. The printer 153 prints and outputs necessary information when a person in charge of the hall inspects the card issuing machine 13. The display device 154 is, for example, L
It consists of a CD and displays the information required to issue a card. The cancellation lamp 155 cannot be issued, and is lit when the issuance is stopped. The sales lamp 156 lights up when the card can be issued. The game card issuing device 157 issues (that is, discharges) the game cards stored inside the main body to an external purchaser. Bill validator 1
58 identifies the authenticity of the inserted bill. The bill payout device 159 ejects change bills when inserting a large amount of bills and purchasing a game card. Further, the microprocessor 131 is connected to the communication control device 33 via the I / O interface circuit 134, and the communication control device 33 sends necessary information to the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 via the information transmission path 24. Transfer (send / receive).

(V) Structure of the prize exchange device FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the structure of the prize exchange device 14. In FIG. 5, the prize exchange device 14 includes, in addition to the communication control device 34,
It has a microprocessor 171, a clock circuit 172, a memory 173, an I / O interface circuit 174 as a control part, a collective conversion switch 181, an input device 182 as various operation switch parts, and a card reader / writer as an accessory device. 191, display device 192
have. (A) Configuration of control unit The microprocessor 171 performs arithmetic processing necessary for exchanging the prize based on the information of the inserted game card. The clock circuit 172 generates a clock signal necessary for the processing of the microprocessor 171 and the like. Memory 173
Is a program memory 173a including a ROM that stores a control program for the microprocessor 171, a data memory 173b including a ROM that stores data necessary for the prize exchange processing, and a work memory including a RAM used as a work area. 173c.

(B) Configuration of Operation Switch Section Signals from the batch conversion switch 181 and the input device 182 are input to the microprocessor 171 via the I / O interface circuit 174. The collective conversion switch 181 is operated when collectively exchanging prizes for all the number of balls held in the game card information. The input device 182 is operated when exchanging a part of the number of balls held in the game card information, and the player inputs a predetermined number of balls desired to exchange the prize.

(C) Configuration of accessory device The card reader / writer 191 reads in the data necessary for exchanging the prize (for example, ball number data) by taking in the game card, and the remaining data after exchanging the prize (for example, the remaining data). The number of possessed balls) is written on the game card and discharged. The display device 192 is composed of, for example, an LCD, and displays information necessary for exchanging prizes. Further, the microprocessor 171 is connected to the communication control device 34 via the I / O interface circuit 174, and the communication control device 34 transmits the information transmission path 2 to the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11.
Necessary information is transferred (transmitted / received) via 4.

(VI) Configuration of Card Payment Device FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the payment device 16. 6, in addition to the communication control device 36, the settlement device 16 has a microprocessor 1001, a clock circuit 1002, a memory 1003, an I / O interface circuit 1004 as a control unit, and a confirmation switch 1011 as various operation switch units. And a card reader / writer 1021, a printing unit erasing device 1022, a printing device 1023, a card transfer device 1024, and a display device 102 as additional devices.
Have five. (A) Configuration of Control Unit The microprocessor 1001 performs arithmetic processing necessary for converting the number-of-balls possessed ball data into the number-of-adjusted-balls data among the information of the inserted game card. The clock circuit 1002 generates a clock signal necessary for the processing of the microprocessor 1001 and the like. A memory 1003 is a program memory 1003a including a ROM that stores a control program for the microprocessor 1001 and a data memory 1003b including a ROM that stores data necessary for converting the number-of-balls data to the number-of-adjusted-balls data. And a work memory 10 including a RAM used as a work area
And 03c.

(B) Configuration of Operation Switch Section A signal from the decision switch 1011 is input to the microprocessor 1001 via the I / O interface circuit 1004. The decision switch 1011 is operated by the player when it is decided to convert the number of balls held into the number of settlement balls in the game card information. (C) Configuration of attached device The card reader / writer 1021 reads necessary data (for example, ball number data) from the card when the game card is loaded and the ball number converted into the ball adjustment number, or the converted ball adjustment It writes and ejects a number of data on the game card. The printing device 1023 prints the data of the number of adjustment balls written in the memory in the card in a predetermined display area so as to be visible from the outside. The predetermined display area is, for example, 8 mm x 40 m near the center of the back side of the card.
It is formed by providing a small window of about m. Then, about 10 letters of the alphabet, numbers, etc. are printed to be displayed on this small window. As for printing, for example, the magnetic layer on the back surface of the small window is magnetized according to the number (that is, the number of adjustment balls) display pattern, and the iron powder (for example, 30 mg) enclosed in the small window adheres to it. Process to make it visible. As a result, the player can directly see the data of the number of settlement balls stored in the card. If you shake the card strongly, the iron powder contained in the small window (display area) will leave the magnetic layer and the number of settlement balls will disappear.

The printing unit erasing device 1022 is for erasing the display of the number of settlement balls printed in the display area of the card. The card transfer device 1024 takes the card into the settlement device 16 and transfers the card to a necessary processing route (see FIG. 8). The display device 1025 is composed of, for example, an LCD capable of displaying a color image, and displays information necessary when converting the number of balls owned to the number of adjustment balls. Further, the microprocessor 1001 is the I / O interface circuit 10
Connected to the communication control device 36 via 04, the communication control device 36 transfers (transmits / receives) necessary information to the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 via the information transmission path 24.

(D) Front configuration of the settlement device FIG. 7 is an external front view of the settlement device 16. As shown in FIG. 7, the settlement device 16 has an LCD of the display device 1025 on the front side.
Display 1025a, circular push button type confirmation switch 1
011 is provided with a card insertion slot 1026 into which a card is inserted and a card ejection slot 1027 from which a card is ejected. Further, inside the settlement device 16, a communication control device 36,
A payment control device 45 and a card transfer mechanism unit 1028 are provided. The settlement control device 45 includes the microprocessor 1001, the clock circuit 1002, and the memory 100 described above.
3, I / O interface circuit 1004 and the like. As shown in FIG. 8, the card transfer mechanism unit 1028 includes a card reader / writer 1021, a printing device 1023,
The card transfer device 1024 is included. Card 8
When 00 is inserted from the card insertion slot 1026, the card 8
00 is a transfer rail 1024a of the card transfer device 1024.
On the card reader / writer 1021 during the transfer
Data is read / written via the head 1021a of the printer 1021a, and the erasing unit 1022 of the printing unit erasing device 1022 is
The display of the number of adjustment balls printed in the display area is erased in a, and the data of the number of adjustment balls is printed in a predetermined display area in the printing unit 1023a of the printer 1023.
Finally, the card 800 is adapted to be ejected from the card ejection port 1027.

(VII) System Configuration of Gaming Machine FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the gaming machine 22 provided with the game medium conversion device 21. In FIG. 9, the game machine 22 is configured as an integrated type including the game medium conversion device 21,
The information transmission path 2 includes the gaming machine control device 201 that controls the enclosed ball (ball control) of the gaming machine 22 and the game medium conversion control device 43 that controls the card amount of the game medium conversion device 21.
Necessary information (for example, a ball lending command, ball data, etc.) is mutually transferred via 02. The game medium conversion device 21 has a communication control device 35 and a card reader / writer 203, and the communication control device 35 transfers necessary information to the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 via the information transmission path 24. (Send / Receive). Further, the card reader / writer 203 takes in a game card and reads out data necessary for ball lending (for example, amount data, identification data, security data), and remaining data at the end of the game (for example, remaining amount data, holding data). Write the number of balls) to the game card and eject.

In addition to the game machine control device 201, the game machine 22 is capable of mutually transferring data and signals to the game machine control device 201, an accessory control device 211, an operation display control device 212, and a launch control device. 213. The accessory control device 211 controls an accessory device (for example, an accessory device performing a first-class game), and a prize ball signal is output from the accessory control device 211 to the gaming machine control device 201. ing. The operation display control device 212 displays the amount of the game card, the number of balls held, comments necessary for operating the game machine, and is composed of, for example, an LCD. The firing control device 213 controls the firing of the enclosed ball. Further, a predetermined number of enclosed balls are enclosed in the game machine 22 from the enclosed ball circulation control device 23 arranged in the game machine installation facility 15. The enclosed ball circulation control device 23 is connected to the hall management device 12 so that the enclosed ball discharge / encapsulation status can be transmitted to the management device 12.

(VIII) Configuration of Game Medium Conversion Control Device FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the game medium conversion control device 43. 10, in addition to the communication control device 35, the game medium conversion control device 43 includes a microprocessor 221, a clock circuit 222, a memory 223, as a control part.
It has an I / O interface circuit 224 and a card reader / writer 203 as an accessory device. The microprocessor 221 performs arithmetic processing necessary for lending a ball or writing possessed ball data and the like on the game card based on the information of the inserted game card. The clock circuit 222 generates a clock signal necessary for the processing of the microprocessor 221 and the like. The memory 223 is an RO that stores a control program for the microprocessor 221.
A program memory 223a composed of M, a data memory 223b composed of a ROM storing data necessary for information processing of a game card, and a work memory 223c composed of a RAM used as a work area. The microprocessor 221 is connected to the gaming machine control device 201 via the I / O interface circuit 224, and is also connected to the communication control device 35 and the card reader / writer 203. The communication control device 35 sends the information transmission line 2 to the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11.
Necessary information is transferred (transmitted / received) via 4.

(IX) Configuration of Gaming Machine Control Device FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the gaming machine control device 201.
In FIG. 11, the gaming machine control device 201 includes a microprocessor 301 and a clock circuit 30 as a control unit.
2, memory 303, I / O interface circuit 304
And a ball feed sensor 31 as various operation switch parts.
1, foul ball detection sensor 312, enclosed ball detection amount sensor 313, safe sensor 314, reset switch 31
5, gaming machine number setting switch 316, ball lending switch 3
20, a return switch 321, an interruption switch 322, an automatic ball lending switch 323, and a safe solenoid 326 and a sealed ball removal solenoid 327 as a drive unit. Further, the gaming machine control device 201 has an input signal control device 325 that performs waveform shaping processing on the input signals from the various operation switch units by hardware.

(A) Structure of the control unit The microprocessor 301 performs the arithmetic processing necessary for playing the enclosed ball game. The clock circuit 302 generates a clock signal necessary for processing of the microprocessor 301 and the like. The memory 303 is a program memory 303a including a ROM that stores a control program for the microprocessor 301, and a data memory 303b including a ROM that stores data necessary for the arithmetic processing of the enclosed ball game.
The work memory 303c includes a RAM used as a work area. (B) Configuration of operation switch section The microprocessor 301 is provided with a ball feed sensor 311, a foul ball detection sensor 312, an enclosed ball detection amount sensor 313, a safe sensor 314, via an I / O interface circuit 304 and an input signal control device 325. Reset switch 315, gaming machine number setting switch 316, ball lending switch 320, return switch 321, interruption switch 3
22, the signal from the automatic ball lending switch 323 is input.

The ball feed sensor 311 detects that the ball has been fed to the launch position of the game machine 22 and again. The foul ball detection sensor 312 detects that the fired ball has become a foul. The enclosed ball detection amount sensor 313 detects whether or not a predetermined amount (for example, 20) of balls are enclosed in the game machine 22. The safe sensor 314 detects that a ball in the game area has won a safe prize. The reset switch 315 is for resetting the gaming machine control device 201.
The gaming machine number setting switch 316 is for setting the machine number of the gaming machine 22. The ball lending switch 320 is operated when requesting the ball lending within the range of the amount of the game card, and when pressed once, the ball lending corresponding to the unit set frequency is performed. The return switch 321 is operated when requesting the return of the game card. Interrupt switch 322
Is operated when the game is interrupted (for example, a temporary interruption for eating). Automatic ball lending switch 3
23 is operated when making an automatic request for ball lending within the range of the amount of the game card, and when it is turned on, if the number of balls held is less than a predetermined number, ball lending according to the unit set frequency will be provided each time. Be seen.

(C) Structure of drive unit The safe solenoid 326 is a safe sphere held by the safe solenoid 326.
Safe solenoid 326 for ejecting one by one
Each time, turns on, the winning safe balls are discharged one by one to the outside. The enclosed ball removing solenoid 327 is for discharging the enclosed ball enclosed inside the gaming machine 22 to the outside. It is discharged to the outside. Further, the microprocessor 301 is connected to the hall management device 12 via the I / O interface circuit 304, and transfers (transmits / receives) necessary information. In addition, the microprocessor 301 is connected to the game medium conversion control device 43, the operation display control device 212, and the accessory control device 211 via the I / O interface circuit 304 so that signals and data can be mutually transferred. .

(D) Structure of Input Signal Control Device As shown in FIG. 12, the input signal control device 325 includes a waveform shaping circuit 331, a logic conversion circuit 332 and an OR gate 3.
33. The waveform shaping circuit 331 includes a ball feed sensor 311, a foul ball detection sensor 312, an enclosed ball detection amount sensor 313, a safe sensor 314, a reset switch 315, a game machine number setting switch 316, a ball lending switch 320, a return switch 321, and an interruption switch 322.
And each signal from the automatic ball lending switch 323 is waveform-shaped by the hard logic, and the logic conversion circuit 332 converts the output signal of the waveform shaping circuit 331 into positive logic, performs input processing, and outputs the signal. The OR gate 333 takes the OR logic of the signals from the ball feed sensor 311 and the foul ball detection sensor 312, and outputs the signal X. Therefore, either the signal obtained by logically converting the input of the ball feed sensor 311 and processing the input or the signal obtained by logically converting the output of the foul ball detection sensor 312 and input-processing is output through the OR gate 333, and the signal of the OR gate 333 is output. The output signal X is used as an interrupt signal.

(X) Configuration of the accessory control device FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of the accessory control device 211. In FIG. 13, the accessory control device 211 has a microprocessor 351, a clock circuit 352, and
It has a frequency dividing circuit 353, a memory 354, and an I / O interface circuit 355, and has a first type starting switch 361, a universal figure starting switch 362, a count switch 363, and a continuation switch 364 as various switch parts, and further as a driving part. Special winning opening solenoid 371, starting opening solenoid 372, ordinary figure memory indicator 373, ordinary symbol indicator 37
4, lamp / LED375, sound generator 37
6, has a display control device 377.

(A) Configuration of Control Unit The microprocessor 351 performs arithmetic processing necessary for controlling the accessory device. The clock circuit 352 generates a clock signal necessary for processing of the microprocessor 351 and the like, and the frequency dividing circuit 353 generates various signals necessary for a timer and the like based on the clock signal and supplies the signals to the microprocessor 351. The memory 354 is used as a work area and a program memory 354a including a ROM that stores a control program for the microprocessor 351 and a data memory 354b including a ROM that stores data necessary for arithmetic processing for controlling the accessory. A work memory 354c including a RAM.

(B) Configuration of Various Switch Sections The first type start switch 361 detects that a ball has been won at the start winning opening for starting the variable display of the special figure. The universal figure start switch 362 detects that a ball has passed the universal figure gate which starts variable display of the universal figure. Count switch 363
Detects that a ball has won a special winning opening (so-called attacker), and the continuation switch 364 detects that a ball has won a V winning opening of the special winning opening. (C) Structure of the drive unit The special winning opening solenoid 371 opens the special winning opening (attacker).
After the siruku eyes, the special winning opening solenoid 371 is excited for a fixed time or a fixed number of balls in each cycle under the condition of V winning, and the special winning opening is opened. The starting opening solenoid 372 is for opening a tulip type normal electric starting opening (hereinafter referred to as "Phoden"), and when the universal figure is in a hit state, the starting opening solenoid 372 is excited for a certain period of time or a certain number of balls. Boden opens.

The ordinary figure memory display 373 displays that the number of passed balls is stored within four ranges when a ball passes through the universal figure game which starts variable display of the universal figure. The normal symbol display device 374 is a so-called general symbol, for example, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, it has a 7-segment LED and can display 10 kinds of numbers in the range of 0-9. Ordinary symbol display 374 symbol is a predetermined hit symbol (for example,
When it becomes "7"), the tulip at the electric start port is electrically operated and opens for a certain period of time. The lamp / LED 375 is a side lamp arranged on the game board,
A big hit lamp, a reach lamp, etc., which are controlled to be turned on or blinking according to the progress of the game. The sound generator 376 generates a sound effect necessary for the game, and the generated sound effect is amplified by the amplifier 377 and emitted from the speaker 378. In addition to the sound generator 376, for example, a voice synthesizing IC is provided, and voice synthesizing necessary for a game (for example, a voice that enhances a player's expectation during a game or at the time of a big hit, "Yatta",
"Starting prize") may be performed.

The display control device 376 is a display device (special figure) 3
The display control of 80 is performed, and when a ball is won in the starting winning opening that starts variable display of the special figure, the special screen game is performed by changing the display screen of the display device 380. The display device 380 is
For example, it is configured to have a color liquid crystal (LCD), and the game of the first type game is displayed by changing the display screen. In this case, for example, three examples of symbols (for example, numbers or symbols, characters, etc.) can be variably displayed on the display screen. )) Is aligned, a big hit occurs and a big hit game is played. Also,
The microprocessor 351 is connected to the hall management device 12 and the gaming machine control device 201 via the I / O interface circuit 355, and signals and data can be mutually transferred.

(XI) Configuration of Operation Display Control Device FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of the operation display control device 212. In FIG. 14, the operation display control device 212 has a microprocessor 401, a clock circuit 402, a memory 403, a video memory 404, a font data memory 405, a video display controller 406, and an I / O interface circuit 407 as a control unit. There is. The microprocessor 401 is a game machine 22
Performs the arithmetic processing necessary to control the display of various information when performing the operation. The clock circuit 402 generates a clock signal necessary for the processing of the microprocessor 401 and the like. The memory 403 is a program memory 403a including a ROM that stores a control program for the microprocessor 401, and a data memory 403b including a ROM that stores data required for operation processing for operation display control.
And a work memory 403c including a RAM used as a work area.

The video memory 404 is composed of, for example, a VRAM, and performs a process of storing an image to be displayed on the display device 411 which displays various kinds of information that can be displayed when the game machine 22 is operated, on a screen-by-screen basis. The font data memory 405 stores font data for displaying the operation image. The video display controller 406 reads out image data from the video memory 404 or the font data memory 405 based on an instruction from the microprocessor 401 and outputs the image data to the display device 411. The display device 411 includes, for example, a color LCD, and has a video display controller 4
Various information necessary for operating the gaming machine 22 is displayed based on the output of 06.

The control output of the microprocessor 401 is I
It is output to the sound generator 412 and the voice synthesis IC 415 via the / O interface circuit 407. The sound generator 412 generates a sound effect necessary for operating and displaying the game machine 22, and the generated sound effect is amplified by the amplifier 413 and emitted from the speaker 414. The voice synthesizing IC 415 performs voice synthesizing necessary for operating and displaying the game machine 22, and the generated voice synthesizing voice is amplified by the amplifier 413 and emitted from the speaker 414. Further, the microprocessor 401 is connected to the gaming machine control device 201 via the I / O interface circuit 407, and signals and data can be mutually transferred.

(XII) Structure of Fire Control Device FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the structure of the fire control device 213. In FIG. 15, the firing control device 213 includes a microprocessor 451, a clock circuit 452, and
A memory 453 and an I / O interface circuit 454 are provided, and a firing operation switch 461, a handle rotation amount detector 462, and a distance adjustment switch 46 are provided as various switch parts.
3, a touch circuit 464, and further a ball feed solenoid 471 and a rotary solenoid 472 as a driving unit. (A) Configuration of control unit The microprocessor 451 performs arithmetic processing necessary for controlling the firing of balls. The clock circuit 452 generates a clock signal necessary for the processing of the microprocessor 451 and the like. The memory 453 is a program memory 453a including a ROM that stores a control program for the microprocessor 451 and a data memory 453b including a ROM that stores data necessary for the arithmetic processing of ball firing control.
And a work memory 453c including a RAM used as a work area.

(B) Configuration of various switch sections The firing operation switch 461 is turned on when the player turns the ball when firing a ball toward the game area. The handle rotation amount detector 462 is configured to have a variable resistor, is provided on the shaft of the firing operation handle, and detects the amount of rotation thereof, so that the player can adjust the elastic force of the ball. To do. The flight distance adjusting switch 463 is operated by a person in charge of the hall and is for adjusting the flight distance of the ball. The touch circuit 464 detects that the player is touching the firing operation handle, and for example, an electrostatic capacitance type in which the capacitance changes when the player touches the touch plate 465 is used. The sensitivity adjustment in the touch circuit 464 can be adjusted by the touch sensitivity adjustment switch 466. The detection signal of the touch circuit 464 is output to the gaming machine control device 210, and the gaming machine control device 210 can determine whether or not the player is touching the firing operation handle.

(C) Structure of drive unit The ball feeding solenoid 471 is for sending the enclosed balls in the standby position one by one to the firing position. Each time the ball feeding solenoid 471 is driven, the enclosed ball is fired. Move to position. The rotary solenoid 472 is a rotary solenoid that drives the punch to repel the enclosed ball at the firing position. When the rotary solenoid 472 is turned on, the rotary solenoid 472 rotates to drive the punch and repel the ball. Further, the microprocessor 451 is connected to the gaming machine control device 201 via the I / O interface circuit 454, and signals and data can be mutually transferred.

(XIII) Specific Structure of Gaming Machine Next, a specific structure of the gaming machine 22 will be described. (A) Front Configuration of Gaming Machine FIG. 16 is a front view of the gaming machine 22. In FIG.
The enclosed ball type game machine 22 is formed integrally with the game medium conversion device 21 arranged laterally, and has a front frame 601, a metal frame 603 supporting a glass 602, and a game board 604 (FIG. 1).
7) and a front operation panel 605. The front frame 601 is made of resin, and is openably / closably supported by a support member (for example, a hinge) with respect to the machine frame 680 as shown in FIG. 18 described later. Machine frame 680 is an enclosed ball-type gaming machine 22
Resin (plastic) that constitutes the outer frame of the main body of
Is molded into a rectangular shape. The machine frame 68
0 may be wooden. Further, the front frame 601 is separate from the front operation panel 605 and both can be opened and closed independently, but both may be integrally formed. The metal frame 603 is made of metal (for example, stainless steel), and is configured such that the periphery of the transparent glass 602 (clear member) corresponding to the front surface of the game area is reinforced as a reinforcing member, and the periphery of the metal frame 603 is the front surface. It is fixed to the frame 601. Therefore, the gold frame 60
3 opens and closes integrally with the front frame 601. The clear member is not limited to glass, and a transparent resin may be used.

The front frame 601 is provided with a locking device 611 capable of inserting the metal frame opening key to open the metal frame 603, and the front frame 601 is normally hooked with hooks 681 and 682 which interlock with the locking device 611 (see FIG. 18)) according to machine frame 680
Locked against. When opening the front frame 601, the lock state of the locking device 611 is released and opened by inserting a predetermined metal frame opening key into the locking hole of the locking device 611 and rotating it. On both sides of the lower portion of the front frame 601, speakers 379 for an accessory, which are capable of outputting a sound effect and a voice synthesized sound in stereo, are arranged, respectively. On the other hand, the operation display speaker 414 is also the gaming machine 22.
It is provided inside.

The front operation panel 605 has a rectangular display device 411 for operation display and a ball lending switch 320.
A return switch 321, an interruption switch 322, and an automatic ball lending switch 323 are arranged. Further, the front operation panel 605 has an ashtray 621 and a firing operation handle 62 that is operated when firing a ball toward the game area.
2 are arranged. On the other hand, the game medium conversion device 21 is formed in a vertically long shape along the main body of the game machine 22, and has a card insertion opening 62 into / from which a game card 800 is inserted / discharged on the front side.
3 is formed, and a ball lendable display LED 624 that is turned on when the ball lending is possible is arranged on the upper side. Here, the game card 800 is the card management company 21.
It is a nationwide prepaid card purchased from Hall, and has a thin and portable size. The game card 800 is a magnetic card and can store various kinds of information as shown in FIG. 25, which will be described later.

(B) Front Configuration of Game Board FIG. 17 is a front view of the game board. In FIG. 17, the game board 604 of the enclosed ball type game machine 22 is for performing the first type game, and guides the balls that have been ejected around the game area to the upper part of the game area, and the out ball described later. A rail 651 having a function of guiding to the recovery port 670 is arranged. Further, a display device capable of variably displaying a special drawing in the substantially central part of the game area (special symbol display device: so-called accessory device)
380 is arranged. Below the display device 380,
A tulip-type ordinary electric starting port (hereinafter appropriately referred to as “genden”) 652 is arranged and a display device 38 is provided.
A variable winning device (so-called attacker) 653 is arranged as a special winning opening that fluctuates from a first state in which a game ball is not accepted to a second state in which it is easily accepted depending on the operation result of 0.

The above-mentioned normal symbol display device 374 is arranged below the ordinary electric starting port 652, and the ordinary symbol display device 374 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and is 0 to at maximum.
It is possible to display 10 kinds of numbers in the range of 9. The display device 380 for displaying a special drawing normally changes the design of the display screen when a ball is won in the electric starting port 652 (however, the timing of starting memory will be described later), starts variable display, and stops the design. When, when the symbol is in a specific profit state (that is, in the special mode game state, for example, the state of the big hits: "777"), the variable winning device (attacker) 653 is opened and the big hit game is performed. It is supposed to be. Opening the variable winning a prize device 653 is equivalent to generating a special game state related to the special variable winning a prize device. In the present specification, the specific profit state is simply referred to as a big hit state.

On the side of the display device 380, universal figure starting gates (ordinary symbol starting gates, hereinafter, appropriately referred to as universal figure gates) 654 and 655 are arranged, and the universal figure starting gates 654 and 655 are There is a gate through which only one ball can pass, and when the ball passes through the gate, it will normally be the electric start port 6
The design (for example, a number) of the normal symbol display 374 arranged in 52 is changed, and when this number becomes a predetermined specific pattern (for example, "7"), a tulip-type normal electric power of the normal electric starting port 652 is provided. The auxiliary device is electrically operated to open for a certain period of time. Further, four ordinary figure memory indicators 373 are provided on the side of the ordinary symbol indicator 374, and the ordinary figure memory indicators 373 are, when the balls pass through the ordinary figure starting gates 654 and 655 as described above. ,
It is displayed that the number of passing balls is stored within the range of four.

General winning openings 656 and 657 are arranged on the left and right sides below the display device 380. Further, at a proper position in the game area, a hitting ball direction changing member 6 called a windmill.
58 and 659 are rotatably provided in plural numbers, and a large number of obstacle nails (not shown) are planted. An out-ball collecting port 670 is formed in the lower center of the game area. In addition, side lamps 671 and 672 are arranged in the game board 604, and decoration lamps and the like are provided although not shown. The side lamps 671 and 672 and the decoration lamp are appropriately turned on or blinked according to the content of the game to enhance the realism of the game.

(C) Rear structure of game machine (main control-related parts) FIG. 18 is a diagram showing main control-related parts on the rear surface side of the game machine 22 (however, the game medium conversion device 21 is not shown). .
In FIG. 18, the gaming machine 22 has a machine frame 680, and the front frame 601 with respect to the machine frame 680 has a locking device 611.
It is held and locked by hooks 681 and 682 which are interlocked with. On the back mechanism side of the gaming machine 22, the accessory control device 211 and the operation display control device 212 described above are sequentially arranged. In addition, an external hall management device 1 is provided on the upper part on the back side.
An external terminal board 683 for connecting a wiring for extracting a signal to 2 and the like is arranged, and a sealed sphere filling device 684 for filling a sealed sphere is arranged. On the other hand, below the back side of the gaming machine 22, a gaming machine control device 201 and a launch control device 213 are arranged, and the gaming machine control device 201
A reset switch 315 and a gaming machine number setting switch 316 are arranged on the back side of the. The gaming machine number setting switch 316 is, for example, a dip switch,
By operating the dip switch, the address of the gaming machine 22 can be set, and the gaming machine number is identified by the card management device 11. In addition, each gaming machine 2
Address setting for 2 is the game machine number setting switch 3
Not limited to the example of using 16, the address may be set individually by, for example, electronically assigning an identification number to each gaming machine 22 on the card management device 11 side.

(D) Rear structure of game machine (accessory related part) FIG. 19 is a view showing an accessory related part on the back side of the game machine 22 (however, the game medium conversion device 21 is not shown). FIG.
In the game machine 22, as a rear side attached related part, a supply tank 691 for replenishing and storing the enclosed ball from the game machine mounting facility 15 and a passage for opening and closing the enclosed ball from the replenishment tank 691 are opened and closed. A replenishment solenoid 692, a replenishment sensor 693 for detecting a replenished ball as an enclosed ball,
A passage switching solenoid 694, a ball feed sensor 311, a ball feed solenoid 471, a rotary solenoid 472, a sealed ball removal solenoid 327, a safe solenoid 326, a safe sensor 314, a sealed ball detection amount sensor 313 that switches between a supply passage and a circulation passage for the enclosed ball. Are arranged.

The supply solenoid 692 and the passage switching solenoid 694 are under the control of the enclosed ball circulation control device 23 and controlled by the management device 12. The output signal of the supply sensor 693 is input to the management device 12.
The enclosed sphere detection amount sensor 313 determines whether or not a fixed amount of enclosed spheres are enclosed by detecting the sphere at the end when the enclosed spheres are enclosed in a fixed amount. Further, a ball collection port 695 for turning on the enclosed ball removing solenoid 327 to discharge the enclosed ball to the outside and collect it is formed in the lower portion on the back surface side of the gaming machine 22.

(E) Structure of firing mechanism (including ball feeding mechanism) FIG. 20 is a front view of the firing mechanism of the gaming machine 22, and FIG. 21 is a side view of the firing mechanism. In these figures, the enclosed sphere passes through the enclosed sphere circulation passage 701 as shown by the arrow, and comes into contact with the sphere receiving member 702 in the first state which prevents the sphere from flowing down and stops. After that, by energizing the ball feeding solenoid 471 which is an electric drive source arranged above the ball receiving member 702, when the ball receiving member 702 is attracted to the ball feeding solenoid 471, the ball receiving member 702 receives the ball. The part is converted to a second state in which it can accept a sphere.

In this way, the sphere is received by the sphere receiving portion of the sphere receiving member 702 which has been converted to the second state. After that, when the power supply to the ball feeding solenoid 471 is stopped,
The ball receiving member 702 returns to the first state with the ball received in the ball receiving portion of the ball receiving member 702.
A ball guided downward by 02 passes through a ball passage 703, and a guide rail 651 that forms a ball path to the game area.
The firing rail 704 having an M-shaped cross section communicates with the firing position of the firing rail 704. At this time, the ball feed sensor 311
Detects a real ball sent to the launch position of the launch rail 704. Therefore, the ball feed sensor 311 functions as a firing sensor. When the firing operation handle 622 is operated, the ball guided to the firing position is rotated by the rotary solenoid 4
The levers 705 having a substantially L-shape driven by 72 elastically blast one by one and fire it toward the game area. On the other hand, when the enclosed sphere removing solenoid 327 is turned on, the enclosed sphere in the enclosed sphere circulation passage 701 flows down toward the sphere removing passage 706 and is extracted to the outside. After that, the extracted enclosed balls are cleaned, for example, outside.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. A. Control of Card Management Device FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a main program for management control executed by the card management device 11. This program is started at the same time when the power of the card management device 11 is turned on. When the program starts, initialization processing is first performed in step S10. This is for initializing the microprocessor 101, the memory 103, the I / O interface circuit 104, resetting flags, and the like. Next, in step S12, self-diagnosis processing is performed. This is to check the operation of each device in the card management device 11 (for example, the communication control device 32, the signal conversion device 121, the printer 122, the display device 123, the external storage device 124, etc.).

Next, in step S14, it is determined whether or not the self-diagnosis result is OK. If the self-diagnosis result is NG, the process proceeds to step S16 to display the diagnosis state on the display device 123. Then reset switch 1
It is determined whether 11 is turned on. If not turned on, the process returns to step S16 to repeat the loop. Then, when the staff member confirms the diagnosis status display to know the necessary treatment and operates the reset switch 111 to turn it on, the process returns to step S10 and the process is performed again. The result of self-diagnosis is OK
If so, the process proceeds to step S20 to perform a task start process.
In addition to starting the business of the card management device 11, this is to permit the start of the enclosed ball game in addition to the issuance of cards, the start of settlement, etc. and start the business of the hall (details will be described later in a subroutine). Next, in step S22, operation switch processing is performed. This is to display an input screen on the display device 123 to see necessary information (details will be described later in a subroutine). Then, in step S24, an illegal process is performed.
This is to perform abnormality processing in order to deal with the abnormality when an abnormality such as fraud occurs. For example, if the game card is illegal, abnormal data may be left in the history record of the file according to the identification number of the card, or a notification may be issued to call attention to the staff.

Then, in step S26, the tightening switch 1
It is determined whether 12 is turned on. As a result, it is determined whether or not a request to end the business of the hall has been input. If the tightening switch 112 is not on,
Returning to step S22, steps S22 to S2
Repeat the loop of 6. As a result, normal hall business is conducted. When the closing switch 112 is turned on in step S26, it is determined that a request to end the business of the hall has been input, and the process proceeds to the following step S28 to perform the work stop process. The business stop process is a process for normally ending the business of the hall (details will be described later in a subroutine). After step S28, the card management device 11 enters the sleep mode and is prepared for business on the next day.

A-1. 23. Subroutine of job start process FIG. 23 shows step S20 of the main program for management control.
7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine in the business starting process of FIG. When this subroutine is started, it is determined in step S50 whether the work start switch 113 is turned on. If the work start switch 113 is not turned on, the process stands by in step S50. When the work start switch 113 is turned on, it is determined that the switch for preparing the opening of the hall is pressed, and the process proceeds to step S52. In step S52, it is determined whether or not there is setting change information.
This is information changed in the operation switch process, for example, the change of the ball lending unit frequency (the ball lending unit frequency is 2 degrees = 20.
It is determined whether there is information from 0 yen to 5 yen = 500 yen).

If there is setting change information, the process branches to step S54 to read the change information, and then the process proceeds to step S56. As a result, subsequent processing is performed according to the new information whose setting has been changed. On the other hand, if there is no setting change information in step S52, the process jumps to step S54 and proceeds to step S56. In step S56, the initial information, the job start command, and the card loading prohibition information are written in the communication control device 32. By writing in the communication control device 32, the communication control devices 33, 34, 3 of each terminal device
5a to 35n and 36 (that is, the card issuing machine 13, the gaming machine 22 including the game medium conversion device 21, the prize exchange device 14, and the communication control devices of the settlement device 16) are the information transmission paths 2
The initial information, the work start command, and the card loading prohibition information are sequentially loaded via 4. That is, the information (operation start command, etc.) in step S56 is transmitted to each terminal device.

Next, at step S58, the gaming machine number is fetched. This captures the game machine number connected to the game medium conversion device 21. Next, in step S60, it is determined whether or not the reading of the gaming machine number is OK. If the reading of the gaming machine number of each gaming machine is not OK, the process proceeds to step S62 and the number of the corresponding gaming machine is displayed on the display device 123. As a result, the card management device 11
And the connection state of the line with the game medium conversion device 21 can be understood.
Next, in step S64, it is determined whether the forced start switch 118 is turned on. The compulsory start switch 118 is operated for compulsory business. Therefore, if the forced start switch 118 is not turned on in step S64, the process proceeds to step S66 to set the abnormality flag and return to the main routine. When the abnormal flag is set, the illegal processing is started and the business is stopped. On the other hand, when the forced start switch 118 is turned on in step S64, the process branches to step S68 to create a gaming machine file.

Then, in step S70, it is determined whether the business start switch 114 is on. If it is not turned on, the process waits in step S70, and if it is turned on, it is determined that the opening of the hall is requested, and the process proceeds to step S72. In step S72, the card take-in permission information, the card issuing machine start information, the prize exchange start information, and the settlement start information are written in the communication control device 32. As a result, the communication control devices 33, 34, 35a to 35n, 36 of the respective terminal devices (that is, the card issuing machine 13, the gaming machine 22 including the game medium conversion device 21, the prize exchange device 14, and the settlement device 16 are communicated with each other. The control device) will sequentially capture information regarding the start of business.
That is, the information in step S72 is transmitted to each terminal device. Therefore, each terminal device can start business. After step S72, the process returns to the main routine.

Here, the format of the card file in the file memory of the card management device 11 will be described.
FIG. 24 shows the format of a card file, and each data has the following contents. Each data is stored for each card by distinguishing it by the identification information of the card. -Identification information Data (that is, identification number) for identifying each card and storing the information. The same identification information is assigned to the card. For example, it is assigned as “Q5R21”. This is used as a card identification number. Gaming machine number (corresponding to the address of the gaming machine) This is a machine number for distinguishing a plurality of gaming machines 22. For example, it is assigned as “77”.・ Card balance The amount of money remaining on the card. For example, 180
If 0 yen remains, it is stored as it is as "1800". This data can be used outside of our store.

-Number of balls possessed The number of balls possessed by the player allows the player to play,
The data includes the data converted from the amount of money to the number of balls, and the number of balls obtained by general winning during the game on the gaming machine 22. For example, "3
21 ”is stored.・ Number of settlement balls (corresponding to player profit information) The number of balls that the player has acquired and converted by the settlement device 16 is the number of balls that cannot be played, and the number of balls that can only be used for prize exchange The data. Specifically, for example, in the case of the one-time exchange rule, it is the number-of-balls data that is obtained because of a big hit. For example, it is stored as "4000". -Suspension Information This is information when the game is suspended when the player leaves the gaming machine 22 and goes to a meal. The "flag" is for determining the state of interrupting the game, and the "timer" is the time for interrupting the game. When the "flag" is set, it corresponds to the state where the game is suspended, "timer"
For example, the limit value of the interruption time (for example, 30 minutes) is measured. For example, if there are "0" and "0", "flag"
Is not set, and the game interruption time has not elapsed.

Game Machine Movement History This is history data when a player moves the game machine 22 and plays a game. The machine number of the gaming machine 22 that has played the game is stored as it is. If you are not playing with that card, nothing is remembered. -Game time This is data representing the time when the player plays a game on the game machine 22. For example, if a game is played for 30 minutes, data "30" is stored. -Date This is the date data for today. For example, AD 1994, 4
If it is the 1st of the month, the data "94.4.1" is stored. -Store code This is information for identifying the hole. For example, in our shop, it is assigned as "X1Q5W".

FIG. 25 shows a format of card information assigned to the gaming card 800, and each data has the following contents. Each data is stored separately in each storage area of the gaming card 800 for each data. -It is the data to judge the authenticity of the security information card. For example, the security information is created using a random number including a code. -Store code This is information for identifying the hole. The card can store the store code of each store, and if this store code is different,
You can use the amount information, but you can use the number of balls you have and so on only at our shop and on the day.・ It is the data of the current day using the date card.・ Identification information Data for identifying each card (ie,
(Identification number). This is used as a card identification number.・ Amount The amount of money held by the card. For example, 18
If 00 yen remains, it is stored as it is as "1800". This data can be used outside of our store.

Number of Balls Held The number of balls possessed by the player, including data converted from the amount of money to the number of balls, and the number of balls obtained by general winning during the game on the gaming machine 22 are also included. Again, you can't exchange it for prizes or play games outside of this store. -Number of Settlement Balls The number of balls that the player has acquired is converted by the settlement device 16 and the number of balls that cannot be played is unplayable. Specifically, for example, in the case of the one-time exchange rule, it is the number-of-balls data that is obtained because of a big hit. For example, it is stored as "4000". -Suspension Information This is information when the game is suspended when the player leaves the gaming machine 22 and goes to a meal. The "flag" data is stored in the card. Then, when the game is interrupted, if the interruption switch 322 is pushed, the interruption "flag"
Is set and stored in the card. A player carries a card with "flag" = 1 and goes to, for example, a meal. -Gaming machine number (corresponding to the address of the gaming machine) This is a machine number for distinguishing a plurality of gaming machines 22, and in particular, the number of the last game machine (that is, the latest machine). For example, it is assigned as “77”.

A-2. Subroutine for operation switch process FIG. 26 shows step S22 of the main program for management control.
6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine in the operation switch process of FIG. When this subroutine is started, it is determined in step S100 whether or not the display switch 115 for displaying the input screen on the display device 123 is turned on. If the display switch 115 is not turned on, the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, when the display switch 115 is turned on, a menu screen for instructing (selecting) information is displayed on the display device 123. Figure 2 on the menu screen
As shown in FIG. 7, the following information (selection items) is displayed. 1. In accordance with the identification information of the identification information card 800, the screen for displaying the amount information and the information regarding the game is selected. 2. Gaming machine number The screen for displaying the amount information and the information relating to the game is selected in association with the machine number of each gaming machine. 3. Date Selects a screen for displaying the amount of money information and information about games according to the date. 4. Select the screen that displays the total sales of card sales and sales associated with ball lending for each gaming machine. 5. Cancel Request to cancel (cancel) the selected item.

Next, in step S104, it is determined whether or not there is an input of a selection item on the menu screen,
If no selection item is input, the process waits in step S104 (if there is no input within a predetermined time, the process may proceed to the next step), and if a selection item is input, step S1.
At 06, it is determined whether or not the cancel item is input. If the cancel item is input, the routine of this time is terminated and the process returns to the main routine. It should be noted that the selection item may be input by inputting a numeral or by using the pointing switch 117 (for example, a mouse). If no cancel item is input, step S108.
Proceed to step 1 to detect the selection item desired by the hall attendant. For example, when the selection item of identification information is input, the identification information is detected. Next, in step S110, a display file is created based on the input items, and the contents of the created display file are displayed on the screen of the display device 123. For example, various display files as shown in FIGS. 28 to 30 are displayed corresponding to the input items. Next, in step S112, it is determined whether to print the information displayed on the screen of the display device 123. If YES, the process proceeds to step S114 to print and output the information corresponding to the input item. After step S114, the process returns to the main routine. Further, in step S112, NO
In case of, the routine directly returns to the main routine.

28 to 30 are diagrams showing examples of various display files displayed corresponding to the input items. First,
The one shown in FIG. 28 is an example in the case where item 1 is selected on the menu screen, and the amount information and various kinds of information regarding the game are displayed in association with the card identification information. As a result, it is possible to obtain from the screen information on which table the game is played for each card, the balance of the card, the number of balls in the card, the number of adjustment balls, the game time, and the date. FIG. 29 shows an example of the case where item 2 is selected on the menu screen, and the card ticket type (eg, 10000) is associated with the gaming machine number.
It is possible to obtain information such as yen, 5000 yen, etc. of card purchase amount), ball lending amount, interruption time, gaming machine movement information (history number of machine moved), gaming time, and date from the screen. FIG. 30 shows an example in the case where item 4 is selected on the menu screen, and the contents of total sales are displayed.
Specifically, card ticket types (for example, 1000 yen, 200
Information such as 0 yen, 5000 yen, 10000 yen card purchase amount), the number of cards purchased by the player, sales for each card, total, and date can be obtained from the screen. In addition, it is possible to obtain information on the total ball lending amount and date for each machine from the screen in association with the gaming machine number. In this way, the card management device 11 can collect various information, arrange it, and display it on the display device 123.

A-3. Subroutine of business stop processing FIG. 31 shows step S28 of the main program for management control.
8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine in the business suspension process of FIG. When the closing switch 112, which is operated when the business of the hall is finished, is turned on, a sub-routine for the work stop processing is executed. When this subroutine is started, all terminal addresses are specified and the closing command is written in the communication control device 32 in step S120. Thereby, the communication control devices 33, 34, 35a of all the terminal devices
35n, 36 (that is, the card issuing machine 13, the game machine 22 provided with the game medium conversion device 21, the prize exchange device 1)
4. Each communication control device of the settlement device 16) sequentially receives closing commands related to business stoppage. That is, the closing command is transmitted to all the terminal devices in order to end the work. Therefore, all the terminal devices stop the work. Next, in step S122, it is determined whether or not to print the business information of the day when the business is completed.
If NO, the process jumps from step S124 to step S126. If YES, step S12
Proceed to step 4 to print and output the card file, ball lending file, card issuing file, and error history file. As a result, the business information of the day is printed as a card file, a ball lending file, a card issuing file, and an abnormal history file.

Next, in step S126, each file information is recorded in the external storage device 124. As a result, the business information of the day is recorded and left as a card file, a ball lending file, a card issuing file, and an abnormal history file. Next, in step S128, it is determined whether or not there is communication from the card company 2. If there is no communication from the card company 2, the process waits in step S128. If there is communication from the card company 2, the process proceeds to step S130 and the contents stored in the external storage device 124 are transmitted to the card company 2. As a result, the information stored as the business information of the day, such as the card file, the ball lending file, the card issuing file, and the abnormal history file, is transmitted to the card company 2, and, for example, the payment settlement of the game card and sales is performed thereafter. become. Next, in step S132, the card management device 11 is switched to the sleep mode and the process returns to the main routine. As a result, the card management device 11 enters the low power consumption mode and prepares for the start of work on the next day.

Next, the interrupt processing will be described. As described in the main routine, the normal hall business is performed by repeating the loop of steps S22 to S26 of the main routine. That is, the business is performed by repeating the operation switch process, the illegal process, and the process of determining whether the closing switch 112 is turned on. This is a loop of business management by the card management device 11, but in addition, the card management device 11 performs various processes as follows by interrupt processing. The interrupt processing includes a communication interrupt and an interrupt at every predetermined time.

WA. Communication Processing FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a communication processing routine of the card management device 11 which is performed by interruption. Each time new reception information is written in the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11, an interrupt is issued each time this routine is executed. If an interrupt occurs, step S150
Then, the new reception information written in the communication control device 32 is transferred to the file memory of the card management device 11. Thereby, the communication control devices 33, 34, 3 of any of the terminal devices
5a to 35n, 36 (that is, each of the communication control devices of the card issuing machine 13, the gaming machine 22 provided with the game medium converting device 21, the prize exchange device 14, and the settlement device 16) each time information is transmitted. The information transmitted by the interruption is taken into the card file of the file memory of the card management device 11, and at this time, the command is also stored in association with the card file.

WB. In-Store Processing FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing an in-store processing routine of the card management device 11 performed by interruption. This routine is executed by interruption every predetermined time. When an interruption occurs every predetermined time, abnormal information processing is performed in step S160. In this, the card management device 11 manages the history of abnormal information. Then, step S16
In step 2, the identification information addition process is performed (details will be described later in a subroutine). This is to create identification information according to a request command for identification information transmitted from a terminal device (particularly, the game medium conversion device 21 of the gaming machine 22) and transmit it to the corresponding terminal device. For example, there is a case where a card newly issued at our shop is created because the identification information has not been added yet. However, in this case, the identification information of the card is created only when the player has the intention to play the game, and thus it is possible to prevent the card file from being unnecessarily created.

Next, a collation request process is performed in step S164 (details will be described later in a subroutine). This is for reading the card file information designated by the collation request command transmitted from the terminal device (particularly, the game medium conversion device 21 of the gaming machine 22) and transmitting it to the corresponding terminal device. For example, there is a case where a card is inserted into the game medium conversion device 21 to start a game. Next, in step S166, card information request processing is performed (details will be described later in a subroutine). This is for reading the card file information instructed by the card information request command transmitted from the terminal device (particularly, the game medium conversion device 21 of the gaming machine 22) and transmitting it to the corresponding terminal device. For example, it is a case where the return switch 321 is pressed to end the game. Next, in step S168, zero-reset processing is performed (details will be described later in a subroutine). This is to search for a card file whose balance information is "0" (that is, zero return) and instruct the zero return processing.

Then, an interruption process is performed in step S170 (details will be described later in a subroutine). This is to perform a game interruption process. For example, when a player goes to a meal. Then, a collation confirmation process is performed in step S172 (details will be described later in a subroutine). This is to manage the history of collation abnormalities when a mismatch command indicating that the card information and the card file information of the card management device 11 do not match is output. At this time, the corresponding card file is copied and left in the abnormal history file. Next, in step S174, the ball lending information and the card issuance information are processed by the ball lending / card issuance file. In other words, for settlement between the hall and the card company 2, the ball lending information and the card issuance information are collected and calculated, and the results are stored in a ball lending / card issuance file and managed. is there. After that, for example, the card company 2 accesses the card management device 11 of the shop once or more times a day to retrieve necessary information.
After step S174, this routine is ended and the next interrupt timing is awaited.

WB-1. Subroutine of Identification Information Addition Processing FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the identification information addition processing of step S162 of the in-store processing routine performed by interruption. First, in step S200, it is determined whether or not there is a request command for identification information from the game medium conversion device 21 of the game machine 22 (has been transmitted). The identification information request command is a request issued from the game medium conversion device 21 when, for example, a card is inserted into the game medium conversion device 21 and the card does not yet have the identification information of the store. When there is no identification information in the card, for example, when a new card is inserted into the gaming machine 22 but stopped without playing a game (that is, when there is no intention to play a game) This is when the card has identification information and has a balance. If there is no identification information request command, the routine is terminated and the process returns. If there is an identification information request command, the process proceeds to step S202 to calculate the identification information. The calculation of the identification information is to newly create the identification information to be given to the card. For example, when the identification information is created by using a random number, the identification information using the random number is calculated. Identification information is not limited to random numbers, as long as it can identify the card and distinguish it from other stores,
It may be calculated by any method. The identification information here is an identification number for identifying each card.

Next, in step S204, a card file based on the identification information is created. This is to create a card file in the card management device 11 for storing information corresponding to a card for which an identification information request command has been issued.
As a result, the card information is managed. Then, the identification information created in step S206 is written in the communication control device 32 with a transmission address. This allows
The written identification information is taken in by the communication control device 35 in the game medium conversion device 21 of the requested machine,
It will be stored in the identification information storage area of the card.
After step S206, the process returns to the main routine. Thus, when there is a request command for identification information (that is, only when the player intends to play a game, as will be described later in detail), the creation of identification information and the creation of a card file are permitted. It

WB-2. Subroutine of Collation Request Processing FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a subroutine in the collation request processing of step S164 of the in-store processing routine performed by interruption. When this subroutine is started, first, in step S220, it is determined whether or not there is a collation request command from the game medium conversion device 21 of the gaming machine 22 (has been transmitted). The collation request command, for example, when the card is inserted into the game medium conversion device 21, in order for the game medium conversion device 21 side to collate the information of the card and the equivalent information stored in the card management device 11,
The card file information of the card management device 11 is requested.

If there is no verification request command, the routine is terminated and the process returns. If there is a verification request command,
In step S222, the card file in the card management device 11 is searched based on the card identification information. Then, in step S224, the information of the card file found as a result of the search is written in the communication control device 32 with a transmission address. As a result, the written card file information is taken in by the communication control device 35 in the requested game media conversion device 21, and the game media conversion device 21 collates the card information. . After step S224, the process returns to the main routine.

WB-3. 36. Subroutine of Card Information Request Process FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the card information request process of step S166 of the in-store processing routine performed by interruption. When this subroutine is started, it is first determined in step S250 whether or not there is a card information request command from the game medium conversion device 21 of the game machine 22 (has been transmitted). The command for requesting the card information is issued when the return switch 321 is pressed to request the return of the card in a state where the card is inserted in the game medium conversion device 21, for example.
After writing the information stored in the card file of the card management device 11 to the card, return it (that is, eject)
To do that. This is because the card file information on the card management device 11 side is true.

If there is no card information request command, the routine ends and returns. If there is a card information request command, the process advances to step S252 to search for a card file in the card management device 11 based on the card identification information. Then, the information of the card file found as a result of the search in step S254 is written in the communication control device 32 with a transmission address. As a result, the written card file information is taken in by the communication control device 35 in the requested game media converter 21 and the received card file for the card to be returned by the game media converter 21 is received. Information will be written on the card. After step S254, the process returns to the main routine.

WB-4. Subroutine for Zero Return Processing FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for zero return processing in step S168 of the in-store processing routine performed by interruption. When this subroutine starts,
First, in step S280, a card file whose amount balance information is "0" is extracted. The fact that the amount balance information is "0" means that the balls cannot be lent out because there is no amount. Next, a card file with the number of balls held is "0" is further extracted from the card files with the balance information of "0" extracted in step S282. When the number of balls held is “0”, there is no ball held and the game cannot be continued. This is the balance information of the amount = "0", the number of balls held =
This is for monitoring the card file of "0" in the zero-return state and automatically ending the game on the gaming machine 22. Next, in step S284, a zero-reset command is written in the communication control device 32 together with the corresponding transmission address. The zero-zero command is an instruction to end the game. That is, the transmission address of the game medium conversion device 21 of the table corresponding to the card file in the zero-reset state where the balance information of the amount = “0” and the number of balls held = “0” is written in the communication control device 32. As a result, the game on the table designated by the transmission address automatically ends, and the card is ejected. Step S284
After passing, return to the main routine.

WB-5. 38. Subroutine for Interruption Process FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for the interruption process in step S170 of the in-store processing routine performed by interruption. When this subroutine starts,
First, in step S300, a game interruption start process is performed (details will be described later in a subroutine). This is the interruption switch 32
It is determined whether or not 2 is turned on, and when it is turned on, the game interruption is started. Then, step S302
The interruption cancellation request processing is performed (details will be described later in a subroutine). This is to issue an interruption cancellation command to the table suspended by the card when the suspended card is inserted into the game medium conversion device 21 of another platform.
Then, in step S304, interruption cancellation processing is performed (details will be described later in a subroutine). This monitors the game interruption time, and issues a interruption cancellation request command when the interruption cancellation state is entered (for example, 30 minutes have elapsed). Next, in step S306, timer updating processing is performed. This updates the value of the timer activated by the start of the interruption, whereby the time is measured each time this routine is executed. After step S306, the process returns to the main routine.

Next, the contents of each subroutine of the interruption processing will be described. WB-5-1. Subroutine of Start Process FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the start process of step S300 of the interruption process. When this subroutine is started, it is first determined in step S320 whether there is an interruption start command. The interruption start command is issued, for example, when a card is inserted in the game medium conversion device 21 and the interruption switch 322 is pressed to request interruption of the game by the player. This is for the case of temporarily admitting the interruption of the game and securing the table for going to the meal.

If there is no interruption start command, the routine ends and returns. If there is an interruption start command, the process advances to step S322 to search for a card file in the card management device 11 based on the card identification information. Next, in step S324, the flag of the interruption information of the card file found as a result of the search is set, and the timer is activated to return to the main routine. This allows
The flag of the card file interruption information is set (eg
If "1") is done, the card file side holds that the table is in the suspended state. Further, the timer is activated in order to start the measurement without a specified value (30 minutes in this embodiment) as the interruption time.

WB-5-2. 40. Subroutine for interruption cancellation request processing FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for interruption cancellation request processing in step S302 of the interruption processing. When this subroutine is started, first, step S350.
Determines whether or not there is a suspend cancellation request command. The suspension cancellation request command is, for example, for issuing a suspension cancellation request from the card to the suspended platform when the suspended card is inserted into the game medium conversion device 21 of another platform. If there is no interruption cancellation request command, the routine ends and returns. If there is an interruption cancellation request command, the flow advances to step S352 to search for a card file in the card management device 11 based on the card identification information. Then, in step S354, the transmission address of the gaming machine number in the card file found as a result of the search is added and an interruption cancellation command is written in the communication control device 32. As a result, the interruption release command is fetched by the communication control device 35 in the game medium conversion device 21 of the unit designated by the transmission address. And that gaming machine 2
No. 2 will be canceled. Therefore, a game can be played by another player. Then, step S3
At 56, the interruption information of the card file is cleared and the process returns to the main routine. As a result, the interruption of the gaming machine 22 is released even on the card management device 11 side.

WB-5-3. FIG. 41 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of the interruption cancellation processing of step S304 of the interruption processing. When this subroutine is started, first, in step S370, a card file in which the interruption information flag is set is extracted from the card files in the card management apparatus 11. This searches for the gaming machine 22 in the suspended state (that is, the table on which the suspending switch 322 is turned on) from the information in the card file. Next, in step S372, a card file in which the timer of the interruption information exceeds the specified value (30 minutes) is extracted from the extracted card files. This is to forcibly cancel the game interruption for the table exceeding the specified value and open the table to other players. This is because it is unfavorable for business that one player occupies the table in excess of the specified value.

Next, in step S374, when a card file in which the timer of the interruption information exceeds the specified value (30 minutes) is extracted, the transmission address of the table (game machine number) corresponding to the card file is added to the interruption. The release command is written in the communication control device 32. As a result, the interruption release command is fetched by the communication control device 35 in the game medium conversion device 21 of the unit designated by the transmission address. Then, the game machine 22 is forcibly released from the interruption. Therefore, a game can be played by another player. After step S374, the process returns to the main routine.

WB-6. Subroutine of Collation Cancellation Process FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the collation cancellation process of step S172 of the in-store processing routine performed by interruption. When this subroutine is started, first, in step S380, it is determined whether or not there is a mismatch command (has been transmitted). The disagreement command is, for example, when the card is inserted into the game medium conversion device 21 and the information of the card and the equivalent information of the card file stored in the card management device 11 are compared on the game medium conversion device 21 side. When the information on the card and the information on the card file do not match (not normal), they are transmitted from the game medium conversion device 21 side. If there is no mismatch command, the routine ends and returns. If there is a mismatch command, step S382.
Then, the process proceeds to step 10 to copy the corresponding card file to the abnormal history file in the card management device 11. Then, the process returns to the main routine. In this way, the person in charge of the hall can recognize such a situation and take appropriate measures by looking at the abnormality history file of the card management device 11 when the card has been tampered with or there is an abnormality in the card. .

B. Control of Card Issuing Machine FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing a main program of card issuing control executed by the card issuing machine 13. This program is started at the same time when the power of the card issuing machine 13 is turned on. When the program starts, it is first determined in step S400 whether or not there is a work start flag. The work start flag is a flag for determining a power failure, and is set in step S406 as described later. The fact that the work start flag is set (is present) corresponds to a recovery state from a power failure. If there is no work start flag, the flow advances to step S402 to perform self-diagnosis processing. This is to check the operation of each device in the card issuing machine 13. Next, in step S404, it is determined whether or not there is a job start command. The work start command is transmitted to each terminal device when the card management device 11 starts a work. Therefore, if the card management apparatus 11 has not determined that the business can be started, step S404.
If the card management apparatus 11 determines that the business can be started and instructs the start, the business start command is present and the process proceeds to step S406.

In step S406, the work start flag is set. The work start flag is stored in a memory backed up by a battery, for example. Here, by setting the business start flag, if the business start flag is in the set state thereafter, it is possible to determine that the power is once cut off and the power is cut off. Next, in step S408, initialization is performed. This is the microprocessor 131 of the card issuing machine 13, the clock circuit 132, the memory 133,
The I / O interface circuit 134 is initialized and the input / output ports are initialized. Next, in step S410, it is determined whether or not there is a business start command. The business start command is transmitted from the card management device 11 as described above. Therefore, in step S410, the card management apparatus 11 waits for an instruction to start business. That is, if there is no business start command, the process waits at step S410, and if there is a business start command, the process proceeds to step S412. On the other hand, if there is a job start flag in step S400, the power failure determination flag has been set, so it is determined that the recovery from the power failure has occurred, and the process branches to step S414. Step S41
In 4, the data in the save memory (memory area for saving data in case of power failure) is restored to the work memory. Then, it progresses to step S412.

In step S412, communication processing is performed. This is for performing communication with the card management device 11, for example, transfer of various data of the card issuance status, instructions from the card management device 11, and the like. Then, step S41
At 6 the card issuing process is performed. This is for carrying out various processes necessary for issuing a card to a player when the player operates to desire the purchase of the card. Next, in step S418, it is determined whether or not there is a tightening command. The closing command is transmitted from the card management device 11 as described above. Therefore, in step S418, the card management apparatus 11 waits for an instruction to end business. That is, if there is no closing command, the processing from step S418 is repeated. If there is a tightening command, the process proceeds to step S420. In step S420, the work start flag is reset and the program of the card issuing machine 13 is ended.

C. Control of Game Medium Conversion Control Device FIGS. 44 to 47 are flowcharts showing a main program of the game medium conversion control executed by the game medium conversion control device 43 arranged in the game medium conversion device 21. This program is started at the same time when the game medium conversion control device 43 is powered on. When the program starts, first, in step S500 of FIG. 44, it is determined whether or not there is a work start flag. The work start flag is a flag for determining a power failure, and is set in step S508 as described later. Business start flag is set (Yes)
This corresponds to the state of recovery from a power failure. If there is no work start flag, the flow advances to step S502 to perform self-diagnosis processing. This is to check the operation of each device (for example, the card reader / writer 203) in the game medium conversion control device 43. Next, in step S504, interruption is permitted. This permits execution of the three interrupt routines described below. For example, in the main communication process described later, if there is communication from the card management device 11, an interrupt occurs, but when the interrupt occurs, the interrupt process is permitted.

Next, in step S506, it is determined whether or not there is a job start command. The work start command is transmitted to each terminal device when the card management device 11 starts a work. Therefore, if the card management apparatus 11 has not determined that the business can be started, step S
If the card management apparatus 11 determines in step 506 that the business can be started and the start is instructed, there is a business start command, and the process proceeds to step S508.
In step S508, the job start flag is set. The work start flag is stored in a memory backed up by a battery, for example. Here, by setting the business start flag, if the business start flag is in the set state thereafter, it is possible to determine that the power is once cut off and the power is cut off. Next, in step S510, initialization is performed. This is the microprocessor 221, the clock circuit 222, the memory 223, I of the game medium conversion control device 43.
/ O interface circuit 224 to the initial state,
The input / output port is initialized. Next, in step S512, card import is prohibited. This prohibits card import until everything is ready.

Next, in step S514, a work start command is transmitted to the gaming machine control device 201. This is to instruct the gaming machine control device 201 of the gaming machine 22 to start the work. Next, in step S516, information on the gaming machine number (hereinafter appropriately referred to as gaming machine number) is fetched. This is because by sending a job start command to the gaming machine control device 201, the gaming machine number is sent from the gaming machine control device 201 to the gaming medium conversion control device 43.
The information is taken in. Next, step S5
It is determined whether or not the format of the gaming machine number sent in 18 is OK. This is to check the format of the gaming machine number, and to judge whether it is logically normal. If the format check of the gaming machine number is NG, the process branches to step S520 to write the format abnormal command to the communication control device 35. As a result, the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 fetches an abnormal command of the game machine number format in the game medium conversion control device 43.

Then, in step S522, the job start flag is cleared. That is, the game medium conversion control device 43
Judges that it is difficult to start work. Since this is not a power failure, the business start flag is reset. Then, in step S524, the reset switch 31
It is determined whether or not No. 5 is turned on, and if it is not turned on, the process stands by at this step, and when turned on, the process returns to Step S500 and the process is restarted from the beginning. In this way, when the format of the gaming machine number is abnormal, the status is notified to the card management device 11, and the necessary action is taken after waiting for the input of the reset switch 315. That is, in this case, the clerk will take a considerable measure for the format check of the gaming machine number and restore the normal state.

If the format check of the gaming machine number is logically normal in step S518, then, FIG.
In step S526, the gaming machine number is written in the communication control device 35. As a result, the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 fetches the game machine number in the game medium conversion control device 43. Next, in step S528, the gaming machine number is stored. This allows
Game medium conversion control device 4 based on the stored game machine number
3 business is conducted. Next, in step S530, it is determined whether or not there is a card loading permission command. The card take-in permission command is transmitted from the card management device 11. Therefore, in step S530, the card management apparatus 11 waits for an instruction to import a card. That is, if there is no card take-in command, the process stands by in step S530, and if there is a card take-in permission command, the process proceeds to step S532. In step S532, a business start command is transmitted to the gaming machine control device 201. This instructs the gaming machine control device 201 of the gaming machine 22 to start business.

Next, in step S534, card loading is permitted. This is to cancel the card import prohibition set in step S512. Then
It proceeds to step S536. On the other hand, if there is a job start flag in step S500, the power failure determination flag has been set, so it is determined that the recovery from a power failure has occurred, and the process branches to step S538. In step S538, the data in the save memory (memory area for saving data in case of power failure) is restored to the work memory. Then, it progresses to step S536 of FIG.

In step S536, it is determined whether or not a card has been inserted, and when the card is not inserted, the process branches to step S540 to determine whether or not there is an interruption cancel command. This is to confirm the instruction for canceling the interruption from the card management device 11. For example, when the interruption time exceeds a specified value (30 minutes), and when the interruption card is used in another gaming machine 22, the game interruption on the table is canceled and the other player promptly operates. In order to increase the operating rate of the table by releasing the instruction to the end, the instruction for canceling the interruption from the card management device 11 is confirmed. If the interruption cancellation command is not transmitted from the card management device 11, step S
Return to 536. If the interruption cancel command is transmitted, the interruption flag is cleared in step S542, and the process returns to step S536. Therefore, when the interruption flag is cleared, the interruption of the game on the table is released, and the game can be played by another player.

When the card is inserted in step S536, the flow advances to step S544 to read the card data. Various types of card data are read as shown in FIG. Moving to FIG. 46, the security information of the card inserted in step S546 is O
It is determined whether it is K or not. Since the security information confirms the authenticity of the card, if the security information is NG (for example, tampering with the card), step S5
Proceed to 48 to eject the card. Therefore, a game cannot be played with that card. Then, step S
Return to 536. The player inserts another normal card to play the game, or gives up the game. On the other hand, if the security information of the card inserted in step S546 is OK, the flow advances to step S550 to determine whether or not the card is the current day's card. What is the card of the day?
A card played at our store or another store on the same day. Whether or not it is the card of the day is determined by the date of the day and whether or not the identification information of the day is on the card. This is because there is no limit on the amount of money on the day, but there is a limit on the number of balls that can be held at the store and on the day.

(A) Card without identification information of the day In this case, for example, a card before the day before, which has an amount of money, or a card which has been newly purchased and to which identification information has not been added yet (especially, the gaming machine 22) A card that has not been inserted into the game machine 22) or a card that has been newly purchased and has not yet been added with identification information, and the card has been inserted into the gaming machine 22, but the player has no intention of playing the game and stops it. This is the case. If the result of the determination in step S550 indicates that it is not the current day card (or if it is a new card to which date information has not yet been added), the process proceeds to step S552, and there is an amount of money in the inserted card (new amount of prepaid amount). Or whether there is a balance). If there is an amount of money, the process proceeds to the identification information issuing process shown in FIG. 49. The details of the identification information issuing process will be described later, but the processes required for issuing card identification information, lending a ball, and the like are performed. Therefore, even a card without identification information on the day can be used at our store if there is a price. For example, there is a case where a card is newly purchased from the card issuing machine 13 and there is a prepaid amount. In this case, the card may be purchased at this store or another store. On the other hand, if it is not the current day card and there is no amount, the process proceeds to step S554 and the display command 1 is transmitted to the gaming machine control device 210.
As a result, a display corresponding to the display command 1 is displayed on the display device 411 of the operation display control device 212 according to an instruction from the gaming machine control device 210.

The display commands are from "0" to "5" and are used to display and inform the player of various information as shown in FIG. Display command 1
Is "There is no balance." Therefore, when the player inserts a card that has no amount of money and is not the card of the day, the player can visually recognize the display "There is no remaining money" on the display device 411 of the operation display control device 212. The display commands shown in FIG. 48 display information on the display device 411 of the operation display control device 212. However, the display commands are not limited to the display, and the display commands shown in FIG. You may make it notify the content. Next, step S5
At 56, the card that is not the current day card and has no amount of money is ejected, and the process returns to step S536. The player inserts another normal card to play the game, or gives up the game.

(B) Card of the day, but no identification information at our store In this case, for example, a card to which identification information is added at another store on the day, but there is no identification information at this store, and It is when there is an amount of money. If the result of the determination in step S550 indicates that it is the current day's card, the process proceeds to step S558 to see if the inserted card has a ball (whether there is a playable ball).
Determine whether or not. If there is no ball, step S560
It branches to and determines whether there is an amount of money. If there is an amount of money, the game is possible, so go to step S562 and see if it is our card (that is, does our store code exist?).
Determine whether or not. If it is not the card of our shop, the process proceeds to the identification information issuing process. As a result, although the card has identification information added at another store on the same day, if there is no identification information at our store and there is a price, issue the identification information of the card in the identification information issuing process, lend a ball, etc. Necessary processing is performed. Therefore, if there is an amount of money even if there is no identification information in the shop, the process proceeds to step S550 → step S558 → step S560 → step S562 → identification information issuance processing, which can be used in the shop.

(C) The shop and the current day's identification information This case is a case where the shop and the day's identification information are added, and there is a ball (that is, used in the game before). If). If the result of the determination in step S550 indicates that it is the current day's card, the flow proceeds to step S558, and it is determined whether or not there is a ball in the inserted card (whether there is a playable ball). If there is a ball, the process proceeds to step S564 and it is determined whether or not it is a card of our store (that is, whether there is a store code of our store). If it is a card of our shop, proceed to the processing after step S574 of FIG.
A game is played by holding a card.

(D) Only the information of the current day is present In this case, there is a card to which only the information of the current day is added. For example, when there are balls in other stores. If the result of the determination in step S550 indicates that it is the current day's card, the flow proceeds to step S558, and it is determined whether or not there is a ball in the inserted card (whether there is a playable ball). If there is a ball, the process proceeds to step S564 and it is determined whether or not it is a card of our store (that is, whether there is a store code of our store). If it is not our card, for example, it is determined that there is a ball remaining in another store, and the process proceeds to step S566 to determine whether or not there is an amount of money. If there is an amount of money, the process proceeds to step S568 and the display command 3 is transmitted to the gaming machine control device 210.
As a result, a display corresponding to the display command 3 is displayed on the display device 411 of the operation display control device 212 according to an instruction from the gaming machine control device 210.

[0116] Display command 3 says, "I have balls that I have won at other stores, but they cannot be used at this store. Please lend a ball to play games at this store. However, the balls will be" 0 ". I will. " Therefore,
By looking at this display, it is determined whether or not to play a game with that card. Then, the process proceeds to the identification information issuing process. As a result, if there is a ball remaining in another store and the amount is large, even if it is a card with identification information added at another store, by setting the ball to "0", the game at our store You can On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S566 is that there is no amount of money, the process branches to step S570 to display command 2
Is transmitted to the gaming machine control device 210. Thereby, the operation display control device 212 is instructed by the game machine control device 210.
The display corresponding to the display command 2 is displayed on the display device 411. The display command 2 is "I have balls that I got at another store but I can't use them because there is no balance." Therefore, by looking at this display, the player can know that the card cannot be played. Next, in step S572, the card is ejected, and the process returns to step S536.

(E) On the day of the game, there is a remaining amount of money that has been played at our shop before. In this case, there is information about the day of the game, and when the game has been used before at the shop, and the amount of money remains. Is. If the result of the determination in step S550 indicates that it is the current day's card, the flow proceeds to step S558, and it is determined whether or not there is a ball in the inserted card (whether there is a playable ball). If there is no ball, go to step S560 to determine whether or not there is an amount of money, and if there is still a balance, go to step S560.
At 562, it is determined whether or not the shop is the shop. If it is the card of our shop (that is, if the shop code of our shop is added), the processing from step S574 onward in FIG. 47 is performed. Therefore, at this time, since there is a remaining amount of money that was previously played in the shop on the day of the game, balls can be lent within the range of the remaining amount of money to play the game.

Since each case has been described above, a step S is performed in which the card lending is performed by the game machine 22 and the information is read / written from / to the card.
The contents after 574 will be described. Moving to FIG. 47, in a step S574, it is determined whether or not there is an interruption flag in the memory 223 (for example, the work memory 223c) of the game medium conversion control device 43 (not the interruption flag in the card). The interruption flag here is set in the game medium conversion control device 43 in a step to be described later when the interruption switch 322 is turned on and a game interruption is requested when going to a meal. . If there is an interruption flag, the process proceeds to step S576 to compare the gaming machine number of the card data with the gaming machine number. This is the gaming machine number stored in the card you have just inserted (this is
Equivalent to the table on which the player turned on the interruption switch 322)
Then, the number of the table on which the player is actually going to play the game is compared, and whether the card is an interrupted card or not is easily determined by the table number.

Then, in step S578, the comparison result is O.
It is determined whether it is K or not. When the gaming machine number of the card data = this gaming machine number, that is, when the card has been suspended, the process branches to YES and proceeds to step S586.
Therefore, at this time, the card information is stored in the card management device 1
The game is played by collating it with the information in the card file No. 1, and the game is not rejected at least because it is not a suspended card. On the other hand, step S578
When the comparison result is NO, that is, when the game machine number of the card data is different from the main game machine number, it is determined that the card is not interrupted, the card is ejected in step S580, and the process returns to step S536. . Therefore, at this time, a game cannot be played with the inserted card, and the game with the card in which the game machine number is suspended is prioritized.

If there is no interruption flag in step S574, it is determined that the interruption flag is not set in the memory 223 (for example, the work memory 223c) of the game medium conversion control device 43, and the process proceeds to step S582. In step S582, it is determined whether the card data of the card has an interruption flag (whether the interruption flag has been written before). That is, it is determined whether or not the card has the interruption flag set for the gaming machine 22 but has the interruption flag set on another platform. If there is an interruption flag in the card data (the interruption flag has been written before), it is not a card in which the interruption flag has been set for the gaming machine 22, but it is a card in which an interruption flag is set on another platform. After determining, the process proceeds to step S584 and the interruption cancellation request command is written in the communication control device 35. As a result, the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 fetches the interruption cancellation request command in the game medium conversion control device 43. Next, step S5
Proceed to 86. Therefore, in this case, the card currently inserted is interrupted by another gaming machine 22, but this card corresponds to a case in which a game is performed by another gaming machine 22 other than that. Then, another gaming machine 22 that has been suspended by the card
In order to cancel the interruption of the above, the interruption cancellation request command is transmitted to the card management device 11, and the interruption of the other gaming machine 22 is canceled by the card management device 11 so that another player can play a game. Become.

When the card currently inserted does not interrupt the gaming machine 22 and the other gaming machines 22 at all, the process proceeds to step S574 → step S582 → step S586. That is, there is no interruption flag in step S574, and there is no interruption flag in the card data in step S582. In this case, step S5.
Proceed to 86. Now, step S578 and step S58
If the process proceeds to step S586 after step 4 or step S582, the collation request command is written in the communication control device 35 in step S586. As a result, the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 fetches the collation request command from the game medium conversion control device 43. This is to transmit the file contents to the card management device 1 in order to collate the information of the inserted card with the information of the card file stored in the card management device 11.
It is a requirement for 1.

Then, in step S588, it is determined whether or not the collation information is fetched. That is, it is determined whether or not the information of the card file sent from the card management device 11 is finished being loaded into the game medium conversion control device 43, and if it is not loaded, this step S588
When the reading is completed, the process goes to step S590. In step S590, a process of comparing the information of the card with the information of the loaded card file is performed (details will be described later in a subroutine). Then, step S
In 592, a ball lending process is performed when the ball lending switch 320 is turned on (details will be described later in a subroutine). Next, in step S594, a return process is performed when the return switch 321 is turned on (details will be described later in a subroutine). Then
In step S596, an interruption process is performed when the interruption switch 322 is turned on (details will be described later in a subroutine). The output signals of the switches 320 to 322 are transmitted from the gaming machine control device 201 to the game medium conversion control device 43.

Next, in step S598, zero-return processing is performed (details will be described later in a subroutine). This is a process performed in response to a zeroing instruction from the card management device 11.
Next, a tightening process is performed in step S600 (details will be described later in a subroutine). This is a process performed in response to a closing command from the card management device 11. After step S600, the process proceeds to step S2000 to determine whether or not there is a card return flag. The card return flag is set when the game can be returned by interrupting or ending the game and writing the card information to the card, and the fact that the card return flag is set (is) , Corresponds to a state in which the card may be returned to the player. If there is no card return flag, step S
Returning to 592, steps S592 to S2000.
Repeat the loop consisting of. Therefore, during the game, a card game is played by sequentially repeating the loop consisting of steps S592 to S2001. When the card return flag is set, the process returns from step S2000 to step S2002 to clear the card return flag,
It returns to step S536 and waits for the insertion of a card. As a result, the card will be inserted next time and the game will be started.

C-1. Identification Information Issuing Process Program FIG. 49 is a main program for game media conversion control,
8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of identification information issuing processing. This subroutine is for issuing the identification information of the card and performing the processing necessary for lending a ball or the like. First, in step S602, the card information and the display command 0 are transmitted to the gaming machine control device 201, and the display device 411 of the operation display control device 212 is caused to display the card information and the information regarding the display command 0. The card information is, for example, the amount of money, the number of balls, etc., and the information of the display command 0 is "Welcome."

Then, steps S604 to S6.
The following information is judged at 08. Step S604: It is determined whether there is ball lending information. The ball lending information is information in which the ball lending switch 320 is turned on and information in which the automatic ball lending switch 323 is turned on, and is when the player issues a ball lending request. The amount of money stored in the card corresponds to the ball lending.
Here, the information that the ball lending switch 320 is turned on and the information that the automatic ball lending switch 323 is turned on indicate that the player has issued a request for a ball lending, and the player is the gaming machine 22.
It corresponds to the detection that there is an intention to play a game. Step S606: It is determined whether there is return information. The return information is the information that the return switch 321 turns on,
This is the case when the return of the card is requested. Step S608: It is determined whether there is interruption information. The interruption information is information that the interruption switch 322 is turned on,
This is the case when the interruption of the game is requested.

If there is no ball lending information and there is return information, the process proceeds to step S610, the card is ejected, and step S
Return to 536. For example, when the card is inserted for the first time but the return switch 321 is pressed without lending the ball, or when the card is inserted for the first time but the interruption switch 322 is pressed without lending the ball. is there.
That is, in such a case, the player detects that the player has no intention of playing a game on the gaming machine 22, and the card is ejected. If there is no ball lending information and there is interruption information even if there is no return information, the process proceeds to step S610 and the card is ejected. As a result, the player can go to a meal or the like with the card. There is no ball lending information,
If there is no return information and there is no interruption information, step S
The processing returns from step 608 to step S604. Therefore, at this time, the loop of steps S604 to S608 is repeated.

On the other hand, when there is ball lending information (that is, when there is an intention to insert a card and play a game), the process branches to step S612, and (remaining amount-set amount) = card holding difference X. I do. The set amount is the minimum amount of ball lending set by the hall and is variable. For example, the set amount is set to 200 yen. Next, in step S614, it is determined whether the card holding difference X is smaller than "0". (A) When the card possession difference X is larger than "0" For example, when the balance of the card = 1000 yen and the set amount = 200 yen, the card possession difference X = 800 yen and "0".
Get bigger. In this case, the process proceeds to step S616 and the set amount is written in the communication control device 35 as ball lending information.
As a result, the information of the set amount transmitted from the game medium conversion control device 43 is fetched by the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11. This is to send information to the card management device 11 because it is necessary to settle the usage amount of the prepaid card to the card company 2. The setting amount information transmitted to the card management device 11 is
When the card company 2 accesses the card management device 11, the card company 2 takes it in.

Next, in step S618, the card holding difference X is similarly used as the balance information of the card and the communication control device 35 is also used.
Write in. Thereby, the information of the card holding difference X transmitted from the game medium conversion control device 43 by the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 is fetched. Next, in step S620, the set amount is converted into the number of balls, and the number-of-balls information, the remaining amount information, and the launch permission command are given to the gaming machine control device 2
Send to 01. As a result, on the gaming machine 22 side, the number of balls, the number of balls held, and the remaining amount corresponding to the set amount are displayed on the operation display control device 2
It is displayed on the display device 411 controlled by 12.
In addition, the firing permission command is transmitted to the gaming machine control device 201, whereby the firing of the balls is permitted. Step S
After passing 620, the process proceeds to step S622.

In step S622, the card identification information request command is written in the communication control device 35. As a result, the card identification information request command transmitted from the game medium conversion control device 43 is fetched by the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11. That is,
When the ball lending switch 320 is pressed and the player requests the ball lending, the card management device 11 is requested to issue the card identification information. As a result, when the card management device 11 receives this identification information request command, it creates the identification information of the card and also creates the card file corresponding to the identification information. This means that when a card is inserted, even if the player is not willing to play the game, if the player immediately creates the identification information of the card and its card file, for example, the player does not play the game, This is because if the card is requested to be returned as it is, a useless card file is created and the memory area is used wastefully. Therefore, useless card identification information and useless card files are not created, and useless use of the memory area can be prevented.

Then, in step S624, it is determined whether or not the identification information is fetched. That is, the game medium conversion control device 43 waits for the card identification information created by the card management device 11 to be fetched. If the identification information has not been fetched, the process stands by in step S624, and if the identification information is fetched, the process proceeds to step S626 to write the identification information, the balance, the store code, the date, and the gaming machine number on the card. Next, proceeding to step S594 in FIG. 45, the loop during the game is repeated. As a result, the above information is once written on the card and the game is played.

(B) When the card possession difference X is smaller than "0" For example, when the balance of the card = 100 yen and the set amount = 200 yen, the card possession difference X = -100 yen and "0".
It gets smaller. At this time, the ball can be lent out even if the amount becomes smaller than the set amount, and therefore, the process proceeds to step S628 and the subsequent steps. In step S628, the balance of the card is written in the communication control device 35 as ball lending information. As a result, the balance information of the card transmitted from the game medium conversion control device 43 is fetched by the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11. This is to send information to the card management device 11 because it is necessary to settle the usage amount of the prepaid card to the card company 2.

Then, in step S630, balance = 0 is written in the communication control device 35 as balance information. As a result, the balance of the card transmitted from the game medium conversion control device 43 by the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 =
Information of 0 is captured. Then, step S63
In step 2, the balance is converted into the number of balls, and the number-of-balls information, the balance information, and the launch permission command are transmitted to the gaming machine control device 201. As a result, on the gaming machine 22 side, the number of balls corresponding to the remaining amount and the remaining amount (remaining amount = 0) are displayed on the display device 411 controlled by the operation display control device 212. In addition, by transmitting the launch permission command to the gaming machine control device 201,
Ball firing is allowed. After step S632, the process proceeds to step S622. Hereinafter, the processing from step S622 is the same as that in the case (a) described above. In this way, if the balance of the card = 100 yen and the set amount = 200 yen, even if the card holding difference X becomes smaller than the set amount, it is possible to lend balls within the range of the remaining amount and the player's game To be able to do.

C-2. Comparison Processing Subroutine FIG. 50 and FIG. 51 are flowcharts showing the comparison processing (step S590) subroutine in the main program for game medium conversion control. When this subroutine is started, first, in step S650, the following items are compared with each other regarding the card data and the data (verification information) of the card file stored in the card management device 11.・ Balance (money amount information) ・ Identification information ・ Game machine number ・ Accumulated ball number information

Then, in step S652, it is determined whether or not the card data and the equivalent data of the card file data (the data compared with each other in step S650) are the same (OK). If not the same, step S65
In step 4, the player is notified that the game cannot be played (for example, it may be displayed or voiced, or both may be notified. The same applies hereinafter), and the card is ejected. This is because the data of the card is different from the data of the card file, and the game is not played. Therefore, a game cannot be played with the card. Then, in step S656, the mismatch command is written in the communication control device 35. When the card is inserted in the game medium conversion device 21, the mismatch command displays the information of the card and the equivalent information of the card file stored in the card management device 11 to the game medium conversion device 2
When the information on the card and the information on the card file do not match (not normal) when collated on the 1st side, the game medium converting apparatus 21 side transmits the information. As a result, the inconsistency command transmitted from the game medium conversion control device 43 is fetched by the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11. After that, the card management device 11 performs a process of copying the corresponding card file to the abnormal history file. In this way, the person in charge of the hall recognizes such a situation and takes appropriate measures by looking at the abnormality history file of the card management device 11 when the card is falsified or there is an abnormality in the card. After step S650, step S5 of FIG.
Return to 36.

If the card data and the equivalent data of the card file data are the same in step S652, the flow advances to step S658 to find the number of balls that have not been compared (there is no data compared with each other in step S650. ) Are the same (OK). That is, the number of balls held is separately compared. this is,
This is because in the case of the number of balls, even if the data of both are different, it is treated specially. If the number of balls held in the card data and the data of the card file is NG, step S6
Proceeding to 60, it is determined whether the card data is smaller than the verification information. When the card data regarding the number of balls held is larger than the collation information, it is determined that the card has been tampered with or there is an abnormality in the card, and in step S662 it is informed that the game cannot be played, and the card is ejected.
In step S664, the mismatch command is written in the communication control device 35. As a result, the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 captures the inconsistency command transmitted from the game medium conversion control device 43, and then the card management device 11 performs processing such as copying the corresponding card file to the abnormal history file. Done. This allows
In the event that the card is tampered with or there is an abnormality in the card, the person in charge of the hall recognizes such a situation by looking at the abnormality history file of the card management device 11 and takes appropriate measures. After step S664, step S of FIG.
Return to 536.

On the other hand, when the card data is smaller than the collation information in step S660 regarding the number of balls held, the data of the card file is treated as true and the process branches to step S666 in order to recognize the game. Also, step S658
Even if the comparison result of the number of balls held is the same (OK), the process proceeds to step S666. In step S666, the interruption information of the collation information is cleared. Next, moving to FIG. 51 and proceeding to step S668. In step S668, the gaming machine number of the gaming machine is updated to the gaming machine number area of the matching information. This is to update the card file of the card with the gaming machine number of the gaming machine. Next, the collation information updated in step S678 is written in the communication control device 35 as card information. As a result, the updated collation information transmitted from the game medium conversion control device 43 is fetched by the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11. Next, in step S680, the verification information is written on the card. That is, the updated collation information is once written in the card. Next, in step S682, the balance of the collation information, the number of balls held, the number of settlement balls, the launch permission command, and the display command 0 are transmitted to the gaming machine control device 201, and the display command 0 (““ is displayed on the display device 411 of the operation display control device 212. Information) and the balance, the number of balls held, and the number of settlement balls (see FIG. 68). After step S682, the process returns to the main routine.

C-3. 52. Subroutine for ball lending process FIG. 52 is a main program for game media conversion control.
It is a flow chart which shows a subroutine of ball lending processing (Step S592). First, in step S700, it is determined whether or not there is ball lending information. The ball lending information means that the ball lending switch 320 is turned on by the player's operation and information on a request to lend a ball is issued. If there is no ball lending information (that is, if the ball lending switch 320 is not on), the routine is ended and the process returns to the main routine. If the ball lending information is available (if the ball lending switch 320 is turned on), the process proceeds to step S702, and the calculation is made as (remaining amount-set amount) = card holding difference X. The set amount is the minimum unit ball lending amount set by the hall as described above, and is set to 200 yen, for example. Then, in step S704, the card holding difference X
Is smaller than "0".

(A) When the card possession difference X is larger than "0" For example, when the card balance = 1000 yen, the set amount = 200 yen, and the card possession difference X = 800 yen, step S7
In step 06, the communication control device 35 uses the set amount as ball lending information.
Write in. As a result, the information on the set amount transmitted from the game medium conversion control device 43 is fetched by the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11. Based on this information, the payment amount of the prepaid card is settled to the card company 2. Next, in step S708, the card holding difference X is used as the balance information of the card in the same manner as the communication control device 3
Write to 5. Thereby, the information of the card holding difference X transmitted from the game medium conversion control device 43 by the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 is fetched. Next, in step S710, the set amount is converted into the number of balls, and the number-of-balls information and the balance information are transmitted to the gaming machine control device 201. Thereby, on the gaming machine 22 side, the number of balls corresponding to the set amount, the number of held balls, and the remaining amount are displayed on the display device 411 controlled by the operation display control device 212 (the display here is the number of balls corresponding to the set amount. Means lending to a player).
Therefore, these pieces of information serve as control data for the enclosed ball game performed by the enclosed ball type gaming machine 22. Step S71
After 0, the process returns to the main routine.

(B) When the card holding difference X is smaller than "0" For example, if the balance of the card = 100 yen, the set amount = 200 yen, and the card holding difference X = -100 yen, X is from "0". Since the size becomes smaller, at this time, the process branches from step S704 to step S714 so that the balls can be lent out even if the amount becomes smaller than the set amount. In step S714, the balance of the card is written in the communication control device 35 as ball lending information. As a result, the communication control device 3 of the card management device 11
The balance information of the card transmitted from the game medium conversion control device 43 by 2 is taken in. This is a card company 2
Since it is necessary to settle the usage amount of the prepaid card, the information is sent to the card management device 11.

Next, in step S716, balance = 0 is written in the communication control device 35 as balance information. As a result, the balance of the card transmitted from the game medium conversion control device 43 by the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 =
Information of 0 is captured. Then, step S71
At 8, the balance is converted into the number of balls, and the number-of-balls information and the balance information are transmitted to the gaming machine control device 201. Thereby, on the gaming machine 22 side, the number of balls corresponding to the remaining amount and the remaining amount (remaining amount = 0) are displayed on the display device 411 controlled by the operation display control device 212 (the display here is the number of balls corresponding to the set amount). Means lending to the player). Therefore, these pieces of information serve as control data for the enclosed ball game performed by the enclosed ball type gaming machine 22. After step S718, the process returns to the main routine. Thus, for example, if the balance of the card = 100 yen and the set amount = 200 yen, even if the card holding difference X becomes smaller than the set amount, it is possible to lend the balls within the range of the remaining amount and the player To be able to play games.

C-4. Subroutine of return processing FIG. 53 is a main program for game media conversion control,
It is a flow chart which shows a subroutine of return processing (Step S594). First, in step S730, it is determined whether there is return information. The return information means that the return switch 321 is turned on by the player's operation to request the return of the card. If there is no return information (that is, if the return switch 321 is not turned on), the routine is terminated and returns to the main routine. If there is return information (if the return switch 321 is on), the process advances to step S732 to write the card information request command into the communication control device 35. As a result, the card information request command transmitted from the game medium conversion control device 43 is fetched by the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11. This card information request command requests file information in order to write the information of the card file stored in the card management device 11 to the inserted card. Therefore, when the card information request command is issued, the information of the card file stored in the card management device 11 is read and sent to the game medium conversion control device 43.

Then, in step S734, it is determined whether or not the information of the card file stored in the card management apparatus 11 has been fetched. If the information of the card file has not been fetched, the process stands by at this step, and when the same information is fetched, the process proceeds to step S736 and the fetched card information is written to the card. Then, step S73
At 8, the game end command is transmitted to the gaming machine control device 201. This is because the return switch 321 is pressed and the writing of information to the card is completed, so the gaming machine control device 201
To notify the end of the game. Next, in step S739, the card return flag is set. This informs the gaming machine control device 201 that the writing of the information to the card is completed and the next card can be accepted. Next, in step S740, the card is ejected. As a result, the card is returned to the player, and the game ends.

C-5. 54. Subroutine for interruption processing FIG. 54 is a main program for game media conversion control,
It is a flow chart which shows a subroutine of interruption processing (Step S596). First, in step S760, it is determined whether there is interruption information. The interruption information means that the interruption switch 322 is turned on by the operation of the player to request interruption of the game. If there is no interruption information (that is, if the interruption switch 322 is not turned on), the routine is terminated and returns to the main routine. If there is interruption information (if the interruption switch 322 is on),
In step S762, the interruption start request command is written in the communication control device 35. This interruption start request command is to request the interruption of the game by the player.
As a result, the interruption start request command transmitted from the game medium conversion control device 43 is fetched by the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11. Therefore, the card management device 11 is notified of the start of interruption.

Next, in step S764, an interruption flag which is information for interrupting the game is written in the card. Then
In step S766, the interruption flag is set. The interruption flag set here is for the processing of the game medium conversion control device 43. Next, in step S768, an interruption command is transmitted to the gaming machine control device 201. Thereby, on the gaming machine 22 side, the interruption state of the game is displayed on the display device 411 controlled by the operation display control device 212 by the interruption command. Next, in step S769, the card return flag is set. This informs the gaming machine control device 201 that it is possible to accept the next card after the interruption because the interruption command is transmitted. Next, in step S770, the card is ejected. The player can go to a meal with the discharged card. After step S770, the process returns to the main routine.

C-6. Sub-routine for zero-return processing FIG. 55 is a main program for game media conversion control.
It is a flow chart which shows a subroutine of zero return processing (Step S598). First, in step S800, it is determined whether there is a zero return command. The zero-reset command is for instructing the zero-return processing by searching for a card file having balance information “0” and the number of balls held is [0] (that is, zero-return), and is instructed by the card management device 11. . The card management device 11 monitors whether there is a zero return card file. Then, if there is a zero return card file, an instruction is issued to eject the card and end the game. If there is no zero-return command (that is, if there is no balance information and a card file with the number of balls [0]), the routine is terminated and returns to the main routine.

If there is a zero return command, step S802.
Then, the process goes to step S3 to write the card information request command into the communication control device 35. The card information request command is for requesting the file to write the information of the card file of the card management device 11 into the card currently inserted in the game medium conversion control device 43. This allows
The card information request command transmitted from the game medium conversion control device 43 is fetched by the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11. Therefore, the card management device 11
Then, the requested card file is found and the game medium conversion control device 43 is notified of the information of the card file. Therefore, in step S804, the card management device 1
It is determined whether or not the card file information (that is, the card information) of the card transmitted from 1 is taken, and the process waits in this step until the import is completed. When the import is completed, the process proceeds to step S806 and the imported card Write information to the card. In this case, information such as the amount of money = 0 and the number of balls held = 0 is written in the card.
Next, in step S808, a game end command is transmitted to the gaming machine control device 201. As a result, the game ends on the gaming machine 22 side. Next, in step S809, the card return flag is set. This is to inform the gaming machine control device 201 that it is possible to accept the next card, because the information such as the amount of money = 0 and the number of balls held = 0 is written in the card with the command to return to zero. is there. Next, in step S810, the card that has become zero is ejected. After step S810, the process returns to the main routine.

C-7. 56. Subroutine for closing process FIG. 56 is a main program for game media conversion control
It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a closing process (step S600). First, in step S830, it is determined whether or not there is a closing command. The tightening command is the tightening switch 1 that is operated when the hall is closed.
When the card 12 is turned on, it is issued from the card management device 11 in order to end the work for all the terminal devices. However, in the case of the game machine 22, each game medium conversion control device 43 becomes a terminal device when viewed from the card management device 11. If the closing command is not transmitted from the card management device 11, the routine is ended and the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, if there is a tightening command, step S
In step 832, the work start flag is cleared. this is,
Since the business is normally closed, the business start flag is cleared. In the case of a power failure, this process is not executed, so the work start flag remains set. Next, in step S834, a closing command is transmitted to the gaming machine control device 201. As a result, the game on the gaming machine 22 is completed. This completes the program of the game medium conversion control device 43.

Next, the interrupt process of the game medium conversion control device 43 will be described. The game medium conversion control device 43 performs various processes by the interrupt process shown in FIGS. 57 to 59 below. The interrupt processing includes a communication interrupt and a power supply voltage monitoring interrupt. WA. Communication processing FIG. 57 shows a game medium conversion control device 43 which is performed by interruption.
It is a flowchart showing a gaming machine communication processing routine. When there is communication (transmission) from the gaming machine control device 201,
This routine is executed upon receiving this interrupt. When interrupted, in step S850, the gaming machine control device 2
The new reception information transmitted from 01 is fetched, and the reception information fetched in step S852 is stored in the reception memory 2. Next, in step S854, it is determined whether or not there is ball holding information. If there is no ball information, the routine ends,
Prepare for the next interrupt. If you have ball information, step S
In 856, the number of balls held is written in the communication control device 35.
As a result, the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 takes in the number of balls held transmitted from the game medium conversion controller 43, and the card management device 11 finds the corresponding card file and writes the number of balls held therein. Therefore, regarding the number of balls, when it is received from the gaming machine control device 201,
It is immediately written in the card file of the card management device 11. After the step S856, the next interrupt is awaited.

WB. Power failure process FIG. 58 is a game medium conversion control device 43 performed by interruption
5 is a flowchart showing a power failure processing routine of FIG. This routine monitors the power supply voltage, and when it stops below the predetermined voltage, it is executed with an interrupt. When an interrupt is applied due to the decrease in the power supply voltage, the current state is saved in the backup memory in step S870. As a result, each current information of the game medium conversion control device 43 is immediately saved and stored in the backup memory. When the power is restored, the saved information is returned to the memory as described above.

WC. Main Communication Process FIG. 59 shows a game medium conversion control device 43 which is performed by interruption.
6 is a flowchart showing a main communication processing routine of FIG. When there is communication (transmission) from the card management device 11, this interrupt is executed and this routine is executed. When an interrupt occurs, new reception information from the card management device 11 written in the communication control device 35 is fetched in step S880, and the reception information fetched in step S852 is stored in the reception memory 1. In this case, the received information includes, for example, an instruction command from the card management device 11 and file information (zero return information, etc.). After passing through step S882, it waits for the next interrupt.

D. Control of Gaming Machine Control Device FIGS. 60 to 64 are flowcharts showing a main program of the enclosed ball game control executed by the gaming machine control device 201 of the gaming machine 22. This program is game machine 2
It will be started at the same time when the power of 2 is turned on. When the program starts, it is first determined in step S900 whether or not there is a work start flag. The work start flag is a flag for judging a power failure, and is set in step S906 as described later. The fact that the work start flag is set (is present) corresponds to a recovery state from a power failure. If there is no work start flag, the flow advances to step S902 to perform self-diagnosis processing. This is to check the operation of each device in the gaming machine control device 201. Then, step S904
It is determined whether or not there is a business start command with. The work start command is sent from the game medium conversion control device 43, and is sent when the work of the game machine control device 201 is started. Therefore, the game medium conversion control device 4
If it is not determined that the business can be started by step 3, the process waits in step S904, and if the game medium conversion control device 43 determines that the business can be started, there is a business start command, and the process proceeds to step S906. move on.

In step S906, the work start flag is set. The work start flag is stored in a memory backed up by a battery, for example. Here, by setting the business start flag, if the business start flag is in the set state thereafter, it is possible to determine that the power is once cut off and the power is cut off. Next, in step S908, initialization is performed. This is the microprocessor 301 of the gaming machine control device 201, the clock circuit 302, the memory 30.
3. The I / O interface circuit 304 is initialized and the input / output ports are initialized. Next, in step S910, the firing control device 213 is instructed to prohibit firing. This is to temporarily prohibit the launch of the gaming machine 22 because it is not in the business start state yet.

Next, in step S912, the information of the gaming machine number setting switch 718 is read. Next, the gaming machine number read in step S914 is transmitted to the game medium conversion control device 43. Thereby, the gaming machine control device 201
The game machine number is sent from the game machine to the game medium conversion control device 43, and the game medium conversion control device 43 prepares for business start. Next, in step S916, it is determined whether or not there is a business start command. The business start command is transmitted from the game medium conversion control device 43. Therefore, step S
At 916, the game medium conversion control device 43 waits for an instruction to start business. If there is no business start command, the process waits in step S916, and if there is a business start command, the process proceeds to step S918, and game control of the enclosed ball by the gaming machine control device 201 is started (that is, business is started).
To do. On the other hand, if there is a job start flag in step S900, the power failure determination flag has been set, so it is determined that the recovery from a power failure has occurred, and the process branches to step S920. In step S920, the data in the save memory (memory area for saving data in case of power failure) is restored to the work memory. Then, it progresses to step S918.

Turning to FIG. 61, it is determined in step S918 whether or not there is a sealed ball removal flag. The enclosed sphere removal flag is a flag indicating that the enclosed sphere is extracted to the outside.
Therefore, if there is an enclosed sphere removal flag, the process jumps to step S968 described below to remove the enclosed sphere. If there is no enclosed ball removal flag, step S9
22. It is determined whether or not there is a game end command in 22. The game end command is transmitted from the game medium conversion control device 43 and is a request to end the game. If there is a game end command, the firing permission signal is reset in step S924. As a result, the firing permission signal output to the firing control device 213 is reset, and the firing of the balls is stopped. Next, in step S926, the display command 5 is set, and the flow advances to step S928 in FIG. As a result, the display corresponding to the display command 4 is displayed on the display device 411 of the operation display control device 212 according to the instruction from the gaming machine control device 210. Display command 4 is shown in FIG.
As shown in, "Thank you again." Therefore, when the game is finished, the display "Thank you again" is displayed on the operation display controller 2.
It is displayed on 12 display devices 411 and is notified to the player.

On the other hand, if there is no game end command in step S922, steps S924 and S926.
And jumps to step S928 in FIG. In step S928, it is determined whether or not there is an interruption command. The interruption command is transmitted from the game medium conversion control device 43, and is for the player to temporarily request the interruption of the game. If there is an interrupt command, step S930
Reset the launch permission signal with. As a result, the firing permission signal output to the firing control device 213 is reset,
Ball firing is stopped. Next, the display command 6 is set in step S932, and the process proceeds to step S934. As a result, the display corresponding to the display command 5 is displayed on the display device 411 of the operation display control device 212 according to the instruction from the gaming machine control device 210. The display command 5 is "interrupted." As shown in FIG. Therefore, when the game is interrupted, the display "interrupted." Is displayed on the display device 411 of the operation display control device 212 to inform the player.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S928 that there is no interruption command, steps S930 and S932 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S934. Step S934
Then, it is determined whether or not there is a launch permission command. The firing permission command is transmitted from the game medium conversion control device 43 and permits the firing of balls. For example, it is transmitted when a game-enabled card is inserted on the game medium conversion control device 43 side. If there is a firing permission command, a firing permission signal is set in step S936, and then step S is performed.
Proceed to 938. As a result, the firing permission signal output to the firing control device 213 is set, and the ball can be fired. If there is no launch permission command, the process jumps to step S936 and proceeds to step S938.

In step S938, it is determined whether or not the number of balls held = 0. This determination is performed by the gaming machine control device 201. If the number of balls held = 0, the firing permission signal is reset in step S940. As a result, the firing permission signal output to the firing control device 213 is reset, and the firing of the balls is stopped. Therefore, if the number of balls held becomes "0", it becomes impossible to play a game. When continuing the game, the amount of money is converted into balls (ball lending). If the number of balls owned is not 0, step S940 is skipped and the processing shown in FIG. 63 is performed.
To step S942. In step S942, it is determined whether or not the number of balls held has changed, and if there is a change, data of the number of balls held is set in the transmission buffer of the gaming machine control device 201 in step S944. If the number of balls held does not change, the process directly proceeds to step S946. Step S946
Then, the transmission process is performed. This is for sending data such as the number of balls held in the transmission buffer from the game machine control device 201 to the game medium conversion control device 43. In this way, information such as the number of balls held is immediately sent to the game medium conversion control device 43 every time this routine is executed. Therefore, the game medium conversion control device 43 always grasps the change in the number of balls held.

Next, in step S954, the following 7
Performs a process that branches like one step in time-division processing. Step S956: Prize Ball Data Import Processing This is processing for importing prize ball data transmitted from the accessory control device 211 (details will be described later in a subroutine). Step S958: External signal processing This is for processing the signal to be output to the hall management device 12, and for example, the safe signal outputs one pulse signal for ten prize balls. As for the out signal, one pulse signal is output by 10 collected balls. For the ball lending signal, one pulse signal is output for 10 ball lending. Step S960: Operation switch process This is the ball lending switch 320, the interruption switch 322,
The processing is performed in accordance with the operation of the return switch 321 and the automatic ball lending switch 323 (details will be described later in a subroutine). Step S964: Display Command Processing This is processing for displaying the game state such as the number of balls held during the game (details will be described later in a subroutine). Step S966: Stopping process This is a process associated with stopping.

After the time division processing, the enclosed ball removing processing is performed in step S968 (details will be described later in a subroutine). This is a process of extracting the enclosed spheres enclosed inside. Next, in step S970, it is determined whether or not there is a closing command. The closing command is transmitted from the game medium conversion control device 43. Therefore, in step S970, the game medium conversion control device 43 waits for an instruction to close the business. If there is no closing command, the process returns to step S918 to repeat the above process, and if there is a closing command, the process proceeds to step S972. Step S
At 972, the work start flag is reset and the program of the gaming machine control device 201 is ended. In this case, the job start flag is reset because it is a normal end and not a power outage end.

D-1. 64. Subroutine of prize ball data import process FIG. 64 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of prize ball data import process in the main program of the enclosed ball game control. When this subroutine is started, first, in step S1000, it is determined whether or not there is a safe flag. The safe flag represents a state in which safe balls are held, and is set in step S1014 described later. If there is no safe flag, the process advances to step S1002 to see if the safe sensor 314 is on (ie,
It is determined whether or not there is a prize. Safe sensor 314
If is not on, the routine of this time is ended and the process returns to the main routine. If the safe sensor 314 is on, the prize ball data request signal is turned on in step S1004. The prize ball data request signal is transmitted to the accessory control device 21.
Data for the number of prize balls (prize ball data) is requested to 1. As a result, prize ball data is sent from the accessory control device 211. Next, the prize ball data sent in step S1006 is read, and step S1008
Add the number of prize balls to the number of balls. That is, when a ball is won, it becomes safe, and a certain number of prize balls is added to the number of balls held, so that the profit of the player is increased.

Next, in step S1012, the safe solenoid ON is set. As a result, the safe solenoid 326 is turned on and one held safe ball is discharged. In this case, since the number of prize balls is added to the number of balls possessed, one safe ball is pulled out. Next, in step S1014, the safe flag is set and the process returns to the main routine. In this way, the process corresponding to the safe ball is performed. On the other hand, if there is a safe flag in step S1000, the process proceeds to step S1016, and it is determined whether or not the safe sensor 314 has been turned on, that is, whether or not the held safe ball has come out. Despite the presence of the safe flag, if the safe sensor 314 is not turned off, the safe ball has not been removed yet, so this routine is ended and the routine is repeated. When the safe ball comes out,
Since the safe sensor 314 turns on after turning on, the determination result of step S1016 becomes NO, and step S1
Proceed to 018. In step S1018, the safe solenoid ON is reset. As a result, the safe solenoid 326 is turned off and the next safe ball is held.
Next, in step S1020, the safe flag is reset, the routine of this time is ended, and the process returns to the main routine.

D-2. Subroutine of Operation Switch Process FIGS. 65 and 66 are flowcharts showing a subroutine of operation switch process in the main program of the enclosed ball game control. When this subroutine is started, first, in step S1050, it is determined whether or not the return switch 321 is turned on. If the return switch 321 is not turned on, the process jumps to step S1058. In step S1052, it is determined whether or not there is a touch signal. The touch signal is detected by the touch circuit 464 if the player is touching the firing operation handle. If there is a touch signal, the process jumps to step S1058. Therefore, from the determination results of steps S1050 and S1052, if the player does not touch the firing operation handle (remove the hand from the firing operation handle) and turns on the return switch 321, it is determined that there is a request to return the card. Then, the process proceeds to step S1054. This is to prevent erroneous input of the card return request by operating the return switch 321 with the hand released from the firing operation handle.

In step S1054, the card return information is set in the transmission buffer of the gaming machine control device 201.
This is to notify the game medium conversion control device 43 of the card return request. The information set in the transmission buffer is transmitted to the gaming machine control device 201 in the transmission processing in step S946.
From the game medium conversion control device 43. Therefore, the card is returned by the processing of the game medium conversion control device 43. Next, in step S1056, the automatic ball lending flag is reset. Since it is required to return the card, the automatic ball lending is canceled. Next, in step S1058, it is determined whether or not the interruption switch 322 is turned on. If the interruption switch 322 is not turned on, the process jumps to step S1066. Step S
At 1060, it is determined whether or not there is a touch signal. If there is a touch signal, the process jumps to step S1066. Therefore, from the determination results of steps S1058 and S1060, when the player does not touch the firing operation handle (removes the hand from the firing operation handle) and turns on the interruption switch 322, it is determined that there is a game interruption request. Then, the process proceeds to step S1062. This is to prevent the erroneous input of the game interruption request by operating the interruption switch 322 while releasing the hand from the firing operation handle.

In step S1062, game interruption information is set in the transmission buffer of the gaming machine control device 201. This is to notify the game medium conversion control device 43 of the game interruption request. The information set in the transmission buffer is transmitted from the gaming machine control device 201 to the game medium conversion control device 43 in the transmission process of step S946. Therefore, the game is also suspended by the game medium conversion control device 43. Next, in step S1064, the automatic ball lending flag is reset. Since the interruption of the game is requested, the automatic ball lending is canceled. Then, step S10
At 66, it is determined whether or not the automatic ball lending switch 323 is turned on. If the automatic ball lending switch 323 is not turned on, the process jumps to step S1074. In step S1068, it is determined whether there is an automatic ball lending flag.

Therefore, if there is no automatic ball lending flag when the automatic ball lending switch 323 is turned on from the determination results of steps S1066 and S1068, step S1
Proceeding to 070, the automatic ball lending flag is set. The automatic ball lending is performed by setting the automatic ball lending flag. Here, the automatic ball lending switch 323 is operated when an automatic request for ball lending is made within the range of the amount of the game card, and when turned on, when the number of balls held is equal to or less than a predetermined number,
Since the ball lending according to the unit set frequency is performed each time, when the automatic ball lending switch 323 is pressed once, the automatic ball lending is performed. If there is an automatic ball lending flag (if set) when the automatic ball lending switch 323 is turned on from the determination results of steps S1066 and S1068, the process advances to step S1072 to reset the automatic ball lending flag. The automatic ball lending is reset (stopped) by resetting the automatic ball lending flag. Therefore, when the automatic ball lending switch 323 is pressed twice, the automatic ball lending is stopped. In this way, every time the automatic ball lending switch 323 is pressed, the automatic ball lending is set / released. That is, one automatic ball lending switch 323 can be used to set or cancel the automatic ball lending.

Next, in step S1074, it is determined whether or not the ball lending switch 320 is on. When the ball lending switch 320 is turned on, the automatic ball lending flag is reset in step S1076. This is a ball lending switch 3
At the same time that the ball lending is performed by the ON operation of 20, the automatic ball lending is canceled. That is, since the ball lending switch 320 is pushed by the player's intention, the automatic ball lending is canceled. Next, in step S1078, the ball lending information is set in the transmission buffer of the gaming machine control device 201. this is,
This is for notifying the game medium conversion control device 43 of information that the ball lending switch 320 is pressed to request a ball lending. The ball lending information set in the transmission buffer is step S9.
In the transmission process of 46, the game machine control device 201 sends the game medium conversion control device 43. Therefore, the game medium conversion control device 43 performs a process of subtracting the number of ball lending from the amount of money. After step S1078, the process returns to the main routine.

At step S1074, the ball lending switch 32
If 0 is not on, the process branches to step S1080 to determine whether or not there is an automatic ball lending flag. If there is no automatic ball lending flag, this routine is finished and the process returns. Therefore, if the ball lending switch 320 is off and there is no automatic ball lending flag, the ball lending is not performed and the game is continued as it is. On the other hand, if there is an automatic ball lending flag in step S1080, the flow proceeds to step S1082, and it is determined whether or not the number of balls possessed is a predetermined value (for example, 100 pieces) or less. If the number of balls held exceeds the predetermined value, the current routine is terminated and the process returns. Therefore, the game continues with the balls. When the number of balls held is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the process branches to step S1078, and then the process returns. Therefore, at this time, the number of balls owned by the player becomes equal to or less than a predetermined number, and at the same time, a ball is lended according to the unit set frequency.

D-3. Display Command Processing Subroutine FIG. 67 is a flowchart showing a display command processing subroutine in the main program of the enclosed ball game control. When this subroutine is started, step S1
At 104, each display command, the balance, the number of balls held, and the number of settlement balls are transmitted to the operation display controller 212. Thereby, the operation display control device 212 is instructed by the gaming machine control device 201.
The display corresponding to each display command is displayed on the display device 411. At the same time, the gaming machine control device 20
The display device 41 of the operation display control device 212 is instructed from 1
The balance, the number of balls held, and the number of settlement balls are displayed in 1. FIG. 68 shows a display example of the display device 411. As shown in FIG. 68, the card amount (remaining amount) is displayed on the screen of the display device 411.
= 800 yen, number of balls owned = 500, number of settlement balls = 0, and "automatic ball lending" is displayed. As a result, the player is currently paying 0 balls,
It can not be used for games, but you can easily see that there are no balls that can be exchanged for prizes. The display corresponding to each display command may be displayed on a part of the screen of the display device 411, or the balance, the number of balls held, and the number of settlement balls may be temporarily erased to instantaneously display the entire screen. It may be displayed.

D-6. 69. Subroutine of enclosed ball removal processing FIG. 69 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of enclosed ball removal processing in the main program of the enclosed ball game control. When this subroutine is started, first, in step S1250, it is determined whether or not there is a sealed ball removal flag.
The enclosed ball removal flag indicates that the request for removing the enclosed ball is permitted by an instruction from the hole management device 12, and is set in step S1256 described later. If there is no enclosed ball removal flag, the flow advances to step S1252 to determine whether or not firing is being permitted. Since it is not possible to remove the enclosed ball while launching is permitted, the routine ends and returns. If firing is not permitted, it is determined in step S1254 whether or not there is an enclosed ball removal signal. The enclosed ball removal signal is output from the hall management device 12, and is a request to remove the enclosed ball. As described above, the determination of the enclosed ball removal signal only when the launch is not permitted is a state in which a game is possible while the launch is permitted, and it is disadvantageous to the player if the enclosed ball removal signal is erroneously input. Therefore, it is to prevent such a situation. If there is no enclosed ball removal signal, the routine ends and returns. If there is an enclosed ball removal signal, step S1.
At 256, the enclosed ball removal flag is set.

Then, in step S1258, the enclosed ball-elimination solenoid 327 is set to ON and the process returns. As a result, the enclosed ball removing solenoid 327 is energized, and the enclosed ball in the enclosed ball circulating passage 701 flows down toward the ball removing passage 706 and is extracted to the outside. On the other hand, step S1
If the inclusion ball removal flag is present in 250, it is determined that the ball removal passage 706 is opened and the inclusion ball is being extracted. Or not. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the routine of this time is ended and the process returns. Then, after a lapse of a predetermined time, it is determined that all the enclosed balls have been extracted, and in step S1262, the enclosed ball removing solenoid 327 is reset to be on (that is, turned off). As a result, the energization of the enclosed ball removing solenoid 327 is stopped, and the enclosed ball circulation passage 701 is closed. Then, step S1264.
Reset the enclosed ball removal flag with and return to the main routine.

Next, the interrupt processing of the gaming machine control device 201 will be described. The gaming machine control device 201 performs various processes by the interrupt process shown in FIGS. 70 and 71 below. The interrupt processing includes a signal interrupt and a communication interrupt. WA. Shooting Ball Processing FIG. 70 is a flowchart showing a shooting ball processing routine of the gaming machine control device 201 which is performed by interruption. As shown in FIG. 9, when the ball feed sensor 311 and the foul ball detection sensor 312 are input to the input signal control device 325 and pass through the OR gate 333, the signal X is output. That is, when a signal from either the ball feed sensor 311 or the foul ball detection sensor 312 is input, the signal X turns ON.
("H" level), which becomes an interrupt signal for the firing ball processing. Therefore, when the ball feed sensor 311 or the foul ball detection sensor 312 detects a ball, this launch ball process is interrupted and this routine is executed. When an interrupt is applied, it is determined in step S1300 whether or not there is a fire signal. The launch signal is a ball feed signal that sends a ball to a launch position. If there is a firing signal, the process proceeds to step S1302 to perform a calculation of subtracting [1] from the number of balls held. That is, since the ball was fired, 1 from the number of balls
Subtract one ball.

Next, in step S1304, it is determined whether or not there is a foul signal. The foul signal is a signal that detects a ball that has not reached the game area even if it is fired, and is output from the foul ball detection sensor 312. If there is a foul signal, the flow advances to step S1306 to perform an operation of adding [1] to the number of balls held. In other words, since the balls have returned without being fired, one ball is added to the number of balls that have been subtracted immediately before the firing. On the other hand, if there is no firing signal in step S1300, the ball has not been fired, and therefore step S1302 is skipped. In addition, step S130
If there is no foul signal in 4, the process jumps to step S1306 to end the interrupt processing. In this way, each time a ball is fired, one ball is subtracted from the number of balls held to play the game, and if there is a foul ball, one ball is added to the number of balls held.

WB. Communication Processing FIG. 71 is a flowchart showing a communication processing routine of the gaming machine control device 201 which is performed by interruption. When there is communication (transmission) from the game medium conversion control device 43, this interrupt is applied and this routine is executed. When interrupted, in step S1350 the game medium conversion control device 4
3, the new received information from 3 is fetched, and step S135
It is determined whether or not there is command information in the reception information captured in 2. If there is command information, step S1
At 354, the command information is stored in the command memory. The gaming machine control device 201 based on the stored command information.
Is performed. If there is no command information, the process advances to step S1356.

In step S1356, it is determined whether there is balance information. If there is balance information, step S135
In step 8, the balance information is stored in the balance memory. The balance memory is a memory for displaying on the operation display control device 212. Then, the operation display control device 2 based on the stored balance information.
The balance is displayed on 12 display devices 411. If there is no balance information, the process proceeds to step S1364. Step S13
At 64, it is determined whether or not there is information about the number of balls. If there is ball holding number information, it is added to the ball holding number in step S1366.
The number of balls held is displayed on the display device 411 of the operation display control device 212. If there is no possession ball number information, step S1366
And jump to step S1368. Step S
At 1368, it is determined whether or not there is information on the number of settlement balls. If there is information on the number of settlement balls, it is stored in the memory for the number of settlement balls in step S1370. The number of settlement balls is displayed on the display device 411 of the operation display control device operation display control device 212. If there is no information on the number of settlement balls, the interrupt processing is ended. In this way, the received information is divided and stored, and the processing of the gaming machine control device 201 is executed or the information is displayed based on the stored information.

E. Control of Firing Control Device FIGS. 72 and 73 are flowcharts showing a firing control program executed by the firing control device 213.
This program is started at the same time when the power of the gaming machine 22 is turned on. When the program starts, first step S1
Initial setting is performed at 400. In the initial setting, the microprocessor 451, the clock circuit 452, the memory 453, I
/ O interface circuit 454 to the initial state,
Resets the flag, etc. Then, step S140
Input processing is performed in 2. This is the firing control switch 46
The input signal from the steering wheel rotation amount detector 462, the flight distance adjustment switch 463, and the touch circuit 464, and the commands and signals from the gaming machine control device 201 are fetched.

Then, in step S1404, output processing is performed. This is to output a drive signal to the ball feeding solenoid 471 and the rotary solenoid 472, and to output a signal to the gaming machine control device 201. Next, in steps S1406 to S1410, the following states are determined. In step S1406, it is determined whether or not there is a touch signal. This is determined based on the input signal from the touch circuit 464. In step S1408, it is determined whether or not the firing operation switch 461 is on. In step S1410, it is determined whether or not the launch permission has been given from the gaming machine control device 201.

(A) When the ball can be fired When there is a touch signal, the firing operation switch 461 is on, and the firing permission is given, it is determined that the ball can be fired, and the process proceeds to step S1412. Then, the time information updating process is performed. This is to update (count up) the time counting the time of the cycle of firing one ball this time, and update it to the timing of counting the time of the cycle of firing the next ball. Next, in step S1416, it is determined whether or not the handle rotation amount information has changed. This is to determine whether or not the amount of steering wheel rotation has changed compared to the previous routine,
The judgment is made based on the resistance value of the variable resistor of the handle rotation amount detector 462. If there is a change in the steering wheel rotation amount information, the elastic information is changed based on the steering wheel rotation amount information in step S1418. For example, if the handle rotation amount is large, the ball resilience is increased, and if the handle rotation amount is small, the ball resilience is weakened.

Next, in step S1420, it is determined whether or not it is the ball feed timing. If it is the ball feed timing, the ball feed solenoid ON information is set in step S1422. The ball feed solenoid ON information is information for driving the ball feed solenoid 471 to ON, and its timing is ta as shown in FIG. As a result, in the output processing of step S1404, the ball feeding solenoid 471 is turned on to send the ball to the firing position.
Next, in step S1424, the firing cycle flag is reset. The firing cycle flag is set only in the time zone td in which the firing of the ball can be stopped as shown in FIG. Next, in step S1426, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed. This is set to a time sufficient for the ball feed solenoid 471 to turn on and the ball to be sent to the firing position. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the time sufficient for the ball to be sent to the firing position has elapsed. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, step S1
The routine is repeated for the processes after 432.

When the predetermined time has elapsed, the flow advances to step S1428 to set the ball feeding solenoid off information. As a result, the ball feeding solenoid 471 is turned off in the output process of step S1404. Next, in step S1430, the firing timing information is set. This is to set the time from when the ball is sent to the firing position until the timing of firing (bulleting) is tb as shown in FIG. 74. Then, the process proceeds to step S1432. In step S1432, it is determined whether or not it is the firing timing of the ball, and if it is not the firing timing, the rotary solenoid drive information is set based on the ejection information in step S1434. Then, step S14
Returning to 42, the process is repeated.

On the other hand, if it is the ball firing timing in step S1432, the flow advances to step S1436 to set the rotary solenoid on information. The rotary solenoid on information is information for turning on the rotary solenoid 472, and is timing tc as shown in FIG. 74.
As a result, in the output process of step S1404, the rotary solenoid 472 is turned on and the ball at the firing position is ejected. Next, in step S1438, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed. This is set to a time sufficient for the rotary solenoid 472 to be turned on and the ball in the firing position to be fired. Therefore, it is determined whether or not a sufficient time has elapsed for the ball at the firing position to be fired. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S1402 to repeat the routine.

When the predetermined time has elapsed, the flow advances to step S1440 to set rotary solenoid off information. As a result, the rotary solenoid 472 is turned off in the output process of step S1404. Next, in step S1442, the ball feed timing information is set. This is to set the time from when the current ball is fired until the timing to send the next ball to the firing position, and is the time td as shown in FIG. Next, in step S1444, the firing cycle flag is set and the process returns to step S1400 to repeat the routine.
As described above, the firing cycle flag is set only in the time zone td in which the firing of the ball shown in FIG. 74 can be stopped. Therefore, immediately after the processing of step S1442, since the balls have not yet been sent to the firing position, it is possible to stop the firing of the balls.
At 1444, the firing cycle flag is set. The cycle of firing one ball is (ta + tb
+ Tc + td). Also, (ta + tb +
The firing cannot be stopped during the time tc). For example, the firing operation switch 4 is released when the firing operation handle is released.
Even if the processing of turning off 61 and prohibiting the firing permission in the gaming machine control device 201, the firing is not stopped.

(B) When Attempting to Stop Ball Ejection When there is no touch signal, when the firing operation switch 461 is off, or when the firing permission has not been given, the process branches to step S1414. In step S1414, it is determined whether or not there is a firing cycle flag. Since the firing cycle flag is set only in the time zone td in which the firing of the balls can be stopped, if there is a firing cycle flag in step S1414, the process returns to step S1402. That is, returning to step S1402 means that the firing is stopped. Therefore, when there is no touch signal → Release the firing operation handle, when the firing operation switch 461 is off → The firing operation handle has not been rotated, the firing permission has not come, → The device is ready to fire. In all three cases, ball firing is stopped.

F. Outline of Enclosed Ball Gaming Machine Next, the operation of the enclosed ball type gaming machine 22 will be briefly described. In this embodiment, 20 balls are enclosed inside the enclosed ball type gaming machine 22, and the game card 800 is inserted into the card insertion slot. When the player pushes the ball lending switch 320, it is detected that he / she has the intention to play the game, and the number of the player's balls is increased according to the set frequency. It is possible to launch the played game ball into the game area. Then, for the game performed according to the firing of the enclosed ball, it is determined whether the game result is in a specific profit state (safe ball) or in another state (out ball), and the specific profit is obtained. In the case of the state, control is performed so as to increase the player's profit (the number of balls held) in association with a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 13 prize balls or 7 prize balls). In addition, by collecting the game balls that have passed through the game area and guiding them to the launch position,
A pachinko game of the first type is played by circulating and using the enclosed game balls.

Then, at the time of firing the above-mentioned enclosed ball, "1" is subtracted from the number of held balls (numerical value) displayed in the number of held balls display section of the display device 411 of the operation display control device 212,
The display of the number-of-balls display section is updated based on the result. At this time, it is determined whether or not the enclosed ball falling in the game area is a winning ball, and if it is determined that the winning ball is a winning ball, the set number of winning balls (for example, 13 winning balls or 7 winning balls) ) Is added to the number of balls displayed on the number-of-balls display section, and the display of the number-of-balls display section is updated based on the result. The player can confirm the current number of balls held and increase / decrease based on the numerical data of the number of balls held display. Then, when the player wants to settle the game, by pressing the return switch 321, all the game values corresponding to the numerical data on the number-of-balls display section are regarded as the number of balls and the card reader / writer 203 of the game medium conversion control device 43. By game card 8
00 is written and discharged, and the player receives the game value.

G. Control of the prize exchange device FIGS. 75 to 77 are flowcharts showing a main program of the prize exchange control executed by the prize exchange device 14. This program is started at the same time when the power of the prize exchange device 14 is turned on. When the program starts, it is first determined in step S1500 whether or not there is a work start flag. The work start flag is a flag for determining a power failure, and is set in step S1506 as described later. The fact that the work start flag is set (is present) corresponds to a recovery state from a power failure. If there is no work start flag, the flow advances to step S1502 to perform self-diagnosis processing. This is to check the operation of each device in the prize exchange device 14. Next, in step S1504, it is determined whether or not there is a job start command. The work start command is sent from the card management device 11 and is sent when the work of the prize exchange device 14 is started. Therefore, if the prize exchange apparatus 14 has not determined that the business can be started, the process waits in step S1504, and if the premium exchange apparatus 14 has determined that the business can be started, there is a business start command. The process proceeds to step S1506.

In step S1506, the work start flag is set. The work start flag is stored in a memory backed up by a battery, for example. Here, by setting the business start flag, if the business start flag is in the set state thereafter, it is possible to determine that the power is once cut off and the power is cut off. Then, step S1508
Initialize with. This is the microprocessor 171, the clock circuit 172, the memory 17 of the prize exchange device 14.
3. The I / O interface circuit 174 is initialized and the input / output ports are initialized. Next, in step S1510, it is determined whether there is a business start command. The business start command is transmitted from the card management device 11. Therefore, step S15
In step 10, the card management device 11 waits for an instruction to start business. If there is no business start command, the process waits in step S1510, and if there is a business start command,
The process proceeds to step S1512 in order to start the prize exchange control by the prize exchange device 14 (that is, start the business). On the other hand, if there is a job start flag in step S1500, the power failure determination flag is set, so it is determined that the recovery from the power failure has occurred, and the process branches to step S1514. In step S1514, the data in the save memory (memory area for saving data in case of power failure) is restored to the work memory. Then, it progresses to step S1512.

When the business is started, first, step S151.
In step 2, it is determined whether the card has been inserted for settlement. And this step S until the card is inserted
When the card is inserted at 1512, step S
In step 1516, the data of the inserted card is read. As the data to be read, there are various kinds of information shown in FIG. Next, in step S1518, it is determined whether or not the card security information is OK (genuine). If the security information is NG, it is determined that the card is not a legitimate card, the card is ejected in step S1520, and the process returns to step S1512.

If the security information is OK, a collation request command is written in the communication control unit 34 in step S1522. As a result, the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 fetches the collation request command in the prize exchange device 14. Card management device 11
Then, in response to the collation request command transmitted from the prize exchange device 14, the information of the card file of the card is transmitted to the prize exchange device 14 as the collation information. Therefore, in step S1524, the verification information (card file information) transmitted from the card management device 11 is used as the prize exchange device 1.
In step 4, it is determined whether or not the data has been imported, and this step is waited until the import is completed. When the import is completed, the process proceeds to step S1526, and the verification information (card file information sent from the card data and the card management device 11). ) And are checked for the same information for each data.
The same applies to comparing and collating equivalent information.

Next, in step S1528, the collation result of the card data and the collation information (card file information) is O.
It is determined whether it is K or not. In the following, description will be made for different cases. (A) When the information of the card and the card file do not match If the matching result of the card data and the matching information (information of the card file) in step S1528 is NG,
In step S1530, a notice that the game cannot be played is issued and the card is ejected. Then, step S153
In step 2, the mismatch command is written in the communication control device 34. When the card is inserted into the prize exchange device 14, the mismatch command displays the information of the card and the equivalent information of the card file stored in the card management device 11 as the prize exchange device 1.
When the information on the card and the information on the card file do not match (not normal) when collated on the 4 side,
It is transmitted from the prize exchange device 14 side.

As a result, the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 fetches the mismatch command in the prize exchange device 14. Card management device 11
Then, based on the mismatch command transmitted from the prize exchange device 14, the relevant card file is copied to the abnormal history file in the card management device 11. Step S1532
After that, the process returns to step S1512. In this way, the person in charge of the hall can recognize such a situation and take appropriate measures by looking at the abnormality history file of the card management device 11 when the card has been tampered with or there is an abnormality in the card. .

(B) The information of the card and the card file is O
If K (excluding the number of balls), the verification result of the card data and the verification information (card file information) in step S1528 is OK (however,
If the number of held balls is not included), the process advances to step S1534 to determine whether or not the number of held balls is OK. This is to compare the number of balls in the card and the number of balls in the card file.
The processing can be divided into the following two depending on the result. b-1. When the number of balls held in the card = the number of balls held in the card file When the numbers of balls held in the card = number of balls held in the card file are equal to each other, it is determined that there is no problem and step S153 is performed.
6, the number of balls held and the number of settlement balls of the verification information are displayed on the display device 192 of the prize exchange device 14. This allows the player to see the data of the card to be paid. In this case, since both the number of possessed balls and the number of settling balls can be exchanged for the prize, the display device 19 of the prize exchange device 14 can be used.
2 is displayed. Then, step S1537.
Then, it is determined whether or not the number of balls owned = 0 and the number of settlement balls = 0.
If the number of owned balls = 0 and the number of settled balls = 0 are both [0], it is determined that the prize cannot be exchanged, and step S1538 is performed.
The card is ejected with and the process returns to step S1512. on the other hand,
If either the number of balls held or the number of settlement balls is not [0],
It is determined that the free gift can be exchanged, and it is determined in step S1539 whether or not the number of balls that can be settled (the number of owned balls and the number of settled balls) are all converted to the free gift. This is for determining whether to convert all of the number of balls held and the number of settlement balls to a prize, or to convert a part (a predetermined amount) of the number of held balls and the number of settlement balls, and the batch conversion switch 181 When turned on,
It is determined that all of the prizes are to be converted, and when a predetermined amount is input by the input device 182, it is determined that part of the prizes will be converted.

B-1-1. At the time of batch conversion When the batch conversion switch 181 is turned on, it is determined that all the number of balls held and the number of settlement balls are converted into a prize, and step S
At 1540, the number of balls held in the collation information is added to the number of adjustment balls, encoded, and printed on the adjustment receipt (other medium may be used).
Encoding is made readable, for example by using a bar code device. The printed payment receipt is ejected. Next, in step S1542, since the number of balls owned and the number of settlement balls are all converted into a prize, the number of balls owned =
Data with 0 and the number of settlement balls = 0 is written in the communication control device 34. As a result, the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 fetches data of the number of balls held = 0 and the number of settlement balls = 0. The card management device 11 stores the data of the number of owned balls = 0 and the number of settlement balls = 0 transmitted from the prize exchange device 14 in the card file of the card.

Next, in the prize exchange device 14, step S
In 1544, the number of balls held is set to 0 and the number of settlement balls is set to 0 in the matching information, and the matching information is written in the card. Then
In step S1546, the card is ejected. After that, the flow advances to step S1572 to determine whether or not there is a tightening command. The processing after step S1572 will be described later. When the player goes to the prize counter with the discharged payment receipt, the code of the payment receipt is read by the bar code device, and as a result,
It can be exchanged for a desired prize.

B-1-2. When a predetermined amount is input by the input device 182 at the time of partial conversion, it is determined that part of the number of dice balls and the number of adjustment balls are to be converted for adjustment, and steps S1539 to S154.
Branch to 8. In step S1548, the input device 182
The predetermined amount input by is input as an amount (conversion number) to be converted into a prize. Then, step S1550.
It is determined whether or not it can be converted into a prize within the number of settlement balls. "When it can be converted into a prize within the number of adjustment balls" If it can be converted into a gift within the number of adjustment balls, a part of the number of adjustment balls is encoded based on the number of conversions to be converted into a prize in step S1552 and the adjustment is performed. Print on the receipt. The printed payment receipt is ejected. Next, in step S1554, the remaining number (the number of remaining settlement balls) that is not converted into a prize is written in the communication control device 34. As a result, the remaining number of settlement balls is fetched by the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11. The card management device 11 stores the data of the remaining number of settlement balls transmitted from the prize exchange device 14 in the card file of the card. Next, in the prize exchange device 14, step S
At 1556, the number of check balls in the matching information is updated to the remaining number, and the matching information is written in the card. Then, step S
Proceed to 1546 to eject the card. After that, the process advances to step S1572 to determine whether or not there is a tightening command, but the processes after step S1572 will be described later.

[When it is not possible to convert into a prize within the number of settlement balls] On the other hand, if it is not possible to convert into a prize within the number of settlement balls in step S1550, the process jumps to step S1576. In step S1576, the number of balls held in the verification information is added to the number of settlement balls. Next, in step S1578, a part of the new settlement ball number, which is obtained by adding the number of balls held, is encoded based on the conversion number to be converted into a prize, and is printed on the settlement receipt. The printed payment receipt is ejected. Then, step S1
At 580, the number of settlement balls = 0 is set, and the remaining number (the number of remaining settlement balls) that is not converted into a prize is written in the communication control device 34 as the number of balls. As a result, the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 fetches the remaining number of settlement balls as the number of possessed balls. In the card management device 11, the prize exchange device 1
The data of the remaining number of settlement balls transmitted from No. 4 is stored as the number of balls held in the card file of the card. In other words, since it is not possible to convert into the prize within the number of adjustment balls, all of the number of possessed balls is once added to the number of adjustment balls and all are set as the adjustment balls, and a part of them is adjusted based on the number of conversions to be converted into prizes. The number of remaining balls which is printed on the receipt and is not converted into a prize is again set as the number of balls. Next, in the prize exchange device 14, in step S1582, the number of adjustment balls in the collation information is set to 0, and
The number of balls held is updated to the remaining number, and the matching information is written in the card. Next, in step S1546, the card is ejected. After that, the flow advances to step S1572 to determine whether or not there is a tightening command.

B-2. When the number of balls held in the card is not equal to the number of balls held in the card file When the number of balls held in the card is not equal to the number of balls held in the card file, the process branches to step S1566. Step S1
At 566, it is determined whether the card data is smaller than the collation information (card file information). That is, it is determined whether or not the number of balls held in the card data is smaller than the number of balls held in the matching information (card file information). b-2-1. When the number of balls held in the card data is larger than the number of balls held in the collation information when the card data is abnormal, it is determined that there is an error and the process proceeds to step S1568 to notify that the game cannot be played, and the card is issued. Is discharged. Next, in step S1570, the mismatch command is written in the communication control device 34. The mismatch command is
When a card is inserted into the prize exchange device 14, when the card information and the equivalent information of the card file stored in the card management device 11 are compared on the side of the prize exchange device 14, the card information and the card file are compared. When the information does not match (is not normal), the prize exchange device 14
It is transmitted from the side.

As a result, the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 fetches the mismatch command in the prize exchange device 14. Card management device 11
Then, based on the mismatch command transmitted from the prize exchange device 14, the relevant card file is copied to the abnormal history file in the card management device 11. Step S1570
After that, the process returns to step S1512. In this way, the person in charge of the hall can recognize such a situation and take appropriate measures by looking at the abnormality history file of the card management device 11 when the card has been tampered with or there is an abnormality in the card. .

B-2-2. When settlement is permitted even if the information of the card and the card file is different When the number of balls held in the card data is smaller than the number of balls held in the verification information in step S1566, it is determined that settlement is permitted and the process branches to step S1536. Then, the processes after step S1536 are executed (as described above) to perform settlement. This is not only a comparison that the number of balls held is the same as the information in the card and the card file, but it is judged to be normal if the number of balls stored in the card is equal to or less than the number of balls held in the card file. , Card management device 11
The information about the number of balls held in the card file of is set to be true and the settlement is executed. Therefore, in this case, the player can make a settlement based on the number of balls held in the card file.

After step S1546, step S
In step 1572, it is determined whether there is a tightening command. The closing command is transmitted from the card management device 11. Therefore, in step S1572, the card management apparatus 11 waits for an instruction to end business.
If there is no closing command, the process returns to step S1512 to repeat the above processing, and if there is a closing command, step S1.
Proceed to 574. In step S1574, the work start flag is reset and the program of the prize exchange device 14 is ended. In this case, the job start flag is reset because it is a normal end and not a power outage end.

H. Control of the settlement device FIGS. 79 to 81 are flowcharts showing the main program of the settlement control executed by the settlement device 16.
This program is started at the same time when the settlement device 16 is turned on. When the program starts, first step S
At 1600, it is determined whether or not there is a business start flag. The work start flag is a flag for determining a power failure, and is set in step S1606 as described later. The fact that the work start flag is set (is present) corresponds to a recovery state from a power failure. If there is no work start flag, the flow advances to step S1602 to perform self-diagnosis processing. This is to check the operation of each device in the settlement device 16.
Next, in step S1604, it is determined whether there is a job start command. The work start command is sent from the card management device 11, and is sent when the work of the settlement device 16 is started. Therefore, the settlement device 1
If it is not determined in step 6 that the job can be started, the process waits in step S1604. If it is determined by the settlement device 16 that the job can be started, there is a job start command, and the process proceeds to step S1606.

In step S1606, the work start flag is set. The work start flag is stored in a memory backed up by a battery, for example. Here, by setting the business start flag, if the business start flag is in the set state thereafter, it is possible to determine that the power is once cut off and the power is cut off. Then, step S1608.
Initialize with. This is the microprocessor 1001, the clock circuit 1002, the memory 10 of the settlement device 16.
03, the I / O interface circuit 1004 is initialized, and the input / output ports are initialized. Next, in step S1610, it is determined whether there is a business start command. The business start command is transmitted from the card management device 11. Therefore, step S
At 1610, the card management apparatus 11 waits for an instruction to start business. If there is no business start command, the process waits in step S1610. If there is a business start command, the process proceeds to step S1612 to start the settlement control by the settlement device 16 (that is, start the business). On the other hand, if there is a job start flag in step S1600, the power failure determination flag is set, so it is determined that recovery from a power failure has occurred, and the flow branches to step S1614. In step S1614, the data in the save memory (memory area for saving data in case of power failure) is restored to the work memory. Then, it progresses to step S1612.

When the business is started, first, step S161.
In step 2, it is determined whether the card has been inserted for settlement. And this step S until the card is inserted
When the card is inserted at 1612, step S
In step 1616, the data of the inserted card is read. As the data to be read, there are various kinds of information shown in FIG. Next, in step S1618, it is determined whether or not the security information of the card is OK (genuine). If the security information is NG, it is determined that the card is not a legitimate card, the card is ejected in step S1620, and the process returns to step S1612.

If the security information is OK, a collation request command is written in the communication control unit 34 in step S1622. As a result, the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 fetches the collation request command in the settlement device 16. In response to the collation request command transmitted from the settlement device 16, the card management device 11 transmits the card file information of the card as collation information to the settlement device 16. Therefore, step S1624
Then, it is determined whether or not the collation information (card file information) transmitted from the card management device 11 has been fetched by the settlement device 16, and the process waits in this step until the loading is completed, and when the loading is completed, step S1626.
Proceeding to step 1, the card data and the collation information (card file information) transmitted from the card management device 11 are collated with each other for the same information. The same applies to comparing and collating equivalent information.

Next, in step S1628, the collation result of the card data and the collation information (card file information) is O.
It is determined whether it is K or not. In the following, description will be made for different cases. (A) When the information on the card and the information on the card file do not match: If the matching result of the card data and the matching information (information on the card file) in step S1628 is NG,
In step S1630, the user is notified that the payment cannot be made, and the card is ejected. Then, step S163
In step 2, the mismatch command is written in the communication control device 34. When the card is inserted into the settlement device 16, the mismatch command is determined to be the card information when the settlement device 16 collates the information of the card with the equivalent information of the card file stored in the card management device 11. When the information in the card file does not match (not normal), it is transmitted from the settlement device 16 side.

As a result, the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 fetches the mismatch command in the settlement device 16. The card management device 11 copies the corresponding card file to the abnormal history file in the card management device 11 based on the mismatch command transmitted from the settlement device 16. After step S1632, the process returns to step S1612. Thereby, the staff of the hall recognizes such a situation by looking at the abnormal history file of the card management device 11 when there is a falsification of the card, an abnormality of the card, etc., and takes appropriate measures at the time of the player's settlement. Can take

(B) The information of the card and the card file is O
If K (excluding the number of balls held), the verification result of the card data and the verification information (information of the card file) in step S1628 is OK (however,
If the number of held balls is not included), the process advances to step S1634 to determine whether or not the number of held balls is OK. This is to compare the number of balls in the card and the number of balls in the card file.
The processing can be divided into the following two depending on the result. b-1. When the number of balls held in the card = the number of balls held in the card file When the numbers of balls held in the card = number of balls held in the card file are equal to each other, it is determined that there is no problem and step S163.
Proceed to step 6 and set the number of balls held and the number of settlement balls of the collation information to the settlement device 16
Is displayed on the display device 1025. This allows the player to see the data of the card to be paid.
In this case, the number of balls held is a number that can be converted into the number of settlement balls,
Since the number of settlement balls is the current number of possessed balls (which has already become the number of settlement balls), it is displayed on the display device 1025 of the settlement device 16.

Next, in step S1638, the number of balls held = 0.
Is determined. If the number of balls held = 0, it is determined that the number of balls cannot be converted to the number of balls settled, and the card is discharged in step S1640, and the process returns to step S1612. On the other hand, if the number of possessed balls is not [0], it is determined that conversion to the number of settlement balls is possible, and the timer is set in step S1642. This is because if the confirmation switch 1011 for confirming the conversion into the number of adjustment balls is not operated within a predetermined time, the adjustment is stopped, and the measurement of the time-up time is started. Next, in step S1644, it is determined whether or not the confirmation switch 1011 is turned on. If not, the process branches to step S1646 and it is determined whether or not the timer has timed out (whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed). If the time has not expired, the flow advances to step S1648 to count the timer and returns to step S1644 to repeat the loop. At this time, even if the player inserts the card into the settlement device 16, if the confirmation switch 1011 is not pressed, the time is up and the process jumps to step S1660 to eject the card.

If the player inserts the card into the settlement device 16 and presses the confirm switch 1011 within a predetermined time,
The determination result of 1644 is YES, and step S165
Go to zero. In step S1650, the number of balls held in the verification information is moved to the number of settlement balls, the number of balls held is updated to 0, and the verification information is written in the card. As a result, the number of balls held is converted into the number of settlement balls. Then, step S1652.
Then, the data of the number of balls held = 0 and the number of settlement balls (value after conversion) are written in the communication control device 36. As a result, the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 fetches data of the number of balls held = 0 and the number of settlement balls. Card management device 11
Then, the data of the number of balls held = 0 and the number of settlement balls transmitted from the settlement device 16 is stored in the card file of the card.

[0209] Next, in step S1654, the card 80
The printing unit 802 (see FIG. 82) on the back side of 0 is erased.
As a result, the display previously printed on the printing unit 802 disappears. Next, in step S1656, the number of settlement balls is written on the card. As a result, the number of settlement balls converted from the number of balls held is stored in the card, and thereafter, it becomes possible to exchange the prize based on the number of settlement balls. Then, step S
At 1658, the current adjustment ball information (adjustment ball number) is printed on the printing unit 802 of the card 800. As a result, as shown in FIG. 82, the current number of settlement balls is displayed in the printing section 802 (corresponding to a small window) of the card 800. In the example of FIG. 82, the number of settlement balls = 2000 is displayed, and the player can easily confirm the number of settlement balls converted this time. In addition, a person in charge of the hall can print the card 802 of the card 800.
By looking at the display of, it is possible to easily confirm the number of settlement balls of the player. This means that the player can certainly confirm that the number of balls held is converted into the number of settlement balls.

The printing section 802 corresponding to the small window of the card 800 is provided to display the number of adjustment balls = 2000 for each line, but not limited to this, for example, the printing section of the card 800 is displayed. The history of the number of settlement balls may be visually recognized by a plurality of lines. By doing so, it is possible to easily understand the situation of conversion into the number of adjustment balls for a plurality of times (for example, when a big hit occurs multiple times on the table for one exchange), and to improve the service to the player. . Also,
Instead of displaying only the number of adjustment balls, for example, the date and time of conversion into the number of adjustment balls may also be displayed. For example, "94.4.1 PM 1:10 number of adjustment balls = 200
The display may be "0". Furthermore, when displaying a plurality of lines, for example, the following display forms may be used. “94.4.1 PM 1:10 number of adjustment balls = 2000” “94.4.1 PM 3:10 number of adjustment balls = 5000” …… In this way, display of multiple lines including date and time With such a configuration, the history of the predetermined period can be always confirmed, which is convenient. Next, in step S1660, the card is ejected. After that, the process advances to step S1662 to determine whether or not there is a tightening command. The processing after step S1662 will be described later. It is to be noted that the player is free to take the discharged card and go to the prize exchange device 14 to exchange it for a prize, or return to the game machine 22 again to play a game (however, the payment is made). You can not play with the number of balls).

B-2. When the number of balls held in the card is not equal to the number of balls held in the card file When the number of balls held in the card is not equal to the number of balls held in the card file, the process branches to step S1666. Step S1
At 666, it is determined whether or not the card data is smaller than the collation information (card file information). That is, it is determined whether or not the number of balls held in the card data is smaller than the number of balls held in the matching information (card file information). b-2-1. When the number of balls held in the card data is larger than the number of balls held in the collation information when the card data is abnormal, it is determined that there is an error, the process proceeds to step S1668, and a notification that the settlement cannot be made is issued. Is discharged. Next, in step S1670, the mismatch command is written in the communication control device 34. The mismatch command is
When the card is inserted into the settlement device 16, when the information of the card and the equivalent information of the card file stored in the card management device 11 are collated on the settlement device 16 side, the information of the card and the information of the card file When is not in agreement (not normal), it is transmitted from the settlement device 16 side.

As a result, the communication control device 32 of the card management device 11 fetches the mismatch command in the settlement device 16. The card management device 11 copies the corresponding card file to the abnormal history file in the card management device 11 based on the mismatch command transmitted from the settlement device 16. After step S1670, the process returns to step S1612. In this way, the person in charge of the hall can recognize such a situation and take appropriate measures by looking at the abnormality history file of the card management device 11 when the card has been tampered with or there is an abnormality in the card. .

B-2-2. When settlement is accepted even if the information of the card and the card file is different When the number of balls held in the card data is smaller than the number of balls held in the verification information in step S1666, it is determined that settlement is possible and the process branches to step S1636. Then, the processes after step S1636 are executed (as described above) to perform settlement. This is not only a comparison that the number of balls held is the same as the information in the card and the card file, but it is judged to be normal if the number of balls stored in the card is equal to or less than the number of balls held in the card file. , Card management device 11
The information about the number of balls held in the card file of is set to be true and the settlement is executed. Therefore, in this case, the player can convert the number of balls held in the card file into the number of settlement balls.

After step S1660, step S
In step 1662, it is determined whether or not there is a tightening command. The closing command is transmitted from the card management device 11. Therefore, in step S1662, the card management apparatus 11 waits for an instruction to end business.
If there is no tightening command, the process returns to step S1612 to repeat the above processing, and if there is a tightening command, step S1
Proceed to 664. In step S1664, the work start flag is reset and the program of the settlement device 16 is terminated.
In this case, the job start flag is reset because it is a normal end and not a power outage end.

As described above, in this embodiment, the card issuing machine 13 issues a game card 800 capable of storing the amount information, the number of balls held, the number of settlement balls (player profit information), the identification information, and the security information. Identification information is added to the game card 800 by the management device 11 (for example, when the game is first started), and information equivalent to the card 800 is collected by the card management device 11 based on the added identification information, and a card file is created. A card-type game is played with a manageable structure. The number of balls acquired by the player due to the occurrence of the big hit is stored in the card 800 as the number of balls held, and by inserting the card 800 into the settlement device 16, the number of balls held is converted into the number of settlement balls which cannot be used in the game. Then, based on the identification information given to the card 800, the information related to the game stored in each card 800 is collected by the card management device 11. Therefore, the following effects can be obtained. (1) By using the identification information individually given to the card 800, the trend of the player on a card-by-card basis, for example, at what table the player played, how much money is left on the card, and how much playing time is available. It is possible to easily collect game information about the player such as.

(2) By utilizing the identification information individually given to the card 800, the movement of the player per gaming machine (unit) based on the gaming machine number, for example, which card 800 is used It is possible to easily collect game information such as a game played, how much the ball lending amount from the card is used, the number of interruptions, the movement status of the game machine, and the game time. (3) It is possible to use a conventional prepaid card as the card 800, and it is possible to construct a game hall facility device capable of collecting game information at low cost without major modification of the game facility facility device. It will be possible. (4) Further, even when carrying out a business such as prohibiting a carry-in ball game or exchanging once, it is possible to easily collect game information in accordance with these business rules by using the card 800. That is, in the case of conducting a business in which continuous games are prohibited (for example, one-time exchange), after the jackpot is over, the player setstle the payment device 16
The card 800 is inserted at the location, and the number-of-balls possessed by the game, which is stored in the card 800 and can be used for a game, is converted into the number of settlement balls which cannot be used for a game. As a result, the information on the number of settlement balls cannot be used in the game. In addition, in the case of conducting a business in which the carry-in ball game is prohibited, the player goes to the settlement device 16 to insert the card 800, obtains at the table, and is stored in the card 800 Is converted into the number of settlement balls information that cannot be used for games. As a result, it is not possible to play a game even if the player moves to another table based on the adjustment ball number information. Then, by collecting such data of the number of settlement balls, it is possible to easily collect the game information in accordance with the business rules such as the prohibition on the carry-in ball game and the one-time exchange, for each card or each gaming machine (unit). You can
Although only one settlement device 16 may be installed to suppress the cost increase of the hall facility, a plurality (for example, about 2 to 4) may be arranged in consideration of the service to the player. Good. For example, one may be arranged for each island facility.

The present invention can be applied not only to pachinko machines but also to arrangement ball machines, sparrow balls machines, and the like. Further, each card issuing machine, prize exchange machine, game medium conversion device (ball lending machine), and card settlement device may be realized in any manner, and the arrangement location, size, and realization method thereof are the objects of the present invention. It may be implemented in any manner within the range.

[0218]

According to the present invention, in addition to the amount information, at least a gaming card number information, player profit information (for example, the number of settlement balls) and identification information is issued a gaming card,
Identification information can be added to the game card by the card management device (for example, when the game is started for the first time), and based on the provided identification information, the card management device can collect the same information as the game card and manage it in the card file. With this configuration, a card-type game is played, and the balls that the player has acquired by the occurrence of a big hit are stored in the game card as the number of balls held, and the number of balls held is inserted by inserting the game card into the settlement machine. Since the card management device collects information related to the game stored in each card based on the identification information given to the game card, which is converted into the player profit information that cannot be used for Obtainable. (1) By using the identification information individually given to the game card, the trend of the player on a card-by-card basis, for example, on which table the game is played, how much money is left on the card, and how much game time is spent. It is possible to easily collect game information about the player such as.

(2) By utilizing the identification information individually given to the game cards, the trends of the player, for example, which game card is used in units of the game machine (unit) based on the game machine number. It is possible to easily collect game information such as a game played, how much the ball lending amount from the game machine card has been used, the number of interruptions, the movement status of the game machine, and the game time. (3) It is possible to use a conventional prepaid card as the game card, and it is possible to construct a game hall facility device that can collect game information at low cost without major modification of the game facility facility device. it can. (4) In addition, even when carrying out a business such as prohibiting a carry-in ball game or exchanging once, it is possible to easily collect game information in accordance with these business rules by using a game card. That is, in the case of conducting a business in which continuous games are prohibited (for example, one-time exchange), after the jackpot is over, the player goes to the settlement machine and inserts the game card, which can be used for the game stored in the game card. The number-of-balls information is converted into player profit information (adjustment-ball number information) that cannot be used for games. As a result, the player profit information cannot be used for the game. Also,
When doing business that prohibits carry-on ball games, the player goes to the settlement machine, inserts the game card, acquires the information on the number of balls that can be used for the game, and is stored in the game card to the game. Is converted into player profit information that cannot be used. As a result, it is not possible to play a game even if the player profit information moves to another table. Then, by collecting such data of player profit information, it is possible to easily collect the game information in accordance with the business rules such as the prohibition on carry-in balls, the one-time exchange, etc. in units of cards or gaming machines (units). be able to.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a card-type game system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a communication control device in the card management device of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a card management device of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a card issuing machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a premium exchange device of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a settlement device of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the settlement device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a card transfer mechanism section of the settlement device of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the gaming machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a game medium conversion control device of the same embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a gaming machine control device of the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of an input signal control device of the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of an accessory control device of the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of an operation display control device of the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of a firing control device of the example.

FIG. 16 is a front view of the gaming machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a game board according to the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a back view of the gaming machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a rear view of the gaming machine of the example.

FIG. 20 is a front view of the shooting mechanism of the gaming machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the firing mechanism of the gaming machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a main program for management control executed by the card management device in the embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a work start process of the embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating information about a card file according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining information of the card of the example.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of operation switch processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen of the display device in the card management device of the embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a file screen of the display device in the card management device of the embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a file screen of a display device in the card management device in the example.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a file screen of a display device in the card management device of the embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of business stop processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing an interrupt communication processing routine of the card management device in the embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing an in-store processing routine of the card management device of the embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of identification information addition processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of collation request processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of card information request processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of zero-reset processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of interruption processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of start processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of interruption cancellation request processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of interruption cancellation processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of collation confirmation processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing a main program of card issuing control executed by the card issuing machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a flow chart showing a main program of game medium conversion control executed by the game medium conversion control device of the embodiment.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing a main program of game medium conversion control executed by the game medium conversion control device of the embodiment.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing a main program of game medium conversion control executed by the game medium conversion control device of the embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing a main program of game medium conversion control executed by the game medium conversion control device of the embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating a display command according to the embodiment.

FIG. 49 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of identification information issuance processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of comparison processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of comparison processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 52 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of ball lending processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 53 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of return processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of interruption processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of zero-reset processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing a closing processing subroutine of the embodiment.

FIG. 57 is a flowchart showing an interrupt routine of gaming machine communication processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing an interruption routine of power failure processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 59 is a flowchart showing an interrupt routine of a main communication process of the embodiment.

FIG. 60 is a flowchart showing a game control main program executed by the gaming machine control device of the embodiment.

FIG. 61 is a flowchart showing a main program for game control executed by the gaming machine control device of the embodiment.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart showing a main program for game control executed by the gaming machine control device of the embodiment.

63 is a flow chart showing a main program for game control executed by the gaming machine control device of the embodiment. FIG.

FIG. 64 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of prize ball data import processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 65 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of operation switch processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 66 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of operation switch processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 67 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of display command processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 68 is a diagram showing an example of display on the display device in the example.

FIG. 69 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of enclosed ball removing processing of the embodiment.

FIG. 70 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of launching ball processing of the embodiment.

71 is a flow chart showing a subroutine of communication processing of the embodiment. FIG.

72 is a flow chart showing a main program for firing control executed by the firing control device of the embodiment. FIG.

FIG. 73 is a flowchart showing a main program for firing control executed by the firing control device of the embodiment.

FIG. 74 is a timing diagram illustrating an operation of the firing control device of the example.

FIG. 75 is a flowchart showing a main program for prize exchange control executed by the prize exchange apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 76 is a flowchart showing a main program for prize exchange control executed by the prize exchange apparatus of the embodiment.

77 is a flow chart showing a main program of prize exchange control executed by the prize exchange apparatus of the embodiment. FIG.

78 is a flow chart showing a main program of prize exchange control executed by the prize exchange apparatus of the embodiment. FIG.

79 is a flow chart showing a main program for settlement control executed by the settlement apparatus of the embodiment. FIG.

FIG. 80 is a flow chart showing a main program for settlement control executed by the settlement apparatus of the embodiment.

81 is a flow chart showing a main program for settlement control executed by the settlement device of the embodiment. FIG.

FIG. 82 is a diagram showing an example of display of the number of settlement balls of the card of the example.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 card management device (gaming card management device: (identification information issuing means, information management means, file storage means, information display means) 12 hole management device 13 card issuing machine 14 free gift exchange device (free gift exchange) 15 display switch (predetermined Input means) 16 settlement device (settlement machine) 17 pointing switch (predetermined input means) 21 game medium conversion device (game value conversion device) 22 game machine 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 communication control device 43 game medium conversion control Device 45 Settlement control device 201 Gaming machine control device 211 Accessory device control device 212 Operation display control device 213 Launch control device 214 Ball possession number display control device 800 Magnetic card

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A game card capable of storing at least number-of-balls information, player profit information, and identification information in addition to the amount information, a card issuing machine for issuing a game card, and a memory for inserting a game card. A game machine equipped with a game value conversion device for playing a game within the range of the amount information or the number of balls held information, and a settlement machine that converts the number of balls held game information into player profit information by inserting a game card. And, a prize exchange machine that performs settlement within the range of the number-of-balls information and the player profit information by inserting a gaming card, a gaming card issuing machine, a gaming machine equipped with a gaming value conversion device, and a settlement machine, A gaming card management device that communicates with a prize exchange through an information transmission path and controls the management of these information; and the gaming card management device issues identification information to the gaming card. A game hall facility device comprising: identification information issuing means; and information management means for collecting and managing information related to a game stored in each game card based on the identification information. 2. The game card management device, the amount information stored in the game card, the number of balls held, player profit information,
File storage means having a card file capable of storing at least information equivalent to a game card including identification information, and based on the output of a predetermined input means, necessary information is read out from the file storage means and arranged. 2. An amusement hall facility device according to claim 1, further comprising: information display means for displaying. 3. The game card is a prepaid card type magnetic card issued by a card management company, and is capable of storing security information capable of determining the validity of the card. The gaming machine is provided with the security information. 3. The amusement hall facility device according to claim 1, further comprising a determining means for determining whether the card is valid. 4. A gaming machine individual information collecting means for individually collecting information of gaming cards inserted for each gaming machine so that each gaming machine can be identified by giving an address. 1. A game hall facility device according to 1. 5. In addition to the amount information, a gaming card that can store at least the number-of-balls information, player profit information, and identification information is issued, the identification information is given to the gaming card, and the gaming card is stored. It enables the game on the gaming machine within the range of the amount information and the number of balls owned, and converts the number of balls owned by the gaming card into player profit information, and the number of balls owned by the game card and the player profit information. Collecting information related to the game stored in each game card based on the identification information of the game card and managing it based on the identification information of the game card. Method.