JP2017070588A - Management system for game house - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a management system for a game house which uses a public line, capable of enhancing reliability of data related to game information.SOLUTION: A management system for a game house is configured so that, a server for a game house comprises individual storage means for storing pieces of game information which are associated with each of plural game information collection means. The game information collection means are configured to read the game information which is associated with the game information collection means and is stored by the individual storage means, from the server for the game house, and determine matching of the read game information and the game information stored in the respective game information collection means, then, when the game information and the read game information do not match, send the game information stored in the respective game information collection means to the server for the game house. The server for the game house receives the game information from the game information collection means, then updates a storage content of the individual storage means associated with the game information collection means, on the basis of the received game information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 33

Description

  The present invention relates to a game hall management system for managing game machines in a game hall.

  Conventionally, as a device for managing the state of the game device of the game hall, the game hall management device is used in the game hall (in the store), but the primary information of the game information sent from the game device to the game hall management device (in the store) As a receiving device, there is a game information collecting device (a so-called stand controller, a unit (lending machine), or a lamp may be used). In the game hall (game shop), hundreds to thousands of game information are updated, and ideally, it is desirable that the game information is updated in real time in the game hall management device in the game hall.

  Now, on the gaming island where the gaming device is installed, in addition to signal lines for acquiring gaming information, power cables (200V / 100V), transformer devices, security-related signal lines, and information signal lines for other equipment. In some cases, unexpected communication failures (delay, response failure, noise, etc.) may occur.

  Real-time processing is desirable for the communication processing, but the simultaneous processing of a large amount of data causes a communication failure, so the game information collection device measures the timing of transmitting data to the game hall management device (in the store). Alternatively, the game information collection device is devised such as temporarily storing data in order to transmit data at an appropriate timing. Also, some game information collection devices have a built-in watchdog timer (restart function) assuming a malfunction of the device.

  As described above, it is important for the game hall management device to have both real-time property and accuracy of the collected data because of the characteristics as the data management device.

  On the other hand, when considering the use of game information, as a store manager, a management system for a game hall that can acquire the same information as the game hall management device in the store from outside the store and check the operation status of the store Was requested. Especially for managers who have to manage a large number of amusement halls that develop a chain, a management system for amusement halls that manages information only in the store is insufficient.

  In order to meet such a demand, there is a game hall management system that stores game information stored in a game hall management device in a store in a game hall management device (server) outside the store using a public line. Yes, game information can be confirmed from outside the store, and game information can be backed up outside the store (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-49482 A

  However, when a game center management system in a cloud environment using a public line is constructed in this way, the communication speed is unstable due to the characteristics of the system using the public line. For this reason, data inconsistencies such as a data collection timing shift to the data storage destination (server) in the cloud environment and data omission may occur.

  In order to execute data correction in the case of data inconsistency, data correction must be executed after a game store closing process in which game information is not updated. However, it is difficult to process a large amount of game information of all gaming devices in the time from the closing process to the opening process. In addition, the communication speed may be delayed due to the use of the public line, and sufficient time for data correction within a predetermined time (time from the closing process to the opening process) could not be secured.

  In other words, in order to use the game information in the data storage destination (server) in the cloud environment, it must be used in a situation where the integrity of the data is uncertain, and is stored in the data storage destination (server) in the cloud environment. It has been desired to further improve the reliability of data relating to game information.

  An object of the present invention is to improve the reliability of data related to game information in a game hall management system using a public line.

  In a typical embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of game information collecting means provided for each game device installed in a game arcade for collecting and storing game information for each game device; A game center server in a cloud environment capable of communicating with the game information collecting means via a public line, wherein the game hall server is individually connected to the plurality of game information collecting means. An individual storage means for storing the game information in association with each other, wherein the game information collection means reads game information stored in association with the game information collection means by the individual storage means from the game site server; The game information stored in the game information and the read game information are determined to be consistent, and when the consistency is not achieved, the game information stored in the game field server is transmitted to the game field server. Upon receiving the game information from the game information collecting means, based on the received game information, updates the stored contents of the individual storage means corresponding to the game information collection means.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, in a game hall management system using a public line, the reliability of data related to game information can be increased.

It is a figure showing an example of composition of a management system for game halls concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the management system for game centers which concerns on a prior art. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of the management system for game centers which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of composition of a management system for large-scale game halls concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example in case an operation terminal device is a tablet. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of a game information collection apparatus. It is a figure explaining the mode of the data communication performed as a process at any time in the management system for game halls concerning 1st Embodiment. In the management system for game halls concerning 1st Embodiment, when an operation terminal device issues the information disclosure request | requirement, it is a figure explaining a mode that the data communication as an interruption process is performed. It is a sequence diagram which shows the procedure of the occasional process performed at any time in the management system for game centers which concerns on 1st Embodiment. In the management system for game halls concerning 1st Embodiment, it is a sequence diagram which shows the interruption process when an operation terminal device issues the information disclosure request | requirement. It is a figure which shows an example of the outline of the data which the operation terminal device in the management system for game halls concerning 1st Embodiment, the server for game halls, and the game information collection device store. It is a figure which shows the other example of the outline of the data which the operation terminal device in the management system for game centers which concerns on 1st Embodiment, the server for game centers, and the game information collection device preserve | saved. In the management system for game halls concerning 1st Embodiment, it is a sequence diagram which shows the process performed in the step before an operation terminal device receives information disclosure service from the server for game halls. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example 1 of a touch panel (operation input unit) of an operation terminal device when an information disclosure request is generated to collect information. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example 2 on the touch panel (operation input unit) of the operation terminal device when an information disclosure request is generated and information is collected. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example 3 on the touch panel (operation input unit) of the operation terminal device when an information disclosure request is generated and information is collected. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example 4 on the touch panel (operation input unit) of the operation terminal device when an information disclosure request is generated and information is collected. When displaying game performance data as a request result (information disclosure result), it is a figure which shows the example 1 of a display of the touchscreen of an operating terminal device. When displaying game performance data as a request result (information disclosure result), it is a figure which shows the example 2 of a display of the touchscreen of an operating terminal device. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the preservation | save data deletion process which deletes (deletes) the preservation | save data in the data preservation | save area | region of a game information collection apparatus. It is a sequence diagram which shows the other example of the preservation | save data deletion process which deletes (deletes) the preservation | save data in the data preservation | save area | region of a game information collection apparatus. It is a figure explaining the mode of the data communication performed as a backup process in the management system for game halls. It is a sequence diagram which shows the procedure of the backup process in the management system for game halls. It is a figure which shows the concept of the data storage of a backup server. It is a figure explaining the mode of the data communication performed as a process at any time in the management system for game halls concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the mode of the data communication performed as an interruption process in the management system for game centers which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the procedure of the anytime process (anytime operation) performed at any time in the management system for game halls concerning 2nd Embodiment. In the management system for game halls concerning 2nd Embodiment, it is a sequence diagram which shows the interruption process (interruption operation | movement) when an operation terminal device issues the information disclosure request | requirement. It is a figure which shows the outline of the data which the operation terminal device in the management system for game halls concerning 2nd Embodiment, the server for game halls, and the game information collection device store. It is a figure explaining the mode of the data communication performed as needed as occasional processing in the management system for game halls concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a figure explaining the mode of the data communication performed as a consistency check process in the management system for game halls concerning 3rd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the procedure of the anytime process (anytime operation) performed at any time in the management system for game centers which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the procedure of the consistency check process performed in the management system for game centers which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the other example of the procedure of the consistency check process performed in the management system for game centers which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the data preservation | save of the game information collection apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the preservation | save data deletion process performed when the game information collection apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment completes a consistency check process. It is a figure explaining the mode of the data communication performed as needed as occasional processing in the management system for game centers concerning a 4th embodiment. It is a figure explaining the mode of the data communication performed as a data omission check process in the management system for game centers which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the procedure of the anytime process (anytime operation) performed at any time in the management system for game halls concerning 4th Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the procedure of the data missing check process performed in the management system for game centers which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
[Configuration of management system for amusement hall]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a game hall management system according to the first embodiment. The management system 100 for game halls includes an operation terminal device (information terminal) 10, a game server 12 installed outside the game hall (outside the store), and a plurality of game information collections installed inside the game hall (in the store). The apparatus 20 is provided with the network 14 which connects these mutually. The network 14 includes a public line 16 (public communication network) that is shared and used by an unspecified number of users. In the present embodiment, the public line 16 is the Internet.

  The operation terminal device 10 includes a communication interface that enables communication on the network 14, a processor (information processing unit) such as a CPU (central processing unit), a memory for storing work memory (RAM), a program, and the like. A storage unit including (ROM), a display unit 17 (display screen) for displaying information, and an operation input unit such as a touch panel 19 and operation buttons for receiving input by a user (user) operation. When the operation input unit is the touch panel 19, the touch panel 19 is formed integrally with the display unit 17 (see FIG. 5). The operation terminal device 10 is, for example, a tablet or a smartphone (mobile phone). The operation terminal device 10 is connected to the public line 16 via an access point, for example, by a wireless LAN. When the operation terminal device 10 is a smartphone, it is connected to the public line 16 via the mobile phone network (the mobile phone network may be included in the public line 16).

  The game hall server 12 includes a communication interface that enables communication on the network 14, a processor such as a CPU as an information processing unit, and a memory (ROM) that stores a working memory (RAM), a program, and the like. And a section. The game hall server 12 may be a plurality of servers, or may be a virtual server that can be realized by a virtualization technique as well as a physical server. The game hall server 12 may be called a cloud server because it is in a cloud environment that can provide various services (cloud services) via the public line 16 (Internet, cloud). For example, the game hall server 12 may perform a service for providing software to the operation terminal device 10 (SaaS: Software as a service).

  A plurality of n pieces of game information collecting devices 20-1, 20-2,..., 20-n can communicate with the game devices 25-1, 25-2,. The game information (game result data and attribute information to be described later) of each gaming device 25 can be collected. Note that the game information collection devices 20-1, 20-2,..., 20-n are collectively referred to as the game information collection device 20, and the game devices 25-1, 25-2,. Are collectively referred to as gaming device 25. The game information collection device 20 is connected to the public line 16 via an access point by, for example, a wireless LAN or a wired LAN. The detailed configuration of the game information collection device 20 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The gaming device 25 is, for example, a pachinko machine or a slot machine (pachislot machine). The gaming device 25 includes a game control device (main board on which a CPU and a memory or the like are mounted) that controls the game in an integrated manner, and an effect control that controls an effect on the display device and the accessory according to an instruction from the game control device. It is common to have a device (a sub-board on which a CPU, a memory, etc. are mounted) and various detection means (sensors, switches) for detecting information necessary for these controls and information to be transmitted to the game information collecting device 20 A simple gaming device may be used. The gaming device 25 can transmit a signal related to the gaming information of the gaming device 25 to the gaming information collecting device 20 via an external information terminal or the like of the gaming control device. The game information collection device 20 stores game information regarding the game device 25. In the present embodiment, the gaming device 25 also includes a lending machine (each counting device) for lending gaming media (game balls, medals, etc.) by the player's payment. The game information is information relating to, for example, entering balls, exiting balls, number of special prizes (number of jackpots or bonus times), depositing, and the like.

  Unlike the prior art (FIG. 2), the game information collection device 20 is directly connected to the public line 16 (Internet) without going through the game management device (hall computer) in the game hall (store). That is, in this embodiment, since there is no game management device (hall computer) in the game hall (in the store), the device cost can be reduced.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the management system 100 for the gaming hall according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, the game management device (hall computer) of the prior art in the game hall (store) is also used as the game information collection device 20-0. The game information collection device 20-0 receives only the attribute information (described later) of the game device 25 collected from the other game information collection devices 20-1, 20-2,. Server 12). As in FIG. 1, the other game information collecting devices 20-1, 20-2,..., 20-n are directly connected to the public line 16 without going through the game management device (hall computer). To do. If the attribute information is collected in one place (game information collecting device 20-0) and the data transmission processing to the network 14 is performed, the game information collecting device performs only one authentication processing by the game hall server 12 or the like. .., 20-n eliminates the need for a large number of authentication processes, and realizes high-speed data transmission.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a larger-scale game hall management system 100. A management system 100 for game halls installed outside the game hall (outside the store) manages a plurality of stores A and B (chain stores), and each game information collection device 20 in the stores A and B is connected to the network 14. It is connected to the. As operation terminal device 10, operation terminal device 10-1 for owners of stores A and B, operation terminal device 10-2 for store managers of stores A and B, operation terminal device 10 for stores (for halls) −3, an operation terminal device 10-4 for members and an operation terminal device 10-5 for general users are connected to the network 14. In addition to the game hall server 12, a backup server 15 for backing up information (data) of the game information collection device 20 is connected to the network 14. That is, the backup server 15 can provide a storage service as a cloud service. In the store B, a game information display device 27 for displaying game information collected from the game information collection device 20 is also connected to the network 14.

[Operation terminal device]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example when the operation terminal device 10 is a tablet. The operation terminal device 10 may include a notification lamp 18 including a plurality of LEDs (light emitting diodes) in addition to the display unit 17 (display screen) such as a liquid crystal monitor. In the present embodiment, the display unit 17 (display screen) also serves as the touch panel 19 as an operation input unit. The operation terminal device 10 has functions such as voice input / output, vibration, GPS, camera shooting (video shooting), which are functions that smartphones and tablets generally have, and a notification lamp 18 as a notification start stage. In addition, functions such as voice input / output and vibration may be used.

[Game information collection device]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the game information collection device 20. The game information collection device 20 includes an arithmetic processing unit 30 that performs arithmetic processing, a processing result storage unit 31 (processing result storage unit) that stores a processing result corresponding to a request (request), and an attribute that stores attribute information described later. An information storage unit 32 (attribute information storage unit), a game result data storage unit 33 (game result data storage unit) that stores game result data of the gaming device 25, a communication processing unit 34 that performs communication processing, and wireless processing A wireless processing unit 35 is provided, a power supply unit 36 that supplies power to each unit, and a bus 37 that connects them to each other.

  The arithmetic processing unit 30 can be used as a CPU 30a (central processing unit) that performs various calculations for information processing and the like, a ROM 30b (read only memory) that stores programs used by the CPU 30a, and a working memory. It includes a RAM 30c (random access memory), an RTC 30d (real time clock) that measures the current time, and an LSI 30e (integrated circuit) that performs various dedicated processes.

  A request for transmission of information (data) is transmitted from the game hall server 12 to the game information collecting device 20, but the arithmetic processing unit 30 acquires and processes the request via the communication processing unit 34. Then, game information stored in various storage units corresponding to the request can be acquired (extracted) as a processing result. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the request is a game result data request for requesting transmission of game result data of the gaming device 25, and the arithmetic processing unit 30 corresponds to the game result data request, Game result data (numerical data) stored from the storage unit 33 can be acquired as game information. The arithmetic processing unit 30 can also process the acquired (extracted) game information.

  The processing result storage unit 31 is a buffer (primary buffer) that temporarily stores information. The processing result storage unit 31 can temporarily store a processing result (acquired game information) in the arithmetic processing unit 30 in response to a request from the game hall server 12. Therefore, even if the load on the network 14 is high due to access from a large number of game information collection devices 20 and transmission in real time cannot be performed, the processing result can be temporarily stored and transmitted. The game information stored in the processing result storage unit 31 is transmitted via the communication processing unit 34 as display game information (game information itself or processed game information) on the operation terminal device 10. The processing result storage unit 31 can also be used to temporarily store a received request (request).

  The attribute information storage unit 32 is a storage area for storing attribute information related to the gaming apparatus 25. The attribute information storage unit 32 may be a physical memory. In the present embodiment, the attribute information includes state information, timing information, and unique information (see also FIG. 11).

  The state information is information related to the state of the gaming device 25 (such as a gaming state). The state information is information relating to the state of the gaming device 25 (such as a gaming state) or a state change determined by the arithmetic processing unit 30 based on a signal received from the gaming device 25, gaming result data in the gaming result data storage unit 33, or the like. . The state information includes information in which the game state cannot be grasped from a simple signal or game performance data (numerical data), for example, information such as “in operation” as the state of the gaming device 25 is also included. The arithmetic processing unit 30 can detect when the outcount signal has been received from the gaming device 25 for a predetermined time, set an operation flag value, and store it as “in operation” information in the attribute information storage unit 32. . Note that the out-count signal detected by the count switch of the gaming device 25 is a signal for counting (counting) the number of gaming media (out, entering balls) inserted into the gaming device 25.

  The timing information is information related to the acquisition time of game information (substantially equal to the generation time of game information) measured by the RTC 30d of the arithmetic processing unit 30. The timing information is obtained by associating (linking) the time (timing) acquired by the RTC 30d of the arithmetic processing unit 30 with the stored game information, and which game information is associated with the game information (which game information) It is also the acquisition time).

  The unique information is information related to the machine number, model, store information, and the like of the gaming device 25 to which the gaming information collecting device 20 is connected, and is information that does not change depending on the state of the gaming device 25. The unique information is information set by another device (which may be the game device 25 or the game hall server 12) received via the communication processing unit 34, and is received when the game information collection device 20 is installed. Information that is initially set.

  The game record data storage unit 33 is a storage area for storing game record data generated by the operation of the game apparatus 25. The attribute information storage unit 32 may be a physical memory. The game result data storage unit 33 stores information relating to entering a ball (out), leaving a ball (safe), the number of special prizes, payment, and the like as game performance data of the gaming device 25 (see also FIG. 11). The game information collection device 20 acquires a signal related to game performance data from the game device 25 and processes (counts, processes, etc.) the game performance data as it is or in the arithmetic processing unit 30 and stores the raw data of the game performance data in the game performance data storage unit 33. Save as.

  For example, if the game performance data is an incoming ball, every time an outcount signal is detected, the arithmetic processing unit 30 adds and updates the numerical value of the incoming ball stored in the game performance data storage unit 33 by one. Then, it is stored again in the game record data storage unit 33 (the number of occurrences of the outcount signal is counted). Similarly, if the game performance data is the number of special prizes, the arithmetic processing unit 30 saves the number of special prizes stored in the game performance data storage unit 33 every time a special prize generation signal (a jackpot generation signal, a bonus generation signal) is detected. 1 is added and updated, and is stored again in the game performance data storage unit 33 (the number of occurrences of the special prize generation signal is counted). For example, if the game record data is a deposit, each time the deposit signal from the lending machine of the gaming device 25 is detected, the arithmetic processing unit 30 uses the deposit numeric data stored in the game record data storage unit 33 this time. Is added and updated by the amount of the deposit signal, and stored again in the game record data storage unit 33.

  Note that when the gaming device 25 (including a rental machine) directly counts the number of winnings, the number of special prizes, payment, etc. as the gaming result data, the gaming device 25 directly uses the gaming result data as the gaming information collecting device 20. The game information collecting device 20 may store the game result data as it is in the game result data storage unit 33.

  As described above, the game information of the game device 25 collected and stored by the game information collection device 20 (game information collection means) is obtained from the attribute information of the attribute information storage unit 32 and the game result data of the game result data storage unit 33. Become.

  The communication processing unit 34 includes a communication interface (s) that performs communication processing, and enables data transmission / reception with the network 14 and the gaming device 25. Note that the communication processing unit 34 (or the arithmetic processing unit 30) may encrypt or decrypt transmission / reception data. The wireless processing unit 35 is provided for the game information collecting apparatus 20 to wirelessly connect to the network 14 and includes an antenna, a modulator / demodulator, and the like. By making the communication method between the game information collecting device 20 and the network 14 wireless by the wireless processing unit 35, the wiring process in the store for connecting to the network 14 becomes unnecessary, and the burden of facility construction in the store is eliminated. It can be reduced and construction can be made at a lower cost.

  The power supply unit 36 supplies necessary power to the arithmetic processing unit 30, the processing result storage unit 31, the attribute information storage unit 32, the game performance data storage unit 33, the communication processing unit 34, and the wireless processing unit 35. The bus 37 electrically connects the arithmetic processing unit 30, the processing result storage unit 31, the attribute information storage unit 32, the game performance data storage unit 33, and the communication processing unit 34, and exchanges data among these units. Enable.

[Processing (operation) of management system for game hall]
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the state of data communication executed as occasional processing in the management system 100 for game halls. Here, as a representative, data communication of the management system 100 for the game hall in FIG. 1 will be described.

  The gaming device 25 transmits a signal related to the game performance data to the game information collecting device 20 whenever necessary, whenever information related to the game performance data to be transmitted is generated (# 1 in FIG. 7). The signal related to the game performance data is a signal corresponding to the game performance data itself, or a signal for the game information collecting device 20 to obtain game performance data (such as entering balls, playing balls, number of special prizes, payment). As signals for obtaining game performance data, there are an out count signal, a payout signal, a special prize generation signal (a jackpot generation signal, a bonus generation signal), a deposit amount signal, and the like. The gaming device 25 (including a rental machine) includes various detection means (sensors, switches) that are necessary for generating a signal relating to game performance data.

  The game information collection device 20 updates the game result data by the arithmetic processing unit 30 based on the signal related to the game result data received from the game device 25 and stores it in the game result data storage unit 33. Further, the game information collection device 20 stores / updates the game state determined from the signal related to the game performance data, the stored game performance data, and the like in the attribute information storage unit 32 as the attribute information related to the game device 25.

  When the attribute information is updated, the game information collection device 20 transmits the updated attribute information (updated attribute information) to the game hall server 12 as needed (# 2 in FIG. 7). The updated attribute information is transmitted in association with (associated with) the identification information (game information collection device ID, etc.) of the game information collection device 20 that stores and transmits the updated attribute information.

  Among the attribute information, the unique information is set (updated) when the game information collection device 20 is installed, so that the state information and timing information of the game device 25 are transmitted to the game hall server 12 each time the game device 25 is updated. It will be. Note that the game information collection device 20 does not transmit a signal related to game performance data to the game hall server 12 in order to reduce the communication load of the network 14. That is, as necessary processing, the game information collection device 20 transmits only the updated attribute information to the game hall server 12. Then, the game hall server 12 stores the received attribute information (updated attribute information) in the storage unit (see FIG. 11).

  FIG. 8 shows a state in which data communication as an interruption process is executed when the operation terminal device 10 issues an information disclosure request for receiving an information disclosure service (cloud service) in the game hall management system 100. It is a figure explaining. Here, as a representative, data communication of the management system 100 for the game hall in FIG. 1 will be described.

  First, the operation terminal device 10 transmits an information disclosure request to the game hall server 12 (# 3 in FIG. 8). The information disclosure request includes, as request information for requesting information disclosure, an index (identification information such as a number and a symbol) indicating the request information. In the present embodiment, the request information indicates any attribute information in the game information collection device 20 that requests the game result data transmission. Based on the index included in the information disclosure request, the game hall server 12 searches for attribute information (updated attribute information) related to the gaming device 25 stored in the storage unit. Then, the game hall server 12 specifies the game information collection device 20 having attribute information that matches (corresponds to) the index among the stored attribute information, and acquires the game information collection device ID. 7, the storage unit (updated attribute information storage unit) of the game hall server 12 is associated with the identification information (game information collection device ID) of the game information collection device 20 to match the game information collection device. Since the attribute information is stored every 20th, the game information collecting device 20 can be specified (see FIG. 11).

  For example, when the index (item identification information) indicates “in operation”, the game hall server 12 stores the game information collection device 20 having the attribute information “in operation” (that is, the game device 25 in operation). The connected game information collecting device 20) is specified, and the game information collecting device ID is acquired (see FIG. 11). Further, when the index (item identification information) indicates “table number 542”, the game hall server 12 identifies the game information collection device 20 having the attribute information of “table number 542” and collects game information. The device ID is acquired (see FIG. 11).

  Then, the game hall server 12 requests a game record data request (game) for requesting game record data to the game information collection apparatus 20 (s) corresponding to the acquired game information collection apparatus ID (s). (Result data request) is transmitted (# 4 in FIG. 8). When the game information collection device 20 receives the game result data request, the game information collection device 20 acquires the requested game result data from the game result data storage unit 33 and sends it back to the game hall server 12 (# 5 in FIG. 8). Then, the game hall server 12 transfers the game result data received from the game information collection device 20 or the processed game result data to the operation terminal device 10 as a request result (# 6 in FIG. 8).

  As described above, the operation terminal device 10 first requests the game hall server 12 to transmit game result data from the game information collection device 20 that stores the attribute information corresponding to the index. Only the game information collection device 20 that is requested to transmit the game record data from the game hall server 12 transmits the game record data to the game hall server 12. For this reason, the number of communications between the game information collection device 20 and the game hall server 12 is reduced, and the communication load of the network 14 and the time loss required for the game information collection device 20 to communicate are reduced. In addition, the game hall server 12 does not need to have a high capability, which leads to cost reduction.

  FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of the ad hoc process (the ad hoc operation) that is executed as needed in the game hall management system 100. In the sequence diagram, the symbol “S” means a step.

  In S <b> 1, the gaming device 25 transmits a signal related to game performance data to the gaming information collecting device 20 in accordance with the operation of the gaming device 25 and the change in the device state of the gaming device 25. Next, in S2, the game information collection device 20 receives and updates the game performance data.

  Thereafter, in S3, the game information collection device 20 performs threshold determination processing on the game performance data (numerical data), and displays flag information indicating that the type (item) of specific game performance data is equal to or greater than the threshold. , To the game hall server 12. The flag information is transmitted in association with (associated with) information (game information collection device ID, etc.) of the game information collection device 20 that transmits the flag information. The flag information is transmitted only when a predetermined condition that the game performance data is equal to or greater than the threshold value is satisfied, unlike the configuration in which the game performance data is transmitted as needed. Subsequently, in S4, the game hall server 12 stores the received flag information (game achievement data threshold determination flag) in the storage unit. Note that the processing of S3 and S4 is executed as an option and can be omitted.

  In S5, the game information collection device 20 updates the attribute information related to the game device 25 based on the received game performance data. The game information collection device 20 executes a process (monitoring means) for monitoring the update state of the attribute information, and when the updated attribute information is detected, the updated attribute information (updated attribute information) is used for the game hall. Send to server 12. The attribute information update means status information update and timing information recording.

  Next, in S6, the game hall server 12 receives the updated attribute information from the game information collection device 20 and stores it in the storage unit. Thereby, the attribute information stored in the game hall server 12 is updated. The updated attribute information is stored in association with the information (game information collection device ID, etc.) of the game information collection device 20 that has stored and transmitted the updated attribute information. For example, the game hall server 12 stores the updated attribute information in the storage area corresponding to the game information collection device ID for each game information collection device 20, or stores it as a set with the game information collection device ID. By storing in the section, the updated attribute information can be associated (linked) with the game information collection device ID.

  FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an interrupt process (interrupt operation) when the operation terminal device 10 issues an information disclosure request for receiving the information disclosure service in the game hall management system 100.

  In S <b> 11, the operation terminal device 10 selects at least one item of request information (request item) displayed as a menu in response to an input by a user operation to the operation input unit. The item of request information (request item) indicates any of attribute information stored in the game information collection device 20 that is a target of requesting information disclosure. Then, the operation terminal device 10 generates an information disclosure request including an index associated with the selected request information, and transmits the generated information disclosure request to the game hall server 12. The type of information disclosure request can be identified by the request information.

  Next, in S12, the game hall server 12 selects a game information collection device 20 (corresponding collection device) that stores attribute information corresponding to (matching) the request information indicated by the index. Then, the game hall server 12 requests game result data only from the selected game information collection device 20 (target device) (transmits a game result data request). Subsequently, in S13, the selected game information collection device 20 acquires the stored game performance data in the processing result storage unit 31 (buffer) and returns it to the game hall server 12.

  In the present embodiment, the information disclosure request is converted into an index (identification information such as numbers and symbols) and included in the information disclosure request, but the request information may be included as it is. Then, the game hall server 12 may select the game information collection device 20 that stores attribute information corresponding (adapted) to the request information.

  In S <b> 14, the game hall server 12 processes the game performance data (game information) with a processor, and generates display data in a predetermined display format that can be displayed on the display unit 17 of the operation terminal device 10. Then, the game hall server 12 transmits the processing result of the processing, that is, display data to the operation terminal device 10. Next, in S15, the operation terminal device 10 displays the received display data on the display unit 17 as a request result. Thereby, the operation terminal device 10 can display the game performance data (game information) without receiving any special processing by simply receiving the display data from the game hall server 12 as it is. Those with low processing power can also be used. Note that the processes of S14 and S15 correspond to display control means for performing control for displaying game performance data on the operation terminal device 10 in a predetermined display format.

  As an alternative, the game hall server 12 may transmit game result data (game information) to the operation terminal device 10 as it is without performing the processing in S14. In this case, the operation terminal device 10 performs a data processing process of game performance data by using a terminal-dedicated application (software) installed. Thereby, not only is the load on the game hall server 12 reduced, but the operation terminal device 10 can display game performance data (game information) in accordance with the specifications, and the user of the operation terminal device 10 can The game performance data (game information) can be confirmed in an easily understandable form.

  Through the processes of S11 to S15 in FIG. 10 described above, game information (especially game performance data) commensurate with the request from the operation terminal device 10 can be quickly transmitted to the operation terminal device 10 and displayed.

[Outline of saved data]
FIG. 11 shows the data stored in the operation terminal device 10, the game hall server 12, and the game information collection device 20 in the game hall management system 100 in relation to the ad hoc process and the interrupt process in FIGS. 7 to 10. It is a figure which shows an outline. In FIG. 11, the flag information and flag information index related to the optional processes S3 and S4 of FIG. 9 are excluded.

  The game information collection device 20 stores its game information collection device ID (for example, A001) in a memory such as the ROM 30b of the arithmetic processing unit 30. For example, the game information collection device ID is a chip number of the CPU 30 a of the arithmetic processing unit 30.

  The game result data stored in the game result data storage unit 33 of the game information collection device 20 is simple numerical data collected from the game device 25, and the numerical data changes as the state of the game device 25 changes. . The game performance data is data such as entering (out), exiting (safe), starting, number of special prizes, number of probable changes, number of fraud, deposit, holding ball (held ball). Although not shown in FIG. 11, the game performance data may include information on the counting balls counted by the lending machine (each counter counting device) of the gaming apparatus 25 and the balls rented from the lending machine. For example, when the gaming device 25 is a pachinko machine, the counting ball is the number of gaming balls discharged from the lower plate, and is added to the possessed ball information of the member card inserted into the lending machine.

The incoming ball indicates the number of game media (game balls, medals) inserted into the game device 25. Out (safe) indicates the number of game media (game balls, medals) paid out from the game device 25. The start indicates the number of times that the variable display game is normally executed (a special symbol, the number of reel rotations). The number of special prizes indicates the number of jackpots or bonuses. The probability variation number indicates the number of times of entry into the probability variation state where the jackpot probability is high (only when the gaming device 25 is a pachinko machine). When the gaming device 25 is a slot machine, the ART (AT) number can be used instead of the probability variation number. The number of frauds indicates the number of times that the frame of the gaming device 25 has been released. The deposit indicates the total amount (sales) deposited in the lending machine (each unit counting device). The possession ball (the possession ball) indicates the possession ball of the player that can be recognized by the information on the member card inserted into the lending machine (a medal can also be used). In addition, as game performance data, there is a quotient calculated by the arithmetic processing unit 30 based on the deposit, the coin, and the coin according to the following formula.
Divider = [{Payment-(Payment-Outlet) x (Amount per game medium)} / Deposit x10

  Of the attribute information stored in the attribute information storage unit 32 of the game information collection device 20, the state information is based on a signal from the game device 25, game result data in the game result data storage unit 33, and the like. Is information relating to the device operating state and state change of the gaming device 25. The state information is information indicating that the gaming device 25 is in operation, stopped in operation (vacant or resting), special award, probable change, fraudulent state, depositing game, holding ball game, and the like.

  The gaming information collection device 20 can determine that the gaming device 25 is in operation (beginning of operation) when the reception of the outcount signal from the gaming device 25 continues for a predetermined time as described above. When there is no out-count signal for a predetermined period, it can be determined that the gaming apparatus 25 is in a suspended state (vacant or resting). When the special prize generation signal (big hit generation signal, bonus generation signal) is being detected, it can be determined that the gaming device 25 is in the special prize. When the probability change signal is being detected, it can be determined that the gaming apparatus 25 is being changed. When an illegal signal is being detected by a frame opening detection switch or the like of the gaming device 25, it can be determined that the gaming device 25 is in an unauthorized state. When the deposit signal from the lending machine of the gaming device 25 is being detected, it can be determined that the deposit game is in progress. When the possessed ball stored as the game performance data in the game performance data storage unit 33 is changing, it can be determined that the player has a ball game.

  Among the attribute information stored in the attribute information storage unit 32 of the game information collection device 20, the timing information stores the time (timing) recognized by the RTC 30d of the game information collection device 20, and certain game information is stored in the game. The timing (it is equal to the timing when the game information generate | occur | produced) preserve | saved with the information collection apparatus 20 is shown. The timing information is associated with the stored game information.

  Among the attribute information stored in the attribute information storage unit 32 of the game information collection device 20, the unique information includes the base classification, the base type, the model name, the store information, the base of the game device 25 to which the game information collection device 20 is connected. Information such as numbers. For example, as the unique information, the machine classification “Pachinko machine”, the machine type “Amagi Digital (digital pachinko machine with high probability of big hit)”, machine model name “A pachi”, store information “A shop”, machine number “542”, etc. Is stored.

  The game hall server 12 stores the same attribute information as the attribute information stored in the game information collection device 20 in a storage area (individual storage means, individual storage location) for each game information collection device 20. For example, the game hall server 12 stores the attribute information in a storage area associated with the ID (game information collection device ID) of the game information collection device 20 that stores the attribute information. Of the attribute information in the game information collection device 20, the state information and the timing information are transmitted to the game hall server 12 every time they are updated by the process as needed (FIGS. 7 and 9). Of the attribute information of the game information collection device 20, unique information is transmitted to the game hall server 12 when the game information collection device 20 is installed. The game hall server 12 does not store game record data because the game record data is not transmitted from the game information collection device 20. For this reason, the storage capacity of the game hall server 12 can be reduced, and the apparatus cost can be reduced.

  The game hall server 12 stores in advance a table (association information) associating the index with the attribute information as information about the index in a memory (ROM or the like). Therefore, when the game hall server 12 receives the index as the request information from the operation terminal device 10, the game hall server 12 can recognize the index and attribute information that matches (corresponds to) the index, and further has the attribute information. The collecting device 20 (a plurality of collecting devices) can be specified.

  On the other hand, the operation terminal device 10 stores in advance a table (association information) associating request information (request item) with an index as information related to the index in a memory (ROM or the like), and inputs from the operation input unit. It is possible to convert the request information (request item) selected by the above into an index and include it in the information disclosure request to the game hall server 12.

  The index includes a state index corresponding to the state information, a timing index corresponding to the timing information, and a unique information index corresponding to the unique information among the attribute information related to the gaming device 25. The timing index may indicate not only the time (timing) itself but also a time range such as before 15:00, after 15:00, and from 15:00 to 21:00.

  12 includes the flag information and flag information index related to the optional processes S3 and S4 of FIG. 9, including the operation terminal device 10, the game hall server 12, and the game information collection device 20 in the game hall management system 100. It is a figure which shows the outline of the data preserve | saved.

  In FIG. 12, the data stored by the game information collection device 20 is the same as the data stored by the game information collection device 20 of FIG. 11, but the game information collection device 20 performs the game performance data (numerical data). Threshold processing is executed, and flag information indicating that the game performance data is equal to or greater than the threshold is transmitted to the game hall server 12 (S3).

  Accordingly, in FIG. 12, the game hall server 12 stores flag information in the storage unit in addition to the attribute information (status information, timing information, unique information) stored in the game information collection device 20 of FIG. ing. The flag information is associated with the information (game information collection device ID, etc.) of the game information collection device 20 that transmitted the flag information, and the game hall server 12 can store the flag information for each game information collection device 20.

  The flag information is “20,000 balls”, “20,000 balls”, “1000 starts”, “50 special prizes”, “30 times probability change”, “1 time fraud”, “50000 yen deposit”, “20,000 balls” For example, game performance data types (items) and threshold values are set. Note that a plurality of flag information may be generated by performing threshold determination processing using a plurality of thresholds for the same type (item) of game performance data. For example, a plurality of threshold values 200 times, 400 times, and 600 times are prepared for the same type (start) of game performance data, and a plurality of values such as “start 200 times”, “start 400 times”, “start 600 times”, etc. Flag information may be generated.

  The game hall server 12 stores in advance a table (association information) that associates an index with attribute information and flag information as information about the index in a memory (ROM or the like). When the game hall server 12 receives an index as request information for requesting information disclosure from the operation terminal device 10, it can recognize the index and recognize attribute information and flag information that matches (corresponds to) the index. In addition, it is possible to specify the game information collection device 20 (which may be plural) having the attribute information and the flag information. Then, the game hall server 12 accesses only the specified game information collection device 20 and acquires game performance data. The game result data to be acquired may be only the game result data of a type related to the flag information (for example, in-game ball). For example, the game hall server 12 that has received the flag information index with the content of “20,000 or more entering balls” accesses the game information collecting device 20 having the flag information of “20,000 entering balls” and stores the game performance data. get.

  On the other hand, the operation terminal device 10 stores a table (association information) that associates request information (request item) with an index in a memory (ROM or the like) in advance, and a request selected by an input from the operation input unit. The information (request item) can be converted into an index and included in the information disclosure request to the game hall server 12.

  The index includes a flag information index corresponding to the flag information in addition to the state index, the timing index, and the unique information index. The flag information index is provided only for the type (item) of game performance data to be threshold-determined.

[Preprocessing]
FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing processing executed at a stage before the operation terminal device 10 receives the information disclosure service from the game hall server 12. The process of FIG. 13 is executed when an information disclosure application (information disclosure software) is activated on the operation terminal device 10 and shows a procedure for recognizing an item of request information on the operation terminal device 10.

  In S21, the operation terminal device 10 starts an information disclosure application. In the present embodiment, the information disclosure application is stored in a storage unit (ROM or the like) in the operation terminal device 10, but the cloud server in which the game hall server 12 provides the operation terminal device 10 with the information disclosure application A service (SaaS) may be performed. When starting the information disclosure application, the operation terminal device 10 transmits necessary information such as authority information of the operation terminal device 10 and an item request of the request information to the game hall server 12. The request information item request is information for requesting an item of request information to be displayed on the operation terminal device 10. In addition, necessary information includes, for example, a password.

  Next, in S <b> 22, the game hall server 12 that has received the authority information and the item request confirms the information disclosure authority of the operation terminal device 10. If the authority information is the user ID (user identification information) of the operation terminal device 10, the game hall server 12 may confirm the information disclosure authority from the user ID. The types of information disclosure authority include owner authority, store manager authority, member authority, and general user authority, and information disclosed to the operation terminal device 10 side via the game hall server 12. Is disclosed in this order (the amount of information disclosed decreases).

  Subsequently, in S23, the game hall server 12 selects request information (plurality) within the disclosure range of the information disclosure authority. That is, the request information within the disclosure range by the information disclosure authority is extracted. Then, the item of the selected request information (that is, the type of request information) is transmitted to the operation terminal device 10. For example, in the case of authority for general users, the number of request information to be selected is reduced in a time zone where access to the game hall server 12 is high, and is selected in a time zone where access is low, within the disclosure range of the information disclosure authority. It is also possible to increase the number of request information to be performed. For example, during a time period when the number of accesses to the game hall server 12 decreases, the game hall can be increased by increasing the number of accesses, such as providing some information or recommended information disclosed to members of the public to general users. It is also possible to more effectively utilize the device performance of the service server 12.

  Next, in S24, the operating terminal apparatus 10 that has received the request information item (request information type) executes processing for incorporating the request information item by the information disclosure application. After that, in S25, the operation terminal apparatus 10 displays a selection screen on the display unit 17 that can display the items of request information (type of request information) incorporated as a menu, and shifts to the selection screen. When the operation terminal device 10 stores all the items of request information in the storage unit in advance, the process of incorporation is not necessary, and instead, the menu is simply displayed based on the received items of request information.

[Operation terminal device display example]
14 to 17 show an operation input procedure to the touch panel 19 (operation input unit) of the operation terminal device 10 in the case of collecting information by generating an information disclosure request (# 3 in FIG. 8, S11 in FIG. 10). FIG.

  In FIG. 14, a selection screen is displayed on the touch panel 19 that also serves as the display unit 17 (S25 in FIG. 13). On the selection screen of the touch panel 19, items are displayed as menus regarding state information, unique information, and time information (timing information) among the attribute information related to the gaming device 25. The user of the operation terminal device 10 can touch an item displayed on the touch panel 19 and display a menu of options for the contents of any of status information, unique information, and time information (timing information).

  In FIG. 15, when the user touches the item “status information” on the touch panel 19, the content of “status information” is displayed as a plurality of items. Then, when the user touches “in operation” among a plurality of displayed items “in operation”, “in operation stop (vacant or resting)”, “special prize”, and “probably changing”, the operation terminal device 10 Select “Active” as the request information item (request item). Then, “in operation” is displayed in the request information content column of the selection screen.

  Subsequently, in FIG. 16, when the user touches the item “unique information” on the touch panel 19, the subcategory items “store name (store information)”, “model classification (vehicle classification)”, and “unique information” (major classification) “ "Model name (model name)" and "model type (model type)" are displayed. Further, when the user touches the item “model type”, the contents of “model type” are displayed as a plurality of items. When the user touches “Amaji” among the displayed items “Hanemono”, “Amaji”, “Middle”, and “Max”, the operation terminal device 10 displays the request information item (request item). Select “Amaji”. In addition, in the request information content column of the selection screen, “Amazing Digi” is displayed in addition to “Active”.

  Subsequently, in FIG. 17, when the user touches the item “time information (timing information)” on the touch panel 19, the subcategory items “previous”, “after”, and “˜ (from)” of “time information” (major classification) are displayed. Is displayed. Further, when the user touches the item “to (from)”, the contents of “start time” and “end time” are displayed as a plurality of items. When the user touches “15:00” among a plurality of items displayed for “start time” and “18:00” among a plurality of items displayed for “end time”, the operation terminal device 10 selects “15: 00 to 18:00” as an item (request item) of the request information. Then, “15:00 to 18:00” is displayed in the request information content column of the selection screen, in addition to “in operation” and “sweet digital”.

  Thereafter, when the user touches the “information acquisition” button display on the touch panel 19, the operation terminal device 10 includes “operational”, “sweet digital”, “15: 00 to 18” as three request information items (request items). 0:00 ”is confirmed. Then, the operation terminal device 10 generates an information disclosure request including an index associated with the three pieces of request information “in operation”, “sweet digital”, and “15:00:00 to 18:00”, and the generated information disclosure request is a game It is transmitted to the site server 12.

  18 and 19 show tables of the touch panel 19 (display unit 17) of the operation terminal device 10 when game performance data is displayed as a request result (information collection result) (# 6 in FIG. 8, S15 in FIG. 10). It is a figure which shows an example.

  FIG. 18 is a display example of game performance data (information collection result) when the operation terminal device 10 accesses the game hall server 12 with the authority for the store manager. FIG. 19 is a display example of game performance data (information collection result) when the operation terminal device 10 accesses the game hall server 12 with the authority for members. The game performance data is displayed in a table format, and data extraction conditions (that is, selected request information) “in operation”, “Amaji”, and “15:00 to 18:00” are simultaneously displayed. Thus, the disclosure range of the information disclosed (displayed) on the operation terminal device 10 is wider when the game hall server 12 is accessed with the authority for the store manager than the authority for the member (disclosed). There is a lot of information).

[Saved data deletion processing]
FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 are sequence diagrams showing the procedure of stored data deletion processing for deleting (erasing) stored data in the data storage area of the game information collection device 20. The deletion process of FIG. 20 is executed when the data amount of the data storage area of the game information collection device 20 exceeds a predetermined amount. The deletion process of FIG. 21 is executed when the amount of data in the data storage area of the game information collection device 20 exceeds the limit amount (maximum capacity). The data storage area (data storage area) may mean an individual storage unit (attribute information storage unit 32, game performance data storage unit 33), or if each storage unit is a storage area of a memory. It may mean the entire storage area.

  In S31 of FIG. 20, the game information collection device 20 determines whether or not the data amount in the data storage area exceeds a predetermined amount, and when the data amount exceeds the predetermined amount, the free space in the data storage area is small. The game storage server 12 is notified that the data storage area is compressed (data storage area compression information is transmitted). For example, the game information collection device 20 displays data storage area compression information indicating that the data storage area is compressed together with the game information collection device ID when the data amount of the game performance data storage unit 33 exceeds a predetermined amount. It transmits to the game hall server 12. The predetermined amount may be the amount of data stored for several weeks to several months when determined as a specific data amount, or when determined according to the maximum capacity of the data storage area. May be about 90% of the maximum capacity.

  Then, the game hall server 12 transfers the received data storage area compression information to the operation terminal device 10. The transfer destination operation terminal device 10 is, in particular, an operation terminal device 10-2 for a store manager and an operation terminal device 10-3 for a store (for a hall).

  Next, in S <b> 32, the operating terminal apparatus 10 that has received the data storage area compression information turns on or blinks the notification lamp 18. In S <b> 33, the operation terminal device 10 transmits a data area release instruction to the game hall server 12 based on an input to the operation input unit (touch panel 19 or the like) by the user. Then, the game hall server 12 transfers the received data area release instruction to the game information collecting apparatus 20 that has transmitted the data storage area compression information.

  After that, in S34, the game information collection device 20 that has received the data area release instruction deletes at least part of the data in the data storage area and releases (releases) at least part of the data storage area. Thereby, the capacity of the data storage area of the game information collecting device 20 can be secured. Note that the data in the data storage area is game information such as attribute information and game performance data, but the unique information of the attribute information may not be deleted because there is a possibility that a problem may occur if it is deleted.

  In S41 of FIG. 21, the game information collection device 20 determines whether or not the amount of data in the data storage area has exceeded the limit amount (maximum capacity), and informs the game hall server 12 to release the data storage area. Broadcast (transmit data area release information). For example, the game information collection device 20 provides the game area server 12 with data area release information indicating that the data storage area is to be released when the data amount of the game performance data storage unit 33 exceeds a limit amount (maximum capacity). Send to. In S42, the game information collection device 20 deletes (erases) at least a part of the data in the data storage area and releases at least a part of the data storage area.

  Then, the game hall server 12 transfers the received data area release information to the operation terminal device 10. The transfer destination operation terminal device 10 is, in particular, an operation terminal device 10-2 for a store manager and an operation terminal device 10-3 for a store (for a hall).

  Next, in S43, the operating terminal device 10 that has received the data storage area compression information turns on or blinks the notification lamp 18. Thereby, the user of the operation terminal device 10 can know that the data storage area of the game information collection device 20 has been released.

[Backup processing]
22 to 24 are diagrams illustrating backup processing in the game hall management system 100 (see FIG. 4) provided with the backup server 15 capable of providing a storage service (cloud service).

  FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the state of data communication executed as a backup process in the gaming hall management system 100.

  First, the operation terminal device 10 transmits a backup instruction for instructing backup to the backup server 15 (# 11 in FIG. 22). Here, the operation terminal device 10 is an operation terminal device 10-2 for a store manager. Then, the backup server 15 that has received the backup instruction transmits a data collection instruction for instructing data collection to all the game information collection devices 20 (# 12 in FIG. 22).

  Among the game information collection devices 20, those having data satisfying the collection conditions are collected and transmitted as backup data to the backup server 15 (# 13 in FIG. 22). The backup server 15 receives and stores data satisfying the collection conditions from the game information collection device 20, and then notifies the operation terminal device 10 that has transmitted the backup instruction of the completion of the backup processing (# 14 in FIG. 22). ).

  FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of backup processing in the gaming hall management system 100.

  In S51, the operation terminal device 10 generates and transmits a backup instruction based on the input to the user operation input unit (touch panel 19 or the like) (# 11 in FIG. 22). The backup instruction includes game information conditions (collection conditions) to be collected for backup. For example, the collection condition is a range (predetermined range) of game information to be collected, and is determined and input by the user. The range of game information to be collected includes the range of date and time acquired (known from timing information) and the type of game information (attribute information, game performance data, etc.). In addition, the range of game information to be collected is generally set so that the data for the day of data fluctuation is excluded from the backup target, but if the collected data for the day is divided by date and time, etc. If the data range does not fluctuate, it can be set within a predetermined range. Then, the backup server 15 that has received the backup instruction transmits the collection condition information to all the game information collection devices 20 by transmitting a data collection instruction including the collection condition information.

  In S <b> 52, the game information collection device 20 that has received the collection condition information determines whether or not it stores game information that meets the collection condition. Then, the game information collection device 20 (corresponding device) that stores game information (collection condition data) that matches the collection conditions stores the game information as backup data and the game information collection device 20 ID (game information collection device). The virtual game information collection device ID (backup ID) associated with the ID is transmitted to the backup server 15.

  In S53, the backup server 15 stores the received backup data (collection condition data) in a predetermined storage area. Thereafter, the backup server 15 returns a data reception completion response indicating that the reception of the backup data has been completed to the game information collection device 20.

  In S54, the game information collection device 20 erases (deletes) the collection condition data from the data storage area storing the collection condition data (backup data) for which data transmission has been completed, and releases (releases) the data storage area. ) Then, the game information collection device 20 transmits backup processing completion information indicating that the backup processing is completed to the backup server 15, and the backup server 15 further transmits backup processing completion information to the operation terminal device 10. In S <b> 55, the operating terminal device 10 that has received the backup processing completion information lights or blinks the notification lamp 18.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the concept of data storage in the backup server 15. The backup server 15 includes a communication interface that enables communication on the network 14, a processor such as a CPU as an information processing unit, and a storage unit that includes a working memory (RAM), a memory (ROM) that stores a program, and the like. A large-capacity storage device (such as a hard disk) for data backup is provided.

  The data storage area in the storage device of the backup server 15 is provided with a storage area for each store such as a store A data storage area, a store B data storage area, and a store C data storage area. For example, in the store A data storage area, backup data from the game information collection device 20 in the store A is stored in a storage region for each game information collection device 20 (corresponding to the predetermined storage region in S53). For this reason, from the outside of the backup server 15, it appears that backup data is stored in the virtual game information collection device 22 corresponding to each game information collection device 20 within the data storage area.

  The backup data is stored in a storage area associated (associated) with the ID (virtual game information collection device ID) of the virtual game information collection device 22, and is virtual from the outside of the backup server 15 (for example, the operation terminal device 10). By specifying the game information collection device ID, the backup data in the virtual game information collection device 22 having the virtual game information collection device ID can be acquired via the network 14.

  If the virtual game information collection device 22 has the same ID as the ID of the game information collection device 20 corresponding to this, there are two devices with the same ID when viewed from the outside of the backup server 15 (for example, the operation terminal device 10). End up. Therefore, the ID (virtual game information collection device ID) of the virtual game information collection device 22 is different from the ID (game information collection device ID) of the game information collection device 20 corresponding thereto. In the reference table stored in the backup server 15 or the like, if the ID of the virtual game information collection device 22 is associated with the ID of the game information collection device 20 corresponding thereto, the backup server 15 By specifying the virtual game information collection device ID from the outside (for example, the operation terminal device 10), data backup (data collection / storage processing) from a specific game information collection device 20 can be performed.

  According to the first embodiment described above, in the game hall management system 100, the game hall server 12 in the cloud environment is connected to the plurality of game information collecting means (game information collecting apparatus 20) and the operation terminal apparatus 10 via the public line 16. Communication is possible. The plurality of game information collection means are provided corresponding to each game device 25 installed in the game hall, and collect and store game result data generated by the operation of each game device 25. The operation terminal device 10 can execute display based on game performance data.

  The game information collection means (game information collection device 20) includes game result data storage means (game result data storage unit 33), attribute information storage means (attribute information storage unit 32), and transmission means (arithmetic processing unit 30 and communication processing unit). 34). The game result data storage means stores the collected game result data. The attribute information storage means attributes at least one of status information indicating the state of the gaming device, timing information indicating the occurrence time (occurrence time) of the state information, and unique information that can identify the gaming device. It can be stored as information. When the attribute information stored in the attribute information storage means is updated, the transmission means is associated with the game information collection means (game information collection device 20) that stores the updated attribute information in the game hall server 12. Then, the updated attribute information is transmitted (# 2 in FIG. 7, S5 and S6 in FIG. 9).

  The operation terminal device 10 receives an input by a user's operation, and transmits request information (request information which is a command corresponding to the input) for requesting information disclosure corresponding to the input to the game hall server 12. As a result of transmitting the request information, game result data or processed game result data is received from the game hall server 12, and display based on the game result data is executed (FIG. 10).

  The game hall server 12 includes updated attribute information storage means, search means, and game performance data acquisition means (FIGS. 8, 10 to 12). The updated attribute information storage means stores the updated attribute information transmitted from the transmission means for each game information collection means (FIGS. 11 and 12). The search means specifies game information collection means for storing updated attribute information that matches the request information (S12 in FIG. 10). The game achievement data acquisition means accesses only the game information collection means specified by the search means, and obtains game achievement data stored in the game information collection means (S12 and S14 in FIG. 10).

[Effects of First Embodiment]
According to the first embodiment, the game hall server 12 in the cloud environment can communicate with a plurality of game information collection means (game information collection device 20) via the public line 16. Therefore, the game management device is not required in the game hall (store), and the game hall management system 100 can be constructed at low cost.

  According to the first embodiment, the game hall server 12 can specify game information collection means for storing updated attribute information that conforms to request information for requesting information disclosure, and only to the specified game information collection means. It is possible to access and acquire game result data stored in the game information collecting means. Accordingly, the game result data is stored only in the game information collection means (game information collection device 20) in the game hall (store), and is transmitted from the game information collection means to the game hall server 12 only when necessary. Therefore, it is possible to construct a management system 100 for a game arcade that is light in communication load and suitable for operation. Further, the capacity of the storage unit of the game hall server 12 can be small, and the apparatus cost can be reduced. Thus, in the game hall management system 100, the communication load can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

  According to the first embodiment, the game hall server 12 processes the game performance data acquired from the game information collection means (game information collection device 20), generates display data in a predetermined display format, and operates the operation terminal. The device 10 may execute display based on game performance data by receiving display data from the game hall server 12. In this case, the operation terminal device 10 can acquire information corresponding to the information disclosure request (request information) only by receiving the display data, and the operation terminal device 10 has a high performance data processing function. There is no need.

  According to the first embodiment, the game hall server 12 transmits the game result data acquired from the game information collecting means (game information collecting device 20) to the operation terminal device 10 as it is, and the operation terminal device 10 is used for the game hall. Display based on game performance data may be executed by generating display data in a predetermined display format from game performance data received from the server. In this case, not only the load on the game hall server 12 is reduced, but a display that matches the specifications of the operation terminal device 10 is executed by installing a terminal-dedicated application corresponding to information disclosure on the operation terminal device 10 side. Information can be received in a form in which the user (user) can more easily understand the information.

  According to the first embodiment, the game information collection means (game information collection device 20) can be connected to the public line 16 by wireless communication. Therefore, the wiring processing in the game island and the store where the game information collecting means is installed becomes unnecessary, and the facility work becomes inexpensive.

  According to the first embodiment, the game information collection means (game information collection device 20) includes a storage area (data storage area) capable of storing game information including at least one of game performance data and attribute information ( FIG. 6). The game information collection means (game information collection device 20) has notification means for notifying the operation terminal device 10 when the game information stored in the storage area exceeds a predetermined amount, and in response to an instruction from the operation terminal device 10 Based on this, at least a part of the game information stored in the storage area may be deleted to release the storage area (FIG. 20). Even when there is no instruction from the operation terminal device 10, when the game information stored in the storage area reaches the limit amount, at least a part of the game information stored in the storage area is deleted, and the storage area is It may be released (FIG. 21). In this case, it is not necessary to secure a storage area (data storage area) of the game information collection means more than necessary, and the storage capacity of the storage area can be saved, so that the cost of the game information collection means can be reduced. In addition, since the data storage area can be automatically secured even if there is no instruction for securing the storage area from the operation terminal device 10, not only the system operation can be continued but also the user's trouble can be saved.

  According to the first embodiment, the operation terminal device 10 stores information on a predetermined range of game information that can be stored in the storage area of the game information collection means (game information collection device 20) on the day based on a user operation input. May be determined (S51 in FIG. 23). Then, the game information collection means includes a predetermined range of game information and backup identification information (virtual game information collection apparatus ID) associated with the identification information (game information collection apparatus ID) of the game information collection means. The data may be transmitted to the backup storage destination (backup server 15) in the cloud environment via the public line 16 (S52 in FIG. 23, FIG. 24), and the game information in a predetermined range may be deleted from the storage area after the transmission ends (FIG. 23, S54). In this case, since the game information and the backup identification information are moved to the backup storage destination (backup server 15) in the cloud environment, it is not stored in the game information collecting means using the data of this backup storage destination. Data can also be acquired for past game information. In addition, since it is common to divide the current day data from the past data, an example of determining (setting) the predetermined range excluding the current day is shown. If the data is stored in a divided storage area that does not fluctuate the data, a part of the data of the day can be set within a predetermined range.

[Second Embodiment]
With reference to FIG. 25 to FIG. 29, the management system 100 for a game arcade according to the second embodiment and its processing will be described. In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the game hall server 12 does not store attribute information (state information, timing information, and unique information). For this reason, the storage capacity of the game hall server 12 can be further reduced, and the device cost can be further reduced. Configurations other than those described below may be the same as those in the first embodiment. For example, in the second embodiment, the stored data deleting process and the backup process described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the state of data communication executed as occasional processing in the management system 100 for amusement hall according to the second embodiment.

  As in the first embodiment, the gaming device 25 transmits a signal related to game performance data to the game information collecting device 20 whenever necessary, whenever information related to game performance data to be transmitted occurs (# 21 in FIG. 25). Since the game hall server 12 does not store the attribute information related to the gaming device 25, the attribute information is used as an occasional process to be executed as needed, unlike the first embodiment (# 2 in FIG. 7). Do not send to.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining a state of data communication executed as an interrupt process in the management system 100 for amusement hall according to the second embodiment.

  First, the operation terminal device 10 transmits the request information itself or an information disclosure request including an index indicating the request information to the game hall server 12 (# 22 in FIG. 26). In the second embodiment, the request information for identifying the type of information disclosure request indicates the type of information requested from the game information collection device 20 and corresponds to any game information in the game information collection device 20. The game information includes attribute information related to the gaming device 25 and game performance data. Then, the game hall server 12 transmits the request information all at once (simultaneously) to all the game information collection devices 20 (# 23 in FIG. 26). For example, the request information is transmitted to the game information collection device 20 as an index corresponding to the request information.

  When the game information collection device 20 receives the request information, the game information collection device 20 determines whether or not the game information collection device 20 has game information corresponding (adapted) to the request information (index). Then, the game information collecting device 20 (corresponding device) determined to have game information corresponding (adapted) to the request information (index) transmits the game information to the game hall server 12 (FIG. 26). # 24). As described above, the game information collection device 20 does not transmit the game information to the game hall server 12 unless the request information is received, so the data transmission amount of the game information collection device 20 decreases.

  The game hall server 12 that has received the game information from the game information collection device 20 (applicable device) processes the game information and transmits it to the operation terminal device 10 as a request result (# 25 in FIG. 26).

  FIG. 27 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure of an ad hoc process (an ad hoc operation) that is executed as needed in the game hall management system 100 according to the second embodiment.

  In S <b> 61, the gaming device 25 transmits a signal related to game performance data to the gaming information collecting device 20 in accordance with the operation of the gaming device 25 and the change in the state of the gaming device 25. The signal related to the game performance data is a signal corresponding to the game performance data itself, or a signal for the game information collecting device 20 to obtain game performance data (such as entering balls, playing balls, number of special prizes, payment).

  Next, in S62, the game information collection device 20 receives a signal related to game performance data and updates the game information. Note that the update of game information means update of game performance data and status information, and recording of timing information.

  FIG. 28 is a sequence diagram showing an interrupt process (interrupt operation) when the operation terminal device 10 issues an information disclosure request for receiving an information disclosure service in the gaming center management system 100 of the second embodiment. is there.

  In S <b> 71, the operation terminal device 10 selects at least one item of request information (request item) displayed in a menu or the like in response to an input by a user operation to the operation input unit. The request information item (request item) corresponds to one of the game information. Then, the operating terminal device 10 generates an information disclosure request including the request information itself or an index associated with the request information, and transmits the generated information disclosure request to the game hall server 12. Then, the game hall server 12 transmits an information disclosure request including request information (which may be an index) to all the game information collection devices 20 all at once (simultaneously).

  In S72, when the game information collection device 20 receives the request information (index), the game information collection device 20 determines whether or not the game information collection device 20 has game information corresponding to (matching) the request information. The game information collection device 20 that does not have game information corresponding to the request information does not respond and ends the process. On the other hand, the game information collection device 20 (corresponding device) determined to have the game information corresponding to the request information returns the game information to the game hall server 12.

  In S73, when the game hall server 12 receives the game information from the game information collection device 20 (corresponding device), the game hall server 12 determines that the response is normal and executes the process. If there is no response, the data is urged to be retransmitted. This predetermined time is a time-out process. By the timeout process, the game hall server 12 aborts the process received from the game information collection device 20 when the game information is not received within the predetermined time. Then, the game hall server 12 transmits the processing result of the received game information to the operation terminal device 10 as a request result. Here, the game information process includes a process of processing the game information into display data that can be displayed on the display unit 17 of the operation terminal device 10.

  In S74, the operation terminal device 10 displays the processed game information as a request result on the display unit 17 (display screen).

  FIG. 29 shows the data stored in the operation terminal device 10, the game hall server 12, and the game information collection device 20 in the game hall management system 100 in relation to the ad hoc processing and interrupt processing in FIGS. 25 to 28. It is a figure which shows an outline. Hereinafter, differences from FIG. 11 of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  The operation terminal device 10 stores in advance a table (association information) that associates request information (request item) with an index as information about the index in a memory (ROM or the like). Note that, unlike FIG. 11, the operation terminal device 10 also stores a table (association information) that associates request information related to game performance data with an index (game performance data index) in a memory (ROM or the like) in advance.

  The game hall server 12 stores in advance a table (association information) associating the index with the request information as information about the index in a memory (ROM or the like). For this reason, the game hall server 12 can recognize the request information from the operation terminal device 10 as an index. Unlike FIG. 11, the game hall server 12 stores in advance a table (association information) for associating request information regarding game performance data with an index (game performance data index) in a memory (ROM, etc.). . On the other hand, unlike FIG. 11, the game hall server 12 does not store the same attribute information (attribute information related to the game device 25) that the game information collection device 20 stores.

  For example, the game hall server 12 can request game information from the game information collection device 20 using an index corresponding to the request information. The game information collection device 20 determines whether or not the game information collection device 20 has game information corresponding to (adapting to) the index. Then, the game information collection device 20 that has been determined that the game information collection device 20 has game information corresponding to (adapts to) the index transmits the game information to the game hall server 12.

  As described above, the operation terminal device 10 and the game hall server 12 have not only the request information (index) related to the attribute information but also the request information (index) related to the game performance data, so that the game information collecting device can be efficiently performed. Information acquisition from 20 is possible.

[Effects of Second Embodiment]
According to the second embodiment, the operation terminal device 10, the game hall server 12, and the plurality of game information collection means recognize request information for identifying the type of information disclosure request by input to the operation terminal device 10 ( FIG. 29). The game hall server 12 transmits the request information received from the operation terminal device 10 to a plurality of game information collection means (game information collection device 20) simultaneously (FIGS. 26 and 28). When it is determined that the game information collecting means stores game information that matches the request information, the game information collecting means stores game information that matches the request information among the game information stored in the game information collection means. It transmits to the server 12 (FIGS. 26 and 28).

  Therefore, in addition to the operational effects of the first embodiment, communication processing via the network 14 is not performed except when the operation terminal device 10 collects game information by transmitting request information (information disclosure request). The communication load is extremely reduced. In addition, since only the game information collecting means that stores the game information that matches the request information transmits the game information, the communication load is extremely reduced, and data communication is quickly performed to the operation terminal device 10 side.

  Moreover, since the second embodiment may have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment other than those described, the effects of the first embodiment are also achieved.

[Third Embodiment]
With reference to FIGS. 30 to 36, the management system 100 for a game arcade according to the third embodiment and its processing will be described. In the third embodiment, the game hall server 12 in the cloud environment has the same game information data as the game information collection device 20 (for example, attribute information data (timing information and status information) regarding the game device 25, game performance data, sales The present invention relates to a technique for checking a data inconsistency due to data omission, data error, or the like when saving information. That is, there is a possibility that data inconsistency may occur when game information is transmitted from the game information collection device 20 to the game hall server 12 via the cloud (public line 16, Internet). In the third embodiment, The consistency of the game information data stored in the game information collecting device 20 and the game hall server 12 can be maintained. Configurations other than those described below may be the same as those in the first embodiment. The third embodiment can also be applied to maintain consistency of game information data stored in the game information collection device 20 and the backup server 15 by using the backup server 15 instead of the game hall server 12.

  FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining a state of data communication that is executed as needed as occasional processing in the management system 100 for game halls according to the third embodiment.

  An operating game device 25 that has generated information related to game information to be transmitted (game result data and the like) transmits a signal related to game information to the game information collection device 20 each time (# 31 in FIG. 30). Then, the game information collection device 20 transmits game information (attribute information and game performance data) to the game hall server 12 (# 32 in FIG. 30). The game hall server 12 stores the transmitted game information in the storage unit. Unlike the first embodiment, the game hall server 12 also stores game performance data.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining the state of data communication executed as the consistency check process in the gaming hall management system 100 according to the third embodiment. The game information collection device 20 may perform the consistency check process every time the game information is transmitted to the game hall server 12, or may perform the consistency check process periodically at predetermined time intervals.

  The game information collection device 20 (game information collection device 20 that has been operated) that has transmitted the game information to the game hall server 12 reads game information within a predetermined range from the game hall server 12 (# 33 in FIG. 31). Subsequently, the game information collection device 20 determines whether or not the game information read from the game hall server 12 matches the game information stored in the game information collection device 20 (whether or not they match).

  When the game information collection device 20 determines that the game information read from the game hall server 12 and the game information stored in the game information collection device 20 do not match, the game information collection device 20 replays the mismatched game information to the game hall server 12. Transmit (# 34 in FIG. 31).

  FIG. 32 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure of an ad hoc process (an ad hoc operation) that is executed as needed in the management system 100 for amusement hall according to the third embodiment.

  In S <b> 81, the gaming device 25 transmits a signal related to gaming information to the gaming information collecting device 20 in accordance with the operation of the gaming device 25 and the change in the device state of the gaming device 25. Next, in S82, the game information collection device 20 receives the game information, processes it if necessary, and saves and updates the game information in various storage units. Further, the game information collection device 20 transmits game information to the game hall server 12. Next, in S83, the game hall server 12 receives the game information, and saves and updates it in the storage area corresponding to the ID of the game information collection device 20 that has transmitted the game information. If there is no data omission or error, the game hall server 12 stores the same game information as the game information collection device 20 stores.

  FIG. 33 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure of consistency check processing executed in the gaming hall management system 100 according to the third embodiment. In this example, data consistency of a predetermined range of individual game information is checked.

  In S91, the game information collection device 20 starts a data check for checking data consistency. In S92, the game information collection device 20 determines whether or not the game information has been updated. When the update process of S82 is executed, it can be determined that the game information has been updated. When the game information is updated, the game information collection device 20 requests the game hall server 12 to transmit game information within a predetermined range of the game information corresponding to the ID of the game information collection device 20. To do.

  Next, in S <b> 93, the game hall server 12 prepares the aforementioned predetermined range of game information in response to a request from the game information collection device 20 and transmits it to the game information collection device 20. In S94, the game information collecting apparatus 20 compares the transmitted predetermined range of game information with the predetermined range of game information stored by itself. Here, individual game information is compared one by one. For example, the predetermined range is the latest game information for one day that can be extracted by timing information or the like, and includes updated game information. When there is a difference between the game information in the predetermined range read from the game hall server 12 and the game information in the predetermined range stored in the game information collection device 20 (when they do not match), the game information collection device 20 The game information stored in a predetermined range is retransmitted to the game hall server 12.

  Next, in S95, the game hall server 12 stores the predetermined range of game information retransmitted from the game information collection device 20 in a storage area corresponding to the ID of the game information collection device 20 that has transmitted this game information. The stored contents of the storage area are updated. In this way, the consistency between the game information stored in the game information collection device 20 and the game information stored in the game hall server 12 can be maintained.

  FIG. 34 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the consistency check processing procedure executed in the management system 100 for game halls according to the third embodiment. In this example, the consistency of game information data is simply checked by calculating an error detection value (error detection code) such as a checksum for a predetermined range.

  In S101, the game information collection device 20 that has updated the game information starts data check for checking data consistency. Then, the game information collection device 20 requests the game hall server 12 to transmit an error detection value for game information within a predetermined range of game information corresponding to the ID of the game information collection device 20. The error detection value (check detection value) is an error detection code calculated according to a predetermined rule from the data value of game information in a predetermined range for data error detection (data check), and is, for example, a checksum. Subsequently, in S102, the game information collection device 20 calculates an error detection value (error detection code) from the data value of the game information within a predetermined range stored by itself.

  Next, in S103, the game hall server 12 calculates an error detection value from the data value of the game information in the predetermined range described above in response to a request from the game information collection device 20, and transmits the error detection value to the game information collection device 20. To do. In S104, the game information collection device 20 compares the error detection value transmitted from the game hall server 12 with the error detection value calculated as described above for a predetermined range of game information stored by itself. . For example, the predetermined range is the latest game information for one day that can be extracted by the timing information. When there is a difference between the error detection value transmitted from the game hall server 12 and the error detection value calculated by the game information collection device 20 (when they do not match), the game information collection device 20 stores it. The game information in a predetermined range is retransmitted to the game hall server 12.

  Next, in S105, the game hall server 12 saves a predetermined range of game information retransmitted from the game information collection device 20 in a storage area corresponding to the ID of the game information collection device 20 that transmitted the game information. Then, the storage contents of the storage area are updated. In this way, the consistency between the game information stored in the game information collection device 20 and the game information stored in the game hall server 12 can be maintained.

  Since the data transmitted and received between the game information collection device 20 and the game hall server 12 is not individual game information data but error detection values (error detection codes), the game information collection device 20 and the game hall server 12 The amount of data communication between them decreases, and consistency check processing becomes possible at high speed.

  FIG. 35 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of data storage of the game information collection device 20, and among the game information stored in the game information collection device 20, the predetermined range to be subjected to the consistency check process is defined as R1 ( It is illustrated as a box on the right dotted line). The game information here includes attribute information (timing information and status information), game performance data, and sales information. In addition, the sales information includes a mode type according to the store operation of the amusement hall, such as a sales mode that is in operation, a closing mode when the store is closed, and a test mode that is being tested. The predetermined range R1 is a part of the game result data stored in the game information collection device 20, and is the latest one day of game result data that can be extracted by the timing information.

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the stored data deletion process executed when the game information collection device 20 completes the consistency check process (FIGS. 33 and 34).

  In S111, it is determined whether or not the free space in the data storage area of the game information collection device 20 is below a predetermined value. The data storage area may mean an individual storage unit (attribute information storage unit 32, game performance data storage unit 33), or if the individual storage unit is a storage area of one memory, the entire storage area. It may mean.

  In S112, a data storage area to be released by the game information collection device 20 is designated. The data storage area to be released is a data storage area that stores a predetermined range of game information subjected to the consistency check process. In S113, game information (data) within a predetermined range in the data storage area is deleted and released.

  After the consistency check process, the game area server 12 stores the game information in a predetermined range transmitted (retransmitted) from the game information collection device 20 in an error-free state. Is deleted (erased). The data storage area of the game information collection device 20 can be used effectively.

[Effects of Third Embodiment]
According to the third embodiment, the game hall server 12 includes individual storage means for storing game information in association with a plurality of game information collection means (game information collection device 20) (FIGS. 11 and 12). . The game information collection means reads the game information stored in the individual storage means (FIGS. 11 and 12) corresponding to the game information collection means from the game hall server 12, and stores the game information stored by itself and the read game information. The consistency is determined (S94 in FIG. 33). The game information collection means transmits the game information stored by itself to the game hall server 12 when consistency is not achieved (FIGS. 31 and 33). When the game hall server 12 receives game information from the game information collection means, it updates the stored contents of the individual storage means corresponding to the game information collection means based on the received game information (S95 in FIG. 33).

  Therefore, even when the game information collection means (game information collection device 20) and the game information data of the game hall server 12 are not consistent, it is possible to take measures to ensure consistency. And in the management system 100 for game halls using the public line 16, the reliability of the data regarding game information can be improved.

  According to the third embodiment, unlike the prior art, the game management device is not required in the game hall (store), and the game hall management system 100 can be constructed at low cost. Even when the game management device does not exist in the game hall (store), the game information collection means (game information collection device 20) has game information stored by itself, so that the game information collection means and the game hall server 12, the consistency of the game information data can be confirmed.

  According to the third embodiment, the game hall server 12 itself does not determine the data consistency, and a plurality of game information collection means (game information collection device 20) can be divided into data consistency by distributed processing. Processing is performed when the consistency is not determined. For this reason, the processing speed of the consistency check process is improved as the entire management system 100 for amusement hall.

  According to the third embodiment, the game information collection means (game information collection device 20) performs the consistency check such as the consistency determination only when the game information is updated (S92 in FIG. 33). For example, when the gaming device 25 is not in operation, the gaming information collecting means connected to the gaming device 25 has not updated the gaming information, so that the gaming information collecting means connected to the gaming device 25 operating on that day and the game room It is only necessary to confirm the consistency of game information data with the server 12. In this way, data transmission / reception between the game information collecting means and the game hall server 12 is only necessary, and the load on the network 14 is reduced, and even in a cloud environment using the public line 16, a predetermined amount can be obtained. The consistency check process can be completed in time. If the consistency check process is performed within a predetermined range including the updated game information, the amount of data transmitted and received between the game information collecting means and the game hall server 12 is further reduced, and the load on the network 14 can be further reduced. .

  According to the third embodiment, the game information collecting means (game information collecting apparatus 20) is adapted to play game information within a predetermined range among the game information stored in the individual storage means corresponding to the game information collecting means from the game hall server 12. The error detection value may be read. The game information collecting means calculates an error detection value for a predetermined range of game information stored by itself, compares the calculated error detection value with the read error detection value, and if both error detection values are different. A predetermined range of game information stored by the player may be transmitted to the game hall server. In this case, since the game information data itself is not compared, the amount of data communication between the game information collecting means and the game hall server 12 becomes very small. For this reason, communication processing suitable for practical use is possible even in a cloud environment, and higher-speed consistency check processing can be realized.

  According to the third embodiment, the game information collection means (game information collection device 20) may delete the game information after transmitting the game information stored therein to the game hall server 12 (FIG. 36). In this case, the storage area (data storage area) of the game information collection means can be used effectively.

[Fourth Embodiment]
With reference to FIGS. 37 to 40, the management system 100 for a game arcade according to the fourth embodiment and its processing will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the game site server 12 in the cloud environment stores the same game information data as the game information collection device 20 (for example, attribute information data and game performance data related to the game device 25) as in the third embodiment. The present invention relates to a technique for taking measures against data loss when trying to do so. That is, there is a possibility that data loss may occur when game information is transmitted from the game information collection device 20 to the game hall server 12 via the cloud (public line 16, Internet). By correcting (repairing) the omission, the consistency of the game information data stored in the game information collecting device 20 and the game hall server 12 is maintained. Configurations other than those described below may be the same as those in the first embodiment or the third embodiment. The fourth embodiment also uses the backup server 15 instead of the game hall server 12 to correct (repair) data omission of game information data stored in the game information collection device 20 and the backup server 15. Applicable.

  FIG. 37 is a diagram for explaining the state of data communication that is executed as needed as occasional processing in the management system 100 for game halls according to the fourth embodiment.

  An operating gaming device 25 that has generated information relating to game information to be transmitted (such as game record data) transmits a signal relating to game information to the game information collecting device 20 each time (# 41 in FIG. 37). Then, the game information collection device 20 transmits game information (attribute information and game performance data) and unique information associated with the game information to the game hall server 12 (# 42 in FIG. 37). The game hall server 12 stores the transmitted game information and unique information in the storage unit. Unlike the first embodiment, the game hall server 12 also stores game performance data.

  The unique information is information that is associated with the game information collected by the game information collection device 20 and can identify the game information. The unique information includes the ID of the game information collection device 20 (game information collection device ID) and other information. For example, the unique information is a combination of the ID of the game information collection device 20 and timing information (the acquisition time of the game information), or the ID of the game information collection device 20 and a serial number (number given in the order of acquisition of game information). Is a combination.

  FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining the state of data communication executed as data loss check processing in the gaming hall management system 100 according to the fourth embodiment. The game information collection device 20 may perform data loss check processing every time game information is transmitted to the game hall server 12, or may periodically perform data loss check processing at predetermined time intervals.

  The game information collection device 20 (game information collection device 20 that has been operated) that has transmitted the game information to the game hall server 12 reads the unique information from the game hall server 12 (# 43 in FIG. 38). Subsequently, the game information collection device 20 determines whether or not the unique information read from the game hall server 12 matches the unique information stored in the game information collection device 20 (whether or not they match).

  The game information collection device 20 is associated with the unique information that does not match when it is determined that the unique information read from the game hall server 12 and the unique information stored in the game information collection device 20 do not match (does not match). The game information is retransmitted to the game hall server 12 (# 44 in FIG. 38).

  FIG. 39 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure of an ad hoc process (an ad hoc operation) that is executed as needed in the gaming hall management system 100 according to the fourth embodiment.

  In S <b> 121, the gaming device 25 transmits a signal related to gaming information to the gaming information collecting device 20 in accordance with the operation of the gaming device 25 or a change in the state of the gaming device 25. Next, in S122, the game information collection device 20 receives the game information, executes a predetermined process if necessary, and stores and updates the game information in various storage units. Furthermore, in S123, the game information collection device 20 generates unique information, and transmits the game information and the unique information to the game hall server 12. Next, the game hall server 12 receives the game information and the unique information, and saves and updates it in the storage area corresponding to the ID of the game information collection device 20 that has transmitted the game information. If there is no data omission or error, the game hall server 12 stores the same unique information that the game information collection device 20 stores.

  FIG. 40 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the procedure of the data loss check process executed in the management system for game hall 100 according to the fourth embodiment. In this example, using the unique information, the lack of data in the game hall server 12 is checked for a predetermined range of game information.

  In S131, the game information collection device 20 starts a data check for checking for missing data. In S132, the game information collection device 20 determines whether or not the game information has been updated. When the update process of S122 is executed, it can be determined that the game information has been updated. When the game information is updated, the game information collection device 20 requests the game hall server 12 to transmit unique information within a predetermined range among the unique information corresponding to the ID of the game information collection device 20. To do.

  Next, in S <b> 133, the game hall server 12 prepares the above-mentioned predetermined range of unique information in response to a request from the game information collection device 20 and transmits it to the game information collection device 20. In S134, the game information collection device 20 compares the transmitted unique information within the predetermined range with the unique information within the predetermined range stored by itself. Here, each unique information is compared one by one. For example, the predetermined range is unique information for the latest one day. When there is a difference between the unique information in the predetermined range read from the game hall server 12 and the unique information in the predetermined range stored in the game information collection device 20 (in the case of mismatch), the game information collection device 20 The game information stored in a predetermined range is retransmitted to the game hall server 12. Note that the unique information corresponding to the game information may be retransmitted.

  Next, in S135, the game hall server 12 stores the game information in a predetermined range retransmitted from the game information collection device 20 in a storage area corresponding to the ID of the game information collection device 20 that transmitted the game information. . In this way, it is possible to correct (repair) data omission of game information stored in the game hall server 12.

  Also in the fourth embodiment, when the game information collection device 20 completes the data missing check process (FIG. 40), the stored data deletion process of FIG. 36 is executed. However, in S113 of FIG. 36, the data storage area to be deleted (released) by the game information collection device 20 is a predetermined range of unique information that has been subject to data loss check processing and game information associated with this unique information. Is a data storage area in which and are stored.

[Effects of Fourth Embodiment]
According to the fourth embodiment, the game hall server 12 includes individual storage means for storing game information in association with a plurality of game information collection means (game information collection device 20) (FIGS. 11 and 12). . The individual storage means stores unique information associated with the game information collected by the game information collection means and capable of identifying the game information (S124 in FIG. 39). The game information collecting means reads the unique information stored in the individual storage means corresponding to the game information collecting means from the game hall server 12, and determines the consistency between the unique information stored by itself and the read unique information (FIG. 40 S134). The game information collection means transmits game information corresponding to the unique information stored in the game hall server to the game hall server when the consistency is not achieved (S134 in FIG. 40).

  Therefore, in the consistency determination, only the unique information from the game hall server 12 and the unique information stored in the game information collecting means can be compared to check for missing data. Therefore, the data of the information to be compared in the consistency determination The amount is small. For this reason, the data missing check process can be executed at a very high speed.

  Moreover, since the configuration of the fourth embodiment may be the same as that of the third embodiment other than those described, the effects of the third embodiment are also achieved.

[Modification]
In each of the first to fourth embodiments, a modification in which the function of the game hall server 12 is incorporated in the operation terminal device (information terminal) 10 is also possible. That is, when the operation terminal device 10 becomes high performance, the data processing of the game hall server 12 may be executed by the operation terminal device 10.

  In particular, in a small and medium-sized game store (store), since it is not necessary to manage data of a plurality of stores, such a simple management system 100 for a game hall is desired. In addition, if such a small and medium-sized store is changed to a management format for a plurality of stores, it is possible to provide a wider management format by moving the data of the operation terminal device 10 to a newly provided server. It becomes possible.

  Specifically, in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 7-10, 13, 20-22, 25, 26, 28, 30-34, and 37-40. The game hall server 12 is replaced with the operation terminal device 10, and signals (information disclosure request (request information), processing result (process information) between the operation terminal device 10 and the game hall server 12 via the public line 16 in these drawings are displayed. If the signal (such as the request result) is regarded as an internal signal of the operation terminal device 10, this modification can be realized.

  In this modified example, the game hall server 12 is not required, so that a simpler game hall management system can be constructed. In addition, since the data processing execution means relating to game information is on the data processing side via the cloud (such as the operation terminal device 10), there is no need for the game store (store) side to be particularly aware of the system change on the cloud side, Cloud operators can select more optimal system changes.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the technical idea, and it is obvious that these are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. It is. For example, a combination of the embodiments is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Operation terminal device 12 Game hall server 14 Network 15 Backup server 16 Public line 18 Notification lamp 19 Touch panel 20 Game information collection device 22 Virtual game information collection device 25 Game device 100 Game hall management system

Claims (3)

A plurality of game information collecting means for collecting and storing game information for each gaming device, each provided corresponding to each gaming device installed in the game hall;
In a game hall management system comprising a game hall server in a cloud environment capable of communicating with the plurality of game information collecting means via a public line,
The game hall server is:
An individual storage means for storing the game information in association with the plurality of game information collection means individually;
The game information collecting means includes
The game information stored by the individual storage means in association with the game information collection means is read from the game hall server,
Determine the consistency between the game information stored by itself and the read game information, and if the consistency is not achieved, send the game information stored by itself to the server for the game hall,
The game hall server is:
When the game information is received from the game information collection means, the game content management system updates the stored contents of the individual storage means corresponding to the game information collection means based on the received game information. A plurality of game information collecting means for collecting and storing game information for each gaming device, each provided corresponding to each gaming device installed in the game hall;
In a game hall management system comprising a game hall server in a cloud environment capable of communicating with the plurality of game information collecting means via a public line,
The game hall server is:
An individual storage means for storing the game information in association with the plurality of game information collection means individually;
The game information collecting means includes
An error detection value for game information within a predetermined range of the game information stored in association with the game information collecting means by the individual storage means is read from the game hall server,
Calculate an error detection value for the predetermined range of game information stored by itself, compare the calculated error detection value with the read error detection value,
When both error detection values are different, the game information of the predetermined range stored by itself is transmitted to the game hall server,
The game hall server is:
When the game information is received from the game information collection means, the game content management system updates the stored contents of the individual storage means corresponding to the game information collection means based on the received game information. The game information collecting means includes
3. The game hall management system according to claim 1, wherein the game information stored in the game hall can be erased after the game information stored therein is transmitted to the game hall server.

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