JP2002149892A - Network system of game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network system of a game machine capable of grasping a use situation of pachinko machines outside a pachinko hall. SOLUTION: A plurality of pachinko machines 1, 1, etc., provided with an output control part 12 and a host computer 2 receiving the 'number of prize balls' and the 'number of non-prize balls' transmitted from the pachinko machines 1, 1, etc., and adding predetermined address data to these data to transmit the data to the outside are connected with the network system S1, and an external server 3 is connected with the host computer 2. The external server 3 receiving the 'number of prize balls' and the 'number of non-prize balls' calculates the 'number of used balls' and 'amount corresponding to use' based on the 'number of prize balls' and the 'number of non-prize balls'.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine network system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A pachinko machine is used in a state of being installed on an island facility in a pachinko hall. The use status (operating status) of the installed pachinko machine has been grasped by the number of game balls returned from the pachinko machine to the island facility.

[0003]

However, according to the above-mentioned method, it is not possible to grasp the usage status of the pachinko machine outside the pachinko hall. Also, it has been difficult to tabulate the usage status of pachinko machines in a plurality of pachinko halls such as affiliated halls. Therefore, between pachinko machine manufacturers and pachinko hall managers, etc.,
The company was unable to conclude a pachinko machine lease contract based on usage.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to be able to grasp the use status of a gaming machine outside the installation location, and to easily sum up the usage status of the gaming machine at a plurality of gaming machine installation stores, It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine network system capable of entering into a gaming machine leasing contract based on usage conditions between a gaming machine manufacturer and a manager of a gaming machine installation shop.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine having transmission control means for transmitting usage status information, and a plurality of such gaming machines. A computer that receives the usage status information transmitted from the device, attaches the predetermined usage address data to the usage status information, and transmits the data to the outside, is connected, and the predetermined address data is attached to the computer. An external server that receives usage information is connected,
When the external server receives the usage status information, the external server calculates related information based on the usage status information. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the external server attaches predetermined address data to the calculated related information and returns the information to the computer. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the computer pays the gaming machine lease fee to the external server based on the related information returned from the external server. is there. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the gaming machine automatically encrypts the use state information and transmits the information to the outside. According to the configuration of the invention described in claim 5, in the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 4, a storage device for storing usage status information and a portable communication terminal can be connected to the gaming machine. The portable communication terminal is provided with a transmission port for transmitting usage status information stored in a storage device. Note that the mobile communication terminal is a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone or PHS (registered trademark), or a communication device suitable for being carried, such as various mobile devices. The configuration of the invention described in claim 6 is the configuration of claim 1, claim 2,
In the invention described in claim 3 or claim 5,
The host computer calculates the related information based on the usage information transmitted from the gaming machine, and notifies when the related information is different from the related information returned from the external server. The configuration of the invention described in claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the usage information is the number of non-winning balls and the number of winning balls, and the related information is And / or the corresponding use amount obtained by the following formula b. a. Number of balls used = Number of non-winning balls + Number of winning balls b. Usage amount = Number of balls used x p + q (however, p and q are preset constants)

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a network system for a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a network system according to a first embodiment. The network system S1 includes a pachinko machine 1 installed in a pachinko hall,
1 and the host computer 2 are connected via the electric wiring 19, and the host computers 2, 2... Of the respective pachinko halls A, B and C and the external server 3 installed in the manufacturer of the pachinko machine 1 are telephoned. It is configured by connecting via a line 20 (via a public network such as the Internet). It should be noted that between the pachinko machine 1 manufacturer and the pachinko halls A, B, C, the pachinko machine 1, 1.
・ Leasing contracts based on the usage status of the property have been concluded.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the front and back of the pachinko machine 1, respectively. Slightly above the center of the front of the machine of the pachinko machine 1, various prize devices 4, 4
A game area 6 is provided with nails 5, 5,..., And at the lower end of the game area 6, an out port 7 for collecting out balls (non-winning balls) is provided. . An out ball detecting device 8 is provided inside the out port 7.
Is installed. On the other hand, on the upper center of the back of the machine,
A game ball tank 9 for stocking game balls replenished from the island equipment is installed. On the lower right side of the game ball tank 9, the game balls in the game ball tank 9 are used as rental balls or prize balls. A game ball payout device 10 for paying out is provided. And at the lower end of the game ball payout device 10,
A game ball detection device 11 for detecting the number of game balls to be paid out as loaned balls and prize balls is provided. In addition, slightly below the center of the back of the machine, pachinko machine 1
A control device 18 for controlling the operation of the game device is provided. On the lower right side of the control device 18, a winning ball detecting device 13 for detecting a game ball which has won the winning devices 4, 4,... ing. A connection terminal 26 for connecting to an external electronic device such as a computer is provided on the upper right side of the back of the machine base.
Is provided.

FIG. 4 shows a control mechanism of each of the pachinko machines 1, 1,... Control device 18 of pachinko machine 1
Are storage means 14, arithmetic means 15, data conversion means 1
6, a timer 17, etc., and an out-ball detecting device 8,
It is connected to the game ball detecting device 11, the winning ball detecting device 13, and the like. In addition, the control device 18 is connected to the output control unit 12 serving as transmission control means.
2 is connected to the connection terminal 26. The connection terminal 26 is connected to the host computer 2 by the electric wiring 19 (see FIG. 1).

FIG. 5 shows a control mechanism of the host computer 2. The control device 58 of the host computer 2 has a data conversion means 59, a storage means 60, and a calculation means 61, Are connected to a display means 62 capable of displaying various data, an input means 63 capable of inputting with a keyboard, and the like. The control device 58 includes
A transmission / reception control unit 64 for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from the outside is connected. Then, the transmission / reception control unit 64 controls the electric wiring 1
9 are connected to the pachinko machines 1, 1... And to an external server 3 via a telephone line 20.

FIG. 6 shows a control mechanism of the external server 3. The control device 32 of the external server 3 has a storage unit 27, a calculation unit 21, and the like, and is connected to a display unit 22 that can display various data on a screen, an input unit 23 that can be input by a keyboard, and the like. . Further, the control device 32 includes a transmission / reception control unit 2 for transmitting / receiving a signal.
The transmission / reception control unit 24 is connected to each of the host computers 2, 2,... Via the telephone line 20.

Hereinafter, the operation of the network system S1 will be described.

Each of the pachinko machines 1, 1,..., When a game ball wins in each of the winning devices 4, 4,.
The winning balls are detected by the winning ball detecting device 13, and the accumulated number of the detected winning balls is stored in the storage unit 14 as "number of winning balls" as "usage information". And
Each time a winning ball is detected, the “number of winning balls” is updated and stored in the storage unit 14 together with data on the date and time of detection. On the other hand, when the launched game ball does not win the winning devices 4, 4,... And flows down to the out mouth 7, the non-winning ball is detected by the out-ball detecting device 8, and the detected non-winning ball is detected. Is stored in the storage unit 14 as the “number of non-winning balls” that is “use status information”. Then, every time a non-winning ball is detected, the “number of non-winning balls” is updated and stored in the storage means 14 together with data of the detection date and time. The “number of winning balls” and “number of non-winning balls” stored in the storage unit 14 are periodically transmitted to the host computer 2 by the function of the timer 17.

On the other hand, the host computer 2 which has received the “number of winning balls” and “number of non-winning balls” from each of the pachinko machines 1, 1... The address data of the external server 3 is attached to the data of the number of winning balls, and the data of “number of winning balls” and “number of non-winning balls” with the address data are attached to the telephone line 2.
0 to the external server 3.

When the external server 3 receives the data of the "number of winning balls" and "number of non-winning balls" transmitted from the host computer 2, based on the data, the external server 3 obtains the "usage information" by the following equation. A certain "number of used balls" is calculated. “Number of used balls” = “Number of winning balls” + “Number of non-winning balls” (Equation 1) Further, the calculated “Number of used balls” is stored by the storage unit 27 and is counted over time. The result is output to the display means 22 as an image as shown in FIG. Further, the external server 3 periodically (for example, every month) uses the data conversion means 29 to
The “usable amount” as “related information” is calculated. “Available amount” = “Number of used balls” × 0.05 + 50,000 (Equation 2) Then, after attaching the calculated date and time data and the address data of the host computer 2 to the calculated “Available amount” The data of the calculated date and the data of the “usable amount to be used” attached with the address data are returned to the host computer 2.

On the other hand, the host computer 2 that has received the data of the “usable amount” outputs the data of the “usable amount” as an image by the display means 62. In addition, the number of winning balls and the number of non-winning balls at the “calculation date and time” attached to the transmitted “usable amount” are called from the storage unit 60, and the above-described equation (1) and The “number of used balls” and the “amount to be used” are calculated by Expression 2. When the calculated “usable amount” matches the “usable amount” transmitted from the external server 3, the display unit 62 displays “OK COINCIDED” as shown in FIG. If they are displayed and they do not match, "CAUTION!" Is displayed as shown in FIG.
NOT COINCIDED! Is displayed. With this indication, pachinko hall A, which is the lease contractor,
B and C indicate that the “number of balls used” and “amount to be used” calculated by the external server 3 are pachinko halls A, B and C
After confirming that the number of used balls and the corresponding amount of use calculated by the host computer 2 on the side coincide with each other, a lease fee can be paid.

The network system S1 according to the first embodiment includes:
As described above, the plurality of pachinko machines 1, 1,... Provided with the output control unit 12 for transmitting the "number of winning balls" and the "number of non-winning balls".
And the “number of winning balls” and “number of non-winning balls” transmitted from the pachinko machines 1, 1..., And assign the “number of winning balls” and “number of non-winning balls” to the external server 3. A host computer 2 that sends address data to the outside is connected, and the host computer 2 receives the "number of winning balls" and "the number of non-winning balls" to which predetermined address data is attached. The external server 3 is connected, and when the external server 3 receives the “number of winning balls” and the “number of non-winning balls”, based on the “number of winning balls” and “number of non-winning balls”, the “used ball” is used. Since the number is calculated, according to the network system S1,
The usage status of the pachinko machines 1, 1,... Outside the pachinko hall can be grasped. Further, according to the network system S1, the use status of the pachinko machines 1, 1,... In a plurality of pachinko halls 2, 2,.

When the external server 3 receives the "number of winning balls" and the "number of non-winning balls", the network system S1 determines the "use number" based on the "number of winning balls" and "number of non-winning balls". Since the corresponding amount is calculated and returned to the host computer 2 with the address data of the host computer 2 attached to the "used amount", according to the network system S1, the manufacturer and the pachinko hall manager, etc. , A lease contract for the pachinko machines 1, 1,... Based on the calculated “usable amount” can be concluded.

Further, in the network system S1, the host computer 2 receives the "number of winning balls" and "the number of non-winning balls" transmitted from the pachinko machines 1, 1,... Based on the “number of non-winning balls”, the “number of used balls” and the “amount of use” are calculated, and the “number of used balls” and the “amount of use” are returned from the external server 3 to the “number of used balls” And "usable amount"
If a lease agreement is made between the manufacturer and the pachinko hall manager for pachinko machines 1, 1,... Based on the "usable amount", the manufacturer will be notified. The transaction can be performed while confirming whether or not the “usable amount” calculated in (1) is correct (whether or not it matches the contents of the lease contract).

[Second Embodiment] The configuration of the network system S2 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the network system S of the first embodiment.
1, but the information communication method is slightly different from the network system S1 of the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, the operation of the network system S2 will be described.

The pachinko machines 1, 1... Of the network system S2 periodically update the "number of winning balls" and "the number of non-winning balls" by the function of the timer 17.
Prior to transmission, the "number of winning balls" and the "number of non-winning balls" are encrypted by the data conversion means 16 in such a manner that each digit is replaced with an alphabet as shown in FIG. Then, the encrypted “number of winning balls” and “number of non-winning balls” are transmitted to the host computer 2 (FIG. 9).
(B)).

On the other hand, the host computer 2 that has received the encrypted “number of winning balls” and “number of non-winning balls” from each of the pachinko machines 1, 1... , The address data of the external server 3 is attached to the data of the “non-winning ball count”, and the encrypted “winning ball count” and “non-winning ball count” data to which the address data is attached are transmitted to the telephone line 20. To the external server 3 via.

On the other hand, when the external server 3 receives the encrypted "number of winning balls" and "number of non-winning balls" data from the host computers 2, 2,..., The data conversion means 29 encrypts them. And decrypt the decrypted data. Thereafter, based on the decoded data, the “number of used balls” is calculated by the above-described equation 1, and the calculated “number of used balls” is totaled over time. Output to the display means 22 as an image, and periodically,
The “usable amount for use” is calculated by Expression 2 described above. Then, after attaching the address data of the host computer 2 to the calculated “usable amount”, the data of the “usable amount” with the address data attached is returned to the host computer 2.

Similarly to the network system S1 of the first embodiment, the network system S2 can grasp the use status of the pachinko machines 1, 1,... Outside the pachinko halls, and a plurality of pachinko halls 2 such as affiliated halls. , 2 ・
.. Can be easily tabulated.

In the network system S2, as described above, the pachinko machines 1, 1,... Automatically encrypt the "number of winning balls" and the "number of non-winning balls" and transmit the encrypted number to the outside. In addition, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the "usage status information" of the "number of winning balls" or "number of non-winning balls" is illegally operated on the pachinko hall side. Therefore, according to the network system S2, when a lease contract for the pachinko machines 1, 1,... Based on the “usable amount” is concluded, transactions can be performed safely.

Third Embodiment FIG. 10 shows a network system S3 according to a third embodiment. The network system S3 includes the pachinko machines 51, 51,... Installed in a plurality of pachinko halls, the mobile phone 31, and the external server 3.

FIG. 11 shows a control mechanism of the pachinko machine 51. The pachinko machine 51 is provided with a second connection terminal 28 for connecting to an external electronic device such as the mobile phone 31 on the left side of the connection terminal 26 provided on the upper right of the back surface. On the left of the control device 1
There is provided a transmission switch 25 for outputting the “ball information” stored in the section 8. In addition, the pachinko machine 51
The control device 18 has a storage means 14, a calculation means 15, a data conversion means 16, a timer 17, and the like. The out ball detection device 8, the game ball detection device 11, the winning ball detection device 1
3, connected to the transmission switch 25 and the like. In addition, the output control unit 12 is connected to the control device 18, and the output control unit 12 is connected to the first connection terminal 26 and the second connection terminal 28. The other configuration of the pachinko machine 51 is the same as that of the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, the operation of the network system S3 will be described.

Each of the pachinko machines 51, 51,...
Like the pachinko machines 1, 1,..., After the power is turned on, the accumulated number of winning balls detected by the winning ball detecting device 13 is
The number of non-winning balls detected by the out-ball detecting device 8 is stored in the storage unit 14 as the “number of winning balls”, and the accumulated number of non-winning balls is stored in the storage unit 14 as the “number of non-winning balls”. Then, the “number of winning balls” and “number of non-winning balls” stored in the storage unit 14 are periodically transmitted to the host computer 2 by the function of the timer 17.

When the transmission switch 25 is operated with the portable telephone 31 connected to the second connection terminal 28, the data conversion means 16 stores the "number of winning balls" and "number of non-winning balls". ”, The address data of the external server 3 is attached, and the“ winning ball count ”and the“ non-winning ball count ”with the address data attached are transmitted to the mobile phone 31 via the mobile phone 31 line. Send outside.

On the other hand, when the external server 3 receives the data of “the number of winning balls” and “the number of non-winning balls” transmitted from the mobile phone 31, based on the data, the “use number” is calculated by the above-described equation 1. The “number of balls” is calculated and totaled over time, and the result is output as an image to the display unit 22. At the same time, the “usable amount” is calculated by the equation (2). Then, after the data of the calculated date and time is attached to the calculated “usable amount”, the “usable amount” with the calculated date and time data attached is returned to a predetermined computer, a communication terminal, or the like.

Like the network system S1 of the first embodiment and the network system S2 of the second embodiment, the network system S3 can grasp the use status of the pachinko machines 51, 51,... Outside the pachinko hall. The usage status of the pachinko machines 51, 51,... In a plurality of pachinko halls 2, 2,.

In the network system S3, the storage means 14 for storing the "number of winning balls" and the "number of non-winning balls" and the mobile phone 31 can be connected to the pachinko machine 51. The storage means 14 is stored in the mobile phone 31.
Is provided with a transmission port (second connection terminal 28 and output control unit 12) for transmitting the “number of winning balls” and “number of non-winning balls” stored in the mobile phone. Timely "number of winning balls" via telephone 31
And "Non-winning Ball Count"
When desired, pachinko machines 5 outside the pachinko hall
.. Can be grasped. Also, each pachinko machine 51, 51 ... in the pachinko hall
Without connecting them via a LAN using a cable,
Very easily, pachinko machines 5 inside and outside the pachinko hall
.. Can be grasped.

The configuration of the network system of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and the configuration of the pachinko machine, the host computer, the external server, the portable information terminal and the like is not limited to the configuration of the present invention. It can be changed as needed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

For example, when a connection terminal for connecting a portable communication terminal to a gaming machine is provided, it is not necessary to provide a connection terminal for connection of a portable communication terminal separately from a connection terminal for connection to a computer. It is also possible to provide only one connection terminal that can connect to both the terminal and the computer. Further, the gaming machine is not limited to the one in which the out-ball detecting device is installed inside the out-mouth, but may be one in which the out-ball detecting device is provided at a position near the lower end of the machine base. Further, an out-ball detecting device, which is also used as a winning-ball detecting device, can be provided at a predetermined place (for example, near the lower end of the gaming machine). In addition, when the game machine is provided with a connection terminal for connecting the portable communication terminal, the connected portable communication terminal can be built in the game machine.

On the other hand, the network system of the present invention
The number of used balls is calculated by adding the “number of winning balls” and the “non-winning balls”, and the one that calculates the “number of used balls” by other arithmetic expressions, The number of spheres may be handled as it is as the number of spheres to be used. Further, the present invention is not limited to the method of calculating the “usable amount of use” by adding another constant (q) to the “number of used balls” multiplied by the constant (p), but is not limited to the “payout ball” detected by the game ball detecting device. Calculated based on the number of balls used, the number of balls used, and the sales rate calculated from the pachinko hall redemption rate. A calculated value may be used. Furthermore, the network system is not limited to a system that immediately notifies when the related information calculated by the host-side computer is slightly different from the related information returned from the external server. The computer on the host side may notify only when the value exceeds a predetermined allowable range. In addition, the network system of the present invention provides a "number of winning balls" detected by the winning ball detecting device.
The ball is not limited to the one that transmits the "usage information" such as "non-winning ball" detected by the out-ball detecting device from the pachinko machine to the host computer or the external server. The “number of shot balls” detected by the pachinko machine may be transmitted as “use status information” from the pachinko machine to a host computer or an external server. When such a configuration is adopted, there is an advantage that the usage status of the pachinko machine can be grasped more accurately, and a reasonable lease contract based on the accurate usage status of the pachinko machine can be concluded.

The "number of winning balls" and "number of non-winning balls"
Is not limited to a method of replacing each digit with an alphabet, but may be a method of replacing each digit. Further, when replacing each digit of the "number of winning balls" and the "number of non-winning balls" with alphabets, the alphabets to be replaced can be periodically changed by the action of a timer or the like. When such a configuration is adopted, there is an advantage that the encrypted “number of winning balls” and “number of non-winning balls” are more difficult to decipher.

The network system of the present invention
The pachinko machine is not limited to one connected to an external server by wire or wirelessly, and another game machine such as a slot machine connected to the external server may be used.

[0040]

According to the network system of the present invention, it is possible to grasp the usage status of the gaming machine outside the installation location, and to easily sum up the usage status of the gaming machine at a plurality of installation locations. . Further, according to the network system of the present invention, it is possible to conclude a gaming machine lease contract based on the use state of the gaming machine between the manufacturer and the manager of the gaming machine installation shop, etc. And secure transactions can be conducted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a network system.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the front of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the back of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control mechanism of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a control mechanism of a host computer.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a control mechanism of an external server.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen of an external server.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen of the host computer.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an encryption method.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a network system.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a control mechanism of the pachinko machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

1. Pachinko machine 2. Host computer 3.
External server, 4 ... winning device, 5 ... obstacle nail, 6 ... game area, 7 ... out mouth, 8 ... out ball detecting device, 9
..Game ball tank, 10..Game ball payout device, 11 ..
Game ball detection device, 12 output control unit, 13 winning ball detection device, 14 storage means, 15 calculation means, 16
..Data conversion means, 17 timers, 18 control devices, 19 electric wiring, 20 telephone lines, 21 arithmetic means, 22 display means, 23 input means, 24
Transmission / reception control section, 25 transmission switch, 26 connection terminal, 27 storage means, 28 second connection terminal, 29
..Data conversion means, 31 mobile phone, 32 control device, 51 pachinko machine, 58 control device, 59
Data conversion means, 60 storage means, 61 calculation means, 62 display means, 63 input means, 64 transmission / reception control units, S1 to S3 network system.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/60 506 G06F 17/60 506 A63F 7/02 328 A63F 7/02 328 G06F 17/40 310 G06F 17 / 40 310Z H04Q 7/38 H04B 7/26 109M F term (reference) 2C088 BA09 BA12 CA02 CA06 CA07 CA31 CA35 5B049 BB07 BB58 CC08 CC21 CC36 DD00 EE02 FF03 FF04 GG03 GG04 GG06 GG07 GG09 5K067 BB04 BB04 BB04

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of gaming machines having transmission control means for transmitting usage information, receiving usage information transmitted from the gaming machines, and attaching predetermined address data to the usage information. Is connected to a computer that transmits to the outside, and the computer is connected to an external server that receives usage information attached with predetermined address data, and the external server receives the usage information. A network system for a gaming machine, wherein related information is calculated based on the usage information. 2. The gaming machine network system according to claim 1, wherein the external server sends the calculated related information to the computer with predetermined address data attached thereto. 3. The gaming machine network system according to claim 2, wherein the computer pays a gaming machine leasing fee to the external server based on the related information returned from the external server. 4. The gaming machine network system according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine automatically encrypts the usage information and transmits the information to the outside. 5. A storage device for storing usage information and a mobile communication terminal can be connected to the gaming machine, and the connected mobile communication terminal can be connected to the storage device.
2. A transmission port for transmitting usage status information stored in a storage device.
A network system for a gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. A computer calculates related information based on usage information transmitted from a gaming machine, and notifies when the related information is different from the related information returned from an external server. Claim 1, Claim 2, Claim 3,
A network system for a gaming machine according to claim 5. 7. The usage status information is the number of non-winning balls and the number of winning balls, and the related information is the number of used balls and / or
The network system for a gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the usage-amount is obtained by the following equation (b). a. Number of balls used = Number of non-winning balls + Number of winning balls b. Usage amount = Number of balls used x p + q (however, p and q are preset constants)