JP2003000916A - Game hall management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game hall management system which can effectively utilize the management system provided in a game hall, and a communication circuit which is provided between the game hall and an external specified third party. SOLUTION: For this game hall management system, a game hall managing device 5 and a system managing device 6 are connected with the communication circuit L20. In this case, the game hall managing device 5 collects various kinds of management information D1 in the game hall A, and has a displaying means 106. The system managing device 6 is arranged on the outside of the game hall A, and is controlled by the specified third party B. The game hall management system is constituted in such a manner that the management information D1 may be transmitted from the game hall managing device 5 to the system managing device 6. In such a game hall management system, the game hall managing device 5 is arranged at a specified location in the game hall A, and is constituted in such a manner that display information D2 for performing displays by the displaying means 106 may be transmitted from the system managing device 6 to the game hall managing device 5 using the communication circuit L20.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game hall management system, more specifically, a management device provided in the game hall,
The present invention also relates to a game hall management system that effectively uses a communication line (especially a dedicated line) provided between the game hall and an external specific third party.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the spread of prepaid cards (hereinafter referred to as "cards"), pachinko balls, medals, etc. can be used by using cards even at amusement halls equipped with gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines. The system for renting out the game media is adopted. Further, in such a system, usually, an external specific third party such as a card company and the game arcade are connected using a dedicated line, and the external specific third party is connected via this dedicated line. Receives various information in the game arcade. Hereinafter, the system configured inside the game hall and between the game hall and an external specific third party is referred to as a “game hall management system”.

In the above-mentioned amusement hall management system, normally, in order to collect various information from a game medium lending machine, a card issuing machine, a card settlement machine, etc., which are provided in the amusement hall, management is carried out at an appropriate place in the amusement hall. A device is provided. This management device and the above-mentioned gaming machine medium lending machine, etc. are connected via a communication line, and the gaming medium lending machine stores information regarding the sales amount of the card and information regarding the amount value deducted from the accepted card, Card issuing machine
The information about the sales amount of the card and the information about the payment amount of the card are transmitted to the management device as the card information (information about the use of the card). The management device appropriately processes the card information received from the game medium lending machine, the card issuing machine, and the card settlement machine, and uses the processed result to sell the cards in the entire amusement arcade or lend the game media. Is centrally managed.

The management device is further connected via a dedicated line to a host computer provided under a specific third party such as a card company that sells cards. And in the game hall management system according to the conventional technology,
By using this dedicated line, the card information is appropriately transmitted from the management device to the host computer. The host computer of the card company uses the card information transmitted from each amusement hall to total the amount of money used for the card within a predetermined period such as a monthly unit for each amusement hall, and based on the result of the aggregation, The settlement process between is performed.

In the above-mentioned conventional game hall management system, a card company, which is an external specific third party, grasps information about the sales amount and the used amount of the card, so that the money balance at each game hall can be calculated. The purpose is to clarify and to improve the soundness and clarity of the game hall management. Therefore, in this game hall management system,
It is necessary to configure so that the card information stored in the management device of the game arcade is not easily tampered with by the game arcade side or anyone other than the game arcade. In other words, in this game hall management system, sufficient consideration must be given to security.

Therefore, in the prior art, the management device on the amusement arcade side and the host computer of the card company are connected using a "dedicated line", and via this dedicated line,
The host computer is receiving card information. If a dedicated line is used in this way, it is basically impossible for another person to intervene, so that it is possible to effectively prevent tampering from the outside.

Further, in the prior art, by restricting the function of the management device, falsification of card information on the game arcade side is prevented. For example, the management device is configured so that only simple numeric keys and the like can be used, and concrete data input and the like cannot be performed.

[0008]

However, in the above prior art, the management device provided in the game hall is usually used only for collecting card information, etc.
Further, with respect to the display device that constitutes the management device, there is a problem that the management device is not effectively used because it is used only for displaying the total data of the card information. Further, since the "dedicated line" is used only for transmitting the card information from the management device to the host computer, there is a problem that this dedicated line is not also effectively used. That is,
The game hall management system according to the conventional technique has a problem that the system as a whole is not effectively utilized.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and it is provided between a management device provided in a game hall and a specified third party outside the game hall. An object of the present invention is to provide a game hall management system capable of effectively using the provided communication line.

[0010]

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and includes a game hall management device having display means for collecting various management information in the game hall, A system management device under the jurisdiction of a specific third party located outside the game arcade is connected via a communication line, and the management information is sent from the game arcade management device to the system management device using the communication line. A game hall management system configured to be transmitted, wherein display information to be displayed on the display means is transmitted from the system management device to the game hall management device using the communication line. It is characterized by being done. Here, the "display information" means information about the amusement hall management system (for example, business hours, maintenance and inspection information, new product information, sales information), the latest industry information, general news, commercials, etc. This is information (data or the like) used for displaying on the display unit of the management device.

According to this structure, the communication line is used not only for transmitting and receiving the management information as in the conventional case but also for transmitting and receiving the display information. Therefore, the communication line and the The display means can be effectively used. In other words, by transmitting the display information from the system management device to the game hall management device and appropriately displaying it on the display means, it is possible to display industry information or the like on the display means that has not been used until now. Therefore, the display means can be used as an advertising medium or the like. Therefore, with such a configuration, it is possible to effectively use the system and improve efficiency of sales activities and the like.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the display information is stored in the game hall management device, and the stored display information is displayed on the display means at a predetermined display time. It is the game hall management system described in 1.

According to the present invention, since the display information already stored in the game hall management device is displayed by the display means, the display information is not transmitted / received at the time of this display. Therefore, when the display information is displayed, it is possible to promptly display the necessary information on the display unit without requiring communication time for receiving the display information.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the display information is stored in the amusement hall management device at the predetermined display time.
3. The game hall management system according to claim 2, wherein the game hall management apparatus is after the next activation of the game hall management apparatus after the operation of the game hall management apparatus is completed.

According to the present invention, the information previously stored in the game hall management device on the previous day is displayed after the game hall management device is operated, so that communication time for receiving the display information is not required on the day.

The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that, when the game hall management device receives the display information, the display information is displayed on the display means in preference to the management information. The game hall management system according to claim 1.

According to this invention, when the game hall management device receives the display information, the management information is prioritized,
Since the display information is displayed on the display means, the latest information can be timely transmitted to the clerk or the like of the game arcade.

Further, the invention of claim 5 is characterized in that the management information and the display information can be switched and displayed on the display means according to a predetermined condition.
4 is a game hall management system.
That is, it is preferable that at least one of the management information and the display information is displayed on the display unit under a predetermined condition. Specifically, the management information and the display information are displayed according to the predetermined condition. Switching display, simultaneous display, etc. are performed. Here, "switch display" means
The concept includes not only the case where the management information and the display information are alternately switched and displayed, but also the case where both the management information and the display information are displayed on one screen.

According to the present invention, since the display content on the display means can be switched and displayed under the predetermined condition, the display means can be used as an advertising medium and the like.
The management information can also be displayed. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to effectively use the entire system without damaging the original mechanism of the game hall management apparatus.

The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the display information is transmitted from the system management device to the game hall management device at a predetermined time.
Is a game hall management system described in any one of.

As this predetermined time, it is preferable to select a time when the game hall management system is not overloaded (such as during the business hours of the game hall). This is because it is possible to smoothly perform transmission / reception between the game center management device and the system management device using the communication line by selecting such a time. Then, as the predetermined time, for example, except when the management information is aggregated in the game hall management apparatus (immediately after the game hall management apparatus is activated,
Immediately before the end of operation of the game hall management device) (Claim 7),
The time when the management information is transmitted from the game hall management device to the system management device (claim 8) may be mentioned. In addition, after starting the end processing operation in the game hall management device (claim 9). Here, the “end processing operation” means that after the business hours of the game arcade are finished and the aggregation processing of various information in the game arcade management device is temporarily completed,
It refers to a predetermined operation performed in the game hall management device. Specifically, it is an operation for checking each device in the game arcade. Since it is "after the start", it is not specified at any time after the start, and may be immediately after the start or after the start and after the check of each device is completed. .

The invention of claim 10 is characterized in that the system management device voluntarily transmits the display information without waiting for a transmission request from the game hall management device. 9 is a game hall management system.

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize the amusement hall management system in which the system management device is the main body and can control the transmission / reception timing and contents of the display information.

Further, the game hall management system according to the present invention is provided with a plurality of game machines in the game hall, and the game machine within the range of the valuable value of the loan medium or the money received by the loan medium or the money. At least a plurality of game medium lending machines for lending the game medium used in 1. to the player, and information on the use of the lending medium or money in each game medium lending machine is transmitted to the game hall management device as the management information. The invention of each of the above claims can be more effectively utilized by applying it to the gaming medium lending system having the configuration.

Here, the "lending medium" is not only a storage medium such as a magnetic card or an IC card capable of storing (writing) valuable value information, but also a predetermined shape such as a token (coin-shaped one). Is a concept that includes what is recognized as having a valuable value when inserted into a game media lending machine, a debit card that allows financial institutions to perform settlement processing, and so-called electronic money, and "coin" is a coin, It is a concept that includes a storage medium such as a card to which a valuable value is added, in addition to bills. "Value" means something that can be converted into a game medium or that is equivalent to a game medium. Not only money value but also frequency converted based on this money value, or game converted based on this money value. This is a concept that includes the rentable amount of media (for example, the number of medals that can be lent if it is a slot machine, the number of game balls that can be lent if it is a pachinko machine). In addition, "use of lending media" refers to issuance of lending media, use of lending media based on lending devices, rewriting of lending media, etc., and "utilization of money" is based on the insertion and lending of banknotes and the like. Use, return, etc.

In the game hall management system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the communication line is a dedicated line connecting the game hall management device and the system management device. According to this preferable configuration, since it has the various functions described above while maintaining high security between the amusement hall management device and the system management device,
More effective use of this system can be realized.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Specifically, as an example of the game medium lending machine according to the present invention, a game hall management system incorporating a medal lending machine for lending medals to a slot machine will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the game hall management system. The game hall management system shown in FIG.
A plurality of slot machines 1 (corresponding to the “gaming machine” of the present invention) installed in the game arcade A and a medal lending machine 2 (corresponding to the “gaming medium lending machine” of the present invention) electrically connected to each other, , One or a plurality of card issuing machines 3 and one or a plurality of card settlement machines 4 and two-way communication lines L10, L
11 and L12 electrically connect to the management device 5 (corresponding to the "gaming hall management device" of the present invention), and the management device 5 uses the communication line L20 which is a dedicated line to the host computer 6 of the card company B (the present invention. (Corresponding to the "system management device"). In addition, in the game hall A,
A group of gaming machine islands C is constituted by the plurality of slot machines 1 and the medal lending machines 2, and communication between each gaming machine island C and the management device 5 is performed via the relay device 7.
In the relay device 7, amplification processing of communication signals and the like are performed.

The medal lending machine 2 is a prepaid card (hereinafter referred to as "card") (the "lending medium" of the present invention).
It is configured to lend a medal (corresponding to the “gaming medium” of the present invention) to the slot machine 1 and the medal lending machine 2 and the slot machine 1 are installed next to each other, Is configured to be freely available.

Also, the slot machine 1 and the medal lending machine 2
Are electrically connected to each other, and the medal lending machine 2 accepts cards issued by its own machine, another machine, or a card issuing machine 3 installed at an appropriate place in the game arcade A, and the slot machine 1 by the player is accepted. In response to the above lending operation, the slot machine 1 transmits a control signal for instructing the medal lending process, while the slot machine 1 carries out the medal lending process in response to the control signal. Further, when the player finishes the game and returns home, if the card still has a balance, the player can insert the card into the card settlement machine 4 and receive the balance.

Further, the management device 5 is provided at an appropriate place in the game hall in order to collect various information from the medal lending machine 2, the card issuing machine 3, the card checkout machine 4, etc. provided in the game hall. The management device 5 is connected to the slot machine 1 and the like via the communication line as described above, and the medal lending machine 2 has information about the sales amount of the card and the amount deducted from the accepted card. The information about the value, the card issuing machine 3, the information about the sales amount of the card, and the card settlement machine 4 as the card information (information about the use of the card) to the management device. I am sending. Then, in the management device 5, the card information received from the medal lending machine 2 and the like is appropriately aggregated, and by using the result of the processing, the sales status of the cards and the lending status of the game medium in the entire amusement arcade are calculated. Centrally managed.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine 1 and the medal lending machine 2. Slot machine 1
Is provided with three reels 10 in which a plurality of symbols are respectively displayed on the peripheral surface in a box-shaped casing 8, and three symbols are provided on the front surface of the casing 8 in correspondence with each reel. While the display window 11 is formed, five stop lines L are displayed which cross the respective symbol display windows 11 and are upper, middle, lower and diagonal.

Below the symbol display window 11, a starting lever 12, three stop buttons 13 for stopping each reel, a BET button 14, a medal insertion slot 15, a medal settlement button 16, a medal lending button 17, a card. A return button 18, a card balance display 21, and a stored medal number display 22 are provided.

The slot machine 1 configured as described above
Implements a game control system (medal insertion system) in which medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 15 each time a game is played, and a plurality of medals are stored in the housing 8 in advance. It is possible to implement a game control system (credit system) in which a game is played using the accumulated medals.

Such a medal storage process is performed when a predetermined number of medals are inserted into the housing 8 from the medal insertion slot 15 or when a specific winning symbol array is arranged on the activated stop line L. In addition to paying out a predetermined number of medals as an award, the adjacent medal lending machine 2
Value is recorded on the card by inserting the card into the card (generally, the card frequency is 100 yen per card)
Is done by using.

The BET button 14 is for selecting the number of used medals for one game and starting the game when executing the credit system, and when the BET button 14 is pressed, three medals are used. Done 5
The book stop line L is activated. Although not shown, the BET button for hanging two and the BE for hanging one
A T button is also provided, and in the case of the former push button operation, two medals are used to activate the three stop lines L of upper, middle and lower, and in the case of the latter push button operation. One medal is used and only the central stop line L is activated.

When the BET button 14 is pushed and then the start lever 12 is operated, the reels 10 are started, and thereafter, the stop buttons 13 are pushed in arbitrary order, so that the respective stop buttons 13 are pushed. Corresponding reels 10 are configured to be sequentially stopped. The medal settlement button 16 is used to settle the stored medals and pay them out to the tray 20.

The medal lending button 17 is used for the medal lending machine 2
This is for withdrawing a predetermined number of cards from a card inserted into the player. When the player pushes the medal lending button 17, the medal lending machine 2 sends a control signal to the slot machine 1 to instruct the medal lending, Machine 1
In response to this instruction, the control unit of the above adds the predetermined number of stored medals in the housing 8 and at the same time, the medal lending machine 2
The control unit is configured to consume the possession frequency of the inserted card by an amount corresponding to the number of stored medals.
The card return button 18 is for ejecting the card inserted in the medal lending machine 2 to the outside.

The card balance indicator 21 and the stored medal number indicator 22 are digital indicators consisting of seven issuing segments. The card balance indicator 21 shows the remaining of the cards inserted in the medal lending machine 2. The frequency is displayed, and the total number of stored medals is displayed on the stored medal number display 22.

The medal lending machine 2 has a card issuing function, and ejects the magnetic card housed in the box-shaped machine body 25 from the card insertion / ejection slot 34 by inserting a bill. Information such as a card number and a valuable value is recorded on this card. Further, the medal lending machine 2 can accept a card issued by itself or another medal lending machine 2 or a card issuing machine 3, and the card insertion / ejection slot 34
Recorded information including the frequency recorded on the card can be read from the inserted card. Further, on the front surface of the machine body 25 which constitutes the medal lending machine 2, an indicator lamp 29, a bill insertion slot 30, a bill return slot 31, several amount selection buttons 32, a card insertion button 33, a card insertion / ejection slot 34, And a display unit 36 is provided.

The display lamp 29 is for notifying the operating state of the medal lending machine 2 and is normally off.
Blinks or lights when an abnormality occurs in the body 25.
The banknote slot 30 is a part into which banknotes of a predetermined denomination (thousand yen bills, five thousand yen bills, ten thousand yen bills, etc.) are inserted, and inside the banknote slot 30 and the banknote return slot 31, A bill processing unit (not shown) is provided for judging the authenticity of the inserted bill and stocking it, and for returning the bill of the amount obtained by subtracting the issued amount of the card from the inserted bill as fishing. The card issuance amount is several amount selection buttons 3
By selecting either of the two, for example, the card for 1,000 yen, the card for 2000 yen, the card for 3000 yen, the card for 5000 yen, and the card for 10,000 yen are purchased separately. be able to.

The card insertion / ejection port 34 issues a card in response to the insertion of a bill into the bill insertion port 30 and the push button operation of the one amount selection button 32, and the issued card and other medal lending machines. 2 or a portion into which a card issued by the card issuing machine 3 is inserted, and a card processing unit (not shown) for accommodating, issuing and receiving a card is provided inside the card insertion / ejection port 34. Is provided.

The card insertion button 33 is used for the card insertion / ejection port 3
It is used when the card issued from No. 4 is inserted into the machine body 25, and the card issued from the card insertion / ejection port 34 is automatically taken into the card processing section by the push button operation of the card insertion button 33. It is configured to

The display unit 36 normally displays information such as the amount of bills inserted into the bill insertion slot 30 and the total sales of cards in this device, and the result of matching the inserted cards is incorrect. If a certain error message is displayed, it will be displayed. A power supply unit (not shown) for supplying electric power to each of the above components is housed in the bottom of the medal lending machine 2.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine 1 and the medal lending machine 2. The slot machine 1 has a control unit 42 including a CPU which is a main body of control and calculation, a ROM which stores a game control program, a RAM which is used for reading and writing data, and a random number generator.
Is equipped with.

Various input / output units are connected to the CPU of the control unit 42 via a bus. The input section includes a starting lever 12, three stop buttons 13, a BET button 14, a medal settlement button 16, and a medal insertion slot 15.
A medal insertion sensor 43 for detecting the number of medals inserted from is connected, and these signals are inputted to the CPU. As an output unit, a reel drive unit 44 that executes rotation start / stop / pull-in of the three reels 10, a medal payout unit 45 that pays out medals according to the type of winning, a stored medal number display 22, a special game mode. A display lamp or the like 46 used for checking the time and the effective line, lighting the machine, and the like, and a speaker 24 for emitting the sound effect of the slot machine 1 are connected, and various output sections are controlled based on the input signal. It

As the input / output unit, the medal lending machine 2 is used.
An interface circuit 47 for exchanging various control signals and the like with the control unit 50 is connected. Furthermore, the medal lending button 1 that constitutes the slot machine 1
7, the card return button 18, the lendable indicator lamp 48 indicating a state in which the medal lending button 17 can be activated, and the balance indicator 21 are connected to the control unit 50 of the medal lending machine 2 via the relay base 49, It is placed under the control of the lending machine 2.

The control unit 50 of the medal lending machine 2 has a CPU which is a main body of control and calculation, and an RO which stores a program.
M and a RAM used for reading and writing data,
Various input / output units are connected to the CPU via a bus.

The input section includes a bill insertion sensor 51 for detecting bills inserted from the bill insertion slot 30, a bill identification sensor 52 for identifying the denomination of the inserted bill, an amount selection button 32, a card insertion button 33, etc. Is connected to the control unit 50, and as the output unit, the display lamp 29, the display unit 36,
A card transport unit 53 that transports a card in the card processing unit is connected to the control unit 50. Further, as the input / output unit, an interface circuit 55 for communicating with the other medal lending machine 2, the card issuing machine 3, the card settlement machine 4, and the management device 5, and a banknote transfer for transferring banknotes in the banknote processing section. The unit 56 and a card reader / writer 57 that reads and writes card information from and to the card in the card processing unit by a built-in magnetic head are connected to the control unit 50.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the card issuing machine 3. The card issuing machine 3 is a card issuing machine, and issues a card of the same type as the medal lending machine 2 by inserting a bill into the machine body 62. On the front surface of the machine body 62, a card display unit 6 for displaying cards to be sold
3, multiple cards amount selection button 64, bill slot 6
5, a card issuing port 66, a banknote return port 67 for fishing, a display unit 68 and the like are provided.

The bill insertion slot 65 is a portion into which bills of a predetermined denomination (thousand-yen bills, 5,000-yen bills, 10,000-yen bills, etc.) are inserted.
Inside the bill insertion slot 65, a first bill processing unit 69 for determining whether the inserted bill is true or false and stocking it is provided. The banknote return port 67 is a part from which the banknote of the minimum denomination (thousand-yen bill) is ejected, and inside the banknote return port 67, a card is issued from the banknote inserted into the banknote insertion port 65. A second banknote processing unit 70 is provided for returning the banknote of which the amount is subtracted as fishing.
By selecting one of the plurality of amount selection buttons 64, the card issuance amount is, for example, a card for 1,000 yen, a card for 2000 yen, a card for 3000 yen, a card for 5000 yen, It can be purchased separately for 10,000 yen worth of cards.

Further, the card issuing port 66 is the bill insertion port 6
This is a part for issuing a card in response to the insertion of banknotes into 5 and the push operation of the one amount selection button 64. Inside the card issuing port 66, a card processing unit for accommodating and issuing the card. 71 is provided.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the electrical construction of the card issuing machine 3. The card issuing machine 3 has a control unit 73 including a CPU that is a main body of control and calculation, a ROM that stores a program, and a RAM that is used to read and write data.
Is equipped with.

The input section includes a banknote insertion sensor 74 for detecting the banknotes inserted through the banknote insertion slot 65, a banknote identification sensor 75 for identifying the denomination of the inserted banknotes, an amount selection button 64, etc. in the control section 73. Connected, as the output part,
A card 68 in the display unit 68 and the card processing unit 71 for carrying the card is connected to the control unit 73. Further, as the input / output unit, an interface circuit 77 provided to communicate with the medal lending machine 2, the card settlement machine 4, and the management device 5 through a communication line,
A first banknote transport unit 78 that transports banknotes in the first banknote processing unit 69, a second banknote transport unit 79 that transports banknotes in the second banknote processing unit 70, and a card of the card processing unit 71 by a built-in magnetic head. On the other hand, a card reader / writer 80 or the like that reads and writes card information is connected to the control unit 73.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the card settlement machine 4, FIG. 6 (a) is a front perspective view of the card settlement machine 4, and FIG. The back side perspective view is shown. On the front surface of the machine body 83, for example, a first display section 84 including a liquid crystal display, a settling bill return port 85,
A coin return opening 86 for returning coins of the settled amount is provided, and on the back side, there is a second display section 87 including, for example, a liquid crystal display, and an operation panel 8 having a plurality of operation buttons 89.
8, a card insertion / ejection slot 90 and the like are provided.

The first display portion 84 and the second display portion 87 are
Information such as the amount to be settled is displayed when the card is settled, and information relating to the issuing of the card to be checked is displayed when the card issuing information is checked. First display section 84
Is for a player, the second display portion 87 is for a staff member of a game hall, and the second display portion 87 for a staff member is configured to display more detailed information. There is.

The banknote return port 85 is a part from which the banknotes of the minimum denomination (thousand yen bills) are discharged, and inside the banknote return port 85, when the card balance is 1,000 yen or more, it corresponds. Banknote processing unit 91 for settlement and returning banknotes for the amount of money
Is provided. The coin return port 86 is the part through which the standard coins (hundreds of yen coins, or even five hundred yen coins may be combined) are ejected. Inside the coin return port 86, the card balance is in units of 100 yen. In the case of including fractions of
A coin processing unit 92 is provided to settle and return coins of a corresponding amount.

The card insertion / ejection slot 90 is a portion into which a card issued by the medal lending machine 2 or the card issuing machine 3 is inserted.
A card processing unit 93 for performing the acceptance process is provided. After inserting the card received from the player into the card insertion / ejection slot 90, the clerk performs a settlement process by operating any one of a plurality of operation buttons 89 provided on the operation panel 88.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical construction of the card settlement machine 4. The card issuing machine 4 has a control unit 95 including a CPU that is a main body of control and calculation, a ROM that stores a program, and a RAM that is used to read and write data.
Is equipped with.

The operation buttons 89 and the like are connected to the controller 95 as an input section, and the card transfer section 96 for transferring the cards in the first and second display sections 84 and 87 and the card processing section 93 is output as an output section. Are connected to the control unit 95. Further, as the input / output unit, an interface circuit 97 provided for performing communication with the medal lending machine 2, the card issuing machine 3, and the management device 5 via a communication line, and the banknote processing unit 91 carry bills. Banknote transport unit 9
8, a coin transport unit 99 for transporting coins in the coin processing unit 92, a card reader / writer 100 for reading / writing card information from / to a card in the card processing unit 93 by a built-in magnetic head, etc. are connected to the control unit 95. There is.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the management device 5. The management device 5 includes a CPU, ROM, RA
An input unit 105 including a keyboard and a pointing device, a display unit 106 such as a display (corresponding to "display means" of the present invention), a first interface circuit 107, and a Two interface circuits 108 and the like are connected.

The ROM forming the control unit 104 stores programs relating to communication and information processing among the medal lending machine 2, the card issuing machine 3, the card settlement machine 4, and the card company B (see FIG. 1). , Various data such as card information of cards issued by each medal lending machine 2 and a card issuing machine 3 are stored in the RAM. The first interface circuit 107 is connected to exchange information with the medal lending machine 2, the card issuing machine 3, and the card settlement machine 4 via a communication line. The second interface circuit 108 is connected to the host computer 6 of the card company B via the communication line L20, and is used for exchanging information with the host computer 6.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the host computer 6 provided in the card company B.
The host computer 6 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM
Via a bus to a control unit 110 composed of an input unit 111 such as a keyboard and a pointing device, a display unit 112 such as a display, a management device 5 and a communication circuit L20.
Interface circuit 113 for communicating via the
Etc. are connected.

Next, a usage mode of the game hall management system according to the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of the medal lending machine 2 which constitutes this system. First, the CPU of the control unit 50 inserts a bill into the bill insertion slot 30,
Also, it stands by in a state in which it is possible to handle both insertion of a card into the card insertion / ejection slot 34.

When a bill is inserted from the bill insertion slot 30 (when "YES" is determined in step S1), CP
U reads and executes a program relating to the card issuing process in the ROM. As a result, if the inserted bill is proper, a card in which card information such as valuable value corresponding to the pushed amount selection button 32 is written is created and issued from the card insertion / ejection port 34 ( Step S3).

Further, there is no bill inserted ("NO" is determined in step S1), and the card issued in step S3 is operated by pushing the card insertion button 33.
5 When the card is again taken in, or when a card issued by another medal lending machine 2 or a card issuing machine 3 is inserted into the machine body 25 by the card insertion / ejection port 34 (“YES” in step S2). CPU)
Reads and executes a program for medal lending processing in the ROM (step S4).

FIG. 11 shows a detailed procedure of the card issuing process in step S3. First CPU
Checks whether or not the inserted bills are proper according to the discrimination signal of the bill discrimination sensor 52 (step S30).
1) If not appropriate (“N” in step S301)
If it is determined to be "O"), the accepted bill is returned to the bill insertion slot 30 (step S305). The banknote identification sensor 52 can also identify the denomination of the banknote (such as a 1,000-yen bill, a 5,000-yen bill, a 10,000-yen bill, etc.), and if the bill is valid (in step S301). If "YES" is determined), the amount selection button 32 is activated within the range of the identified amount (step S302).

When the accepted bill is proper and the predetermined amount selection button 32 is validated, the CPU checks whether or not the amount selection button 32 of the amount desired by the player is pushed (step S303). ), If there is a push button operation (if YES is determined in step S303), the CPU checks whether a card is stored in the card processing unit (step S304). If the card is not accommodated (step S304
(When it is determined to be "NO"), then the above-described processing of step S305 is performed.

When the card is stored in the card processing section (when "YES" is determined in step S304), the CPU reads out the current date / time from a predetermined area in the RAM and issues it. The ticket issuing number of the card to be used is determined, and the identification number corresponding to the medal lending machine 2 (the individual identification numbers of the medal lending machine 2, the card issuing machine 3, the card settlement machine 4, and the management device 5) is included in these data. And card value information (initial value data) corresponding to the amount selection button 32 operated by the push button is created, and the card information is stored in the storage area of the RAM (step S306). At this time, the remaining valuable value data is equivalent to the initial valuable value data.

Next, the CPU drives the card transport unit 53 to carry out the card in the card processing unit to the transport path. Thereafter, the card reader / writer 57 writes the card information in the information storage area of the card, and the card is inserted / removed. The card is carried out to the mouth 34 (step S307), and the card issuing process ends.

FIG. 12 shows a detailed procedure of the medal lending process in step 4. When the accepted card is taken into the card processing section and the card information is read by the card reader / writer 57 (step S401), the CPU confirms the card issue date in the read card information, and then the card From the identification number in the information, it is determined whether or not this card was issued by itself (step S402). If the identification number matches the identification number of the own device, the process proceeds to step S403, the read card information and the stored information in the RAM (step S403).
(The one stored in 306).

Then, the card information is collated (step S4).
After 03), it is judged whether the card is proper (step S404), and when the read card information is recognized as proper (step S404).
If it is determined to be "YES" in, the next step is to determine whether or not the player has pressed the medal lending button 17. (Step S405).

The player operates the medal lending button 17 by pressing the button (determined as "YES" in step S405).
Then, a medal lending request signal (frequency data corresponding to a value of a predetermined amount of money) corresponding to this operation is transmitted from the medal lending machine 2 to the slot machine 1 (step S406). In the slot machine 1, a number of medals (game media) corresponding to the frequency data are lent. Then, the CPU creates deduction amount data from the number of medals lent out (frequency data), the deduction amount data is stored in the storage area of the RAM of the control unit 50, and the valuable value of the card is calculated in accordance with this data. Rewriting is performed (step S407).

Next, the CPU checks the updated valuable value of the card (step S408). If the value is zero, it is determined that all the valuable value of the card has been exhausted, and in the card processing unit, which will be described later, in step S419. After confirming that the card is empty, the card transport unit 53 is driven to accommodate the card (step S420). If valuable value remains in the card, it is determined to be "NO" in step S408, and step S405 is performed again.
Subsequent processing is performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined to be "NO" in step S402, that is, if the accepted card is issued by another medal lending machine 2 or a card issuing machine 3, the CPU Transmits the read card information to the device that issued the card via the communication line. That is, a card information collation request is transmitted (step S40
9) In the device that manages this card information that has received this transmission, the received card information is collated with the internal storage information, and the collation result is transmitted to the device that holds the card. The CPU receives the collation result (step S410), and in step S411, the read card information is recognized as valid (determined as "YES" in step S411).

Then, when the player pushes the medal lending button 17 (determined as "YES" in step S413), a medal lending request signal (frequency data for a predetermined amount value corresponding to the signal) is accompanied with this operation. ) Is a medal lending machine 2
From the slot machine 1 (step S41)
4). Then, the CPU lends out the number of medals corresponding to the medal lending request signal, creates deduction amount data from the number of lent medals, etc., and rewrites the card information to the device of the card issuer via the communication line ( At the same time as transmitting the above-mentioned deduction amount data, etc. (step S415), it is confirmed from the response from this device that the update processing of the stored information in the device of the card issuer by the rewriting information is completed (step S416).

Then, steps S417 to S4
In step 18, the same processing as step S407 to step S408 described above is performed, and when there is an accommodation card (that is, when a card issued by another medal lending machine 2 or a card issuing machine 3 is inserted). ), It is determined to be “YES” in step S419, and the CPU drives the card transport unit 53 to carry out the card to the card insertion / ejection port 34 (step S420).

Further, when the card information read from the card does not match the stored information in the RAM by the collation processing of step S403, or step S410.
When the card information read from the card does not match the stored information in the RAM of the issuing device by the collation processing of step S4, it is determined that the card is not appropriate (in step S404 or step S411, (Determined as "NO"), the process immediately proceeds to step S421, and the input card is returned.

FIG. 13 shows a flow chart of the card issuing machine 3 which constitutes this system. Similar to the medal lending machine 2 described above, when the device is initialized, the CPU stands by in a state capable of handling the insertion of banknotes from the banknote insertion slot 65. When a banknote is inserted into the banknote insertion slot 65 (determined as “YES” in step S1), the CPU checks whether or not the inserted banknote is an appropriate one by the discrimination signal of the banknote identification sensor 75. If the determination is "NO" (step S2), the accepted bill is returned to the bill insertion slot 65 (step S5).
The bill identification sensor 75 can also identify the denomination of the bill (thousand-yen bill, five-thousand-yen bill, 10,000-yen bill, etc.), and if the bill is proper (at step S2, "YES"
If it is determined that), the amount selection button 64 is activated within the range of the identified amount (step S).
3).

When the received bill is proper and the predetermined amount selection button 64 is activated, the CPU checks whether or not the amount selection button 64 of the amount desired by the player is pushed (step S4). ), If there is a push button operation (if “YES” is determined in step S4),
The CPU reads the current date and time from a predetermined area in the RAM, determines the card issuing number to be issued,
Card information is created by combining these data with the identification number corresponding to the card issuing machine 3 and the valuable value data (initial valuable value data) corresponding to the amount selection button 64 operated by the push button operation. (Step S6). At this time, the remaining valuable value data is equivalent to the initial valuable value data.

Next, the CPU drives the card carrying section 76 to carry out the card in the card processing section 70 to the carrying path, and thereafter writes the card information in the information storage area of the card by the card reader / writer 80, Card slot 66
Carry out to (step S7). In addition, when the change amount of a predetermined amount is obtained when the issued amount of the card is subtracted from the inserted bill, a bill corresponding to the change amount is returned from the bill return port 67 for fishing.

FIG. 14 shows a flow chart of the card settlement machine 4 which constitutes this system. Similar to the medal lending machine 2, the card settlement machine 4 waits in a state where the CPU can handle the insertion of a card from the card insertion / ejection slot 90 when the device is initialized. Card slot 9
When the card is inserted into 0 (“YE
If it is determined to be "S"), the card information is read by the card reader / writer 100 (step S2).
Next, the CPU transmits the read card information to the device that issued the card via the communication line, that is, transmits a card information matching request (step S3), and the card issuing device that received this request , The received card information is collated with the internal memory information, and the collation result is obtained by the card settlement machine 4
Send to. Then, the CPU of the card settlement machine 4 receives the matching result (step S4), and it is determined whether the read card information is proper (step S5).

If it is determined that the card information is not appropriate (if "NO" is determined in step S5),
An error message is displayed (step S6), and the card is returned from the card insertion / ejection slot 90 (step S7). on the other hand,
When it is determined that the card information is proper (step S
If "YES" in 5), card information such as card balance (remaining frequency) is displayed (step S).
8). The player can see the balance of the card or the like by looking at this (so-called card check), and if the purpose is only this card check, the clerk or the player presses the cancel button 89, and step S9 is performed. Becomes "NO" and the card is returned (step S
7). In addition, in the case of the purpose of settlement, the staff or the player presses the settlement button 89, and step S9
Becomes “YES”, the payment is paid out (step S10), the CPU transmits the card rewriting information to the device of the card issuer through the communication line (step S11), and the device sends the information. From the response, it is confirmed that the update processing of the stored information in the device of the card issuer by the rewriting information is completed (step S12).

When the confirmation is made in step S12, the updated card information is stored in the storage area of the RAM, and then the CPU rewrites the valuable value of the card to a zero value by the card reader / writer 100 (step S13). ). After that, the card is collected (step S13).

The slot machine 1, the medal lending machine 2, the card issuing machine 3, and the card clearing machine 4 which compose the amusement hall management system according to the present embodiment are configured and function as described above, and these The card information of each device is managed by each device, and the management information is totaled by the management device 5 via the communication line. For example, when receiving an incoming call from the management device 5, the management information of each device stored in the RAM of each control unit at that time is transmitted to the management device 5 via the communication line. The device and the management device 5 are configured. The management device 5 stores the management information of each device in the RAM of the control unit 104, and
Based on the management information of each device, sales amount data, card usage amount data, settlement amount data, and the like are totalized, and the totalized result is stored in the RAM of the control unit 104. The “management information” in the present invention means card information, sales amount data, card usage amount data,
It is at least one data such as the settlement amount data and data showing the results of these aggregations.

In the amusement hall management system according to the present embodiment, the above-mentioned management information is stored at a predetermined time by using the dedicated line L20 connecting the amusement hall management device 5 and the host computer 6 of the card company. It is transmitted from the management device 5 to the host computer 6. Hereinafter, the management device 5
A mode of transmitting and receiving various kinds of information between the host computer 6 and the host computer 6 will be specifically described.

FIG. 15 shows the management apparatus 5 and the host computer 6 which constitute the game hall management system according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 15 and as described above, in the game hall management system according to the present embodiment, the management device 5 and the host computer 6 are connected to each other in order to prevent leakage of management information. It is configured to send and receive management information via the dedicated line L20.

In such a game hall management system, for example, management information D1 collected by the management device 5
Is transmitted from the management device 5 to the host computer 6 of the card company B via the dedicated line L20 after the closing of the amusement hall A and after the completion of the totalization processing in the management device 5, and is stored in the RAM forming the control unit 110 of the host computer 6. The management information D1 is stored. And the card company B is at the game hall A.
The system usage fee is calculated by using the management information D1 indicating the usage status and the usage fee is charged to the game arcade A.

Further, in the game hall management system according to the present embodiment, the management device 5 and the host computer 6 are set at a predetermined time (corresponding to the "predetermined time" of the present invention).
The display information D2 is transmitted from the host computer 6 to the management device 5 by using the dedicated line L20 connecting with.
The display information D2 is information (data, etc.) for displaying characters, images, etc. on the display unit 106 of the management apparatus 5, and is transmitted from the host computer 6 to the management apparatus 5 and then the management apparatus 5 It is stored in the RAM forming the control unit 104. Then, the management device 5 according to the present embodiment is configured so that an image or the like based on the display information D2 is displayed on the display unit 106 at a predetermined time (corresponding to the “predetermined display time” of the present invention). ing.

Hereinafter, with reference to the flow chart and the like, the management device 5 which constitutes the game hall management system according to the present embodiment.
An example of a system usage mode and the like will be described, centering on transmission and reception of information between the host computer 6 and the host computer 6.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the management apparatus 5 showing an outline when using this system. As shown in FIG. 16, the management device 5 according to the present embodiment first executes a start process (step S161) to start up the management device 5 and the like, and then a customer enters the game hall A. When the system is actually used, the process during operation (step S162) is performed, and after the business of the game arcade A is ended, the end process (step S163) is performed.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing an example of the specific contents of the start process (step S161) shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, first, in the game hall management system according to the present embodiment, before the game hall A is opened, the key switch 5A of the management device 5 is turned on (O
Then, the management device 5 is started up (step S1).
611). Next, by operating the start button in the input unit 105 provided on the management device 5 and made up of a numeric keypad,
From the management device 5 to each device in the game arcade A (medal lending machine 2,
A confirmation signal for starting communication is transmitted to the card issuing machine 3 and the card settlement machine 4) (step S161).
2). This confirmation signal is transmitted and received (hereinafter referred to as “confirmation processing”), and it is determined whether or not the communication state between the management device 5 and each device is appropriate (step S161).
3) If appropriate (“YE” in step S1613)
If “S” is determined), the confirmation process is completed and the management device 5 and each device are in a communicable state (step S161).
4). At this time, a startup status list corresponding to the device number of each device is displayed on the display unit 106 of the management device 5.

Next, FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an example of the specific contents of the in-operation process (S162) of the management apparatus 5 shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, after the start process (step S161) including the above confirmation process is completed and each device constituting the game hall management system operates normally, the game hall A is opened and the customer uses the system. When each of the above devices is started to be used, the management device 5 makes a data transmission request to each of the set devices after setting the device to be checked (step S1622) at predetermined time intervals (step S1621). (Step S1623). As a result, various information (card information, sales amount data, card usage amount data, settlement amount data, etc.) is transmitted from each device to the management device 5, that is, the management device 5 receives data from each device. Received (step S16)
24), the aggregation processing of these pieces of information and the like are performed (step S1625).

The latest aggregated information can be displayed on the display unit 106 of the management apparatus 5, and by operating the display switching button provided on the input unit 105, the aggregated information can be displayed. It is possible to switch the display between the latest information, the startup status list of each device, the display information D2, and the like. Further, in the management device 5, the counting process is performed every time various information is transmitted from each device (step S1625), and the display on the display unit 106 is updated to the new counting result (step S1626). After updating the counting result, it is determined whether or not the operation end operation is performed (step S1627), and if there is no operation, the processing from step S1621 is repeated again.

Next, FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the management apparatus 5 showing an example of the specific contents of the end processing (step S163) shown in FIG. When the business hours of the amusement arcade A are finished, the input unit 105 of the management device 5 is operated to carry out a finishing process (operations necessary at the end) (step S1631). By performing this end processing operation, the management device 5 sequentially starts communication with each device and confirms whether or not there is unaggregated information for each device (step S1632).

If there is a device in which the unaggregated information exists (when it is determined as "YES" in step S1633), the unaggregated information is received from the device (step S1634), and based on the information. After the tabulation / update process is performed (step S1635), step S1636
Process shifts to. Further, when there is no unaggregated information (when it is determined as “NO” in step S1633)
Immediately after that, the process proceeds to step S1636. Then, in step S1636, the end processing operation of each device is performed. In addition, even if the process of step S1634 is performed, there may be uncollected information, or step S163.
If there is a device that cannot be terminated in the process of 6, the management device 5 displays an error, and the error display is appropriately treated according to the cause.

After the above processing, the aggregation of various information and the end processing operation of each device are completed, then the key switch 5A of the management device 5 is turned off (OFF) (step S1637), and the display unit 106 is turned off. Yes (Step S
1638). Here, even if the display unit 106 is turned off,
The operating state of the management device 5 is continued, and the display unit 1
After the light of 06 is turned off, the management information including various information of the day is transmitted to the host computer 6 of the card company B through the dedicated line L20, and the management information D1 is transmitted (reception in the host computer 6) (or After the management information D1 is transmitted), the display information D2 is transmitted from the host computer 6 to the management device 5 (reception in the management device 5) via the dedicated line L20 (step S1639). In step S1639, when the transmission / reception of the information D1 and D2 between the management device 5 and the host computer 6 is completed and the display information D2 is stored in the RAM or the like forming the control unit 104 of the management device 5,
The management device 5 is automatically stopped (step S164
0), the use of the game hall management system on that day ends.

In step S1639, the management device 5
The display information D2 stored in the display unit 10 is stored in the display unit 10 of the management device 5.
6 is information to be displayed on the game center management system (for example, business hours, maintenance and inspection information,
New product information, sales information), latest industry information, general news, or commercials. On the display unit 106 of the management device 5, this display information D2 can be displayed as characters and images.

The display time of the display information D2 by the display unit 106 is not particularly limited to any time, and in the host computer 6 or the management device 5,
Any time can be set. For example, the display information D2 stored in the management device 5 received from the host computer 6 before the end of the operation of the management device 5 on the previous day is automatically displayed during the confirmation process shown in FIG. May be displayed in. Further, since the termination process described with reference to FIG. 19 requires a time of several minutes to 10 minutes, the display information D2 stored in the management device 5 at that time is displayed by using this time. May be configured to be displayed on the screen. Further, if the display timing of the display information D2 on the display unit 106 is set in consideration of the timing when the store clerk of the game arcade A stops near the management device 5, etc., the display information D2 is recognized with high probability to the store clerk. Thus, the display unit 106 of the management device 5 can be effectively used. In addition, at each predetermined time,
The display information D2 may be displayed. Furthermore, based on the operation of the input unit 105 (inside display switching button) of the management device 5, the display information D2, the latest information report of the aggregation result, the startup status list of each device, etc. are displayed as appropriate. Part 106
The display may be switchable.

Further, the display information D2 on the display unit 106
The display mode is not limited to one of the formats, and the display information D2 may be completely switched to the management information D1 and the like, or the screen may be divided and displayed at the same time. You may display so that it may overlap with a part of management information D1 grade. Further, when a plurality of screens can be configured by the display information D2, a table of contents is displayed on a part of the initial screen when the display information D2 is displayed on the display unit 106, and the input unit 105 is displayed.
The management device 5 may be configured to switch the image or the like based on the display information D2 at every predetermined time or at an arbitrary time by the selection operation in.

As described above, in the game hall management system according to the present embodiment, the dedicated line L20 is used not only for transmitting / receiving the management information D1 but also for transmitting / receiving the display information D2. Therefore, the dedicated line L20 is used. Can be effectively used.

Further, in the management device 5 according to the present embodiment, the display information D2 received and stored through the dedicated line L20 is used, and information such as industry information is displayed on the display unit 106 at a predetermined display time. Therefore, the display unit 106 can be used as an advertising medium or the like. That is, if conventional
According to the present embodiment, the private line L20 and the management device 5 (particularly the display unit 106) are used for the business activities which are carried out by directly visiting each amusement hall or sending direct mail.
Since it can be performed by using and, the system can be effectively used and the efficiency of business activities can be improved.

Further, in the game hall management system according to the present embodiment, the transmission time of the display information D2 can be arbitrarily set in the host computer 6. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the display information D is selected by selecting a time when an excessive load does not occur in the system (especially the management device 5).
2 can be transmitted to effectively use the system.
As described above, since the display information D2 is transmitted to the management device 5 mainly by the host computer 6, the display information D2 is displayed on the display unit 106 without a transmission request operation from the management device 5. Display based on can be performed. That is, the card company B having the host computer 6 can freely control the transmission / reception timing and the transmission / reception content of the display information D2.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the display information D2 is transmitted and received after the aggregation of various data in the game arcade A is completed. That is, the display information D2 is avoided by avoiding the business hours of the game hall A (when the so-called amusement hall management system frequently performs the aggregation processing and the like).
Since it is transmitted and received, it is possible to smoothly perform the aggregation processing during business and the transmission and reception of the display information D2 after business.

In the present embodiment, the management device 5
Since the display information D2 can be transmitted and received at the same time as the transmission and reception of the management information D1 between the host computer 6 and the host computer 6, without increasing the number of communication connections between the management device 5 and the host computer 6, This system can be effectively used.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, during the confirmation processing described with reference to FIG. 17, the image based on the display information D2 previously stored in the management device 5 is automatically displayed on the display unit 106. Can be displayed with. The display information D2 is the information transmitted from the host computer 6 and stored in the management device 5 before the management device 5 ends its operation on the previous day (or before this display time). Therefore, according to such a configuration, since a predetermined image or the like is displayed on the display unit 106 based on the stored display information D2, the display information D2 need not be transmitted / received at the time of display. Therefore, the necessary information can be promptly displayed on the display unit 106 without requiring communication time or the like.

Further, in this embodiment, the management device 5
The display screen on the display unit 106 can be arbitrarily selected according to a predetermined condition such as a predetermined push button operation of the input unit 105 in FIG. That is, the display screen of the display unit 106 can be switched to display information D2, the latest information report of the aggregation result, the startup status list of each device, and the like by a simple operation. Therefore, it is possible to perform display for totalizing and managing card information and the like, which is the original function of the management device 5, and it is possible to use the display unit 106 as an advertising medium or the like.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various changes other than those described above can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, in the present embodiment, when the management device 5 is not totalizing the card information in the game arcade A (after the end of the totaling), the display information D2 is displayed from the host computer 6 to the management device 5. However, the display information D2 may be transmitted and received while the management device 5 is operating, depending on the processing capacity of the management device 5 and the like.

Further, in this embodiment, the management device 5
"Data transmission request" from each device in game hall A
Although a case has been described above, each device may be configured to voluntarily transmit various data to the management device 5. Further, each device may be configured to transmit various data to the management device 5 at predetermined time intervals.

Further, in the present embodiment, the display unit 1 is switched on the basis of the switching operation of the input unit 105 or the like, if necessary.
Although the configuration in which the display state of 06 can be changed has been described, various screens may be automatically switched at predetermined time intervals.

Further, in the present embodiment, the display information D2 transmitted from the host computer 6 is stored in the management device 5, and an image or the like is displayed on the display unit 106 at a predetermined time based on the stored display information D2. However, the display information D2 may be preferentially displayed on the display unit 106 after the management apparatus 5 receives the display information D2. By doing so, the latest information can be displayed on the display unit 106 in a timely manner. Here, FIG. 20 shows an example in which the display information D2 is preferentially displayed on the display unit 106. In FIG. 20A, one of the display information D2 (here, TAKAS) is given priority over the management information D1 aggregated by the management device 5 (so as to be superposed on the management information D1).
An example in which character information such as new product information of AGO) is scroll-displayed is shown. Further, in FIG. 20B, an example in which one of the display information D2 (here, image information regarding the slot machine) is displayed (top display) on the top of the display unit 106 (on the management information D1) Is shown. Also,
In FIG. 20C, the management information D1 is replaced with the display information D2.
One example (here, information about homepages of affiliated companies, etc.) is switched to and displayed on the entire surface of the display unit 106 (overall switching display). In this way, when the display information D2 is preferentially displayed, the display on the display unit 106 can be completely switched even if it is completely switched to the display regarding the management information (see FIG. 20C). Without
It may be performed on a part of the display unit 106 as needed (see FIGS. 20A and 20B). Further, even when such a priority display is performed, the table of contents is displayed on a part of the initial screen at the time of display as described in the above embodiment, and the display information is selected by the selection operation on the input unit 105. The management device 5 switches the image based on D2.
May be configured. In this way, when the display information D2 is preferentially displayed on the display unit 106, the game hall A
It is preferable to set the transmission timing of the display information D2 in the host computer 6 in consideration of the time when the store clerk or the like stops at the management device 5 (that is, in consideration of the time zone in which the probability of viewing is high).

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the management device 5 of the game arcade A transmits the management information D1 to the host computer 6 after the card information is totaled and the like has been described. Of the host computer 6 via the management device 5 and the dedicated line L20.
Alternatively, the host computer 6 may be configured to collect the information and to collect the information. in this case,
The management device 5 displays aggregated data for each device in the game arcade A. In addition, a relay terminal having a communication function is provided in the card company B as required, and this relay terminal collects card information and the like from the game arcade A and performs an aggregation process, and the aggregation result is stored in the host computer 6. It may be configured to transmit.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the management device 5 and the host computer 6 are connected via the "dedicated line" has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration and high security is provided. A general telephone line or the like may be used as long as the above can be maintained. Furthermore, if high security can be maintained by using an encryption process or the like, the system is not limited to "wired", and the system can be configured "wirelessly" as needed. . Further, in the above embodiment, the communication line between the management device 5 and each device in the game arcade A
Although the case of “wired” has been described, the communication line in the game arcade A may be “wireless”. That is, the communication line configuring the game hall management system according to the present invention is not particularly limited to either "wired" or "wireless", and a combination of these may be used as necessary.
Alternatively, the communication line may be a combination of the Internet and the like.

Further, in the above embodiment, a so-called card type lending machine has been described as the medal lending machine 2, but the present invention is not limited to this structure, and for example, coins are thrown into the medal. It may be a so-called cash-type medal lending machine that receives the payout. Further, the medal lending machine 2 according to the above-described embodiment is a so-called self-issued medal lending machine that accepts currency and issues a card to which a valuable value is added, but it does not have a card issuing function and is a card issuing machine. It also includes a medal lending machine for receiving issued cards. Also, even if it is self-issued, the amount selection button is not a mandatory configuration, and it may include a medal lending machine that issues a card equivalent to the accepted currency and a medal lending machine that can not remove the issued card. is there.

Further, in addition to the above-mentioned medal lending machine of the type in which a lending command signal is transmitted to the slot machine to lend medals from the slot machine, the player lends a medal to the player, and the player medals it into the medal tray of the slot machine. It may be a medal lending machine of a type that supplies a game ball (in the case of a pachinko machine, there is also a type that supplies the game balls lent from the ball lending machine to the upper plate of the pachinko machine by a nozzle).

Further, according to the present invention, when a new banknote is inserted from the banknote slot while the valuable value remains in the card, the valuable value (or the amount selection button corresponding to the inserted banknote is selected. Includes a medal lending machine with a function (additional deposit function) in which a valuable value corresponding to the amount of money) is added to the remaining valuable value of the card. Further, similarly to the medal lending machine, the card issuing machine, and the card settlement machine, the card information in the additional deposit machine may be transmitted to the management device 5.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the "slot machine" has been described as the gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to a "pachinko machine". In this case, the above term "medal"
Is replaced by a "pachinko ball". Further, it may be a game machine that stores a game medium as electronic data.

[0120]

As described above, according to the present invention, the management computer of the game arcade and the host computer of the card company are connected to the management computer by using the communication line. Information is transmitted, and an image based on this display information is displayed on the display unit of the management device. That is, the management device is used as an advertising medium or the like by using the communication line of this system. Therefore, according to the present invention, the communication line provided between the management device (particularly the display unit) provided in the game hall and the external specific third party (host computer of the card company) is effectively used. It is possible to obtain a game hall management system.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a game hall management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a slot machine and a medal lending machine that constitute the system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine and the medal lending machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a card ticket issuing machine constituting the system according to the present embodiment.

5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the card issuing machine shown in FIG. 4. FIG.

6A and 6B are schematic perspective views of a card settlement machine that constitutes the system according to the present embodiment, where FIG. 6A is a front perspective view and FIG. 6B is a rear perspective view.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the card settlement machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a management device that constitutes the system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a host computer that constitutes the system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of a medal lending machine that constitutes the system according to the present embodiment.

11 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of a card issuing process in FIG.

12 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of a medal lending process in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a card issuing machine constituting the system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a flow chart of a card settlement machine which constitutes the system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a management device and a host computer that constitute the system according to the present embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an outline when using the system according to the present embodiment.

17 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of a start process in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of processing during operation in FIG.

19 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of termination processing in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a display example on a display unit of a management device constituting a system according to another embodiment. FIG. 20 (a) shows an example of scroll display, and FIG. 20 (b) shows a frontmost display. For example, FIG. 20C shows an example of full-screen switching display.

[Explanation of symbols] 5 ... Management device (game hall management device) 6 ... Host computer (system management device) 106 ... Display unit (display means) A ... Playground B: Card company (specified third party) L20 ... Dedicated line (communication line)

Front page continuation (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) A63F 5/04 A63F 5/04 512X

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A game hall management apparatus having display means for collecting various management information in a game hall and a system management apparatus of a third party jurisdiction located outside the game hall via a communication line. A game hall management system which is connected and configured to transmit the management information from the game hall management device to the system management device using the communication line, wherein display is performed by the display means. Display information for the above is transmitted from the system management device to the game management device using the communication line. 2. The game hall management system according to claim 1, wherein the display information is stored in the game hall management device, and the stored display information is displayed on the display means at a predetermined display time. 3. The predetermined display time is after the next activation of the game hall management apparatus after the display information is stored in the game hall management apparatus and the operation of the game hall management apparatus is completed. Item 2. A game hall management system according to item 2. 4. The game hall management system according to claim 1, wherein when the game hall management device receives the display information, the display information is displayed on the display means in preference to the management information. 5. The game hall management system according to claim 1, wherein the management information and the display information can be switched and displayed on the display means according to a predetermined condition. 6. The game hall management system according to claim 1, wherein the display information is transmitted from the system management device to the game hall management device at a predetermined time. 7. The game hall management system according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined time is other than when the management information is aggregated in the game hall management device. 8. The game hall management system according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined time is a time when the management information is transmitted from the game hall management device to the system management device. 9. The game hall management system according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined time is after the end processing operation is started in the game hall management device. 10. The game hall according to claim 1, wherein the system management apparatus voluntarily transmits the display information without waiting for a transmission request from the game hall management apparatus. Management system. 11. A plurality of gaming machines in the game arcade,
At least a plurality of game medium lending machines for lending a medium or money and lending a game medium used by the game machine to a player within the range of the valuable value of the medium or money are provided. 11. The game hall management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein information on the use of a lending medium or money in is transmitted to the game hall management device as the management information.