JP2004000768A - Management and charging apparatus of game machine to be used in parlor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a management and charging game apparatus to be used in a parlor and a charging device which realize the reduction of working time necessary for the management of the game machine and the strengthening of information management such as collection of information on the operation of the game machine to be used in the parlor and recovery of coins or the like and the expansion of service for customers simultaneously. <P>SOLUTION: The management and charging apparatus of a game machine to be used in the parlor comprises a controller A1 constituted detachably on each game machine in order to control the storage of management information obtained by the game machine, the release of a lock of an outer door, and the execution of a game, an electrical lock A3 which is a device for locking the outer door, a host device B for managing collection of the management information on the game machine and setting the kinds of works for an operator and control information, and a memory card C for transmitting information between the controller A1 and the host device B and operation commands. The apparatus can be used simultaneously and in parallel by two parties in the different positions as a means of the rational management for a store manager and as a new means of the service to the customers. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

The present invention relates to management and billing devices for arcade game machines and vending machines, including medal game machines and medal lending machines, video games, prizes and the like, which are installed in game centers. .

The arcade game machine has a container for storing coins and medals (hereinafter referred to as a "coin box") and a display device for displaying operation information such as a counter in the game machine body. In order to collect information, a door that can be opened and closed with a key (hereinafter, referred to as an “outer door”) is provided in the game machine body.

Conventionally, game machine operation information and coins are collected by opening the outer door using a key for each game machine, recording information on an information display device such as a counter stored inside the game machine body, and collecting coins. A manual method of collecting the information in a collection container, locking the outer door, and repeating the operation, and a method of connecting each game machine and the host computer by a signal line or the like to thereby collect information (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2) (hereinafter referred to as a "wired method") and a method of collecting information between each game machine and a host computer by a wireless signal (for example, see Patent Document 3) (hereinafter referred to as a "wireless method"). A collection method using an IC card (for example, see Patent Document 4) is known.

On the other hand, coins and medals are generally used as means for the customer to play the game. However, by using a card such as an IC card or a magnetic card as a substitute for the coin, the customer can prepare the coin by playing the game. The game machine is equipped with a terminal device, and each game machine is equipped with a terminal device. A game method in which a terminal device is managed by a host device (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2) is known. In this method, the game fee is collected in advance or in a postpaid manner. However, since a coin insertion device (hereinafter referred to as a “coin shooter”), which is a means for collecting coins of the game machine and a means for recognizing the amount of coins, is not used. , It is necessary to set the unit price of the game somewhere. Patent Document 1 sets the unit price to the host device, and Patent Document 2 sets the unit price to the terminal device. However, both units are configured to use the set unit price for calculating the charge. Patent Literature 1 prepaid as a payment method and Patent Literature 2 postpaid with a card usage limit set.However, a prepayment method that manages the number of remaining usage up to the advance payment and a usage limit are set. The post-payment method for managing the remaining number of use is the same in the processing method and configuration.

Also, as a method of converting the number from the weight of the measured object, it is already used for measuring the number of pachinko balls, coin counters, etc., and also, from the weight of medals as a cash equivalent in a slot machine of a game machine, (For example, see Patent Literature 5) is already known, but the actual number of coins inside a game machine for arcade game machines is conventionally calculated by manually removing coins from a coin box. Work counting is being performed.
JP-A-10-263175 JP-A-10-76071 JP 2001-145774 A Registered Utility Model No. 3008522 Patent Publication No. 11-502932

Collecting coins and collecting information manually requires a considerable amount of labor and a long time, so that it is not possible to perform management in units of real time, and the collection result lacks accuracy. At present, this method is mostly used, so a detailed description is omitted.

Although the above-mentioned wired method can be expected to reduce the labor of the tallying work, it is difficult to wire signal lines when adding or moving game machines.

In the wireless method, there is a problem that noise is easily generated in a wireless signal and accuracy of information cannot be guaranteed.

Since the information collection method using the IC card is a sales information collection device using a coin and a prepaid card, the operation of the game without the coin and the prepaid card, for example, a payout management indispensable for determining the operation efficiency of the medal game machine. To manage medals, payouts and remaining amount, and to manage game machines such as electronic money, mobile phones, PHS, and token billing, which are expected to increase in the future, and to acquire prizes. It contributes to the efficient acquisition of quantity information and management information required for game center management, such as information on the number of prizes paid out, which is indispensable for calculating the cost of prize game machines, and opening and closing control of cabinet doors. Absent.

In addition, although any of the above methods is a streamlining of the sales tabulation work, such as the opening and closing work of the outer door and strict key management accompanying the opening and closing work, counting the number of coins, collecting coins and medals, etc. It does not contribute to the simplification and rationalization of the work itself and has not reduced the labor of the workers.

On the other hand, in the above-mentioned method of using a card as an alternative means of coins, as described above, by setting a unit price of a game at a place instead of a coin shooter, coin collection work becomes unnecessary. The following two problems arise from the specialty of

Due to the provisions of the Customs Business Act, game centers are different from pachinko parlors, as long as they are not enthusiastic, the restrictions on the age of facility users are relaxed under certain time restrictions, from children to adults. While it is possible to attract a wide range of customers (hereinafter referred to as “diversity of customers”), in order to respond to the wide range of customers, the configuration of game machine models is much more complex and diverse compared to pachinko parlors (hereinafter “games”). Machine diversity).

The first problem is the diversity of the customer base.
Card games allow for the collection of prepaid or postpaid fees by eliminating the coin shooter, but this method is a kind of contract, especially for postpaid games, such as minors, junior high school students, and other minors. Is not familiar to people. Therefore, it is difficult to execute the game depending on the location such as a game corner in a shopping center.

In addition, customers other than those who visit the store for the purpose of the game itself, which account for the majority of customers entering the store, for example, those who are killing time, meeting places, dating places, etc. It will take up the “easiness of a game that can be done”, and it is difficult for the OL and housewife customers to take in card customers. As a result, the customers are narrowed down, and the danger of a decrease in sales increases.

The second problem is due to the variety of game consoles.
Game consoles at game centers are roughly divided into those that play games using coins and those that play games using medals other than coins.Each device has a new or old model, popularity, marketability and the aforementioned In order to cope with the diversity of the customer segment, the setting of the number of credits and the charges vary greatly, and these game machines are mixed in the same game center.

In addition, since a conventional game device using cards is a device as a substitute for coins, application to a medal game using an arbitrary plurality of medals in one game is not considered.
As a result, the number of game machines that can be dealt with only by setting the unit price (= one credit price) is limited, and it is not possible to cope with the variety of game machines, and thus it is not possible to widely provide a service of card game convenience.

As an issue regarding coin counting, the numerical value of the counter as a display device of operation information of a game machine or the like indicates the number of coins or the amount of money that should be theoretically, but this numerical value is It is not the number or the amount of coins present in the coin, but it may not be displayed correctly due to sensor failure, noise influence, display device failure etc. when passing the coin, and after considering the possibility of artificial injustice, Since the correct amount cannot be finally determined unless the coins are actually counted, management and collection of the coins of the arcade game machine require a lot of time and effort. At the present, serious management problems and dangers such as mistakes in recording numerical information, omission of recording, and the like always accompany this work.

The object of the present invention is to streamline management operations for game machines, such as collection of operation information of game machines, collection and counting of coins, and opening and closing of outer doors for store managers. The game method and coin shooter using coins and medals will remain the same as before, and on top of that, not only coin games but also medal games will be provided with the convenience of card-based games, and games tailored to models, markets and customers By adding and providing new services such as setting fees, arcade game machines that can not only strengthen information management but also expand customer service and create new customers at the same time. It is to provide a management and billing device.

An arcade game machine management and billing device according to the present invention includes a terminal device (hereinafter, referred to as a “controller”) detachably attached to the arcade game machine main body and a coin collection door provided on the game machine main body. An electric lock provided as a locking device (hereinafter, referred to as an “outer door”), a host device that integrally manages a plurality of the controllers, and a bidirectional mediation of information transmission between the plurality of controllers and the host device. The controller and the host device are respectively composed of a terminal side input / output unit (hereinafter referred to as “terminal RW”) and a host side input / output unit (hereinafter referred to as “terminal RW”). “Host RW”).

The memory card is a portable, lightweight, small-sized storage device such as an IC card or a magnetic card, and transmits an operation command from the host device to the controller, and transmits control information necessary for the operation of the controller. Mediating transmission of operating information of the game machine from the controller to the host device.

Input / output of data in the memory card is performed by the terminal RW and the host RW. (Hereinafter referred to as "set")

In the management and billing device for arcade game machines of the present invention, the host device reads operating information and billing information of a plurality of game machines recorded on the memory card via the host RW, and It is composed of a host computer that performs statistical processing of usage status, classifies and aggregates billing amounts, sales and costs, and peripheral devices such as monitors and printers.
Thus, the operator can simply set the memory card storing the operation information of the plurality of game machines in the host RW, and transfer the operation information and the billing information of the plurality of game machines to the host computer for data processing. As a result, the time required for information management and billing management can be shortened, and at the same time, the quality of information improves.

The host device is further characterized in that the host device has a function of setting an ID (hereinafter, referred to as “application ID”) indicating a use application of the memory card.
The usage of the memory card refers to the use of the memory card according to the type of work performed by the operator with respect to the game machine. For example, the operation of collecting operation information of the game machine such as collecting money for the memory card. Whether it is used for both work to open and close the outer door and work to collect only operation information, or used as an execution medium for the store manager to execute the game machine, etc. A memory card according to the type of work, such as whether the customer uses it as an execution medium for executing a game machine or the like, or uses it for changing or setting various control information stored in the controller. Say the use of the use.

The host device further has a function of setting and changing control information stored in the controller and necessary for the controller to collect and calculate information on the game machine and control the operation of the game machine. It is characterized by:
The control information includes basic information (hereinafter, referred to as the weight of an empty coin box itself (hereinafter, referred to as “coin box own weight”) and the weight per coin (hereinafter, referred to as “coin unit weight”). "Basic weight"), a use ID, a control program, and the number of executions per use of the memory card when the game machine or the like is executed by the memory card (hereinafter referred to as "set credit number"). The corresponding billing amount (hereinafter referred to as “set billing amount”) or the like.

The setting and change of the control information stored in the controller are performed by the host device with respect to the memory card by using an ID indicating a setting or change of control information, an ID indicating an item to be set or changed, and a new ID. By setting data to be set or changed and setting the memory card in the terminal RW, the controller overwrites the address on a predetermined memory.
At this time, if the setting change history is recorded, the management is further enhanced.

At the start of the work, the worker operates the host device and writes a use ID into the memory card, thereby limiting the use of the memory card to be used. By clearing all data including the ID so that the controller cannot recognize the memory card, security regarding coins and operation information in the game machine is enhanced.

In the management and billing device for arcade game machines of the present invention, the controller relates to a use ID recognition means for recognizing a use ID set in the used memory card, and to operation of the game machine obtained from the game machine. An operation information detecting means for detecting all kinds of information (hereinafter referred to as "game machine operation information") for each type of information, and a storage means for storing detected operation information and control information (hereinafter referred to as "internal RAM"). A ROM for storing a control program for controlling each unit and a unique ID unique to the controller, a clock unit for managing date and time information, and a CPU for controlling and calculating each unit. Terminal control means configured in accordance with the type of information by the terminal control means each time information is detected by the operation information detection means. S, operations are organized and stored by type of information in the internal RAM.

The operation information detected by the operation information detecting means and stored in the internal RAM is, in a game machine executed by coins, the number of times of execution of the inserted coins or the number of inserted coins. When a prepaid card other than a coin, a mobile phone, a PHS, the above-mentioned memory card, or the like is used as a medium, a unique ID of the executed medium, an ID indicating the type of the executed medium, the number of executions, and a charge amount, and a medal. For a game machine, this is the number of medals inserted and paid out, and when the medal game machine is executed by the memory card, a unique ID of the memory card, an ID indicating the type of the memory card, the number of executions, and a billing amount. For devices that require payout of goods such as prizes, this is the number of payouts of goods and is transmitted from ready-made game machines. It is the code or number of detectable troubles or errors, the number of coins converted from the weight, and information about the date and time at the time of obtaining the operation information (hereinafter referred to as "clock information"). The internal RAM stores the various types of information as described above as integrated information and history information for each type.
As the operation information detecting means, photoelectric sensors and current sensors are generally known, and these sensors can be newly equipped and used. It is also possible to apply in combination with a counter device or the like.

The controller further includes an outer door opening / closing detecting means for detecting the opening / closing of the outer door, and each time the detection is performed, the number of times of opening the door is stored in the internal RAM together with clock information by the terminal control means. The information on the number of times of door opening is transferred to the host computer as operation information, and is managed continuously, thereby strengthening the cash cash management check system.
A switch or a combination of a switch and a counter is used as the outer door opening / closing detecting means, and is provided between the outer door and a cabinet holding the outer door so as to operate with the opening / closing of the outer door, or at a movable portion of the electric lock.

The controller further includes coin box weight detection means for detecting the weight of the coin box below the coin box inside the game machine main body, and the weight information of the coin box is used by the usage ID recognition means to determine whether the memory card is used. The terminal control means converts the information on the weight of the coin box into the number of coins at the timing when the use is to collect the operation information or at the timing when the weight of the coin box changes, and the conversion result is obtained. It is stored in the internal RAM.
The information on the number of coins is transferred to the host computer as operating information, and the operator can obtain the actual information on the number of coins without counting the actual number of coins. By comparing and managing this, the check system for cash sales management will be further strengthened.
As a weight detecting means, a load cell type or an electromagnetic type sensor is generally known.

The weight detected by the coin box weight detecting means is converted into the number of coins by the terminal control means. For the conversion calculation, the internal RAM stores two values, the coin box own weight and the coin unit weight. Basic weight information needs to be stored as control information. However, since the shape and weight of the coin box differ depending on the game machine, and the coins also change in weight depending on the type or recasting, the controller further includes the basic weight, which is a basis for conversion, as necessary. It also has basic weight setting means that can be set and changed.
As the basic weight setting means, the controller may have two types of switches, one for the coin box's own weight and the other for the coin unit weight, and the weight when the switch is operated may be stored as the respective basic weight. Instead of the switch, it is also possible to use two types of the memory card, that is, the memory card in which an ID for setting a coin box own weight and the memory card in which an ID for setting a coin unit weight are set. is there.

In the method of setting the basic weight using the basic weight setting means, the setting of the own weight of the coin box is performed by operating an empty coin box on the coin box weight detecting means by operating a coin box switch, or The coin card's own weight is stored at a predetermined address of the internal RAM by setting the memory card in which the ID for setting the box's own weight is set in the terminal RW. The coin unit weight is stored at a predetermined address of the internal RAM by operating the switch for coins above or by setting the memory card in which the ID for setting the coin unit weight is set in the terminal RW.

The controller further has a function of writing various kinds of operation information stored in the internal RAM to the memory card set in the terminal RW, and the memory card in which a use ID of information collection is set. Is set in the terminal RW, the use ID recognition means recognizes the use of the memory card being used, that is, the work of the operator is collection of operation information, and the unique ID of the controller and Write various operation information stored in the internal RAM to the memory card.
This operation information is transferred to the host computer, and is used for tabulation, statistical processing, billing settlement, and the like, and the time required for collecting operation information and subsequent data processing is greatly reduced.

The controller further includes a lock control means for controlling an electric lock provided as a locking device for the outer door, and an operator sets the memory card in which a use ID for unlocking the outer door is set to the terminal RW. The application ID recognition means recognizes that the use of the memory card being used, that is, the work of the operator is to unlock the outer door, and acts on the lock control means to set the memory card. Energize the lock to unlock the outer door. Thereby, the time of the coin collecting operation can be reduced.
Electromagnetic or motor-type electric locks are generally known.

The controller further includes execution control means for executing the device by setting the memory card set for use in a game machine or the like in the game machine RW.

In order to execute the execution control means, the set credit amount and the set charge amount corresponding to the set credit amount must be set in advance in the internal RAM as control information.
The set number of credits referred to in the present invention is the number of games and the like that can be played when the memory card set for execution of a game or the like is used once, that is, the number of added credits, such as a coin game or the like. In the case of a medal game machine, it is to add credit for the number of times, when it is used for a medal lending machine, it is to pay out medals for the number of times, and when it is used for vending machines, it is shared with sales. The set number of charges is not the unit price of the set number of credits at one time, but the price for the set number of credits.

The management and billing device for arcade game machines according to the present invention sets not only game machines using coins but also medal game machines and medal lending machines by setting a set number of credits and a corresponding set billing amount as a pair. It is characterized in that it is possible to equip all the equipment installed in the game center, including the game center. In addition, the method of setting in pairs is based on the usage ID set in the memory card. Another feature is that the method can be provided.
As an example, in the controller provided in a coin game machine which can be made for 100 yen per coin, the set credit amount and the set charge amount corresponding to the use ID (A) are set to a times and b yen, respectively, and the use ID ( Similarly, the setting corresponding to B) is set to c times and d circle, and the setting corresponding to use ID (C) is set to e times and f circle, and the use ID is similarly assigned to the controller provided in the medal game machine. While the coin shooter and the conventional method are continued, for example, the setting corresponding to (A) is set to g times and h yen, the game machine type, new and old, popularity, marketability, customer base, etc. Delicate customer service is realized.

In particular, by applying the present invention to a medal game machine, in addition to the conventional play method, for example, by setting an optimal number of credits and a corresponding billing amount to each of a plurality of medal game machines, the medal lending machine can be used. It is easier to participate in the medal game than purchasing a medal, and it is expected that a new customer base will be cultivated. At the same time, if the payout function included with the medal game machine is used together, the medal game machine will also serve as a medal lending machine And the customer experience will be greatly improved.

The memory card capable of executing the execution control means is divided into a store manager and a customer, the store manager is divided into a single execution and a set execution, and the customer is paid in advance. It is better to categorize the system into post-pay and time-based usage.
The classification such as the one-time execution, the set-time execution, the prepayment, the postpayment, and the time-based usage is performed by setting different use IDs to the memory card to be used.

When the operator sets the memory card in which the execution ID of the game or the like has been set in the terminal RW, the execution control unit performs the setting corresponding to the application ID preset in the internal RAM. The device is executed by the number of credits, the unique ID of the memory card executed, the application ID set in the information medium, the set credit number corresponding to the application ID, or the number of executed times and the set charging amount. The clock information at the time of execution is stored in the internal RAM, and the unique ID of the controller, the number of executions, the set billing amount, and the clock information at the time of execution are also recorded on the memory card used at the same time, and used at the time of subsequent settlement. Is done.

When playing a game with a prepayment system using the memory card, the amount received in advance from the customer is written into the memory card by the host management means, and each time the card is used, the balance and the billing amount are managed by the controller. Thus, the memory card can be used as a prepaid card.

When playing a game based on the post-payment system using the memory card, the memory card to be used can be used as a post-payment settlement card, and the upper limit is managed in the same manner as the management of the advance payment in the pre-payment system. Is also possible.

Time-based game play is a method in which a customer is required to use a game facility on a time basis and is a system for charging for entrance time, which is different from a charging system for each game machine. Just like the system and the postpaid system, it is only necessary to set the set billing amount corresponding to the time-based usage ID to 0 (zero).
In this case as well, depending on the game machine, for example, by setting a set charging amount for a machine that generates a cost that involves paying out goods such as prizes, only the fee for that is paid in a postpay system or a prepaid system. It is possible to charge for the game and not to charge for each game machine for other games.

The change of the set credit amount and the set charge amount in the internal RAM is performed by the host management unit with respect to the memory card by using an ID indicating a use of the control information setting change, whether the change is a prepaid system or a postpaid system, Also, an ID representing an item to be changed, such as a change in the number of credits or a change in the billing amount, and a new set credit amount or a new billing amount are set, and the memory card is set in the terminal RW. This is performed in a format of overwriting a predetermined address of the RAM.

The management and billing device for arcade game machines according to the present invention has a structure that can be operated by an external power supply via a regulator (transformer) or the like in the game machine, but includes a power supply backup unit that always backs up with a rechargeable storage battery. This ensures that the internal RAM and the outer door open / close detecting means always operate. Further, by using a non-volatile RAM as the internal RAM, further retention of data is ensured.

As described above, the present invention provides the store manager with a bidirectional function of the memory card between the controller provided in the game machine and the host device that manages the plurality of controllers. Management operations related to game machines, such as collecting operation information of game machines, collecting and counting coins, and opening / closing outer doors, have been greatly streamlined. In addition, the coin shooter is left as it is, and a new game method using the memory card is added, so that not only the coin game but also the medal game, the convenience of the game using the card and the game fee according to the customer or the marketability can be reduced. New services such as settings can be provided, which not only strengthens information management, but also -Bis of the type and quality there is an effect that dramatically improved.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of one embodiment of the present invention.

The management and billing device for arcade game machines according to the present invention is provided in a terminal device (hereinafter, referred to as a “controller A1”) for collecting information, opening and closing outer doors, and controlling the operation of the game machine, and the like, and is provided in the game machine body. An electric lock A3 provided as a locking device for an outer door for collecting coins, a host device B for setting classification and totaling of operation information of each game machine and a type of operation of an operator, the controller A1 and the host device B, and information mediating means (hereinafter, referred to as "memory card C") for mediating the transmission of information to and from each other. RW / B2 is provided.

The controller A1 is connected to the ready-made game board G1, the terminal RW / A2, and the electric lock A3.

The game machine G is installed in a game machine such as a game machine that can use a plurality of types of coins, a game machine that does not involve direct insertion of billing coins using a prepaid card, a mobile phone or electronic money, and a medal game machine. Off-the-shelf game consoles, including vending machines for selling goods

The host device B performs data classification, tabulation, and statistical processing, or sets a use of the memory card C and sets control information of the controller A1, and a host computer B1 and its peripheral devices (not shown). ) And a host RW / B2 as input / output means of the host computer B1.

The exchange of information between the host computer B1 and the host RW / B2 is performed by a wired or wireless host I / O unit w1, and the exchange of information between the controller A1 and the terminal RW / A2 is performed by a wired or wireless terminal I / O unit w2. Done by (This action is hereinafter referred to as “set”)

FIG. 2 shows details of the controller A1.

a1 is a CPU that controls the entire controller, and is connected to the next device. That is, a ROM a2 for storing a control program and a unique ID for identifying the controller from other controllers, a RAM a3 for storing game machine operation information and control information, a timer a4 for managing date and time, an operation confirmation lamp ( A terminal RW / A2 having an LED a10), an external power lead w3, a plurality of operating information leads w4, an electric lock A3 and an unlock switch a5 for unlocking the electric lock A3, and a game. A game start switch a6 to start, a coin box own weight setting switch a7, a coin unit weight setting switch a8, and a backup power supply a9.
When the basic weight is set using the memory card C instead of the switch, the coin box own weight setting switch a7 and the coin unit weight setting switch a8 may not be provided.

The controller A1 is supplied with power from the game machine G via a power lead w3, and data stored in the RAM a3 is always protected by an internal backup power supply a9. In addition, by using a non-volatile RAM as the RAMa3, data can be more reliably protected.

The operation information lead wire w4 is connected to a ready-made information signal output terminal of the game board G1 directly or via a sensor or a counter corresponding to each application, and is stored in the RAM a3 every time information of the game machine is generated. Note that at least two or more operation information lead wires w4 are provided, and two or more different types of information are stored at respective addresses in the RAM a3.

One of the plurality of operation information lead wires w4 is connected to a weight sensor (not shown) which is a coin box weight detecting means for detecting the weight of a coin box (not shown) inside the game machine body. The information on the weight of the coin box is connected when the CPUa1 recognizes that the usage of the memory card C is to collect the operation information or when the weight of the coin box changes, And the conversion result is stored in the RAM a3.

The weight detected by the weight sensor is converted into the number of coins by the CPUa1, and for the conversion calculation, two basic weight information of the coin box own weight and the coin unit weight are stored in the RAMa3 as control information. There is a need. However, since the basic weight may be constantly changed, the controller A1 sets a basic weight for resetting the so-called basic weight of the information of the coin box's own weight and the information of the unit weight of the coin as necessary. As means, there are provided two types of switches, a coin box own weight setting switch a7 and a coin unit weight setting switch a8, and has a function of storing the weight when the switch is operated as the respective basic weight.
Instead of the two types of basic weight setting switches, two types of memory cards C, that is, a memory card C in which an ID for setting a coin box own weight and a memory card C in which an ID for setting a coin unit weight is set. Used and can be set via the terminal RW / A2.

Regarding the weight information among the operation information stored in the RAM $ a3, the number of coins is converted from the detected weight information each time a change in weight is detected or in accordance with an instruction from the controller A1, and a predetermined address in the memory is stored. Codes such as codes representing the types of game troubles and error codes are stored sequentially from a predetermined address in the memory each time a detection is made, and the history is stored within the memory capacity. And other operating information, that is, the number of times the game has been operated, the number of times the outer door has been opened, the number of medals inserted and paid out, the number of prizes paid out, and the number of coins inserted by type. Regarding the billing amount etc., each time it is detected, it is added to the previously stored number, and the result of the integration is stored as a new number in the form of overwriting the address in the corresponding memory It is sequentially stored as the history information from a predetermined address in the memory capacity by adding clock information simultaneously.

As for the LED a10, lamps of different colors are turned on when power is turned on, when information is written to the memory card C, and when an abnormality occurs.

Before starting the work, the operator sets the memory card C in the host RW / B2 and operates the host computer B1 to limit the use of the memory card C in order to limit the use of the memory card C. A use ID for limiting the use is written.

When the memory card C is set in the terminal RW / A2, the lamp of the LEDa10 is turned on, and the controller A1 checks the application ID written on the memory card C, and if the application ID is to collect information, The operation information of the game machine stored in the RAM a3 and the unique ID of the controller itself are both written into the memory card C.

When the use ID written on the memory card C is for unlocking the outer door, the controller A1 operates the unlock switch a5 to operate the electric lock A3 provided as a key for the outer door. Power on to unlock the outer door.
A spring member such as a leaf spring or a coil spring may be provided between the outer door and the cabinet that receives the outer door, so that the outer door is automatically pushed outward simultaneously with the unlocking of the electric lock A3.

When the application ID written in the memory card C is set to execute a game, the controller A1 determines whether or not the used memory card C is playable. In this case, the processing is interrupted. If possible, the game is executed by the set credit number corresponding to the application ID previously set as control information in the RAM a3 by operating the play start switch a6. The unique ID of the memory card C, the set use ID, the set credit amount, the set billing amount, and the executed clock information are recorded in the history address of the RAMa3, and the set number of times and the set amount are updated at the address for each use. Then, the unique ID of the controller, the set credit amount, the set billing amount, and the executed clock information are recorded on the memory card C.

When the memory card C, for which operation information has been collected from each controller A1 via the terminal RW / A2, is set in the host RW / B2, the host computer B1 classifies and totalizes the operation information for each game machine. After the operation information stored in C is read and stored in the host computer B1, the application ID written in advance and the stored operation information are cleared again via the host RW / B2. . Thereby, security of the memory card C is ensured.

The memory card C set as a post-pay system or a time-based system is set in the host RW / B2 after use, transferred to the host computer B1, and is used for clearing after a tallying operation. In addition, even in the case of a prepayment system, it is better to settle the payment after the use is over, and to prevent the storage medium C from leaking out of the game center as much as possible. There is no need to consider.

This shows the overall configuration of the management and billing device of the arcade game machine. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller.

Explanation of reference numerals

A1 Controller A2 Terminal RW (Reader / Writer)
A3 Electric lock B Host device B1 Host computer B2 Host RW (reader / writer)
C Memory card G Game machine G1 Game board a1 CPU
a2 ROM
a3 RAM
a4 Timer a5 Lock release switch a6 Game start switch a7 Coin box own weight setting switch a8 Coin unit weight setting switch a9 Backup power supply a10 LED
w1 host I / O means w2 terminal I / O means w3 power supply lead w4 game machine operation information lead

Claims (10)

A terminal device configured to be detachable from the arcade game machine main body and controlling the operation and information of the game machine, and an electric lock provided as a locking device for a coin collection outer door provided on the game machine main body, A host device that integrally manages a plurality of the terminal devices; and an information medium that is a portable lightweight small storage device such as an IC card or a magnetic card that bidirectionally transmits information between the host device and the terminal device. The terminal device and the host device are provided with terminal-side input / output means and host-side input / output means as respective input / output means. apparatus. 2. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein a use ID recognizing means for recognizing an ID indicating a use of the information mediating means set in the information mediating means, and operation information detection for detecting information relating to the operation of the game machine or the like. Means, storage means for storing control information necessary for the terminal device to perform calculations and control of operation, and detected operation information, lock control means for controlling the electric lock, and date and time, etc. A clock means for recognizing clock information; and a terminal control means for integrally controlling each of the means and the terminal-side input / output means constituting the terminal device. Management and billing equipment. The terminal device according to claim 2, further comprising outer door opening / closing detecting means for detecting opening / closing of the outer door, and each time the outer door is opened, the number of times and time of opening the outer door as the outer door opening information. A management and charging device for arcade game machines, having a function of storing information in said storage means. 3. The terminal device according to claim 2, further comprising a coin box weight detecting means for detecting a weight of the coin box below a coin box for storing coins inside the game machine main body, wherein the information used for work is provided. At the timing when the use ID recognizing means recognizes that the use application of the intermediary means is to collect operation information of the game machine or the like, or at the timing when the weight of the coin box changes, the terminal control means changes the weight of the coin box. Characterized in that the information is converted into the number of coins and the result of the conversion is stored in the storage means. 3. The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the information mediating means set for the purpose of executing a game or the like further includes a number of times corresponding to a number of times of execution corresponding to a use ID preset as control information in the storage means. That the information mediating means has a function of writing operation information accompanying the execution to the storage means and the used information mediating means each time the information mediating means executes the device. Characteristic management and billing device for arcade game machines. 3. The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the operation information of the game machine or the like stored in the storage means is, for a game machine or the like executed by coins, the number of times of execution of the game or the like by the inserted coins or the number of coins inserted. When the coin game machine is executed using a prepaid card other than a coin, a mobile phone, a PHS, the information mediating means, or the like as a medium, the unique ID and the use ID of the execution medium, the number of times of execution, and the amount charged therefor are used. Yes, and for a medal game machine, this is the number of medals inserted and paid out, and when the medal game machine is executed using the information mediating means as a medium, the unique ID and use ID of the information mediating means, the number of executions, and the like. This is the billing amount, the number of payouts for equipment that pays out goods such as prizes, and the number of inspections sent from ready-made game machines. Possible troubles or errors are error codes and number of times, the number of coins converted from weight, and clock information such as date and time at the time of obtaining information. A management and billing device for arcade game machines, which refers to information essential for determination and management, and wherein the storage means stores numerical information and history information obtained by integrating the various types of information as described above. The management and billing apparatus for arcade game machines according to claim 1, wherein the host device classifies and aggregates billing amounts, sales, costs, and the like for each of the plurality of game machines, and sets usage of the information mediating means. In addition, in order to change or set the control information stored in the storage means, the arcade game machine comprises a host computer and peripheral devices such as a monitor and a printer. Management and billing equipment. The host device according to claim 7, further comprising: a use of the information mediating means according to a type of work performed by the operator with respect to the game machine or the like; Whether to use it to collect both operating information and collect coins with opening and closing the outer door, or to use only to collect operating information, or to use it as a means for customers to play games, or An ID unique to each use, such as whether the store manager uses the game to execute the game or the work of changing or setting various control information stored in the storage means. Management of the arcade game machine characterized by comprising application setting means for writing the information intermediary means to the information intermediary means and setting the use purpose of the information intermediary means used for work. Gold equipment. 8. The host device according to claim 7, wherein the terminal control unit collects, calculates, or operates operation information of a game machine or the like stored in the storage unit via the information mediating unit. Various control information necessary for performing the control of the control, that is, two basic weight data of the own weight of the coin box and the weight per coin, a use ID, a control program, and execution of a game or the like are set as uses. Control information setting means for newly setting or changing various information such as the number of times corresponding to the use ID executed when the information mediating means is used once and the corresponding billing amount. Management and billing device for arcade game machines. The management and billing device for arcade game machines according to claim 1, wherein the information mediating unit mediates transmission of control information necessary for the terminal device to function from the host device to the terminal device, and Input / output between the host device and the terminal device, for example, by instructing the terminal device to control the operation of the game device, etc., and mediating the transmission of information on the operation of each of the plurality of game devices from the terminal device to the host device. It is characterized in that it functions bi-directionally through means, and by setting a use ID according to the use of the user in the information mediating means, the store manager uses this as a means of management, and Is a management and charging apparatus for arcade game machines, characterized in that two parties in different positions can use it simultaneously, such as by using it as a means for executing a game. .

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