JP2007244656A - Calling system for game hall - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a calling system for a game hall, by which when a game hall clerk deals with the trouble of a plurality of adjacent game machines, working efficiency of the other game hall clerks is prevented from being lowered. <P>SOLUTION: A calling lamp unit 3 provided at a Pachinko game machine 1 performs "calling display" by lighting a predetermined display lamp according to the operation of a calling button. When such a "calling display" is started, a top lamp 4 at the end of an island, which is provided at an island including the Pachinko game machine 1, performs "calling display at the end of the island". A game hall clerk having confirmed such a display goes to the Pachinko game machine 1 to respond to the calling, and transmits a remote controller correspondence signal to the calling lamp unit 3 by a remote controller 10. Thus, the calling lamp unit 3 switches the display to "response display", the lamp 4 at the end of the island switches the display to "response display at the end of the island", and the displays show that the clerk is responding to the "calling display". <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a call system for a game hall provided with call display means installed for each gaming machine and auxiliary display means installed for each gaming machine island made up of a plurality of gaming machines.

In game halls such as pachinko halls, call lamps are installed at positions corresponding to game machines (pachinko machines, slot machines) on a one-to-one basis, and so-called “islands” are formed by arranging game machines in rows. An island edge top lamp that can be seen from a distance is installed as an auxiliary lamp, and there are troubles in gaming machines (such as troubles that prevent the game from continuing, lack of supply medals (in the case of slot machines), etc.) When it occurs, the game hall staff can be called by turning on the call lamp and the island edge top lamp. Specifically, the player turns on the call lamp according to the operation of the call button provided at a predetermined position, and the island edge top lamp also lights up in conjunction with this lighting, and these lights are visually confirmed. When the game hall staff visits the player and confirms the content of the trouble, a system configuration is employed in which the call button is operated to turn off the call lamp (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this case, the island end top lamp is configured to continue to be lit in a state where another call lamp is lit in the island corresponding to itself.
JP 05-212153 A

  When operating the above conventional game system call system, for example, when troubles occur at the same time on two gaming machines belonging to the same island, it is possible to deal with the troubles that occurred earlier in a short time. Under the circumstances, it is more efficient for the same staff to solve the problem. However, in the conventional system, only the state where the call operation by the player has been performed is displayed, and in the state where the processing to the second gaming machine is not completed, the island edge top lamp that can be viewed from a distance Since the lighting state of is kept on, the lighting state remains on even if the same clerk is trying to respond continuously to troubles with two game machines that occurred at the same time There was a very high possibility that other playground staff who saw the island edge top lamps would bother to travel from a distance, which caused a decrease in work efficiency by the staff.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the purpose of the present invention is to allow other game hall staff to work when the same game hall staff responds to troubles occurring in a plurality of gaming machines located in the vicinity. An object of the present invention is to provide a game system call system that can prevent a reduction in efficiency.

  According to the means described in claim 1, when a trouble occurs in the gaming machine, the player performs a calling operation by the operating means, thereby causing the gaming machine call display means to execute a call display. When such call display is started, auxiliary call display is performed on auxiliary display means arranged in a state that is visible from a distance at a position corresponding to the gaming machine island to which the gaming machine call display means belongs. By this auxiliary call display, the game hall staff can easily check the gaming machine island where the troubled game machine is located from a distance, and by the call display on the game machine call display means, It becomes possible to check the gaming machine where trouble occurred on the gaming machine island. The game hall attendant who has made such confirmation goes to the gaming machine on which the call display is performed, and takes measures such as solving troubles related to the gaming machine.

  In this case, the determination means determines whether or not the game hall attendant is compatible with the call display by the game machine call display means. In addition, when the auxiliary display means does not perform the auxiliary call display, and when the call display by the game machine call display means is started, the game room staff member calls the game machine call display means by the determination means. In a state where it is determined that the display is not supported, the auxiliary call display is started. However, in a state where it is determined that the display is being supported, the auxiliary call display is not started. In short, when a game hall clerk is dealing with a trouble that has occurred in a gaming machine in the gaming machine island corresponding to the auxiliary display means, the call display is not performed on the auxiliary display means. Therefore, it is more efficient for multiple gaming machines belonging to the same gaming machine island to have trouble at the same time and to deal with the trouble that occurred earlier in a short period of time, that is, for the same staff to solve the trouble. Under typical circumstances, there is no risk that other game hall staff will bother to travel from a distance as in the past. As a result, when the same amusement hall staff responds to troubles occurring at multiple gaming machines located in the vicinity, there is no risk of overloading other gaming hall staff, and the work efficiency of the staff is reduced. Can be prevented in advance.

  According to the means of claim 2, the auxiliary display means is provided within the gaming machine island even when the game hall staff is responding to a trouble occurring in the gaming machine in the gaming machine island corresponding thereto. When a preset change condition is satisfied, the second auxiliary call display is started. In this case, when a trouble occurs on the gaming machine island and an abnormal state occurs that cannot be handled by one game hall staff member (for example, a number of call display means for gaming machines are displayed at the same time in the corresponding island. When the game hall clerk who is dealing with the trouble determines that it is not possible to do so, it can be set so that the above change condition is satisfied. Therefore, the other stadium clerk starts with the auxiliary display means By confirming the second auxiliary call display, the game machine island corresponding to the auxiliary display means can be reached for support, and as a result, even if the above abnormal state occurs, This can be handled quickly.

  According to the means described in claim 3, there is a situation in which call display is executed at the same time by the number of gaming machine call display means exceeding the preset upper limit value in the gaming machine island corresponding to the auxiliary display means. When this occurs, the auxiliary display means can be switched to the second in-response display requesting the support of other game hall staff, so that such a situation can be quickly dealt with.

  According to the means of claim 4, the personal recognition processing of the game hall staff who is handling the call display by the call display means for the gaming machine is executed by the personal recognition means, and as a result, the game hall that is handling the call display When the clerk is a clerk who is not in charge of the gaming machine island to which the call display means for the gaming machine belongs (this situation may occur when the clerk in charge of the gaming machine island is absent due to a restroom etc. May be caused by a temporary response to the call display), the display mode of the in-response display on the auxiliary display means is set to a special display mode having a different form from that in the case where the staff in charge corresponds. Therefore, based on the display, it is informed that an outside staff member is in trouble. As a result, it is possible to alert the game hall staff who are away from the gaming machine island to return to the holding area at an early stage, and that someone is temporarily responding to troubles on the gaming machine island. Will be informed, so that it will be beneficial to smoothly handle troubles.

  According to the means of claim 5, the period when the display form in the auxiliary display means is in the special display mode (that is, in the call display from the call display means for gaming machines in the gaming machine island corresponding to the auxiliary display means, When a new call display is started on the call display means for gaming machines in the gaming machine island during a period in which a staff member who is not in charge of the gaming machine island responds, the auxiliary display means displays the auxiliary call A third auxiliary call display having a display form different from the display is performed. Therefore, at the timing when the third auxiliary call display is performed, if the response to the new call display is handed over from the non-responsible staff member who is temporarily supported to the original responsible staff member, Such a takeover of correspondence is not performed at a halfway timing, and as a result, it is beneficial for improving work efficiency.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an installed state of the game hall equipment in the pachinko hall. FIG. 1 shows a so-called “island” (corresponding to an amusement machine island) formed by arranging pachinko machines 1 (corresponding to gaming machines) in a row when viewed obliquely from the right.

  In FIG. 1, pachinko machines 1 and inter-ball ball lending machines 2 installed in large numbers are arranged adjacent to each other, and above the pachinko machine 1, a call lamp unit 3 (a call display means for gaming machines) Equivalent). In addition, an island end top lamp 4 (corresponding to auxiliary display means) is provided at the end of the island, for example, in a ceiling portion that is easily visible from a distance. Although not shown, the calling lamp unit 3 has a built-in control circuit (corresponding to the judging means) including a CPU, and the island end top lamp 4 has a built-in control circuit. ing.

  In this case, when the pachinko machine 1 is in a state where a preset condition is established, for example, when a big win is won by a lottery function performed in accordance with a winning at the start winning opening, Accordingly, it is configured to present a jackpot state that greatly increases the winning probability and a probability variation state that increases the winning probability of the jackpot, and when such a jackpot state or probability variation state occurs, a display with a predetermined effect is displayed. Is performed by the calling lamp unit 3.

  In addition, the pachinko machine 1 has an out signal indicating the number of out balls (number of pachinko balls fired on the board) (a signal output from an out ball collecting device installed along with the pachinko machine 1 can be substituted), a safe ball Safe signal indicating the number (number of pachinko balls to be paid out) (a signal output from a safe ball replenisher attached to the pachinko machine 1 can be substituted), a start signal indicating that a jackpot lottery has been performed, a jackpot state A jackpot signal indicating that there is a certain probability change signal, a probability variation signal indicating that the probability variation state is present, and the like are output.

  The daitama ball lending machine 2 has, for example, a function of releasing a pachinko ball in response to the insertion of cash and a function of replaying a storage ball to release a pachinko ball within the range of the storage balls deposited by the player at the amusement store. Is. In addition, the pachinko balls discharged from the inter-ball ball lending machine 2 are supplied to the upper plate (no reference) of the pachinko machine 1 via the nozzle 2a. The daitama ball lending machine 2 is configured to output a sales signal indicating sales in cash (investment amount when viewed from the player side).

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the entire game hall management system including the game hall call system, and FIG. 3 shows a connection state of the management system by a combination of functional blocks. ing. 2 and 3, the calling lamp unit 3 is connected to the relay device 5, and the pachinko machine 1 and the inter-ball ball lending machine 2 are also connected to the relay device 5 (see FIG. 3). . The relay device 5 has a built-in control board on which a microcomputer is mounted, and game data related to the pachinko machine 1 is based on an out signal, a safe signal, a start signal, a jackpot signal, etc. output from the pachinko machine 1. A function for calculating and summing up individually is provided, and the totaled game data is given to the island management device 6. The relay device 5 has a function of relaying signal transmission / reception between the calling lamp unit 3 and the island edge top lamp 4.

  The island management device 6 collects game data related to the pachinko machine 1 of the entire island through the relay device 5 and the signal line 8, a function of transmitting a signal to the island edge top lamp 4 through the signal line 8, and the management device 7 And a data relay function via the LAN 9. Although not shown, the LAN 9 has a well-known game hall terminal device (a centralized information disclosure terminal (for example, data robot (registered trademark)) for displaying various data for the player, A pachinko ball counter for counting balls, a POS terminal for use in prize exchange, and the like are also connected.

  Based on the transfer data from the island management device 6, the management device 7 has game data for all pachinko machines 1 in the game hall (the number of out balls, the number of safe balls, the number of difference balls, the operation rate, the output rate, the base , Start number, etc.), as well as a well-known data aggregation function that aggregates and stores lending data (sales amount, divide number, etc.) for all daitama ball lending machines 2 in the game hall Yes.

  FIG. 4 shows a front view of the calling lamp unit 3. In FIG. 4, the calling lamp unit 3 includes a data display unit 3a composed of, for example, a backlit color liquid crystal panel, and display lamps 3b to 3b arranged in three stages on the left and right sides of the data display unit 3a. 3d, a remote control light receiving unit 3e capable of receiving infrared light, a call button 3f, a data switching button 3g for switching display contents by the data display unit 3a, and the like. In this case, the call button 3f and the data switching button 3g are configured in a momentary type that is turned on only during the pressing operation.

  The game hall clerk carries the remote controller 10 (see FIG. 2) using infrared light as a transmission medium and carries various signals (various settings) toward the remote controller light receiving unit 3e provided in the calling lamp unit 3. A signal related to information, a vacant signal, a remote control signal to be described later, etc.) can be transmitted.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the island edge top lamp 4. In FIG. 5, the island end top lamp 4 includes a long rectangular main body portion 4 b that is supported so as to extend obliquely upward from the base portion 4 a with respect to the base portion 4 a. The main body portion 4b is provided with bar-like lighting portions 4c to 4f arranged in, for example, four rows. Each of the lighting units 4c to 4f emits light in different colors, for example, and the following (a) to (c) related to the game system call system according to the lighting or blinking state of each of the lighting units 4c to 4f. Display is performed.

  (A) Island edge call display: A display for notifying that there is a call from the player at the pachinko machine 1 belonging to the corresponding island (that is, a display for calling a game hall staff), for example, all The lighting parts 4c to 4f are continuously lit (corresponding to an auxiliary call display).

  (B) Island edge correspondence display: In response to a call from a player on the pachinko machine 1 belonging to the corresponding island, a game hall staff member who has been sent to the pachinko machine 1 is informed that it is responding. In the display, for example, all the lighting parts 4c to 4f are blinked simultaneously (corresponding to a corresponding display).

  (C) Support request display …… Amusement halls that are responding to calls when the number of calls from the players at pachinko machine 1 belonging to the corresponding island overlaps a predetermined number and it becomes difficult to respond quickly. This is a display for a staff member to request support from other staff members. For example, the lighting sections 4c to 4f are cyclically lit one by one (corresponding to the second corresponding display).

  In addition, the island edge top lamp 4 is a function for notifying the gaming state (such as jackpot) of the corresponding pachinko machine 1 in the corresponding island and the occurrence of fraudulent acts with respect to the pachinko machine 1 or the interbank ball lending machine 2 corresponding thereto. It also has. Specifically, such notification is made when a notification target gaming state or fraudulent behavior in the pachinko machine 1 or fraudulent behavior in the interball ball lending machine 2 is detected through a detecting means provided in them. The lighting units 4c to 4f assigned to the respective detection targets are selectively continuously lit or blinked.

  Now, among the functions and operation contents of the calling lamp unit 3, the island edge top lamp 4, and the island management device 6, the parts related to the gist of the present invention will be described together with related actions.

<1> Function and operation content of the call lamp unit 3 The call lamp unit 3 performs "call display" for calling the game hall staff by lighting the display lamps 3b and 3c at the uppermost and middle stages, and displays the lowermost display. By turning on only the lamp 3d, the "in-response display" is performed to notify that the game hall staff is responding to a call from the player at the corresponding pachinko machine 1.

  6 to 9 show the contents of control by a control circuit (not shown) provided in the calling lamp unit 3. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the control circuit is configured to repeatedly execute a main program including a call button operation processing routine R11, a remote control signal input processing routine R12, and a per-vehicle signal reception processing routine R13.

  FIG. 7 shows the contents of the call button operation processing routine R11. In this routine R11, it is determined whether or not the call button 3f is turned on (step A1), and in the non-operating state, the process returns to the initial state. On the other hand, when the call button 3f is turned on, it is sequentially determined whether or not “call display” or “in-response display” is being executed (steps A2 and A3).

  Note that the game hall staff does not turn on the call button 3f of the call lamp unit 3 during the “call display”. Therefore, the situation that is determined as “YES” in the above step A2 is started by the player himself / herself. This corresponds to a situation in which the call button 3f is turned on to cancel the “call display”.

  When neither “call display” nor “display in progress” is executed (“NO” in both steps A2 and A3), “call display” for turning on the display lamps 3b and 3c is started (step A4) Thereafter, step A5 for transmitting a call start signal to the island management device 6 through the relay device 5 is executed, and the process returns.

  On the other hand, if “call display” is being executed when the call button 3f is turned on (“YES” in step A2), the call display is terminated in step A6 and the island management device 6 through the relay device 5. After step A7 for transmitting a call end signal is sequentially executed, the process returns.

  Further, when “in-response display” is executed when the call button 3f is turned on (“YES” in step A3), the “in-response display” is terminated in step A8, and the relay device is connected to the island management device 6. After step A9 for transmitting a response end signal through 5 is sequentially executed, the process returns.

  FIG. 8 shows the contents of the remote control signal processing routine R12. In this routine R12, it is determined whether or not a remote control corresponding signal is input from the remote controller 10 (step B1), and in the non-input state, the process returns to the initial state. On the other hand, when a remote control response signal is input, it is sequentially determined whether or not “in-response display” or “call display” is being executed (steps B2 and B3).

  If neither “in-response display” nor “invocation display” is executed (“NO” in both steps B2 and B3), a response start signal is transmitted to the island management device 6 through the relay device 5 Step B5 Execute and return. That is, when a remote control response signal is input, the calling lamp unit 3 receives the remote control response signal and performs a response start signal transmission operation regardless of whether or not “call display” is executed. The control circuit provided in the calling lamp unit 3 determines that the game hall staff is responding to the “call display” by receiving the response start signal.

  On the other hand, if “call display” is being executed when the remote control signal is input (“YES” in step B3), “in-response display” is started to turn on only the display lamp 3d (step B4). Later, the process returns to step B5.

  Further, if “in-response display” is being executed when the remote control response signal is input (“YES” in step B2), the “in-response display” is terminated in step B6, the relay device 5 to the island management device 6 After step B7 for transmitting the response end signal is sequentially executed, the process returns.

  FIG. 9 shows the contents of the signal reception processing routine R13 for each vehicle. In this routine R13, it is determined whether or not a car-to-car start signal transmitted from the island management device 6 at a timing as will be described later is received (step B11). On the other hand, when the response start signal for each vehicle is received, it is determined whether or not “call display” is being executed (step B12). If the “call display” is not executed, the process returns as it is, but if the “call display” is being executed, the “in-response display” for turning on only the display lamp 3d is started. Step B13 is executed and the process returns.

In short, the call lamp unit 3 performs the following processing.
In the initial state in which the display lamps 3b to 3d are turned off, when the call button 3f is turned on (corresponding to the call operation in the present invention), the “call display” in which the display lamps 3b and 3c are turned on. And a call start signal is transmitted to the island management device 6.

  In the “call display” state, when the call button 3 f is turned on, the display lamps 3 b and 3 c are turned off to end the “call display” and transmit a call end signal to the island management device 6.

  In the “call display” state, when a remote control response signal is input from the remote controller 10, a “response display” in which only the display lamp 3 d is lit is started and a response start signal is transmitted to the island management device 6.

In the “call display” state, when a response start signal for each vehicle is received from the island management device 6, “display in progress” is started.
When the call button 3f is turned on in the “in-response display” state or when a remote control response signal is input from the remote controller 10, the display lamp 3d is turned off to end the “in-response display”. A response end signal is transmitted to the island management device 6.

<2> Functions and Operation Contents of Island Management Device FIGS. 10 to 14 show the control contents of the island management device 6. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the island management device 6 includes a call start signal reception processing routine R21, a call end signal reception processing routine R22, a corresponding start signal reception processing routine R23, and a corresponding end start signal reception processing routine R24. The program is repeatedly executed.

  FIG. 11 shows the contents of the call start signal reception processing routine R21. In this routine R21, it is determined whether or not a call start signal is received from the call lamp unit 3 belonging to the island to be managed (step C1), and in the non-reception state, the process returns to the initial state. On the other hand, when a call start signal is received, it is determined whether or not the corresponding flag is an initial value “0” (step C2). If it is “0”, the call flag is initialized. It is determined whether or not the value is “0” (step C3). The correspondence flag is set to “1” in the state where the “island edge correspondence display” is being performed in the island edge top lamp 4 corresponding to the island to be managed by the island management device 6. The call flag is set to “1” in a state where the “island edge call display” is performed in the island edge top lamp 4.

  When the call flag is also “0”, step C4 for transmitting an island edge call start signal to the island edge top lamp 4 and step C5 for setting the call flag to “1” are sequentially executed. Move to C6. This step C6 is also executed in each case where “NO” is determined in steps C2 and C3 (when at least one of the corresponding flag and the call flag is “1” at the time of receiving the call start signal). Here, “1” is added to the number of calls whose initial value is “0”. The “number of calls” is a numerical value indicating the number of the call lamp units 3 that are executing “call display” in the island to be managed by the island management device 6, and appears in the following description. The “corresponding number” is a numerical value indicating the number of calling lamp units 3 that are executing “in-response indication” in the island.

  After execution of step C6, it is determined whether or not the support flag is “0” which is an initial value (step C7). This support flag is set to “1” in the state where the “support request display” is performed in the island edge top lamp 4 corresponding to the island to be managed by the island management device 6. If it is “1”, the process returns to the initial state. On the other hand, when the support flag is “0”, it is determined whether or not the sum of the number of calls and the number of correspondence exceeds a preset upper limit value, for example, “3” (step C8). ).

  If the sum of the number of calls and the number of correspondences does not exceed “3”, the process returns as it is, but if it exceeds, Step C9 transmits an island edge support start signal to the island edge top lamp 4. After step C10 for sequentially setting the support flag to “1” is executed, the process returns.

  FIG. 12 shows the contents of the call end signal reception processing routine R22. In this routine R22, it is determined whether or not a call end signal is received from the call lamp unit 3 belonging to the island to be managed (step D1), and in the non-reception state, the process returns to the initial state. On the other hand, when a call start signal is received (corresponding to the case where “call display” is terminated in response to the ON operation of the call button 3f in the call lamp unit 3 belonging to the corresponding island), the call is started. “1” is subtracted from the number (step D2).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the support flag is “0” (step D3). If it is “0”, whether or not the correspondence number is “0” and the number of calls is “0”. Are sequentially determined (steps D4 and D5). When either one of the correspondence number and the number of calls is not “0”, the process returns to the initial state, but when both the correspondence number and the number of calls are “0”, the call flag is set to “0”. Step D6 for resetting to step S6 and step D7 for transmitting an island end display end signal to the island end top lamp 4 are sequentially executed, and then the process returns.

  On the other hand, if the support flag is “1” (“NO” in step D3), it is determined whether the sum of the number of calls and the number of correspondence exceeds “3” (step D8). If it is, return directly. On the other hand, if the sum of the number of calls and the number of correspondences is “3” or less, the support flag is reset to “0” (step D9), and whether the number of correspondences is “0” thereafter. Is determined (step D10).

  When the correspondence number is “0”, the process returns after executing step D11 for transmitting the island edge call start signal to the island edge top lamp 4, and when the correspondence number is “1” or more. Returns after executing step D12 for transmitting an island edge corresponding start signal to the island edge top lamp 4.

  FIG. 13 shows the contents of the response start signal reception processing routine R23. In this routine R23, it is determined whether or not a response start signal has been received from the call lamp unit 3 belonging to the island to be managed (step E1), and in the non-reception state, the process returns as it is. On the other hand, when the response start signal is received, step E2 for adding the number of calls to the corresponding number, step E3 for resetting the number of calls to “0”, step E4 for resetting the call flag to “0”, After sequentially executing Step E5 for transmitting the corresponding start signal for all the call lamp units 3 belonging to the management target island, it is determined whether or not the support flag is “0” (Step E6).

  If the cheering flag is “1”, step E7 for resetting the cheering flag to “0” and step E10 for transmitting an island edge corresponding start signal to the island edge top lamp 4 are sequentially executed, and then the process returns. To do.

  On the other hand, if the support flag is “0”, it is determined whether or not the corresponding flag is “0” (step E8). If the corresponding flag is “1”, the process returns to the initial state. If it is “0”, step E9 for setting the corresponding flag to “1” and step E10 are sequentially executed. Return.

  FIG. 14 shows the contents of the response end signal reception processing routine R24. In this routine R24, it is determined whether or not a response end start signal has been received from the calling lamp unit 3 belonging to the island to be managed (step F1). On the other hand, when the response end signal is received, step F2 for subtracting “1” from the corresponding number, step F3 for adding the number of calls to the corresponding number, step F4 for resetting the number of calls to “0”, After sequentially executing Step F5 for transmitting the correspondence start signal for all the call lamp units 3 belonging to the island to be managed, it is determined whether or not the correspondence number is “0” (Step F6).

  If the number of correspondence is “1” or more, the process returns to the initial state. If it is “0”, step F7 for transmitting an island edge display end signal to the island edge top lamp 4 and the correspondence flag. After the step F8 for resetting “0” to “0” is sequentially executed, the process returns.

In short, the island management apparatus 6 performs the following processing.
-The number of calls indicating the number of call lamp units 3 that are executing "call indication" in the island to be managed, and the number of correspondences indicating the number of call lamp units 3 that are executing "display in response" in the island Are summed up in real time based on the call start signal, call end signal, response start signal, and response end signal transmitted from the call lamp unit 3.

  When the call start signal is received from the call lamp unit 3 belonging to the island to be managed (when “call display” is started in the call lamp unit 3), the island edge top lamp 4 corresponding to that island An island edge call start signal is transmitted to the island edge top lamp 4 on the assumption that neither “island edge call display” nor “island edge corresponding display” is performed.

  ・ When the above call start signal is received, when the “support request display” is not performed on the island edge top lamp 4 and the total number of calls and correspondence exceeds “3”, that is, within the island When there are four or more calling lamp units 3 performing “calling display” or “in-response display”, an island edge support start signal is transmitted to the island edge top lamp 4.

  When the call end signal is received from the call lamp unit 3 belonging to the island to be managed (when the “call display” at the call lamp unit 3 ends), the island top lamp 4 corresponding to the island On the premise that the “support request display” is not performed, and the “call display” or “in-progress display” is not performed in any of the call lamp units 3 belonging to the island, the island edge top lamp 4 An island edge display end signal is transmitted to.

  -When "support request display" is performed on the island edge top lamp 4 at the time of receiving the call end signal, the call lamp unit 3 performing "call display" or "in-response display" on the island When it is determined that there are no more than three units, when it is determined that there are no more than three units, if there is no calling lamp unit 3 performing “in-response indication” on the island, the island edge top lamp 4 The island edge call start signal is transmitted to the island edge top lamp 4 when there is a call lamp unit 3 performing “in-response display”.

  -When a response start signal is received from a call lamp unit 3 belonging to an island to be managed (when "in-response display" is started in the call lamp unit 3), all the call lamp units 3 belonging to the island A response start signal for each vehicle is transmitted. In addition, when the island end top lamp 4 corresponding to the island has not been displayed at the time of receiving the response start signal, “in-land response indication” has not been performed (the “support request display” may also be performed). In other words, an island edge corresponding start signal is transmitted to the island edge top lamp 4. In addition, the call lamp unit 3 that has received the above-mentioned response start signal for each unit that is currently executing the “call display” state performs “display in response” in response to the reception of the corresponding response start signal for each unit. (See FIG. 9).

  -When the response end signal is received from the call lamp unit 3 belonging to the island to be managed (when the "in-response display" on the call lamp unit 3 is completed), all the call lamp units 3 belonging to the island A response start signal for each vehicle is transmitted. Further, when there is no call lamp unit 3 performing “in-response display” or “call display” in the island at the time of reception of the response end signal, an island edge display is displayed for the island edge top lamp 4. Send an end signal. In addition, as described above, the calling lamp unit 3 that has received the above-mentioned correspondence response start signal is in the “call display” state at that point in time, in response to the reception of the correspondence response start signal. It is switched to the state of “display”.

<3> Functions and Operation Contents of Island Edge Top Lamp 4 FIG. 15 shows contents of control by a control circuit (not shown) provided in the island edge top lamp 4. That is, the control circuit sequentially determines whether or not an island edge call start signal, an island edge response start signal, an island edge support start signal, and an island edge display end signal transmitted from the island management device 6 are received (step G1). , G3, G5, G7). Then, when the island edge call start signal is received, “island edge call display” for continuously lighting all the lighting sections 4c to 4f is started (step G2). When the island edge corresponding start signal is received, all the lights are turned on. Start “displaying the island edge correspondence” that causes the parts 4c to 4f to blink simultaneously (step G4). When receiving the island edge support start signal, the lighting parts 4c to 4f are cyclically turned on one by one. “Display” is started (step G6). When an island edge display end signal is received, the process returns to the initial state after executing step G8 for ending (initializing) the display state as described above.

In short, the island edge top lamp 4 performs the following processing.
-When an island edge call start signal is received from the island management device 6, that is, "when the" call display "is started in any of the call lamp units 3 belonging to the corresponding island" or " At the time when the call display ends in any of the call lamp units 3 to which it belongs, the “support request display” is being executed to cyclically illuminate the lighting sections 4c to 4f one by one, and the “call display” is performed on the island. Or, when there are 3 or less calling lamp units 3 performing “in-response indication” and there is no calling lamp unit 3 performing “in-response indication” on the island ” Then, “island edge call display” is started for continuously lighting all the lighting sections 4c to 4f.

  -When an island edge response start signal is received from the island management device 6, that is, "when the" in-response "display is started in the calling lamp unit 3 belonging to the corresponding island" "When not displayed" or "At the time when the call display is finished in any of the call lamp units 3 belonging to the island," support request display "is being executed, and" call display "within the island. Or, when there are 3 or less calling lamp units 3 performing “in-response indication” and there is a calling lamp unit 3 performing “in-response indication” on the island ” Then, the “island edge corresponding display” is started in which all the lighting sections 4c to 4f are blinked simultaneously. That is, in a state where it is determined that the game hall staff is compatible with the call display by the call lamp unit 3, the “island edge call display” is not started.

  -When the island edge support start signal is received from the island management device 6, that is, when the "support request display" is not performed, the call lamp performing the "call display" or "in-response display" on the island When the number of units 3 becomes four or more, the “support request display” for lighting the lighting units 4c to 4f cyclically one by one is started.

  -When the island edge display end signal is received from the island management device 6, that is, "when the" call display "is ended in any of the call lamp units 3 belonging to the corresponding island," support request display "is performed. "When no call display" or "in-response display" is performed in any of the call lamp units 3 belonging to the island, or any of the call lamp units 3 belonging to the corresponding island However, when there is no calling lamp unit 3 performing “in-response” on the island when the “in-response display” ends, the display content is initialized.

  According to the above-described configuration of the present embodiment, the player turns on the display lamps 3b and 3c of the call lamp unit 3 by turning on the call button 3f when a trouble occurs in the pachinko machine 1 during the game. The displayed “call display” can be executed. When such “call display” is started, “island edge call display” is performed on the island edge top lamp 4 arranged in a state that is visible from a distance to the island to which the call lamp unit 3 belongs. By this “island edge call display”, the game hall staff can easily check the island where the pachinko machine 1 where the trouble is occurring is present from a distant place. By the “call display”, a remote control corresponding signal is transmitted by the remote controller 10 toward the remote control light receiving unit 3e of the nearest call lamp unit 3 (not necessarily “call display”). That is, the remote control signal is configured to be accepted even in the call lamp unit 3 that has not performed “call display”. After the operation of transmitting the remote control response signal, the game hall attendant goes to the pachinko machine 1 corresponding to the call lamp unit 3 on which “call display” is performed, and solves the trouble related to the pachinko machine 1. Is to do.

  In this case, the control circuit in the calling lamp unit 3 determines whether or not the game hall clerk is compatible with “call display” by the calling lamp unit 3 in any of the calling lamp units 3 belonging to the island. Can be determined by the remote control response signal received from the remote controller 10 carried by the mobile phone, and when the response has not yet started, the “island edge call display” by the island edge top lamp 4 is continued, but the response starts. When it is determined that the island edge top lamp 4 has been changed, the island edge top lamp 4 is switched to the “island edge corresponding display” which is different from the above “call display”. With such a display, notification that the game hall staff is responding to the trouble that occurred in the pachinko machine 1 in the island corresponding to the island edge top lamp 4 is performed.

  In this way, the state where the island edge top lamp 4 is switched to the “inside island display” is maintained as it is during the period in which the game hall staff is dealing with the trouble. In the situation where trouble occurs at the same time in the pachinko machine 1 of the machine and the trouble that occurred earlier can be dealt with in a short time, that is, in the situation where it is more efficient for the same staff to solve the trouble, In this way, there is no risk that other game hall staff will bother to travel from a distance. As a result, when the same game hall staff responds to the occurrence of troubles in a plurality of pachinko machines 1 located in the vicinity, there is no possibility that other game hall staff will be burdened with extra work efficiency. It will be possible to prevent the situation from deteriorating. The game hall staff will turn on the call button 3f of the call lamp unit 3 when the response to the “call display” in the call lamp unit 3 is finished, and thereafter, It is confirmed whether or not “call display” is performed in the call lamp unit 3. At the time of this confirmation, when “call display” is performed in another call lamp unit 3, it is possible to shorten the time required to go to the pachinko machine 1 corresponding to the call lamp unit 3.

  In addition, the island edge top lamp 4 is in a state of “indicating that the island edge is supported”, that is, a notification that the game hall staff is responding to the “calling indication” by the calling lamp unit 3 is being made. In the state, when a preset change condition is established in the island corresponding to the island end top lamp 4, specifically, “call display” is simultaneously performed by four or more call lamp units 3 in the island. When a situation occurs in which “in-response display” is executed, the island edge top lamp 4 is switched to a state in which “support request display” is performed. As a result, the other game hall staff can confirm the island edge top lamp 4 that has been switched to “support request display”, and can reach the island corresponding to the island edge top lamp 4 to support. As a result, even when such a situation occurs, it becomes possible to respond quickly.

  The above-mentioned changing condition is, for example, that a signal from the remote controller 10 is sent from the remote controller 10 to the remote control light receiving unit 3e of the calling lamp unit 3 when it is determined that a game attendant who is dealing with the trouble cannot handle it alone. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that is established when a message is transmitted. The present invention is also intended for a system configuration that does not execute the “in-response indication” in the calling lamp unit 3. In such a system configuration, the island end top lamp 4 When the “calling display” is performed on the island with the number of calling lamp units 3 exceeding the upper limit in the state where “in-response display” is being performed, the island edge top lamp 4 displays the “support request display”. Switch to the state you did.

  In the present embodiment, the remote control corresponding signal is transmitted from the remote controller 10 to the remote control light receiving portion 3e of the calling lamp unit 3, so that the "in-response display" can be started in the calling lamp unit 3. For this reason, for example, in response to the “call display” on the call lamp unit 3, a game hall staff member who has solved the trouble related to the pachinko machine 1 once leaves the pachinko machine 1 without being able to solve the trouble on the spot. When the user returns to the original place after a while, the above “in-response indication” can be used as a mark. As a result, there is no possibility that the attendant at the game hall loses sight of the pachinko machine 1 to be solved for trouble, and the situation where the work efficiency on the attendant side is reduced can be prevented.

(Other examples)
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, but can be modified or expanded as described below.
For example, when the gaming machine island in charge for each game hall staff is determined in advance, the transmission signal of the remote controller 10 includes an ID number for performing personal recognition processing of the owner of the game hall staff who is the owner. In addition, personal recognition means is provided for executing personal recognition processing of a game hall attendant who is responding to “call display” by the call lamp unit 3 based on the ID number included in the transmission signal. However, it is good also as a structure which performs the following controls.

That is, in the state where the island edge top lamp 4 is switched to “displaying during island edge correspondence”, the game hall staff recognized by the personal recognition process is the staff in charge of the island corresponding to the island edge top lamp 4. In this case, the same control as in the above embodiment is performed. However, if the person in charge is different from the person in charge on the island, the display form of “display during island edge correspondence” is changed to a special display mode (for example, The display unit is controlled to change to a display mode in which the lighting colors of the lighting units 4c to 4f are different.
According to such a configuration, when the game hall staff who is handling the “call display” by the call lamp unit 3 is a staff member who is not in charge of the island to which the call lamp unit 3 belongs (this situation is When the person in charge on the island is absent due to a resting rest, etc., this may occur when another person responds temporarily to the call display). Since the display form in is changed to a special display mode of a form different from this, based on the display, it is informed that an outside staff member is in trouble. As a result, it is possible to alert the game hall staff who are away from the island in charge to return to the office at an early stage, and it is notified that someone is temporarily responding to troubles on the island. As a result, it will be useful for smoothly dealing with troubles.

  In this case, when the game hall staff leaves the island in charge due to a toilet break or the like, it is assumed that a predetermined break start signal is transmitted through the remote controller 10, and the call lamp unit 3 that has received the break start signal is received. Transfers the signal to the island end top lamp 4 and receives a third auxiliary call display (that is, a display form different from the “island end call display”) in the island end top lamp 4 having received such a break start signal (that is, If it is configured to display (indicating that the person in charge is absent), other game hall staff can quickly respond to calls from the call lamp unit 3 belonging to the island where the person in charge is absent. The display operation on the island edge top lamp 4 when the person in charge is not present is initialized when a break end signal is transmitted through the remote controller 10 from the person returning to the island in charge. Will be composed.

In addition, the display changing means performs a new “calling” in the corresponding calling lamp unit 3 in the island during the period when the display form of the “island edge corresponding display” of the island edge top lamp 4 is changed to the special display mode. When “display” is started, “second island end corresponding display” (corresponding to the second auxiliary call display) of the display form different from “island end corresponding display” is executed by the island end top lamp 4 It is good also as composition to do.
According to such a configuration, the period when the display form of the island edge top lamp 4 in the “island edge corresponding display” is changed to the special display mode (that is, the calling lamp unit in the island corresponding to the island edge top lamp 4) When a new “call display” is started in the call lamp unit 3 in the island during a period when a caller from the island corresponds to “call display” from 3) The lamp 4 performs “second island edge corresponding display”. Therefore, at the timing when such “second island edge corresponding display” is performed, the response to the new “call display” is changed from the temporary staff who are temporarily responding to the original responsible staff. By taking over, the corresponding takeover is not carried out at halfway timing, and as a result, it is useful for improving work efficiency.

  In the above example, the personal identification process of the game hall attendant who supports “call display” is performed by the ID number related to the remote controller 10, but it corresponds to the RFID tag possessed by the game hall attendant and the island. The personal authentication process may be performed in combination with a communication unit that detects whether or not the RFID tag is present in the area.

  As the auxiliary display means, the island edge top lamp 4 in a state of being located at the end of the island is provided. However, the auxiliary display means does not need to be provided at the end of the island as long as it is easily visible from a distance. Is.

  The display form of “in-response display” on the call lamp unit 3 is not limited to the case (only the display lamp 3d is lit) as in the above-described embodiment, but it is only necessary to distinguish from the “call display”. It is. That is, for example, the display colors of the display lamps 3b to 3d can be different between the “call display” and the “in-response display”, or the display lamps 3b to 3d can be distinguished by continuous lighting and intermittent lighting. is there.

  The “island edge corresponding display” in the island edge top lamp 4 is a concept including a non-display state in which the lighting portions 4c to 4f are not lit. When such a concept is actually employed, Even when “calling display” is newly started in the call lamp unit 3 in the corresponding island in the state where “displaying at the island edge” is being performed, the “calling at the island edge” is not performed. The display state is continued.

  A top lamp for each stand that is paired with the call lamp unit 3 is installed above the call lamp unit 3, and the “call indication” and “in-response indication” are synchronized with the call lamp unit 3 in the top lamp for each stand. It is good also as a structure to perform.

  The operation for switching the calling lamp unit 3 to the “in-response display” state is not limited to the operation in the above-described embodiment (transmission operation of a remote control corresponding signal by the remote control 10). It may be configured to switch cyclically in the order of “call display” → “display in progress” → “no display” for each continuous operation of the call button 3f or each operation of the call button 3f. Further, the termination condition of the “corresponding display” in the calling lamp unit 3 may be other conditions such as input of a door opening signal.

  In the calling lamp units 3 belonging to the same island, a calling order indicating the order in which “calling display” is started may be displayed. Such a configuration can be realized, for example, by changing the display color of “call display” or “in-response display” in the call lamp unit 3 in accordance with the calling order. Further, for example, when any of the calling lamp units 3 receives a “remote control confirmation signal” from the remote controller 10, the calling lamp unit 3 that has a higher calling order in the calling lamp unit 3 that has received the signal. It can also be realized by means for displaying a number and its waiting time (elapsed time after the start of “call display”).

  The call lamp unit 3 transmits a call start signal and a call end signal related to “call display” and a response start signal and a response end signal related to “corresponding display” to the island management device 6. ”And“ in-response display ”, a signal indicating that may be continuously transmitted. Of course, the same applies to a signal (such as an island edge call start signal) transmitted from the island management device 6 to the island edge top lamp 4.

It is good also as a structure which performs control (FIGS. 10-14) by the island management apparatus 6 by the calling lamp unit 3, the management apparatus 7, etc. FIG. In realizing the system of the present embodiment, the management device 7, the island management device 6, and the relay device 5 are not particularly necessary requirements. Further, in the management device 7, the execution state of “call display” and “in-response display” in the call lamp unit 3, “island edge call display”, “in-land edge display in progress” and A list or history such as the execution status of “support request display” may be output (monitor output or print output).
In the above embodiment, the call lamp unit 3 is provided for the pachinko machine 1, but the target gaming machine may be a slot machine or the like.

The perspective view which shows the installation state of the apparatus for game rooms in one Example of this invention Schematic configuration diagram of an entire game hall management system including a game hall call system The figure which shows the connection state of the game hall management system Front view of call lamp unit Island end top lamp perspective view Flow chart showing contents of control in calling lamp unit (part 1) Flow chart showing contents of control in calling lamp unit (part 2) Flow chart showing control contents in call lamp unit (part 3) Flow chart showing control contents in call lamp unit (part 4) Flow chart showing contents of control in island management device (part 1) Flow chart showing contents of control in island management device (part 2) Flow chart showing contents of control in island management device (part 3) Flow chart showing the contents of control in the island management device (Part 4) Flow chart showing control contents in island management device (Part 5) Flow chart showing the control contents at the island edge top lamp 1 is a pachinko machine (game machine), 2 is a ball rental machine, 3 is a call lamp unit (call display means for game machines), 3b to 3d are display lamps, 3f Is a call button (operation means), 4 is an island end top lamp (auxiliary display means), 4c to 4f are lighting sections, 6 is an island management device, 7 is a management device, and 10 is a remote control.

Claims (5)

A call display means for a gaming machine, which is installed for each gaming machine and executes a call display for calling a game hall staff in response to a call operation by the operation means;
Auxiliary display means for performing auxiliary call display related to call display by the call display means for the gaming machine belonging to the gaming machine island, arranged in a state that is visible from a distance at a position corresponding to the gaming machine island,
In a game hall call system comprising:
A determination means for determining whether or not a game hall clerk is handling call display by the call display means for gaming machines;
The auxiliary display means includes
When call display by the gaming machine call display means is started in a state where the auxiliary call display is not being performed, the auxiliary call display is started in a state where the determination means determines that the call is not being handled. A call system for a game hall, wherein the auxiliary call display is not started in a state determined to be in the middle. The auxiliary display means includes
The second auxiliary call display is started when a preset change condition is established in the corresponding gaming machine island even in a state where the determination means determines that the response is in progress. The game hall call system according to claim 1.   In the gaming machine island corresponding to the auxiliary display means, the change condition is that the call display is executed at the same time by the number of gaming machine call display means exceeding a preset upper limit value. The game system call system according to claim 2, wherein: When the game machine island in charge for each game hall staff is determined in advance,
Comprising personal recognition means for executing personal recognition processing of a game hall attendant who is handling call display by the call display means for the gaming machine,
The auxiliary display means includes
A special display mode that is different in form from the case where the staff in charge of the display form corresponds when the game hall staff recognized by the personal recognition processing by the personal recognition means is different from the staff in charge of the gaming machine island The game system call system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The game hall call system according to claim 4,
The auxiliary display means has a display form different from the auxiliary call display when a new call display is started in the corresponding gaming machine call display means in the gaming machine island during the period when the display form is in the special display mode. 3. A game system call system, wherein the third auxiliary call display is executed.

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