JP2009028108A - Game medium replenishing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect an abnormality according to the real operation situation of a game medium using machine. <P>SOLUTION: The game medium replenishing device includes replenishing means 14, 15 and 20 for replenishing a prescribed quantity of game media to the game medium using machine; a counting means 31 for counting the number of times of game media replenishment for a prescribed time unit; a storing means 32 for storing and retaining the threshold set as an acceptable variable number for the result of counting by the counting means 31 and the number of times of game media replenishment; a comparing means 33 for comparing the result of counting of the number of times of game media replenishment for one time unit with the total sum of the number of times of game media replenishment in the time unit just before the one time unit and the threshold; and an abnormality determining means 34 for determining that an abnormality is present in the replenishment of game media when the number of times of game media replenishment for the one time unit is the total sum or more, and outputting an alarm about the abnormality. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game medium supply device that is used on a gaming machine island and supplies a game medium to a game medium using machine that constitutes the gaming machine island.

  Generally, a gaming machine island installed in a game hall has a plurality of gaming medium use machines (for example, gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines, gaming medium lending machines such as medal lending machines and ball lending machines attached thereto) ) Are arranged side by side, but game media (medals, pachinko balls, etc.) must be replenished as appropriate to each game media use machine as needed. Is provided with a game medium replenishing device.

  As the game medium supply device, the game medium is lifted at one end of the gaming machine island and discharged by a predetermined amount, and the discharged game medium is supplied by a game medium using machine to be supplied by some method (for example, using a conveyor). Generally, it is configured such that it is transported to the installation location. In addition, some game medium supply devices are configured to include display means for displaying the state of the medium supply operation. This display means has, for example, a liquid crystal screen, displays a count value of the number of times of medium replenishment per unit time, and displays a warning screen when the count value exceeds a predetermined value. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 3729768

  By the way, counting the number of times of medium supply by the game medium supply device is effective in preventing illegal game medium payout from the game medium use machine. This is because paying out game media due to fraudulent actions causes a rapid increase in the number of medium replenishments to the game medium using machine that has been fraudulent, and this can be detected by counting the number of medium replenishments.

  However, since a plurality of game medium use machines constituting a gaming machine island generally have different operation statuses, if a uniform standard is applied in detecting abnormality of the number of medium supply times, each game medium use is not necessarily performed. It is not always possible to detect according to the actual operating status of the machine. That is, it is not necessarily preferable in terms of the accuracy of abnormality detection.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a game medium supply device that can detect an abnormality in accordance with the actual operating state of a game medium using machine, and thereby realize a highly accurate abnormality detection.

The present invention is a game medium supply device devised to achieve the above object.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a replenishing means for replenishing a predetermined amount of game media to the game medium using machine in response to a request from the game medium using machine, and a medium by the replenishing means in a predetermined time unit. The counting means for counting the number of times of replenishment, the storage means for storing and holding the count result by the counting means and the threshold value set as the allowable fluctuation number for the number of times of medium replenishment, and the means for counting the medium replenishment number in a certain time unit. When counting, the medium supply count in the time unit immediately before the certain time unit or the average value of the medium supply count in a plurality of time units set as the most recent period of the certain time unit is acquired from the stored contents in the storage means. The threshold value is acquired from the storage means, and the total value of these acquisition results is calculated as the number of times of medium supply in the certain time unit. When the comparison means and the comparison means compare with each other and the number of times of medium supply in a certain time unit is equal to or greater than the total value, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred regarding the supply of the game medium. The game medium replenishing device is characterized by comprising an abnormality determining means for performing the alarm output.

  In the gaming medium supply device having the above-described configuration, when determining whether or not an abnormality relating to gaming medium supply has occurred, the count result of the number of times of medium supply in a certain time unit is calculated as the number of times of medium supply in the immediately preceding time unit or the number of times of medium supply in the most recent period. Compare with the average value and the sum of the threshold values. In other words, the threshold value set as the allowable fluctuation number is added to the average value of the number of medium replenishment in the immediately preceding time unit or the medium replenishment number in the most recent period, and the total value is applied as a reference when detecting abnormality in the number of medium replenishment To do. Therefore, either the immediately preceding medium supply count or the average value of the medium supply count in the most recent period, that is, the operating status of the game medium using machine in the immediately preceding or most recent period is reflected in the standard.

  In the invention according to claim 2, the replenishing means replenishes game media to a plurality of game medium using machines, the counting means counts the number of times of medium replenishment for each game medium using machine, and the storage means. 2. The counting means stores and holds the counting result for each game medium using machine, and the comparing means compares the number of times of medium supply and the total value for the same game medium using machine. It is a game medium supply apparatus of description.

  In the game medium supply device configured as described above, for each of the plurality of game medium use machines, the game medium is individually supplied, the number of times of medium supply is counted, and the count result is stored and held. Then, the number of times of medium replenishment and the total value are compared for the same game medium use machine. That is, the number of times of medium supply for a certain game medium using machine and the total value for the same game medium using machine are compared with each other. Therefore, when there are a plurality of game media using machines, even if the operation statuses of the respective game media using machines are different from each other, the operation status of each of the game media using machines is accurately detected when the medium supply frequency abnormality is detected. It will be reflected in the standards.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a charting unit that charts a counting result of the counting unit that is stored and held by the storage unit, and an image output unit that outputs the charting result by the charting unit as an image. The game medium supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

  In the game medium supply device configured as described above, the count result of the number of times of medium supply is charted, and the charted result is output as an image. That is, the count result of the number of times of medium replenishment is output in a visually recognizable manner. Therefore, even if a change occurs in the counting result of the number of times of medium supply, that is, the operating status of the game medium using machine, the change can be easily grasped through visual recognition.

  The invention according to claim 4 further comprises display switching means for switching the output mode of the output image by the image output means for each time unit or for each game medium using machine. It is a replenishing device.

  In the game medium supply device having the above configuration, in addition to grasping the change in the operation status of the game media using machine through visual recognition, the output mode of the output image can be switched, so that it is easy to analyze the contents regarding the change in the operation status. I can respond.

  According to the present invention, since the operating status of the game medium using machine is reflected in the standard for detecting the abnormality in the number of times of medium replenishment, abnormality detection is performed in accordance with the actual operating status of the game media using machine. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to realize anomaly detection with higher accuracy than in the case of the prior art to which a uniform standard is applied, and as a result, it is possible to effectively prevent payout of game media due to fraud.

  Hereinafter, a game medium supply device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, the case where the present invention is applied to a medal replenishing device used on a gaming machine island in which a plurality of pachislot machines are arranged side by side will be described as an example.

[Schematic configuration of amusement machine island]
First, prior to the description of the game medium supply device according to the present invention, a gaming machine island in which the game medium supply device is used will be briefly described.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a gaming machine island. As shown in the figure, the gaming machine island 1 is composed of a plurality of pachislot machines 11 and a medal lending machine 12 attached thereto. In addition to these, a medal counter 13 may be provided in the gaming machine island 1. Each of these devices 11 to 13 functions as a game medium using machine that uses medals as game media.

A supply conveyor 14 for supplying medals to the pachislot machine 11 and the medal lending machine 12 is provided above the pachislot machine 11 and the medal lending machine 12. The replenishment conveyor 14 is arranged to extend along the direction in which the pachislot machine 11 and the medal lending machine 12 are arranged side by side, and a group of medals made up of a predetermined amount of medals is arranged in the row where the pachislot machine 11 and the medal lending machine 12 are arranged. Along the horizontal direction.
On the replenishment conveyor 14, shutter mechanisms 15 are provided at positions corresponding to the pachislot machine 11 and the medal lending machine 12, that is, at each of a plurality of replenishment locations set on the replenishment conveyor 14. The shutter mechanism 15 receives a medal conveyed by the replenishment conveyor 14 from the replenishment conveyor 14 and supplies the medal to the pachislot machine 11 or the medal lending machine 12, or allows the replenishment conveyor 14 to convey the medal as it is downstream in the conveying direction. Switching is performed. Since the shutter mechanism 15 may be realized by using a known technique such as flapper switching by an electromagnetic solenoid, detailed description thereof is omitted here. A collecting chute 16 is provided at the downstream end of the supply conveyor 14 in the medal conveyance direction to collect medals that have been conveyed without being supplied to the pachislot machine 11 or the medal lending machine 12.

  On the other hand, on the lower side of the pachislot machine 11 and the medal lending machine 12, a collection conveyor 17 that collects medals from the pachislot machine 11, the medal lending machine 12, the counter 13, or the collection chute 16 is provided. The collection conveyor 17 is arranged so as to extend along the juxtaposition direction of the pachislot machine 11 and the medal lending machine 12, and for example, medals and counters discharged from each pachislot machine 11 or each medal lending machine 12 due to overflow, for example. After receiving the medals after being inserted into the counter 13 and counted, or the medals recovered by the recovery chute 16, the pachislot machine 11 and the medal lending machine 12 are arranged in a horizontal direction opposite to the supply conveyor 14. It is intended to be conveyed.

  Further, the gaming machine island 1 is provided with a medal lifting device 20 for lifting medals from the lower side to the upper side on one end side thereof, more specifically on the medal supply end side on the supply conveyor 14. ing. With such a configuration, in the gaming machine island 1, medals are supplied to the pachislot machine 11 or the medal lending machine 12 through the medal conveyance by the supply conveyor 14, and the collection medals from the pachislot machine 11 and the like are conveyed by the collection conveyor 17. Then, a medal circulation operation is performed in which the medal lifting device 20 lifts the medal upward.

  In the gaming machine island 1 configured as described above, the replenishment conveyor 14, the shutter mechanism 15, and the medal lifting device 20 function as a mechanism unit of a medal replenishment device that replenishes medals to the pachislot machine 11 and the like. That is, when there is a medal replenishment request from either the pachislot machine 11 or the medal lending machine 12, the medal lifting device 20 discharges a medal group consisting of a predetermined amount of medals onto the replenishment conveyor 14, The supply conveyor 14 transports the discharged medals, and the shutter mechanism 15 corresponding to the request source switches the transport direction. As a result, the pachislot machine 11 or the medal lending machine 12 as the request source is replenished with a predetermined amount of medals.

[Configuration of the entire game system]
Next, a gaming system configured with a plurality of gaming machine islands 1 configured as described above will be described.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the gaming system. As shown in the figure, the gaming system includes a plurality of gaming machine islands 1a, 1b, and 1c, and an island conveyor 2 for transferring medals between the islands between the gaming machine islands 1a, 1b, and 1c. It is configured. The island conveyor 2 is provided with two systems in which the transport directions are opposite to each other so that bi-directional medal transport can be performed, or in the case of one system, it can cope with reversal switching of the medal transport direction. It is assumed that
The gaming machine islands 1a, 1b, and 1c are communicably connected by a communication cable (not shown).
In the illustrated example, three gaming machine islands 1a, 1b, and 1c are shown, but the number is not particularly limited.

  Among these gaming machine islands 1a, 1b, and 1c, at least one gaming machine island 1c is provided with a function of washing medals. More specifically, in the medal lifting device 20 constituting the gaming machine island 1c, the first lifting conveyor 21 for lifting the medals recovered by the recovery conveyor 17 and the first lifting conveyor 21 are lifted. A second tank 22 that receives and stores medals or medals transported from other islands through the island transfer conveyor 2, a washing machine 23 that cleans medals discharged from the second tank 22, and a medal that has been washed by the washing machine 23 A second transporting conveyor 24 that lifts the sword upward, a replenishment tank 25 that stores washed medals to be discharged onto the replenishing conveyor 14, and a medal that is transported by the second transporting conveyor 24. And a switching mechanism (not shown) for switching between discharging into the replenishing tank 25 or discharging onto the island-passing conveyor 2 for transport to another island. There.

  In the gaming machine island 1c having a medal washing function with such a configuration, the islands 1c that need to be washed by the collection conveyor 17 on the own island (hereinafter referred to as “unwashed medals”) and other islands through the island transfer conveyor 2 are used. The unwashed medals transported from the second tank 22 are stored in the second tank 22. Then, after the washing machine 23 performs the washing process on the medals discharged from the second tank 22, the washed medals (hereinafter referred to as “washed medals”) are lifted by the second conveyor 24. And is discharged to either the replenishment tank 25 or the island-carrying conveyor 2. The washed medals in the replenishment tank 25 are discharged onto the replenishment conveyor 14 as necessary, and replenished to the pachislot machine 11 or the medal lending machine 12. In addition, the washed medals on the island transfer conveyor 2 are conveyed toward the other gaming machine islands 1a and 1b.

On the other hand, the other gaming machine islands 1a and 1b may not have a function of cleaning medals.
For example, the medal lifting device 20 constituting the gaming machine island 1b is not provided with the washing machine 23, and the first transporting conveyor 21 collects the unwashed medals recovered by the recovery conveyor 17 up to the island transfer conveyor 2. It is transported to the gaming machine island 1c having a medal washing function by transporting the island transfer conveyor 2. Further, when a cleaned medal is received from the gaming machine island 1c having a medal cleaning function through the island transfer conveyor 2, the cleaned medal is stored in the second tank 22, and the cleaned medal discharged from the second tank 22 is stored. Is transported by the second transport conveyor 24 and discharged into the supply tank 25. Then, the washed medals in the replenishment tank 25 are discharged onto the replenishment conveyor 14 as necessary, and replenished to the pachislot machine 11 or the medal lending machine 12.

  In addition, one of the gaming machine islands 1a and 1b that do not have a medal washing function, for example, the gaming machine island 1a located at one end edge in the direction in which the island delivery conveyor 2 extends, It is conceivable that this type is referred to as “MT”. The MT type only receives washed medals through the island transfer conveyor 2, and does not send medals to the other gaming machine islands 1b and 1c. Therefore, the MT type gaming machine island 1a does not necessarily include both the second tank 22 and the supply tank 25, and may include only one of them. However, this MT type is not an essential configuration, and may be replaced with the above-described type with a cleaning function or the type without a cleaning function.

  In addition, each component of the medal lifting device 20 in each gaming machine island 1a, 1b, and 1c may be configured using a known technique with or without a cleaning function. Detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The medal lifting device 20 in each of the gaming machine islands 1a, 1b, and 1c configured as described above controls the processing operation of the medal lifting device 20 regardless of whether it has a cleaning function or not. And a liquid crystal panel 40 for displaying and outputting information related to the processing operation.

  The control unit has a function as a computer that executes a predetermined program by combining a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. Thus, the processing operation of the medal lifting device 20 is controlled.

  The liquid crystal panel 40 is disposed at a position where it can be seen from the outside through a transparent resin window 27 provided on the exterior panel 26 of the medal lifting device 20, and the medal is given to a store clerk, maintenance staff, etc. Information about the processing operation of the lifting device 20 is output as an image. Furthermore, it is a device that is operated by a store clerk or maintenance staff at a game arcade as required to input information, that is, has a function as a touch panel.

[Functional configuration of medal supply device]
Here, the functional configuration realized by the control unit and the liquid crystal panel 40, that is, the functional configuration of the medal replenishing device will be described in more detail.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the medal supply device.
As shown in the figure, the control unit 30 has functions as counting means 31, storage means 32, comparison means 33, abnormality determination means 34, and charting means 35. Further, the liquid crystal panel 40 has functions as an image output means 41 and a display switching means 42.

The counting means 31 counts the number of times when the replenishment conveyor 14, the shutter mechanism 15 and the medal lifting device 20 replenish medals. That is, the number of medals supplied by the function as the medal supply means is counted.
The number of medals replenished is determined by the replenishment conveyor 14, the shutter mechanism 15, and the medal lifting device 20 in response to a request for replenishment of medals from either the pachi-slot machine 11 or the medal lending machine 12, When the replenishment operation ends normally, this is counted as one time. That is, the number of medals replenishment is counted for each pachislot machine 11 and for each medal lending machine 12. The normal end detection of the replenishment operation may be performed using a known technique (sensor detection, timer time management, etc.) similar to the conventional one.
In addition, the count of the number of medals replenishment is repeated every predetermined time unit. Examples of the predetermined time unit include every predetermined time and every day, but are not particularly limited as long as they are set in advance.

The storage unit 32 stores and holds the counting result of the number of medals replenished by the counting unit 31. The storage format is not particularly limited. For example, it is conceivable to use a table format that clarifies the association with the information related to the time unit for counting, the request source, and the like.
Furthermore, the storage means 32 also stores and holds the threshold value set as the allowable variation number for the number of medals replenishment. Details of this threshold will be described later.

  The comparison unit 33 compares the count result of the medal replenishment count by the count unit 31 with the information regarding the medal replenishment count stored in the storage unit 32 before that. More specifically, when the counting unit 31 counts the number of medals supplied in a certain time unit, the number of medals supplied in the time unit immediately before the certain time unit is acquired from the stored content in the storage unit 32 and the storage unit 32. Is also acquired for the threshold value stored and held, and the total value of these acquisition results is compared with the number of medals replenished in a certain time unit. Note that instead of the medal replenishment times in the time unit immediately before a certain time unit, an average value of the medal replenishment times in a plurality of time units set as the most recent period of the certain time unit may be used. However, if the medal replenishment frequency is stored and held for each pachislot machine 11 and for each medal lending machine 12, the comparison means 33 determines the number of medal replenishments for the same pachislot machine 11 or the same medal lending machine 12. And the total value of the results obtained from the storage means 32 are compared.

  As a result of the comparison by the comparison means 33, the abnormality determination means 34 indicates that an abnormality has occurred with respect to the medal supply when the number of medals replenishment in a certain time unit is equal to or greater than the total value stored in the storage means 32. Judgment is made and an alarm is output to that effect. The alarm output may be performed using the liquid crystal panel 40, that is, a warning screen or the like may be displayed on the liquid crystal panel 40 to notify the store clerk or maintenance staff of the amusement hall that there is an abnormality. For example, an alarm signal may be output to a host device that controls the entire system.

  The charting means 35 charts the contents stored and held by the storage means 32, specifically, the counting result of the number of medal replenishment times stored and held by the storage means 32. “Chart” here means to create data in a chart format, for example, to make the counting result of the number of medals replenishment into a list form or a graph form. The charting method is not particularly limited, and may be realized using a known technique.

  The image output means 41 uses the image display function of the liquid crystal panel 40 to output an image to a game clerk, maintenance staff, etc., and in particular, to output the image of the charting result by the charting means 35. It has become.

  The display switching unit 42 switches the output mode of the output image from the image output unit 41. Specifically, for example, the default output mode is switched to a chart format output mode, or the chart format output mode is switched by time unit or by the pachislot machine 11 or the medal lending machine 12. It is conceivable that the switching is performed in accordance with the operation content (information input content) of the liquid crystal panel 40 by a store clerk, maintenance staff, or the like of the game hall.

  Each of these means 31 to 35, 41, and 42 is realized by executing a predetermined program for a function as a computer in the control unit 30 or a function in the liquid crystal panel 40. In this case, the predetermined program may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable storage medium prior to installation in the control unit 30 or the like, or distributed via wired or wireless communication means. It may be a thing.

[Example of processing operation of medal supply device]
Next, an example of processing operation in the medal replenishing device having the above-described functional configuration will be described.

[Medal replenishment count operation]
First, the operation of counting the number of medals replenishment will be described.
4 and 5 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing operation for counting the number of medals supplied.

  In the control unit 30, when there is a replenishment request for medals from either the pachislot machine 11 or the medal lending machine 12 on the own island, the medal lifting device 20 responds to this by supplying a medal group consisting of a predetermined amount of medals. 14, and the replenishment conveyor 14 transports the medals group so that the shutter mechanism 15 at the location corresponding to the request source switches the transport direction. An operation instruction is given to the shutter mechanism 15.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 30 performs a medal replenishment operation to the request source in response to a medal replenishment request from the pachislot machine 11 or the like or an operation instruction to the medal lifting device 20 or the like. The counting means 31 recognizes that it has started (step 101; hereinafter, step is abbreviated as “S”). When the replenishment operation ends normally (S102), the counting unit 31 increments the value of the corresponding number of times of measurement and holds the value in a predetermined area (S103).

  Separately from this, the counting means 31 monitors the passage of time as shown in FIG. 5, and every time a predetermined time passes (S201), the value held in the predetermined area at that time is displayed. It is acquired (S202), and it is determined in which time zone the value is, that is, in which time zone the replenishment operation is performed (S203). This determination may be made using a known clock function (time keeping function) while setting a plurality of time zones in advance. Based on the determination result, the counting means 31 is a predetermined area for information (count value of the number of medals replenishment) for the corresponding time zone among the information stored in the storage means 32 in a table format, for example. (S204-1 to S204-n, where n is the set number of time zones). After this information update, the counting means 31 clears the value held in the predetermined area to 0 (S205), and prepares for the count for the next medal supply operation.

  Through the process of counting the number of medals replenished in such a procedure, the number of medals replenished for the pachislot machine 11 or the medal lending machine 12 is classified in the storage unit 32 for each device and for each time zone. In this state, it is stored and held. The information stored and held in the storage unit 32 in this way continues to be stored and held until the capacity of the storage unit 32 becomes full or until a preset storage holding period elapses.

[Malade replenishment abnormality judgment operation]
Next, the abnormality determination operation for the number of medals replenishment will be described. Here, a case where the predetermined time unit is every day (one day unit) is taken as an example.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an abnormality determination operation for the number of medals replenishment.
As shown in the example, when there is a request for replenishment of medals from either the pachislot machine 11 or the medal lending machine 12 on the own island (S301), in the control unit 30, the comparison means 33 and the abnormality determination means 34 are described below. The processing operation is performed.
That is, the comparison means 33 accesses the storage means 32 and the medal replenishment count X in the time unit (specifically “today”) including the time when the medal replenishment request is made, and the time immediately before that time unit. A medal replenishment count A in a unit (specifically “previous day”) and a threshold value B set as an allowable variation number for the medal replenishment count are acquired. Then, the total value A + B of the medal supply count A and the threshold value B on the previous day is compared with the medal supply count X on the current day (S302).

  As a result of this comparison, if the medal replenishment count X is equal to or greater than the total value A + B, the abnormality determining unit 34 determines that an abnormality has occurred with respect to medal replenishment, and displays a warning screen or the like on the liquid crystal panel 40. The alarm is output to that effect (S303). For example, when the threshold value B is set to 10 times and the medal replenishment count A on the previous day is 15 times for a certain pachislot machine 11, the medal replenishment count X on that day to the pachislot machine 11 exceeds 25 times. For the 25th and subsequent medal replenishment requests from the certain pachislot machine 11, an alarm is output to that effect. On the other hand, for the other pachislot machines 11 whose medal replenishment count A was 20 on the previous day, even if the medal replenishment count X on the day is 25, the total value A + B should not exceed 30 times. Therefore, the alarm output to that effect is not performed.

  Then, after such determination processing for the presence or absence of abnormality, the control unit 30 performs the medal replenishment device 20, the replenishment conveyor 14, and the shutter so as to replenish medals to the requesting pachislot machine 11 or the medal lending machine 12. An operation instruction is given to the mechanism 15 (S304).

  According to the medal replenishment device that performs the above-described medal replenishment operation, in determining whether or not an abnormality relating to medal replenishment has occurred, the count result X of the number of times of medal replenishment in a certain time unit (the current day) Is compared with the total value A + B of the medal supply count A and the threshold value B. That is, the threshold value B set as the allowable variation number is added to the medal replenishment count A in the immediately preceding time unit, and the total value A + B is applied as a reference for detecting an abnormality in the medal replenishment count. Accordingly, the number of the previous medal replenishment, that is, the operation status of the pachislot machine 11 or the medal lending machine 12 that is the request source of the medal replenishment is reflected in the standard.

  As described above, if the operation status of the pachislot machine 11 or the medal lending machine 12 is reflected in the reference when detecting the abnormality in the number of medals replenishment, the reference can be changed every day according to the operation status. Therefore, it is possible to detect an abnormality in accordance with the actual operating situation. Therefore, when the operating conditions of the pachislot machine 11 or the medal lending machine 12 constituting the gaming machine islands 1a, 1b, and 1c are different from each other (a certain pachislot machine 11 has a high operating rate, but another pachislot machine 11 is compared with this. Even if the occupancy rate is low, etc., it is possible to achieve highly accurate anomaly detection in line with actual operating conditions, rather than applying a uniform standard for anomaly detection. It becomes possible to effectively prevent payout.

  Further, even when a plurality of pachislot machines 11 or the like are to be replenished with medal on the own island, medal replenishment is performed in a state where the number of medal replenishment times and the storage result of the count result can be identified for each object. When comparing the number of times X with the total value A + B, it is possible to accurately reflect the operation status that is likely to be different for each device by performing the comparison between the same objects. .

In the above description, the medal replenishment count count result X in a certain time unit (the current day) is compared with the total value A + B of the medal replenishment frequency A and the threshold value B in the immediately preceding time unit (previous day). Therefore, although the operating status of the pachislot machine 11 or the medal lending machine 12 changes every day, the actual operating status is reflected in the abnormality detection determination criteria while reacting sensitively to the change.
However, for the comparison partner with the medal replenishment count X, the medal replenishment count A in the previous time unit (previous day) is not used, but a plurality of time units set as the most recent period of a certain time unit (current day) ( For example, the average value of the number of medals replenished in the previous three days) may be used. In this case, even if there is a protruding part in the fluctuation of the operation status, it is averaged, which is effective in improving the accuracy of abnormality detection. Note that the most recent period is not particularly limited as long as it can reflect a change in the actual operation status, and may be determined appropriately in consideration of the configuration of the game system, the operation status, and the like.

  Further, in the above description, the case where the time unit is every day (one day unit) has been described as an example, but the same applies to every hour (for example, every hour unit or a predetermined plurality of time units). Is possible.

[Specific examples of image output]
Next, a specific example of image output performed by the liquid crystal panel 40 through the above processing operation will be described. The liquid crystal panel 40 outputs an image of information related to the medal supply operation.

For example, during normal operation, that is, when the medal lifting device 20 is in operation and the pachislot machine 11 or the medal lending machine 12 is normally replenished with medals, the liquid crystal panel 40 is set in advance. Menu screen, confirmation screen for setting (operation parameter) related to medal supply operation, and the like are output.
On the other hand, when an abnormality occurs, that is, when it is determined by the abnormality determination means 34 that an abnormality has occurred with respect to medal replenishment, a warning screen or the like for notifying that is output from the liquid crystal panel 40.
These image outputs can be realized using a known GUI (Graphical User Interface) technique.

  By the way, in the medal replenishing device having the above-described configuration, the reference for detecting an abnormality in the number of medal replenishment times varies depending on the operating status of the pachislot machine 11 and the like. Therefore, it is considered that a game shop clerk, maintenance staff, etc. want a specific grasp of the mode of fluctuation of the operation status. For this reason, the medal replenishing device having the above-described configuration includes the charting unit 35, the display switching unit 42, and the like, and performs image output as described below in addition to normal display and abnormal warning display. It has become.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of image output.
For example, when a function as a touch panel in the liquid crystal panel 40 is operated and a store clerk or a maintenance staff in a game hall requests an image output related to a medal replenishment history, the charting unit 35 is stored in the storage unit 32. Chart the results of counting the number of medals replenished. When the charting means 35 charts, the image output means 41 switches the image display contents on the liquid crystal panel 40 and outputs an image of the charting result by the charting means 35. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7A, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the “stand number” assigned individually to the pachislot machine 11 or the medal lending machine 12 on the own island as information on the medal replenishment history. In addition, the number of medals replenished in the current time unit (for example, the current day), the number of medals replenished in the immediately preceding time unit (previous day), and the number of medals replenished in the previous time unit (the day before yesterday) are output in a list format. Is done.
Further, for example, from the image output state of FIG. 7A, when a store clerk or maintenance staff of the game hall operates the touch panel function to designate a desired machine number and instruct to display “details”, the display is performed. The switching means 42 gives an instruction to the charting means 35 so as to switch the charting mode for the medal replenishment count count result. In response to this, the charting unit 35 performs charting (for example, histograms for each time zone) focusing on the designated machine number. Then, when the charting means 35 performs the re-charting, the image output means 41 switches the image display contents on the liquid crystal panel 40, and outputs the image of the re-charting result by the charting means 35. Thereby, from the liquid crystal panel 40, for example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the number of medals replenished for each specific time zone by graph is output as a graph.

  By referring to the image output results as described above, a game shop clerk, maintenance staff, etc., supply medals for several days for the pachislot machine 11 or the medal lending machine 12 to be replenished with the medal replenishing device. It is possible to grasp the number of times, the table number, the type of table, the number of medals supplied to all the tables, and the like. In addition, since the image output is performed in the form of a chart, it is very easy for the store clerk, maintenance staff, etc. of the game hall to grasp the image.

  Therefore, if such an image output is performed, even if the standard at the time of detecting the abnormality in the number of medals replenishment varies depending on the operating status of the pachislot machine 11 or the like, It becomes possible for maintenance personnel and the like to recognize appropriately. Specifically, for example, comprehensively judge these with reference to the difference in the number of medals replenished with the previous day, the difference in the number of medals replenished with other platforms, the difference in the number of medals replenished for each time zone, etc. Thus, it can be determined whether or not the abnormality detection related to the medal replenishment is due to an illegal act. That is, it is very effective in preventing medal payout due to fraud.

  Moreover, if the output mode can be switched as necessary, for example, “detail” is displayed for the output image, the degree of freedom and flexibility of the output image can be sufficiently increased. It can be ensured, and convenience for game shop clerk, maintenance staff and the like is also improved.

In the above-described embodiment, the preferred specific example of the present invention has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to the content, and may be appropriately changed without departing from the gist thereof. Is possible.
For example, the setting of the time unit for detecting an abnormality related to medal replenishment, the specific mode of image output regarding the result, and the like are not limited to the contents of the above-described embodiment, and the system configuration and operating status What is necessary is just to set suitably according to etc.
Further, in the embodiment described above, for the same pachislot machine 11 or medal lending machine 12, the count result X of the medal replenishment frequency and the total value A + B of the medal replenishment frequency A and the threshold B are compared. The present invention can be applied in the same manner to different apparatuses in which the number of times of replenishment per unit of time falls within a predetermined range, instead of the above apparatus.
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the game medium is a medal used in the pachislot machine 11 or the like has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to other game media such as a pachinko ball in exactly the same manner. It is possible to apply.

It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a gaming machine island. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the game media conveyance system comprised including a plurality of game machine islands. It is a block diagram which shows the function structural example of the medal supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the example of a count processing operation | movement count of the medal supply frequency in the medal supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the count processing operation example of the medal supply frequency in the medal supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the abnormality determination operation example of the medal supply frequency in the medal supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows a specific example of the image output in the medal supply apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1a, 1b, 1c ... Game machine island, 11 ... Pachi-slot machine, 12 ... Medal lending machine, 13 ... Counting machine, 14 ... Supply conveyor, 15 ... Shutter mechanism, 16 ... Collection chute, 17 ... Collection conveyor, 20 ... Medal lifting device, 30 ... control section, 31 ... counting means, 32 ... storage means, 33 ... comparison means, 34 ... abnormality determination means, 35 ... charting means, 40 ... liquid crystal panel, 41 ... image output means, 42 ... Display switching means

Claims (4)

Replenishment means for replenishing a predetermined amount of game media per time to the game media use machine in response to a request from the game media use machine;
Counting means for counting the number of times the medium is replenished by the replenishing means in a predetermined time unit;
Storage means for storing and holding a threshold value set as an allowable variation number for the counting result by the counting means and the number of times of medium replenishment;
When the counting means counts the number of times of medium replenishment in a certain time unit, the number of times of medium replenishment in the time unit immediately before the certain time unit or the average of the number of medium replenishment times in a plurality of time units set as the most recent period of the certain time unit. A comparison unit that obtains a value from the storage content in the storage unit, obtains the threshold value from the storage unit, and compares the total value of these acquisition results with the number of times of medium supply in the certain time unit;
As a result of comparison by the comparison means, if the number of times of medium supply in the certain time unit is equal to or greater than the total value, an abnormality is determined that an abnormality has occurred regarding the supply of the game medium and an alarm is output to that effect A game medium supply device comprising: a determination unit. The replenishing means replenishes game media to a plurality of game media using machines,
The counting means counts the number of times the medium is replenished for each game medium using machine,
The storage means stores and holds the counting result by the counting means for each game medium using machine,
The game medium supply device according to claim 1, wherein the comparison means compares the number of times of medium supply and the total value for the same game medium use machine. Charting means for charting the counting results of the counting means stored in the storage means;
3. The game medium supply device according to claim 1, further comprising: an image output unit that outputs an image of the charting result obtained by the charting unit. The game medium supply device according to claim 3, further comprising display switching means for switching the output mode of the output image from the image output means.

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