JP2014128512A - Management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a management system for adjusting condition of a game medium circulating in a game machine bank according to a working situation of a game machine, or the like installed in the game machine bank.SOLUTION: A management system in a game parlor at least includes a managing device 600. The managing device 600 is configured to include control means for performing control for adjusting condition of a game medium circulating in a game machine bank 10 according to a working situation of a game machine 100 or an interposed machine 200 installed in the game machine bank 10.

Description

The present invention relates to a management system used in a game arcade.

Conventionally, in game halls where game machines such as pachinko machines are installed, game media circulation for collecting game media discharged from the game machines and re-supplying the game media to the game machines and inter-machines A system is built for each gaming machine island.

In this game medium circulation system, the surface of each game medium passes through the lifting device, whereby the surface is polished and the dirt attached to the surface is removed. That is, in the game medium circulation system, measures are taken so that the condition of the game medium does not decrease as long as the game medium is circulated.

For example, in Patent Document 1, excellent pachinko ball polishing that prevents a lateral shift of a polishing cloth guided to a polishing mechanism and is laid on the upper surface of the polishing mechanism, and does not cause uneven polishing or feeding of a rolling pachinko ball. A configuration of the lifting device is disclosed.

JP 2012-135534 A

In general terms, it can be said that if game media circulate in the game media circulation system regularly to some extent, there is little possibility that the game media will be clogged.

However, depending on the operating status of gaming machines and inter-machines related to the gaming machine island, the gaming media may not circulate in the gaming media circulation system, or the circulation may be less. Therefore, the game medium which is not polished by the lifting device or less polished, and the dirt is attached to the game medium may be clogged at any point in the game medium circulation system. In addition, depending on the temperature and humidity conditions in the game hall, the flow of the game media may deteriorate, and the game media may be clogged at any point in the game media circulation system.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a management system that adjusts the condition of game media circulating in the gaming machine island in accordance with the operating status of the gaming machine installed on the gaming machine island in order to cope with the above-described problems. For the purpose.

In order to achieve the object, in the invention of claim 1,
A management system for an amusement hall having at least an information processing device,
The information processing apparatus has a control means for performing control to adjust the condition of the game medium circulating in the gaming machine island according to the operating status of the gaming machine or the inter-table machine installed on the gaming machine island. The system.

In the invention of claim 2,
A management system in a game hall, comprising a game medium storage device and an information processing device,
The game medium reservoir is installed on the gaming machine island, and when receiving an exit opening signal, opens its own exit,
The information processing apparatus is a management system having a control unit that performs control to output an exit opening signal in accordance with the operating status of a gaming machine or a car between machines installed on the gaming machine island.

In the invention of claim 3,
A management system in a game hall, comprising a game medium storage device and an information processing device,
The game medium storage device is installed on the gaming machine island, and upon receiving an operation to open the exit from the user, opens its own exit,
The information processing apparatus is a management system having control means for controlling notification processing in accordance with the operating status of gaming machines or inter-machines installed on the gaming machine island.

According to the present invention, in order to adjust the condition of the game medium circulating through the gaming machine island according to the operating situation of the gaming machine installed on the gaming machine island, the adjustment of the condition of the gaming medium is effectively performed. be able to.

The present invention is a management system in a game hall, and has at least an information processing device, and the information processing device is in accordance with the operating status of a gaming machine or inter-machine installed in a gaming machine island. By adopting a configuration having a control means for performing control for adjusting the condition of the game medium circulating in the gaming machine island, the condition of the game medium can be adjusted effectively.

1 is a conceptual diagram exemplarily illustrating an overall configuration of a management system according to a first embodiment which is an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a conceptual diagram exemplarily illustrating an overall configuration of a management system according to a first embodiment which is an embodiment of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a conceptual diagram which shows illustartively the whole structure of the game machine island of Example 1 which is one Example of this invention. It is the schematic diagram which illustrated the outline of the external appearance structure of the game machine of Example 1 which is one Example of this invention. It is the schematic diagram which illustrated the outline of the external appearance structure of the game machine of Example 1 which is one Example of this invention. It is the conceptual diagram which showed typically the hardware constitutions of the interframe machine of Example 1 which is one Example of this invention. It is the conceptual diagram which showed typically the hardware constitutions of the management apparatus of Example 1 which is one Example of this invention. It is the figure which showed typically the structure of the game machine information storage area of the management apparatus of Example 1 which is one Example of this invention. It is the figure which showed typically the structure of the machine information storage area of the management apparatus of Example 1 which is one Example of this invention. It is the figure which showed typically the structure of the game machine island information storage area of the management apparatus of Example 1 which is one Example of this invention. It is the figure which showed typically the structure of the corresponding | compatible identification information storage area of the management apparatus of Example 1 which is one Example of this invention. It is the figure which showed typically the structure of the state judgment value storage area of the management apparatus of Example 1 which is one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which the management apparatus of Example 1 which is one Example of this invention performs. It is a conceptual diagram which shows exemplarily the whole structure of the management center of another Example which is one Example of this invention, and a game arcade. It is the conceptual diagram which showed typically the hardware constitutions of the management apparatus of Example 2 which is one Example of this invention. It is the figure which showed typically the structure of the operation signal reception log | history storage area of the management apparatus of Example 2 which is one Example of this invention. It is the figure which showed typically the structure of the intermediate machine signal reception log | history storage area of the management apparatus of Example 2 which is one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which the management apparatus of Example 2 which is one Example of this invention performs.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the components described in this embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to them.

<Configuration of management system>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram exemplarily showing a system configuration on the network of the management system according to the present embodiment. The management system includes a game medium storage device 90, a gaming machine 100, a pedestrian machine 200, a repeater 350, a pedestal management device 400, an island management device 500, a management device 600, and a network 801 that connects these devices. Yes. Specifically, a plurality of gaming machines 100 are installed, and a pedestal machine 200 is installed corresponding to each gaming machine 100. The gaming machine 100 and the inter-machine 200 are connected to a management device 600 and a network 801 that manage and supervise each device installed in the game hall via the repeater 350, the base management device 400, and the island management device 500. Connected through.

Further, as devices included in the gaming machine island 10 (described later), as shown by the dotted lines in FIG. 1, the gaming medium storage device 90, the gaming machine 100, the inter-machine 200, the repeater 350, the management device 400, the island There is a management device 500. Each device will be described in detail below.

The configuration of the management system on the network illustrated in FIG. 1 is a basic configuration for explaining the configuration according to the present embodiment. When the management system is operated in an actual game hall, the management device 600 can acquire an operation signal output from the gaming machine 100 installed on each gaming machine island 10, a sales signal output from the inter-machine 200, and the like. As long as the management device 600 can output a signal to open / close the outlet to the game medium reservoir 90, there are various types based on the usage, purpose, or constraints such as the arrangement of the devices. Can take the configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 100 and the inter-vehicle machine 200 may be connected to the management apparatus 600 via the relay device 350.

<Configuration of the gaming machine island 10>
In the gaming machine island 10, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of gaming machines 100 are usually arranged back to back along the longitudinal direction of the rectangular parallelepiped gaming machine island 10. In addition, on the gaming machine island 10, a pedestrian machine 200 is arranged corresponding to each gaming machine 100. In the present embodiment, a configuration of a so-called double-sided island in which a plurality of gaming machines 100 are installed in two rows back to back is shown as the gaming machine island 10, but the gaming machine island 10 is limited to the configuration of the double-sided island. is not. A configuration of a so-called wall island in which a plurality of gaming machines 100 are installed in a row with the wall of the game hall in the back, or an island configuration of another shape may be used.

In addition, the gaming machine island 10 is provided with a gaming medium circulation system for collecting gaming media discharged from the gaming machine 100 and resupplying the gaming media to the gaming machine 100 and the inter-machine 200. . In this embodiment, a game medium reservoir 90 that stores game media is installed in the game medium circulation system. The game medium reservoir 90 will be described later.

<Configuration of gaming machine 100>
The gaming machine 100 installed on the gaming machine island 10 is a device in which a player plays a game using a game medium, and in particular, uses a pachinko ball as the game medium. Specifically, a pachinko machine, a slot machine using a pachinko ball (so-called parrot), an arrangement ball, and the like are exemplified. Here, a pachinko machine will be described as an example of the gaming machine 100.

A configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating the outline of the external configuration of the gaming machine 100. It should be noted that the pachinko machine is not limited to that described below and described in FIG.

The gaming machine 100 is provided with a board surface 111, and an outer rail 112 is provided on the board surface 111 to define a gaming area A in which a game medium can roll. In the game area A, there are a number of game nails such as a symbol display device 113, a start winning port 114, a jackpot winning port 115, an out port 116, a normal winning port (not shown), and a valley nail 117 that changes the flow of the game medium. (Not shown) and the like are provided. Further, an inner rail 118 is disposed inside the outer rail 112, and a game medium launch area B is defined. Further, at the lower part of the gaming machine 100, an upper plate 121 and a lower plate 122 for storing game media to be driven into the board surface 111 and paid-out game media, a handle 123 for adjusting the strength of game media driving, and the like are provided. It has been. When the player operates the handle 123, a launching device (not shown) including a launching motor and a hitting ball is operated. That is, the firing motor is driven, the hitting ball is moved, and the game medium stored in the upper plate 121 is bullet-laminated. The launched game medium passes through the game medium launch area B in the gaming machine 100 and is released to the game area A. Then, the game medium that has reached the upper part of the game area A falls downward while changing the advancing direction with a game nail or the like, and wins a winning opening such as the start winning opening 114 or the jackpot winning opening 115, which winning opening In other words, it reaches the outlet 116 without winning a prize and is collected.

The symbol display device 113 is, for example, a CRT or a liquid crystal that displays a lottery result or an effect display by a symbol combination or a demo display. Further, the symbol display device 113 variably displays a plurality of types of symbols by scrolling from the top to the bottom on condition that the game medium passes through the start winning opening 114 and the start winning is generated. In addition, when the lottery is completed, the symbol display device 113 displays one of the specific symbols determined in advance according to the lottery result. For example, when the jackpot is won as a result of the lottery, jackpot symbols such as “777” and “333” are displayed. When the lottery ends and the symbol is confirmed, the gaming machine 100 outputs a symbol confirmation signal (start signal).

The start winning port 114 detects the winning of the game medium when the game medium launched into the gaming machine 100 by operating the handle 123 or the like wins. As a result, a start prize is generated, and a lottery is performed on a game control board (not shown) provided inside the gaming machine 100. In the case of winning (as described above, when the symbol display device 113 confirms the symbol of the jackpot), the jackpot state occurs. When the jackpot state occurs, the gaming machine 100 starts to send the jackpot signal to the outside (the jackpot signal rises), and when the jackpot state of the gaming machine 100 ends, stops sending the jackpot signal (the jackpot signal) Will fall).

The jackpot winning opening 115 is normally closed so that the game medium does not win, but is opened when the jackpot is won. When game media wins the jackpot winning opening 115, a considerable number of game media (for example, 15 per winning game media) is paid out on the upper plate 121 from the game media payout opening 120. Although not shown in FIG. 4, the gaming machine 100 normally pays not only the game medium payout opening 120 for paying out the game medium onto the upper plate 121 but also the game medium for paying out the game medium onto the lower plate 122. A medium outlet (not shown) is provided. When the upper plate 121 is filled with game media, the fact is detected and the game media is paid out onto the lower plate 122 from the game media payout port.

The opening of the jackpot winning hole 115 is continued until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses after the jackpot is generated or until a predetermined number of game media wins the jackpot winning hole 115. This single opening is called a round. Generally, since the jackpot winning opening 115 is provided at a position where game media easily pass, a large amount of game media is paid out from the game media payout outlet 120 or the like as a ball during the jackpot occurrence period (during the round). Become.

The out port 116 is a collection port that collects the game medium when the game medium launched into the gaming machine 100 does not win any of the winning winning ports such as the start winning port 114 and the jackpot winning port 115. .

Next, a probability variation state (probability variation state) that is one of the gaming states of the gaming machine 100 will be described. The probability variation state is a state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is higher than that in a normal game, and is performed, for example, when a game medium passes through the start winning opening 114 or other predetermined area. When the probability variation state occurs when the lottery related to the probability variation is won, and the probability variation state occurs, the gaming machine 100 starts sending the probability variation state signal to the outside (the probability variation state signal rises), and the probability of the gaming machine 100 When the fluctuation state ends, the transmission of the probability fluctuation state signal is stopped (the probability fluctuation state signal falls). In the probability change state, for example, the player is notified that the probability change is in progress by changing the background color of the symbol display device 113 to a color different from the normal color.

By the way, normally, the gaming machine 100 stores game media therein for use as a ball rental or as a payout ball to be paid out in accordance with winning. Further, the gaming machine 100 is connected to the replenishment bowl 60, and when the game media stored in the game machine 100 are reduced by payout, a predetermined amount of gaming media is replenished from the replenishment bowl 60 into the gaming machine 100.

This state will be specifically described with reference to FIG. Above the gaming machine 100, a replenishment basket 60 for replenishing the game medium by natural flow from an upper tank 50 that stores a game medium lifted from a lifting device 40 described later is passed. The branched lead-out path 70 extends to a prize ball tank 63 disposed on the upper back surface of the gaming machine 100. In the middle of the lead-out path 70, replenishing means 64 for controlling whether or not the game medium is replenished from the replenishing bowl 60 to the prize ball tank 63 is attached. When the game medium is paid out from the prize ball tank 63 due to winning or the like and the amount of game media in the prize ball tank 63 decreases, the supply means 64 supplies the game medium from the supply basket 60 to the prize ball tank 63. At this time, the replenishing means 64 counts the number of game media that have been replenished, and outputs a replenishment ball signal related to the counted value to the management device 600.

The operating signal sent from the gaming machine 100 to the outside includes a supply ball signal related to the number of game media (supplemented balls) supplied to the gaming machine 100 and game media (ball hitting) discharged from the gaming machine 100. The hitting signal relating to the number, the hitting signal relating to the number of game media (outtakes) paid out from the gaming machine 100, the jackpot signal indicating that the gaming machine 100 is in the jackpot state, and the gaming machine 100 is a probability It includes a probability variation state signal indicating that it is in a variation state, and a symbol determination signal (start signal) indicating that the symbol display device 113 has performed variable display. In addition, the supply ball signal and the hitting ball signal are not strictly signals transmitted from the gaming machine 100 to the outside, but in the present specification, they are handled as operation signals output from the gaming machine 100.

For example, the hitting signal can be configured to output a pulse in accordance with the discharge of the game medium from the gaming machine 100. Hereinafter, the output configuration of the hitting signal will be specifically described.

FIG. 5 shows a game medium that has passed through any one of the prize winning openings such as the start winning opening 114 provided in the gaming machine 100 and a game medium that has not passed through any of the prize winning openings and has passed through the out opening 116 of the gaming machine 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the game machine 100 is discharged to the outside of the game machine 100 through a game medium discharge port 125 provided at the lower back of the game machine 100 or the like. A so-called out box 130 is provided near the game medium outlet 125. The outbox 130 is provided with a tray 131 for receiving game media and counting means 132 for counting game media. The outbox 130 receives the game media discharged from the gaming machine 100 by the receiving tray 131, counts these game media as game media (ball hitting) launched into the gaming machine 100, and counts them by the counting means 132. Guide it to the drain 20 and collect it. For example, the counting means 132 outputs one pulse of a hitting signal for 10 counted game media. The hitting signal may be output from an interface (not shown) provided in the gaming machine 100.

Further, the payout signal can be configured to output a pulse in accordance with, for example, payout of game media from the gaming machine 100 associated with winning a prize. That is, payout detection means such as an optical sensor that detects payout of game media is provided in the vicinity of the game media payout opening 120 of the gaming machine 100 (not shown), and when the payout detection means detects payout of game media, for example, For every 10 payouts, one ball signal is output.

In addition, the above-described operation signal output from the gaming machine 100 is transferred from each gaming machine 100 to the management apparatus 600 via the repeater 350, the base management apparatus 400, and the island management apparatus 500. Note that in a relay device such as the repeater 350, the base management device 400, and the island management device 500, processing for converting an analog signal into a digital signal, processing for converting a signal into a packet of a predetermined format, and the like may be performed. Since these processes are obvious to those skilled in the art, description thereof is omitted in the present embodiment.

Further, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, as an operation signal output from the gaming machine 100 to the outside, a supply ball signal, a hit ball signal, a ball signal, a jackpot signal, a probability variation state signal, a symbol determination signal (start signal) However, the operation signal output from the gaming machine 100 is not limited to these signals. For example, a time reduction signal indicating that the symbol display device 113 is in a time reduction state may be further used as an operation signal sent from the gaming machine 100 to the outside.

<Configuration of inter-machine 200>
The inter-machine 200 installed corresponding to each gaming machine 100 is a ball lending machine. This intermediary machine 200 accepts a player recording medium (not shown) in which cash information by a player is recorded and information on the balance as a value that can be used for the game, and pays out a predetermined amount of the game medium. A game on the gaming machine 100 is made possible.

As shown in FIG. 6, the inter-machine 200 has a card reader / writer connected to an insertion slot 209 (see FIG. 4) into which at least a player recording medium (member recording medium and visitor recording medium) can be inserted. And a payout mechanism that pays out a predetermined amount of game media and supplies it to the gaming machine 100. The payout means 220, the communication means 230 that communicates with external devices, the input means 235 such as a button, a numeric keypad, and a touch panel for accepting an operation from a user such as a player in the game hall, and the game related of the corresponding gaming machine 100 Display means 240 such as a liquid crystal display for displaying information, etc .; inter-machine control means 245 such as a microprocessor for managing the entire inter-machine 200 and controlling its operation; The number-of-balls information storage means 250 such as a flash memory for storing the number of game media (so-called number of balls) counted by each of the machine counters 1100, and the game among the cash inserted into the machine 200 by the player Remaining information storage means 255 such as a flash memory for storing information (remaining amount information) relating to an amount not used for medium lending, and a flash for storing the number of game media (so-called number of accumulated balls) deposited by the player in the game hall The storage ball number information storage means 260 such as a memory, and a bus 265 which is a signal line connecting these devices. Note that the bill identifying means 215 takes in the bill inserted into the bill insertion slot and identifies its authenticity and bill type. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which accepts only a coin or both a coin and a banknote not only the structure which accepts only a banknote as cash thrown into the interstage machine 200.

Next, actual operation of the inter-machine 200 will be described. When a player (member) registered as a member in the amusement hall inserts his / her member recording medium into the intermediary machine 200 at the start of the game, the intermediary machine control means 245 uses the read / write means 210 for the membership. When the insertion of the recording medium is recognized and the player identification information stored in the member recording medium is read, the read player identification information is transmitted to the outside through the communication means 230.

Then, when receiving the player identification information, the management device 600 compares the received player identification information with the player identification information stored in the storage unit 605 in association with the number of accumulated balls of each member. As a result, when the same player identification information is found, the number of stored balls stored in association with the player identification information is sent to the machine 200.

Further, when receiving the number of stored balls from the management device 600, the inter-machine control unit 245 performs control to store the stored number of balls in the stored number information storage unit 260. Then, when a game medium payout operation is accepted from a user such as a player through the input means 235, a debit amount is deducted from the balance of the number of stored balls stored in the stored ball number information storage means 260, and a predetermined amount of game media is transferred through the payout means 220. The payout, payout to the player, and control to send a replay signal to the outside are performed. For example, a replay signal of 1 pulse is output every time 25 game media are paid out.

In addition, when there is balance information in the inserted member recording medium or visitor recording medium, the inter-machine control unit 245 performs control to store the balance information in the balance information storage unit 255. In addition, when a game medium lending operation is received from a user such as a player through the input unit 235, control is performed to withdraw from the balance information stored in the balance information storage unit 255 and pay out a predetermined amount of game media through the payout unit 220. And a sales signal indicating that a so-called ball lending has been paid out is output to the outside. For example, a 1-pulse sales signal is output every time 25 game media are lent out. Normally, the number of game media to be paid out by one game medium lending operation is set. For example, when 125 balls are set to be paid out at a time, the game medium lending operation is performed once. A five-pulse sales signal will be output.

On the other hand, if the player inserts a bill into the intermediary machine 200 without inserting a member recording medium or a visitor recording medium at the start of the game, the intermediary machine control means 245 uses the banknote identification means 215. Through which the insertion of the banknote is recognized. Then, when a game medium lending operation is received from a user such as a player through the input means 235, it is deducted from the inserted cash, and a predetermined amount of game medium is paid out through the payout means 220. A sales signal indicating that the payment has been made is sent to the outside.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, each counter counter 1100 is connected to the inter-table machine 200. Each counter 1100 is arranged below the lower plate 122 of the gaming machine 100, and among the game media acquired as a result of the player playing a game on the gaming machine 100, the upper plate 121 or the lower plate of the gaming machine 100 is obtained. The game medium (so-called holding ball) flowing down from the tray 122 is detected, and a detection signal is output to the interstage machine 200. The inter-machine controller 245 calculates the number of balls based on the detection signal and cumulatively stores the number of balls in the number-of-balls information storage unit 250. When the intermediary machine control means 245 accepts a game medium payout operation from the user such as a player through the input means 235, it will withdraw from the balance of the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storage means 250 and pay out. A predetermined amount of game media is paid out through the means 220.

Further, when the intermediary machine control unit 245 recognizes the player's operation to eject the recording medium for the player through the input unit 235, the player's record ejected from the intermediary machine 200 is sent to the management apparatus 600. The player identification information relating to the medium, the number of coins stored in the number-of-balls information storage means 250 and the balance information stored in the balance information storage means 255, and the number-of-balls information storage means 260 are stored. Control is performed to output the number of stored balls information and a discharge signal indicating that the player recording medium is discharged from the inter-machine 200.

In addition, a replay signal, a sales signal, or the like output from the intermediary machine 200 is transferred from each intermediary machine 200 to the management apparatus 600 via the repeater 350, the intermediary management apparatus 400, and the island management apparatus 500. .

It should be noted that the inter-machine 200 may be a so-called CR unit that can instruct the gaming machine 100 to pay out gaming media when gaming media is lent. Further, in the present embodiment, the description has been made assuming that the intermediary machine 200 is configured to allow a player or the like to insert a recording medium for the player. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The recording machine 200 may be configured to make the recording medium close to each other.

<Configuration of repeater 350>
In this embodiment, the repeater 350 is arranged corresponding to each gaming machine 100 and displays various information related to the corresponding gaming machine 100 and calls from the player. That is, the repeater 350 indicates that when a trouble or the like occurs in the game and the player presses a call button (not shown) or a big hit occurs in the corresponding gaming machine 100, or the like. It informs employees and surrounding players. In addition, the repeater 350 displays information related to the gaming machine 100 such as the number of jackpots and the number of start times of the corresponding gaming machine 100 such as today, the previous day, and the day before two days ago. Further, the repeater 350 includes a relay board (not shown) in order to receive signals output from the gaming machine 100 and the inter-table machine 200 and send them to the stand management device 400 or the like.

<Configuration of stand management device 400>
The stand management device 400 is an information processing device that mediates connection between the gaming machine 100 or the inter-table machine 200 and the management device 600. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, two sets of gaming machines 100 and inter-machines 200 are connected to one unit management device 400. However, in another embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which a larger number of gaming machines 100 and inter-machines 200 are connected to one unit management device 400 may be used. The set of the machine 100 and the inter-machine 200 may be connected in a one-to-one relationship. In this embodiment, when the stand management device 400 acquires the operation signal from the connected gaming machine 100, the port number set in advance corresponding to the connection port with each gaming machine 100 and the stand management device 400 itself. Is added to the base management device specifying information set by a rotary switch or the like, and the operation signal is sent to the island management device 500. Similarly, a port number preset corresponding to a connection port with each inter-vehicle device 200 and the device management device specifying information are added, and the sales signal received from the inter-device 200 is used as the island management device 500. It is set as the structure sent out to.

<Configuration of Island Management Device 500>
The island management device 500 is an information processing device that mediates the connection between the platform management device 400 and the management device 600. In the management system of this embodiment, the island management device 500 manages a plurality of table management devices 400. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the island management device 500 is configured to be connected to a plurality of table management devices 400. However, it goes without saying that in other embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this. In this embodiment, when the island management device 500 acquires an operation signal or a sales signal transmitted from the connected base management device 400, the island set by a rotary switch or the like provided in the island management device 500 itself. The management apparatus specifying information is added, and the operation signal or the like is transmitted to the management apparatus 600.

<Configuration of game media circulation system>
In addition, on the gaming machine island 10, a gaming medium circulation system for collecting gaming media discharged from the gaming machine 100 and replenishing the gaming media to the gaming machine 100 and the inter-machine 200 is installed. As shown in FIG. 3, this circulation system is mainly composed of a gaming machine 100, a table machine 200, a discharge basket 20, a lower tank 30, a lifting device 40, an upper tank 50, a supply basket 60, and a game medium reservoir 90. It consists of and. Since the gaming machine 100 and the inter-vehicle machine 200 have already been described, description thereof will be omitted below.

<Composition of discharge basket 20 and supply basket 60>
The discharge rod 20 and the replenishment rod 60 are, for example, an upper surface composed of a flat bottom surface having a rectangular shape in plan view where the game medium rolls down and side surfaces that prevent the game medium from falling and stand on the left and right of the bottom surface. Is an open aluminum square box with a U-shaped cross section (not shown). Normally, in order to prevent dust and debris from adhering to the bottom surface of the discharge basket 20 and the supply basket 60, and to prevent external access to the rolling game medium, the discharge basket 20 and the supply basket The open upper surface of 60 is covered with a lid or the like. The discharge rod 20 and the replenishment rod 60 are given a predetermined gradient in the longitudinal direction on the bottom surface so that the game medium can roll down. Such a gradient may be uniform in the longitudinal direction of the bottom surface or may vary depending on the location.

In addition, a rectangular side opening having a height dimension slightly larger than the diameter of the game medium and a width that allows a plurality of game media to flow out in parallel is provided on the side surface of the replenishing bowl 60. Opened corresponding to the inter-machine 200 (not shown). Accordingly, by providing a supply chute 80 so as to face each side opening, game media can be simultaneously supplied from one supply basket 60 to the gaming machines 100 and the inter-machines 200 arranged in the gaming machine island 10. can do.

<Configuration of lower tank 30>
The lower tank 30 is provided at a lower position of the gaming machine island 10 in order to collect and store gaming media discharged from each gaming machine 100. The upper tank 50 and the lower tank 30 are connected by an overflow hose 51 that guides excess game media to the lower tank 30 when the inside of the upper tank 50 is sufficiently filled with game media.

<Configuration of lifting device 40>
The lifting device 40 includes a lifting belt that moves in the lifting direction and a polishing belt that is disposed at a lifting position opposite to the lifting belt (not shown), and between the lifting belt and the polishing belt. Is a device that holds the game medium between the two and lifts it while polishing and carries the game medium to an upper tank 50 described later. At this time, the polishing belt that polishes the game medium becomes conspicuous with time, so if it is left as it is, the ability to polish the game medium will be reduced. Therefore, in the game hall, the polishing ability is maintained by appropriately replacing the polishing belt with a new polishing belt, and the condition of the game medium is maintained. The lifting device 40 includes not only an abrasive belt method but also a method of lifting and polishing granular abrasives and game media while rubbing each other. In the case of a method using a granular abrasive, a powdery antistatic agent may be introduced so that static electricity is not charged to the game medium when the game medium and the abrasive are agitated. Specifically, when the antistatic agent adheres to a game medium, it has an action of slipping and reducing friction to suppress generation of static electricity, or forming a film that easily absorbs water on the surface to release static electricity. Moreover, as an antistatic agent, what processed glycerin fatty acid ester into white bead-like powder as surfactant can be used, for example.

<Configuration of upper tank 50>
The upper tank 50 is a tank that stores game media to be supplied to the gaming machine 100 and the platform machine 200, and is provided on the upper part of the lifting device 40.

<Configuration of game medium reservoir 90>
The game medium reservoir 90 is a box that temporarily holds a game medium that has not been supplied to the game machine 100 and the inter-machine 200 and that has flowed down from the supply basket 60. Further, a shutter is provided at the outlet of the game medium reservoir 90 (not shown), and the shutter can be opened and closed in accordance with a command from the management device 600 (not shown). That is, when the game medium storage device 90 receives the exit opening signal from the management device 600, it opens the shutter. When the shutter is opened, the outlet of the game medium reservoir 90 is opened, and the game medium retained in the game medium reservoir 90 flows toward the discharge basket 20.

<Flow of game media in the game media circulation system>
Next, the flow of game media circulating in the game media circulation system will be described. When supplying the game medium stored in the upper tank 50 to the gaming machine 100 or the like, first, the game medium is supplied from the upper tank 50 to the supply basket 60. The game media discharged from the replenishment basket 60 to the replenishment chute 80 is supplied to the gaming machine 100 and the like via the lead-out path 70. The game medium supplied to the gaming machine 100 or supplied to the player via the inter-table machine 200 and used for the game is discharged from the game medium discharge port 125 on the back of the gaming machine 100. The discharged game media are collected in the lower tank 30 via the discharge basket 20. The game medium stored in the lower tank 30 is polished by the transporting device 40 and is transported to the upper tank 50 and supplied again to the gaming machine 100 and the like through the replenishment basket 60. If the game medium is lifted by the lifting device 40 and the upper tank 50 is already fully filled with the game medium, the excess game medium is returned to the lower tank 30 through the overflow hose 51.

On the other hand, game media that have not been discharged from the supply basket 60 to the supply chute 80 and that have not been supplied to the gaming machine 100 or the like flow down from the supply basket 60 into the game medium reservoir 90. When the outlet of the game medium reservoir 90 is opened, the game medium flows toward the discharge basket 20 and is collected in the lower tank 30 via the discharge basket 20. Specifically, when the game medium is not consumed by the gaming machine 100 and the replenishment basket 60 is filled with the game medium, the lifting device 40 automatically stops. In this state, when the outlet of the game medium reservoir 90 is opened, the game media stored in the game medium reservoir 90 are collected in the lower tank 30 through the discharge rod 20, and the game media in the supply rod 60 is also played. It passes through the medium reservoir 90 and is collected in the lower tank 30 through the discharge basket 20. When the game medium of the replenishment basket 60 is reduced, the lifting device 40 starts operation, starts to lift the game medium, and the game medium circulates.

<Configuration of Management Device 600>
The management device 600 (an example of an information processing device) manages the entire management system, and operates information such as the number of games, the number of jackpots, the number of balls to be played, the number of hits, etc. It is an information processing apparatus that can count and manage the number, the number of replays, etc., and can output a signal to the game medium reservoir 90 to open and close the shutter. The management device 600 is realized by, for example, a personal computer (PC) or a workstation (WS).

Next, the hardware configuration of the management apparatus 600 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the hardware configuration of the management apparatus 600.

The time measuring means 602 includes a real time clock for measuring the current time and a timer for measuring the elapsed time. This time measuring means 602 operates based on, for example, a crystal resonator.

The external recording medium connection unit 603 is for realizing access to the medium, and can load a program or the like stored in the medium (recording medium) 604 into the management apparatus 600.

The storage unit 605 has, for example, an HDD (hard disk drive) that functions as a large-capacity memory, and the storage unit 605 stores application programs, OS, control programs, related programs, and the like.

In addition, the storage unit 605 includes a gaming machine information storage area 651, an inter-vehicle machine information storage area 652, a gaming machine island information storage area 653, a correspondence identification information storage area 654, a state value storage area 655, and a device information storage area 656. Is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a gaming machine information storage area 651, a pedestrian machine information storage area 652, a gaming machine island information storage area 653, a correspondence identification information storage area 654, and a state determination value storage area 655. The device information storage area 656 may be provided in the medium 604.

<Configuration of gaming machine information storage area 651>
In the gaming machine information storage area 651, as shown in FIG. 8, in association with gaming machine identification information for identifying each gaming machine 100, the number of hitting balls, the number of outgoing balls, the number of supplied balls, the jackpot related to each gaming machine 100 The number of times, the number of probability fluctuations, the number of start times, and the like are stored cumulatively. Therefore, when the control means 610 receives an operation signal such as a hitting signal from each gaming machine 100, the control means 610 calculates the hitting number etc. based on the operating signal, and stores the calculated hitting number etc. in this gaming machine information storage. Control to be stored in the area 651 is performed.

<Configuration of inter-machine information storage area 652>
In the inter-vehicle machine information storage area 652, as shown in FIG. 9, the number of sales, the number of replays, and the number of possessions associated with each inter-machine 200 are associated with the inter-machine identification information for identifying each inter-machine 200. The number, the remaining amount, etc. are stored cumulatively. Upon receiving a sales signal or the like from each inter-vehicle machine 200, the control means 610 calculates the number of sales or the like based on the sales signal or the like, and stores the calculated sales or the like in the inter-vehicle machine information storage area 652. Take control. It should be noted that the number of remaining balls and the remaining amount of money are the information about the number of remaining balls and the remaining amount information relating to the player that the interpolator 200 outputs to the management device 600 when the inserted recording medium for the player is ejected. The total is calculated every 200. Therefore, when the control means 610 receives the number of balls and the balance information from the intermediary machine 200, the control means 610 stores them in the storage means 605 or the like for each intermediary machine 200, and sums them up to determine the possession for each intermediary machine 200. Control to calculate the number of balls and balance information.

<Configuration of gaming machine island information storage area 653>
In the gaming machine island information storage area 653, as shown in FIG. 10, in association with gaming machine island identification information for identifying each gaming machine island 10, the number of hit balls, number of balls, and supply balls related to each gaming machine island The number, the number of jackpots, the number of probability fluctuations, the number of starts, the number of sales, the number of replays, the number of possessions, the remaining amount, etc. are stored. These numerical values are calculated by summing up the numerical values of each gaming machine 100 or each inter-vehicle machine 200 installed in the gaming machine island 10.

<Configuration of Corresponding Identification Information Storage Area 654>
In the correspondence identification information storage area 654, as shown in FIG. 11, gaming machine identification information for identifying each gaming machine 100, platform identification information for identifying each platform 200, or each gaming medium reservoir 90 The game medium storage device identification information for identifying the game machine island and the game machine island identification information for identifying each gaming machine island 10 are stored correspondingly. As a result, the control means 610 identifies the gaming machine island 10 on which the gaming machine 100 (or the platform machine 200) is installed based on the gaming machine identification information (or the platform machine identification information). be able to. Further, the control means 610 can specify the game medium reservoir 90 installed on the gaming machine island 10 based on the gaming machine island identification information.

<Configuration of State Determination Value Storage Area 655>
In the state determination value storage area 655, as shown in FIG. 12, a state determination value serving as a reference for determining whether or not the circulation of the game medium in the gaming machine island 10 is small is stored. In other words, the number of hit balls, the number of balls to be played, the number of balls to be replenished, the number of jackpots, the number of probability fluctuations, the number of starts, the number of sales, the number of replays, the number of balls held, the remaining amount, etc. are stored as state determination values. Therefore, the control means 610, for example, the state determination value related to the number of hits of the gaming machine island 10 stored in the gaming machine island information storage area 653 and the number of hits stored in the state determination value storage area 655. When the number of hit balls related to the gaming machine island 10 is equal to or less than the state determination value, it is determined that there is little circulation of game media in the gaming machine island 10. Specifically, when the number of hits of the gaming machine island 10 according to the gaming machine island identification information “S002” is “19000” (see FIG. 10), and the state determination value of the number of hits is “20000” ( 12), it is determined that there is little circulation of game media in the gaming machine island 10.

<Configuration of Device Information Storage Area 656>
In the device information storage area 656, island management device specifying information, stand management device specifying information and port numbers, gaming machine identification information and inter-device identification information are stored correspondingly. Thus, for example, the gaming machine 100 and the inter-machine 200 are identified such that the gaming machine 100 with the device number 1 is connected to the port 4 of the first management device of the first island management device. can do. Further, based on the island management device identification information, the platform management device identification information and the port number received together with the operation signal from the gaming machine 100, the gaming machine 100 that has output the operation signal can be identified. Furthermore, based on the island management device identification information, the platform management device identification information, and the port number received together with the sales signal from the platform machine 200, the platform machine 200 that has output the sales signal or the like can be identified.

The storage unit 605 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like that stores programs such as a basic I / O program and various data used in basic processing. The storage unit 605 may include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the control unit 610 for temporarily storing various data.

The input unit 606 is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device (such as a mouse), or a touch panel. Using this input means 606, an employee of the game hall instructs the management apparatus 600 to input a command or the like for controlling the management apparatus 600. In particular, a user such as a game hall employee uses the input means 606 to store the number of hit balls or the like as a state determination value in the state determination value storage area 655. In addition, a user such as a game hall employee inputs a processing start instruction to start processing through the input means 606.

The display unit 607 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or a CRT, and displays a command input from the input unit 606, a response output of the management apparatus 600 for the command, and the like.

The bus 609 controls the flow of data in the management apparatus 600 and is a signal line that connects each device such as the control unit 610 and the storage unit 605 in the management apparatus 600. Reference numeral 608 denotes a communication unit, which exchanges data with an external device via the communication unit 608.

The control unit 610 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), executes an application program, an operating system (OS), a control program, and the like stored in the storage unit 605, and is necessary for the storage unit 605 to execute the program. Control to temporarily store information, files, etc.

Further, the control means 610 refers to the time measuring means 602 and receives an operation signal such as a ball hitting signal from each gaming machine 100 installed in the game hall for a predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes) set in advance. Then, the number of hit balls is calculated based on the operating signal, and the calculated hit number is stored in the gaming machine information storage area 651 in association with the gaming machine identification information related to the gaming machine 100 that has output the operating signal. To control. In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the number of start times is calculated based on the symbol determination signal indicating that the symbol display device 113 has performed variable display is shown. However, the configuration in which the number of start times is calculated is limited to this configuration. It is not something. The gaming machine 100 may be configured to output a signal at the time of starting variable display of the symbol display device 113, and based on the signal, the control unit 610 may calculate the number of start times.

In addition, when the control unit 610 receives the sales signal from the inter-vehicle machines 200 installed in the game hall for a predetermined time with reference to the timing unit 602, the control unit 610 is based on the sales signal. The sales number and the like are calculated, and the calculated sales number and the like are stored in the machine information storage area 652 in association with the machine identification information related to the machine 200 that outputs the sales signal and the like. .

Further, the control means 610 refers to the gaming machine information storage area 651 (or the inter-table machine information storage area 652) and the correspondence identification information storage area 653, and calculates the number of hits related to each gaming machine island 10. The calculated number of hit balls or the like is stored in the gaming machine island identification information storage area 653 in association with each gaming machine island identification information.

For example, when the gaming machine 100 of “A001 to A003” is installed on the gaming machine island 10 of “S001”, the gaming machine 100 of “A001 to A003” stored in the gaming machine information storage area 651 is stored. The total number of hits is calculated to calculate the number of hits related to the gaming machine island 10 of “S001”. Then, the calculated number of hit balls is stored in the gaming machine island identification information storage area 653 in association with the gaming machine island identification information of “S001”. Specifically, the number of hits related to the gaming machine 100 of “A001” is “19000”, the number of hits related to the gaming machine 100 of “A002” is “9000”, and the game of “A003” When the number of hits related to the machine 100 is “16000” (see FIG. 8), the number of hits related to the gaming machine island 10 of “S001” is calculated as “44000” (see FIG. 10).

Further, the control means 610 compares the number of hits of the gaming machine island 10 with the state determination value called from the state determination value storage area 655, and if the number of hits is equal to or less than the state determination value, It is determined that there is little circulation of game media in the gaming machine island 10. For example, when the number of hits related to the gaming machine island 10 of “S002” is “19000” (see FIG. 10) and the state determination value related to the number of hits is “20000” (see FIG. 12), It is determined that there is little circulation of game media in the gaming machine island 10. Then, the control means 610 performs control to adjust the condition of the game medium related to the gaming machine island 10 that is determined that the circulation of the game medium is small.

Specifically, the control for adjusting the condition of the game medium is performed by referring to the correspondence identification information storage area 654, and in the game medium reservoir 90 installed on the gaming machine island 10 that is determined that the circulation of the game medium is small. On the other hand, the shutter is opened, and an exit opening signal for opening the exit is output.

In addition, as a control for adjusting the condition of the game medium related to the gaming machine island 10, for example, a heater (not shown) for heating the basket is installed in the discharge basket 20 or the supply basket 60 of each gaming machine island 10. For example, as the heater, a heating wire type installed along the ridge is used. And it is good also as a structure which the control means 610 outputs the heating start signal to start heating with respect to the heater installed in the game machine island 10 judged that there is little circulation of game media. In addition, although the structure which provided the heater in the cage | basket in order to warm the game medium circulated in the game media circulation system was shown here, the place which installs a heater is not necessarily limited to a cage | basket. In short, any place where the circulating game media can be heated is acceptable.

It can also be configured as an alternative to a hardware device by software that realizes functions equivalent to those of the above means.

In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the program and related data according to the present embodiment are directly loaded from the medium 604 into the RAM or the like of the storage unit 605 and executed, but in addition to this, the program according to the present embodiment is also executed. Each time the operation is performed, the program may be loaded from the HDD or the like of the storage unit 605 in which the program is already installed into the RAM or the like of the storage unit 605. In addition, the program according to the present embodiment can be stored in the ROM or the like of the storage unit 605, configured so as to form a part of the memory map, and directly executed by the control unit 610.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a configuration in which the management device 600 is realized by one device is described, but it may be realized by a configuration in which resources are distributed to a plurality of devices. For example, storage and calculation resources may be distributed in a plurality of devices. Alternatively, resources may be distributed for each component virtually realized on the management apparatus 600 and parallel processing may be performed.

<Configuration of network 801>
The network 801 is typically a LAN (Local Area Network), but may have any configuration as long as it can transmit and receive information regardless of wired / wireless. For example, a public line (analog line, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network, etc.)), WAN (Wide Area Network), wireless LAN, etc. may be used. Note that, for example, TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) or the like can be adopted as a communication protocol on the network 801.

<Flow of processing executed by the management system>
Next, the flow of processing executed by the management system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 13, a user such as a game hall employee inputs a processing start command for starting processing through the input means 606 (S1301). When the management device 600 receives the operation signal from each gaming machine 100 installed in the game hall for a predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes) with reference to the time measuring means 602, the management device 600 is based on the operation signal. The number of hit balls is calculated, and the calculated number of hit balls is stored in the gaming machine information storage area 651 in association with the gaming machine identification information related to the gaming machine 100 that has output the operation signal (S1302).

Alternatively, when a sales signal or the like is received from each inter-vehicle machine 200 installed in the amusement hall, the sales number or the like is calculated based on the sales signal or the like, and the calculated sales number or the like is output. The information is stored in the table information storage area 652 in association with the table identification information related to the table 200 (step S1302).

Then, when the predetermined time described above has elapsed, the management device 600 refers to the gaming machine information storage area 651 (or the inter-table machine information storage area 652) and the corresponding identification information storage area 653, and each gaming machine island 10 The number of hitting balls and the like related to is calculated, and the calculated hitting number and the like are stored in the gaming machine island identification information storage area 653 in association with each gaming machine island identification information (step S1303). The management device 600 compares the number of hits of each gaming machine island 10 with the state determination value called from the state determination value storage area 655, and if the number of hits is equal to or less than the state determination value (step S1304). "YES"), it is determined that the circulation of the game medium in the gaming machine island 10 is small, and the condition of the game medium related to the gaming machine island 10 is adjusted (step S1305). For example, the management device 600 opens the shutter and opens the exit for the game medium reservoir 90 installed on the gaming machine island 10 that has been determined that the circulation of the game medium is small as adjustment of the condition of the game medium. An exit opening signal is output.

By adopting such a configuration, the condition of the game medium is adjusted in order to adjust the condition of the game medium circulating through the gaming machine island 10 in accordance with the operating status of the gaming machine 100 installed on the gaming machine island 10. Can be effectively adjusted.

When adjusting the condition of the game medium, when the shutter of the game medium reservoir 90 is opened and the outlet is opened, the game medium circulates in the game medium circulation system related to the gaming machine island 10 and adheres to the game medium. The dirt can be effectively removed, and the occurrence of clogging of game media can be reduced. In addition, when adjusting the condition of the game medium, when the game medium is warmed by a heater installed in a reed casket 60 or the like, the flow of the game medium has deteriorated due to the temperature and humidity conditions in the game hall. Can be returned to a state in which it can flow easily.

Further, the above processing executed by the management system may be performed several times at predetermined times (for example, 11:00 am, 3 pm, 11:30 pm). By performing a plurality of times, the condition of the game medium can be adjusted more effectively.

<Modification: Time for calculating and storing the number of hit balls>
In the present embodiment, the management device 600 stores the calculated number of hits based on the operation signal received from each gaming machine 100, or based on the sales signal received from each inter-vehicle machine 200. In addition, although “60 minutes” is shown as a predetermined time for storing the calculated number of sales and the like, it is not limited to this time. For example, “5 minutes”, “120 minutes”, “morning”, etc. can be arbitrarily set according to the situation of the game hall.

Therefore, for example, the number of hits is calculated and stored during the business hours of the previous day. And it is good also as a structure which adjusts the condition of the game medium which concerns on the gaming machine island 10 according to the result of the previous day before the business start of the game hall of the next day. In addition, it is necessary to store in advance the state determination value according to the time for calculating and storing the number of hit balls and the like in the state determination value storage area 655.

<Modification: About Opening and Closing of Game Medium Reservoir 90>
Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the shutter of the game medium reservoir 90 can be opened and closed in accordance with a command from the management device 600 is shown, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration. For example, the shutter of the game medium reservoir 90 may be configured to be openable / closable by a user such as a game hall employee operating an open / close switch (not shown) provided in each game medium reservoir 90. . That is, the opening / closing of the shutter may be automatic or manual.

Moreover, although the heater installed in reeds, such as the replenishment reed 60, mentioned above about the structure which starts a heating according to the command from the management apparatus 600, it is not limited to this structure. For example, the heater may be configured such that a user such as a game hall employee can start heating by operating a heating start switch (not shown) provided in each heater. That is, the heating of the heater may be automatic or manual.

In these cases, the management device 600 compares the number of hits of the gaming machine island 10 with the state determination value called from the state determination value storage area 655, and the number of hits is equal to or less than the state determination value. Therefore, it is determined that the circulation of the game medium in the gaming machine island 10 is small, and a notification process is performed for users such as employees of the game hall.

In this notification process, for example, the management device 600 blinks and displays the gaming machine island identification information related to the gaming machine island 10 on the display means 607, or an income (illustrated) worn by each employee of the gaming hall. (Omitted). Alternatively, a warning sound may be issued to the gaming machine island 10 or a display indicating an abnormality may be blinked, or may be recorded in a form at the time of a game store closing process. As described above, various types of notification processing can be performed, but these notification processing is not limited to the above example.

Then, a user such as a game hall employee who knows that the circulation of the game medium in the gaming machine island 10 is small by the notification process, operates the open / close switch of the game medium reservoir 90 or starts heating the heater. Operate the switch.

<Modification: About the range to execute processing>
Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration for determining whether or not the circulation of the game medium is small is shown for all the gaming machine islands 10 installed in the game hall, but is limited to this configuration. is not. For example, when the management device 600 accepts a selection operation from a user such as a game hall employee through the input means 606, circulation of game media is made for a specific gaming machine island 10 installed in the game hall. It is good also as a structure which judges whether it is few.

Further, for example, when the management device 600 receives a selection operation from a user such as an employee of a game hall through the input means 606, the game machine island 10 among the game machine islands 10 installed in the game hall is within the game machine island 10. In the gaming machine island 10 included in the island group, by comparing the average number of hits of the island group classified by the type and model of the gaming machine 100 installed and the state determination value, It may be configured to determine whether or not the circulation of the game medium is small. In addition, the average number of hits of the island group is calculated based on the number of hits of each gaming machine island 10.

Alternatively, for example, the number of hit balls of each gaming machine island 10 is calculated for all gaming machine islands 10 installed in the game halls C to G. Then, based on the number of hits of each gaming machine island 10 and the like, the average number of hits of the entire game hall is calculated and output to the management center 1200 that supervises each game hall. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the management center 1200 compares the average number of hits of each game hall with the state determination value to determine whether or not there is little circulation of game media for each game hall. It is good also as a structure which judges these.

<Modification: About an index for judging whether or not the circulation of game media is small>
Further, in this embodiment, whether or not there is little circulation of the game media in each gaming machine island 10 based on one index such as the number of hit balls related to the gaming machine 100 installed in each gaming machine island 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, based on a plurality of indices such as the number of hits related to the gaming machine 100 and the number of sales related to the inter-machine 200, it may be determined whether or not the gaming medium circulation is small in each gaming machine island 10. good. If it is determined based on a plurality of indices, it is possible to make a more accurate determination, which is convenient.

And in the case of the structure which judges based on a some parameter | index, it is good also as a structure which uses the parameter | index based on a human sensor or a seating sensor additionally. Specifically, a seating sensor is provided on a chair installed corresponding to each gaming machine 100 in the gaming machine island 10 (not shown). Alternatively, a human sensor is provided in the vicinity of each gaming machine 100 (not shown). That is, by installing these sensors, it is possible to detect whether or not a player is seated in front of the gaming machine 100. Each sensor continuously outputs a signal to the management apparatus 600 while detecting the seating of a person or the presence of a person. The management device 600 determines whether or not there is little circulation of game media in each gaming machine island 10 by summing the detection times of each sensor for each gaming machine island 10 and comparing it with the state determination value.

Further, in the case of a configuration in which determination is made based on a plurality of indexes, a configuration in which an index based on a monitoring camera is additionally used may be used. Specifically, a surveillance camera (not shown) is placed on the ceiling of the game hall so that each player who is sitting on a chair installed corresponding to the gaming machine 100 in the gaming machine island 10 can be imaged. ). Each surveillance camera, for example, captures images at a predetermined time interval and sends the captured image data to the management apparatus 600. The management device 600 calculates the number of players related to each gaming machine island 10 from the received imaging data, and compares it with the state determination value to determine whether or not the gaming medium circulation is small in each gaming machine island 10. to decide.

<Modification: Information processing apparatus for determining whether or not there is little circulation of game media>
In the present embodiment, the management device 600 determines whether or not there is little circulation of game media in each gaming machine island 10 based on an operation signal received from the gaming machine 100, and if there is little circulation of game media. In the case where the determination is made, the configuration is shown in which the condition of the game medium is adjusted. However, the information processing apparatus that performs these processes is not limited to the management apparatus 600. For example, it is good also as a structure which performs these processes for every game machine island 10. FIG. That is, each island management device 500 (an example of an information processing device) circulates game media in the gaming machine island 10 based on an operation signal received from the gaming machine 100 installed on the gaming machine island 10. If it is determined whether or not the circulation of the game medium is small, the condition of the game medium related to the gaming machine island 10 may be adjusted.

In the first embodiment, based on the operation signal output from the gaming machine 100, the sales signal output from the inter-table machine 200, and the like, the number of hits and the like is determined as the gaming machine information storage area 651, or the inter-table machine. A configuration for storing in the information storage area 652 is shown. In the second embodiment, a configuration is shown in which a reception history such as an operation signal output from the gaming machine 100 and a sales signal output from the inter-table machine 200 is stored in the storage area. In addition, about the component similar to the said Example 1, the same code | symbol is used and description is abbreviate | omitted. Moreover, since it is the same also about a modification, description is abbreviate | omitted.

<Configuration of Management Device 800>
As shown in FIG. 15, the management device 800 mainly includes a time measuring means 602, an external recording medium connecting means 603, a storage means 805, an input means 606, a display means 607, a communication means 608, and a control means 810. , And a bus 609 which is a signal line connecting these means.

<Configuration of Storage Unit 805>
The storage unit 805 has, for example, an HDD (hard disk drive) that functions as a large-capacity memory, and the storage unit 805 stores application programs, OS, control programs, related programs, and the like.

In addition, the storage means 805 includes an operation signal reception history storage area 851, a machine signal reception history storage area 852, a gaming machine island information storage area 653, a correspondence identification information storage area 654, a state determination value storage area 655 and a device information storage area 656 are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the operation signal reception history storage area 851, the inter-vehicle machine signal reception history storage area 852, the gaming machine island information storage area 653, the corresponding identification information storage area 654, and the state determination value The storage area 655 and the device information storage area 656 may be provided in the medium 604.

<Configuration of operation signal reception history storage area 851>
In the operation signal reception history storage area 851, as shown in FIG. 16, the reception history of the operation signal output from each gaming machine 100 is associated with the gaming machine identification information for identifying each gaming machine 100 in time series. Is remembered. Specifically, the type of received signal and the reception date and time are stored as the reception history of the operation signal. When the control unit 810 receives a hitting signal or the like from each gaming machine 100, the control unit 810 performs control to store the type and reception time of the operation signal in the operation signal reception history storage area 851.

<Configuration of inter-vehicle machine signal reception history storage area 852>
In the inter-vehicle machine signal reception history storage area 852, as shown in FIG. 17, the reception history of the signal output from each inter-machine 200 is associated with the inter-machine identification information identifying each inter-machine 200. Stored in time series. Specifically, the type of received signal and the reception date and time are stored as the signal reception history. In addition, the pedestrian machine 200 also stores the number of possession balls related to the player and the reception history of the balance information, which is output to the management device 800 when the inserted player recording medium is ejected, in time series. Is done. When receiving a sales signal or the like from each inter-vehicle machine 200, the control means 810 performs control to store the type and reception time of the signal in the inter-vehicle machine signal reception history storage area 852.

<Configuration of Control Unit 810>
When the control means 810 receives an operation signal such as a hitting signal from each gaming machine 100 installed in the game hall, the control means 810 refers to the current time from the time measuring means 602, and determines the type and reception time of the operation signal. Control is performed to store the operation signal in the operation signal reception history storage area 851 in association with the gaming machine identification information related to the gaming machine 100 that has output the operation signal. Further, when the control means 810 receives a sales signal or the like from each inter-vehicle machine 200 installed in the game hall, the control means 810 refers to the current time from the time measuring means 602 and determines the type and reception time of the signal. Control is performed so as to be associated with the outputted machine identification information related to the outputted machine 200 and stored in the machine signal reception history storage area 852. Normally, the control means 810 performs these controls every time an operation signal is received during the game hall business hours.

Further, the control means 810 refers to the operation signal reception history storage area 851 (or the inter-machine signal reception history storage area 852) and the corresponding identification information storage area 653, and each gaming machine within a preset time period. The number of hitting balls and the like related to the island 10 is calculated, and the calculated number of hitting balls and the like are controlled to be stored in the gaming machine island identification information storage area 653 in association with each gaming machine island identification information.

For example, in the case where the gaming machine 100 of “A001 to A003” is installed on the gaming machine island 10 of “S001”, first, from the operating signal reception history storage area 851, within a preset time (for example, in the morning The hitting signal reception history included in 60 minutes from 11:00 to 12:00) is extracted, and the number of hitting balls related to each gaming machine 100 of “A001 to A003” is calculated. Then, the number of hits related to each gaming machine 100 of “A001 to A003” is totaled to calculate the number of hits related to the gaming machine island 10 of “S001”. Then, the calculated number of hit balls is stored in the gaming machine island identification information storage area 653 in association with the gaming machine island identification information of “S001”.

The control other than the above executed by the control unit 810 is the same as that of the control unit 610, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

<Flow of processing executed by the management system>
Next, the flow of processing executed by the management system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 18, a user such as a game hall employee inputs a processing start command for starting processing through the input means 606. The management device 800 refers to the operation signal reception history storage area 851 (or the inter-vehicle machine signal reception history storage area 852) and the correspondence identification information storage area 653, and sets a predetermined time (for example, 11:00 am). For 60 minutes from 12:00 am to 12:00 am), and the number of hitting balls related to each gaming machine island 10 is calculated, and the calculated number of hitting balls is related to each gaming machine island identification information to store the gaming machine island identification information storage area Stored in 653 (step S1801). The management device 800 compares the hit number of each gaming machine island 10 with the state determination value called from the state determination value storage area 655, and if the hit number or the like is equal to or less than the state determination value (step S1802). "YES"), it is determined that the circulation of the game media in the gaming machine island 10 is small, and the condition of the game media related to the gaming machine island 10 is adjusted (step S1803).

In this way, by using the reception history of each signal, in order to determine whether or not the circulation of the game medium in each gaming machine island 10 is small, the operation signal received from the gaming machine 100 is again used. Based on this, there is no need to calculate the number of balls in each gaming machine 100, which is convenient. In addition, since the signal reception history is used, the time for calculating the number of balls of each gaming machine 100 can be arbitrarily selected based on the operation signal received from the gaming machine 100, for convenience. is there.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention can take an embodiment as a system, apparatus, method, program, storage medium, or the like.

Further, the present invention supplies a program for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments directly or remotely to a system or apparatus. And the case where it is achieved by the computer of the system or apparatus reading and executing the program code from the supplied program is included.

Therefore, in order to implement the functional processing of the present invention on a computer, the program itself installed in this computer is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. That is, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention. In this case, the program providing method includes a method of providing using a storage medium such as a CD-ROM and a DVD, a method of providing via a telecommunication line, and the like.

A: Game area, B: Game medium launch area, C to G: Game hall,
10: gaming machine island, 20: discharge tank, 30: lower tank, 40: lifting device, 50: upper tank, 51: overflow hose, 60: supply tank, 63: prize ball tank, 64: supply means, 70: Lead-out path, 80: supply chute, 90: game medium reservoir,
100: gaming machine, 111: board surface, 112: outer rail, 113: symbol display device, 114: start winning opening, 115: jackpot winning opening, 116: out opening, 117: valley nail, 118: inner rail, 120: game Medium outlet, 121: upper plate, 122: lower plate, 123: handle, 125: game medium outlet, 130: out box, 131: tray, 132: counting means,
200: stand machine, 209: insertion port, 210: reading / writing unit, 214: bill insertion port, 215: bill recognition unit, 220: dispensing unit, 230: communication unit, 235: input unit, 240: display unit 245: Inter-vehicle machine control means, 250: Number-of-balls information storage means, 255: Balance information storage means, 260: Number of stored-balls storage means, 265: Bus,
350: Repeater,
400: stand management device,
500: Island management device,
600: management device, 602: timing means, 603: external storage medium connection means, 604: media, 605: storage means, 606: input means, 607: display means, 608: communication means, 609: bus, 610: control means , 651: gaming machine information storage area, 652: stand machine information storage area, 653: gaming machine island information storage area, 654: correspondence identification information storage area, 655: state determination value storage area, 656: equipment information storage area,
800: management device, 810: control means, 851: operation signal reception history storage area, 852: inter-machine signal reception history storage area,
1100: each counter,
1200: Management Center

Claims (3)

A management system for an amusement hall having at least an information processing device,
The information processing apparatus includes a control unit that performs control to adjust the condition of the game medium circulating in the gaming machine island according to the operating status of the gaming machine or the inter-table machine installed on the gaming machine island. A characteristic management system. A management system in a game hall, comprising a game medium storage device and an information processing device,
The game medium reservoir is installed on the gaming machine island, and when receiving an exit opening signal, opens its own exit,
The said information processing apparatus has a control means which performs the control which outputs an exit open signal according to the operating condition of the game machine or stand machine installed in the game machine island, The management system characterized by the above-mentioned. A management system in a game hall, comprising a game medium storage device and an information processing device,
The game medium storage device is installed on the gaming machine island, and upon receiving an operation to open the exit from the user, opens its own exit,
The said information processing apparatus has a control means which controls a alerting | reporting process according to the operating condition of the game machine or pedestrian machine installed in the game machine island, The management system characterized by the above-mentioned.