JP2015006544A - Management device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a management device capable of accurately discriminating an abnormal state such as a possibility of occurrence of abnormality in a game machine or the like.SOLUTION: In a management device 400 for managing an operational situation of a game machine 100, an operation signal indicating the operational situation includes: a supply ball signal indicating the number of game media to be supplied to the game machine 100; and a predetermined dispensation signal indicating the number of predetermined game media to be dispensed from the game machine 100 in response to winning. The management device 400 comprises: storage means for cumulatively storing the number of supply balls relating to the supply ball signal and the number of predetermined dispensation balls relating to the predetermined dispensation signal, respectively; lent ball count storage means for cumulatively storing the number of lent balls corresponding to a sales signal upon receiving the sales signal in response to a ball lending operation from an inter-machine device corresponding to the game machine 100; arithmetic means for subtracting the cumulative number of lent balls from the cumulative number of supply balls; and determination means for determining whether a differential value between the cumulative number of supply balls and the cumulative number of predetermined dispensation balls after the subtraction is included within a predetermined range.

Description

The present invention relates to a management apparatus.

In amusement arcades that operate by installing pachinko machines such as CR machines and cash machines, manage various information in the amusement hall in order to improve operational efficiency and meet customer demands. Yes. For example, operation information such as the number of games and the number of jackpots of each gaming machine is collected and managed by a hall computer (management device), which is useful for daily sales. Also, based on the information collected and managed by these management devices, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the gaming machine or other equipment.

Therefore, the payout information, which is one of the operation information collected by the management device, is information output from the gaming machine. For example, in the invention shown in Patent Document 1, the pachinko machine 10 is provided with a safe meter 60 that detects a safe ball (= tapped ball) paid out from the pachinko machine 10. Each time a ball is detected, one pulse is output. By acquiring this with the management device, the game machine's appearance is calculated.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-169954

However, the invention shown in Patent Document 1 is configured to detect game media actually paid out from the gaming machine of the pachinko machine 10, perform counting, and output the counting result as a pulse. Therefore, there may be a case where the number of balls to be paid out (scheduled number of balls) and the number of balls to be paid out due to winning are different due to abnormality of the payout means of the gaming machine, detection error of the safe meter, or the like. In that case, the hall computer will collect and manage the operation information based on the number of balls that are erroneous. Further, if the expected number of balls is different from the counted number of balls, there is a possibility that some abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine or the like.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a management device capable of accurately determining an abnormal state such as a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in a gaming machine or the like in order to cope with the above-described problems.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in a management device that manages the operating status of gaming machines,
The operation signal indicating the operation status includes at least a supply ball signal indicating the number of game media to be replenished to the gaming machine, and a ball appearance schedule signal indicating the number of game media scheduled to be paid out from the gaming machine due to winning. ,
Storage means for cumulatively storing the number of balls to be supplied according to the supply ball signal and the number of balls to be scheduled to be output according to the scheduled output signal;
When the player's ball lending operation is accepted, a predetermined sales signal is output to the management device, and when the sales signal is received from the inter-device that instructs the corresponding gaming machine to pay out the game medium, A means for storing the number of balls to be stored is cumulatively stored.
Arithmetic means for subtracting the cumulative number of balls stored in the number of reserved balls stored from the cumulative number of supply balls stored in the storage;
Based on the cumulative number of replenished balls after the subtraction and the cumulative number of expected balls stored in the storage means, the difference value between the cumulative number of replenished balls after the subtraction and the cumulative total number of expected balls is within a predetermined range. Determining means for determining whether or not included,
It was set as the management apparatus provided with.

Further, in the invention of claim 2, in the management device for managing the operating status of the gaming machine,
The operation signal indicating the operation status includes at least a supply ball signal indicating the number of game media to be replenished to the gaming machine, and a ball appearance schedule signal indicating the number of game media scheduled to be paid out from the gaming machine due to winning. ,
Storage means for cumulatively storing the number of balls to be supplied according to the supply ball signal and the number of balls to be scheduled to be output according to the scheduled output signal;
A time measuring means for measuring time;
When the player's ball lending operation is accepted, a predetermined sales signal is output to the management device, and when the sales signal is received from the inter-device that instructs the corresponding gaming machine to pay out the game medium, A means for storing the number of balls to be stored is cumulatively stored.
Arithmetic means for subtracting the cumulative number of balls stored in the number of reserved balls stored from the cumulative number of supply balls stored in the storage;
Based on the cumulative number of replenished balls after the subtraction and the cumulative number of expected balls stored in the storage means, the difference value between the cumulative number of replenished balls after the subtraction and the cumulative total number of expected balls is within a predetermined range. Determination means for determining whether or not a state in which the difference value is not included in a predetermined range continues for a predetermined time with reference to whether or not included, and the time measuring means;
It was set as the management apparatus provided with.

In the invention of claim 3, in the management device for managing the operating status of the gaming machine,
The operation signal indicating the operation status includes at least a supply ball signal indicating the number of game media to be supplied to the gaming machine, a game output schedule signal indicating the number of game media scheduled to be paid out from the gaming machine due to winning, and a game Including a ball signal indicating the number of game media driven into the plane,
Storage means for cumulatively storing the number of balls to be supplied according to the supply ball signal and the number of balls to be scheduled to be output according to the scheduled output signal;
Counting means for measuring the number of hit balls based on the hit ball signal;
When the player's ball lending operation is accepted, a predetermined sales signal is output to the management device, and when the sales signal is received from the inter-device that instructs the corresponding gaming machine to pay out the game medium, A means for storing the number of balls to be stored is cumulatively stored.
Arithmetic means for subtracting the cumulative number of balls stored in the number of reserved balls stored from the cumulative number of supply balls stored in the storage;
Based on the cumulative number of replenished balls after the subtraction and the cumulative number of expected balls stored in the storage means, the difference value between the cumulative number of replenished balls after the subtraction and the cumulative total number of expected balls is within a predetermined range. Determination means for determining whether or not the difference value is not included in a predetermined range and continuing for a period until the predetermined hitting number is reached with reference to the counting means; ,
It was set as the management apparatus provided with.

In the invention of claim 4, in the management device for managing the operating status of the gaming machine,
The operation signal indicating the operation status includes at least a supply ball signal indicating the number of game media to be supplied to the gaming machine, a game output schedule signal indicating the number of game media scheduled to be paid out from the gaming machine due to winning, and a game A gaming status signal indicating the gaming status of the machine,
Storage means for cumulatively storing the number of balls to be supplied according to the supply ball signal and the number of balls to be scheduled to be output according to the scheduled output signal;
Determining means for determining whether the gaming machine is in a normal state based on the gaming state signal;
A time measuring means for measuring time;
When the player's ball lending operation is accepted, a predetermined sales signal is output to the management device, and when the sales signal is received from the inter-device that instructs the corresponding gaming machine to pay out the game medium, A means for storing the number of balls to be stored is cumulatively stored.
Arithmetic means for subtracting the cumulative number of balls stored in the number of reserved balls stored from the cumulative number of supply balls stored in the storage;
Based on the cumulative number of replenished balls after the subtraction and the cumulative number of expected balls stored in the storage means, the difference value between the cumulative number of replenished balls after the subtraction and the cumulative total number of expected balls is within a predetermined range. It is determined whether or not the state where the difference value is not included in a predetermined range continues for a predetermined time in the normal state of the gaming machine with reference to whether or not it is included and the determination unit and the timing unit Determination means to perform,
It was set as the management apparatus provided with.

In the invention of claim 5, the gaming state signal includes at least a jackpot signal indicating that the gaming machine is in a jackpot state, a probability varying state signal indicating that the gaming machine is in a probability varying state, and a time reduction of the gaming machine. The management apparatus according to claim 4, wherein any one of a time-short signal indicating a state is included.

According to invention of Claims 1-5, by setting it as the structure which has a determination means which determines whether the difference value of the number of accumulated replenishment balls and the number of accumulated accumulation balls is contained in the predetermined range, When it is determined that the difference value is not included in the predetermined range, it is possible to notify a game hall employee or the like that there may be some abnormality in the gaming machine or the like. For this reason, employees who have received the news can take appropriate actions promptly.

In addition, when calculating the difference between the cumulative number of replenishment balls and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated, the number of balls to be stored cumulatively corresponds to the number of balls lent corresponding to the sales signal from the inter-vehicle device corresponding to the gaming machine or the like. The number storage means is provided in the management device, and the cumulative replenishment output subtracted from the cumulative replenishment balls stored in the storage means provided in the management device is subtracted from the accumulated replenishment balls stored in the wage number storage means. Since the difference value between the number of balls and the cumulative planned number of balls is obtained, the difference value is extremely accurate, and the reliability of the determination result thereby becomes high.

Further, according to the invention of any one of claims 4 and 5, the state in which the difference value between the cumulative number of replenishment balls such as a gaming machine and the cumulative planned number of balls is not included in a predetermined range is Since the configuration is such that the abnormal state is determined when the normal state continues for a predetermined time, it is possible to more accurately determine the abnormal state such as a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine or the like.

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. 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 management apparatus of Example 1 which is one Example of this invention. It is the figure which showed typically the structure of the temporary storage area of Example 1 which is one Example of this invention. It is the figure which showed typically the flow of the information between the management apparatus of Example 1 which is one Example of this invention, and a gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which the management apparatus of Example 1 which is one Example of this invention performs. 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. (A) It is a schematic diagram of the setting screen which sets the determination value of the modification of Example 2 of this invention. (B) It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the table for determination of Example 2 which is one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which the management apparatus of Example 2 which is one Example of this invention performs. It is the schematic diagram which illustrated the outline of the external appearance structure of the replenishment apparatus of the game machine of Example 3 which is one Example of this invention. It is the conceptual diagram which showed typically the hardware constitutions of the management apparatus of Example 3 which is one Example of this invention. It is the schematic diagram which showed the structure of the temporary storage area of Example 3 which is one Example of this invention. It is the schematic diagram which showed the structure of the table for determination of Example 3 which is one Example of this invention. It is the conceptual diagram which showed typically the hardware constitutions of the management apparatus of Example 4 which is one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which the management apparatus of Example 4 which is one Example of this invention performs. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which the management apparatus of the other Example which is one Example of this invention performs. It is the conceptual diagram which showed typically the hardware constitutions of the management apparatus of Example 5 which is one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which the management apparatus of Example 5 which is one Example of this invention performs. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which the management apparatus of the other Example which is one Example of this invention performs. It is the conceptual diagram which showed typically the hardware constitutions of the management apparatus of Example 6 which is one Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which the management apparatus of Example 6 which is one Example of this invention performs. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which the management apparatus of the other Example which is one Example of this invention performs.

The present invention provides a management device for managing an operating status of a gaming machine, wherein the operating signal indicating the operating status includes at least a supply ball signal indicating the number of gaming media paid out from the gaming machine due to winning, and a gaming machine based on the winning And a storage means for cumulatively storing the number of balls to be supplied according to the supply ball signal and the number of balls to be scheduled to be output according to the schedule signal. When the player's ball lending operation is accepted, a predetermined sales signal is output to the management device, and when the sales signal is received from the inter-device that instructs the corresponding gaming machine to pay out the game medium, the sales signal And a means for subtracting a cumulative number of lent balls stored in the lent number storage means from a cumulative number of supplied balls stored in the storage means. And the decrease Based on the cumulative number of replenished balls after and the cumulative scheduled number of balls stored in the storage means, a difference value between the cumulative number of replenished balls after the subtraction and the cumulative planned number of balls is included in a predetermined range. With the configuration including the determination means for determining whether or not, it is possible to notify an employee or the like of the game hall that some abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine or the like based on the determination result.

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.

In the present embodiment, a management system that receives a ball appearance signal and a ball appearance schedule signal included in an operation signal and calculates a difference between the cumulative number of balls to be delivered and the cumulative ball appearance number will be described.

<Configuration of management system>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram exemplarily showing the system configuration of the management system according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the management system includes a gaming machine 100, a stand management device 200, an island management device 300, a management device 400, and networks 701 and 702 connecting these devices.

The gaming machine 100 pays out pachinko balls, which are game media, in response to the occurrence of a predetermined winning event. In a general gaming machine 100, a normal winning opening (not shown) from which a predetermined number of pachinko balls are paid out in accordance with the winning of a pachinko ball, a start winning opening 113 in which a lottery process is started in response to the winning of a pachinko ball, Although it is normally closed, it is provided with a jackpot winning opening 114 and the like which are opened when winning in the lottery process. Details will be described later.

The stand management device 200 is an information processing device that acquires an operation signal related to the operation status from the connected gaming machine 100 and sends it to the management device 400, an island management device 300, which will be described later, etc. In this embodiment, FIG. As shown in the figure, two gaming machines 100 are connected to one unit management apparatus 200. However, in other embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration may be adopted in which more gaming machines 100 are connected to one table management device 200, or the table management device 200 and the gaming machines 100 are in a one-to-one relationship. It is good also as a structure connected.

The island management device 300 is an information processing device that mediates the connection between the platform management device 200 and the management device 400. In the management system of the present embodiment, the plurality of table management devices 200 are classified into one or more groups, and the island management device 300 manages the table management device 200 for each group. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the island management device 300 is connected to a plurality of table management devices 200. However, it is a matter of course that other embodiments are not limited to this.

The management apparatus 400 is an information processing apparatus that manages the entire management system and totals / manages operation information such as the number of games, the number of jackpots, the number of balls to be played, the number of hits, and the planned number of balls to be played. . The management device 400 is realized by, for example, a personal computer (PC) or a workstation (WS). The management device 400 includes a user interface such as an instruction input device 406 that accepts an instruction input to the management device 400 from a game hall employee or the like, and a display 407 that displays a failure detection or the like.

The networks 701 and 702 are typically local area networks (LANs), but may have any configuration as long as they can transmit and receive data 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. As a communication protocol on the networks 701 and 702, for example, TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) can be adopted.

The configuration of the management system 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 arcade, if the management device 400 can acquire an operation signal related to the operation status of the gaming machine 100, based on constraints such as use, purpose, or device arrangement, It can take a variety of configurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 100 may be connected to the management apparatus 400, and the management apparatus 400 may be configured to acquire an operation signal related to the operation status directly from the gaming machine 100.

<Configuration of gaming machine 100>
Next, the configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating the outline of the external configuration of the gaming machine 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine 100 includes a gaming machine main body 110 and a display 130.

In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a configuration in which the gaming machine 100 is realized by the gaming machine main body 110 and the display unit 130 as described above will be described, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the gaming machine 100 may be configured as a single device.

The gaming machine main body 110 is provided with a board surface 111, and on the board surface 111, there are provided a symbol display device 112, a start winning port 113, a jackpot winning port 114, a normal winning port (not shown), and the like. In addition, at the lower part of the gaming machine main body 110, an upper plate 121 for storing a pachinko ball to be driven into the board surface 111 or a paid-out pachinko ball, a lower plate 122 for storing a pachinko ball overflowing from the upper plate 121, and a pachinko ball A handle 123 for adjusting the strength of driving is provided. The display device 130 performs a predetermined display in response to the occurrence of an event such as a prize.

The symbol display device 112 is, for example, a CRT, a liquid crystal, or the like that displays a lottery result or displays an effect by a symbol combination or a demo display. The symbol display device 112 variably displays a plurality of types of symbols by scrolling from top to bottom on the condition that a pachinko ball has passed through a start winning opening 113 described later and a start winning has occurred. In addition, when the lottery is completed, the symbol display device 112 displays one of the specific symbols determined in advance according to the lottery result. For example, if the winner of the lottery is selected, a jackpot symbol such as “777” or “333” is displayed.

The start winning opening 113 detects the passage of the pachinko ball when the pachinko ball launched by the operation of the handle 122 or the like passes. 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.

The jackpot winning opening 114 is normally closed so that the pachinko ball does not win, but is opened when the jackpot is won. When a pachinko ball wins the jackpot winning opening 114, a considerable number of pachinko balls (for example, 15 for each winning pachinko ball) are paid out. The opening of the jackpot winning opening 114 is continued until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses after the jackpot is generated, or until a predetermined number of pachinko balls win the winning jackpot 114. This single opening is called a round. Generally, since the jackpot winning opening 114 is provided at a position where the pachinko balls are easy to pass, a large amount of pachinko balls are paid out during the jackpot occurrence period (during the round).

When the jackpot is won in this way, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 becomes a jackpot state by opening the jackpot winning opening 114 or the like.

Further, when the lottery result is a jackpot with a probability variation state (hereinafter referred to as a probable variation jackpot), the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is larger than the normal gaming state of the gaming machine after the jackpot state ends. Probability fluctuation state where the probability of occurrence is high and fluctuates.

When a probability change jackpot is generated while the gaming machine 100 is in a normal gaming state, the probability variation state continues for a period from when the jackpot state due to the probability change jackpot ends until the jackpot is generated at least for the predetermined number of times of probability change. To do.

In addition, when a probability variation jackpot occurs during the probability variation state, the probability variation continuation count is counted again after the probability variation jackpot, and then the probability variation state continues until at least the probability variation continuation number is reached. Then, if the jackpot that has reached the probability variation continuation count is due to a non-probability variation symbol other than the probability variation symbol, the normal gaming state is restored when the jackpot state ends.

Further, depending on the model of the gaming machine 100, there may be a time-saving state from the end of the jackpot state until the next jackpot occurs. Time reduction is a function that shortens the symbol variable time of the symbol display device 112 once.

The gaming machine 100 includes an interface (not shown) for sending an operating signal indicating the operating status of the gaming machine 100 to an external device.

The operation signal includes an output signal relating to the number of game media (= balls) paid out from the gaming machine 100 and an expected game signal relating to the number of game media (= scheduled balls) scheduled to be paid out from the game machine. And are included. These signals can be configured to output pulses in accordance with, for example, payout of game media or winnings. Specifically, in this embodiment, the gaming machine main body 110 is provided with a payout detecting means for detecting the payout of game media (not shown). When the payout detecting means detects the payout of game media, One ball signal is output. Also, a winning detection means (not shown) for detecting a winning is provided at the start winning opening 113, the jackpot winning opening 114, etc. of the gaming machine main body 110. When the winning detection means detects the passage of the game medium, the winning winning at the winning opening is provided. The predetermined number of game media to be paid out is calculated in accordance with the game media and stored cumulatively in a storage means (not shown) in the gaming machine 100, and the number of game media to be paid out reaches 10. It is set as the structure which outputs one pulse of the expected ball signal every time. In this way, the game output signal is output by detecting the number of game media actually paid out from the gaming machine, whereas the game output signal is the number of game media to be paid out from the game machine. Is calculated and output, and basically, the number of times of output of the ball signal coincides with the number of times of output of the scheduled ball signal. Further, in this embodiment, one pulse output signal is output for every 10 payouts and one pulse output signal is output for every 10 payouts. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is good also as a structure which outputs one ball output signal per number, and outputs one pulse output signal for every one payout planned number, and the unit number of the game medium which outputs one pulse may be other than that Furthermore, the number of game media units that output one pulse may be different between the appearance signal and the expected appearance signal. When the number of game media units that output one pulse is different between the appearance signal and the expected output signal, it is natural that the output number of the output signal and the output number of the expected output signal do not match. is there.

The operation signal includes a game state signal indicating the game state of the gaming machine 100. The gaming state signal includes a jackpot signal indicating that the gaming machine 100 is in a jackpot state, a probability variation signal indicating that the gaming machine 100 is in a probability variation state (= probability variation state), and the gaming machine 100 in a short-time state. A short time signal indicating that there is a signal is included. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a time reduction signal is transmitted when the gaming machine 100 is in the time-saving state, but this is not restrictive, and the gaming machine 100 is a jackpot indicating a big-hit state even in the time-saving state. In the management device 400 that transmits a signal and receives the signal, if the continuous reception time of one jackpot signal is shorter than a predetermined threshold time, it is determined that the gaming machine 100 is in a time-short state, and the time is shorter than the threshold time. When it is long, the game machine 100 may be determined to be in a big hit state.

Each gaming state signal such as a jackpot signal is continuously transmitted while the gaming machine 100 corresponds to the corresponding gaming state (= the gaming state signal rises), and is transmitted when the corresponding gaming state ends in the gaming machine 100. It is configured to stop (= the gaming state signal falls). Therefore, when the gaming machine 100 is in a normal gaming state (= normal state) other than the big hit state, the probability variation state, and the short time state, the gaming state signal is not transmitted from the gaming machine 100.

<Configuration of Management Device 400>
Next, the hardware configuration of the management apparatus 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the hardware configuration of the management apparatus 400.

4, a CPU 410 executes an application program, an operating system (OS), a control program, and the like stored in the HD 405 described later, and temporarily stores information, files, and the like necessary for executing the program in a RAM 402. I do.

In addition, when the CPU 410 receives an outgoing ball signal and an outgoing ball schedule signal sent from each gaming machine 100, the CPU 410 determines the number of outgoing balls related to the outgoing ball signal and the expected outgoing ball number related to the outgoing ball scheduled signal. The data is divided into units of 100 and accumulated in a temporary storage area 451 of the HD 405 described later. In addition, the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated stored in the temporary storage area 451 are called, and the comparison is made by comparing the planned number of accumulated balls and the cumulative number of balls to be compared or not. Acts as a means. In the first embodiment, as a comparison method, a method of subtracting the cumulative number of balls from the cumulative number of balls to be calculated and calculating a difference is adopted. However, the method of comparison is not limited to this, and the method is not limited as long as it can be determined whether or not the cumulative expected number of balls is equal to the cumulative number of balls. The CPU 410 serves as a determination unit that determines whether or not the calculated difference is 0 (zero). If the calculated difference is determined to be “abnormal” instead of 0, the CPU 410 identifies the predetermined warning process, that is, identification information of the gaming machine 100 determined to be abnormal together with an alarm in the first embodiment. As a warning processing means for displaying on the display 407.

The ROM 401 stores programs such as basic I / O programs and various data used in basic processing. The RAM 402 is for temporarily storing various data, and functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 410.

The external storage drive 403 is for realizing access to a recording medium, and can load a program or the like stored in the medium (recording medium) 404 into the management apparatus 400. The medium 404 includes, for example, a flexible disk (FD), CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, PC card, DVD, IC memory card, MO, memory stick, and the like.

An HD (= hard disk) 405 is an external storage device and functions as a large capacity memory. The HD 405 stores application programs, OS, control programs, related programs, and the like. Further, the HD 405 is provided with a temporary storage area 451, and the temporary storage area 451 cumulatively stores operation information including the number of outgoing balls and the planned number of outgoing balls. However, it is obvious that the temporary storage area 451 may be provided in the RAM 402 or the medium 404 in other embodiments.

In the temporary storage area 451, operation information on the business day of each gaming machine 100 is cumulatively stored. As described above, the operation information includes information on the number of balls and the number of scheduled balls. An example of information stored in the temporary storage area 451 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the temporary storage area 451 is divided by the machine number 601 assigned to each gaming machine 100, and for each gaming machine 100, the cumulative scheduled number of balls 602 on the business day, The number of balls 603 is stored. When the business of the day ends, the cumulative scheduled number of balls 602 and the cumulative number of balls 603 for that day are stored in the HD 405 and other storage devices every business day during the closing process of the management device 400, and are deleted from the temporary storage area 451. Is done.

The instruction input device 406 is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device (such as a mouse), or a touch panel. Using the instruction input device 406, an employee of the game hall instructs the management device 400 to input a command or the like for controlling the management device 400.

The display 407 serves as a display unit, and is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or a CRT, and displays a command input from the instruction input device 406, a response output of the management device 400 for the command, and the like. . The display 407 plays a role of displaying identification information of the gaming machine 100 determined to be abnormal, which is one of warning processes. Specifically, the display 407 displays the machine number of the gaming machine 100 determined to be abnormal along with characters, figures, symbols, and the like representing the abnormality.

A system bus 409 controls the flow of data in the management apparatus 400. Reference numeral 408 denotes an interface (hereinafter referred to as I / F), which exchanges data with an external device via the I / F 408.

In addition, it can also be comprised as an alternative of a hardware apparatus with the software which implement | achieves a function equivalent to the above each apparatus.

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 404 into the RAM 402 and executed. However, every time the program according to the present embodiment is operated, You may make it load into RAM402 from HD405 which has already installed the program. It is also possible to record the program according to the present embodiment in the ROM 401, configure it as a part of the memory map, and execute it directly by the CPU 410.

In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a configuration in which the management device 400 is realized by one device will be described. However, the management device 400 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 400, and parallel processing may be performed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the flow of information between the management device 400 and the gaming machine 100. As shown in FIG. 6, a game signal, a game schedule signal, and a game state signal are sent from the gaming machine main body 110 to the management device 400.

Further, when the management system has a configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, these signals are transferred from the gaming machine 100 to the management device 400 via the table management device 200 and the island management device 300. In this process, identification information for identifying the gaming machine 100, the base management device 200, or the island management device 300 may be added. Alternatively, for example, in the case of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2, these signals are sent directly from the gaming machine 100 to the management device 400. In the case of the configuration as shown in FIG. 1, 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 are performed in a relay device such as the base management device 200 or the island management device 300. There is a case. Since these processes are obvious to those skilled in the art, description thereof is omitted in the present embodiment.

It should be noted that the configuration in which the operation signals (including the ball appearance signal, the ball appearance schedule signal, and the game state signal) are transmitted is limited to that illustrated in FIG. 6 if these signals are transmitted to the management device 400. Absent. In addition, the operation signal received by the management device 400 is not limited to a ball signal, a ball schedule signal, and a game state signal. For example, a ball hitting signal (a signal related to the number of gaming media launched in the gaming machine) or a symbol is generally determined from an outbox (not shown) provided separately from the gaming machine main body 110. A signal indicating this may be included in the operation signal.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing operation information stored in the temporary storage area 451. As shown in FIG. 5, the temporary storage area 451 stores at least a machine number 601, which is identification information for identifying each gaming machine 100, a cumulative scheduled number of balls 602, and a cumulative number of balls 603, which are cumulatively scheduled. The number of appearing balls 602 and the accumulated number of appearing balls 603 are stored cumulatively for each gaming machine 100 (unit number). Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the number 1 is stored as the cumulative planned number of balls 52600 and the cumulative number of balls 52600, and the second level is stored as the cumulative number of scheduled balls 9090 and the cumulative number of balls 8950. The number 3 is stored as a cumulative expected number of balls 25490 and a cumulative number of balls 25600. The cumulative planned number of balls 602 and the cumulative number of balls 603 indicate the number of times of the received scheduled ball signal and the number of ball signals. That is, as described above, one pulse is output from the gaming machine 100 every 10 scheduled payouts and every 10 payouts. Therefore, by multiplying the number of received pulses by 10 times, This is the cumulative planned number of balls and the cumulative number of balls. However, in other embodiments, it may be possible to simply store the scheduled appearance signal and the number of times the received appearance signal is received.

<Processing flow of management device 400>
Next, the flow of processing executed by the management apparatus 400 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The following processing is executed independently for each gaming machine 100.

The management device 400 receives the scheduled play signal and the operation signal including the emergence signal from the gaming machine 100 (step S701), and the CPU 410 of the management device 400 calculates the planned number of balls to be calculated from the received scheduled game signal, The number of balls calculated from the received ball signal is added to the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the number of balls to be accumulated stored in the temporary storage area 451. Next, the CPU 410 of the management apparatus 400 calls the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of planned balls stored in the temporary storage area 451, and subtracts the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated from the cumulative number of balls to be calculated to calculate the difference. (Step S702). As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 5, for the gaming machine 100 with the unit number 1, when the cumulative number of balls 52600 is subtracted from the cumulative planned number of balls 52600, the result is 0. . Further, for the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 2, if the accumulated number of balls 8950 is subtracted from the accumulated number of balls 9090, the result is 140. Further, for the gaming machine 100 with the number 3, when 25600 which is the cumulative number of balls is subtracted from 25490 which is the total number of expected balls, the result is − (minus) 110.

The CPU 410 determines whether this difference is 0 (step S703). If it demonstrates along the said specific example, since the calculated difference is 0, the game machine 100 of the machine number 1 will be determined as "normal". On the other hand, the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 2 and the machine number 3 is determined to be “abnormal” because the calculated difference is not zero.

As a result of the determination, if the calculated difference is greater than 0 or less than 0 and is determined to be “abnormal”, the CPU 410 identifies the gaming machine 100 determined to be abnormal together with a warning process, that is, an alarm. Information is displayed on the display 407 (step S704).

In addition, step S701-step S703 mentioned above are performed at preset intervals, such as a 15-minute interval, for example. At this time, the difference is calculated using the cumulative number of balls and the cumulative planned number of balls stored in the temporary storage area 451 at the time of execution of the process. As described above, the processing in steps S701 to S703 is performed at a preset time interval. However, the time interval is not limited to the above-described 15 minutes. It can also be set as a time interval, and can be set arbitrarily. If this time interval is shortened, there is an advantage that an abnormal state can be determined in real time, but on the other hand, a processing load is applied to the computer (management device 400). If this time interval is lengthened, the load on the computer (management device 400) becomes relatively light, but the real-time property of abnormal state determination is lost. Therefore, when actually operating in a game arcade, an appropriate time interval is set in consideration of these points.

In this way, by configuring the management system, it is possible to notify an employee of the game hall that some abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine or the like, or that there is a possibility. For this reason, employees who have received the news can take appropriate actions promptly.

Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration is shown in which the difference is calculated by subtracting the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated from the cumulative planned number of balls, but the difference is calculated by subtracting the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated from the cumulative number of balls. Of course, it is good also as a structure. Similar effects can be obtained by such a calculation method.

In the first embodiment, the cumulative expected number of balls is compared with the cumulative number of outstanding balls (the difference is calculated by subtracting the cumulative number of outstanding balls from the cumulative scheduled number of balls), and the difference value is other than 0. In this case, it is determined that there is some abnormality, and warning processing such as issuing an alarm is performed. However, in the second embodiment, the difference between the cumulative expected number of balls and the cumulative number of balls is within a predetermined range. A management system that performs warning processing in the case where it is not present will be described. In addition, about the component similar to 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.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a determination table 452 is provided in the HD 801 of the management apparatus 400. This determination table 452 stores an allowable range of a difference between the cumulative planned number of balls and the cumulative number of balls in each gaming state. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9B, the determination table 452 stores the correspondence between the difference calculated by subtracting the accumulated number of balls from the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the determination result. ing. If the calculated difference is included in this range, it is determined as “normal”, otherwise it is determined as “abnormal”. FIG. 9A is an example of a screen for setting an allowable range. Such a screen is displayed on the display 407, and an employee of the game hall inputs a numerical value using the instruction input device 406. The “winning ball error” is an example of a word representing the difference. In the example of FIG. 9A, it is determined that when the difference is −100 or more and 100 or less, it is determined to be normal, and otherwise, it is determined to be abnormal. As a result, the determination table 452 is stored as shown in FIG. Thereby, for example, when the calculated difference is “90”, it is determined as “normal”. As a general rule, “cumulative planned number of balls = cumulative number of balls” should be obtained, but if the difference is “−100 or more and 100 or less”, it is determined as “normal” as an error in the number of balls and the like. It will be.

On the other hand, when the difference calculated by the above method is “250”, for example, it is determined as “abnormal”. In this way, when the cumulative number of balls is less than the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated (when the difference is calculated by the above method, a positive value exceeds the allowable range), the gaming machine 100 is caused by a mechanical failure or the like. An abnormality has occurred in the payout system for the ball. Alternatively, it can be seen that there is no game medium to be paid out, and there is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the supply machine system that supplies the game machine 100 with the game medium.

Further, when the difference calculated by the above method is “−450”, for example, it is determined as “abnormal”. In this way, when the cumulative number of balls is more than the cumulative number of planned balls (when the difference is calculated by the above method, it is a negative value and exceeds the allowable range), there are more game media than the planned number of balls. In order to indicate that the game has been paid out, an abnormality has occurred in the payout system of the game machine 100 due to a mechanical failure or a goto action. Alternatively, it can be seen that there is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the portion of the gaming machine 100 that sends a scheduled game signal (for example, a failure or disconnection of a winning detection means such as a winning detection sensor).

The numerical value of the allowable range of difference shown in FIG. 9 is an example, and can be arbitrarily set by an employee of the game hall. When operating in an actual amusement hall, an appropriate value is determined according to the business policy of the amusement hall. The setting is performed, for example, by a game hall employee using the instruction input device 406. Further, the correspondence relationship between the calculated difference and the determination result as shown in FIG. 9 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this as long as the range for determining abnormality or the range for determining normal can be determined. . For example, only a range that is determined to be abnormal may be set on the security setting screen, and the set value may be stored in the determination table 452. In this embodiment, in order to determine whether or not the calculated difference is included in the predetermined range, the determination table 452 is configured to store the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the allowable range of the difference. The present invention is not limited to this configuration, and a specific value such as “0”, “5”, “10” may be stored as a predetermined range, or the same value ( For example, a specific value may be provided as a predetermined range by storing “0” in both the upper limit value and the lower limit value.

In addition, when the CPU 802 receives an outgoing ball signal and an outgoing ball schedule signal sent from each gaming machine 100, the CPU 802 calculates the number of outgoing balls related to the outgoing ball signal and the expected outgoing ball number related to the outgoing ball scheduled signal to the gaming machine. The data is divided every 100 and stored in the temporary storage area 451 of the HD 801 cumulatively. In addition, it plays a role as a comparison means for calling and comparing the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated stored in the temporary storage area 451. Note that the comparison method performed by the comparison unit in the second embodiment employs a method of calculating the difference by subtracting the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated from the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated, as in the first embodiment. However, as described above, the comparison method is not limited to this. Further, the CPU 802 refers to the determination table 452 and serves as a determination unit that determines whether or not the difference calculated based on the cumulative expected number of balls and the cumulative number of balls is within a predetermined range. Fulfill. If the calculated difference is not included in the predetermined range and is determined to be “abnormal” as a result of the determination, the CPU 802 displays the identification information of the gaming machine 100 determined to be abnormal on the display 407 together with an alarm. It serves as a warning processing means.

<Processing flow of management device 400>
Next, the flow of processing executed by the management apparatus 400 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The following processing is executed independently for each gaming machine 100.

The management device 400 receives an operation signal including a game appearance schedule signal and a game output signal from the gaming machine 100 (step S1001), and the CPU 802 of the management device 400 calculates the planned game output number calculated from the received game output signal, The number of balls calculated from the received ball signal is added to the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the number of balls to be accumulated stored in the temporary storage area 451. Next, the CPU 802 of the management device 400 calls the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of expected balls stored in the temporary storage area 451, and subtracts the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated from the cumulative number of expected balls to calculate the difference. (Step S1002). As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 5, for the gaming machine 100 with the unit number 1, when the cumulative number of balls 52600 is subtracted from the cumulative planned number of balls 52600, the result is 0. . Further, for the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 2, if the accumulated number of balls 8950 is subtracted from the accumulated number of balls 9090, the result is 140. Further, for the gaming machine 100 with the number 3, when 25600 which is the cumulative number of balls is subtracted from 25490 which is the total number of expected balls, the result is − (minus) 110.

Then, the CPU 802 refers to the determination table 452 and determines whether or not the calculated difference is included in a predetermined range (step S1003). If it demonstrates along the said specific example, since the result is 0 about the gaming machine 100 of the machine number 1, it will determine with "normal". Since the result of the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 2 is 140, it is determined as “abnormal”. The game machine 100 with the machine number 3 is determined as “abnormal” because the result is −110.

As a result of the determination, if the calculated difference is not included in the predetermined range and is determined as “abnormal”, the CPU 802 displays warning information, that is, identification information of the gaming machine 100 determined to be abnormal together with the alarm on the display 407. (Step S1004). If it demonstrates along the said specific example, since the game machine 100 of the machine number 1 was determined to be normal, the process will be complete | finished. On the other hand, since the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 2 and the machine number 3 is determined to be abnormal, warning processing is performed.

In addition, step S1001-step S1003 mentioned above are performed at predetermined intervals, such as 1 minute interval and 15 minute interval, for example. At that time, the difference is calculated using the accumulated number of balls and the cumulative number of balls that are stored in the temporary storage area 451 at the time of execution of the process.

In the first and second embodiments, the configuration of the management system that receives the scheduled game output signal and the game output signal, subtracts the cumulative number of issued balls from the cumulative scheduled number of balls, and calculates the difference is shown. The third embodiment shows a configuration of a management system that calculates the difference by subtracting the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated from the cumulative planned number of balls based on the planned ball appearance signal and the supply ball signal. In addition, about the component similar to the said Example 1 or 2, 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.

Normally, gaming machines arranged in game halls store pachinko balls as game media in order to be used as premium balls to be paid out according to a ball rental or winning a prize. Further, the gaming machine is connected to the replenishing bowl, and when the pachinko balls stored inside are reduced by the payout, a predetermined amount of pachinko balls are replenished from the replenishing bowl into the gaming machine.

<Configuration of Supply Device 500 of Gaming Machine 100>
This will be specifically described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating the outline of the external configuration of the supply device 500 of the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment. A pachinko ball replenishment basket 501 is passed above the gaming machine 100, and a ball replenishment path 502 branched from the supply basket 501 extends to a prize ball tank 503 disposed on the upper back surface of the gaming machine 100. . In the middle of this ball replenishment path 502, replenishing means 504 for controlling whether or not to supply the pachinko balls from the replenishment basket 501 to the prize ball tank 503 is attached. The replenishing means 504 replenishes the pachinko balls from the replenishment basket 501 to the prize ball tank 503 when the pachinko balls are paid out from the prize ball tank 503 due to winning or the like and the amount of the pachinko balls in the prize ball tank 503 decreases. At this time, the replenishing means 504 counts the number of pachinko balls replenished and sends a replenishing ball signal related to the count value to the management device 100.

<Configuration of Management Device 400>
In the HD 4201 of the management device 400, as shown in FIG. 12, a temporary storage area 461 that cumulatively stores the planned number of balls based on the planned ball output signal and the number of supplied balls based on the supply ball signal for each gaming machine 100. And a determination table 462 for storing the correspondence between the difference between the cumulative planned number of balls and the cumulative number of replenished balls and the determination result.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of information stored in the temporary storage area 461. In the temporary storage area 461, operation information on the business day of each gaming machine 100 is cumulatively stored. The operation information includes at least information on the number of balls to be replenished and the number of scheduled balls. As shown in FIG. 13, the temporary storage area 461 is divided by a machine number 1301 assigned to each gaming machine 100, and for each gaming machine 100, the cumulative scheduled number of balls 1302 on the business day is accumulated. The number of supply balls 1303 is stored. When the business of the day ends, the cumulative scheduled number of balls 1302 and the cumulative number of replenishment balls 1303 for that day are stored in the HD 4201 and other storage devices every business day during the closing process of the management device 400, and are deleted from the temporary storage area 461. Is done.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the determination table 462. The determination table 462 stores an allowable range of a difference between the cumulative scheduled number of balls and the cumulative number of replenished balls in each gaming state. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the determination table 462 stores a correspondence relationship between a difference calculated by subtracting the cumulative replenishment ball number from the cumulative expected ball number and the determination result. For example, when it is determined that the difference is −100 or more and 100 or less, it is determined to be normal, and otherwise, it is determined to be abnormal, and the determination table 462 is stored as shown in FIG. According to this, for example, when the calculated difference is “90”, it is determined as “normal”. As a general rule, it should be “cumulative planned number of balls = cumulative number of replenished balls”, but if the difference is “−100 or more and 100 or less”, it should be determined as “normal” as an error in the replenishment ball count etc. It becomes. Note that the range determined to be normal can be arbitrarily set, and when operating in an actual amusement hall, it is set to an appropriate value in consideration of the business policy and other circumstances. Therefore, when the difference obtained by subtracting the cumulative supply ball number from the cumulative planned ball number is 0 (zero), that is, when the cumulative planned ball number matches the cumulative supply ball number, it is determined to be normal, and the cumulative cumulative ball number is accumulated. If the difference obtained by subtracting the number of replenishment balls is other than 0 (zero), it may be set to be determined as abnormal.

In addition, when the CPU 4202 of the management device 400 receives the scheduled ball output signal and the supply ball signal sent from each gaming machine 100, the planned number of balls related to the scheduled ball output signal and the number of supply balls related to the supply ball signal. Are stored for each gaming machine 100 and stored in the temporary storage area 461 of the HD 4201. In addition, it plays a role as a comparison means for calling and comparing the cumulative planned number of balls and the cumulative number of replenishment balls stored in the temporary storage area 461. As a comparison method performed by the comparison unit, a method of subtracting the cumulative number of replenishment balls from the cumulative planned number of balls and calculating a difference is adopted in this embodiment. However, the method of comparison is not limited to this, and any method can be used as long as it can be determined whether or not the difference between the cumulative planned number of balls and the cumulative number of supplied balls is within a predetermined range. Further, the CPU 4202 refers to the determination table 462 and serves as a determination unit that determines whether or not the difference calculated by the cumulative planned number of balls and the cumulative number of replenished balls is within a predetermined range. Fulfill. If the calculated difference is not included in the predetermined range and is determined to be “abnormal” as a result of the determination, the CPU 4202 displays the identification information of the gaming machine 100 determined to be abnormal on the display 407 along with an alarm. It serves as a warning processing means to be displayed on the screen.

<Processing flow of management device 400>
Next, the flow of processing executed by the management apparatus 400 according to the third embodiment will be described. The following processing is executed independently for each gaming machine 100.

The management device 400 receives an operation signal including a scheduled ball output signal and a supply ball signal from the gaming machine 100, and the CPU 4202 of the management device 400 receives the planned number of balls calculated from the received ball schedule signal and the received supply. The number of replenishment balls calculated from the ball signal is added to the cumulative planned number of balls and the cumulative number of replenishment balls stored in the temporary storage area 461, respectively. Next, the CPU 4202 of the management device 400 calls the cumulative supply ball number and the cumulative planned ball number stored in the temporary storage area 461, and subtracts the cumulative supply ball number from the cumulative planned ball number to calculate the difference. To do. Then, the CPU 4202 refers to the determination table 462 and determines whether or not the calculated difference is included in a predetermined range. As a result of the determination, if the calculated difference is not included in the predetermined range and is determined to be “abnormal”, the CPU 4202 uses the warning process, that is, the alarm and the identification information of the gaming machine 100 determined to be abnormal together with the alarm. It is displayed on the display 407.

In the third embodiment, on the assumption that no balls are paid out from the gaming machine, a configuration is shown in which the cumulative number of supplied balls is subtracted from the cumulative planned number of balls and the difference is calculated. However, when a single payout mechanism (not shown) provided in the gaming machine main body 110 is used to presuppose a configuration in which both the winning balls and the balls to be paid out according to the winnings are paid out from the gaming machine 100, The difference between the cumulative number of replenished balls, the cumulative number of replenished balls after subtraction after deducting the amount of loaned balls, and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is calculated.

Specifically, when a ball lending operation by a player is accepted, a predetermined sales signal is output to the management device 400 and at the same time, a game machine 100 is instructed to pay out game media. An interstitial device (not shown) is provided. Further, the management device 400 is configured to store in advance a relationship with the number of rented balls to be paid out from the gaming machine main body 110 corresponding to the sales signal. The relationship between the sales signal and the number of balls lent is, for example, equivalent to 100 yen, and the sales signal is output as one pulse. Memorize it so that it is converted to a ball that has been paid out. It should be noted that this correspondence can be arbitrarily set depending on the management method of the game hall.

When the management device 400 receives the sales signal from the inter-device device, the management device 400 cumulatively stores the number of balls lent corresponding to the sales signal, and calculates the difference between the cumulative planned number of balls and the cumulative number of replenishment balls. When subtracting, the number of rented balls is subtracted from the cumulative number of replenished balls, and the difference between the cumulative number of replenished balls after the subtraction and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is calculated. In this way, by subtracting the number of rented balls from the cumulative number of replenished balls, the total number of replenished balls replenished to the award tank 503 as a result of payout by winning (cumulative replenished number of balls) The difference can be calculated more precisely, and even when the game machine 100 is configured to pay out the balls, it is accurately determined that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine, etc. It becomes possible.

In the third embodiment, as a method for specifying the amount of game media supplied to the prize tank 503 of the gaming machine 100, the supply signal output from the above-described supply means 504 is used. The method is not limited as long as the amount of game media supplied to the prize tank 503 of the gaming machine 100 can be specified.

In the above-described Examples 1 to 3, the number of accumulated balls or accumulated replenishment balls does not match the accumulated scheduled number of balls, or the accumulated number of accumulated balls or accumulated replenishment balls and the cumulative scheduled number of balls When it is determined that the difference value is not included in the predetermined range, a configuration in which a predetermined warning process is performed is shown.

On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, when it is determined that the difference value between the accumulated number of balls and the planned number of balls to be accumulated is not included in the predetermined range, the time measuring unit starts measuring time and is scheduled to accumulate. The cumulative number of balls is subtracted from the number of balls in play, the difference is calculated, the process of determining whether the calculated difference value is included in the predetermined range is repeated, and a predetermined time from the measurement start time Shows a configuration of a management system that performs a predetermined warning process when it is determined that the difference value between the cumulative number of balls and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is not included in the predetermined range. . In addition, about the component similar to the said Examples 1-3, 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 400>
As shown in FIG. 15, the CPU 4502 of the management device 400 in the present embodiment appropriately receives a scheduled ball signal and a ball signal sent from each gaming machine 100, and the planned number of balls related to the ball scheduled signal. Also, the number of balls that appear in the corresponding ball signal is divided for each gaming machine 100 and stored in the temporary storage area 451 of the HD 801. In addition, it plays a role as a comparison means for calling and comparing the cumulative planned number of balls and the cumulative number of balls stored in the temporary storage area 451. As a comparison method performed by the comparison means, a method of calculating a difference by subtracting the accumulated number of balls from the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is adopted in this embodiment. However, the method of comparison is not limited to this, and any method can be used as long as it can be determined whether or not the difference between the cumulative number of expected balls and the cumulative number of balls is within a predetermined range. Further, the CPU 4502 refers to the determination table 452 and serves as a determination unit that determines whether or not the difference calculated based on the cumulative expected number of balls and the cumulative number of balls is within a predetermined range. Fulfill.

The CPU 4502 serves as a time measuring unit that measures a predetermined time set in advance. In order to serve as a time measuring means, specifically, for example, the management device 400 is provided with a real time clock (not shown) for measuring the current time, and the CPU 4502 is set in advance with reference to this real time clock. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and any method can be used as long as the predetermined time can be measured in advance. Further, the CPU 4502 serves as a warning processing unit that displays on the display 407 the identification information of the gaming machine 100 determined to be abnormal together with the warning.

<Processing flow of management device 400>
Next, the flow of processing executed by the management apparatus 400 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The following processing is executed independently for each gaming machine 100.

The CPU 4502 of the management device 400 calls the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of expected balls stored in the temporary storage area 451, and subtracts the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated from the cumulative planned number of balls to calculate the difference ( Step S1601). As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 5, for the gaming machine 100 with the unit number 1, when the cumulative number of balls 52600 is subtracted from the cumulative planned number of balls 52600, the result is 0. . Further, for the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 2, if the accumulated number of balls 8950 is subtracted from the accumulated number of balls 9090, the result is 140. Further, for the gaming machine 100 with the number 3, when 25600 which is the cumulative number of balls is subtracted from 25490 which is the total number of expected balls, the result is − (minus) 110.

Then, the CPU 4502 refers to the determination table 452 and determines whether or not the calculated difference is included in a predetermined range (step S1602). In the determination table 452, as shown in FIG. 9B, the case where the difference value is −100 or more and 100 or less is the “normal” range, and when the calculated difference is included in this range, “normal” "," Otherwise, it is determined as "abnormal".

If it demonstrates along the said specific example, since the result is 0 about the gaming machine 100 of the machine number 1, it will determine with "normal". Since the result of the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 2 is 140, it is determined as “abnormal”. The game machine 100 with the machine number 3 is determined as “abnormal” because the result is −110.

As a result of the determination, if the calculated difference is not included in the predetermined range and is determined to be “abnormal”, the CPU 4502 starts measuring time (step S1603). Further, similar to the above-described flow (steps S1601 to S1602) from the calculation of the difference between the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated until it is determined whether or not the calculated difference is included in a predetermined range. This flow (steps S1604 to S1605) is repeated until a predetermined time set in advance (NO in step S1606). In addition, while repeating such a flow, when the difference between the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is included in a predetermined range and is determined to be “normal” (YES in step S1605). ), The CPU 4502 resets the time measurement (step S1607).

On the other hand, when a predetermined time set in advance elapses (YES in step S1606), the difference between the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is not included in the predetermined range and is determined to be “abnormal”. In that case (NO in step S1605), the CPU 4502 displays on the display 407 the identification information of the gaming machine 100 determined to be abnormal together with the warning process, that is, the alarm (step S1608). For example, to explain along the above specific example, the calculated difference of the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 2 is initially 140 and determined to be “abnormal”, but in the difference calculation process until a predetermined time elapses, the difference is calculated. Is now within a predetermined range. At this time, the timekeeping is reset when it comes within a predetermined range (“YES” in step S1605 and step S1607). On the other hand, the calculated difference of the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 3 is initially −110 and is determined as “abnormal”, and the difference is also determined in the difference calculation processing (steps S1604 and S1605) performed until a predetermined time elapses. Suppose that it was not within the range. At this time, since the abnormal state has been maintained for a predetermined time, a warning process is performed for the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 3.

As described above, even when it is determined as “abnormal”, the determination is repeatedly performed until a predetermined time elapses, and the warning process is performed when it is still determined as “abnormal” even after the predetermined time elapses. By doing so, it is possible to detect more accurately that a certain abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine or the like, or there is a possibility thereof, which is convenient.

For example, the game output signal is output from the game machine 100 after actually detecting the game medium discharged from the game machine 100 as a game output, and thus is output with a delay from the game output scheduled signal. Therefore, there will be a time when there is a difference between the cumulative number of expected balls and the cumulative number of balls. Therefore, if the determination is made when this difference occurs, it is determined as “abnormal”. However, since the management apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is configured to repeatedly perform determination until a predetermined time elapses, even if it is determined as “abnormal”, if it is determined as “normal” in the subsequent determination, a warning process is performed. Therefore, the warning process can be appropriately performed.

Further, in the configuration of the fourth embodiment, when it is determined that the difference value between the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is not included in the predetermined range, the time measuring unit starts measuring time and is scheduled to accumulate. Calculate the difference value between the number of appearances and the cumulative number of appearances, repeat the process of determining whether the calculated difference value is within a predetermined range, and a predetermined time has elapsed Even when it is determined that the difference value between the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is not included in the predetermined range, the configuration of the management system that performs the predetermined warning process is shown. However, it is not limited to this configuration, and if it is determined that the difference value between the cumulative number of balls and the cumulative number of planned balls is not included in the predetermined range, the time measuring means starts measuring time, When a predetermined time set in advance elapses, a difference value between the cumulative expected number of balls and the cumulative number of balls is calculated, and it is determined again whether or not the calculated difference value is included in the predetermined range. A predetermined warning process may be performed when it is determined that the difference value between the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is not included in the predetermined range.

A flow of processing executed by the management apparatus 400 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG. The following processing is executed independently for each gaming machine 100.

The CPU 4502 of the management device 400 calls the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of expected balls stored in the temporary storage area 451, and subtracts the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated from the cumulative planned number of balls to calculate the difference ( Step S1701). As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 5, for the gaming machine 100 with the unit number 1, when the cumulative number of balls 52600 is subtracted from the cumulative planned number of balls 52600, the result is 0. . Further, for the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 2, if the accumulated number of balls 8950 is subtracted from the accumulated number of balls 9090, the result is 140. Further, for the gaming machine 100 with the number 3, when 25600 which is the cumulative number of balls is subtracted from 25490 which is the total number of expected balls, the result is − (minus) 110.

Then, the CPU 4502 refers to the determination table 452 and determines whether or not the calculated difference is included in a predetermined range (step S1702). If it demonstrates along the said specific example, since the result is 0 about the gaming machine 100 of the machine number 1, it will determine with "normal". Since the result of the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 2 is 140, it is determined as “abnormal”. The game machine 100 with the machine number 3 is determined as “abnormal” because the result is −110.

As a result of the determination, if the calculated difference is not included in the predetermined range and is determined to be “abnormal”, the CPU 4502 starts measuring time (step S1703).

Then, when a predetermined time set in advance has elapsed (YES in step S1704), whether or not the calculated difference is included in the predetermined range from the calculation of the difference between the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is determined. The same flow (steps S1705 to S1706) as that described above (steps S1701 to S1702) until the determination is performed is performed again. As a result of the re-determination, when the calculated difference is not included in the predetermined range and is determined to be “abnormal” (NO in step S1706), the “abnormal” state is substantially continued from the time of starting the timing. The CPU 4502 displays the identification information of the gaming machine 100 determined to be abnormal together with the warning on the display 407 (step S1707).

An example will be described along the above specific example. The difference calculated for the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 2 is initially 140 and determined to be “abnormal”, but the difference calculated after a predetermined time has elapsed is 80 and determined to be “normal”. In this case, the time count is reset for the gaming machine 100 with the unit number 2 (step S1708). On the other hand, the calculated difference of the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 3 is initially −110 and determined to be “abnormal”, and the difference calculated after a predetermined time has not exceeded −100 and is still determined to be “abnormal”. It is assumed that “NO” in step S1706. In this case, it is determined that the “abnormal” state of the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 3 has substantially continued from the time of starting the timing, and warning processing is performed.

In Example 4 described above, when it is determined that the difference between the cumulative number of balls and the cumulative planned number of balls is not included in the predetermined range, the time measuring unit starts measuring time and the cumulative scheduled number of balls The cumulative number of balls is subtracted from the number, the difference is calculated, and the process of determining whether the calculated difference value is included in the predetermined range is repeated. The configuration of the management system that performs a predetermined warning process when it is determined that the difference value between the cumulative number of balls and the cumulative number of balls that are to be accumulated is not included in the predetermined range is shown.

On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, when it is determined that the difference value between the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is not included in the predetermined range, the ball hitting is based on the ball hitting signal received by the counting means. The process of starting the measurement of the number, subtracting the cumulative number of appearances from the cumulative expected number of appearances, calculating the difference, and determining whether or not the calculated difference value is included in a predetermined range Repeatedly, even if the measured number of hit balls reaches a predetermined number, it is determined that the difference value between the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is still not included in the predetermined range. 2 shows a configuration of a management system that performs the warning processing. In addition, about the component similar to the said Examples 1-4, 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.

In the fifth embodiment, counting means (not shown) such as a so-called out box for counting game media emitted into the gaming machine 100 is provided at the lower back of each gaming machine 100 or the like. The counting means sends a one-ball hitting signal to the management device 400 as one of the operation signals every time ten gaming media emitted into the gaming machine 100 are counted. Therefore, the management device 400 according to the fifth embodiment receives at least three of a ball signal, a ball schedule signal, and a ball signal as operation signals from each gaming machine 100. The hitting signal may be obtained from the gaming machine 100.

As shown in FIG. 18, the temporary storage area 181 of the HD 1801 provided in the management apparatus 400 of the fifth embodiment stores operation information including the number of balls to be played and the planned number of balls to be accumulated, As the operation information, the number of hit balls is stored. However, in other embodiments, it is obvious that the temporary storage area 181 may be provided in the RAM 402 or the medium 404.

Further, as in the fifth embodiment, the number of balls to be played, the number of expected balls to be shot, and the number of hit balls are not stored in the temporary storage area 181 but are stored in another storage area of the HD 1801 or the RAM 402 or the medium 404. It is good also as a structure.

The CPU 1802 of the management apparatus 400 in this embodiment shown in FIG. 18 appropriately receives the expected game output signal and the output signal sent from each gaming machine 100, and determines the expected number of balls to be related to the expected game signal and the The number of appearances related to the output signal is divided for each gaming machine 100 and stored in the temporary storage area 181 of the HD 1801. Also, it plays a role as a comparison means for calling and comparing the cumulative expected number of balls and the cumulative number of balls stored in the temporary storage area 181. As a comparison method performed by the comparison means, a method of calculating a difference by subtracting the accumulated number of balls from the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is adopted. However, the method of comparison is not limited to this, and any method can be used as long as it can be determined whether or not the difference between the cumulative number of expected balls and the cumulative number of balls is within a predetermined range. Further, the CPU 1802 refers to the determination table 452 and serves as a determination unit that determines whether or not the difference calculated by the cumulative expected number of balls and the cumulative number of balls is within a predetermined range. Fulfill.

Further, the CPU 1802 measures the number of hit balls based on the received hit ball signal as a counting means, and stores the measured hit ball number in the temporary storage area 181 of the HD 1801. Further, the CPU 1802 serves as a warning processing unit that displays on the display 407 the identification information of the gaming machine 100 determined to be abnormal together with the warning.

Next, the flow of processing executed by the management apparatus 400 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The following processing is executed independently for each gaming machine 100.

The CPU 1802 of the management device 400 calls the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of expected balls stored in the temporary storage area 181 and subtracts the cumulative number of balls from the cumulative planned number of balls to calculate the difference ( Step S1901). As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 5, for the gaming machine 100 with the unit number 1, when the cumulative number of balls 52600 is subtracted from the cumulative planned number of balls 52600, the result is 0. . Further, for the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 2, if the accumulated number of balls 8950 is subtracted from the accumulated number of balls 9090, the result is 140. Further, for the gaming machine 100 with the number 3, when 25600 which is the cumulative number of balls is subtracted from 25490 which is the total number of expected balls, the result is − (minus) 110.

Then, the CPU 1802 refers to the determination table 452 and determines whether or not the calculated difference is included in a predetermined range (step S1902). In the determination table 452, as shown in FIG. 9B, the case where the difference value is −100 or more and 100 or less is the “normal” range, and when the calculated difference is included in this range, “normal” "," Otherwise, it is determined as "abnormal".

If it demonstrates along the said specific example, since the result is 0 about the gaming machine 100 of the machine number 1, it will determine with "normal". Since the result of the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 2 is 140, it is determined as “abnormal”. The game machine 100 with the machine number 3 is determined as “abnormal” because the result is −110.

As a result of the determination, when the calculated difference is not included in the predetermined range and is determined as “abnormal”, the CPU 1802 starts measuring the number of hit balls based on the hit ball signal received after the “abnormal” determination. (Step S1903). Also, similar to the above-described flow (steps S1901 to S1902) from the calculation of the difference between the accumulated number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated until it is determined whether or not the calculated difference is included in a predetermined range. (Steps S1904 to S1905) are repeated until the number of hit balls reaches a preset number (NO in step S1906). In addition, while repeating such a flow, when the difference between the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is included in a predetermined range and is determined to be “normal” (YES in step S1905). ), The CPU 1802 resets the count (step S1907).

On the other hand, even if the number of hit balls reaches a predetermined number set in advance (YES in step S1906), the difference between the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is not included in the predetermined range and is determined to be “abnormal”. If it is determined (NO in step S1905), the CPU 1802 displays on the display 407 the identification information of the gaming machine 100 determined to be abnormal together with the warning process (step S1908). An example will be described along the above specific example. The calculated difference of the gaming machine 100 with the number 2 is initially 140 and determined to be “abnormal”, but the difference calculated while measuring the number of hits is within a predetermined range. Suppose. In this case, the count is reset when it comes within a predetermined range (“YES” in step S1905 and step S1907). On the other hand, the calculated difference of the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 3 is initially −110 and is determined to be “abnormal”, and the difference is within the predetermined range even in the difference calculation process performed until the hit number reaches the predetermined number. Suppose that it did not fit. At this time, since the abnormal state has been maintained until the predetermined number of hits is reached, a warning process is performed for the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 3.

Thus, even if it is determined as “abnormal” once, it is repeatedly determined until the number of hits reaches a predetermined number, and if it is still determined as “abnormal” even if the number of hits reaches a predetermined number The configuration that performs the warning process is convenient because it is possible to more accurately detect that some abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 100 or the like, or that there is a possibility thereof.

Further, if it is still determined as “abnormal” even when the number of hit balls reaches a predetermined number, the gaming machine 100 is in an operating state because the hitting signal is transmitted from the gaming machine 100, and the gaming machine 100 Even though is operating, the calculated difference value is not included in the predetermined range, indicating that it is determined as “abnormal”. In this case, it can be determined that there is a high possibility that some abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 100 or the like. For example, if the cumulative number of balls is more than the planned number of balls, it can be determined that there is a possibility that a goto act is being performed, or If there are more players, it can be determined that the upper plate of the gaming machine 100 is full of gaming media and there is a high possibility that the balls are clogged.

In addition, a configuration for determining whether or not a difference value between the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is included in a predetermined range until the number of hit balls reaches a predetermined number after being determined as “abnormal” Therefore, even if it is determined as “abnormal” once, if it is determined as “normal” in the subsequent determination, the warning process is not performed, and the warning process can be appropriately performed.

Further, in the configuration of the fifth embodiment, when it is determined that the difference value between the accumulated number of balls to be accumulated and the number of accumulated balls to be accumulated is not included in the predetermined range, the number of balls to be hit based on the ball signal received after the determination. And the process of calculating the difference value between the cumulative expected number of balls and the cumulative number of balls and determining whether or not the calculated difference value is included in the predetermined range, Configuration of a management system that performs a predetermined warning process when it is determined that the difference value between the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is not included in the predetermined range even when the number of hit balls reaches the predetermined number However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, when it is determined that the difference value between the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is not included in the predetermined range, the measurement of the number of hit balls is started based on the hit ball signal received after the determination. When the number reaches the predetermined number, the difference value between the cumulative expected number of balls and the cumulative number of balls is calculated, and it is determined again whether or not the calculated difference value is included in the predetermined range. When it is determined that the difference value between the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is not included in the predetermined range, a predetermined warning process may be performed.

A flow of processing executed by the management apparatus 400 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG. The following processing is executed independently for each gaming machine 100.

The CPU 1802 of the management device 400 calls the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of expected balls stored in the temporary storage area 181 and subtracts the cumulative number of balls from the cumulative planned number of balls to calculate the difference ( Step S2001). As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 5, for the gaming machine 100 with the unit number 1, when the cumulative number of balls 52600 is subtracted from the cumulative planned number of balls 52600, the result is 0. . Further, for the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 2, if the accumulated number of balls 8950 is subtracted from the accumulated number of balls 9090, the result is 140. Further, for the gaming machine 100 with the number 3, when 25600 which is the cumulative number of balls is subtracted from 25490 which is the total number of expected balls, the result is − (minus) 110.

Then, the CPU 1802 refers to the determination table 452 and determines whether or not the calculated difference is included in a predetermined range (step S2002). If it demonstrates along the said specific example, since the result is 0 about the gaming machine 100 of the machine number 1, it will determine with "normal". Since the result of the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 2 is 140, it is determined as “abnormal”. The game machine 100 with the machine number 3 is determined as “abnormal” because the result is −110.

As a result of the determination, if the calculated difference is not included in the predetermined range and is determined as “abnormal”, the CPU 1802 starts measuring the number of hit balls based on the hit ball signal received after the determination (step S2003). ).

When the number of hit balls reaches a predetermined number set in advance (YES in step S2004), the calculated difference is included in the predetermined range from the calculation of the difference between the accumulated number of balls to be accumulated and the number of expected balls to be accumulated. The same flow (steps S2005 to S2006) as the above-described flow (steps S2001 to S2002) until the determination is made is performed again. As a result of the re-determination, when the calculated difference is not included in the predetermined range and is determined to be “abnormal” (NO in step S2006), the “abnormal” state is substantially continued from the start of counting. The CPU 1802 determines that it is a warning process, that is, the identification information of the gaming machine 100 determined to be abnormal together with the warning is displayed on the display 407 (step S2007).

An example will be described along the above specific example. The difference calculated for the gaming machine 100 with the number 2 is initially 140 and determined to be “abnormal”, but the difference calculated after the number of hits reaches a predetermined number is 80 and determined to be “normal”. Suppose. In this case, the count is reset for the gaming machine 100 with the unit number 2 (step S2008). On the other hand, the calculated difference of the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 3 is initially −110, which is determined as “abnormal”, and the difference calculated after the hitting ball number reaches the predetermined number is not more than −100. It is assumed that “abnormal” is still determined (“NO” in step S2006). In this case, with respect to the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 3, it is determined that the “abnormal” state is substantially continued from the time of counting start, and warning processing is performed.

In Example 4 or 5, when it is determined that the difference value between the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is not included in the predetermined range, the time measuring unit starts measuring time or the counting unit Based on the received hitting signal, measurement of the number of hitting balls is started, and at the same time, the cumulative number of hitting balls is subtracted from the cumulative number of hitting balls to calculate the difference, and the calculated difference value is within a predetermined range. Repeat the process of determining whether or not it is included, even if a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of measurement or even if the number of hitting balls reaches a predetermined number, A configuration of a management system that performs a predetermined warning process when it is determined that a difference value from the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is not included in the predetermined range is shown.

On the other hand, in the sixth embodiment, when the management device determines that the gaming state of the gaming machine is a normal state based on the gaming state signal sent from the gaming machine, the time measurement is started and the cumulative scheduled output is started. Calculate the difference by subtracting the cumulative number of balls from the number of balls, repeat the process of determining whether the calculated difference value is included in a predetermined range, and set a predetermined value from the start of measurement Configuration of a management system that performs a predetermined warning process when it is determined that the difference value between the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is not included in the predetermined range showed that. In addition, about the component similar to the said Examples 1-5, 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 400>
Next, the hardware configuration of the management apparatus 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the hardware configuration of the management apparatus 400.

In FIG. 21, a CPU 2102 executes an application program, an operating system (OS), a control program, and the like stored in the HD 405, and performs control to temporarily store information, files, and the like necessary for executing the program in a RAM 402. .

Further, the CPU 2102 determines whether or not the gaming machine 100 is in a normal gaming state based on a gaming state signal such as a jackpot signal, a probability variation state signal, or a time reduction signal transmitted from each gaming machine 100. Acts as a means. Specifically, when any gaming state signal is received from the gaming machine 100, the gaming machine 100 is not in a normal gaming state but in a gaming state based on the received gaming state signal. to decide. On the other hand, when no gaming state signal is received from the gaming machine 100, it is determined that the gaming machine 100 is in a normal gaming state.

In addition, the CPU 2102 appropriately receives a scheduled ball signal and a ball signal sent from each gaming machine 100, and determines the number of balls to be played according to the ball scheduled signal and the number of balls according to the ball signal. The data is divided into units of 100 and stored in the temporary storage area 451 of the HD 405. In addition, it plays a role as a comparison means for calling and comparing the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated stored in the temporary storage area 451. In the sixth embodiment, as a comparison method, a method is employed in which the difference is calculated by subtracting the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated from the cumulative planned number of balls. However, the method of comparison is not limited to this, and any method can be used as long as it can be determined whether or not the difference calculated by the cumulative expected number of balls and the cumulative number of balls is within a predetermined range. is there. The CPU 2102 serves as a determination unit that determines whether the calculated difference is included in a predetermined range.

Further, the CPU 2102 serves as a time measuring unit that measures a predetermined time set in advance. In order to serve as a time measuring means, specifically, for example, the management device 400 is provided with a real time clock (not shown) for measuring the current time, and the CPU 2102 is set in advance with reference to this real time clock. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and any method can be used as long as the predetermined time can be measured in advance. In addition, when the calculated difference is not included in the predetermined range and is determined as “abnormal”, the CPU 2102 determines the abnormality of the gaming machine 100 determined to be abnormal together with a predetermined warning process, that is, in the sixth embodiment, along with an alarm. It serves as a warning processing means for displaying identification information on the display 407.

<Processing flow of management device 400>
Next, the flow of processing executed by the management apparatus 400 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The following processing is executed independently for each gaming machine 100.

The management device 400 confirms the reception status of a gaming status signal such as a jackpot signal sent from the gaming machine 100 (step S2201), and if no gaming status signal has been received, the gaming machine 100 The state is determined to be a normal state (YES in step S2202). On the other hand, if any gaming state signal is received, it is determined that the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is a gaming state based on the received gaming state signal other than the normal state (in step S2202). NO).

When the management device 400 determines that the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is the normal state, the management device 400 starts measuring a preset time (step S2203). In addition, the CPU 2102 calls the accumulated number of balls to be accumulated and the number of accumulated balls to be accumulated stored in the temporary storage area 451, subtracts the number of accumulated balls to be accumulated from the number of balls to be accumulated, and calculates a difference (step S2204). ). As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 5, for the gaming machine 100 with the unit number 1, when the cumulative number of balls 52600 is subtracted from the cumulative planned number of balls 52600, the result is 0. . Further, for the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 2, if the accumulated number of balls 8950 is subtracted from the accumulated number of balls 9090, the result is 140. Further, for the gaming machine 100 with the number 3, when 25600 which is the cumulative number of balls is subtracted from 25490 which is the total number of expected balls, the result is − (minus) 110.

Then, the CPU 2102 refers to the determination table 452 and determines whether or not the calculated difference is included in a predetermined range (step S2205). In the determination table 452, as shown in FIG. 9B, the case where the difference value is −100 or more and 100 or less is the “normal” range, and when the calculated difference is included in this range, “normal” "," Otherwise, it is determined as "abnormal".

If it demonstrates along the said specific example, since the result is 0 about the gaming machine 100 of the machine number 1, it will determine with "normal". Since the result of the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 2 is 140, it is determined as “abnormal”. The game machine 100 with the machine number 3 is determined as “abnormal” because the result is −110.

A flow (steps S2204 to S2205) from the calculation of the difference between the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of planned balls to be determined whether or not the calculated difference is included in a predetermined range is set in advance. Until the predetermined time has elapsed (NO in step S2206). In addition, while repeating such a flow, when the difference between the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is included in a predetermined range and is determined to be “normal” (YES in step S2205). ), The CPU 2102 resets the time measurement (step S2207).

On the other hand, when a predetermined time set in advance has elapsed (YES in step S2206), the difference between the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is not included in the predetermined range, and is determined to be “abnormal”. In this case (NO in step S2205), the CPU 2102 displays warning information, that is, identification information of the gaming machine 100 determined to be abnormal together with the warning on the display 407 (step S2208). For example, to explain along the above specific example, the calculated difference of the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 2 is initially 140 and determined to be “abnormal”, but in the difference calculation process until a predetermined time elapses, the difference is calculated. Is now within a predetermined range. At this time, the timekeeping is reset when it comes within a predetermined range (“YES” in step S2205 and step S2207). On the other hand, the calculated difference of the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 3 is initially −110 and is determined as “abnormal”, and the difference is also determined in the difference calculation process (steps S2204 and S2205) performed until a predetermined time elapses. Suppose that it was not within the range. At this time, since the abnormal state has been maintained for a predetermined time, a warning process is performed for the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 3. Note that the CPU 2102 resets the time when the warning process is performed or when the warning process is canceled by an attendant of the game hall or the like.

By configuring the management system in this way, it is possible to notify an employee or the like of the game hall that some abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 100 or the like, or that there is a possibility. For this reason, employees who receive the news can take appropriate actions promptly. In addition, when a state where the difference value between the accumulated number of balls to be accumulated and the expected number of balls to be accumulated is not included in the predetermined range continues for a predetermined time in the normal state of the gaming machine 100, a predetermined warning is given. Since the processing is performed, it is possible to more accurately determine an abnormal state such as a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 100 or the like. Specifically, as an abnormality occurring in the gaming machine 100 or the like, for example, it can be determined that there is a possibility that a got action is performed, or that there is a possibility that an abnormality occurs in the payout mechanism (not shown) of the gaming machine 100.

When the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is other than a normal state such as a big hit state, the player is enthusiastic about the game, and the gaming machine 100 is left packed with gaming media such as pachinko balls in the upper plate 121. May continue. In that case, since the gaming machine 100 cannot pay out the game medium to the upper plate 121, the expected number of balls and the number of balls to be played are different. On the other hand, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 returns to the normal state, the player generally moves the game medium accumulated on the upper plate 121 to a ball box (not shown) or flows it to each counter (not shown). Therefore, the upper plate 121 is vacant, and the gaming medium is paid out from the gaming machine 100, and the difference between the expected number of balls and the number of balls should be eliminated.

Therefore, the difference between the planned number of balls and the number of balls is simply caused by the player continuing the game with the game medium 100 clogged in the upper plate 121 of the gaming machine 100. A substantial abnormality does not occur in the gaming machine 100 such as an action being performed. In order to eliminate this difference, it is necessary to perform a player's work such as transferring the game medium stored on the upper plate 121 to the ball box, and therefore, it is necessary to observe a certain amount of time. Therefore, the management system of the present embodiment determines the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 based on the reception status of the gaming state signal, and starts measuring time when determining that the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is the normal state. In addition, it is configured to repeatedly determine whether or not the difference value between the cumulative expected number of balls and the cumulative number of balls is within a predetermined range until a predetermined time elapses in advance. The difference between the expected number of balls and the number of balls generated by continuing the game with the game medium jammed in the upper plate 121 is determined not to be “abnormal”.

Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration is shown in which the difference is calculated by subtracting the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated from the cumulative planned number of balls, but the difference is calculated by subtracting the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated from the cumulative number of balls. Of course, it is good also as a structure. Similar effects can be obtained by such a calculation method.

<Modification of the sixth embodiment>
In the configuration of the sixth embodiment, when the management device 400 determines that the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is the normal state based on the gaming state signal sent from the gaming machine 100, the management device 400 starts measuring time. The configuration of the management system that repeatedly determines whether or not the difference value between the cumulative expected number of balls and the cumulative number of balls is included in a predetermined range until a predetermined time set in advance is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the management apparatus 400 starts measuring time when it is determined that the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is the normal state based on the gaming state signal sent from the gaming machine 100. In addition, when a predetermined time set in advance elapses, it may be configured to determine whether or not the difference value between the cumulative number of expected balls and the cumulative number of balls is within a predetermined range.

A flow of processing executed by the management apparatus 400 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG. The following processing is executed independently for each gaming machine 100.

The management device 400 confirms the reception status of a gaming status signal such as a jackpot signal sent from the gaming machine 100 (step S2301), and if no gaming status signal has been received, the gaming device 100 The state is determined to be a normal state (YES in step S2302). On the other hand, if any of the gaming state signals is received, it is determined that the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is a gaming state based on the received gaming state signal other than the normal state (in step S2302). NO).

When the management device 400 determines that the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is the normal state, the management device 400 starts measuring a preset time (step S2303). When a predetermined time set in advance elapses (YES in step S2304), the CPU 2102 of the management apparatus 400 calls the accumulated number of balls to be accumulated and the number of accumulated balls to be accumulated stored in the temporary storage area 451, and the accumulation schedule The cumulative number of balls is subtracted from the number of balls in play to calculate the difference (step S2305). As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 5, for the gaming machine 100 with the unit number 1, when the cumulative number of balls 52600 is subtracted from the cumulative planned number of balls 52600, the result is 0. . Further, for the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 2, if the accumulated number of balls 8950 is subtracted from the accumulated number of balls 9090, the result is 140. Further, for the gaming machine 100 with the number 3, when 25600 which is the cumulative number of balls is subtracted from 25490 which is the total number of expected balls, the result is − (minus) 110.

Then, the CPU 2102 refers to the determination table 452 and determines whether or not the calculated difference is included in a predetermined range (step S2306). If it demonstrates along the said specific example, since the result is 0 about the gaming machine 100 of the machine number 1, it will determine with "normal". Since the result of the gaming machine 100 with the machine number 2 is 140, it is determined as “abnormal”. The game machine 100 with the machine number 3 is determined as “abnormal” because the result is −110.

As a result of the determination, if the calculated difference is not included in the predetermined range and is determined to be “abnormal”, it is determined that the “abnormal” state has substantially continued from the time when the time measurement started, and the CPU 2102 Displays warning information, that is, the identification information of the gaming machine 100 determined to be abnormal together with the warning on the display 407 (step S2307).

In the sixth embodiment, during the measurement of the time that starts when the management device 400 determines that the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is the normal state, a gaming state signal such as a jackpot signal sent from the gaming machine 100 is displayed. If received, the time may be reset and the process may be performed from the beginning (step S2201 or step S2301). Further, when a gaming state signal such as a jackpot signal is received for the gaming machine 100 during the warning process (step S2208 or step S2307), the warning process is stopped and the process is started first (step S2201 or step S2307). You may comprise so that it may perform from step S2301).

In the above fourth to sixth embodiments, the CPU 4502, 1802, 2102 shows a configuration for determining whether or not the calculated difference value is included in a predetermined range as a comparison unit. However, the present invention is limited to this configuration. Instead of this, it may be configured to determine whether or not the cumulative number of balls and the cumulative planned number of balls are matched (whether or not the difference value is 0) as in the first embodiment. In this case, it can be realized even if the range of “normal” is set to 0 or more and 0 or less in the determination table 452, and the determination table 452 is not provided, and the cumulative number of balls to be output and the cumulative number of expected balls to be inconsistent. If the difference value is not 0, it may be determined to be abnormal. Moreover, in the said Examples 4-6, although the structure which performs determination using the cumulative number of balls and the number of cumulative scheduled balls was shown, it is not limited to this configuration, as in the above Example 3. It is good also as a structure which performs determination using the number of accumulated supply balls, and the number of accumulation scheduled balls.

<Other variations>
Moreover, in the said Examples 1-6, it demonstrated supposing a pachinko machine as a game machine of management object. However, it is obvious that the above management system can be applied to other gaming machines such as a pachislot (slot machine) and a pachilot.

In the first to sixth embodiments, when it is determined that there is an abnormality, the identification information of the gaming machine 100 that is determined to be abnormal together with an alarm is displayed on the display 407 as a warning process. For example, the identification information of the gaming machine 100 determined to be abnormal together with an alarm may be sent to an income worn by each employee of the game hall. Further, in this case, an abnormal signal is sent from the management device 400 to the gaming machine 100 determined to be abnormal, and the gaming machine 100 that has received the abnormal signal stops paying out gaming media and blinks the display device 130. It is good also as a structure made to do. In addition, a configuration that only issues a warning, a configuration that only displays a warning on the display 407, or a configuration that stops supply of power to the gaming machine 100 determined to be abnormal may be employed. Further, it may be configured such that a warning sound is generated or a display for notifying an abnormality is blinked for an inter-unit device (not shown) installed adjacent to the gaming machine 100. Further, a camera (not shown) provided in the game hall is used, and when it is determined that there is an abnormality, the game machine 100 is focused and enlarged to be displayed on the display 407 or other monitor. May be. As described above, any method can be used as long as it can be notified to an employee of the game hall that the game is determined to be abnormal.

Moreover, when the value obtained by subtracting the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated is not 0 in Example 1 above, the value obtained by subtracting the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated in Examples 2 and 4 to 6 above. Is within the range determined to be abnormal stored in the determination table 452, in the third embodiment, a value obtained by subtracting the cumulative number of replenishment balls from the cumulative expected number of balls is stored in the determination table 462. When it is in the range that is judged as abnormal, warning processing such as alarming is performed, but if the subtraction result becomes positive value and negative value, or the calculated difference is normal The content of the warning process to be performed may be changed depending on whether the range is larger or smaller than the determined range. Specifically, when the calculated difference is smaller than the range in which it is determined to be normal or the subtraction result is a negative value, for example, a character / figure indicating the possibility of mechanical failure or goto action・ Display symbols. On the other hand, if the calculated difference is larger than the range in which it is determined to be normal or the subtraction result is a positive value, for example, characters / graphics indicating the possibility of mechanical failure or failure of the replenisher system・ Display symbols.

Moreover, in the said Example 4 and 5, it is supposed that the timing which calculates the difference of a cumulative planned number of balls and the number of accumulated balls or the number of accumulated supply balls is performed by the time interval set beforehand. This time interval can be, for example, a 1 second interval, a 5 minute interval, or a 1 hour interval. If this time interval is shortened, the determination can be made in real time, but the management device 400 is loaded. On the other hand, if this time interval is set long, the load on the management apparatus 400 is reduced, but the real-time property is lacking. Therefore, in actual game room management, an appropriate time interval is set in consideration of these factors. However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration for setting the time interval, and for example, based on the number of times of receiving a hitting signal output from an outbox (not shown) provided separately from the gaming machine main body 110 or based on the hitting signal. The difference between the cumulative expected number of balls and the cumulative number of balls or cumulative supply balls may be calculated based on the calculated number of hit balls. In this case, the number of hitting balls received or the number of hitting balls are stored cumulatively in the temporary storage area 451 of the HD 405, etc., when a predetermined number of hitting signals are received or when the number of hitting balls reaches a predetermined number. The difference between the cumulative planned number of balls and the cumulative number of balls or cumulative supply balls is calculated. For example, an arbitrary number can be set, such as every 10 times for a hitting signal and every 100 for a hitting number. Further, as in the first to third embodiments, when a working signal (any one of a ball signal, a ball signal, a ball signal, etc.) is received, a series of processing such as difference value calculation / determination is started. Also good. Moreover, in the structure of Examples 1-3, it is good also as a structure which performs the timing which calculates the difference of a cumulative scheduled number of balls, and the number of accumulated balls or the number of accumulated supply balls for every preset time interval. Is natural.

Further, the timing for calculating the difference between the cumulative number of expected balls and the cumulative number of balls to be dispensed or the cumulative number of replenished balls may be set for each predetermined number of times of receiving a scheduled ball signal, It is good also as every time it reaches | attains, and it is good also as a reference | standard for every time of reaching the preset cumulative number of appearances for every reception frequency of the preset appearance signal. For example, an arbitrary number can be set, such as every 10 times for a scheduled game signal and every 100 for a cumulative scheduled number of balls.

In the first to sixth embodiments, the management device 400 calculates the difference value between the accumulated number of balls to be accumulated and the cumulative number of balls to be accumulated in each gaming machine 100 and determines whether or not the difference value is included in a predetermined range. Although the structure to perform is shown, it is good also as calculating and determining a difference value in the stand management apparatus 200 or the island management apparatus 300.

Moreover, in the said Examples 1-6, although it is set as the structure which uses the accumulation value on the day of a business day for the accumulation planned number of balls to be memorize | stored in the temporary storage area 451,461,181, the number of accumulated balls, and the number of accumulated supply balls, However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the determination is performed every predetermined time, the cumulative value may be cleared when each determination is completed.

In addition, in the case of a configuration that calculates the difference in cumulative values for the expected number of balls, number of balls to be played, and number of balls to be supplied, once it is determined to be abnormal, it will be determined to be abnormal due to the difference value until the next time. Will continue. Therefore, in order to eliminate this, when it is determined as “abnormal” by the determination process and a predetermined warning process is performed, or when the predetermined warning process is canceled, a process of regarding the difference at that time as 0 is performed. It is good also as a structure which goes and uses for the determination after the next time.

As a specific example, regarding the gaming machine 100 determined to be “abnormal” in the storage device such as the HD 405, the difference value between the cumulative expected number of balls and the cumulative number of balls at the time when the determination process is performed. Alternatively, the difference value between the cumulative planned number of balls and the cumulative number of replenished balls is stored together with a machine number that is identification information of the gaming machine 100. Then, in the next and subsequent determination processing of the gaming machine 100 with the unit number, the difference value between the accumulated expected number of balls and the accumulated number of balls to be dispensed or the cumulative number of replenishment balls is calculated in consideration of the stored difference value. . For example, for the gaming machine 100 with the number 10, if the cumulative planned number of balls at a certain time is 600 and the cumulative number of balls is 200, the cumulative planned number of balls (600) −the cumulative number of balls (200) = The difference value (400) is obtained. This is determined to be “abnormal” in any of Examples 1-2, 4-6. When it is determined that there is an abnormality, at least the unit number and the difference value (unit number 10, difference value 400) are stored in a storage device such as HD405. Then, in the next determination process, the stored difference value is called, and if the cumulative planned number of balls in the gaming machine 100 with the unit number 10 is 1000 and the cumulative number of balls is 650, the cumulative planned number of balls ( 1000)-Cumulative number of balls (650)-Calculate the difference value (400) called above, and calculate the difference value as -50.

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.

The present invention can also be achieved by supplying a program for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments directly or remotely to a system or apparatus, and reading and executing the program code supplied by the computer of the system or apparatus. Including the case.

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.

100: gaming machine, 110: gaming machine main body, 111: board surface, 112: symbol display device, 113: start prize opening, 114: jackpot winning prize opening, 121: upper plate, 122: lower plate, 123: handle, 130: display 181: Temporary storage area, 200: Stand management device, 300: Island management device, 400: Management device, 401: ROM, 402: RAM, 403: External storage drive, 404: Media, 405: HD, 406: Instruction Input device, 407: display, 408: I / F, 409: system bus, 410: CPU, 451: temporary storage area, 452: determination table, 461: temporary storage area, 462: determination table, 500: replenishment apparatus 501: Supply basket 502: Ball supply path 503: Prize ball tank 504: Supply means, 601: Machine number, 602: Cumulative number of balls to be accumulated, 603: Cumulative number of balls, 701: Network, 702: Network, 801: HD, 802: CPU, 1301: Unit number, 1302: Number of balls scheduled to be accumulated, 1303: Number of balls to be replenished, 1801: HD, 1802: CPU 2102: CPU, 4201: HD, 4202: CPU, 4502: CPU

Claims (5)

In a management device that manages the operating status of gaming machines,
The operation signal indicating the operation status includes at least a supply ball signal indicating the number of game media to be replenished to the gaming machine, and a ball appearance schedule signal indicating the number of game media scheduled to be paid out from the gaming machine due to winning. ,
Storage means for cumulatively storing the number of balls to be supplied according to the supply ball signal and the number of balls to be scheduled to be output according to the scheduled output signal;
When the player's ball lending operation is accepted, a predetermined sales signal is output to the management device, and when the sales signal is received from the inter-device that instructs the corresponding gaming machine to pay out the game medium, A means for storing the number of balls to be stored is cumulatively stored.
Arithmetic means for subtracting the cumulative number of balls stored in the number of reserved balls stored from the cumulative number of supply balls stored in the storage;
Based on the cumulative number of replenished balls after the subtraction and the cumulative number of expected balls stored in the storage means, the difference value between the cumulative number of replenished balls after the subtraction and the cumulative total number of expected balls is within a predetermined range. Determining means for determining whether or not included,
A management apparatus comprising: In a management device that manages the operating status of gaming machines,
The operation signal indicating the operation status includes at least a supply ball signal indicating the number of game media to be replenished to the gaming machine, and a ball appearance schedule signal indicating the number of game media scheduled to be paid out from the gaming machine due to winning. ,
Storage means for cumulatively storing the number of balls to be supplied according to the supply ball signal and the number of balls to be scheduled to be output according to the scheduled output signal;
A time measuring means for measuring time;
When the player's ball lending operation is accepted, a predetermined sales signal is output to the management device, and when the sales signal is received from the inter-device that instructs the corresponding gaming machine to pay out the game medium, A means for storing the number of balls to be stored is cumulatively stored.
Arithmetic means for subtracting the cumulative number of balls stored in the number of reserved balls stored from the cumulative number of supply balls stored in the storage;
Based on the cumulative number of replenished balls after the subtraction and the cumulative number of expected balls stored in the storage means, the difference value between the cumulative number of replenished balls after the subtraction and the cumulative total number of expected balls is within a predetermined range. Determination means for determining whether or not a state in which the difference value is not included in a predetermined range continues for a predetermined time with reference to whether or not included, and the time measuring means;
A management apparatus comprising: In a management device that manages the operating status of gaming machines,
The operation signal indicating the operation status includes at least a supply ball signal indicating the number of game media to be supplied to the gaming machine, a game output schedule signal indicating the number of game media scheduled to be paid out from the gaming machine due to winning, and a game Including a ball signal indicating the number of game media driven into the plane,
Storage means for cumulatively storing the number of balls to be supplied according to the supply ball signal and the number of balls to be scheduled to be output according to the scheduled output signal;
Counting means for measuring the number of hit balls based on the hit ball signal;
When the player's ball lending operation is accepted, a predetermined sales signal is output to the management device, and when the sales signal is received from the inter-device that instructs the corresponding gaming machine to pay out the game medium, A means for storing the number of balls to be stored is cumulatively stored.
Arithmetic means for subtracting the cumulative number of balls stored in the number of reserved balls stored from the cumulative number of supply balls stored in the storage;
Based on the cumulative number of replenished balls after the subtraction and the cumulative number of expected balls stored in the storage means, the difference value between the cumulative number of replenished balls after the subtraction and the cumulative total number of expected balls is within a predetermined range. Determination means for determining whether or not the difference value is not included in a predetermined range and continuing for a period until the predetermined hitting number is reached with reference to the counting means; ,
A management apparatus comprising: In a management device that manages the operating status of gaming machines,
The operation signal indicating the operation status includes at least a supply ball signal indicating the number of game media to be supplied to the gaming machine, a game output schedule signal indicating the number of game media scheduled to be paid out from the gaming machine due to winning, and a game A gaming status signal indicating the gaming status of the machine,
Storage means for cumulatively storing the number of balls to be supplied according to the supply ball signal and the number of balls to be scheduled to be output according to the scheduled output signal;
Determining means for determining whether the gaming machine is in a normal state based on the gaming state signal;
A time measuring means for measuring time;
When the player's ball lending operation is accepted, a predetermined sales signal is output to the management device, and when the sales signal is received from the inter-device that instructs the corresponding gaming machine to pay out the game medium, A means for storing the number of balls to be stored is cumulatively stored.
Arithmetic means for subtracting the cumulative number of balls stored in the number of reserved balls stored from the cumulative number of supply balls stored in the storage;
Based on the cumulative number of replenished balls after the subtraction and the cumulative number of expected balls stored in the storage means, the difference value between the cumulative number of replenished balls after the subtraction and the cumulative total number of expected balls is within a predetermined range. It is determined whether or not the state where the difference value is not included in a predetermined range continues for a predetermined time in the normal state of the gaming machine with reference to whether or not it is included and the determination unit and the timing unit Determination means to perform,
A management apparatus comprising: The gaming state signal includes at least a jackpot signal indicating that the gaming machine is in a jackpot state, a probability varying state signal indicating that the gaming machine is in a probability varying state, and a time indicating that the gaming machine is in a short-time state. The management apparatus according to claim 4, wherein any one of the short signals is included.