JP2015029686A - Game management device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game management device in which change of game players can be correctly determined and game information for one game player can be correctly acquired.SOLUTION: A game management device comprises a game machine and a management computer which can communicate with the game machine. The management computer has: vacant seat determination means which can determine whether or not a game is being played in the game machine: game end determination means which can determine that a game ends in the game machine; and game player change determination means which determines that game players are changed in the game machine, when the game end determination means determines that the game ends, in a state where the vacant seat determination means determines that the game is not being played.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game management device that manages game information in a plurality of gaming machines, and in particular, a game management device that can accurately determine a player's turn and accurately acquire game information per player. About.

  In recent years, most of the game stores where pachinko and pachislot machines are installed are equipped with game management devices for collecting and managing game information for each player, and the collected game information is used for management and services of the game store. ing.

  As one of such game management devices, for example, a player is imaged by a plurality of cameras provided on a ceiling or a pedestal machine in a game store, and a player is changed using a face authentication technique (player's change). There has been proposed a game management apparatus that can determine the replacement.

  However, in such a conventional game management apparatus, it is necessary to newly install a plurality of cameras in the amusement store, so that there is a problem that the equipment investment in the amusement store is heavy and the introduction is difficult.

  In order to solve such a conventional problem, for example, in Patent Document 1, a game end time is estimated based on game information input from a gaming machine, and when it is determined that the estimation is correct, the game starts. A game management device configured to store game information from the time until the estimated game end time as game information per player's continuous game is disclosed.

Japanese Patent No. 4296338

  However, in the conventional game management device, since the accuracy of estimation at the end of the game is low, it may not be possible to accurately determine the replacement of players, and to accurately acquire game information per player in each gaming machine There was a limit.

  The present invention has been made to solve such conventional problems, and can accurately determine the replacement of players, and can accurately acquire game information per player. An object of the present invention is to provide a game management device that can be used.

  The present invention relates to a game management device configured to include a gaming machine and a management computer capable of communicating with the gaming machine, wherein the management computer determines whether or not a game is being played on the gaming machine. A possible vacant seat determining means, a game end determining means capable of determining that a game has ended in the gaming machine, and the game end determining means in a state where the vacant seat determining means determines that no game is being performed. And a player change determining means for determining that the player has changed in the gaming machine when it is determined that the game has ended.

  According to the game management device according to the present invention, it is possible to accurately determine the change of the player, and to obtain an excellent effect that the game information per player can be accurately acquired.

It is a block diagram showing typically the system configuration of the game management device concerning a 1st embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a management computer 30, an island computer 50, and a stand computer 70. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko machine that is an example of a gaming machine 130. FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the waveform of the operation signal which the game machine 130 can output. It is a schematic front view of a common pedestrian machine. It is the figure which showed an example of the game equipment operation state data which shows the operation state of a game equipment. It is the figure which showed an example of the game equipment operation history data which shows the operation history of a game equipment. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of main processing executed by a CPU 31 of the management computer 30. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the flow of packet processing. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the flow of a player change determination process. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the flow of an operation history creation process. It is the time chart which showed the relationship of a hit signal, a sales signal, and a player change flag. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the player determination process which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a time chart which showed the relationship between a hit signal, a start signal, a sales signal, and a player change flag. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the flow of the packet processing which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the flow of the player change determination process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. 3 is a time chart showing the relationship between a hitting ball signal, a start signal, game state information, a sales signal, and a player change flag. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the flow of the packet processing which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the flow of the player change determination process which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a time chart which showed the relationship between the number of balls, a sales signal, and a player change flag. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the player determination process which concerns on the modification of 3rd Embodiment. It is a time chart which showed the relationship between the number of balls and a player change flag. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the flow of the player change determination process which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a time chart which showed the relationship between the number of possessions, a possession counter, a sales signal, and a player change flag. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the flow of the player change determination process which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is the time chart which showed the relationship between the number of balls, a ball counter, a ball signal, a start signal, a sales signal, and a player change flag.

  Hereinafter, a game management device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<< First Embodiment >>
First, the game management device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the system configuration of the game management device according to the first embodiment.

<Overall configuration of game management device>
As shown in FIG. 1, the game management apparatus 10 includes a management computer 30 that controls the entire apparatus, a plurality of island computers 50 connected to the management computer 30 via a network NW, and the island computer 50. A plurality of computer 70 connected under the network NW, a plurality of inter-machines (sand) 90 and a call lamp 110 connected via the network NW under the computer 70, and the call lamp And a plurality of gaming machines 130 connected to the base computer 70 via 110.

  In the game management device 10 of the present embodiment, an operation signal transmitted from the gaming machine 130 (sometimes referred to as a gaming machine operation signal, which will be described in detail later) includes a call lamp 110, a stand computer 70, and an island computer 50. To the management computer 30, and collected and managed by the management computer 30. In this example, the gaming machine 130 and the management computer 30 are connected via the call lamp 110, the base computer 70, and the island computer 50. However, an operation signal transmitted from the gaming machine 130 is transmitted to the management computer. Any configuration can be used as long as 30 can be collected. Accordingly, one or more of the call lamp 110, the stand computer 70, and the island computer 50 may be omitted. For example, an operation signal transmitted from the gaming machine 130 may be used instead of the call lamp 110. (Or the island computer 50) may be configured to receive, and some or all of the calling lamps 110 may be omitted. Further, another device that relays the gaming machine operation signal may be newly added on the network NW.

  Further, in the game management device 10 of the present embodiment, an operation signal (may be referred to as a related device operation signal, which will be described later) transmitted from the inter-machine 90 is managed via the stand computer 70 and the island computer 50. The information is transmitted to the computer 30 and collected and managed by the management computer 30. In this example, the pedestal machine 90 and the management computer 30 are connected via the pedestal computer 70 and the island computer 50. However, the management computer 30 can collect operation signals transmitted from the pedestal machine 90. For example, one or more of the base computer 70 and the island computer 50 may be omitted, or another device that relays the related apparatus operation signal may be newly added on the network NW. .

  In this example, the entire apparatus is controlled by one management computer 30. However, the entire apparatus may be controlled by two or more management computers. With such a configuration, it is possible to disperse the control burden required for the control of the entire apparatus, increase the processing capacity of the entire apparatus, and quickly collect operation signals from the gaming machine 130 and the inter-vehicle machine 90 and appropriately Can be performed. Further, the numbers of the island computer 50, the computer 70, the inter-machine 90, the calling lamp 110, and the gaming machine 130 are not limited to the illustrated numbers.

  Further, another device capable of transmitting an operation signal indicating an operation state may be connected to the network NW so that the management computer 30 can collect the operation signal from the device. For example, a counter (a so-called jet counter) is connected on the network NW, and the management computer 30 indicates an operation signal indicating the amount of game media (the number of game balls, the number of game medals, etc.) counted by the counter. You may comprise so that it can collect.

  Further, a part or all of each device (hardware) constituting the game management device 10 may be replaced with software that realizes a function equivalent to the device (hardware). The network NW applied to the game management apparatus 10 is typically a LAN (Local Area Network), but the communication form is a line that can communicate with each other regardless of wired or wireless. I just need it.

<Management computer>
Next, the management computer 30 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the management computer 30, the island computer 50, and the base computer 70.

  The management computer 30 is a computer for receiving a packet (electronic message information including an operation signal; details will be described later) from the subordinate island computer 50 and performing various processes based on the received packet. The management computer 30 of the present embodiment includes a CPU 31 that controls the entire computer, a ROM 32 for storing basic I / O programs and various data, a RAM 33 for temporarily storing data, a CD-ROM, and a DVD. An external storage drive 35 capable of reading and writing data from and to the recording medium 34, a storage device 36 for storing data, an input device 37 for inputting commands to the management computer 30, and various displays The display device 38, a communication unit 39 for communicating with the island computer 50 via the network NW, and a timer 41 for measuring time, number of times, and the like. Such a management computer 30 can be realized by, for example, a conventionally known server or personal computer (PC).

  The CPU 31 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from a crystal oscillator (not shown) as a system clock, and executes a process for executing an application program, an operating system (OS), etc. stored in the ROM 32, the storage device 36, etc. Then, processing for storing data, files, and the like necessary for executing the program in the RAM 33 and the storage device 36 is performed.

  The storage device 36 stores application programs, OS, control programs, related programs, and the like, and can be realized by, for example, a hard disk (HDD). The input device 37 is for inputting a command (command) to the management computer 30 and can be realized by, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device (such as a mouse), a touch panel, or the like. The display device 38 displays a command input by the input device 37, a response output of the management computer 30 with respect to the command, and the like, and can be realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display device or a plasma display.

<Island Computer>
Next, the island computer 50 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The island computer 50 is a computer that receives a packet from the subordinate computer 70, performs predetermined processing on the received packet, and transmits the packet to the management computer 30 via the network NW.

  The island computer 50 of the present embodiment includes a CPU 51 for controlling the entire computer, a ROM 52 for storing basic I / O programs and various data, a RAM 53 for temporarily storing data, a management computer 30 and a network. The management computer communication unit 55 for performing communication via the NW and the base computer communication unit 56 for performing communication with the base computer 70 via the network NW are configured. Such an island computer 50 can be realized by, for example, a conventionally known server or personal computer (PC).

  When the computer communication unit 56 receives a packet from the computer 70, the CPU 51 of the island computer 50 stores the received packet information in the RAM 53 and then sends a packet transmission request to the management computer communication unit 55. Do. Upon receiving this transmission request, the management computer communication unit 55 reads the packet information stored in the RAM 53, adds the identification information (ID) of the island computer 50 to the information, and then sends it to the management computer 30 via the network NW. Send.

  Further, the CPU 51 of the island computer 50 receives the game state information (such as big hit state information, small hit state information, probability change state information, or error state information) received in the packet received from the base computer 70. The gaming state information is stored in the RAM 53, and at the same time (for example, every 1 to 5 seconds), the management computer communication unit 55 is requested to transmit the gaming state information. Upon receiving this transmission request, the management computer communication unit 55 reads the gaming state information stored in the RAM 53, adds the identification information (ID) of the island computer 50 to this gaming state information, and then manages the management computer via the network NW. 30.

<Computer>
Next, the stand computer 70 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The platform computer 70 is a computer that receives packets from the subordinate intermediary machine 90 and the call lamp 110, performs predetermined processing on the received packets, and transmits the packets to the island computer 50 via the network NW.

  The stand computer 70 of this embodiment includes a CPU 71 for controlling the entire computer, a ROM 72 for storing basic I / O programs and various data, a RAM 73 for temporarily storing data, an island computer 50 and a network. An island computer communication unit 75 for performing communication via the NW, and a gaming facility communication unit 76 for performing communication with the interstage machine 90 and the calling lamp 110 via the network NW. . Such a stand computer 70 can be realized by, for example, a conventionally known server or personal computer (PC).

  When the gaming equipment communication unit 76 receives a packet from the inter-vehicle machine 90 or the call lamp 110, the CPU 71 of the computer 70 stores the received packet information in the RAM 73 and then sends it to the island computer communication unit 75. Request packet transmission. Upon receiving this transmission request, the island computer communication unit 75 reads the information of the packet stored in the RAM 73, and includes the identification information (ID) of the base computer 70 and the information of the source machine 90 or the gaming machine 130 in the information. After giving the identification information (ID), the information is transmitted to the island computer 50 via the network NW.

  In addition, the CPU 71 of the stand computer 70 includes game state information (such as big hit state information, small hit state information, probability change state information, or error state information) in the packet received from the intermediary machine 90 or the call lamp 110. When the game state information is received, the received game state information is stored in the RAM 73, and at the same time (for example, every 1 to 5 seconds), the island computer communication unit 75 is requested to transmit the game state information. Upon receiving this transmission request, the island computer communication unit 75 reads the gaming state information stored in the RAM 73, and in the information, the identification information (ID) of the base computer 70, the transmission-source machine 90 or the gaming machine 130. After giving the identification information (ID), the information is transmitted to the island computer 50 via the network NW.

  In this way, the base computer 70 gives the identification information of the transmission machine 90 or the gaming machine 130 and the identification information of the base computer 70 to the packet, and the island computer 50 further provides the island computer. After adding 50 pieces of identification information, the packet is transmitted to the management computer 30. For this reason, the management computer 30 refers to the identification information given to the received packet so that the operation signal included in the packet is from which inter-machine 90 or the gaming machine 130, It is possible to determine which route has been reached.

<Amusement machine>
Next, the gaming machine 130 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 is a schematic front view of a pachinko machine that is an example of the gaming machine 130, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of an operation signal that the gaming machine 130 can output.

  The gaming machine 130 according to the present embodiment is a gaming device that pays out game media (for example, game balls, game medals) to a player in accordance with a predetermined winning event, and is realized by, for example, a pachinko machine shown in FIG. Is done. In addition, the gaming machine 130 is an external output terminal for transmitting an operating signal indicating the operating status (number of hits, jackpot game, etc.) of the gaming machine 130 to the outside (calling lamp 110 in the present embodiment). (Not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the operation signal (game machine operation signal) that can be transmitted by the gaming machine 130 of the present embodiment is either an on signal (for example, a high level signal) or an off signal (for example, a low level signal). This is realized by a pulse signal consisting of the following signals. The gaming machine 130 generates a pulse signal by either changing the ON signal of the operation signal to an OFF signal or changing the OFF signal to an ON signal, and transmits the generated pulse signal toward the calling lamp 110. . In addition, the specific implementation method of an operation signal is not restricted to this, A part or all of an operation signal may be implement | achieved by a packet (electronic message information) like the interpolator 90 mentioned later, or a pulse The form of the signal may be either a serial signal or a parallel signal.

  A pachinko machine, which is an example of the gaming machine 130, will be described with reference to FIG. 133, a normal start port 134, a special start port 135, and a variable prize opening 136 are provided.

  In this example, a plurality of general winning ports 133 are arranged on the game board surface 131. When a prize is won in the general prize opening 133 (when a game ball enters the general prize opening 133), a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are discharged to the upper plate 137. When the gaming machine 130 discharges the gaming ball to the upper plate 137, the gaming machine 130 outputs an operation signal (a ball signal) indicating that the gaming ball has been paid out from the external output terminal to the calling lamp 110.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), one pulse signal is output every time one game ball is paid out as an outgoing ball signal. This ball signal is converted into a packet format by the call lamp 110 and then transmitted to the management computer 30 via the call lamp 110, the stand computer 70, and the island computer 50. Therefore, the management computer 30 can grasp that the game ball has been paid out in the gaming machine 130 by receiving the packet including the information on the ball signal, and the packet including the information on the ball signal. The number of game balls paid out in the gaming machine 130 (number of balls) can be acquired. Note that the game balls paid out from the gaming machine 130 may be called prize balls or safe balls in addition to the balls, and the number of balls played may be called the number of prize balls or the number of safe balls.

  The normal start port 134 is a device called a gate or a through chucker for determining whether or not a game ball has passed through a predetermined area of the game board surface 131. In this example, one is provided on the left and right sides of the game board surface 131. They are arranged one by one. When the game ball passes through the general figure starting port 134, a general figure variable game is started by a general figure display device (not shown). When the game ball passes through the normal start port 134, the gaming machine 130 outputs an operation signal (start signal) indicating that the game ball has won the general start port 134 to the call lamp 110 as an external output terminal. Output from.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 (c), as a start signal, every time a winning is made to the ordinary start port 134 (every time a game ball passes through the ordinary start port 134), or a special feature described later. Each time a prize is entered in the figure starting port 135 (every time a game ball enters the special figure starting port 135), one pulse signal is output. The start signal is converted into a packet format in the call lamp 110 and then transmitted to the management computer 30 via the call lamp 110, the stand computer 70, and the island computer 50. Therefore, the management computer 30 can recognize that the game ball has won the universal start port 134 (or the special start port 135) in the gaming machine 130 by receiving the packet including the start signal.

  The special figure starting port 135 is called an electric tulip (electrical chew), and in this example, only one is provided at the center. This special figure starting port 135 is provided with a wing member that can be opened and closed to the left and right. When the wing member is closed, it is impossible to enter a game ball. Is stopped and displayed, the blade member opens and closes at a predetermined time interval and a predetermined number of times. When the special figure starting port 135 is won (when a game ball enters the special figure starting port 135), a predetermined number (for example, four) of the game balls are discharged to the upper plate 137, and a special figure (not shown) is used. The special figure variation game by the figure display device is started.

  When the gaming machine 130 wins the special figure starting port 135, the gaming machine 130 outputs an operation signal (starting signal) indicating that the game ball has won the special figure starting port 135 from the external output terminal to the calling lamp 110. . The contents of the start signal are as described with reference to FIG. In addition, when the gaming machine 130 discharges the game ball to the upper plate 137 by winning the special drawing start port 135, the gaming machine 130 sends an operation signal (departure signal) indicating that the game ball has been paid out to the calling lamp 110. Directly output from the external output terminal. The contents of the output signal are as described with reference to FIG.

  The variable winning opening 136 is called a big winning opening or an attacker, and in this example, only one variable winning opening 136 is arranged directly below the special figure starting opening 135. This variable winning opening 136 includes a door member that can be freely opened and closed, and it is impossible to enter a ball while the door member is closed, and a special figure display device wins a special figure variation game and the special figure display device wins. Is stopped and displayed, the door member opens and closes at a predetermined time interval and a predetermined number of times. The gaming machine 130 calls an operation signal (bonus signal) indicating that a jackpot has occurred in the gaming machine 130 when the special figure display device stops displaying the jackpot symbol (when the jackpot game is won). Output from the external output terminal toward the lamp 110.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 (e), as a big hit signal, the off signal is changed to an on signal when the big hit game is won, and the on signal is changed to an off signal when the big hit game ends. The signal to be output is output. The jackpot signal is converted into a packet format by the call lamp 110 and then transmitted to the management computer 30 via the call lamp 110, the stand computer 70, and the island computer 50. Therefore, the management computer 30 can grasp the start and end of the jackpot in the gaming machine 130 by receiving the packet including the information on the jackpot signal, and can determine the number of packets including the information on the jackpot signal. By counting, information on the number of jackpot games in the gaming machine 130 can be acquired.

  Note that the probability of winning a big hit is relatively higher in the jackpot symbol than in the special variation variable game after the big hit game. There is a non-probability big hit symbol that gets lower. The gaming machine 130 stops and displays the probability variation jackpot symbol, and when the gaming state changes from the non-probability variation state to the probability variation state, an operating signal (probability variation signal) indicating that the probability variation jackpot has occurred in the gaming machine 130, Output from the external output terminal toward the calling lamp 110.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 (g), as the probability change signal, when the gaming state changes from the non-probability changing state to the probability changing state, the off signal is changed to the on signal, and the gaming state changes from the probability changing state to the non-probability change state. A signal that changes the ON signal to the OFF signal when the state changes is output. The probability variation signal is converted into a packet format by the call lamp 110 and then transmitted to the management computer 30 via the call lamp 110, the stand computer 70, and the island computer 50. Therefore, the management computer 30 can know the start and end of the probability variation state in the gaming machine 130 by receiving the packet including the probability variation signal information.

  In addition, when the special figure display device stops and displays the small hit symbol (when winning the small hit game), the gaming machine 130 operates an operation signal (small bonus) indicating that a small hit has occurred in the gaming machine 130. Signal) is output from the external output terminal toward the calling lamp 110.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 (f), as the small hit signal, the off signal is changed to the on signal when the small hit game is won, and the on signal is turned off when the small hit game is finished. The signal to change to is output. The small win signal is converted into a packet format by the call lamp 110 and then transmitted to the management computer 30 via the call lamp 110, the stand computer 70, and the island computer 50. Therefore, the management computer 30 can grasp the start and end of the small hits in the gaming machine 130 by receiving the packet including the information on the small win signal, and the number of packets including the information on the small win signal By counting, information on the number of small hit games in the gaming machine 130 can also be acquired.

  In addition, when the special symbol display device stops and displays a symbol (a big hit symbol, a small hit symbol, a lost symbol, etc.), the gaming machine 130 operates an operation signal (start signal) indicating that the symbol is stopped and displayed on the gaming machine 130. ) From the external output terminal toward the calling lamp 110.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 (d), one pulse signal is output as the start signal every time the special-figure display device stops and displays the symbol. This start signal is converted into a packet format in the call lamp 110 and then transmitted to the management computer 30 via the call lamp 110, the stand computer 70, and the island computer 50. Therefore, the management computer 30 can recognize that the symbol has been stopped and displayed in the gaming machine 130 by receiving the packet including the information of the start signal, and can determine the number of packets including the information of the start signal. By counting, information on the number of symbol fluctuations of the special figure display device can be acquired.

  In addition, when the gaming machine 130 wins the variable prize opening 136, the gaming machine 130 discharges a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls to the upper plate 137. When the gaming machine 130 discharges the gaming ball to the upper plate 137, the gaming machine 130 outputs an operation signal (a ball signal) indicating that the gaming ball has been paid out from the external output terminal to the calling lamp 110. The contents of the output signal are as described with reference to FIG.

  In addition, an out box (not shown) having a hitting counter (not shown) capable of counting the number of game balls (number of hitting balls) hit on the gaming board surface 131 is arranged on the back of the gaming machine 130. It is installed. The gaming machine 130 externally sends an operation signal (hit ball signal) indicating that the game ball has been launched toward the game board surface 131 to the calling lamp 110 based on information from the hitting counter of the outbox. Output from the output terminal. Note that the game balls launched on the game board surface 131 may be called out balls in addition to the hit balls, and the number of hit balls may be called the number of out balls.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, as a hitting signal, one pulse is output every time one game ball is hit (every time it is consumed). The hitting signal is converted into a packet format by the calling lamp 110 and then transmitted to the management computer 30 via the calling lamp 110, the stand computer 70, and the island computer 50. Therefore, the management computer 30 can recognize that the game ball is launched toward the game board surface 131 in the gaming machine 130 by receiving the packet including the information of the ball signal, By counting the number of packets including the above information, it is possible to acquire information on the amount of game balls that have been launched (the number of hit balls).

  In addition, when the gaming machine 130 detects various abnormalities (errors), the gaming machine 130 shifts the gaming state to the error state, and displays an operation signal (error signal) indicating that the gaming state is in the error state as a call lamp 110. Output from the external output terminal.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 (h), as an error signal, an off signal is changed to an on signal when an error state occurs, and the error state is released (when a non-error state is entered). ) Outputs a signal for changing the ON signal to the OFF signal. The error signal is converted into a packet format by the call lamp 110 and then transmitted to the management computer 30 via the call lamp 110, the stand computer 70, and the island computer 50. Therefore, the management computer 30 can grasp the start and end of the error state in the gaming machine 130 by receiving the packet including the error signal information.

  Here, errors that can be detected in the gaming machine 130 include, for example, a magnet error when detecting abnormal magnetism, a radio wave error when detecting abnormal radio waves, a vibration error when detecting vibrations, Unauthorized winning errors such as when a game ball wins a variable winning opening 136 at times other than small hits, illegal payout error when the number of balls exceeds the specified value, door opening error when the door is opened, glass Glass opening error when opened, ball clogging error when game ball is clogged in winning opening or starting port, various sensors (for example, ball detection sensors arranged at the entrance of winning opening or starting port) are broken Sensor error, communication error when an abnormality occurs in communication between control units, power supply error when an abnormality occurs in the power supply system, and the like.

  Note that the operation signal of the gaming machine 130 described in the present embodiment is an example, and the operation signal varies depending on the type and model of the gaming machine. Therefore, for example, based on the operation signal (time signal) indicating that the time is short, or when the outbox is full and cannot be counted by the ball counter, the theory is based on the ball information that the gaming machine has. The operation signal includes an operation signal (winning safe signal) for outputting the above number of balls played (theoretical number of balls), an operation signal (replenishment signal) indicating the number of game media supplemented to the gaming machine 130, etc. May be.

  In addition, the gaming machine 130 according to the present embodiment only needs to have a function of transmitting an operation signal indicating the operation state of the gaming machine 130 to the outside. For example, a pachislot machine ( Slot machines), pachislot machines that use pachinko game balls as game media (so-called pachilot machines), and enclosed game machines that circulate and use game balls enclosed in the game machine 130). . In the case of an enclosed game machine, signals that are the same as or similar to some or all of the various signals output from the pachinko machine are output.

  For example, when a slot machine is adopted as the gaming machine 130, an operation signal indicating that a BB game or an RB game is started, an operation signal indicating that the AT is being performed, an operation signal indicating that the reel is rotating, An operation signal indicating that the start lever has been operated, an operation signal indicating that the stop button (stop button) has been operated, an operation signal indicating that a game medal has been inserted, and an operation indicating that a game medal has been bet A signal, an operation signal indicating that a game medal has been paid out, an operation signal indicating that an internal lottery has been performed, an operation signal indicating that a winning combination has been determined, and the like may be output.

  Also, hopper error when abnormality occurs in the hopper for storing game medals, payout error when the number of payout medals exceeds the specified number, door open error when the door is opened, game medals clogged Medal clogging error, sensor error when various sensors (for example, medal detection sensor installed at medal slot) fail, communication error when communication between control units fails, power supply system error A power error operation signal may be output in the event of a failure.

<Call lamp>
As shown in FIG. 3, a calling lamp 110 is provided on the upper part of the gaming machine 130. The call lamp 110 is a display that performs a predetermined display (for example, blinking display) in response to a predetermined winning event (for example, a big hit game). In this embodiment, the operation lamp transmitted from the gaming machine 130 is displayed. Also, it has a function of transmitting to the computer 70.

  Specifically, when the call lamp 110 receives an operation signal from the gaming machine 130 (in this embodiment, when a rising edge of the operation signal is detected), a packet (electronic message information) corresponding to the operation signal. Is generated. Further, identification information (unit number) for identifying the gaming machine 130 that is the transmission source of the operation signal is added to the received packet, and then transmitted to the computer 70.

  In the present embodiment, the machine number and the operation signal are transmitted by a single packet. For example, when the “hitting ball signal” is received from the gaming machine 130 with the machine number “100”, the calling lamp 110 A single packet including information of “number = 100, operation signal = ball signal” is generated and transmitted to the computer 70. The specific method of realizing the unit number and the operation signal is not limited to this. For example, the unit number and the operation signal may be transmitted in separate packets, or the unit number and the operation signal are transmitted in the form of a pulse signal. May be.

  In addition, when the call lamp 110 detects that the big signal received from the gaming machine 130 has changed from the off signal to the on signal (when the rising edge of the big signal is detected), the gaming state is the big hit state In order to set the gaming state information (hit state information) indicating that the game state is ON, generate a packet including this gaming state information (hit state information), and identify the gaming machine 130 that has transmitted the bonus signal Is added to the computer 70 and transmitted to the computer 70.

  On the other hand, when it is detected that the jackpot signal received from the gaming machine 130 has changed from an on signal to an off signal (when a falling edge of the jackpot signal is detected), game state information (jackpot status information) is displayed. Set to off, generate a packet including this gaming state information (hit state information), add identification information (unit number) for identifying the gaming machine 130 that has transmitted the jackpot signal, 70.

  In addition, when the call lamp 110 detects that the small win signal received from the gaming machine 130 has changed from the off signal to the on signal (when the rising edge of the small win signal is detected), the gaming state is small hit. The gaming state information (small hit state information) indicating the state is set to ON, a packet including the gaming state information (small hit state information) is generated, and the gaming machine 130 that has transmitted the small hit signal is Identification information (unit number) for identification is added and transmitted to the computer 70.

  On the other hand, when it is detected that the small win signal received from the gaming machine 130 has changed from an on signal to an off signal (when a falling edge of the small win signal is detected), gaming state information (small hit state information) Is set to OFF, and a packet including this gaming state information (small hit state information) is generated, and identification information (unit number) for identifying the gaming machine 130 that has transmitted the hitting signal is added, To the computer 70.

  Further, when the call lamp 110 detects that the probability variation signal received from the gaming machine 130 has changed from the off signal to the on signal (when the rising edge of the probability variation signal is detected), the gaming state is the probability variation state. Identification information for identifying the gaming machine 130 that has transmitted the probability variation signal and generates a packet including the gaming state information (probability variation state information). (Station number) is added and transmitted to the computer 70.

  On the other hand, when it is detected that the probability variation signal received from the gaming machine 130 has changed from the on signal to the off signal (when the falling edge of the probability variation signal is detected), the gaming state information (probability variation state information) is turned off. A packet including this game state information (probability change state information) is generated, and identification information (unit number) for identifying the gaming machine 130 that has transmitted the probability change signal is added to the base computer 70. To do.

  In addition, when the call lamp 110 detects that the error signal received from the gaming machine 130 has changed from the off signal to the on signal (when the rising edge of the error signal is detected), the gaming state is an error state. Identification information for identifying the gaming machine 130 that has transmitted the error signal and generates a packet including the gaming state information (error state information). (Station number) is added and transmitted to the computer 70.

  On the other hand, when it is detected that the error signal received from the gaming machine 130 has changed from the on signal to the off signal (when the falling edge of the error signal is detected), the gaming state information (error state information) is turned off. Set and generate a packet including this gaming state information (error state information), add identification information (unit number) for identifying the gaming machine 130 that transmitted the error signal, and transmit to the computer 70 To do.

  In the present embodiment, the call lamp 110 has a function of transmitting the operation signal received from the gaming machine 130 to the stand computer 70, but the function may be provided to a device other than the call lamp 110. Alternatively, the operation signal may be directly transmitted from the gaming machine 130 to the stand computer 70, and the stand computer 70 may perform a process of converting the operation signal into a packet.

  In addition to the gaming machine 130, the call lamp 110 may be configured to be able to transmit an operation signal. For example, when a call button is provided near the call lamp 110 and the call button is pressed down, The call lamp 110 may be configured to transmit an operation signal (call signal) indicating whether or not the call button is pressed. Further, in this example, an example in which the call lamps 110 are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the gaming machines 130 is shown, but the correspondence relationship between the number of the calling lamps 110 and the gaming machines 130 is not limited thereto.

<Between machines>
Next, the interstage machine 90 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In addition, FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of a general pedestal machine.

  The inter-machine 90 is a ball lending machine (sand) that lends game balls in response to the insertion of cash or a membership card. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, each gaming machine is adjacent to each gaming machine 130. One unit is installed for every 130 units. In addition, the related apparatus installed corresponding to each gaming machine 130 is not limited to the inter-machine 90, and for example, a card reader, a ball lending machine, a medal lending machine, a prize ball meter (award ball counting) And the like). Moreover, although the example which provides the game machine 130 on the one-to-one correspondence with the machine 90 was shown, the correspondence of the number of the machine between the machine 90 and the game machine 130 is not limited to this. That is, the inter-game machine 90 is not limited to the “CR unit” that requires one for each gaming machine 130 as in this example, but one for the two gaming machines 130. The “Nikoichi CR unit” that can be operated with a single machine, and an inter-vehicle machine that can operate with one or more of three or more gaming machines 130 are also included.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the interstage machine 90 includes a bill insertion slot 91, an IC coin insertion slot 92, an IC coin discharge slot 93, a member card insertion slot 94, a lamp 95, and the like. In addition, the intermediary machine 90 is a communication device for transmitting an operation signal (related apparatus operation signal) indicating the operation status (the number of sales balls, presence / absence of IC coins, etc.) to the management computer 30. (Not shown).

  The bill insertion slot 91 is an insertion slot into which a player inserts cash in order to receive rental of game balls. When cash is inserted into the bill insertion slot 91, the inter-machine 90 outputs a packet including information on an operation signal (payment signal) indicating that cash has been deposited from a communication device (not shown). The packet including the information of the deposit signal is transmitted to the management computer 30 via the base computer 70 and the island computer 50. Therefore, the management computer 30 can grasp that the cash is deposited in the inter-machine 90 by receiving the packet including the information of the deposit signal.

  The IC coin insertion port 92 and the IC coin discharge port 93 are openings for inserting and discharging IC coins. Here, the IC coin is a coin-type housing in which a storage medium is built in, and is used for making the number of game media stored as data and facilitating carrying by a player.

  When the player receives a ball lending with cash or IC coins, the inter-machine 90 indicates that the player has received a ball lending in a deposit state from a communication device (not shown), that is, sales have increased. A packet including information on an operation signal (sales signal) is output. In the present embodiment, every time the inter-vehicle machine 90 lends one game ball, it outputs one packet including sales signal information.

  The packet including the sales signal is transmitted to the management computer 30 via the stand computer 70 and the island computer 50. Therefore, the management computer 30 can recognize that the game ball has been lent out in the inter-machine 90 by receiving the packet including the sales signal, and count the number of packets including the sales signal. Thus, it is also possible to acquire information on the amount of rented game balls (number of sales balls). Note that the sales balls may be referred to as lent balls, and the number of sales balls may be referred to as the number of lent balls (including stored balls (withdrawals); the same applies hereinafter).

  In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which a packet including a sales signal is transmitted when a player receives a ball lending with cash or IC coin. However, a medium having a monetary value equivalent to cash or IC coin ( For example, a packet including a sales signal may be output when a player receives a ball loan using a credit card or electronic money.

  The membership card insertion slot 94 is an insertion slot that accepts insertion of a membership card (card-type recording medium) distributed in advance to members of the amusement store. In the present embodiment, card identification information is recorded on each member card, and when a player's member card is inserted into the member card insertion port 94 of the inter-machine 90, an internal communication from the member card insertion port 94 is established. The card reader (not shown) provided in the card is configured to read the card identification information of the member card.

  When the membership card is inserted into the membership card insertion slot 94, the inter-machine 90 receives a packet including information on an operation signal (member card insertion signal) indicating that the membership card has been inserted from a communication device (not shown). Output. The packet including the information of the membership card insertion signal is transmitted to the management computer 30 via the base computer 70 and the island computer 50. Therefore, the management computer 30 can recognize that the membership card has been inserted into the membership card insertion slot 94 in the inter-machine 90 by receiving the packet including the membership card insertion signal.

  In addition, when the card reader reads the card identification information of the member card, the inter-machine 90 receives information (operation card identification information) of an operation signal indicating information for identifying the member card from a communication device (not shown). Output including packet. The packet including the membership card identification information is transmitted to the management computer 30 via the base computer 70 and the island computer 50. Therefore, the management computer 30 can grasp the information for identifying the membership card by receiving the packet including the membership card identification information.

  In addition, when the storage ball based on the storage ball information associated with the membership card is paid out, the pedestal machine 90 receives an operation signal (a storage ball payout signal) indicating that the storage ball has been paid out from a communication device (not shown). Output a packet containing information. The packet including the information of the storage ball payout signal is transmitted to the management computer 30 via the table computer 70 and the island computer 50. Therefore, the management computer 30 can grasp that the storage ball based on the storage ball information associated with the membership card has been paid out in the intermediary machine 90 by receiving the packet including the information of the storage ball payout signal, In addition, by counting the number of packets including information on the stored ball payout signal, information on the number of stored balls can be acquired.

  In addition, when the membership card is ejected from the membership card insertion slot 94, the inter-machine 90 receives operation signal information (membership card ejection signal information) indicating that the membership card has been ejected from a communication device (not shown). Output including packet. The packet including the membership card discharge signal information is transmitted to the management computer 30 via the base computer 70 and the island computer 50. Therefore, the management computer 30 can recognize that the membership card has been ejected from the membership card insertion port 94 in the inter-stage machine 90 by receiving the packet including the membership card ejection signal information.

  In this embodiment, the member card identification information and the member card insertion signal / member card discharge signal are transmitted by a single packet. For example, when a member card whose card identification information is “01234” is inserted / extracted, the inter-machine 90 generates and transmits a packet including “insertion, 01234” information and “discharge, 01234” information. .

  However, the specific method of realizing the member card identification information, the member card insertion signal, and the member card discharge signal is not limited to this. For example, the member card identification information and the member card insertion signal / member card insertion signal may be transmitted in separate packets, or part or all of the operation information may be transmitted in the form of a pulse signal.

  The lamp 95 is for displaying the state of the corresponding gaming machine 130 and the inter-vehicle machine 90. In the present embodiment, when the member card is not ejected from the inter-vehicle machine 90, it functions as a notification means for displaying a predetermined color (for example, red) and notifying the user that the member card has been forgotten to be removed.

  In addition, the operation signal of the intermediary machine 90 demonstrated in this embodiment is an example, and an operation signal changes with kinds of intermediary machine. Therefore, an error signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred may be included in the operation signal depending on the type of the inter-machine.

<Management computer data>
Next, various data stored in the RAM 33 and the storage device 36 of the management computer 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of game facility operating state data indicating the operating state of the gaming facilities (the gaming machine 130 and the inter-vehicle machine 90).

  The game equipment operating state data is associated with the machine number, and includes a hitting counter, a ball counter, a sales counter, a sales signal reception flag, a start counter, a big counter, a small counter, a start counter, and a player change flag. And a player counter are stored. Here, the machine number is identification information (ID) for identifying each gaming machine 130, and in this example, is a serial number positive integer starting from 100. The hitting counter is a counter for managing the number of game balls (the number of hitting balls) launched on the gaming board surface 131 in each gaming machine 130, and is sent from each gaming machine 130 in packet processing to be described later. Addition processing is performed based on the ball signal.

  The exit counter is a counter for managing the number of game balls paid out in the gaming machine 130 (number of exits), and is based on the exit signal transmitted from each gaming machine 130 in packet processing to be described later. To add. The sales counter is a counter for managing the number of game balls lent out (number of sales balls) rented out in the inter-machine 90, and is based on the sales signal transmitted from each inter-machine 90 in packet processing to be described later. Addition processing is performed. The sales signal reception flag is a flag used to determine whether or not a sales signal has been received from the inter-vehicle machine 90 in the player change determination process described later.

  The start counter is a counter for managing the number of winnings at the general figure start port 134 or the special figure start port 135 in the gaming machine 130, and is based on a start signal transmitted from each gaming machine 130 in packet processing to be described later. Addition processing is performed. The big win counter is a counter for managing the number of big hit games in the gaming machine 130, and performs addition processing based on the big win signal transmitted from each gaming machine 130 in packet processing to be described later. The allowance counter is a counter for managing the number of small hit games in the gaming machine 130, and performs addition processing based on the allowance signal transmitted from each gaming machine 130 in packet processing to be described later.

  The start counter is a counter for managing the number of times that the special symbol display device has stopped and displayed the symbols in the gaming machine 130. In the packet processing described later, an addition process is performed based on the start signal transmitted from each gaming machine 130. Do. The player change flag is a flag that is set when it is determined that a player has changed in a player change determination process described later. The player counter is a counter for managing the number of players who have played a game on each gaming machine 130, and is used in an operation history creation process to be described later.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the gaming machine with the machine number 100 has 100 hits, 100 exits, 1000 sales, no sales signal received, and 1 start. This shows that the number of times, the big hit game is 3, the number of small hit games is 4, the number of symbol variations is 9, the number of players is not changed, and the number of players is 5.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of game facility operation history data indicating an operation history of the gaming facilities (the gaming machine 130 and the inter-vehicle machine 90). In this game equipment operation history data, a player number, a game start time, a game end time, the number of hit balls, the number of balls played, and the number of balls sold are stored in association with the machine number.

  Here, the player number is a number given to a player who played a game in each gaming machine 130, and in this example, it is a positive integer starting from 1. The game start time is data indicating the time when the player corresponding to the player number starts playing in seconds, and the game end time is the time when the player corresponding to the player number ends the game in seconds. Data shown in units.

  The number of hits indicates the number of hits from the corresponding game start time to the game end time, and the number of hits indicates the number of hits from the corresponding game start time to the game end time. The number of sold balls indicates the number of sold balls from the corresponding game start time to the game end time.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the first player with the unit number 100 starts the game at 10:00, ends the game at 11:00, and the number of hits in the meantime is 1000 pieces. This indicates that the number of appearing balls is 800 and the number of sold balls is 1400.

  This game equipment operation history data is updated each time a player is changed in each gaming machine 130 in the operation history creation process described later, and the data includes a game start time and a game end time for each player. The number of hit balls, the number of hit balls, and the number of balls sold are stored.

<Main processing of the management computer>
Next, the main process executed by the CPU 31 of the management computer 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of main processing executed by the CPU 31 of the management computer 30.

  This main process is a part of a process executed by a program (application) stored in advance in a storage unit (for example, the storage device 36) of the management computer 30. The CPU 31 of the management computer 30 starts execution from the initial setting process in step S101, for example, when an instruction to execute the program is given by the input device 37.

  In the initial setting process in step S101, for example, a process for initializing a part of the storage area of the RAM 33 to 0, a process for setting an initial value for a part of the storage area of the RAM 33, or an initial screen is displayed on the display device 38. Processing for performing the initial setting of the communication unit 39 and permitting communication with the island computer 50 are performed.

  In step S102, the packet processing is performed, and then the process proceeds to step 103. Although details will be described later, in this packet processing, it is determined whether or not the communication unit 39 has received a packet from the island computer 50, and when the packet is received, the gaming facility operating state data is updated according to the contents of the packet. Perform processing to do.

  In step S103, after performing a player change determination process, the process proceeds to step S104. Although details will be described later, in this player change determination process, it is determined whether or not a player has been changed in a specific gaming machine 130 with reference to game equipment operating state data or the like.

  In step S104, after performing the operation history creation process, the process proceeds to step S105. Although details will be described later, in this operation history creation processing, processing for updating game equipment operation history data is performed based on the determination result of the player change determination processing in step S103.

  In step S105, based on the game facility operation history data updated in step S104, the table number, player number, game start time, game end time, number of hits, number of balls played, number of balls sold, etc. are displayed on the display device 38. After performing the display process, the process returns to the packet process in step S102. Thereafter, the CPU 31 of the management computer 30 repeatedly executes the processing from step S102 to step S105 unless there is an instruction to end the execution of the program by the input device 37 or the like.

<Packet processing>
Next, packet processing (step S102) in the main processing of the management computer will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of packet processing.

  In step S201, it is determined whether or not the communication unit 39 has received a packet from the island computer 50. If it has not been received, the process is terminated. If it has been received, the process proceeds to the next step S202.

  In step S202, it is determined whether or not the operation signal included in the packet is a “hitting ball signal”. If applicable, the process proceeds to step S203, and if not, the process proceeds to step S205. In step S203, the machine number included in the packet is acquired, and 1 is added to the ball counter corresponding to the machine number among the plurality of ball counters of the game equipment operating state data. For example, when a packet including information of “base number = 100, operation signal = ball signal” is received, 1 is added to the ball counter corresponding to the machine number 100.

  In step S204, an initial value (for example, a numerical value corresponding to 180 seconds) is set in the vacant seat determination timer 1 corresponding to the machine number acquired in step S203, and then the process proceeds to step S212. For example, in the previous example, an initial value is set in the vacant seat determination timer 1 corresponding to the machine number 100.

  Here, in the present embodiment, one of a plurality of hardware timers provided in the timer 41 is used as the vacant seat determination timer 1, and when an initial value is set in the vacant seat determination timer 1, the value of the vacant seat determination timer 1 is set. Until the value becomes 0 (until the time set in the vacant seat determination timer 1 elapses), the value of the vacant seat determination timer 1 is periodically subtracted (for example, every second).

  That is, when the vacant seat determination timer 1 is subtracted by the timer 41 and becomes 0 before receiving a packet including the ball signal information from the gaming machine 130 (the gaming ball is in the gaming board surface in the gaming machine 130). In the case of being launched toward 131), the vacant seat determination timer 1 does not become zero. On the other hand, if a packet including hitting signal information has not been received from the gaming machine 130 even once (when the gaming ball has not been launched toward the gaming board surface 131 in the gaming machine 130), the vacant seat The determination timer 1 becomes 0, and it is determined that “the specified number of seconds have elapsed since the reception of the hitting signal” in the player change determination process described later.

  The vacant seat determination timer 1 is not limited to a hardware timer, but can be realized by a software timer. Needless to say, the time measured by the vacant seat determination timer 1 is not limited to 180 seconds.

  In step S205, it is determined whether or not the operation signal included in the packet is a “start signal”. If applicable, the process proceeds to step S206, and if not, the process proceeds to step S208. In step S206, the machine number included in the packet is acquired, and 1 is added to the start counter corresponding to the machine number among the plurality of start counters of the gaming facility operating state data. For example, when a packet including information of “device number = 101, operation signal = start signal” is received, 1 is added to the start counter corresponding to the device number 101.

  In step S207, after setting an initial value (for example, a numerical value corresponding to 300 seconds) to the vacant seat determination timer 2 corresponding to the machine number acquired in step S206, the process proceeds to step S212. For example, in the previous example, an initial value is set in the vacant seat determination timer 2 corresponding to the machine number 101.

  Here, in this embodiment, one of a plurality of hardware timers provided in the timer 41 is used as the vacant seat determination timer 2, and when an initial value is set in the vacant seat determination timer 2, the value of the vacant seat determination timer 2 is set. Until the value becomes 0 (until the time set in the vacant seat determination timer 2 elapses), the value of the vacant seat determination timer 2 is periodically subtracted (for example, every second).

  That is, when the vacant seat determination timer 2 is subtracted by the timer 41 and becomes 0 before receiving a packet including information on the start signal from the gaming machine 130 (at least once in the gaming machine 130, the symbol is When the display is stopped), the vacant seat determination timer 2 does not become zero. On the other hand, if the packet including the start signal information has not been received from the gaming machine 130 even once (when the symbol is not stopped and displayed on the gaming machine 130), the vacant seat determination timer 2 becomes 0, In the player change determination process described later, it is determined that “the specified number of seconds has elapsed since the start signal was received”.

  The vacant seat determination timer 2 is not limited to a hardware timer, and can be realized by a software timer. Needless to say, the time measured by the vacant seat determination timer 2 is not limited to 300 seconds.

  In step S208, it is determined whether or not the operation signal included in the packet is a “sales signal” or a “savings payout signal”. If yes, the process proceeds to step S209. If not, the process proceeds to step S211. In step S209, the machine number included in the packet (the machine number of the gaming machine 130 corresponding to the machine 90 that transmitted the signal) is acquired, and the machine number corresponds to the machine number among the plurality of sales counters of the gaming facility operating state data. 1 is added to the sales counter. For example, when a packet including information of “unit number = 102, operation signal = sales signal” is received, 1 is added to the sales counter corresponding to the unit number 102.

  In step S210, the sales signal reception flag corresponding to the machine number acquired in step S209 is set to ON (for example, the numerical value 1), and then the process proceeds to step S212. For example, in the previous example, the sales signal reception flag corresponding to the machine number 102 is set to ON.

  In step S211, after acquiring the information of the machine number and the operation signal included in the packet, and adding 1 to the counter corresponding to the machine number and the operation signal among a plurality of types of counters included in the game equipment operation state data, Proceed to step S212. Specifically, when the operation signal is “departure signal”, 1 is added to the exit counter corresponding to the acquired unit number, and when the operation signal is “start signal”, the acquired unit number is added. 1 is added to the start counter corresponding to. In addition, when the operation signal is “big signal”, 1 is added to the big counter corresponding to the acquired unit number. When the operation signal is “small signal”, it corresponds to the acquired unit number. 1 is added to the allowance counter.

  In step S212, it is determined whether or not the processing for all the packets received by the communication unit 39 has been completed. If the processing has not been completed, the processing returns to step S202 to complete the processing of the remaining packets. If so, the process ends.

<Player change determination process>
Next, the player change determination process (step S103) in the main process of the management computer will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the player change determination process.

  In step S301, the initial value of the machine number of the gaming machine 130 (100, which is the minimum value of the machine number in this embodiment) is set in the machine number counter stored in the RAM 33. In step S302, it is determined whether or not a specified number of seconds (in this embodiment, 180 seconds, which is the initial value of the vacant seat determination timer 1) has elapsed since the hit signal of the gaming machine 130 has been received. If not, the process ends.

  In the present embodiment, the above-described vacant seat determination timer 1 is used to determine whether or not the specified number of seconds have elapsed since the ball signal of the gaming machine 130 was received. Then, when the value of the vacant seat determination timer 1 is 0, it is determined that the specified number of seconds have elapsed since the reception of the hitting signal, and the process proceeds to step S303. It is determined that the specified number of seconds has not elapsed since the reception of the ball signal, and the process is terminated.

  In step S303, the game equipment operating state table is referenced to determine whether the sales signal reception flag associated with the machine number indicated by the machine number counter is on or off. If the sales signal reception flag is on, the process proceeds to step S304. If it is off, the process ends. In step S304, the sales signal reception flag referred to in step S303 is set to off (for example, 0), and then the process proceeds to step S305.

  In step S305, the player change flag associated with the machine number indicated by the machine number counter is set to ON (for example, the numerical value 1). Thereby, the process when the player is changed in the operation history creation process described later is executed.

  In step S306, 1 is added to the machine number counter, and in the next step S307, whether the machine number counter after the addition exceeds the maximum value that the machine number can take (the maximum number of gaming machines 130 managed by the game store). It is determined whether or not vacant seat determination for all the gaming machines 130 is completed. As a result of the determination, if the machine number counter does not exceed the maximum value that can be taken by the machine number (when the vacant seat determination for all the gaming machines 130 has not been completed), the process returns to step S302 to continue the process. When the number counter exceeds the maximum value that the machine number can take (when the vacant seat determination for all the gaming machines 130 is completed), the processing is terminated.

<Operation history creation processing>
Next, the operation history creation process (step S104) in the main process of the management computer 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of operation history creation processing.

  In step S401, an initial value (100, which is the minimum value of the machine number in this embodiment) is set in the machine number counter stored in the RAM 33. In step S402, it is determined whether the player change flag associated with the machine number indicated by the machine number counter is on or off with reference to the gaming equipment operating state table. If the player change flag is on, the process proceeds to step S403. If it is off, the process ends. In step S403, the player change flag referred to in step S402 is set to off (for example, 0), and then the process proceeds to step S404.

  In step S404, a ball counter (total number of hits in the gaming machine), a ball counter (total number of balls in the gaming machine), and a sales counter (the gaming machine) associated with the machine number indicated by the machine number counter. The total number of sales balls) is temporarily stored in the RAM 33.

  Next, in step S404, the game equipment operation history data is searched based on the machine number indicated by the machine number counter, and the searched game equipment is retrieved from the values of the hitting ball counter, the outgoing ball counter, and the sales counter temporarily stored in the RAM 33. Number of hits in the operation history data (total number of hits in the game up to the previous game), number of balls played (total number of balls in the game up to the previous game), number of balls sold (previous game machine) By subtracting the value of the total number of balls sold in the game up to this point, the number of hit balls, the number of balls played, and the number of balls sold in this game are calculated.

  Next, after storing the calculated number of hit balls, number of balls played, and number of sales balls of the current player in the corresponding storage area in the game facility operation history data, the process proceeds to step S405. In addition, the member card identification information received from the inter-machine 90 may be stored in association with the number of hit balls, the number of balls played, the number of balls sold, etc. In some cases, services suitable for age, sex, skill level, and the like can be provided, and the satisfaction of the player can be increased.

  In step S405, the current time is acquired, and the acquired time is stored in the storage area for “the game end time of the old player (current player)” in the gaming facility operation history data, and then the process proceeds to step S406. . In step S406, 1 is added to the player counter of the gaming equipment operating state data, and then the process proceeds to step S407. In step S407, the time acquired in step S405 is stored in the storage area for “game start time of new player (next player)” of the gaming facility operation history data referred to in step S405, and then in step S408. move on.

  In step S408, 1 is added to the machine number counter, and in the next step S409, whether the machine number counter after the addition exceeds the maximum value that the machine number can take (the maximum number of gaming machines 130 managed by the game store). No, that is, whether or not the player change determination for all the gaming machines 130 has been completed. As a result of the determination, if the machine number counter does not exceed the maximum value that can be taken by the machine number (when the player change judgment for all the gaming machines 130 has not been completed), the process returns to step S402 to continue the processing. When the machine number counter exceeds the maximum value that can be taken by the machine number (when the player change determination for all the gaming machines 130 is completed), the process ends.

  FIG. 12 is a time chart showing the relationship between the hitting signal, the sales signal, and the player change flag. In the player change determination process shown in FIG. 10, it is determined in step S302 that the specified number of seconds has elapsed since the hit signal of the gaming machine 130 was received, and in step S303, the game machine 130 corresponds to the gaming machine 130. When it is determined that the sales signal of the pedestal machine 90 is received, the player change flag is turned on in step S305.

  For this reason, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the specified number of seconds have elapsed since the last ball hit signal of the gaming machine 130 was received (see FIG. 12A), the gaming machine 130 At the timing immediately after receiving the sales signal from the inter-vehicle machine 90 corresponding to (see (b) in the figure), the player change flag is set from OFF to ON, and it is determined that the player has changed. As a result, in the subsequent operation history creation process, the game start time, game end time, number of hits, number of balls played, and number of balls sold for one player are stored.

  As described above, the game management device 10 according to the first embodiment includes a gaming machine (for example, the gaming machine 130) and a management computer (for example, the management computer 30) that can communicate with the gaming machine. In the gaming management device configured as described above, the management computer can determine whether or not a game is being played in the gaming machine (for example, in step S302 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 10). A process for determining whether or not a specified number of seconds have elapsed since the ball signal of the gaming machine 130 was received, and a game end determining means (for example, FIG. 10) that can determine that the game has ended in the gaming machine. In step S303 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 5A, a process for determining whether or not a sales signal of the inter-vehicle machine 90 corresponding to the gaming machine 130 has been received), and the vacant seat A player change determination that determines that a player has changed in the gaming machine when the game end determination means determines that the game has ended in a state where it is determined that no game is being played by the determination means Means (for example, a process of turning on a player change flag in step S305 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 10).

  According to the game management device 10 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to accurately determine the change of the player, and to accurately acquire the game information per player. For this reason, it is possible to improve the quality of customer service at the game store based on the collected game information, increase the operating rate of the gaming machine, and increase the profit of the game store. In addition, since it is possible to determine whether or not a player has been replaced by communication between the gaming machine and the management computer, it is possible to use the existing infrastructure provided in a general amusement store, which can result in design changes and new capital investment. It is not necessary and the introduction of the device is easy.

  Further, the management computer is configured to be able to receive gaming machine operating information (for example, an operating signal that can be transmitted by the gaming machine 130) indicating an operating state of the gaming machine, and the gaming machine operating information is stored in the gaming machine. It includes at least game medium use information (for example, a batting signal) indicating that the game medium is used, and the vacant seat determination means cannot receive the game medium use information for a predetermined period (for example, 180 seconds). In this case, it may be determined that a game is not being performed in a gaming machine that does not transmit the game medium usage information.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not a game is being played in the gaming machine based only on information received from the gaming machine. For this reason, it is possible to easily determine whether or not a game is being performed and to use an existing output signal or the like provided in a general gaming machine. Is not required, and the introduction of the apparatus is facilitated.

  In addition, the management computer includes related apparatus operation information (for example, the inter-machine 90 is connected to the game machine), which indicates an operation state of an associated apparatus (for example, the inter-machine 90 corresponding to the game machine 130). The related apparatus operation information includes at least game medium lending information (for example, sales signal) indicating that the game medium has been lent, and the game end determination means When the game medium rental information is received, it may be determined that the game has ended in the gaming machine corresponding to the related device that transmitted the game medium rental information.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not the game has ended in the gaming machine with only the information received from the related device. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the game has ended in the gaming machine and to use an existing output signal or the like provided in a general related device, and to change the design or new equipment There is no need for investment and the introduction of the device becomes easy.

  Further, each time the player change determination means determines that a player has changed in the gaming machine, game history updating means (for example, storing game machine operating information indicating the operating state of the gaming machine in association with the player) The operation history creation process shown in FIG. 11 may be provided.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to record the game information history of each player in each gaming machine, and to improve the quality of customer service at the gaming store based on the collected gaming information. Can increase the occupancy rate and increase the profits of amusement stores.

<Modified example of player change determination processing>
Next, a modified example of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the player determination process according to the modification of the first embodiment.

  In the player change determination process according to this modification, the process of step S310 is added between the process of step S302 and the process of step S303 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. In newly added step S310, it is determined whether or not a specified number of seconds (in this embodiment, 300 seconds, which is the initial value of the vacant seat determination timer 2) has elapsed since the start signal of the gaming machine 130 was received, If applicable, the process proceeds to step S303, and if not, the process ends.

  In this modification, the above-described vacant seat determination timer 2 is used to determine whether or not the specified number of seconds has elapsed since the reception of the start signal. When the value of the vacant seat determination timer 2 is 0, it is determined that the specified number of seconds has elapsed since the start signal was received, and the process proceeds to step S303. When the value of the vacant seat determination timer 2 is other than 0, the start signal It is determined that the specified number of seconds has not elapsed since the reception of, and the process ends.

  FIG. 14 is a time chart showing the relationship between a hitting ball signal, a start signal, a sales signal, and a player change flag. In the player change determination process shown in FIG. 13 above, it is determined in step S302 that the specified number of seconds has elapsed since the hit signal of the gaming machine 130 is received, and in step S310, the start signal of the gaming machine 130 is determined. If it is determined that the specified number of seconds has elapsed since the reception, and it is determined in step S303 that the sales signal of the intermediary machine 90 corresponding to the gaming machine 130 has been received, in step S305, the player is changed. Turn on the flag.

  For this reason, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the specified number of seconds elapses after the last ball hit signal of the gaming machine 130 is received, and the specified number of seconds after the last start signal of the gaming machine 130 is received. Has passed (see (a) of the figure), the player changes at the timing immediately after receiving the sales signal from the inter-vehicle machine 90 corresponding to the gaming machine 130 (see (b) of the figure). The flag is set from off to on, and it is determined that the player has changed. As a result, in the subsequent operation history creation process, the game start time, game end time, number of hits, number of balls played, and number of balls sold for one player are stored.

  As in the game management device according to the modification of the first embodiment, the vacant seat determination means can determine whether or not a game is being performed in the gaming machine based on a first condition. Determination means (for example, a process for determining whether or not a specified number of seconds have elapsed since the hit signal of the gaming machine 130 was received in step S302 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 13), and the gaming machine In the second vacant seat determination means that can determine whether or not a game is being performed based on a second condition different from the first condition (for example, in step S310 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 13) And a process for determining whether or not a specified number of seconds have elapsed since the start signal of the gaming machine 130 was received), and the player change determination means performs the game by the first vacant seat determination means. If not In the state where it is determined that the game has not been played by the second vacant seat determination means and the game end determination means determines that the game has ended. It may be determined that has changed.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining whether or not a game is being performed in the gaming machine by determining vacant seats based on two types of conditions, and more accurately changing a player This makes it possible to determine the game information per player and more accurately.

  Further, the management computer is configured to be able to receive gaming machine operating information (for example, an operating signal that can be transmitted by the gaming machine 130) indicating an operating state of the gaming machine, and the gaming machine operating information is stored in the gaming machine. Game medium use information (for example, a hitting signal) indicating that a game medium is used, and game progress information (for example, a start signal) indicating that a game is progressing in the gaming machine. The first vacant seat determination means determines that a game is not being performed in a gaming machine that does not transmit the game medium use information when the game medium use information cannot be received for a predetermined period of time. The vacant seat determination means determines that a game is not being performed in a gaming machine that does not transmit the game progress information when the game progress information cannot be received for a predetermined period. Good.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not a game is being played in the gaming machine based only on the game operation information received from the gaming machine. For this reason, it is possible to easily determine whether or not a game is being performed and to use an existing output signal or the like provided in a general gaming machine. Is not required, and the introduction of the apparatus is facilitated.

<< Second Embodiment >>
Next, a game management device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. In addition, in order to avoid duplicate description, in the present embodiment, only the configuration different from the game management device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of packet processing according to the second embodiment. The packet processing according to the second embodiment is obtained by adding steps S220 to S222 to the packet processing shown in FIG.

  In the newly added step S220, it is determined whether or not at least one of gaming state information (such as big hit state information, small hit state information, probability variation state information, or error state information) included in the packet is ON, If at least one is on, the process proceeds to step S221. If all are off, the process proceeds to step S222. In step S221, after the specific signal reception flag stored in the RAM 33 is set to ON, the process proceeds to step S212. In step S222, after the specific signal reception flag stored in the RAM 33 is set to OFF, the process proceeds to step S211.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a player change determination process according to the second embodiment. In the player change determination process according to the second embodiment, the process of step S320 is added between the process of step S310 and the process of step S303 of the player change determination process shown in FIG.

  In newly added step S320, whether or not the specific signal reception flag stored in the RAM 33 is on (at least one of the big hit state information, the small hit state information, the probability variation state information, the error state information, etc. is on). Whether or not, the process is terminated. If not, the process proceeds to step S303 and subsequent steps.

  FIG. 17 is a time chart showing the relationship among a hitting ball signal, a start signal, game state information, a sales signal, and a player change flag. In the player change determination process shown in FIG. 16, it is determined in step S302 that the specified number of seconds has elapsed since the start signal of the gaming machine 130 is received, and in step S310, the start signal hitting ball of the gaming machine 130 is determined. It is determined that the specified number of seconds have elapsed since the signal was received, and it is further determined in step S320 that the specific signal has not been received (the gaming state information is OFF), and in step S303, the gaming machine If it is determined that the sales signal of the inter-vehicle machine 90 corresponding to 130 has been received, the player change flag is turned on in step S305.

  For this reason, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, the specified number of seconds elapses after the last ball hitting signal of the gaming machine 130 is received and the specified number of seconds after the last start signal of the gaming machine 130 is received. If a specific signal has not been received (the game status information is OFF) (see (a) in the figure), a sales signal is received from the inter-machine 90 corresponding to the gaming machine 130. At the timing immediately after (see FIG. 5B), the player change flag is set from OFF to ON, and it is determined that the player has changed. As a result, in the subsequent operation history creation process, the game start time, game end time, number of hits, number of balls played, and number of balls sold for one player are stored.

  A game management apparatus according to the second embodiment includes a gaming machine (for example, the gaming machine 130) and a management computer (for example, the management computer 30) that can communicate with the gaming machine. In the above, the management computer can determine whether or not a game is being played in the gaming machine (for example, in step S302 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 16, the batting signal of the gaming machine 130). In step S302 of the process for determining whether or not the specified number of seconds have elapsed since the reception of the game machine, or in the player change determination process shown in FIG. 16, the specified number of seconds has elapsed since the start signal of the gaming machine 130 was received. A process for determining whether or not a game has ended in the gaming machine (for example, a player change determination process shown in FIG. 16). In step S303, a process for determining whether or not the sales signal of the inter-vehicle machine 90 corresponding to the gaming machine 130 has been received) and a gaming state in which it can be determined whether or not the gaming machine is in a specific gaming state Determining means (for example, processing for determining whether or not a specific signal has been received in step S320 of the player change determination processing shown in FIG. 16 (whether or not the gaming state information is off)) and the vacant seat The game is ended by the game end determination means in a state where the determination means determines that no game is being performed and the gaming state determination means determines that the gaming machine is not in the specific gaming state. If it is determined, the player change determination means for determining that the player has changed in the gaming machine (for example, in step S305 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 16). Comprises a process) to turn on the player substitution flag, and it is a game management system according to claim.

  According to the game management device according to the second embodiment, it is possible to accurately determine the change of the player, and to accurately acquire the game information per player. For this reason, it is possible to improve the quality of customer service at the game store based on the collected game information, increase the operating rate of the gaming machine, and increase the profit of the game store. In addition, since it is possible to determine whether or not a player has been replaced by communication between the gaming machine and the management computer, it is possible to use the existing infrastructure provided in a general amusement store, which can result in design changes and new capital investment. It is not necessary and the introduction of the device is easy. In addition, since it is possible to determine the presence or absence of a player change taking into account the gaming state of the gaming machine, it is possible to more accurately determine the player change and increase the reliability of game information per player. It can be further increased.

  The player change determination means may not determine that the player has changed in the gaming machine when the gaming state determination means determines that the gaming machine is in the specific gaming state. Good.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to more accurately determine the replacement of players, and the reliability of game information per player can be further increased.

  In addition, the specific gaming state may be a gaming state in which a profit advantageous to the player is given to the player in the gaming machine (for example, a big hit game, a small hit game, a probability change state), or any kind of game in the gaming machine It may include at least a gaming state in which an abnormality has occurred (for example, an error state).

  With such a configuration, it is possible to more accurately determine a player's turn without judging a player change at an incorrect timing, and the reliability of game information per player. Can be further enhanced.

  Further, the gaming state determination means may determine that the specific gaming state is not reached when the provision of the advantageous profit is completed or when the abnormality is resolved.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to more accurately determine the replacement of players, and the reliability of game information per player can be further increased.

<< Third Embodiment >>
Next, a game management device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, in order to avoid duplicate description, in the present embodiment, only the configuration different from the game management device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of packet processing according to the third embodiment. The packet processing according to the third embodiment is obtained by adding the processing of step S230 immediately before step S212 of the packet processing shown in FIG.

  In newly added step S230, after calculating the number of balls, the calculated number of balls is stored in a ball counter stored in the RAM 33. Specifically, in this embodiment, the value of the hitting counter updated in step S203 is subtracted from the addition value obtained by adding the value of the sales counter updated in step S209 and the value of the output counter updated in step S211. The number of holding balls is calculated. That is, the number of possessed balls according to the present embodiment is calculated by “the number of sold balls (number of rented balls) + the number of issued balls (the number of safe balls) −the number of hit balls (the number of out balls)”. In addition, since “the number of balls to be played (the number of safe balls) −the number of hit balls (the number of balls out)” is called a difference ball number, the number of balls according to this embodiment is “the number of balls sold (the number of balls lent) −the difference. It can also be expressed as the number of balls.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a player change determination process according to the third embodiment. The player change determination process according to the third embodiment is obtained by replacing the process of step S302 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 10 with the process of step S330.

  In step S330 after the replacement, it is determined whether or not the number of possession counters stored in the RAM 33 is equal to or greater than the prescribed number. If applicable, the process proceeds to step S303, and if not, the process ends.

  FIG. 20 is a time chart showing the relationship between the number of balls, sales signals, and player change flags. In the player change determination process shown in FIG. 19, it is determined in step S330 that the number of balls held by the player in the gaming machine 130 is greater than or equal to the prescribed number, and in step S303, the table corresponding to the gaming machine 130 is determined. If it is determined that the sales signal of the intermediary machine 90 has been received, the player change flag is turned on in step S305.

For this reason, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, when the number of players' balls in the gaming machine 130 is equal to or greater than a prescribed number (for example, 200 balls) (see FIG. 20A), the gaming machine At the timing immediately after receiving the sales signal from the inter-vehicle machine 90 corresponding to 130 (see FIG. 10B), the player change flag is set from OFF to ON, and it is determined that the player has changed. This ensures that in a subsequent operation history generation process, for the player alone, game start time, a game end time, hitting number of balls, the payout number, and the sales number ball is stored.

  The game management device according to the third embodiment is a game management system configured to include a gaming machine (for example, the gaming machine 130) and a management computer (for example, the management computer 30) that can communicate with the gaming machine. In the apparatus, the management computer can determine whether or not the game has ended in the gaming machine (for example, a game machine 130 corresponding to the gaming machine 130 in step S303 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 19). A process for determining whether or not the sales signal of the inter-machine 90 has been received) and a game medium amount measuring means capable of measuring the amount of game media owned by the player in the gaming machine (for example, packet processing shown in FIG. 18) In step S230, the game medium measured by the game medium amount measuring unit) and the game medium amount measuring means in the gaming machine 130 are calculated. Game medium amount determination means for determining whether or not the amount of the player is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount (for example, in step S330 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. Determining whether or not the game has ended by the game end determination means in a state where the game medium amount determination means determines that the amount of the game medium is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. A player change determining means for determining that a player has changed in the gaming machine (for example, a process for turning on a player change flag in step S305 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 19); A game management device characterized by comprising:

  According to the game management device according to the third embodiment, even in a gaming machine that has a high availability and is less likely to lose a player, it is possible to accurately determine the replacement of players, and game information per player. Can be obtained accurately. For this reason, it is possible to improve the quality of customer service at the game store based on the collected game information, increase the operating rate of the gaming machine, and increase the profit of the game store. In addition, since it is possible to determine whether or not a player has been replaced by communication between the gaming machine and the management computer, it is possible to use the existing infrastructure provided in a general amusement store, which can result in design changes and new capital investment. It is not necessary and the introduction of the device is easy.

  The amount of the game medium is an amount obtained by adding the amount of game media lent to the player (for example, the number of sold balls) and the amount of game medium given from the gaming machine (for example, the number of played balls). The amount of game media used for the game in the gaming machine (for example, the number of hit balls) may be subtracted.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to accurately and easily measure the amount of game media owned by a player, and more accurately determine a player's turn.

<Modified example of player change determination processing>
Next, a modified example of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 19 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of player determination processing according to a modification of the third embodiment.

  In the player change determination process according to this modification, the process in step S330 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 19 is replaced with the process in step S340, and the processes in steps S303 and S304 are deleted. In step S340 after the replacement, it is determined whether or not the retained ball counter stored in the RAM 33 has reached a lower limit value (for example, a negative value). If yes, the process proceeds to step 305. Ends the process.

  FIG. 22 is a time chart showing the relationship between the number of possession balls and the player change flag. In the player change determination process shown in FIG. 21, if it is determined in step S340 that the number of players' balls in the gaming machine 130 has reached the lower limit value, the player change flag is turned on in step S305. .

  Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 22, when the number of players' balls in the gaming machine 130 reaches the lower limit (negative value) (see FIG. 22A), the gaming machine 130 Regardless of the sales signal from the corresponding interstage machine 90, it is determined that the player has changed. As a result, in the subsequent operation history creation process, the game start time, game end time, number of hits, number of balls played, and number of balls sold for one player are stored.

  A game management device according to a modification of the third embodiment is configured to include a gaming machine (for example, the gaming machine 130) and a management computer (for example, the management computer 30) that can communicate with the gaming machine. In the gaming management apparatus, the management computer is a gaming medium amount measuring means capable of measuring the amount of gaming medium owned by the player in the gaming machine (for example, the gaming machine 130 in step S230 of the packet processing shown in FIG. 18). Processing for calculating the number of possessed balls in the player) and game medium amount determining means for determining whether or not the amount of the game medium measured by the game medium amount measuring means is less than a lower limit (for example, FIG. In step S340 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 21, a process for determining whether or not the number of players' balls in the gaming machine 130 has reached the lower limit), and When the game medium amount determination means determines that the amount of the game medium is less than the lower limit value, the player change determination means (for example, the game shown in FIG. 21) determines that the player has changed in the gaming machine. A game management device including a process of turning on a player change flag in step S305 of the person change determination process.

  According to the game management device according to the modification of the third embodiment, even when a player brings a game medium from another game machine and starts a game on the game machine, the change of the player is accurately determined. The game information per player can be obtained accurately. For this reason, it is possible to improve the quality of customer service at the game store based on the collected game information, increase the operating rate of the gaming machine, and increase the profit of the game store. In addition, since it is possible to determine whether or not a player has been replaced by communication between the gaming machine and the management computer, it is possible to use the existing infrastructure provided in a general amusement store, which can result in design changes and new capital investment. It is not necessary and the introduction of the device is easy.

  Further, the lower limit value may be zero. With such a configuration, even in an irregular case in which a player brings a game medium from another gaming machine and starts a game in the gaming machine, the change of the player can be accurately determined, It is possible to accurately acquire game information per player.

<< Fourth Embodiment >>
Next, a game management device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, in order to avoid duplicate description, in the present embodiment, only the configuration different from the game management device according to the third embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of a player change determination process according to the fourth embodiment. In the player change determination process according to the fourth embodiment, the process of step S340 is added between step S304 and step S305 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. In newly added step S340, 0 is set in the ball counter stored in the RAM 33 (the ball counter is initialized), and then the process proceeds to step S305 and subsequent steps.

  FIG. 24 is a time chart showing the relationship between the number of balls, a ball counter, a sales signal, and a player change flag. In the player change determination process shown in FIG. 23, in step S330, it is determined that the number of players' balls in the gaming machine 130 is greater than or equal to the specified number, and in step S303, the sales signal of the inter-machine 90 is displayed. If it is determined that it has been received, 0 is set in the holding ball counter in step S340, and the player change flag is turned on in step S305.

  For this reason, for example, as shown in FIG. 24, when the number of players' balls in the gaming machine 130 is equal to or greater than a prescribed number (see FIG. 24 (a)), the table space corresponding to the gaming machine 130 is At the timing immediately after receiving the sales signal from the machine 90 (see (b) in the same figure), the game counter is set to 0, the player change flag is set from OFF to ON, and the player is changed. judge. As a result, in the subsequent operation history creation process, the game start time, game end time, number of hits, number of balls played, and number of balls sold for one player are stored.

  The game management device according to the fourth embodiment is a game management system configured to include a gaming machine (for example, the gaming machine 130) and a management computer (for example, the management computer 30) that can communicate with the gaming machine. In the apparatus, the management computer can determine whether or not the game has ended in the gaming machine (for example, a game machine 130 corresponding to the gaming machine 130 in step S303 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 23). A process for determining whether or not the sales signal of the inter-machine 90 has been received) and a game medium amount measuring means capable of measuring the amount of game media owned by the player in the gaming machine (for example, packet processing shown in FIG. 18) In step S230, the game medium measured by the game medium amount measuring unit) and the game medium amount measuring means in the gaming machine 130 are calculated. Game medium amount determination means for determining whether or not the amount of the game is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount (for example, in step S330 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. And the game end determination means determines that the game has ended in a state in which the game medium amount determination means determines that the amount of the game medium is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount. If determined, a player change determining means for determining that the player has changed in the gaming machine (for example, a process of turning on the player change flag in step S305 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 23). And a game medium amount initializing means (for example, the game shown in FIG. 23) for initializing the amount of the game medium when the player change determining means determines that the player has changed. In business Substitution determination processing step S340, and it comprises a lifting ball counter and process) is set to 0, and it is a game management system according to claim.

  According to the game management device according to the fourth embodiment, even if the amount of game media being managed is out of order, the amount of game media can be initialized, so that the subsequent player change Can be accurately determined, and game information per player can be accurately acquired. For this reason, it is possible to improve the quality of customer service at the game store based on the collected game information, increase the operating rate of the gaming machine, and increase the profit of the game store. In addition, since it is possible to determine whether or not a player has been replaced by communication between the gaming machine and the management computer, it is possible to use the existing infrastructure provided in a general amusement store, which can result in design changes and new capital investment. It is not necessary and the introduction of the device is easy.

  The game medium amount initialization means may initialize the amount of the game medium to zero. With such a configuration, even if the amount of game media being managed is upset, the amount of game media can be initialized to 0, so that the subsequent player change can be accurately performed. This makes it possible to accurately determine game information per player.

<< Fifth Embodiment >>
Next, a game management device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, in order to avoid duplicate description, in the present embodiment, only the configuration different from the game management device according to the third embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a player change determination process according to the fifth embodiment. In the player change determination process according to the fifth embodiment, steps S350 to S352 are added between step S304 and step S305 of the player change determination process shown in FIG.

  In newly added step S350, it is determined whether or not a specified number of seconds (180 seconds, which is the initial value of the vacant seat determination timer 1 in this embodiment) has elapsed since the hit signal of the gaming machine 130 was received. If applicable, the process proceeds to step S351, and if not applicable, the process ends.

  Further, in newly added step S351, it is determined whether or not the specified number of seconds (300 seconds, which is the initial value of the vacant seat determination timer 2 in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start signal of the gaming machine 130 was received. If applicable, the process proceeds to step S352, and if not applicable, the process ends. In newly added step S352, the value of the sales counter is added to the holding counter, and then the process proceeds to step S305 and subsequent steps.

  FIG. 26 is a time chart showing the relationship between the number of balls, a ball counter, a hitting signal, a start signal, a sales signal, and a player change flag. In the player change determination process shown in FIG. 25, in step S330, it is determined that the number of players' balls in the gaming machine 130 is greater than or equal to the prescribed number, and in step S303, the chess corresponding to the gaming machine 130 is determined. It is determined that the sales signal of the machine 90 has been received, and it is determined in step S350 that the specified number of seconds has elapsed since the hit signal of the gaming machine 130 has been received, and in step S351, the gaming machine 130 is started. If it is determined that the specified number of seconds has elapsed since the signal was received, the value of the sales counter is added to the holding counter in step S352, and the player change flag is turned on in step S305.

  For this reason, for example, as shown in FIG. 26, the number of balls held by the player in the gaming machine 130 becomes equal to or more than a specified number, and a specified number of seconds elapses after receiving the hitting signal of the gaming machine 130, and When the specified number of seconds have elapsed since the start signal of the gaming machine 130 was received (see FIG. 5A), the time immediately after receiving the sales signal from the inter-machine 90 corresponding to the gaming machine 130 At the timing (see FIG. 5B), the value of the sales counter is added to the holding ball counter, and the player change flag is set from OFF to ON, and it is determined that the player has changed. As a result, in the subsequent operation history creation process, the game start time, game end time, number of hits, number of balls played, and number of balls sold for one player are stored.

  The game management apparatus according to the fifth embodiment includes a gaming machine (for example, gaming machine 130) and a management computer (for example, management computer 30) that can communicate with the gaming machine. In the apparatus, the management computer can determine whether or not a game is being played in the gaming machine (for example, in step S350 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 25, the hitting ball of the gaming machine 130). In the process of determining whether or not the specified number of seconds have elapsed since the signal was received, or in step S351 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 25, the specified number of seconds after the start signal of the gaming machine 130 is received. A process for determining whether or not the game has elapsed) and a game end determination means (for example, a player change determination process shown in FIG. 25) that can determine that the game has ended in the gaming machine. In step S303, a process for determining whether or not the sales signal of the inter-vehicle machine 90 has been received) and a game medium amount measuring means (for example, a game medium amount measuring means that can measure the amount of game media owned by the player in the gaming machine) In step S230 of the packet processing shown in FIG. 18, whether the amount of the game medium measured by the game medium amount measuring means is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount in the game machine 130 Game medium amount determining means for determining whether or not (for example, in step S330 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 25, a process for determining whether or not the number of players' balls in the gaming machine 130 has reached a predetermined number or more. ) And the game medium amount determining means determines that the amount of the game medium is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, and the game is ended by the game end determining means. If it is determined, the player change determination means for determining that the player has changed in the gaming machine (for example, the process of turning on the player change flag in step S305 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 25) ) And the amount of game medium to adjust the amount of the game medium when it is determined by the player change determination means that the player has been changed and the vacant seat determination means determines that no game is being played An adjustment means (for example, a process of adding the value of the sales counter to the holding ball counter in step S352 of the player change determination process shown in FIG. 25).

  According to the game management device according to the fifth embodiment, the amount of the game medium can be adjusted even in an irregular case where the game medium is lent out at the end of the game. Can be accurately determined, and game information per player can be accurately acquired. For this reason, it is possible to improve the quality of customer service at the game store based on the collected game information, increase the operating rate of the gaming machine, and increase the profit of the game store. In addition, since it is possible to determine whether or not a player has been replaced by communication between the gaming machine and the management computer, it is possible to use the existing infrastructure provided in a general amusement store, which can result in design changes and new capital investment. It is not necessary and the introduction of the device is easy.

  In the player change determination process shown in FIG. 25, in step S350, it is determined that the specified number of seconds has elapsed since the hit signal of the gaming machine 130 has been received, and in step S351, the gaming machine 130 An example of determining that a game is not being played in the gaming machine when it is determined that the specified number of seconds has elapsed after receiving the start signal has been shown. However, the vacant seat according to the fifth embodiment The determination unit may determine that the seat is empty when any one of the conditions is satisfied. Therefore, for example, when it is determined that a specified number of seconds have elapsed since the hit signal of the gaming machine 130 has been received, it may be determined that the seat is vacant, or after the start signal of the gaming machine 130 is received. When it is determined that the specified number of seconds has elapsed, it may be determined that the seat is empty. Moreover, you may determine with it being a vacant seat based on other conditions other than these two conditions having been satisfied.

  In addition, the game medium amount adjusting means calculates the amount of game medium lent to the player (for example, the number of sold balls) when the vacant seat determination means determines that no game is being performed. You may add to quantity (for example, the number of balls).

  With such a configuration, game information per player can be acquired more accurately.

  The configuration of the game management device according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the game management device according to the above-described embodiment. For example, the “vacant seat determination means” according to the present invention performs a game on a gaming machine. It is only necessary to be able to determine whether or not it has been received, processing to determine whether or not the specified number of seconds have elapsed since receiving the hit signal of the gaming machine, or receiving the start signal of the gaming machine It is not limited to the process of determining whether or not the specified number of seconds has elapsed.

  Thus, for example, when the gaming machine is a pachislot machine, a process for determining whether a specified number of seconds has elapsed since receiving an operation signal indicating that the reel is rotating from the gaming machine (pachislot machine) , Processing to determine whether the specified number of seconds have elapsed since receiving an operation signal indicating that the start lever has been operated from a gaming machine (pachislot machine), or a gaming medal bet from a gaming machine (pachislot machine) This includes a process for determining whether or not the specified number of seconds has elapsed since the operation signal indicating that the operation has been performed.

  In addition, the “game end determination means” according to the present invention may be any means that can determine that a game has ended in a gaming machine, and whether or not a sales signal of a pedestrian machine corresponding to the gaming machine has been received. Is not limited to the process of determining whether or not, for example, a process of determining whether or not a storage ball payout signal of a pedestrian machine corresponding to the gaming machine has been received, or a game based on an operation signal transmitted by the gaming machine It may be determined whether or not has ended.

  In addition, in the case where the gaming machine is a pachislot machine, a process of determining whether or not an operation signal indicating that a bet button or a settlement button of a game medal has been operated is received from the gaming machine (pachislot machine).

  In addition, the “specific game state” according to the present invention is not limited to the big hit game state, the small hit game state, the probability variation state, and the error state, and includes, for example, a short time state, and the gaming machine is a pachislot machine. BB game state, RB game state, AT, etc. are also included.

  The “amount of game media owned by the player” measured by the “game media amount measuring means” according to the present invention is “the number of balls sold (number of balls rented) + number of balls played (number of safe balls) −balls hit. The number of holding balls calculated by “number (number of out balls)” is not limited, and for example, the number of balls calculated by “number of balls (safe balls) −number of hit balls (number of balls out)” is applied. May be. In other words, any value can be used as long as the amount (number) of game media owned by the player can be estimated. The “predetermined amount” according to the present invention is not limited to 200 balls, and the “lower limit value” according to the present invention is not limited to a negative value.

  In addition, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to things. In addition, the effect described in one configuration among the plurality of configurations described in the embodiment of the present invention may be further enhanced by applying the content described in one configuration to another configuration. In some cases, the effect can be further enhanced by applying the configuration described in one embodiment to the configuration described in another embodiment.

  The game management device according to the present invention can be widely used in game stores where game machines represented by pachinko machines and pachislot machines are installed.

NW network 10 Game management device 30 Management computer 31, 51, 71 CPU
32, 52, 72 ROM
33, 53, 73 RAM
34 recording medium 35 external storage drive 36 storage device 37 input device 38 display device 39 communication unit 41 timer 50 island computer 55 management computer communication unit 56 computer communication unit 70 computer 75 island computer communication unit 76 game equipment communication unit 90 units Machine 91 Bill insertion slot 92 IC coin insertion slot 93 IC coin ejection slot 94 Member card insertion slot 95 Lamp 110 Calling lamp 130 Game machine 131 Game board surface 132 Liquid crystal display device 133 General winning slot 134 General figure start slot 135 Special figure start slot 136 Variable prize opening 137 Fine plate

Claims (6)

In a game management device configured to include a gaming machine and a management computer capable of communicating with the gaming machine,
The management computer
Vacant seat determination means capable of determining whether or not a game is being performed in the gaming machine;
Game end determination means capable of determining that a game has ended in the gaming machine;
A player who determines that a player has changed in the gaming machine when the game end determination means determines that the game has ended in a state where the vacant seat determination means determines that no game is being performed. A shift determining means,
A game management device characterized by that. In the game management device according to claim 1,
The management computer is configured to be capable of receiving gaming machine operation information indicating an operating state of the gaming machine,
The gaming machine operation information includes at least gaming medium usage information indicating that gaming media is used in the gaming machine,
The vacant seat determination means determines that a game is not being performed in a gaming machine that does not transmit the game medium use information when the game medium use information cannot be received for a predetermined period.
A game management device characterized by that. In the game management device according to claim 1 or 2,
The management computer is configured to be able to receive related device operation information indicating an operation state of the related device provided corresponding to the gaming machine,
The related device operation information includes at least game medium lending information indicating that the game medium has been lent,
The game end determining means, when receiving the game medium lending information, determines that the game has ended in the gaming machine corresponding to the related device that transmitted the game medium lending information.
A game management device characterized by that. In the game management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The vacant seat determination means includes first vacancy determination means capable of determining whether or not a game is being performed in the gaming machine based on a first condition, and whether or not a game is being performed in the gaming machine. Second vacant seat determination means that can be determined based on a second condition different from the first condition,
In the state where the player change determination means is determined that the game is not being played by the first vacant seat determination means and the game is not being played by the second vacant seat determination means, When it is determined by the game end determination means that the game has ended, it is determined that the player has changed in the gaming machine;
A game management device characterized by that. In the game management device according to claim 4,
The management computer is configured to be capable of receiving gaming machine operation information indicating an operating state of the gaming machine,
The gaming machine operation information includes at least game medium use information indicating that a game medium is used in the gaming machine and game progress information indicating that a game is progressing in the gaming machine,
The first vacant seat determination means determines that a game is not being performed in a gaming machine that does not transmit the game medium use information when the game medium use information cannot be received for a predetermined period of time.
The second vacant seat determination means determines that a game is not being performed in a gaming machine that does not transmit the game progress information when the game progress information cannot be received over a predetermined period.
A game management device characterized by that. In the game management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Each time the player change determination means determines that a player has changed in the gaming machine, it comprises game history update means for storing game machine operation information indicating the operating state of the game machine in association with the player.
A game management device characterized by that.