JP2018007006A - Mobile terminal device, management device, communication system, communication device, and communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mobile terminal device, management device, communication system, communication device, and communication method that simplify an apparatus carried around by employees when they work in a store such as a game shop, and can reduce the complexity of operation of the apparatus and a burden related to weight.SOLUTION: A mobile terminal device 140 includes: display means 142 capable of connecting with a network enabling transmission and reception of signals and capable of displaying game information on a game; communication means 144 for transmitting and/or receiving voice signals to and/or from another mobile terminal device 140 connected to the network via the network; and history storage means for storing histories of transmission and/or reception of the voice signals.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 27

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable terminal device, a management device, a communication system, a communication device, and a communication method used in a store including a game store where a gaming machine such as a pachinko or pachislot machine is installed.

  In recent years, many stores (game stores) in which pachinko or pachislot machines are installed are equipped with game management devices for collecting and managing various game information (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the game management device, a communication system is used, and an employee has a portable terminal to acquire and display information managed by the game management device, game information of a game arcade, and the like.

  Further, in a store, an employee can send an audio message from one employee to other employees at the same time using wireless communication or the like. I have a cam (income).

  As for the intercom, in addition to the one constituted by the headset and the main body, a technique in which the main body (wireless intercom slave unit) and the wireless microphone are integrally formed is also known (for example, see Patent Document 2).

JP-A-11-221328 JP 2009-4856 A

  However, store employees had to carry income and mobile terminals, which was a heavy burden.

  That is, for the income, for example, a technique that integrates the main body and the wireless microphone is proposed as in the technique described in Patent Document 2, but the employee also has a portable terminal that displays various information used in business. Must carry at least two types of devices, an income and a portable terminal. When carrying a plurality of devices in this way, the operation of each device becomes complicated and there is a burden in terms of weight.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve such a conventional problem, and in a store such as an amusement shop, it is intended to simplify the equipment that is carried when an employee conducts business. It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable terminal device, a management device, a communication system, a communication device, and a communication method that can reduce the complexity of operation and the heavy burden.

  The present invention is a portable terminal device connectable to a network that enables signal transmission / reception, and provides audio between display means capable of displaying game information related to a game and another portable terminal device connected to the network. A portable terminal device comprising: a communication unit that transmits and / or receives a signal through the network; and a history storage unit that stores a history of transmission and / or reception of the audio signal. is there.

  Further, the present invention is a management device connected to a store network, and communication means for transmitting and / or receiving an audio signal between a plurality of portable terminal devices connected to the network via the network And a history storage means for storing a history of transmission and / or reception of the audio signal.

  The present invention also includes a network that enables transmission and reception of signals in a store, and portable terminal means that can be connected to the network, and transmits audio signals between the plurality of portable terminal means that are connected to the network. And / or a communication system that performs reception via the network, and a history storage that stores a history of transmission and / or reception of the audio signal in association with terminal information that is information for identifying the mobile terminal means It is a communication system characterized by having a means.

  The present invention also includes a network that enables transmission and reception of signals in a store, and portable terminal means that can be connected to the network, and transmits audio signals between the plurality of portable terminal means that are connected to the network. And / or a communication device that performs reception via the network, the communication device comprising history storage means for storing a history of transmission and / or reception of the audio signal.

  The present invention also provides transmission and / or transmission of audio signals between a plurality of portable terminal means connected to the network using a network capable of signal transmission and reception and portable terminal means connectable to the network. Alternatively, the communication method performs reception, and has a history storage step of storing a history of transmission or / and reception of the audio signal.

  According to the mobile terminal device, the management device, the communication system, the communication device, and the communication method according to the present invention, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when an employee conducts work in a store such as a game store, Further, it is possible to achieve an excellent effect that the complexity of the operation of the device and the heavy burden can be reduced.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing a system configuration of a communication system 15 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 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. The circuit block diagram of the control part of the gaming machine 130 is shown. (A) It is a schematic front view of a common pedestrian machine. (B) It is the block diagram which showed an example of the main structures of the machine 90. (A) It is the front view which showed an example of the terminal device 140. FIG. (B) It is a figure which shows the example of a display in the terminal device 140, (c) It is the block diagram which showed an example of the main structures of the terminal device 140. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the flow of a terminal device audio | voice communication main process. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the flow of management computer voice communication main processing. (A) It is the flowchart which showed an example of the flow of a game machine main process. (B) It is the flowchart which showed an example of the flow of a main machine main process. (A) It is an example of a display of a terminal user setting screen, (b) is an example of a terminal user setting table, (c) is an example of a destination list table. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the various processes for implement | achieving a terminal user setting function. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the various processes for implement | achieving a communication permission function. It is another flowchart which shows the flow of the various processes for implement | achieving a communication permission function. (A) It is the front view which showed an example of the authentication screen of the terminal device 140. FIG. (B)-(d) It is the front view which showed an example of the call waiting screen of the terminal device 140. FIG. It is the block diagram which extracted and showed the main structures of the terminal device 140 regarding voice communication. 3 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of first audio transmission / reception switching means 217. FIG. FIG. 5 is a circuit schematic diagram showing an example of first voice transmission / reception switching means 217. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the various processes for implement | achieving call mode selection / switching function. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the various processes for implement | achieving a simultaneous call function. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the various processes for implement | achieving a group call function. It is an example of the screen display at the time of individual call mode selection in terminal unit 140. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the various processes for implement | achieving an individual call function. (A) an example of a transmission history table, (b) an example of a reception history table, (c) an example of a transmission / reception history table, and (d) an example of a history list table. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a log | history process. (A) An example of a history list (history list), (b) an example of a history list (character information history list), and (c) an example of a history list (voice information history list). It is an example of the display of the history display screen in the terminal device. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the various processes for implement | achieving a communication history function. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the various processes for implement | achieving a communication history function.

  Hereinafter, a communication system (communication device) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Overall configuration>
First, the overall configuration of a communication system (communication apparatus, hereinafter the same) 15 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a system configuration of a communication system 15 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 15 is used with the game management apparatus 10 in stores, such as a game store, as an example. 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 the network LNW, and a network LNW to the subordinates of the island computer 50. A plurality of connected computers 70, a plurality of intermediary machines (SAND (registered trademark)) 90 and a call lamp 110 connected via the network LNW under the computer 70, and the call lamp 110 A plurality of gaming machines 130 connected to the computer 70, and a plurality of terminal devices 140 that can communicate with each other via the management computer 30 and the network WNW.

  The communication system (communication device, the same applies hereinafter) 15 of the present embodiment includes, as an example, a management computer 30 and a plurality of terminal devices 140 that can communicate with the management computer 30 via a network WNW. Configured.

  In the game management device 10 of the present embodiment, an operation signal transmitted from the gaming machine 130 (hereinafter, referred to as “gaming machine operation signal” in some cases; details will be described later) are a call lamp 110, a stand computer 70, and The information is transmitted to the management computer 30 via the island computer 50 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 LNW.

  In the game management apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the operation signal transmitted from the inter-machine 90 (hereinafter, referred to as “related apparatus operation signal”. The details will be described later) are the base computer 70 and the island computer 50. To the management 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 LNW. .

  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, the gaming machine 130, and the terminal device 140 are not limited to the illustrated numbers.

  Further, another device capable of transmitting an operation signal indicating the operation state may be connected to the network LNW so that the management computer 30 can collect the operation signal from the device. For example, a counter (so-called jet counter) is connected to the network LNW, and the management computer 30 indicates an operation signal indicating the amount of game media (number of game balls, 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 LNW applied to the game management apparatus 10 is typically a LAN (Local Area Network), but the communication mode is a line that can communicate with each other regardless of wired / wireless. I just need it. The network WNW applied to the game management apparatus 10 is typically a WAN (Wide Area Network), but the communication form is a line that can communicate with each other regardless of wired / wireless. I just need it.

  In addition, although the example in which the terminal device 140 and the management computer 30 are connected to each other via the network WNW has been shown, the terminal device 140 and other devices (for example, the gaming machine 130, the call lamp 110, the intermediary machine 90). The devices installed in the hall such as the stand computer 70 and the island computer 50) may be connected to each other via the network WNW so as to communicate with each other. In addition, the management computer installed in each store is communicably connected to the headquarters management computer, and the headquarters management computer is configured so that various information can be obtained from a plurality of management computers by this headquarters management computer. You may make it function as the management computer 30 which concerns on a form.

<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 A display unit 38, a communication unit 39 for communicating with the island computer 50 via the network LNW, and a communication unit 39 for communicating with the terminal device 140 via the network WNW, and a timer 41 for measuring time, frequency, etc. And an audio output means 44 for outputting audio. 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 cycle output from a crystal oscillator (not shown) as a system clock, and executes processing such as an application program or an operating system (OS) stored in the ROM 32, the storage device 36, or the like. Then, processing for storing data, files, and the like necessary for executing the program in the RAM 33, the storage device 36, and the like is performed.

  The storage device 36 stores an application program, an OS, a control program, a related program, 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 (mouse, etc.), 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, a plasma display, or the like.

<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 LNW.

  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. A management computer communication unit 55 for performing communication via the LNW and a base computer communication unit 56 for performing communication with the base computer 70 via the network LNW 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 LNW. Send.

  Further, the CPU 51 of the island computer 50 adds game state information (a big hit state information, a small hit state information, a probable change state information, an error state information, etc.) indicating the state of a gaming machine 130 to be described later to the packet received from the computer 70. ) Is included, the received game state information is stored in the RAM 53 and periodically (for example, every 1 to 5 seconds), a request for transmission of game state information is sent to the management computer communication unit 55. Do. Upon receiving this transmission request, the management computer communication unit 55 reads the gaming state information stored in the RAM 53, and after adding the identification information (ID) of the island computer 50 to the gaming state information, the management computer via the network LNW. 30.

<Computer>
Next, the stand computer 70 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This stand 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 LNW.

  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 LNW, and a game facility communication unit 76 for performing communication with the interstage machine 90 and the call lamp 110 via the network LNW are configured. . 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 LNW.

  In addition, the CPU 71 of the stand computer 70 adds game state information (big hit state information, small hit state information, probability change state information, or , Error state information, etc.) are stored, the received game state information is stored in the RAM 73 and periodically (for example, every 1 to 5 seconds) with respect to the island computer communication unit 75 Request to send 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 LNW.

  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. 3. The gaming machine (pachinko machine) 130 has a liquid crystal display device 132 disposed substantially at the center of the gaming board surface 131, and a general prize opening around the liquid crystal display device 132. 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 recognize that the game ball 130 has been paid out in the gaming machine 130 by receiving the packet containing the information on the ball signal, and the packet containing 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 ball counter (not shown) capable of counting the number of game balls (number of hitting balls) launched on the game board surface 131 is disposed on the back surface of the gaming machine 130. Has been. 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, one pulse is output every time a game ball is launched (every time it is consumed) as a hitting signal. 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, the errors that can be detected in the gaming machine 130 include, for example, a magnetic error when detecting abnormal magnetism, a radio wave error when detecting abnormal radio waves, and vibration in order to detect fraud against the gaming machine. Vibration error when detected, illegal winning error such as when a game ball wins the variable winning opening 136 at times other than big hit or small hit, illegal payout error when the number of balls exceeds the specified value, door open Error when the door is opened, glass opening error when the glass is opened, ball clogging error when the game ball is clogged in the winning opening or the starting opening, various sensors (for example, the entrance of the winning opening or starting opening) Sensor error in the case of failure of the installed ball detection sensor), communication error in the event of an abnormality in communication between the control units, and power supply error in the event of an abnormality in the power supply system.

  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 (Big Bonus) game or an RB (Regular Bonus) game has started, an operation signal indicating that an AT (Assist Time) 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, and an operation indicating that a game medal has been inserted A signal, an operation signal indicating that a game medal has been betted, 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, etc. 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.

<Game machine / control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the gaming machine 130 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit of the gaming machine 130.

  The control unit of the gaming machine 130 is roughly divided into a main control unit 150 that controls the central part of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 150. A sub-control unit 170 that controls the game, a pay-out control unit 210 that mainly performs control related to pay-out of game balls in response to a command transmitted by the main control unit 150, a launch control unit 230 that controls the launch of game balls, It is constituted by. The configuration of the control unit is not limited to this example, and the gaming machine 130 may be configured with a smaller number of control units than the present example, or may be configured with a greater number of control units than the present example. May be.

<Game machine / control unit / main control unit>
The main control unit 150 includes a basic circuit (microcomputer) 151 that controls the entire main control unit 150. The basic circuit 151 includes a CPU 152, a ROM 153 for storing control programs and various data, A RAM 154 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 155 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 156 for measuring time and frequency are mounted. Note that the ROM 153 and the RAM 154 may be built in the CPU 152 (the same applies to other CPUs).

  Further, the basic circuit 151 includes a counter circuit 158 that changes a numerical value every time a clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 157 is received, and various sensors 159 (for example, games that pass through each start port, winning port, and variable winning port). A sensor circuit 160 that receives a signal output from a sphere detection sensor for detecting a sphere, etc., and a drive for performing display control of various symbol display devices 161 (for example, a special figure display device or a general-purpose display device). A circuit 162, a drive circuit 164 for performing display control of various status display units 163 (for example, a general map holding lamp, a special map holding lamp, etc.), and various movable members (for example, a blade member of the special chart starting port 135) And a drive circuit 166 for controlling various solenoids 165 for opening and closing a door member of the variable prize opening 136).

  Further, the information output circuit 167 is connected to the basic circuit 151, and as described above, the main control unit 150 sends the operation information of the gaming machine 130 to the call lamp 110 via the external output terminal of the information output circuit 167. And unique information can be output.

  The main control unit 150 is provided with a start signal output circuit 168 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 152 receives the start signal from the start signal output circuit 168. In such a case, game control to be described later is started. The main control unit 150 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the sub-control unit 170 and an output interface for transmitting a command to the pay-out control unit 210. The sub-control unit 170 and the pay-out control unit Communication with 210 is possible.

<Game machine / control unit / sub-control unit>
The sub-control unit 170 includes a basic circuit (microcomputer) 171 that mainly controls the sub-control unit 170 based on a command transmitted from the main control unit 150. The basic circuit 171 includes a CPU 172 and a CPU 172. ROM 173 for storing control programs and various effects data; RAM 174 for temporarily storing data; I / O 175 for controlling input / output of various devices; and for measuring time and frequency Counter timer 176 is mounted.

  The basic circuit 171 includes a sound source IC 178 for controlling the speaker 177, a drive circuit 179 for controlling the various lamps 184, a sensor circuit 181 for receiving detection signals from the various sensors 180, an effect display, and the like. A liquid crystal display device 182 for performing the above is connected.

<Game machine / control unit / payout control unit, launch control unit>
The payout control unit 210 controls a payout motor 211 that drives a payout device (not shown) based on a command or the like received from the main control unit 150 and a game based on a control signal output from the payout sensor 212. It detects whether or not the dispensing of the ball has been completed. The launch control unit 230 controls the launch motor 232 based on a control signal output from the payout control unit 210 and a control signal instructing the launch intensity according to the amount of operation of the ball launch handle 231 by the player.

<Call lamp>
As shown in FIG. 3, a calling lamp 110 is provided on the upper part of the gaming machine 130. The calling lamp 110 is a device that includes a display (for example, a liquid crystal display device) that performs a predetermined display (for example, blinking display) in response to a predetermined winning event (for example, a big hit game). Also, it has a function of transmitting the operation signal transmitted from the gaming machine 130 to the base computer 70. The calling lamp is provided with a speaker (not shown) so that a player (customer) can call a store clerk or the like.

  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. Fig.6 (a) is a schematic front view of a common pedestrian.

  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. In addition, a table machine having a monitor such as a liquid crystal display device is also included.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the inter-bed 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 in which an operation signal output from the intermediary machine 90 is transmitted to the management computer 30 via the intermediary computer 70 and the island computer 50 has been described. May be transmitted to the management computer 30 without going through the base computer 70 and the island computer 50, and the same applies to the operation signal output from the gaming machine 130. Moreover, although the example which transmits the packet containing a sales signal when a player receives a ball lending with cash or IC coin was shown, the medium (for example, credit card, A packet including a sales signal may be output when the player receives a ball loan by electronic money.

  The membership card insertion slot 94 is an insertion slot for accepting insertion of a membership card (card-type recording medium) distributed in advance to the store members. 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 (error) has occurred may be included in the operation signal depending on the model of the inter-vehicle machine.

  Here, as an abnormality (error) that can be detected in the inter-machine 90, for example, a card identification error when an abnormality is detected in the card identification information of the membership card, a vibration error when vibration is detected, and the door is opened. Error when the door is opened, banknote jam error when banknotes are jammed in the bill insertion slot 91, IC coin jamming error when IC coins are jammed in the IC coin insertion slot 92, member card is jammed in the member card insertion slot 94 Card clogging error, various sensor (for example, insertion detection sensor disposed in the bill insertion slot 91, IC coin insertion slot 92, member card insertion slot 94), sensor error, This includes a communication error when a communication error occurs, a power error when a power supply system error occurs, and the like.

<Between machine / Main configuration>
Next, the main configuration of the interpolator 90 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6B is a block diagram showing an example of the main configuration of the inter-vehicle machine 90.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the inter-machine 90 includes an input unit 96, a display unit 97, a control unit 98, a communication unit 99, and a storage unit 100. The input means 96 is, for example, an insertion detection sensor, a numeric keypad, a keyboard, or a touch panel disposed in the above-described bill insertion slot 91, IC coin insertion slot 92, and membership card insertion slot 94, and is input by a user such as a player. It accepts operations. The display unit 97 is, for example, the lamp 95, the liquid crystal display, or the organic EL display described above, and displays a command input from the input unit 96, a response output in response thereto, and the like.

  The control means 98 is, for example, a CPU, and controls the entire machine 90. The communication means 99 controls communication with an external device, and in this example, communicates with the computer 70. The storage unit 100 stores application programs, OS, control programs, related programs, and the like, and can be realized by, for example, a hard disk (HDD).

<Terminal device>
Next, the terminal device 140 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of the terminal device 140 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a front view illustrating an example of display on the display unit 142 of the terminal device 140. FIG. These are block diagrams showing an example of the main configuration of the terminal device 140.

  Here, the terminal device 140 is a portable information terminal device (portable terminal device) that is small and portable for use by a store clerk or the like in business. Specifically, for example, a conventionally known smartphone, tablet terminal, PDA (= Personal Digital Assistant) or the like is suitable, but it can also be realized by a notebook computer, a handy terminal, or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the terminal device 140 of the present embodiment mainly includes an audio transmission / reception switching unit 216 (first audio transmission / reception switching unit 217), a headset, or an earphone microphone (hereinafter, referred to as “terminal”) via an external terminal 201. Audio transmission / reception is performed in a state where the external audio input / output device 220 is connected. In FIG. 5A, an earphone microphone is shown as an example of the external audio input / output device 220. The earphone microphone 220 includes an operation means (controller, external call switch) 221 capable of performing voice input / output operations while a small microphone 147B is attached to the earphone 148B.

  The voice transmission / reception switching means 216 switches between transmission and reception of a voice signal input to or output from the external voice input / output device 220, which will be described in detail later.

  The terminal device 140 according to the present embodiment has a voice communication function for transmitting and / or receiving a voice signal (hereinafter referred to as voice communication) with another terminal device 140 permitted to connect to the network WNW. The voice communication function will be described later. For example, the terminal device 140 holds or is provided with an application (software) for realizing the voice communication function. As shown in FIG. The display unit 142 displays an icon for executing the application (software). Here, “audio signal” in this specification includes audio data obtained by performing processing (for example, D / A conversion processing, A / D conversion processing, amplification processing, packetization processing) on the audio signal.

  The terminal device 140 connected to the management computer 30 via the network WNW may include a stationary information processing device in addition to the mobile terminal device. In addition, the terminal device 140 is an information processing device that is mainly used by a store clerk for business, but may be temporarily used by a player, and may be an information processing device used only by a store clerk. It is not limited.

  As shown in FIG. 7C, the terminal device 140 includes an input unit 141, a display unit 142, a control unit 143, a communication unit 144, a storage unit 146, a voice input unit 147, and a voice output unit 148. And is configured. The input unit 141 is, for example, a touch panel, and receives an input operation by a user such as a store clerk. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, the input operation includes a selection operation for selecting one or a plurality of items (information), a dedicated operation (voice transmission operation) that is operated during voice communication, and the like. It is. The input means 141 may be a numeric keypad or a keyboard (software keyboard including numeric buttons 0 to 9). The display unit 142 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and displays a command input from the input unit 141, a response output to the command, game information about a game described later, and the like. The voice input unit 147 is a built-in microphone 147A of the terminal device 140 and a voice input unit (a microphone of a headset or an earphone microphone) 147B of the external voice input / output device 220. The voice output unit 148 is a built-in speaker of the terminal device 140. 148A and audio output means (headphone of headset or earphone of earphone microphone) 148B of external audio input / output device 220.

  When the external audio input / output device 220 is not connected, the terminal device 140 transmits and receives audio via the internal microphone 147A and the internal speaker 148A, and when the external audio input / output device 220 is connected, the terminal device 140 Audio is transmitted and received through the headphones (earphones) 148B.

  The control means 143 is a CPU, for example, and controls the entire terminal device 140. The communication unit 144 manages communication with an external device, and includes a circuit for converting a signal, an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves, converts various information into radio waves and the like, and sends them to the outside. 30 receives radio waves and the like related to various information. As an example, when performing wireless communication, the communication unit 144 converts a call or communication signal input from the control unit 143 into a wireless signal, and the converted wireless signal is transmitted to the management computer 30 via the network WNW. Send to etc. The communication unit 144 converts the radio signal received via the antenna into a signal in a format that can be used by the control unit, and outputs the converted signal to the control unit 143. In addition, the communication unit 144 performs transmission and / or reception (voice communication) of an audio signal with another terminal device 140 permitted to connect to the network WNW. The storage unit 146 stores an application program, an OS, a control program, a related program, and the like, and can be realized by a hard disk (HDD), a semiconductor memory, or the like, for example.

<Terminal device voice communication main processing>
Next, a terminal device voice communication main process executed by the control unit 143 of the terminal device 140 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the terminal device voice communication main process.

  This terminal device voice communication main processing is a part of processing executed by a program (application) stored in the storage unit 146 of the terminal device 140, and “voice communication between a plurality of terminal devices 140 connected to the network WNW”. This is a process for realizing the “function”. This “voice communication function” is, for example, SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) or H.264. This is a function for transmitting and / or receiving audio signals using a communication protocol for controlling calls such as H.323 and a communication protocol such as RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol) for transmitting streaming data. A function that performs voice transmission in one direction from the user who is pressing the operation means (for example, a communication function using PPT (Push To Talk) or PoC (Push to talk over Cellular)) It has a function to send and receive audio signals.

  That is, the terminal device 140 uses the “voice communication function” to operate the input unit 141 dedicated to the transmission of a voice signal, such as an intercom (intercom) or a transceiver, via the network WNW. Audio signals can be transmitted to a plurality of terminal devices 140, and audio signals can be transmitted and received one-on-one like a telephone.

  The control unit 143 of the terminal device 140 starts execution from the initial setting process in step S101 when, for example, an instruction to execute the program is given by an operation on the input unit 141 (for example, a click operation on the touch panel).

  In the initial setting process in step S101, for example, a process of initializing a part of the storage area of the storage unit 146 to 0, a process of setting an initial value in a part of the storage area of the storage unit 146, a display unit 142 ( For example, the process of displaying an initial screen (for example, the menu screen shown in FIG. 7A) on the liquid crystal display or the initial setting of the communication unit 144 (for example, a wireless communication module) is executed, and the MAC of the terminal device 140 is executed. A process for enabling establishment of communication with the management computer 30 is performed based on the address and the IP address.

  In step S103, communication permission processing is performed. Although details will be described later, in this communication permission process, various processes for realizing the communication permission function of the terminal device 140 are executed.

  In step S105, call mode selection / switching processing is performed. Although details will be described later, in this call mode selection / switching process, various processes for realizing the call mode selection / switching function of the terminal device 140 are executed.

  In step S107, simultaneous call processing is performed. Although details will be described later, in this simultaneous call process, various processes for realizing the simultaneous call function of the terminal device 140 are executed.

  In step S109, group call processing is performed. Although details will be described later, this group call process executes various processes for realizing the group call function of the terminal device 140.

  In step S111, individual call processing is performed. As will be described in detail later, this individual call process executes various processes for realizing the individual call function of the terminal device 140.

  In step S113, communication history processing is performed. Although details will be described later, in this communication history process, various processes for realizing the communication history function of the terminal device 140 are executed.

  In step S115, after performing other processes such as other communication processes with the management computer 30, the process returns to the call mode selection / switching process in step S105. Thereafter, the control unit 143 of the terminal device 140 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S105 to S115 unless there is an instruction to end the execution of the program by an operation on the input unit 141 (for example, a click operation on the touch panel).

<Management computer voice communication main processing>
Next, the management computer voice communication main process executed by the CPU 31 of the management computer 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the management computer voice communication main process.

  This management computer voice communication main processing is a part of processing executed by a program (application) stored in the storage means (for example, the storage device 36) of the management computer 30, and a plurality of terminal devices connected to the network WNW This is a process for realizing the “voice communication function” between 140.

  The CPU 31 of the management computer 30 starts execution from the initial setting process in step S201, for example, when an instruction to execute the program is given by an operation on the input device 37 (for example, a click operation on the mouse).

  In the initial setting process in step S201, 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, a display device 38 (for example, a liquid crystal display) ) To display the initial screen and the initial setting of the communication unit 39 (for example, wireless communication module), permit the connection to the network WNW by the MAC address and IP address of the terminal device 140, and the terminal device 140 Also, processing for enabling communication with the island computer 50 is performed.

  In step S203, terminal user setting processing is performed. Although details will be described later, in this terminal user setting process, various processes for realizing the terminal user setting function of the management computer 30 are executed.

  In step S205, communication permission processing is performed. Although details will be described later, in this communication permission process, various processes for realizing the communication permission function of the management computer 30 are executed.

  In step S207, call mode selection / switching processing is performed. Although details will be described later, in the call mode selection / switching process, various processes for realizing the call mode selection / switching function of the management computer 30 are executed.

  In step S209, simultaneous call processing is performed. Although details will be described later, in this simultaneous call process, various processes for realizing the simultaneous call function of the management computer 30 are executed.

  In step S211, group call processing is performed. Although details will be described later, this group call process executes various processes for realizing the group call function of the management computer 30.

  In step S213, individual call processing is performed. Although details will be described later, this individual call process executes various processes for realizing the individual call function of the management computer 30.

  In step S215, communication history processing is performed. Although details will be described later, in this communication history process, various processes for realizing the communication history function of the management computer 30 are executed.

  In step S217, packet communication processing is performed. In this packet communication process, a process of updating various game information is performed based on an operation signal received from each gaming machine 130 or each inter-vehicle machine 90.

  Here, the various types of game information are signals or data related to the game. As an example of the game information, there is special prize history information generated based on operation information output from the gaming machine 130 and / or the inter-vehicle machine 90. As an example of the special award history information, specifically, operation information by game state (for example, the number of balls to be played by state for each game state, the number of hits by state), or operation history information (for example, cumulative for every fixed time) (Number of appearances, accumulated hits, accumulated sales, accumulated replays, accumulated start count, accumulated bonus count, accumulated allowance count, and accumulated start count) Various types of information generated based on the history information (for example, the number of balls by state) are listed. The management computer 30 can transmit various game information to the terminal device 140 connected via the network WNW, and the terminal device 140 can display the received various game information on the display unit 142.

  In step S219, after performing other processes such as other communication processes with the terminal device 140, the island computer 50, etc., the process returns to the call mode selection / switching process in step S203. Thereafter, the CPU 31 of the management computer 30 repeatedly executes the processing from step S203 to step S219 unless there is an instruction to end the execution of the program by an operation on the input device 37 (for example, a click operation on the mouse).

<Main game machine processing>
Next, the main process (game machine main process) executed by the CPU 152 of the main control unit 150 of the gaming machine 130 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10A is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the gaming machine main process.

  This gaming machine main process is a part of a process executed by a program (application) stored in the ROM 153 of the main control unit 150 of the gaming machine 130. For example, when the activation signal is input from the activation signal output circuit 168, the CPU 152 of the main control unit 150 starts execution from the initial setting process in step S301.

  In the initial setting process in step S301, for example, a process for initializing a part of the storage area of the RAM 154 to 0, a process for setting an initial value for a part of the storage area of the RAM 154, and an initial setting of the information output circuit 167 are performed. The processing is executed to permit the output of the operation signal to the management computer 30.

  In step S302, operation signal output processing is performed. In this operation signal output process, various processes for outputting the above-described operation signal (game machine operation signal) to the management computer 30 are performed. In step S303, after performing game control, communication processing with the calling lamp 110, and the like, the process returns to the operation signal output processing in step S302. Thereafter, the CPU 152 of the main control unit 150 repeatedly executes the processes of Steps S302 to S303.

<Main machine for main machine>
Next, with reference to FIG. 10 (b), the main process (the inter-machine main process) executed by the control means 98 of the inter-machine 90 will be described. FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the main machine main process.

  This main machine main process is a part of a process executed by a program (application) stored in the storage unit 100 of the intermediate machine 90. For example, when power is supplied from the outside, the control unit 98 of the inter-vehicle machine 90 starts execution from the initial setting process in step S401.

  In the initial setting process in step S401, for example, a process for initializing a part of the storage area of the storage unit 100 to 0, a process for setting an initial value in a part of the storage area of the storage unit 100, or the management computer 30 Perform processing that permits the output of the operation signal.

  In step S402, an operation signal output process is performed. In this operation signal output process, various processes for outputting the above-described operation signal (related device operation signal) to the management computer 30 are performed. In step S403, control of the inter-station machine 90 and communication processing with the computer 70 are performed, and then the operation signal output processing of step S402 is returned to. Thereafter, the control unit 98 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S402 to S403.

<Call mode>
Next, the “call mode” in the communication system 15 of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, when a plurality of terminal devices 140 connected to the network WNW (whose connection is permitted and in a login state) perform voice communication (sending and / or receiving voice signals) via the network WNW. As the call modes, “simultaneous call mode”, “group call mode”, and “individual call mode” are provided. Note that the “broadcast mode”, “group call mode”, and “individual call mode” are all part of the call function, and can also be called a simultaneous call function, a group call function, and an individual call function, respectively.

  The “simultaneous call mode” is a one-to-many call mode in which one terminal device 140 in a login state (for example, the terminal device 140A) and one or more other terminal devices 140 in a login state (for example, all In this mode, audio signals are transmitted to the terminal devices 140B, 140C, 140D.

  The “group call mode” is also a one-to-many call mode, and is a mode that enables a call in a group unit (group call). That is, one or a plurality of terminal devices 140 that can be connected to the network WNW are classified in advance into one or a plurality of groups, and one or a plurality of terminal devices 140 (for example, the terminal device 140A) in the login state are classified. By selecting a group, this is a mode in which audio signals are transmitted all at once to other terminal devices 140 in the login state belonging to the selected group (for example, all the terminal devices 140B and 140C belonging to the group 01). . In this embodiment, as an example, a group call can be performed only between the terminal devices 140 belonging to the same group, and the terminal device 140 belonging to a certain group (for example, group 01) can be transferred to another group (for example, group). A group call cannot be made to the terminal devices 140 belonging to (02). However, only the terminal device 140 to which a special authority is given can make a group call to a plurality of groups.

  In addition, the group can be changed (switched) in the terminal device 140, and even if the terminal device 140 belongs to another group, it belongs to the same group by changing (switching) the group. Calls are possible.

  The “individual call mode” is a one-to-one call mode, and is the same as a telephone in that a call is made by specifying one of the other parties. That is, this is a mode in which voice is individually transmitted from one terminal apparatus 140 (terminal apparatus 140A) in the login state to another terminal apparatus 140 (for example, terminal apparatus 140D) in the login state.

  It should be noted that the terminal device 140 that is making a call in the “individual call mode”, even when a voice signal is transmitted from another terminal device 140 in the “simultaneous call mode” or the “group call mode”, The signal cannot be received.

  Next, usage examples of “simultaneous call mode”, “group call mode”, and “individual call mode” will be described.

  The “broadcast mode” is used when it is necessary to notify all users all at once. For example, in the case of a store in an amusement store, it can be used in stores where there is no separation of floors or small stores.

  The “group call mode” can be used between a store having a break on the first floor, the second floor, and other stores. In this case, for example, it is normally set to “group call mode” and switched to “simultaneous call mode” only when notification is required for all users.

  The “individual call mode” is used when a one-to-one individual call is required. When “Individual Call Mode” is selected, simultaneous calls and group calls cannot be received, so set “Bulk Call Mode” or “Group Call Mode” by default and “Individual Call Mode” only when necessary. It is good to be able to select. In this case, when the “individual call mode” ends, the default call mode is restored.

<Terminal user setting function>
Next, the terminal user setting function of the communication system 15 will be described in detail. This terminal user setting function is a function for setting various information about the terminal device 140 that can be used in the communication system 15 (permit connection to the network WNW) in the management computer 30.

<Terminal user setting function / Terminal setting user information>
Next, terminal setting user information set in the terminal user setting function will be described. FIG. 11 is an example of a display of a terminal user setting screen of the management computer 30 for setting terminal setting user information.

  As shown in the figure, the management computer 30 can set and store various types of information for the terminal device 140 that permits connection to the network WNW, that is, allows voice communication between the plurality of terminal devices 140. . As terminal setting user information of the terminal device 140, for example, “terminal information” and “password” for identifying each terminal device 140, “group” to which each terminal device 140 belongs, and “individual call mode” permission / inhibition “ “Individual call” and special authority (in this example, “office authority”).

  The “terminal information” is information unique to each terminal device 140, and includes at least carrier information that can identify a user who carries the terminal device 140, that is, “user name”. That is, the terminal device 140 is identified by “terminal information” or “user name”. The “user name” can also be referred to as an ID (identification code) of the terminal device, but may have an ID for identifying the terminal device 140 separately from the “user name”. May include an ID.

  As will be described later, the “user name” (terminal information) can be displayed on the display unit 142 of the terminal device 140 and is a character string that can identify the user of the terminal device 140 (for example, the name of the user carrying the terminal device 140) Etc.) is set. Further, the “terminal information” may include an image (such as a user's face image) that can identify the user who carries the device. Further, the “terminal information” may include a MAC address unique to the terminal device 140, an IP address at the time when connection to the network WNW is permitted, and the like.

  The “password” field is individually set for each terminal device 140 by a code (for example, a number, an alphabet, or a combination thereof), and the password set for one terminal device 140 is assigned to the user of another terminal device 140. Will be kept private. In this embodiment, “user name” and “password” are authentication information when the terminal device 140 connects to the network WNW.

  In the “group” column, one or a plurality of terminal devices 140 are set to one or a plurality of terminal devices 140 by inputting a code (for example, a number, an alphabet, or a combination thereof (group name, etc.)) that is group information (group identification information). Classify into groups. Terminal devices 140 to which the same code (here, the numbers “1”, “2”, etc.) are set belong to the same group. The terminal devices 140 belonging to the same group (for example, group 1) can make a group call only within that group. On the other hand, the terminal device 140 belonging to a certain group (for example, group 1) cannot make a group call to the terminal device 140 belonging to another group (for example, group 2). In this example, “groups” are classified into 1 to 5, but all the terminal devices 140 may be set to the same (one) group.

  In the “individual call” column, for example, ON (individual call permission) or OFF (individual call impossibility) is set as individual call permission information. The individual call information is set by, for example, the presence / absence of a check mark as shown in the figure, or by inputting the numbers “0” or “1”. For example, the terminal device 140 to which the check mark is attached is turned on, and individual calls can be made with all other terminal devices 140 to which the check mark is attached.

  In the “office” column, for example, on (authorized) or off (unauthorized) is set as office authority information. The office authority information includes, for example, a special authority (any of the terminal devices 140 among all the terminal devices 140 by inputting the presence / absence of a check mark as shown in the figure or the number “0” or “1”. Set whether to attach office authority. For example, the terminal device 140 with a check mark is a terminal device (office terminal) 140 with office authority (office authority is on). In this embodiment, as an example, the office authority can be set only for one terminal device 140. That is, in the “office” column, when any one of the terminal devices 140 is checked, the other terminal devices 140 cannot be checked. The office authority may be set in a plurality of terminal devices 140.

  The terminal device 140 whose office authority is on can make individual calls, and can make group calls to all groups (here, groups 1 to 5). In other words, the terminal device 140 (in this case, the terminal device 140 of No. 15) with a check mark in the “office” column is different from any of the other terminal devices 140 in the setting of the “group” column. A unique code (here "0") is (re) set. Even when the individual call permission information is set to OFF in the terminal device 140 other than the terminal device (office terminal) 140 whose office authority is on, it is possible to make an individual call to the office terminal. Become.

  The terminal user setting screen also displays, for example, “add” and “delete” buttons. For example, when the operator selects (clicks) the “add” button by operating the mouse or the like, the terminal user setting of the new terminal device 140 can be performed (new registration). In addition, by selecting (clicking) the “delete” button, the terminal user setting of the existing terminal device 140 can be deleted.

  For example, when a new terminal device 140 is added, “user name” and “password” that are authentication information of the new terminal device 140 are set on the screen. The user of the new terminal device 140 connects to the network WNW using the “user name” and “password” set on the terminal user setting screen.

  In this example, a case where one group is set for one terminal apparatus 140 has been described as an example. However, a plurality of groups are provided for one terminal apparatus 140 by providing a plurality of “group” fields. May be set (for example, group 1 and group 3 may be set for No. 1 terminal device 140).

  Further, the office authority may be attached to the plurality of terminal devices 140.

  FIG. 5B is an example of a terminal user setting information table stored in the storage means (RAM 33 or storage device 36) of the management computer 30.

  The terminal user setting information set in FIG. 10A is associated with each terminal device 140 individually, and is stored as a terminal user setting information table shown in FIG. Or the storage device 36).

  The terminal user setting information table corresponds to the terminal user setting screen of the management computer 30, “terminal No.”, “terminal information (user name)”, “password”, “group”, “individual call”, “office” ", And the items" terminal No. "," terminal information (user name) "," password "and" group "are set with the input information," individual call "and" The item “office” has a flag “1” set when a check mark is added.

  FIG. 3C is an example of a destination list table stored in the storage means (RAM 33 or storage device 36) of the management computer 30. The destination list table is a destination list in the case of the individual call mode, and has items of “request source terminal information” and “destination terminal information”, for example. “Requester terminal information” is set with terminal information for identifying a terminal device 140 that requests the start of an individual call (allows an individual call), and “destination terminal information” requests the start of an individual call. Terminal information for identifying the terminal device 140 that can be selected as a destination by the terminal device 140 is set.

  The destination list table is set based on terminal information in which “individual call” is turned on (“1” is set) in the terminal user setting table of FIG.

  For example, in the terminal user setting table, the terminal device 140 with the user name “AA01” with “individual call” turned on is another terminal device 140 with “individual call” turned on, that is, the user name is “AA02”. , “AB04”, “CA02”, “CA03”, “DB01”, and “EB01”, an individual call is possible with any one of the terminal devices 140.

  In this case, “AA01” is set in “request source terminal information” in the destination list table, and “AA02”, “AB04”, “CA02”, “CA03”, “DB01”, and “EB01” are set in “destination terminal information”. Is set. In addition, “AA02” is set in “request source terminal information” of the destination list table, and “AA01”, “AB04”, “CA02”, “CA03”, “DB01”, and “EB01” are set in “destination terminal information”. Is done. Similarly, the terminal information of the terminal device 140 as the destination is set for all the terminal devices 140 for which “individual call” is on.

<Terminal user setting function / flow of various processes>
Next, the flow of various processes for realizing the terminal user setting function will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of various processes for realizing the terminal user setting function.

  The terminal user setting function is a terminal user stored in storage means (RAM 33 or storage device 36) of the management computer 30 based on terminal user setting information (FIG. 11A) input from the input device 37 of the management computer 30. This is a function for updating the setting information table (FIG. 11B). The terminal user setting function of this example is mainly realized by a terminal user setting process (step S203) by the management computer 30.

  In step S2031 of the terminal user setting process, the management computer 30 determines whether or not “terminal information (user name)” has been input (updated) from the input device 37 of the management computer 30. If not, the process proceeds to step S2033. In step S2032, the terminal user setting information table stored in the storage means (RAM 33 or storage device 36) of the management computer 30 is updated. Note that the input (update) of information is confirmed, for example, when the “update” button on the terminal user setting screen is operated, and the terminal user setting information table is updated.

  In step S2033 of the terminal user setting process, the management computer 30 determines whether or not “password” has been input (updated) from the input device 37 of the management computer 30, and if so, the process proceeds to step S2034; In the case, the process proceeds to step S2035. In step S2034, the terminal user setting information table stored in the storage means (RAM 33 or storage device 36) of the management computer 30 is updated.

  Next, in step S2035 of the terminal user setting process, the management computer 30 determines whether or not group information has been input (updated) from the input device 37 of the management computer 30, and if so, proceeds to step S2036. If not, the process proceeds to step S2037. In step S2036, the terminal user setting information table stored in the storage means (RAM 33 or storage device 36) of the management computer 30 is updated.

  Next, in step S2037 of the terminal user setting process, the management computer 30 determines whether or not individual call information has been input (updated) from the input device 37 of the management computer 30, and if so, the process proceeds to step S2038. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2039. In step S2038, the terminal user setting information table stored in the storage means (RAM 33 or storage device 36) of the management computer 30 is updated. Further, the management computer 30 acquires the individual call information of each terminal device 140 from the terminal user setting information table, and updates the destination list table stored in the storage means (RAM 33 or storage device 36) of the management computer 30.

  Next, in step S2039 of the terminal user setting process, the management computer 30 determines whether or not office authority information has been input (updated) from the input device 37 of the management computer 30, and if so, the process proceeds to step S2040. If not, the process proceeds to step S2041. In step S2040, for the terminal device 140 (office terminal) for which the office authority information is set to ON, the group information is set to “0”, the individual call information is set to “ON”, and the storage unit (RAM 33) of the management computer 30 is set. Or the terminal user setting information table stored in the storage device 36).

  In each terminal device 140, only the terminal device 140 itself may display a terminal user setting screen as shown in FIG. 5A so that various information can be set and changed. In this case, when the terminal user settings are set and changed in each terminal device 140, the tables shown in (a) to (c) of the corresponding terminal device 140 are updated in the management computer 30.

<Communication permission function>
Next, the communication permission function of the communication system 15 will be described in detail. This communication permission function is a function that determines whether or not the terminal device 140 is permitted to connect to the network WNW based on a communication permission request from the terminal device 140 that requests connection to the network WNW of the communication system 15. The plurality of terminal devices 140 permitted to connect to the network WNW by the communication permission function are in a login state and can perform voice communication with each other.

<Communication permission function / authentication information>
Next, authentication information used in the communication permission function will be described. The authentication information is information for permitting the terminal device 140 to connect to the network WNW, and is information including a combination of “user name” and “password”, for example. The authentication information is input in advance from the input means of the terminal device 140 that requests connection permission and transmitted to the management computer 30 and stored in advance in the storage means (RAM 33 and storage device 36) of the management computer 30. In the case where there is unique authentication information that is matched and the two match, the terminal device 140 is permitted to connect to the network WNW. In this example, the unique authentication information is information consisting of a combination of “user name” and “password” in the terminal user setting table set by the terminal user setting function and stored in the storage means (RAM 33 or storage device 36) of the management computer. It is. In addition, an ID (identification code) that can identify the terminal device 140 different from the “user name” may be provided, and information including a combination of the ID and the “password” may be used as the authentication information.

<Communication permission function / flow of various processes>
Next, the flow of various processes for realizing the communication permission function will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of various processes for realizing the communication permission function.

  The communication permission function is input in advance from the input means 141 of the terminal device 140 that requests connection permission and is transmitted to the management computer 30 and stored in advance in the storage means (RAM 33 and storage device 36) of the management computer 30. This is a function of permitting connection to the network WNW of the terminal device 140 that has requested connection permission when the two pieces of unique authentication information match, and mainly the communication permission processing ( This is realized by step S103) and communication permission processing (step S205) by the management computer 30.

  First, in step S1030 of the communication permission process (step S103), the terminal device 140 displays an authentication information input screen (the screen shown in FIG. 15A (login screen)) on the display unit 142, and the input authentication information by the user. ("User name" and "Password")

  In the next step S1031, the terminal device 140 determines whether or not input authentication information has been input. If it has been input, the terminal device 140 proceeds to step S1032. Note that, for example, a “login” button may be displayed on the display unit 142 of the terminal device 140, and the completion of input may be confirmed when the “login” button is operated. In step S <b> 1032, the terminal device 140 transmits a connection permission request including input authentication information to the management computer 30.

  In step S2051 of the communication permission process (step S205), the management computer 30 determines whether or not a connection permission request has been received. If a connection permission request has been received, the management computer 30 proceeds to step S2052.

  In step S2052, the input authentication information included in the received connection permission request is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S2053. In the authentication process in step S2053, the terminal user setting table is searched using the acquired input authentication information as a search key, and it is determined whether or not the same unique authentication information is registered in the terminal user setting table. When the same unique authentication information is registered (when the input authentication information matches the unique authentication information), the management computer 30 permits the terminal device 140 to connect to the network WNW, and proceeds to step S2054. On the other hand, if the same unique authentication information is not registered (if the input authentication information and the unique authentication information do not match), the management computer 30 rejects the connection of the terminal device 140 to the network WNW, and step S2055. Proceed to

  In step S2054, the management computer 30 stores “authentication permission” as authentication result information in a storage unit (such as the RAM 33). Further, in step S2055, the management computer 30 stores “authentication refusal” as authentication result information in the storage means (such as the RAM 33).

  In the next step S2056, the management computer 30 transmits the authentication result information stored in the storage unit to the terminal device 140. In the next step S2057, the management computer 30 updates the login terminal information stored in the storage means (RAM 33 and storage device 36) regarding the terminal device 140 newly permitted to connect to the network WNW, and proceeds to step S2058. The login terminal information stores, for example, terminal information (user name), login date and time (date and time when authentication is permitted), selected (default) call mode, and call status (standby, busy, etc.). .

  In step S1033 of the communication permission process (step S103), the terminal device 140 determines whether authentication result information has been received. If the authentication result information has been received, the terminal device 140 proceeds to step S1034. In step S1034, the terminal device 140 determines whether or not the authentication result information is “authentication permitted”. If it is “authentication permitted”, the terminal device 140 proceeds to step S1035. In step S1035, the terminal device 140 transmits a call waiting information request to the management computer 30.

  In step S2058 of the communication permission process (step S205), the management computer 30 determines whether or not a communication standby information request has been acquired from the terminal device 140. If acquired, the management computer 30 proceeds to step S2059.

  In step S2059, the management computer 30 stores the terminal information (user name) of the terminal device 140 that has requested connection permission (communication standby information request) in the storage means (RAM 33 and storage device 36) of the management computer 30 using the search key. The stored destination list table is searched, and the terminal information of the other terminal devices 140 that can be selected as the destination of the individual call by the terminal device 140 requesting connection permission is extracted to create a destination list. For example, in the destination list table shown in FIG. 11C, when the terminal device 140 whose terminal information is “AA01” makes a connection permission request (requests call waiting information), ““ AA02 ”,“ AB04 ”, A destination list of “CA02”, “CA03”, “DB01”, “EB01” ”is created.

  The destination list may include a list of groups that can be selected as a group call destination. For example, the terminal device (office terminal) 140 to which the office authority of the present embodiment is granted can make a group call to a plurality of groups. For this reason, when the terminal device 140 requesting connection permission is an office terminal, a “destination list” includes a group list (for example, a group call destination) in addition to a list of terminal information that is a destination for individual calls. In the setting example shown in FIG. 11, ““ Group 1 ”,“ Group 2 ”,“ Group 3 ”,“ Group 4 ”,“ Group 5 ””) is created.

  Further, the management computer 30 refers to the terminal user setting table and the login terminal information, and acquires “terminal information”, “affiliation group information”, and “call mode” of the terminal device 140 that is the connection permission request source.

  “Affiliation group information” is information of a group to which the terminal device 140 that is a connection permission request source belongs, and is information set in the terminal user setting table.

  The “call mode” is information on all call modes that can be selected by the terminal device 140 that has requested connection permission. In the present embodiment, as an example, all the terminal devices 140 can select “simultaneous call mode” and “group call mode”, and the terminal device 140 in which “individual call information” is set to ON in the terminal user setting table. In addition, “individual call mode” can be selected.

  Thereafter, in step S2060, the management computer 30 includes information including the destination list created in step S2059 and the “terminal information”, “affiliation group information”, and “call mode” of the acquired terminal device 140 requesting connection permission. Is transmitted to the terminal device 140 as call waiting information.

  In step S1036 of the communication permission process (step S103), the terminal device 140 determines whether or not call waiting information has been received from the management computer 30, and proceeds to step S1037 if received. In step S <b> 1037, the terminal device 140 displays call waiting information on the display unit 142, and selects an audio signal transmission destination terminal device 140 (corresponding “terminal information”) by an input selection operation of the input unit 141. Accept (see FIGS. 15B to 15D described later).

  Here, when the “simultaneous call mode” is selected by the input selection operation of the input unit 141, all the terminal devices 140 in the login state are selected as transmission destinations of the audio signal. When “group call mode” is selected by the input selection operation of the input unit 141, all the terminal devices 140 in the logged-in state that belong to the same group as the terminal device 140 that has accepted the input selection operation receive audio signals. Selected as a destination. Alternatively, in the case of the terminal device 140 that displays the group list as the destination list (the terminal device 140 with office authority), all the terminal devices 140 in the logged-in state that belong to the selected group are selected as the audio signal transmission destinations. The Further, when any “terminal information” is selected from the “individual call mode” destination list by the input selection operation of the input unit 141, the selected terminal device 140 is selected as the transmission destination of the audio signal. Is done.

  When the management computer 30 permits the authentication of the terminal device 140 in step S2053, the reception date and time (login state) when the connection permission request of the terminal device 140 is received, the IP address and / or the MAC of the terminal device 140. The address or the like may be associated with the unique authentication information and stored in the terminal user setting table, the destination list table, the login terminal information, or the like of the storage unit.

  FIG. 14 is another flowchart of various processes for realizing the communication permission function shown in FIG. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 13, in the process of step S2059 of the management computer 30, the management computer 30 creates a destination list. However, the destination list may be created on the terminal device 140 side, and FIG. It is a flowchart.

  The process from step S1030 to step S1036 of the communication permission process (step S103) in the terminal device 140 and the process from step S2051 to step S2058 of the communication permission process (step S205) in the management computer 30 are as shown in the flowchart in FIG. Since it is the same, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  When the management computer 30 receives a call waiting information request from the terminal device 140 in step S2058, in step S2060, the management computer 30 logs in based on the terminal user setting table and the “terminal information” of the connection permission requesting terminal device 140. Refer to the information, and acquire “affiliation group information” and “call mode”. In addition, the management computer 30 uses the “terminal information (user name)” of the terminal device 140 that has requested connection permission (call waiting information request) as a search key in the storage means (RAM 33 and storage device 36) of the management computer 30. Search the stored destination list table, extract terminal information (“destination list source information”) of other terminal devices 140 that can be selected as the destination of the individual call by the terminal device 140 that is the connection permission request source, Together with the acquired “terminal information”, “affiliation group information”, and “call mode”, it is transmitted to the terminal device 140 as call waiting information.

  In step S1036, the terminal device 140 determines whether or not the call waiting information (“destination list source information”, “terminal information”, “affiliation group information”, “call mode”) has been received. The process proceeds to step S1038. In a succeeding step S1038, a destination list is created based on “destination list source information”.

  In step S 1039, the terminal device 140 displays call waiting information (“terminal information”, “affiliation group information”, “call mode”, destination list) on the display unit 142 and accepts a selection input operation by the input unit 141 ( (Refer FIG.15 (b)-(d) mentioned later). This step is the same as the processing in step S1037 in FIG.

  FIG. 15 is an example of an authentication information input screen and a call waiting screen displayed by the display unit 142 of the terminal device 140.

  FIG. 6A is displayed when waiting for the input authentication information (“user name” and “password”) by the user in the process of step S1030 of the communication permission process (step S103) of the terminal device 140. The screen includes a user name input field 1411 and a password input field 1412. As shown in the figure, in this example, in the user name input field 1411, a “user name” of the terminal user setting table stored in the storage means (RAM 33 or storage device 36) of the management computer is listed (for example, a pull-down list). ) Format, and allows the user to make a selection by operating the input means 141. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and “user name” may be directly input to the user name input field 1411 by typing or the like of the input unit 141.

  FIGS. 7B to 6D are displayed when the start of a call is awaited in step S1037 (FIG. 13) or step S1039 (FIG. 14) of the communication permission process (step S103) of the terminal device 140. It is a screen to be.

  FIG. 6B is a display example of the terminal device 140 in which individual call information is set to on (individual call is possible), and FIG. 10C is a diagram in which individual call information is set to off (individual call is not possible). FIG. 6D shows a display example of the terminal device (office terminal) 140 to which the office authority is given.

  As shown in FIGS. 4B to 4D, the call waiting screen displays a group display area 1413 for displaying a group to which the terminal device 140 (own terminal) belongs and “terminal information” of the own terminal. Terminal information (user name) display area 1414, call mode selection area 1415 for displaying selectable call modes, destination list display area 1416 for displaying destinations (destination list) selectable in “individual call mode”, call button display An area 1417 and a history button display area 1421 are provided.

  Based on the received call waiting information, the terminal device 140 displays “affiliation group information” in the group display area 1413, “terminal information” in the terminal information display area 1414, and displays the call button 1418 in the call button display area 1417. The history button 1422 is displayed in the history button display area 1421. The call button 1418 is an operation unit (operation unit for voice transmission operation) operated when transmitting voice in the “simultaneous call mode” and the “group call mode”. The history button 1422 is an operation means that is operated when displaying the history of a voice call.

  Further, the terminal device 140 displays a selectable “call mode” in the call mode selection area 1415 based on the “call mode” of the received call waiting information, and displays a destination list 1430 in the destination list display area 1416.

  The call mode displayed in the call mode selection area 1415 and the destination list displayed in the destination list display area 1416 are displayed in such a manner that they can be selected by operating the input unit 141 of the terminal device 140, respectively. For example, the destination list is displayed as a list as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4D, and any one of the destination lists is selected by an operation by the input unit 141 (for example, a click operation, a tap operation, a flick operation, etc. on the touch panel). One “terminal information” is displayed in such a manner that it can be directly selected. Further, the destination list may be displayed by a check box method, a radio button method, a pull-down menu, or the like, and may be displayed to be selected alternatively by an operation by the input unit 141.

  In this example, the “simultaneous call mode” and the “group call mode” are configured to be selected by a radio button method. In the case of “individual call mode”, “individual call mode” is selected by selecting any “terminal information (user name)” in the displayed destination list. The selection of “terminal information” in the destination list (destination selection operation) is a voice transmission operation in another call mode (for example, operation of the call button 1418 on the touch panel (tap operation etc.)) in order to avoid unintentional outgoing calls. Is preferably another selection operation. As an example of another selection operation, as shown in the figure, an arrow button 1420 or the like is displayed in the “terminal information” field of the destination list, and an arrow button 1420 is slid while touching a finger or the like. is there.

  Further, a destination list that cannot be displayed in the destination list display area 1416 can be displayed in the destination list display area 1416 by moving a cursor provided at the right end by an operation using the input unit 141, for example.

  In the case of “group call mode”, by selecting “group call mode”, all terminal devices 140 belonging to the same group as its own terminal device 140 can be simultaneously called (sending audio signals). Become. Further, by changing the group to which the terminal device 140 belongs in the terminal device 140, the terminal device 140 belonging to a group different from the group before the change (group after the change of the own terminal device 140) is simultaneously transmitted. It is possible to make a call (send an audio signal).

  As shown in FIG. 5C, even if the terminal device 140 has the individual call information set to off (individual call is not allowed), the terminal device 140 (office terminal) to which the office authority is granted is used. In this case, a call in “individual call mode” becomes possible. Accordingly, even in this case, only the terminal device 140 (office terminal) to which the office authority is granted is displayed in the destination list display area 1416.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4D, the terminal device (office terminal) 140 to which the office authority is given further has a group selection area 1419. The terminal device 140 displays a group list in the group selection area 1419, and selects a group to talk from a plurality of groups by an operation using the input unit 141. In this example, the group list is displayed by a pull-down menu and one group is selected. However, the group list is displayed by a radio button method or a check box method, and is selected by an operation by the input unit 141. Alternatively, any of the groups displayed in a list may be selected by directly operating the input unit 141. A plurality of groups may be selected. Moreover, you may enable it to select a some group also in terminals other than an office terminal.

  In FIGS. 7B to 7D, the destination name in the destination list displays “terminal information (user name)” set on the terminal user setting screen, but is displayed in the destination list display area 1416. The name of the destination list to be changed can be arbitrarily changed in each terminal device 140.

<Call mode selection / switching function>
Next, the call mode selection / switching function of the communication system 15 will be described in detail. This call mode selection / switching function is performed in accordance with the call mode selected in the terminal device 140 that requests the start of a call, in the “individual call mode” state and in the “simultaneous call mode” or “group call mode” state. It is a function to switch between.

  In the present embodiment, when “simultaneous call mode” or “group call mode” is selected, the voice transmission / reception switching means is enabled to enable one-way communication (PTT communication). When "mode" is selected, the voice transmission / reception switching means is disabled and bidirectional (simultaneous) communication is performed.

<Call mode selection / switching function / voice transmission / reception switching means>
First, audio signal transmission / reception by the audio transmission / reception switching means when “simultaneous call mode” and “group call mode” are selected will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration for performing voice transmission / reception, out of the main configuration of the terminal device 140 illustrated in FIG. 7.

  In addition to the control unit 143, the input unit 141, the communication unit 144, the voice input unit 147, and the voice output unit 148, the terminal device 140 includes an input / output switching unit 200, a voice transmission / reception switching unit 216 (first voice transmission / reception switching unit 217, Second audio transmission / reception switching means 218), audio processing means 203 and external terminal 201 are provided.

  As already described, the external audio input / output device 220 (headset or earphone microphone) can be connected to the external terminal 201. That is, in this example, as the voice input means 147 and the voice output means 148, the voice input means (built-in microphone) 147 A and voice output means (built-in speaker) 148 A built in the terminal device 140 and the terminal device 140 via the external terminal 201 are used. FIG. 7B shows an audio input means (headset or earphone microphone microphone) 147B and an audio output means (headset headphone or earphone microphone earphone) 148B of the external audio input / output device 220 that can be connected to (FIG. 7B). reference).

  In the present embodiment, audio transmission / reception is performed mainly with the external audio input / output device 220 connected to the external terminal 201, but the external audio input / output device 220 is not connected to the external terminal 201 and is built in the terminal device 140. The voice input means (built-in microphone) 147A and the voice output means (built-in speaker) 148A may transmit and receive voice.

  When the external audio input / output device 220 is connected to the external terminal 201, the input / output switching means 200 is a means for inputting / outputting an audio signal to / from the audio processing means 203. The voice input unit 147B and the voice output unit 148B of the external audio input / output device 220 (the microphone and headphones (earphones) of the external audio input / output device 220) are switched from the built-in microphone and speaker).

  The audio processing unit 203 performs A / D conversion or the like on the analog audio signal input from the audio input unit 147, and outputs the converted digital audio signal to the control unit 143. The audio processing unit 203 performs decoding processing and D / A conversion on the digital audio signal output from the control unit 143, and outputs the converted analog audio signal to the audio output unit 148.

  The voice transmission / reception switching unit 216 switches between transmission and reception of a voice signal when the “simultaneous call mode” and the “group call mode” are selected.

  The voice transmission / reception switching means 216 includes a first voice transmission / reception switching means 217 and a second voice transmission / reception switching means 218, whereby the call request source terminal device 140, the management computer 30, and the call partner terminal device. When a communication path is established with the terminal 140, voice communication (call) between the terminal device 140 that is the request source of the call and the terminal device 140 of the other party is possible. The audio signal can be transmitted by performing a call-dedicated operation (audio transmission operation) on one terminal device 140.

  The voice transmission operation is, for example, an operation of an operation unit 221 (for example, a call switch of a controller) of the external audio input / output device 220 or an operation of an input unit 142 (for example, a call button 1418 of a touch panel) of the terminal device 140. is there. That is, when a voice transmission operation is performed in one terminal device 140, the management computer 30 gives a voice transmission right to the one terminal device 140. The voice transmission right is held while the voice transmission operation continues. When a voice signal is transmitted from the terminal device 140 having the voice transmission right, the voice signal is transmitted to the terminal device 140 (terminal device 140 having no voice transmission right) of the other party of the call via the management computer 30. Is done. When the terminal device 140 having the voice transmission right ends the voice transmission operation, the voice transmission right is lost. No audio signal is transmitted from the terminal device 140 that does not have the audio transmission right.

  The first audio transmission / reception switching unit 217 is connected to the audio signal input via the audio input unit 147B of the external audio input / output device 220 and the audio output unit 148B of the external audio input / output device 220 outside the terminal device 140. By switching the path of the audio signal that is output in this way, a call can be made using a half-duplex call method, that is, a PTT (Push to Talk) call method.

  The second audio transmission / reception switching unit 218 outputs the audio signal input via the audio input unit 147A built in the terminal device 140 and the audio signal output unit 148A built in the terminal device 140 inside the terminal device 140. The voice signal route is switched to enable a half-duplex call method (PTT call method).

  An example of an audio signal transmission / reception operation when the external audio input / output device 220 is connected is as follows. A voice transmission operation (for example, operation of the operation means 221 (call switch or the like) of the external voice input / output device 220) is performed in the terminal device 140 that requests a call, and the (external) voice input means of the request source terminal device 140 When an audio signal is input from 147B, the audio signal is output to the input / output switching unit 200 via the first audio transmission / reception switching unit 217. The input / output switching unit 200 outputs the analog audio signal input from the audio input unit 147B to the audio processing unit 203 via the second audio transmission / reception switching unit 218. The audio processing unit 203 converts an analog audio signal into a digital audio signal and outputs the digital audio signal to the control unit 143. The control means 143 packetizes the digital audio signal and outputs it to the communication means 144. The communication unit 144 transmits the packetized voice signal together with the “terminal information” of the requesting terminal device 140 to the management computer 30 via the network WNW, and the management computer 30 transmits the partner terminal device 140 via the network WNW. Send to. In the terminal device 140 that has not performed the voice transmission operation (the terminal device 140 of the other party of the call), when the communication unit 144 receives and receives the packetized voice signal via the network WNW, the packetized voice signal Is output to the control means 143. The control unit 143 decodes the received audio signal and then outputs it to the audio processing unit 203. The audio processing unit 203 converts the received digital audio signal into an analog audio signal, and the (external) audio is transmitted via the second audio transmission / reception switching unit 218, the input / output switching unit 200, and the first audio transmission / reception switching unit 217. Output from the output means 148B.

  An example of the audio signal transmission / reception operation when the external audio input / output device 220 is not connected is as follows. When a voice transmission operation is performed in the terminal device 140 that requests a call, the management computer 30 gives a voice transmission right to the one terminal device 140. In this case, the voice transmission operation is an operation of the input unit 141 dedicated to a call. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15B to 15D, a call button 1418 is provided as an input unit 141 dedicated to a call. That is, when the call button 1418 is operated as a voice transmission operation in one terminal device 140 (for example, in the case of a touch panel, the touch button 1418 is touched), the management computer 30 gives the right voice transmission right to the one terminal device 140. give.

  That is, when a voice transmission operation (for example, touch of the call button 1418) is performed in the terminal device 140 that requests a call, and a voice signal is input from the (internal) voice input unit 147A of the requesting terminal device 140. The second audio transmission / reception switching unit 218 outputs the input analog audio signal to the audio processing unit 203. The audio processing unit 203 converts an analog audio signal into a digital audio signal and outputs the digital audio signal to the control unit 143. The control means 143 packetizes the digital audio signal and outputs it to the communication means 144. The communication unit 144 transmits the packetized voice signal together with the “terminal information” of the requesting terminal device 140 to the management computer 30 via the network WNW, and the management computer 30 transmits the partner terminal device 140 via the network WNW. Send to. In the terminal device 140 that has not performed the voice transmission operation (the terminal device 140 of the other party of the call), when the communication unit 144 receives and receives the packetized voice signal via the network WNW, the packetized voice signal Is output to the control means 143. The control unit 143 decodes the received audio signal and then outputs it to the audio processing unit 203. The audio processing unit 203 converts the received digital audio signal into an analog audio signal, and outputs the audio signal from the (built-in) audio output unit 148A via the second audio transmission / reception switching unit 218.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the first voice transmission / reception switching means 217. FIG. 17 (a) shows the flow of the voice signal in a state where no voice transmission operation is performed (during a non-call). FIG. 5B shows the signal flow when a voice transmission operation is performed (during a call). FIG. 18 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the first audio transmission / reception switching means 217.

  The first audio transmission / reception switching unit 217 is an audio transmission / reception switching circuit connected between the external audio input / output device 220 and the external terminal 201 when the external audio input / output device 220 is connected to the external terminal 201 of the terminal device 140. is there. The first voice transmission / reception switching means 217 may be a voice transmission / reception switching circuit provided in the external voice input / output device 220 (such as a controller thereof), or separately from the external voice input / output device 220 and the terminal device 140. It may be a voice transmission / reception switching circuit device configured and connected to each.

  The first voice transmission / reception switching means 217 includes a first terminal 161, a second terminal 162, a third terminal 163, a control means (for example, a microphone controller) 164, a capacity (rechargeable battery) 165, and a voice input side. It mainly includes a first signal path 166 serving as a path, a second signal path 167 serving as a path on the audio output side, and detection switches SW1 and SW2.

  The first terminal 161 is external to the first audio transmission / reception switching unit 217, and includes an audio input unit (for example, a microphone) 147B and an operation unit 221 (for example, a push switch of a controller) of an external audio input / output device (for example, earphone microphone) 220. ) To be electrically connected.

  The second terminal 161 is a terminal that is electrically connected to the audio output means (eg, earphone) 148B of the external audio input / output device (eg, earphone microphone) 220 outside the first audio transmission / reception switching means 217.

  The third terminal 163 is a terminal that is electrically connected to the external terminal 201 of the terminal device 140 outside the first audio transmission / reception switching unit 217.

  The first signal path 166 has an input (microphone) signal line IL and a switch signal line SL, is connected to the audio input means 147B of the external audio input / output device via the first terminal 161, and is connected via the third terminal 163. The signal path is connected to the external terminal 201 of the terminal device 140. Specifically, one end of the input signal line IL is connected to the audio input means 147B of the external audio input / output device 220 via the P_MIC channel (see FIG. 18) of the first terminal 161, and the other end of the input signal line IL is the third terminal 163. The terminal device 140 is connected to the external terminal 201 via the SMP_MIC channel (see FIG. 18). One end of the switch signal line SL is connected to the operating means 221 (for example, a push switch of the controller) of the external audio input / output device 220 via the P_SW channel (see FIG. 18) of the first terminal 161, and the other end is an input signal line. Connect to IL.

  The second signal path 167 is a stereo type audio output signal line, and has a right output signal line RL and a left output signal line LL, and the audio output means of the external audio input / output device 220 via the second terminal 162. 148B and connected to the external terminal 201 of the terminal device 140 via the third terminal 163. Specifically, one end of the right output signal line RL is connected to the right audio output means 148B of the external audio input / output device 220 via the EAR_R channel (see FIG. 18) of the second terminal 162, and the other end is connected to the second output signal line RL. It connects to the right audio signal channel (SMP_R channel shown in FIG. 18) of the external terminal 201 of the terminal device 140 via the EAR_R channel (see FIG. 18) of the three terminal 163. One end of the left output signal line LL is connected to the audio output means 148B on the left side of the external audio input / output device 220 via the EAR_L channel (see FIG. 18) of the second terminal 162, and the other end is connected to the third terminal 163. To the left audio signal channel (SMP_L channel shown in FIG. 18) of the external terminal 201 of the terminal device 140.

  The second voice transmission / reception switching means 218 built in the terminal device 140 is connected to the P_MIC channel of the first terminal 161 by the voice input means 147A built in the terminal device 140, and the P_SW channel of the first terminal 161 is connected. The connection destination is a detection sensor of input means 141 (for example, a call button 1418) for voice transmission operation, the connection destination of the second terminal 162 is voice output means 148A built in the terminal device 140, and the third terminal 163 Is the same as the configuration of the first audio transmission / reception switching unit 217 except that the connection destination is the audio processing unit 203.

  The flow of the audio signal through the audio transmission / reception switching means 216 when the external audio input / output device 220 is connected is as follows.

  First, a description will be given of a case where an audio signal is not transmitted (when an audio signal is waiting to be transmitted) with reference to FIG. The external audio input / output device 220 cannot transmit an audio signal when the operation means 221 is not operated (for example, when the push switch is opened). That is, when the operating means 221 is not operated, the input signal line IL is connected to the capacitor 165 inside the first audio transmission / reception switching means 217 as shown by the thick line in FIG. The current supplied from the terminal device 140 is charged in the capacitor 165. As a result, the input signal line IL between the first terminal 161 and the third terminal 163 is electrically cut off, and the audio signal is transmitted from the audio input means 147B of the external audio input / output device 220 via the first terminal 161 to the first audio. Even when input to the transmission / reception switching unit 217, the audio signal is not output from the third terminal 163 toward the terminal device 140, and the audio is transmitted from the terminal device 140 to another terminal device 140. Absent.

  On the other hand, in this state, the voice transmitted from the other terminal device 140 can be received. That is, the audio signal processed by the audio processing unit 203 of the other terminal device 140 on the transmission side is sent to the terminal device 140 on the reception side via the input / output switching unit 200 and the external terminal 201 of the other terminal device 140. Is output. The audio signal input from the right audio signal channel of the external terminal 201 (SMP_R channel shown in FIG. 18) to the first audio transmission / reception switching means 217 via the third terminal 163 in the terminal device 140 on the receiving side is the right output signal line. The signal is output from the RL to the right audio output means 148B (EAR_R channel shown in FIG. 18) via the first terminal 161, and third from the left audio signal channel (SMP_L channel shown in FIG. 18) of the external terminal 201 of the terminal device 140. The audio signal input to the first audio transmission / reception switching unit 217 via the terminal 163 is output from the left output signal line LL to the left audio output unit 148B (EAR_L channel shown in FIG. 18) via the first terminal 161. Can receive voice.

  Next, a description will be given of the audio signal transmission with reference to FIG. The external audio input / output device 220 can transmit an audio signal when the operation means 221 is operated (for example, when a push switch is pressed). That is, if there is an operation of the operating means 221 while waiting for transmission of the audio signal shown in FIG. 9A, the detection switch is set inside the first audio transmission / reception switching means 217 as shown by the thick line in FIG. The switch SW1 is turned on and the detection switch SW2 is turned off, so that the current supplied to the capacitor 165 is switched to be supplied to the control means 164. As a result, the control unit 164 detects the operation of the operation unit 221 and outputs a pulse once. This pulse is input to the external terminal 201 of the terminal device 140 on the transmission side via the switch signal line SL, the input signal line IL, and the third terminal 163. At the same time, since the input signal line IL between the first terminal 161 and the third terminal 163 is electrically connected, the audio signal input from the audio input means 147B of the external audio input / output device 220 is changed to the first audio transmission / reception switching. The data is input to the terminal device 140 on the transmission side via the means 217 and the external terminal 201.

  When the control unit 143 of the terminal device 140 on the transmission side receives the pulse output from the first voice transmission / reception switching unit 217 while waiting to transmit the audio signal, the control unit 143 performs an audio transmission operation (for example, a touch panel) from the input unit 141 of the terminal device 140. It is determined that there has been a call button 1418 operation). When the second voice transmission / reception switching unit 218 built in the terminal device 140 detects a voice transmission operation from the input unit 141 of the terminal device 140, the first voice transmission / reception switching unit 217 and the first terminal 161 Since the input signal line IL between the third terminals 163 is electrically connected, the audio signal input from the audio input unit 147B of the external audio input / output device 220 is (the audio signal input from the built-in audio input unit 147A). As input) to the voice processing means 203 of the terminal device 140 on the transmission side. Accordingly, during the period in which the operation (for example, pressing operation) of the operation unit 221 of the external audio input / output device 220 is continued, the terminal device 140 performs other operations in the same manner as when the audio transmission operation from the input unit 141 is performed. The voice is transmitted to the terminal device 140.

  When the audio transmission is to be ended, the operation of the operating means 221 of the external audio input / output device 220 is ended (for example, the push switch is opened). When the operation of the operation unit 221 of the external audio input / output device 220 is completed (the state changes after the audio signal is being transmitted), as shown by the thick line in FIG. , The detection switch SW2 is turned on, the detection switch SW1 is turned off, and the current supplied to the control means 164 is switched to be supplied (charged) to the capacitor 165. In the schematic diagram of the figure, the current supply destination is switched between the control means 164 and the capacitor 165 by the detection switches SW1 and SW2, but one detection switch is used as shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. The current supply destination may be switched between the control unit 164 and the capacitor 165 by turning on / off the SW.

  The control unit 164 of the first voice transmission / reception switching unit 217 detects the operation of the operation unit based on the absence of current supply by a current detection circuit or the like, and outputs a pulse once. This pulse is input to the external terminal 201 of the terminal device 140 on the transmission side via the switch signal line SL, the input signal line IL, and the third terminal 163. At the same time, since the input signal line IL between the first terminal 161 and the third terminal 163 is electrically cut off, the audio signal input from the audio input means 147B of the external audio input / output device 220 is external to the terminal device 140. The signal is not output to the terminal 201.

  When receiving the pulse output from the first voice transmission / reception switching unit 217 during the transmission state of the voice signal, the control unit 143 of the terminal device 140 which is the transmission side receives a voice transmission operation (for example, from the input unit 141 of the terminal device 140). In the second voice transmission / reception switching means 218 built in the terminal device 140, the current supplied to the control means 164 is supplied to the capacitor 165 (charging). Is switched to the voice transmission standby state.

  As described above, when the operation unit 221 of the external audio input / output device 220 is operated by connecting the first audio transmission / reception switching unit 217 between the external audio input / output device 220 and the external terminal 201 of the terminal device 140. Even so, the terminal device 140 can recognize that there has been a voice transmission operation (for example, an operation of the call button 1418 on the touch panel) from the input unit 141 of the terminal device 140.

  The flow of the audio signal through the audio transmission / reception switching unit 216 (in this case, only the second audio transmission / reception switching unit 218) when the external audio input / output device 220 is not connected is as follows.

  When the voice transmission operation from the input unit 142 (for example, the operation of the call button 1418) is not performed, the input signal is input inside the second voice transmission / reception switching unit 217 as shown by the thick line in FIG. The line IL is connected to the capacitor 165, and the current is charged in the capacitor 165. Thereby, the input signal line IL between the first terminal 161 and the third terminal 163 is electrically cut off, and the audio signal input from the audio input unit 147A of the terminal device 140 is transmitted to the other terminal device 140. I will not.

  On the other hand, the sound transmitted from the other terminal device 140 can be received via the sound output means 148A (the right output signal line RL and the left output signal line LL) of the terminal device 140.

  Then, if there is a voice transmission operation (for example, touch of the call button 1418 on the touch panel) during the voice signal transmission standby state shown in FIG. 9A, the second line is displayed as indicated by the bold line in FIG. Inside the audio transmission / reception switching means 218, the detection switch SW1 is turned on, the detection switch SW2 is turned off, and the current supplied to the capacitor 165 is switched to be supplied to the control means 164. As a result, the control means 164 detects the voice transmission operation, and the input signal line IL between the first terminal 161 and the third terminal 163 is electrically connected, so that it is input from the voice input means 147A of the terminal device 140 on the transmission side. The received audio signal is output to the audio processing unit 203 and transmitted to the terminal device 140 on the receiving side. Note that the control unit 164 of the second voice transmission / reception switching unit 218 detects an operation of a voice transmission operation (for example, an operation of the call button 1418) by a sensor (not shown), for example, and the first voice transmission / reception switching unit 217 Unlike the control unit 164, no pulse is output based on the operation of the operation unit.

  When the voice transmission is terminated, when the voice transmission operation (for example, touching the call button 1418 on the touch panel) is terminated, the second voice transmission / reception switching means 218 is set inside the second voice transmission / reception switching means 218 as shown by a bold line in FIG. The detection switch SW2 is turned on, the detection switch SW1 is turned off, the current supplied to the control means 164 is switched to be supplied (charged) to the capacitor 165, and the audio signal is not transmitted.

  As described above, in the terminal device 140, the period during which the voice transmission operation is performed (for example, the period during which the operation unit 221 of the earphone microphone 220 (for example, the push switch of the controller) or the touch button 1418 of the touch panel is continuously pressed) is voice. A signal can be transmitted (transmitted). On the other hand, when the voice transmission operation is terminated by opening the push switch 221 or releasing the call button 1418, the terminal device 140 is in a reception state and can receive voice but cannot transmit.

  Alternatively, the push switch 221 and the call button 1418 may be operated once and then released, and then a voice signal can be transmitted, and the voice signal can be received when operated again.

  When an external device is connected, outgoing calls from the state in which the “broadcast mode” is selected are always simultaneous transmissions, and outgoing calls from the state in which the “group call mode” is selected are always group transmissions.

<Call mode selection / switching function / call mode switching>
In the call mode selection / switching function, when “individual call mode” is selected, the voice transmission / reception switching means 216 (first voice transmission / reception switching means 217, second voice transmission / reception switching means 218) is invalidated. As a result, the voice transmission / reception switching unit does not perform voice transmission / reception switching, and a one-to-one call is enabled.

  When ending the “individual call mode”, a dedicated operation for ending the “individual call mode” is performed. The dedicated operation is an operation of an end button (described later) displayed on the input unit 141, for example. When the end button is operated, the state switching unit activates the voice transmission / reception switching unit, whereby the call mode of the terminal device 140 is switched to the “simultaneous call mode” or the “group call mode”. Whether the call mode at the end of the “individual call mode” is “broad call mode” or “group call mode” may be switched to the call mode set immediately before, or the initial value May be switched to the call mode set as.

<Call mode selection / switching function / flow of each process>
Next, the flow of various processes for realizing the call mode selection / switching function will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of various processes for realizing the call mode selection / switching function.

  The call mode selection / switching function is a function for switching the call mode when the call mode is selected in the terminal device 140 that is requested to call, and mainly the call mode selection / switching process by the terminal device 140 (step S105). And a call mode selection / switching process (step S207) by the management computer 30.

  Referring to FIG. 19, terminal device 140 operates in response to an operation by user input means 141 from among the call modes displayed on display means 142 in step S1051 of the call mode selection / switching function (step S105). It is determined whether or not “simultaneous call mode” is selected. If it is determined that “simultaneous call mode” is selected, the process proceeds to step S1052, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1054. The terminal device 140 transmits the information on the selected call mode to the management computer 30 in step S1052.

  The management computer 30 determines whether or not the call mode has been received in step S2071 of the call mode selection / switching function (step S207). If received, the process proceeds to step S2072, and if not, the process proceeds to step S2073. In step S2072, the management computer 30 stores, for example, login terminal information stored in the storage means (RAM 33 or storage device 36) that the call mode of the terminal device 140 that is the request source for voice transmission is the “simultaneous call mode”. To do.

  In step S1053 of the call mode selection / switching function (step S105), the terminal device 140 sets the voice transmission / reception switching unit 216 (the first voice transmission / reception switching unit 217 and the second voice transmission / reception switching unit 218) to “valid” and sets the call mode. Switch to "Broadcast mode".

  In step S <b> 1054, the terminal device 140 determines whether or not “group call mode” is selected from the call modes displayed on the display unit 142 by the operation of the user input unit 141. "" Is selected, the process proceeds to step S1055. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1057. The terminal device 140 transmits information on the call mode selected in step S1055 to the management computer 30.

  The management computer 30 determines whether or not the call mode is received in step S2073 of the call mode selection / switching function (step S207). If received, the process proceeds to step S2074. If not, the process proceeds to step S2075. In step S2074, the management computer 30 stores, for example, in the login terminal information stored in the storage means (the RAM 33 or the storage device 36) that the call mode of the terminal device 140 that has requested voice transmission is “group call mode”. To do.

  In step S1056 of the call mode selection / switching function (step S105), the terminal device 140 sets the voice transmission / reception switching means (the first voice transmission / reception switching means 217 and the second voice transmission / reception switching means 218) to “valid” and sets the call mode. Switch to "Group call mode".

  In step S <b> 1057, the terminal device 140 determines whether or not “individual call mode” is selected from the call modes displayed on the display unit 142 by the operation of the user input unit 141. "Is selected, the process proceeds to step S1058. The terminal device 140 transmits the information on the selected call mode to the management computer 30 in step S1058.

  The management computer 30 determines whether or not the call mode is received in step S2075 of the call mode selection / switching function (step S207), and if received, the process proceeds to step S2076, and if not, the process proceeds to step S2077. In step S2076, the management computer 30 stores in the storage terminal (RAM 33 or storage device 36), for example, login terminal information that the call mode of the terminal device 140 from which the voice transmission is requested is “individual call mode”. To do.

  The terminal device 140 sets the voice transmission / reception switching means 216 (the first voice transmission / reception switching means 217 and the second voice transmission / reception switching means 218) to “invalid” in step S1059 of the call mode selection / switching function (step S105). To “Individual call mode”.

  If the terminal device 140 determines in step S1060 that the “individual call mode” end operation has been performed (for example, the “individual call mode” end button has been operated), and determines that the end has been completed. Advances to step S1061. In subsequent step S1061, the terminal device 140 requests the management computer 30 to transmit the call mode after the “individual call mode” has ended.

  In step S2077 of the call mode selection / switching function (step S207), the management computer 30 determines whether or not a call mode transmission request has been received, and proceeds to step S2078 if received. The management computer 30 transmits the call mode after termination of the “individual call mode” stored in the storage means (RAM 33 or storage device 36) in step S2078. The “call mode after completion of the“ individual call mode ”” is a (default) call mode (“broadcast mode” and “group call mode” stored in advance in, for example, login terminal information of the storage means (RAM 33 or storage device 36). Any one of “call mode”) or the call mode immediately before “individual call mode” (the call mode stored in step S2071 or step S2072) may be transmitted.

  In step S1062 of the call mode selection / switching function (step S105), the terminal device 140 determines whether the call mode after the “individual call mode” has been received, and proceeds to step S1063 if received. In the subsequent step S1063, the terminal device 140 receives the call mode by setting the voice transmission / reception switching means 216 (the first voice transmission / reception switching means 217 and the second voice transmission / reception switching means 218) to “valid”. Switch to call mode.

<Simultaneous call function>
Next, the simultaneous call function of the communication system 15 will be described in detail. This simultaneous call function is a function for realizing a one-to-many call between the plurality of terminal devices 140 of the communication system 15. Specifically, when the “simultaneous call mode” is selected in one terminal device (for example, the terminal device 140A) in the login state, a voice transmission operation (the call button 1418 is operated) is performed from the terminal device 140A. When voice is input from the voice input unit 147 (for example, the built-in microphone of the terminal device 140A or the microphone of the earphone microphone), the voice is sent to the other terminal devices (for example, the terminal devices 140B, 140C, 140D,...) In the login state. The signals are transmitted all at once, and the sound is output from the sound output means 148 of each terminal device 140B, 140C, 140D... (Such as the built-in speaker of each terminal device 140B, 140C, 140D. The

  The other terminal devices 140 (for example, the terminal device 140B) that have transmitted voice in the “simultaneous call mode” from the terminal device 140A have the call mode “simultaneous” unless the call mode displayed on the display unit 142 is changed. "Call mode" is set. In other words, in this case, when a voice transmission operation is performed in the terminal device 140B, the terminal device 140 (for example, the terminal device 140A) that first transmits the voice signal in the “simultaneous call mode” and all other terminal devices in the login state An audio signal can be transmitted (returned) to 140 (for example, all other terminal devices 140C, 140D...). On the other hand, even if the other terminal device 140 (for example, the terminal device 140B) has been transmitted in the “simultaneous call mode”, the call mode displayed on the display unit 142 is changed to “group call mode” or “individual call mode”. When the mode is changed to “call mode”, voice can be transmitted in the changed call mode. Further, at the end of the call, the call mode before the change may be automatically switched (returned).

<Simultaneous call function / flow of each process>
Next, the flow of various processes for realizing the simultaneous call function will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of various processes for realizing the simultaneous call function.

  The simultaneous call function mainly includes a simultaneous call process (step S107) by the one terminal device 140 on the transmission side, a simultaneous call process (step S209) by the management computer 30, and one or a plurality of other terminals on the reception side. This is realized by simultaneous call processing (step S107) by the device 140.

  Referring to FIG. 20, the terminal device 140 on the voice transmission side receives the voice transmission operation (for example, the call button 1418 of the input unit 141 (touch panel) of the terminal device 140) in step S1071 of the simultaneous call processing (step S107). It is determined whether there is a touch or a call switch on the operation unit 221 (controller) of the external audio input / output device 220 connected to the terminal device 140, and if there is an audio transmission operation, the process proceeds to step S1072. In the next step S1072, the terminal device 140 transmits “terminal information” for specifying the terminal device 140 on the transmission side to the management computer 30 and requests granting of a voice transmission right.

  In step S2091 of the simultaneous call process (step S209), the management computer 30 determines whether or not a request for granting a voice transmission right has been received from any of the terminal devices 140. Proceeding to S2092, the voice transmission right is granted to the terminal device 140 that has requested the voice transmission right. As a result, all the terminal devices 140 other than the transmitting-side terminal device 140 in the login state are placed in a voice signal reception standby state. In step S2093, the management computer 30 updates the login terminal information regarding the presence / absence of the voice transmission right of each terminal device 140.

  Whether or not the terminal device 140 on the transmission side has received a voice input from the voice input unit 147 (for example, a built-in microphone of the terminal device 140 or a microphone of a headset) in step S1073 of the simultaneous call process (step S107). If it is determined and voice input is accepted, the process proceeds to step S1074. The terminal device 140 on the transmission side converts the analog audio signal input in step S1074 into a digital audio signal by the audio processing unit 203, packetizes it by the control unit 143, and converts the audio signal (audio data) to the transmission side. The information is transmitted to the management computer 30 via the communication means 144 together with “terminal information”.

  In step S2094 of the simultaneous call process (step S209), the management computer 30 determines whether or not a voice signal (voice data) has been received, and proceeds to step S2095 if received.

  In step S2095 of the simultaneous call process (step S209), the management computer 30 specifies the transmission destination of the received voice signal (voice data). In the simultaneous call processing, the received audio signal is transmitted to all terminal devices 140 that are permitted to connect to the network WMW (logged in state) except the terminal device 140 on the transmission side. Therefore, for example, the management computer 30 specifies all the terminal devices 140 in the login state as the transmission destination, excluding the terminal device 140 on the transmission side, based on the login terminal information stored in the storage means (RAM 33 or storage device 36). Then, the process proceeds to step S2096. In step S2096, the management computer 30 transmits the received audio signal (audio data) all at once to the identified destination terminal device 140. In addition, the management computer 30 transmits the terminal information of the identified transmission destination terminal device 140 to the transmission-side terminal device 140. Further, the management computer 30 stores data related to the transmitted / received audio signal in a predetermined area of the storage means (for example, the RAM 33, the storage device 36), the terminal information of the terminal device 140 on the transmission side, and the terminal of the terminal device 140 on the reception side. It is stored in association with information (transmission / reception terminal information).

  Whether or not the terminal device 140 on the receiving side has received a voice signal (voice data) from the management computer 30 via the communication means 144 of the terminal device 140 on the receiving side in step S1080 of the simultaneous call process (step S107). If the digital audio signal (audio data) packetized by the control means 143 and the audio processing means 203 is converted to analog, the audio output means 148 (for example, the terminal device 140) An audio signal is output from a built-in speaker, a headset (earphone, etc.), and the received audio signal, the reception date and time, “terminal information” of the terminal device 140 on the transmission side, and the like are stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 146 The process proceeds to step S1079. In step S1079, the terminal device 140 on the receiving side performs history processing. Details of the history processing will be described later.

  At this time, among the terminal devices 140 in the login state identified as the transmission destination, if there are any terminal devices 140 that are communicating in the individual call mode (voice transmission / reception), an audio signal (voice) is also sent to those terminal devices 140. Data) is transmitted. However, in the terminal device 140 that is communicating in the individual call mode, the voice transmission / reception switching means ((the first voice transmission / reception switching means 217 and the second voice transmission / reception switching means 217 and the second voice transmission switching means 217) The voice transmission / reception switching means 218)) is set to “invalid”. Therefore, although the terminal device 140 that is communicating in the individual call mode receives the audio signal transmitted in the simultaneous call mode, the audio signal transmitted in the simultaneous call mode is received from the audio output unit 148 of these terminal devices 140. Is not output. That is, even when an audio signal is transmitted in the simultaneous call process, the terminal device 140 communicating in the individual call mode transmits and receives an audio signal with the other party of the individual call.

  Note that in the terminal device 140 that is communicating in the individual call mode, the voice transmission / reception switching means ((in the first voice transmission / reception switching means 217 and the second voice transmission / reception switching means 218)) is not set to “invalid”, and the simultaneous call mode is set. When the audio signal transmitted at is received, the audio signal may be output (such setting may be possible).

  The terminal device 140 on the transmission side determines whether or not the “terminal information” of the terminal device 140 of the transmission destination has been received from the management computer 30 in step S1075 of the simultaneous call process (step S107). Advances to step S1076. In step S1076, the transmission-side terminal device 140 stores the “terminal information”, the transmitted audio signal, and the transmission date and time in a predetermined area of the storage unit 146.

  In step S1077 of the simultaneous call process (step S107), the transmission-side terminal device 140 determines whether or not the voice transmission right has been released. If the voice transmission right has been released, the process proceeds to step S1078 and has not been released. In that case, the process proceeds to step S1073. The voice transmission right in the terminal device 140 on the transmission side is released when the voice transmission operation is completed. Further, the terminal device 140 on the transmission side is also opened when the voice transmission right is lost. The acquisition of the voice transmission right in this embodiment is given priority to the terminal device 140 requested later. Therefore, even when one terminal device 140 acquires the voice transmission right and transmits the voice signal to the other terminal devices 140 all at once, when the other terminal device 140 performs the voice transmission operation, Then, the voice transmission right is granted to the other terminal device 140 that has performed the voice transmission operation later, and the voice transmission right of the one terminal device 140 that previously acquired the voice transmission right is lost.

  The terminal device 140 on the transmission side performs history processing (described later) in step S1078 of the simultaneous call processing (step S107), and proceeds to step S1079. In step S1079, the terminal device 140 on the transmission side notifies the management computer 30 that the voice transmission right has been released.

  In step S2097 of the simultaneous call process (step S209), the management computer 30 determines whether or not a voice transmission right release notification has been received from the terminal device 140 on the transmission side, and proceeds to step S2098 if received. . In step S2098, the management computer 30 performs history processing (described later).

<Group call function>
Next, the group call function of the communication system 15 will be described in detail. This group call function is a function for realizing a one-to-many call between a plurality of terminal devices 140 of the communication system 15. Specifically, in the terminal device in a login state (for example, the terminal device 140A), “ When “Group call mode” is selected, the voice input means 147 (for example, the built-in microphone of the terminal device 140A, the microphone of the headset, etc.) while performing a voice transmission operation (operating by the call button 1418) from the terminal device 140A. ) Is input to the other terminal devices in the login state (for example, terminal devices 140B, 140C, 140D...), And the audio signals of the terminal devices 140B, 140C, 140D. Output means 148 (internal speakers of each terminal device 140B, 140C, 140D... Audio is output from, etc.).

  On the other hand, audio signals are not transmitted simultaneously to other terminal devices (for example, terminal devices 140E, 140F,...) Belonging to a group different from the transmitting side (for example, group 2).

  The other terminal devices 140 (for example, the terminal devices 140B and 140C) belonging to the same group to which the voice is transmitted in the “group call mode” from the terminal device 140A belonging to the group 1 are in the call mode displayed on the display unit 142. Unless changed, the call mode is set to “group call mode”. That is, in this case, when a voice transmission operation is performed in the terminal device 140B, the terminal device 140 (for example, the terminal device 140A) that first transmitted the voice signal in the “group call mode” and the login state and the same group ( In this case, an audio signal can be transmitted (returned) to all other terminal devices 140 (for example, another terminal device 140C) belonging to group 1). On the other hand, even for another terminal device 140 (for example, the terminal device 140B) that has been transmitted in the “group call mode”, the call mode displayed on the display unit 142 is changed to “group call mode” or “individually”. When the mode is changed to “call mode”, voice can be transmitted in the changed call mode.

<Group call function / Flow of each process>
Next, the flow of various processes for realizing the group call function will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of various processes for realizing the group call function.

  The group call function mainly includes group call processing (step S109) by one terminal device 140 on the transmission side, group call processing (step S211) by the management computer 30, and one or a plurality of the same groups on the reception side. This is realized by the group call processing (step S109) by the other terminal device 140 to which it belongs. Here, a group call between terminal devices 140 belonging to group 1 will be described as an example.

  Referring to FIG. 21, the terminal device 140 on the voice transmission side receives the voice transmission operation (for example, the call button 1418 of the input unit 141 (touch panel) of the terminal device 140) in step S1091 of the group call process (step S109). It is determined whether there is a touch or a call switch on the operation unit 221 (controller) of the external audio input / output device 220 connected to the terminal device 140, and if there is an audio transmission operation, the process proceeds to step S1092. In the next step S1092, the terminal device 140 requests the management computer 30 to grant a voice transmission right.

  In step S2111 of the group call process (step S211), the management computer 30 determines whether or not a request for granting a voice transmission right has been received from any of the terminal devices 140. Proceeding to S2112, the voice transmission right is granted to the terminal device 140 that has requested the voice transmission right. As a result, all the terminal devices 140 other than the transmitting-side terminal device 140 that belong to the same group (here, group 1) as the transmitting-side terminal device 140 and are in the login state are placed in a voice signal reception standby state. In step S <b> 2113, the management computer 30 updates the login terminal information regarding the presence / absence of the voice transmission right of each terminal device 140.

  In step S1093 of the group call process (step S109), the transmission-side terminal device 140 determines whether or not the voice input unit 147 (for example, a built-in microphone of the terminal device 140 or a headset microphone) has received a voice input. If it is determined and voice input is accepted, the process proceeds to step S1094. The terminal device 140 on the transmission side converts the analog audio signal input in step S1094 into a digital audio signal by the audio processing unit 203, packetizes it by the control unit 143, and converts the audio signal (audio data) to the transmission side. The information is transmitted to the management computer 30 via the communication means 144 together with “terminal information”.

  Note that the determination in step S1093 may not be performed, and the process may proceed to step S1094 when a voice transmission operation is performed (following step S1092).

  In step S2114 of the group call process (step S211), the management computer 30 determines whether or not a voice signal (voice data) has been received, and proceeds to step S2115 if received.

  In step S2115 of the group call process (step S211), the management computer 30 specifies the transmission destination of the received audio signal (audio data). In the group call processing, the audio signals received by all the terminal devices 140 belonging to the same group as the transmitting terminal device 140 and permitted to connect to the network WMW (logged in state) except for the transmitting terminal device 140 Send. Therefore, the management computer 30, for example, based on the terminal user setting table and login terminal information stored in the storage means (the RAM 33 and the storage device 36), all the terminals in the same group in the login state excluding the transmission-side terminal device 140. The apparatus 140 is specified as the transmission destination, and the process proceeds to step S2116. In step S2116, the management computer 30 transmits the received audio signal (audio data) all at once to the specified transmission destination. On the other hand, the management computer 30 does not transmit the received audio signal (audio data) to the terminal device 140 belonging to a group (for example, group 2) different from the terminal device 140 on the transmission side. In addition, the management computer 30 transmits the terminal information of the identified transmission destination terminal device 140 to the transmission-side terminal device 140. Further, the management computer 30 stores data related to the transmitted / received audio signal in a predetermined area of the storage means (for example, the RAM 33, the storage device 36), the terminal information of the terminal device 140 on the transmission side, and the terminal of the terminal device 140 on the reception side. It is stored in association with information (transmission / reception terminal information).

  In step S1100 of the group call process (step S109), the receiving side terminal device 140 belonging to group 1 receives an audio signal (audio data) from the management computer 30 via the communication unit 144 of the receiving side terminal device 140. If the digital audio signal (audio data) packetized by the control means 143 and the audio processing means 203 is converted to analog, the audio output means 148 (for example, A voice signal is output from a built-in speaker of the terminal device 140 or a headset (earphone), etc., and the received voice signal, reception date and time, “terminal information” of the terminal device 140 on the transmission side, and the like are stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 146 And proceed to step S1101. In step S1101, the receiving terminal device 140 performs history processing. Details of the history processing will be described later.

  At this time, among the terminal devices 140 in the login state identified as the transmission destination, if there are any terminal devices 140 that are communicating in the individual call mode (voice transmission / reception), an audio signal (voice) is also sent to those terminal devices 140. Data) is transmitted. However, in the terminal device 140 that is communicating in the individual call mode, the voice transmission / reception switching means ((the first voice transmission / reception switching means 217 and the second voice transmission / reception switching means 217 and the second voice transmission switching means 217) The voice transmission / reception switching means 218)) is set to “invalid”. Accordingly, although the terminal device 140 communicating in the individual call mode receives the audio signal transmitted in the group call mode, the audio signal transmitted in the group call mode is received from the audio output means 148 of these terminal devices 140. Is not output. That is, even when an audio signal is transmitted in the group call process, the terminal device 140 communicating in the individual call mode transmits and receives an audio signal to and from the other party of the individual call.

  In the terminal device 140 that is communicating in the individual call mode, the voice transmission / reception switching means ((the first voice transmission / reception switching means 217 and the second voice transmission / reception switching means 218)) is not set to “invalid”, and the group call mode is set. When the audio signal transmitted at is received, the audio signal may be output (such setting may be possible).

  When the terminal device 140 on the transmission side determines whether or not the “terminal information” of the terminal device 140 of the transmission destination has been received from the management computer 30 in step S1095 of the group call process (step S109). Advances to step S1096. In step S1096, the transmission-side terminal device 140 stores the “terminal information”, the transmitted audio signal, and the transmission date and time in a predetermined area of the storage unit 146.

  In step S1097 of the group call process (step S109), the terminal device 140 on the transmission side determines whether or not the voice transmission right has been released. If the voice transmission right has been released, the process proceeds to step S1098 and has not been released. In this case, the process proceeds to step S1093. Even in the “group call mode”, the voice transmission right in the terminal device 140 on the transmission side is released when the voice transmission operation is completed. Also, the terminal device 140 on the transmission side is opened when the voice transmission right is lost. And, the acquisition of the voice transmission right is given priority to the terminal device 140 requested later. Therefore, even when one terminal device 140 acquires the voice transmission right and is simultaneously transmitting voice signals to the other terminal devices 140 belonging to the same group, the other terminal devices 140 belonging to the same group. However, when the voice transmission operation is performed, the voice transmission right is granted to the other terminal device 140 that has performed the voice transmission operation later, and the voice transmission right of the one terminal device 140 that has previously acquired the voice transmission right is To lose.

  In step S1098 of the group call process (step S109), the transmission-side terminal device 140 performs history processing (described later), and proceeds to step S1099. In step S1099, the transmission-side terminal device 140 notifies the management computer 30 that the voice transmission right has been released.

  In step S2117 of the group call process (step S211), the management computer 30 determines whether or not a voice transmission right release notification has been received from the terminal device 140 on the transmission side, and proceeds to step S2118 if received. . In step S2118, the management computer 30 performs history processing (described later).

<Individual call function>
Next, the individual call function of the communication system 15 will be described in detail. This individual call function is a function for making a one-to-one call between a plurality of terminal devices 140 of the communication system 15, and is similar to a telephone in that a call is made by specifying one of the other parties. Specifically, in the terminal device 140 in the login state (terminal device 140A), the display unit 142 displays a destination list of call waiting information, and an operation by the input unit 141 allows the destination device to be identified from the destination list. By selectively selecting terminal information (user name) of other terminal device 140 (for example, terminal device 140D), “individual call mode” is selected, and the selected other terminal device 140 (for example, Audio can be individually transmitted to the terminal device 140D).

  The other terminal device 140 (for example, the terminal device 140D) to which the voice is transmitted in the “individual call mode” from the terminal device 140A requests the voice transmission in the “individual call mode” from the terminal device 140A to the display unit 142 (incoming call). When a response operation is performed, a communication path for transmitting an audio signal is established between the two (terminal devices 140A and 140D), and the audio signal can be transmitted and received. . In the “individual call mode”, the communication partner is always one terminal device 140.

  In the present embodiment, when “individual call mode” is selected, the voice transmission / reception switching means 216 (first voice transmission / reception switching means 217 or second voice transmission / reception switching means) in the call mode selection / switching process (steps S105 and S207). Since 218) is set to “invalid”, even if one side is transmitting an audio signal, the other party can also transmit the audio signal simultaneously (in both directions).

  The terminal device 140 after the establishment of the communication path for transmitting the audio signal in the “individual call mode” does not require an audio transmission operation when transmitting the audio. In other words, the terminal device 140 performing voice communication in the “individual call mode” continues the voice communication in the “individual call mode” unless the individual call processing is terminated. The individual call process ends with an individual call end operation (for example, an operation of a “call end button”). The “call end button” may be, for example, a button displayed on the display unit 142 of the terminal device 140 or an operation unit (for example, the external voice input / output device 220 connected to the external terminal 201 of the terminal device 140). Controller switch, etc.).

  In addition, when a voice signal is transmitted from another terminal device 140 to the terminal device 140 performing voice communication in the “individual call mode” in the “simultaneous call mode” or “group call mode”, the voice signal Can not receive.

  Whether or not to give an individual call function to a certain terminal device 140 is set in a terminal user setting process (step S203). Further, the terminal device 140 to which the office authority is given can communicate with all the terminal devices 140 connected to the network WNW in the “individual call mode”. That is, even in the terminal device 140 to which the individual call function is not given in the terminal user setting process, communication in the “individual call mode” is possible only for the terminal device 140 with office authority.

  With reference to FIG. 22, an example of a voice transmission operation in “individual call mode” will be described. This figure is a display example of the display means 142 at the time of voice transmission operation in the “individual call mode”. In this example, a case where the display unit 142 (input unit 112) is a touch panel will be described as an example. In addition, the user (terminal information) of the source terminal device 140 in “individual call mode” is “user AB04”, and the user (terminal information) of the destination terminal device 140 is “user AA01”.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the one terminal device 140 that performs voice communication in the “individual call mode” displays the call waiting information destination list 1430 in the destination list display area 1416 of the display unit 142, and the input unit. 141, the selection of one user (for example, user AA01) as a voice communication partner (destination) is accepted from the destination list 1430. In this example, the destination terminal device 140 (“user AB04”) has “user EB01 (office authority)”, “user AA01”, “user AA02”, “user CA02” as destinations of “individual call mode”. ... can be selected. This destination selection operation is an operation for notifying the destination of voice transmission, and can also be called a voice transmission operation.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, when a destination selection operation is performed, a call confirmation display 1423 for confirming the call to the selected address is displayed. In this example, the call confirmation display 1423 is a display of characters “Do you want to make a call to AA01 (selected user name)?” And operation buttons of “call” and “cancel”. When the “cancel” operation button (cancel button 1425) is operated on the call confirmation display 1423, the “individual call mode” is terminated and a call waiting screen (FIG. 15) is displayed. On the other hand, when the “call” operation button (call button 1424) is operated on the call confirmation display 1423, a notification (voice transmission notification) indicating that the voice is transmitted to the destination terminal device 140 is transmitted. ), The destination terminal device 140 is called (waiting for response permission). Also in this case, the “cancel” operation button (cancel button 1426) is displayed on the display unit 142, and when the cancel button 1426 is operated, the “individual call mode” is terminated.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4D, the display unit 142 of the destination (call destination) terminal device 140 receives an incoming call from the call source terminal device 140 (the terminal device 140 corresponding to the user name “AB04”). It is notified that there is. In addition, a “call” operation button (call button 1427) is displayed, and when the operation button is operated, a response permission is transmitted to the terminal device 140 that is a call source, and a call can be established between the two.

  During a call, as shown in FIG. 5 (e), terminal information (user name) of the terminal device 140 that is the destination of the call and an individual call end operation are performed on the display means 142 of each terminal device 140. The “call end” operation button (call end button 1428) is displayed. When the “call end” operation button is operated (for example, a tap operation) by one of the users during the call, the “individual call mode” is ended.

<Individual call function / flow of each process>
Next, the flow of various processes for realizing the individual call function will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the flow of various processes for realizing the individual call function.

  The individual call function mainly includes individual call processing (step S111) by one terminal device 140 as a transmission source, individual call processing (step S213) by the management computer 30, and individual call processing by another terminal device 140 as a transmission destination. This is realized by call processing (step S111).

  Referring to FIG. 23, terminal device 140 of the voice transmission source (call start side) displays destination list 1430 on display means 142 and selects by input means 141 in step S1101 of the individual call processing (step S111). When an input operation is accepted (when there is a selection input operation for selecting a destination by the user), a voice transmission notification indicating that voice transmission is to be started is transmitted to the management computer 30 to the selected destination (destination). Here, the destination selection input operation refers to, for example, an operation in which the user selectively selects a destination from the destination list 1430 displayed on the display unit 142 and a call confirmation from the call confirmation display 1423 displayed on the display unit 142. An operation (for example, an operation of the call button 1424). Further, the voice transmission notification transmitted to the management computer 30 includes “terminal information” of the terminal device 140 that is the transmission source and “terminal information” of the terminal device 140 that is the transmission destination (destination).

  In step S2131 of the individual call process (step S213), the management computer 30 determines whether or not a voice transmission notification is received from the terminal device 140. If received, the management computer 30 proceeds to step S2132. In step S 2132, the management computer 30 transmits a voice communication request in the “individual call mode” to the terminal device 140 that is the destination. The voice communication request includes “terminal information” of the terminal device 140 that is the transmission source.

  In step S1108 of the individual call process (step S111), the destination (destination) terminal device 140 determines whether a voice communication request has been received from the management computer 30. If received, the process proceeds to step S1109. In step S1109, the destination terminal device 140 determines whether or not a response permission operation has been performed. This response permission operation is an operation by the user to permit a response. That is, for example, the destination terminal device 140 displays on the display means 142 that there is an incoming call from the source terminal device 140 and a call button 1427 for responding to the incoming call (see FIG. 22D). Etc.) and accepting a response permission operation by the user. Then, in step S1109, the management computer 30 determines whether or not a response permission operation (for example, operation of the call button 1427) has been performed by the user of the destination terminal device 140, and if the call button 1427 is operated, The process proceeds to step S1110. In step S1110, the destination terminal device 140 transmits a response permission to the incoming call to the management computer 30.

  In step S2133 of the individual call process (step S213), the management computer 30 determines whether or not a response permission has been received from the terminal device 140 that is the call destination, and if it has been received, proceeds to step S2134. In step S <b> 2134, the management computer 30 transmits a response permission to the transmission source terminal device 140.

  In step S1102 of the individual call process (step S111), the transmission source terminal device 140 determines whether or not there is a cancel operation. The cancel operation is an operation by the user to cancel (end) the call in the “individual call mode”. That is, for example, the terminal device 140 as a transmission source displays a cancel button 1426 for canceling the call (see FIG. 22C) on the display unit 142 and waits for a cancel operation by the user. Then, it is determined whether or not a cancel operation (operation of the cancel button 1426) has been performed by the user of the transmission source terminal device 140. If there is no operation, the process proceeds to step S1103.

  In step S1103 of the individual call process (step S111), the source terminal device 140 determines whether or not a response permission has been received from the management computer 30. If received, the process proceeds to step S1104. By receiving a response permission from the management computer 30, a communication path is established between the transmission source terminal device 140 and the transmission destination terminal device 140, and the transmission source terminal device 140 and the transmission destination terminal device 140 perform voice communication in both directions. Signals can be sent and received.

  In step S1104 and step S1111 of the individual call processing (step S111), the transmission source terminal device 140 and the transmission destination terminal device 140 transmit an audio signal to the management computer 30 or transmit an audio signal from the management computer 30. Receive. Each terminal device 140 stores the received audio signal, reception date and time, “terminal information” of the terminal device 140 on the transmission side, and the like in a predetermined area of the storage unit 146, and also transmits the transmitted audio signal, transmission date and time, and transmission destination The “terminal information” of the terminal device 140 is stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 146.

  In step S2135 of the individual call processing (step S213), the management computer 30 determines whether or not an audio signal is received from any one of the terminal devices 140. If the audio signal is received, the management computer 30 performs step S2136. Then, the audio signal received in step S2136 is transmitted to the other terminal device 140. The management computer 30 sends and receives the audio signal transmitted and received to a predetermined area of the storage means (for example, the RAM 33 and the storage device 36) and the terminal information (transmission / reception terminal) of the terminal device 140 on the transmission side and the terminal information 140 on the reception side Information) is stored in correspondence.

  Note that the management computer 30 manages the audio signal of one terminal device 140 and the audio signal of the other terminal device 140 as one audio signal (stored as a history) when the terminal device 140 is talking in the individual call processing. It is also possible to do.

  In step S1105 of the individual call process (step S111), the transmission source terminal device 140 determines whether or not there is an end operation. If there is an end operation, the process proceeds to step S1106. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1104. Here, the presence / absence of the ending operation is indicated, for example, by displaying a display for ending operation on the display means 142 of the terminal device 140 of the transmission source (for example, displaying the call end button 1428 (FIG. 22 (e))). When the operation of the end button 1428 is accepted and the call end button 1428 is operated, it is determined that the end operation has been performed. The source terminal device 140 performs history processing in step S1106, and proceeds to step S1107. In step S1107, the transmission source terminal device 14 notifies the management computer 30 of the end of the individual call.

  In addition, in step S1112 of the individual call process (step S111), the destination terminal device 140 determines whether or not there is an end operation. If there is an end operation, the process proceeds to step S1113. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1111. . The destination terminal device 140 performs history processing in step S1113, and proceeds to step S1114. In step S1114, the destination terminal device 140 notifies the management computer 30 of the end of the individual call.

  The management computer 30 performs history processing in step S2137 of the individual call processing (step S213), and proceeds to step S2138. In step S2138, the management computer 30 determines whether or not the end of the individual call is received from any one of the terminal devices 140. If the end of the individual call is received, the management computer 30 proceeds to step S2139. In step S <b> 2139, the management computer 30 notifies the end of the individual call to the terminal device 140 of the counterpart of the terminal device 140 that has received the end of the individual call.

<History processing>
FIG. 24 is an example of a history table provided in the storage unit 146 and / or the management computer 30 of the terminal device 140. FIG. 5A is a transmission history table stored in the storage unit 146 of the terminal device 140, and FIG. 5B is a reception history table stored in the storage unit 146 of the terminal device 140. FIG. ) Is a transmission / reception history table stored in the storage means (storage device 36, RAM 33) of the management computer 30, and FIG. 4D is a history stored in the storage means (storage device 36, RAM 33) of the management computer 30. It is an example of a list table.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the transmission history table provided in the terminal device 140 includes, for example, “terminal information of the terminal device 140 (own terminal) on the transmission side”, “transmission date / time”, “voice information”, “ It has an item “terminal information of the terminal device 140 on the receiving side (transmission destination)”. In the “terminal information” on the transmitting side and the receiving side, carrier information that can identify the terminal device 140 is stored. The carrier information is, for example, a user name or an image (such as a face image of the carrier) that can identify the carrier of the terminal device 140. An image that can identify the user is stored in the management computer 30. In addition, “date and time of transmission” stores the date and time of transmission of the audio signal from the terminal device 140.

  In “voice information”, information related to the voice signal transmitted from the terminal device 140 is stored. The “audio information” in this case may be an audio signal itself, or an audio file format (for example, an MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer-3) format) that can be played back by the recording device on the terminal device 140 or the management computer 30. An audio file converted into a WAV format or the like and its information (audio file name, size, etc.) are stored. In this case, the recording unit is a unit that converts the audio signal into an audio file format and stores it, for example, a program (application that stores the audio file in the storage unit) stored in the storage unit 146. ).

  Each time the terminal device 140 transmits an audio signal to another terminal device 140, the data of each item of the transmission history table is added and stored.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the reception history table provided in the terminal device 140 includes, for example, “terminal information of the receiving terminal device 140 (own terminal)”, “reception date / time”, “voice information”, “ It has an item “terminal information of the terminal device 140 on the transmission side (transmission source)”. In the “terminal information” on the transmitting side and the receiving side, carrier information that can identify the terminal device 140 is stored. The carrier information is, for example, a user name or an image (such as a face image of the carrier) that can identify the carrier. “Reception date” stores the date and time when the terminal device 140 received the audio signal.

  In the “voice information”, information related to the voice signal received by the terminal device 140 is stored. The “audio information” in this case may be an audio signal itself, or an audio file format (for example, an MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer-3) format) that can be played back by the recording device on the terminal device 140 or the management computer 30. An audio file converted into a WAV format or the like and its information (audio file name, size, etc.) are stored. In this case, the recording unit is a unit that converts the audio signal into an audio file format and stores it, for example, a program (application that stores the audio file in the storage unit) stored in the storage unit 146. ).

  Each time the terminal device 140 receives an audio signal from another terminal device 140, the terminal device 140 additionally stores data of each item of the reception history table.

  As shown in FIG. 7C, the transmission / reception history table provided in the management computer 30 includes, for example, “terminal information of the terminal device 140 on the transmission side”, “transmission date / time”, “voice information transmitted / received”, and “reception”. Terminal information "and" reception date and time "items. In the “terminal information” on the transmitting side and the receiving side, carrier information that can identify the terminal device 140 is stored. The carrier information is, for example, a user name or an image (such as a face image of the carrier) that can identify the carrier. “Transmission date and time” stores the date and time when the terminal device 140 on the transmission side transmits the audio signal, and “Reception date and time” stores the date and time when the terminal device 140 on the reception side receives the audio signal, and “Audio information” Stores an audio file of an audio signal transmitted and received between the terminal devices 140 and information thereof (audio file name, size, etc.).

  The management computer 30 stores the audio signal received from the transmission-side terminal device 140 (transmitted to the transmission-destination terminal device 140) as “audio information” by the recording unit (storage device 36, RAM 33, history list table). Etc.). The recording means is an audio file format (for example, MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer-3) format or WAV format) that can be played back by the management computer 30 on the audio signal transmitted to the terminal device 140 or the audio signal received from the terminal device 140. It is a means to convert and memorize | store. The recording means includes, for example, a program (application) having a recording (storing audio file in the storage means) function stored in the storage means (storage device 36), but may be hardware such as a recorder.

  The management computer 30 adds and stores data for each item in the transmission / reception history table every time an audio signal is received from the terminal device 140 and every time an audio signal is transmitted to the terminal device 140.

  Note that the history table shown in the figure may be provided in either the terminal device 140 or the management computer 30.

  Further, the “terminal information” stored in the history table may include a call mode at the time of voice transmission / reception, information that can individually identify each terminal device 140, such as a MAC address.

  As shown in FIG. 4D, the history list table is a table that holds a transmission / reception history for each terminal device 140 (“terminal information”) in a list format. As an example, “terminal information”, “history number” , “Transmission / reception”, “transmission / reception date / time”, “communication destination”, “voice information”, and “character information”. The “history number” is an identification number for specifying one history in one terminal device 140 (“terminal information”), and includes, for example, a serial number for each terminal device 140. The serial number may be a number including date and time. In the history list table, the combination of “terminal number” and “history number” is unique. “Transmission / reception” is set to be either a transmission history or a reception history, and “communication destination” is set to terminal information of the terminal device 140 of the transmission or reception partner. In “character information”, information (text data) obtained by converting the transmitted and received audio signals into characters (strings) that can be displayed on the display unit 142 of the terminal device 140 is set. The “character information” is converted by the conversion means of the management computer, which will be described later.

  The “terminal information” may include carrier information including an image (such as a face image of the carrier) that can identify the carrier.

  The history list table may include items included in the history table of the management computer 30 other than those illustrated.

  When the transmission / reception history table shown in FIG. 5C is updated, the management computer 30 creates a new “history number” for each terminal device 140 based on the information in the transmission / reception history table, The “terminal information”, “voice information”, and “character information” of the terminal device 140 of the communication partner are associated with each other and registered (additionally stored) in the history list table shown in FIG. The history list table is used when a history list transmission request is issued from the terminal device 140, which will be described later.

  Next, history processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25A shows history processing (steps S1078 and S1081) in the simultaneous call processing (step S107) of the terminal device 140 shown in FIG. 20, and group call processing (step S109) of the terminal device 140 shown in FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the flow of history processing (steps S1098 and S1101) and history processing (steps S1106 and S1113) in the individual call processing (step S111) of the terminal device 140 shown in FIG. FIG. 21B is a history process (step S2098) in the management computer 30 simultaneous call process (step S209) shown in FIG. 20, and a history in the group call process (step S209) of the management computer 30 shown in FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing (processing in step S2118) and history processing (processing in step S2136) in the individual call processing (step S213) of the management computer 30 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 25 (a), the transmission-side terminal device 140, in the history processing step S1151, transmits the transmitted audio signal stored in a predetermined area of the storage means 146, its transmission date and time, and the transmission destination terminal device. 140 "terminal information" is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S1152. In step S1152, the transmission-side terminal device 140 updates (additionally registers) the transmission history table (FIG. 24A) stored in the storage unit 146 of the terminal device 140.

  As shown in FIG. 21 (a), the receiving-side terminal device 140 receives the received audio signal stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 146 in step S1151 of the history processing, its reception date and time, and the transmission source terminal. The “terminal information” of the device 140 is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S1152. In step S1152, the receiving side terminal device 140 updates (additionally registers) the reception history table (FIG. 24B) stored in the storage unit 146 of the terminal device 140.

  As shown in FIG. 21B, the management computer 30 transmits and receives transmitted and received audio signals stored in a predetermined area of the storage means (for example, the RAM 33 and the storage device 36) of the management computer 30 in step S2221 of the history processing. The terminal information of the terminal device 140 on the transmission side and the terminal information of the terminal device 140 on the reception side are acquired, and the process proceeds to step S2222.

  In step S <b> 2222, the management computer 30 stores the audio signal received from the transmission-side terminal device 140 (transmitted to the transmission-destination terminal device 140) in the storage means (storage device 36, RAM 33) as “audio information”. Specifically, the management computer 30 has a recording unit and a voice reproduction unit. The recording means is an audio file format (for example, MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer-3) format or WAV format) that can be played back by the management computer 30 on the audio signal transmitted to the terminal device 140 or the audio signal received from the terminal device 140. It is a means to convert and memorize | store. The recording means is, for example, a program (application) having a recording function (stores an audio file in the storage means) stored in the storage means (storage device 36), but may be hardware such as a recorder.

  In step S2222, the management computer 30 converts the audio signal received from the transmission-side terminal device 140 (transmitted to the transmission-destination terminal device 140) into a sound format file (audio file) by the recording means, The name is automatically given and stored as “voice information” in a predetermined area of the storage means (storage device 36, RAM 33). The “voice information” may include the size of the voice file.

  In the next step S2223, the management computer 30 uses the conversion means to display the received (or transmitted) audio signal on the display means (the display means 142 of the terminal device 140 or the display device 38 of the management computer 30). The data is converted into a string (text data) and stored as “character information” in a predetermined area of the storage means (storage device 36, RAM 33). This conversion means is, for example, a voice recognition application (software). The “voice information” may include the size of the voice file.

  In the next step S2224, the management computer 30 updates the transmission / reception history table (FIG. 24C) (additionally stores data). In addition, in step S2225, the management computer 30 performs history list table update processing. In the history list table update process, based on the transmission / reception history table and the information stored in steps S2222 and S2223, the “terminal information” of the terminal device 140, the “history”, “voice information” of each terminal device 140, and “Character information” is associated, and a “history number” is assigned and registered in the history list table so that the history can be specified for each terminal device 140.

  In the present embodiment, the terminal device 140 may not have the transmission history table and the reception history table, and in that case, the history processing of the terminal device 140 is unnecessary.

<Communication history function>
Next, the communication history function of the communication system 15 will be described in detail. The communication history function is a function for browsing and reproducing the voice communication of each terminal device 140 in the communication system 15 and the history of information related thereto with the terminal device 140 and the management computer 30.

  When there is a history list transmission request from the terminal device 140, the management computer 30 extracts information on the requesting terminal device 140 as a history list from the history list table shown in FIG. To the terminal device 140. The terminal device 140 that has received the history list displays the history list on the display unit 142. At this time, the display unit 142 displays the history list in such a manner that it can be selected by the operation of the input unit 141 of the terminal device 140, and accepts the selection operation by the operation of the input unit 141. For example, the history list is displayed as a list, and displayed in such a manner that any one can be directly selected by an operation by the input unit 141 (for example, a click operation, a tap operation, a flick operation, etc. on the touch panel). The history list may be configured to be displayed by a check box method, a radio button method, a pull-down menu, or the like, and alternatively selected by an operation using the input unit 141.

  FIGS. 26A to 26C are examples of a history list. Here, as an example, a history list that can be acquired by the terminal device 140 whose “terminal information” is “AA01” in the history list table shown in FIG.

  As the history list, for example, “history list” (FIG. (A)), “character information (text) history list” (FIG. (B)) regarding the terminal device 140 (own terminal) whose “terminal information” is “AA01” , “Voice information history list” ((c) in the figure). The “history list” is, for example, a list of information including at least “history number”, “terminal information” of the communication destination terminal device 140, discrimination of transmission or reception, and transmission / reception time. The “history list” includes, for example, “history number”, “terminal information” of the terminal device 140 of the communication partner, discrimination of transmission or reception, and at least a part of “character information” (for example, first 10 characters) The “voice information history list” includes, for example, “history number”, “terminal information” of the terminal device 140 of the communication partner, transmission / reception distinction, “voice information” (Sound file name) ”, a list of information including at least transmission / reception time. The management computer 30 may transmit all information related to the requesting terminal device 140 of the history list table as a history list.

  FIG. 27 is a display example of the history browsing screen on the display unit 142 of the terminal device 140, and is an example in which “history list” is selected from the history list. The terminal device 140 displays a history button 1422 on the call waiting screen (see FIGS. 15B to 15D), and when the history button 1422 is operated, the display unit 142 displays the history button 1422 as shown in FIG. Such a history menu ("history list", "character information history list", "voice information history list") is displayed, and a selection input process (history menu selection input process) for selecting any list by an operation by the input means 141 )I do. When any list is selected from the history menu shown in FIG. 27A (here, “history list” is selected), a history list (shown in FIG. “History list”, “character information history list”, “voice information history list”), and selection input processing (history information selection input) for selecting one of the lists by the operation of the input means 141 Process). One information (history data) to be selected here is one history in the “history list”, one character information in the “character information history list”, and one voice in the “voice information history list”. Information. Then, the display unit 142 of the terminal device 140 displays details of the selected information. In this example, the “history number” is not displayed on the display unit 142 but may be displayed.

  The history list displayed in FIG. 6B may be one in which the terminal device 140 receives (acquires) and displays the list held by the management computer 30, or the terminal device 140 has a history of audio transmission / reception. May be stored and held as a history list. When the terminal device 140 holds the history list, the history list is displayed on the display unit 142 of the terminal device 140, and when any information (history data) is selected, the “history number” of the history data is displayed. Based on the history list table of the management computer 30, the details (voice, text, caller information, etc.) are acquired and displayed on the display unit 142.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27B, when the past history (history data) is displayed as a list as the “history list”, for example, two of them are operated by the input means 141. When the history of the eye (history data) is selected, based on the “history number” of the second history (history data), the history is transmitted from the history list table of the management computer 30 or the history list transmitted to the terminal device 140. “Voice information” and / or “character information” associated with the history data is acquired and displayed as detailed information of the second history (history data) in the display means 142 as shown in FIG. indicate.

  Similarly, when a “character information history list” (see FIG. 26B) is displayed on the display unit 142, when one of the “character information” is selected by the operation of the input unit 141, FIG. ), “History” and / or “voice information” associated with the “character information” is displayed on the display unit 142.

  When the “voice information history list” (see FIG. 26C) is displayed on the display unit 142, when one “voice information” is selected by the operation of the input unit 141, FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, “history” and / or “character information” associated with the “voice information” is displayed on the display unit 142 as the detailed information.

  The terminal device 140 further includes “audio information” selective reproduction means and audio reproduction means. For example, the selective reproduction means is a process of displaying a reproduction button 1432 on the display means 142 corresponding to each “voice information” and selectively selecting any “voice information” by an operation by the input means 141. . The audio reproduction means is means capable of reproducing “audio information (audio file)”, for example, an application program stored in the storage means 146 and having a reproduction function (reading out an audio file from the storage means and reproducing it). is there. The terminal device 140 reproduces the “audio information (audio file)” selected by the selective reproduction unit by the audio reproduction unit of the terminal device 140 and outputs it from the audio output unit 148.

  In addition, the terminal device 140 can transmit an audio signal based on one piece of information selected from the history list. For example, as shown in FIG. 27C, a voice transmission operation (for example, an operation of the call button 1418) can be performed on the display screen of the detailed information of the history. As a result, the audio signal can be transmitted with the communication destination ("communication destination" in the history list table) stored as the selected history as the destination. Similarly, when a “text information history list” and a “voice information history list” are displayed as the history list on the display unit 142, a history associated with the information can be selected by selecting one of them. The voice signal can be transmitted with the communication destination stored as the destination.

  The history list may include group information (for example, group number, group name, etc.). When group information is selected from the history list, an audio signal is transmitted with the group as the destination (group). Make a call). In this case, the call from the history list is set to “group call mode” by default, but the call mode may be selected.

  The history list can also be displayed on the display device 38 of the management computer 30. The display device 38 displays the history list in such a manner that it can be selected by operating the input device 37 of the management computer 30. For example, the history list is displayed as a list, and is displayed in such a manner that it can be directly selected by an operation using the input device 37 (for example, a cursor operation and a determination button operation using a mouse or a keyboard). The history list may be configured to be displayed by a check box method, a radio button method, a pull-down menu, or the like, and alternatively selected by an operation using the input unit 141.

  Then, the management computer 30 displays a history menu (see FIG. 27A) on the display device 38 as in the case of the terminal device 140, and a selection input for selecting any list by an operation by the input device 37. Processing (history menu selection input processing) is performed. When any list is selected from the history menu, a history list (see FIG. 27B) is displayed on the display device 38, and one information in any list is operated by the operation of the input device 37. A selection input process (history information selection input process) for selecting is performed.

  One information selected here is one history in the “history list”, one character information in the “character information history list”, and one voice information in the “voice information history list”. Then, the display device 38 of the management computer 30 displays the details of the selected information (history data) as in the case of the terminal device 140.

  That is, when a “history list” is displayed on the display device 38, when one “history” is selected by an operation by the input device 37, the details of the “history” are associated with the history. The “voice information” and / or “character information” is acquired and displayed on the display device 38.

  Similarly, when the “voice information history list” is displayed on the display device 38, when one of the “voice information” is selected by an operation by the input device 37, a “history” associated with the “voice information” is selected. And / or “character information” is displayed on the display device 38.

  Further, when a “character information history list” is displayed on the display device 38, if one of the “character information” is selected by an operation by the input device 37, a “history” associated with the “character information” is selected. And / or “voice information” is displayed on the display device 38.

  Then, an external audio input / output device such as a headset or an earphone / microphone is connected to the management computer 30 and the history data displayed on the display device 38 of the management computer 30 is selected, thereby supporting the management computer 30 and the history data. It is also possible to directly transmit / receive audio data to / from the terminal device 140.

  Although not shown, the management computer 30 includes “audio information” selective reproduction means and audio reproduction means. For example, the selective reproduction means is a process of displaying a reproduction button on the display device 38 corresponding to each “voice information” and selectively selecting any “voice information” by an operation by the input device 37. The audio reproduction means is means capable of reproducing “audio information (audio file)” and has, for example, a reproduction (reading and reproducing audio file from the storage means) function stored in the storage means (storage device 36). Although it is an application program, it may be hardware such as a player. The management computer 30 reproduces the “audio information (audio file)” selected by the selective reproduction means by the audio reproduction means of the management computer 30 and outputs it from the audio output means 44 of the management computer 30.

  The management computer 30 displays the information in the history list table as it is instead of the history list on the display device 38, and selects one piece of information (history data) by operating the input device 37 from the information in the history list table. The detailed information may be displayed.

  In the case of the history of “group call mode” or “simultaneous call mode”, the “terminal information” of the partner in the history list displays “terminal information” of all target terminal devices 140 on the display device 38. Alternatively, a display indicating that the call is in the “group call mode” or the “simultaneous call mode” (for example, “group”, “simultaneous”, etc.) may be displayed.

  The history list (history list, character information (text) history list, voice information history list) on the terminal device 140 or the management computer 30 is displayed for a predetermined period (for example, for the current day (today), yesterday). Or a history of 1 hour or less) may be displayed as a list.

  The history list (history list, character information (text) history list, voice information history list) is transmitted from the management computer 30 to the terminal device 140 for a predetermined period (for example, for the current day (today), yesterday, or 1 It is also possible to transmit a history of a period of time or the like as a list.

<Communication history function / flow of each process>
Next, the flow of various processes for realizing the communication history function will be described. 28 and 29 are flowcharts showing the flow of various processes for realizing the communication history function.

  The communication history function is mainly realized by communication history processing (step S113) by the terminal device 140 and communication history processing (step S215) by the management computer 30.

  Referring to FIG. 28, terminal device 140 determines whether or not “history” has been selected in step S1131 of the communication history process (step S113), that is, history button 1422 (see FIGS. 15B to 15D). ) Has been operated, and if selected, the process proceeds to step S1132. In step S1132, the terminal device 140 displays a history menu as shown in FIG. 27A on the display unit 142 and selects a list by operating the input unit 141 (history menu selection input process). ) And the process proceeds to step S1133.

  In step S1133, the terminal device 140 determines whether any list is selected from the history menu illustrated in FIG. 27A. If any list is selected, the terminal device 140 proceeds to step S1134. In step S <b> 1134, the terminal device 140 transmits an acquisition request for the history list of the selected list to the management computer 30. Specifically, if “history list” is selected from the history menu in step S1133, the history of the “history list” regarding the terminal device 140 (own terminal) to the management computer 30 in step S1134. Requests acquisition of a list (see FIG. 27B).

  If “character information history list” is selected from the history menu in step S 1133, the “character information history list” for the terminal device 140 (own terminal) is sent to the management computer 30 in step S 1134. The acquisition of the history list (see FIG. 27B) is requested.

  If “voice information history list” is selected from the history menu in step S 1133, the “voice information history list” regarding the terminal device 140 (own terminal) is sent to the management computer 30 in step S 1134. The acquisition of the history list (see FIG. 27B) is requested.

  In step S2151 of the communication history process (step S215), the management computer 30 determines whether or not a history list acquisition request has been received from the terminal device 140. If received, the management computer 30 proceeds to step S2152. In step S2152, the management computer 30 extracts a history list related to the request source terminal device 140 from the history list table, and transmits it to the request source terminal device 140. The history list includes, for example, “history list” (FIGS. 26A and 27B), “character information (text) list” (FIG. 26B), and “voice information history list” (FIG. 26 ( c)). The management computer 30 may transmit all information related to the requested terminal device 140 of the history list table to the terminal device 140 as a history list.

  In step S1135 of the communication history process (step S113), the terminal device 140 determines whether or not a history list has been received, and proceeds to step S1136 if received. The terminal device 140 displays a history list (“history list”, “character information history list”, “voice information history list”) as shown in FIG. 27B on the display unit 142 selected in step S1136 for input. A selection input process (history information selection input process) for selecting one piece of information from any of the lists by an operation by means 141 is performed.

  If the management computer 30 transmits all the information in the history list table (limited to the request destination terminal device 140) to the terminal device 140 in step S2152, the terminal device 140 receives necessary information in step S1136. And a history list (see FIG. 27B) is displayed.

  Referring to FIG. 29, in step S1137 of the communication history process (step S113), terminal device 140 selects one piece of information (history data) from the displayed history list by an operation using input means 141. If YES in step S1138, the flow advances to step S1138. In step S1138, the terminal device 140 requests the management computer 30 to transmit detailed information related to the selected history data. For example, the terminal device 140 displays a “history list” as shown in FIG. 27B on the display unit 142 in step S1136, and one of the history data is selected by the operation of the input unit 141 in step S1137. In step S1138, the “history number” of the selected history data is transmitted to the management computer 30, and “character information” and “voice information” associated with the history data (“terminal information”) are transmitted. "Is sent to the management computer 30.

  In step S2153 of the communication history process (step S215), the management computer 30 determines whether or not a detailed information transmission request has been received from the terminal device 140. If received, the management computer 30 proceeds to step S2154. In step S2154, the management computer 30 searches the history list table using the “terminal information” of the requesting terminal device 140 and the transmitted “history number” as a search key, extracts corresponding information, and requests it as detailed information. Transmit to the original terminal device 140.

  As a specific example, the “terminal information” of the requesting terminal device 140 is “AA01”, the “history list” shown in FIG. 27B is displayed, and the terminal device 140 whose “terminal information” is “EB01”. When the reception history from the terminal device 140 is selected, the terminal device 140 whose “terminal information” is “AA01” refers to the “history list” shown in FIG. “001”, which is a “history number”, is transmitted to the management computer 30 and requests for transmission of “character information” and “voice information” associated with the history data (“terminal information”) are sent to the management computer 30. Do.

  In step S2154, the management computer 30 searches the history list table using the “terminal information” (“AA01”) of the requesting terminal device 140 and the transmitted “history number” (“001”) as a search key. It is specified that “terminal information” is a history of reception from the terminal device 140 of “EB01”, and the associated “voice information” is 040108. The mp3 audio file is also acquired as “character information” and data “from customer” is transmitted to the requesting terminal device 140.

  In step S1139 of the communication history process (step S113), the terminal device 140 determines whether or not detailed information transmitted from the management computer 30 has been received. If received, the terminal device 140 proceeds to step S1140. The terminal device 140 displays the detailed information on the display unit 142 in step S1140.

  In the next step S1141, the terminal device 140 determines whether to reproduce history data. The terminal device 140 displays a “voice information” playback button 1432 (see FIG. 27C) on the display unit 142, accepts an operation of the “voice information” playback button 1432 by the user, and the user selects “voice information”. Whether or not the play button 1432 is operated (for example, in the case of a touch panel, a tap operation or a flick operation is performed), and when the play button 1432 is operated, the “voice information (voice File) ”.

  In the next step S <b> 1142, the terminal device 140 reproduces “audio information (audio file)” of the history data by the audio reproduction unit and outputs it from the audio output unit 148.

  In the next step S1143, the terminal device 140 determines whether or not to transmit an audio signal from the history data. The terminal device 140 determines whether or not the call button 1418 (see FIG. 27C) is operated by the user (for example, in the case of a touch panel, a tap operation or a flick operation is performed). When operated, an audio signal is transmitted to the terminal device 140 corresponding to the “terminal information” of the history data. In this case, when the detailed information of the individual terminal device 140 is displayed, the individual call processing (step S111) is executed, and the audio signal is transmitted to the displayed terminal device 140 in the “individual call mode”. Is sent.

  In the case of a history of “group call mode” or “simultaneous call mode”, detailed information indicating that the call is in “group call mode” or “simultaneous call mode” (for example, “group”, “simultaneous call mode”). ”) May be displayed. In this case, when the call button 1418 is operated, group call processing (step S109) or simultaneous call processing (step S107) is executed, and“ group call mode ”or“ simultaneous call ”is executed. An audio signal is transmitted in “mode”.

  Further, in the case of the history of “group call mode” or “simultaneous call mode”, “terminal information” of all target terminal devices 140 may be displayed as detailed information, in which case the call button 1418 is displayed. When operated, an audio signal is transmitted to all target terminal devices 140 in “group call mode” or “simultaneous call mode”. Alternatively, one terminal device 140 may be further selected from all the target terminal devices 140, and an audio signal may be transmitted to the selected terminal device 140 in the “individual call mode”. (When both terminal devices 140 are set to “individual call mode”).

  The management computer 30 determines whether or not “history” has been selected in step S2155 of the communication history process (step S215), that is, whether or not a history button (not shown) displayed on the display device 38 has been operated. If it is selected, the process advances to step S2156. In step S2157, the management computer 30 displays a history menu as shown in FIG. 27A on the display device 38, and selects a list by operating the input device 37 (history menu selection input processing). ) And proceeds to step S2157.

  In step S2157, the management computer 30 determines whether any list is selected from the history menu shown in FIG. 27A. If any list is selected, the management computer 30 proceeds to step S2158. In step S 2158, the management computer 30 displays a history list (or history list table information) on the display device 38 of the management computer 30. Next, in step S2159, the management computer 30 determines whether one piece of information (history data) has been selected from the history list by operating the input device 37. If selected, the process proceeds to step S2160. The management computer 30 determines that the history data is selected when one history data in the displayed history list is directly selected by, for example, a cursor operation or a determination button operation using a mouse or a keyboard.

  In the next step S 2160, the management computer 30 refers to the history list table, and displays the details of the selected information (history data) on the display device 38 as in the case of the terminal device 140. In the next step S2161, it is determined whether or not history data is to be reproduced. The management computer 30 displays a “voice information” playback button on the display device 38, and whether or not the user has operated the “voice information” playback button (for example, a cursor operation or a decision button operation with a mouse or a keyboard). If the playback button is operated, it is determined that the “voice information (voice file)” of the history data is played back.

  In the next step S2162, the management computer 30 reproduces “audio information (audio file)” of the history data by the audio reproduction means and outputs it from the audio output means 44.

  As described above, the communication system 15 according to the present embodiment described above is constructed in, for example, a single amusement store.

  Alternatively, a server device that manages and operates the entire communication system 15 is provided outside the store, and the management computer 30 provided in each of the plurality of stores is used as a client to connect to a server device outside the store via a network WNW or a router. You may make it do. Further, the management computer 30 in the communication system 15 of the present embodiment may be a cloud computing system configured with a server device outside the store. With such a configuration, voice communication between the terminal devices 140 can be performed between a plurality of stores.

<Other processing of terminal device and management computer>
The control means 143 of the terminal device 140 and the control means (CPU) 31 of the management computer 30 according to the present embodiment realize the alarm history processing for realizing the alarm history function of the terminal device 140 and the special prize history function of the terminal device 140, respectively. Special award history processing for performing, in-store broadcast operation processing for realizing the in-store broadcast operation function of the terminal device 140, opening / closing store operation processing for realizing the opening / closing store operation function of the terminal device 140, inventory adjustment function of the terminal device 140 Inventory adjustment processing for realizing the above, member inquiry processing for realizing the member inquiry function of the terminal device 140, heading processing for realizing the heading function of the terminal device 140, and questionnaire function of the terminal device 140 are realized. May be able to execute a questionnaire process and other processes.

  The alarm history function is a function for notifying the terminal device 140 of information (error information) regarding the abnormality when any abnormality occurs in the gaming device, the management computer 30, the terminal device 140, and the like. The special prize history function is a function for browsing special prize history information stored in the RAM 33 or the storage device 36 of the management computer 30 on the terminal device 140. The in-store broadcast operation function is a function for performing in-store broadcast such as calling of customers and employees by the terminal device 140. The open / close store operation function is a function for performing a part of processing performed at the time of opening or closing of a store on the terminal device 140. The inventory adjustment function is a function of adjusting the number of premiums in stock at the terminal device 140. The member inquiry function is a function for browsing the member information stored in the management computer 30 with the terminal device 140. The heading function is a function for conducting market research (heading) in a store using the terminal device 140. The questionnaire function is a function capable of acquiring a questionnaire item from the management computer 30 using the terminal device 140 and performing a questionnaire for the player using the terminal device 140.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the communication system 15 used in a store such as a game store has been described as an example, but the store is not limited thereto. The communication system 15 of the present embodiment includes, for example, amusement parks such as game centers and amusement parks, stores such as department stores, supermarkets, large mass retailers, event venues, hotels, hospitals, and other public facilities. Included in stores. The same applies to work sites in industries such as construction and logistics.

  As described above, the mobile terminal device (for example, the terminal device (mobile terminal device) 140) of the present invention can be connected to a network (for example, the network WNW) that can transmit and receive signals (for example, the network WNW). A terminal device 140) that is capable of displaying game information relating to a game (for example, the display unit 142) and a permission request unit that requests the management device to permit connection to the network (for example, FIG. 8). Communication means (for example, communication) that performs transmission and / or reception of audio signals between the network and the other portable terminal device permitted to connect to the network. Means 144). A portable terminal device characterized by comprising:

  According to such a configuration, in a store such as an amusement store, since voice communication is possible between portable terminal devices permitted to connect to the network, conventionally, a device for performing voice communication between employees ( Income). As a result, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when the employee performs business, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of operating the equipment.

  In addition, since LAN or WAN can be used for voice communication, voice communication between portable terminal devices is possible without separately providing equipment such as a base station and an antenna for the portable terminal device.

  In addition, an acquisition unit (for example, the processes of steps S1035 and S1038 of the communication permission process (step S103) illustrated in FIG. 14) that acquires terminal information (for example, a user name) that is information for identifying the mobile terminal device is provided. The display unit may be capable of displaying the terminal information of the other mobile terminal device acquired by the acquisition unit.

  According to such a configuration, in order to display the terminal information of the mobile terminal device permitted to connect to the network, a mobile terminal device that is not permitted to connect to the network (unused) is selected as a voice communication partner. Thus, voice communication can be avoided.

  Further, the selection means that can select the terminal information displayed on the display means (step S1037 of the communication permission process (step S103) shown in FIG. 13 and step S1039 of the communication permission process (step S103) shown in FIG. 23, the individual call processing (step S1101 of step S111) shown in FIG. 23), and the communication means is connected to the other mobile terminal device corresponding to the terminal information selected by the selection means. The voice signal may be transmitted and / or received.

  According to such a configuration, since the other party of the voice communication can be selected from the terminal information of the mobile terminal device permitted to connect to the network displayed on the display means, the connection to the network is not permitted (not yet). It is possible to avoid voice communication by selecting a portable terminal device (in use).

  In addition, the portable terminal device program of the present invention allows a portable terminal device (for example, the terminal device 140) that can be connected to a network that enables transmission and reception of signals to display means (for example, a display) that can display game information related to the game. Means 142), permission request means for requesting permission to connect to the network to the management apparatus (for example, communication permission processing in step S103 shown in FIG. 8), and other portable terminals permitted to connect to the network A program for a mobile terminal device, which functions as communication means (for example, communication means 144) that transmits and / or receives audio signals to and from an apparatus via the network.

  The management device of the present invention is a management device (for example, management computer 30) connected to a store network (for example, network WNW), and authentication information transmitted from a mobile terminal device (for example, terminal device 140). Based on the receiving means (for example, the communication permission process in step S205 shown in FIG. 9 (the process in step S2051 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14)) that receives at least (for example, the user name and password), and the authentication information, Permit means (for example, communication in step S205 shown in FIG. 9) that permits transmission and / or reception of an audio signal via the network between one portable terminal device and another portable terminal device. Management including a permission process (the processes in steps S2053 to S2056 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14). It is the location.

  According to such a configuration, in a store such as an amusement store, since voice communication is possible between portable terminal devices permitted to connect to the network, conventionally, a device for performing voice communication between employees ( Income). As a result, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when the employee performs business, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of operating the equipment.

  In addition, since LAN or WAN can be used for voice communication, voice communication between portable terminal devices is possible without separately providing equipment such as a base station and an antenna for the portable terminal device.

  Further, the communication system (for example, the communication system 15) of the present invention includes a network (for example, the network WNW) that enables transmission and reception of signals in a store, and portable terminal means (for example, the terminal device 140) that can be connected to the network. And permitting means for permitting the portable terminal means to connect to the network (for example, communication permission processing in step S103 shown in FIG. 8, communication permission processing in step S205 shown in FIG. 9), and the permission A communication system characterized in that transmission and / or reception of an audio signal is performed via the network between one portable terminal means permitted to be connected by another means and another portable terminal means. .

  According to such a configuration, in a store such as an amusement shop, since voice communication is possible between portable terminal means permitted to connect to the network, conventionally, a device for performing voice communication between employees ( Income). As a result, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when the employee performs business, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of operating the equipment.

  In addition, since LAN or WAN can be used for voice communication, voice communication between portable terminal devices is possible without separately providing equipment such as a base station and an antenna for the portable terminal device.

  In addition, it has storage means (for example, storage means (RAM 33 or storage device 36) of the management computer 30) for storing unique authentication information for authenticating the portable terminal means, and the permission means has a request for authentication permission. Based on the authentication information input to the portable terminal means and the unique authentication information, permission of connection to the network of the portable terminal means having an authentication permission request may be determined.

  In addition, a management means (for example, management computer 30) for managing game information related to a game is provided, and the portable terminal means includes display means (for example, display means 142) capable of displaying the game information managed by the management means. It may be provided.

  Further, the communication system (for example, the communication system 15) of the present invention includes a network (for example, the network WNW) that enables transmission and reception of signals in a store, and terminal means that can be connected to the network and can be carried by an operator. (For example, a terminal device 140), and a communication system for performing communication between the plurality of terminal means via the network, the information identifying the terminal means permitted to connect to the network. Acquisition means for acquiring certain terminal information (for example, the processing in step S2059 of the communication permission process (step S205) shown in FIG. 13, the steps S1035 and S1038 in the communication permission process (step S103) shown in FIG. 14). And the terminal means includes a display means capable of displaying the terminal information acquired by the acquiring means. For example, a display unit 142), a communication system, characterized in that.

  According to such a configuration, in a store such as an amusement shop, since voice communication is possible between portable terminal means permitted to connect to the network, conventionally, a device for performing voice communication between employees ( Income). As a result, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when the employee performs business, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of operating the equipment.

  In addition, since LAN or WAN can be used for voice communication, voice communication between portable terminal devices is possible without separately providing equipment such as a base station and an antenna for the portable terminal device.

  In addition, since the mobile terminal means displays the terminal information of the mobile terminal means permitted to connect to the network, the mobile terminal means selects a mobile terminal device that is not permitted to connect to the network (unused) as a voice communication partner. Voice communication can be avoided.

  Further, the terminal means is a selection means capable of selecting one or more pieces of terminal information displayed by the display means (the process in step S1037 of the communication permission process (step S103) shown in FIG. 13, shown in FIG. One or two or more corresponding to the said terminal information selected by the said selection means, the process of step S1039 of a communication permission process (step S103), the process of step S1101 of an individual call process (step S111) shown in FIG. It may be provided with communication means for performing transmission and / or reception of an audio signal with the other terminal means via the network.

  According to such a configuration, since the other party of the voice communication can be selected from the terminal information of the mobile terminal device permitted to connect to the network displayed on the display means, the connection to the network is not permitted (not yet). It is possible to avoid voice communication by selecting a portable terminal device (in use).

  Further, the terminal information may include information that can identify a carrier who carries the terminal means.

  In addition, a management means (for example, a management computer 30) that is connectable to the network and manages game information related to a game is provided, and the display means receives and displays at least the game information via the network. It may be a thing.

  According to such a configuration, in a store such as a game store, even if the employee carries portable terminal means for receiving and displaying game information, voice communication between employees is performed. Since devices (such as income) can be dispensed with, it is possible to simplify the devices that are carried when employees work, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of device operations.

  Further, the management means includes the acquisition means (for example, step S2059 of the communication permission process (step S205) shown in FIG. 13) and the transmission means (for example, step S2060 of the communication permission process (step S205) shown in FIG. 13). The transmission means may transmit the terminal information acquired by the acquisition means to the terminal means.

  Further, the communication device (for example, the communication device 15) of the present invention includes a network (for example, the network WNW) that enables transmission and reception of signals in a store, and portable terminal means (for example, the terminal device 140) that can be connected to the network. And permitting means for permitting the portable terminal means to connect to the network (for example, communication permission processing in step S103 shown in FIG. 8, communication permission processing in step S205 shown in FIG. 9), and the permission An audio signal is transmitted and / or received via the network between the one portable terminal means permitted to be connected by the means and the other portable terminal means. .

  Further, the communication device (for example, the communication device 15) of the present invention includes a network (for example, the network WNW) that enables transmission and reception of signals in a store, and portable terminal means (for example, the terminal device 140) that can be connected to the network. A communication device that communicates between the plurality of portable terminal means via the network, and acquires terminal information that is information identifying the portable terminal means permitted to connect to the network Acquisition means (for example, the process of step S2059 of the communication permission process (step S205) shown in FIG. 13, the step S1035 of the communication permission process (step S103) of FIG. 14, the process of step S1038, etc.) The terminal means includes display means (for example, display means 1) capable of displaying the terminal information acquired by the acquisition means. With 2), it is a communication apparatus according to claim.

  Further, the communication method of the present invention is a communication method using a network (for example, network WNW) that enables transmission and reception of signals in a store, and portable terminal means (for example, terminal device 140) that can be connected to the network. And having a permission step (for example, a communication permission process in step S103 shown in FIG. 8, a communication permission process in step S205 shown in FIG. 9) for allowing the portable terminal means to connect to the network, A communication method characterized by transmitting and / or receiving an audio signal via the network between one portable terminal means permitted to connect in the permission step and the other portable terminal means. is there.

  According to such a configuration, in a store such as an amusement shop, since voice communication is possible between portable terminal means permitted to connect to the network, conventionally, a device for performing voice communication between employees ( Income). As a result, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when the employee performs business, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of operating the equipment.

  In addition, since LAN or WAN can be used for voice communication, voice communication between portable terminal devices is possible without separately providing equipment such as a base station and an antenna for the portable terminal device.

  Further, the communication method of the present invention uses a network (for example, network WNW) that enables signal transmission and reception at a store, and a plurality of portable terminal means (for example, terminal device 140) that can be connected to the network. A communication method for performing communication between the mobile terminal means via the network, and acquiring terminal information which is information for identifying the mobile terminal means permitted to connect to the network (for example, The process of step S2059 of the communication permission process (step S205) shown in FIG. 13, the step S1035 of the communication permission process (step S103), the process of step S1038, etc. shown in FIG. Display step of displaying the terminal information of the portable terminal means (communication permission process shown in FIG. 13) Step (step 103) S1037, a communication permission process shown in FIG. 14 and the processing in step S1039 in (Step S103)), a is a communication method characterized by.

  According to such a configuration, in a store such as an amusement shop, since voice communication is possible between portable terminal means permitted to connect to the network, conventionally, a device for performing voice communication between employees ( Income). As a result, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when the employee performs business, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of operating the equipment.

  In addition, since LAN or WAN can be used for voice communication, voice communication between portable terminal devices is possible without separately providing equipment such as a base station and an antenna for the portable terminal device.

  In addition, since the mobile terminal means displays the terminal information of the mobile terminal means permitted to connect to the network, the mobile terminal means selects a mobile terminal device that is not permitted to connect to the network (unused) as a voice communication partner. Voice communication can be avoided.

  In addition, the mobile terminal device (for example, the terminal device (mobile terminal device) 140) of the present invention is a mobile terminal device (for example, the terminal device 140) that can be connected to a network (for example, the network WNW) that enables transmission and reception of signals. And display means (for example, display means 142) capable of classifying and displaying terminal information, which is information for identifying the portable terminal device, and group selection means for selecting the group (for example, FIG. 13). The processing corresponding to the terminal information belonging to the group selected by the group selection means, the processing in step S1037 in the communication permission processing (step S103), the processing in step S1039 in the communication permission processing (step S103) in FIG. Audio signal transmission and / or reception with the mobile terminal device Comprising communication means for through a click (e.g., the communication unit 144) and, to, is a mobile terminal apparatus according to claim.

  According to such a configuration, in a store such as an amusement store, voice communication is possible between portable terminal devices connected to the network, and thus, conventionally devices for performing voice communication between employees (such as income) Can be made unnecessary. As a result, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when the employee performs business, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of operating the equipment.

  In addition, since LAN or WAN can be used for voice communication, voice communication between portable terminal devices is possible without separately providing equipment such as a base station and an antenna for the portable terminal device.

  In addition, since the operating means and the one mobile terminal device can simultaneously transmit audio signals to the mobile terminal devices belonging to the same group, some mobile terminal devices among the mobile terminal devices permitted to connect to the network are provided. Only audio signals can be transmitted.

  Further, it includes state switching means for switching the communication state (for example, the call mode selection / switching process in step S105 shown in FIG. 8), and the communication state includes a first state (for example, “individual call mode”) and a first state. And the first state enables the mobile terminal device to transmit and / or receive the audio signal on a one-to-one basis with the other mobile terminal device. And the second state is a state that enables transmission and / or reception of the audio signal in the mobile terminal device corresponding to the terminal information belonging to the group selected by the group selection unit. Yes, the state switching unit may switch between the first state and the second state by an operation of the operation unit.

  In addition, an operation unit and a state switching unit (for example, a call mode selection / switching process in step S105 shown in FIG. 8) for switching a communication state are provided, and a first state (for example, “individual call mode”) is selected as the communication state. )) And a third state (for example, “broadcast mode”), wherein the first state is such that the portable terminal device transmits the audio signal and / or one-to-one with the other portable terminal device. In the third state, the mobile terminal device can transmit and / or receive the audio signal to the other mobile terminal device connected to the network. The state switching unit may switch between the first state and the third state by the operation of the operation unit.

  Even when an external device (for example, the external terminal 201) and an external device (for example, the external audio input / output device 220) are connected to the external terminal, transmission and reception of the audio signal can be switched. Voice transmission / reception switching means (for example, voice transmission / reception switching means 216, first voice transmission / reception switching means 217) may be included.

  According to such a configuration, any external device capable of transmitting and receiving audio signals can be connected to the mobile terminal device. Conventionally, when an arbitrary external device capable of transmitting and receiving audio signals is connected, even if an operation means provided on the external device is operated for the purpose of switching between transmission and reception of audio signals, The operation could not be recognized, and there was a risk that transmission / reception of a desired audio signal would be difficult. However, according to this embodiment, even when an external device capable of transmitting and receiving audio signals is connected by the audio transmission / reception switching unit and the operation unit of the external device is operated, It is possible to switch reception.

  The voice transmission / reception switching unit may be a switching device configured separately from the mobile terminal device and connected to the outside of the mobile terminal device.

  Also, the program of the mobile terminal device of the present invention is information that identifies a mobile terminal device that can be connected to a network (for example, the network WNW) that can transmit and receive signals. Display means (for example, display means 142) capable of classifying terminal information into groups and displaying them, group selection means for selecting the groups (for example, the process of step S1037 in the communication permission process (step S103) of FIG. 13, The communication permission process of FIG. 14 (the process of step S1039 in step S103), and the transmission of the audio signal with the other mobile terminal device corresponding to the terminal information belonging to the group selected by the group selection means And / or communication means for receiving via the network (eg, communication hand 144), functions as a cause, it is a program of the portable terminal device according to claim.

  The management apparatus of the present invention is a management apparatus (for example, the management computer 30) connected to a store network, and includes one or more terminal information that is information for identifying portable terminal apparatuses connectable to the network. Group setting means for setting a group (for example, terminal user setting processing in step S203 shown in FIG. 9), and group storage means for storing the group information set by the group setting means in association with the terminal information (for example, The storage means (RAM 33 or storage device 36) of the management computer, the terminal user setting table stored therein, the process of step S2036 of the terminal user setting process (step S203) shown in FIG. 12, and the group information While transmitting to the portable terminal device, the selected by the portable terminal device Communication means (for example, the communication unit 39) that performs transmission and / or reception of an audio signal between the plurality of portable terminal devices corresponding to the terminal information belonging to a loop via the network. It is the management apparatus characterized.

  According to such a configuration, since voice communication is possible between portable terminal means connected to the network in a store such as an amusement store, conventionally, a device for performing voice communication between employees (such as income) Can be made unnecessary. As a result, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when the employee performs business, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of operating the equipment.

  Further, since LAN or WAN can be used for voice communication, voice communication between portable terminal means is possible without providing a separate base station or antenna for the portable terminal means.

  In addition, since a voice signal can be transmitted simultaneously from one portable terminal means to portable terminal devices belonging to the same group, the voice signal is sent only to some portable terminal means among portable terminal means permitted to connect to the network. Can be sent.

  In addition, the group can be easily added or changed by the group setting means.

  Further, the communication system (for example, the communication system 15) of the present invention includes a network (for example, the network WNW) that enables transmission and reception of signals, and portable terminal means (for example, the terminal device 140) that can be connected to the network. Group setting means for setting terminal information, which is information for identifying the portable terminal means, to one or a plurality of groups (for example, terminal user setting processing in step S203 shown in FIG. 9), and the group set by the group setting means Group storage means (for example, storage means (RAM 33 or storage device 36) of a management computer, or a terminal user setting table stored in the storage means, a terminal user setting process shown in FIG. 12). Processing in step S2036) and communication means (for example, communication) 39), and the portable terminal means includes a display means (for example, display means 142) capable of displaying the group, and a group selection means (for example, FIG. 5) capable of selecting the group displayed on the display means. 13 communication permission processing (step S103) in step S1037 and FIG. 14 communication permission processing (step S103 in step S1039), and the communication means is selected by the group selection means. The communication system is characterized in that voice signals are transmitted and / or received via the network to the portable terminal means corresponding to the terminal information belonging to a group.

  According to such a configuration, since voice communication is possible between portable terminal means connected to the network in a store such as an amusement store, conventionally, a device for performing voice communication between employees (such as income) Can be made unnecessary. As a result, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when the employee performs business, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of operating the equipment.

  Further, since LAN or WAN can be used for voice communication, voice communication between portable terminal means is possible without providing a separate base station or antenna for the portable terminal means.

  In addition, since a voice signal can be transmitted simultaneously from one portable terminal means to portable terminal means belonging to the same group, the voice signal is sent only to some portable terminal means among portable terminal means permitted to connect to the network. Can be sent.

  In addition, the group can be easily added or changed by the group setting means.

  Further, the group setting means can change the group to which the terminal information belongs to another group, and the group storage means stores the other group in association with the terminal information. May be.

  In addition, an operation unit (for example, the input unit 141) and a state switching unit (for example, a call mode selection / switching process in step S105 shown in FIG. 8) for switching the communication state are provided, and the first communication state is the first communication state. State (for example, “individual call mode”) and a second state (for example, “group call mode”), wherein the first state is one-to-one transmission of the audio signal and the portable terminal means. The second state is a state in which the audio signal is transmitted and / or received in the portable terminal means corresponding to the terminal information belonging to the group selected by the group selecting means. The state switching unit may switch between the first state and the second state by the operation of the operation unit.

  Further, the one portable terminal means that has received the audio signal in the second state is connected to the other portable terminal means that has transmitted the audio signal and the other portable terminal means that has received the audio signal. The voice signal may be transmitted.

  Further, the one portable terminal means that has received the audio signal in the second state displays the selected group on the display means, and the other portable terminal corresponding to the terminal information belonging to the group The voice signal may be transmitted to the means.

  In addition, an operation unit (for example, input unit 141) and a state switching unit (for example, a call mode selection / switching process in step S105 shown in FIG. 8) for switching the communication state are provided, and the first state is set as the communication state. (For example, “individual call mode”) and a third state (for example, “simultaneous call mode”), wherein the first state is such that the portable terminal means transmits the audio signal on a one-to-one basis and / or In the third state, one portable terminal means transmits and / or receives the audio signal to the other portable terminal means connected to the network. It is a state that is enabled, and the state switching unit may switch between the first state and the third state by operation of the operation unit.

  The portable terminal means can switch between transmission and reception of the audio signal even when an external device (for example, the external audio input / output device 220) is connected to the external terminal (for example, the external terminal 201). There may be provided a voice transmission / reception switching means (for example, voice transmission / reception switching means 216, first voice transmission / reception switching means 217).

  According to such a configuration, any external device capable of transmitting and receiving audio signals can be connected to the mobile terminal device. Conventionally, when an arbitrary external device capable of transmitting and receiving audio signals is connected, even if an operation means provided on the external device is operated for the purpose of switching between transmission and reception of audio signals, The operation could not be recognized, and there was a risk that transmission / reception of a desired audio signal would be difficult. However, according to this embodiment, even when any external device capable of transmitting and receiving audio signals is connected by the audio transmission / reception switching unit and the operation unit of the external device is operated, the audio signal transmission is performed. And reception can be switched.

  The voice transmission / reception switching unit may be a switching device configured separately from the portable terminal unit and connected to the outside of the portable terminal unit.

  In addition, a management unit (for example, management computer 30) that manages the terminal information is provided, and based on the terminal information, the communication unit transmits the audio signal to the portable terminal unit connected to the network. The transmission and / or reception may be performed.

  The management means may manage game information relating to a game, and the portable terminal means may be capable of displaying the game information.

  The group selection unit may be capable of selecting a plurality of the groups.

  Further, the communication apparatus (for example, the communication apparatus 15) of the present invention includes a network (for example, the network WNW) that enables transmission and reception of signals, and portable terminal means (for example, the terminal apparatus 140) that can be connected to the network. Group setting means for setting terminal information, which is information for identifying the portable terminal means, to one or a plurality of groups (for example, terminal user setting processing in step S203 shown in FIG. 9), and the group set by the group setting means Group storage means (for example, storage means (RAM 33 or storage device 36) of a management computer, or a terminal user setting table stored in the storage means, a terminal user setting process shown in FIG. 12). Step S203) of step S2036) and communication means (for example, communication unit 39) The portable terminal means includes a display means (for example, the display means 142) capable of displaying the group, and a group selection means (for example, the communication in FIG. 13) capable of selecting the group displayed on the display means. And the communication unit belongs to the group selected by the group selection unit. The communication unit includes a process of step S1037 in the permission process (step S103) and a process of step S1039 in the communication permission process (step S103) of FIG. The communication apparatus is characterized in that voice signals are transmitted and / or received via the network to the portable terminal means corresponding to the terminal information.

  According to such a configuration, since voice communication is possible between portable terminal means connected to the network in a store such as an amusement store, conventionally, a device for performing voice communication between employees (such as income) Can be made unnecessary. As a result, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when the employee performs business, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of operating the equipment.

  Further, since LAN or WAN can be used for voice communication, voice communication between portable terminal means is possible without providing a separate base station or antenna for the portable terminal means.

  In addition, since a voice signal can be transmitted simultaneously from one portable terminal means to portable terminal means belonging to the same group, the voice signal is sent only to some portable terminal means among portable terminal means permitted to connect to the network. Can be sent.

  In addition, the group can be easily added or changed by the group setting means.

  The communication method of the present invention is a communication method using a network (for example, a network WNW) that enables transmission and reception of signals and portable terminal means (for example, the terminal device 140) that can be connected to the network, A group setting step (for example, a terminal user setting process in step S203 shown in FIG. 9) for setting terminal information, which is information for identifying portable terminal means, to one or a plurality of groups, and the information on the set group as the terminal information A group storage step (for example, the process of step S2036 of the terminal user setting process (step S203) shown in FIG. 12) and the group display in which the portable terminal means displays the group and selects the group Step (for example, the step in the communication permission process (step S103) in FIG. 13). 14, and the communication permission process (step S 1039 in step S 103) of FIG. 14, and an audio signal is sent to the portable terminal means corresponding to the terminal information belonging to the selected group. Is transmitted and / or received via the network.

  According to such a configuration, since voice communication is possible between portable terminal means connected to the network in a store such as an amusement store, conventionally, a device for performing voice communication between employees (such as income) Can be made unnecessary. As a result, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when the employee performs business, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of operating the equipment.

  Further, since LAN or WAN can be used for voice communication, voice communication between portable terminal means is possible without providing a separate base station or antenna for the portable terminal means.

  In addition, since a voice signal can be transmitted simultaneously from one portable terminal means to portable terminal means belonging to the same group, the voice signal is sent only to some portable terminal means among portable terminal means permitted to connect to the network. Can be sent.

  In addition, the group can be easily added or changed by the group setting means.

  In addition, the mobile terminal device (for example, the terminal device (mobile terminal device) 140) of the present invention is a mobile terminal device (for example, the terminal device 140) that can be connected to a network (for example, the network WNW) that enables transmission and reception of signals. An audio signal is transmitted and / or received between a display means (for example, the display means 142) capable of displaying game information relating to a game and another mobile terminal device connected to the network. Communication means (for example, the communication means 144) performed via the network, and history storage means for storing a history of transmission and / or reception of the audio signal (for example, history processing shown in FIG. 25, transmission history shown in FIG. 24A). A reception history table shown in FIG. 24 (b).

  According to such a configuration, in a store such as an amusement store, voice communication is possible between portable terminal devices connected to the network, and thus, conventionally devices for performing voice communication between employees (such as income) Can be made unnecessary. As a result, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when the employee performs business, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of operating the equipment.

  In addition, since LAN or WAN can be used for voice communication, voice communication between portable terminal devices is possible without separately providing equipment such as a base station and an antenna for the portable terminal device.

  It is also possible to check the history of voice signal transmission / reception (call) (call partner).

  Further, it has a reproducing means for reproducing the audio signal (the processing in step S1142 of the communication history process (step S113) shown in FIG. 29, a reproduction program), and the display means converts the history into audio information (for example, an audio file). ) And a voice selection means for selecting the voice information included in the voice information history (playback button 1432, steps S1140 and S1141 of the communication history process (step S113) shown in FIG. 29). And the reproduction unit reproduces the audio signal corresponding to the audio information selected by the audio selection unit.

  According to such a configuration, the contents of the voice information can be confirmed even after the call is finished. Therefore, for example, even when the voice transmission / reception is unilaterally transmitted by the PTT method or the like, it is possible to confirm the content of the call later even in the case where it cannot be heard back in real time.

  The mobile terminal device program of the present invention is capable of displaying game information relating to a game on a mobile terminal device (for example, the terminal device 140) that can be connected to a network (for example, the network WNW) that enables transmission and reception of signals. Display means (for example, display means 142), communication means for transmitting and / or receiving audio signals to / from other portable terminal devices connected to the network via the network (for example, communication means 144), History storage means for storing a history of transmission and / or reception of the audio signal (for example, history processing shown in FIG. 25, transmission history table shown in FIG. 24A, reception history table shown in FIG. 24B), It is a program of the portable terminal device characterized by making it function as.

  The management apparatus of the present invention is a management apparatus (for example, management computer 30) connected to a store network (for example, network WNW), and a plurality of portable terminal apparatuses (for example, terminal apparatus 140) connected to the network. ) And a history storage means for storing a history of transmission and / or reception of the audio signal (for example, history processing shown in FIG. 25). , A transmission / reception history table shown in FIG. 24 (c).

  According to such a configuration, in a store such as an amusement store, voice communication is possible between portable terminal devices connected to the network, and thus, conventionally devices for performing voice communication between employees (such as income) Can be made unnecessary. As a result, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when the employee performs business, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of operating the equipment.

  In addition, since LAN or WAN can be used for voice communication, voice communication between portable terminal devices is possible without separately providing equipment such as a base station and an antenna of the portable terminal device.

  It is also possible to check the history of voice signal transmission / reception (call) (call partner).

  Further, it may have voice storage means for storing the voice signal as voice information (for example, a history list table provided in the storage means of the management computer 30).

  Also, there is a voice selection means for selecting the voice information stored in the voice storage means (for example, steps S2160 and S2161 of the communication history process (step S215) shown in FIG. 29, the input device 37). There may be.

  Further, the communication system (for example, the communication system 15) of the present invention includes a network (for example, the network WNW) that enables transmission and reception of signals in a store, and portable terminal means (for example, the terminal device 140) that can be connected to the network. A communication system for transmitting and / or receiving audio signals between the plurality of portable terminal means connected to the network via the network, wherein the audio signals are transmitted and / or received Is stored in association with terminal information which is information for identifying the portable terminal means (for example, history processing shown in FIG. 25, transmission history table shown in FIG. 24A, FIG. 24B). And a transmission history table shown in FIG. 24C).

  According to such a configuration, since voice communication is possible between portable terminal means connected to the network in a store such as an amusement store, conventionally, a device for performing voice communication between employees (such as income) Can be made unnecessary. As a result, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when the employee performs business, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of operating the equipment.

  Further, since LAN or WAN can be used for voice communication, voice communication between portable terminal means is possible without providing a separate base station or antenna for the portable terminal means.

  It is also possible to check the history of voice signal transmission / reception (call) (call partner).

  Also, voice storage means for storing the voice signal as voice information (for example, a history list table provided in the storage means of the management computer 30) and playback means for reproducing the voice signal (communication history processing (step shown in FIG. 29) The processing of step S1142 of S113), the processing of step S2162 of the communication history processing (step S215) shown in FIG. 29, the playback program), and voice selection means for selecting the voice information stored in the voice storage means (for example, 29, the playback button 1432, the processing of steps S1140 and S1141 of the communication history processing (step S113) shown in FIG. 29, the processing of steps S2160 and S2161 of the communication history processing (step S215) shown in FIG. The voice corresponding to the voice information selected by the voice selection means It said reproducing means reproduces, or may be a degree.

  According to such a configuration, the contents of the voice information can be confirmed even after the call is finished. Therefore, for example, even when the voice transmission / reception is unilaterally transmitted by the PTT method or the like, it is possible to confirm the content of the call later even in the case where it cannot be heard back in real time.

  The voice storage means stores the history stored in the history storage means in association with the voice information, and the voice selection means selects one of the history stored in the voice storage means. The reproduction unit may reproduce the audio signal corresponding to the audio information associated with the one history.

  The portable terminal means may include the voice selection means (for example, the playback button 1432, the processing of steps S1140 and S1141 of the communication history processing (step S113) shown in FIG. 29).

  In addition, a management means (for example, the management computer 30) for managing game information related to the game is provided, and the management means includes the voice selection means (for example, steps S2160 and S2161 of the communication history process (step S215) shown in FIG. 29). Processing and input device 37) may be provided.

  In addition, a management means for managing game information related to the game is provided, and the management means includes the history storage means (for example, history processing shown in FIG. 25B, transmission / reception history table shown in FIG. 24C). It may be a thing.

  The portable terminal means may include display means (for example, display means 142) for receiving and displaying at least the game information via the network.

  The portable terminal means includes the history storage means (for example, history processing shown in FIG. 25A, transmission history table shown in FIG. 24A, reception history table shown in FIG. 24B). It may be a thing.

  Further, the history may include carrier information that can identify a carrier who is carrying the portable terminal means.

  The carrier information may include information that can identify the carrier.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to instantly recognize a call partner.

  Further, the communication device (for example, the communication device 15) of the present invention includes a network (for example, the network WNW) that enables transmission and reception of signals in a store, and portable terminal means (for example, the terminal device 140) that can be connected to the network. A communication device for transmitting and / or receiving audio signals between the plurality of portable terminal means connected to the network via the network, wherein the audio signals are transmitted and / or received History storage means (for example, history processing shown in FIG. 25, transmission history table shown in FIG. 24 (a), reception history table shown in FIG. 24 (b), transmission / reception history table shown in FIG. 24 (c)) ).

  According to such a configuration, since voice communication is possible between portable terminal means connected to the network in a store such as an amusement store, conventionally, a device for performing voice communication between employees (such as income) Can be made unnecessary. As a result, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when the employee performs business, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of operating the equipment.

  Further, since LAN or WAN can be used for voice communication, voice communication between portable terminal means is possible without providing a separate base station or antenna for the portable terminal means.

  It is also possible to check the history of voice signal transmission / reception (call) (call partner).

  In addition, the communication method of the present invention connects to the network using a network (for example, network WNW) that enables signal transmission and reception and portable terminal means (for example, terminal device 140) that can be connected to the network. 25. A communication method for transmitting and / or receiving audio signals among a plurality of portable terminal means that performs a history storage step of storing a history of transmission or / and reception of the audio signals (for example, as shown in FIG. 25) (History processing).

  According to such a configuration, since voice communication is possible between portable terminal means connected to the network in a store such as an amusement store, conventionally, a device for performing voice communication between employees (such as income) Can be made unnecessary. As a result, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when the employee performs business, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of operating the equipment.

  Further, since LAN or WAN can be used for voice communication, voice communication between portable terminal means is possible without providing a separate base station or antenna for the portable terminal means.

  It is also possible to check the history of voice signal transmission / reception (call) (call partner).

  In addition, the mobile terminal device (for example, the terminal device (mobile terminal device) 140) of the present invention is a mobile terminal device (for example, the terminal device 140) that can be connected to a network (for example, the network WNW) that enables transmission and reception of signals. And communication means (for example, communication means 144) for transmitting and / or receiving audio signals to / from other portable terminal devices permitted to connect to the network via the network, and Display means (for example, display means 142) for displaying game information, wherein the display means is capable of displaying character information converted from the audio signal.

  According to such a configuration, in a store such as an amusement store, since voice communication is possible between portable terminal devices permitted to connect to the network, conventionally, a device for performing voice communication between employees ( Income). As a result, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when the employee performs business, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of operating the equipment.

  In addition, since LAN or WAN can be used for voice communication, voice communication between portable terminal devices is possible without separately providing equipment such as a base station and an antenna for the portable terminal device.

  In addition, the transmitted / received audio signal can be confirmed as character information. For example, even if it is difficult to hear an audio signal (call) transmitted due to external noise or deterioration of communication status, it is displayed as text information on the display means. it can.

  The display means is capable of displaying at least a list of information on the history of transmission and / or reception of the audio signal (for example, “history list” in the history list), and information selection capable of selecting the history information. Means (for example, the process of step S1136 of the communication history process (step S113) shown in FIG. 28, the process of step S1137 of the communication history process (step S113) shown in FIG. 29), and the display means includes the information selection means The character information associated with the history information selected by may be displayed.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to display the corresponding character information from the transmission / reception history and confirm the content of the call.

  Also, reproduction means capable of reproducing the audio signal associated with the history information selected by the information selection means (for example, processing in step S1142 of the communication history processing (step S113) shown in FIG. 29, reproduction program) It may be provided.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to reproduce the corresponding audio signal (call) from the transmission / reception history and confirm the content of the call.

  In the portable terminal device program of the present invention, a portable terminal device (for example, the terminal device 140) that can be connected to a network (for example, the network WNW) that allows transmission and reception of signals is permitted to connect to the network. Communication means (for example, communication means 144) for transmitting and / or receiving voice signals to / from other portable terminal devices via the network, game information relating to games, and character information converted from the voice signals A program for a portable terminal device, which functions as displayable display means (for example, display means 142).

  Further, the management device of the present invention is a management device (for example, the management computer 30) connected to a store network (for example, the network WNW), and an audio signal is transmitted between a plurality of portable terminal devices connected to the network. Communication means (for example, the communication unit 39) that performs transmission and / or reception via the network, and conversion means (for example, step S2223 of the history processing shown in FIG. 25B) that converts the voice signal into character information. And a voice recognition application).

  According to such a configuration, in a store such as an amusement store, voice communication is possible between portable terminal devices connected to the network, and thus, conventionally devices for performing voice communication between employees (such as income) Can be made unnecessary. As a result, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when the employee performs business, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of operating the equipment.

  In addition, since LAN or WAN can be used for voice communication, voice communication between portable terminal devices is possible without separately providing equipment such as a base station and an antenna for the portable terminal device.

  In addition, the transmitted / received audio signal can be confirmed as character information. For example, even if it is difficult to hear an audio signal (call) transmitted due to external noise or deterioration of communication status, it is displayed as text information on the display means. it can.

  Also, voice storage means for storing the voice signal (for example, a history list table provided in the storage means of the management computer 30) and character information storage means for storing the character information (for example, provided in the storage means of the management computer 30). (A history list table) and association means for associating the voice signal stored in the voice storage means with the character information stored in the character information storage means (for example, the history processing step shown in FIG. 25B) And a history list table provided in the storage means of the management computer 30).

  In addition, a history storage unit (for example, a transmission / reception history table provided in the storage unit of the management computer 30) that stores a history of transmission and / or reception of the audio signal is provided, and the association unit is stored in the history storage unit. The history may be associated with the voice signal stored in the voice storage unit and the character information stored in the character information storage unit.

  In addition, when the communication unit receives a transmission request for a list of information from the mobile terminal device, the communication unit includes a list of information on the audio signal (for example, the audio information history list in FIG. 26C), and the history information. Of the list (for example, the history list in FIG. 26A) and the list of character information (for example, the list of character information history in FIG. 26B) are transmitted to the mobile terminal device, and the mobile terminal device When receiving a transmission request for information included in the list of information on the audio signal or information included in the list of history information, the character information associated with the requested information is stored in the mobile phone. It may be transmitted to the terminal device.

  Further, the communication system (for example, the communication system 15) of the present invention includes a network (for example, the network WNW) that enables transmission and reception of signals in a store, and portable terminal means (for example, the terminal device 140) that can be connected to the network. And a communication system that transmits and / or receives audio signals between the plurality of portable terminal means connected to the network via the network, and converts the audio signals into character information. Conversion means (for example, the processing in step S2223 of the history processing shown in FIG. 25B, a voice recognition application).

  According to such a configuration, since voice communication is possible between portable terminal means connected to the network in a store such as an amusement store, conventionally, a device for performing voice communication between employees (such as income) Can be made unnecessary. As a result, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when the employee performs business, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of operating the equipment.

  Further, since LAN or WAN can be used for voice communication, voice communication between portable terminal means is possible without providing a separate base station or antenna for the portable terminal means.

  In addition, the transmitted / received audio signal can be confirmed as character information. For example, even if it is difficult to hear an audio signal (call) transmitted due to external noise or deterioration of communication status, it is displayed as text information on the display means. it can.

  Also, voice storage means for storing the voice signal (for example, a history list table provided in the storage means of the management computer 30) and character information storage means for storing the character information (for example, provided in the storage means of the management computer 30). (A history list table) and association means for associating the voice signal stored in the voice storage means with the character information stored in the character information storage means (for example, the history processing step shown in FIG. 25B) And a history list table provided in the storage means of the management computer 30).

  In addition, a history storage unit (for example, a transmission / reception history table provided in the storage unit of the management computer 30) that stores a history of transmission and / or reception of the audio signal is provided, and the association unit is stored in the history storage unit. The history may be associated with the voice signal stored in the voice storage unit and the character information stored in the character information storage unit.

  Also, a list of information about the audio signal (for example, the audio information history list in FIG. 26D), a list of information in the history (for example, history list in FIG. 26B), and a list of character information (for example, , The character information history list in FIG. 26C)) and display means (for example, display means 142) capable of displaying at least one list, and information constituting the list displayed on the display means. Information selection means for selecting at least one (for example, step S1136 of the communication history process (step S113) shown in FIG. 28, step S1137 of the communication history process (step S113) shown in FIG. 29, and FIG. Communication history processing (step S2158 processing of step S215, processing of step S2159)), and by the information selection means, When the information included in the list of information regarding the voice signal or the information included in the list of history information is selected, the display means displays the character information associated with the selected information. It may be a thing.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to display the corresponding character information from the transmission / reception history and confirm the content of the call.

  In addition, the audio reproduction means (for example, the process of step S1142 of the communication history process (step S113) shown in FIG. 29, the step S2161 process of the communication history process (step S215) shown in FIG. 29, a reproduction program), and the audio reproduction The means may reproduce the audio signal associated with the information selected by the information selection means.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to reproduce the corresponding audio signal (call) from the transmission / reception history and confirm the content of the call.

  Further, the communication device (for example, the communication device 15) of the present invention includes a network (for example, the network WNW) that enables transmission and reception of signals in a store, and portable terminal means (for example, the terminal device 140) that can be connected to the network. And a communication device that transmits and / or receives a voice signal between the plurality of portable terminal means connected to the network via the network, and converts the voice signal into character information. Conversion means (for example, the processing in step S2223 of the history processing shown in FIG. 25B, a voice recognition application).

  According to such a configuration, since voice communication is possible between portable terminal means connected to the network in a store such as an amusement store, conventionally, a device for performing voice communication between employees (such as income) Can be made unnecessary. As a result, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when the employee performs business, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of operating the equipment.

  Further, since LAN or WAN can be used for voice communication, voice communication between portable terminal means is possible without providing a separate base station or antenna for the portable terminal means.

  In addition, the transmitted / received audio signal can be confirmed as character information. For example, even if it is difficult to hear an audio signal (call) transmitted due to external noise or deterioration of communication status, it is displayed as text information on the display means. it can.

  In addition, the communication method of the present invention uses a network (for example, network WNW) that enables transmission and reception of signals in a store and portable terminal means (for example, terminal device 140) that can be connected to the network. 25. A communication method for transmitting and / or receiving audio signals between a plurality of portable terminal means connected to a network via the network, and converting the audio signals into character information (for example, FIG. 25). (B) a history processing step S2223 process).

  According to such a configuration, since voice communication is possible between portable terminal means connected to the network in a store such as an amusement store, conventionally, a device for performing voice communication between employees (such as income) Can be made unnecessary. As a result, it is possible to simplify the equipment that is carried when the employee performs business, and to reduce the complexity and heavy burden of operating the equipment.

  Further, since LAN or WAN can be used for voice communication, voice communication between portable terminal means is possible without providing a separate base station or antenna for the portable terminal means.

  In addition, the transmitted / received audio signal can be confirmed as character information. For example, even if it is difficult to hear an audio signal (call) transmitted due to external noise or deterioration of communication status, it is displayed as text information on the display means. it can.

  The program of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as any one of the communication systems described above.

  The portable terminal device, the management device, the communication system, the communication device, and the communication method according to the present invention can be widely used in stores (game stores) where game machines represented by pachinko and pachislot machines are installed.

WNW, LNW Network 10 Game management device 15 Communication system (communication 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 44 audio output means 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 Inter-machine 91 Bill insertion slot 92 IC coin insertion slot 93 IC coin ejection slot 94 Member card insertion slot 95 Lamp 96 Input means 97 Display means 98 Control means 99 Communication means 100 Storage means 110 Calling lamp 130 Game machine 131 Game board surface 132 Liquid crystal display device 133 General prize opening 134 Universal drawing start opening 135 Special figure starting opening 136 Variable winning opening 137 Top plate 140 Terminal device (portable terminal device)
140A terminal device (mobile terminal device)
140B terminal device (mobile terminal device)
140C terminal device (mobile terminal device)
140D terminal device (mobile terminal device)
141 input means 142 display means 143 control means 144 communication means 146 storage means 147, 147A, 147B audio input means 148, 148A, 148B audio output means 203 audio processing means 216 audio transmission / reception switching means 217 first audio transmission / reception switching means 218 second Voice transmission / reception switching means 220 External voice input / output device 221 Operating means

Claims (11)

A portable terminal device connectable to a network that enables transmission and reception of signals,
Display means capable of displaying game information about the game;
A communication means for performing transmission and / or reception of an audio signal with another portable terminal device connected to the network via the network;
History storage means for storing a history of transmission and / or reception of the audio signal;
The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned. Replay means for replaying the audio signal;
The display means can display the history as a history of audio information,
Voice selection means for selecting the voice information included in the history of the voice information;
The reproduction means reproduces the audio signal corresponding to the audio information selected by the audio selection means;
The mobile terminal device according to claim 1. A management device connected to a store network,
A communication means for performing transmission and / or reception of an audio signal between a plurality of portable terminal devices connected to the network via the network;
History storage means for storing a history of transmission and / or reception of the audio signal,
A management device characterized by that. Audio storage means for storing the audio signal as audio information;
The management apparatus according to claim 3. A network that enables signal transmission and reception at the store;
Mobile terminal means connectable to the network,
A communication system for transmitting and / or receiving audio signals between the plurality of portable terminal means connected to the network via the network,
A history storage unit that stores a history of transmission and / or reception of the audio signal in association with terminal information that is information for identifying the portable terminal unit;
A communication system characterized by the above. Reproduction means;
Voice storage means for storing the voice signal as voice information;
Voice selection means for selecting the voice information stored in the voice storage means;
The reproduction means reproduces the audio signal corresponding to the audio information selected by the audio selection means;
The communication system according to claim 5. The voice storage means stores the history stored in the history storage means in association with the voice information,
When the voice selection unit selects one of the history stored in the voice storage unit, the playback unit plays back the voice signal corresponding to the voice information associated with the one history.
The communication system according to claim 6. The history includes carrier information that can identify a carrier who carries the portable terminal means.
The communication system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: The carrier information includes an image that can identify the carrier.
The communication system according to claim 8. A network that enables signal transmission and reception at the store;
Mobile terminal means connectable to the network,
A communication device that transmits and / or receives audio signals between the plurality of portable terminal means connected to the network via the network,
History storage means for storing a history of transmission and / or reception of the audio signal;
A communication device. A communication method for transmitting and / or receiving audio signals between a plurality of portable terminal means connected to the network using a network capable of transmitting and receiving signals and portable terminal means connectable to the network Because
A history storage step of storing a history of transmission or / and reception of the audio signal;
A communication method characterized by the above.