JP3226311B2 - Playground monitoring system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game room monitoring system for monitoring the status of a large number of terminal devices including game machines in a game room such as a pachinko hall.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a general pachinko hall, a control room is provided, and a central control device having a large number of pachinko game machines and ball rental machines as terminal devices is installed in the control room. This centralized management device is configured by a computer, based on an information signal from the pachinko gaming machine, controls hitting and notifies that a hit has occurred, and the balance and the number of hits for each pachinko gaming machine, In addition to calculating management data such as the number of special prizes, pachinko gaming machines now detect abnormal conditions such as jamming of pachinko balls or illegal acts on pachinko gaming machines, and report and display the detection results. ing. In addition, the centralized management device calculates sales (loan amount) data and the like based on the information signal from the ball lending machine, and disconnects the signal transmission line for the information signal or misbehaves the ball lending machine. And the like, and reports and displays the detection result.

On the other hand, in recent pachinko halls,
To monitor pachinko gaming machines and ball lending machines for misconduct, and to check if pachinko gaming machines are replaced by pachinko gaming machines and ball rental machines, and their surroundings, in order to confirm whether or not a pachinko gaming machine is replaced. It has become common to install a television camera capable of capturing the state of the camera, and to provide a monitoring system that reproduces images from the television camera on a plurality of monitor devices installed in the management room. .

[0004] In this case, the monitoring system can selectively monitor an image at a desired position in the pachinko hall, and an operator resident in the management room performs a task of continuously monitoring the monitor image. During this monitoring operation, the TV camera is zoomed as necessary to enlarge the monitor image. That is, for example, when the central management device notifies that the misconduct has been performed on the pachinko gaming machine, a selection operation for enlarging and monitoring the image of the corresponding pachinko gaming machine and its surroundings is performed, and the monitoring result is displayed. On the basis of fraudulent activity.
Also, for example, when the central management device notifies that the pachinko gaming machine has been hit, the corresponding pachinko gaming machine and the peripheral image are monitored, and the management data of the pachinko gaming machine is centralized. The information is checked through the management device, and based on the monitor contents and the result of the check, the presence or absence of the player's replacement instruction is broadcasted.

[0005]

In the above-described monitoring system, when an abnormal condition such as a fraudulent action is performed in a pachinko gaming machine, an operator enlarges a monitor image based on an output of the central control device. Therefore, the confirmation of the content of the abnormal state by the enlarged image is likely to be delayed, and the monitoring system may not function sufficiently. Further, since it is normal that one television camera is assigned to a group of a plurality of pachinko gaming machines, when an abnormal state occurs continuously in a plurality of pachinko gaming machines belonging to the same group, There is a problem that the contents of those abnormal states cannot be sufficiently confirmed, and the effect of deterring fraud is reduced.

In order to cope with such a problem, a group of a plurality of pachinko gaming machines may be assigned, for example, a total of two television cameras, one on each side. Since the electric pan head, zooming mechanism, and the like attached to the television camera are expensive, there is a problem that the cost of the entire system is significantly increased.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to quickly monitor an abnormal state of a terminal device through a monitor image and to reduce costs. To provide a gaming space monitoring system that can effectively confirm the content of an abnormal state to a certain extent when an abnormal state occurs in a plurality of terminal devices at the same time and improve the effect of suppressing illegal acts. To be.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a plurality of terminal devices including a game machine, and detection of an abnormal state of each terminal device based on signals from these terminal devices. In a game room monitoring system provided with a centralized management device for performing a game, the entire terminal device group can be imaged in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of terminal device groups each including a plurality of units. A first imaging unit is provided so that any one of the terminal devices belonging to the corresponding group and the periphery thereof can be imaged in a zoomed-in state by the first imaging unit as necessary, and the plurality of terminal devices are arranged. A second imaging means having a fixed focal length is installed so that the entire terminal device group can be imaged in one-to-one correspondence with each of the groups, and the terminal is connected when an abnormal state in the terminal device is detected. Device that can identify the device Control means for automatically generating a monitor command including priority data according to the content of the notification and the abnormal state of detection is provided in the centralized management device, and an image signal is transmitted by the second imaging means, and the monitor command is transmitted from the control means. Is issued, the first imaging means corresponding to the terminal device specified by the device information included in the monitor command is operated to transmit an image signal of the terminal device and its surroundings in a zoomed-in state. Means control device, a monitor device for reproducing an image signal from the imaging device control device, and further comprising the control device controlling the imaging device control device during operation control of the first imaging device in response to the monitor command. Every time a new monitor command is issued from
A configuration in which the operation control of the first imaging unit according to the new monitor instruction is performed only when the priority data included in the new monitor instruction is equal to or greater than the priority data included in the existing monitor instruction. It is what it was.

[0009]

When an abnormal condition occurs in a terminal device, the central control device detects the abnormal condition, and the control means provided in the central control device provides device information capable of identifying the terminal device and details of the detected abnormal condition. A monitor command including the corresponding priority data is automatically generated. When the monitor command is issued in this manner, the imaging device control device operates the first imaging device corresponding to the group including the terminal device specified by the device information included in the monitor command, and operates the terminal device and In addition to having the surrounding area imaged in a zoomed-in state, an image signal according to the imaging is transmitted,
This image signal is reproduced by the monitor device.

Therefore, when an abnormal condition occurs in the terminal device, the image of the terminal device and its surroundings is automatically enlarged and displayed on the monitor device. Thus, the contents of the abnormal state can be quickly and reliably confirmed. Further, the imaging device control device causes the monitor device to reproduce an image signal from the second imaging device having a fixed focal length and installed so as to be able to image the entire terminal device group.

Further, when a new monitor command is issued from the control unit during the operation control of the first image pickup device in response to the monitor command, the priority of the priority included in the new monitor command is determined. Only when the data is equal to or greater than the priority data included in the existing monitor command, the operation control of the first imaging unit according to the monitor command is newly performed as described above. At this time, the terminal device specified by the ignored monitor command and the peripheral image cannot be monitored, but the image of the entire group including the terminal device is reproduced on the monitor device through the second imaging unit. Therefore, even when abnormal states occur consecutively in a plurality of terminal devices belonging to the same group, the contents of those abnormal states can be confirmed to some extent effectively.

[0012]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 1 as a terminal device and a ball lending machine 2 for lending pachinko balls in response to insertion of coins (for example, coins) are provided in a pachinko hall on a one-to-one basis. In addition, a plurality of units are arranged in a row with a plurality of units arranged in a row as one unit, and a call lamp unit 3 is provided at a position above each pachinko gaming machine 1 in a one-to-one correspondence. is set up. The calling lamp unit 3 includes a pachinko gaming machine 1 and a ball rental machine 2,
It is configured to have a function of relaying transmission and reception of signals to and from the central management device 4 installed in the management room.

The color television cameras CM1 to CMn with a zoom lens, which are the first imaging means, correspond one-to-one with each of a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 1 (and ball rental machines 2) arranged in a line. The entire pachinko gaming machine group 1 corresponding to the group of pachinko gaming machines in a zoomed back state is installed at a position where an image can be taken from above. These television cameras CM1 to CMn are of an autofocus type, and are configured to be mounted on an electric pan head (not shown). Depending on zooming and driving of the electric pan head, desired pachinko gaming machines 1 and It is configured to be able to capture an image of the periphery in a zoomed-in state (an enlarged state).

The color television cameras CF1 to CFn having a fixed focal length, which are the second image pickup means, are provided so as to correspond one-to-one with each of the pachinko game machines 1 (and ball rental machines 2) as described above. The whole group of the corresponding pachinko gaming machines is installed so as to be able to take an image from an upper position on the opposite side to the television cameras CM1 to CMn.

In the following, when it is necessary to indicate unspecified television cameras CM1 to CMn and CF1 to CFn, these are indicated by CMi and CFi, respectively.

At each end of a so-called "island" in which a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 1 are arranged in a back-to-back manner or in a row near a wall, a safe 5 for storing coins collected from the ball rental machine 2 is provided.
Are provided, and the television cameras CM1 to CMn are provided.
According to the zooming and the driving of the electric pan head, the nearest safe 5 and its surroundings can be imaged. Further, among the television cameras CM1 to CMn, the one that is closest to the vending machine 6 for beverages installed in the pachinko hall can take an image of the vending machine 6 and its surroundings.

In the management room, the TV camera CM
A plurality of sub-monitors KM1 to KMn and KF1 to KFn as monitor devices that correspond one-to-one with 1 to CMn and CF1 to CFn, and one common monitor KMC as a monitor device are provided. These monitors KM1 to KMn, KF1 to KFn, and KMC are, for example, C
It is composed of an RT color display. In this case, the sub monitors KM1 to KMn and KF1 to KFn are:
Corresponding TV cameras CM1-CMn and CM1-CM
The common monitor KMC is provided to reproduce the image by the television camera CM1 to CMn selected as described later among the television cameras CM1 to CMn. ing.

In the following, sub-monitors corresponding to unspecified television cameras CMi and CFi are respectively referred to as KMi
And KFi.

A monitor control device 7 as an image pickup means control device
Are, for example, two video tape recorders 8a and 8b provided therewith and the respective television cameras CM1
~ CMn operation control and each TV camera CM
1 to CMn and image signals (RGB signals) from CF1 to CFn are monitored by the respective monitors KM1 to KMn, KF1 to KFn, and KM.
The control is performed to control the reproduction by giving the image data to C and to transmit the specific image signal together with the data signal to the central management apparatus 4. The control contents will be described later.

The centralized management device 4 is of a well-known configuration constituted by a computer, and includes a keyboard 9 for operation, a printer 10 for data output, the machine numbers of all the pachinko gaming machines 1 and the pachinko gaming machines 1. State (stopped state,
A display panel 11 provided with a light emitting diode group indicating the state of near-stopping, and a main monitor 12 as a monitor device composed of a CRT color display are additionally provided.

The centralized control device 4 is configured to control the number of outgoing balls and the number of safe balls of the pachinko gaming machine 1 based on various information signals provided from the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the ball lending machine 2 via the calling lamp unit 3. , The operation of calculating management data such as the number of balls (corresponding to the balance of the pachinko gaming machine 1), the number of occurrences of special prizes, the number of hits, and the sales (lending amount) data of the ball rental machine 2. In addition to performing the calculation operation, the operation of detecting an abnormal state (meaning that it is different from the steady state) and the operation of outputting a command signal to the monitor control device 7 are performed. The details of the detection operation will be described later. I will do it. In addition, the central management device 4
Although the management of the safe 5, the sales management of the vending machine 6, and the management of a prize exchange process by a prize exchange counter (not shown) are also performed, in the present embodiment, the operation related to these managements will be described. Is omitted.

The specific structure of the call lamp unit 3 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

First, in FIG. 2 showing the appearance of the call lamp unit 3, a window 14 for receiving an optical signal, which will be described later, and a call button comprising an automatic reset type push button switch are provided on the front surface of a rectangular main body case 13. 15, a break indicator lamp 16 indicating that the player is eating, a stop indicator lamp 17 indicating that the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 1 is being stopped, and the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 1 has been generated once. A holding indicator lamp 18 is provided to indicate that the player is in a so-called holding state in which a game by the same player is allowed even after the end of the special prize state.

In addition, on the upper part of the main body case 13, a fraudulent display lamp 19 indicating that the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 1 or the ball lending machine 2 has been fraudulent, and the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the award. Special prize indicator lamp 2 that indicates that there is
0, a call lamp 21 is provided in a three-tiered form, and a monitor lamp 22 as a display is provided on the upper surface of the call lamp 21. Therefore, this monitor lamp 22
Is in a state desired in the imaging range by the corresponding television cameras CM1 to CMn. Note that a reset switch 23 that can be operated only by pachinko hall employees is provided on the back of the call lamp unit 3.

In FIG. 3, which shows the electrical configuration of the calling lamp unit 3 together with the related configuration, the pachinko gaming machine 1 outputs an out-ball count signal Sa indicating the out-ball count, a safe ball count signal Sb indicating the safe ball count, and a special prize. A repetition pulse-shaped prize signal Sc indicating that the state is in the state, an unauthorized signal Sd indicating that the magnet is approached to the board surface, and a door opening signal Se indicating that the front glass door is opened are output and the call lamp unit 3 is output. Is to be given.

From the ball lending machine 2, a lending ball signal Sf indicating the number of pachinko balls lent (discharged) and a sales signal Sg indicating the value of the input coins, ie, sales (lending amount).
Is output and given to the call lamp unit 3.

A stop signal Sh is provided from the call ramp unit 3 to the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in a hitting state in which the pachinko gaming machine cannot play during the input period of the hitting signal Sh. Is switched to The prohibition signal Si is provided from the call lamp unit 3 to the ball lending machine 2, and the ball lending machine 2 is switched to the rest state in which the ball lending operation is stopped during the input period of the prohibition signal Si.

The call lamp unit 3 has the following configuration.

The special prize signal input circuit 24 converts the repetitive pulse-shaped special prize signal Sc from the pachinko gaming machine 1 into a continuous level signal and supplies the continuous level signal to the input terminal Q1 of the control unit 25.
The flip-flop 26 is triggered every time the call button 15 is pressed, and inverts the output. The output signal is supplied to the input terminal Q2 of the control unit 25.

The illegal signal input circuit 27 is configured to output a trigger signal Sj which rises every time the illegal signal Sd from the pachinko gaming machine 1 is received.
j to the clock terminal of the D flip-flop 28.
The D flip-flop 28 receives a high-level signal at the data terminal D and provides its output to the input terminal Q3 of the control unit 25. Therefore, the illegal signal Sd from the pachinko gaming machine 1 is output. At this time, a high level signal is supplied to the input terminal Q3 of the control unit 25. The D flip-flop 28 is returned to an initial state (a state in which a low-level signal is output) in response to an ON operation of the reset switch 23.

The door opening signal input circuit 29 receives the door opening signal Se from the pachinko gaming machine 1 by using an input terminal Q4 of the control unit 25.
Give to.

The out ball number signal input circuit 30 stores the value indicated by the out ball number signal Sa from the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the out ball number register 31 and disconnects the signal transmission path of the out ball number signal Sa. Then, a disconnection detection signal Sk is output and applied to the input terminal Q6 of the control unit 25. The out ball count register 31 stores the stored numerical value Na
To the input terminal Q5 of the control unit 25 and the control unit 2
5 is reset by a command from the controller 5.

The safe ball count signal input circuit 32 stores a value indicated by the safe ball count signal Sb from the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the safe ball count register 33. The safe ball count register 33 stores the stored numerical value. Nb to control unit 2
5, and is reset by a command from the control unit 25.

The lending ball signal input circuit 34 stores the number of lending pachinko balls indicated by the lending ball signal Sf from the ball lending machine 2 in the lending ball number register 35 and disconnects the signal transmission path of the lending ball signal Sf. Disconnection detection signal Sm
Is output to the input terminal Q9 of the control unit 25. The lending ball count register 35 is configured to give the stored lending pachinko ball count Nf to the input terminal Q8 of the control unit 25 and to be reset by a command from the control unit 25.

The sales signal input circuit 36 stores the sales of the ball lending machine 2 indicated by the sales signal Sg from the ball lending machine 2 in the sales register 37, and when the signal transmission line of the sales signal Sg is disconnected. And outputs the disconnection detection signal Sm to the input terminal Q9 of the control unit 25. The sales register 37 stores the stored sales Ng in the input terminal Q10 of the control unit 25.
And reset by a command from the control unit 25.

The optical signal receiving circuit 38 is provided in correspondence with the window section 14. For example, four types of optical signals S1, S2, S3 from an optical signal transmitter (not shown) carried by a pachinko hall employee. , S4, and receives the received optical signals as electric command signals S1 ', S1'.
The signals are converted into 2 ', S3', and S4 'and supplied to the input terminal Q11 of the control unit 25.

In this case, the optical signal S1 is transmitted to the pachinko gaming machine 1
Is output when there is a meal break request from the player, the optical signal S2 is output when the replacement of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is confirmed, and the optical signal S3 is output when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped. The optical signal S4 is output when switching, and is output when the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the stopped state is opened.

The control unit 25 includes a computer and outputs the stop signal Sh to the stop signal output circuit 3.
9, the operation of giving the prohibition signal Si to the ball lending machine 2 through the prohibition signal output circuit 40, the break display lamp 16, the stop display lamp 1
7, holding indicator lamp 18, fraud indicator lamp 19, prize indicator lamp 20, call lamp 21 and monitor lamp 22
The operation of controlling the lighting state of the devices via the drivers 41 to 47 and the operation of transmitting signals and data to the central control device 4 via the data transmission circuit 48 and the multiplex communication line L1 are described above. Control is performed based on each input signal to Q1 to Q11, a control signal ΔS applied to the input terminal Q12 from the central control device 4 via the multiplex communication line L2 and the data receiving circuit 49, and a program stored in advance. Hereinafter, the control contents will be described with reference to FIGS.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a step A1 for determining the input state of the special prize signal Sc to the input terminal Q1, and a step A for determining the lighting state of the special display lamp 20
2. Step A3 for judging the input signal level to the input terminal Q2, Step A4 for judging the lighting state of the call lamp 21, Step A5 for judging the input signal level to the input terminal Q3, Step A6 for judging the lighting state of the illegal display lamp 19. Step A7 for determining the input state of the door opening signal Se to the input terminal Q4, a door opening flag DF described later.
A8, a step A9 of determining the input state of the disconnection detection signal Sk to the input terminal Q6, and a step A of determining the presence or absence of an out-of-line flag OF described later.
10, a step A11 of determining the input state of the disconnection detection signal Sm to the input terminal Q9, a ball lending machine disconnection flag I described later.
Step A12 for determining the presence or absence of F is sequentially executed.

In the state where the special prize signal Sc is input to the input terminal Q1 ("YES" in step A1), if the special prize display lamp 20 is not turned on, the display lamp 20 is turned on and the special prize is started. The signal Sc1 is transmitted to the central control device 4, and if the holding indicator lamp 18 is turned on after the transmission, the indicator lamp 18 is turned off (steps A13 to A17), and thereafter, the process proceeds to step A3. . Also, in steps A13 and A16 as described above, the process goes to step A3 also when the special display lamp 20 is turned on and when the holding display lamp 18 is turned off.

When the special prize display lamp 20 is lit while the special prize signal Sc is not input ("YE" in step A2)
S "), the display lamp 20 is turned off,
The special prize stop signal Sc2 is transmitted to the central control device 4 (steps A18 and A19), and thereafter, the process proceeds to step A3.

When the input signal level of the input terminal Q2 is "H"("YES" in step A3), that is, the flip-flop 26
Is inverted to the "H" level, if the call lamp 21 is not turned on, the call lamp 21 is turned on and a call start signal Sn1 is transmitted to the central control device 4 (step S1). A20-A22),
Thereafter, the process proceeds to step A5. Step A2
If the call lamp 21 is lit at 0, the process also proceeds to step A5.

When the input signal level of the input terminal Q2 is "L" (the output of the flip-flop 26 is inverted to the "L" level) and the calling lamp 21 is lit (step A4). "YES"), the call lamp 21 is turned off, and the call stop signal S
n2 to the central control device 4 (steps A23, A2
4) Then, the process proceeds to step A5.

If the input signal level to input terminal Q3 is "H"("YES" in step A5), that is, if pachinko gaming machine 1 outputs a fraudulent signal Sd, fraudulent display lamp 19 is turned on. If not, the display lamp 19 is turned on,
An unauthorized start signal Sd1 is transmitted to the central control device 4 (steps A25 to A27), and thereafter, the process proceeds to step A7. Also, in step A25, the illegal display lamp 1
The process also proceeds to step A5 when 9 is lit.

When the input signal level of the input terminal Q3 is "L" (the pachinko gaming machine 1 has stopped outputting the illegal signal Sd), the illegal display lamp 19 is turned on ("YES" in step A6). )), The display lamp 19 is turned off, and the illegal stop signal Sd2 is transmitted to the central control device 4 (steps A28 and A29), and thereafter, the process proceeds to step A7.

In the state where the door opening signal Se is input to the input terminal Q5 ("YES" in step A7 shown in FIG. 5), if the door opening flag DF is not set, the door opening flag DF is set. At the same time, the door opening start signal Se1 is transmitted to the central control device 4 (step A30).
To A32), and then the process proceeds to step A9. Also,
If the door open flag DF has been set in step A30, the process also proceeds to step A9.

When the door opening flag DF is set when the door opening signal Se is not input ("YES" in step A8)
In step A33, the flag DF is lowered and a door opening stop signal Se2 is transmitted to the central control device 4.
34) Then, the process proceeds to step A9.

In a state where disconnection detection signal Sk is input to input terminal Q6 ("YES" in step A9),
If the out break flag OF has not been set, the flag OF is set and the out break start signal Sk is set.
1 to the central control device 4 (steps A35 to A3).
7) Then, the process proceeds to step A11. Also, when the door open flag DF has been set in step A35, the process proceeds to step A11.

If the out-of-line flag OF has been set while the disconnection detection signal Sk is not input ("Y" in step A10)
ES "), the flag OF is lowered, and the out-of-line disconnection stop signal Sk2 is transmitted to the central control device 4 (steps A38 and A39), and thereafter, the process proceeds to step A11.

In the state where the disconnection detection signal Sm is input to the input terminal Q9 ("YES" in step A11), if the ball rental machine disconnection flag IF is not set, the flag IF is set and the ball rental machine disconnection flag is set. The rental machine disconnection start signal Sm1 is transmitted to the central control device 4 (steps A40 to A40).
A42) Then, the process proceeds to step A45 shown in FIG.

In the case where the ball lending machine disconnection flag IF has been set while the disconnection detection signal Sm is not input ("Y" in step A12)
ES "), the flag IF is lowered, and a ball rental machine disconnection stop signal Sm2 is transmitted to the central control device 4 (steps A43, A44), and thereafter, the process proceeds to step A45.

In FIG. 6, in step A45, the stored numerical value Na of the out-ball number register 31 (pachinko gaming machine 1
Read out the number of balls). When the read numerical value Na is “0”, the process proceeds to step A49 for reading the stored numerical value Nb (the safe ball number of the pachinko gaming machine 1) of the safe ball number register 33, but the read numerical value Na is “0”. Otherwise, the read numerical value Na is transmitted to the central control device 4 as a data signal indicating the number of out-balls of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the out-ball number register 31 is initialized (steps A46 to A48). Thereafter, the flow shifts to step A49.

If the stored number Nb of the safe ball number register 33 read in step A49 is "0",
The process proceeds to a step A53 for reading the stored numerical value Nf (the number of pachinko balls lent by the ball lending machine 2) of the lent ball number register 35. If the read numerical value Nb is other than "0", the read numerical value Nb is converted into the pachinko ball. The number of safe balls of the gaming machine 1 is transmitted to the central control device 4 as a data signal indicating the number of safe balls, and the safe ball number register 33 is initialized (steps A50 to A52), and thereafter, the process proceeds to step A53.

If the stored numerical value Nf of the lending ball number register 35 read in step A53 is "0", the process proceeds to step A57 in which the stored numerical value Ng (sales by the ball lending machine 2) of the sales register 37 is read. However, if the read numerical value Nf is other than “0”, the read numerical value Nf is transmitted to the central control device 4 as a data signal indicating the number of pachinko balls lent by the ball rental machine 2, and the number-of-lending-balls register 35 (Steps A54 to A5)
6) Then, the process proceeds to step A57.

If the stored numerical value Ng of the sales register 37 read at step A57 is "0", the state of signal input to the input terminal Q11 is determined at step A6.
When the read numerical value Ng is other than “0”, the read numerical value Ng is transmitted to the central management device 4 as a data signal indicating the sales amount of the ball rental machine 2, and the sales register 37 is set. Is initialized (step A58).
To A60), and thereafter, the process proceeds to step A61.

At step A61, a command signal to the input terminal Q11 (command signal S from the optical signal receiving circuit 38) is output.
1 ', S2', S3 ', or S4') is determined, and in the input state, a command processing routine A6 described later is performed.
After executing Step 2, Step A63 of determining the reception state of the control signal ΔS from the central control device 4 to the input terminal Q12 is executed. The determination step A63 is executed even when the above-mentioned command signal is not input to the input terminal Q11.

At decision step A63, control signal Δ
In the non-reception state of S, the process returns to step A1, which is the initial state, but in the state of receiving the control signal ΔS, the process returns to step A1 after executing a control processing routine A64 described later.

FIG. 7 shows the specific contents of the command processing routine A62, which will be described below.

That is, in the command processing routine A62,
It is determined which of the command signals S1 ', S2', S3 ', S4' has been input (steps B1, B2, B3, B
4) When the command signal S1 'is input, that is, an optical signal S1 (indicating that the player has offered a meal break) from an optical signal transmitter (not shown) carried by the pachinko hall employee is received. In this case, the lighting state of the break display lamp 16 is determined (step B5).

In this case, when the break display lamp 16 is turned off, the display lamp 16 is turned on, and the stop prohibition signal Sy and the break start signal So1 are transmitted to the central control device 4 (steps B6 to B8). , Step B
Move to 2. When the break display lamp 16 is on, the display lamp 16 is turned off, the transmission of the stop prohibition signal Sy is stopped, and the break stop signal S
o2 to the central control device 4 (steps B9 to B1).
1) Then, the process proceeds to step B2.

When the command signal S2 'is input, that is, when the optical signal S2 (indicating that the replacement of the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been confirmed) from the optical signal transmitter (not shown) is received, the special prize is received. The input state of the signal Sc is determined (step B12).

In this case, when the special prize signal Sc is input, that is, when the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the special prize state, the lighting state of the holding indicator lamp 18 is determined (step B13), and the non-lighting state is determined. Is turned on, and the signal Sp is given to the central control device 4.
(Steps B14 and B15), and the process proceeds to step B3.

On the other hand, when the special prize signal Sc is not input at the time when the command signal S2 'is input ("NO" in step B12), the customer replacement signal S
is transmitted to the central control device 4 (step B16), and the lighting state of the holding indicator lamp 18 is determined (step B1).
7). At this time, if the holding indicator lamp 18 has been turned off, the process directly proceeds to step B3. If the holding indicator lamp 18 has been turned on, the holding indicator lamp 18 is turned off, and Hold signal Sp
Is stopped (steps B18 and B19), and thereafter, the process proceeds to step B3.

When the command signal S3 'is input, that is, when an optical signal S3 (a signal for the pachinko hall employee to switch the pachinko gaming machine 1 to a hitting state) from an optical signal transmitter (not shown) is received. Then, the lighting state of the break display lamp 16 is determined (step B20), and if it is, the process proceeds to step B4. In the non-lighting state, the stop signal S is sent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 through the stop signal output circuit 39.
is given (step B21), the pachinko gaming machine 1 is switched to the hit state, and a hit start signal Sh1 is transmitted to the central control device 4 (step B22), after which the process proceeds to step B4.

When the command signal S4 'is input, that is, when an optical signal S4 (a signal for pachinko hall employees to release the hit state of the pachinko gaming machine 1) from an optical signal transmitter (not shown) is received. Determines the lighting state of the break indicator lamp 16 (step B23), and returns in the lighting state. In the non-lighting state, the output of the hit signal Sh through the hit signal output circuit 39 is stopped to release the hit state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (step B24), and thereafter, the hit stop signal Sh2 is sent to the central control device. Then, step B25 for transmitting to B4 is executed, and the process returns.

FIG. 8 shows the specific contents of the control processing routine A64, which will be described below.

That is, in the control processing routine A64,
During the control signal ΔS input from the central control device 4, a monitor lamp lighting command Δa, a monitor lamp turning off command Δb, a stop start command Δc, a stop stop command Δd, a ball rental stop command Δe
It is determined which of the ball leasing stop release command Δf is included (steps C1, C2, C3, C4, C
5, C6).

When the monitor lamp lighting command Δa is included, the monitor lamp 22 is switched to the intermittent lighting (flashing) state when the monitor lamp 22 is off (step C7).
C8) If the monitor lamp turn-off command Δb is included, the monitor lamp 22 is turned off (step C8).
9).

When the hitting start command Δc is included, the hitting signal Sh is given to the pachinko gaming machine 1 through the hitting signal output circuit 39, and the pachinko gaming machine 1 is switched to the hitting state and the hitting is performed. The display lamp 17 is turned on (steps C10 and C11). When the hit stop command Δd is included, the output of the hit signal Sh through the hit signal output circuit 39 is stopped to release the hit state of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the hit indicator lamp 17 is turned off. (Steps C12 and C13).

When the ball lending stop command Δe is included, the prohibition signal Si is output to the ball lending machine 2 through the prohibition signal output circuit 40 (step C14).
Is switched to a resting state (a state in which the ball lending operation is stopped).

When the ball lending stop release command Δf is included, the output of the prohibition signal Si through the prohibition signal output circuit 40 is stopped (step C15), and the ball lending machine 2 is brought into a steady state in which the ball lending operation is possible. Switch.

In short, the call lamp unit 3 is
A special prize state in the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 1, a calling state by a player, a hitting state, a state in which a fraud using a magnet is performed, a state in which the player is taking a break, the so-called holding of the pachinko gaming machine 1 In addition to the function of displaying the state of the game by lighting the corresponding lamp, the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the ball lending machine 2
It has a function of relaying various information signals between the device and the central management device 4, and a function of receiving an optical signal from an optical signal transmitter carried by a pachinko hall employee.

On the other hand, the monitor control device 7 is configured as shown in FIG. 12, but prior to the description,
Regarding the content of the command signal given from the central control device 4 to the monitor control device 7, and the content of the data signal fed back from the monitor control device 7 to the central control device 4,
Description will be given with reference to FIG.
The electrical configuration of the drive circuit for CMn will be described with reference to FIGS.

That is, from the centralized management device 4, FIG.
A monitor start command signal MA and a monitor stop command signal MZ of a data string as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B are output automatically or in response to a manual operation as described later. The monitor start command signal MA includes identification data α1 for specifying the signal MA, identification data β1 for specifying the presence or absence of a recording command, identification data β2 for specifying the priority of the signal MA, pachinko game It consists of identification data β3 as device information for specifying the machine number data of the machine 1, and identification data β4 for specifying an abnormal state or other information described later detected by the central management device 4. The monitor stop command signal MZ includes identification data α2 for specifying the signal MZ and the identification data β3.
The identification data β3 of the monitor start command signal MA includes data for specifying a plurality of unit number data collectively. The monitor start command signal MA including this data is included in the television camera CMi. Is a signal for instructing zoom back.

From the monitor control device 7, FIG.
The stop data signal TA and the cancel data signal CA of the data string as shown in (D) are automatically output. The stop data signal TA includes identification data α3 for specifying the signal TA and the identification data β1, β2, β3,
β4. Further, the cancel data signal CA
Is composed of identification data α4 for specifying the signal, the identification data β1, β2, β3, β4, and cancellation data β5 indicating cancellation contents.

Here, the contents of the identification data β4 will be described.

That is, based on various information signals from the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the ball lending machine 2 given via the calling lamp unit 3, the central management device 4 manages the pachinko gaming machine 1 data and ball lending. In addition to performing an operation of calculating sales (loan) data of the machine 2 and detecting an abnormal state (meaning different from a steady state) as described below, for example, [ ], Different identification data β4 of codes are assigned.

(A) Unauthorized occurrence [identification data β4 = 01]
... A state in which the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been subjected to a fraudulent use of a magnet (a fraudulent operation of bringing a pachinko ball to a specific winning hole by approaching the magnet to the board surface) (fraud start signal Sd1).
Is entered). This detection state corresponds to the illegal stop signal S
It is released according to the input of d2.

(B) Unauthorized prize occurrence [identification data β4 = 0
2] The state in which the glass door of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is opened,
Or, when the gaming machine 1 is switched to the special prize state during a period before a predetermined time has elapsed after the closing of the glass door (a state in which the door opening start signal Se1 is input or an input of the door opening stop signal Se2). Later, when the special prize start signal Sc1 is input during a period before the fixed time elapses). This detection state is released when a predetermined time has elapsed after the input of the door opening stop signal Se2.

(C) Illegal opening of the door [identification data β4 =
03] The state in which the glass door of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is opened without the lighting operation of the calling lamp 21 by the calling button 15 (the state in which the door opening start signal Se1 is input while the calling start signal Sn1 is not input). . This detection state is released in response to the input of the door opening stop signal Se2.

(D) Unauthorized occurrence of ball lending machine [identification data β4 =
04] ... The number of pachinko balls lent is abnormally larger than the sales (the correspondence between the number of pachinko balls lent by the numerical signal Nf and the sales indicated by the numerical signal Ng is out of the predetermined limit range). Status). This detection state is released when the relationship between the numerical signals Nf and Ng returns to the normal range.

(E) Opening of door [Identification data β4 = 0
5] A state in which the front glass door of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is opened (a state in which the door opening start signal Se1 is input). This detection state is released in response to the input of the door opening stop signal Se2.

(F) Ball rental machine disconnection occurrence [identification data β4 =
06] ... Lending ball signal Sf from ball lending machine 2, sales signal Sg
Is broken (the ball lending machine disconnection start signal Sm
1 entered). This detection state is released in response to the input of the ball rental machine disconnection stop signal Sm2.

(G) Occurrence of door opening abnormality [identification data β4 =
07] A state in which the front glass door of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is opened abnormally long (a state in which the door opening start signal Se1 is continuously input for a set time limit or more). This detection state is released in response to the input of the door opening stop signal Se2.

(H) Out ball abnormal occurrence [identification data β4
= 08] ... A state in which the ratio of the number of safe balls to the number of out-balls in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is abnormally large (a state in which the number of out-balls indicated by the numerical signal Na is extremely smaller than the number of safe balls indicated by the numerical signal Nb). This detection state is
The relationship between the numerical signals Na and Nb is released when the relationship returns to the normal range.

(I) Abnormal occurrence of safe ball [identification data β4
= 09] ... A state in which the number of safe balls is abnormally large even though the pachinko gaming machine 1 is out of the special prize period (special prize start signal Sc1).
In the non-input state, the rate of increase in the number of safe balls indicated by the numerical signal Nb is equal to or greater than the set limit value). This detection state is released when the rate of increase of the numerical signal Nb has returned to the normal range.

(J) Occurrence of safe ball jam [identification data β
4 = 10] A state in which the safe ball passage is blocked in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (a state in which the numerical signal Nb is not input at all). This detection state is released when the state returns to the state where the numerical signal Nb is normally input.

(K) Out Ball Jam [Identification Data β
4 = 11]... In the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a state where the out ball passage is clogged (state in which the numerical signal Na is not input at all). This detection state is released when the state returns to the state where the numerical signal Na is normally input.

(L) Occurrence of stop [identification data β4 = 12]
... A state in which a hit has occurred in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (a state in which the difference between the number of outgoing balls indicated by the numerical signal Na and the number of safe balls indicated by the numerical signal Nb has reached a predetermined hit setting value). This detection state is released when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is opened.

(M) Manual stoppage occurred [Identification data β4 = 1
3] A state in which the pachinko hall employee has stopped the pachinko gaming machine 1 through the optical signal transmitter (a stop start signal Sh1).
Is entered). This detection state is released when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is opened.

(N) Occurrence of special prize [identification data β4 = 14]
... A state in which a special prize has occurred in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (a state in which the special prize start signal Sc1 has been input). This detection state is
It is released in response to the input of the special award stop signal Sc2.

(O) Call occurrence [identification data β4 = 15]
... A state in which the calling lamp 21 is turned on in the calling lamp unit 3 (a state in which the calling start signal Sn1 is input).
This detection state is released in response to the input of the call stop signal Sn2.

On the other hand, a code indicating that the video tape recorders 8a and 8b are in the recording operation is set in the identification data β4 included in the cancel data signal CA from the monitor control device 7 (for example, β4 = 99).

The priorities of the identification data β2 are set, for example, in three stages. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the code with the highest priority is code Yh, the code with the next highest priority is code Ym, and the priority is set as code Ym. Code Yp for lowest
Will be represented by

However, as will be described later in detail, the centralized management device 4 operates in the above-described abnormal states (a) to (d).
Each time (o) is detected, the monitor start command signal MA including the identification data β4 corresponding to the detected content is automatically output and given to the monitor control device 7, and the monitor start command signal MA at this time is output. The identification data β2 indicating the presence or absence of the recording command in the identification data β1 and the priority of the monitor start instruction signal MA is determined according to the detection content.

That is, when the abnormal states (a) to (k) are detected, the monitor start instruction signal MA in which the highest priority code Yh is selected as the identification data β2 is output as the monitor instruction according to the present invention. In particular, when an abnormal state (a) to (g) is detected, a recording instruction is given to the identification data β1. Further, when the abnormal states (l) to (o) are detected, the monitor start instruction signal MA in which the lowest priority code Yp is selected as the identification data β2 is output. still,
As the identification data β2 indicating the priority of the monitor start instruction signal MA output in response to the manual operation, the code Ym indicating the second priority is selected.

In FIG. 10 showing an electrical configuration of a drive circuit provided so as to correspond one-to-one with television cameras CM1 to CMn, control unit 50 receives operation command ΔA from monitor control device 7 and receives it. , And the image signal from the television camera CM1 (ＭｎCMn) and the content stored in the memory 52 are provided to the monitor control device 7 via the transmission unit 53. The control unit 50 controls the camera drive unit 55 (which is composed of an electric pan head and a zooming motor) through the driver 54 and controls the memory 52 based on the given operation command ΣA. It is.

FIG. 11 shows an outline of the contents of control by the control unit 50. In FIG. 11, when an operation command ΣA output from the monitor control circuit 7 as described later is received, the operation command ΣA instructs the start of the monitor or the command of the end of the monitor. It is determined whether they are the same (steps D1, D2, D3).

The receiving operation command $ A (including the number data of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to be imaged, the recording command data,
If the camera drive unit 55 is in operation, the operation is stopped, and the reception operation command ΣA is stored in the memory 52. Update and store (step D4,
D5, D6), and executes a zooming control routine D7 for operating the camera driving section 55 based on the storage operation command #A. In this case, when the operation of the camera driving unit 55 is stopped, the above-described step D6 and the routine D7 are executed as they are, and the same control is performed.

In the zooming control routine D7, the photographing conditions such as the photographing range of the television camera CMi are controlled so as to be in the state specified by the operation command #A stored in the memory 52. The CMi images the pachinko gaming machine 1 and its surroundings indicated by the machine number data in the operation command $ A in a zoomed-in state, and transmits an image signal corresponding to the imaging to the monitor control device 7. In addition, the television camera CM in which the operation command #A includes the unit number data for a plurality of units.
By zooming back i, for example, the state is switched to a state where the whole group of the corresponding pachinko gaming machines can be imaged.

If the receiving operation command #A is to instruct the end of the monitor, the contents stored in the memory 52 are initialized (step D8), and thereafter, the transmission of the image signal from the television camera CMi to the monitor control device 7 is performed. It is stopped (step D9). When the transmission of the image signal is stopped, it is desirable that the television camera CMi be kept in the operating state or the standby state.

That is, the control unit 50 controls the monitor control device 7
Each time an operation command ΣA including a monitor start command is newly received from the CPU, the contents of the reception operation command ΣA are executed, and the commanded pachinko machine 1 and the image signals in the zoomed-in state around the pachinko machine 1 are monitored by the monitor control device 7. When an operation command #A including a monitor end command is received from the monitor control device 7, the transmission of the image signal to the monitor control device 7 is stopped.

Now, in the following, the monitor control device 7
Will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 16.

In FIG. 12, the monitor control device 7 comprises a control circuit 56 constituted by a computer, an image mixing circuit 57, a signal switching circuit 58, and an operation section 59.

The image mixing circuit 57 receives the image signals from the television cameras CM1 to CMn and CF1 to CFn to the corresponding sub monitors KM1 to KMn, KF1 to KFn or the signal switching circuit 58 from the control circuit 56. Is provided for mixing a predetermined superimposed image output as described above.

The signal switching circuit 58 receives signals SP1 to SP4 output from the control circuit 56 for designating the television cameras CM1 to CMn to the terminals T1 to T4. The image signal from the CMi is supplied to the common monitor KMC corresponding to the terminals T1 to T4, the main monitor 12 of the centralized control device 4, and the video tape recorders 8a and 8b.

Specifically, the signal switching circuit 58 is connected to the terminal T
1 receives the signal SP1, the image signal from the television camera CMi specified by the signal SP1 is supplied to the common monitor KMC, and the signals SP2, SP3, and SP4 are similarly received at the terminals T2, T3, and T4. In each case, an image signal from each television camera CMi designated by the signals SP2, SP3, SP4 is given to the main monitor 12 and the video tape recorders 8a, 8b on the central control device 4.

The operation unit 59 provides the monitor control device 7 with a coordinate range of a captured image for each of the television cameras CM1 to CMn,
It is used when a zoom ratio is set (registered) in advance and when a specific instruction is given to the monitor control device 7. Specific instructions in this case include, for example, an instruction to record an image of the specific pachinko gaming machine 1 and its surroundings by an arbitrary television camera CMi and CFi, an instruction to fix an imaging target by an arbitrary television camera CMi, A reset instruction for initializing a recording instruction and an imaging target fixing instruction is set.

The control circuit 56 has an internal memory 56a, and receives an operation signal from the operation section 59 and the central control device 4
Monitor start command signal MA, monitor stop command signal M
The control operation according to Z is executed based on a program stored in advance, and the control contents and related actions will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the internal memory 56a, a large number of storage areas corresponding to the television cameras CM1 to CMn on a one-to-one basis are set.

That is, as shown in FIG. 13, step E1 for judging the input of the monitor start command signal MA or the monitor stop instruction signal MZ, and step E2 for judging the input of the operation signal from the operation unit 59. Step E3 of repeatedly judging whether or not there is any one of a plurality of internal timers (set in the control circuit 56 for each of the television cameras CM1 to CMn) from the timer operation state.

When an operation signal is input from the operation section 59, an operation section command processing routine E4 whose details are shown in FIG. 14 is executed. The routine E4 will be described below.

In FIG. 14, in the operation section command processing routine E4, it is determined whether the content of the operation signal from the operation section 59 is "recording instruction", "camera fixing instruction", or "reset instruction" (step F1). , F2, F3).

When the content of the operation signal is a "recording instruction", the television camera CMi corresponding to the recording instruction is provided only when at least one of the video tape recorders 8a and 8b is available. It is determined whether or not the pachinko gaming machine 1 designated by the recording instruction is in an imaging operation (steps F4 and F5).

When the television camera CMi is performing an image capturing operation on the same pachinko gaming machine 1 as the instruction for recording, data R to be described later is stored in the storage area for the television camera CMi in the internal memory 56a. It is determined whether or not the data R is being recorded (step F6). In this state, the image captured by the television camera CMi corresponding to the recording instruction is obtained by the video tape recorder 8a or 8b according to another instruction system. (Meaning recording is in progress), the process proceeds to step F2. However, in the state where the data R being recorded does not exist in the corresponding storage area in the internal memory 56a, the internal timer corresponding to the television camera CMi is reset ( Step F7) Then, the process proceeds to step F9 for determining the operation state of the video tape recorder 8a.

On the other hand, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 designated by the recording instruction is not in the imaging operation ("NO" in step F5), the output control routine F8 is executed, and then the process proceeds to the judgment step F9.

In the output control routine F8, an operation of transmitting an operation command 動作 A including a command for zooming and imaging the pachinko gaming machine 1 and its surroundings and the recording command data to the control unit 50 for the television camera CMi. ,
... The operation of outputting the superimposed image data indicating the current recording operation to the image mixing circuit 57 and the unit number of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to be recorded.... To the terminal T 1 of the signal switching circuit 58. Camera CM
An operation of outputting a signal SP1 designating i.

Thus, the sub-monitor KMi and the common monitor KMC corresponding to the television camera CMi include:
As described above, the image of the pachinko gaming machine 1 designated to be recorded and its surroundings in the zoomed-in state are reproduced, and the reproduced image indicates that the recording operation is currently being performed and that the pachinko gaming machine 1 The superimposed images indicating the numbers are in a mixed state.

If it is determined in the determination step F9 that the video tape recorder 8a is operating,
To the terminal T4 of the signal switching circuit 58, a signal SP4 designating the television camera CMi corresponding to the recording instruction is given, and a recording start instruction is given to the video tape recorder 8b (steps F10, F11). As a result, the signal switching circuit 58 supplies the image signal from the television camera CMi specified by the signal SP4 to the video tape recorder 8b, and the video tape recorder 8b records the image signal.

After the start of the recording operation, the pachinko gaming machine 1 to be recorded is stored in the storage area of the internal memory 56a corresponding to the television camera CMi.
The identification data β3 indicating the unit number, the data VS2 for specifying the video tape recorder 8b during the recording operation, the data R indicating that the recording is in progress, and the highest priority code FP are stored (step F12), and the process proceeds to step F2. Transition.

When it is determined in the determination step F9 that the operation of the video tape recorder 8a is stopped,
To the terminal T3 of the signal switching circuit 58, a signal SP3 designating the television camera CMi corresponding to the recording instruction is given, and a recording start instruction is given to the video tape recorder 8a (steps F13, F14). As a result, the signal switching circuit 58 supplies the image signal from the television camera CMi specified by the signal SP3 to the video tape recorder 8a, and the video tape recorder 8a records the image signal.

After the start of the recording operation, the identification data β3 indicating the unit number of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to be recorded is stored in the storage area for the television camera CMi in the internal memory 56a. The data VS1 for specifying the video tape recorder 8a, the data R indicating that recording is in progress, and the highest priority code FP are stored (step F15), and the process proceeds to step F2.

When the content of the operation signal from the operation unit 59 is "camera fixing instruction", the data R being recorded is stored in the storage area of the internal memory 56a corresponding to the television camera CMi to which the camera fixing instruction is applied. It is determined whether or not the recording has been performed (step F16). When the data R being recorded is present, the process proceeds to step F3.
In the state where no data R is being recorded, the TV camera CMi corresponding to the camera fixing instruction determines whether or not the pachinko gaming machine 1 designated by the camera fixing instruction is performing an imaging operation (step F17).

If the TV camera CMi is in the operation of imaging the pachinko gaming machine 1 which is the same as the camera fixing instruction, the internal timer corresponding to the TV camera CMi is reset (step F18). 56
The identification data β indicating the machine number of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as the fixed instruction target for the predetermined storage area in FIG.
3. Step F20 for storing the highest priority code FP is executed, and the process proceeds to step F3.

On the other hand, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 designated by the camera fixing instruction is not in the imaging operation ("NO" in step F17), after executing the output control routine F19, the above-mentioned steps F20 and thereafter are executed. Execute the control of.

In the output control routine F19,... The operation command ΣA including the command to zoom in and image the pachinko gaming machine 1 and its surroundings and the image fixing command data are transmitted to the control unit 50 for the television camera CMi. Operation: Outputting superimposed image data indicating that the image is currently being fixed and the number of the image-fixed pachinko gaming machine 1 to the image mixing circuit 57, to the terminal T1 of the signal switching circuit 58 Outputting the signal SP1 specifying the television camera CMi,
I do.

As a result, the sub-monitor KMi and the common monitor KMC corresponding to the television camera CMi include:
As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 instructed to fix the camera and the image around the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a zoomed-in state are reproduced. In the reproduced image, the fact that the image is currently fixed and the pachinko gaming machine 1 The superimposed image indicating the unit number is in a mixed state.

When the content of the operation signal from the operation section 59 is a "reset instruction", an initialization operation command for returning the television camera CMi to the initial position is transmitted to the television camera CMi corresponding to the reset instruction. (Routine F21), and in response to this, on the television camera CMi side, the camera driving unit 55 returns to the initial state in which the entirety of the corresponding group of pachinko gaming machines can be imaged by the television camera CMi.

Thereafter, whether or not both the highest priority data FP and the data R during recording are stored in the storage area of the internal memory 56a corresponding to the television camera CMi, and whether the highest priority data FP is stored in the storage area. It is determined whether or not the information is stored (steps F22 and F2).
3).

When both the highest priority data FP and the recording data R are stored in the internal memory 56a, the data for specifying the video tape recorder during the recording operation stored in the internal memory 56a. (VS1
Alternatively, the type of VS2) is determined (step F24).
If the data VS1 is stored, a recording end instruction is given to the video tape recorder 8a to stop the recording operation (step F25), and if the data VS2 is stored ("NO" in step F24), Then, a recording end instruction is given to the video tape recorder 8b to stop the recording operation (step F26), and thereafter, a step F27 for initializing a storage area of the internal memory 56a corresponding to the television camera CMi to be reset is executed, and the process returns. .

Returning to FIG. 13, when a time-up has occurred from the centralized management device 4 in the internal timer set corresponding to each of the television cameras CM1 to CMn on a one-to-one basis (“YES” in step E3). )), A routine E5 for transmitting an initialization operation command for returning the television camera CMi corresponding to the internal timer to the initial position is executed, and thereafter, the internal memory 56a corresponding to the television camera CMi is executed. Step E6 for initializing the storage area is executed, and the process returns to the initial state (Step E1).

The monitor start command signal M from the central control device 4
If A or the monitor stop command signal MZ is input (“YES” in step E1), the pachinko gaming machine 1 specified by the identification data β3 of the signals MA and MZ in the internal memory 56a (see FIG. 9). Compatible TV camera C
It is determined whether or not the highest priority code FP is stored in the Mi storage area (step E7). If the highest priority code FP is stored, a step E8 of transmitting a cancel data signal CA to the central management device 4 is performed. After the execution, the process proceeds to the operation unit command processing routine E4.

As shown in FIG. 9D, the cancel data signal CA includes identification data α4 for specifying the signal CA and the input monitor start command signal MA.
Alternatively, the identification data β1 to β4 of the monitor stop command signal MZ
(In the case of the monitor stop command signal MZ, only β3) and cancellation data, that is, cancel data β5 indicating whether the monitor start command MA is canceled or the monitor stop command MZ is cancelled.

On the other hand, when the monitor start command signal MA or the monitor stop command signal MZ is input, the internal memory 56
If the highest priority code FP is not stored in a, a device command processing routine E9 having specific contents shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is executed, and the routine E9 will be described below.

15 and 16, in the device command processing routine E9, when the monitor start command signal MA (signal having the identification data α1 (see FIG. 9)) is inputted, the identification data of the command signal MA is output. Step G1 for determining whether β1 (see FIG. 9) specifies a recording command, a code indicating three levels of priority indicated by the identification data β2 (see FIG. 9) of the monitor start command signal MA. Step G for determining the type of Yh, Ym, Yp
2, G3, G4, and identification data α2 (see FIG. 9) are inputted, that is, step G5 for judging that the monitor stop command signal MZ is inputted is sequentially executed, and then the process returns to step E2.

When the identification data β1 of the input monitor start command signal MA specifies a recording command ("YES" in step G1), at least one of the video tape recorders 8a and 8b can be used. Only if the identification data β3 of the monitor start command signal MA indicates a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 1, that is, whether the monitor start command signal MA is a command to zoom back the television camera CMi. It is determined whether or not it is (steps G6, G7).

The monitor start command signal MA is set to the TV camera C
If the instruction to zoom back Mi is included, it is determined whether or not the recording data R is stored in the storage area of the internal memory 56a corresponding to the television camera CMi (step G8). If the recording data R is stored in the central management device 4
G for transmitting a cancel data signal CA to the
After executing Step 9, the flow shifts to Step G2.

On the other hand, if "NO" is determined in the step G8, the above-described input monitor start command signal MA
The superimposed image data indicating the content of the abnormal state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 indicated by the identification data β4 (see FIG. 9) is given to the image mixing circuit 57 (step G).
10) Then, the process proceeds to step G17. As a result, in the reproduced image of the common monitor KMC, a superimposed image indicating the content of the abnormal state of the plurality of pachinko gaming machines 1 specified by the monitor start command signal MA is mixed.

On the other hand, if "NO" is determined in the step G7, that is, if the input monitor start command signal MA does not include a command to zoom back the television camera CMi, the monitor start command signal MA Identification data β
The TV camera CMi corresponding to the pachinko gaming machine 1 specified by 3 determines whether or not the pachinko gaming machine 1 is performing an imaging operation (step G11).

When the TV camera CMi is performing an image capturing operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 for which recording is instructed by the monitor start command signal MA, the video is being recorded in the storage area of the internal memory 56a corresponding to the TV camera CMi. It is determined whether data R is stored (step G1).
2) If the recording data R exists in the internal memory 56a, the process proceeds to step G2. If the data R does not exist, the internal timer corresponding to the television camera CMi is reset (step G13). The process shifts to Step G17 of determining the operation state of 8a.

On the other hand, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 for which recording has been instructed by the monitor start command signal MA is not in the image pickup operation ("NO" in step G7), the output control routine G14 is executed.

In this output control routine G14,... An operation command #A including a command to zoom in and image the pachinko gaming machine 1 and its surroundings specified by the monitor start command signal MA to the control unit 50 for the television camera CMi.
To the image mixing circuit 57.
Currently recording operation and monitor start command signal MA
The contents of the abnormal state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 indicated by the encoded identification data β4 (see FIG. 9) (in the abnormal states described in (a) to (o) above, a recording command is issued to the identification data β1) Abnormal state corresponding to a certain case (a) ~
(G) Output of superimposed image data indicating any of (g): Terminal T of signal switching circuit 58
Signal SP specifying the TV camera CMi for 1
1 is performed.

Thus, the sub-monitor KMi and the common monitor KMC corresponding to the television camera CMi include:
An image of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and its surroundings in a zoomed-in state instructed to be recorded by the monitor start instruction signal MA is reproduced, and the reproduced image includes a super-in indicating the content of the abnormal state of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The pose image is in a mixed state.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the storage area corresponding to the television camera CMi in the internal memory 56a has been initialized, that is, the television camera CMi.
It is determined whether or not the monitor start command signal MA which has already been given is still alive (step G15). If the corresponding storage area of the internal memory 56a has been initialized, the process directly proceeds to the determination step G17. In the state in which data is stored in the storage area, after performing step G16 of transmitting the stop data signal TA to the central management device 4, a determination step G17 is performed.
Move to. Note that the stop data signal TA is
As shown in (C), it is composed of identification data α3 for specifying the signal TA and identification data β1 to β4 in the monitor start command signal MA that has been already input.

In the decision step G17, when it is determined that the video tape recorder 8a is operating, that is, when the video tape recorder 8b is not operating, the terminal T4 of the signal switching circuit 58 is monitored. The TV camera CMi instructed to record by the start command signal MA
, And a recording start command to the video tape recorder 8b (step G18,
G19). As a result, the signal switching circuit 58 outputs the signal SP
The image signal from the television camera CMi indicated by the instruction 4 is supplied to the video tape recorder 8b, and the video tape recorder 8b records the image signal.

After the start of the recording operation, the identification data β3 indicating the unit number of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to be recorded is stored in the storage area corresponding to the television camera CMi in the internal memory 56a. The data VS2 for specifying the video tape recorder 8b and the data R being recorded are stored (step G20), and thereafter, the process proceeds to step G2.

When it is determined in decision step G17 that the operation of the video tape recorder 8a is stopped, a signal SP3 designating the television camera CMi corresponding to the recording instruction is given to the terminal T3 of the signal switching circuit 58, and A recording start command is given to the video tape recorder 8a (steps G21 and G22). Thereby, the signal switching circuit 58 converts the image signal from the television camera CMi designated by the signal SP3 into the video tape recorder 8.
a, and the video tape recorder 8a records the image signal.

After the start of such a recording operation, the pachinko gaming machine 1 to be recorded is stored in a storage area of the internal memory 56a corresponding to the television camera CMi.
The identification data β3 indicating the unit number, the data VS1 for specifying the video tape recorder 8a during the recording operation, and the recording data R are stored (step G23), and step G2 is performed.
Move to.

When the identification data β1 in the input monitor start instruction signal MA does not specify a recording instruction, and is the code Yh having the highest priority indicated by the identification data β2 in the signal MA ( In step G2, "Y
ES ") includes the signal MA in the internal memory 56a.
It is determined whether or not the recording data R is stored in the storage area for the television camera CMi specified by (step G24).

When the data R being recorded is stored in the internal memory 56a, the television camera CMi corresponding to the pachinko gaming machine 1 specified by the identification data β3 of the monitor start command signal MA is sent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 It is determined whether or not the image capturing operation is being performed (step G25). If the image capturing operation is not being performed, step G27 of transmitting the cancel data signal CA to the central management device 4 is performed, and then the process proceeds to step G3. . The cancel data signal CA in this case also indicates the identification data α4 for specifying the signal CA, the identification data β1 to β4 in the input monitor start instruction signal MA, and the cancellation contents of the monitor start instruction MA. And cancellation data β5.

On the other hand, in step G25, “YE
S ”, that is, when the television camera CMi is performing an image capturing operation and the captured image is being reproduced by the sub monitor KMi and the common monitor KMC, the identification data β4 of the input monitor start command signal MA (FIG. 9)
Is provided to the image mixing circuit 57 (step G26), and after that, the above-described step G27 is executed and the process proceeds to step G3. Thereby, in the reproduced image of the common monitor KMC, a superimposed image indicating the content of the abnormal state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is mixed.

If the recording data R is not stored in the internal memory 56a ("NO" in step G24),
That is, when the television camera CMi specified by the input monitor start instruction signal MA is not performing an operation for recording, the identification data β of the monitor start instruction signal MA
It is determined whether or not the television camera CMi corresponding to the pachinko gaming machine 1 specified by 3 is performing an imaging operation on the pachinko gaming machine 1 (step G28).

If the television camera CMi is performing an image capturing operation on the pachinko gaming machine 1 specified by the monitor start command signal MA, the process proceeds to step G3, but the pachinko game specified by the monitor start command signal MA is performed. Machine 1
Is not in the imaging operation, the output control routine G2
9 is executed.

In this output control routine G29, an operation command #A including a command to zoom in and image the pachinko gaming machine 1 and its surroundings specified by the monitor start command signal MA to the control unit 50 for the television camera CMi.
To the image mixing circuit 57.
The superimposed image data indicating the contents of the abnormal state (any of the abnormal states (h) to (k) described above) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 indicated by the coded identification data β4 in the monitor start instruction signal MA. Output operation ... The television camera CM is connected to the terminal T1 of the signal switching circuit 58.
An operation of providing a signal SP1 specifying i.

Thus, the sub-monitor KMi and the common monitor KMC corresponding to the television camera CMi include:
The pachinko gaming machine 1 specified by the monitor start command signal MA and the image around the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a zoomed-in state are reproduced. In the reproduced image, a superimposition indicating the content of the abnormal state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided. The image is in a mixed state.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the storage area corresponding to the television camera CMi in the internal memory 56a is in an initialized state (step G30). , Step G
Then, in a state where data is stored in the storage area, step G31 of transmitting the same stop data signal TA to the central management device 4 as described above is executed, and then the process proceeds to step G32.

In this step G32, the internal memory 56
The identification data β3 indicating the machine number of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to be imaged and the priority code Yh are stored in the storage area corresponding to the television camera CMi in a, and the process proceeds to step G3.

The identification data β1 in the input monitor start command signal MA does not specify the recording command, and the identification data β2 in the signal MA indicates the second priority code Ym. Time (in step G3, "YE
S "), that is, when the monitor start command signal MA has been output in response to a manual operation on the central control device 4, the data being recorded is stored in a storage area of the internal memory 56a corresponding to the TV camera CMi. It is determined whether R or the priority code Yh is stored (step G33).

If any of the recording data R and the priority code Yh is stored, that is, the TV camera CM
If i has already been operated by a command having a higher priority than the monitor start command signal MA input at this time, the pachinko gaming machine whose television camera CMi is specified by the identification data β3 of the monitor start command signal MA. It is determined whether or not No. 1 is in an imaging operation (step G34). If the imaging operation is not in progress, a step G35 of transmitting a cancel data signal CA to the central management device 4 is performed, and then, as shown in FIG. Move to step G4.

On the other hand, in step G34, “YE
S ”, that is, when the television camera CMi is performing an image capturing operation and the captured image is being reproduced by the sub monitor KMi and the common monitor KMC, the priority code Yh stored in the internal memory 56a is changed to the priority code Yh. Ym (step G36), and the terminal T2 of the signal switching circuit 58
, A signal SP2 designating the television camera CMi specified by the monitor start command signal MA (step G37).

Thus, when the monitor start command signal MA is output in response to a manual operation on the centralized control device 4, the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the pachinko game machine 1 specified by the monitor start command signal MA The image in the zoomed-in state around the main monitor 1 is displayed on the main monitor 1 of the central management device 4.
2 will be reproduced.

If neither the recording data R nor the priority code Yh is stored in the internal memory 56a ("NO" in step G33), the output control routine G38 is executed.

In this routine G38,... An operation command ΣA including a command to zoom in and image the pachinko gaming machine 1 and its surroundings specified by the monitor start command signal MA is transmitted to the control unit 50 for the television camera CMi. Operation to output superimposed image data indicating a message indicating that the reproduced image is manually operated to the image mixing circuit 57, and to the terminal T2 of the signal switching circuit 58 CM
An operation of giving a signal SP2 designating i is executed.

As a result, the sub-monitor KMi corresponding to the television camera CMi and the main monitor 12 of the centralized control device 4 display the zoomed-in image of the pachinko gaming machine 1 specified by the monitor start command signal MA and its surroundings. Is reproduced, and a superimposed image indicating that the reproduced image is an image corresponding to an instruction by a manual operation is mixed in the reproduced image.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the storage area corresponding to the television camera CMi in the internal memory 56a is in an initialized state (step G39). , Step G
The process proceeds to step G41. In a state where data is stored in the storage area, step G40 of transmitting the same stop data signal TA to the central management device 4 as described above is performed, and then the process proceeds to step G41.

In step G41, the internal memory 56
In the storage area corresponding to the television camera CMi in a, the identification data β3 indicating the machine number of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to be imaged and the priority code Ym are stored, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step G4.

The identification data β1 in the input monitor start command signal MA does not specify the recording command, and the identification data β2 in the signal MA is the lowest priority code Yp.
("YES" in step G4 shown in FIG. 16), the recording data R and any of the priority codes Yh and Ym are stored in the storage area of the internal memory 56a corresponding to the television camera CMi. Is determined (step G42).

Recording data R, priority codes Yh and Y
If any one of m is stored, that is, if the television camera CMi has already been operated by an instruction having a higher priority than the monitor start instruction signal MA input at this time, the central camera 4 is canceled. Data signal C
After performing Step G43 of transmitting A, the process proceeds to Step G5.

On the other hand, if no data R during recording and priority codes Yh and Ym are stored at all, the television camera CMi is set to the pachinko machine specified by the identification data β3 of the input monitor start command signal MA. It is determined whether or not the game machine 1 is performing an image capturing operation (step G44). If the image capturing operation is being performed, the process jumps to step G49.

When the television camera CMi is not performing the imaging operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 ("NO" in step G44), the output control routine G45 is executed.

In this routine G45,..., An operation command ΣA including a command for zooming and imaging the pachinko gaming machine 1 and its surroundings specified by the monitor start command signal MA is transmitted to the control unit 50 for the television camera CMi. Operation to the image mixing circuit 57, the abnormal state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 indicated by the encoded identification data β4 (see FIG. 9) in the monitor start instruction signal MA (the abnormality corresponding to the lowest priority code Yp) State (m) ~
(A) output of superimposed image data indicating any one of the contents of (o),.
Signal SP specifying the TV camera CMi for 1
1 is performed.

As a result, the sub-monitor KMi and the common monitor KMC corresponding to the television camera CMi include:
The pachinko gaming machine 1 specified by the monitor start command signal MA and the image around the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a zoomed-in state are reproduced. In the reproduced image, a superimposition indicating the content of the abnormal state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided. The image is in a mixed state.

After the execution of the output control routine G45, the television camera CMi in the internal memory 56a is read.
It is determined whether or not the storage area corresponding to is initialized (step G46). If the storage area is initialized, the process proceeds to step G48, but data is stored in the storage area. In this state, the process proceeds to step G48 after executing step G47 of transmitting the stop data signal TA to the central management device 4.

In this step G48, the internal memory 56
The identification data β3 indicating the number of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to be imaged is stored in the storage area corresponding to the television camera CMi in a, and the process proceeds to Step G49.

In step G49, an internal timer corresponding to the television camera CMi during the image pickup operation is set to start the timer operation, and thereafter, the flow shifts to step G5.

On the other hand, when the monitor stop command signal MZ (signal having identification data α2) is input (step G5).
"YES"), the identification code β of the instruction signal MZ
3 executes a routine G50 for transmitting an initialization operation command for returning the television camera CMi corresponding to the pachinko gaming machine 1 specified by 3 to the initial position to the television camera CMi. Then, the camera driving unit 55 returns to the initial state in which the TV camera CMi is zoomed back and the entire group of corresponding pachinko gaming machines 1 can be imaged.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the recording data R is stored in the storage area of the internal memory 56a corresponding to the television camera CMi (step G5).
1) If the recording data R is not stored, the storage state of the priority codes Yh and Ym in the storage area is determined (step G52). In a state where the priority codes Yh and Ym are stored in the storage area, a step G57 for initializing the storage area is executed and the process returns to the step E2, but in a state where the priority codes Yh and Ym are not stored. Then, the step G53 of resetting the internal timer corresponding to the television camera CMi is executed, and thereafter, the process returns to the step E2 via the step G57.

If data R being recorded is stored in internal memory 56a ("YES" in step G51),
It is determined whether or not the data VS1 is stored in the same storage area (step G54). If the data VS1 is stored, that is, if the video tape recorder 8a is performing a recording operation, the data to the video tape recorder 8a is The output of the recording command is stopped (step G55), and thereafter, step G57 is executed, and the process returns to step E2.

If "NO" is determined in the step G54, in other words, if the data VS2 is stored in the internal memory 56a and the video tape recorder 8b performs the recording operation, the video The output of the recording command to the tape recorder 8b is stopped (step G5).
6) Then, step G57 is executed to execute step E2.
Return to

In short, the monitor control device 7 performs an operation of reproducing an image of a group of pachinko gaming machines taken by the television cameras CF1 to CF having a fixed focal length on the sub-monitors KF1 to KFn and the television cameras CM1 to CM
Regarding the control of Mi, the instruction from the operation unit 59 is executed with the highest priority. According to the instruction, the pachinko gaming machine 1 and its surroundings are imaged in a zoomed-in state by the television cameras CM1 to CMn. The reproducing operation of the image signal according to the imaging on the sub-monitor KMi and the common monitor KMC and the recording operation of the video tape recorders 8a and 8b are selectively performed.

When receiving the monitor start command signal MA transmitted from the central control device 4, the monitor control device 7 corresponds to the pachinko gaming machine 1 specified by the identification data β3 included in the command signal MA. TV camera C
Mi is operated to take an image of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and its surroundings in a zoomed-in state, and to perform an operation of selectively reproducing an image signal according to the imaging on the sub-monitor KMi, the common monitor KMC, and the main monitor 12. And the monitor start command signal MA accompanying the operation.
(Including mixing superimposed image data indicating an abnormal state detected by the central management device 4 and recording instructions to the video tape recorders 8a and 8b) are simultaneously executed. In particular, when the monitor start command signal MA includes a command to record an image of the entire group of pachinko gaming machines, the TV camera CM
The image captured by the television camera CFi having a fixed focal length is recorded without zooming back i.

Further, when receiving monitor end command signal MZ transmitted from central management device 4, monitor control device 7 corresponds to pachinko gaming machine 1 specified by identification data β3 included in the command signal MA. The image reproduction by the sub-monitor KMi or the like is stopped by giving the monitor stop command signal TA to the control unit 50 on the side of the television camera CMi.

The configuration and functions of the central management device 4 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

In FIG. 17, the arithmetic processing circuit 60 of the central control device 4 includes an information signal from the call lamp unit 3, an operation signal from the keyboard 9, and an ON signal from the panel switch group 11a provided on the display panel 11. The operation based on the input signals and the control program stored in advance is used to calculate the management data of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the sales data of the ball lending machine 2, and the calling lamp unit 3. The operation of transmitting the control signal ΔS as described above, the operation of detecting an abnormal state as described in the above (a) to (o), the control operation of the display panel 11 and the printer 10, and the like are performed. .

An image control circuit 61 as control means provided in association with the arithmetic processing circuit 60 transmits and receives data to and from the arithmetic processing circuit 60, and outputs a stop data signal TA fed back from the monitor control device 7. Based on the cancel data signal CA and the control program stored in advance, the output control of the monitor start command signal MA and the monitor stop command signal MA to the monitor control device 7 as described above and the control of the main monitor 12 are performed. , And the details of the control will be described later.

The switching circuit 62 supplies image signals from the television cameras CM1 to CMn provided through the monitor control device 7 to the main monitor 12 through the mixing circuit 63. The on / off state of the switching circuit 62 is controlled by the image control circuit 61. It is supposed to be.

The mixing circuit 63 includes an image signal supplied from the monitor control device 7 via the switching circuit 62 and an image data M output from the image control circuit 61.
It is provided for mixing D and reproducing the mixed image on the main monitor 12. When the image data MD is output from the image control circuit 61 while the switching circuit 62 is off, the main monitor 12
Only the image data is reproduced.

FIGS. 18 to 21 show the contents of control by the image control circuit 61, which will be described below together with related operations.

That is, as shown in FIG. 18, a step H1 for judging whether the arithmetic processing circuit 60 has detected any of the abnormal states (a) to (o), the detected abnormal states (a) to Step H for determining whether or not (o) has been completed
2. Step H3 for determining whether or not an instruction signal has been input in accordance with the operation of the keyboard 9, Step H4 for determining whether or not the internal timer has timed up, a stop data signal TA and a cancel data signal from the monitor control device 7. C
Step H for determining whether or not A has been fed back
Step 5 is repeated.

The arithmetic processing circuit 60 is in an abnormal state (a) to
When any of (o) is detected, it is determined whether or not the detection abnormal state is the one in which the monitor has been prohibited (step H6). Note that this monitor prohibition setting is registered in advance through the keyboard 9 for the abnormal states, such as the state of occurrence of a special prize, in which the sub-monitors KM1 to KMn, the common monitor KMC, and the main monitor 12 do not need to reproduce an image. It is something to keep.

If the detected abnormal state is the one in which the monitor is prohibited, the process proceeds to step H2. If the monitor is not prohibited, the monitor start instruction signal corresponding to the detected abnormal state is sent. It is determined whether or not the MA has already been output (step H7). If the MA has not been output, the signal output processing routine H8 is executed. If the MA has been output, the process proceeds to step H2.

FIG. 19 shows the signal output processing routine H8.
Is shown, and this will be described below.

That is, in the signal output processing routine H8, it is determined whether or not the detected abnormal state corresponds to (a) to (g) (step J1). α1, identification data β1 specifying that there is a recording command, identification data β of the highest priority code Yh
2. Identification data β3 for identifying the machine number data of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in which an abnormality has occurred (or the machine number data of the adjacent pachinko gaming machine 1 when an abnormality has occurred in the ball rental machine 2), and identifying the content of the abnormal state. A step J2 for generating a monitor start command signal MA comprising identification data β4 of the code to be executed is executed. The monitor start command signal MA is transmitted to the monitor control device 7 through the arithmetic processing circuit 60.

If the detected abnormal state is other than (a) to (g) ("NO" in step J1), the detected abnormal state corresponds to (h) to (k). It is determined whether or not there is (step J3).
The identification data α1, the identification data β1 specifying that there is no recording command, the identification data β2 of the highest priority code Yh, the machine number data of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in which the abnormality has occurred (the ball lending machine 2
In the case where an abnormality has occurred in step J4, a monitor start instruction signal MA including identification data β3 for specifying the machine number data of the adjacent pachinko gaming machine 1) and identification data β4 for a code for specifying the content of the abnormal state is generated (step J4). And sends the monitor start command signal MA to the monitor control device 7.

If “NO” is determined in the step J3,
That is, when the detected abnormal state corresponds to (l) to (o), the identification data α1, the identification data β1 specifying that there is no recording command, and the lowest priority code Yp
Identification data β2, identification data β3 for specifying the machine number data of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in which an abnormality has occurred (or the machine number data of the adjacent pachinko gaming machine 1 when an abnormality has occurred in the ball rental machine 2), A step J5 of generating a monitor start command signal MA including identification data β4 of a code specifying the content is executed, and the monitor start command signal MA is transmitted to the monitor control device 7.

Steps J2, J4, J5 as described above
After the execution, the control signal .DELTA.S comprising the monitor lamp lighting command .DELTA.a is transmitted to the monitor control device 7 through the arithmetic processing circuit 60 (step J6). As a result, in the monitor control device 7, the monitor start command signal M
The image of the specific pachinko gaming machine 1 based on A is monitored as described above, and the monitor lamp 22 of the call lamp unit 3 corresponding to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is made to blink.

Thereafter, it is determined which of the first and second end conditions has been set (step J7,
J8). These termination conditions determine the method of canceling the monitor start command signal MA output as described above, and are registered in advance through the keyboard 9 for each type of the detected abnormal states (a) to (o). It is. Specifically, the first end condition is set when canceling with the monitor end command signal MZ, and the second end condition is set when canceling with the above-described internal timer on the monitor control device 7 side.

If the first termination condition has been set,
The monitor end instruction signal MZ corresponding to the monitor start instruction signal MA output as described above (meaning that the identification data β3 is the same) is stored in the internal memory (not shown) of the monitor itself (step J9). The step J12 of storing the start command signal MA together with the output time data in the internal memory as history data is executed, and FIG.
The process returns to step H2 shown in FIG.

If the second end condition has been set,
A monitor end command signal MZ corresponding to the monitor start command signal MA output as described above (meaning that the identification data β3 is the same) is stored in an internal memory (not shown) of the self (step J10). Set the timer to start the timer operation (step J11),
Thereafter, step J12 is executed, and the process returns to step H2. The timer operation time of the internal timer is set to be equal to the timer operation time of the internal timer on the monitor control device 7 side.

Turning to FIG. 18, detected abnormal state (a)
-(O) is completed ("YES" in step H2)
In step H9, it is determined whether the first end condition has been set (step H9). If "NO", that is, if the second end condition has been set, the process proceeds to step H3.

On the other hand, if the first termination condition has been set, the monitor termination instruction signal MZ stored in the internal memory is read out at step J9 and transmitted to the monitor control device 7, and the monitor lamp is turned off. Command Δb
Is transmitted to the call lamp unit 3 (steps H10 and H11). As a result, the monitor control device 7 terminates the image monitoring of the pachinko gaming machine 1 based on the monitor termination command signal MZ, and sets the monitor lamp 22 of the calling lamp unit 3 corresponding to the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the same. It turns off the light.

After the execution of the step H11, the monitor end command signal MZ stored in the internal memory is cleared (step H12), and thereafter, the process shifts to the step H3.

If a monitor command has been input according to the operation of keyboard 9 ("YES" in step H3),
The process proceeds to a manual operation processing routine H13 shown in FIG. 20, and the routine H13 will be described below.

That is, in FIG. 20, first, the contents of the operation signals input through the keyboard 9 are “recording instruction”, “manual instruction”, “history output instruction”, “end instruction”, and “data output instruction”. Steps P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 for determining which one is performed are sequentially executed.

In this case, the "recording instruction" is issued when a desired zoomed-in image of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is reproduced on the main monitor 12 and the image is recorded by the video tape recorder 8a or 8b. The "manual instruction" is issued when a desired zoomed-in image of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is reproduced on the main monitor 12, and the "history output instruction" is a monitor start instruction signal corresponding to the detection of an abnormal state as described above. This message is issued when the output history of MA is displayed on the main monitor 12, and the "end instruction"
Is a main monitor 12 based on an operation signal from the keyboard 9
The "data output instruction" is issued when the reproduction and display operations of the pachinko gaming machine 1 are ended, and the management data of the pachinko gaming machine 1 displayed on the main monitor is transmitted to the main monitor 12.
This is issued when displaying as a superimposed image on a.

When the content of the operation signal is "recording instruction", the identification data α1, the identification data β1 specifying that there is a recording command, the identification data β2 of the highest priority code Yh, A step P6 of generating a monitor start instruction signal MA including identification data β3 for specifying the unit number data of the designated pachinko gaming machine 1 and identification data β4 of empty data is executed, and the monitor start instruction signal MA is The data is transmitted to the monitor control device 7 through the arithmetic processing circuit 60.

Then, the monitor end command signal MZ corresponding to the monitor start command signal MA output as described above (meaning that the identification data β3 is the same) is stored in the internal memory (step P7), and the monitor start command signal MA is output. And the superimposed image data indicating that the recording operation is currently being performed among the management data related to the pachinko gaming machine 1 specified by The switching circuit 62 is switched to the ON state (steps P8 and P9), and a control signal ΔS including the monitor lamp lighting command Δa is transmitted to the monitor control device 7 through the arithmetic processing circuit 60 (step P10), and thereafter, the process proceeds to step P5 Transition.

As a result, the pachinko gaming machine 1 designated to be recorded by the monitor start command MA and its surroundings in a zoomed-in state are reproduced on the main monitor 12 by the monitor control device 7, and the mixing circuit 63 As a result, the management data relating to the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the superimposed image indicating that the recording operation is currently being performed are reproduced in a mixing state.

When the content of the operation signal is "manual instruction", the identification data α1, the identification data β1 for specifying that there is no recording command, the identification data β2 of the highest priority code Yh, and the designation by the operation signal Monitor start instruction signal MA including identification data β3 for specifying the machine number data of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and empty data identification data β4.
Is executed, and the monitor start command signal MA is transmitted to the monitor control device 7.

Next, the monitor end command signal MZ corresponding to the monitor start command signal MA output as described above (meaning that the identification data β3 is the same) is stored in the internal memory (step P12), and the monitor start command signal MA is output. Is given to the mixing circuit 63 as image data MD among the management data relating to the pachinko gaming machine 1 specified by the above, and the switching circuit 62 is turned on (steps P13 and P14).
A control signal ΔS including the monitor lamp lighting command Δa is transmitted to the monitor control device 7 through the arithmetic processing circuit 60 (Step P15), and thereafter, the process proceeds to Step P5.

As a result, the pachinko gaming machine 1 specified by the monitor start command MA and its surroundings in a zoomed-in state are reproduced on the main monitor 12 by the monitor control device 7 and the mixing circuit 63
As a result, a superimposed image indicating management data relating to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is reproduced in a mixing state.

When the content of the operation signal is "history output instruction", the history data stored in step J12, that is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 or the ball lending machine 2 automatically detects the abnormal state in accordance with the detection of an abnormal state. Read out the monitor start command signal MA and its output time data,
The read data is given to the mixing circuit 63 as decoded image data MD (steps P16 and P1).
7) The switching circuit 62 is turned off (Step P18).

As a result, only the above-mentioned history data is reproduced on the main monitor 12, and the monitor start command signal MA in the history data has the identification data .beta.3 (table) as shown in FIG. No.) and identification data β4 (showing the content of the abnormal state that has occurred) are displayed in a decoded state.

If the content of the operation signal is "end instruction", the monitor end instruction signal MZ stored in step P7 or P12 is read and the monitor control unit 7
And a control signal .DELTA.S comprising a monitor lamp turn-off / light-on command .DELTA.b to the monitor control device 7 (steps P19 and P20), and thereafter, the monitor end command signal MZ in the internal memory is initialized (step P2).
1). Next, the switching circuit 62 is switched to the ON state, and the image data M
The output of D is stopped (steps P22 and P23), and thereafter, the process proceeds to step P5.

As a result, the reproduction operation on the main monitor 12 in response to the "recording instruction", "manual instruction", "history output instruction" and "data output instruction" described later is stopped.

If the content of the operation signal is "data output instruction", whether or not the television camera CMi is in a zoomed-in state, that is, whether or not one pachinko gaming machine 1 is displayed on the main monitor 12 Step P2 for determining
4. Whether or not the television camera CMi is in the zoom-back state, that is,
After executing Step P25 of judging whether or not the group of pachinko gaming machines 1 in the imaging range is displayed, the process shifts to Step H4 shown in FIG.

When the number of the pachinko gaming machines 1 displayed on the main monitor 12 is one (“YE” in step P24).
S)), of the management data relating to the pachinko gaming machine 1, the data designated by operating the keyboard 9 is given to the mixing circuit 63 as image data MD (step P26), and thereafter, the process returns to step H4.

When a group of pachinko gaming machines 1 are displayed on the main monitor 12 (step P2).
("YES" in step 4), the keyboard 9 determines whether there is "designation of the machine number" (step P27), and similarly determines whether there is "designation of the entire data" and "designation of the number of operation". After executing steps P28 and P29, the process returns to step H4.

If there is "designation of the machine number", management data relating to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the machine number designated by the operation of the keyboard 9 is given to the mixing circuit 63 as image data MD (step P30). Thereafter, the process returns to step H4 after executing a data designation processing routine P31 for giving the management data relating to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the machine number re-designated by the keyboard 9 to the mixing circuit 63 as image data MD.

If there is “designation of entire data”,
The total data of the management data relating to the group of pachinko gaming machines 1 displayed on the main monitor 12 (however,
(Set in advance) is given to the mixing circuit 63 as image data MD (step P32), and thereafter, the process returns to step H4.

When the “designation of the number of operating machines” is given, the number (or data indicating the number of machines) of the group of pachinko gaming machines 1 in the operating state, which is displayed on the main monitor 12, is determined. Mixing circuit 63 as image data MD
(Step P33), and thereafter, the process returns to Step H4.

As a result, desired management data relating to one pachinko gaming machine 1 or a group of pachinko gaming machines 1 to be imaged by each television camera CMi can be displayed on the main monitor 12 by manual operation. become.

Referring back to FIG. 18, when the internal timer has expired ("YES" in step H4), monitor end instruction signal MZ stored in step P7 or P12 is read and transmitted to monitor control device 7. And a control signal Δ consisting of a monitor lamp turn-off / turn-on command Δb.
S is transmitted to the monitor control device 7 (steps H14, H1).
5) Thereafter, the monitor end command signal MZ in the internal memory is initialized (Step H16), and Step H1 is executed.
Return to

If the stop data signal TA and the cancel data signal CA are fed back from the monitor control device 7 ("YES" in step H5), the process shifts to the monitor command processing routine H17 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the routine H17 will be described.

In FIG. 21, first, the type of the signal fed back is determined (step Q1,
Q2) If the stop data signal TA is fed back, the monitor end command signal MZ stored in the internal memory in step J9 is cleared (step Q9).
3) It is determined whether or not the abnormal state indicated by the identification data β4 of the stop data signal TA corresponds to the above-described second end condition (step Q4). If "YES" is determined here, the process returns to step H1 shown in FIG. 18 after executing step Q5 for resetting the internal timer, and if "NO" is determined, the process jumps from step Q5 to step H1. Return to

If the cancel data signal CA is fed back ("YES" in step Q2), the cancel contents indicated by the identification data β5 (see FIG. 9) of the signal CA are decoded, and the decoded data is decoded. Is supplied to the mixing circuit 63 as image data MD, and the switching circuit 62 is switched off (steps Q6 and Q7). As a result, only the cancel reason indicated by the cancel data signal CA is displayed on the main monitor 12.

In this case, the feedback cancel data signal CA is stored as history data in the internal memory together with the input time data, and the stored history data is stored as image data in step Q6. The configuration may be such that it is provided to the mixing circuit 63.

Thereafter, the control signal ΔS including the monitor lamp turn-off command Δb is transmitted to the calling lamp unit 3 and the monitor end command signal MZ stored in the internal memory in step J9 is cleared (step Q8,
Q9), identification data β of the cancel data signal CA
It is determined whether the abnormal state indicated by No. 4 corresponds to the above-described second end condition (step Q1).
0). If "YES" is determined here, the process returns to step H1 after executing step Q11 for resetting the internal timer, and if "NO" is determined, the process jumps to step H11 and returns to step H1.

In short, the image control circuit 61 of the centralized management device 4 is such that the arithmetic processing circuit 60 is implemented by the pachinko gaming machine 1
Each time an abnormal state such as (a) to (o) is detected in (and ball lending machine 2), a monitor start instruction signal MA including information capable of specifying the pachinko gaming machine 1 is automatically generated. In addition to transmitting to the monitor control device 7, a monitor start command signal MA including information capable of specifying the desired pachinko gaming machine 1 is generated and transmitted to the monitor control device 7 in accordance with a manual operation of the keyboard 9. When the abnormal state is resolved, a monitor stop command signal MZ is automatically generated and transmitted to the monitor control device 7.

When the monitor control device 7 feeds back the stop data signal TA or the cancel data signal CA, the image control circuit 61 stops transmitting the monitor stop command signal MZ as described above. In particular, when the cancel data signal CA is fed back, the contents of the cancellation are displayed on the main monitor 12.

According to the present embodiment described above, the following operation and effect can be obtained.

That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 or the ball rental machine 2 adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine, an abnormal state (such as an illegal operation using a magnet or an illegal operation performed by opening the front glass door of the pachinko gaming machine 1). 1 is also treated as an abnormal state here), the central control device 4 detects this, and the image control device 61 provided in the central control device 4 Then, a monitor start command signal MA (corresponding to a monitor command in the present invention) including identification data β3 which is device information capable of specifying the pachinko gaming machine 1 is automatically generated and transmitted to the monitor control device 7. Then, the monitor control device 7 operates the television camera CMi corresponding to the pachinko gaming machine 1 specified by the identification data β3 included in the monitor start instruction signal MA, and zooms in on the pachinko gaming machine 1 and its surroundings. An image is taken and reproduced by the sub monitor KMi and the common monitor KMC.

Therefore, when an abnormal state occurs in the pachinko gaming machine 1 or the ball rental machine 2 adjacent thereto, the sub-monitor KMi and the common monitor are displayed in a state where the image of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the surroundings are automatically enlarged. It will be shown on KMC. At this time, a superimposed image indicating the content of the abnormal state that caused the monitor start command signal MA is automatically displayed on the monitor KMC. When an abnormal state occurs in the ball lending machine 1 or the ball rental machine 2 adjacent thereto, the contents of the abnormal state can be promptly and reliably confirmed.

The image reproducing operation according to the generation of the monitor start command signal MA is performed by the priority data (identification data β2) included in the newly generated monitor start command signal MA.
Is performed only when the data is equal to or higher than the priority data included in the already-monitored monitor start command signal MA, so that the image corresponding to the abnormal state can be monitored preferentially. Even if the response to the abnormal state requires urgency, there is no risk of causing trouble.

At this time, the pachinko gaming machine 1 specified by the ignored monitor start command signal MA
And the peripheral image cannot be reproduced, but since the image of the entire group including the pachinko gaming machine 1 is reproduced through the television camera CFi having a fixed focal length, abnormalities occur in the plurality of pachinko gaming machines 1 belonging to the same group. Even when the states occur continuously, the contents of those abnormal states can be confirmed to some extent effectively.

Further, since a total of two TV cameras CMi and CFi are arranged on each side of a group of a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 1, an effect of deterring fraud is provided by such an arrangement. In this case, one of the television cameras CFi has a fixed focal length, so that an expensive electric pan head and zooming mechanism can be dispensed with, and the cost can be reduced.

The monitor start command signal MA can also be generated by a manual operation through the image control circuit 61 provided in the central control device 4, and in this case, the monitor control device 7 The pachinko gaming machine 1 specified by the identification data β3 included in the monitor start command signal MA and its surroundings are imaged in a zoomed-in state, and are reproduced by the main monitor 12 provided in association with the central management device 4. Become. At this time, a superimposed image indicating management data relating to the pachinko gaming machine 1 specified by the monitor start instruction signal MA is automatically displayed on the main monitor 12, so that a desired pachinko gaming machine is provided. 1 and its enlarged image and the management data of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be confirmed on the same main monitor 12,
The management of the pachinko gaming machine 1 through the monitor image can be performed easily and accurately.

[0238] The call lamp unit 3 of each pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with a monitor lamp 22 facing the imaging range of the television camera CMi. The pachinko gaming machine 1 to be monitored based on the monitor start command signal MA can be specified very easily based on the blinking state of the monitor lamp 22 displayed in the monitor image. As a result, there is no possibility that the pachinko gaming machine 1 to be monitored is erroneously recognized.

In the above embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 1 and the ball lending machine 2 have been described as terminal devices to be monitored. However, gaming machines such as slot machines and prize exchange counters in pachinko halls are provided. A pachinko ball counter or the like may be used as a terminal device to be monitored.

[0240]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, in a monitoring system provided in a game arcade equipped with a large number of terminal devices including a game machine, a response to the occurrence of an abnormal state in a terminal device is provided. As a result, the imaging means corresponding to the terminal device is automatically operated, and the terminal device and its peripheral images can be monitored in an enlarged state. First imaging means for monitoring terminal devices belonging to the plurality of terminal device groups and peripheral images in an enlarged state in correspondence with the plurality of terminal device groups; and Since the second imaging means having a fixed focal length capable of imaging the entire device group is provided respectively, when an abnormal state occurs simultaneously in a plurality of terminal devices in a state where cost is suppressed, With a content confirmation of an abnormal state obtained somewhat effectively conducted, it is possible to obtain the excellent effect that to obtain working to improve the effect of suppressing cheating.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a substantial diagram schematically showing the entire configuration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a call lamp unit.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a call lamp unit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a function of a call lamp unit;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a function of a call lamp unit;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a function of a call lamp unit;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a function of a call lamp unit;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a function of a call lamp unit, part 5

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the contents of signals transmitted and received between the central control device and the monitor control device.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of a television camera driving circuit.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the control contents of a control circuit in the television camera drive circuit.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the monitor control device.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a function of the monitor control device (1);

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a function of the monitor control device, part 2

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining a function of the monitor control device, Part 3

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining a function of the monitor control device;

FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram schematically showing an electrical configuration of a centralized management device.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining a function of the centralized management device, part 1

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining a function of the central management device, part 2

FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the function of the centralized management device, part 3

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining a function of the centralized management apparatus, part 4

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a display example of a main monitor.

[Explanation of symbols]

In the figure, 1 is a pachinko gaming machine (terminal device), 2 is a ball rental machine (terminal device), 3 is a call lamp unit, 4 is a centralized management device, 7 is a monitor control device (imaging means control device), 8
a and 8b are video tape recorders, 9 is a keyboard, 1
2 is a main monitor (monitor device), 22 is a monitor lamp, 25 is a control unit, 48 is a data transmission circuit, 49 is a data reception circuit, 56 is a control circuit, 57 is an image mixing circuit, 58 is a signal switching circuit, and 59 is a signal switching circuit. An operation unit, 60 is an arithmetic processing circuit, 61 is an image control circuit (control means), 62 is a switching circuit, 63 is a mixing circuit, and CM1 to CMn.
Is a television camera (first imaging unit), CF1 to CFn are television cameras (second imaging unit), KM1 to KMn are sub monitors (monitor devices), KF1 to KFn are sub monitors (monitor devices), and KMC is a common monitor ( Monitor device)
Is shown.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-2-26583 (JP, A) JP-A-63-5775 (JP, A) JP-A 4-176484 (JP, A) JP-A 63-775 19993 (JP, A) JP-A-61-154290 (JP, A) JP-A-2-76388 (JP, A) JP-A-63-179689 (JP, A) JP-A-2-279873 (JP, A) JP-A-60-93589 (JP, A) JP-A-62-127182 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A63F 7/02 G08B 13/00-21/24 H04N 7/18

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A game arcade provided with a plurality of terminal devices including a gaming machine and a centralized management device for detecting an abnormal state of each terminal device based on signals from these terminal devices. And one to one for each of a plurality of terminal device groups each including a plurality of units.
A first imaging unit which is installed so as to be able to image the whole of the terminal device group and is configured to be able to take an image of an arbitrary terminal device belonging to the corresponding group and its periphery in a zoomed-in state as necessary. A second imaging unit having a fixed focal length, which is provided to correspond to each of the plurality of terminal device groups on a one-to-one basis and can capture an image of the entire terminal device group; Control means for automatically generating, when detecting an abnormal state in the terminal device, a monitor instruction including device information capable of specifying the terminal device and priority data according to the content of the detected abnormal state; and While transmitting the image signal by the imaging means,
When a monitor command is issued from the control unit, the first imaging unit corresponding to the terminal device specified by the device information included in the monitor command is operated to image the terminal device and its surroundings in a zoomed-in state. An imaging means control device for transmitting an image signal corresponding to the imaging, and a monitor device for reproducing the image signal from the imaging means control device, wherein the imaging means control device responds to the monitor command. Each time a new monitor command is issued from the control unit during the operation control of the first imaging unit,
Only when the priority data included in the new monitor instruction is equal to or greater than the priority data included in the existing monitor instruction, the operation control of the first imaging unit according to the new monitor instruction is performed. A monitoring system for a game arcade, comprising: