JP3792185B2 - Game information management system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a game information management system in which game-related information generated in connection with a game is collected by a base terminal device, relayed by a relay terminal device, and centrally managed by a game information management device. The present invention relates to a game information management system that can easily monitor the communication status between an information management device and a terminal device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a game information management system that collects game-related information generated in connection with games on a game machine such as a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine and centrally manages it in a game information management device. In this game information management system, for the purpose of reducing the processing burden of the game information management device, a plurality of relay terminal devices that are communicably connected to the game information management device and a plurality of relay terminal devices that are communicably connected to each relay terminal device The terminal device is provided. In this game information management system, game-related information generated from each gaming machine is collected and output externally by a terminal device connected so as to be communicable with the gaming machine, and the game is output externally from the terminal device. Related information is collected and output externally by a relay terminal device that is communicably connected to the base terminal device, and game-related information externally output from the relay terminal device is communicably connected to the relay terminal device. Collected and centrally managed by the game information management device.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the gaming information management system, it is possible to check whether each terminal device is online or offline in the gaming information management device, but in the offline state, the cause is in the relay terminal device It is not possible to confirm whether the game terminal is in the terminal device, and even if it is online, the game management device cannot collect game-related information, or the collected game-related information is out of order. In some cases, in order to identify where the cause is, it is necessary to check the corresponding relay terminal device and the base terminal device connected to the relay terminal device.
[0004]
The present invention has been made based on such a background, and the purpose of the present invention is to easily monitor the communication status between the game information management device and the base terminal device, and when various troubles occur. An object of the present invention is to provide a game information management system capable of easily performing confirmation accompanying maintenance and inspection.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention adopts the following means in order to solve the above problems.
[0006]
First, the invention according to claim 1 collects game-related information generated in relation to a game in a game machine, and outputs the collected game-related information to the outside, and communicates with a plurality of the terminal devices The game-related information that is externally output from each terminal device and is connected to the relay terminal device that externally outputs the collected game-related information, and is connected to be able to communicate with the plurality of relay terminal devices. A game information management system that centrally manages the game-related information by collecting the game-related information output externally from each relay terminal device, and capable of communicating with the plurality of relay terminal devices A communication status monitoring device connected to the relay terminal device, wherein each of the relay terminal devices includes a communication status with each of the terminal device provided below the relay terminal device. Communication status information including communication status information and communication status with the game information management device provided above each relay terminal device is transmitted to the communication status monitoring device, and the communication status monitoring device Display control means for performing control for displaying the communication status with the plurality of terminal devices and the communication status with the game information management device in each relay terminal device based on the communication status information transmitted from the terminal device It is a game information management system characterized by including.
[0007]
The invention according to claim 2 is the gaming information management system according to claim 1, wherein the communication status monitoring device further includes connection switching means for switching connection with each relay terminal device, The display control means is a game information management system that performs control for displaying the communication status in the relay terminal device connected by the connection switching means.
[0008]
The invention according to claim 3 is the gaming information management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display control means is configured to transmit the communication status information based on the communication status information transmitted from the relay terminal device. It is a game information management system characterized by performing control for displaying a status message corresponding to a communication status included in.
[0009]
The invention according to claim 4 is the game information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the relay terminal device communicates with the game information management device and each terminal device. The error information that can identify the error content that occurs is transmitted to the communication status monitoring device, and the display control means generates an error code corresponding to the error content based on the error information transmitted from the relay terminal device. It is a game information management system characterized by performing control for display.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the game information management system 1 according to the present invention collects game-related information generated in relation to a game in a pachinko machine P that is a game machine at a P-con 10 that is a machine terminal device. The relay computer 20 that is a relay terminal device relays and is centrally managed by the counter computer 30 that is a game information management device. In particular, each relay that is interposed between each P-con 10 and the counter computer 30. By connecting a communication status monitoring device 40 to the computer 20, the communication status between the counter computer 30 and the P computer 10 can be easily monitored.
[0011]
Here, the pachinko machine P and the ball rental unit U provided corresponding to the pachinko machine P can be identified by a machine number that can identify the pachinko machine P, and a predetermined number of game islands 2 are provided in the game hall. Are provided at predetermined positions. The P-con 10 can be identified by a P-con number that can identify the P-con 10 and communicates with a plurality of game consoles, safes, counters, or vending machines (hereinafter referred to as “connection target devices”). The game island 2 is connected to the game island 2 at a predetermined position. The P-con 10 has a plurality of connection terminals (here, four connection terminals A, B, C, and D) that can be connected to a plurality of connection target devices.
[0012]
Further, the relay computer 20 can be identified by a relay controller number that can identify the relay computer 20, and is connected to a plurality of P controllers 10 so as to be able to communicate with each other at a predetermined location (for example, a management office) in the game hall. Is provided. The counter computer 30 is communicably connected to the plurality of relay computers 20 and is provided at a predetermined location (for example, a management office) in the game hall. Further, the communication status monitoring device 40 is also connected to the plurality of relay computers 20 so as to be communicable, and is provided at a predetermined location (for example, a management office) in the game hall.
[0013]
Up to 10 relay computers 20 can be connected to one counter computer 30, and up to 44 P computers 10 can be connected to one relay computer 20, and one P computer 10 can be connected. Up to four devices to be connected can be connected to 10. A maximum of four relay computers 20 can be connected to one communication status monitoring device 40.
[0014]
In the example shown in FIG. 1, eight pachinko machines P and balls from the left end to the right end (for example, the unit numbers are 1 to 10 (however, the 4th and 9th are missing)) on the game island 2. A lending unit U is provided, and two P-cons 10 (for example, P-con numbers 0101 and 0102) are provided, and each pachinko machine P and ball lending unit U has a machine number. Every four units are connected to each connection terminal A, B, C, D of each P-con 10 in order of youngness.
[0015]
In the amusement hall, four relay computers 20 having relay console numbers 1 to 4 are provided. For example, two P computers 10 having P console numbers 0101 and 0102 are relay relay computers 20. It is connected to the relay computer 20 having the number 1. Further, in the amusement hall, one counter computer 30 and one communication status monitoring device 40 are provided, and the four relay computers 20 with relay controller numbers 1 to 4 are connected to the counter computer 30 and the communication. It is connected to the status monitoring device 40. The P computer 10, the relay computer 20, the counter computer 30, and the communication status monitoring device 40 operate based on a program having the same version number (version), and do not operate on a program having a different version number, resulting in an error.
[0016]
Hereinafter, each component shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The pachinko machine P is an example of a game machine, and a game is performed by driving a pachinko ball, which is a game medium, into the game area. The game area includes a start prize opening, a big prize prize opening, a general prize opening, etc. There are provided a plurality of winning openings, a variable display device capable of variably displaying symbols as a plurality of types of identification information, and the like. From the pachinko machine P, various signals described below are output as game-related information.
[0017]
First, when a pachinko ball (hereinafter referred to as a “ball-in ball”) used in the game after being placed in the game area wins the start winning opening, the variable display of the variable display device is started and a predetermined time has elapsed. The variable display stops, and a one-pulse start signal is output as information that can specify the stop of the variable display.
[0018]
When the display result of the variable display device is in a predetermined mode, a gaming state advantageous to the player (so-called special prize = big hit) occurs, and the closed big prize opening is opened. As a result, the hit ball can be awarded to the special winning opening, and a continuous special award signal is output from the occurrence to the end of the special award as information that can specify the occurrence of the special award.
[0019]
In addition, when the display result of the variable display device is in a predetermined predetermined mode, a probability fluctuation state in which the occurrence probability of the special prize fluctuates from a normal probability to a high probability (hereinafter simply referred to as “probability change”). As a result, a continuous probability variation signal is output from the occurrence of the probability variation to the end as information that can identify the occurrence of the probability variation. This change in probability includes the occurrence of the first special prize, for example, when a total of two special prizes are generated and ends with returning to the normal probability, and when the second special prize is in the special predetermined mode. The probability change continues (so-called continuous change).
[0020]
In addition, the hit ball that won a prize in each winning slot and the hit ball that did not win any prize slot are led to an out tank provided behind the pachinko machine P, and a shot attached to the out tank. The number of shot balls is counted by the ball counter, and an out ball signal of one pulse is output every time ten pachinko balls are counted as information that can specify the number of shot balls. In addition, when a pachinko ball is replenished from the replenishment basket to the pachinko machine P, the number of replenishment balls is counted by a replenishment ball counter laid on the replenishment basket, and information that can specify the number of replenishment balls Each time ten pachinko balls are counted, one pulse of safe ball signal is output. The pachinko balls owned by the player as a result of the game are counted by a counter (not shown) provided at the end or the center of the game island 2.
[0021]
Here, the game table is not limited to the pachinko machine P, and a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information becomes possible by using a valuable value (for example, medal) owned by the player as a bet number. In addition, the first special game state (a game state advantageous to the player when one game is completed and a predetermined condition is satisfied when the display result of the variable display device is derived and displayed) It may be a pachislot base where a so-called big bonus) and a second special gaming state (so-called regular bonus) that is a gaming state advantageous to the player different from the first special gaming state. From this pachi-slot base, as game related information, a start signal that can specify the number of games, a special signal that can specify the occurrence of the big bonus, a REG bonus signal that can specify the occurrence of the regular bonus, Probability signals that can identify the occurrence of gaming conditions that are advantageous to players other than big bonuses and regular bonuses (for example, assist times and probability fluctuation states in which the probability of occurrence of special gaming conditions varies from normal probability to high probability) and use An out ball signal that can specify the number of medals awarded and a safe ball signal that can specify the number of medals paid out are output.
[0022]
The ball lending unit U is provided corresponding to the pachinko machine P (here, adjacent to the left side of the pachinko machine P), and is connected to the same connection terminal as the pachinko machine P. The ball lending unit U accepts money (for example, 100 yen coin, 500 yen coin, or 1000 yen bill), identifies the received money, and receives a pachinko ball corresponding to the identified money amount. It is a thing (so-called cash unit) which is paid out and lent out from a ball payout device provided inside U. The ball lending unit U outputs a cash sales signal that can specify the amount of money used for lending when a pachinko ball is lent as game-related information. The money received by the ball lending unit U is collected and stored in a safe (not shown) provided inside the amusement island 2.
[0023]
The ball lending unit U accepts a recording medium (for example, a prepaid card) on which information capable of specifying the magnitude of the valuable value for gaming (for example, the remaining number) is recorded and records the received recording medium. The pachinko ball corresponding to the predetermined value of the game value within the range of the value of the game value specified from the read record information is read between the pachinko ball and the pachinko ball P. It is also possible to use a so-called CR unit that pays out and lends from a ball dispensing device provided inside the pachinko machine P by exchanging signals related to lending. The ball lending unit U outputs a CR sales signal that can specify the magnitude of the game value used for lending when a pachinko ball is lent as game-related information. The prepaid card used in the ball lending unit U is sold by a vending machine (not shown) provided at the end or the center of the game island 2.
[0024]
When the gaming table is a pachislot table instead of the pachinko table P, a medal lending unit is provided instead of the ball lending unit U corresponding to the pachislot table, and from this medal lending unit, as game related information, When a medal is lent out, the cash sales information or the CR sales information is output.
[0025]
A safe (not shown) is for collecting and storing money accepted by the ball lending unit U which is the cash unit. From the safe, a safe sales signal or the like that can specify the collected money amount is output as game-related information. A counter (not shown) is for counting game media (pachinko balls and medals) owned by the player. From this counter, a count value signal or the like that can specify the counted number of game media is output as game-related information. Further, a vending machine (not shown) is for selling a recording medium (that is, a prepaid card) used in the ball lending unit U which is the CR unit. From this vending machine, a vending machine sales signal or the like that can specify the sales amount of the recording medium is output as game-related information.
[0026]
The P-con 10 is an example of a terminal device, and collects the game-related information from a gaming machine, safe, counter, or vending machine that is a connection target device, and outputs the collected game-related information to the outside ( Here, it is transmitted to the relay computer 20). The P-con 10 includes a LON (Local Operetion Network) board, and is connected to the relay computer 20 through a LON line via a cable. The P-con 10 controls the opening of the pachinko machine P, the supply of pachinko balls to the pachinko machine P, and the like.
[0027]
The relay computer 20 is an example of a relay terminal device. The relay computer 20 is communicably connected to a plurality of P-cons 10, collects game-related information output from each P-con 10, and collects the collected game-related information externally. This is output (sent to the counter computer 30 here). Further, the relay computer 20 includes communication status information including communication status with each P computer 10 (hereinafter also referred to as “P computer 10 under the relay computer 20”) provided below the relay computer 20, and the relay computer. The communication status information including the communication status with the counter computer 30 provided at the upper level of 20 is transmitted to the communication status monitoring device 40 described later. Further, the relay computer 20 transmits error information that can specify the error content that occurs in communication with the counter computer 30 and each P-con 10 to the communication status monitoring device 40. The relay computer 20 includes an LON board having two connection ports, and is connected to the P-con 10 via a LON line via a cable. The relay computer 20 includes a LAN (Local Area Network) board, and is connected to the counter computer 30 and the communication status monitoring device 40 via a LAN so as to communicate with each other.
[0028]
The counter computer 30 is an example of a game information management device, and is communicably connected to a plurality of relay computers 20 (here, four relay computers 20 from No. 1 to No. 4), and is output from each relay computer 20 to the outside. The game related information is centrally managed by collecting the game related information. The counter computer 30 includes a LAN board and is communicably connected to the relay computer 20 via a LAN line via a cable.
[0029]
The game related information centrally managed by the counter computer 30 is, for example, as follows. First, as game-related information based on signals output from the pachinko machine P or the ball lending unit U, the number of safe balls in which the number of safe ball signals received is counted, and the number of out balls in which the number of received out ball signals is counted. And the number of difference balls calculated by the formula of the number of out balls-the number of safe balls, the number of balls that are calculated by the formula of (number of safe balls / number of out balls) x 100, and the number of start signals received The number of start points, the number of special prizes that count the number of received special signals, the number of time of probability variation that counts the number of received probability variation signals, the number of safe balls during normal probabilities except during special awards and high probabilities ÷ The base calculated by the formula of the number of out balls during the normal probability excluding the high probability x 100 (that is, the rate of out balls of the special prize which is the number of balls paid out per minute during the normal probability excluding the high probability and the high probability) , (Start count-high probability Start number) ÷ (number of out balls−out number of balls in special award−number of out balls in high probability) × 100 average S (that is, 1 in normal probability excluding special and high probability) (Number of start per minute), average TS calculated by the formula of start count ÷ number of special prizes (that is, average of the number of start required for the occurrence of special prizes), (number of safe balls in special prize-out balls in special prize) Number) divided by the number of special prizes (ie, the average number of balls paid out per special prize), the sales amount calculated based on the receipt of cash sales signals or CR sales signals, etc. It is managed for each table P, for each model of pachinko machine P, or for each amusement island 2.
[0030]
Further, as the game related information based on the signal output from the safe, the collected money amount calculated based on the reception of the safe sales signal is managed, and the game related information is based on the signal output from the counter. The number of game media counted and the like calculated based on the count value signal is managed, and the game related information based on the signal output from the vending machine is calculated based on the reception of the vending machine sales signal The sales amount of the recording medium is managed.
[0031]
The communication status monitoring device 40 is communicably connected to a plurality of relay computers 20 and is for monitoring the communication status with the plurality of P computers 10 and the communication status with the counter computer 30 in each relay computer 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the communication status monitoring device 40 has a rectangular casing, and includes a communication unit 41 and a control unit 42 therein, and a display 43 and a changeover switch 45 on the top surface thereof. And a connector 44a to which a connection port 41a to 41d and an input device 44 (not shown) are connected are provided on the back thereof, and these devices are connected as shown in FIG.
[0032]
The communication unit 41 is a LAN board that is communicably connected to the relay computer 20 via a cable via a LAN line and manages communication between the communication status monitoring device 40 and the relay computer 20. The communication unit 41 includes the connection ports 41a to 41d. The first relay computer 20 is connected to the connection port 41a, and the second relay computer 20 is connected to the connection port 41b. No. 3 relay computer 20 is connected to 41c, and No. 4 relay computer 20 is connected to connection port 41d. Thereby, as described above, the communication status information and the error information are transmitted from the relay computer 20 to the communication status monitoring device 40.
[0033]
The control unit 42 is a computer including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and a processing program stored in the ROM is executed by the CPU using the RAM as a work area, thereby controlling the communication status monitoring device 40 and performing various processes. The processing is performed. In this ROM, a status message corresponding to the communication status included in the communication status information (see FIGS. 3 to 6) and an error code corresponding to the error content specified from the error information (see FIG. 7). Is remembered.
[0034]
The control unit 42 functions as a display control unit that controls display contents displayed on the display 43. When the control unit 42 functions as display control means, based on the communication status information transmitted from each relay computer 20, the communication status with the plurality of P computers 10 in each relay computer 20 and the counter computer 30. Control for displaying the communication status is performed, and control for displaying a status message corresponding to the communication status included in the communication status information is performed based on the communication status information transmitted from the relay computer 20. Further, based on the error information transmitted from the relay computer 20, control for displaying an error code corresponding to the error content specified from the error information is performed.
[0035]
The display 43 is for displaying various information, and is a liquid crystal display, for example. The input device 44 is for receiving various inputs, and is, for example, a keyboard and a mouse.
[0036]
The changeover switch 45 is an example of a connection changeover unit, and is used to change the connection between the communication status monitoring device 40 and each relay computer 20. The change-over switch 45 is configured so that the connection with each relay computer 20 is switched by rotating in a horizontal plane and being set at a desired position. Specifically, the change-over switch 45 is set at the position # 1. Is connected to the No. 1 relay computer 20, connected to the No. 2 relay computer 20 when set at the position # 2, and connected to the No. 3 relay computer 20 when set at the position # 3. , # 4, the fourth relay computer 20 is connected.
[0037]
The communication status of the relay computer 20 connected by the changeover switch 45 is displayed on the display 43 under the control of the control unit 42 functioning as display control means. Thus, according to the game information management system 1 according to the present invention, only the communication status of the relay computer 20 connected by the changeover switch 45 is displayed, and the communication status of the other relay computers 20 is not displayed. Easy to monitor the situation.
[0038]
Hereinafter, the display content of the display 43 in the communication status monitoring device 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following, an example in which the changeover switch 45 is set at the position # 1 and connected to the first relay computer 20 corresponding to the set position will be described. In each drawing, game-related information is abbreviated as data, the relay computer 20 is abbreviated as a relay computer, and the counter computer 30 is abbreviated as a counter computer.
[0039]
First, when the power of the communication status monitoring device 40 is turned on, a program is started, and a startup preparation not-shown screen (not shown) is displayed on the display 43 under the control of the control unit 42 functioning as display control means. When the initialization process inside the computer 20 and the initialization process of the LAN line) are completed, a communication status monitoring screen shown in FIG.
[0040]
In this communication status monitoring screen, a “communication status monitoring screen”, a “relay control number” display area, and a “same IP address” display area are displayed in the upper left part of the screen. The display area for "Date", "Status display", and the display area for "Connection status" are displayed. The "Communication status" display area is displayed at the center of the screen, and various operation buttons are displayed at the bottom of the screen. .
[0041]
Here, the relay controller number of the connected relay computer 20 is displayed in the “relay controller number” display area. In the “same IP address” display area, an IP address preset for the connected relay computer 20 is displayed. In the “status display” display area, the status of the connected relay computer 20 is displayed. Specifically, in the status until the business start request is received from the counter computer 30, “before business”, the counter “In business” after receiving a business start request from the computer 30 until receiving a business end request, and after receiving a business end request from the counter computer 30 until receiving a business end request “End of business”, “end of business” is displayed in the state after receiving the business end request from the counter computer 30 until the program is terminated, and “off-line operation” is displayed in a state in which the counter computer 30 cannot be linked. In the “connection state” display area, the connection state between the connected relay computer 20 and the counter computer 30 is displayed. Specifically, in the state where the counter computer 30 is connected, “connected” is displayed. In a state where the counter computer 30 is not connected for some reason, “not connected” is displayed.
[0042]
Next, in the display area of “communication status”, a plurality of information in the relay computer 20 is displayed based on the communication status information transmitted from the connected relay computer 20 under the control of the control unit 42 functioning as display control means. As the communication status with the P computer 10 and the communication status with the counter computer 30, the "time" when the relay computer 20 performed communication processing, the "terminal name" with which the relay computer 20 performed communication processing, and the communication status “Status messages” corresponding to are displayed in time series.
[0043]
Here, the status message shown in FIG. 3 is displayed in a communication status in which no trouble has occurred. In the communication status in which various troubles have occurred, the status message and diagrams shown in FIGS. 7 is displayed. Note that the “constant” shown in FIG. 3 is a business constant, a constant constant, or a conversion ratio between the pulse signal and the value indicated by the pulse signal (for example, 10 out pulses or 1 pulse in the safe ball signal, Cash sales signal, CR sales signal, safe sales signal, and vending machine sales signal are 100 yen and 1 pulse). Further, “business constants” shown in Nos. 4 and 5 of FIGS. 3 and 4 are business-related constants such as the exchange rate of pachinko balls and special prizes, business hours, and the like. Further, “installation constants” shown in Nos. 2 and 3 in FIG. 4 are replacement information, model name, number of units, unit number, etc. of the pachinko machine P.
[0044]
These status messages correspond to the communication status included in the communication status information based on the communication status information transmitted from the connected relay computer 20 under the control of the control unit 42 functioning as display control means. The status message is read from the ROM of the control unit 42 and displayed on the display 43. Similarly, the error code corresponds to the error content specified from the error information based on the error information transmitted from the connected relay computer 20 under the control of the control unit 42 functioning as display control means. The error code is read from the ROM of the control unit 42 and displayed on the display 43.
[0045]
As described above, according to the gaming information management system 1 according to the present invention, the status message corresponding to the communication status is displayed, and the communication status can be easily grasped when performing maintenance and inspection when various troubles occur. Therefore, it is easy to deal with the trouble. Further, according to the game information management system 1 according to the present invention, an error code corresponding to the error content is displayed, and the error content can be easily grasped when performing maintenance or inspection when various troubles occur. Easy to deal with trouble.
[0046]
When various operation buttons displayed at the bottom of the screen shown in FIG. 3 are operated by operating the input device 44, the following processing is performed. That is, when the “line disconnect” button is operated, the line between the connected relay computer 20 and the counter computer 30 is disconnected. After this disconnection, the relay computer 20 and the counter computer 30 shift to the offline operation mode, and no connection request is made to the counter computer 30 until a “line reconnect” button described below is operated. This function is used when the power supply of the counter computer 30 is turned off for some reason during the operation, when the power supply of the HUB (not shown) interposed between the relay computer 20 and the counter computer 30 is turned off, and the relay computer 20 This function is intended to prevent the processing of the relay computer 20 from being affected when the cable between the computer and the counter computer 30 is disconnected. Accordingly, when the power of the counter computer 30 is inevitably turned off during operation, such as disk replacement of the counter computer 30, it is necessary to turn off the power of the counter computer 30 after performing this operation.
[0047]
When the “line reconnect” button is operated, the connection request is resumed to the counter computer 30 that has been disconnected by the operation of the “line disconnect” button, and the relay computer 20 and the counter computer 30 are connected. Reconnect the line. This operation needs to be performed after confirming whether the counter computer 30 is turned on, the HUB is turned on, and the cable is not disconnected. This operation is not accepted until the message “Counter computer is disconnected” is displayed on the display 43 after the operation of the “line disconnect” button.
[0048]
When the “Previous screen” button is operated, the display area of the “Communication status” transitions to the screen of the previous page, and when the “Next screen” button is operated, the “Communication status” The display area changes to the screen of the next page. Further, when the “P-con status display” button is operated, a P-con status display screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display 43 under the control of the control unit 42 functioning as a display control means.
[0049]
In this P-con status display screen, a display area of “P-con status display screen” and “P-connector number” is displayed in the upper left part of the screen, and “Date” is displayed in the upper right part of the screen. A display area of “P control state” is displayed at the center of the screen, and various operation buttons are displayed at the bottom of the screen.
[0050]
Here, the number of P-cons 10 connected to the relay computer 20 is displayed in the display area of “the number of connected P-cons”. In the display area of “P control state”, a plurality of relay computers 20 in the relay computer 20 are controlled based on the communication status information transmitted from the connected relay computer 20 under the control of the control unit 42 functioning as display control means. As the status of the communication status with the P-con 10, the “P-con number” of the P-con 10, the “state” of the P-con 10, and the “connected device information” connected to the P-con 10 are Displayed for a plurality of P-cons 10 connected to the relay computer 20.
[0051]
In the “status” column, the status is “connected” when the relay computer 20 and the P-con 10 are connected and a response is detected, and the P-con number not specified by the counter computer 30 Is “unauthorized”, “no connection” when there is no P computer number designated by the counter computer 30, “duplicate” when the same P computer number exists under the relay computer 20, “No response” is displayed when there is no response from the computer, and “abnormal version number” is displayed when the program version of the relay computer 20 and the program version of the P-con 10 are different.
[0052]
In the “connected device information” column, the number and type of the connection target device (game table, safe, counter, or vending machine) connected to the P-con 10 are displayed. When the target device is a game machine (pachinko machine P or pachislot machine) (play), when the connection target device is a safe (gold), when the connection target device is a counter ( Total), and (sales) when the connection target device is a vending machine.
[0053]
When various operation buttons displayed at the bottom of the screen shown in FIG. 8 are operated by operating the input device 44, the following processing is performed. That is, when the “redisplay” button is operated, the message “redisplaying” is displayed on the display 43, and then the latest P-con state is displayed. When the “Previous screen” button is operated, the display area of the “P-con state” transitions to the previous page screen, and when the “Next screen” button is operated, the “P-con state” "" Transitions to the screen of the next page. Further, when the “Communication Status Monitoring” button is operated, the communication status monitoring screen shown in FIG.
[0054]
As described above, according to the game information management system 1 according to the present invention, the communication status monitoring device 40 is connected to each relay computer 20 interposed between each P-con 10 and the counter computer 30. Since the status of communication with all P computers 10 in each relay computer 20 and the status of communication with the counter computer 30 are displayed, the communication status can be easily monitored, and accordingly, maintenance and inspection when various troubles occur. Confirmation associated with can be easily performed.
[0055]
The invention according to the claims of the present application will be described in association with the embodiment described above.
[0056]
First, the invention according to claim 1 collects game-related information generated in relation to a game in a game machine (pachinko machine P), and outputs the collected game-related information to an external device (Pcon 10). And a relay terminal device (relay computer 20) that is communicably connected to the plurality of terminal devices and collects the game related information output from each of the terminal devices and outputs the collected game related information to the outside. ) And a plurality of relay terminal devices that are communicably connected to each other and collect the game related information output from each relay terminal device, thereby centrally managing the game related information (counter computer 30) And a communication status monitoring device (40) communicatively connected to the plurality of relay terminal devices. Each of the relay terminal devices includes communication status information including a communication status with each of the terminal devices provided in the lower level of each of the relay terminal devices, and the game information management provided in the higher level of each of the relay terminal devices. The communication status information including the communication status with the device is transmitted to the communication status monitoring device, and the communication status monitoring device is based on the communication status information transmitted from each of the relay terminal devices. A game information management system comprising display control means (control unit) for performing control for displaying a communication status with the plurality of terminal devices and a communication status with the game information management device.
[0057]
The invention according to claim 2 is the gaming information management system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the communication status monitoring device (40) is connected to each relay terminal device (relay computer 20). It further includes connection switching means (switch 45) for switching, and the display control means (control unit 42) performs control for displaying the communication status in the relay terminal device connected by the connection switching means. This is a game information management system characterized by the above.
[0058]
The invention according to claim 3 is the gaming information management system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display control means (control unit 42) transmits from the relay terminal device (relay computer 20). The game information management system is characterized in that, based on the transmitted communication status information, control for displaying a status message corresponding to the communication status included in the communication status information is performed.
[0059]
Furthermore, the invention according to claim 4 is the game information management system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the relay terminal device (relay computer 20) includes the game information management device ( Error information that can specify the content of an error that occurs in communication with the counter computer 30) and each terminal device (P-con 10) is transmitted to the communication status monitoring device (40), and the display control means (control unit 42). ) Is a game information management system that performs control for displaying an error code corresponding to the error content based on the error information transmitted from the relay terminal device.
[0060]
Finally, a modification of the present invention will be described.
[0061]
In the above embodiment, between each terminal device (P-con 10) and the relay terminal device (relay computer 20), between each relay terminal device and the game information management device (counter computer 30), and each relay terminal The example in which the device and the communication status monitoring device 40 are connected via a cable so as to be communicable with each other has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and all or part of them is wireless (for example, wireless LAN) It may be connected so that communication is possible.
[0062]
In the above embodiment, an example in which four connection target devices (game table, safe, counter, or vending machine) are connected to the terminal device (P-con 10) is not limited to this, The number of connection target devices connected to the terminal device may be one, or may be two or more.
[0063]
In the above embodiment, an example in which the game information management device (counter computer 30) is configured as a single device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the counter computer 30 is installed, for example, at a prize counter in a game hall. A counter computer and a management computer installed in a game office management office or the like may be configured by a plurality of devices in which each function is distributed.
[0064]
In the above embodiment, an example in which the display 43 for displaying various information and the input device 44 for receiving various inputs are configured as separate devices has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, various types of information are displayed. It may be configured by a touch panel display that accepts various inputs.
[0065]
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the status message and the error code are stored in the ROM provided in the control unit 42 of the communication status monitoring device 40 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the status message and the error code are relayed. It may be stored in the terminal device (relay computer 20). In this case, the status message and the error code itself are transmitted from the relay terminal device, and the transmitted status message or error code is transmitted from the communication status monitoring device 40. An error code is displayed.
[0066]
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the number and type of the connection target device are simply displayed in the “connected device information” field on the P-con status display screen illustrated in FIG. 8 is described. The number of pulses of game-related information transmitted from the connection target device may be displayed together with the number and type of the connection target device in the “connection device information” column. According to this, the operating state of the connection target device can also be confirmed.
[0067]
【The invention's effect】
The game information management device according to the present invention has the following effects.
[0068]
First, according to the gaming information management system according to claim 1, by connecting the communication status monitoring device to each relay terminal device interposed between each terminal device and the gaming information management device, in each relay terminal device Since the communication status with all the terminal devices and the game information management device is displayed, the communication status can be easily monitored, and therefore, confirmation in connection with maintenance and inspection when various troubles occur is easy. Can be done.
[0069]
According to the game information management system of claim 2, since only the communication status of the relay terminal device connected by the connection switching means is displayed and the communication status of the other relay terminal devices is not displayed, the communication status is monitored. Easy to do.
[0070]
Further, according to the gaming information management system according to claim 3, a status message corresponding to the communication status is displayed, and the communication status can be easily grasped when performing maintenance and inspection when various troubles occur. Easy to deal with trouble.
[0071]
Furthermore, according to the gaming information management system according to claim 4, an error code corresponding to the error content is displayed, and the error content can be easily grasped when performing maintenance and inspection when various troubles occur. Easy to deal with trouble.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a game information management system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication status monitoring device, where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a rear view.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication status monitoring screen displayed on the display of the communication status monitoring device.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a status message displayed on a communication status monitoring screen.
FIG. 5 is a diagram subsequent to FIG. 4;
6 is a diagram following FIG. 5. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an error code displayed on a communication status monitoring screen.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a P-con status screen displayed on the display of the communication status monitoring apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Game information management system
2 ... Yugi Island
10 ... Pcon
20 ... Relay computer
30 ... Counter computer
40. Communication status monitoring device
41 ... Communication Department
41a ... Connection port
41b ... Connection port
41c: Connection port
41d: Connection port
42. Control unit
43 ... Display
44 ... Input device
44a ... Connector
45 ... changeover switch
A, B, C, D ... connection terminals
P ... Pachinko machine
U ... Jade rental unit

Claims (4)

A terminal device that collects game-related information generated in relation to a game on the game table, and outputs the collected game-related information to the outside,
A relay terminal device that is communicably connected to a plurality of the terminal devices, collects the game-related information output from each terminal device, and outputs the collected game-related information to the outside.
A game information management device that is communicably connected to a plurality of the relay terminal devices and collects the game related information externally output from each relay terminal device, thereby centrally managing the game related information;
In a game information management system comprising:
A communication status monitoring device communicably connected to the plurality of relay terminal devices;
Each of the relay terminal devices includes communication status information including a communication status with each of the terminal devices provided below the relay terminal devices, and the game information management device provided above the relay terminal devices. Communication status information including the communication status with the communication status monitoring device,
The communication status monitoring device, based on the communication status information transmitted from each relay terminal device, determines the communication status with each of the plurality of terminal devices and the communication status with the game information management device in each relay terminal device. A game information management system comprising display control means for performing control for display. A game information management system according to claim 1,
The communication status monitoring device further includes connection switching means for switching the connection with each relay terminal device,
The game information management system, wherein the display control means performs control for displaying the communication status in the relay terminal device connected by the connection switching means. The game information management system according to claim 1 or 2,
The display control means performs control for displaying a status message corresponding to a communication status included in the communication status information based on the communication status information transmitted from the relay terminal device. Management system. The game information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The relay terminal device transmits error information that can specify error contents that occur in communication with the game information management device and each terminal device to the communication status monitoring device,
The game information management system, wherein the display control means performs control for displaying an error code corresponding to the error content based on error information transmitted from the relay terminal device.

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