JP4252777B2 - Game system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Technical field to which the invention belongs]
The present invention relates to a game system for processing management information in a game arcade where game machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines are installed.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in amusement halls, management information such as operating status, sales information, prize exchange information, etc. of installed gaming machines is tabulated and managed by a gaming management device (hall computer). The management of the amusement hall uses the management information obtained in this way for management of the amusement hall.
[0003]
In addition, in a large-scale company with a large number of stores, management information of each game hall is collected at the headquarters and used for business management.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional game system, when the game halls are developed in many stores, the distance between the site manager and the manager placed at each game hall becomes large, and management of the site by the manager tends to be inadequate. . Still, if it is limited to a specific area, the person in charge at the headquarters can go around and manage each amusement park under its control. It is difficult to directly monitor the game hall under the control of the game hall headquarters developed in For this purpose, the headquarters collects management information collected by the game management device of each game hall, and strives to grasp the operational status of each game hall in detail.
[0005]
However, because there is a possibility that fraudulent acts may be performed by operating the game management device, the information collected by the game management device, or the site where the collected information is modified and a part of sales is taken In some cases, fraudulent acts by the responsible person are seen, and the credibility of the management information collected from the game hall under the control is questionable. In order to prevent such fraud, there is a need to build a system that can accurately collect management information collected by the game management device of the game hall that is controlled by the headquarters of the game hall that operates multiple stores. Yes.
[0006]
In addition to such cases of misconduct by individuals, there are also cases in which management information is falsified and income is reported underly.
[0007]
The purpose of the present invention is to construct a system for the game hall headquarters that develop the chain to accurately grasp the management information of the game hall under its control, and also to prevent tax evasion due to underreporting of income. And
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information collection terminal device that collects operation information from at least one of a gaming machine installed in a game hall and a device related to a balance of the game hall, and generated from the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device A game management device that collects the operation information, a data collection device that operates separately from the game management device and collects operation information that can be compared with the operation information collected by the game management device, and the information A game terminal including a collection terminal device, the game management device, and a network connecting the data collection device; outside the game site, the operation information collected by the game management device and the operation collected by the data collection device A gaming system equipped with a game hall external management device for collecting information,
  The information collection terminal device includes an operation information generation unit that performs cumulative calculation of the collected operation information for a predetermined period and generates operation information, and an operation information transmission unit that transmits the operation information,
  The game management device receives the operation information generated by the information collection terminal deviceFirst operating information receiving means, first operating information storage means for storing operating information received by the first operating information receiving means, and operating information stored in the first operating information storage means.Comprising first operating information external transmission means for transmitting to the game hall external management device;
  The data collection device receives operation information generated by the information collection terminal device.SecondOperating information receiving means, andThe second operation information receiving meansStore received operation informationSecondOperating information storage means;Access restriction means for restricting access to the operation information stored in the second operation information storage means to prevent alteration of the operation information, and stored in the second operation information storage meansSecond operating information external transmission means for transmitting operating information to the game hall external management device,
  The game hall external management device includes operation information comparison means for comparing operation information transmitted from the game management device with operation information transmitted from the data collection device.And the operation information comparison unit determines that the operation information transmitted from the game management device and the operation information transmitted from the data collection device do not match. Operating information transmission requesting means for requesting transmission again,With,
The second operation information external transmission means of the data collection device plays the operation information stored in the second operation information storage means in response to a request for re-transmission of operation information from the game hall external management device. It transmits to an external field management apparatus, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0009]
  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information collection terminal device that collects operation information from at least one of a gaming machine installed in a game hall and a device related to a balance of the game hall, and generated from the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device A game management device that collects the operation information, a data collection device that operates separately from the game management device and collects operation information that can be compared with the operation information collected by the game management device, and the information A game terminal including a collection terminal device, the game management device, and a network connecting the data collection device; outside the game site, the operation information collected by the game management device and the operation collected by the data collection device A gaming system equipped with a game hall external management device for collecting information,
  The information collection terminal device performs an accumulation calculation of the collected operation information for a predetermined period and generates operation information, operation information generation means for generating operation information, storage means for storing operation information generated by the operation information generation means, and the storage Operating information transmitting means for transmitting operating information stored in the means,
  The game management device receives the operation information generated by the information collection terminal deviceFirst operating information receiving means, first operating information storing means for storing operating information received by the first operating information receiving means, and first operating information storing meansFirst operation information external transmission means for transmitting the stored operation information to the game hall external management device;
  The data collection device receives operation information generated by the information collection terminal device.SecondOperating information receiving means, andThe second operation information receiving meansStore received operation informationSecondOperating information storage means;Access restriction means for restricting access to the operation information stored in the second operation information storage means to prevent alteration of the operation information, and stored in the second operation information storage meansSecond operating information external transmission means for transmitting operating information to the game hall external management device,
  The game hall external management device is configured to compare operation information transmitted from the game management device with operation information transmitted from the data collection device, and the game information by the operation information comparison unit. Operation information transmission request means for requesting the information collection terminal device to transmit operation information when it is determined that the operation information transmitted from the management device and the operation information transmitted from the data collection device do not match. And comprising
  The operation information transmission means of the information collecting terminal device transmits the operation information stored in the storage means to the game hall external management device in response to a request for operation information transmission from the game hall external management device. It is characterized by doing.
[0010]
  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information collection terminal device that collects operation information from at least one of a gaming machine installed in a game hall and a device related to a balance of the game hall, and generated from the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device A game management device that collects the operation information, a data collection device that operates separately from the game management device and collects operation information that can be compared with the operation information collected by the game management device, and the information A game terminal including a collection terminal device, the game management device, and a network connecting the data collection device; outside the game site, the operation information collected by the game management device and the operation collected by the data collection device A gaming system equipped with a game hall external management device for collecting information,
  The information collection terminal device performs an accumulation calculation of the collected operation information for a predetermined period and generates operation information, operation information generation means for generating operation information, storage means for storing operation information generated by the operation information generation means, and the storage Operating information transmitting means for transmitting operating information stored in the means,
  The game management device receives the operation information generated by the information collection terminal deviceFirst operating information receiving means, first operating information storing means for storing operating information received by the first operating information receiving means, and first operating information storing meansFirst operation information external transmission means for transmitting the stored operation information to the game hall external management device;
  The data collection device receives operation information generated by the information collection terminal device.SecondOperating information receiving means, andThe second operation information receiving meansStore received operation informationSecondOperating information storage means;Access restriction means for restricting access to the operation information stored in the second operation information storage means to prevent alteration of the operation information, and stored in the second operation information storage meansSecond operating information external transmission means for transmitting operating information to the game hall external management device,
  The game hall external management device is configured to compare operation information transmitted from the game management device with operation information transmitted from the data collection device, and the game information by the operation information comparison unit. Operation information transmission request means for requesting the data collection device to transmit operation information when it is determined that the operation information transmitted from the management device and the operation information transmitted from the data collection device do not match; With
  In response to the operation information transmission request from the game hall external management device, the data collection device requests the information collection terminal device to transmit operation information,
  The information collection terminal device, in response to a request for transmission of operation information from the data collection device, transmits operation information stored in the storage means to the data collection device,
  The data collection device transmits the operation information transmitted from the information collection terminal device to the game hall external management device.
[0011]
  The fourth invention is:An information collection terminal device that collects operation information from at least one of a gaming machine installed in a game hall and a device related to the balance of the game hall, and processing operation information generated from the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device A data collection device connected to a game management device via a network, wherein the game management device is communicably connected to a game hall external management device that is provided outside the game hall and collects the operation information. Operating information storage means for collecting operation information generated from operation information collected by the information collection terminal device, operation information storage means for storing operation information collected by the information collection means, and the operation An access restriction means for restricting access to the operation information stored in the information storage means to prevent alteration of the operation information; Operation information external transmission means for transmitting the operation information stored in the operation information storage means to the game hall external management device for comparison with the operation information collected from the game management device, the game In response to the operation information transmission request transmitted to the data collection device when the field management device determines that the operation information transmitted from the game management device does not match the operation information transmitted from the data collection device The operation information stored in the operation information storage means is transmitted to the game hall external management device by the operation information external transmission means.
[0012]
  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information collection terminal device that collects operation information from at least one of a gaming machine installed in a game hall and a device related to a balance of the game hall, and the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device. A data collection device connected via a network to a game management device for processing the operation information, and connected to the game hall external management device for collecting the operation information provided outside the game hall. , Operating separately from the game management device, collecting information for operation generated from the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device, and operation information for storing operation information collected by the information collection unit Storage means;Access restriction means for restricting access to the operation information stored in the operation information storage means and preventing modification of the operation information;Operation information external transmission for transmitting the operation information stored in the operation information storage means to the game hall external management device so as to be compared with the operation information collected from the game management device in the game hall external management device And when the game field external management device determines that the operation information transmitted from the game management device and the operation information transmitted from the data collection device do not match, transmitted to the data collection device In response to a request to transmit operating information to be transmitted, the information collecting terminal device is requested to transmit operating information, and the operating information transmitted from the information collecting terminal device in response to the request to transmit operating information is It transmits to a management apparatus, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0013]
  A sixth invention is a game in which operation information is collected from at least one of a gaming machine installed in a game arcade and a device related to the balance of the game hall, and the operation information generated from the operation information is provided outside the game arcade. An information collection terminal device that transmits to the game management device and the data collection device that transmits the collected operation information to the outside management device, via a network,The data collection device is configured to store the operation information received from the information collection terminal device in a state where access for modification is restricted, and to transmit the stored operation information to the game hall external management device, Information collection terminal deviceOperation information generating means for performing operation for a predetermined period on the collected operation information and generating operation information, storage means for storing operation information generated by the operation information generating means, and operation stored in the storage means An operation information transmission means for transmitting information, and the game hall external management device determines that the operation information transmitted from the game management device and the operation information transmitted from the data collection device do not match The operation information stored in the storage means is transmitted to the game hall external management device in response to the operation information transmission request transmitted to the game area.
[0014]
  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information collection terminal device that collects operation information from at least one of a gaming machine installed in a game hall and a device related to a balance of the game hall, and generated from the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device A game management device that collects and stores the operation information, and a data collection that operates separately from the game management device and collects and stores operation information that can be compared with the operation information collected by the game management device Connected to the network connecting the devices, the operation information collected and stored by the game management device and collected by the data collection devicedo itA game hall external management device provided outside the game hall that collects the stored operation information, and compares the operation information transmitted by the game management device with the operation information transmitted by the data collection device. Stored in the case where it is determined that the operation information transmitted from the game management device and the operation information transmitted from the data collection device do not match with each other. And operating information transmission requesting means for requesting the data collection device, which is restricted in access for modification to the operating information, to transmit the operating information again.
[0015]
  In an eighth aspect based on the seventh aspect,The operation information comparing means compares the operation information transmitted as a response to the re-transmission request with the operation information transmitted from the game management device.
[0016]
  According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided an information collection terminal device that collects and stores operation information from at least one of a gaming machine installed in a game arcade and a device related to the balance of the game hall, and operation information collected by the information collection terminal device The game management device that collects the operation information generated from the game, and the operation information that operates separately from the game management device and that is collected and stored by the game management device is collected and stored. Connected to a network connecting the data collection device to be operated, the operation information collected and stored by the game management device and the operation information collected and stored by the data collection device are collected outside the game hall A game hall external management device,The data collection device is configured to store the operation information received from the information collection terminal device in a state where access for modification is restricted, and to transmit the stored operation information to the game hall external management device, Amusement hall external management deviceOperation information comparing means for comparing operation information transmitted by the game management apparatus with operation information transmitted by the data collection apparatus; operation information transmitted from the game management apparatus by the operation information comparison means; Operation information transmission requesting means for requesting the information collection terminal device to transmit operation information again when it is determined that the operation information transmitted from the data collection device is inconsistent. And
[0017]
  The tenth invention is the9In the invention ofThe operation information comparing means compares the operation information transmitted as a response to the re-transmission request with the operation information transmitted from the game management device.
[0018]
  An eleventh aspect of the invention is applied to a game system configured by connecting an information collection terminal device, a first data collection device, and a second data collection device via a network, and the information collection terminal device is installed in a game arcade Collecting operation information generated from the operation information in the first data collection device and the second data collection device, A data collection method in which a game hall external management device provided outside a game hall collects the operation information from the first data collection device and the second data collection device, wherein the information collection terminal device includes: The operation information is generated by accumulating the collected operation information for a predetermined period, and the generated operation information is transmitted to the first data collection device and the second data collection device. The first data collection device receives the operation information, the operation information thus receivedAnd memorize the stored operation information.Sent to the game hall external management device,
  The second data collection device receives the operation information, stores the received operation information in a state where access for modification is restricted, andMemoryThe operation information transmitted from the first data collection device and the operation information transmitted from the second data collection device are transmitted to the game hall external management device. And when the operation information transmitted from the first data collection device and the operation information transmitted from the second data collection device are determined to be inconsistent as a result of the comparison, In response to the request for transmission of the operation information from the game hall external management device, the second data collection device plays the stored operation information in the game. It transmits to an external field management apparatus, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0019]
  The twelfth invention is applied to a game system configured by connecting an information collection terminal device, a first data collection device, and a second data collection device via a network, and the information collection terminal device is installed in a game arcade Collecting operation information generated from the operation information in the first data collection device and the second data collection device, A data collection method in which a game hall external management device provided outside a game hall collects the operation information from the first data collection device and the second data collection device, the information collection terminal deviceButThe operation information is accumulated for a predetermined period of time for the collected operation information to generate operation information, the generated operation information is transmitted to the first data collection device and the second data collection device, and the first data CollectorBut, Receiving the operation information, storing the received operation information,MemorySend the operating information to the game hall external management device,The second data collection device receives the operation information, stores the received operation information in a state where access for modification is restricted, and transmits the stored operation information to the game hall external management device. ,The game hall external management deviceButThe operation information transmitted from the first data collection device is compared with the operation information transmitted from the second data collection device. As a result of the comparison, the operation information transmitted from the first data collection device is transmitted. When it is determined that the operation information and the operation information transmitted from the second data collection device do not match,The game hall external management device isThe information collection terminal device is requested to transmit operating information, and the information collection terminal deviceButIn response to a request for transmission of operation information from the game hall external management device, the stored operation information is transmitted to the game hall external management device.
[0020]
  A thirteenth aspect of the invention is applied to a game system configured by connecting an information collection terminal device, a first data collection device and a second data collection device via a network, and the information collection terminal device is installed in a game hall Collecting operation information generated from the operation information in the first data collection device and the second data collection device, A data collection method in which a game hall external management device provided outside a game hall collects the operation information from the first data collection device and the second data collection device, the information collection terminal deviceButThe operation information is accumulated for a predetermined period of time for the collected operation information to generate operation information, the generated operation information is transmitted to the first data collection device and the second data collection device, and the first data CollectorBut, Receiving the operation information, storing the received operation information,MemorySend the operating information to the game hall external management device,The second data collection device receives the operation information, stores the received operation information in a state where access for modification is restricted, and transmits the stored operation information to the game hall external management device. ,The game hall external management deviceButThe operation information transmitted from the first data collection device is compared with the operation information transmitted from the second data collection device. As a result of the comparison, the operation information transmitted from the first data collection device is transmitted. When it is determined that the operation information and the operation information transmitted from the second data collection device do not match,The game hall external management device isRequesting the second data collection device to transmit operating information, and the second data collection device.ButIn response to a request for transmission of operating information from the game hall external management device, the information collecting terminal device is requested to transmit operating information to the information collecting terminal device.ButIn response to a request for transmission of operation information from the second data collection device, the stored operation information is transmitted to the second data collection device, and the second data collection deviceButThe operation information transmitted from the information collection terminal device is transmitted to the game hall external management device.
[0029]
Operation and effect of the invention
  In the present invention, the information collection terminal device that collects the operation information from at least one of the gaming machine installed in the game hall and the device related to the balance of the game hall, and the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device A game management device that collects operation information, a data collection device that operates separately from the game management device and collects operation information that can be compared with the operation information collected by the game management device, and the information collection terminal And a network connecting the game management device and the data collection device in a game hall, and outside the game hall, the operation information collected by the game management device and the operation information collected by the data collection device A gaming system including a game hall external management device for collecting, wherein the information collection terminal device generates operation information by performing a cumulative operation for a predetermined period on the collected operation information And operation information generation unit that, and an operation information transmitting means for transmitting the operation information, the gaming management apparatus receives the operation information by the information collecting terminal device has generatedFirst operating information receiving means, first operating information storage means for storing operating information received by the first operating information receiving means, and operating information stored in the first operating information storage means.1st operation information external transmission means to transmit to the said game hall external management apparatus is provided, The said data collection device receives the operation information which the said information collection terminal device produced | generatedSecondOperating information receiving means, andThe second operation information receiving meansStore received operation informationSecondOperating information storage means;Access restriction means for restricting access to the operation information stored in the second operation information storage means to prevent alteration of the operation information, and stored in the second operation information storage meansSecond operating information external transmission means for transmitting operating information to the game hall external management device, the game hall external management device from the operation information transmitted from the game management device and the data collection device Operation information comparison means for comparing the transmitted operation informationAnd the operation information comparison unit determines that the operation information transmitted from the game management device and the operation information transmitted from the data collection device do not match. Operating information transmission requesting means for requesting transmission again,WithThe second operation information external transmission means of the data collection device receives the operation information stored in the second operation information storage means in response to a request for re-transmission of operation information from the game hall external management device. Send to amusement hall external management deviceTherefore, when the operation information stored in the game management device is modified, the accumulated value stored in the game management device does not match the accumulated value stored in the data collection device, and the game hall external management device A mismatch can be detected.
[0030]
  In addition, since the validity of the operation information collected by the game management device is verified and the operation information is collected again when the validity is suspected, the game hall external management device can collect accurate operation information and the operation information Is determined to be legitimate, the communication load is small, and the capacity of the storage means of the game hall external management deviceTheThere is no need to make it bigger.
[0031]
  Also, an information collection terminal device that collects operation information from at least one of a gaming machine installed in the game hall and a device related to the balance of the game hall, and operation information generated from the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device A game management device that collects information, a data collection device that operates separately from the game management device and collects operation information that can be compared with operation information collected by the game management device, and the information collection terminal device, The game management device and the network connecting the data collection device are provided in a game hall, and outside the game hall, the operation information collected by the game management device and the operation information collected by the data collection device are collected. A gaming system comprising a game hall external management device, wherein the information collection terminal device performs a cumulative operation for a predetermined period on the collected operation information to generate operation information. The game management device comprises: information generation means; storage means for storing operation information generated by the operation information generation means; and operation information transmission means for transmitting operation information stored in the storage means. Receives operation information generated by the information collection terminal deviceFirst operating information receiving means, first operating information storing means for storing operating information received by the first operating information receiving means, and first operating information storing means1st operation information external transmission means which transmits the memorize | stored operation information to the said game hall external management apparatus is provided, The said data collection device receives the operation information which the said information collection terminal device produced | generatedSecondOperating information receiving means, andThe second operation information receiving meansStore received operation informationSecondOperating information storage means;Access restriction means for restricting access to the operation information stored in the second operation information storage means to prevent alteration of the operation information, and stored in the second operation information storage meansSecond operating information external transmission means for transmitting operating information to the game hall external management device, the game hall external management device from the operation information transmitted from the game management device and the data collection device It is determined that the operation information comparing means for comparing the transmitted operation information and the operation information transmitted from the game management device by the operation information comparing means and the operation information transmitted from the data collection device do not match. Operating information transmission requesting means for requesting transmission of operating information to the information collecting terminal device, the operating information transmitting means of the information collecting terminal device from the game hall external management device. In response to a request for transmission of operation information, the operation information stored in the storage means is transmitted to the game hall external management device, so that the operation information stored in the game management device is revised. If you can cumulative value stored in the accumulated value and the data collection device that is stored in the gaming management device and is not match, it detects a mismatch in the game arcade external management device.
[0032]
In addition, since the validity of the operation information collected by the game management device is verified and the operation information is collected again when the validity is suspected, the game hall external management device can collect accurate operation information and Is determined to be legitimate, the communication load is small, and there is no need to increase the capacity of the storage means of the game hall external management device. In addition, the processing load on the data collection device can be reduced.
[0033]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0034]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of the gaming system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0035]
The game hall A is provided with an internal network which is a network inside the game hall, and a game management device (hall computer) 1, a data collection device 3, and a relay terminal 4 are connected to the internal network.
[0036]
The internal network provided in the amusement hall is configured by, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark, the same shall apply hereinafter), and an address is set for a device connected to the internal network, and communication between each device (specific Data transfer to all devices) and broadcast communication (for example, broadcast) to all devices.
[0037]
The game management device 1 collects operation information from the game machine 6 and game related devices (counter 7, ticket vending machine 8, safe 9 etc.) related to the balance of the game hall installed inside the game hall, and Monitor the operating status. The gaming machine 6 is configured by adding a ball rental unit 6b, a supply tank 6c, and an out tank 6d to a gaming machine body 6a. Then, the operation information collected from each device is analyzed to analyze the sales of the game hall, adjust the nails of the gaming machine 6 (pachinko machine), and find fraud with the gaming machine 6.
[0038]
The data collection device 3 operates independently of the game management device 1 and receives information from the devices (the game machine 6, the counter 7, the ticket vending machine 8, the safe 9, etc.) installed inside the game hall. Collected separately from the game management device 1.
[0039]
The relay terminal 4 is provided for each island facility in the amusement hall, relays information from the information collecting terminal device 5 installed in the island facility, and transmits the information to the internal network.
[0040]
A plurality of gaming machines 6 are installed in the island facility, and a ball rental unit 6b, a supply tank 6c, and an out tank 6d are added to the gaming machine body 6a. One information collection terminal device 5 is connected to each gaming machine 6 or a plurality (for example, two) of gaming machines 6, and the information collection terminal device 5 collects information output from the gaming machine 6. Specifically, a game-related signal is output from the external output terminal provided in the gaming machine 6 as the operation information of the gaming machine 6. Note that the operation information of the gaming machine 6 may be output through the communication port of the gaming function-added CPU instead of taking out the operation information of the gaming machine 6 from the external output terminal.
[0041]
The signal output from the gaming machine main body 6a indicates that there is a shortage of prize balls in the upper tank, and a “ball-out signal” that prompts replenishment of balls from the island facility, a predetermined number (for example, 10) ) “Prize ball signal” that is output each time a prize ball is discharged, “Ball signal” that is output each time a predetermined number (for example, 25) of game balls are lent, and the variable display device starts variable display "Start signal" that is output when the game is played, "Symbol confirmation signal" that is output when the fluctuation display of the fluctuation display device is stopped, "Hit signal" that is output during the special game state (big hit state), probability fluctuation There is a “probability change signal” and so on. In addition, a “sales signal” relating to sales at the time of ball lending is output from the ball lending unit (cash sand) 6b. The “sales signal” from the cash sand is used not only as information regarding the sales amount but also as information regarding the number of rents corresponding to the sales amount. In other words, the information collection terminal device 5 that has received these signals collects the operation information from the gaming machine 6 and stores the operation information obtained by accumulating the operation information for the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3 internally. Send to the network.
[0042]
Further, the gaming machine 6 is provided with a replenishing tank 6 c that replenishes the gaming machine 6 with a game ball and an out tank 6 d that houses an out ball collected from the gaming machine 6. The replenishment tank 6c has a replenishment number counting unit for counting the number of replenished balls, and the out tank 6d has a recovery ball counting unit for counting the number of outballs. The replenishment tank 6c (replenishment number counting unit) outputs a “replenishment signal” using the counting result of the replenishment balls as operation information. The out tank 6d (collected ball counting unit) outputs a “collection signal” using the counting result of the out ball as operation information. The replenishing tank 6c and the out tank 6d are connected to the information collecting terminal device 5, and the information collecting terminal device 5 collects the operation information output from the replenishing tank 6c and the out tank 6d, generates an accumulated value, and accumulates the accumulated value. The value is output to the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3 as operation information.
[0043]
Further, in the game hall, a counter 7, a ticket vending machine 8, and a safe 9 are provided as game-related devices related to the balance of the game hall, and each is connected to the information collecting terminal device 5. The counter 7 is a device such as a jet counter that counts game media (game balls, medals, etc.) obtained by the game by the player for exchange with prizes. Is output. The ticket vending machine 8 issues a prepaid card or the like used for a game, and outputs a “sales signal” relating to the sales at the time of ticketing. The safe 9 receives the cash received by the ticket vending machine 8 and the cash sand. A “deposit signal” relating to the deposit amount to the safe 9 is output. These “counting signal”, “sales signal”, and “payment signal” as operation information from the counter 7, the ticket vending machine 8, and the safe 9 are input to the information collecting terminal device 5. The information collecting terminal device 5 adds and calculates the count value, sales amount, and deposit amount of game media for a predetermined time, adds up the accumulated value, generates operation information, and uses the accumulated value as operation information. 1 and data collection device 3.
[0044]
The information collecting terminal device 5 is connected to devices (such as six games) installed in the game hall, collects operation information output from these devices, and based on the operation information, for a predetermined period of time. A cumulative value of the operation information (for example, a cumulative value of the number of prize balls calculated based on the prize ball signal) is generated, and the cumulative value is transmitted to the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3 as operation information. The operation information for a predetermined period generated by the information collecting terminal device 5 (cumulative value of the operation information for the predetermined period) is normally calculated for each business unit, but is cumulatively calculated for each week or month. It may be configured.
[0045]
Here, the business unit means from the start of the day to the end of the business, which starts earlier than the opening time and ends later than the closing time. The business hours of the day may be divided into morning and afternoon, and the business unit may be set for each hour. In addition, the business unit may be a plurality of days (for example, one week).
[0046]
In addition, the information collection terminal device 5 may be configured to be provided with an information disclosure device, a calling lamp, and the like that display the past operation status (the number of starts, the number of jackpots, etc.) of the gaming machine 6.
[0047]
In the present embodiment, the relay terminal 4 that relays information from the information collection terminal device 5 is provided for each island facility, but the information collection terminal device 5 is directly connected to the internal network without providing the relay terminal 4. You may comprise. Moreover, you may comprise so that the game machine 6 and an internal network may be directly connected not via the information collection terminal device 5 or the relay terminal 4. FIG.
[0048]
The data collection device 3 receives the operation information transmitted from the information collection terminal device 5, stores the operation information, and transmits it to the game hall external management device 2 as final operation information at the end of business at a predetermined timing. To do. The data collection device 3 may have a system clock function for transmitting information (for example, time information) necessary for operation of each device connected to the gaming system. The system clock provides time information to each device constituting the gaming system, so that operation information from each device can be collected based on the same time.
[0049]
As described above, if the data collection device 3 has a function necessary for the operation of the game system, the data collection device 3 fails or the data collection device 3 is removed. In a state where the collection device 3 does not collect operation information, the gaming system does not operate, and collection of operation information by the data collection device 3 does not occur.
[0050]
The game hall external management device 2 is provided in a headquarters or an external organization that manages a game hall chain, and is connected to the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3 via a network. The device 3 receives the transmission of the operation information collected from the device installed in the game hall, stores and accumulates this data, and manages it.
[0051]
The communication port of the game management device 1 is connected to an external network (for example, an intranet, the Internet) outside the game hall via a telephone line network (for example, ISDN) or a regional IP network. It communicates with devices such as the game hall external management device 2 provided at the headquarters. When a device other than the game management device 1 such as the data collection device 3 communicates with a device provided outside the game hall, the game hall external management device 2 and the like via the communication port of the game management device 1 Communicate with devices provided outside the game hall.
[0052]
If the network between the game management device 1 and the game hall external management device 2 is a network used by an unspecified majority such as the Internet, and is not connected by a dedicated line, the game management device When a virtual closed network (VPN) is set between 1 and the game hall external management device 2, data transferred between the game management device 1 and the game hall external management device 2 is not leaked to the outside. , The confidentiality of the management information of the amusement hall can be maintained.
[0053]
As described above, the game hall A has been mainly described. However, the same facilities are provided in the game hall B and the game hall C, and the game hall external management device 2 and the game management device provided in each game hall, It is configured so that operation information can be transmitted to the game hall external management device 2 by communicating with the data collection device.
[0054]
FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram showing another overall configuration of the gaming system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0055]
The gaming system shown in FIG. 2 is configured not to connect to an external network through the communication port of the game management device 1 but to connect to the external network through the communication port of the data collection device 3.
[0056]
The communication port of the data collection device 3 is connected to an external network (for example, an intranet, the Internet) outside the game hall via a telephone line network (for example, ISDN) or a regional IP network. It communicates with devices, such as the game hall external management device 2 provided in. When a device other than the data collection device 3 such as the game management device 1 communicates with a device provided outside the game hall, the game hall external management device 2 or the like via the communication port of the data collection device 3 Communicate with devices provided outside the amusement hall. Thus, when the data collection device 3 is directly connected to an external network outside the game hall, information transmitted from the data collection device 3 to the game hall external management device 2 does not pass through the game management device 1. There is no possibility that information transmitted from the data collection device 3 to the game hall external management device 2 will be altered by the game management device 1.
[0057]
In the game system shown in FIG. 2, a virtual closed network (VPN) is set between the data collection device 3 and the game hall external management device 2 so as to keep the management information of the game hall confidential. .
[0058]
In addition, you may comprise so that both the communication port of the management device 1 for games and the communication port of the data collection device 3 may be connected to an external network.
[0059]
Next, the configuration of the information collection terminal device 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0060]
The information collecting terminal device 5 is provided with a microprocessor 50, a power supply circuit, and a data input / output terminal. The configuration of the microprocessor 50 is shown in FIG.
[0061]
The microprocessor 50 is a one-chip type processor incorporating three CPUs 501 to 503, and incorporates three CPUs: a media access control CPU (MAC CPU) 501, a network CPU 502, and an application CPU 503. In addition, a common bus 504 for addresses and data to which these CPUs 501 to 503 are commonly connected has a memory used as a work area when a program is executed by the CPU as a memory used in common to each CPU. Are connected to a RAM 505, an EEPROM 507, which is a non-volatile memory, and a ROM 509 that stores programs in advance.
[0062]
The common bus 504 is also connected to a network communication port 510 and an I / O port 512 that control input / output with the outside. The network communication port 510 is a port for performing data communication according to a predetermined communication protocol, and the I / O port 512 is a parallel or serial input / output port.
[0063]
The EEPROM 507 is a non-volatile memory and stores information set in the information collection terminal device 5 such as network configuration and address designation information, identification code (48 bits), a control program, and the like. Except for the identification code, it can be rewritten by a program. The identification code is written in an unchangeable manner in the manufacturing process of the EEPROM 507, and a different code can be written for each chip. Since this identification code can be read from the outside via a network, it can be used for identification of the information collecting terminal device 5. That is, it is possible to know which information is output by which processor 50 (which information collection terminal device 5). A part of the EEPROM 507 that can be rewritten by the program and the ROM 509 store a program used for collecting operation information.
[0064]
The processor also includes a control circuit 514 that outputs control signals such as clocks and resets for the CPUs 501 to 503.
[0065]
The network communication port 510 of the microprocessor 50 is connected to a network connection terminal via a driver, and the relay terminal 4 is connected to the network connection terminal, and signals from the game hall management device 1 and the data collection device 3 are connected. (Data signals, command signals) are transmitted and received. The I / O port 512 is connected to an external input / output terminal via a driver, and data output from a device installed in a game room such as the gaming machine 6 and the counter 7 is connected to the external input / output terminal. Is entered.
[0066]
When operation information is input from a device installed in a game room such as the gaming machine 6 or the counter 7, the application CPU 503 calculates a cumulative value of the operation information, generates operation information, and forms operation information generation means. The The generated operation information is output from the network communication port 510, and the MAC CPU 501, the network CPU 502, and the network communication port 510 constitute an operation information transmission unit. Further, the application CPU 503 and the RAM 505 constitute storage means for storing the generated operation information.
[0067]
Next, the configuration of the data collection device 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the data collection device 3.
[0068]
The data collection device 3 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302 that stores programs in advance, a RAM 303 that is a memory used as a work area when the CPU operates, a hard disk that stores various data, a non-volatile memory (flash memory, etc.) 304 is provided. The RAM 303 accumulates and stores the operation information transmitted by the information collecting terminal device 5 and constitutes an operation information storage unit. These CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303 and storage device 304 are connected by a bus 308. The bus 308 includes an address bus and a data bus that the CPU 302 uses for reading and writing data.
[0069]
The ROM 302 and RAM 303 store encryption keys for encrypted communication, and the CPU 301 constitutes encryption means.
[0070]
The bus 308 is connected to a communication interface 305 that controls input / output with the outside, an input interface 306, and an output interface 307. The communication interface 305 is a data input / output unit for performing data communication according to a predetermined communication protocol, and is connected to an internal network. The input interface 306 and the output interface 307 directly input / output data to / from the data collection device 3 and are connected to a maintenance input device (keyboard) and a display device (display).
[0071]
Note that the data collection device 3 stores the data collection device 3 from another device to the data collection device 3 so as not to modify the operation information stored in the RAM 303 (operation information storage means). A key (password or the like) for accessing the stored information is transmitted, and if the keys do not match, the port of the data collection device 3 is configured not to be opened and stored in the data collection device 3 (operation information storage means) Access restriction means for restricting access to the information (operation information) and preventing alteration of the information. Also, the input interface 306 and the output interface 307 are configured to operate only when a special input / output device is connected, the input interface 306 is not provided with a terminal for connecting the input device, or data is input to the CPU. The access restriction means may be configured by setting so that the port for output cannot be used.
[0072]
  In this way, the data collection device 3 is connected to the information collection terminal via the communication interface 305.apparatus5 receives the operation information, and the CPU 301 and the communication interface 305 constitute an operation information reception / transmission means. The operation information collected by the data collection device 3 is transmitted to the game hall external management device 2 via the communication interface 305, and the CPU 301 and the communication interface 305 constitute a second operation information external transmission unit.
[0073]
The data collection device 3 of the present embodiment stores the operation information and outputs it to the game hall external management device via the network, but is stored in the RAM 303 (operation information storage means) via the output interface 307. Data output means for outputting operation information may be provided, and the operation information stored in the RAM 303 may be read out by a data reading device connected to the output interface 307. Further, the stored operation information may be taken out by a storage medium (flash memory, magnetic recording medium, etc.) to output data to the outside.
[0074]
Next, the configuration of the game management apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. The game management device 1 has the same configuration as the block diagram shown in FIG. However, it differs from the configuration of the data collection device 3 described above in the following points.
[0075]
First, an input device (keyboard, mouse, etc.) for operating the game management device 1 is connected to the input interface 306. The output interface 307 is connected to a display device (display) that displays data collected from the gaming machine 6 and the like, and an operating state of the gaming management device 1.
[0076]
The communication interface 305 is connected not only to the internal network but also to an external network outside the game arcade. Therefore, each device installed in the game arcade and connected by the network can communicate with a device connected to the external network via the game management device 1.
[0077]
Next, the configuration of the game hall external management device 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. The game hall external management device 2 has the same configuration as the block diagram shown in FIG. However, it differs from the configuration of the data collection device 3 described above in the following points.
[0078]
An input device (keyboard, mouse, etc.) for operating the game hall external management device 2 is connected to the input interface 306. A display device (display) that displays data collected from the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3 is connected to the output interface 307.
[0079]
The communication interface 305 is connected to an external network outside the game hall. Therefore, it is possible to communicate with the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3 installed in each game hall.
[0080]
FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a process when event information is generated in the gaming system according to the first embodiment of this invention.
[0081]
During the business hours, the gaming machine 6 is in operation, and a prize ball signal or the like in which a predetermined number (for example, 10) of prize balls are discharged is output from the gaming machine 6 as operation information. Further, the counter 7 is also operating, a count signal is output from the counter 7, a sales signal is output from the ticket vending machine 8, and a deposit signal is output from the safe 9. These signals are input to the information collecting terminal device 5 as operation information.
[0082]
For example, from the gaming machine 6 that is the information source, a “prize ball signal” related to the discharge of a predetermined number (for example, 10) of prize balls, or the gaming machine 6 enters a special gaming state (big hit state). A “hit signal” related to the event is output. The operation information (prize ball signal) is input to the information collecting terminal device 5. The information collecting terminal 5 determines whether or not the received operation information is information (event information) to be immediately transmitted to the game management apparatus 1.
[0083]
That is, among the information output from the gaming machine 6, the “ball break signal”, “symbol confirmation signal”, “hit signal”, “probability change signal”, “door opening signal” associated with the opening of the front frame of the gaming machine, The “call signal” accompanying the operation of the button is event information and is immediately transmitted to the game management apparatus 1. On the other hand, among the information output from the gaming machine 6, “prize ball signal”, “ball lending signal”, and “start signal” are not event information but accumulated information is collected by the information collection terminal device 5. Further, in an apparatus other than the gaming machine, an “error signal” indicating an abnormality of the apparatus is event information and is immediately transmitted to the gaming management apparatus 1. On the other hand, “counting signal”, “sales signal”, and “payment signal” are not event information, but accumulated values are totaled by the information collection terminal device 5. Note that whether or not it is event information may be set for each game hall depending on whether or not it is information required in real time in the operation of the game hall.
[0084]
When it is determined that the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device 5 is event information, the information collection terminal device 5 transmits the event information (for example, a ball break signal) to the game management device 1. Further, a part of event information (for example, jackpot signal) adds operation information to the operation information, generates operation information based on the operation information, and stores the operation information.
[0085]
On the other hand, for operation information that is not event information, operation information is generated as accumulated data based on the operation information, and the operation information is stored. Specifically, the number of game media discharged as a prize (number of prize balls discharged), the number of game media discharged for lending (number of balls lent) for a predetermined time, and the cumulative value of the number of starts are added and calculated. Information is generated. The operation information may be, for example, the cumulative addition value of the number of winning balls, or may be data obtained by processing the cumulative addition value (for example, data obtained by dividing by a predetermined number or encoded). Good.
[0086]
As will be described later with reference to FIG. 6 and the like, the operation information is stored at a predetermined timing (in response to a request from the game management device 1 or the data collection device 3, every predetermined time, at the end of business, etc.) It is output to the data collection device 3.
[0087]
FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing processing from during business to the end of business of the gaming system according to the first embodiment of this invention.
[0088]
During the business hours, operation information such as a predetermined number (for example, 10) of prize balls being discharged in the gaming machine 6 is generated. When a prize ball signal is transmitted from the gaming machine 6, the operation information (prize ball signal) is input to the information collecting terminal device 5. The information collection terminal device 5 receives a prize ball signal or the like, collects operation information, and calculates a cumulative value (operation information) of the received and collected operation information. For example, the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball signal is added to the cumulative number of prize balls discharged to calculate the cumulative value of prize balls discharged. And the information collection terminal device 5 memorize | stores this cumulative value as operation information.
[0089]
The game management device 1 performs polling by transmitting an operation information request signal for requesting the information collection terminal device 5 to transmit operation information every predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). In response to this operation information transmission request, the information collection terminal device 5 transmits the accumulated value calculated and stored as operation information. The operation information transmitted from the information collecting terminal device 5 is transmitted with time information indicating the output time or sequence information (serial number) indicating the output order. As described above, when time information is added to the operation information and output, it is possible to detect an operation information transfer error (transmission omission, reception error) from the time information interval of the transmitted operation information. Further, when order information is added to the operation information and output, it is determined whether or not the serial numbers of the transmitted operation information are consecutive, thereby detecting an operation information transfer error (transmission omission, reception error). be able to.
[0090]
When the game management device 1 receives the operation information from the information collecting terminal device 5, the game management device 1 performs a process of accumulating the operation information and manages the transition of the business state.
[0091]
At the end of the business, when the game machine 6 and the game-related devices (counter 7, ticket vending machine 8, safe 9 etc.) installed in the game hall are finished, the attendant of the game hall operates in the game management device 1. End operation. When this business end operation is performed, the game management device 1 performs polling by transmitting an operation information request signal for requesting the information collection terminal device 5 to transmit operation information. The operation information request signal transmitted after the end of business is transmitted with a flag indicating that it is a request for transmission of final operation information.
[0092]
In response to this operation information transmission request, the information collection terminal device 5 determines that the calculated and stored cumulative value is finalized as final operation information, and stores the final operation information in the storage means. And it transmits with respect to the game management apparatus 1 as final operation information.
[0093]
The operation information transmission request accompanying the end of business may be a method of polling the information collection terminal device 5 in order from the game management device 1 to each device connected to the internal network from the game management device 1. Alternatively, a business end signal may be broadcast (broadcast). In addition, in order to prevent duplication of the transmission timing of the operation information from each information collection terminal device 5 when the business end signal is broadcast from the game management device 1, the information collection terminal device 5 uses a random number to It may be configured to determine a time from reception of the end signal to transmission of the accumulated value.
[0094]
Then, when the game management device 1 receives the operation information from the information collection terminal device 5, the game management device 1 performs a process of accumulating the operation information and performs a counting process for each business unit (for example, every business day). After receiving the final operation information from the information collecting terminal device 5, the game management device 1 transmits the accumulated value at the end of business to the game hall external management device 2 as accumulated data of the final operation information. In this way, the first management information external transmission unit is configured in which the game management device 1 transmits the operation information received from the information collection terminal device 5 to the game hall external management device 2.
[0095]
At the end of business, the information collecting terminal device 5 determines by itself the business end of the game hall (the business end determination by the information collecting terminal device 5 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8). Then, the information collection terminal device 5 transmits final operation information determined based on the signal from the game management device 1 to the data collection device 3. When the final operation information is thus determined and transmitted as operation information, it can be assured that the operation information transmitted to the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3 is the same data.
[0096]
When the data collection device 3 receives the operation information from the information collection terminal device 5, the data collection device 3 classifies the operation information received from the plurality of information collection terminal devices 5 by type, and obtains a total value for each type of the operation information, The final operation information is determined to be determined, and the final operation information is stored in the storage means. Then, the data collection device 3 transmits the accumulated value at the end of business to the game hall external management device 2 as final operation information. This final operation information may be a total value in units of islands instead of a total value in the game hall, or a cumulative value in units of each collecting terminal device 5 may be used as the final operation information.
[0097]
  Thus, the data collection device 3 is an information collection terminal.apparatusThe operation information reception / transmission means is configured by receiving the operation information from 5, the operation information received from the information collection terminal device 5 is accumulated and stored, the operation information storage means is configured, and the operation collected by the data collection device 3 Transmitting means is configured by transmitting information to the game hall external management device 2.
[0098]
As described above, the microprocessor 50 of the information collecting terminal device 5 determines the end of business based on the signal from the game management device 1 or determines the end of business itself, thereby configuring the final operation information determining means.
[0099]
The final operation information at the end of business transmitted from the data collection terminal 3 to the game hall external management device 2 is not transmitted from the data collection device 3 via the game management device 1 in the gaming system shown in FIG. 1 is transmitted to the game hall external management device 2, but in the gaming system shown in FIG. 1, since it is transmitted via the game management device 1, it is encrypted by the data collection terminal 3 and sent to the game hall external management device 2. It is desirable to send. That is, the data collection device 3 is provided with an encryption means for encrypting the operation information, and the game hall external management device 2 is provided with a decryption means for decrypting the encrypted operation information transmitted by the data collection device 3. This encryption can be realized by using a method such as public key encryption in which the encryption means of the data collection device 3 and the decryption means of the game hall external management device 2 store the encryption / decryption key.
[0100]
In addition to the final operation information transmitted from the data collection terminal 3 to the game hall external management device 2, the hash value of the transmission data (final operation information) is obtained and transmitted to the game hall external management device 2, If the hash value obtained from the final operation information transmitted from the game management device 1 is compared with the hash value obtained from the final operation information transmitted from the data collection terminal 3, the final operation information is not altered in the middle. Can be confirmed. Information in the game management device 1 can be obtained by encrypting and transmitting the final operation information at the end of business transmitted from the information collection terminal device 5 to the game hall external management device 2 or by using a modification prevention method. It is possible to prevent alteration of the final operation information at the end of business transmitted from the collection terminal device 5 to the game hall external management device 2.
[0101]
Then, the game hall external management device 2 compares the final operation information at the end of business transmitted from the game management device 1 with the final operation information at the end of business transmitted from the data collection device 3. As a result of the comparison, if the final operation information at the end of business sent from the game management device 1 matches the final operation information at the end of business sent from the data collection device 3, the management for the game The final operation information at the end of business transmitted from the device 1 is determined to be valid, and the determination result is stored.
[0102]
On the other hand, as a result of this comparison determination, if the final operation information at the end of business sent from the game management device 1 and the final operation information at the end of business sent from the data collection device 3 do not match, the game The final operation information at the time of the end of business transmitted from the management apparatus 1 has been altered, and it is determined that there is a possibility of inaccuracy, and a transmission request for the final operation information is transmitted to the data collection device 3.
[0103]
The data collection device 3 that has received the final operation information transmission request from the game hall external management device 2 uses the final operation information (final cumulative value at the end of business) stored in the storage means as the game hall external management. Transmit to device 2.
[0104]
  The game hall external management device 2 that has received the final operation information at the end of business resent from the data collection device 3 receives the information at the time of business termination resent from the data collection device 3Last operation informationIs stored in the storage means. Then, the final operation information at the end of business resent from the data collection device 3 is compared with the final operation information at the end of business transmitted from the game management device 1, and the determination result is stored.
[0105]
By operating the game external management device 2 in this manner, operation information comparison means for comparing the operation information transmitted from the game management device 1 with the operation information transmitted from the data collection device 3 is configured. Operating information transmission request means for requesting transmission of operating information is configured.
[0106]
In the first embodiment, the information collection terminal device 5 transmits to the game management device 1 the final operation information at the end of business based on polling from the game management device 1, and the data collection device 3 is configured to determine the end of the game hall itself and transmit the final operation information at the end of the business, but it collects information as in the second embodiment (FIG. 9) described later. The terminal device 5 may be configured to transmit final operation information at the end of business to both the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3 based on the business end notification from the game management device 1. As in a third embodiment (FIG. 10) described later, the information collection terminal device 5 sends the final information at the end of business to the game management device 1 based on the business end notification from the game management device 1. Sending operation information and sales from the data collection device 3 Ryo may be configured to transmit the final operation information at the time of the close of business to the data collection system 3 based on the notification.
[0107]
Further, the information collection terminal device 5 is configured to determine by itself the end of the game hall and transmit the final operation information at the end of the operation to both the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3. As shown in a second embodiment (FIG. 9) described later, the information collection terminal device 5 is configured so that the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3 are based on the business end notification from the game management device 1. The final operation information at the end of the business may be transmitted to both of them, and the data collection device 3 will end the business at the game hall as in a third embodiment (FIG. 10) described later. The information collection terminal device 5 requests the final operation information from the information collection terminal device 5, and the information collection terminal device 5 transmits the final operation information at the end of business to both the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3. You may comprise as follows.
[0108]
In the first embodiment, the game hall external management device 2 requests the final operation information from the data collection device 3, and the final operation information stored in the data collection device 3 is retransmitted. As in a second embodiment (FIG. 9) described later, the game hall external management device 2 requests the final operation information from the data collection device 3, and the data collection device 3 stores the information collection terminal device 5 in the memory. The final operation information obtained by collecting the accumulated value and processing the accumulated value stored in the information collecting terminal device 5 may be configured so that the data collecting device 3 is retransmitted. As in the embodiment (FIG. 10), the game hall external management device 2 requests the final operation information from the information collection terminal device 5, and the accumulated value stored in the information collection terminal device 5 is retransmitted. May be.
[0109]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing signals transmitted during business in the gaming system according to the first embodiment of this invention.
[0110]
In the gaming machine 6 that is the information source, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls is discharged, a “prize ball signal” is output, or when the gaming machine 6 enters a special gaming state (a big hit state), When the “hit signal” is output, these signals are input to the information collecting terminal device 5 as operation information ((1) in the figure).
[0111]
When receiving the operation information from the information source (the gaming machine 6), the information collecting terminal device 5 broadcasts an operating signal within the internal network ((2) in the figure). If this operating signal is a short signal, even if broadcast transmission is performed, the load on the network is not increased to the extent that the network is affected.
[0112]
Then, this operating signal is received by another information collecting terminal device 5 ((3) in the figure). The information collection terminal device 5 that has received the in-operation signal knows that the other information collection terminal device 5 is in operation and the game system is in operation, and knows that the game store is in operation. it can.
[0113]
Further, as will be described later (FIG. 8), the information collecting terminal device 5 transmits an operating signal after a predetermined transmission waiting time while the information source (the gaming machine 6) is operating. When the operating signal transmitted by the other information collecting terminal device 5 is received, the operating signal is transmitted after a predetermined transmission waiting time. As will be described later, the predetermined transmission waiting time is determined by a random number so that operating signals from a plurality of information collecting terminal devices 5 collide with each other so that an unnecessary load is not given to the network.
[0114]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the business determination process executed in the information collection terminal device 5 of the gaming system according to the first embodiment of this invention.
[0115]
In the business determination process shown in the drawing, the monitoring process (S101 to S104) of the operating state of the apparatus connected to the information collecting terminal apparatus 5 is performed.
[0116]
The information collection terminal device 5 is a signal (award ball signal, count signal, sales signal) output from a device (game machine 6, counter 7, ticket vending machine 8, safe 9) connected to the information collection terminal device 5. Etc.) to determine whether or not these devices are in operation (S101). When a signal (operation information) associated with operation is output from these devices and it is determined that the device is in operation, an operation flag is set (set to 1), and the connected device is in operation. (S102), the monitoring timer is initialized (reset), and a new monitoring time is set (S103). Then, the process proceeds to an operation signal reception process (S105 to S108).
[0117]
On the other hand, if these devices are not in the operating state, the monitoring timer reaches a predetermined time and times out, and it is determined whether or not the predetermined monitoring time has elapsed (S104). If the monitoring timer has not reached the predetermined time, the monitoring of the operating state of the device connected to the information collecting terminal device 5 has not been completed. The process proceeds to reception processing (S105 to S108) of the operating signal from the collection terminal device 5.
[0118]
On the other hand, if the monitoring timer reaches a predetermined time and times out, the device connected to the information collecting terminal device 5 does not enter the operating state during the predetermined monitoring time, and the other information collecting terminal device 5 Since no operating signal has been received, it is determined that none of the devices installed in the game arcade is in an operational state and that the game hall has been closed (S115).
[0119]
Next, an operation signal reception process (S105 to S108) from another information collecting terminal device 5 is performed.
[0120]
First, it is determined whether or not a working signal broadcast from another information collecting terminal device 5 has been received (S105). When the operating signal broadcast from the other information collecting terminal device 5 is received, the monitoring timer is initialized (reset), and a new monitoring time is set (S106). Then, a transmission timer for determining the timing for transmitting the next operating signal is initialized (reset). Thereafter, since a new signal waiting time during operation starts, the operation flag is initialized (cleared to 0) (S108). Then, the process proceeds to the operation signal transmission process (S109 to S113).
[0121]
In this step S107, the time set in the transmission timer is determined by a random number, and a different time is set for each information collection terminal device 5. That is, when a certain information collection terminal device 5 transmits an operating signal, the information collection terminal device 5 that has received this signal initializes the transmission timer almost simultaneously, so that when the time set in the transmission timer is the same, Since the transmission timer of the information collection terminal device 5 times out almost simultaneously, the operating signals are transmitted from the plurality of information collection terminal devices 5 almost simultaneously, and there arises a problem that the unnecessary load of the network increases due to the collision. The time set in the transmission timer is determined by a random number so that the transmission timing of the active signal from each information collecting terminal device 5 is shifted.
[0122]
On the other hand, if the operating signal broadcast from the other information collecting terminal device 5 is not received, the process proceeds to the operating signal transmission process (S109 to S113) without performing any process.
[0123]
Next, an operation signal transmission process (S109 to S113) is performed.
[0124]
First, it is determined whether the transmission timer for determining the transmission timing of the operating signal has timed out and a predetermined transmission waiting time has elapsed (S109). If the transmission waiting time set in the transmission timer has elapsed, it is determined whether or not the operation flag is set (set to 1) (S110).
[0125]
If the operation flag is set (set to 1), the apparatus connected to the information collecting terminal apparatus 5 is in an operating state during the transmission waiting time, so that an operating signal is broadcast (S115). ). Then, in order to determine the transmission timing of the next active signal, a transmission timer is initialized using a random number (S112). Then, since a new operating signal transmission waiting time starts, the operating flag is initialized (cleared to 0) (S117), and this business determination process is terminated.
[0126]
On the other hand, if the transmission waiting time set in the transmission timer has not elapsed or the operation flag is not set, this business determination process is terminated without performing any process.
[0127]
In this manner, the business end determination unit is configured by executing the above-described business determination processing in the microprocessor 50 of the information collection terminal device 5.
[0128]
It should be noted that the information collection terminal device 5 determines the end of business also by a method such as inferring the business end time from preset business hours information or the past business end time, regardless of the business determination process described above. You can also
[0129]
Thus, in the first embodiment, the information collection terminal device 5 transmits the final operation information to the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3 by the operation information transmission means, and the game management device 1 The operation information transmitted by the information collection terminal device 5 is received and transmitted to the game hall external management device 2 by the first operation information external transmission means. Further, the data collection device 3 receives the operation information transmitted by the information collection terminal device 5, and transmits it to the game hall external management device 2 by the second operation information external transmission means. Since the data collection device 3 collects the operation information independently from the game management device 1, if the game management device 1 is illegally altered in the game management device 1, it is stored in the game management device 1. The final operation information to be stored and the final operation information stored in the data collection device 3 do not match, and the game hall external management device 2 can detect the mismatch of the final operation information. In addition, the operation information collected by the game management device 1 is not the same as the final operation information transmitted from the game management device 1 and the final operation information transmitted from the data collection device 3. Is determined to be inaccurate, the final operation information is requested from the data collecting device 3, so that the game hall external management device 2 can collect the accurate final operation information. In addition, since the final operation information is collected when the legitimacy is doubtful, the capacity of the storage means required for the game hall external management device without increasing the communication load when the final operation information is accurate Is not made larger than necessary.
[0130]
FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing processing from during business to the end of business of the gaming system according to the second embodiment of this invention.
[0131]
During the business hours, the gaming machine 6 is in operation, and a prize ball signal or the like in which a predetermined number (for example, 10) of prize balls are discharged is output from the gaming machine 6 as operation information. Further, the counter 7 is also operating, a count signal is output from the counter 7, a sales signal is output from the ticket vending machine 8, and a deposit signal is output from the safe 9. These signals are input to the information collecting terminal device 5 as operation information.
[0132]
When operation information such as a prize ball signal from the gaming machine 6 and a count signal from the ticket vending machine 8 is output, the operation information (award ball signal, rental signal, count signal, sales signal, deposit signal) is collected. Input to the terminal device 5. The information collection terminal device 5 collects operation information by receiving a prize ball signal or the like. If the received and collected operation information is event information, the event information is immediately transmitted to the game management apparatus 1. The processing related to the transmission of the event information is the same as that in the first embodiment (FIG. 5).
[0133]
Moreover, if the received operation information requires calculation of a cumulative value, the information collection terminal device 5 calculates a cumulative value (operation information) of the operation information. For example, the cumulative number of game media is calculated by adding the number of game media counted from the counter 7 to the cumulative number of game media stored. Then, the information collection terminal device 5 stores the accumulated value.
[0134]
The game management device 1 performs polling by transmitting an operation information request signal for requesting the information collection terminal device 5 to transmit the accumulated value every predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). In response to this operation information transmission request, the information collection terminal device 5 transmits the accumulated value calculated and stored as operation information. When the game management device 1 receives the operation information from the information collection terminal device 5, the game management device 1 performs a process of accumulating the accumulated value and manages the transition of the business state.
[0135]
The data collection device 3 also performs polling by transmitting an operation information request signal for requesting transmission of the accumulated value to the information collection terminal device 5 every predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). In response to this operation information transmission request, the information collection terminal device 5 transmits the accumulated value calculated and stored as operation information. When the data collection device 3 receives the operation information from the information collection terminal device 5, the data collection device 3 performs a process of accumulating the operation information.
[0136]
At the end of the business, when the gaming machine 6 and game-related devices (counter 7, ticket vending machine 8, safe 9 etc.) installed in the game hall are finished, the attendant at the game hall operates the game management device 1. End operation. When this business end operation is performed, the game management device 1 broadcasts a business end signal to each device (including the information collection terminal device 5) connected to the internal network. In response to this business end signal, the information collection terminal device 5 determines to determine the accumulated value calculated and stored as final operation information, and stores the final operation information in the storage means. Then, the same data is transmitted to the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3 as final operation information. The transmission of the operation information from the information collection terminal device 5 is performed by a random number in the information collection terminal device 5 in order to prevent duplication of the transmission timing of operation information transmitted from different information collection terminal devices 5. It is configured to determine the time from the reception of operation information to the transmission of operation information.
[0137]
The business end signal may be broadcast from the game management device 1 or may be notified by a method of transmitting the information from the game management device 1 to each information collecting terminal device 5 in order.
[0138]
The information collection terminal device 5 does not send operation information to the data collection device 3 separately from the data for the game management device 1, but the data collection device 3 operates for the game management device 1. You may comprise so that information may be acquired. Specifically, the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3 are connected to different ports of the switching hub, and the port to which the data collection device 3 is connected is a mirror port of the port to which the game management device 1 is connected. Since all packet signals such as data transmitted to the game management device 1 are also output to the port to which the data collection device 3 is connected, the data collection device 3 is connected to the game management device 1. The addressed data can be acquired.
[0139]
In addition, the information collection terminal device 5 collects the operation information received by the game management device 1 instead of transmitting the operation information to the data collection device 3 separately from the data for the game management device 1. The operation information transmitted to the device 3 or the operation information received by the data collection device 3 may be transmitted to the game management device 1 so that the data collection device 3 collects the same operation information as the game management device 1. Good.
[0140]
When the game management device 1 receives the operation information from the information collecting terminal device 5, the game management device 1 performs a process of accumulating the operation information, and performs count management of business units (for example, every business day). When the data collection device 3 receives the operation information from the information collection terminal device 5, the data collection device 3 accumulates the received operation information until there is an operation information transmission request from the game hall external management device 2.
[0141]
Furthermore, after receiving the operation information from the information collection terminal device 5, the game management device 1 transmits the accumulated value at the end of business to the game hall external management device 2 as final operation information. When the game hall external management device 2 receives the final operation information at the end of business from the game management device 1, it accumulates the received operation information. Then, an operation information transmission request for requesting the data collection device 3 to transmit operation information is transmitted.
[0142]
When the data collection device 3 receives the operation information from the information collection terminal device 5, the data collection device 3 classifies the operation information received from the plurality of information collection terminal devices 5 by type, and obtains a total value for each type of the operation information, The final operation information is determined to be determined, and the final operation information is stored in the storage means. When the operation information transmission request from the game hall external management device 2 is received, the cumulative value at the end of business is transmitted to the game hall external management device 2 as final operation information. The final management information at the end of business transmitted from the information collection terminal device 5 to the game hall external management device 2 is encrypted, or the game management device 1 is transmitted by a method of separately transmitting a hash value of transmission data. It is possible to prevent alteration of the final operation information at the end of business transmitted from the data collection device 3 to the game hall external management device 2.
[0143]
Then, the game hall external management device 2 compares the final operation information at the end of business transmitted from the game management device 1 with the final operation information at the end of business transmitted from the data collection device 3. As a result of the comparison, if the final operation information at the end of business sent from the game management device 1 matches the final operation information at the end of business sent from the data collection device 3, the management for the game The final operation information at the end of business sent from the device 1 is determined to be valid, and the comparison result is stored.
[0144]
On the other hand, as a result of this comparison determination, if the final operation information at the end of business sent from the game management device 1 and the final operation information at the end of business sent from the data collection device 3 do not match, the game The final operation information at the time of the end of business transmitted from the management apparatus 1 has been altered, and it is determined that there is a possibility of inaccuracy, and a transmission request for the final operation information is transmitted to the data collection device 3.
[0145]
The data collection device 3 that has received the final operation information transmission request from the game hall external management device 2 transmits a final operation information transmission request at the end of business to the information collection terminal device 5.
[0146]
The information collection terminal device 5 that has received the final operation information transmission request from the data collection device 3 transmits the final operation information at the end of business stored in the storage means to the data collection device 3.
[0147]
The data collection device 3 that has received the final operation information transmitted from the information collection terminal device 5 edits the received final operation information into final operation information to be transmitted to the game hall external management device 2 (specifically, The operation information received from the plurality of information collection terminal devices 5 is classified by type, and the total value for each type of operation information is obtained), and the final operation information is sent to the game hall external management device 2 Send.
[0148]
The game hall external management device 2 that has received the final operation information at the end of business resent from the data collection device 3 transmits the final operation information at the end of business resent from the data collection device 3 and the management device 1 for gaming. The final operation information at the end of business is compared and determined, and the determination result is stored.
[0149]
In the present embodiment, the information collection terminal device 5 transmits the final operation information at the end of business based on polling from the game management device 1 to the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3. Although configured, the information collecting terminal device 5 itself determines that the game hall is closed and transmits the final operation information at the time of closing to the game management device 1 and the data collecting device 3. Also good.
[0150]
In the second embodiment, the information collection terminal device 5 sends the final operation information at the time of business end to both the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3 based on the business end notification from the game management device 1. However, as in the first embodiment (FIG. 6), the information collection terminal device 5 polls the game management device 1 from the game management device 1. The final operation information at the end of business may be transmitted based on the above, and the data collection device 3 may be configured to transmit the final operation information at the end of business by determining by itself the business end of the game hall. As in a third embodiment (FIG. 10), which will be described later, the information collecting terminal device 5 operates with respect to the game management device 1 based on the business end notification from the game management device. Sending information and closing the business from the data collection device 3 It may be configured to transmit the final operation information at the time of the close of business to the data collection system 3 based on the notification.
[0151]
Further, in the second embodiment, the information collection terminal device 5 is informed of both the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3 at the time of business termination based on the business end notification from the game management device 1. Although the final operation information is configured to be transmitted, the information collection terminal device 5 itself determines the end of the game hall business, and both the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3 at the end of the business time. The operation information may be transmitted. As in a third embodiment (FIG. 10), which will be described later, the data collection device 3 determines by itself that the game hall is closed, and the information collection terminal device 5 It may be configured such that the final operation information is requested and the information collection terminal device 5 transmits the final operation information at the end of business to both the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3.
[0152]
In the second embodiment, the game hall external management device 2 requests the final operation information from the data collection device 3, and the data collection device 3 collects the operation information stored in the information collection terminal device 5. The final operation information obtained by processing the operation information stored in the information collection terminal device 5 is configured to be retransmitted by the data collection device 3, but as in the first embodiment (FIG. 6) described above. In addition, the game hall external management device 2 may request the data collection device 3 for the final operation information, and the final operation information stored in the data collection device 3 may be retransmitted. As in the embodiment (FIG. 10), the game hall external management device 2 requests the final operation information from the information collection terminal device 5, and the operation information stored in the information collection terminal device 5 is retransmitted. May be.
[0153]
As described above, in the second embodiment, since the data collection device 3 collects the operation information independently of the game management device 1, the management information of the game hall is illegally altered in the game management device 1. In this case, the final operation information stored in the game management device 1 and the final operation information stored in the data collection device 3 do not match, and the gaming ground external management device 2 detects a mismatch in the final operation information. it can. In addition, the operation information collected by the game management device 1 because the game hall external management device 2 does not match the final operation information transmitted from the game management device 1 and the final operation information transmitted from the data collection device 3. Is determined to be inaccurate, the final operation information is requested from the data collection device 3, and the data collection device 3 requests the final operation information from the information collection terminal device 5. It is possible to collect the final operation information. Further, it is not necessary to store operation information in the data collection device 3, and the processing of the data collection device 3 can be reduced. In addition, since the final operation information is collected when the legitimacy is doubtful, the capacity of the storage means required for the game hall external management device without increasing the communication load when the final operation information is accurate Is not made larger than necessary.
[0154]
FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing processing from business to business end of the gaming system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0155]
During the business hours, the gaming machine 6 is in operation, and a prize ball signal or the like in which a predetermined number (for example, 10) of prize balls are discharged is output from the gaming machine 6 as operation information. Further, the counter 7 is also operating, a count signal is output from the counter 7, a sales signal is output from the ticket vending machine 8, and a deposit signal is output from the safe 9. These signals are input to the information collecting terminal device 5 as operation information.
[0156]
When operation information such as a prize ball signal from the gaming machine 6 and a count signal from the ticket machine 8 is output, the operation information (prize ball signal, rental signal, count signal, sales signal, deposit signal) is collected. Input to the terminal device 5. The information collection terminal device 5 collects operation information by receiving a prize ball signal or the like. If the received and collected operation information is event information, the event information is immediately transmitted to the game management apparatus 1. The processing related to the transmission of the event information is the same as that in the first embodiment (FIG. 5).
[0157]
Further, if the received operation information requires calculation of a cumulative value, the information collection terminal device 5 calculates a cumulative value (operation information) of the operation information. For example, the cumulative value of the sales is calculated by adding the sales of the prepaid card output from the ticket vending machine 8 to the cumulative sales. And the information collection terminal device 5 memorize | stores this cumulative value as operation information.
[0158]
The game management device 1 performs polling by transmitting an operation information request signal for requesting the information collection terminal device 5 to transmit operation information every predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). In response to this operation information transmission request, the information collection terminal device 5 transmits the accumulated value calculated and stored as operation information. When the game management device 1 receives the operation information from the information collection terminal device 5, the game management device 1 performs a process of accumulating the operation information and manages the transition of the business state.
[0159]
In response to the operation information request signal from the game management device 1, the information collection terminal device 5 uses the accumulated value calculated and stored (the same data as that transmitted to the game management device 1) as the operation information. 3 is also transmitted. When the data collection device 3 receives the operation information from the information collection terminal device 5, the data collection device 3 performs a process of accumulating the operation information. The information collection terminal device 5 does not send operation information to the data collection device 3 separately from the data for the game management device 1, but the data collection device 3 operates for the game management device 1. You may comprise so that information may be acquired. Specifically, as described above, the data collection device 3 is addressed to the game management device 1 by connecting the data collection device 3 to the mirror port of the port of the switching hub to which the game management device 1 is connected. Data can be obtained.
[0160]
At the end of the business, when the gaming machine 6 and game-related devices (counter 7, ticket vending machine 8, safe 9 etc.) installed in the game hall are finished, the attendant at the game hall operates the game management device 1. End operation. When this business end operation is performed, the game management device 1 broadcasts a business end signal to each device (including the information collection terminal device 5) connected to the internal network. The business end signal may be broadcast from the game management device 1 or may be notified by a method of transmitting the information from the game management device 1 to each information collecting terminal device 5 in order.
[0161]
The information collection terminal device 5 that has received this business end signal stands by without making a determination to finalize the final operation information until receiving a final operation information transmission request from the data collection device 3.
[0162]
In addition, the data collection device 3 that has received this business end signal determines by itself the end of business at the game hall. The business end determination by the data collection device 3 is performed by monitoring whether the operation information is transmitted using a timer in the same manner as the determination by the information collection terminal device 5. That is, by connecting the data collection device 3 to the mirror port of the switching hub to which the game management device 1 is connected, the data transmitted from the information collection terminal device 5 to the game management device 1 can be transmitted. It can be obtained, and it can be determined whether or not the operation information is transmitted from the information collecting terminal device 5 to the game management device 1. If the operation information is not transmitted from the information collection terminal device 5 to the game management device 1 for a predetermined time, it is determined that none of the devices installed in the game arcade is in an operational state, and the game arcade has ended. To do.
[0163]
When the data collection device 3 determines the end of business, the data collection device 3 confirms the end of business by broadcasting the final operation information request signal to each device connected to the internal network. Inform the effect. Then, the information collection terminal device 5 that has received the business end signal determines to final operation information and stores the final operation information in the storage unit. In this way, the information collection terminal device 5 constitutes final operation information determination means.
[0164]
Then, the operation information is transmitted as final operation information to the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3. At this time, in order to prevent duplication of the operation information transmission timing from each information collection terminal device 5, the information collection terminal device 5 uses a random number to determine the time from reception of the final operation information request signal to operation information transmission. It is good to comprise so that it may determine.
[0165]
When the game management device 1 receives the operation information from the information collecting terminal device 5, the game management device 1 performs a process of accumulating the operation information and performs count management of business units (for example, every business day). When the data collection device 3 receives the operation information from the information collection terminal device 5, the data collection device 3 accumulates the received operation information until there is an operation information transmission request from the game hall external management device 2.
[0166]
Furthermore, after receiving the operation information from the information collection terminal device 5, the game management device 1 transmits the accumulated value at the end of business to the game hall external management device 2 as final operation information. When the game hall external management device 2 receives the final operation information at the end of business from the game management device 1, it accumulates the received operation information. Then, an operation information transmission request for requesting the data collection device 3 to transmit operation information is transmitted.
[0167]
When the data collection device 3 receives the operation information transmission request from the game hall external management device 2, the data collection device 3 transmits to the game hall external management device 2 the accumulated value at the end of business as final operation information. The final management information at the end of business transmitted from the information collection terminal device 5 to the game hall external management device 2 is encrypted, or the game management device 1 is transmitted by a method of separately transmitting a hash value of transmission data. It is possible to prevent alteration of the final operation information at the end of business transmitted from the data collection device 3 to the game hall external management device 2.
[0168]
Then, when the game hall external management device 2 receives the final operation information from the data collection device 3, it accumulates the received final operation information.
[0169]
Then, the game hall external management device 2 compares the final operation information at the end of business transmitted from the game management device 1 with the final operation information at the end of business transmitted from the data collection device 3. As a result of the comparison, if the final operation information at the end of business sent from the game management device 1 matches the final operation information at the end of business sent from the data collection device 3, the management for the game The final operation information at the end of business sent from the device 1 is determined to be valid, and the comparison result is stored.
[0170]
On the other hand, as a result of this comparison determination, if the final operation information at the end of business sent from the game management device 1 and the final operation information at the end of business sent from the data collection device 3 do not match, the game The final operation information at the time of the end of business transmitted from the management apparatus 1 has been altered, and it is determined that there is a possibility of inaccuracy, and a transmission request for final operation information is transmitted to the information collection terminal device 5.
[0171]
The information collection terminal device 5 that has received the final operation information transmission request from the game hall external management device 2 transmits the final operation information at the end of business stored in the storage means to the game hall external management device 2. To do.
[0172]
The game hall external management device 2 that has received the final operation information at the end of business resent from the information collection terminal device 5 calculates the final operation information at the end of business resent from the information collection terminal device 5 (specifically, The operation information received from the plurality of information collection terminal devices 5 is classified according to type, and a calculation for obtaining a total value for each type of the operation information is performed), and the calculation result of the final operation information and the game management device 1 is compared with the final operation information at the end of business sent from 1, and the determination result is stored.
[0173]
In the third embodiment, the information collection terminal device 5 transmits final operation information at the time of business end to the game management device 1 based on the business end notification from the game management device 1, and the data collection device 3 is configured to transmit the final operation information at the end of business to the data collection device 3 based on the business end notification from 3, but information collection is performed as in the first embodiment (FIG. 6) described above. The terminal device 5 transmits to the game management device 1 the final operation information at the end of business based on polling from the game management device 1, and to the data collection device 3, the game room sales It may be configured to determine the end by itself and transmit the final operation information at the end of the business, and as in the second embodiment (FIG. 9) described above, the information collection terminal device 5 manages the game Management for game based on business end notification from device 1 It may be configured to transmit the final operation information at the time of the close of business for both location 1 and data collection device 3.
[0174]
In the third embodiment, the data collection device 3 itself determines the end of the game hall and requests the final operation information from the information collection terminal device 5, and the information collection terminal device 5 manages the game management device. 1 and the data collection device 3 are configured to transmit the final operation information at the time of the end of business. As in the second embodiment (FIG. 9) described above, the information collection terminal device 5 Based on the business end notification from the game management device 1, the final operation information at the time of business end may be transmitted to both the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3, and the information collection terminal The apparatus 5 may be configured to determine by itself the end of business at the game hall and transmit the final operation information at the end of business to both the game management apparatus 1 and the data collection apparatus 3.
[0175]
In the third embodiment, the game hall external management device 2 requests the information collection terminal device 5 for final operation information, and the operation information stored in the information collection terminal device 5 is retransmitted. However, as in the first embodiment (FIG. 6) described above, the game hall external management device 2 requests the final operation information from the data collection device 3, and the final operation information stored in the data collection device 3 is In the second embodiment (FIG. 9) described above, the game hall external management device 2 requests the final operation information from the data collection device 3, and the data collection device 3 receives the information. The operation information stored in the collection terminal device 5 may be collected, and the data collection device 3 may be retransmitted as final operation information.
[0176]
As described above, in the third embodiment, since the data collection device 3 collects the operation information independently of the game management device 1, the game management device 1 has illegally altered the management information of the game hall. In this case, the final operation information stored in the game management device 1 and the final operation information stored in the data collection device 3 do not coincide with each other, and the game hall external management device 2 may detect a mismatch in the final operation information. it can. In addition, the operation information collected by the game management device 1 because the game hall external management device 2 does not match the final operation information transmitted from the game management device 1 and the final operation information transmitted from the data collection device 3. Is determined to be inaccurate, the information collection terminal device 5 is requested for final operation information, so that the game hall external management device 2 can collect accurate final operation information. Further, it is not necessary to store operation information in the data collection device 3, and the processing of the data collection device 3 can be reduced. In addition, since the final operation information is collected when the legitimacy is doubtful, the capacity of the storage means required for the game hall external management device without increasing the communication load when the final operation information is accurate There is no need to increase the size.
[0177]
In addition, the operation information collected by the game management device 1 because the game hall external management device 2 does not match the final operation information transmitted from the game management device 1 and the final operation information transmitted from the data collection device 3. Is determined to be inaccurate, it requests the final operation information from the information collecting terminal device 5, so that the game hall external management device 2 collects accurate final operation information even if the data collection device 3 is not operating. be able to. In other words, the operation time of the data collection device 3 can be limited, the chance of unauthorized access to the data collection device 3 can be reduced, and the security of the data collection device 3 can be increased.
[0178]
In the first to third embodiments, the game management device 1 and the data collection terminal 3 are configured to transmit the final operation information at the end of the business to the game hall external management device 2. The game management device 1 calculates a value (for example, a hash value obtained by calculation using a hash function) obtained from the final operation information at the end of business by a predetermined formula without transmitting the final operation information at the time. And the value transmitted from the data collection terminal 3 to the game hall external management device 2, the value transmitted from the game management device 1 to the game hall external management device 2, and the data collected from the data collection terminal 3 to the game hall external management device 2. Comparing with the value, it is configured to determine whether or not the final operation information at the end of business sent from the game management device 1 is accurate (whether or not the final operation information has been altered) May be.
[0179]
Thus, since the final operation information is calculated and transmitted using an irreversible calculation formula rather than reversible information encryption, the final operation information is compressed and transmitted. The amount of data transmitted from the data collection terminal 3 to the game hall external management device 2 can be reduced.
[0180]
FIG. 11 is a timing chart of the game system according to the embodiment of this invention. In this figure, T2 indicates the opening time, and T3 indicates the closing time. The information collection time is set as a time including business hours, and the staff of the game hall starts collecting information by instructing the game management device 1 to start business prior to opening the store (T1). In addition, when all the players leave after closing the store and the operation of the gaming machine 6 and game-related equipment (counter 7, ticket vending machine, safe 9 etc.) stops, the attendant of the gaming hall is closed to the game management device 1 Information collection is terminated (T4). One business unit is from the start of business (T1) to the end of business (T4) of the day, starting earlier than the opening time (T2) and later than the closing time (T3).
[0181]
In addition, by setting the business start time (T1) and the business end time (T4) as appropriate, it is possible to count in multiple business units such as a week or a month, or in a predetermined time unit (for example, one hour unit). It can also be configured to aggregate.
[0182]
When a business start operation (input of business start) is performed on the game management device 1, a business start notification signal is broadcast from the game management device 1 to the information collection terminal device 5. The information collection terminal device 5 clears the accumulated value (operation information) accumulated in the previous business unit by this business start notification signal, and performs initialization processing for information collection in the business unit to be started from now. The operation information accumulated in the previous business unit may be initialized from the transmission of the operation information to the game hall external management device 2 until the start of the operation information collection for the next business unit.
[0183]
Then, collection of sales information is started. During business hours, the information collection terminal device 5 collects operation information from the gaming machine 6, the counter 7, the ticket vending machine 8, the safe 9, etc., calculates the operation information, calculates a cumulative value, and operates. Generate information.
[0184]
When a business end instruction is given to the game management apparatus 1, a business end instruction is sent from the game management apparatus 1 to the information collection terminal device 5. The information collection terminal 5 determines that the information collection time has ended by this business end notification, and the collection of the operation information is ended. Then, the information collection terminal device 5 transmits final operation information to the game management device 1. The game management device 1 stores the received operation information. In addition, the information collection terminal device 5 transmits final operation information to the data collection device 3. The data collection device 3 stores the received final operation information.
[0185]
Then, the game management device 1 transmits the accumulated value (final operation information) at the end of business to the game hall external management device 2. Further, the data collection device 3 also transmits the accumulated value (final operation information) at the end of business to the game hall external management device 2.
[0186]
The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the above description of the invention but by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is another system configuration diagram of the gaming system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a microprocessor used in the information collection terminal device 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a data collection device 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram when event information is generated in the gaming system according to the first embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram from business to business end of the gaming system according to the first embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing signals transmitted during business of the gaming system according to the first embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of business determination processing of the gaming system according to the first embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram from business to business termination of the gaming system according to the second embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram from business to business end of the gaming system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a timing chart of the gaming system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Game management device
2 Amusement hall external management device
3 Data collection device
4 Relay terminal
5 Information collection terminal device
6 gaming machines
7 Counter
8 ticket machines
9 Safe

Claims (13)

An information collection terminal device that collects operation information from at least one of a gaming machine installed in the game hall and a device related to the balance of the game hall;
A game management device that collects operation information generated from operation information collected by the information collection terminal device;
A data collection device that operates separately from the game management device and collects operation information that can be compared with the operation information collected by the game management device;
A game hall comprising the information collection terminal device, the game management device, and a network connecting the data collection device,
Outside the game hall, a game system comprising a game hall external management device for collecting operation information collected by the game management device and operation information collected by the data collection device,
The information collection terminal device includes an operation information generation unit that performs cumulative calculation of the collected operation information for a predetermined period and generates operation information, and an operation information transmission unit that transmits the operation information,
The game management device includes first operation information receiving means for receiving operation information generated by the information collection terminal device, and first operation information storage means for storing operation information received by the first operation information receiving means. The first operation information external transmission means for transmitting the operation information stored in the first operation information storage means to the game hall external management device,
The data collection device includes: second operation information receiving means for receiving operation information generated by the information collection terminal device; second operation information storage means for storing operation information received by the second operation information receiving means; An access restriction unit for restricting access to the operation information stored in the second operation information storage unit to prevent alteration of the operation information; and the operation information stored in the second operation information storage unit Second operating information external transmission means for transmitting to an external management device,
The game hall external management device is configured to compare operation information transmitted from the game management device with operation information transmitted from the data collection device, and the game information by the operation information comparison unit. An operation information transmission request for requesting the data collection device to retransmit the operation information when it is determined that the operation information transmitted from the management device and the operation information transmitted from the data collection device do not match. Means, and
The second operation information external transmission means of the data collection device plays the operation information stored in the second operation information storage means in response to a request for re-transmission of operation information from the game hall external management device. A gaming system characterized by being transmitted to a field management device. An information collection terminal device that collects operation information from at least one of a gaming machine installed in the game hall and a device related to the balance of the game hall;
A game management device that collects operation information generated from operation information collected by the information collection terminal device;
A data collection device that operates separately from the game management device and collects operation information that can be compared with the operation information collected by the game management device;
A game hall comprising the information collection terminal device, the game management device, and a network connecting the data collection device,
Outside the game hall, a game system comprising a game hall external management device for collecting operation information collected by the game management device and operation information collected by the data collection device,
The information collection terminal device performs an accumulation calculation of the collected operation information for a predetermined period and generates operation information, operation information generation means for generating operation information, storage means for storing operation information generated by the operation information generation means, and the storage Operating information transmitting means for transmitting operating information stored in the means,
The game management device includes first operation information receiving means for receiving operation information generated by the information collecting terminal device, and first operation information storage means for storing operation information received by the first operation information receiving means. The first operation information external transmission means for transmitting the operation information stored in the first operation information storage means to the game hall external management device,
The data collection device includes second operation information receiving means for receiving operation information generated by the information collection terminal device, second operation information storage means for storing operation information received by the second operation information receiving means , An access restriction unit for restricting access to the operation information stored in the second operation information storage unit to prevent alteration of the operation information; and the operation information stored in the second operation information storage unit Second operating information external transmission means for transmitting to an external management device,
The game hall external management device is configured to compare operation information transmitted from the game management device with operation information transmitted from the data collection device, and the game information by the operation information comparison unit. Operation information transmission request means for requesting the information collection terminal device to transmit operation information when it is determined that the operation information transmitted from the management device and the operation information transmitted from the data collection device do not match. And comprising
The operation information transmission means of the information collecting terminal device transmits the operation information stored in the storage means to the game hall external management device in response to a request for operation information transmission from the game hall external management device. A gaming system characterized by An information collection terminal device that collects operation information from at least one of a gaming machine installed in the game hall and a device related to the balance of the game hall;
A game management device that collects operation information generated from operation information collected by the information collection terminal device;
A data collection device that operates separately from the game management device and collects operation information that can be compared with the operation information collected by the game management device;
A game hall comprising the information collection terminal device, the game management device, and a network connecting the data collection device,
Outside the game hall, a game system comprising a game hall external management device for collecting operation information collected by the game management device and operation information collected by the data collection device,
The information collection terminal device performs an accumulation calculation of the collected operation information for a predetermined period and generates operation information, operation information generation means for generating operation information, storage means for storing operation information generated by the operation information generation means, and the storage Operating information transmitting means for transmitting operating information stored in the means,
The game management device includes first operation information receiving means for receiving operation information generated by the information collecting terminal device, and first operation information storage means for storing operation information received by the first operation information receiving means. The first operation information external transmission means for transmitting the operation information stored in the first operation information storage means to the game hall external management device,
The data collection device includes second operation information receiving means for receiving operation information generated by the information collection terminal device, second operation information storage means for storing operation information received by the second operation information receiving means , An access restriction unit for restricting access to the operation information stored in the second operation information storage unit to prevent alteration of the operation information; and the operation information stored in the second operation information storage unit Second operating information external transmission means for transmitting to an external management device,
The game hall external management device is configured to compare operation information transmitted from the game management device with operation information transmitted from the data collection device, and the game information by the operation information comparison unit. Operation information transmission request means for requesting the data collection device to transmit operation information when it is determined that the operation information transmitted from the management device and the operation information transmitted from the data collection device do not match; With
In response to the operation information transmission request from the game hall external management device, the data collection device requests the information collection terminal device to transmit operation information,
The information collection terminal device, in response to a request for transmission of operation information from the data collection device, transmits operation information stored in the storage means to the data collection device,
The game system characterized in that the data collection device transmits operation information transmitted from the information collection terminal device to the game hall external management device. An information collection terminal device that collects operation information from at least one of a gaming machine installed in a game hall and a device related to the balance of the game hall, and processing operation information generated from the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device A data collection device connected to a game management device via a network,
It is connected to the game hall external management device that collects the operation information provided outside the game hall so as to be able to communicate,
Information collecting means that operates separately from the game management device and collects operation information generated from operation information collected by the information collection terminal device;
Operation information storage means for storing operation information collected by the information collection means;
Access restriction means for restricting access to the operation information stored in the operation information storage means to prevent modification of the operation information;
Operation information external transmission for transmitting the operation information stored in the operation information storage means to the game hall external management device so as to be compared with the operation information collected from the game management device in the game hall external management device Means, and
The operation information transmission request to be transmitted to the data collection device when the game field external management device determines that the operation information transmitted from the game management device and the operation information transmitted from the data collection device do not match. On the other hand, the data collection device characterized in that the operation information stored in the operation information storage means is transmitted to the game hall external management device by the operation information external transmission means. An information collection terminal device that collects operation information from at least one of a gaming machine installed in a game hall and a device related to the balance of the game hall, and processing operation information generated from the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device A data collection device connected to a game management device via a network,
It is connected to the game hall external management device that collects the operation information provided outside the game hall so as to be able to communicate,
Information collecting means that operates separately from the game management device and collects operation information generated from operation information collected by the information collection terminal device;
Operation information storage means for storing operation information collected by the information collection means;
Access restriction means for restricting access to the operation information stored in the operation information storage means and preventing modification of the operation information;
Operation information external transmission for transmitting the operation information stored in the operation information storage means to the game hall external management device so as to be compared with the operation information collected from the game management device in the game hall external management device Means, and
The operation information transmission request to be transmitted to the data collection device when the game hall external management device determines that the operation information transmitted from the game management device and the operation information transmitted from the data collection device do not match. Requesting the information collection terminal device to transmit operating information,
The data collection device, wherein the operation information transmitted from the information collection terminal device in response to the operation information transmission request is transmitted to the game hall external management device. Operation information is collected from at least one of gaming machines installed in the game hall and devices related to the balance of the game hall, and the operation information generated from the operation information is sent to the game hall external management device provided outside the game hall. An information collection terminal device that transmits to the game management device and the data collection device for transmitting the operation information collected in a network,
The data collection device is configured to store the operation information received from the information collection terminal device in a state where access for modification is restricted, and to transmit the stored operation information to the game hall external management device,
The information collection terminal device
An operation information generating means for accumulating the operation information for a predetermined period and generating operation information;
Storage means for storing operation information generated by the operation information generation means;
Operating information transmitting means for transmitting operating information stored in the storage means,
In response to the operation information transmission request to be transmitted when the game hall external management device determines that the operation information transmitted from the game management device and the operation information transmitted from the data collection device do not match. An information collecting terminal device characterized by transmitting operation information stored in a storage means to the game hall external management device. An information collection terminal device that collects operation information from at least one of a gaming machine installed in the game hall and a device related to the balance of the game hall, and collects operation information generated from the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device A game management device that stores the information, and a network that operates separately from the game management device and connects a data collection device that collects and stores operation information that can be compared with the operation information collected by the game management device. A game hall external management device provided outside the game hall that is connected and collects operation information collected and stored by the game management device and operation information collected and stored by the data collection device. And
Operation information comparing means for comparing operation information transmitted by the game management device and operation information transmitted by the data collection device;
When the operation information transmitted from the game management device and the operation information transmitted from the data collection device are determined to be inconsistent by the operation information comparison unit, the stored operation information is changed. And an operation information transmission request means for requesting the data collection device to which the access is restricted to retransmit the operation information.   8. The outside of the game hall according to claim 7, wherein the operation information comparing means compares the operation information transmitted as a response to the re-transmission request with the operation information transmitted from the game management device. Management device. An information collection terminal device that collects and stores operation information from at least one of a gaming machine installed in the game hall and a device related to the balance of the game hall, and operation information generated from the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device A game management device that collects game data, and a data collection device that operates separately from the game management device and collects and stores operation information that can be compared with operation information collected and stored by the game management device Connected to a network, and collects and stores the operation information collected and stored by the game management device and the operation information collected and stored by the data collection device. A device,
The data collection device is configured to store the operation information received from the information collection terminal device in a state where access for modification is restricted, and to transmit the stored operation information to the game hall external management device,
The game hall external management device is:
Operation information comparing means for comparing operation information transmitted by the game management device and operation information transmitted by the data collection device;
When it is determined by the operation information comparison means that the operation information transmitted from the game management device and the operation information transmitted from the data collection device do not match, the operation information is transmitted to the information collection terminal device. A game hall external management device comprising: operation information transmission requesting means for performing another transmission request.   10. The outside of the game hall according to claim 9, wherein the operation information comparison unit compares the operation information transmitted as a response to the re-transmission request with the operation information transmitted from the game management device. Management device. Applied to a gaming system configured by connecting an information collection terminal device, a first data collection device and a second data collection device via a network,
The information collection terminal device collects operation information from a gaming machine installed in a game arcade or a game-related device related to the balance of the game arcade, and the first data collection device and the second data collection device operate Data collection in which operation information generated from information is accumulated, and from the first data collection device and the second data collection device, a game hall external management device provided outside the game hall collects the operation information A method,
The information collection terminal device generates operation information by performing a cumulative calculation of the collected operation information for a predetermined period, and transmits the generated operation information to the first data collection device and the second data collection device. ,
The first data collection device receives the operation information, stores the received operation information, transmits the stored operation information to the game hall external management device,
The second data collection device receives the operation information, stores the received operation information in a state where access for modification is restricted, and transmits the stored operation information to the game hall external management device. ,
The game hall external management device compares the operation information transmitted from the first data collection device with the operation information transmitted from the second data collection device,
As a result of the comparison, when it is determined that the operation information transmitted from the first data collection device and the operation information transmitted from the second data collection device do not match, the second data collection device Requesting the operation information to be sent to
The second data collection device transmits the stored operation information to the game hall external management device in response to a request for transmission of operation information from the game hall external management device. . Applied to a gaming system configured by connecting an information collection terminal device, a first data collection device and a second data collection device via a network,
The information collection terminal device collects operation information from a gaming machine installed in a game arcade or a game-related device related to the balance of the game arcade, and the first data collection device and the second data collection device operate Data collection in which operation information generated from information is accumulated, and from the first data collection device and the second data collection device, a game hall external management device provided outside the game hall collects the operation information A method,
The information collection terminal device, the collected operating information to the accumulation operation for a predetermined period to generate the operation information, and transmits the operation information thus generated to the first data collection device and the second data acquisition system ,
Wherein the first data collection device receives the operation information, and stores the operation information thus received, and transmits the memorized operation information to the gaming facility external management apparatus,
The second data collection device receives the operation information, stores the received operation information in a state where access for modification is restricted, and transmits the stored operation information to the game hall external management device. ,
The gaming facility external management apparatus compares the operation information transmitted from the first data collecting device, and operating information transmitted from said second data collection device,
As a result of the comparison, when it is determined that the operation information transmitted from the first data collection device and the operation information transmitted from the second data collection device do not match, the game hall external management device, Requesting the information collection terminal device to transmit operation information;
The information collection terminal apparatus, the request for transmission of the operational information from the gaming facility external management apparatus, a data collection method and transmits the operation information stored in the game arcade external management device. Applied to a gaming system configured by connecting an information collection terminal device, a first data collection device and a second data collection device via a network,
The information collection terminal device collects operation information from a gaming machine installed in a game arcade or a game-related device related to the balance of the game arcade, and the first data collection device and the second data collection device operate Data collection in which operation information generated from information is accumulated, and from the first data collection device and the second data collection device, a game hall external management device provided outside the game hall collects the operation information A method,
The information collection terminal device, the collected operating information to the accumulation operation for a predetermined period to generate the operation information, and transmits the operation information thus generated to the first data collection device and the second data acquisition system ,
Wherein the first data collection device receives the operation information, and stores the operation information thus received, and transmits the memorized operation information to the gaming facility external management apparatus,
The second data collection device receives the operation information, stores the received operation information in a state where access for modification is restricted, and transmits the stored operation information to the game hall external management device. ,
The gaming facility external management apparatus compares the operation information transmitted from the first data collecting device, and operating information transmitted from said second data collection device,
As a result of the comparison, when it is determined that the operation information transmitted from the first data collection device and the operation information transmitted from the second data collection device do not match, the game hall external management device, Requesting the second data collection device to transmit operating information;
The second data acquisition device, in response to a request of transmission of the operational information from the gaming facility external management device requests the transmission of the operational information to the information collecting terminal device,
The information collection terminal device transmits the request for transmission of the operational information from the second data collection device, the operation information stored in the second data acquisition device,
The second data acquisition device, the operation information transmitted from the information collecting terminal device, the data collection method characterized by transmitting to the gaming facility external management device.

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