JP4732525B2 - Game system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system for processing management information in a game hall where game machines such as a pachinko game machine, a coin game machine, and a slot machine are installed.

  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.

  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.

  However, in the conventional gaming 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 the 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.

  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.

  In addition to such cases of misconduct by individuals, there are also cases in which management information is falsified and income is reported underly.

  The purpose of the present invention is to establish 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 at the same time, falsify tax by falsifying the management information The purpose is to prevent.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information collection terminal device that collects operation information from at least a gaming machine installed in a game arcade, and a data collection device that collects operation information generated from operation information collected by the information collection terminal device. And a network connecting the information collecting terminal device and the data collecting device, and connected to the data collecting device via a communication line and collecting the operation information collected by the data collecting device A game hall external management device installed outside the game hall, connected to the game hall external management device via a communication line, and collection of operation information collected by the game hall external management device, and at least the type of the gaming machine A game management device installed inside the game hall for performing operation information processing for cumulatively calculating operation information every time, and the game management device is provided inside the game hall. Connected to the data collection device, the data collection device, among the operation information collected from the information collection terminal device, for event information predetermined as information to be immediately transmitted to the game management device, It transmits directly to the game management device without going through the game hall external management device.

  That is, the game management device collects the operation information of the gaming machine and the like collected by the data collection device via the game hall external management device provided outside the game hall.

  In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the data collection device stores the operation information collected from the information collection terminal device in a state where access to the operation information is restricted, and the stored operation information Is transmitted to the game hall external management device, whereby the game hall external management device collects operation information.

  In a third aspect based on the first aspect or the second aspect, the game management device collects the operation information transmitted from the game hall external management device based on a request to the game hall external management device. The event information includes information to be stored in the game hall external management device as its type, and the data collection device includes information on the event information to be stored in the game hall external management device. Is configured to be transmitted to the game hall external management device, and the game management device is configured to store information on the game hall external management device already collected from the data collection device as the event information. It is not received from the game hall external management device or not requested to the game hall external management device.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first to third aspects of the present invention, the operation information collected from the information collection terminal device when the data collection device has a problem with the communication line leading to the game hall external management device. Is transmitted to the game management device without going through the game hall external management device, and data that can be identified as not going through the game hall external management device is added to and stored in the operation information, When the communication line leading to the game hall external management device is recovered from a failure, the operation information transmitted to the game management device is not transmitted to the game hall external management device without going through the game hall external management device. Features.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information collection terminal device that collects operation information from at least a gaming machine installed in a game arcade, and a data collection device that collects operation information generated from the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device. The information collecting terminal device and the data collecting device are connected to the network, and the data collecting device is connected to the data collecting device via a communication line. The operating information collected by the data collecting device is collected outside the game hall. A game management device used in a game system comprising a game hall external management device and a game management device installed inside the game hall, wherein the data collection device is located inside the game hall. Of the operation information collected from the information collection terminal device, and an event predetermined as information to be immediately transmitted to the game management device. The information is configured to be transmitted directly to the game management device without going through the game hall external management device, and the game management device is connected to the game hall external management device via a communication line. Means, operation information collecting means for collecting operation information collected by the game hall external management device, and operation information processing means for cumulatively calculating operation information for each type of gaming machine. In the operation information, the event information is collected directly from the data collection device without going through the game hall external management device, while the information other than the event information in the operation information is the connection means. And connecting to the game hall external management device and collecting from the game hall external management device.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data collection device for collecting operation information generated by an information collection terminal device based on at least operation information generated from a gaming machine installed in a game hall, connected to the data collection device, and connected to the outside of the game hall The game hall external management device installed in the game hall is connected to the game hall external management device, and is installed inside the game hall capable of performing operation information processing for accumulating operation information for at least each type of gaming machine. A data collection method applied to a gaming system comprising a game management device, wherein the data collection device should immediately transmit the operation information collected from the information collection terminal device to the game management device Event information predetermined as information is transmitted to the game management device, while the operation information collected from the information collection terminal device includes the event information. Information other than the event information is transmitted to the game hall external management device, and the game hall external management device collects information other than the event information transmitted from the data collection device, and the information is managed for the game. The game management device collects the event information transmitted from the data collection device and collects information other than the event information transmitted from the game hall external management device. And

  In the present invention, an information collection terminal device that collects operation information from at least a gaming machine installed in a game arcade, a data collection device that collects operation information generated from operation information collected by the information collection terminal device, A game system comprising an information collection terminal device and a network connecting the data collection device, wherein the game is connected to the data collection device via a communication line and collects operation information collected by the data collection device A game hall external management device installed outside the venue, connected to the game hall external management device via a communication line, and collection of operation information collected by the game hall external management device, and at least for each type of gaming machine A game management device installed inside the game hall for performing operation information processing for cumulatively calculating the operation information, and the game management device is provided inside the game hall. The data collection device is connected to the data collection device, and the data collection device, among the operation information collected from the information collection terminal device, for event information predetermined as information to be immediately transmitted to the game management device, Since it is transmitted directly to the game management device without going through the game hall external management device, the operation information generated from the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device is used as a data collection device and a game hall external management device. Since the game management device collects and manages the information, the game hall external management device accurately grasps the operation information collected and managed by the game management device, and the event information generated from time to time is the data collection device. Will be sent to the game management device via the network in the game hall, so the game will be independent of the traffic on the external line and the load status of the game hall external management device. It can be rapidly transmit event information to the management device.

It is a system configuration figure of the gaming system of a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the microprocessor used for the information collection terminal device 5 of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the data collection device 3 of embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram at the time of event information generation of the game system of a 1st embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram from during business to the end of business of the gaming system according to the first embodiment of this invention. It is a timing diagram of the gaming system of the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a system configuration | structure figure of the game system of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram at the time of event information generation of the game system of a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a sequence diagram from during business to the end of business of the gaming system of the second embodiment of the present invention. It is the block diagram which showed the signal transmitted during business of the game system of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the business determination process of the game system of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a system configuration | structure figure of the game system of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram from during business to the end of business of the gaming system of the third embodiment of the present invention.

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

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of the gaming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The game hall A is provided with an internal network which is a network inside the game hall, and the data collection device 3, the relay terminal 4 and the information collection terminal device 5 are connected to the internal network.

  The internal network provided in the amusement hall is configured by, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark, the same applies 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.

  The game management device 1 (hall computer) 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. Monitor the operating status of each device. 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.

  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.

  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.

  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.

  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. That is, the information collecting terminal device 5 that has received these signals collects the operation information from the gaming machine 6 and transmits the operation information and the operation information obtained by accumulating the operation information to the data collection device 3 via the internal network. To do.

  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 data collection device 3 as operation information.

  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. Output to.

  The information collection terminal device 5 is connected to devices (such as six games) installed in the game hall, collects operation information output from these devices, and stores and stores the operation information. Based on the operation information, a cumulative value of the operation information for a predetermined period (for example, a cumulative value of the number of prize balls calculated based on the prize ball signal) is generated, and the data collection device uses the cumulative value as the operation information. 3 to send. The operation information for a predetermined period generated by the information collection terminal device 5 (cumulative value of the operation information for the predetermined period) is the time when the state of the gaming machine changes (for example, start / end of operation, start / end of jackpot) It is calculated every time, and the operation for each gaming machine can be grasped by the gaming management device 1, but it may be configured so as to be cumulatively calculated for each business unit, week or month according to the purpose. .

  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).

  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.

  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.

  The data collection device 3 receives the operation information transmitted from the information collection terminal device 5 and stores the operation information. Then, the operation information is transmitted to the game hall external management device 2 at a predetermined timing. The data collection device 3 may be configured to have a system clock function for supplying information (for example, time information) necessary for the operation of each device connected to the gaming system. This 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.

  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.

  The game hall external management device 2 is provided in the headquarters or external organization that manages the game hall chain, and is connected to the data collection device 3 via the network, and the data collection device 3 collects from the devices installed in the game hall. In response to the transmission of the operation information, the data is stored and stored and managed.

  The communication port of the game management device 1 and the communication port of the data collection device 3 are connected via an external network (for example, an intranet or the Internet) outside the game hall as a communication line, and a telephone line network (for example, ISDN) or a regional IP network. Are connected to each other and communicate with devices such as the game hall external management device 2 provided at other game halls or headquarters. When a device other than the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3 communicates with a device provided outside the game hall, a game such as the game hall external management device 2 via the communication port of the data collection device 3 Communicate with devices installed outside the venue. 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.

  Note that the network between the game management device 1 and the game hall external management device 2 or the network between the data collection device 3 and the game hall external management device 2 is a network used by an unspecified majority person such as the Internet. In the case of not being connected by a dedicated line, a virtual closed network (VPN) is set between the game management device 1, the game hall external management device 2, the data collection device 3, and the game hall external management device 2. Then, data transferred between the game management device 1 and the game hall external management device 2 is not leaked to the outside, and the management information of the game hall can be kept confidential.

  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.

  Next, the configuration of the information collection terminal device 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  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.

  The microprocessor 50 is a one-chip type processor incorporating three CPUs 501 to 503, and incorporates three CPUs: a media access control CPU (MACCPU) 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.

  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.

  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.

  The processor also includes a control circuit 514 that outputs control signals such as clocks and resets for the CPUs 501 to 503.

  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.

  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.

  Next, the configuration of the data collection device 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the data collection device 3.

  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.

  The ROM 302 and RAM 303 store encryption keys for encrypted communication, and the CPU 301 constitutes encryption means.

  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).

  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 operated 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.

  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 an operation information external transmission unit.

  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 data collection device 3.

  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.

  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.

  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.

  The communication interface 305 is connected to an external network outside the game arcade.

  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.

  First, 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 data collection device 3 is connected to the output interface 307.

  The communication interface 305 is connected to an external network outside the game arcade. Therefore, it is possible to communicate with the game management device 1 and the data collection device 3 installed in each game hall.

  FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a process when event information is generated in the gaming system according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  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. The counting machine 7 and the like are also in operation. A counting signal is output from the counting machine 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.

  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 device 5 determines whether or not the received operation information is information (event information) to be immediately transmitted to the game management device 1.

  That is, among the operation 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, A “call signal” accompanying the operation of the call button is event information and is immediately transmitted to the game management apparatus 1. On the other hand, among the operation 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.

  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 data collection device 3. 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.

  The data collection device 3 that has received the event information transmits the event information to the game hall external management device 2. The game hall external management device 2 that has received the event information transmits the event information to the game management device 1. That is, event information among the operation information is transmitted from the information collection terminal device 5 to the game management device 1 via the data collection device 3 and the game hall external management device 2.

  The game management device 1 that has received the event information immediately executes processing for the event information. In other words, in order to call attention to the attendant of the game hall, a display (unit number) for identifying a gaming machine related to the occurrence of the event information and event information on the display device screen connected to the game management device 1 Display the contents of.

  On the other hand, for operation information that is not event information, operation information is generated as accumulated data of operation information based on the operation information, and the operation information is stored. Specifically, when a predetermined time elapses or when the state of the gaming machine changes, 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), the number of starts The accumulated value is added and operation information is generated. The operation information may be, for example, the cumulative addition value of the number of prize balls, or may be information obtained by processing the cumulative addition value (for example, information obtained by dividing by a predetermined number or encoded). Good.

  As will be described later with reference to FIG. 5, the operation information is output to the data collection device 3 at a predetermined timing (in response to a request from the data collection device 3, every predetermined time, at the end of business hours, etc.).

  FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing processing from business to business end of the gaming system according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  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. The counting machine 7 and the like are also in operation. A counting signal is output from the counting machine 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.

  When operation information such as a prize ball signal from the gaming machine 6, a count signal from the counter 7, a sales signal from the ticket vending machine 8, a deposit signal from the safe 9, etc. is transmitted, the operation information (award ball signal, loan) A ball signal, a count signal, a sales signal, a deposit signal, etc.) are input to the information collecting terminal device 5. The information collection terminal device 5 collects operation information by receiving a prize ball signal or the like. If the received operation information requires calculation of a cumulative value, the cumulative value of the operation information is calculated. 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. Thus, the information collection terminal device 5 is configured with a calculation means for calculating the collected operation information of gaming machines or the like as a cumulative value for a predetermined period.

  The game management device 1 transmits an operation information request signal for requesting the game hall external management device 2 to transmit operation information every predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). When the game hall external management device 2 receives the operation information transmission request from the game management device 1, it transmits an operation information request signal for requesting the data collection device 3 to transmit the operation information. 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 an operation information request signal for requesting transmission of the operation information to the information collection terminal device 5 to perform polling.

  In response to the operation information transmission request from the data collection device 3, the information collection terminal device 5 transmits the calculated and stored 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 the time information is added to the operation information and output, it is possible to detect a transfer error (transmission omission, reception error) omission of the operation information 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.

  When the data collection device 3 receives the operation information from the information collection terminal device 5, the data collection device 3 transmits the operation information to the game hall external management device 2 and stores it in a storage unit inside the data collection device 3 as necessary. The game hall external management device 2 that has received the operation information transmitted from the data collection device 3 performs operation information processing for storing the received operation information. In addition, the game hall external management device 2 transmits operation information to the game management device 1. That is, the operation information collected and managed by the game management device 1 is transmitted from the information collection terminal device 5 to the game management device 1 via the data collection device 3 and the game hall external management device 2.

  When the game management device 1 receives the operation information from the game hall external management device 2, the game management device 1 accumulates the operation information and performs operation information for each type of operation information or for each type of game machine. Processing is performed to manage the transition of the operating state, and monitor the operating status of each model, the presence or absence of gaming machines with an abnormal operating status, and the balance of the game hall.

  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 with the game management device 1. End operation. When this business end operation is performed, the game management device 1 transmits an operation information request signal requesting the game hall external management device 2 to transmit final operation information that is operation information at the time of business end. When the game hall external management device 2 receives the operation information request signal from the game management device 1, it transmits an operation information request signal for requesting the data collection device 3 to transmit the final operation information. When the data collection device 3 receives the operation information request signal from the game hall external management device 2, the data collection device 3 transmits an operation information request signal for requesting transmission of the final operation information to the information collection terminal device 5 to perform polling. 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.

  In response to this operation information transmission request, the information collection terminal device 5 determines the operation information final operation information calculated and stored from the collected operation information, and transmits the final operation information to the data collection device 3. When the data collection device 3 receives final operation information from the information collection terminal device 5, the data collection device 3 transmits final operation information for each information collection terminal device 5 to the game hall external management device 2.

  The game hall external management device 2 that has received the final operation information transmitted from the data collection device 3 determines the final operation information at the end of business as the final data of the operation information, and performs operation information processing for storing the final operation information. . In addition, the game hall external management device 2 transmits the confirmed final operation information to the game management device 1. That is, the final operation information (final data of operation information) collected and managed by the game management device 1 is sent from the information collection terminal device 5 via the data collection device 3 and the game hall external management device 2 to the game management device 1. Sent to.

  As described above, after the information collection terminal device 5 determines the final operation information, the data collection device 3 determines the final operation information, and transmits the final operation information to the game hall external management device 2 to obtain the game hall external management device. 2 finalizes the last operation information at the end of business. And since the final operation information decided is transmitted to the game management device 1, the final operation information stored in the game hall external management device 2 and the final operation information stored in the game management device 1 are the same data. Can be guaranteed.

  Further, the information collection terminal device 5 determines the end of business and determines the operation information at the time of business end as the final operation information, whereby the information collection terminal device 5 is configured with a final operation information determination unit. Further, the data collection device 3 determines the end of business and confirms the final operation information at the end of business as the final data of the operation information, so that the data collection device 3 is configured with final operation information confirmation means.

  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 data collection device 3, but the business is terminated from the data collection device 3 to each device connected to the internal network. The signal may be broadcast (broadcast). In addition, when a business end signal is broadcast from the data collection device 3, the information collection terminal device 5 uses a random number to end the business in order to prevent duplication of operation information transmission timing from each information collection terminal device 5. It is good to comprise so that the time from reception of a signal to transmission of final operation information may be determined.

  When the game management device 1 receives the final operation information from the game hall external management device 2, the game management device 1 stores the final operation information, and counts the business unit (for example, every business day) (for example, collects all information). Final operation information processing is performed for the total of each type of operation information of the terminal device.

  As described above, the game hall external management device 2 stores the operation information collected during business operation for verification when an abnormality occurs, and is used for verification of one business unit (when the business management device 1 stores the business end time). As a comparison with the operation information of the current operation, the final operation information (operation information at the end of business) is stored and held.

  In the first embodiment, during operation, the data collection device 3 is configured to request the operation information from the information collection terminal device 5 when receiving the operation information request from the game hall external management device 2. As in a second embodiment (FIG. 9) described later, the operation information may be collected from the information collection terminal device 5 at a timing different from the operation information request from the game hall external management device 2. Good.

  In the first embodiment, at the end of the business, the final operation information (operation information at the end of the business) is transmitted based on the business end notification from the game management device 1. As in the second embodiment (FIG. 9), the final operation information may be transmitted based on the result of the information collection terminal device 5 determining the end of business. As in the embodiment (FIG. 13), the final operation information may be transmitted based on the result of the data collection device 3 determining the end of business.

  FIG. 6 is a timing diagram of the gaming system according to the first 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).

  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.

  When the game management device 1 performs a business start operation (input of business start), the information collection terminal device 5 is notified of a business start notification signal from the game management device 1 to the information collection terminal device 5. The information collection terminal device 5 clears the operation information generated from the operation information accumulated in the previous business unit by this business start notification signal, and the initialization process for collecting the operation information in the business unit to be started from now on do. The operation information accumulated in the previous business unit may be initialized between the transmission of the operation information to the data collection device 3 and the start of operation information collection for the next business unit.

  And the collection of the operation information accompanying sales starts. 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., and accumulates the collected operation information to generate operation information. To do.

  When a game end instruction is given to the game management apparatus 1, a business end instruction (final operation information transmission request) is issued from the game management apparatus 1 to the data collection apparatus 3 via the game hall external management apparatus 2. The data collection device 3 notifies the information collection terminal device 5 of a business end instruction (operation information transmission request). The information collection terminal device 5 knows 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 operation information to the data collection device 3. The data collection device 3 transmits the received operation information to the game hall external management device 2. The game hall external management device 2 transfers the operation information to the game management device 1.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the information collection terminal device 5 that collects 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 information collection terminal device 5 include In a gaming system including a data collection device 3 that collects operation information generated from collected operation information, and an internal network that connects the information collection terminal device 5 and the data collection device 3, the data collection device 3 and a communication line Is connected via a communication line, and is connected to the game hall external management device 2 installed outside the game hall, which collects the operation information collected by the data collection device 3, and the game hall external management device 2 via a communication line, A game management device 1 installed inside the game hall for collecting operation information collected by the game hall external management device 2, and the data collection device 3 manages the collected operation information outside the game hall And the game hall external management device 2 transmits the collected operation information to the game management device 1, whereby the game management device 1 collects the operation information, and the game management device 1 is a unit. When it is determined that the business has ended, the game hall external management device 2 stores the collected operation information as operation information at the end of one unit of business and transmits the final operation information to the game management device 1. Therefore, since the game management device 1 collects and manages the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device 5 via the data collection device 3 and the game hall external management device 2, the game hall external management device 2 Can accurately grasp the operation information collected and managed by the game management apparatus 1.

  FIG. 7 is a system configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of the gaming system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the game system (FIG. 7) of the second embodiment, the game management device 1 is not only connected to the game hall external management device 2 via an external network via a communication port, but also collects data inside the game hall A. The device 3 is also connected. Therefore, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 8, data (operation information) that needs to be promptly transmitted to the game management device 1 is sent from the data collection device 3 to the game without passing through the game hall external management device 2. Sent directly to the management apparatus 1. On the other hand, data that is not required to promptly transmit operation information to the game management device 1 is transmitted from the data collection device 3 to the game management device 1 via the game hall external management device 2. At this time, the data directly transmitted from the data collection device 3 to the game management device 1 without going through the game hall external management device 2 is not stored in the game hall external management device 2, but the game hall Data transmitted from the data collection device 3 to the game management device 1 via the external management device 2 is stored in the game hall external management device 2.

  The same components as those of the gaming system of the first embodiment (FIG. 1) described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing processing when event information is generated in the gaming system according to the second embodiment of this invention.

  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. The counting machine 7 and the like are also in operation. A counting signal is output from the counting machine 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.

  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 device 5 determines whether or not the received operation information is information (event information) to be immediately transmitted to the game management device 1.

  That is, among the operation 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, A “call signal” accompanying the operation of the call button is event information and is immediately transmitted to the game management apparatus 1. On the other hand, among the operation 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.

  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 data collection device 3. 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.

  The data collection device 3 that has received the event information transmits the event information to the game management device 1. That is, event information of the operation information is transmitted from the information collection terminal device 5 to the game management device 1 via the data collection device 3.

  The game management device 1 that has received the event information immediately executes processing for the event information. In other words, in order to call attention to the attendant of the game hall, a display (unit number) for identifying a gaming machine related to the occurrence of the event information and event information on the display device screen connected to the game management device 1 Display the contents of.

  On the other hand, for operation information that is not event information, operation information is generated as accumulated data of operation information 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. Even if it is event information, data to be stored in the game hall external management device 2 like information related to security can be transmitted to the game hall external management device 2. In this case, the game management apparatus 1 can avoid storing the data redundantly by not receiving or requesting the information already received as the event information.

  This operation information is output to the data collection device 3 at a predetermined timing (in response to a request from the data collection device 3, every predetermined time, at the end of business hours, etc.) as will be described later with reference to FIG.

  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.

  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. The counting machine 7 and the like are also in operation. A counting signal is output from the counting machine 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.

  When operation information such as a prize ball signal from the gaming machine 6, a count signal from the counter 7, a sales signal from the ticket vending machine 8, a deposit signal from the safe 9 is output, the operation information (award ball signal, loan) A ball signal, a count signal, a sales signal, a deposit signal, etc.) are input to the information collecting terminal device 5. The information collection terminal device 5 collects operation information by receiving a prize ball signal or the like. If the received operation information requires calculation of a cumulative value, the cumulative value of the operation information is calculated. 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. And the information collection terminal device 5 memorize | stores this cumulative value as operation information.

  The data collection device 3 performs polling by transmitting an operation information request signal requesting the information collection terminal device 5 to transmit operation information every predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). In response to the operation information transmission request from the data collection device 3, the information collection terminal device 5 transmits the calculated and stored 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 the time information is added to the operation information and output, it is possible to detect a transfer error (transmission omission, reception error) omission of the operation information 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.

  When the data collection device 3 receives the operation information from the information collection terminal device 5, the data collection device 3 transmits the operation information to the game hall external management device 2 and stores it inside the data collection device 3 as necessary.

  Note that the information collection terminal device 5 transmits the calculated and stored operation information to the data collection device 3 every predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) regardless of polling from the data collection device 3. It may be configured.

  The game management device 1 transmits an operation information request signal for requesting the game hall external management device 2 to transmit operation information every predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). When the game hall external management device 2 receives the operation information transmission request from the game management device 1, it transmits an operation information request signal for requesting the data collection device 3 to transmit the operation information. 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 the operation information collected and stored from the information collection terminal device 5 to the game hall external management device 2. The game hall external management device 2 that has received the operation information transmitted from the data collection device 3 stores the operation information and performs operation information transfer processing for transferring the received operation information to the game management device 1.

  When the game management device 1 receives the operation information from the game hall external management device 2, the game management device 1 accumulates the operation information and performs operation information for each type of operation information or for each type of game machine. Processing is performed to manage the transition of the operating state, and monitor the operating status of each model, the presence or absence of gaming machines with an abnormal operating status, and the balance of the game hall.

  When the business ends, the information collection terminal indicates that the game machine 6 and game-related devices (counter 7, ticket vending machine 8, safe 9 etc.) installed in the game hall have ended and that the game hall has been closed. The device 5 determines by itself (determination of business end by the information collection terminal device 5 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11). Then, the information collection terminal device 5 determines the operation information at the time when it is determined that the business has ended, and transmits it to the data collection device 3 as final operation information.

  Then, the data collection device 3 determines the received operation information as final operation information, and transmits the determined final operation information to the game hall external management device 2.

  The game hall external management device 2 that has received the final operation information transmitted from the data collection device 3 stores the received final operation information as the final operation information of the operation information at the end of business, and uses the final operation information that has been confirmed for the game. A final operation information transfer process to be transferred to the management apparatus 1 is performed.

  As described above, after the operation information at the end of the business is determined by the information collection terminal device 5, the data collection device 3 determines the final operation information and transmits the final operation information to the game hall external management device 2 as the final operation information. The external management device 2 determines the final operation information at the end of business. When the final operation information is transmitted from the game hall external management device 2 to the game management device 1, the final operation information stored in the game hall external management device 2 and the final operation information stored in the game management device 1 are the same. Can be guaranteed.

  When the game management device 1 receives the final operation information from the game hall external management device 2, the game management device 1 stores the final operation information and performs final operation information processing for counting the business units (for example, every business day). Do.

  That is, also in the second embodiment, the operation information collected and managed by the game management device 1 is transmitted from the information collection terminal device 5 via the data collection device 3 and the game hall external management device 2 to the game management device 1. Sent to.

  As described above, also in the second embodiment, the game hall external management device 2 stores the operation information collected during the business operation for verification when an abnormality occurs, and is used for verification of one business unit (for game) The final operation information (operation information at the end of business) is stored and held as a comparison with the final operation information at the end of business stored in the management device 1.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing signals transmitted during business in the gaming system according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  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).

  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.

  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.

  Further, as will be described later (FIG. 11), 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.

  FIG. 11 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.

  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.

  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).

  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.

  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).

  Next, an operation signal reception process (S105 to S108) from another information collecting terminal device 5 is performed.

  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).

  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.

  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.

  Next, an operation signal transmission process (S109 to S113) is performed.

  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).

  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.

  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.

  As described above, the business determination process is performed in the microprocessor 50 of the information collecting terminal device 5 to constitute a business end determination unit. The end of business is determined and the operation information at the end of the operation is used as the final operation information. By finalizing, final operation information confirmation means is configured.

  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

  In the second embodiment, during business, the data collection device 3 is configured to collect operation information from the information collection terminal device 5 at a timing different from the operation information request from the game hall external management device 2. However, as in the first embodiment (FIG. 5) described above, when the data collection device 3 receives the operation information request from the game hall external management device 2, it requests the information collection terminal device 5 for the operation information. You may comprise as follows.

  Further, at the end of business, the information collection terminal device 5 is configured to transmit the final operation information (operation information at the time of business end) based on the result of the business end determination, but the first implementation described above is performed. As in the form (FIG. 5), the final operation information may be transmitted based on the notification of the end of business from the game management device 1, and a third embodiment (FIG. 13) described later. As described above, the final operation information may be transmitted based on the result of the data collection device 3 determining the end of business.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the information collection terminal device 5 that collects 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 information collection terminal device 5 include In a gaming system including a data collection device 3 that collects operation information generated from collected operation information, and an internal network that connects the information collection terminal device 5 and the data collection device 3, the data collection device 3 and a communication line Is connected via a communication line, and is connected to the game hall external management device 2 installed outside the game hall, which collects the operation information collected by the data collection device 3, and the game hall external management device 2 via a communication line, A game management device 1 installed inside the game hall for collecting operation information collected by the game hall external management device 2, and the data collection device 3 manages the collected operation information outside the game hall And the game hall external management device 2 transmits the collected operation information to the game management device 1, so that the game management device 1 collects the operation information, and the information collection terminal device 5 has one unit. When it is determined that the business has ended, the game hall external management device 2 stores the collected operation information as operation information at the end of one unit of business and transmits the final operation information to the game management device 1. Therefore, since the game management device 1 collects and manages the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device 5 via the data collection device 3 and the game hall external management device 2, the game hall external management device 2 Can accurately grasp the operation information collected and managed by the game management apparatus 1.

  Further, since the data collection device 3 transmits the event information to the game management device 1 without going through the game hall external management device 2, the event information generated at any time is transmitted from the data collection device via the network in the game hall. Since it is transmitted to the game management device, event information can be quickly transmitted to the game management device regardless of the traffic on the external line and the load status of the game hall external management device.

  FIG. 12 is a system configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of the gaming system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  In the gaming system of the third embodiment (FIG. 12), the game management device 1 collects data inside the game hall A without being directly connected to the game hall external management device 2 via the external network via the communication port. It is connected to the device 3. That is, the game management device 1 can communicate with the game hall external management device 2 via the data collection device 3.

  Therefore, as described above with reference to FIG. 8, the data (operation information) that needs to be promptly transmitted to the game management device 1 is transmitted from the data collection device 3 to the game without passing through the game hall external management device 2. Sent directly to the management apparatus 1. On the other hand, data that is not required to promptly transmit operation information to the game management device 1 is transmitted from the data collection device 3 to the game management device 1 via the game hall external management device 2. Note that even data that needs to be promptly transmitted to the game management apparatus 1 can be transmitted to the game hall external management apparatus 2 as necessary.

  The same components as those of the gaming system of the first embodiment (FIG. 1) described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing processing from during business to the end of business in the gaming system according to the third embodiment of this invention.

  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. The counting machine 7 and the like are also in operation. A counting signal is output from the counting machine 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.

  When operation information such as a prize ball signal from the gaming machine 6, a count signal from the counter 7, a sales signal from the ticket vending machine 8, a deposit signal from the safe 9 is output, the operation information (award ball signal, loan) A ball signal, a count signal, a sales signal, a deposit signal, etc.) are input to the information collecting terminal device 5. The information collection terminal device 5 collects operation information by receiving a prize ball signal or the like. If the received operation information is event information, the event information is immediately transmitted to the game management device 1 via the data collection device 3. Since the processing related to the transmission of the event information is the same as that in the second embodiment (FIG. 8), description thereof is omitted. That is, also in the third embodiment, event information in the operation information is transmitted from the information collection terminal device 5 to the game management device 1 via the data collection device 3.

  Further, if the received operation information requires calculation of a cumulative value, the information collection terminal device 5 calculates the cumulative value 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.

  The game management device 1 transmits an operation information request signal for requesting the game hall external management device 2 to transmit operation information every predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). Since the operation information request signal from the game management device 1 to the game hall external management device 2 does not have a route for directly connecting the game management device 1 and the game hall external management device 2, the data collection device 3 is transmitted. When the game hall external management device 2 receives the operation information transmission request from the game management device 1, it transmits an operation information request signal for requesting the data collection device 3 to transmit the operation information. 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 an operation information request signal for requesting transmission of the operation information to the information collection terminal device 5 to perform polling.

  In response to the operation information transmission request from the data collection device 3, the information collection terminal device 5 transmits the calculated and stored 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 the time information is added to the operation information and output, it is possible to detect a transfer error (transmission omission, reception error) omission of the operation information 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.

  When the data collection device 3 receives the operation information from the information collection terminal device 5, the data collection device 3 transmits the operation information to the game hall external management device 2. The game hall external management device 2 that has received the operation information transmitted from the data collection device 3 transfers the operation information to the game management device 1. The operation information from the game hall external management device 2 to the game management device 1 is based on the fact that the route for directly connecting the game management device 1 and the game hall external management device 2 is not set. Sent via.

  That is, also in the third embodiment, the operation information collected and managed by the game management device 1 is managed from the information collection terminal device 5 via the data collection device 3 and the game hall external management device 2. 1 is transmitted.

  When the game management device 1 receives the operation information from the game hall external management device 2, the game management device 1 accumulates the operation information and performs operation information for each type of operation information or for each type of game machine. Processing is performed to manage the transition of the operating state, and monitor the operating status of each model, the presence or absence of gaming machines with an abnormal operating status, and the balance of the game hall.

  At the end of the business, the data collection device indicates that the operation of the gaming machine 6 and game-related devices (counter 7, ticket vending machine 8, safe 9 etc.) installed in the amusement hall has been terminated 3 decides for itself. That is, the data collection device 3 compares the operation information received from the information collection terminal device 5 with the operation information previously received from the information collection terminal device 5, and changes the value to all the information collection terminal devices 5. If there is no, it is determined that none of the devices installed in the game hall is in an operating state, and that the business of the game hall has ended.

  If the operation information received within a predetermined time does not change compared to the operation information received from the information collection terminal device 5 last time, none of the devices installed in the game arcade is in the operation state. It may be determined that the business of the venue has ended. Further, when the information collection terminal device 5 transmits the operation information regardless of the operation information request signal from the data collection device 3, if the operation information from the information collection terminal device 5 is not received within a predetermined time, It can also be determined that any device installed in the game hall is not in an operating state and that the business of the game hall has ended. Further, the information collection terminal device 5 can also determine the end of business by a method such as inferring business end time from preset business time information or past business end time.

  When the data collection device 3 determines that the business has ended, the operation information at that time is determined as final operation information, stored in the storage means, and transmitted to the game hall external management device 2.

  The game hall external management device 2 that has received the operation information transmitted from the data collection device 3 stores the final operation information, and the game hall external management device 2 transmits the received final operation information to the game management device 1. Perform final operation information transfer processing.

  As described above, after the operation information at the end of the business is determined by the information collection terminal device 5, the data collection device 3 determines the final operation information and transmits the final operation information to the game hall external management device 2 as the final operation information. The external management device 2 determines the final operation information at the end of business. When the final operation information is transmitted from the game hall external management device 2 to the game management device 1, the final operation information stored in the game hall external management device 2 and the final operation information stored in the game management device 1 are the same. Can be guaranteed.

  When the game management device 1 receives the final operation information from the game hall external management device 2, the game management device 1 stores the final operation information and performs final operation information processing for counting the business units (for example, every business day). Do.

  That is, also in the third embodiment, the operation information collected and managed by the game management device 1 is transmitted from the information collection terminal device 5 via the data collection device 3 and the game hall external management device 2 to the game management device 1. Sent to.

  As described above, also in the third embodiment, the game hall external management device 2 stores the operation information collected during business operation for verification when an abnormality occurs, and is used for verification of one business unit (for game) Operation information (operation information at the end of business) is stored and held as a comparison with the operation information at the end of business stored in the management apparatus 1.

  In the third embodiment, during business, the data collection device 3 is configured to collect operation information from the information collection terminal device 5 at a timing different from the operation information request from the game hall external management device 2. However, as in the first embodiment (FIG. 5) described above, when the data collection device 3 receives the operation information request from the game hall external management device 2, it requests the information collection terminal device 5 for the operation information. You may comprise as follows.

  Further, at the end of business, the data collection device 3 is configured to transmit the final operation information (operation information at the end of business) based on the result of the business end determination, but the first embodiment described above. As shown in FIG. 5, the final operation information may be transmitted based on the business end notification from the gaming management device 1, and the second embodiment (FIG. 9) described above may be used. In this way, the final operation information may be transmitted based on the result of the information collection terminal device 5 determining the end of business.

  Further, in the second embodiment and the third embodiment, event information can be communicated to the game management device 1 even if a failure occurs in the external communication line leading to the game hall external management device 2. Even if there is a problem in the collection of the operation information, the event information is continuously collected, so that it is possible to avoid a serious situation in which it becomes difficult to immediately operate the game hall.

  Communication is performed so that operation information is transmitted from the data collection device 3 to the game management device 1 without going through the game hall external management device 2 when a failure occurs in the external communication line leading to the game hall external management device 2. The route may be switched. At that time, data that can be identified that is not via the game hall external management device is added to the operation information and transmitted, or data that can be identified that is not via the game hall external management device It is added to the operation information and stored. Further, the data collection device 3 collects records of communications performed without going through the game hall external management device 2, and when the external communication line leading to the game hall external management device 2 is restored, the operation information is based on the communication records. It may be transmitted to the game hall external management device 2.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the information collection terminal device 5 and the information collection terminal device 5 that collect 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, In a gaming system including a data collection device 3 that collects operation information generated from collected operation information, and an internal network that connects the information collection terminal device 5 and the data collection device 3, the data collection device 3 and a communication line Is connected via a communication line, and is connected to the game hall external management device 2 installed outside the game hall, which collects the operation information collected by the data collection device 3, and the game hall external management device 2 via a communication line, A game management device 1 installed inside the game hall for collecting operation information collected by the game hall external management device 2, and the data collection device 3 manages the collected operation information outside the game hall The game management device 1 collects the operation information, and the data collection device 3 operates as a unit of business by transmitting the operation information collected to the game management device 1 to the game management device 1. When it is determined that the game has ended, the game hall external management device 2 stores the collected operation information as operation information at the end of one unit of business and transmits the final operation information to the game management device 1. Since the game management device 1 collects and manages the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device 5 via the data collection device 3 and the game hall external management device 2, the game hall external management device 2 The operation information collected and managed by the game management apparatus 1 can be accurately grasped.

  Further, since the data collection device 3 transmits the event information to the game management device 1 without going through the game hall external management device 2, the event information generated at any time is transmitted from the data collection device via the network in the game hall. Since it is transmitted to the game management apparatus 1, event information can be quickly transmitted to the game management apparatus 1 regardless of the external line traffic and the load situation of the game hall external management apparatus 2.

  In the first to third embodiments described above, the data collection device 3 transmits the operation information from the information collection terminal device 5 to the game hall external management device 2 as it is, or manages event information for game management. Although the data is transmitted directly to the device 1, the data collection device 3 calculates, accumulates and stores the accumulated data for each type of information from the operation information data transmitted from the plurality of information collection terminal devices 5, and stores the accumulated operation information. May be transmitted to the game hall external management device 2. As a result, the game management device 1 acquires this cumulative operation information from the game hall external management device 2, whereby the processing in the game management device 1 can be simplified. Further, the same effect can be obtained even if the accumulated data is calculated not by the data collection device 3 but by the game hall external management device 2. This cumulative operation information includes the type of operation data (for example, sales data, prize ball data, hitting data, etc.), total or average operation data for each machine type, operation for each island or game hall. Data etc. can be considered.

  As described above, the cumulative operation information is calculated by the data collection device 3, so that transmission of the operation information is stopped due to a network failure or the like, and a huge amount of operation information is stored in the data collection device 3. However, before the game management device 1 or the game hall external management device 2 individually collects the operation information when the network is restored, the operation status of the game hall is quickly collected and displayed by collecting the cumulative operation information. It becomes possible. Furthermore, there is an advantage that auditing that the data has not been tampered with can be performed using this accumulated operation information by calculating, accumulating and storing the accumulated operation information in the data collection device 3.

  Further, when considering the game hall external management device 2, storing and storing transaction data such as the operation history of individual game machines required by the game management device 1 requires a large-scale database and increases the processing load. However, by storing the accumulated operation data together in the game hall external management device 2, the processing load on the game management device 1 can be reduced. Further, the transaction data can be managed in a distributed manner by storing the transaction data of the corresponding game hall in the game management apparatus 1 instead of the game hall external management apparatus 2. Thus, accumulating and storing the accumulated data outside the game management device 1 ensures the reliability of the operation data, reduces the processing load on the game management device 1, and causes a failure of the game management device 1. When data loss occurs due to the above, there is an advantage that recovery is possible by transferring data from the game hall external management device 2.

  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.

  The following are typical examples of aspects of the present invention other than those described in the claims.

  (1) 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 an operation generated from the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device In a gaming system comprising a data collection device for collecting information, and a network for connecting the information collection terminal device and the data collection device, the data collection device is connected to the data collection device via a communication line. Collecting the operation information collected by the game hall external management device installed outside the game hall and the game hall external management device via a communication line and collecting the operation information collected by the game hall external management device And a game management device installed inside the game hall for collecting.

  That is, the game management device collects the operation information of the gaming machine and the like collected by the data collection device via the game hall external management device provided outside the game hall.

  (2) In (1), the operation information collected by the game management device is collected from the data collection device by the game hall external management device in response to a request from the game management device to the game hall external management device. It is the information to do.

  (3) In (1) or (2), the data collection device sends, to the game, event information that requires prompt processing in the game management device, out of the operation information, without going through the game hall external management device. It transmits to the management apparatus for operation.

  (4) In (1) to (3), when the game room external management device notifies the game management device that one unit of business has ended, the collected operation information is terminated by one unit of business. It is characterized in that it is stored as operation information at the time.

  (5) In (1) to (3), when the game management device instructs the information collection terminal device to initialize the operation information, the game hall external management device uses the collected operation information as a unit of sales. It is characterized in that it is stored as operation information at the end of the process.

  (6) 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 an operation generated from the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device A data collection device that collects information, a network that connects the information collection terminal device and the data collection device, and a data collection device that is connected to the data collection device via a communication line and collects operation information collected by the data collection device A gaming management device used in a gaming system comprising a gaming field external management device installed outside a gaming hall and a gaming management device installed inside the gaming hall, wherein the gaming management device comprises: Connection means for connecting to the game hall external management device via a communication line, and operation information for collecting operation information that can be compared with operation information collected by the game hall external management device. The operation information collection means is connected to the game hall external management device by the connection means without collecting operation information directly from the information collection terminal or the data collection device, and the game hall Operation information is collected from an external management device.

  (7) a data collection device that collects operation information generated from operation information generated 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 is connected to the data collection device; A data collection method applied to a game system comprising: a game hall external management device installed outside a game hall; and a game management device connected to the game hall external management device and installed inside the game hall. The data collection device transmits the collected operation information to the game hall external management device, and the game hall external management device transmits the collected operation information to the game management device, thereby managing the game management. The apparatus is characterized by collecting operation information.

  From the configuration of (1), 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 In a gaming system comprising a data collection device that collects generated operation information, and a network that connects the information collection terminal device and the data collection device, the data collection device is connected to the data collection device via a communication line, A game hall external management device installed outside the game hall that collects operation information collected by the data collection device, and is connected to the game hall external management device via a communication line, and is collected by the game hall external management device. And a management device for games installed inside the game hall that collects the operation information that has been collected, the operation generated from the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device Information is collected and managed by the game management device via the data collection device and the game hall external management device, so the game hall external management device accurately grasps the operation information collected and managed by the game management device can do.

  With the configuration of (2), the operation information collected by the game management device is collected from the data collection device by the game hall external management device in response to a request from the game management device to the game hall external management device. Because it is information, the operation information collected from the game hall external management device is limited to the operation information transmitted based on a request that is considered to be less necessary for real-time information collection. Can be reduced, the load on the communication line connected to the game hall external management device can be reduced, and the storage capacity of the game hall external management device can be reduced.

  With the configuration of (3), the data collection device transmits, among the operation information, event information that requires prompt processing in the game management device to the game management device without going through the game hall external management device. Therefore, event information that occurs from time to time is transmitted from the data collection device to the game management device via the network in the game hall, regardless of the traffic on the external line or the load status of the game hall external management device, Event information can be quickly transmitted to the game management device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game management device 2 Game hall external management device 3 Data collection device 4 Relay terminal 5 Information collection terminal device 6 Game machine 7 Counter 8 Ticket vending machine 9 Safe

Claims (6)

An information collecting terminal device that collects operation information from at least gaming machines installed in the game hall; and
A data collection device for collecting operation information generated from the operation information collected by the information collection terminal device;
In a gaming system comprising a network connecting the information collection terminal device and the data collection device,
A game hall external management device that is connected to the data collection device via a communication line and collects operation information collected by the data collection device, and is installed outside the game hall;
It is connected to the game hall external management device via a communication line and performs collection of operation information collected by the game hall external management device and operation information processing for accumulating operation information at least for each type of gaming machine. A game management device installed inside the game hall,
The game management device is connected to the data collection device inside the game hall,
The data collection device does not use the game hall external management device for event information predetermined as information to be immediately transmitted to the game management device among the operation information collected from the information collection terminal device. A game system, wherein the game system is directly transmitted to the game management device.   The data collection device stores operation information collected from the information collection terminal device in a state in which access to the operation information is restricted, and transmits the stored operation information to the game hall external management device. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the game hall external management device collects operation information. The game management device is configured to collect the operation information transmitted from the game hall external management device based on a request to the game hall external management device,
The event information includes information to be accumulated in the game hall external management device as its type,
The data collection device is configured to transmit information to be stored in the game hall external management device among the event information to the game hall external management device,
The game management device does not receive information from the game hall external management device that has already been collected from the data collection device as the event information from the game hall external management device or is stored in the game hall external management device. The game system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the game system is not required. The data collection device includes:
When a failure occurs in the communication line leading to the game hall external management device, the operation information collected from the information collection terminal device is transmitted to the game management device without going through the game hall external management device. In addition, data that can be identified as not via a game hall external management device is added to the operation information and stored,
When the communication line leading to the game hall external management device is recovered from a failure, the operation information transmitted to the game management device is not transmitted to the game hall external management device without passing through the game hall external management device. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein An information collection terminal device that collects operation information from at least gaming machines installed in a game arcade, a data collection device that collects operation information generated from operation information collected by the information collection terminal device, and the information collection terminal device And a network connecting the data collection device, a game hall external management device installed outside the game hall, connected to the data collection device via a communication line, and collecting operation information collected by the data collection device; A gaming management device used in a gaming system comprising a gaming management device installed inside a gaming hall,
The data collection device is connected to the game management device inside the game arcade, and is predetermined as information to be immediately transmitted to the game management device among the operation information collected from the information collection terminal device. The event information is configured to be transmitted directly to the game management device without going through the game hall external management device,
The game management device includes a connection means for connecting to the game hall external management device via a communication line, an operation information collection means for collecting operation information collected by the game hall external management device, and at least a gaming machine An operation information processing means for accumulating operation information for each type,
The operation information collecting means includes
Among the operation information, the event information is collected directly from the data collection device without going through the game hall external management device,
Of the operating information, information other than the event information is collected from the game hall external management device by connecting to the game hall external management device by the connecting means. A data collection device that collects operation information generated by an information collection terminal device based on at least operation information generated from a gaming machine installed in the game hall, and a game hall that is connected to the data collection device and is installed outside the game hall An external management device, and a game management device installed in the game hall that is connected to the game hall external management device and is capable of performing operation information processing for cumulatively calculating operation information for each type of gaming machine; A data collection method applied to a gaming system comprising:
The data collection device includes:
While operating information collected from the information collection terminal device, event information predetermined as information to be immediately transmitted to the game management device is transmitted to the game management device,
Of the operation information collected from the information collection terminal device, information other than the event information is transmitted to the game hall external management device,
The game hall external management device is:
Collect information other than the event information sent from the data collection device, send the information to the game management device,
The game management device includes:
A data collection method comprising collecting the event information transmitted from the data collection device and collecting information other than the event information transmitted from the game hall external management device.