JP5090152B2 - Supply management device and gaming machine abnormality monitoring method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a supply management device and a gaming machine abnormality monitoring method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as disclosed in the following Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3, there are known devices that determine an abnormality of a gaming machine such as an illegal operation on a gaming machine or a malfunction of a gaming machine. The abnormality determination device disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not output a control signal indicating that a hit has occurred due to rotation of a drum of a gaming machine, and does not output a signal indicating that a medal payout has been instructed. Nevertheless, when it is confirmed that a medal has been paid out, it is determined that there has been an unauthorized operation of the gaming machine or a malfunction of the equipment.

  Moreover, in the abnormality determination device disclosed in Patent Document 2, the number of balls lent based on a signal output from a ball lending machine, the number of prize balls based on a prize ball signal from a gaming machine according to the payout of the prize ball, Using the replenishment number based on the replenishment signal output from the replenishing device, fraud or abnormality is detected based on the error between the sum of the number of lent balls and the number of prize balls and the replenishment number.

  In addition, the abnormality determination device disclosed in Patent Document 3 detects fraud or abnormality using medal insertion number data obtained from a gaming machine, medal payout number data obtained from a gaming machine, and lending number data obtained from a lending machine. Like to do.

On the other hand, Patent Document 4 discloses a replenishment monitoring device that receives special game information and island information from a hall computer, and transfers game media between islands based on this information to compensate for excess or deficiency of game media. It is disclosed.
Japanese Patent No. 3563653 Patent Specification JP 2003-275444 A JP-A-6-261979 JP-A-8-84845

  In the abnormality determination devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, if a medal is paid out from the gaming machine directly or if the number of prize balls paid out from the gaming machine is not detected, an abnormality detection of the gaming machine is found. There is a problem that the opportunity cannot be obtained.

  On the other hand, although Patent Document 4 discloses that the central management device receives special prize game information from the hall computer, no consideration is given to abnormality detection of gaming machines.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to directly detect that game media has been paid out from the gaming machine, or to detect the number of game media actually paid out, An apparatus that manages the supply of game media to the game media rental machine can effectively determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the game machine without changing the current equipment.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is an apparatus for managing the supply of gaming media to gaming machines and gaming media rental machines, and setting of a special prize state that is set for gaming machines when a predetermined condition is satisfied Information processing means configured to be able to communicate with a hall computer capable of storing information relating to the information, receiving information relating to the setting of the special prize state output from the hall computer, and associating this information with information relating to the replenishment of gaming media to the gaming machine The information relating to the replenishment of the game media is calculated from the first replenishment time that is the cumulative replenishment time of the day, the number of special award states set within a predetermined period before that day, and the replenishment time within the predetermined period. And the second supply time, which is the supply time per special status setting, is used, and the information related to the setting of the special status includes the number of special status settings on that day. Rarely, the information processing means calculates the apparent number of times of the day by dividing the first supply time by the second supply time, and calculates the calculated number of special prizes and the number of special prize state settings for the day. is a supply management system that be compared.

In the replenishment management device according to the present invention, the information relating to the setting of the special prize state and the information relating to the replenishment of the game medium are related by the information processing means. For example, the replenishment of the game medium from the replenishing device to the gaming machine is set to the special prize state. It is possible to obtain information such that the number is larger than the number of times it has been performed. For this reason, in the present invention, even if it is not possible to directly detect that the gaming medium is paid out from the gaming machine, or even if it is not possible to detect the number of gaming media paid out from the gaming machine, it is determined whether there is an abnormality in the gaming machine. Can be possible. In addition, since information relating to the setting of the special prize state is obtained from the hall computer, it is not necessary to connect each gaming machine to the supply management device in order to obtain information relating to the special prize state setting. For this reason, it is not necessary to change the present installation. It should be noted that the abnormality of the gaming machine here includes a case where the gaming machine itself is abnormal, such as a malfunction of the gaming machine, or a case where an illegal operation is performed on the gaming machine even if there is no abnormality in the gaming machine. .
Furthermore, in the present invention, the number of special award state settings (apparent special award number) calculated from statistical data for a predetermined period before the previous day can be compared with the number of actual special award states set on that day, so that an abnormality has occurred. Objective judgment material about the presence or absence of

  Here, the replenishment management device includes a display device, and display control means for displaying on the display device information associated with the information regarding the setting of the special prize state and the information regarding replenishment by the information processing means. Is preferred.

  In this aspect, through the display on the display device, it is possible to visually grasp information in which the replenishment status and the special status setting status are associated with each other. For this reason, it is possible for a person who monitors the state of the gaming machine such as a store clerk to easily determine whether there is an abnormality.

  Further, it is preferable that the supply management device includes a determination control means for determining an abnormality of the gaming machine based on a predetermined determination condition.

  In this aspect, it is possible to objectively determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the gaming machine without leaving it to the judgment of a person who monitors the situation of the gaming machine such as a store clerk. For this reason, it is possible to determine an abnormality of the gaming machine based on a predetermined determination criterion even when there is no skilled shop assistant or the like.

  In addition, in the case of a device that manages the supply of game media to a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of game media lending machines, it is determined that there is an abnormality when the determination control means determines that there is an abnormality. It is preferable to notify the hall computer of the gaming machine.

  In this aspect, since the hall computer can grasp the abnormal gaming machine among the plurality of gaming machines and the plurality of gaming medium lending machines, the information output from the supply management device is used for performing a predetermined treatment. It can be used as information.

  In this aspect, it is preferable to have stop treatment means for stopping the replenishment of the game medium to the gaming machine determined to have the abnormality when the determination control means determines that there is an abnormality.

  In this aspect, when there is an abnormality in the gaming machine, the supply of gaming media to the gaming machine can be stopped, so that it is possible to suppress the spread of damage due to unauthorized operations.

In addition, the present invention is a device that manages the supply of gaming media to gaming machines and gaming media rental machines, and can store information related to the setting of a special prize state that is set for gaming machines when a predetermined condition is satisfied An information processing means configured to be communicable with the hall computer, receiving information relating to the setting of the special prize state output from the hall computer, and associating this information with information relating to the supply of gaming media to the gaming machine; The information related to the supply of the game medium includes the number of times of supply, the information related to the setting of the special prize state includes the number of special prize states, and the information processing means performs the number of times of supply in a state other than the special prize state within a predetermined period. Is a replenishment management device .

In the replenishment management device according to the present invention, the information relating to the setting of the special prize state and the information relating to the replenishment of the game medium are related by the information processing means. For example, the replenishment of the game medium from the replenishing device to the gaming machine is set to the special prize state. It is possible to obtain information such that the number is larger than the number of times it has been performed. For this reason, in the present invention, even if it is not possible to directly detect that the gaming medium is paid out from the gaming machine, or even if it is not possible to detect the number of gaming media paid out from the gaming machine, it is determined whether there is an abnormality in the gaming machine. Can be possible. In addition, since information relating to the setting of the special prize state is obtained from the hall computer, it is not necessary to connect each gaming machine to the supply management device in order to obtain information relating to the special prize state setting. For this reason, it is not necessary to change the present installation.
In the present invention , the number of times that the gaming medium is supplied to the gaming machine even though it is not in the special prize state can be used as a material for determining whether or not the gaming machine is abnormal. In other words, in the state where the special prize state is not set, normally, the gaming medium is not replenished to the gaming machine. Therefore, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of abnormality by deriving the number of times of supply in a state other than the special prize state.

  In this aspect, it is preferable that the information processing means compares the number of times of replenishment in a state other than the special prize state within a predetermined period with the number of special state settings within the predetermined period.

  In this aspect, since the number of times of replenishment in a state not set to the special prize state is compared with the number of special prize state settings, the influence of the number of times set to the special prize state can be excluded. Therefore, it is possible to obtain more objective judgment material about the presence or absence of abnormality.

In addition, the present invention is a device that manages the supply of gaming media to gaming machines and gaming media rental machines, and can store information related to the setting of a special prize state that is set for gaming machines when a predetermined condition is satisfied An information processing means configured to be communicable with the hall computer, receiving information relating to the setting of the special prize state output from the hall computer, and associating this information with information relating to the supply of gaming media to the gaming machine; If the hall computer can store information related to the sales of the game medium lending machine, the information processing means receives the information related to the sales of the game medium lending machine output from the hall computer and uses this information as the game medium. information and association regarding replenishment of game media to lending machine, wherein the game medium lending within a predetermined time before the refill request is issued Depending on whether or not there is a sales in machine, determining the control unit the presence or absence of abnormality of the game medium lending machine is a co-feed control apparatus that contains.

In the replenishment management device according to the present invention, the information relating to the setting of the special prize state and the information relating to the replenishment of the game medium are related by the information processing means. For example, the replenishment of the game medium from the replenishing device to the gaming machine is set to the special prize state. It is possible to obtain information such that the number is larger than the number of times it has been performed. For this reason, in the present invention, even if it is not possible to directly detect that the gaming medium is paid out from the gaming machine, or even if it is not possible to detect the number of gaming media paid out from the gaming machine, it is determined whether there is an abnormality in the gaming machine. Can be possible. In addition, since information relating to the setting of the special prize state is obtained from the hall computer, it is not necessary to connect each gaming machine to the supply management device in order to obtain information relating to the special prize state setting. For this reason, it is not necessary to change the present installation.
In the present invention , not only the presence / absence of abnormality in the gaming machine can be determined, but also the presence / absence of abnormality in the gaming medium lending machine can be determined. That is, since it can be determined whether or not the game medium is paid out in the game medium lending machine is due to the sales in the game medium lending machine, information on the sales of the game medium lending machine and replenishment to the game medium lending machine It is possible to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the game medium lending machine by associating the information with the related information. In addition, since the determination control means is included, it is easy to determine whether there is an abnormality.

The present invention is a method for monitoring an abnormality of a gaming machine, wherein a device for managing the supply of gaming media to gaming machines and gaming media rental machines is used, and is set in the gaming machine when a predetermined condition is satisfied An information processing step of receiving information related to the setting of the special prize state output from the hall computer capable of storing information relating to the setting of the special prize status to be received by the device, and associating this information with information relating to the supply of gaming media to the gaming machine As the information relating to the replenishment, the first replenishment time that is the cumulative replenishment time of the day, the special prize state setting number calculated within the predetermined period before the previous day, and the remuneration state setting within the predetermined period A second replenishment time that is a replenishment time per time is used, and the information relating to the setting of the special prize state includes the number of times the special prize state is set, and the information processing step The calculating a grand prize number of the day apparent by the first replenishment time divided by the second replenishment time, to a prize state setting number of the prize number of the calculated apparent day in comparison ready This is an abnormality monitoring method for gaming machines.

  If it is a method for monitoring an abnormality of a gaming machine by a device that manages the supply of gaming media to a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of gaming medium lending machines, It is preferable to notify the hall computer of the gaming machine determined to be present.

  In this method, when it is determined that there is an abnormality in the gaming machine, it is preferable to stop the supply of gaming media to the gaming machine.

The present invention is also a method for monitoring an abnormality of a gaming machine, wherein a device for managing the supply of gaming media to gaming machines and gaming media rental machines is used, and gaming machines are operated when a predetermined condition is satisfied Information processing step for accepting information relating to the setting of the special prize state output from the hall computer capable of storing information relating to the setting of the special prize state set in the device, and associating this information with information relating to the supply of gaming media to the gaming machine The information relating to replenishment includes the number of times of replenishment, the information relating to the setting of the special prize state includes the number of special prize states, and in the information processing step, a state other than the special prize state within a predetermined period. This is a game machine abnormality monitoring method for deriving the number of times of replenishment.

  In this method, in the information processing step, the number of replenishments in a state other than the special prize state within a predetermined period may be compared with the special condition state setting number within a predetermined period.

  The present invention is a computer program for executing the gaming machine abnormality monitoring method by being read into a computer and causing the computer to function.

  As described above, according to the present invention, even if it is not possible to directly detect that game media has been paid out from the gaming machine or to detect the number of game media actually paid out. It is possible to effectively determine whether there is an abnormality in the gaming machine without changing the current equipment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows a supply device 1 to which an embodiment of a supply management device according to the present invention is applied, together with a gaming machine 4 and a game medium lending machine 5. This figure shows a so-called island 3 in which a pair of gaming machines 4 and 4 are arranged back to back and the pair of gaming machines 4 and 4 are arranged in a line. Since FIG. 1 is a view of the island 3 as viewed from the side, only one gaming machine 4 of the pair of gaming machines 4 is depicted in the figure. Usually, a plurality of islands 3 are provided in one store.

  In this embodiment, the gaming machine 4 is configured as a slot machine, and the gaming machine 4 uses a medal 2 (see FIG. 3) as an example of the gaming medium. The gaming machine 4 starts the game when the player inserts the medal 2 and performs a predetermined operation. Then, the gaming machine 4 pays out medals 2 in accordance with the winning or losing of the game.

  A game medium lending machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a lending machine) 5 is disposed between adjacent gaming machines 4. The lending machine 5 is a device for lending the medal 2 used in the gaming machine 4 to the user.

  First, the configuration of the replenishing device 1 for replenishing the gaming machine 4 with the medal 2 will be described. One replenishment device 1 is provided for each island 3 (see FIG. 4), and each replenishment device 1 replenishes the medal 2 to the gaming machine 4 and the lending machine 5 provided on the island 3. .

  The replenishment device 1 includes a replenishment mechanism 6 configured to replenish the medal 2 to the gaming machine 4 and a main unit 40 (see FIG. 5) as a replenishment control device that controls the replenishment mechanism 6.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the replenishment mechanism 6 includes a main body 8 for storing and managing the medals 2 and a transport unit 9 having conveyors 11 and 12 extending laterally from the main body 8. The transport unit 9 includes a supply unit 13 having a conveyor (upper conveyor) 11 disposed above the gaming machine 4 and a collection unit 14 having a conveyor (lower conveyor) 12 disposed below the gaming machine 4. And a shooter 15 disposed so as to connect the downstream end of the upper conveyor 11 and the upstream end of the lower conveyor 12.

  The main body 8 includes a vertically long case 18. In the case 18, a main tank 20 capable of storing a large number of medals 2, a storage portion 21 disposed below the main tank 20, and a storage portion 21. A lift unit 22 that transports the medals 2 accommodated in the upper part, a distribution mechanism 23 for distributing the medals 2 at the upper end of the lift unit 22, and a washing machine 24 for cleaning the medals 2. It is installed.

  The storage unit 21 stores the medals 2 collected by the collection unit 14 and the medals 2 paid out from the main tank 20. The distribution mechanism 23 distributes the medals 2 lifted by the lift unit 22 between the transport unit 9 side and the main tank 20 side. Specifically, the distribution mechanism 23 has a belt conveyor that can circulate in the forward and reverse directions, and distributes the destination of the medals 2 by changing the rotation direction of the belt conveyor. The cleaning machine 24 cleans the medals 2 distributed to the main tank 20 side by the distribution mechanism 23. The medal 2 cleaned by the cleaning machine 24 is supplied to the main tank 20.

  Further, the main body 8 has a counter 27 for counting the number of medals 2 acquired by the player, a primary tank 28 for storing the medals 2 that have passed through the counter 27, and the primary tank 28 and An overflow tank 29 that receives the medal 2 that has overflowed from the main tank 20, a supply rod 30 that supplies the medal 2 of the primary tank 28 to the storage unit 21, and a cleaning liquid tank 31 that stores cleaning liquid circulated between the cleaning machines 24. And are arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the supply unit 13 of the transport unit 9 includes guide means 34 for guiding the medals 2 transported by the upper conveyor 11 toward the gaming machine 4 or the rental machine 5. The guide means 34 has a guide portion 34a configured to be swingable about a vertical axis. The guide part 34 a is provided corresponding to the pair of gaming machines 4, 4 or the pair of rental machines 5, 5. That is, each guide part 34a swings to the right side or the left side, so that one of the gaming machines 4 (or rental) is paired with the pair of gaming machines 4 and 4 (or rental machines 5 and 5) arranged back to back. Guide the medal 2 to the machine 5).

  The guide part 34a is configured to be movable up and down. That is, the guide unit 34a takes two positions, a distribution position where the medals 2 on the conveyor are distributed to the gaming machine 4 or the lending machine 5, and a retreat position where the medals 2 on the conveyor 11 are passed from the distribution position. obtain. In the state where the guide part 34a is in the sorting position, the medals 2 on the conveyor 11 are supplied to the gaming machine 4 (lending machine 5) through the take-in part 4h (5h). The medals 2 transported on the upper conveyor 11 without being guided by the gaming machine 4 and the lending machine 5 are introduced into the shooter 15.

  On the other hand, the collection unit 14 of the transport unit 9 collects the medal 2 discharged from the gaming machine 4 and the medal 2 discharged from the shooter 15. The medals 2 conveyed by the lower conveyor 12 of the collection unit 14 are returned to the storage unit 21 of the main body unit 8.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine 4 is provided with a hopper 4b for storing medals 2 and a payout device 4a for paying out medals 2 stored in the hopper 4b. In the hopper 4b, medals 2 introduced through the take-in portion 4h are stored.

  The payout device 4a has a pair of electrode parts 4d and 4e as a medal detection part, and a payout part 4f provided at the lower part of the hopper 4b. Both electrode portions 4d and 4e are supported by a bracket 4c attached to the side wall portion of the hopper 4b. The electrode portions 4d and 4e are extended from the side wall portion of the hopper 4b toward the bottom near the inside of the hopper. Yes.

  Both electrode portions 4d and 4e function as a near-end sensor 4g that detects that the number of medals 2 in the hopper 4b is remaining. That is, when the medal 2 is stored in the hopper 4b, the presence of the medal 2 is detected by conducting between the electrode parts 4d and 4e via the medal 2. Then, when the medal 2 in the hopper 4b is paid out to some extent by the payout portion 4f and the remaining medal 2 in the hopper 4b is reduced, the continuity between the electrode portions 4d and 4e is lost. The remaining low (near end) is detected. Upon detection of this near end, a replenishment request S1 (see FIG. 5) is output from the near end sensor 4g. A change in continuity between the electrode portions 4d and 4e can be recognized by the main unit 40, and when the main unit 40 recognizes that the continuity between the electrode portions 4d and 4e is lost, a replenishment request is received from the near-end sensor 4g. It is assumed that S1 has been output. The lending machine 5 is also provided with a payout device (not shown), and this payout device is also provided with a near-end sensor 5g (see FIG. 5). When the near-end sensor 5g detects that the number of stored medals 2 is low, a replenishment request S1 is output. The replenishment request S1 of the lending machine 5 is the same as the replenishment request S1 of the gaming machine 4.

  Next, the control system of the replenishing device 1 will be described. The replenishment device 1 has the main unit 40 for controlling the replenishment mechanism 6 as described above, and this main unit 40 is provided for each island 3 as shown in FIG. A plurality of (three in the illustrated example) islands 3 are grouped into one group, and one island controller 42 is connected to each group. The island controller 42 is configured to be able to control the main unit 40 of a group of a plurality of islands 3.

  FIG. 4 shows an example in which a plurality of island controllers 42 are connected to one management computer 46 via a hub 44. This management computer 46 comprehensively manages the supply status and error occurrence status of all the gaming machines 4 in the store.

  The main unit 40 is configured to be able to monitor the medal supply status and error occurrence status of each gaming machine 4 and lending machine 5, and includes a control unit 40a and a storage unit 40b as shown in FIG. Yes. The control unit 40a performs a predetermined function by executing a control program stored in the storage unit 40b, and is configured by a CPU or the like. The main unit 40 operates the supply mechanism 6 so as to supply the medal 2 to the gaming machine 4 or the lending machine 5 to which the supply request S1 is output. Specifically, when the supply request S1 from the near-end sensors 4g and 5g of the gaming machine 4 or the lending machine 5 is received, the lift unit 22, the sorting mechanism 23 and the upper conveyor 11 are driven, and the supply request S1 is output. The guide part 34a of the guide means 34 corresponding to the gaming machine 4 or the lending machine 5 is moved to the sorting position, and the guide part 34a is shaken to the left or right side (replenishment start). Then, when the medal 2 is replenished to the gaming machine 4 or the lending machine 5 and the interelectrodes 4d and 4e are turned on again, a replenishment end signal S2 is output and the guide portion 34a is returned to the retracted position again after a predetermined time ( End of supply). As a result, the gaming machine 4 or the lending machine 5 is filled with an appropriate number of medals 2. The replenishment end signal S2 is regarded as being output from the gaming machine 4 when the main unit 40 detects conduction between the electrode portions 4d and 4e.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of relay units 48 are connected to the main unit 40. Each relay unit 48 is assigned an ID, and each relay unit 48 is provided with a plurality of connection points of the gaming machine 4 or the rental machine 5. Near end sensors 4g and 5g of the gaming machine 4 or the lending machine 5 are connected to this connection point. For example, three game machines 4 and three lending machines 5 are connected to each relay unit 48. Then, when the replenishment request S1 (or replenishment end signal S2) is output, depending on which connection point of which relay unit 48 the replenishment request S1 (or replenishment end signal S2) is input, the gaming machine 4 or the lending machine 5 is identified, and the main unit 40 can recognize which gaming machine 4 or lending machine 5 has supplied the replenishment request S1 (replenishment end signal S2).

  The main unit 40 is communicably connected to the management computer 46 via the island controller 42. Then, the main unit 40 notifies the management computer 46 of the medal supply status and error occurrence status of each gaming machine 4 and the lending machine 5. The replenishment request S1 and the replenishment end signal S2 are output from the main unit 40 and input to the management computer 46 via the island controller 42.

  The island controller 42 performs medal supply management for each island 3 managed by the island controller 42. That is, the medal 2 can be transported between the islands 3 connected to the island controller 42, and the replenishment request S 1 is continuously output from a certain island 3. When it is determined that the medal 2 is present, the operation can be controlled so that the medal 2 is supplied from the other island 3. The management computer 46 performs integrated control of supply management by each island 3. That is, the management computer 46 centrally manages the automatic replenishment of medals 2 to the plurality of gaming machines 4 and the plurality of lending machines 5.

  The management computer 46 is communicably connected to a hall computer 45 that collects and manages various data of each gaming machine 4 and rental machine 5 installed in the hall. This connection can be, for example, a LAN connection.

  In the hall computer 45, each gaming machine 4 and the rental machine 5 installed in the hall are connected to each other via a communication line 47. Specifically, each gaming machine 4 is provided with a terminal board 50, and each rental machine 5 is also provided with a terminal board 51, and the hall computer 45 is connected to these terminal boards 50, 51. . In the present embodiment, the hall computer 45 is connected to each gaming machine 4 and the lending machine 5 through the communication line 47, but may be configured to be communicable wirelessly.

  The gaming machine 4 is configured to output a bonus signal S3 from the terminal board 50 when a predetermined special prize condition is satisfied, for example, a symbol displayed on a display unit (not shown) satisfies a predetermined condition. At this time, the gaming machine 4 is set as a special prize state. The special prize state is a state set when a predetermined special prize condition is satisfied, and means a state advantageous to the player that more medals 2 are paid out than the normal winning. The output bonus signal S3 is input to the hall computer 45. Then, the hall computer 45 notifies the management computer 46 of information related to the setting of the special prize state based on the bonus signal S3. This notification is performed in real time.

  The information related to the setting of the special prize state includes information such as the number of occurrences of the special prize today, the occurrence time of the special prize, the end time, and the gaming machine number. The number of occurrences of the special prize is counted for each gaming machine 4 by inputting the bonus signal S3.

  On the other hand, the lending machine 5 is configured to output a sales signal S4 corresponding to the sales from the terminal board 51 when the medal 2 is lent (paid out). The output sales signal S4 is input to the hall computer 45. The hall computer 45 stores management information such as sales information based on the sales signal S4. The hall computer 45 notifies the sales information to the management computer 46 in real time. The sales information includes information such as the sales occurrence time and the rental machine number.

  Although the management computer 46 functions as a supply management device, it can monitor abnormalities in the gaming machine 4 and the lending machine 5 by using the supply request S1, the supply end signal S2, information relating to the setting of the special prize state, and the sales information. It is configured. That is, the management computer 46 also has a function as an abnormality monitoring device for the gaming machine 4 and the lending machine 5. This will be specifically described below. It should be noted that the abnormality mentioned here is a case where there is an abnormality in the gaming machine itself or the lending machine itself, such as a failure of the gaming machine 4 or a failure of the lending machine 5, or there is no abnormality in the gaming machine 4 or the lending machine 5. This also includes a case where an illegal operation is performed on the gaming machine 4 and the lending machine 5.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the management computer 46 includes a control unit 46a including a CPU and a storage unit 46b, and a display device 52 is connected to the control unit 46a. The control unit 46a exhibits a predetermined function by reading and executing the control program stored in the storage unit 46b. The functions of the control unit 46a include information processing means 55, determination control means 56, display control means 57, notification control means 58, and stop treatment means 59.

  The management computer 46 receives a supply request S1 and a supply end signal S2. When the supply request S1 is input, the information processing means 55 of the management computer 46 identifies the gaming machine 4 and adds 1 to the number of input of the supply request S1. That is, the information processing means 55 counts the number of replenishments. At this time, the number of times of replenishment is counted for each gaming machine 4. The number of times of replenishment is counted in units of one day and stored for a predetermined period (for example, 7 days). Further, the information processing means 55 stores the supply start time when receiving the supply request S1, and stores the supply end time when receiving the supply end signal S2.

  The information processing means 55 stores information related to the setting of the special prize state output from the hall computer 45. The number of special prizes included in this information is counted in units of one day, which is a predetermined period (for example, seven days). Only minutes are remembered. In the present embodiment, the information relating to the setting of the special prize state includes the number of special prizes which is information relating to the number of times the special prize state is set within a predetermined period.

  The information processing means 55 calculates a supply time from the supply start time and the supply end time, and stores the supply time for each gaming machine 4. This replenishment time is the time between the replenishment start time and the replenishment end time. The replenishment time is accumulated in units of one day, and is stored for a predetermined period (for example, 7 days).

  The information processing means 55 calculates the cumulative supply time (first supply time) of the day for each gaming machine 4. Further, the information processing means 55 divides the total replenishment time within a predetermined period (for example, 7 days) up to the previous day by the number of special prizes within the predetermined period (for example, 7 days), thereby replenishing per special award number. Time (second supply time) is calculated. The second replenishment time means an average replenishment time per special award that occurs within a predetermined period. In the present embodiment, the first supply time and the second supply time, both of which are information related to the supply time of the medal 2, are used as the information related to supply. Note that the replenishment time and the number of special prizes used for calculating the second replenishment time are obtained by integrating data on all the gaming machines 4. Thereby, the dispersion | variation in the replenishment time by the game machine 4 is eased.

  The management computer 46 stores the number of occurrences of special prizes, the occurrence time of special prizes, the end time of special prizes, the number of occurrences of replenishment of medals, the start time of supply, the end time of supply, and the supply time for each gaming machine 4. As shown in FIG. 8, the display control means 57 is configured to be able to display these pieces of information on the display device 52. FIG. 8 is an illustration thereof.

  The information processing means 55 calculates the apparent number of special prizes by dividing the first supply time by the second supply time. That is, the information processing means 55 calculates the apparent number of special prizes for each gaming machine 4 based on the average supply time statistically calculated for all gaming machines 4. Thereby, the apparent number of special prizes based on the replenishment time and the actual number of special prizes can be compared for each gaming machine 4. In other words, the information processing means 55 associates information relating to the setting of the special prize state and information relating to replenishment.

  Sales information output from the hall computer 45 is stored in the information processing means 55. Then, the information processing means 55 associates the sales information with information related to supply. That is, the sales occurrence time included in the sales information and the supply start time are associated with each lending machine 5.

  The determination control means 56 is a function for determining the presence or absence of abnormality in the gaming machine 4 and the lending machine 5, and the determination control means 56 is abnormal depending on whether or not the determination conditions stored in the storage unit 46b are satisfied. Determine presence or absence. For example, the determination control means 56 calculates the ratio between the apparent number of special prizes and the actual number of special prizes counted based on the bonus signal S3, and determines whether the ratio exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Determine whether there is any abnormality. This determination is made for each gaming machine 4. Further, the determination control means 56 calculates the difference between the supply start time and the sales occurrence time of the lending machine 5, and determines whether or not the lending machine 5 has a difference depending on whether or not the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold value (for example, 1 minute). Determine if there is an abnormality. That is, it is determined whether or not the replenishment to the lending machine 5 is based on the sales at the lending machine 5. This determination is made for each lending machine 5.

  The threshold value of the judgment condition can be changed. For this reason, the administrator can adjust the threshold value based on an empirical rule, and it is possible to perform an abnormality determination with a reference value based on experience.

  The display control means 57 is a function that performs display control of the display device 52. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, for each gaming machine 4, the actual number of special prizes and the apparent number of special prizes are compared and displayed in a graph. In other words, information in which information relating to replenishment and information relating to the setting of the special prize state are associated is displayed on the display device 52.

  Further, the display control means 57 displays the presence / absence of an abnormality visually and easily by highlighting the display, changing the color, or blinking the gaming machine 4 determined to be abnormal. .

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, the display control means 57 can control the display device 52 so that it can be displayed in order from the gaming machine 4 in which the ratio C of the apparent number of special prizes to the actual number of special prizes is large. That is, it is easy to narrow down the abnormality monitoring targets by arranging and displaying in order from the gaming machine 4 determined to be abnormal or the gaming machine 4 having a high possibility of abnormality.

  The notification control means 58 performs control for notifying the hall computer 45 of the occurrence of an abnormality. In this notification control, the hall computer 45 is notified in real time of the machine number of the gaming machine 4 and the lending machine 5 in which the abnormality is detected and the content of the abnormality. The hall computer 45 can execute, for example, a control for notifying the number and the content of the abnormality in the income that the hall staff has, and a control for photographing the game machine 4 by the surveillance camera.

  The stop treatment means 59 executes control for stopping the supply of the medal 2 to the gaming machine 4 determined to be abnormal by the determination control means 56.

  Next, control operations related to abnormality monitoring among the control operations of the management computer 46 will be described. First, referring to FIG. 11, the control operation for monitoring the abnormality of the gaming machine 4 will be described.

  First, when receiving the supply start event, that is, the supply request S1 (step ST10), the management computer 46 stores the supply start time (step ST11). Then, it waits until a replenishment end event, that is, a replenishment end signal S2 (step ST12). When the replenishment end signal S2 is received, the replenishment end time is stored (step ST13).

  Next, the replenishment time is calculated from the replenishment start time and the replenishment end time, and the calculated replenishment time is added to the accumulated replenishment time on that day (step ST14). As a result, the accumulated supply time (first supply time) on the day for each gaming machine 4 is stored. On the other hand, the cumulative replenishment time for 7 days up to the previous day is stored in the management computer 46, and by dividing this accumulated replenishment time by the number of special prizes generated in the 7 days up to the previous day, The supply time (second supply time) is calculated as the average supply time (step ST15). Then, the apparent number of special prizes of the gaming machine 4 is calculated by dividing the first supply time by the second supply time (step ST16). In the management computer 46, the actual number of special prizes is counted separately from the apparent number of special prizes. When a predetermined screen is selected on the display device 52, the actual number of special prizes and the apparent number of special prizes are displayed as shown in FIG. It is possible to display in a state in which the number of special prizes is compared. Step ST16 and this display step are information processing steps for associating information relating to replenishment with information relating to the setting of the special prize state.

  Then, the ratio C of the apparent number of special prizes to the actual number of special prizes is calculated, and it is determined whether or not this ratio C is larger than a preset threshold value (step ST17). If it is greater than that, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the gaming machine 4, a warning is notified to the hall computer 45, and supply to the gaming machine 4 is stopped (step ST18). Since the threshold value can be changed, when the threshold value is changed, in step ST17, it is determined whether there is an abnormality based on the changed threshold value.

  Next, a control operation related to abnormality monitoring of the lending machine 5 will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether or not sales have occurred (step ST21). When sales occur, the machine number and generation time of the lending machine 5 where the sales occurred are stored in the hall computer 45, and this information is transmitted to the management computer 46 in real time (step ST22), and the process proceeds to step ST23. If there is no sales, step ST22 is skipped and the process proceeds to step ST23.

  In step ST23, it is determined whether or not there has been a replenishment request S1 from the lending machine 5 in which sales have occurred. If there is a replenishment request S1, it is determined whether or not the replenishment start time is within one minute from the sales occurrence time (step ST24). That is, if replenishment is started within one minute from the sales occurrence time, the replenishment to the lending machine 5 is assumed to be a normal payout on the assumption that the medal 2 is paid out with the sales. On the other hand, if the start of replenishment is not within one minute from the sales occurrence time or if the sales itself has not occurred, the determination in step ST24 is NO, so that a signal notifying the occurrence of abnormality is sent from the notification control means 58 to the hall. The data is output to the computer 45 (step ST25).

  If the determination is YES in step ST24, the management computer 46 clears the sales information and starts replenishment to the lending machine 5 (step ST26). That is, the lending machine 5 is replenished on the condition that there is no abnormality. Then, the supply is continued until the supply end signal S2 is received (step ST27). When the supply end signal S2 is input, the supply is ended (step ST28). The above steps are repeated every predetermined time.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the information processing means 55 associates information related to the supply of medals 2 and information related to the setting of the special prize state, for example, the medal 2 from the supply device 1 to the gaming machine 4 Thus, it is possible to obtain information that the amount of replenishment is large for the number of times set in the special prize state. For this reason, in this embodiment, even if it is not possible to directly detect that the medal 2 is paid out from the gaming machine 4 or even if the number of medals 2 paid out from the gaming machine 4 cannot be detected, the abnormality of the gaming machine 4 It can be determined whether or not there is. In other words, it is possible to obtain an opportunity to find an unauthorized operation on the gaming machine 4 or a failure of the gaming machine 4. In addition, since information related to the setting of the special prize state is obtained from the hall computer 45, it is not necessary to connect each gaming machine 4 to the management computer 46 in order to obtain information related to the setting of the special prize state. For this reason, it is not necessary to change the present installation.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, since the material for determining whether or not the gaming machine 4 is abnormal can be obtained by using the replenishment request S1 and the bonus signal S3, the gaming machine is utilized using the existing equipment that automatically replenishes the medal 2. 4 abnormality monitoring devices can be constructed. For this reason, since it is not necessary to add an apparatus (for example, a sensor) for detecting an abnormality, the configuration can be simplified and an increase in cost can be suppressed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since information relating to replenishment information and information relating to the setting of the special prize state can be displayed on the display device 52, the replenishment status and the special status state setting status are displayed through the display on the display device 52. Can be visually grasped. For this reason, it is possible for a person who monitors the state of the gaming machine 4 such as a store clerk to easily determine whether there is an unauthorized operation or a failure.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the determination control means 56 for determining the presence or absence of abnormality based on a predetermined determination condition is included, it is not left to the judgment of a person who monitors the state of the gaming machine 4 such as a store clerk. The presence or absence of an abnormality in the machine 4 can be automatically determined. For this reason, it is possible to determine the abnormality of the gaming machine 4 even when there is no skilled sales clerk or the like. Moreover, since the judgment material about the presence or absence of abnormality of the gaming machine 4 is displayed on the display device 52 in an easy-to-understand manner, it is possible to accurately determine the abnormality without skill, and to reduce the burden on the amusement hall employee. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, the hall computer 45 is notified of the gaming machine 4 determined to have an abnormality, so that the hall computer 45 can recognize the gaming machine 4 having an abnormality. Thereby, the information output from the management computer 46 can be used as information for performing a predetermined treatment.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the stop treatment means 59 is included, the supply of the medal 2 to the gaming machine 4 may be stopped when there is an unauthorized operation on the gaming machine 4 or when the gaming machine 4 is broken. it can. As a result, the spread of damage due to unauthorized operations can be suppressed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the special condition state setting count (apparent special prize count) calculated from the statistical data for a predetermined period before the previous day is compared with the actual number of special conditions set on that day. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an objective judgment material about whether or not an abnormality has occurred. In addition, since the replenishment time data in all the gaming machines 4 is used to calculate the apparent number of special prizes, it is possible to reduce the influence on the apparent number of special prizes due to the variation caused by the gaming machine 4 due to the arrangement or the like. it can.

  In the present embodiment, since the information processing means 55 associates information related to sales of the lending machine 5 with information related to replenishment, not only the presence / absence of abnormality in the gaming machine 4 but also the presence / absence of abnormality in the lending machine 5 can be determined. be able to. That is, since it is known whether or not the medal 2 has been paid out in the lending machine 5 due to the sales at the lending machine 5, information on sales of the lending machine 5 and information on replenishment to the lending machine 5 are obtained. By associating, it is possible to determine whether there is an abnormality in the lending machine 5.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the embodiment, the presence / absence of an abnormality is determined based on whether or not the ratio C of the apparent number of special prizes to the actual number of special prizes is greater than a threshold value. A difference from the actual number of special prizes may be calculated, and the presence or absence of an abnormality may be determined based on this difference. In this case, the threshold value may be set and changed within a predetermined range such as 0 to 20 times.

  In the embodiment, the accumulated replenishment time for a predetermined period up to the previous day is used as data for calculating the second replenishment time. That is, in the said embodiment, the data used differ every day. Instead of this, data for a predetermined period until the end of the month, such as the previous month data, may be used for one month. Alternatively, a desired replenishment time for one special prize may be set in advance, and the replenishment time that is a fixed value may be used as the second replenishment time. This fixed value can also be set to a value according to the situation of the store.

  Further, the determination control means 56 is provided, and the determination control means 56 determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on a predetermined determination condition. However, the determination control means 56 may not be provided. In this case, the actual number of special prizes and the number of apparent special prizes are only displayed side by side on the display device 52. Even in such a configuration, the display content of the display device 52 is used as a material for determining whether there is an abnormality. For this reason, the judgment material of the abnormality presence or absence of the gaming machine 4 can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, the management computer 46 includes the information processing means 55, the determination control means 56, the display control means 57, the notification control means 58 and the stop treatment means 59, but these are included in the main unit 40. It may be configured as described above.

  Further, the notification control means 58 may be omitted. In this case, the actual number of special prizes and the number of apparent special prizes may be displayed side by side on the display device 52, or a warning display may be displayed on the display device 52. On the other hand, the display device 52 may be omitted, and only the abnormality notification to the hall computer 45 by the notification control unit 58 may be employed.

  In the above embodiment, the ratio C between the actual number of special prizes and the number of apparent special prizes is used as a material for determining abnormality, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the replenishment time may be classified according to whether the special prize state is being set or not, and the ratio may be used as an abnormality determination material. Specifically, in the management computer 46, the number of special prizes, the number of supplements, the number of supplements when set to the special prize state (the number of supplements during the special prize), the number of supplements when the special prize state is not set (replenishment without special prizes) Number of times) is stored. The display device 52 can display these data as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

  Then, the information processing means 55 of the management computer 46 calculates the ratio C1 of the number of supply without special prize to the number of supply during special prize, and determines whether there is an abnormality based on whether this ratio C1 is larger than a predetermined threshold value. To do. The calculation of the ratio C1 and the abnormality determination are executed for each gaming machine 4. In this aspect, since the number of times of replenishment in a state that is not set to the special prize state is compared with the number of times of replenishment during the setting of the special prize state, the influence of the number of times set in the special prize state can be excluded. Therefore, objective judgment material about the presence or absence of abnormality can be obtained. In this case, it is possible to omit at least one of the determination control means 56 and the display device 52 as in the above embodiment.

  It should be noted that the presence / absence of an abnormality is determined by determining whether or not the number of replenishment without a special prize is greater than a predetermined threshold without calculating the ratio C1 of the number of replenishment without a special prize to the number of replenishment during a special prize. May be. In this case, the number of times that the medal 2 is replenished to the gaming machine 4 despite not being in the special prize state can be used as a material for determining whether or not the gaming machine 4 is abnormal. That is, since the medal 2 is not normally replenished to the gaming machine 4 in a state that is not set to the special prize state, it is possible to obtain information for determining whether there is an abnormality by deriving the number of times of supply in a state other than the special prize state. it can.

  It is also possible to determine whether or not the number of supplements during the special prize itself is greater than a predetermined threshold value. In this case, the number of times the medal 2 is replenished to the gaming machine 4 when the special prize state is set is used as a material for determining whether there is an abnormality. That is, the number of medals 2 to be paid out in one special prize state is determined by the setting contents in each gaming machine 4, and the number of medals 2 to be supplied at the time of one replenishment is generally determined. Even if there is, it can be judged whether the number of times of replenishment is too large.

  Also, in the case of determining the presence or absence of abnormality based on the number of replenishment without a special prize, it is possible to omit at least one of the determination control means 56 and the display device 52 as in the above embodiment.

1 is a diagram schematically showing a gaming machine and a supply device to which an abnormality monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the supply part of the said replenishment apparatus partially. It is a figure which shows roughly the payout apparatus provided in the said gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the control system of the said replenishment apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a main unit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the flow of the signal from the said game machine to a management computer. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a management computer. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of a display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of a display apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen in the state in which the order of the gaming machine was rearranged. It is a flowchart for demonstrating control operation about abnormality monitoring of a gaming machine among control operations of a management computer. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the control operation | movement regarding abnormality monitoring of a lending machine among the control operations of a management computer. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display apparatus in other embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display apparatus in other embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

40 main unit 45 hall computer 46 management computer 46a control unit 46b storage unit 47 communication line 52 display device 55 information processing means 56 determination control means 57 display control means 58 notification control means 59 stop treatment means

Claims (14)

A device that manages the replenishment of gaming media to gaming machines and gaming media rental machines,
It is configured to be able to communicate with a hall computer capable of storing information related to setting of a special prize state set in a gaming machine when a predetermined condition is satisfied,
Information processing means for receiving information relating to the setting of the special prize state output from the hall computer and associating this information with information relating to the supply of gaming media to the gaming machine is included ,
As information relating to the supply of the game medium, the first supply time that is the cumulative supply time of the day, the special state setting number calculated within the predetermined period before the previous day, and the special state setting 1 calculated from the supply time within the predetermined period The second supply time, which is the supply time per time, is used,
The information related to the setting of the special prize state includes the number of special prize state settings on that day,
The information processing means calculates the apparent number of times of the day by dividing the first supply time by the second supply time, and compares the calculated number of special prizes with the number of special condition state settings of the day. Supply management device. A display device;
The replenishment management device according to claim 1, further comprising: a display control unit configured to display, on the display device, information associated with information related to the setting of the special prize state and information related to the replenishment by the information processing unit.   The replenishment management device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising determination control means for determining an abnormality of the gaming machine based on a predetermined determination condition. A device for managing the supply of gaming media to a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of gaming media rental machines,
The replenishment management apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the determination control means determines that there is an abnormality, the hall computer is notified of the gaming machine determined to be abnormal.   The replenishment management device according to claim 3, further comprising stop treatment means for stopping the replenishment of game media to the gaming machine determined to have the abnormality when the determination control means determines that there is an abnormality. . A device that manages the replenishment of gaming media to gaming machines and gaming media rental machines,
It is configured to be able to communicate with a hall computer capable of storing information related to setting of a special prize state set in a gaming machine when a predetermined condition is satisfied,
Information processing means for receiving information relating to the setting of the special prize state output from the hall computer and associating this information with information relating to the supply of gaming media to the gaming machine is included,
The information regarding the replenishment of the game medium includes the number of times of replenishment,
The information related to the setting of the special prize state includes the number of special prize state settings,
The information processing unit, auxiliary supply management device you derive replenishment times in a state other than the prize state within a predetermined time period. The replenishment management device according to claim 6 , wherein the information processing means compares the number of times of replenishment in a state other than the special prize state within a predetermined period with the number of special state settings within the predetermined period. A device that manages the replenishment of gaming media to gaming machines and gaming media rental machines,
It is configured to be able to communicate with a hall computer capable of storing information related to setting of a special prize state set in a gaming machine when a predetermined condition is satisfied,
Information processing means for receiving information relating to the setting of the special prize state output from the hall computer and associating this information with information relating to the supply of gaming media to the gaming machine is included,
The hall computer is capable of storing information related to sales of game media lending machines,
The information processing means receives information relating to the sales of the game medium lending machine output from the hall computer, and associates this information with information relating to the supply of the game medium to the game medium lending machine ,
Supply required by whether a sales in said game media lending machine before within a predetermined time issued, the game media lending machine determination controller auxiliary supply management device that contains the presence or absence of abnormality of. A method for monitoring an abnormality of a gaming machine,
A device that manages the supply of gaming media to gaming machines and gaming media rental machines is used,
Information relating to the setting of the special prize state output from the hall computer capable of storing information relating to the setting of the special prize state set in the gaming machine when a predetermined condition is satisfied is received by the device, and this information is transmitted to the gaming medium for the gaming machine of includes the information processing step of correlating the information about the supply,
As the information related to the replenishment, the first replenishment time that is the cumulative replenishment time of the day, the number of special state settings within a predetermined period prior to the previous day, and the special state per one special state calculated from the replenishment time within the predetermined period The second supply time, which is the supply time, is used,
The information related to the setting of the special prize state includes the number of special prize state settings on that day,
In the information processing step, the apparent number of special prizes for the day is calculated by dividing the first supply time by the second supply time, and the calculated number of special prizes is compared with the number of special prize state settings for the day. abnormal method of monitoring to that game machine to a possible state. A method for monitoring an abnormality of a gaming machine by a device that manages the supply of gaming media to a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of gaming media lending machines,
The gaming machine abnormality monitoring method according to claim 9 , wherein when it is determined that there is an abnormality, the gaming machine that is determined to be abnormal is notified to the hall computer. If it is determined that there is an abnormality in the gaming machine, the abnormality monitoring method of the gaming machine according to claim 1 0, which stops the supply of the game medium to the game machine. A method for monitoring an abnormality of a gaming machine,
A device that manages the supply of gaming media to gaming machines and gaming media rental machines is used,
Information relating to the setting of the special prize state output from the hall computer capable of storing information relating to the setting of the special prize state set in the gaming machine when a predetermined condition is satisfied is received by the device, and this information is transmitted to the gaming medium for the gaming machine An information processing process associated with information about replenishment of
The information on replenishment includes the number of replenishments,
The information related to the setting of the special prize state includes the number of special prize state settings,
The information processing in the step, abnormal condition monitoring process of Yu TECHNICAL machine derive replenishment times in a state other than the prize state within a predetermined time period. The information processing in the step, the replenishment count in the state other than the prize state within a predetermined time period, the abnormality monitoring method of the gaming machine according to claim 1 2 contrasting the prize state set number within a predetermined time period. By loaded into the computer to function the computer, the computer program for performing the abnormality monitoring method of the gaming machine according to any one of claims 9 1 3.

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