JP5940873B2 - Game table monitoring unit, game room system, information registration device, and game table management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine monitoring unit that monitors a chip ID and the like of a gaming machine on which gaming chips and the like are mounted. Here, the game table refers to a gaming machine, a card unit, and its peripheral devices.

In game halls where gaming machines such as pachinko games are installed, acts such as illegal replacement of gaming chips have become a problem. Such fraud is usually done at night when the power supply of the gaming machine or the like after the business is closed. In order to cope with such a problem, the pachinko hall automatic monitoring device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a camera that takes charge of the pachinko machine array of “islands” only when there is an unauthorized intrusion or act at night. By recording the video, the next morning check is easy and reliable.
Further, in the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 2, a night monitoring control board is provided in the gaming machine, and when the door is opened when the supply of power from the power supply circuit is stopped, opening information is stored. When power supply is started the next morning, the stored release information is output and an alarm or the like is output.

  Further, even when the gaming machine is being transported from the manufacturer to the amusement hall or stored, there is a problem of illegal replacement as well.

JP 2002-52235 A JP 2008-142135 A

In the automatic monitoring device of Patent Document 1, in the case of a large-scale game arcade, it is necessary to install cameras everywhere, so that the monitoring cost becomes high. In addition, if the position of the camera is known, unauthorized intrusion becomes easy, and there is also a problem that facts such as nighttime unauthorized intrusion cannot be found until after the next morning. Since the gaming machine of Patent Document 2 also does not output opening information unless power is resupplied, the fact of fraud cannot be detected unless the next morning business starts. Such a problem usually results from turning off the power of all the gaming machines when the game hall is out of business hours. It is considered that such problems can be solved by performing nighttime monitoring by operating various monitoring devices using charged power when the power is charged during energization during business hours and it is outside business hours. . However, in order to operate the monitoring device for all hours during business hours, for example, at night, with only charging power, the charging device becomes large-scale.
In addition, the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 and other patent documents mainly monitor fraudulent acts that occur in the game hall, and also detect fraudulent acts in the process of transporting and storing gaming machines and their components. There was no point of view.

  In order to solve such a problem, the present invention detects, for example, fraudulent acts on a gaming machine and its components easily and effectively, and also detects fraud in the transportation and storage process of gaming machines and the like. It is a main object to provide an apparatus that facilitates.

The present invention provides a gaming machine monitoring unit, a game hall system, an information registration device, and a gaming machine management system.
The gaming machine monitoring unit of the present invention is a gaming machine monitoring unit installed in a gaming machine or a gaming machine configured to include a gaming machine and its peripheral devices, and the components of the gaming machine are delivered to a gaming ground. shipping information when it is, the game arcade information representing the amusement machine installation situation in the game arcade, as well as enabling acquiring the amusement machine maintenance information, the monitoring information representing the amusement machine operating status, this It includes an information acquisition unit that continuously acquires, and a wireless module for transmitting the information acquired by the information acquisition means to the radio by another information processing apparatus, the information acquiring unit registers the shipping information Shipping information registration device for the game, a game hall registration device for registering the game hall information, or a first input connector for connecting to the game hall maintenance device that outputs the maintenance information A second input connector for taking in the monitoring information from the game table, and the first input connector or the second input connector is connected to a connection destination or disconnected. In addition, a signal representing a current connection state is output to the wireless module .
It further comprises data conversion means for converting the shipping information, the game hall information or the maintenance information into serial / parallel data by an asynchronous process, and the data converted by the data conversion means is input to the wireless module. good.

  The gaming hall system of the present invention includes the gaming machine monitoring unit, a management computer that records the monitoring information of the gaming machine installed in the gaming hall, and communication performed between the management computer and the gaming machine monitoring unit. It is a system equipped with the island computer which relays.

The information registration device of the present invention provides a gaming machine identification information for identifying a gaming machine or a gaming machine including a gaming machine and its peripheral devices in the gaming field when the gaming machine is installed in the gaming field. a gaming table information generating means to generate a broadcast as digital information,
Provided in association with the gaming table, and the amusement machine monitor unit having a first register means to register the wireless module and the amusement machine identification information for transmitting the amusement machine identification information by radio to the other information processing apparatus A first interface means for connection; a second interface means for connecting to a management computer provided in the game arcade and having a second registration means for registering the gaming machine identification information together with an ID of the gaming machine monitoring unit; It is possible to select whether the game machine identification information generated by the game machine information generation means is registered in the first registration means through the first interface means or registered in the second registration means through the second interface means. And a control device.
The control device, in place of the gaming machine identification information generated by the gaming machine information generating means, is an unregistered game machine identification information generated in advance in either the gaming machine monitoring unit or the management computer. Can be selected, and any of the selected gaming machine identification information may be registered in the first registration means or the second registration means.

The gaming machine management system of the present invention comprises the above-described gaming field system of the present invention and the information registration device of the present invention, and a game in which the gaming machine monitoring unit is mounted through information acquired by the gaming machine monitoring unit. It is a system characterized by monitoring the authenticity of the components of the table or the operating status of the game table .

According to the present invention, even when a large number of game machines are installed in a game hall, the authenticity of components of each game machine (there is no fraud) and without laying cables or the like in the game room, and There is an effect that it is possible to grasp the operation status, that is, whether or not fraudulent acts are performed in real time.
In particular, a wireless module that performs short-range wireless communication based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard consumes very little power and can be used for several years using only a battery. The situation can be monitored.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a gaming machine management system to which the present invention is applied. In order to monitor the mounting of gaming chips, the transport and storage process of gaming machines and card units, and the fraud applied at the game hall, the information management system can identify the ID of the gaming chip and the installation status of the gaming machines at the gaming hall. The figure which shows the flow of the information in the case of management. The function block diagram of an information management system. The functional block diagram of a management computer. The function block diagram of a shipment information registration apparatus. The functional block diagram of a game hall information registration apparatus. The functional block diagram of a game hall maintenance apparatus. Explanatory drawing of the interface of a gaming machine etc. and a game stand monitoring unit. The functional block diagram of the game stand monitoring unit with which a game hall system is provided. Explanatory drawing of a procedure for shipping information registration. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining registration procedure of game hall information. Explanatory drawing of the procedure of additional registration of game hall information. Explanatory drawing of the procedure of daily ID information monitoring in a management computer. Procedure explanatory diagram of maintenance work monitoring by maintenance personnel in business.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a gaming machine management system to which the present invention is applied. Here, a connection state between a game hall system 100 installed in a certain game hall and its related system is shown. The game hall system 100 is configured by connecting a card unit 3 to a gaming table monitoring unit 1 built in the gaming machine 2. However, in order to facilitate the explanation of the signal connection, in FIG. 1, the gaming table monitoring unit 1 is taken out and explained.

The gaming machine 2 is a ball and ball gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, for example, and the card unit 3 is a unit that enables a game by inserting a gaming card or a prepaid card held by a fan. One set of gaming machine 2 and card unit 3 is referred to as a “game table” in this embodiment. A game machine is identified by a machine number. Although the gaming table monitoring unit 1 will be described later, the maintenance status and operating status of the gaming machine 2 and the card unit 3 are monitored and recorded based on sensors or the like provided at predetermined parts of the gaming machine 2 and the card unit 3. It has a function.

  There are multiple game machines for each “island”. It is the island computer 4 that monitors and controls the operating status of the game machines on each island through the game machine monitoring unit 1 connected by wireless communication. Each island computer 4 is connected to a management computer 5 through a local area network (LAN) LN.

  The management computer 5 is a computer that collects and manages information related to all game machines in the game arcade. The management computer 5 can be connected to the information management system 200 and the gaming machine manufacturer system 300 through the public communication network GN. The information management system 200 is an information processing system installed in a third-party management organization that has no interest in a game arcade or the like. The gaming machine manufacturer system 300 is an information processing system installed in a manufacturer that manufactures and sells gaming machines equipped with gaming chips and the like that affect game control. Connected to the public communication network GN is also a chip maker system 400 provided in a chip maker that manufactures or sells the above gaming chips and the like.

  The game hall system 100 also includes a game hall information registration device 7 and a game hall maintenance device 8 that exist independently of the game machine or the like. In addition, the gaming machine manufacturer system 300 includes a shipping information registration device 6 that exists independently.

  In the present embodiment, in order to monitor the mounting of gaming chips and the like, transportation and storage processes of the gaming machine 2 and card unit 3, and fraud applied to the game hall, the gaming chip ID (ID is an abbreviation of identification information). , The same shall apply hereinafter) and the installation status of the gaming machine 2 in the game hall are managed by the information management system 200. The flow of information in this case is shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 2, the chip manufacturer system 400 accesses the information management system 200 and registers a chip ID of a gaming chip or the like used for the gaming machine 2 or the card unit 3, and then the gaming chip or the like is registered. Sold (transported) to game machine manufacturers.
The gaming machine manufacturer system 300 mounts gaming chips and the like purchased from the chip manufacturer on the gaming machine 2 (if the card unit 3 is also sold, it is mounted on the card unit 3) and accesses the information management system 200. Manufacturing registration of the gaming machine 2 (and card unit 3), specifically, the manufacturing number of the gaming machine 2 (and card unit 3) is registered. Then, the gaming machine 2 (and the card unit 3) is sold (transported) to the game hall.

The gaming machine maker connects the battery V1 of the gaming machine monitoring unit 1 built in the gaming machine 2 before selling (transporting) the gaming machine to the amusement hall, and enables the monitoring function of the gaming machine monitoring unit 1 At the same time, the information management system 200 is accessed through the shipping information registration device 6 to register shipping of the gaming machine 2. Thereafter, the gaming machine 2 continues to monitor the gaming machine 2 by the built-in gaming table monitoring unit 1 as long as the capacity of the battery V1 remains.

In the game hall, the information management system 200 is accessed through the game hall system 100, and the installation registration of the gaming machine 2 (and the card unit 3) is performed.
Thereby, the information management system 200 can grasp in which gaming machine 2 or card unit 3 the gaming chips and the like are mounted and in which game hall they are installed. For this reason, it is possible to detect fraud in shipping and storage processes after sales of gaming chips and the like.

  The information management system 200 also monitors the operating status of the gaming machine 2 in the game hall by monitoring information from the game hall system 100 or by accessing the game hall system. The presence / absence of fraud performed in the game hall is detected when the game hall system 100 described later is operated, but can be detected not only by the game hall system 100 but also by the information management system 200.

An example of each system for performing information processing for preventing such fraud will be described below.
[Information management system]
An example of the functional configuration of the information management system 200 is shown in FIG. FIG. 3 lists only the portion related to fraud prevention.
The information management system 200 is realized by cooperation of a server (computer having a server function) capable of communicating with an external system through a public communication network GN and an information management program. The server has a main control device including a CPU (Central Processing Unit). When the main control device reads and executes an information management program, the main control unit 201 is included in the server as shown in FIG. , A communication control unit 202, a game hall management unit 203, a game table management unit 204, a chip information management unit 205, and an operator management unit 206, and a chip information DB 211, unit information DB 212, A shipping information DB 213, a game table collection information DB 214, a manufacturer information DB 215, a game hall information DB 216, and an operator DB 217 are constructed.

  The main control unit 201 comprehensively controls operations in the server. The communication control unit 202 enables communication with the game arcade system 100, the gaming machine manufacturer system 300, and the chip manufacturer system 400 through the public communication network GN.

  The game hall management unit 203 manages the game hall information transmitted from the game hall system 100 using the game hall information DB 216. In the game hall information DB 216, the game hall identification information, the installation status of the game machine in the game hall (the machine number, the machine machine 2 model ID, the card unit 3 model ID, the operator ID of the operator whose maintenance work is allowed, etc. ) And operating status (results of monitoring the operating status of each gaming machine for each game hall date and time) and the like are recorded.

The gaming machine management unit 204 includes the manufacturing registration information of the gaming machine 2 transmitted from the gaming machine manufacturer system 300 (including the manufacturing registration information of the card unit 3 when the card unit 3 is included), and the gaming machine manufacturer system 300. The unit information DB 212, the shipment information DB 213, the collection information DB 214, and the manufacturer information DB 215 manage the transmitted shipment information and the collection information of the gaming machine 2 and the like transmitted from a collection mechanism (not shown).
In the unit information DB 212, the name of the gaming unit mounted on the gaming machine 2, the unit name of the card unit 3 that forms the gaming table together with the gaming machine 2, the serial number of each unit, and the model of the gaming machine 2 on which each unit is mounted An ID, a model ID of the card unit 3, a chip ID such as a game chip to be mounted, and the like are registered. In the shipping information DB 213, a game hall name, a shipping date, a model ID of the shipped gaming machine 2, a model ID of the card unit 3, and the like are registered. In the collection information DB 213, a model ID of the gaming machine 2, a model ID of the card unit 3, a collection date, a registrant name, and the like are recorded. In the manufacturer information DB 215, the identification information of the gaming machine manufacturer and the chip manufacturer, the communication addresses of the gaming machine manufacturer system 300 and the chip manufacturer system 400, and the like are registered.

  The chip information management unit 205 manages chip IDs such as gaming chips transmitted from the chip manufacturer system 400 using the chip information DB 211. In the chip information DB 211, a chip ID, a manufacturing date, a function (use) of the chip, and the like are registered.

  Since each of the above DBs 211 to 216 is registered redundantly, such as model ID and chip ID, for example, if the chip ID can be grasped, the unit or gaming machine 2 in which it is mounted can be traced. .

  The operator management unit 206 manages an operator at each site that allows access to the information management system 200 with the operator DB 217. In the operator DB 217, an operator ID including affiliation, access authority to each DB, and operation authority is registered.

[Each manufacturer system]
The gaming machine manufacturer system 300 and the chip manufacturer system 400 are also systems that are realized by the cooperation of a computer having a communication function and a computer program, and register various information with the information management system 200.

[Amusement hall system]
Next, components of the game hall system 100 will be described in detail.
FIG. 4 is a functional configuration diagram of the management computer 5. The management computer 5 is realized by a computer capable of performing communication through the public communication network GN and the local line LN. This computer has a main control unit including a CPU, and when the main control unit reads and executes a management program, the main control unit 51 and the communication control unit 52 are included in the computer as shown in FIG. The game hall management unit 53 and the operator management unit 54 are formed, and a game table DB 55, a game situation DB 56, an operator DB 57, and a linkage system DB 58 are constructed in a recording device accessible by a computer.

  The main control unit 51 comprehensively controls operations in the computer. The communication control unit 52 enables communication with the information management system 200 through the public communication network GN, and communicates with the gaming machine monitoring unit 1 built in each gaming machine via the local line LN and the island computer 4. Enable communication.

  The game hall management unit 53 manages the game hall information in the game table DB 55 and the game situation DB 56. In the gaming table DB 55, a gaming machine table number, a gaming machine 2 model ID, a gaming machine monitoring unit 1 ID built in the gaming machine 2, a card unit 3 model ID, and the like are registered. In the game situation DB 56, the operating situation of each gaming machine (the monitoring result of the operating situation of each gaming machine for each date and time of each game hall) is recorded.

  The operator management unit 54 manages operators that are allowed to perform maintenance work on each gaming machine in the operator DB 57. An operator ID is registered in the operator DB 57.

  In the cooperation system DB 58, addresses of other information processing apparatuses or systems for communicating with the management computer 5 are registered.

FIG. 5 is a functional configuration diagram of the shipping information registration device 6. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shipping information registration device 6 is a device for registering shipping information of a gaming machine manufacturer of the gaming machine 2 (and card unit 3) that exists independently of the gaming machine manufacturer system 300. Yes, it is realized by an information processing apparatus (computer) capable of communicating through the public communication network GN.
The shipping information registration device 6 is implemented as a set of a wireless IF unit (IF is an abbreviation of interface, the same applies hereinafter) 68 and a card reader 69. The computer has a main control device including a CPU, and when the main control device reads and executes a management program, the main control unit 61 and the communication control unit 62 are included in the computer as shown in FIG. The authentication unit 63 and the operator management unit 64 are formed, and the operator DB 65 and the shipping information DB 66 are constructed in a recording device accessible by the computer.

The main control unit 61 comprehensively controls operations in the computer related to shipping information registration. The communication control unit 62 enables communication with the information management system 200 as a registration destination through the public communication network GN. The authentication unit 63 authenticates the authority for registering shipping information. The operator management unit 64 manages operators that permit shipping information registration in the operator DB 65. In the shipping information DB 66, shipping information such as a gaming table used part unit, a shipping manufacturer, a chip ID, and the like are registered from the used part unit inside the gaming machine 2 in a non-contact manner (for example, by RFID or the like) or input by an operator. ing.
It should be noted that the gaming machine manufacturer system 300 can also have a shipping information registration function.

The wireless IF unit 68 is for performing wireless data communication with the gaming table monitoring unit 1 connected to the card reader 69. When the card reader 69 is detachably attached to the maintenance information IF unit 691 for connecting to the gaming machine monitoring unit 1 built in the gaming machine 2 and the maintenance card 60 in which the maintenance ID is recorded, Comprises a reading mechanism 692 for reading card information.
The shipping information registration device 6 is configured so that shipping information cannot be registered unless the maintenance card 30 in which the maintenance ID of the worker permitted to register is recorded is attached to the reading mechanism 692 and authenticated. Further, if the operator ID registered in advance in the operator DB 217 of the information management system 200 as a registration destination cannot be matched, a double check is performed so that registration cannot be performed in the information management system 200.

FIG. 6 is a functional configuration diagram of the game hall information registration device 7. This game hall information registration device 7 stores the game table monitoring unit 1 and the island computer 4 with the table number of the game table, for example, the output data of the rotary dip switch, the chip ID of the game chip mounted on the game table, and the like. Via the management computer 5 and the information management system 200.
The game table information registration device 7 includes a reading mechanism 71 that reads card record information recorded on a maintenance card 60 that is detachably attached to a portable housing, and interface means for connecting to the game table monitoring unit 1. The maintenance information IF unit 72, the authentication unit 73 for authenticating the person who registers the game hall information, the unit number setting unit 74 for setting the unit number for each gaming table, the operation switch 75, the state display unit 76, and these functions A control device (not shown) for controlling is provided.

The machine number setting unit 74 sets the machine number of the gaming machine 2 installed in the game hall.
Setting of the machine number required for management of the gaming machine 2 by the management computer 5 is performed by the card unit 3 arranged for each gaming machine 2 or an information collecting device for the management computer 5 (not shown). That is, the card unit 3 and the information collecting device are generally constructed so that a dip switch for setting the game machine number is built in and set through the dip switch. However, once it is set, it will not be reset unless the gaming machine 2 or the card unit 3 is replaced, and the unit number may need about 4 digits. The physical capacity and setting information for setting the unit number There may be a case where a large number of input ports of the microcomputer for reading are required.
In order to solve such a problem, the machine number setting unit 74 is built in the game hall information registration device 7 and sets a machine number when the gaming machine 2 is installed in the game hall. By registering a gaming machine number in a registration means provided in the gaming machine monitoring unit 1, for example, an EEPROM, through one interface means (connector or the like), the same function as that set through the DIP switch is realized.

The registration number on the management computer 5 side is registered through a predetermined interface means (connector or LAN) by associating the machine number set by the machine number setting unit 74 with the ID of the game machine monitoring unit 1 without registering in the game monitoring unit 1. You may make it register to. Alternatively, a machine number to be registered in the game hall is registered in the management computer 5 in advance, and when the machine number is set, the unregistered machine number is called, and the unregistered number is displayed on the status display unit 76. By selecting a scheduled machine number and performing a registration operation, the management computer 5 can be registered in association with the ID of the gaming machine monitoring unit 1. Where and how to register the machine number is selectively determined by the control device.
As described above, when the dip switch is used, the number of digits of the machine number that can be set within the range of the number of implementations is limited. However, according to the method of the present embodiment, the gaming machine is independent of the number of digits of the dip switch. In addition to setting a number, it is easy to set a management number for the gaming machine 2 in combination with a symbol as well as a number.

  The game hall information registration device 7 collates the information of the game table with the already-registered game hall installation information when the game machine is installed in the game hall. If there is no difference from the game hall installation information, the machine number and the like are additionally registered. In the present embodiment, for example, unless the maintenance card 60 in which the maintenance ID of an operator who is permitted to perform additional registration is recorded is attached to the reading mechanism 71 and authenticated by the authentication unit 73, the registration operation of the game hall information cannot be performed. I have to.

  FIG. 7 is a functional configuration diagram of the game hall maintenance device 8. The game hall maintenance device 8 is a device used to authenticate the authority when maintaining the game table. As with the game hall information registration device 7, the maintenance card 60 is detachably attached to a portable housing, and the maintenance information IF for connecting to the reading mechanism 81 and the game table monitoring unit 1 for reading the card record information when attached. And an authentication unit 83 for authenticating a person who registers the game hall information. Unless the maintenance card 60 in which the maintenance ID of the worker permitted to be registered is recorded is attached to the reading mechanism 81 and is not authenticated by the authentication unit 83, the registration operation of the game hall information cannot be performed.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an interface between the gaming machine or the like and the gaming table monitoring unit 1. As described above, the gaming table monitoring unit 1 is actually built in the gaming machine 2, but will be described with reference to a drawing taken out to facilitate the explanation. The gaming machine information of the gaming machine 2 and the card unit 3 is transmitted to the gaming machine monitoring unit 1 through the gaming machine information IF unit 91. In addition, the chip ID of various gaming chips mounted on the gaming machine 2 and the unit ID of the card unit 3 are transmitted to the gaming machine monitoring unit 1 through the ID information IF unit 92.
The game table information IF unit 91 is configured in the same manner as an information collection unit that acquires operation information of a game table used in a conventional game hall management system. Therefore, the operation information of the card unit 3 can be obtained at the same time as the operation information of the game machine.
Here, an example is shown in which the gaming machine 2 and the card unit 3 are connected to the ID information IF unit 92 and the gaming table information IF unit 91, respectively, but the ID information and the gaming table information are transmitted with one connection. Therefore, a serial interface dedicated to the gaming machine 2 or the card unit 3 can be used.
Note that the gaming machine security signal indicating the operating status of the gaming machine, the fact that a situation different from the normal operating state, such as the opening and closing of the glass door and inner frame of the gaming machine 2, the history of maintenance work, etc. is directly transmitted through the connector. Is transmitted to the table monitoring unit 1.

  FIG. 9 is a functional configuration diagram of the game table monitoring unit 1. The gaming machine monitoring unit 1 is built in the gaming machine 2 and connected to the battery V1 at the time of shipment from the gaming machine manufacturer to enable the monitoring function of the gaming machine monitoring unit 1 and then manage information through the shipping information registration device 6. The system 200 is accessed and shipping registration of the gaming machine 2 is performed. Thereafter, the gaming machine 2 continues to monitor the gaming machine 2 with the built-in gaming table monitoring unit 1 as long as the capacity of the battery V1 remains.

The gaming table monitoring unit 1 is installed in a single gaming machine 2 and connected to a card unit 3. Input connectors 1a to 1d for capturing information and an external power input connector 1e are provided in an airtight casing that cannot be easily opened.
The input connector 1a is connected to any of the maintenance information IF unit 691 of the shipping information registration device 6, the maintenance information IF unit 72 of the game hall information registration device 7, and the maintenance information IF unit 82 of the game hall maintenance device 8 through a serial interface. Is done. For example, when the game machine is shipped (low usage frequency), the maintenance information IF unit 691 is used. When the game machine is installed in the game hall (low use frequency), the maintenance information IF unit 72 is used for daily inspection at the game hall. The maintenance information IF unit 82 is connected (normally in this state).
The input connector 1b is connected to the ID information IF unit 92 via a serial interface. The input connector 1c is connected to the gaming machine information IF unit 91 via a serial interface.

A gaming machine security signal (such as information conveyed by a contact signal) is directly input from the gaming console to the input connector 1d.
In the housing, an input connector 1f is provided for capturing an in-unit security signal, for example, a signal indicating opening of the housing, connector insertion / removal state, component replacement in the unit, and the like.
The input connectors 1a to 1f are connectors having an insertion / removal detection function, that is, a function of outputting a signal indicating a current connection state to the wireless communication module 10 when connected to a connection destination or disconnected. is there.

  The gaming table monitoring unit 1 includes a wireless communication module 10. The wireless communication module 10 is a module that performs wireless communication with the island computer 4, the management computer 5, and the information management system 200 based on the Zigbee (registered trademark) standard, which consumes very little power. Yes, it is driven by battery V1. A system that does not require battery replacement for 3 to 5 years by appropriately using a large-capacity battery such as a lithium ion battery because it consumes less power instead of a low speed, short transfer distance, and low transfer speed. Can be easily constructed.

The wireless communication module 10 has a power supply terminal VDD and a ground terminal GND. DC power is supplied to the power supply terminal VDD from the battery V1 via the resistor R1 and the diode D1. The ground terminal GND is connected to the ground SG. An electrolytic capacitor C1 is also connected to the power supply terminal VDD.
The wireless communication module 10 includes an I / O (Input / Output) 101 as an information input source. Further, a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) 106 having a serial / parallel conversion function is provided. The UART is a serial / parallel signal conversion device using an asynchronous method.

The information input to the I / O 101 is input as a contact signal ON or OFF digital signal, and a part of the signal is converted into a digital signal by an analog / digital converter (ADC), and then the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102. The CPU 102 functions as control means for processing input information and controlling various operations in the module according to a program or the like recorded in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 is a work memory of the CPU 102.
An EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) 105 is an abnormal state of the gaming machine, a machine number as digital information for identifying the gaming machine when the gaming machine is installed in the gaming machine, self (game) This is a non-volatile memory for storing the ID of the monitor unit 1). Note that the nonvolatile memory may not be an EEPROM.
The transceiver 107 performs near field communication according to the communication standard IEEE 802.15.4.

The gaming table monitoring unit 1 also includes a data selector 20, a power supply unit 30, a battery voltage detection unit 31, a non-energization detection unit 32, and an actuator unit 40.
The data selector 20 selects and outputs any of the information fetched from the three input connectors 1 a to 1 c by the output of the I / O 101 of the wireless communication module 10. For example, the output is switched in priority order according to the use frequency. Thereby, three UART functions are realized by one UART 106.

  The power supply unit 30 supplies DC power to various electronic circuits (logic power supply V2) and devices (power supplies other than logic) in the unit by external power supply input. In addition to wired power supply, external power can be supplied wirelessly. When energized (when an external power supply is input), the logic power supply V2 is supplied to the power supply terminal VDD and the capacitor C1 of the wireless communication module 10 through the resistor R2 and the diode D2. Further, the logic power source V2 is also supplied to the actuator unit 40 and the capacitor C2 through the resistor R3 and the diode D3. The logic power supply V2 supplies power at a voltage value higher than that of the battery V1, and prevents consumption of the battery V1 when energized.

  When the power supply unit 30 is not energized, the components in the unit are operated with the charging power (DC power) charged from the battery V1 to the capacitor C1 through the resistor R1 and the diode D1. Since the resistor R1 does not supply rapid charging power, the consumption of the battery V1 can be suppressed.

  The battery voltage detector 31 detects removal of the battery V1 or a short circuit of the battery V1. When these detection results are transmitted to the CPU 102 through the I / O 101, the CPU 102 operates with the charging power charged in the capacitor C1, records the battery abnormality in the EEPROM 105, and operates until shutdown. The same operation is performed when the battery voltage decreases. Note that the function of the battery voltage detection unit 31 can be substituted by the ADC function of the I / O 101.

  The non-energization detection unit 32 detects the supply stop of the logic power supply V2 from the power supply unit 30, and transmits an on signal to the CPU 102 through the I / O 101 when the power is off and an off signal when the power is off. As a result, the CPU 102 switches the operation during energization / non-energization.

As an example of the function by switching the operation at the time of energization / non-energization, all the functions are enabled at the time of energization and the wireless communication module 10 is operated at the maximum speed (first communication speed) to obtain a large amount of data (first Data) can be transmitted, the communication speed is reduced when the power is off (second communication speed), and the data to be transmitted is, for example, a small amount of information and only an important security signal (second data). One example is to reduce consumption. Since the UART 106 consumes more power as the amount of information increases, the input is stopped, and for example, only the gaming machine security signal input through the I / O 101 is operated by the transceiver 107. At this time, power supply to an electronic circuit that handles data other than the security signal may be stopped.
Thereby, since the consumption of the battery V1 at the time of de-energization can be reduced, the security monitoring of the gaming machine 2 can be performed for a longer period.

The actuator unit 40 is for unlocking the maintenance door of the gaming table monitoring unit 1 when maintaining the gaming table monitoring unit 1. The maintenance door is unlocked by making a maintenance start permission request from the game hall maintenance device 8 to the management computer 5 and receiving a lock release signal from the management computer 5. When the management computer 5 is recognized as an authorized maintenance person, the management computer 5 transmits a lock release signal to the actuator unit 40 to release the lock of the maintenance door. As a result, maintenance by the gaming machine monitoring unit alone becomes impossible. Therefore, a more advanced gaming machine monitoring system is required as compared with the case where the gaming machine monitoring unit 1 is constructed so as to permit maintenance only with the security key. Can do.
The actuator unit 40 is driven by an actuator driving power source V3 that charges the capacitor C2 from the power source terminal VDD through the resistor R3 and the diode D3 as the driving power source. Since a very large amount of electric power is used to drive the actuator, the consumption of the battery V1 is suppressed by slowly charging the capacitor C2 using the resistor R3 having a relatively large resistance value, and the voltage of the power supply terminal VDD Build to eliminate the impact of decline.

[Operational form]
Next, an operation mode example of the game hall system 100 configured as described above will be described.
<Register shipping information>
The gaming machine manufacturer registers shipping information with the shipping information registration device 6 when shipping the gaming machine. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the procedure of shipping information registration.
It is assumed that an operator ID or the like recorded in advance on the operator card 60 is registered in the shipping information registration device 6 and the information management system 200. In the information management system 200, it is also assumed that chip IDs such as gaming chips to be mounted on the gaming machine 2 are registered.
When shipping information is registered, it is assumed that the battery V1 of the gaming table monitoring unit 1 is connected and monitoring is started, and the shipping information registration device 6 is connected to the input connector 1a of the gaming table monitoring unit 1, and the gaming table monitoring unit is connected. 1 is set to the shipping information registration mode. It is assumed that a gaming machine security signal of the gaming machine 2 is input to the gaming machine monitoring unit 1 through the input connector 1d.

  The shipping information registration device 6 reads the operator ID recorded on the operator card 60 with the card reader 69 (S101) and performs authentication (S102). The authentication is performed by comparing the read operator ID with the operator DB 65 (or the operator ID registered in the gaming machine manufacturer system 300. When normal (the operator ID is the same), the game is monitored through the gaming table monitoring unit 1. The registration information such as the unit used by the unit is read (S103: Y, S104), and the read information (shipment information) is converted into wireless data together with the operator ID, the game hall ID, the shipping manufacturer, and the chip ID. The information is transmitted to the information management system 200 through the public communication network GN (S105), and then the result is received from the information management system 200 (S106: N).

  In the information management system 200, when shipping information or the like is received (S107), it is checked whether the operator ID is normal, that is, whether it matches the operator ID registered in advance (S108). If it is normal, it is checked whether the chip ID is normal, that is, whether the chip ID matches that previously registered from the chip manufacturer system 400 (S108: Y, S109). If it is normal, the shipping information including the operator name is additionally registered, and the shipping information registration device 6 is notified of the completion of registration (S109: Y, S110). If the operator ID and chip ID are not normal, error processing is performed and the result is notified to the shipping information registration device 6 (S108: N, S109: N, S111).

  If the received result is normal registration, the shipping information registration device 6 stores the registration information in the corresponding field of the shipping information DB 66 and the registration number from the information management center 200 (S112: Y, S113). On the other hand, if the registration is not successful, the error content is recorded in the corresponding field of the shipping information DB 66. The same applies to the case where the S103 operator ID is not normal (S103: N). Thereafter, the gaming table monitoring unit 1 and the card reader 69 are removed, the shipping information registration operation is completed (S115), and the game is shipped (transported) to the game arcade.

  The gaming machine 1 that has finished shipping registration work at the gaming machine manufacturer has a built-in gaming machine monitoring unit 1, and therefore continues monitoring with the battery V1 during transportation and storage, and a security signal during transportation and storage. If it is detected, the security information written in the EEPROM 105 is stored, and the security information written in the EEPROM 105 is collected together when the game machine is installed in the game hall, etc., and the security information during transportation or storage is checked. Thereby, it can manage so that an appropriate response | compatibility can be performed.

<Amusement center information registration>
In the game arcade that has received the game machine 2 transported from the game machine manufacturer, the game machine 2 is installed at a predetermined place in the game arcade, the game hall information registration device 7 is connected to the game table monitoring unit 1, and the game hall information Register. FIG. 11 is a procedure explanatory diagram showing an example of registration of game hall information.
The game hall information registration device 7 reads the operator ID from the maintenance card 60 by the reading mechanism 71 (S201) and performs authentication (S202). Specifically, an operator ID registered in advance from the management computer 5 is acquired through the gaming table monitoring unit 1, and the acquired operator ID is collated with information read from the operator card 60. If it is normal, that is, if the operator IDs match, the machine number setting unit 74 sets the machine number (digital information) of the game machine (S203: Y, S204).
Thereafter, the set number is transmitted to the management computer 5 together with the ID of the gaming table monitoring unit 1 via the gaming table monitoring unit 1 by the operation of starting the registration of the number of the operation switch 75 (S205).

  When receiving the machine number (S207), the management computer 5 checks whether or not the gaming machine is a management target (S208). If it is a management target, the machine number is associated with the ID of the gaming machine monitoring unit 1 and registered in the registration means, and the completion of registration is notified to the game hall information registration device 7 via the gaming machine monitoring unit 1 (S208: Y, S209). If it is outside the management target, error processing is performed and the result is notified (S208: N, S210).

When the received result is normal registration, the game hall information registration device 7 displays normal registration on the status display unit 76 (S211: Y, S212). On the other hand, if the registration is not normal, registration NG (impossible) is displayed (S211: N, S213). The same applies when the operator ID is not normal (S203: N). Thereafter, the gaming table monitoring unit 1 and the like are removed, and the game hall information registration operation is completed (S214).
In addition, when the game hall information is additionally registered in the information management system 200, the gaming machine monitoring unit 1 or the like may be connected as it is.
The above is an example of registration in the management computer 5, but it can also be temporarily registered in the EEPROM 105 of the gaming table monitoring unit 1.

<Amusement center information additional registration>
When registration of the game hall information in the management computer 5 is completed, the game hall information is additionally registered in the information management system 200. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the procedure for additional registration of game hall information.
Up to the authentication of the operator ID (S301 to S303) is the same as S201 to S203 in FIG.
If the operator ID is normal, the gaming machine monitoring unit 1 reads the ID information (chip ID) and the like of the gaming machine 2 and the card unit 3 (S303: Y, S304). Then, the read ID information and the like are transmitted to the information management system 200 together with the game hall management information (game table management number and the like in the game hall system 100) (S305).

  Upon receiving the game hall management information, ID information, etc. (S307), the information management system 200 collates whether the ID information, etc. is included in the registered shipping information, that is, whether additional registration is possible ( S308). If additional registration is possible, ID information and the like are additionally registered, and registration completion is notified to the game hall information registration device 7 (S309: Y, S310). If additional registration is not possible, error processing is performed and the result is notified to the game hall information registration device 7 (S309: N, S311).

  When the received result is normal registration, the game hall information registration device 7 transmits the additional registration content to the management computer 5 via the game machine monitoring unit 1, the island computer 4, and the local line LN, and Normal registration display is performed on the display unit 76 (S312: Y, S313). On the other hand, if the registration is not normal, registration NG (impossible) is displayed (S312: N, S314). The same applies when the operator ID is not normal (S303: N). Thereafter, the game table monitoring unit 1 and the like are removed, and the work hall information addition registration operation is completed (S315).

<Daily ID information monitoring of game consoles>
When the registration and additional registration of the game hall information are completed, the game hall system 100 monitors the operating status of the game machines in the game hall.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of routine ID information monitoring procedures in the management computer 5.
First, the management computer 5 transmits an ID acquisition command to each game machine monitoring unit 1 (S401).
When a chip ID, a gaming machine ID, and the like are transmitted from the gaming table monitoring unit 1 from each gaming table monitoring unit 1, the management computer 5 acquires these (S402) and stores the acquired chip ID and the like together with the unit number, The information is transmitted to the information management system 200 (S403). After the transmission, it waits for receipt of the collation result and ID information from the information management system 200 (S404: N).
When the collation result with the registered information is received together with the ID information from the information management system 200, the ID information registered in the management computer 5 is checked again with the collation result and the ID information (S404: Y, S405).
If it is normal, “normal” is recorded and the game machine is allowed to operate (S406: Y, S407). On the other hand, if it is abnormal, the operation of the gaming machine having the abnormality is stopped and the cause is investigated (S406: N, S408). If there is no abnormality, the ID check process is terminated, and the operation mode is shifted to a normal operation status monitoring mode.

<Maintenance work monitoring by operating maintenance staff>
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a procedure for monitoring maintenance work by a maintenance staff in operation.
The game hall maintenance device 8 is connected to the gaming machine monitoring unit 1 of the target gaming machine (S501). Thereafter, the maintenance card 60 is inserted into the reading mechanism 81 and authentication is performed (S502). It should be noted that the game hall maintenance device 8 can be continuously connected during normal business. In the authentication, the read maintenance ID is transmitted to the management computer 5 via the game machine monitoring unit 1, the island computer 4, and the local line LN, and the collation result is received. The authentication unit 83 may obtain and store the management computer 5 in advance (S502).

If it is normal, the gaming machine monitoring unit 1 receives the maintenance permission information of the maintenance target part from the management computer 5 (S504). For example, the game stand monitoring unit 1 receives a maintenance cover open electromagnetic actuator drive signal. As a result, the actuator unit 40 is driven and the maintenance cover is opened. At this time, the maintenance cover open log is recorded in the EEPROM 105 of the gaming machine monitoring unit 1. When the maintenance sensor of the maintenance target part operates, the log is also recorded in the EEPROM 105.
After the maintenance, the maintenance log data recorded in the EEPROM 105 is transmitted to the management computer 5 (S505). This is repeated for each maintenance target part (S506: N). If the maintenance ID is not normal, an alarm is output and a message indicating that there is a possibility of unauthorized access is recorded in the EEPROM 105 (S507).
Thereafter, the maintenance work monitoring is finished, and the operation mode is shifted to a normal operation state monitoring mode.

As described above, in the gaming machine management system of this embodiment, the gaming machine monitoring unit 1 built in the gaming machine 2 delivers the chip ID and the like when a gaming chip or the like that is a component of the gaming machine is delivered. Information, game hall information, or maintenance information is selectively acquired by the data selector 20, and monitoring information representing the operating status of the game machine or its change information is taken in on a daily basis to obtain shipping information, game hall information or As for maintenance information, a single UART 106 converts the serial information into serial / parallel data by an asynchronous process, and the monitoring information or the converted data is a wireless module that performs short-range wireless communication based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard driven by a battery. 10 and the island computer 4 are transmitted to the management computer 5 or the shipping information registration device 6, so that the game hall Even when a large number of game machines are installed, the authenticity and operating status of the components of each game machine can be easily grasped without laying cables or the like in the hall.
In particular, a wireless module that performs short-range wireless communication based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard consumes very little power and can be used for several years using only a battery. The situation can be monitored.

  In addition to the battery V1, the gaming table monitoring unit 1 includes a power supply unit 30 that supplies power by external power input, storage circuits C1 and C2 that store power when the power supply unit 30 and the battery V1 are energized, Since the wireless module 10 includes the non-energization detection unit 32 that detects the non-energization of the unit 30 and the non-energization detection unit 32 detects the non-energization, the battery V1 or the stored power is used as the driving power. The battery life of the game table monitoring unit 1 can be maintained longer. Therefore, it is possible to embed the electronic components of the gaming table monitoring unit 1 in the housing and prevent the inside of the housing from being opened illegally.

  Further, when power is supplied from the power supply unit 30, the wireless module transmits first data having a large amount of information to the management computer 5 or the like at a high first communication speed, while the power supply unit 30 is not energized. Is detected, the amount of information is smaller than that of the first data and the power consumption during transmission is small. For example, the second data such as a security signal is managed at a second communication speed lower than the first communication speed. Since the power is transmitted to 5 etc., the power consumption at the time of de-energization can be suppressed, and the life of the battery can be maintained longer.

  The wireless module 10 also receives maintenance control information (driving signal of the actuator unit 40) transmitted from the management computer 5 using the island computer 4 as a relay device, and the door of the gaming machine 2 or the like by the received control information. Since it is configured to include the CPU 102 that performs control for displacing the game machine, not only can the unauthorized opening and closing of the gaming machine 2 be prevented, but this also eliminates the need for maintenance (and hence operation confirmation is not possible). It is also possible to check whether the monitor monitoring unit 1 is operating normally.

  In addition, the communication partner registration DB for registering the communication partner and the immediate communication with the registered communication partner in the case of an emergency situation where the monitoring information has a predetermined content (such as an illegal act now being performed) By providing communication means, for example, a pager, a mobile phone radio, and a WiFi mechanism, it is possible to cope with fraudulent acts in real time.

  Such a gaming table monitoring unit 1 is installed and installed for each gaming table, and in the information management system 200, a chip ID or the like unique to the components of the gaming table is registered and installed in the gaming hall. By selectively acquiring shipping information or game hall information from the game machine, and comparing the acquired information with the registered shipping information to determine the identity of each component, the component and game It is also possible to easily detect fraud that is added during the transportation and storage of the table.

  In this way, the gaming machine monitoring unit 1 is built in the gaming machine 2 so that it can be monitored even when it is not energized by battery driving, so that the gaming machine 2 can be recycled when the gaming machine 2 is removed from the game hall. The history management of the discarded gaming machine 2 can also be performed. Therefore, it can be set as the game stand monitoring system which can produce a big result in the fraud elimination regarding a game machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game stand monitoring unit, 2 ... Game machine, 3 ... Card unit, 4 ... Island computer, 5 ... Management computer, 51 ... Main control part of management computer, 52. ..Same communication control unit, 53 ... Same game hall management unit, 54 ... Same operator management unit, 55 ... Same game table DB, 56 ... Same game situation DB, 57 ... Same operator DB, 58... Cooperation system DB, 6... Shipping information registration device, 60... Maintenance card, 61... Main controller of shipping information registration device, 62. ... Authentication unit, 64... Operator management unit, 65 .. Operator DB, 66 .. Shipment information DB, 68 .. Radio IF unit, 69 .. Card reader, 7 ... game hall information registration device, 71 ... game hall information registration Reading mechanism of the apparatus, 72... Maintenance information IF section, 73... Authentication section, 74... Unit number setting section, 75.・ ・ ・ Amusement hall maintenance device, 81 ・ ・ ・ Reading mechanism of the amusement hall maintenance device, 82 ・ ・ ・ the maintenance information IF section, 83 ・ ・ ・ the authentication section, 91 ・ ・ ・ game table information IF section, 92 ..ID information IF section, 100 ... game hall system, 200 ... information management system, 201 ... main control section of information management system, 202 ... same communication control section, 203 ... same game Field management unit, 204... Manufacturer management unit, 205... Chip information management unit, 206... Operator management unit, 211... Chip information DB, 212.・ ・ ・ Shipment information DB, 214 ・ ・ ・ Same times Information DB, 215... Maker Information DB, 216... Game Hall Information DB, 217... Operator DB, 300... Game Machine Manufacturer System, 400. Public communication network, LN ...
1a to 1d, 1f... Input connector of gaming machine monitoring unit, 1e... External power input connector, 10... Wireless communication module, 101... I / O of wireless communication module,. · CPU ··································································· , 30 ... the same power supply part, 31 ... the same battery voltage detection part, 32 ... the same non-energization detection part, 40 ... the same actuator part.

Claims (7)

A gaming machine monitoring unit installed in a gaming machine or a gaming machine including a gaming machine and its peripheral devices,
Shipment information when the components of the amusement machine is delivered to the game arcade, the game arcade information indicating the installation state of the gaming table in a game hall, as well as enabling acquiring the amusement machine maintenance information, the gaming table For the monitoring information indicating the operational status of the information acquisition means for continuously acquiring this,
Wirelessly information acquired by the information acquisition unit includes a radio module for transmitting to another information processing apparatus,
The information acquisition means includes
A shipping information registration device for registering the shipping information, a game hall registration device for registering the game hall information, or a first input connector for connecting to a game hall maintenance device for outputting the maintenance information; ,
A second input connector for fetching the monitoring information from the game table, and the first input connector or the second input connector is connected to a connection destination or disconnected. And outputting a signal representing the current connection status to the wireless module ,
Game stand monitoring unit. Further comprising a gaming table information registration means for registering a digital information the gaming table to gaming table identification information for identifying in the game arcade when installing the gaming table in a game hall,
The registered gaming machine identification information is associated with its own ID and can be transmitted to a predetermined external information processing apparatus.
The game table monitoring unit according to claim 1. And a communication partner registration means for registering the communication phase hand,
In the case where the monitoring information has a predetermined content that requires emergency response, the monitoring information further includes an immediate communication unit that performs immediate communication with the registered communication partner,
The game stand monitoring unit according to claim 1 or 2 . The game machine monitoring unit according to claim 1 , 2 or 3, a management computer that records the monitoring information of the game machine installed in the game hall, and the management computer and the game machine monitoring unit It is equipped with an island computer that relays communications,
Amusement park system. Gaming machine or game that produces a digital information amusement machine identification information for the gaming table to identify in the game field when installing the gaming table configured game arcade include gaming machine and its peripheral devices and the base information generated hand stage,
Provided in association with the gaming table, and the amusement machine monitor unit having a first register means to register the wireless module and the amusement machine identification information for transmitting the amusement machine identification information by radio to the other information processing apparatus First interface means for connection;
A second interface means connected to a management computer installed in the game hall and having a second registration means for registering the gaming machine identification information together with an ID of the gaming machine monitoring unit;
Select whether to register the game machine identification information generated by the game machine information generation means in the first registration means through the first interface means or in the second registration means through the second interface means And a control device that enables it,
Information registration device. The control device, in place of the gaming machine identification information generated by the gaming machine information generating means, is an unregistered game machine identification information generated in advance in either the gaming machine monitoring unit or the management computer. And any one of the selected gaming machine identification information is registered in the first registration means or the second registration means,
The information registration apparatus according to claim 5 . A game hall system according to claim 4 and an information registration device according to claim 5 or 6,
Through the information acquired by the gaming table monitoring unit, monitoring the authenticity of the components of the gaming table in which the gaming table monitoring unit is mounted or the operating status of the gaming table ,
Amusement stand management system.

Images