JP6122174B2 - Inter-device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an inter-device device.

In amusement halls, for example, when a new store is opened, a game machine may be opened free of charge for the purpose of getting close to local residents. In the case of free opening, for example, a player receives a recording medium in which money amount data or a ball is stored at a game hall reception, inserts this recording medium into the inter-table device, receives a ball, and enjoys the game. It is a waste.

In such a case, the employee needs to distribute the recording medium to the player who enters the store, and the work load increases. In addition, when the player loses the recording medium, it is necessary to go to the reception of the recording medium again until reception of the game hall, which is complicated.

In general, when a gaming machine is introduced into a game arcade, first, a test is performed to confirm a malfunction of the gaming machine. This test hitting is to operate the gaming machine in an environment close to that the player normally plays, and is also performed in order to confirm the adjustment when the nail of the gaming machine is adjusted. At the time of test hitting, conventionally, a game hall employee put a game medium such as a pachinko ball into the upper plate of the game machine and fixes the handle of the game machine.

However, in this method, when there is a shortage of game media on the upper plate, it is necessary for the employee to carry the game media and put it into the upper plate, which increases the work burden on the employee. Moreover, since there are usually a plurality of gaming machines that are introduced into the amusement hall at a time, for example, when there are a large number of gaming machines that perform test hits, such as when opening a new store, the work burden of test hits is enormous. Become. In order to reduce such a work burden, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1. This is to provide a tray at the bottom of the gaming machine and a lifting device for feeding the game medium flowing down from the tray to the upper tray of the gaming machine. The medium is input.

JP 2006-175171 A

However, in the apparatus, the employee must first put the game medium into the receiving tray, and further, the employee needs to put the gaming medium into the receiving tray even when the game medium is insufficient in the receiving tray. The work burden on employees remains large. In addition, when the devices disclosed in Patent Document 1 are provided in each gaming machine, the cost becomes enormous. In addition, when the device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used in a plurality of gaming machines in a single test, it is necessary to move the device, creating a new work burden on the employee, The burden is not alleviated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an inter-unit device that can suppress the work burden of employees in a game hall.

The invention of claim 1
It is an inter-device that is provided corresponding to a plurality of gaming machines arranged in a game hall and can communicate with a management device,
Switching means for switching the operation mode;
A number-of-balls storage means for storing a number of balls that indicates the number of game media that can be used in the game;
Receiving the added number of balls to be added from the management device, the number of possessed balls calculating means for adding the number of balls to be added stored in the number of possessed balls storage means,
It was set as the stand apparatus provided with the paying-out means which pays out game media.

The invention of claim 2
A time measuring means for measuring time;
The inter-device device according to claim 1, further comprising payout control means for sending out a payout signal for requesting payout of a game medium to the payout means at every elapse of a predetermined time with reference to the time measuring means. did.

The invention of claim 3
The inter-unit device according to claim 1, wherein the payout means pays out when receiving a payout signal requesting payout of game media from the management device.

The invention of claim 4
The inter-unit device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the operation mode is switched, a switching completion signal indicating that the operation mode has been switched is transmitted to the management device.

According to the inventions of claims 1 to 4, since the inter-device is configured to be given a ball from the management device, for example, when the game machine is opened free of charge when the game hall is newly opened, Alternatively, it is possible to suppress the work load of the employee when the load of the game hall employee is generally heavy, such as test hitting for confirming a malfunction of the gaming machine.

In particular, according to the invention of claim 2, since a payout signal is sent to the payout means and the game medium is automatically paid out every predetermined time, a game hall employee or the like can play a game. There is no need to perform an operation for paying out the medium, and the work load on the employee at the time of testing can be further suppressed.

In particular, according to the invention of claim 4, when the operation mode is switched, it is configured to send a switching completion signal, so the management device can grasp and manage the operation mode of each inter-vehicle device, Convenient.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole game equipment management system of Example 1. FIG. It is a front view which shows an inter-device and a game machine. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the automatic bead grant mode setting screen of the game equipment management system of Example 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the game equipment management system of Example 1. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the game equipment management system of Example 1. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the game equipment management system of Example 1. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the game equipment management system of Example 1. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole game equipment management system of Example 2. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the automatic ball grant mode setting screen of the game equipment management system of Example 2. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole game equipment management system of Example 3. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the possession ball grant mode setting screen of the game equipment management system of Example 32. (12a) is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for mode change in the gaming facility management system of the third embodiment. (12b) is a flowchart showing the flow of the coin addition processing of the gaming facility management system according to the third embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole game equipment management system of Example 4. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the game equipment management system of Example 4. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the game equipment management system of another Example.

Switching device for switching between operation modes provided for a plurality of gaming machines arranged in a game hall and capable of communicating with a management device, and the number of balls that indicate the number of game media that can be used for the game The number of balls to be stored and the number of balls to be added to the management device, the number of balls to be added is added to the number of balls stored in the number of balls stored By comprising a number calculating means and a payout means for paying out game media, such as when a game machine is opened free of charge or when a game machine malfunction is confirmed, etc. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the work burden of the game hall employee at the time of test hitting as much as possible.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of the gaming facility management system A. The gaming facility management system A is composed of an inter-table device 10 and a management device 20, which are connected through a communication line, and can exchange information and signals with each other.

The inter-device 10 is provided corresponding to the gaming machine 1 as shown in FIG. 2, and has a game medium payout function in this embodiment. In FIG. 2, a pachinko machine is shown as the gaming machine 1 and a pachinko machine 10 that pays out pachinko balls as an example of a gaming medium is shown. However, the gaming machine 1 referred to in this embodiment is a pachinko machine. In addition to slot machines, parrots, etc. are included as long as they are arranged in a game arcade. Therefore, the type of game medium paid out by the inter-device 10 is not limited to a pachinko ball, and may be a coin. The inter-bed apparatus 10 includes at least a payout command means 11, a payout means 12, a possession number storage means 13, a possession number calculation means 14, a display means 15, an identification information storage means 16, and a switching means 17.

The payout command means 11 is, for example, a payout button, and sends a payout signal requesting payout of game media to the payout means 12 when a payout operation such as a push-down is performed by a player or the like. The payout means 12 is a control mechanism that pays out a predetermined amount of game media and supplies the game machine 1 when a payout signal is received from the payout command means 11. The number-of-balls storage means 13 can use, for example, a hard disk (HD) that functions as a large-capacity memory, and stores the number of balls.

The number-of-balls calculating means 14 can be constituted by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Upon receiving the number of added balls and the request for adding the number of balls from the management device 20, the number of held balls is stored in the number-of-balls storing means 13. The number of possessed balls is called, the added number of retained balls is added, and the number of retained balls after the addition is updated and stored in the retained ball number storage means 13. Further, the display unit 15 displays that the operation mode of the inter-device 10 has been switched to the automatic ball giving mode and the number of balls after the addition.

Also, when receiving the payout signal, the number-of-balls calculating unit 14 calls the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storing unit 13, subtracts a predetermined number of game media from the number of balls, and after subtraction The number of possessed balls is updated and stored in the possessed ball number storage means 13. Further, the number of balls after subtraction is displayed on the display means 15.

The number-of-balls calculating unit 14 determines the identification information of the inter-device 10 that identifies itself from the identification information storage unit 16 when the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storage unit 13 is equal to or less than a predetermined value or zero. This is called, and a shortage signal is sent to the management device 20 together with the identification information.

Further, when the number of possessed balls calculating means 14 receives the number of retained balls and the request for adding the number of retained balls, it calls the number of retained balls stored in the number of possessed balls storage means 13 and adds the number of retained balls. Then, the number of possessed balls after the addition is updated and stored in the retained ball number storage means 13. Further, the number of balls after the addition is displayed on the display means 15.

The display means 15 displays various information, for example, information related to the game and the operation information of the gaming machine 1, or displays a command for controlling the gaming facility management system A of the present invention, a response output in response thereto, etc. Segment display, CRT, liquid crystal display, plasma display, monitor, etc. In particular, the display means 15 displays the number of holding balls.

The identification information storage means 16 can use, for example, a hard disk (HD) that functions as a large-capacity memory, and stores identification information made up of numbers, characters, or a combination thereof that identifies its own inter-device 10.

The switching means 17 can be configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and upon receiving a mode switching signal that instructs a mode change of the inter-device 10, the operation mode of the inter-device 10 is changed to the automatic ball giving mode. Switch to a mode other than the automatic ball giving mode from the mode other than or from the automatic ball giving mode to a mode other than the automatic ball giving mode (this automatic ball giving mode is an example of a mode different from the normal operation mode) is there). When this switching is completed, a switching completion signal is sent to the management apparatus 20. In this embodiment, the operation mode includes at least an automatic holding ball grant mode, a normal closing mode that switches when it is terminated, and a normal business mode that is used when the game hall is open, and during the business hours of the game hall The system is operated in the normal business mode, and is operated in the normal business mode after the store is closed except for business hours. In the present embodiment, the normal sales mode and the normal closing mode are collectively referred to as a normal mode (this normal mode is an example of a “normal operation mode”). By performing a predetermined switching operation in the normal mode, the automatic holding ball giving mode is switched. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and in other configuration examples, at least the operation mode corresponding to the automatic ball granting mode referred to in the present invention and the operation corresponding to the normal business mode used during the business hours of the game hall. The mode only needs to exist.

The management device 20 is a computer that operates under program control, and includes at least a mode control unit 21, a ball giving unit 22, an added number of balls storage unit 23, a state information storage unit 24, an input unit 25, and a display unit 26. ing.

The mode control means 21 and the ball giving means 22 can be configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example. The mode control unit 21 instructs the switching unit 17 of the inter-device 10 from the management device 20 side in order to switch the operation mode of the inter-device 10. Specifically, the mode control means 21 adds “the number of possessed balls to be given when the mode is changed” and “the number of possessed balls to be given when there is a shortage” as the added number of retained balls and the number of retained balls, respectively. The number of balls is stored in the memory unit 23.

Further, the mode control means 21 is a mode switching signal for instructing switching to the automatic ball giving mode, and a mode switching signal for switching the operation mode to a mode other than the automatic ball giving mode (for example, the normal mode). Is sent to the switching means 17 of each designated inter-device 10. Specifically, the mode control means 21 refers to the identification information stored in advance in association with the machine number of the designated platform device 10, and communicates with the designated platform device 10 through the communication line. A mode switching signal. In addition, when the switching completion signal indicating that the mode switching based on the mode switching signal is completed is received from the inter-device 10, the mode control unit 21 stores the status information regarding the inter-device 10 in the status information storage unit 24. Rewrite and update to be in the state of the predetermined mode.

The holding ball granting unit 22 calls the added holding ball number from the added holding ball number storage unit 23 and, together with the added holding ball number, the number of holding balls stored in the holding ball number storage unit 13 of the inter-device 10. A ball addition request signal for adding the number of additional balls is sent to the specified inter-device 10 through the communication line.

The holding ball giving means 22 calls the re-added holding ball number stored in the added holding ball number storage means 23, and is stored in the holding ball number storage means 13 of the inter-device 10 together with the re-added holding ball number. A ball addition request signal indicating that the re-added number of balls is added to the number of held balls is sent to the designated inter-device device 10 through the communication line.

Further, as the added number of balls storage means 23, for example, a hard disk (HD) functioning as a large-capacity memory can be used, and the number of added balls that is the number of balls to be added to the number of balls held storage means 13 of the inter-device 10. And the number of re-added coins is memorized.

The status information storage means 24 can use, for example, a hard disk (HD) that functions as a large-capacity memory, and stores the operation mode of each inter-unit device 10 disposed in the game hall. When the operation mode of the inter-vehicle apparatus 10 is switched to, for example, the automatic ball giving mode by the switching unit 17 and a switching completion signal is received from the switching unit 17, it is stored in the state information storage unit 24 based on the signal. Then, the state information of the inter-device apparatus 10 is rewritten to the automatic holding ball grant mode.

The input unit 25 is configured by, for example, a numeric keypad, a touch panel, and a pointing device that accepts input of information to the management apparatus 20.

The display means 26 is a CRT, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, a monitor or the like that displays a command for controlling the gaming facility management system A of the present invention, a response output to the command, and the like. In particular, the display means 26 displays an automatic ball giving mode setting screen.

The setting of the automatic holding ball grant mode will be described. To set the automatic ball giving mode, the automatic ball giving mode setting screen 30 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display means 26 of the management device 20. The table designation column 31 is a column for designating the inter-device 10 that switches to the automatic ball giving mode or ends the automatic ball giving mode. By inputting necessary information in this field, among the inter-table devices 10 in the game hall, the inter-device 10 for switching to the automatic ball-giving mode or for terminating the automatic ball-giving mode is designated. For example, when “all units” is designated, all the inter-unit devices 10 arranged in the game hall are targeted. When “only pachinko machine” is designated, only those registered as pachinko machines among the inter-table devices 10 arranged in the game hall are targeted. When “slot machine only” is designated, only those registered as slot machines among the inter-device devices 10 arranged in the game hall are targeted. The “unit number range” is a range of unit numbers in which the target is changed to the automatic ball giving mode, or the automatic ball giving mode is ended, such as from the “O” range to the “O” range. If the same unit number is input to this “unit number range”, the target can be limited to only one unit. “Specify the car number” is to change only the specific car into the automatic ball giving mode or to end the automatic ball giving mode by directly entering the car number. For example, it is effective when a platform on which numbers fly, such as 3, 5, 7 and so on, is specified.

Further, the added number of balls setting column 32 is a column for designating the number of balls to be given. “Number of balls to be granted at the time of mode change” is a column for designating the number of balls to be granted at the same time when the platform apparatus 10 is switched to the automatic ball grant mode. Further, the “number of balls to be granted when the number of holding balls is insufficient” is the number of balls to be given to the platform device 10 when a shortage signal indicating that the number of balls has been insufficient is received from the platform device 10. It is a column for designating.

The execution button 33 is an icon for starting the automatic ball giving mode with the set information. When the execution button 33 is operated, the designated ballroom device 10 is operated to the automatic ball giving mode. A mode switching signal for switching the mode is transmitted.

Further, the stop button 34 is an icon for ending the designated automatic ball giving mode of the inter-device 10. When the stop button 34 is operated, a mode switching signal for switching the mode from the automatic ball giving mode to a mode other than the automatic ball giving mode (for example, the normal mode) is transmitted to the designated platform device 10. The Further, for example, after executing the automatic holding ball grant mode for all the units, if “stop machine 34 only” is designated and the stop button 34 is operated, only the inter-station device 10 corresponding to the pachinko machine among all units is automatically operated. The endurance grant mode can be terminated. When the number of balls is remaining in the number-of-balls storage means 13 of the inter-device 10 when the automatic ball giving mode is terminated, the number of balls is cleared to “0”.

The end button 35 is an icon for ending the display of the automatic ball giving mode setting screen 30. Normally, the end button 35 is operated after stopping the automatic ball giving mode of all the inter-devices 10. However, when there is a table 10 that is executing the automatic ball giving mode, the end button 35 is set. When clicked, a mode switching signal for switching from the automatic ball giving mode to a mode other than the automatic ball giving mode (for example, the normal mode) is transmitted to the inter-vehicle apparatus 10 and the state information storage unit 24 The state information of all the inter-vehicle devices 10 is rewritten and updated to the normal mode, and the automatic ball giving mode setting screen 30 is ended. At this time, the mode of the inter-bed apparatus 10 that has already ended the automatic ball giving mode does not change. Further, when the number of balls is remaining in the number-of-balls storage unit 13 of the inter-device 10 at the end of the automatic ball granting mode, the number of balls is cleared to “0”.

Next, a specific processing flow of the gaming facility management system A will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 3, an employee of the game hall inputs necessary information using the input unit 25 in a state where the automatic ball giving mode setting screen 30 is displayed on the display unit 26 of the management device 20. To do. In the present embodiment, only the pachinko machine is specified in the table designation column 31, and “additional number of balls to be given at the time of mode change” is 10,000, and “number of possessions to be given when there is a shortage of balls” in the added number of balls setting field 32. Is entered as 8000. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, when necessary information is input and the execution button 33 is operated (step S401), the mode control means 21 displays “the number of possessed balls to be given at the time of mode change”, “insufficient possession” “The number of balls to be given at times” is stored in the added ball number storage means 23 as the added ball number and the re-added ball number, respectively.

After that, the mode control means 21 sends a mode switching signal for instructing switching to the automatic ball giving mode to the switching means 17 of each designated inter-vehicle device 10 (step S402).

The switching means 17 of the inter-device 10 that has received the mode switching signal sends its switching completion signal to the management device 20 when its own operation mode is switched to the automatic holding ball grant mode (step S403). When this switching completion signal is received, the mode control means 21 rewrites the state information of the inter-device apparatus 10 stored in the state information storage means 24 to the automatic ball giving mode. Further, the holding ball granting unit 22 calls the added holding ball number stored in the added holding ball number storage unit 23, and is stored in the holding ball number storage unit 13 of the inter-device 10 together with the added holding ball number. A ball addition request signal for adding the added ball number to the number of held balls is sent to the inter-bed apparatus 10 (step S404). The number-of-balls calculating means 14 of the inter-unit apparatus 10 that has received the added number of balls and the number-of-balls-adding request signal calls the number of balls held in the number-of-balls storage means 13 and adds the added number of balls. Then, the number of possessed balls after the addition is updated and stored in the retained ball number storage means 13 (step S405). Further, the number of balls after the addition is displayed on the display means 15 (step S406). At this time, it may be displayed that the own operation mode is the automatic ball giving mode.

When the player 10 or the like depresses the payout command means 11 such as a payout button, as shown in FIG. When the pressing is detected (step S501), the payout command means 11 sends a payout signal to the payout means 12 and the number-of-balls calculating means 14. Upon receiving the payout signal, the payout means 12 pays out a predetermined amount of game media (step S502). Also, the number-of-balls calculating means 14 that has received the payout signal calls the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storing means 13 and subtracts a predetermined number of game media from the number of balls, and after subtraction Is updated and stored in the number-of-balls storage means 13 (step S503). In addition, the number of balls after subtraction is displayed on the display means 15 (step S504). Note that the amount of game media to be paid out by pressing the payout command means 11 once can be set by the inter-device 10. For example, it can be set so that a predetermined amount of game media such as 50 balls and 100 balls is paid out by one press.

When the player or the like repeatedly pays out the game media and the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storage unit 13 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value or becomes zero, the number-of-balls calculation unit 14 determines that, as shown in FIG. (Step S601), the identification information of the inter-device 10 that identifies itself is called from the identification information storage means 16, and a shortage number signal is sent to the management device 20 together with the identification information (step S602). . When receiving the shortage number signal, the ball giving unit 22 of the management device 20 calls the re-added number of balls stored in the additional number-of-balls storage unit 23, along with the re-added number of balls, A ball addition request signal for adding the re-added number of balls to the number of balls stored in the ball number storage means 13 of the table apparatus 10 is sent to the table apparatus 10 having the received identification information. (Step S603). The number-of-balls calculating means 14 of the inter-unit device 10 that has received the number of re-added balls and the request for adding the number of balls calls the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storage means 13 and re-adds the number of balls , And the number of possessed balls after the addition is updated and stored in the retained ball number storage means 13 (step S604). Further, the number of balls after the addition is displayed on the display means 15 (step S605).

When ending the automatic ball giving mode, the operation mode of the inter-device 10 is switched from the automatic ball giving mode to a mode other than the automatic ball giving mode, for example, the normal mode. Specifically, when an employee of the game hall operates the input unit 25 of the management device 20, the mode control unit 21 instructs a mode switching signal to switch to a mode other than the automatic ball giving mode (for example, the normal mode). Is sent to the switching means 17 of the designated inter-device 10.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, an amusement hall employee or the like uses the input means 25 in a state where the automatic ball giving mode setting screen 30 is displayed on the display means 26 of the management device 20. The table apparatus 10 to be changed to a mode other than the automatic ball giving mode is specified. Then, when necessary information is input and the stop button 34 on the automatic ball giving mode setting screen 30 is operated (step S701), the mode control means 21 sends the specified inter-device device 10 to the designated inter-unit device 10 through the communication line. A mode switching signal is sent out (step S702).

The switching means 17 that has received the mode switching signal switches the operation mode of the inter-vehicle device 10 to a mode other than the automatic ball giving mode (for example, the normal mode) (step S703). To send. The state information storage unit 24 of the management device 20 that has received the switching completion signal rewrites and updates the operation mode of the inter-device device 10 to the normal mode. The inter-device 10 may be configured to display on the display means 15 that the operation mode has been switched to the normal mode when the mode switching is completed (step S704).

As described above, by configuring the gaming facility management system A, it is possible to easily give a holding ball to the inter-device 10, so that, for example, the work burden on the game hall employees when the gaming machine 1 is opened free of charge is reduced. It can be suppressed as much as possible. In addition, the employees of the game hall can switch from the mode other than the automatic ball giving mode to the automatic ball giving mode and the switching from the automatic ball giving mode to a mode other than the automatic ball giving mode. In any case, it is only necessary to perform an operation on the management apparatus 20, so that the operation can be unified and convenient.

In the present embodiment, the configuration is shown in which the ball is automatically re-applied when the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storage means 13 is equal to or less than a predetermined value or zero, but is limited to this configuration. If the number of possessed balls is less than or equal to the predetermined value or becomes zero, the player calls an employee of the game hall, and the employee again possesses the possession ball only to the inter-device 10. It is good also as a structure to provide. In the case of such a configuration, as shown in the present embodiment, the mode change of the inter-device 10 and the automatic ball giving are not integrated, but the mode change and the automatic ball giving It is desirable to have a configuration that can be executed separately.

In the present embodiment, a configuration is shown in which when the player or the like depresses the payout command means 11 such as a payout button, the payout means 12 pays out a predetermined amount of game media. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the payout unit 12 may continue paying out while an operation such as pressing down is continued, and the payout command unit 11 may send out a single payout signal each time one game medium is paid out. In this case, the number-of-balls calculating unit 14 calls the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storing unit 13 every time a payout signal is received, and subtracts “1” from the number of held balls. The number of balls after subtraction is updated and stored in the number-of-balls storage means 13. Alternatively, while the operation such as pressing down is continued, the payout unit 12 may continue paying out, and the payout command unit 11 may send out a single payout signal every time a certain amount of game media is paid out. . In this case, the number-of-balls calculation means 14 calls the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storage means 13 every time a payout signal is received, and a certain number of game media from the number of balls Is subtracted, and the number of balls after subtraction is updated and stored in the number-of-balls storage means 13.

Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the number of possessed balls is subtracted after the game media is paid out is not limited to this configuration, and the game media is paid out after the number of possessed balls is subtracted. Also good.

In this embodiment, as a method for ending the automatic holding ball grant mode, a mode switching signal is sent from the management device 20 to collectively change the operation modes of the plurality of inter-vehicle devices 10 arranged in the game hall. In addition to the above method, for example, a cancel button (not shown) is provided for each inter-device 10 and when the cancel button is depressed, the operation mode of the inter-device 10 is a mode other than the automatic ball giving mode (for example, It is good also as a structure which switches to normal mode) and a switch completion signal is sent to the management apparatus 20. FIG. By configuring in this way, even when the game hall employee is not in the vicinity of the management device 20, the automatic ball giving mode can be easily ended, which is convenient.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of the gaming facility management system B. The gaming facility management system B is composed of an inter-device device 40 and a management device 50, which are connected through a communication line, and can exchange information and signals with each other. The inter-device 40 is a inter-device provided corresponding to a gaming machine (not shown), and has a game medium payout function. The inter-unit device 40 includes at least a payout command means 11, a payout means 12, a number-of-balls storage means 13, a number-of-balls calculation means 14, a display means 15, an identification information storage means 16, a switching means 17, a payout control means 41, a time count. Means 42 are provided.

The payout control means 41 can be constituted by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). When the mode of the inter-device 40 is switched to the automatic payout mode, a payout signal for requesting payout of the game medium is counted. With reference to the means 42, it is sent to the payout means 12 and the number-of-balls calculating means 14 every elapse of a fixed time. The time measuring means 42 measures time.

The management device 50 is a computer that operates under program control, and includes at least a ball giving unit 22, an added number of balls storage unit 23, a state information storage unit 24, an input unit 25, a display unit 26, and a mode control unit 51. I have.

The mode control means 51 can be configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example. The mode control means 51 gives a command to the switching means 17 of the inter-device 40 from the management device 50 side in order to switch the operation mode of the inter-device 40. Specifically, the mode control means 51 adds the number of holding balls when the mode is changed and the number of holding balls when the ball is insufficient as the added holding number and the re-added holding number, respectively. The number of balls is stored in the memory unit 23.

Further, the mode control means 51 provides a mode switching signal for instructing switching to the automatic ball giving mode and a mode switching signal for switching the operation mode to a mode other than the automatic ball giving mode (for example, the normal mode). , And sent to the switching means 17 of each designated inter-unit device 40. Specifically, the mode control means 51 refers to the identification information stored in advance associated with the unit number of the designated inter-unit device 40, and transmits the specified inter-unit device 40 to the designated inter-unit device 40 through a communication line. Then, a mode switching signal for instructing switching to the automatic ball giving mode or for instructing switching to a mode other than the automatic ball giving mode (for example, the normal mode) is transmitted.

In addition, when the switching completion signal indicating that the mode switching based on the mode switching signal is completed is received from the inter-device 40, the mode control unit 51 displays the status information regarding the inter-device 40 in the status information storage unit 24. Rewrite and update to the state of the predetermined mode.

Further, the mode control means 51 refers to the identification information stored in advance in association with the machine number of the designated machine 40 for the machine 40 for which the automatic payout mode is set. And a switching signal for switching to the automatic payout mode is transmitted. This automatic payout mode automatically sends out a payout signal without operating the payout command means 11 one by one using the number of balls provided in the automatic payout grant mode, and pays out game media from the payout means 12. (This automatic payout mode is an example of “a mode different from the normal operation mode”). Specifically, when the automatic payout mode is set in the automatic payout mode processing setting field 61 of the automatic ball giving mode setting screen 60 shown in FIG. The inter-device device 40 that has sent a switching signal for switching to the automatic dispensing mode and has received this switching signal switches its mode to the automatic dispensing mode by the switching means 17, and upon completion of this switching, A switch completion signal is sent out. When this switching completion signal is received, the mode control means 51 rewrites and updates the status information regarding the specified inter-unit device 40 stored in the status information storage means 24 to indicate that it is in the automatic payout mode. In the present embodiment, when the automatic payout mode is stopped, the automatic ball giving mode is set to return. Further, when the automatic ball giving mode of the inter-device 40 that has been switched to the automatic pay-out mode is ended, the automatic pay-out mode of the inter-device 40 is also ended at the same time.

In addition, the setting of the automatic ball giving mode in the gaming facility management system B will be described. To set the automatic ball giving mode, the automatic ball giving mode setting screen 60 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display means 26 of the management device 50. The automatic payout mode processing setting column 61 is a column for specifying the inter-device 40 that switches to the automatic payout mode or ends the automatic payout mode among the inter-devices 40 in which the automatic ball giving mode is set. By inputting necessary information in this field, the inter-device 40 that switches to the automatic pay-out mode or ends the automatic pay-out mode among the inter-devices 40 for which the automatic ball giving mode is set is designated. For example, when “all units” is designated, all the inter-unit devices 40 are targeted. When “only pachinko machine” is designated, only those registered as pachinko machines among the inter-devices 40 are targeted. When “slot machine only” is designated, only those registered between the slot machines 40 as slot machines are targeted. The “unit number range” is a range of unit numbers in the inter-unit device 40, such as from the “O” range to the “O” range, that is to be changed to the automatic issue mode or to end the automatic issue mode. . If the same unit number is input to this “unit number range”, the target can be limited to only one unit. “Specify machine number” is to change only the specific machine to the automatic payout mode or to end the automatic payout mode by directly inputting the machine number. For example, it is effective when a platform on which numbers fly, such as 3, 5, 7 and so on, is specified. In addition, when the table apparatus 40 that has not been changed to the automatic ball giving mode is specified and the change to the automatic payout mode is executed, the specified table apparatus 40 automatically enters the automatic ball giving mode. Be changed. At this time, if the value in the added ball number setting field 32 is 0, a message (not shown) prompting the user to set a value is displayed on the display means 26 together with an error message (not shown).

The execution button 62 is an icon for starting the automatic payout mode with the set information, and when the execution button 62 is operated, the operation mode is switched to the automatic payout mode for the designated inter-unit device 40. Mode switching signal is transmitted.

The stop button 63 is an icon for ending the automatic payout mode of the designated inter-device 40. When the stop button 63 is operated, a mode switching signal for switching the mode from the automatic payout mode to a mode other than the automatic payout mode (for example, the automatic ball giving mode) is transmitted to the designated inter-unit device 40. . Further, for example, after executing the automatic payout mode for all the units, when “stop machine 63 only” is designated and the stop button 63 is operated, the automatic payout mode of only the inter-device 40 corresponding to the pachinko machine out of all the units. Can be terminated. Even if the automatic payout mode is terminated, the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storage means 13 of the inter-device 40 remains.

In addition, about the stand designation | designated column 31, the addition number-of-balls setting column 32, the execution button 33, the stop button 34, and the end button 35 of the automatic ball grant mode setting screen 60 shown in FIG. Since it is the same as that of the mode setting screen 30, description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, the automatic ball giving mode setting screen 60 has two execution buttons 33 and 62. However, when the execution button 33 is operated, the automatic ball giving mode is changed to the execution button 33. When 62 is operated, the automatic payout mode is changed.

Next, a specific processing flow of the gaming facility management system B will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, an employee of the game hall inputs necessary information using the input unit 25 in a state where the automatic ball giving mode setting screen 60 is displayed on the display unit 26 of the management device 50. To do. Specifically, among the inter-devices 40 in the game hall, the inter-device 40 to be changed to the automatic ball giving mode is designated.

In addition, the number of balls to be given when the mode is changed and the number of balls to be given when there is a shortage of balls are entered. In addition, when it is desired to perform automatic payout, the inter-device device 40 for changing to the automatic payout mode is designated.

Then, after inputting necessary information, when the execution button 33 or the execution button 62 on the automatic ball grant mode setting screen 60 is operated, the mode control means 51 causes the number of balls to be granted at the time of mode change, the shortage of the balls. The number of balls to be given at the time of the addition is stored in the added number of balls storage means 23 as the number of balls to be added and the number of balls to be added again.

In addition, the mode control means 51 sends a mode switching signal for instructing switching to the automatic ball giving mode or the automatic payout mode to the designated inter-unit device 40.

The switching means 17 of the inter-device 40 that has received the mode switching signal sends a switching completion signal to the management device 50 when its own operation mode is switched to the automatic holding ball grant mode or the automatic payout mode. When this switching completion signal is received, the mode control means 51 rewrites the state information of the inter-unit device 40 stored in the state information storage means 24 to the automatic ball giving mode or the automatic payout mode.

Further, the holding ball granting unit 22 calls the added holding ball number stored in the added holding ball number storage unit 23 and is stored in the holding ball number storage unit 13 of the inter-unit device 40 together with the added holding ball number. A ball addition request signal indicating that the added number of balls is added to the number of held balls is sent to the inter-device 40. The number-of-balls calculating means 14 of the inter-unit device 40 that has received the added number of balls and the number-of-balls addition request signal calls the number of balls held in the number-of-balls storage means 13 and adds the added number of balls. Then, the number of possessed balls after the addition is updated and stored in the retained ball number storage means 13. Further, the number of balls after the addition is displayed on the display means 15.

The payout control means 41 of the inter-unit device 40 switched to the automatic payout mode sends out payout signals to the number-of-balls calculating means 14 and the payout means 12 at predetermined time intervals with reference to the time counting means 42. The payout means 12 that has received the payout signal pays out a predetermined amount of game media each time. Also, the number-of-balls calculating means 14 that has received the payout signal calls the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storing means 13 and subtracts a predetermined number of game media from the number of balls, and after subtraction The number of possessed balls is updated and stored in the possessed ball number storage means 13. Further, the number of balls after subtraction is displayed on the display means 15.

When the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storage unit 13 is less than or equal to a predetermined value or becomes zero, the number-of-balls calculating unit 14 detects that and identifies itself. 40 identification information is called from the identification information storage means 16, and a shortage number signal is sent to the management device 50 together with the identification information. When receiving the shortage number signal, the ball giving means 22 of the management device 50 calls the re-added number of balls stored in the additional number-of-balls storage means 23 and, together with the re-added number of balls, A ball addition request signal for adding the re-added number of balls to the number of balls stored in the number of balls stored in the table device 40 is sent to the table device 40 having the received identification information. . The number-of-balls calculating means 14 of the inter-unit device 40 that has received the number of re-added balls and the request for adding the number of balls calls the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storage means 13 to re-add the number of balls to be added. And the number of possessed balls after the addition is updated and stored in the possessed ball number storage means 13. Further, the number of balls after the addition is displayed on the display means 15.

In addition, since the other structure, an effect | action, and variation in a present Example are the same as that of Example 1, description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, the contents of each constituent means not detailed in the present embodiment are also the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

As described above, if the gaming equipment management system B is configured and automatic payout is set, payout is automatically performed without operating the payout command means 11 of each inter-unit device 40. It is possible to further reduce the work burden on the game hall employees during the game. Even when the game room is applied for free opening, the game machine 1 is automatically paid out from the inter-device 40, so that the player or the like does not need to perform the game medium payout operation. This makes it possible to play a game at a convenience.

In the said Example 1 and 2, it is set as the structure which gives a ball automatically automatically at the same time when the operation mode of the table apparatus 10 and 40 is switched to the automatic ball grant mode, Although the configuration has been shown in which the number of balls is automatically added when the number of balls stored in the ball number storage means 13 is insufficient, in this embodiment, switching of the operation mode and the addition or addition of balls The structure which performs this separately will be described.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of the gaming facility management system C. The gaming facility management system C includes an inter-device device 70 and a management device 80, which are connected through a communication line and are capable of mutually transmitting and receiving information and signals. The inter-device 70 is a inter-machine provided corresponding to a gaming machine (not shown), and has a game medium payout function. The inter-unit device 70 includes at least a payout command means 11, a payout means 12, a number-of-balls storage means 13, a number-of-balls calculation means 14, a display means 15, a switching means 17, a payout control means 41, and a time measuring means 42. .

The management device 80 is a computer that operates under program control, and includes at least a ball giving unit 22, a state information storage unit 24, an input unit 25, a display unit 26, and a mode control unit 81.

The mode control means 81 can be configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example. The mode control means 81 gives a command to the switching means 17 of the inter-device 70 from the management device 80 side in order to switch the operation mode of the inter-device 70.

Further, the mode control means 81 is designated with a mode switching signal for instructing switching to the ball giving mode and a mode switching signal for switching the mode to a mode other than the ball giving mode (for example, the normal mode). The information is sent to the switching means 17 of each inter-unit device 70. Specifically, the mode control means 81 refers to the identification information stored in advance in association with the machine number of the designated inter-device 70, and transmits it to the designated inter-device 70 via the communication line. A mode switching signal for switching to a mode other than the ball giving mode or a mode other than the ball giving mode (for example, a normal mode).

In addition, when the switching completion signal indicating that the mode switching based on the mode switching signal is completed is received from the inter-device 70, the mode control unit 81 obtains the status information regarding the inter-device 70 in the status information storage unit 24. Rewrite and update to the state of the predetermined mode.

Further, the mode control means 81 refers to the identification information stored in advance in association with the machine number of the designated machine 70 with respect to the machine 70 for which the automatic payout mode is set. And a switching signal for switching to the automatic payout mode is transmitted.

In addition, setting of the number of granted balls in the gaming facility management system C will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, in the mode change processing column 91 of the possession ball granting mode setting screen 90, when a table device 70 whose mode is to be changed is specified and the execution button 33 is pressed, the specified table device 70 is selected. The operation mode is changed to the money giving mode. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the granted number-of-balls setting field 92 includes a field for designating the inter-unit device 70 to which the number of possessed balls is given and a number-of-balls input field 93 for inputting the number of possessed balls to be given. . When the number of balls 70 to be given is designated, the number of balls to be given is entered in the number-of-balls input field 93, and the execution button 94 is pressed, the number of balls to be stored 13 in the designated table 70 is stored. In addition, the number of balls in the ball number input field 93 is added. Specifically, when the execution button 94 is pressed, the possession ball granting unit 22 of the management device 80 causes the number of possessed balls (additional number of balls) entered in the number-of-balls input field 93 and the number of additional possession balls. Is sent to the number-of-balls calculating means 14 of the inter-unit device 70. The number-of-balls calculation means 14 that has received this number-of-balls addition request signal calls the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storage means 13, adds the number of balls to be added to this, and stores the number of balls The number of possessed balls stored in the means 13 is updated. Then, the display means 15 displays the number of possessed balls after the addition.

In addition, when the number of possessed balls is paid out by the operation of the payout command means 11 of the inter-unit device 70 or the automatic payout mode, and the number of possessed balls in the number-of-balls storage means 13 is insufficient, the payout means 12 receives a game medium. It will not be paid out. At this time, the inter-bed device 70 performs notification indicating the holding ball abnormality by means such as a display on the display means 15, a lamp display (not shown) such as a voice or a call lamp, or an abnormality notification to the management device 80. Then, the employee who has noticed these notifications displays the holding ball granting mode setting screen 90 shown in FIG. 11 on the display means 26 of the management device 80, and inputs predetermined information in the granted ball number setting column 92. The execution button 94 is pressed, and a process of additionally adding the number of balls to the inter-device device 70 is performed.

Next, a specific processing flow of the gaming facility management system C will be described. As shown in FIG. 12 (a), a game hall employee or the like uses the input means 25 to display necessary information in a state where the possession ball granting mode setting screen 90 is displayed on the display means 26 of the management device 80. Enter. Specifically, among the pedestal devices 70 in the game hall, the pedestal device 70 to be changed to the holding ball grant mode is designated. Then, the execution button 33 on the ball giving mode setting screen 90 is operated (step S1201).

If it does so, the mode control means 81 will send out the mode switch signal which instruct | indicates the switch to the holding ball provision mode to the designated inter-device 70 (step S1202).

When the switching unit 17 of the inter-device 70 that has received the mode switching signal switches its own operation mode to the ball giving mode (step S1203), it sends a switching completion signal to the management device 80 (step S1204). When this switching completion signal is received, the mode control unit 81 rewrites the state information of the inter-device device 70 stored in the state information storage unit 24 to the holding ball grant mode.

Also, as shown in FIG. 12 (b), an employee of the game hall designates the inter-unit device 70 to which the number of possessed balls is given using the input means 25 in the granted number-of-balls setting field 92 of FIG. When the number of balls to be granted is input and the execution button 94 is pressed (step S1211), the ball granting means 22 displays the number of balls (added number of balls) entered in the number-of-balls input field 93 together with the number of balls. A ball addition request signal for adding the added number of balls to the number of held balls stored in the number of held balls 13 of the interval device 70 is sent to the table interval device 70 (step S1212). The number-of-balls calculating means 14 of the inter-unit device 70 that has received the added number of balls and the number-of-balls adding request signal calls the number of balls held in the number-of-balls storage means 13 and adds the added number of balls. Then, the number of possessed balls after the addition is updated and stored in the retained ball number storage means 13 (step S1213). Further, the number of possessed balls after the addition is displayed on the display means 15 (step S1214).

When the game medium is repeatedly paid out, and the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storage unit 13 is equal to or less than a predetermined value or zero, the inter-bed unit 70 displays a notification indicating a ball holding abnormality on the display unit 15; It is performed by means such as a lamp display (not shown) such as a voice or a call lamp, or an abnormality notification to the management device 80. Then, the employee who has noticed these notifications displays the holding ball granting mode setting screen 90 shown in FIG. 11 on the display means 26 of the management device 80, and inputs predetermined information in the granted ball number setting column 92. The execution button 94 is pressed, and a process of additionally adding the number of balls to the inter-device device 70 is performed. Since the addition processing of the number of balls is the same as described above, the description thereof is omitted. Further, the number of balls after the addition is displayed on the display means 15.

By configuring the gaming facility management system C as described above, it is possible to give a ball to the inter-device device 70 at a desired timing.

In addition, since the other structure, an effect | action, and variation in a present Example are the same as that of Example 1 or 2, description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, the contents of each constituent means not detailed in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first or second embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

In the first to third embodiments, the configuration of the gaming facility management system including the management device and the inter-device is shown. However, in the present embodiment, the configuration performed only by the inter-device is described.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the gaming facility management system D. The gaming facility management system D is composed of a table device 100 and is provided corresponding to a gaming machine (not shown). This inter-device apparatus 100 includes at least a payout command means 11, a payout means 12, a possession number storage means 13, a possession number calculation means 14, a display means 15, a switching means 17, a mode setting storage means 101, and a possession setting setting means. 102, a switching operation unit 103, and a ball giving unit 104.

As the mode setting storage unit 101 and the ball setting storage unit 102, for example, a hard disk (HD) functioning as a large-capacity memory can be used. The mode setting storage unit 101 stores a command input by a switching operation unit 103 described later and a mode corresponding to the command. Further, the holding ball setting storage means 102 stores the number of added balls that are added in a predetermined case. In this embodiment, the added number of balls is stored as two types of balls: the number of balls to be added when switching to the automatic ball giving mode and the number of balls to be added when the number of balls is insufficient. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, one type may be used, or three or more types of patterns may be stored.

In this embodiment, the switching operation means 103 uses a key input device such as a numeric keypad or a touch panel. When a predetermined key is input and confirmed, the mode setting storage unit 101 is referred to according to the input key, and the mode of the inter-device 100 is switched by the switching unit 17. The switching operation unit 103 is not limited to the key input device, and may be any device that can switch the operation mode of the inter-device device 100. For example, an IC tag for employees or a key can be used. When using an IC tag for an employee, the reading device reads the information in the IC tag when the employee brings the IC tag (not shown) close to the reading device (not shown) provided in the inter-table device 100, Based on this, it can be set as the structure which switches the own operation mode by the switching means 17. FIG. Further, it can be configured by a combination of an IC tag and a key input device. When using a key, the operation mode of the inter-device 100 is switched by inserting the key into a key hole (not shown) provided in the inter-device 100 and rotating the key to a predetermined position. can do.

The holding ball giving means 104 can be constituted by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and when it detects that the operation mode of the inter-bed apparatus 100 has been switched to the automatic holding ball giving mode, it is stored in the holding ball setting storage means 102. With reference to the added number of balls, the number of added balls, and a ball addition request signal for requesting that the added number of balls is added to the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storage means 13; Is sent to the number-of-balls calculating means 14. In addition, when a shortage of ball number signal indicating that the number of balls is short is received from the number of balls calculation unit 14, this added ball number is referred to by referring to the number of balls to be stored stored in the ball setting storage unit 102. The number and the number of balls to be added are requested to be added to the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storage means 13, and the number of balls to be added is sent to the number-of-balls calculating means 14.

Next, a specific processing flow of the gaming facility management system D will be described. As shown in FIG. 14, when an employee of the game hall inputs a predetermined key with the switching operation means 103 and confirms it, the mode setting storage means 101 is referred to and stored corresponding to the input key. The mode is switched to the automatic ball giving mode (step S1401).

Further, the ball giving unit 104 detects that the operation mode of the inter-device apparatus 100 has been switched to the automatic ball giving mode, and refers to the added ball number stored in the ball setting storage unit 102. The number of balls to be added and a ball addition request signal for requesting to add the number of balls to be added to the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storage unit 13 are sent to the number-of-balls calculating unit 14. The number-of-balls calculating means 14 that has received the number of added balls and the number-of-ball-adding request signal performs a process of adding the received number of added balls to the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storage unit 13 (step) S1402). Then, the number of possessed balls after the addition is displayed on the display means 15.

Then, when the payout command means 11 is operated by the player or employee, a payout signal is sent from the payout command means 11 to the payout means 12 in response to this, and the payout means 12 pays out a predetermined amount of balls. The number-of-balls calculating unit 14 subtracts a predetermined number of balls to be paid out from the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storage unit 13 (step S1403), and the number of balls after subtraction is displayed on the display unit 15. indicate.

When the number of retained balls stored in the retained ball number storage means 13 becomes zero or less than a predetermined value due to the payout of the retained balls, the retained ball number calculating means 14 is insufficient with respect to the retained ball giving means 104. Send a signal. The ball giving unit 104 that has received this shortage of ball number signal refers to the added number of balls to be added when the number of held balls is insufficient, which is stored in the ball holding setting storage unit 102, and this added ball number The number and the ball addition request signal are sent to the ball number calculation means 14. Then, the number-of-balls calculating means 14 having received them adds the received number of added balls to the number of held balls stored in the number-of-balls storing means 13 (step S1404), and displays the number of balls after the addition. Display on means 15.

Further, when the automatic ball giving mode of the inter-device apparatus 100 is terminated, the switching operation means 103 is operated. Specifically, when a predetermined command is input using the switching operation unit 103, the switching unit 17 refers to the mode setting storage unit 101 and switches to a mode corresponding to the input command (step S1405). Thereby, if a command for switching from the automatic ball giving mode to, for example, the normal mode is input, the automatic ball giving mode ends. At this time, if the number of retained balls is stored in the retained ball number storage means 13, it is cleared to “0”.

By configuring the gaming facility management system D as described above, when the employee is only in the vicinity of the gaming machine, the inter-table device 100 can be quickly switched to the automatic ball giving mode without going to the management device. It is possible and convenient.

In another embodiment, when the operation mode of the inter-device apparatus 100 is switched, a configuration may be employed in which a notification that the own operation mode has been changed is separately provided to a management apparatus (not shown). By configuring in this way, the state of the inter-device 100 can be easily grasped by the management device. In this case, the management device may be notified one by one when the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storage means 13 of the inter-device 100 changes. By configuring in this way, the management device can grasp the state of the inter-device 100, and particularly when a plurality of inter-devices 100 are operated in the automatic ball giving mode, there is a burden required for management. It is reduced. Furthermore, if it is configured so that the management device can also issue a command for changing the operation mode, a command for giving a ball, and a command for giving a ball, for example, when switching to the automatic ball giving mode. When the switching operation is directly performed on the inter-bed apparatus 100 and the automatic ball giving mode is terminated, the degree of freedom of operation can be further increased, for example, from the management apparatus.

In the fourth embodiment, the game medium is paid out by the operation of the payout command means 11. However, a time measuring means (not shown) is provided in the inter-bed device 100, and a predetermined amount is obtained every predetermined time by the time measuring means. The game media may be automatically paid out. Furthermore, in order to start this automatic payout, the payout command means 11 may be operated, or a signal for pressing a call button (not shown) provided near the gaming machine may be received.

In addition, since the other structure, an effect | action, and variation in this Example 4 are the same as that of Example 1 thru | or 3, description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, the contents of each constituent means not described in detail in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first to third embodiments, and thus description thereof is omitted.

In addition, in the said Example 1 thru | or 4, although it is supposed that each component is provided in the between-devices 10,40,70,100 or the management apparatus 20,50,80, this is limited to description of an Example. Instead, even if the apparatus including the constituent elements is different from the description of the embodiments, it is included in the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the second or third embodiment, the payout control unit 41 and the timing unit 42 are provided in the inter-devices 40 and 70. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The means 42 may be provided in the management devices 50 and 80. In this case, the payout control means 41 sends a payout signal for requesting the payout of the game medium to the inter-devices 40 and 70 designated in the automatic payout mode, with reference to the time measuring means 42, every elapse of a predetermined time. The inter-devices 40 and 70 that have sent out and received the payout signal cause the payout means 12 to pay out a predetermined amount of game media, and the number-of-balls calculating means 14 stores the holding number stored in the number-of-balls storage means 13. The number of balls for payout is subtracted from the number of balls. In such a case, it is also possible to manage the number of balls in the inter-devices 40 and 70 for which automatic payout is set by the management devices 50 and 80. That is, when a ball is given to the inter-devices 40, 70, the number of balls is also stored on the management devices 50, 80 side, and the management devices 50, 80 issue a payout signal to the inter-devices 40, 70. Each time is sent, it will also subtract from the number of balls it owns. When the number of balls held in the management devices 50 and 80 is equal to or less than a predetermined value or zero and when a payout signal is sent to the inter-devices 40 and 70, the number of balls to be added and the number of balls The inter-devices 40 and 70 that have received the addition request signal and received them add the added number of balls to the number of balls stored in the number-of-balls storage means 13 and, depending on the payout signal, Pay out a certain amount of game media.

Moreover, in the said Example 1 thru | or 4, although the structure provided with the paying-out means 12 in the inter-devices 10,40,70,100 was shown, it is not limited to this structure, The structure provided in the gaming machine 1 It is also good. In this case, as shown in FIG. 15, when the payout command means 11 is operated (step S1501) and a payout signal is sent, the number-of-balls calculating means 14 that has received the payout signal is the number-of-balls storing means. 13 is called, the number of game media of a predetermined amount is subtracted from the number of balls, and the number of balls after subtraction is updated and stored in the number-of-balls storage means 13 (step S1502). ). Also, the payout command means 11 sends a payout signal to the gaming machine 1 (step S1503). The gaming machine 1 that has received the payout signal pays out a predetermined amount of game media (step S1504). When this payout is completed, a payout completion notification is sent to the inter-devices 10, 40, 70, 100 (step S1505). . In this case, the payout command means 11 may be provided in the gaming machine 1. At this time, when the payout command means 11 is operated, this is detected and the gaming machine 1 sends a signal to the inter-devices 10, 40, 70, 100 that it has detected that the payout command means 11 has been operated. The inter-device devices 10, 40, 70, 100 that have received this signal subtract the predetermined number of balls by the number-of-balls calculating means 14 and send out a payout signal to the gaming machine 1. The gaming machine 1 that has received the payout signal performs control to pay out a predetermined amount of game media by the payout means 12.

A: gaming equipment management system, B: gaming equipment management system, C: gaming equipment management system, D: gaming equipment management system,
1: gaming machine, 10: inter-device, 11: payout command means, 12: payout means, 13: number-of-balls storage means, 14: number-of-balls calculation means, 15: display means, 16: identification information storage means, 17: switching means, 20: management device, 21: mode control means, 22: holding ball granting means, 23: added number of balls storage means, 24: status information storage means, 25: input means, 26: display means, 30 : Automatic coin giving mode setting screen, 31: Stand designation column, 32: Addition ball number setting column, 33: Execution button, 34: Stop button, 35: End button, 40: Inter-device, 41: Dispensing control means , 42: Time measuring means, 50: Management device, 51: Mode control means, 60: Automatic ball giving mode setting screen, 61: Automatic payout mode processing setting field, 62: Execution button, 63: Stop button, 70: Between Device, 80: management device, 81: mode Control means, 90: Judgment ball grant mode setting screen, 91: Mode change processing column, 92: Granted ball number setting column, 93: Number of balls input column, 94: Execution button, 100: Inter-device, 101: Mode setting Storage means, 102: holding ball setting storage means, 103: switching operation means, 104: holding ball giving means

Claims (4)

It is an inter-device that is provided corresponding to a plurality of gaming machines arranged in a game hall and can communicate with a management device,
Switching means for switching the operation mode;
A number-of-balls storage means for storing a number of balls that indicates the number of game media that can be used in the game;
Receiving the added number of balls to be added from the management device, the number of possessed balls calculating means for adding the number of balls to be added stored in the number of possessed balls storage means,
And a payout means for paying out game media. A time measuring means for measuring time;
The payout control means for sending out a payout signal for requesting the payout means to pay out the game medium every predetermined time with reference to the time measuring means. Pedestal device.   The inter-device device according to claim 1, wherein the payout means pays out when receiving a payout signal requesting payout of game media from the management device.   The inter-station apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the operation mode is switched, a switching completion signal indicating that the switching of the operation mode is completed is sent to the management apparatus.