JP7006896B2 - Game equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game device and a counting device that utilize data acquired from a game device installed in a game hall.

Conventionally, the game medium (game ball) supplied and discharged to the game device is counted by what is called a supply counting device, and the game field management device counts the count values of the supply and discharge of the game ball. By managing it, it is used as data for daily profit confirmation. The replenishment counting device includes a device that counts by using a gear mechanism (see, for example, Patent Document 1) and a device that counts by detecting the passage of a game ball with a sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Are known.

Jitsufuku No. 7-45270 Gazette Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-115599

As a signal generation means, these supply counting devices generate (transmit) a pulse signal when the passage of the game ball is detected. The game hall management device receives the pulse signal transmitted by the supply counting device as a count signal (count information) that can be used to count the game medium, and is a count value of the number of game balls supplied or discharged to the game device. Is displayed.

However, the pulse signal that can be a count signal in this way is the most basic information for confirming the operation of the game device, but when the supply count device is used for a long time in the game hall, the inside of the supply count device is used. Due to wear of parts and accumulation of dirt, pulse signals that can be used as count information may not be transmitted correctly.

In view of the above problems, the present invention is for counting the number of game media even when a pulse signal from a signal generating means such as a supply counting device contains an unspecified signal that should not be used as a counting signal. The purpose is to recognize the presence or absence of a count signal (a pulse signal that is not abnormal) and obtain correct count information.

A typical embodiment of the present invention is a game device that uses data acquired from a game device installed in a game hall, and is a signal generation means that generates a pulse signal that can be a count signal of a game medium. A signal identification means for identifying a pulse signal having a predetermined pulse width or more as a count signal and identifying a pulse signal having a predetermined pulse width as an abnormal signal, and a notification means for notifying an abnormality based on the abnormal signal. By receiving the pulse signal, the signal identification means starts periodic monitoring for monitoring the input state of the pulse signal for a preset periodic monitoring time, and receives the signal at the start of the periodic monitoring. If the count signal is not identified for the pulse signal and the pulse signal received during the cycle monitoring, the count number correction process for correcting the count signal as having been identified once is executed. ..

According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, a count signal (abnormality) for counting the number of game media even when a pulse signal from the signal generation means is mixed with an out-of-specification signal that should not be used as a count signal. It is possible to recognize the presence or absence of a pulse signal (not a pulse signal) and obtain correct count information.

It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the playground management system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of a playground management system. It is a figure explaining the structure of the game apparatus (the game machine and the card unit) managed by the game hall management system. It is a figure explaining the structure of the replenisher connected to a gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the replenisher connected to a gaming machine. It is a figure explaining the structure of the out tank device connected to a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the out tank device connected to a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the playground management apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information collecting terminal apparatus connected to a game apparatus. It is a schematic external view explaining the structure of the information collection terminal apparatus. It is a component layout drawing of the external terminal board arranged in a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a card unit. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the counting device of a card unit. It is an enlarged view of the gaming area of a gaming machine. It is a sequence diagram explaining the flow of processing of the data (count information) from the input / output device which counts (counts) a game ball. It is a flowchart explaining the general input / output information collection process executed by the information collection terminal apparatus of the prior art which concerns on a comparative example. It is a flowchart explaining the input / output information collection process executed by the information collection terminal apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the pulse signal form (the form of an ideal pulse signal) of a model case. It is a figure explaining the identification method of the pulse signal by an information gathering terminal apparatus. It is a figure explaining the form of the pulse signal in the state which the gaming apparatus is actually operating. It is a figure explaining the input / output information collection process of the identification method A performed for the pulse signal of the section T1 of FIG. It is a figure explaining the input / output information collection process of the identification method A performed with respect to the pulse signal of the section T2 to section T3 of FIG. It is a figure explaining the input / output information collection process of the identification method B performed with respect to the pulse signal of the section T1 of FIG. It is a figure explaining the input / output information collection process of the identification method B performed with respect to the pulse signal of the section T2 to section T3 of FIG. This is an example of a table layout screen of a game device installed in a game field displayed by a game field management device. It is a flowchart which shows the flow from the message icon operation of a playground management apparatus to the display of an abnormality signal of an input / output apparatus. It is a list display screen of the abnormal signal transmission game table which transmitted the abnormal signal during one business day. It is a graph which displayed the cumulative number of abnormality notifications of a specific abnormality signal transmission amusement machine by business days. It is a sequence diagram explaining the flow of the setting process of the input signal from the playground management apparatus to the information collection terminal apparatus. This is the input signal setting screen after the setting input is performed in the setting mode of the game hall management device. It is an input signal recognition screen of the playground management apparatus of the prior art which concerns on a comparative example. It is a flowchart explaining the input / output information collection process executed by the information collection terminal apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the effect of the input / output information processing of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention on a plurality of pulse signals received within a periodic monitoring time. It is a figure explaining the abnormal signal recognition when the signal ON recognition of a pulse signal continues after the section T of FIG. 33. It is a figure explaining the input / output information acquisition processing of the 2nd Embodiment performed with respect to the pulse signal of the section T2 to section T3 of FIG. It is a figure explaining the input / output information acquisition processing of the 2nd Embodiment performed with respect to the pulse signal of the section T3 to section T4 of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the input / output information collection process executed by the information collection terminal apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

[First Embodiment]
[Configuration of playground management system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the game hall management system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game field management system 100 (game device) includes a game field management device 10 installed in a game field such as a game store, and a plurality of information collection terminal devices 20 installed in the game field. , A relay device 30 connected between them.

The game hall management device 10 is a computer (so-called hall controller) installed in the game hall. The game hall management device 10 is a display operation means 11 that accepts operations by a game field manager of the game field and displays information, and a game field server 12 (server) that manages data of the game device 200 and the like of the game field. Computer) and.

The amusement park server 12 includes a communication interface, an information processing unit (calculation means) including a processor such as a CPU, and a storage unit including a ROM and a RAM. The game field server 12 is controlled by an operation from the display operation means 11. The amusement park server 12 may be a plurality of servers, or may be not only a physical server but also a virtual server that can be realized by virtualization technology.

The game hall server 12 is bidirectionally connected to a management server (not shown) outside the game field via a public line (Internet, cloud). The public line is a public communication network as a telecommunication line shared and used by an unspecified number of users, and is, for example, an Internet line. The game data and game performance data of the game device 200 are stored in the management server as a game information database and a game performance database. The game hall server 12 in the game hall can manage the data of the game hall even in an offline state without going through an internet line.

Further, the game field server 12 acquires game data of the game device 200 from the information collection terminal device 20 via the relay device 30. The storage unit of the game field server 12 stores the game data and the game performance data of the game device 200 as a game information database and a game performance database. The game field server 12 reads the game information database and the game performance database stored in the storage unit, tests the game data, and manages whether or not the game device has a predetermined game performance. The game performance is, in particular, the performance of the number of inflows of game balls into the game ball inlet of the game device 200 (whether or not the ideal (design value) number of game balls per unit time flows into the game ball inlet). Performance).

The game hall management device 10 may be provided with a portable operation terminal device 13 that accepts operations by the game field manager and the like, in addition to the display operation means 11.

The operation terminal device 13 includes a communication interface that enables bidirectional communication via a network, an information processing unit including a processor such as a CPU (central processing unit), a memory (ROM) for storing programs, and work. It is provided with a storage unit including a memory (RAM), an operation input unit such as a touch panel or an operation button that accepts input by a user's operation, and a display unit that displays an operation screen. When the operation input unit is a touch panel, the touch panel is integrally formed with the display unit.

The information collection terminal device 20 is composed of a plurality of n information collection terminal devices 20-1, 20-2, ..., 20-n, respectively, and the game devices 200-1, 200-2, ..., It is electrically connected with a cable so that it can communicate with 200-n, and can collect game data of each game device 200. The information collection terminal devices 20-1, 20-2, ..., 20-n are collectively referred to as information collection terminal devices 20, and the game devices 200-1, 200-2, ..., 200-n. Are collectively referred to as a game device 200.

The information collecting terminal device 20 is connected to the game hall management device 10 via the relay device 30. The information collecting terminal device 20 may be connected to the game hall management device 10 without going through the relay device 30. The information collecting terminal device 20 outputs various signals output from the game device 200 to the game field management device 10 via the relay device 30. As shown in FIG. 1, the information collecting terminal device 20 is not limited to the configuration in which it is connected to one gaming device, and may be connected to each of a plurality of (for example, two) gaming devices.

The relay device 30 is a so-called router, and divides the local area network (LAN) in the amusement park into a plurality of segments.

The information collection terminal device 20 is connected to the call lamp 50.

When an abnormality occurs in the gaming device 200 or the like, the calling lamp 50 turns on or blinks the lamp, and notifies the employee (staff) of the game hall of the abnormality of the gaming device 200. The call lamp 50 includes a call button that is operated when the player calls a staff member of the game hall.

The information input from the game device 200 to the information collection terminal device 20 may be input via the call lamp 50. Further, the information collection terminal device 20 may be integrally configured with the call lamp 50.

The game data collected by the information collection terminal device 20 is classified into a section for each business day or every hour. Normally, the unit of one business day is one day, which is from the business start time to the business end time of one day, but the time before the business start and the time after the business end may be included.

The game data may be classified so as to be a section after a plurality of business days or every multiple hours, or may be classified so as to be a section every hour shorter than one hour (for example, every 10 minutes). good. Further, instead of the information collection terminal device 20, the game hall management device 10 collects various signals output from the game device 200, and each time it is collected, or for a predetermined period (1 business day unit) from the collected signals. Or a predetermined time (for example, one hour) may be extracted later to classify the game data.

[Block diagram of playground management system]
Next, the configuration of the amusement park management system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the playground management system 100.

In the game hall management system 100, the game hall management device 10 and the information collection terminal device 20 are connected so that the collected information can be exchanged with each other.

The information collecting terminal device 20 accumulates game data based on various signals output from the game device 200, and transmits the game data to the game hall management system 100 at predetermined timings (for example, 10 minutes).

The gaming device 200 includes a gaming machine 300 and a card unit 500.

The game machine 300 includes a game control device 310, an effect device 320, an effect control device 330, a payout control device 340, a launch control device 350, and a balance indicator 360.

The information collecting terminal device 20 is connected to the game control device 310 of the game machine 300, the card unit control device 510 of the card unit 220, the replenisher 600, and the out tank device 700.

The game control device 310 comprehensively controls the execution of the game, and the information collection terminal device 20 has a special prize signal, a first start winning signal, a second start winning signal, a prize ball signal, a probability change / time saving signal, and a symbol confirmation signal. , Frame opening signal, and security signal are output. The first start winning signal and the second start winning signal may be collectively referred to as a starting winning signal. When the first start winning signal and the second start winning signal are not distinguished and are used as the starting winning signal, the information collecting terminal device 20 probabilistically changes whether it is the first starting winning signal or the second starting winning signal. / The judgment may be made based on the gaming state (normal state, special gaming state, probability variation state, time saving state) known from the time saving signal and the special prize signal.

Here, the special prize signal output from the game control device 310, the first start prize signal, the second start prize signal, the prize ball signal, the probability change / time saving signal, and the symbol confirmation signal are collectively played. It will be called an information signal. Further, the frame opening signal output from the game control device 310 and the security signal are collectively referred to as an error signal for notifying the occurrence of an abnormality in the game device 200.

The special prize signal is output when a special gaming state, which is a big hit state or a small hit state, is reached depending on the result of the special figure variation display game.

The first start winning signal is transmitted when the game ball enters the first starting winning opening 451 (special lottery starting opening). By measuring (counting) the number of times the first start winning signal is generated, the number of starting opening winnings to the first starting winning opening 451 can be obtained (measurable).

The second start winning signal is transmitted when the game ball enters the second start winning opening 452a of the normal figure variable winning device 452. By measuring (counting) the number of times the second start winning signal is generated, the number of starting opening winnings to the second starting winning opening 452a can be obtained (measurable).

The prize ball signal is a signal output from the gaming machine 300 when a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. The prize ball signal is, for example, pulsed out every time 10 prize balls are ejected. The game machine 300 that outputs the prize ball signal functions as a safe ball number information output means that outputs the prize ball number information as the safe ball number information by the game control device 310.

The probability change / time reduction signal is a signal output in a state where many big hits such as a probability change state and a time reduction state are derived as a result of a special figure fluctuation display game for each unit time.

The symbol confirmation signal is a signal output when the variation display of the identification information is stopped and the special symbol variation display game ends. It should be noted that the start signal may be output from the terminal from which the symbol confirmation signal is output at the start of fluctuation.

The frame opening signal (door opening signal) is a signal output when the glass frame 392 or the front frame 390 is opened.

The security signal is output when an abnormality related to the security of the gaming device 200 occurs. Anomalies related to the security of the game device 200 also occur, for example, when a prize, magnetism, or vibration error occurs, or when the game control device 310 is initialized.

These various signals are output as pulse signals, and for example, a contact output in which a plurality of signal lines that can be recognized only by turning the signal on and off exist for each signal is used.

The gaming machine 300 does not have to output all of these signals, and may output only a part of the signals.

The types of game balls to be paid out are divided into prize balls, storage balls, possession balls, and rental balls depending on the payout mode. The prize ball is paid out from the gaming machine 300 when the game ball wins (inflows) into the first starting winning opening 451 or the second starting winning opening 452a, the large winning opening 453a, the general winning opening 454, or the like. It should be noted that the ball rental, storage, and possession ball can be paid out from the game machine 300 or from a rental machine (each counting device) (not shown) of the game device 200 for lending the game ball by the player's deposit. good.

When the prize balls are paid out, for example, a one-pulse prize ball signal is transmitted from the game control device 310 to the information collection terminal device 20 for every 10 prize balls. Then, the information collecting terminal device 20 stores the game data related to the game device 200.

The possession ball is valid only on the day when it occurs, and the possession ball after that day is added to the storage ball (the possession ball is converted into the storage ball). Ball lending is generated by the player's deposit. By operating the firing handle 351 the player can use these paid-out game balls to drive the game balls into the game board 400 of the game machine 300 and play a game.

It should be noted that the stored ball, the held ball, and the loaned ball are not limited to the mode displayed as the ball number data, and may be displayed as a valuable value.

The game data can be, for example, prize ball data based on the prize ball signal, total prize ball number data obtained from the prize ball data, special prize data indicating that the game is in a special game state based on the special prize signal, and a probability change / time saving signal. Probability change / time saving data indicating that the state is in the probability change state or the time saving state based on, the first start winning data indicating that the first start winning opening 451 has been won based on the first start winning signal, and this first start winning data. Starting port winning number data obtained from the winning data, second starting winning data indicating that the second starting winning opening 452a has been won based on the second starting winning signal, and starting obtained from this second starting winning data. The game execution number data indicating that the special figure variation display game has been executed once based on the winning number data and the symbol confirmation signal, the game execution number data (so-called rotation number data) obtained from this game execution data, and the frame opening. Frame opening data indicating that a frame opening error has occurred based on a signal, and security data indicating that a security-related abnormality has occurred based on a security signal.

When the effect control device 330 receives an effect control command from the game control device 310, the effect control device 330 controls an effect device 320 such as a movable effect device that is movable by a light emitting effect device such as an LED or a drive body such as a motor to support a game state. Perform the production to be done. The gaming state includes a probability change state, a time saving state, and a special gaming state.

When the payout control device 340 receives a payout control command from the game control device 310 or receives a ball lending control signal from the card unit control device 510 provided in the card unit 500, the payout control device 340 pays out a designated number of game balls. Further, the payout control device 340 outputs a signal to the launch control device 350 and the replenisher 600 described later.

When a signal is input, the launch control device 350 can launch a gaming ball into the gaming area 410 of the gaming machine 300.

The balance display 360 uses information (card ID, balance information itself, etc.) stored in the card inserted in the card insertion unit 550 based on the signal output from the card unit control device 510 of the card unit 500, which will be described later. Display the balance of the corresponding valuable value.

The card unit 500 includes a card unit control device 510, a display device 520, a card R / W 530, a bill receiving unit 540, a card insertion unit 550, a status display unit 560, and a counting device 570.

The card unit control device 510 controls the lending of game balls, etc., and causes the information collection terminal device 20 to carry ball information (ball lending signal), card information, lending information (ball lending information, ball lending signal), and payout information ( The ball storage payout signal), the amount information (payment signal), and the ball holding information (counting signal) are transmitted.

The card information is information indicating a card ID and a card type (membership card or one-day card) stored in the card received by the card unit 500.

The lending information is a signal indicating so-called sales, which is output when the card unit 500 lends (pays) a number of game balls corresponding to a predetermined amount of valuable value to the player.

The payout information is a signal indicating the number of stored balls paid out by the card unit 500, but the payout of the stored balls may be regarded as sales, and a one-pulse signal may be output for every 100 yen, for example.

The amount information (payment signal) is information indicating the amount of money deposited.

The possession ball information is information indicating the number of possession balls possessed by the player.

The card unit control device 510 is connected to a display device 520, a card R / W 530, a bill receiving unit 540, a card insertion unit 550, a status display unit 560, and a counting device 570 so that signals can be input and output.

The display device 520 displays various information corresponding to the card ID recorded on the membership card or the one-day card read by the card R / W 530 based on the signal output from the card unit control device 510. When the card read by the card R / W 530 is a membership card, the display device 530 displays the number of stored balls and the number of balls held, and displays the balance or the balance of valuable value. Further, in the case of a one-day card, the display device 520 displays the number of balls held and the balance or balance of valuable value. The player can switch the display content of the display device 520 by operating the touch panel, the display switching button, or the like.

The card R / W 530 reads and writes information recorded on the membership card or the one-day card inserted in the card unit 500 based on the instruction from the card unit control device 510. For example, when the valuable value is stored in the card, the valuable value information recorded on the card is updated when the game ball is lent out. Further, when a bill is inserted into the bill receiving unit 540 when a card such as a membership card or a one-day card is inserted, a valuable value corresponding to the inserted (deposited) amount is stored in the card. It is added to the valuable value.

The card R / W 530 may write data such as ball count data to the card before the card insertion unit 550 returns the card. Further, when the card R / W 530 updates the stored contents of the card every time various information is updated, it is sufficient to simply return the card without performing any special processing at the time of ejection.

In the present embodiment, the information collecting terminal device 20 distinguishes between stored balls and rented balls and stores them as ball number data, but instead of storing the stored balls as ball number data, it is converted into valuable value. If you remember and use the stored balls to pay out the game balls by consuming valuable value, you can think of the stored balls as rented balls. Therefore, when a predetermined number of stored balls are paid out, data may be collected as sales whose valuable value is consumed. The current law prohibits the provision of cash or securities as commodities (exchange of game balls for cash or securities).

When a card with a valuable balance is inserted into the card unit 500 and the player operates the ball lending switch 370 (ball lending SW) provided in the gaming machine 300, the payout control device 340 of the gaming machine 300 is operated. A ball lending control signal is input to, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out (loaned). Further, the ball lending signal (lending information) is output to the information collecting terminal device 20. At this time, the valuable value corresponding to the rented game ball is subtracted from the valuable value (rental ball) stored in the inserted card. Further, when a card having the number of stored balls or the number of possessed balls is inserted into the card unit 500, the possessed ball payout switch 511 (held ball payout SW) or the stored ball payout switch 512 (ball storage payout SW) of the card unit 500 is inserted. ) Is operated by the player, a predetermined number of game balls are similarly paid out.

The counting device 570 counts the game balls (counting balls) discharged from the lower plate 394 of the game machine 300 to the collection tub of the island equipment (not shown) (see FIG. 3). The counting device 570 outputs the holding ball information (counting signal, counting ball information) to the card unit control device 510 every time a predetermined number of game balls (for example, one) are counted. Further, the card unit control device 510 outputs the counting signal (pulse signal) as ball information (counting information) to the information collecting terminal device 20. The card unit 500 and the information collecting terminal device 20 are configured to add the number of game balls counted by the counting signal of the counting device 570 to the ball and subtract the number of game balls paid out from the ball from the ball. You may.

The lower plate 394 is arranged below the upper plate unit at a predetermined interval from the upper plate unit (see FIG. 4). The lower plate 394 communicates with the upper plate 393 when a ball opening hole that can be opened and closed is opened by the operation of the opening / closing operation unit, and the game ball moves (flows down) from the upper plate 393 to the lower plate 394. Further, by opening a ball extraction hole that penetrates the bottom surface of the lower plate 394 in the vertical direction by operating the opening / closing operation unit, the game ball stored in the lower plate 23 is discharged to an external collection tub through the ball extraction hole. can.

In addition, the deposited valuable value and the valuable value used for renting the game ball are accumulated and stored, and the valuable value used for renting the game ball is subtracted from the accumulated value of the deposited valuable value. The balance of valuable value may be calculated. Further, without storing the balance of valuable value in the card, the ball lending signal (rental information) and the deposit signal (amount information) are transmitted to the game hall management device 10 and the game hall management device 10 stores the balance in association with the card ID. You may try to do it. Further, the balance of valuable value may be stored only in the card without transmitting the ball lending signal or the deposit signal to the game hall management device 10.

The status display unit 560 is equipped with an LED capable of changing the light emission mode such as lighting and blinking and the light emission color, and displays a state corresponding to the type of inserted card, the card balance, and the interruption status of the game.

From the replenisher 600, a replenishment signal (pulse signal) indicating the number of game balls to be paid out to the upper plate 393 of the game machine 300 is output to the information collection terminal device 20.

From the out tank device 700, a recovery signal (pulse signal) indicating the number of game balls launched from the launcher 420 to the game area 410 of the game machine 300 and used for the game is output to the information collection terminal device 20.

[Game device]
Next, the gaming device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a game device 200 (game machine 300 and card unit 500) managed by the game field management system 100.

[Composition of gaming machines]
The gaming machine 300 includes a front frame 390 which is an inner frame of the gaming machine 300, a main body frame 391 which is an outer frame, and a gaming board 400 having a gaming area 410 into which a gaming ball flows down. The front frame 390 is assembled to the main body frame 391 so as to be openable and closable via a hinge (not shown). A glass frame 392 having a cover glass covering the front surface of the game board 400 is attached to the front frame 390. The cover glass of the glass frame 392 is formed of a transparent member such as glass, acrylic, or polycarbonate, and functions as a game viewing area that makes the game area 410 of the game board 400 visible.

In the game board 400, a substantially circular game area 410 surrounded by a guide rail 411 is formed on the surface of the rectangular game board 400 made of plywood, plastic, or the like. Then, the game ball is launched from the launching device 420 into the game area 410 to play the game. A windmill as a hitting direction changing member, a large number of obstacle nails, and the like are arranged in the game area 410, and the launched game ball flows down the game area 410 while changing the rolling direction by these hitting direction changing members. do.

A center case 430 that forms a window portion that serves as a display area for a variable display game is installed in substantially the center of the game area 410. Behind the window portion formed in the center case 430, a display device 440 having a main display screen 441 capable of executing a variable display game effect for variable display (variable display) of a plurality of identification information is arranged. The display device 440 is provided with, for example, a liquid crystal display, and is arranged so that the display content can be visually recognized from the front side of the game board 400 via the window portion of the center case 430. The display device 440 is not limited to the one provided with a liquid crystal display, and may be provided with a display such as an organic EL (electroluminescence) or a CRT (cathode ray tube).

The main display screen 441 (main display area) of the display device 440 is provided with a plurality of variable display areas, and identification information (special symbol) and characters that produce a variable display game are displayed in each variable display area. .. For example, in the variable display area of the display screen, three special symbols assigned as identification information are variablely displayed (variable display), and a special figure variable display game (auxiliary game) is played. In addition, an image based on the progress of the game (for example, a big hit display, a fanfare display, an ending display, etc.) is displayed on the main display screen 441.

Further, on the right side of the main display screen 441, a sub display screen 442 (second display device) is arranged as a right side display device. An image based on the progress of the game can be displayed on the sub display screen 442. Further, on the sub display screen 442, the display contents that can be displayed on the main display screen 441 may be displayed instead of the main display screen 441.

[Card unit configuration]
The display device 520 of the card unit 500, the bill receiving unit 540, the card insertion unit 550, and the status display unit 560 are arranged on the front surface of the card unit 500.

The display device 520 is provided near the center of the card unit 500. The display device 520 includes a display screen 521 and an operation unit 522.

The display screen 521 of the display device 520 is a touch panel that displays the number of stored balls, the number of balls held, and the like, and it is also possible to add an additional function by operating the operation unit 522 after operating the touch panel. ..

The operation unit 522 of the display device 520 includes a card return button, a ball lending payout button, a ball payout button, a ball storage payout button, and a display switching button.

The card return button is operated when the card is returned. When the player presses the card return button, the inserted card is ejected from the card insertion unit 550. The ball lending / paying button is operated at the time of ball lending. The ball lending payout button, the possession ball payout button, and the ball storage payout button are operated when the player pays out the ball lending, the ball possession, or the ball storage. The display switching button is pressed when the player switches the display screen 521 of the display device 520 to another display. Each button of the operation unit 522 is connected to the card unit control device 510, and outputs a signal to the card unit control device 510 when operated by the player.

The card insertion portion 550 is provided below the display device 520 of the card unit 500. A recording medium such as a membership card or a one-day card is inserted into the card insertion unit 550. Even if a non-contact IC card is used and an IC card reading unit is provided instead of the card insertion unit 550 so that the card unit 500 or the gaming device 200 can store the card ID (identification information). good.

When the player inserts the membership card or the one-day card into the card insertion unit 550, the accepted card balance is displayed on the display device 530 of the card unit 500. After that, when the player operates the ball lending switch 26 of the gaming machine 300, the ball lending payout button of the card unit 500, the ball payout button, or the ball storage payout button, a predetermined number of game balls are released from the payout exit 580 depending on the setting. It is paid out (exhausted). The game ball paid out from the payout port 580 of the game machine 300 flows into the upper plate 393 of the game machine 300. From the payout outlet 580 of the gaming machine 300, the prize ball at the time of winning is also paid out by the payout control device 340.

By accepting the cash (banknotes) inserted by the player, the bill receiving unit 540 can pay out a predetermined number of game balls from the payout outlet 580 of the gaming machine 300.

A replenisher 600 is installed on the upper part of the back surface of the gaming machine 300. The replenisher 600 replenishes the gaming ball to an upper tank (not shown) provided on the back surface of the gaming machine 300. As shown in FIG. 4, the replenisher 600 has a replenishment ball counter 610 that measures the number of game balls (replenishment number) replenished to the gaming machine 300.

[Structure of replenisher]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a replenisher 600 connected to the gaming machine 300.

As shown in FIG. 4, the replenisher 600 includes a replenisher base 601 attached to the upper part of the back surface of the game machine 300, a replenishment ball counter mounting plate 602 connected to the replenisher base 601 and a replenishment receiving port for receiving the game ball. 603 and a supply supply port 604 for supplying a game ball are provided. Further, the replenisher 600 includes a replenishment ball counter 610 attached to the replenishment ball counter mounting plate 602.

The replenishment ball counter 610 detects a passing game ball. The replenishment ball counter 610 is connected to the information collection terminal device 20 via the connection terminal 620. For the replenishment ball counter 610, for example, a gear-type counting mechanism that operates without electric power is adopted. In the replenishment ball counter 610 of such a gear type counting mechanism, every time the gear makes one rotation (10 game balls pass), the magnet of the operation mechanism interlocking with the gear crosses the reed switch and the replenishment ball counter. Close the 610 electrical circuit. Further, when the magnet of the operating mechanism is separated from the reed switch, the electric circuit of the replenishment ball counter 610 is opened again. Then, the supply ball counter 610 outputs a pulse signal that can be a count signal (and thus count information) when the electric circuit is closed, and operates so as to interrupt the output of the pulse signal when the electric circuit is opened. .. The counting mechanism of the replenishment ball counter 610 may directly detect the passing game ball by a sensor such as a proximity sensor or an optical sensor instead of the gear type.

Next, the details of the replenishment ball counter 610 will be described with reference to FIG.

[Block diagram of replenisher]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a replenisher 600 connected to the gaming machine 300.

In the replenisher 600, the replenishment ball counter 610 uses the number of game balls (replenishment number) replenished by the counting switch 611 (counting SW) of the replenishment ball counter 610, for example, as shown in the block diagram of FIG. When measured (counting), a supply number signal is output. The counting switch 611 is the above-mentioned reed switch, sensor, or the like. The replenishment ball counter 610 outputs, for example, a one-pulse replenishment number signal (a pulse signal that can be a count signal) for every 10 replenished game balls. The output supply number signal is transmitted to the information collection terminal device 20 via the connection terminal 620. As will be described later, the supply number signal (pulse signal) is treated as a count signal that can be used for counting the game ball (game medium) when it is normal, but is treated as an abnormal signal when it is abnormal.

Further, in the replenishment device 600, for example, when the replenishment supply controller 630 is connected to the information collection terminal device 20 via the connection terminal 640 as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 5 (b), the replenishment device 600 is an information collection terminal device. 20 controls whether or not the game ball can be replenished. That is, the replenisher 600 can replenish the game ball to the upper tank of the game machine 300 only when the replenishable signal is output from the information collection terminal device 20, and when the replenishment impossible signal is output, the game is played. You will not be able to replenish the ball.

Here, since the number of game balls paid out is almost the number of replenishment, the number of game balls fired in the game area 410 can be estimated by subtracting the amount of change in the possessed ball from the number of replenishment.

The gaming ball used for the game is ejected from the back surface side of the gaming machine 300 by winning a prize in the winning opening 450 or being accepted by the out opening 460 without winning any winning opening 450. The game balls discharged from the back surface side of the game machine 300 flow down to the out tank device 700 and are collected, and then discharged into a collection tub of an island facility (not shown). The first starting winning opening 451 and the second starting winning opening 452a, the large winning opening 453a, and the general winning opening 454 are collectively referred to as a winning opening 450. As will be described later, the winning opening 450 and the out opening 460 are collectively referred to as a game ball inflow port.

[Structure of out tank device]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an out tank device 700 connected to the gaming machine 300.

The out tank device 700 is arranged below the back surface side of the gaming machine 300, and as shown in FIG. 6, the installation base 701 attached to the lower portion of the back surface of the gaming machine 300 and the saucer main body 702 connected to the installation base 701. And an alignment path portion 703 for aligning the game balls that have flowed down to the saucer portion main body 702. Further, the out tank device 700 includes a recovery ball counter 710 attached to the lower part of the alignment path portion 703. The collection ball counter 710 detects the game ball flowing from the alignment path portion 703. The collection ball counter 710 is connected to the information collection terminal device 20 via the connection terminal 720. For the recovery ball counter 710, for example, the same counting mechanism as the supply ball counter 610 can be adopted. Next, the details of the recovery ball counter 710 will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[Block diagram of out tank device]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an out tank device 700 connected to the gaming machine 300.

The recovery ball counter 710 of the out tank device 700 has a counting switch 711 (counting SW). The collection ball counter 710 outputs a collection signal (a pulse signal that can be a count signal) when the number of game balls flowing down to the out tank device 700 by the counting switch 711 is counted as the number of collection balls. The output recovery signal is transmitted to the information collection terminal device 20 via the connection terminal 720. As will be described later, the recovery signal (pulse signal) is treated as a count signal that can be used for counting the game ball (game medium) when it is normal, but is treated as an abnormal signal when it is abnormal.

The collection ball counter 710 outputs, for example, a one-pulse collection signal for every 10 collection balls. In this way, the out tank device 700 functions as a collection ball information output means for outputting the collection ball information by the collection ball counter 710. The collecting ball counter 710 may be provided in the gaming machine 300, and the collecting signal may be directly output from the gaming machine 300 to the information collecting terminal device 20.

The information collecting terminal device 20 obtains the number of game balls fired into the game area 410 of the game machine 300 and used for the game from the collection signal, and stores the data as the game ball number data in the game data.

[Block diagram of playground management device]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the playground management device 10.

The game field server 12 (server computer) of the game field management device 10 has a CPU 10a (calculation means), a ROM 10b in which a program or the like is stored in advance, a RAM 10c which is a memory used as a work area when the CPU 10a operates, and various data. A storage device 10d such as a hard disk (HDD) for storing data, a bus 10e, a network communication port 10f (communication interface), and an I / O port 10g are provided. The ROM 10b, the RAM 10c, and the storage device 10d form a storage unit of the game hall server 12.

The CPU 10a, ROM 10b, RAM 10c, storage device 10d, network communication port 10f, and I / O port 10g are connected by a bus 10e. The bus 10e is composed of an address bus and a data bus used by the CPU 10a to read and write data.

The RAM 10c is provided with a storage area in which a program executed by the CPU 10a is stored and a work area in which data necessary for executing the program is temporarily stored. Further, instead of storing the program in the ROM 10b, the program can be stored in the storage device 10d, the program can be loaded in the RAM 10c, and the program loaded in the RAM 10c can be executed.

The network communication port 10f is a communication interface connected to a communication line such as a LAN in the game hall, and performs data communication with a relay device 30 and an information collection terminal device 20 installed in the game hall according to a predetermined communication protocol. The I / O port 10g is an input / output interface, and an input device 11h (keyboard or the like), an output device 11i (display, display means), and UPS 11j (uninterruptible power supply) are connected. The input device 11h and the output device 11i constitute the display operation means 11.

The input device 11h is a device for the administrator to input data to the game hall management device 10, and is, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, or the like. The output device 11i is, for example, a display or the like. The UPS 11j is a device for supplying power to the game hall management device 10 in the event of a power failure.

[Block diagram of information collection terminal device and schematic external view of information collection terminal device]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information collection terminal device 20 connected to the game device 200, and FIG. 10 is a schematic external view illustrating the configuration of the information collection terminal device 20.

As shown in FIG. 9, the information collection terminal device 20 of the game hall management system 100 includes a CPU 20a, a ROM 20b in which a program or the like is stored in advance, a RAM 20c which is a memory used as a work area when the CPU 20a operates, and a control circuit. It includes 20d, a setting circuit 20e, a bus 20f, a network communication port 20g, and an I / O port 20h.

The CPU 20a, ROM 20b, RAM 20c, control circuit 20d, setting circuit 20e, network communication port 20g, and I / O port 20h are connected by a bus 20f. The bus 20f is composed of an address bus and a data bus used by the CPU 20a to read and write data.

The RAM 20c is provided with a storage area for temporarily storing various data and a work area for temporarily storing data necessary for the operation of the CPU 20a.

As shown in FIG. 10, the setting circuit 20e includes a setting switch 20i and a setting pin 20j. The game hall manager can set the information collection terminal device 20 via the setting switch 20i and the setting pin 20j.

The network communication port 20g is a communication interface connected to a communication line such as a LAN in the game hall, and performs data communication with the game hall management device 10 and the relay device 30 installed in the game hall according to a predetermined communication protocol. As shown in FIG. 10, three network communication ports 20g are formed on the substrate of the information collection terminal device 20, and as shown in FIG. 9, the game hall management device 10, the relay device 30, and the game machine 300 are each formed. Be connected.

The I / O ports 20h are input / output interfaces, and are formed on the substrate of the information collection terminal device 20 as shown in FIG. 10, and peripheral devices such as a calling lamp 50 and games are formed as shown in FIG. Each contact is connected to the machine 300.

[Parts layout of external terminal board]
FIG. 11 is a component layout diagram of the external terminal board 800 arranged in the gaming machine 300. The external terminal board 800 is arranged on the upper part of the back surface of the gaming machine 300 (not shown). The external terminal board 800 has a plurality of connectors 810 (contacts) connected to the I / O port 20h of the information collection terminal device 20 via a signal line. The plurality of connectors 810 are respectively connected to the game control device 310 of the game machine 300 via the connection terminal 820. As a result, the game machine 300 (game control device 310) and the information collection terminal device 20 can mutually exchange signals by contact input or contact output. The signals input / output between the gaming machine 300 and the information collection terminal device 20 are, for example, a prize ball signal, a probability change / time reduction signal, an error signal, a start winning signal (lottery start port signal), a symbol confirmation signal, and the like. The special prize 1 signal, the special prize 2 signal, the special prize 3 signal, and the special prize 4 signal (see FIGS. 2 and 3). As described above, since the number of signals that can be input / output to / from the game machine 300 and the information collection terminal device 20 is physically limited by the number of connectors, the number of data that can be acquired by the information collection terminal device 20 is also determined. Limited to numbers.

There are different types of special prize signals, one that turns on the special prize signal at the start of the special prize and turns off the special prize signal after the end of the special prize (4 special prize signals), and turns on the special prize signal until the end of the probability fluctuation after the special prize. Those (special prize 2 signal), those that turn on the special prize signal only when the special prize start is set to have many special prize balls (special prize 3 signal), those that are set to have few special prize balls, and the special prize start and special prize balls There is one that turns on the special prize signal (special prize 1 signal) both when there are many.

The plurality of connectors 810 and connection terminals 820 are preferably colored so that the relationship between the corresponding connectors and the terminals can be easily understood. As shown in FIG. 11, for example, orange is the connector for the prize ball signal, black is the connector for the error signal, purple is the connector for the start winning signal, and green is the connector for the symbol confirmation signal. Blue, red, white, and yellow are assigned to the connectors, and colors are assigned to the connectors for various prize signals. Further, a plurality of connectors 810 may be combined into a set of a plurality of pin connectors, and a plurality of connection terminals 820 may be collectively connected by a housing or the like so as to correspond to the plurality of pin connectors. In the case of FIG. 11, the first start winning signal and the second start winning signal are output as the starting winning signal without distinction, but the first starting winning signal and the second starting winning signal are output separately. In this case, two connectors 810, a first start winning signal and a second starting winning signal, are provided.

Further, communication between the gaming machine 300 and the information collecting terminal device 20 may be performed by using serial communication, LAN, or the like. In this case, since the playability and the board contents of the gaming board 400 differ depending on the model of the gaming machine 300 and the number of winning units also changes, it is necessary to correspond to the communication specifications so that communication can be performed even with different signal types and numbers of signals.

[Card unit block diagram]
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the card unit 500.

As shown in FIG. 12, the card unit control device 510 of the card unit 500 includes a CPU 500a, a ROM 500b in which a program or the like is stored in advance, a RAM 500c which is a memory used as a work area when the CPU 500a operates, a bus 500d, and the bus 500d. It includes a network communication port 500e and an I / O port 500f.

These CPU 500a, ROM 500b, RAM 500c, network communication port 500e, and I / O port 500f are connected by a bus 500d. The bus 500d is composed of an address bus and a data bus used by the CPU 500a to read and write data.

The RAM 500c is provided with a storage area for temporarily storing various data and a work area for temporarily storing data necessary for the operation of the CPU 500a.

The network communication port 500e is a communication interface connected to a communication line such as a LAN in the amusement park, and is connected to the information collection terminal device 20. The network communication port 500e performs data communication with the game hall management device 10 and the relay device 30 installed in the game hall according to a predetermined communication protocol via the information collection terminal device 20.

The I / O port 500f is an input / output interface. As described with reference to FIG. 2, the display device 520, the card R / W 530, the bill receiving unit 540, the card insertion unit 550, the status display unit 560, and the counting device 570 are connected to the I / O port 500f, respectively.

[Block diagram of the counting device of the card unit]
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the counting device 570 of the card unit 500.

The counting device 570 includes a holding ball counting device 571 that counts the number of game balls (counting balls) (for example, 1 or 10) discharged from the lower plate 394 to the collection tub of the island facility as the number of balls. The holding ball counter 571 has a counting switch 571a (counting SW). The holding ball counter 571 outputs a counting signal (a pulse signal that can be a counting signal) when the number of holding balls is counted by the counting switch 571a. The output counting signal is transmitted to the information collecting terminal device 20 via the connection terminal 572. The number of balls held is counted by the counting switch 571a of the counting device 570, and the integrated result (total number of balls held) of the counting is obtained by executing the program stored in the ROM 500b in the card unit 500 by the CPU 500a. May be stored in.

[Flow of the game]
Next, the flow of the game in the gaming machine 300, the details of the normal map variation display game and the special map variation display game will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the gaming area 410 of the gaming machine 300.

In the gaming machine 300, the gaming is performed by operating the launching handle 351 shown in FIG. 3 by the player to launch the gaming ball from the launching device 420 toward the gaming area 410. The gaming machine 300 of the present embodiment is, for example, a probability-variable pachinko machine that belongs to a special prize table in which the special prize probability (big hit probability) can be changed after the special prize, which is called a seven machine (digital pachinko machine). The player is configured to hit left or right. A left-handed or right-handed instruction is displayed on the main display screen 441 of the display device 440 so that the player can easily make a distinction according to the game state.

The launched game ball flows down the game area 410 while changing the rolling direction by obstacle nails or windmills arranged in various places in the game area 410, and the first start winning opening 451 (lottery start opening 1) is used. Figure: Either the second starting winning opening 452a (lottery starting opening 2) of the variable winning device 452, the large winning opening 453a of the special variable winning device 453, or a plurality of general winning openings 454, or the game area 410. By flowing into the out port 460 provided at the lowermost part, it is discharged from the game area 410. Then, when a game ball wins in the first starting winning opening 451 or the second starting winning opening 452a, the large winning opening 453a, or a plurality of general winning openings 454, the number of winning balls corresponding to the type of winning opening is paid out. It is dispensed from the payout unit 41 of the control device 340 to the upper plate 393 via the payout outlet 580. When the game ball flows into the out port 460, the prize ball is not paid out.

The first start winning opening 451 is a winning opening in which a special prize lottery (big hit lottery or the like) is performed, and is provided as a first starting winning area in the game area 410 below the center case 430.

The second start winning opening 452a is different from the first starting winning opening 451 and is a winning opening that is opened only during the probabilistic state or the time saving state, and a special prize lottery is performed when a game ball flows in. It is provided as a second start winning area directly under 451. The second start winning opening 452a is converted into a state in which a game ball can easily flow in by rotating and opening so that the upper end side falls toward the front. When the game ball wins in the first start winning opening 451 or the second starting winning opening 452a, a special symbol (special symbol) variable display game is executed.

The winning of the game ball to the first starting winning opening 451 and the winning of the second starting winning opening 452a are detected by a first starting opening switch and a second starting opening switch (not shown). The game ball that has won the first start winning opening 451 is detected as the start winning ball of the special figure 1 variable display game, and is stored as the first start memory up to a predetermined upper limit number. Further, the game ball that has won the second start winning opening 452a is detected as the start winning ball of the special figure 2 variable display game, and is stored as the second start memory up to a predetermined upper limit number.

Here, on the left side of the center case 430, a receiving port 431 capable of receiving a game ball flowing down the game area 410 on the left side of the center case 430 is formed, and the received game ball is received in the lower part of the center case 430. A warp passage 432 leading to the stage portion 433 provided in the above is provided. The stage portion 433 extends in the left-right direction in the center of the lower portion of the center case 430, and has a rolling surface 433a on which a game ball flowing down the warp passage 432 can roll.

The game ball launched toward the launch position A at the upper left of the center case 430 is discharged to the game area 410 on the left side from the upper left of the center case 430. At that time, the game ball received by the reception port 431 and guided from the warp passage 432 to the stage portion 433 rolls on the rolling surface 433a and then passes through the guide passage 434 provided in the center of the stage to play the game area. It is discharged to 410. Since the guide passage 434 is arranged directly above the first start winning opening 451 the game ball discharged from the guide passage 434 has a high probability of being guided to the first start winning opening 451.

When the start winning ball of the special figure variation display game is detected, the jackpot random number value, the jackpot symbol random value, and each variation pattern random value are extracted. These random numbers are stored in the special figure reservation storage area (a part of the RAM) of the game control device 310 as the special figure start storage up to a predetermined number of times (for example, up to 8 times). The stored number of the special figure start prize memory is displayed on the special figure 1 hold display unit and the special figure 2 hold display unit for notifying the start prize number of the batch display device (not shown), and is displayed on the main display screen 441 of the display device 440. Is also displayed.

The game control device 310 executes the special figure 1 variation display game on the special figure 1 display based on the winning of the first start winning opening 451 or the first start memory. Further, the game control device 310 executes the special figure 2 variation display game on the special figure 2 display based on the winning of the second start winning opening 452a or the second start memory.

The special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game are performed by displaying the identification information in a variable manner on the special figure 1 display and the special figure 2 display, and then stopping and displaying a predetermined result mode.

The special figure 1 display and the special figure 2 display may be configured as separate displays or the same display, but the special figure variation display games may not be executed at the same time. Set.

Further, the display device 440 executes a decorative special figure variation display game in which a plurality of types of identification information (for example, numbers, symbols, character symbols, etc.) are variablely displayed corresponding to each special figure variation display game.

In the decorative special symbol variation display game on the display device 440, the decorative special symbol (identification information) composed of the above-mentioned numbers and the like is left (first special symbol), right (second special symbol), and middle (third special symbol). ) Is started, and the fluctuating symbols are sequentially stopped after a predetermined time, and the result of the special figure fluctuation display game is displayed. In the display device 440, various effects such as the appearance of characters are displayed in order to improve the interest.

Then, when the game ball is won in the first starting winning opening 451 or the second starting winning opening 452a at a predetermined timing (when the jackpot random number value at the time of winning detection is the jackpot value), the special figure 1 As a result of the variable display game or the special figure 1 variable display game, a specific result mode (special result mode) is derived from the display symbol, and a special gaming state such as a big hit state or a small hit state is obtained. Correspondingly, the display mode of the decorative special figure variation display game of the display device 440 is a special result mode (for example, a state in which numbers such as "7, 7, 7" are aligned).

As described above, the gaming state when the variable display game is executed is composed of a plurality of gaming states. The normal gaming state (normal state) is a gaming state in which no special gaming state has occurred. Further, the special game state is, for example, a probability fluctuation state (probability change state), which is a high probability state in which the probability of occurrence of a special result (big hit) is high in a specific game state (normal electric support state or time saving state) or a fluctuation display game. It is a big hit state or a small hit state (special game state). The probability fluctuation state may be included in the specific gaming state.

Here, the probability change state is one that continues until the next big hit occurs (loop type), one that continues until a predetermined number of variable display games are executed (number cut type), and a predetermined probability fall lottery. There is something that continues until it is done (fall lottery type).

Further, it is possible to always generate a probabilistic state when a big hit occurs without determining whether or not to generate a probabilistic state by a big hit symbol random number, or to provide a winning device or the like provided with a specific area to provide a specific area. A probabilistic state may be generated when the game ball passes.

In the decorative special figure variation display game on the display device 440, the special figure 1 variation display game and the special figure 2 variation display game may be executed on different display devices or different display areas, or they may be the same. It may be executed in the display device or the display area. In this case, the decorative special figure variable display game corresponding to the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game is prevented from being executed at the same time.

Further, the special figure 2 variable display game is executed with priority over the special figure 1 variable display game. Therefore, if there are both start memories of the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game, the special figure 2 variable display game is given priority when the special figure variable display game can be executed. Is executed. The special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game may be executed in the order in which the start memory is stored.

Next, the second start winning opening 452a will be described.

The second starting winning opening 452a is normally closed, which is a winning regulation state that is disadvantageous to the player. On the other hand, the second start winning opening 452a is opened toward the front via a normal electric solenoid (not shown) of the normal figure fluctuation winning device 452 when the result of the normal figure fluctuation display game becomes a predetermined stop display mode. Therefore, the game ball is in an open state, which is advantageous for the player who tends to flow into the second starting winning opening 452a.

Here, the normal drawing start gate 452b is arranged in the game area 410 on the right side of the center case 430. The normal figure start gate 452b is provided with a gate switch (not shown) for detecting a game ball that has passed through the normal figure start gate 452b. The game ball launched toward the launch position B at the upper part of the center case 430 is discharged to the game area 410 on the right side from the upper right of the center case 430 along the guide rail 411. At that time, when the game ball passes through the normal map start gate 452b, it is detected by the gate switch provided in the normal map start gate 452b, and the normal map variation display game is executed. In this way, the normal symbol start gate 452b satisfies the start condition of the normal symbol (normal map) variable display game when the game ball passes through.

When the game ball passes through the normal map start gate 452b when the normal map variation display game cannot be started, the normal map start memory number is added (+1) if the normal map start memory number is less than the upper limit number. If the normal map fluctuation display game cannot be started, for example, if the normal map fluctuation display game has already been played and the normal map fluctuation display game has not ended, or if the result of the normal map fluctuation display game is a hit. This is a case where the normal-figure variable winning device 452 has the second starting winning opening 452a open.

The hit determination random value for determining the hit / miss of the normal map variation display game is stored in the normal map start memory, and when the hit judgment random value matches the judgment value, the normal map variation display is performed. The game is a hit and a specific result mode (specific result) is derived.

The normal map variation display game is executed by a normal map display unit provided in a batch display device (not shown) of the gaming machine 300. The normal figure display unit is composed of LEDs that indicate a hit when the normal identification information is on and a deviation when the light is off. By blinking this LED, the normal identification information is variablely displayed and predetermined. After the lapse of the fluctuation display time of, the result is displayed by turning on or off the LED.

When the normal figure random value extracted when the game ball passes through the normal figure start gate 452b is a hit value, the normal symbol displayed on the normal figure display unit stops in the hit state and becomes the hit state. At this time, the second starting winning opening 452a is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds) by driving a solenoid solenoid (not shown) of the variable winning device 452, and the game ball is opened. You will be able to win easily.

The normal figure variation winning device 452 is controlled by the game control device 310. The game control device 310 increases the frequency of occurrence of the open state and lengthens the occurrence time of the open state as compared with the normal game state in the probability change state and the time saving state, and such a state is generally set. It is called the normal power support state.

A special variable winning device 453 is provided in the game area 410 between the first starting winning opening 451 and the fourth winning opening 454d, which is the general winning opening 454 on the right side. The special variable winning device 453 has an attacker-type opening / closing door that opens the large winning opening 453a by being rotated and opened so that the upper end side is tilted toward the front side by a large winning opening solenoid (not shown).

The special variable winning device 453 converts from the closed state of the large winning opening 453a, which is a closed state disadvantageous to the player, to the open state, which is an advantageous special gaming state for the player, depending on the result of the special figure variation display game. By facilitating the inflow of the game ball into the large winning opening 453a, the player is given a prize ball having a predetermined game value. Specifically, when a special gaming state occurs and the large winning opening solenoid provided in the special variable winning device 453 is energized, the large winning opening 453a is changed from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). Will be converted. That is, the large winning opening 453a provided in the special variable winning device 453 opens wide until a predetermined time or a predetermined number of game balls are won, and during this time, the player can acquire a large number of game balls. Will be done. A count switch (not shown) is provided in the large winning opening 453a as a detection means for detecting the game ball that has entered the large winning opening 453a.

The plurality of general winning openings 454 are composed of a first winning opening 454a, a second winning opening 454b, a third winning opening 454c, and a fourth winning opening 454d. The first winning opening 454a, the second winning opening 454b, and the third winning opening 454c are arranged in the lower left gaming area 410 of the center case 430. The fourth winning opening 454d is arranged in the gaming area 410 at the lower right of the center case 430.

When a game ball wins in any of the first starting winning opening 451, the second starting winning opening 452a, the large winning opening 453a, and the plurality of general winning openings 454, the payout control device 340 depends on the type of winning opening. A large number of prize balls are paid out from the payout unit 41 to the upper plate 393. In general, the number of prize balls (for example, 15) when winning a prize in the large prize opening 453a is the largest, the first starting winning opening 451 (for example, 5), the general winning opening 454 (for example, 3), and the second. This is followed by the starting winning opening 452a (for example, two), but the order of the number of prize balls in the large winning opening 453a and the number of winning balls in the first starting winning opening 451 and the second starting winning opening 452a may be different. Further, the number of prize balls in some of the general prize openings 454 may be different from the number of prize balls in some other general prize openings 454 (for example, the number of prize balls in the fourth prize opening 454d). 4 pieces, 3 prize balls for other general prize openings 454).

[Flow of data processing from I / O device]
FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow of processing of data (count information) from an input / output device that counts (counts) the number of game balls such as a replenisher 600, an out tank device 700, and a counting device 570 of a card unit 500. Is. Here, the input / output device capable of outputting the count information of FIG. 15 is the replenisher 600, the out tank device 700, or the counting device 570 of the card unit 500. Hereinafter, the “input / output device” (input / output means) will be described as referring to the replenisher 600, the out tank device 700, or the counting device 570 of the card unit 500.

The count information includes a pulse signal (count signal) having a predetermined pulse width, information indicating that the count signal has been generated once, and information indicating the number of times the count signal has been generated (count number obtained by counting the count signal). As shown in FIG. 15, it flows between the input / output device, the information collection terminal device 20, and the game hall management device 10. An input / output device such as a replenisher 600, an out tank device 700, or a counting device 570 is a signal generating means for generating a pulse signal that can be a counting signal (and thus counting information) of a game ball (game medium) by a counting switch or a counting sensor. Functions as. The input / output device outputs an input from its own counting switch or counting sensor that detects the inflowing game ball to the outside (for example, the information collecting terminal device 20) as a pulse signal. When the pulse signal has a predetermined pulse width and is not abnormal, it is treated as a count signal (count information) that can be used for counting the game ball (game medium). A pulse signal having an abnormal pulse width is treated as an abnormal signal.

In step S101, the input / output device transmits a pulse signal that can be count information (count signal) to the information collection terminal device 20 (input / output information transmission). When the number of occurrences of the count information (count signal) is integrated, for example, the number of replenished balls, the number of collected balls, or the number of counted balls (number of balls held) can be obtained as the count number (integrated value).

In step S102, the information collection terminal device 20 performs a process of collectively collecting the count information (count signal) received from each of the input / output devices (input / output information collection process). The information collecting terminal device 20 collectively accumulates the collected count information for each unit time (for example, operating hours and operating days) and for each model and model of the gaming machine 300, and is an integrated value that is easy to handle as a database, that is, the number of counts. It can also be processed so that. After that, the information collecting terminal device 20 transmits as count information information (for example, a flag or a numerical value) indicating that the count signal has been received once and a count number (integrated value) to the game hall management device 10. Further, the information collecting terminal device 20 transmits the count information as well as the information (for example, a flag or a numerical value) indicating that the abnormality signal has been received once as the abnormality information and the count number (integrated value) to the game hall management device 10.

In step S103, the game hall management device 10 stores the count information received from the information collection terminal device 20 in the RAM 10c and the storage device 10d of the game field server 12 as input / output information (input / output information recording). In this way, the game hall management device 10 stores the count information in the game field server 12 of the game field management device 10.

The game hall management device 10 may transmit count information to a management server on a cloud (not shown) and manage the count information on the management server. By using the management server on the cloud together in this way, the count information can be backed up not only to the game hall management device 10 but also to the management server, and the count information of each store can be analyzed and compared.

[Flow of input / output information collection process]
Here, the input / output information collection process in step S102 of FIG. 15 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a general input / output information collection process executed by the information collection terminal device of the prior art according to the comparative example. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an input / output information collection process executed by the information collection terminal device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

First, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 16, a general input / output information collection process executed by the information collection terminal device of the prior art according to the comparative example (hereinafter, referred to as the information collection terminal device of the comparative example) will be described. do.

In step S201, the information acquisition terminal device of the comparative example receives a pulse signal having a pulse width (signal reception). That is, in step S201, the information collection terminal device of the comparative example is in a standby state so that it can receive the count signal transmitted from the input / output device.

However, the pulse signal includes an unintended abnormal signal and a noise signal in addition to the count signal intentionally transmitted from the input / output device. Therefore, the information collecting terminal device of the comparative example executes the process of step S202 or lower to determine whether or not the received pulse signal is a count signal transmitted from the input / output device.

Here, the count signal is a pulse signal having a predetermined pulse width or more and less than the upper limit pulse width. For example, the predetermined pulse width is set to 20 ms, and the upper limit pulse width is set to 1000 ms. In the information collection terminal device of the comparative example, the upper limit pulse width is not set.

Further, the abnormal signal is a pulse signal having a predetermined pulse width (20 ms) or less and a pulse signal having an upper limit pulse width (1000 ms) or more. Even if the pulse signal is smaller than the predetermined pulse width, for example, the pulse signal having a pulse width of less than 0.5 ms, which will be described next, is classified as a noise signal instead of an abnormal signal.

The noise signal is a pulse signal instantaneously generated with a pulse width shorter than the minimum pulse width recognizable by the information collecting terminal device, and is, for example, a pulse signal having a pulse width of less than 0.5 ms. It is desirable that the noise signal be removed on the hardware side by passing it through a capacitor or the like, which is a noise removing circuit of the information collecting terminal device, before the signal is received, and processed so as not to be treated as a signal. Further, the noise signal is not limited to being removed by the hardware side, but may be removed by software. In the following description, the noise signal is treated as being removed before receiving the signal in step S201.

In step S202, the information collection terminal device of the comparative example performs a process of confirming the pulse state of the received pulse signal (pulse state confirmation process). In the pulse state confirmation process, the information collecting terminal device of the comparative example calls the above-mentioned predetermined pulse width (for example, 20 ms) preset as a boundary between the count signal and the abnormal signal from the data stored in the ROM. After that, the process executed by the information collection terminal device of the comparative example proceeds to step S203.

In step S203, the information collecting terminal device of the comparative example determines whether or not the received pulse signal has a predetermined pulse width or more, that is, a pulse width of 20 ms or more. The process executed by the information collecting terminal device of the comparative example proceeds to step S204 when the received pulse signal has a pulse width of 20 ms or more, and proceeds to step S206 when the received pulse signal has a pulse width of less than 20 ms. move on.

In step S204, the information collection terminal device of the comparative example identifies that the received pulse signal is a count signal, and stores the count information in the transmission buffer of the RAM (count information storage). The stored count information is information (for example, a flag or a numerical value) indicating that the count signal has been received once, a count number (integrated value), or the like. The count number is incremented and updated by 1 each time the count signal is received.

In step S205, the information collecting terminal device of the comparative example transmits the count information stored in the transmission buffer of the RAM to the game hall management device 10 (count information transmission process). The count information transmission process is the process indicated by the arrow in S102 of FIG. After that, the process executed by the information collection terminal device of the comparative example proceeds to step S207.

On the other hand, when the process proceeds from step S203 to step S206, the information collection terminal device of the comparative example discards the received pulse signal as not being used in the input / output information collection process (signal discard). After that, the process executed by the information collection terminal device of the comparative example proceeds to step S207.

In step S207, the information collection terminal device of the comparative example is in a state of waiting so that the input / output information collection process is completed (process end) and the count signal transmitted from the input / output device can be received again as another pulse signal. (Standby for signal reception).

Next, the input / output information collection process according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

From step S301 to step S303, the information collection terminal device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention executes the same processing as the processing of steps S201 to S203 executed by the information collection terminal device of the comparative example.

Specifically, the information collection terminal device 20 receives a signal in step S301 and performs a pulse state confirmation process in step S302. Then, the process executed by the information collecting terminal device 20 in step S303 proceeds to step S304 when the received pulse signal has a predetermined pulse width (for example, a pulse width of 20 ms) or more, and the received pulse signal is a predetermined pulse. If it is less than the width, the process proceeds to step S306.

In step S304, the information collecting terminal device 20 determines whether or not the pulse signal received under conditions different from that of step 303 is less than the upper limit pulse width (for example, pulse width 1000 ms). The process executed by the information collecting terminal device 20 proceeds to step S305 when the received pulse signal is less than the upper limit pulse width, and proceeds to step S306 when the received pulse signal is equal to or more than the upper limit pulse width.

In step S305, the information collection terminal device 20 executes the same processing as the information collection terminal device of the comparative example, identifies that the received pulse signal is a count signal, and stores the count information in the transmission buffer of the RAM 20c. (Save count information). After that, the process executed by the information collecting terminal device 20 proceeds to step S307. The stored count information is information (for example, a flag or a numerical value) indicating that the count signal has been received (identified) once, a count number (integrated value), or the like. The count number is incremented and updated by 1 each time the count signal is received.

On the other hand, when the process proceeds from step S303 or step S304 to step S306, the information collection terminal device 20 identifies that the received pulse signal is an abnormal signal, and stores the abnormal information in the transmission buffer of the RAM 20c. (Save abnormal information). After that, the process executed by the information collecting terminal device 20 proceeds to step S307. The stored abnormal information includes information indicating that the abnormal signal has been received (identified) once (for example, a flag or a numerical value), the number of occurrences of the abnormal signal as an integrated value (number of receptions, number of identifications), and the like. The number of occurrences of the abnormal signal is added and updated by 1 each time the abnormal signal is received.

In step S307, the information collection terminal device 20 transmits the count information saved in step S305 or the abnormality information saved in step S306 to the game hall management device 10 (information transmission process). The count information transmitted in the information transmission process is the process indicated by the arrow in S102 of FIG. Further, although the abnormality information transmitted in the information transmission process is not shown in FIG. 15, it is transmitted to the game hall management device 10 in the same manner as the count information. After that, the process executed by the information collecting terminal device 20 proceeds to step S308.

In step 308, the information collection terminal device 20 executes the same processing as the processing of step S207 executed by the information collection terminal device of the comparative example. That is, the information collection terminal device 20 ends the input / output information collection process (process ends) in the process of step S308, and waits so that it can receive the count signal transmitted from the input / output device as another pulse signal again. It becomes a state (waiting for signal reception).

[Action of input / output information collection processing]
Next, the operation of the input / output information collection process will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 24. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a pulse signal form (ideal pulse signal form) of a model case.

When the gaming balls are continuously launched into the gaming machine, the pulse signal repeatedly output from the input / output device in an ideal state can be represented by the pulse signal form of the model case as shown in FIG. The horizontal axis of FIG. 18 shows the passage of time, and the vertical axis shows the output intensity of the pulse signal. In the pulse signal form of the model case, as shown in FIG. 18, a pulse signal having a pulse width t1 is repeatedly output in a period T1 (section T1). Upon receiving the pulse signal of the model case, the information collecting terminal device 20 identifies whether or not the pulse signal is a count signal by the method shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a method of identifying a pulse signal by the information collection terminal device 20. The pulse signal of FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a part of the pulse signal of the model case of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 19A, the information collecting terminal device 20 confirms the output state of the pulse signal at predetermined intervals of time r1, r2, and r3 (identification method A). The predetermined interval is a value that can be set in advance, and will be described as being set to, for example, 10 ms in the present embodiment.

The information collection terminal device 20, which has confirmed the output state of the pulse signal at predetermined intervals from before the time r1, confirms that the pulse signal is newly output at the time r1.

After that, at the time r2 after a predetermined interval (for example, 10 ms) has elapsed from the time r1, the information collection terminal device 20 reconfirms the output state of the pulse signal. Then, the information collecting terminal device 20 confirms that the pulse signal is output at the time r2 following the time r1.

Further, even at the time r3 after a predetermined interval (for example, 10 ms) has elapsed from the time r2, the information collection terminal device 20 continuously confirms that the pulse signal is output. As a result, the information collecting terminal device 20 can confirm that the pulse signal is continuously output from the time r1 to the time r3 (10 ms + 10 ms = 20 ms), and the pulse signal having a predetermined pulse width (20 ms) or more can be confirmed. Since it can be determined that is output, it is identified that the pulse signal is a count signal.

If the pulse signal cannot be confirmed at time r2 or time r3 after confirming the pulse signal at time r1, the information collection terminal device 20 has a pulse signal (abnormality) in which the pulse signal is less than a predetermined pulse width. (Signal).

Further, the method for identifying the pulse signal by the information collecting terminal device 20 is not limited to the identification method A, and the identification method B as shown in FIG. 19B may be used. The identification method B is an identification method that can be adopted when the information collection terminal device 20 has a means (for example, a timekeeping timer) for measuring the output time (pulse width) of the pulse signal.

As shown in FIG. 19B, the information collecting terminal device 20 adopting the identification method B confirms that the pulse signal is newly output at the time r1. When the output state of the pulse signal is confirmed at the time r1, the information collecting terminal device 20 recognizes the signal ON at the time r1. After that, the information collecting terminal device 20 starts measuring the output time t1 of the pulse signal.

After that, when the output of the pulse signal is interrupted at time r4, the information collecting terminal device 20 performs signal OFF recognition. Then, the information collecting terminal device 20 identifies whether the pulse signal is a count signal by determining whether or not the output time t1 of the measured pulse signal is equal to or longer than a predetermined pulse width (20 ms).

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a form of a pulse signal in a state where the gaming device 200 is actually operating. Specifically, FIG. 20A is a diagram in which a pulse signal identified as a count signal by the information collection terminal device 20 is extracted when the game device 200 is actually in operation. FIG. 20B is a diagram showing all pulse signals received by the information collecting terminal device 20 when the game device 200 is actually operating.

In the actually operating gaming device 200, the input / output device does not output a pulse signal when the player is not playing. Therefore, in the pulse signal form in which the gaming device 200 is actually operating, as shown in FIG. 20A, there is a period in which the count is interrupted as in the section T2 and the section T4 (count interruption). Further, after the cycle T4, even in a state where the signal ON recognition is continued (a state in which the pulse signal is still output), a period during which the count is interrupted occurs (count interruption). Such a state in which signal ON recognition is continued occurs, for example, when the magnet of the counting mechanism of the input / output device stops in a state of crossing the reed switch.

Next, with reference to FIG. 20B, the input / output information collection process executed by the information collection terminal device 20 for various pulse signals when the game device 200 is actually operating will be described.

As shown in the section T1 to the section T4 in FIG. 20B, the actual pulse signal includes a fine noise signal, and the noise signal is the information acquisition terminal device 20 before receiving the signal. It is removed on the hardware side as it passes through the capacitor.

Here, in order to compare the actions of the input / output information collection processing by the information collection terminal device 20 of the present embodiment and the information collection terminal device of the comparative example, a row is applied to the pulse signal of each section (section T1 to section T4). Each input / output information collection process will be described.

[Section T1 (identification method A)]
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an input / output information collection process of the identification method A performed on the pulse signal in the section T1 of FIG. 20.

In the section T1, as described above in FIG. 19, both the information collection terminal device 20 of the present embodiment and the information collection terminal device of the comparative example are pulsed at time r1, r2, r3 at predetermined intervals (for example, 10 ms). Check the signal output status (identification method A). Then, it is confirmed that the information collecting terminal device 20 of the present embodiment and the information collecting terminal device of the comparative example are in a state where the pulse signal is continuously output from the time r1 to the time r3 (10 ms + 10 ms = 20 ms).

The information collection terminal device 20 of the present embodiment further confirms that the output of the pulse signal is interrupted at time r4.

The information collection terminal device 20 of the present embodiment and the information collection terminal device of the comparative example output a pulse signal within a predetermined pulse width (20 ms) or more, or a predetermined pulse width region (20 ms or more and less than 1000 ms). Judgment is made to identify that the pulse signal is a count signal. As a result, the count signal that was 0 times is counted once.

As described above, in the section T1, both the information collection terminal device 20 of the present embodiment and the information collection terminal device of the comparative example identify that the count signal is generated once.

Further, for example, a pulse signal having an output time t0 having a pulse width of less than 0.5 ms is removed on the hardware side as a noise signal. Although the pulse signal having the output time t0 is also detected in the following description, the description will be omitted assuming that the pulse signal is similarly removed as a noise signal.

[Sections T2 to T3 (identification method A)]
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating input / output information collection processing of the identification method A performed on the pulse signals in the section T2 to the section T3 in FIG. 20.

In the sections T2 to T3, the result of the input / output information collection process is different between the information collection terminal device 20 of the present embodiment and the information collection terminal device of the comparative example.

First, the input / output information collection process of the information collection terminal device of the comparative example will be described.

The information collecting terminal device of the comparative example confirms that the output of the pulse signal is interrupted at time r2 after confirming the pulse signal at time r1. Therefore, the information collecting terminal device of the comparative example determines that the pulse signal is not a count signal because the pulse signal is less than 10 ms and is less than a predetermined pulse width (20 ms), and discards the pulse signal.

Then, the information collecting terminal device of the comparative example confirms another pulse signal at time r3, confirms the pulse signal at time r4, and confirms that the output of the pulse signal is interrupted at time r5. Therefore, the information collecting terminal device of the comparative example identifies that the pulse signal is not a count signal because the pulse signal is 10 ms or more and less than 20 ms and is less than a predetermined pulse width (20 ms), and discards the pulse signal.

Further, the information collecting terminal device of the comparative example confirms another pulse signal at time r6, and then confirms the pulse signal from time r6 to time r9 until the output of the pulse signal is interrupted at time r10. Therefore, the information collecting terminal device of the comparative example identifies the pulse signal as a count signal because the pulse signal is 30 ms or more and less than 40 ms and has a predetermined pulse width (20 ms) or more.

As a result, in the information collecting terminal device of the comparative example, only one count signal is identified in the sections T2 to T3.

On the other hand, when the information collecting terminal device 20 of the present embodiment determines that the pulse signal of less than 10 ms confirmed from the time r1 to the time r2 is less than the predetermined pulse width (20 ms), the pulse signal is regarded as an abnormal signal. Identify as.

Further, the information collecting terminal device 20 of the present embodiment similarly determines that the pulse signal of 10 ms or more and less than 20 ms confirmed from the time r3 to the time r5 is less than the predetermined pulse width (20 ms), and determines that the pulse signal is used. Identify as an abnormal signal.

The pulse signal confirmed from the time r6 to the time r10 is identified as a count signal in the information collection terminal device 20 of the present embodiment as well as the information collection terminal device of the comparative example.

As described above, in the information collecting terminal device 20 of the present embodiment, the abnormal signal is identified twice and the count signal is identified once in the sections T2 to T3. The information collection terminal device 20 has information (for example, a flag or a numerical value) indicating that the count signal has been identified once each time the count signal is identified once by executing the input / output information collection process once. May be set, or the count number indicating the number of occurrences of the count signal may be added by 1. Further, the information collecting terminal device 20 receives (identifies) the abnormal signal once each time the abnormal signal is identified once by executing the input / output information collecting process once (for example, a flag). And numerical values) may be set, or the number of occurrences of abnormal signals (number of receptions, number of identifications) may be added by one.

Therefore, according to the information collecting terminal device 20 of the present embodiment, it is possible to identify an abnormal signal that cannot be identified by the information collecting terminal of the comparative example, so that the game hall manager can easily determine the necessity of maintenance of the input / output device. You can judge. As described above, the information collection terminal device 20 of the present embodiment functions as a signal identification means for identifying a count signal or an abnormal signal.

[Section T1 (identification method B)]
The input / output information collection process can also be performed by the identification method B as described above. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an input / output information collection process of the identification method B performed on the pulse signal in the section T1 of FIG. 20.

In the section T1, as described above in FIG. 19, both the information collection terminal device 20 of the present embodiment and the information collection terminal device of the comparative example are in a state where a pulse signal is newly output at time r1. After confirming that, signal ON recognition is performed. After that, the information collecting terminal device 20 of the present embodiment and the information collecting terminal device of the comparative example measure the output time t1 of the pulse signal and perform signal OFF recognition at the position where the output of the pulse signal is interrupted, thereby performing the pulse signal. It is measured that the output time t1 of is 20 ms or more.

Therefore, the information collection terminal device 20 of the present embodiment and the information collection terminal device of the comparative example determine that the output time t1 of the pulse signal is equal to or longer than a predetermined pulse width (for example, 20 ms), and the pulse signal is a count signal. Identify as. As a result, the count signal that was 0 times is counted once. As described above, in the section T1, both the information collection terminal device 20 of the present embodiment and the information collection terminal device of the comparative example are identified as having one count signal.

The information collection terminal device 20 of the present embodiment also confirms that the output time t1 of the pulse signal is interrupted within the upper limit pulse width (for example, 1000 ms).

[Sections T2 to T3 (identification method B)]
FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating input / output information collection processing of the identification method B performed on the pulse signals in the section T2 to the section T3 in FIG. 20.

In the sections T2 to T3, the result of the input / output information collection process is different between the information collection terminal device 20 of the present embodiment and the information collection terminal device of the comparative example.

First, the input / output information collection process of the information collection terminal device of the comparative example will be described.

The information collecting terminal device of the comparative example confirms the pulse signals of the output times t2, t3, and t4, respectively. Here, the information collecting terminal device of the comparative example identifies that the pulse signal of the output times t2 and t3 is less than 20 ms and is less than the predetermined pulse width (20 ms), so that it is not a count signal, and the pulse signal is used. Discard.

Further, the information collecting terminal device of the comparative example identifies as a count signal because the pulse signal having the output time t4 is 20 ms or more and has a predetermined pulse width (20 ms) or more. As a result, in the information collecting terminal device of the comparative example, only one count signal is identified in the sections T2 to T3.

On the other hand, when the information collecting terminal device 20 of the present embodiment determines that the pulse signals of the output times t2 and t3 are less than 20 ms, the information collecting terminal device 20 identifies the pulse signals as two abnormal signals.

The pulse signal having the output time t4 is also identified as a single count signal in the information collection terminal device 20 of the present embodiment as in the information collection terminal device of the comparative example.

As described above, in the information collecting terminal device 20 of the present embodiment, the abnormal signal is identified twice and the count signal is identified once in the sections T2 to T3 not only by the identification method A but also by the identification method B.

Therefore, according to the information collecting terminal device 20 of the present embodiment, an abnormal signal that cannot be identified by the information collecting terminal of the comparative example can be identified even by the identification method B, so that the necessity of maintenance of the input / output device can be solved. The place manager can easily judge. As described above, the information collection terminal device 20 of the present embodiment functions as a signal identification means for identifying a count signal or an abnormal signal.

[Abnormal signal notification processing]
FIG. 25 is an example of a table layout screen of the game apparatus 200 installed in the game hall displayed by the game hall management device 10.

In FIG. 25, the table layout screen of the game device 200 is displayed as the default display screen of the game field management device 10 (more specifically, the display operation means 11 and the operation terminal device 13). As shown in FIG. 25, the gaming device 200 under special prize (for example, pedestal 7, 25, 29, 54, 59, 74, 77) is displayed by diagonal lines drawn from the upper left to the lower right, and the gaming device 200 under inspection (for example, the gaming device 200 (table 7, 25, 29, 54, 59, 74, 77). For example, the platform 3) is displayed as a diagonal line drawn from the upper right to the lower left. Further, the gaming device 200 that cannot be operated (non-operating) due to reasons such as application for change of the gaming machine 300 is displayed with a dot-shaped background.

Further, when the game hall manager presses a group of icons 10h displayed on the tab at the left end of FIG. 25, the game hall management device 10 can display a screen other than the table layout screen (unit data, model, sales, etc. screen). ) Can also be displayed.

Here, on the table layout screen displayed by the game hall management device 10, as shown in the tab at the right end of FIG. 25, a message icon (as shown in the tab at the right end of FIG. Message) is also displayed. Notification information 10i such as event information and warning information is displayed on the message icon displayed by the game hall management device 10. The game hall management device 10 may hide the message icon when there is no notification information, and may blink the message icon or emit an alarm sound when the notification information is recognized.

The warning information is notified from, for example, the table layout screen of the game hall management device 10, the call lamp 50, or the like based on the number of times the abnormal signal is generated. As described above, the game hall management device 10, the calling lamp 50, and the like function as a notification means for notifying the abnormality.

The warning information is not limited to the number of times the abnormal signal is generated, and may be notified based on the abnormal count rate, which is the ratio of the abnormal signal to the pulse signal.

The abnormality count rate is obtained by, for example, the information collection terminal device 20 as the ratio of the pulse signal identified by the information collection terminal device 20 of each gaming device 200, that is, the abnormality signal to the count signal and the abnormality signal. For example, the abnormal count rate obtained from one count signal and two abnormal signals is 66.7% (2 / (1 + 2) = 0.667).

When the information collecting terminal device 20 obtains the abnormal count rate, the information collecting terminal device 20 transmits the information of the abnormal count rate to the game hall management device 10.

The game hall management device 10 identifies a game device 200 whose abnormal count rate exceeds a predetermined ratio (for example, 1%), and changes the display of the table layout screen of the game device 200 as shown in FIG. 25. , Notify the abnormality. As shown in FIG. 25, the game hall management device 10 displays, for example, a normal game device 200 having an abnormal count rate of a predetermined ratio or less in a white (transparent) background. Further, the game hall management device 10 displays the game device 200, which has an abnormal count rate exceeding a predetermined ratio and requires high maintenance, so that the background can be identified by coloring or the like.

In this way, by notifying the abnormality using the abnormality count rate, when the number of occurrences of the abnormality signal is not counted up to a predetermined threshold number in the gaming device 200 in which the operation is small and the number of occurrences of the abnormality signal is small. However, it can be sorted as a table that may be abnormal.

As described above, when the number of times the count signal is generated (count number) or the number of times the abnormal signal is generated in each game device 200 is transmitted to the game hall management device 10 as count information or abnormal information, the game hall management is performed. The device 10 may directly calculate the abnormality count rate and notify it.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a flow from the operation of the message icon of the game hall management device 10 to the display of the abnormal signal of the input / output device.

In step S401, when the game hall management device 10 receives the notification information (notification information reception), the game hall management device 10 displays a message icon on the table layout screen as described above, and notifies the game hall manager of the abnormality.

When the game hall manager selects and operates the message icon on the table layout screen in step S402, the process of the game hall management device 10 proceeds to step S403.

In step S403, the game hall management device 10 displays the identification information selection screen (displaying the identification information identification selection screen). Since the content of the message that differs depending on the type of the abnormality signal is displayed on the notification information identification selection screen, the game hall manager can easily recognize what kind of abnormality has occurred.

In step S404, the game hall management device 10 determines whether or not the game hall manager has selected and operated the count abnormality signal movement screen command. The count abnormality signal movement command is considered to have been selected by the game hall manager selecting the count abnormality signal on the identification selection screen display. The process of the game hall management device 10 proceeds to step S405 when the count abnormality signal movement screen command is selected and operated, and proceeds to step S406 when the count abnormality signal movement screen command is not selected and operated.

In step S405, the game hall management device 10 shifts the screen display from the notification information identification selection screen display to the list display of the game device 200 (abnormal signal transmission game table) that has transmitted an abnormality as shown in FIG. 27. ..

FIG. 27 is a list display screen of the abnormal signal transmitting game console that transmitted the abnormal signal during one business day. When the input / output device that transmits the abnormal signal is the out tank device 700, the game hall management device 10 transmits an abnormal signal only to the device that transmits the abnormal signal related to the out tank device 700, as shown in FIG. 27, for example. You can select (narrow down) the table and display it. In addition, the game hall management device 10 does not select the type of the input / output device that transmitted the abnormal signal, and all the input / output devices (supplier 600, out tank device 700, and counting device 570 of the card unit 500) are used. It can also be displayed.

As shown in FIG. 27, the game hall management device 10 displays the game console number of the abnormal signal transmitting game table, and also displays the count number, the abnormal count number, and the signal detection of the out tank device 700 of the abnormal signal transmitting game table. The number, abnormal count rate (%), abnormal count (short), abnormal count (long), and warning number (cumulative) are displayed.

The count number is the number of count signals transmitted from the out tank device 700 of the abnormality signal transmission game console and identified. The abnormality count number is the number of abnormality signals transmitted from the out tank device 700 of the abnormality signal transmission game console and identified.

The signal detection number is the total number of all pulse signals transmitted and identified from the out tank device 700 of the abnormality signal transmission game table, and is the sum of the count number and the abnormality count number. The abnormal count rate is the ratio of the abnormal signal (abnormal count number) to the signal detection number (sum of the count number and the abnormal count number).

The anomaly count (short) is the number of anomalous signals less than a predetermined pulse width (eg, 20 ms). The abnormality count (length) is the number of abnormality signals of the upper limit pulse (for example, 1000 ms) or more. By displaying the contents of the abnormal signal separately in this way, the game hall manager can more accurately determine the abnormal state of the abnormal signal transmitting game table. In this case, in step S306, the information collecting terminal device 20 separately identifies an abnormal signal having a predetermined pulse width (for example, 20 ms) or more and an abnormal signal having an upper limit pulse width (for example, 1000 ms) or more, and each abnormal signal. Count the number of (number of occurrences).

The number of warnings (cumulative) is the cumulative number of abnormal notifications during one business day. The number of warnings is not limited to one business day, but may be the cumulative number of abnormality notifications during a predetermined period such as weekly or monthly.

The game hall management device 10 is not limited to displaying only the abnormal signal transmission game table in which the number of abnormal counts is counted as shown in FIG. 27, and the abnormal signal transmission game table in which the number of warnings (cumulative) is counted. May be displayed.

In addition, the game hall manager can also confirm the detailed abnormal signal transmission contents of the abnormal signal transmission game table selected and operated by selecting and operating the game table number of the abnormal signal transmission game table by clicking the mouse or the like. .. For example, as shown in FIG. 28, the game hall management device 10 can display a graph of the cumulative number of abnormality notifications of the abnormal signal transmission game table that has been selected and operated.

FIG. 28 is a graph showing the cumulative number of abnormality notifications of a specific abnormality signal transmission game console by business day. The period of business days can be set arbitrarily by the game hall manager.

Further, the game hall management device 10 displays the number of signal detections (the sum of the count number and the abnormal count number) of the specific abnormal signal transmission game console selected and operated in the set period as the total signal detection number. Similarly, the game hall management device 10 displays the number of abnormal counts in the set period as the total number of abnormal counts (cumulative value of the graph), and the abnormal count rate, the number of warning days, and the abnormal count (short pulse) (abnormal count (abnormal count). Short)) and abnormal count (long pulse) (abnormal count (long)) are also displayed.

Since the abnormal count rate is the ratio of the abnormal signal (abnormal count number) to the signal detection number (sum of the count number and the abnormal count number), the cumulative abnormal count rate is the total signal as shown in FIG. 28. The value obtained by dividing the number of detections by the total abnormality count is displayed (total number of abnormal counts / total number of signal detections).

The number of warning days is the number of days when the number of abnormal counts within one business day reaches a predetermined number of notification targets (notification target). For example, the day when the number of abnormal counts reaches a predetermined cumulative number (for example, 200 times) or more is counted as a notification target. The game hall management device 10 can also extract the business days to be notified as shown in the bar graph displayed by diagonal lines in FIG. 28.

Returning to FIG. 26, the explanation of the flowchart will be continued.

In step S405, the game hall management device 10 finishes the process after performing the screen movement described above.

On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S406 in step S404, the game hall management device 10 moves to another selection command content display and ends the process.

[Flow of input signal setting process]
FIG. 29 is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow of input signal setting processing from the game hall management device 10 to the information collection terminal device 20.

In step S501, the game hall management device 10 opens the input signal setting screen in the setting mode, and various pulse signals (count signal of out ball or safe ball, abnormal signal (short), abnormal signal (long)) by the game hall manager are used. ) Waits for input in the pulse width range. The input signal setting screen after the setting input by the game hall manager is as shown in FIG. 30, for example.

FIG. 30 is an input signal setting screen after the setting input is performed in the setting mode of the game hall management device 10. The input of the pulse width range of various pulse signals is performed for each of the out sphere and the safe sphere. Further, the input of the pulse width range (pulse numerical value setting) is set at intervals of, for example, 10 ms. In the present embodiment, the out ball is a game ball that flows down to the out tank device 700 and is collected, and the safe ball is a game ball (prize ball) that is counted by the counting device 570.

For example, in the case of an out sphere, a pulse signal of 20 ms or more and less than 1000 ms is set to be identified as a count signal of the out sphere. Further, a pulse signal of 0.5 ms or more and less than 20 ms is set to be identified as an abnormal signal of an out sphere (out sphere abnormality).

Here, a short pulse signal of less than 0.5 ms is removed as a noise signal on the hardware side. The set value (less than 0.5 ms) of the noise signal is a fixed value set in advance. Therefore, the set value of the out sphere abnormality includes a value equal to or greater than the set value of the noise signal and less than the count signal of the out sphere. Therefore, the pulse width of the abnormal signal does not necessarily have to be input, and may be automatically set by assigning a value corresponding to the setting of the pulse width of the normal count signal as a set value.

Further, a pulse signal of 1000 ms or more that exceeds the pulse width range of the normal count signal is set as an abnormal signal (length) (not shown).

On the other hand, in the case of the safe sphere, the setting can be made in the same manner as the out sphere, and the same value as the out sphere is input to the safe sphere, for example.

The pulse OFF setting is an interval at which the pulse signal is turned OFF, and is set to, for example, 10 ms. Further, the pulse ratio is a ratio that determines how many balls the game ball passes through the counting mechanism to output the pulse signal once. For example, the pulse ratio is set to 10 so that the pulse signal is output once for every 10 game balls passing through the counting mechanism.

The setting of the input signal is not limited to the out ball, the safe ball, and the like, and a spare input signal can be set separately. Further, for example, 600 ms is input to the monitoring cycle, and the cycle monitoring time Tmin, which will be described later, is used.

The game hall management device 10 saves the input setting state by selecting the setting completion button on the input signal setting screen. Although the pulse width range of various pulse signals can be set on the input signal setting screen of FIG. 30, the pulse width range may be set in advance inside the game hall management device 10 as a default value. Further, the game hall manager may freely set the pulse width range of various pulse signals on the input signal setting screen of FIG. 30, or may call the default value and use it as the set value.

In the conventional game hall management device of the comparative example, the abnormal signal is not identified as described above. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 31, the input signal recognition of the playground management device of the comparative example is performed in a form in which the out-ball abnormality and the safe-ball abnormality are omitted. FIG. 31 is an input signal recognition screen of the conventional game hall management device according to the comparative example. The input signal recognition of the playground management device in the comparative example is generally set as a fixed value other than the pulse ratio in advance by the specifications on the hardware side or the internal program setting, and the setting screen as in this embodiment. There is generally no setting mode to display.

Returning to FIG. 29, the description of the sequence diagram will be continued.

In step S502, the game hall management device 10 transmits input signal setting information (setting information regarding the input signal) to the information collection terminal device 20, and the information collection terminal device 20 is the content of the input signal setting information in the RAM 20c. (Update input signal setting information).

[Action and effect of the first embodiment]
The game hall management system 100, which is a game device that uses data acquired from the game device 200 installed in the game field, is a signal generation means (input) that generates a pulse signal that can be a count signal of the game medium (game ball). An input / output device (supplier 600, out tank device 700, and counting device 570 of the card unit 500) as an output means) and a pulse signal having a predetermined pulse width (for example, 20 ms) or more are identified as a count signal, and a predetermined value is specified. An information collection terminal device 20 as a signal identification means for identifying a pulse signal smaller than the pulse width as an abnormal signal, a playground management device 10 as a notification means for notifying an abnormality based on the number of times an abnormal signal has occurred, and a calling lamp 50. And.

According to such a game hall management system 100 (game device), the information collection terminal device 20 as a signal identification means identifies a pulse signal from an input / output device having a predetermined pulse width or more as a count signal. At the same time, a signal having a pulse width smaller than a predetermined pulse width is identified as an abnormal signal. Then, since the game hall management device 10 and the calling lamp 50 as the notification means notify the abnormality based on the number of times the abnormality signal is generated, the game hall manager can easily grasp the operating state of the input / output device. Can be done. As a result, even when the input / output device emits an abnormal pulse signal in a state that cannot be achieved in normal operation, the game hall manager can grasp the abnormal operation state of the input / output device at an early stage and perform maintenance. Can be recognized at an early stage. Maintenance is, for example, replacement or adjustment of parts such as a counting mechanism of an input / output device.

Further, when the input / output device adopting the gear type counting mechanism is used for a long time, internal parts such as gears and reed switches deteriorate due to wear and accumulation of dirt. Therefore, when the magnet of the operating mechanism crosses the reed switch, the count signal may not be transmitted correctly. If the count signal cannot be transmitted correctly, specifically, if the gear itself becomes sluggish due to dirt or component wear (wear powder or deformation of the component), or if there is a gap between the internal components and the gear rotates. As the speed of time increases, there may be cases where the pulse width when a pulse signal is generated varies. Also, even when a sensor such as a proximity sensor or an optical sensor is used for the counting mechanism of the input / output device instead of the gear type, the distribution speed of the game ball changes in the input / output device as well, so that it is normal. Abnormal pulse signals that were not pulse widths were generated, often detecting bad count signals.

However, according to the playground management system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the information collection terminal device 20 as the signal identification means is a pulse signal from the input / output device within a predetermined pulse width region. It is identified as a count signal, and a signal outside the predetermined pulse width region is identified as an abnormal signal. As a result, the information collecting terminal device 20 can identify the presence or absence of the correct count signal even when the count signal from the input / output device is mixed with a signal other than the specified signal, and can obtain the correct count information.

Further, in the aged deterioration caused by the above-mentioned wear and dirt of parts, it is very difficult to find the counting error of the counting mechanism of the input / output device. When the input / output device does not operate completely, there is a discrepancy between the operating status and the count information generated from the pulse signal, so it can be determined that an abnormality has occurred even in the conventional game hall management device according to the comparative example. .. However, in the aged deterioration, the frequency of occurrence is often sparse, and therefore, the playground management device of the comparative example cannot recognize the count error itself of the count mechanism of the input / output device.

On the other hand, according to the game hall management system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the information collecting terminal device 20 as a signal identification means identifies an unspecified signal as an abnormal signal, and the game as a notification means. The field management device 10 and the call lamp 50 notify the abnormality based on the number of times the abnormality signal is generated. Therefore, according to the amusement park management system 100, the count error due to aged deterioration can be determined from the number of occurrences of abnormal signals and notified, so that the amusement park manager accurately recognizes the necessity of maintenance of the input / output device. be able to.

In the above-described embodiment, the information collecting terminal device 20 of the game hall management system 100 functions as a signal identification means, and the game field management device 10 or the like functions as a notification means. However, the signal identification means in the input / output device. Or a notification means may be directly provided.

Such a counting device (input / output device) used together with the game field management system 100 as a game device using data acquired from the game device 200 installed in the game field is a game medium (game ball). A signal generating means (input / output means) that generates a pulse signal that can be a count signal and a pulse signal having a predetermined pulse width (for example, 20 ms) or more are identified as a count signal, and a pulse signal having a width smaller than the predetermined pulse width is regarded as an abnormal signal. Based on the signal identification means for identification and the number of times an abnormal signal is generated, the abnormality is notified from the game hall management device 10 or the calling lamp 50 of the game device (game hall management system 100), or the counting device (input / output device). It is provided with a notification means.

According to the counting device (input / output device) used in such a game field management system 100 (game device), it is possible to obtain the same operation and effect as the game field management system 100 of the present embodiment described above.

Further, in the game hall management system 100, the information collecting terminal device 20 as a signal identification means has a pulse signal having a predetermined pulse width (for example, 20 ms) or more when the pulse signal has an upper limit pulse width (for example, 1000 ms) or more. Even if it is, it is identified as an abnormal signal.

According to such a game hall management system 100, an abnormal signal having a pulse width equal to or larger than the upper limit is identified, so that the counting mechanism of the input / output device continues to detect the game ball, for example, due to a jam in the game ball. Can be detected early as an abnormality. Therefore, the game hall manager can easily grasp which part of the input / output device such as the counting mechanism has a problem, and can efficiently perform maintenance.

Further, in the game hall management system 100, the information collecting terminal device 20 as a signal identification means calculates an abnormality count rate, which is a ratio of an abnormality signal to the identified pulse signal, based on the count signal and the abnormality signal. Further, the game hall management device 10 and the calling lamp 50 as the notification means notify the abnormality when the abnormality count rate exceeds a predetermined ratio (for example, 1%). When a signal identification means or a notification means is provided in the counting device (input / output device) of the game hall management system 100, the signal identification means or the notification means functions in the same manner to calculate the abnormality count rate. It may be used to notify an abnormality.

According to such a game field management system 100 or a counting device (input / output device) of the game field management system 100, an abnormal signal is generated up to a predetermined abnormal count number within a short time after the game device 200 is operated. Even when the number of times the error has been reached has not been reached, it is possible to notify that an abnormality has occurred at an early stage based on the abnormality count rate.

In the game hall management system 100, the information collecting terminal device 20 as a signal identification means separates and discriminates an abnormal signal into an abnormal signal (short) and an abnormal signal (long) based on the pulse width of the abnormal signal. The game hall management device 10 or the calling lamp 50 as the notification means notifies the abnormality for each pulse width of the abnormal signal separately and identified. When a signal identification means or a notification means is provided in the counting device (input / output device) of the game hall management device 10, the signal identification means or the notification means functions in the same manner, so that the pulse width of the abnormal signal The abnormality may be notified for each case.

According to such a game hall management system 100 or a counting device (input / output device) of the game field management system 100, the game field manager can discriminate and recognize the type of abnormality for each pulse width of the abnormality signal. .. Therefore, the game hall manager can easily grasp what kind of abnormality has occurred according to the type of the notified abnormality, and can utilize it for maintenance.

[Second Embodiment]
[Flow of input / output information collection process of the second embodiment]
FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating an input / output information collection process executed by the information collection terminal device 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for configurations that perform the same functions as those in the first embodiment, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

The information collection terminal device 20 initializes the data (count information) stored in the RAM 20c when starting the input / output information collection process. The RAM 20c of the information collection terminal device 20 stores the number of lap counts Nt, the number of count signals N, and the number of abnormal signals Na as abnormal information as count information, and all the values are stored by initialization. It is reset to 0 (Nt = N = Na = 0).

Here, the lap count number Nt is the number of pulse signals generated within the cycle monitoring time Tmin, and is a value integrated during the input / output information collection process as a result of the input state of the monitored pulse signal. Further, the count signal number N is a value calculated as the number of count signals generated within the cycle monitoring time Tmin. The number of abnormal signals Na is a value calculated as the number of abnormal signals generated within the periodic monitoring time Tmin.

After the count information is initialized, the input / output information collection process after step S601 is started.

In step S601, the information collection terminal device 20 executes the same process as the process of step S301 of FIG. 17 executed by the information collection terminal device 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the information collection terminal device 20 receives a pulse signal (signal reception) in step S601.

In step S602, the information collection terminal device 20 starts periodic monitoring for monitoring the input state of the pulse signal during the preset periodic monitoring time Tmin (periodic monitoring start). When the cycle monitoring is started, the timer value is counted up (integrated) from zero according to the passage of time. The timer value is updated according to the passage of time stored in the register of the CPU 20a, the RAM 20c, or the like. After the periodic monitoring is started, the process executed by the information collection terminal device 20 proceeds to the process of step S603. The timer value is counted up (integrated) up to the cycle monitoring time Tmin.

Here, the periodic monitoring time Tmin is a time for monitoring the input state of the pulse signal for a preset period together with the signal reception in step S601. The cycle monitoring time Tmin is the time of the shortest cycle of the pulse signal (count signal) normally output from the input / output device, and is, for example, the shortest time required for the magnet of the counting mechanism of the input / output device to make one rotation. .. The number of game balls flowing down to the input / output device is designed to be about 1000 per minute, and one game ball (60 ms / piece) flows down every 60 ms. Further, the counting mechanism of the input / output device is configured so that the magnet rotates once every time 10 game balls are detected and outputs one pulse signal. Therefore, the shortest time required for the magnet of the counting mechanism of the input / output device to make one rotation is 600 ms (60 ms × 10 pieces), and the cycle monitoring time Tmin is set to 600 ms.

In step S603, the information collection terminal device 20 adds 1 to the lap count number Nt (Nt = Nt + 1) (lap count number addition). In the flow from step S602, since the lap count number Nt is initialized to 0, it is added in the process of step S603 and becomes 1 (Nt = 0 + 1). That is, the lap count number Nt becomes 1 corresponding to the reception of the pulse signal in step S601.

In step S604, the information collection terminal device 20 is in a state of waiting for signal reception, and is different from the pulse signal received in step S601 before the periodic monitoring time Tmin (for example, a predetermined time of 600 ms) elapses. It is determined whether or not there is a pulse signal (there is a signal within the periodic monitoring time).

The process executed by the information collecting terminal device 20 in step S604 returns to step S603 if any pulse signal is received before the timer value reaches the cycle monitoring time Tmin, and returns to step S603 when the timer value reaches the cycle monitoring time Tmin. To step S605. When the process returns to step S603, 1 is added to the lap count number Nt. For example, when the number of lap counts is 1, the number of lap counts Nt is added by 1 to become 2 (Nt = 1 + 1 = 2), and then in step S604, the timer value becomes the above-mentioned cycle monitoring time Tmin. The determination of whether it has been reached is repeated again. That is, until the timer value reaches the cycle monitoring time Tmin, the lap count number Nt is incremented by 1 each time a pulse signal is received. The timer value is the time when the measurement is started from step S602, and is integrated and measured without being reset even if the processing returns to step S603.

The processes from step S605 to step S607 described below relate to the count number calculation process.

In step S605, the information collection terminal device 20 confirms the number of lap counts Nt counted within the cycle monitoring time Tmin (checking the number of counts within the cycle monitoring time). The process executed by the information collection terminal device 20 proceeds to step S606 when the number of lap counts Nt counted within the cycle monitoring time Tmin is less than 2, and is a step when the number of lap counts Nt is 2 or more. Proceed to S607. The number of lap counts Nt is a natural number, and since the signal is received in step S601 and the processing is proceeding, it is 1 or more in principle.

In step S606, the information collection terminal device 20 calculates the count signal number N and the abnormal signal number Na based on the fact that the lap count number Nt is less than 2 (Nt <2) (count number calculation).

That is, since the information collecting terminal device 20 does not receive another pulse signal after first receiving the pulse signal in step S601 (Nt = 1), the first received pulse signal is a count signal. Identification is performed, and the number of count signals N is set to 1 (N = 1).

Further, since the information collecting terminal device 20 has not received another pulse signal, it identifies that there is no abnormal signal, and sets the number of abnormal signals Na to 0 (Na = 0). As an exception process, the information collecting terminal device 20 has a cycle count number Nt of 0 even though the pulse signal is first received in step S601 due to an error or the like (Nt = 0). Also, the number of count signals N is set to 1 (N = 1). After that, the process executed by the information collection terminal device 20 proceeds to step S608.

On the other hand, when the process proceeds from step S605 to step S607, the information collection terminal device 20 has a count signal number N and an abnormal signal number based on the lap count number Nt being 2 or more (Nt ≧ 2). Calculate Na (calculation of count number).

That is, since the information collection terminal device 20 first receives the pulse signal in step S601 (Nt = 1) and then receives another pulse signal (Nt ≧ 2), any of the pulse signals is counted. It is identified as a signal, and the number of count signals N is set to 1 (N = 1).

Further, the information collecting terminal device 20 identifies that another pulse signal is an abnormal signal, and sets a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the circuit count number Nt as the abnormal signal number Na (Na = Nt-1). The information collecting terminal device 20 only needs to be able to calculate the count signal number N and the abnormal signal number Na, and it is not necessary to separately determine which pulse signal is the count signal and the abnormal signal. After that, the process executed by the information collection terminal device 20 proceeds to step S608.

In step S608, the information collection terminal device 20 transmits the count signal number N and the abnormal signal number Na calculated in step S606 or step S607 to the game hall management device 10 (information transmission process). After that, the process executed by the information collecting terminal device 20 proceeds to step S609. As a result, the game hall management device 10 can calculate the count number as the integrated value by receiving the count signal number N as the count information and integrating the count signal number N. Further, the game hall management device 10 can calculate the number of occurrences of the abnormal signal as the integrated value by receiving the abnormal signal number Na as the abnormal information and integrating the abnormal signal number Na.

In step S609, the information collection terminal device 20 initializes the count information and abnormality information (lap count number Nt, count signal number N, and abnormality signal number Na) added in the processing so far (count information initialization). ). By executing the process of step S609, all the values of the count information are reset to 0 as in the case of starting the input / output information collection process (Nt = N = Na = 0).

In step S610, the information collection terminal device 20 ends the periodic monitoring of the pulse signal (ends the periodic monitoring). When the periodic monitoring is completed, the process executed by the information collection terminal device 20 proceeds to the process of step S611.

In step S611, the information collection terminal device 20 executes the same process as the process of step S308 of FIG. 17 executed by the information collection terminal device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. That is, the information collection terminal device 20 ends the input / output information collection process (process ends), and then stands by so that it can receive the pulse signal transmitted from the input / output device as another pulse signal again (the process ends). Waiting for signal reception).

[Action of input / output information collection processing of the second embodiment]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 33 to 36, the operation of the input / output information collection process of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing the effect of input / output information processing of the second embodiment of the present invention on a plurality of pulse signals received within the periodic monitoring time Tmin.

As shown in FIG. 33, when the information collecting terminal device 20 receives a pulse signal in a certain section T (signal reception), the information collecting terminal device 20 starts periodic monitoring (periodic monitoring start), and another pulse signal is transmitted within the periodic monitoring time Tmin. Receive once. Therefore, the pulse signal is received twice within the cycle monitoring time Tmin, and the lap count number Nt is 2 (Nt = 2).

After the period monitoring time Tmin has elapsed, the information collection terminal device 20 identifies one pulse signal as a count signal and the other pulse signal as an abnormal signal because the orbit count number Nt is 2. Therefore, the number of count signals N and the number of abnormal signals Na are 1 each (N = Na = 1).

As described above, the information collecting terminal device 20 of the second embodiment correctly identifies that the count signal is once even when a plurality of pulse signals as shown in FIG. 33 are received within the cycle monitoring time Tmin. Can be done. Further, according to the information collecting terminal device 20, since it is possible to identify that the abnormal signal is once together with the count signal, it can be utilized when the game hall manager determines the necessity of maintenance.

The information collection terminal device 20 can also identify the pulse signal as an abnormal signal when the signal ON recognition of the pulse signal continues for the cycle monitoring time Tmin or more (abnormal signal recognition).

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating abnormal signal recognition when signal ON recognition of a pulse signal continues after the section T of FIG. 33.

As shown in FIG. 34, when the information collection terminal device 20 confirms a pulse signal that continues for a cycle monitoring time Tmin or longer, it determines whether or not the pulse signal is the upper limit cycle time Tmax or longer. Here, the upper limit cycle time Tmax is a time set in advance to be longer than the cycle monitoring time Tmin, and is set to, for example, three times as long as the cycle monitoring time Tmin (Tmax = 3Tmin).

Further, when the pulse signal that continues for the cycle monitoring time Tmin or more becomes the upper limit cycle time Tmax or more, the information collecting terminal device 20 identifies the pulse signal as an abnormal signal. This is because the pulse width of the normal count signal actually output from the input / output device does not become longer than the periodic monitoring time Tmin. That is, in the input / output device that operates normally, the time during which the pulse signal is recognized as OFF (off time) is usually longer than the time during which the signal is recognized as ON (ON time).

As described above, the information collecting terminal device 20 can identify the pulse signal as an abnormal signal based on the upper limit cycle time Tmax when the signal ON recognition of the pulse signal continues for the cycle monitoring time Tmin or more.

Next, a pulse signal form in a state where the gaming device is actually operating will be described. As the pulse signal form in the state where the gaming device is actually operating, the pulse signal form of FIG. 20 (particularly FIG. 20B) used in the first embodiment of the present invention will be referred to again.

[Section T2-T3]
FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an input / output information collection process of the second embodiment performed on the pulse signal of the section T2 to the section T3 of FIG. 20.

In the section T2 to the section T3, the information collection terminal device 20 of the second embodiment of the present invention receives the pulse signal three times within the cycle monitoring time Tmin (signal reception), so that the cycle count number Nt becomes 3. Nt = 3).

Then, the information collecting terminal device 20 calculates the count signal number N as 1 (N = 1) based on the number of lap counts Nt of two or more times (Nt = 3 ≧ 2), and sets the abnormal signal number Na to 2. Calculate (Na = Nt-1 = 3-1 = 2). As a result, in the section T2 to the section T3, the information collecting terminal device 20 discriminates between one count signal and two abnormal signals.

As described above, by using the periodic monitoring time Tmin, the information collection terminal device 20 can correctly count both the count signal and the abnormal signal.

The input / output information collection process of FIG. 35 executed by the information collection terminal device 20 is performed by the identification method B, but the number of pulse signals in which the pulse is recognized does not change even if the identification method A is used. Therefore, the number of lap counts Nt can be counted in the same manner (Nt = 3). Therefore, the information collecting terminal device 20 can accurately discriminate and count the count signal and the abnormal signal regardless of the type of the identification method.

[Section T3 to T4]
FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating an input / output information collection process of the second embodiment performed on the pulse signal of the section T3 to the section T4 of FIG. 20.

In the section T3 to the section T4, the information collecting terminal device 20 confirms the pulse signals of the output times t5, t6, t7, and t8, respectively, as shown in FIG. 36A by using the identification method B. As a result, the number of lap counts Nt within the cycle monitoring time Tmin becomes 4 (Nt = 4).

Then, the information collecting terminal device 20 calculates the count number as 1 (N = 1) and the abnormal signal number Na as 3 (Na = 4) based on the four lap counts Nt (Nt = 4). Nt-1 = 4-1 = 3). As a result, in the section T2 to the section T3, the information collection terminal device 20 using the identification method B discriminates between one count signal and three abnormal signals. As described above, according to the information collecting terminal device 20 using the identification method B, both the count signal and the abnormal signal can be counted correctly.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 36B, when the information collecting terminal device 20 uses the identification method A, from the reception of the pulse signal at time r1 until the output of the pulse signal is interrupted at time r4. Two pulse signals may be mistakenly recognized as one. In this case, from time r5 to time r9 and from time r10 to time r13, the information collection terminal device 20 further received two pulse signals, and received a total of three pulse signals. Will be confirmed. As a result, the number of lap counts Nt within the cycle monitoring time Tmin becomes 3 (Nt = 3).

Then, the information collecting terminal device 20 calculates the count signal number N as 1 (N = 1) and the abnormal signal number Na as 2 based on the three lap counts Nt (Nt = 3) (Nt = 3). Na = Nt-1 = 3-1 = 2). As a result, in the section T2 to the section T3, the information collection terminal device 20 using the identification method A discriminates between one count signal and two abnormal signals. As described above, according to the information collection terminal device 20 using the identification method A, the count signal can be counted correctly. Further, according to the information collection terminal device 20 using the identification method A, it can be confirmed that an abnormal signal is output although the counts are different.

These results (count signal number N and abnormal signal number Na) are transmitted to the game hall management device 10. Then, when the predetermined number of abnormal signals Na or the abnormal count rate is reached, the game hall management device 10 and the calling lamp 50 notify the abnormality.

In the case of the information collection terminal device of the comparative example described above, the count signal is identified as follows.

When the information collecting terminal device of the comparative example uses the identification method A, the count signal is identified three times. Specifically shown with reference to FIG. 36 (b), the count signals are a pulse signal of 20 ms or more and less than 30 ms from time r1 to time r4 (which is erroneously recognized as one pulse signal) and from time r5. A pulse signal of 30 ms or more and less than 40 ms at time r9 and a pulse signal of 20 ms or more and less than 30 ms at time r10 to time r13 are identified.

Further, when the information collecting terminal device of the comparative example uses the identification method B, the count signal is identified twice. Specifically shown with reference to FIG. 36 (a), the count signal is a signal in which pulse signals having output times t7 and t8 are identified, respectively. The pulse signals having the output times t5 and t6 are determined as pulse signals having a pulse width of less than 20 ms and are discarded.

Therefore, according to the information collection terminal device 20 of the second embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to correctly identify one count signal that could not be identified by the information collection terminal device of the comparative example. Further, in the information collecting terminal device 20 of the second embodiment, since the identification of the count signal and the identification of the abnormal signal are also performed, the game hall manager can also confirm that the abnormal signal is output.

When the information collection terminal device 20 of the first embodiment of the present invention discriminates between the count signal from the section T3 to the section T4 and the abnormal signal, the following results are obtained according to the discrimination methods A and B. Become. That is, when the information collection terminal device 20 of the first embodiment uses the identification method A, the three count signals are identified in the same manner as the information collection terminal device of the comparative example. Further, when the information collection terminal device 20 of the first embodiment uses the identification method B, the count signals are identified twice as in the information collection terminal device of the comparative example, but the output times t5 and t6 are combined. Two abnormal signals can be identified from the pulse signal (pulse width less than 20 ms) of. Therefore, the game hall manager can also confirm that the abnormal signal is output.

[Action and effect of the second embodiment]
The game hall management system 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is a game device that uses data acquired from a game device installed in the game field. The game hall management system 100 includes an input / output device as a signal generation means (input / output means) for generating a pulse signal that can be a count signal of a game medium (game ball), and a preset periodic monitoring together with reception of the pulse signal. It includes an information collecting terminal device 20 as a signal identification means for monitoring the input state of a pulse signal during the time Tmin, a game hall management device 10 as a notification means for notifying an abnormality, and a calling lamp 50. When there are a plurality of received pulse signals, the information collecting terminal device 20 as a signal identification means identifies one of the received pulse signals as a count signal and the other as an abnormal signal. The game hall management device 10 and the calling lamp 50 as the notification means notify the abnormality based on the number of times the abnormality signal is generated.

According to the game hall management system 100 (game device) according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the count signal can be correctly identified, so that the accurate count signal number N can be counted. .. Further, when an abnormality occurs, the abnormality is notified, so that the game hall manager can promptly confirm that the abnormality signal is output.

Further, in the game hall management system 100, the information collection terminal device 20 as a signal identification means is used when the pulse signal is equal to or longer than the upper limit cycle time Tmax set in advance so as to be longer than the cycle monitoring time Tmin. Even a pulse signal having a predetermined pulse width (for example, 20 ms) or more is identified as an abnormal signal.

According to such a game hall management system 100, when the signal ON recognition of the pulse signal continues for the cycle monitoring time Tmin or more, the pulse signal can be identified as an abnormal signal based on the upper limit cycle time Tmax.

In the above-described embodiment, the information collecting terminal device 20 of the game hall management system 100 functions as a signal identification means, and the game field management device 10 or the like functions as a notification means. However, the signal identification means in the input / output device. Or a notification means may be directly provided.

The counting device (input / output device) used together with the game field management system 100 as a game device using data acquired from the game device installed in the game field is a counting device (input / output device) of the game medium (game ball). A signal generation means (input / output means) that generates a pulse signal that can be a signal, a signal identification means that monitors the input state of the pulse signal for a preset period monitoring time Tmin together with the reception of the pulse signal, and an abnormality. A game field management device 10 of a game device (game field management system 100), a calling lamp 50, or a notification means for notifying from a counting device (input / output device) is provided. When there are a plurality of received pulse signals, the signal identification means identifies one of the pulse signals as a count signal and the other as an abnormal signal. The notification means notifies the abnormality based on the number of times the abnormality signal is generated.

According to the counting device (input / output device) used together with such a game field management system 100, it is possible to obtain the same operation and effect as the game field management system 100 of the present embodiment described above.

[Third Embodiment]
[Flow of input / output information collection process of the third embodiment]
FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating an input / output information collection process executed by the information collection terminal device 20 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

When the information collection terminal device 20 according to the third embodiment of the present invention starts the input / output information collection process, the data (count information) is initialized in the same manner as the information collection terminal device 20 according to the second embodiment. conduct. By initializing the count information, the values of the number of lap counts Nt, the number of count signals N, and the number of abnormal signals Na are reset to 0 (Nt = N = Na = 0). After the count information is initialized, the input / output information collection process after step S701 is started.

From step S701 to step S702, the information collection terminal device 20 executes the same processing as the processing of step S601 and step S602 of FIG. 32 (signal reception, cycle monitoring start).

In step S703, the information collection terminal device 20 determines whether or not the timer value has elapsed the cycle monitoring time Tmin (time lapse determination). The cycle monitoring time Tmin is set to, for example, 600 ms. The process executed by the information collection terminal device 20 proceeds to step S708 when the timer value has elapsed the cycle monitoring time Tmin, and proceeds to step S704 when the timer value has not elapsed the cycle monitoring time Tmin.

The processes of steps S704 to S707 described below relate to the count number calculation process.

In step S704, the information collection terminal device 20 determines whether or not the received pulse signal has a predetermined pulse width or more (a predetermined pulse width or more). The predetermined pulse width is set to, for example, 20 ms. The process executed by the information collecting terminal device 20 proceeds to step S705 when the received pulse signal is equal to or larger than the predetermined pulse width (20 ms), and proceeds to step S705 when the received pulse signal is less than the predetermined pulse width (20 ms). To step S707.

In step S705, the information collecting terminal device 20 determines whether or not the received pulse signal is less than the upper limit pulse width (less than the upper limit pulse width). The upper limit pulse width is set to, for example, 600 ms. The process executed by the information collecting terminal device 20 proceeds to step S706 when the received pulse signal is less than the upper limit pulse width (600 ms), and proceeds to step S706 when the received pulse signal is more than the upper limit pulse width (600 ms). The process proceeds to step S707.

In step S706, the information collecting terminal device 20 identifies that the received pulse signal is a count signal, and adds 1 to the count signal number N (count signal number addition). As a result, the number of count signals N changes from 0 to 1 (N = N + 1 = 0 + 1 = 1). After that, each time the process executed by the information collecting terminal device 20 proceeds to step S706, the count signal number N is integrated by 1 (N = N + 1). When the count signal number addition in step S706 is performed, the process executed by the information collection terminal device 20 returns to step S703.

On the other hand, in step S707, the information collection terminal device 20 identifies that the received pulse signal is an abnormal signal, and adds 1 to the number of abnormal signals Na (addition of the number of abnormal signals). As a result, the number of abnormal signals Na changes from 0 to 1 (Na = Na + 1 = 0 + 1 = 1). After that, each time the process executed by the information collecting terminal device 20 proceeds to step S707, the number of abnormal signals Na is integrated by 1 (Na = Na + 1). When the number of abnormal signals in step S707 is added, the process executed by the information collecting terminal device 20 returns to step S703.

When the process returns from step S706 or step S707 to step S703, the information collection terminal device 20 again determines whether or not the timer value has elapsed the cycle monitoring time Tmin (for example, 600 ms) (time result determination). Then, when the information collecting terminal device 20 newly receives a pulse signal different from the pulse signal received in step S701 before the timer value elapses from the cycle monitoring time Tmin, the processing (counting) after step S704 is performed. Proceed to (number calculation process). In this way, the information collecting terminal device 20 repeats the processes from step S703 to step S707 in response to the reception of the new pulse signal until the timer value elapses from the cycle monitoring time Tmin (for example, 600 ms).

When the timer value elapses in the cycle monitoring time Tmin (600 ms) in step S703, the process executed by the information collection terminal device 20 proceeds to step S708.

In step S708, the information collection terminal device 20 processes the process of step 707 when the process of step S706 (count number addition) is not executed, that is, in the identification (count number calculation process) executed during the cycle monitoring time Tmin. When only (addition of abnormal signal number) is executed, the count number correction process is executed (count number correction process).

In the count number correction process, when the process of S706 is not executed and the count signal is not identified (when N = 0), it is assumed that the count signal is identified once, and the count signal number N is set to 1. This is a correction process (N = 1). At that time, in order to match the value of the lap count number Nt, which is the number of pulse signals generated within the cycle monitoring time Tmin (so as not to change the lap count number Nt), the information collection terminal device 20 has an abnormal signal. The number Na is subtracted by 1 (Na = Na-1).

Even when the processing of S706 is performed a plurality of times (when N ≧ 2), since the correct count signal is once within the cycle monitoring time Tmin, the information collection terminal device 20 has the number of count signals. N is corrected to 1 (N = 1). At that time, the information collection terminal device 20 also corrects the abnormal signal number Na in order to match with the value of the lap count number Nt. Here, the abnormal signal number Na is the same as the value obtained by subtracting the corrected count signal number N from the orbital count number Nt, which is the number of pulse signals generated within the cycle monitoring time Tmin (Na = Nt—N). ..

After that, in steps S709 to S712, the information collection terminal device 20 executes the same processing as the processing of steps S608 to S611 of FIG. 32 (information transmission processing, count information initialization, cycle monitoring end, signal end (information transmission processing, count information initialization, cycle monitoring end, signal end (). Waiting for signal reception)).

[Action and effect of the third embodiment]
In the amusement park management system 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the information collecting terminal device 20 as a signal identification means receives a pulse signal to receive a pulse signal during a preset periodic monitoring time Tmin. Start periodic monitoring to monitor the input status. Then, the information collecting terminal device 20 calculates the count number for the pulse signal received during the cycle monitoring (step S701) and the pulse signal received during the cycle monitoring (from step S702 to the affirmative determination in step S703). The process is executed to identify whether the information is count information or abnormality information (processes from step S704 to step S707).

According to the game hall management system 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the count signal can be correctly identified as in the game field management system 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. , Accurate count signal number N can be counted. Further, when an abnormality occurs, the abnormality is notified, so that the game hall manager can promptly confirm that the abnormality signal is output.

Further, in the game hall management system 100, the information collection terminal device 20 as a signal identification means does not identify the count signal (count signal number N) in the identification by the count number calculation process (process from step S704 to step S707). If (N = 0) or when a plurality of the count signals (count signal number N) are identified (N ≧ 2), it is corrected that the count signal (count signal number N) is identified once. The count number correction process is executed (N = 1).

According to such a game hall management system 100, the count signal (count signal number N) that should be originally identified only once can be corrected and identified by the count number correction process, so that the count signal and the abnormal signal can be identified. The number of can be counted accurately.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments are only a part of the application examples of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is limited to the specific configuration of the above embodiments. do not have.

For example, in the above embodiment, the information collecting terminal device 20 and the counting device (input / output device) are configured to identify the count signal and the abnormal signal, but the game device 200 identifies the count signal and the abnormal signal, and the game hall. Data (count information) may be transmitted to the management device 10 or the information collection terminal device 20. Further, the playground management device 10 may be configured to identify a count signal or an abnormal signal. Further, in the above embodiment, the gaming device 200 is a pachinko machine that uses a gaming ball as a gaming medium, but the gaming device 200 may be a slot machine that uses a medal as a gaming medium. Further, in the above embodiment, the game hall management system 100 functions as a game device, but the game field management device 10 may function as a game device by itself, and the information collection terminal device 20 may function as a game device by itself. May function as. Further, the game hall management device 10 and the information collection terminal device 20 may be interlocked with each other to function as a game field device.

10 Playground management device (notification means)
11 Output device 12 Playground server 20 Information collection terminal device (signal identification means)
30 Relay device 40 Management server 50 Call lamp (notification means)
100 Playground management system (game equipment)
200 Gaming device 300 Gaming machine 500 Card unit 570 Counting device (input / output device, input / output means)
600 Replenisher (input / output device, input / output means, counting device)
700 Out tank device (input / output device, input / output means, counting device)

Claims (1)

It is a game device that uses the data acquired from the game device installed in the game hall.
A signal generation means that generates a pulse signal that can be a count signal of a game medium,
A signal identification means for identifying a pulse signal having a predetermined pulse width or more as a count signal and identifying a pulse signal having a predetermined pulse width or less as an abnormal signal.
A notification means for notifying an abnormality based on the abnormality signal is provided.
The signal identification means is
By receiving the pulse signal, periodic monitoring for monitoring the input state of the pulse signal is started for a preset periodic monitoring time.
If the count signal is not identified with respect to the pulse signal received at the start of the cycle monitoring and the pulse signal received during the cycle monitoring, the count signal is identified once. A gaming device characterized by executing a count number correction process for correction.

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