JPH06114153A - Video management system for game hall - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To realize personnel saving by constituting the system so that monitoring can be executed exactly by one monitoring person, in the case of monitoring a state in the hall through an image picked up by an image pickup means. CONSTITUTION:A video camera 4 provided by one set each with respect to plural sets of PACHINKO game machines 1 is constituted so that each of the corresponding PACHINKO game machines 1 and its periphery can be pickup up successively by panning by a motor-driven universal head. An arithmetic processing circuit 7 provided in a centralized control device 3 designates arbitrarily a PACHINKO game machine 1 group being an image pickup object through a screen operation keyboard 8. A camera controller 5 allows the video camera 4 to pickup in order the PACHINKO game machine 1 belonging to the designated PACHINKO game machine 1 group and its periphery at every game machine, and allows one set of monitor television 13 to reproduce successively its image picked-up image.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image management system for a game machine such as a pachinko hall where the condition of the game machine and its surroundings can be monitored by images.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a game hall such as a pachinko hall, cameras are installed at a plurality of positions capable of picking up a predetermined number of pachinko gaming machines to monitor the situation in the hall, and pachinko hall employees. An image management system is used in which a plurality of monitor TVs, which correspond to the above-mentioned cameras in a one-to-one correspondence, are installed in a management room in which the resident station is located.

[0003]

In the image management system as described above, it is necessary to monitor a plurality of monitor televisions evenly at all times. However, in a situation where a large number of monitor TVs are installed, such as in a large-scale game arcade, it is quite difficult for one monitor to evenly monitor each monitor TV. Is
In order to properly monitor the inside of the amusement park, it is necessary to take measures such as increasing the number of monitoring personnel, which causes a problem that the personnel cost rises.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to accurately monitor the situation in the hall through an image picked up by an image pickup means by one observer. It is possible to provide a video management system for a game arcade that has the effect of enabling personnel saving.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides an image pickup means arranged so as to be able to take an image of a gaming machine and all the gaming machines around the gaming machine, and a game to be imaged. Designating means capable of arbitrarily designating a machine group, image sensing control means for causing the image sensing means to sequentially image the gaming machines belonging to the gaming machine group designated by the designating means and the periphery thereof, and the imaging And a reproducing means for sequentially reproducing the images picked up by the means.

In this case, the designating means may be configured to automatically extract and designate a gaming machine in a specific operating state.

It is also possible to provide a display section for visually indicating the arrangement of all the game machines in the game arcade, and to point the game machine in the state where the image is reproduced by the reproducing means in the display section.

[0008]

In the video management system for a game arcade according to claim 1, the image pickup control means can specify all the game machines in the game arcade when the game machine group is specified by the specifying means. ), The image of the gaming machines belonging to the specified gaming machine group and its surroundings is sequentially picked up by each of the gaming machines by the image pickup means. Then, the images sequentially picked up in this way are sequentially reproduced by the image means. Therefore, the observer can monitor the gaming machine group designated as described above by gazing at only the above-mentioned reproduced image, and if all the gaming machines in the game hall are designated by the designating means. Therefore, it becomes possible for one supervisor to accurately monitor the front gaming machine.

In the video management system for a game arcade according to claim 2, since the game machine in a specific operating state can be automatically extracted and specified by the specifying means, the game in the specific operating state can be specified. The monitoring system of the machine can be automatically strengthened, which is convenient in actual use.

In the video management system for a game arcade according to claim 3, the position of the game machine in the state of being image-reproduced by the reproducing means is displayed by a display section which visually indicates the arrangement of all the game machines in the game arcade. As a result, if an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine during monitoring of the gaming machine, the abnormality can be quickly dealt with.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 1 showing the overall electrical configuration, a plurality of pachinko game machines 1 as game machines are arranged in a row in a state where a plurality of machines arranged in a row are set as one unit in each pachinko game. A call lamp unit 2 is installed above the machine 1 in a one-to-one correspondence therewith. Calling lamp unit 2
Has a function of relaying the exchange of signals between the pachinko game machine 1 and the centralized management device 3 (having the function of the designation means in the present invention) installed in the management room in the game arcade. The specific configurations of the call lamp unit 2 and the centralized management device 3 will be described later.

For example, one TV camera 4 as an image pickup means is provided for each of a plurality of pachinko game machines 1.
In this case, although not shown, each of the TV cameras 4 is installed on the electric pan head so as to be capable of panning, and each of the corresponding pachinko game machines 1 and its periphery are sequentially imaged by a search operation according to the panning. It is configured to be possible. Therefore, each of the television cameras 4 can capture an image of the entire pachinko game machine 1 in the game arcade and its surroundings.

The camera control device 5 as an image pickup control means controls the operation of each of the television cameras 4 on the basis of a command from the centralized management device 3 or a data service terminal 6 which will be described later. This image signal is selectively applied to either the centralized management device 3 or the data service terminal 6, and the control content will be described later.

The centralized management device 3 has a well-known structure including an arithmetic processing circuit 7 composed of a computer, which has a screen operation keyboard 8 associated with the camera control device 5 and an original function. A keyboard 9 for data management, a printer 10 for outputting data, a display panel 11 as a display unit for visually showing the arrangement of all the pachinko game machines 1 in the game arcade, an in-store broadcasting device 12, a monitor TV 13 (in the present invention). (Corresponding to the so-called reproducing means), a mixing circuit 14 and a switching circuit 15 are provided together.

Here, the screen operating keyboard 8 is
It has a configuration including a plurality of keys as shown in FIG. Specifically, the keyboard 8 includes a numeric keypad SWD for inputting numerical data, a call key SW1, a search key SW2, a stop / cancel key SW3, a forward / reverse key SW4,
The slow key SW5, the fast key SW6, the scroll key SW7, the cancel key SW8, and the end key SW9 are provided.

The display panel 11 has a structure as shown in FIG. That is, the display panel 11 is formed by disposing a translucent (milky white) plate 11b in a state corresponding to the arrangement state of all the pachinko game machines 1 in the game hall on the panel body 11a. Is attached with a corresponding machine number (not shown) of the pachinko game machine 1, and three colors (for example, red,
A light emitting diode 11c (only one row is shown) capable of emitting light in each color of green and orange which is a mixed color thereof is provided.

In such a display panel 11, each light emitting diode 11c is continuously or intermittently lit in different colors to illuminate the corresponding plate 11b, and thus the pachinko corresponding to the illuminated plate 11b. The state of the game machine 1 is displayed. Specifically, the light emitting diode 11c is to give the highest priority to display the state in which the corresponding pachinko game machine 1 is imaged through the television camera 4, and in this case, it is continuously illuminated in orange, for example. In addition, in the states other than such a priority state, the light emitting diode 11c is the pachinko game machine 1
Is continuously illuminated in red when is in the special prize state, and continuously illuminated in green when the pachinko game machine 1 is in the game,
The pachinko game machine 1 is intermittently lit in red when a fraudulent act is performed, and is intermittently lit in green when the pachinko game machine 1 is occupied by a player.

Referring back to FIG. 1, an image control section 7a provided in association with the arithmetic processing circuit 7 receives an operation signal from the image operation keyboard 8 and also receives an operation signal from the camera control device 5. It is designed to send and receive signals,
Based on a control program stored in advance, the monitor TV 13 is controlled through the mixing circuit 14 and the switching circuit 15 is controlled. The control content will be described later.

The switching circuit 15 is adapted to give an image signal given from the television camera 4 through the camera control device 5 to the mixing circuit 14 while being turned on by the image control section 7a.

The mixing circuit 14 is provided with the image signal given through the switching circuit 15 and the image control section 7.
The image data Da given from a is mixed, and the mixed image is reproduced by the monitor television 13. When the image data Da is output from the image controller 7a when the switching circuit 15 is off, only the image data Da is reproduced on the monitor television 13.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic structure of the data service terminal 6 in a combination of functional blocks. In FIG. 4, the data service terminal 6 includes a control unit 16 including a microcomputer, a keyboard 17, a display panel 18 for visually showing the arrangement of all the pachinko game machines 1 in the game arcade, and a monitor TV 1.
9, a mixing circuit 20 and a switching circuit 21 are provided.

The keyboard 17 has a plurality of keys as shown in FIG. Specifically, the keyboard 17 includes a numeric keypad PWD for inputting numerical data, a call key PW1, and a search key PW.
2, stop / cancel key PW3, forward / reverse key PW4, slow key PW5, fast key PW6, scroll key PW
7, a cancel key PW8 and an end key PW9.

The display panel 18 basically has the same structure as the display panel 11 (see FIG. 3) of the centralized management device 3. However, this display panel 18
Can only display that the pachinko game machine 1 is being imaged through the TV camera 4, that it is in the special prize state, and that it is in the game.

Returning to FIG. 4, the control unit 16 receives an operation signal from the keyboard 17 and also exchanges a signal with the central control device 3 and the camera control device 5, Based on the stored control program, the monitor TV 19 is controlled through the mixing circuit 20, and the display panel 18 and the switching circuit 21 are controlled. The control content will be described later.

The switching circuit 21 includes a control unit 16
The image signal supplied from the television camera 4 through the camera control device 5 is supplied to the mixing circuit 20 while being turned on. Further, the mixing circuit 20 controls the image signal supplied via the switching circuit 21 and the control unit 1
6 is mixed with the image data Db given from the No. 6, and the mixed image is reproduced by the monitor television 19. When the switching circuit 21 is in the OFF state and the image data Db is output from the control unit 16, only the image data Db is reproduced on the monitor television 19.

Now, in the following, a specific structure of the calling lamp unit 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 15. First, in FIG. 6 showing the appearance of the calling lamp unit, a calling switch 2 formed of an automatic reset type push button switch is provided on the front surface of a rectangular main body case 22.
3 is provided. Further, on the upper part of the main body case 22, a rest display lamp 24 indicating that the corresponding pachinko game machine 1 player is taking a break, a prize display lamp 25 indicating that the pachinko game machine 1 is under a prize, The call lamps 26 are provided in a three-tiered manner, and on the upper surface of the call lamps 26, a game display lamp 27 indicating that the corresponding pachinko game machine 1 player is playing the game.
A non-operation indicator lamp 28 indicating that the pachinko game machine 1 is in the non-operation state is provided. In this case, the break display lamp 24, the prize display lamp 25, and the call lamp 26 are set to have different colors,
The game display lamp 27 and the non-operation display lamp 28 are also set to have different colors.

In FIG. 7 showing the electrical construction of the calling lamp unit 2 together with the related construction, from the pachinko game machine 1, an out-ball number signal Sa indicating the number of out-balls, a safe-ball number signal Sb indicating the number of safe balls, and a special prize. The repetitive pulse-shaped prize signal Sc indicating that the state is in the state, the upper plate signal Sd indicating that there is a pachinko ball in the upper plate for supplying the pachinko ball to the pachinko ball firing mechanism are output to the calling lamp unit 2. To be given. Further, the chair 1a for the pachinko game machine 1 is adapted to output a seating signal Se indicating a seated state of the player, and the seating signal Se is also given to the calling lamp unit 2.

A hitting signal Sf is given from the calling lamp unit 2 to the pachinko game machine 1. The pachinko game machine 1 is, for example, a pachinko ball firing mechanism during the input of the hitting signal Sf. By shutting off the power source, the game can be switched to a non-playable stop state.

The call lamp unit 2 has the following structure. That is, the prize signal input circuit 29 receives the repetitive pulse-shaped prize signal Sc from the pachinko game machine 1.
Is converted into a continuous level signal and given to the input terminal Q1 of the control unit 30. The flip-flop circuit 31 is triggered each time the calling switch 23 is turned on to invert the output, and supplies the output signal to the input terminal Q2 of the control unit 30. Further, the upper plate signal input circuit 32 supplies the upper plate signal Sd from the pachinko game machine 1 to the input terminal Q3 of the control unit 30.

The out-ball number signal input circuit 33 stores the numerical value indicated by the out-ball number signal Sa from the pachinko game machine 1 in the out-ball number register 34, and in synchronization with the rise of the out-ball number signal Sa. The retrigger type monostable multivibrator 35 is triggered. In this case, the time constant of the monostable multivibrator 35 is set to a value longer than the output cycle of the out-ball number signal Sa in the state in which the pachinko game machine 1 is playing a game. When the machine 1 is in operation, the monostable multivibrator 35 continuously outputs the in-operation signal Sg and supplies it to the input terminal Q4 of the control unit 30. The out-ball number register 34 stores the stored numerical value Na in the control unit 30.
Is applied to the input terminal Q5 and is reset by a command from the control unit 30.

The safe ball number signal input circuit 36 stores the numerical value indicated by the safe ball number signal Sb from the pachinko game machine 1 in the safe ball number register 37.
The safe ball number register 33 is configured to give the stored numerical value Nb to the input terminal Q6 of the control unit 30 and to be reset by a command from the control unit 30.

The sitting signal input circuit 38 gives a sitting signal Se from the chair 1a for the pachinko game machine 1 to the input terminal Q7 of the control unit 30.

The control unit 30 includes a computer, and outputs the stop signal Sf to the stop signal output circuit 3.
Actions given to the pachinko game machine 1 through 9, the break display lamp 24, the prize display lamp 25, and the call lamp 2
6, the operation of controlling the lighting state of the game display lamp 27 and the non-operation display lamp 28 via the drivers 40 to 44, the signal and data transmission operation via the data transmission circuit 45 and the multiplex communication line L1, respectively, as described above. Input terminal Q
1 to Q7, control signals given to the input terminal Q8 from the centralized management device 3 via the multiplex communication line L2 and the data receiving circuit 46, and a program stored in advance, In the following, among the control contents of the control unit 30, only the portion related to the gist of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 15.

That is, as shown in FIG.
After the control is started, first, the timer operation of the non-operation determination timer is started (step A1), and then the seating signal Se is set.
A2 for determining the input state of the signal, step A3 for determining the input state of the operating signal Sg, step A4 for determining the input state of the upper plate signal Sd, and it is determined whether or not the non-operation determination timer has timed out. A standby loop for sequentially executing step A5 is formed. The non-operation determination timer is an internal timer realized by a program of the control unit 30, and its timer operating time is set to about 5 minutes, for example.

In the state where the seating signal Se is input ("YES" in step A2), that is, in the state where the player is sitting on the chair 1a, the non-operation determination timer is reset and the timer of the in-game determination timer is reset. The operation is started (steps A6 and A7), and thereafter, the in-operation signal Sg
Is waited for, or until the seating signal Se is stopped, or until the in-game determination timer expires (steps A8, A9, A10). still,
The in-game determination timer is also an internal timer realized by the program of the control unit 30, and the timer operating time is set to about 10 minutes, for example.

When the operating signal Sg is input in the standby state as described above ("YES" in step A8), that is, when the game is being played on the pachinko game machine 1,
Reset the in-game determination timer (step A1
1), the in-game determination processing routine XL is executed.

In this in-game determination processing routine XL, as shown in FIG. 11, a determination flag FL indicating that control by the in-game determination processing routine XL has already been performed.
It is determined whether or not (step L1), and when the determination flag FL is present (when FL = 1), the process directly returns.
On the other hand, when there is no determination flag FL, it is determined whether or not there is another determination flag (FM, FN, FP, FQ) as described later (step L2). When there is no other determination flag, , Step L3 for setting the determination flag FL, a state signal ΔL indicating that the pachinko game machine 1 is playing
Is sequentially transmitted to the central control device 3 via the data transmission circuit 45, and step L5 of turning on the game display lamp 27 is sequentially executed, and then the process returns.

If there is another determination flag ("YES" in step L2), the other determination flag is initialized in step L6, and another state signal output at that time (actually, Is a step L7 for stopping the transmission of any of the status signals ΔM, ΔN, ΔP, and ΔQ, as will be apparent from the following description, and another display lamp (the break display lamp 24, the non-display lamp After executing step L8 to turn off any one of the operation display lamps 28, the control after step L3 is executed and the process returns.

In-game determination processing routine XL as described above
After the execution of (1), the process waits until the seating signal Se is stopped or the operating signal Sg is stopped (steps A12 and A13). In this standby state, when the input of the operating signal Sg is stopped, the process returns to the step A7 for starting the timer operation of the game determination timer, and when the input of the seating signal Se is stopped, it will be described later in FIG. Control goes to step A18.

On the other hand, when the seating signal Se is stopped in the standby state for executing steps A8 to A10 ("YES" in step A9), the in-game determination timer is reset (step A14). It returns to step A1 later.

In the standby state, when the in-game determination timer times out ("Y" at step A10).
ES ”), that is, a state in which the seating signal Se from the chair 1a is input (corresponding to a state where a person is sitting on the chair 1a and a state where luggage is placed on the chair 1a) is set as the in-game determination timer. When the timer operation time (10 minutes) or more continues, the occupancy determination processing routine XM is executed.

In this occupancy determination processing routine XM, as shown in FIG. 12, a determination flag FM indicating that control by the occupancy determination processing routine XM has already been performed.
It is determined whether or not (step M1), and if the determination flag FM is present (when FM = 1), the process directly returns.
On the other hand, when there is no determination flag FM, another determination flag (the determination flag FL, the determination flag F described later)
(N, FP, FQ) is determined (step M2), and if there is no other determination flag, the determination flag FM is set in step M3, which indicates that the pachinko game machine 1 is occupied for a purpose other than the game purpose. Centralized control device 3 for status signal ΔM
To the data transmission circuit 45 via the data transmission circuit 45
After sequentially executing 4, the process returns.

If there is another determination flag ("YES" in step M2), the other determination flag is initialized in step M5. Performs step M6 of stopping the transmission of the status signal ΔL and any of the status signals ΔN, ΔP, and ΔQ described later, and then executes the control of step M3 and thereafter and returns.

The occupancy determination processing routine XM as described above
After the execution of (1), the process waits until the seating signal Se is stopped or the operating signal Sg is input (steps A15 and A16). In this standby state, the seating signal Se
When the input is stopped, the process returns to step A1, and when the operating signal Sg is input, the control of the game determination processing routine XL and below is executed.

In the standby state in which steps A2 to A5 are executed, when the operating signal Sg is input ("YES" in step A3), the timer operation is performed at that time as shown in FIG. The non-operation determination timer that is present is reset (step A17), and the timer operation of the illegal game determination timer is started (step A18). The fraudulent game determination timer is also an internal timer realized by the program of the control unit 30, and its timer operating time is set to, for example, about 2 minutes.

After the timer operation of the illegal game determination timer is started in this way, until the seating signal Se is input or the operating signal Sg is stopped, or the illegal game determination timer is timed. It waits until it is up (steps A19, A20, A21).

In the standby state as described above, when the seating signal Se is input (“YES” in step A19),
Reset the fraudulent game determination timer (step A22),
After this, the control below the in-game determination processing routine XL is executed.

In the standby state, the operating signal S
When the input of g is stopped (“YE
S ”), that is, when the game on the pachinko game machine 1 is stopped, the illegal game determination timer is reset (step A23), and the process returns to step A1.

Further, in the standby state, when the illegal game determination timer times out (“YES” in step A21), that is, the sitting signal Se from the chair 1a is not input and only the operating signal Sg is input. If the state (corresponding to the state in which the pachinko game machine 1 is operating even though no person is sitting on the chair 1a) continues for more than the timer operating time (2 minutes) set in the illegal game determination timer, , The illegal game determination processing routine XN is executed.

In this illegal game determination processing routine XN,
As shown in FIG. 13, the illegal game determination processing routine X
It is determined whether or not there is a determination flag FN indicating that control by N has already been performed (step N1), and the determination flag FN
If there is (if FN = 1), the process directly returns. On the other hand, if there is no determination flag FN, it is determined whether or not there is another determination flag (the above-mentioned flags FL, FM, etc.) (step N2). If there is no other determination flag, the determination flag FN is set. After the step N3 of standing up, the step N4 of transmitting the status signal ΔN indicating that the illegal game is being performed in the pachinko game machine 1 to the centralized management device 3 via the data transmission circuit 45 is sequentially executed, and then the process returns.

If there is another determination flag ("YES" in step N2), the other determination flag is initialized in step N5. Executes step N6 for stopping the transmission of the status signals ΔL, ΔM and the status signals ΔP, ΔQ described later), and then executes the control after step N3 and returns.

Unauthorized game determination processing routine X as described above
After the execution of N, the process waits until the seating signal Se is input or the operating signal Sg is stopped (steps A24 and A25). In this standby state, the seating signal S
When e is input, the control below the game determination process routine XL is executed, and when the operating signal Sg is input, the process returns to step A1.

When the upper plate signal Sd is input in the standby state for executing steps A2 to A5 ("YES" in step A4), the timer operation is performed at that time as shown in FIG. The non-operation determination timer is reset (step A26), and the timer operation of the during-break determination timer is started (step A27). The rest determination timer is also an internal timer realized by the program of the control unit 30, and its timer operating time is set to about 5 minutes, for example.

After the timer operation of the break determination timer is started in this way, until the timer times out, the seating signal Se is input, the operating signal Sg is stopped, or It waits until the dish signal Sd is stopped (steps A28, A29, A3).
0, A31).

In the standby state as described above, when the timer for determining during break has timed out ("YE" in step A28).
S ”), that is, a state in which only the upper plate signal Sd is input without inputting the sitting signal Se from the chair 1a and the operating signal Sg from the pachinko game machine 1 (the pachinko game in the upper plate of the pachinko game machine 1). Despite the ball, chair 1a
When the pachinko game machine 1 is not running and the pachinko game machine 1 is not operating) continues for more than the timer operating time (5 minutes) set in the in-game determination timer, the in-rest determination processing routine XP To execute.

In this rest-time determination processing routine XP, as shown in FIG. 14, a determination flag FP indicating that the control during the rest-time determination processing routine XP has already been performed.
It is determined whether or not (step P1), and if there is the determination flag FP (when FP = 1), the process directly returns.
On the other hand, if there is no determination flag FP, it is determined whether or not there is another determination flag (flags FL, FM, FN, etc.) (step P2). If there is no other determination flag,
The step P3 of setting the determination flag FP, the step P4 of transmitting the status signal ΔP indicating that the player of the pachinko game machine 1 is taking a break to the central control unit 3 via the data transmission circuit 45, and the break display lamp 24. After the step P5 of lighting is sequentially executed, the process returns.

If there is another determination flag ("YES" in step P2), the other determination flag is initialized in step P6. Are the status signals ΔL, ΔM, ΔN,
ΔP, step P7 for stopping the transmission of any of the status signals ΔQ described later), and step P8 for extinguishing the other display lamps (any of the game display lamp 27 and the non-operation display lamp 28) that are turned on at that time. After executing, the control after step P3 is executed and the process returns.

When the seating signal Se is input in the standby state for executing the steps A28 to A31 ("YES" in step A29), the step A32 for resetting the during break determination timer is executed, and then the above-mentioned steps are executed. Go to step A7. Further, in the standby state, when the operating signal Sg is input (“Y” in step A30).
ES)), after executing step A33 for resetting the during-break determination timer, the process proceeds to step A18. Further, when the input of the upper plate signal Sd is stopped in the standby state (“YES” in step A31), step A34 for resetting the break determination timer is executed, and then the process returns to step A1.

After the execution of the rest determination processing routine XP, the operation of the occupancy shift determination timer is started (step A35). The occupancy shift determination timer is also an internal timer realized by the program of the control unit 30, and its timer operating time is set to about 25 minutes, for example.

After the timer operation of the occupancy shift determination timer is started in this manner, the operating signal S is input until the timer expires and the seating signal Se is input.
Wait until g is input or the upper plate signal Sd is stopped (steps A36, A37, A3).
8, A39).

In the standby state as described above, when the occupancy shift determination timer expires ("Y" in step A36).
ES "), that is, when the break display lamp 24 is turned on in accordance with the execution of the break determination processing routine XP as described above for more than the timer operation time (25 minutes) set in the occupancy determination timer. Executes the occupancy determination processing routine XM (see FIG. 12) similar to the above.

When the seating signal Se is input in the standby state in which the steps A36 to A39 are executed ("YES" in step A37), after the step A40 for resetting the occupancy shift determination timer is executed. The process moves to step A7. In addition, in the standby state, when the operating signal Sg is input (step A38)
"YES"), the step A41 of resetting the occupancy shift determination timer is executed, and then the step A18
Move to. Further, in the standby state, the plate signal S
When the input of d is stopped (“YE
In S "), the step A42 of resetting the occupancy shift determination timer is executed, and the process returns to the step A1.

After execution of the occupancy determination processing routine XM following step A36, the seating signal Se is input, the operating signal Sg is stopped, or the upper plate signal Sd is stopped. (Steps A43, A44, A45). And the seating signal S
When e is input (“YES” in step A43), the process proceeds to step A7, and when the operating signal Sg is input (“YES” in step A44), the process proceeds to step A18. When the input of the upper plate signal Sd is stopped (“YES” in step A45), the process returns to step A1.

In the standby state for executing steps A2 to A5 (see FIG. 8), when the non-operation determination timer times out ("YES" in step A5), that is, the seating signal Se, the in-operation signal Sg and the upper plate The non-input state of the signal Sd (corresponding to the state where the chair 1a is not used, the pachinko game machine 1 is in the non-operation state, and there is no pachinko ball on the upper plate of the pachinko game machine 1) is the non-operation determination timer. When the timer operation time (5 minutes) or more has been set, the non-operation determination processing routine XQ is executed.

In the non-operation determination processing routine XQ, as shown in FIG. 15, a determination flag FQ indicating that the control by the non-operation determination processing routine XQ has already been performed.
It is determined whether or not (step Q1), and if there is a determination flag FQ (when FQ = 1), the process directly returns.
On the other hand, if there is no determination flag FQ, it is determined whether or not there is another determination flag (the above-mentioned flags FL, FM, FN, FP) (step Q2). If there is no other determination flag, the determination is made. A step Q3 of setting a flag FQ, a step Q4 of transmitting a status signal ΔQ indicating that the corresponding pachinko game machine 1 is inactive to the centralized management device 3 via the data transmission circuit 45, and a non-operation indicator lamp 28. After sequentially executing step Q5 of lighting, the process returns.

If there is another determination flag ("YES" in step Q2), the other determination flag is initialized in step Q6. Step Q7 of stopping the transmission of any of the signals ΔL, ΔM, ΔN, ΔP, and step Q8 of extinguishing the other indicator lamp (either the break indicator lamp 24 or the game indicator lamp 27) which is turned on at that time. After executing, the control after step Q3 is executed and the process returns.

Non-operation determination processing routine XQ as described above
After execution of the above, the process waits until any one of the seating signal Se, the operating signal Sg and the upper plate signal Sd is input (steps A46, A47, A48). Then, when the seating signal Se is input (“YES” in step A46), the process proceeds to step A7, and when the operating signal Sg is input (“YES” in step A47), the step A is performed.
When the upper plate signal Sd is further input (“YES” in step A48), the process proceeds to step A2.
Move to 7.

In summary, the calling lamp unit 2 is
Based on the out-ball number signal Sa from the pachinko game machine 1, the upper plate signal Sd, and the seating signal Se from the chair 1a, the state of the pachinko game machine 1 is for a state in which a game is being played or for a purpose other than the game. It is determined whether it is in a occupied state, a state where an illegal game is being played, a state where the player is taking a break, or a non-operating state. Then, the calling lamp unit 2 performs control to selectively turn on the break display lamp 24, the game display lamp 27, and the non-operation display lamp 28 based on the above determination result, and responds to the determination result. Status signals ΔL, Δ
Control such as transmitting M, ΔN, ΔP, and ΔQ to the centralized management device 3 is performed.

In addition to the above-described control, the calling lamp unit 2 controls the total number of the out-ball number signal Sa and the safe-ball number signal Sb and a control for transmitting the totaled result to the centralized management device 3, and the special prize signal Sc. Based on the lighting of the prize display lamp 25 and the control of transmitting the status signal ΔF indicating that the pachinko game machine 1 is in the prize state to the centralized management device 3, the lighting control of the call lamp 26 according to the operation of the call switch 23, Although the stop control of the pachinko game machine 1 (output control of the stop signal Sf) and the like are performed in response to a command from the centralized management device 3, a detailed description is omitted here.

16 to 19 show the central control unit 3
Among the control contents by the arithmetic processing circuit 7 therein, the contents of the menu selection processing routine for designating the imaging range by the television camera 4 are shown, which will be described below.

That is, this menu selection processing routine is
Search key SW of the screen operation keyboard 8 (see FIG. 2)
2 is operated and when a reproduction process of a captured image by the TV camera 4 as described later is finished. First, the switching circuit 15 is turned off, and in this state, the monitor TV An initial menu screen as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed on the screen 13 through the image controller 7a and the mixing circuit 14 (step B).
1). This screen serves as a guide for selecting an image pickup target by the television camera 4 through the screen operating keyboard 8, and the types of keys for which the operation on the screen operating keyboard 8 is valid are surrounded by a rectangular frame. .

Specifically, in the example shown in FIG.
When selecting "all", that is, when all the pachinko game machines 1 in the game arcade are to be imaged by the TV camera 4 ... Numeric key "1" of the numeric keypad SWD and call key SW
In the case of selecting "type" by operating 1 in sequence, that is, in the case where the pachinko game machine 1 of a specific type (so-called seven type, type such as a honey type) is set as the imaging range ...
The numeric key "2" and the call key SW1 are sequentially operated,
When selecting "model name", that is, when the pachinko game machine 1 with a specific model name (discrimination by manufacturer) is set as the imaging range ... Numeric key "3" of numeric keypad SWD and call key SW
1 is operated in sequence, when “specified condition” is selected, that is, when the pachinko game machine 1 satisfying the specified condition is set as the imaging range ... The numeric key “4” of the ten-key pad SWD and the call key SW1 are operated sequentially. The contents are displayed.

Then, in the above-mentioned initial menu screen display state, the arithmetic processing circuit 7 operates as shown in FIGS.
As shown in, wait until the operation such as the above-mentioned, that is, the selection operation of "all units", "type", "model name", "specified condition" is performed, or until the end key SW9 is operated. (Steps B2, B3, B4, B5, B
6) When the end key SW9 is operated in this standby state (“YES” in step B5 of FIG. 19), the process returns to the main routine.

In the standby state as described above, the numeric keypad SWD
When "all" is selected in response to the numerical key "1" and the call key SW1 being sequentially operated ("YES" in step B2 shown in FIG. 16), the camera control device 5 is instructed. The search signal ΣS is output (step B7).

The search signal ΣS is, as shown in FIG. 24, a type code C1 indicating the operation contents of the television camera 4,
It is a signal including all or a part of the area code C2 for indicating the imaging target and the machine number code C3 of the pachinko game machine 1, and in particular, the type code C1 and the area code C.
As 2 is set as shown in the table below.

[0076]

[Table 1]

However, the area code C2 is included only in the search signal ΣS including the “imaging start” code ZS.
The machine number code C3 is included only in the search signal ΣS that includes the area code C2 other than the “all machines” code YA (“all machines that indicate that the imaging targets are all the pachinko game machines 1 in the game arcade and their surroundings”). (Since the search signal ΣS including the code YA does not need the unit number code).

In short, the type code C1 is "imaging completed"
Code ZS, "Forward" code ZF, "Reverse" code Z
R, “pause” code ZP, “pause release” code ZR, “search speed up” code ZU, or “search speed down” code ZD is included in the area code C2 and the unit number code. C3 is not included, and the unit number code C3 is not included in the search signal ΣS whose type code C1 is the “all units” code ZS.
It should be noted that the search signals ΣS are not output more than once at the same time, and when a new search signal ΣS is output, the search signals ΣS that have been output until then are canceled.

Therefore, in FIG. 16, in the step B7, the combination of the "imaging start" code ZS and the "all units" code YA indicating that the object to be imaged is all the pachinko game machines 1 in the game arcade and their surroundings. To output the search signal ΣS.

After this, the forward / reverse key SW4 of the screen operating keyboard 8, the slow key SW5, the fast key SW6, the stop / cancel key SW3,
Time-out of stop release timer described later, end key SW
Wait until any of the operations of 9 is performed (step B
8, B9, B10, B11, B12, B13).

When the forward / reverse key SW4 is operated ("YES" in step B8), it is determined whether or not the television camera 4 is in the search operation (panning operation) (step B14). When the television camera 4 is performing the search operation, it is determined whether or not the search operation direction is the forward direction (step B15).
The search signal ΣS including the “reverse” code ZB is output to the camera control device 5 (step B16), and when it is in the reverse direction, the search signal ΣS including the “forward” code ZF is output to the camera control device 5. (Step B1
7) After executing step B16 or B17, the process proceeds to step B9. Further, when the search operation of the TV camera 4 is stopped (“N” in step B14).
O ”), the above steps B15 to B17 are jumped to and the process proceeds to step B9.

When the slow key SW5 is operated ("YES" in step B9), it is determined whether or not the television camera 4 is in the search operation (step B1).
8) If the television camera 4 is performing the search operation, the search signal ΣS including the “search speed down” code ZD is output to the camera control device 5 (step B19),
After this, the process proceeds to step B10. When the search operation of the TV camera 4 is stopped (step B1
If the answer is 8, "NO"), the step B19 is jumped to the step B10.

Even when the fast key SW6 is operated ("YES" in step B10), the television camera 4
Is during the search operation (step B20), and when the television camera 4 is performing the search operation, the search signal ΣS including the “search speed-up” code ZU is sent to the camera control device 5. Output (Step B2
1) After that, the process proceeds to step B11. If the search operation of the television camera 4 is stopped (“NO” in step B20), the process jumps to step B11 and jumps to step B11.

When the stop / cancel key SW3 is operated ("YES" in step B11), the television camera 4
Determines whether the search operation is in progress (step B22). If the search operation is in progress, the "pause" code ZP
Is output to the camera control device 5 and the timer operation of the stop release timer (this is an internal timer configured by a program in the arithmetic processing circuit 7) is started (steps B23, B24). After that, the process proceeds to step B12.

When the search operation of the television camera 4 is stopped when the stop / release key SW3 is operated ("NO" in step B22), the search signal ΣS including the "pause release" code ZR is sent. While outputting to the camera control device 5, the stop release timer is reset (steps B25 and B26), and then step B12.
Move to.

When the stop release timer times out ("YES" in step B12), the search signal ΣS including the "temporary stop release" code ZR is output to the camera control device 5 (step B27), and thereafter. Step B1
Move to 3.

Therefore, the search signal .SIGMA.S (including the temporary stop code "ZP") for temporarily stopping the search operation by the television camera 4 is started to be output in response to the operation of the stop / cancel key SW3, and at the same time the key is pressed. The output is stopped when the SW3 is re-operated or when the time (for example, 1 minute) set in the stop release timer elapses.

When the end key SW9 is operated ("YES" in step B13), "imaging end" code ZE
Is output to the camera control device 5 and the above-mentioned initial menu screen is displayed on the monitor television 13 (steps B28 and B29), and then the process returns to the standby state in which the steps B2 to B6 are executed.

In FIG. 17, in the standby state in which steps B2 to B6 are executed, the "type" is displayed in response to the numerical key "2" of the numeric keypad SWD and the call key SW1 being operated in sequence.
Is selected (“YES” in step B3),
For the monitor television 13, through the image control unit 7a, as shown in FIG.
The first auxiliary menu screen as shown in 1 is displayed (step B30).

This first auxiliary menu screen is displayed on a pachinko game machine 1 such as a so-called "seven machine", "nebulous thing", "kenri thing", "alepachi", "pachi-slot", or the like. The selection key serves as a guide for selecting each type, and such selection is performed by the numeric key “1” of the numeric keypad SWD of the screen operation keyboard 8.
The operation is performed by a combination operation of "5" and the call key SW1.

In the display state of the first auxiliary menu screen, until the menu selection operation (combination operation of the numeric keys “1” to “5” of the ten-key SWD and the call key SW1) is performed, or the end key It waits until SW9 is operated (steps B31 and B32).

When the end key SW9 is operated ("YES" in step B32), the initial menu screen is displayed on the monitor television 13 (step B33), and thereafter, the process returns to the standby loop of steps B2 to B6.

When the menu selection operation is performed ("YES" in step B31), the "imaging start" code Z
The search signal ΣS including S, the “type” code YT and the machine number code C3 is output to the camera control device 5 (step B34). In this case, the machine number code C3 includes the machine number data of a plurality of pachinko game machines 1 corresponding to the type (“Seven machine”, “Hanemono”, etc.) designated by the menu selection operation, Such unit number data is stored in advance on the centralized management device 3 side. However, such a relationship between the type of the pachinko game machine 1 and the machine number data may be stored in the camera control device 5 side. In such a case, the machine number code is included in the search signal ΣS. It is not necessary to include C3.

Such a search signal ΣS (ZS + YT +
After performing the output control of C3), the forward / reverse key SW4 of the screen operation keyboard 8, the slow key SW5, the fast key SW6, the stop / cancel key SW3 are operated.
Wait, until the stop release timer, which will be described later, or the end key SW9 is operated (steps B35, B36, B37, B38, B39, B4).
0).

When the forward / reverse key SW4 is operated ("YES" in step B35), the above-mentioned step B1 is performed.
Steps B41 to B44 having the same contents as 4 to B17 are executed.

When the slow key SW5 is operated ("YES" in step B36), the step B18,
When steps B45 and B46 having the same contents as B19 are executed respectively and the fast key SW6 is operated (“YES” in step B37), the steps B20 and B2 are executed.
Steps B47 and B48 having the same contents as 1 are executed.

When the stop / cancel key SW3 is operated ("YES" in step B38), the above-mentioned step B
Steps B49 to B53 having the same contents as 22 to B26, respectively.
To execute.

When the stop release timer whose timer operation has started in step B51 has timed out ("YES" in step B39), the "temporary stop release" code Z
The search signal ΣS including R is output to the camera control device 5 (step B54), and thereafter, the process proceeds to step B40.

When the end key SW9 is operated ("YES" in step B40), "imaging end" code ZE
Is output to the camera control device 5, the initial menu screen is displayed on the monitor television 13 (steps B55 and B56), and then the process returns to the standby state in which steps B2 to B6 are executed.

In FIG. 18, steps B2 to B6 described above are performed.
When the "model name" is selected in response to the numerical key "3" of the ten-key pad SWD and the call key SW1 being operated in the standby state for executing (YES in step B4).
S ”), the image control unit 7a
The second auxiliary menu screen as shown in FIG. 22 is displayed through (step B57).

This second auxiliary menu screen serves as a guide when selecting a group of pachinko game machines 1 of a specific model name distinguished for each manufacturer as an image pickup target by the TV camera 4. Such selection is performed by a combination operation of the numeric keys "1" to "0" of the numeric keypad SWD on the screen operation keyboard 8 and the call key SW1. It should be noted that the second auxiliary menu screen shows a state where the display of the model name has overflowed (a state in which there is a model name other than the model name shown in FIG. 22). The overflowing model name is displayed by scrolling the above screen. Therefore, on the second auxiliary menu screen, the image d indicating that the scroll key SW7 for screen scrolling as described above can be operated.
1 is also displayed.

In the display state of the second auxiliary menu screen, until the menu selection operation (combination operation of the numeric keys "1" to "0" of the numeric keypad SWD and the call key SW1) is performed, or the scroll key It waits until either SW7 or the end key SW9 is operated (steps B58, B59, B60).

When the end key SW9 is operated (“YES” in step B60), the initial menu screen is displayed on the monitor television 13 (step B61), and thereafter, the process returns to the standby loop of steps B2 to B6.

When the scroll key SW7 is operated, the screen of the monitor television 13 is scrolled by a predetermined amount (step B62), and then steps B58 to B60.
Return to the waiting loop.

When the menu selection operation is performed ("YES" in step B58), "imaging start" code Z
The search signal ΣS including S, the “model name” code YK and the machine number code C3 is output to the camera control device 5 (step B63). In this case, the unit number code C3 includes unit number data of a plurality of pachinko game machines 1 corresponding to the model name designated by the menu selection operation.
Such unit number data is stored in advance on the centralized management device 3 side. However, when the relationship between the model name of the pachinko game machine 1 and the machine number data is stored in the camera control device 5 side, it is not necessary to include the machine number code C3 in the search signal ΣS. .

Such a search signal ΣS (ZS + YK +
After performing the output control of C3), the forward / reverse key SW4 of the screen operation keyboard 8, the slow key SW5, the fast key SW6, the stop / cancel key SW3 are operated.
Wait, until the stop release timer described later or the end key SW9 is operated (steps B64, B65, B66, B67, B68, B6).
9).

When the forward / reverse key SW4 is operated ("YES" in step B64), the above-mentioned step B1 is executed.
Steps B70 to B73 having the same contents as 4 to B17 are executed.

When the slow key SW5 is operated ("YES" in step B65), the above-mentioned step B18,
When steps B74 and B75 having the same contents as B19 are executed and the fast key SW6 is operated (“YES” in step B66), the steps B20 and B2 are executed.
Steps B76 and B77 having the same contents as 1 are executed.

When the stop / cancel key SW3 is operated ("YES" in step B67), the above-mentioned step B
Steps B78 to B82 having the same contents as 22 to B26, respectively.
To execute.

When the stop release timer whose timer operation has started in step B80 has timed out ("YES" in step B68), "pause release" code Z
The search signal ΣS including R is output to the camera control device 5 (step B83), and thereafter, the process proceeds to step B69.

When the end key SW9 is operated ("YES" in step B69), "imaging end" code ZE
Is output to the camera control device 5 and the initial menu screen is displayed on the monitor television 13 (steps B84 and B85), after which the process returns to the standby state in which steps B2 to B6 are executed.

In FIG. 19, the above steps B2 to B6 are performed.
When the "specified condition" is selected in response to the numerical key "4" of the ten-key pad SWD and the call key SW1 being operated in the standby state for executing (YES in step B5).
S ”), the image control unit 7a
The third auxiliary menu screen as shown in FIG. 23 is displayed through (step B86).

The third auxiliary menu screen serves as a guide for selecting the pachinko game machine 1 that satisfies the specified condition as an image pickup target by the television camera 4, and such selection is for screen operation. The operation is performed by a combination operation of the numeric keys "1" to "6" of the numeric keypad SWD on the keyboard 8 and the call key SW1.

The conditions that can be specified on the third auxiliary menu screen are: the pachinko game machine 1 in the game (this is determined based on the status signal ΔL from the calling lamp unit 2), and the game purpose other than the game purpose. Occupied pachinko game machine 1 (this is determined based on the status signal ΔM from the calling lamp unit 2), ... Pachinko game machine 1 in which an illegal game is being played (this is a status signal from the calling lamp unit 2) The pachinko game machine 1 (this is the calling lamp unit 2) during which the player is taking a break.
Based on the status signal ΔQ from the calling lamp unit 2 while not operating (displayed as “vacant base” in the screen of FIG. 23). It is one of the pachinko game machines 1 in the special prize state (this is determined based on the state signal ΔX from the calling lamp unit 2).

In the display state of the third auxiliary menu screen, until the menu selection operation (combination operation of the numeric keys "1" to "6" of the numeric keypad SWD and the call key SW1) is performed, or the end key. It waits until the SW9 is operated (steps B87, B88).

When the end key SW9 is operated ("YES" in step B88), the initial menu screen is displayed on the monitor television 13 (step B89), and thereafter, the process returns to the standby loop of steps B2 to B6.

When the menu selection operation is performed ("YES" in step B87), the "imaging start" code Z
S, code for specifying conditions (“playing” code YL,
Any one of the "occupancy" code YM, the "illegal game" code YN, the "resting" code YP, the "non-operating table" code YQ, and the "special prize" code YF, which is indicated by Y (x) here. ) And the unit number code C3 are output to the camera control device 5 (step B90). In this case, the unit number code C3 is specified by the status signals ΔL, ΔM, ΔN, ΔP, ΔQ and ΔF from the calling lamp unit 2.

Such a search signal ΣS (ZS + Y
After performing the output control of (x) + C3), the operation of the forward / reverse key SW4 of the screen operation keyboard 8 and the slow key S
The system waits until any one of W5 operation, fast key SW6 operation, stop / release key SW3 operation, stop release timer time-out described later, and end key SW9 operation is performed (steps B91, B92, B93, B94). , B9
5, B96).

When the forward / reverse key SW4 is operated ("YES" in step B91), the above-mentioned step B1 is executed.
Steps B97 to B100 with the same contents as 4 to B17 respectively
To execute.

When the slow key SW5 is operated ("YES" in step B92), the step B18,
When Steps B101 and B102 having the same contents as those of B19 are executed and the fast key SW6 is operated (“YES” in Step B93), the above-mentioned Step B20,
Steps B103 and B104 having the same contents as B21 are executed.

When the stop / cancel key SW3 is operated ("YES" in step B94), the above step B
22 to B26, steps B105 to B1 having the same contents, respectively.
09 is executed.

When the stop release timer whose timer operation has started in step B107 has timed out ("YES" in step B95), the search signal ΣS including the "pause release" code ZR is sent to the camera control device 5. It is output (step B110), and thereafter, the process proceeds to step B96.

When the end key SW9 is operated ("YES" in step B96), the "imaging end" code ZE
Is output to the camera control device 5 and the initial menu screen is displayed on the monitor television 13 (steps B111 and B112), after which the process returns to the standby state in which steps B2 to B6 are executed.

In summary, in the menu selection routine by the arithmetic processing circuit 7, of the search menu displayed on the monitor TV 13, the one specified by the operation of the screen operation keyboard 8 is started by the TV camera 4, The control is performed to output to the camera control device 5 as a search signal ΣS for instructing the imaging range, the imaging end, and the like.

In the data service terminal 6 as well, in accordance with the operation of the keyboard 17, the arithmetic processing circuit 7 described above is used.
The same control as that of the menu selection routine can be performed. However, the data service terminal 6 displays an initial menu screen as shown in FIG. 25 on the monitor television 19. That is, in the menu selection routine by the data service terminal 6, the menu selection by the arithmetic processing circuit 7 is configured so that the "designation condition" with the pachinko game machine 1 satisfying the designated condition as the imaging range cannot be selected. Different from the routine.

Thus, the arithmetic processing circuit 7 is adapted to perform an important control related to the gist of the present invention other than the above-mentioned menu selection routine. The control will be described later. In the following, the control content of the camera control device 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 26, the camera controller 5 waits until the search signal ΣS including the “imaging start” code ZS is input from the arithmetic processing circuit 7 (step D).
1, D2). When the search signal ΣS including the “imaging start” code ZS is input, the unit number of the pachinko game machine 1 to be imaged indicated by the area code C2 and the unit number code C3 included in the search signal ΣS is not searched. It is stored in the memory (step D3). That is, when the area code C2 is the "all units" code YA, the unit numbers of all the pachinko game machines 1 in the game arcade are stored in the search memory, and the area code C2 is other than the "all units" code YA. In this case, the unit number indicated by the unit number code C3 is stored in the search memory.

Next, the pachinko game machines 1 with the machine numbers stored in the search memory are TV cameras 4 (one for each of the plurality of pachinko game machines 1).
A shooting operation routine D4 for shooting is performed. In this routine D4, the TV cameras 4 are sequentially operated one by one, and among the plurality of pachinko game machines 1 corresponding to each TV camera 4, the pachinko game machines stored in the search memory as described above and the periphery thereof are operated. The image signals are picked up for a certain period of time, and the image signal obtained by the image pickup is transmitted to the centralized management device 3. Each television camera 4 is sequentially operated from the one corresponding to the pachinko game machine 1 whose unit number stored in the search memory is young. It is designed to work.

In this case, the image pickup time of each pachinko game machine 1 and its surroundings is determined by the internal timer, and every time the internal timer times out, the television camera 4 is panned to select the next image pickup object. It is composed.

When there are a plurality of pachinko game machines 1 to be imaged by one television camera 4, the pachinko game machines 1 with the lowest machine numbers are sequentially panned and imaged. Further, the panning speed is significantly increased when the pachinko game machine 1 (one whose machine number is not stored in the search memory) that is not the imaging target during the imaging operation is in the imaging range. The television camera 4 is returned to the home position each time the corresponding pachinko game machine 1 is imaged.

During execution of the image pickup operation routine D4, the unit number signal AN indicating the unit number of the pachinko game machine 1 currently being imaged is fed back to the central control unit 3 until the internal time is up. Step D
5, D6).

When the internal timer times out,
It is determined whether the imaging of all the pachinko game machines stored in the search memory is completed and the input state of the search signal ΣS is determined (steps D7 and D8), and the imaging of all the pachinko game machines is not completed. Status and search signal Σ
When S is not input, the control of the imaging operation routine D4 and subsequent steps is repeatedly executed.

When the image pickup of all the pachinko game machines stored in the search memory is completed (“YE” in step D7).
S ”) is an end signal S indicating that the image pickup operation has ended.
Feedback X to the central control device 3 side (step D
9) Then, the process returns to the initial state (step D1).

When the search signal ΣS is input (“YES” in step D8), the search signal ΣS is input.
It is determined whether or not there is an “imaging end” code ZE in S and whether or not there is an “imaging start” code ZS in the search signal ΣS (steps D10 and D11).

"Image pickup end" code Z in the search signal ΣS
When there is E, that is, when the imaging end menu is selected through the screen operation keyboard 8 of the centralized management device 3, the unit number stored in the search memory is initialized (step D12), and then step D9 is executed. Then it returns to the initial state.

If neither the "imaging end" code ZE nor the "imaging start" code ZS is present in the search signal ΣS ("NO" in step D11), that is, the search signal Σ
During S, "forward rotation" code ZS, "reverse rotation" code ZB, "temporary stop" code ZP, "temporary stop release" code ZR,
In a state in which either the “search speed up” code ZU or the “search speed down” code ZD is included, the imaging operation routine D is executed after the command content execution routine D13 is executed.
4, the "imaging start" code ZS is added during the search signal ΣS.
If there is any (“YES” in step D11), that is, the imaging operation has already started and the search signal Σ as described above is present.
If S is meaningless, the process directly returns to the imaging operation routine D4.

In the instruction content execution routine D13, the television camera 4 which is performing the image pickup operation at that stage is operated as follows according to the kind of code as described above included in the search signal ΣS.

When the "forward" code ZS is included, the panning direction of the television camera 4 at that time is switched to the normal direction (forward direction) when it is the reverse direction.

When the "reverse" code ZB is included, the panning direction of the TV camera 4 at that time is switched to the normal direction when the normal direction is selected. The "pause" code ZP is included. If it is, the panning operation of the TV camera 4 operating at that time is prohibited.

When the "pause release" code ZR is included, the above-described panning operation prohibited state of the television camera 4 is released.

If the "search speed-up" code ZU is included, the imaging time of the pachinko game machine 1 and its surroundings by the TV camera 4 operating at that time is shortened. It should be noted that such shortening of the imaging time is performed by reducing the time until the internal timer times out.

When the "search speed down" code ZD is included, the imaging time of the pachinko game machine 1 and its surroundings by the TV camera 4 operating at that time is extended. The extension of the image pickup time is performed by increasing the time until the internal timer times out.

In summary, the camera control device 5 receives the search signal ΣS from the central control device 3 side,
Image signals of the pachinko game machine 1 and its surroundings designated by the search signal ΣS in order (the order of the machine number is small), and the machine of the pachinko game machine 1 currently being imaged corresponding to the image signal. Control is performed to transmit the unit number signal AN indicating the number to the centralized management device 3. Further, when the search signal ΣS includes a command for switching the search direction, switching the search speed, etc., control is executed to execute the command.

In this case, the camera control device 5 is configured to store the unit number of the pachinko game machine 1 to be imaged in the search memory based on the search signal ΣS transmitted from the centralized management device 3 side. The state signals ΔL, ΔM, ΔN, ΔP, and ΔQ output from the lamp unit 2 are directly received by the camera control device 5, and the machine number of the pachinko game machine 1 to be imaged based on these state signals. May be stored in the search memory. In such a configuration, it is not necessary to include the unit number code C3 in the search signal ΣS.

The control contents shown in FIG. 26 are those when the search signal ΣS is given from the centralized management device 3 side, but the camera control device 5 is given the search signal from the data service terminal 6. In this case, an image signal obtained by sequentially capturing the pachinko game machine 1 and its surroundings having the machine number designated by the search signal, and a machine number indicating the machine number of the pachinko game machine 1 currently being imaged corresponding to the image signal. The control is performed to transmit the signal AN to the data service terminal 6 and, when the search signal includes a command for switching the search direction, the command is executed.

Now, in FIG. 27, of the control contents by the arithmetic processing circuit 7 in the centralized management device 3, the camera control device 5 is included.
The contents of an image reproduction processing routine for reproducing the image signal sent from the above as described above on the monitor television 13 are schematically shown, which will be described below.

That is, this image reproduction processing routine is executed when the output operation of the search signal ΣS including the “imaging start” code ZS as described above is performed through the screen operation keyboard 8 (step E1). ), At the time of the transition, first, the display of the menu screen on the monitor television 13 is stopped and the switching circuit 15 is turned on (steps E2 and E3), and thereafter, the mixing data a and c are supplied to the mixing circuit 14. Output (routine E4).

Here, the mixing data a is as shown in FIG. 28 showing an example of the reproduction screen of the monitor television 13.
Display area 13a set at the top of monitor TV 13
The area code C2 (Table 1) which is data displayed in step S1 and is attached to the search signal ΣS input in step E1.
(See) "All" code YA, "Type" code Y
Display according to T, "model name" code YK.

Specifically, when the search signal ΣS includes the “all units” code YA, the characters “all units” are displayed. ... "Type" code Y for search signal ΣS
When T is included, characters such as “Seven machine” and “Scrap” which are the types of the pachinko game machine 1 specified by the “Type” code YT are displayed. If the search signal ΣS includes the “model name” code YK, the characters representing the model name of the pachinko game machine 1 specified by the “model name” code YK are displayed.

Further, the mixing data c is shown in FIG.
As shown in, the data is displayed in the display area 13c set in the lower part of the monitor TV 13, and when the image reproduction processing routine is started from the initial state, the panning direction of the TV camera 4 is the normal direction. Is displayed, and if the panning direction of the TV camera 4 is reversed thereafter, "reverse" is displayed and the panning operation of the TV camera 4 is temporarily prohibited. In the state, the state of the television camera 4 is displayed, such as "pause" is displayed.

After the execution of the step E4, the camera controller 5 waits until the unit number signal AN is newly input (step E5). When the unit number signal AN is input, the mixing circuit 14 is instructed. And outputs mixing data b (routine E6). Incidentally, in such an input state of the unit number signal AN, as is clear from the above description, since the image signal picked up by the television camera 4 is simultaneously input from the camera control device 5 side, the image signal is The video signal is supplied to the monitor TV 13 through the switching circuit 15 and the mixing circuit 14, and the image signal is reproduced on the monitor TV 13.

As shown in FIG. 28, the mixing data b is the data displayed in the display area 13b set in the lower part of the monitor TV 13, and the inputted machine number signal AN and the pachinko game of that machine number. Characters indicating the status of the machine 1 (status signals ΔL, Δ from the calling lamp unit 2)
It is specified by M, ΔN, ΔP, and ΔQ, and is, for example, “playing”, “occupying a platform”, “illegal game”, “resting”,
Characters such as "vacant base (meaning non-operating base)" and the number of jackpots (number of special prize occurrences) of the day on the pachinko game machine.

After the execution of the routine E6, the display panel control routine E7 is executed. In this routine E7, among the light emitting diodes 11c provided on the display panel 11 as shown in FIG. 3, one corresponding to the plate 11b having the same unit number as the unit number signal AN input as described above is selected. It lights continuously in orange. As a result, it becomes possible to easily confirm through the display panel 11 where in the game hall the pachinko game machine 1 which is currently being image-reproduced on the monitor TV 13 is.

After the execution of the display panel control routine E7 as described above, the presence or absence of the output operation of the search signal ΣS including the "imaging end" code ZE, the presence or absence of the end signal SX input from the camera control device 5, and the area code C2. Whether or not the output operation of the search signal ΣS including any one of the “forward rotation” code ZF, the “reverse rotation” code ZB, the “temporary stop” code ZP, and the “temporary stop release” code ZR is determined (see Table 1). (Steps E8, E9, E10).

When the output operation of the search signal ΣS including the “imaging end” code ZE is performed, the switching circuit 15 is turned off and the monitor television 13 is switched to the initial menu display screen (steps E11 and E1).
2) Then return. In addition, the camera control device 5
Even when the end signal SX is input from the side, the above steps E11 and E12 are sequentially executed and then the process returns.

"Forward" code ZF, "Reverse" code Z
B, when the output operation of the search signal ΣS including any one of the “pause” code ZP and the “pause release” code ZR is performed, the mixing data c is converted into the search signal Σ.
The area code C2 is changed to one corresponding to the area code C2 included in S (step E13), and thereafter, the control of step E5 and thereafter is executed.

In summary, in the image reproduction processing routine by the arithmetic processing circuit 7, the image signal from the camera control device 5 is reproduced on the monitor television 13, and at the same time, the data regarding the pachinko game machine 1 (the type , Model name, unit number, current state of the pachinko game machine 1 and the like) are mixed and displayed on the reproduction screen. In addition, as described above, the pachinko game machine 1 in which the image is reproduced on the monitor TV 13
The control for displaying the position in the game hall through the display panel 11 is simultaneously performed.

The data service terminal 6 also controls the image signal from the camera control means 3 by performing the same control as the image reproduction processing routine.
9 is displayed, and the position of the pachinko game machine 1 being image-reproduced on the monitor television 19 in the game hall is displayed through the display panel 18. However,
The monitor TV 19 of the data service terminal 6 does not display data such as “unauthorized game” and “occupy occupancy” corresponding to the “specified condition” which is a non-selectable menu.

According to the present embodiment configured as described above, the images of the pachinko game machine 1 in the game arcade and its surroundings are reproduced one by one on the monitor TV 13. By only paying attention to the one monitor TV 13, it is possible to monitor the state inside the game hall, and it is not possible to monitor the inside of the game hall like the conventional configuration in which it is necessary to constantly monitor a plurality of monitor TVs. There is no need to be precise or increase the number of monitoring personnel.

In addition, the pachinko game machine 1 which is in a specific operating state such as "playing", "occupying a stand", "illegal game", "resting", "vacant stand", etc. is automatically extracted. Since the images of the pachinko game machine 1 and its surroundings can be reproduced on the monitor television 13, the monitoring system can be diversified, which is extremely convenient in actual operation.

Further, since the position of the pachinko game machine 1 which is being image-reproduced on the monitor television 13 is set through the display panel 11 which visually shows the arrangement of all the pachinko game machines in the game arcade, the monitor television When the pachinko game machine 1 is monitored through 13 and an abnormality in the pachinko game machine is confirmed, the position of the pachinko game machine can be easily confirmed through the display panel 11, as described above. You will be able to deal with it abnormally quickly.

In addition, since the monitor TV 19 on the data service terminal 6 side operated by the game player can selectively reproduce the images of the pachinko game machine 1 in the game arcade and its surroundings, This eliminates the need to walk around in the game hall when searching for the pachinko game machine 1 to be played or an acquaintance who is playing the game, which is a convenient system for game players.

In the above embodiment, one TV camera 4 is provided for each of a plurality of pachinko game machines 1, and each TV camera is configured to pan on the electric pan head. May be configured to move in parallel with the rail, or one TV camera may be provided for each pachinko game machine.

[0164]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the video management system for the game hall of the first aspect,
The game machine belonging to the game machine group to be imaged and its surroundings are sequentially imaged for each game machine by the image pickup means, and the picked-up images are sequentially reproduced by the reproducing means.
When the situation in the venue is monitored through the image captured by the image capturing means, the monitoring can be accurately performed by one supervisor, and it is possible to achieve the excellent effect of reducing the number of personnel. .

According to the video management system for a game arcade according to the second aspect, the game machine in a specific operating state can be automatically extracted as an imaging target by the designating means. It becomes possible to automatically strengthen the monitoring system of the gaming machine which has become, and it is possible to obtain the effect of being convenient in actual use.

In the video management system for a game hall according to claim 3, the position of the game machine in the state of being image-reproduced by the reproducing means is displayed by a display portion visually showing the arrangement of all the game machines in the game hall. As a result, when an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine at the time of monitoring the gaming machine, the effect that the abnormality can be quickly dealt with is obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an overall electrical configuration in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a key arrangement of a screen operation keyboard included in the centralized management device.

FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of a display panel.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a data service terminal.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a key arrangement of a keyboard included in a data service terminal.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a calling lamp unit.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a calling lamp unit.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart 1 showing the control contents of the calling lamp unit.

FIG. 9 is a second flowchart showing the control contents of the calling lamp unit.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart 3 showing the control contents of the calling lamp unit.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the calling lamp unit, part 4

FIG. 12 is a flowchart 5 showing the control contents of the calling lamp unit.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the calling lamp unit, part 6

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the control contents of the calling lamp unit.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the control contents of the calling lamp unit 8

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the contents of a menu selection processing routine by an arithmetic processing circuit included in the central control device.

FIG. 17 is a second flowchart showing the contents of the menu selection processing routine.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart 3 showing the contents of the menu selection processing routine.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the contents of the menu selection processing routine, part 4;

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a screen display example of a monitor television included in the central control device.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a screen display example of the monitor television.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a screen display example of the monitor television.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a screen display example of the monitor television.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing components of a search signal output from the central control device.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display of a monitor television included in the data service terminal.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the control contents by the camera control device.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the contents of an image reproduction processing routine by an arithmetic processing circuit included in the central control device.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a reproduction screen of a monitor television included in the centralized management device.

[Explanation of symbols]

In the drawings, 1 is a pachinko game machine (gaming machine), 2 is a call lamp unit, 3 is a centralized management device (designating means), 4 is a television camera (imaging means), 5 is a camera control device (imaging control means), 6 Is a data service terminal, 7 is an arithmetic processing circuit, 8 is a screen operation keyboard, 11 is a display panel (display unit), 13 is a monitor TV (reproducing means), 17 is a keyboard, 18 is a display panel, and 19 is a monitor TV. Show.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A game machine and an image pickup means arranged around the game machine so as to be able to take images of all game machines installed in a game arcade, a designation means capable of arbitrarily designating a game machine group to be imaged, and this designation. The gaming machine belonging to the gaming machine group designated by the means and its periphery are sequentially imaged by the imaging means for each gaming machine, and an imaging control means, and a reproducing means for sequentially reproducing the images imaged by the imaging means. An image management system for a game hall, which is characterized by being equipped. 2. The video management system for a game arcade according to claim 1, wherein the designation means is configured to automatically extract and designate a gaming machine in a specific operating state. 3. A display unit visually showing the arrangement of all the game machines in the game arcade, and is configured to indicate the game machine in a state in which the image is reproduced by the reproducing means in the display unit. Video management system for amusement arcade.