JPH10107825A - Game place management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten time required for information collection and output by transmitting information transmission signals for which bit groups to respective data transmitter-receivers are successively arranged and making the respective data transmitter-receivers judge the corresponding bit group and transmit/receive information. SOLUTION: When output signals to the data transmitter-receiver S1 are present, a communication interface outputs the information transmission signals to a going route transmission line. The respective bit groups of the information transmission signals are started by a start bit and a second bit indicates input/ output information to the data transmitter-receiver. When the second bit of a first bit group is 'l', the output signals to an external equipment are turned ON and outputted from an output control part. The detection value of a first input signal is set to the second bit of the first bit group and the information transmission signals are outputted to the next data transmitter-receiver S2. When the first input signal is a large winning signal from a pachinko machine and is '0', the information transmission signals for which the second bit of the first bit group is '0' are outputted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine such as a pachinko hall, which collects information from a plurality of gaming machines such as pachinko machines and their peripheral devices, and sends control information to the gaming machines and their peripheral devices. And a game arcade management system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a game arcade having a plurality of gaming machines such as pachinko machines, it is necessary to detect a lot of information about each gaming machine and its peripheral devices, and to perform a tallying process and the like.

Conventionally, information of each gaming machine or peripheral device is:
Input signal lines from each sensor are connected to a central management computer via an interface circuit, and the management computer sequentially accesses the signal lines to detect and collect more information from a plurality of gaming machines or peripheral devices. I was It is also conceivable to connect a data transmission / reception device to each of the gaming machines or peripheral devices, and connect the data transmission / reception device and the management computer in a bus or a loop with a communication cable to collect information. Requires transmission and reception of information for identifying each data transmission / reception device.

[0004]

In such a conventional information detection and collection system, the number of signal lines from a plurality of detection sensors of a plurality of gaming machines or peripheral devices becomes enormous. However, the cost of wiring equipment for signal lines has increased. Also, the interface circuit of the signal line provided on the management computer side becomes large-scale due to the increase in the number of gaming machines, and the cost increases.
Furthermore, it is difficult, time-consuming, and time-consuming to connect a large number of signal lines from a gaming machine or a peripheral device to corresponding terminals of an interface circuit of a management computer. Then, if any of these many signal lines is disconnected, information from a gaming machine or the like connected to the signal line cannot be input. In addition, since a large number of signal lines are installed close to each other, the signals are likely to interfere with each other, or noise is easily mixed into the signals, and the reliability of information is reduced.

[0005] Even if information is collected by connecting the management computer and the data transmitting / receiving device in a bus or a loop by means of a communication cable, even if information such as an identification number for identifying each data transmitting / receiving device is transmitted / received. And the amount of data transmitted through the communication cable increases, so that the time for collecting information becomes longer.

Therefore, the present invention can reduce the number of wirings for information transmission, so that information transmission does not stop even when a communication cable is disconnected, and information collection can be performed in a short time. It is intended to provide a playground management system.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, a game arcade management system according to the present invention collects information from a management device and a game machine or a peripheral device and transmits the information to the management device side. A plurality of data transmission / reception devices that receive control information from the management device and output the control information to the gaming machine or the peripheral device; and a communication cable that connects the management device and each of the data transmission / reception devices via a transmission path. An information transmission unit provided in the management device, for transmitting an information transmission signal in which information unit groups corresponding to the data transmission / reception devices are sequentially arranged; and the information transmission signal provided in the data transmission / reception devices. Counting the number of information unit groups from the beginning of the information unit, and setting the input information from the gaming machine or the peripheral device to the information unit group corresponding to the own number stored in the internal number storage means. And it has a communication control means for sending the next data transmitting and receiving device or the management device.

[0008] In the above-mentioned game arcade management system,
The information transmitting unit sets an output signal to be output to a gaming machine or a peripheral device to an information unit group corresponding to each of the data transmitting and receiving devices and transmits the information transmission signal as an information transmission signal. Count the number of information unit groups from the beginning, receive the output signal of the information unit group corresponding to the own number stored in the internal number storage means, output it to the gaming machine or peripheral device, and further, It is preferable that input information from a gaming machine or a peripheral device is set in an information unit group corresponding to a number and transmitted to the next data transmitting / receiving device or the management device.

[0009] In the above-mentioned game arcade management system,
The communication cable includes a forward transmission line and a return transmission line, and connects the management device and each of the data transmitting and receiving devices in a loop by the forward transmission line and the return transmission line of the communication cable. It is preferable that the information is transmitted in the reverse direction between the transmission path and the return path.

[0010] In the above-mentioned game arcade management system,
The data transmitting and receiving apparatus, when there is an abnormality in a transmission line adjacent to one of the former stage or the latter stage of the connection order, the information received from the outward transmission line or the return transmission line on the other side, the other of the same It is preferable that the transmission is performed by returning to the return transmission path or the forward transmission path on the side.

[0011] In the above-mentioned game arcade management system,
The information transmitting means sets an output signal to be output to a gaming machine or a peripheral device in an information unit group corresponding to each of the data transmitting / receiving devices, transmits the information signal as an information transmission signal to the outward transmission line, and sets an output signal. It is preferable that the information transmission signal not transmitted is transmitted to the return transmission line.

[0012] In the above-mentioned game arcade management system,
The management device has a communication interface having a forward path input terminal, a forward path output terminal, a backward path input terminal, and a backward path output terminal for connecting to a forward path transmission path and a return path transmission path, and the data transmission / reception apparatus includes a gaming machine or a peripheral. An input / output terminal for connecting to a device; and a forward input terminal, a forward output terminal, a backward input terminal, and a backward output terminal for connecting to the forward transmission line and the return transmission line, and a forward input of the communication interface. A terminal and a forward path output terminal, a forward path input terminal and a forward path output terminal of the data transmission / reception device are connected in a loop to each other by the forward path of the communication cable, and a return path input terminal and a return path output terminal of the communication interface; A return path input terminal and a return path output terminal of the data transmitting / receiving device are connected to the return path transmission of the communication cable. It is preferably connected in a loop to each other by road.

[0013] In the above-mentioned game arcade management system,
The management device is a game arcade management computer that manages information of the entire game arcade, a main line forward input terminal, a main line output output terminal, a main line return input terminal for connecting to a main line communication cable on the game site management computer side, and A main line return path output terminal, and one or more relay devices having a forward path input terminal, a forward path output terminal, a return path input terminal, and a return path output terminal for connecting to a communication cable on the data transmitting / receiving device side, wherein the communication cable has A trunk communication cable for connecting the game arcade management computer and the relay device, wherein the game arcade management computer and the relay device are connected in a loop by the trunk communication cable, and the relay device and the data The transmission / reception device may be connected in a loop by the communication cable.

[0014] In the above-mentioned game arcade management system,
The management device is an island management device that is provided for each gaming machine installation island and collects information from gaming machines or peripheral devices in the gaming machine installation island, and the data transmission and reception device in the island management device and the gaming machine installation island Are connected in a loop by the forward transmission line and the return transmission line of the communication cable.

[0015] In the above-mentioned game arcade management system,
It is preferable that a game arcade management computer that manages information on the entire arcade is provided, and the island management device and the arcade management computer are connected in a loop by a forward transmission line and a return transmission line of a trunk communication cable.

[0016] Specific examples of the means for solving the above-mentioned problems will be described in correspondence with the notation of the embodiment of the invention. The gaming machines include a pachinko machine 4 and a slot machine.
The management apparatus corresponds to the game arcade management computer 1 or the island management apparatus 2 in the second embodiment. The communication interface, the relay device, the data transmission / reception device, the trunk communication cable, and the communication cable correspond to the communication interface 12, the relay device 2, the data transmission / reception device 3, the trunk communication cable 5, and the communication cable 6, respectively. The outbound path input terminal, outbound path output terminal, inbound path input terminal, and inbound path output terminal of the communication interface are connected to the front side trunk line communication connector 12.
2 corresponds to the rear side trunk line communication connector 123. The main line forward path input terminal, the main line forward path output terminal, the main line return path input terminal and the main line return path output terminal of the relay device are connected to the front side main line communication connector 21 and the rear side main line communication connector 2 of the relay device 2.
Corresponds to 2. The forward input terminal, the forward output terminal, the return input terminal, and the return output terminal of the relay device are connected to the front communication connector 23 and the rear communication connector 24 of the relay device 2.
Corresponding to The input / output terminals of the data transmission / reception device correspond to the input connector 33 and the output connector 34, and the forward input terminal, the forward output terminal, the return input terminal, and the return output terminal of the data transmission / reception device are connected to the front communication connector of the data transmission / reception device 3. 31 and the rear-stage communication connector 32.
The information sending means corresponds to the main control circuit 124, the communication control means corresponds to the communication control circuit 30, the information unit group corresponds to the bit group, and the number storage means corresponds to the number memory 301.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall system diagram of a game hall management system according to the present invention. The pachinko machine 4 will be described as an example of the gaming machine. A number of pachinko machines and slot machines are installed in the pachinko hall as a game arcade, but they are divided into a group of gaming machines called gaming machine installation islands. To form a pachinko hall. A large number of pachinko machines 4 are arranged at substantially equal intervals on the gaming machine installation island, and a data transmitting / receiving device 3 is installed near each pachinko machine 4. The data transmission / reception device 3 can input / output two types of input signals and one type of output signal to / from the pachinko machine 4 or a peripheral device (not shown).

The game arcade management computer 1 has a data processing means, a storage means, and a communication means, and more preferably a backup power supply for the storage means.
The game arcade management computer 1 is connected to the pachinko machine 4 of the pachinko hall via the trunk communication cable 5 and the communication cable 6.
Or collect information from peripheral devices. Various tabulations are performed based on the information, and displayed on a screen or printed as a form according to an operator's instruction.

A plurality of communication interfaces 12 are connected as communication means of the game arcade management computer 1 via a communication adapter 11.
2, a trunk communication cable 5 is connected. The communication interface 12 and the plurality of relay devices 2 are connected in a loop by the trunk communication cable 5. For example, one relay device 2 is installed for each gaming machine installation island.

A communication cable 6 is connected to each relay device 2. The relay device 2 and the plurality of data transmitting / receiving devices 3 are connected in a loop by a communication cable 6. The trunk communication cable 5 uses a balanced cable to perform balanced transmission, but the transmission path of the communication cable 6 performs unbalanced transmission. The relay device 2 is a device for converting between balanced transmission and unbalanced transmission. Balanced transmission is resistant to noise and can be used for information transmission over long distances.
The length of the trunk communication cable 5 between the relay device 2 and between the relay devices 2 can be up to about 100 m.

Unbalanced transmission tends to pick up noise and is not suitable for long-distance transmission. However, power consumption can be reduced, and a simple transmission / reception circuit such as a driver and a receiver can be used. The size can be reduced. The length of the communication cable 6 between the relay device 2 and the data transmission / reception device 3 or the data transmission / reception device 3 which is unbalanced transmission needs to be kept within about 2 m in order to prevent noise.

As described above, a large number of data transmitting / receiving devices 3 are connected to the communication interface 12 via the relay device 2. These data transmission / reception devices 3 form one loop connection to one communication interface 12. For one loop, two types of input data and one type of output data can be input / output per one data transmission / reception device 3. When input / output of other types of data is required, the communication interface 12 and the data transmission / reception device 3 in a loop connection may be added to increase the number of loop systems.

The pachinko machine 4 is operated by the data transmitting / receiving device 3.
Alternatively, information input from the peripheral device includes a pachinko machine 4
Big hit signal, hit signal, ball breaking signal, metal frame signal (glass door frame opening signal), prize ball signal (signal indicating the number of balls paid out as prize balls), magnet detection signal (use of magnet for pachinko machine 4) Signal to detect), radio wave detection signal (signal to detect the use of radio wave of transceiver etc. for pachinko machine 4), replenishment signal from ball replenishing device, driving signal from out ball tank, lending machine from daima ball lending machine There are signals, etc. Output signals from the data transmission / reception device 3 to the pachinko machine 4 or peripheral devices include a hitting output to the pachinko machine 4, a replenishment output to the ball replenisher, a jackpot information output signal to a calling lamp, and a hitting information output signal. There is.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the communication adapter 11 built in the game arcade management computer 1. The communication adapter 11 is connected to a terminal inside the game center management computer 1 by a connector 111. If no installation space is left inside the game arcade management computer 1, it can be connected externally by a connection cable. The other end of the communication adapter 11 has connectors 112, 113,
Are provided. Connectors 112, 11
.. Are provided in parallel, the game center management computer 1
. Can access all the communication interfaces 12 connected to the communication interfaces 2, 113,. Connector 11
, 1, 24, 24V power line, 5V power line,
Terminals such as an address signal line, a write signal line, and a read signal line for specifying an address of a memory inside the communication interface 12 are included.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of the communication interface 12. The communication interface 12 is connected to the communication adapter 11 by a connector 121. The management computer 1 can specify a memory address in the communication interface 12 by an address signal included in the connector 121 and read the contents of the memory by an information output signal. The communication interface 12
Are provided with a front-stage main-line communication connector 122 and a rear-stage main-line communication connector 123, and the main-line communication cable 5 is connected to these connectors. Main line communication cable 5
, The front-stage relay device 2 is connected to the front-stage main-line communication connector 122, and the rear-stage main-line communication connector 123
Is connected to the relay device 2 on the subsequent stage.

The front trunk communication connector 122 includes a forward output and a return input of a transmission signal, and the rear trunk communication connector 123 includes a forward input and a return output of a transmission signal. When an abnormality such as a disconnection or a short circuit occurs in a transmission line connected to these connectors, the abnormality of the transmission line is detected by a detection method described later, and an abnormality signal is transmitted through a transmission abnormality output terminal of the connector 121 to the game hall. It is sent to the management computer 1 side. At the same time, the display 130 displays the position where the abnormality has occurred. The display on the display unit 130 can be switched by the display changeover switch 131, and the data transmitting / receiving device 3 which is normally connected and operated in a loop shape is operated.
The number of can be displayed.

The main control circuit 124 in the communication interface 12 is initialized by the reset circuit 126 when the power is turned on, and starts an operation of initializing the data transmitting / receiving device 3 as described later. Thereafter, an information transmission signal of a predetermined format is transmitted alternately at a fixed time interval from the forward path and the return path of the transmission path. According to the information transmission signal, an output signal to a pachinko machine 4 or a peripheral device connected to each data transmission / reception device 3 is transmitted, and an input signal input from a device connected to each data transmission / reception device 3 is converted to the information signal. And receive it.

In the main control circuit 124, an input memory for storing an input signal received from each data transmitting / receiving device 3 and an output memory for storing an output signal to be transmitted to each data transmitting / receiving device 3 are provided. ing. The playground management computer 1 specifies an address by an address signal,
It can read the contents of the input memory and write output signals to the output memory. Communication adapter 11
When a plurality of communication interfaces 12 are installed in the communication interface 12, an address conversion circuit 125 is provided in the communication interface 12 so that the input memory and the output memory in each communication interface 12 can be accessed by different addresses.

The start address of the input memory can be set by the start address setting switch 127. The address conversion circuit 125 subtracts the start address set in the start address setting switch 127 from the address signal, and subtracts the start address from the main control circuit 12.
4, the game hall management computer 1 can access the input memory of the communication interface 12 by specifying an address after the start address. The number setting switch 128 is connected to the communication interface 1.
2 sets the number of data transmission / reception devices 3 connected. The mode selection switch 129 is for switching the access method of two types of information stored in the input memory. Each data transmission / reception device 3 is provided in the input memory.
Are stored with a storage capacity of 1 bit per data. Mode selection switch 1
With 29, it is possible to switch between accessing two types of information from the same data transmitting / receiving device 3 with the same address or accessing the address information separately.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of the relay device 2. The front-stage trunk communication connector 21 is connected to the front-stage trunk communication connector 21 via the trunk-line communication cable 5. The downstream trunk communication connector 123 is connected to the downstream relay device 2 or the communication interface 12 via the trunk communication cable 5 to the downstream trunk communication connector 22. The front stage data connector 3 is connected to the front stage communication connector 23 via the communication cable 6. The data transmission / reception device 3 on the downstream side is connected to the communication connector 24 on the downstream side via the communication cable 6.

The trunk communication cable 5 is a composite cable including a 24V power supply line, a ground line, and a balanced transmission line on the outward and return routes. As the balanced transmission line, a twisted pair shielded wire or the like can be used. The communication cable 6 is a cable including a 24V power line, a 5V power line, and an unbalanced transmission line on the outward and return paths, and a normal flat cable or a multi-core cable can be used. The relay device 2 includes a balanced transmission path of the trunk communication cable 5 connected to the upstream trunk communication connector 21 and the downstream trunk communication connector 22, and a communication cable 6 connected to the upstream communication connector 23 and the downstream communication connector 24. Matching connection with the unbalanced transmission line. In addition, a 5V power supply voltage is generated from the 24V power supply and supplied to the data transmitting / receiving device 3 side.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the data transmitting / receiving device 3. As shown in FIG. The communication cable 6 is connected to the front communication connector 31.
Is connected to the rear-stage communication connector 32 of the front-end data transmission / reception device 3 or the front-stage communication connector 23 of the relay device 2. The rear communication connector 32 is connected to the front communication connector 31 of the data transmission / reception device 3 or the rear communication connector 24 of the relay device 2 via the communication cable 6 via the communication cable 6.
Is connected. The input connector 33 is connected to an input cable 7 from the pachinko machine 4 or a peripheral device, and the output connector 34 is connected to an output cable 8 to the pachinko machine 4 or a peripheral device. The input connector 33 has first and second
Are input. There is only one type of output signal.

The operation of the data transmission / reception circuit 3 is controlled by the communication control circuit 30. The transmission control unit in the communication control circuit 30 receives information signals input from the forward and return transmission lines and transmits the information signals to the other output side. The resistance and the capacitor installed on the input side of each transmission path constitute a resistance for reducing the input level to zero when the transmission path is broken, and constitute an integration circuit for reducing noise from the input signal. It can be detected when the disconnection input level of the transmission line becomes zero.

The abnormality detecting section of the communication control circuit 30 detects an abnormality in the forward and backward transmission lines connected to the upstream communication connector 31 and the downstream communication connector 32. Rear LED3
The LED on the abnormal side of No. 6 is turned on. An abnormality in the transmission line is detected not only by detecting zero of the input level of the transmission line but also immediately after the power supply voltage is supplied to the data transmission / reception circuit 3 and the operation is started.
A confirmation signal is transmitted to the adjacent data transmission / reception circuit 3, and the state of the transmission path is determined by detecting whether or not a response signal is received.

The input control unit of the communication control circuit 30 transmits the first and second input signals from the pachinko machine 4 or the peripheral device on the information transmission signal via the transmission control unit. The first input signal is transmitted on the outward transmission path, and the second input signal is transmitted on the return transmission path. Photocouplers 37 and 38 are inserted into the input circuits for the first and second input signals, and insulate the input device side from the data transmitting / receiving device 3 to prevent noise and prevent a failure due to a voltage level difference. The output control unit of the communication control circuit 30 extracts an output signal for itself from the information transmission signal transmitted on the outward transmission path, and outputs the output signal to the output connector 34 via the photocoupler 39.

The main control section of the communication control circuit 30 generates a clock signal for the operation of the entire circuit, and performs overall control of each section. When there is an abnormality in the adjacent transmission line on the subsequent stage, the information signal input from the forward transmission line on the previous stage is returned to the return transmission line on the previous stage and output, and the abnormality is detected on the adjacent transmission line on the previous stage. If there is, the transmission control unit is controlled so that the information signal input from the downstream return transmission line is returned to the downstream transmission line and output. A number memory 301 for storing its own number is provided in the main control unit, and its own number is automatically set in the number memory 301 by an initial numbering operation described later.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an initial numbering operation for automatically numbering a plurality of data transmitting / receiving devices 3 connected to the communication interface 12 in a loop. Communication interface 12 to simplify the description
The number of the data transmission / reception devices 3 connected to is assumed to be six.
In addition, S1, S
2,..., S6. When the power is supplied to the amusement arcade management computer 1 and the power is supplied to the data transmitting / receiving devices S1,..., S6 via the communication interface 12 and the relay device 2, the number in each data transmitting / receiving device is determined by the initial operation. The contents of the memory 301 are cleared.

Next, each data transmission / reception device transmits a confirmation signal to the adjacent data transmission / reception circuit or the game arcade management computer 1, and determines whether or not a response signal is received, thereby determining the state of the transmission line. Each data transmitting / receiving device returns a return response signal when receiving a confirmation signal from an adjacent data transmitting / receiving circuit or the game arcade management computer 1. Here, it is assumed that all transmission paths are normal.

From the communication interface 12, FIG.
An initial information signal having a format as shown in FIG. 7A is output and transmitted through the outward transmission path. The waveform of (a) consists of one start bit and three subsequent blanks.
The bit group of bits constitutes information for one data transmitting / receiving device. The second bit indicates the real information of the data transmitting / receiving device. The presence information is information indicating that the data transmission / reception device exists and operates normally. The third and fourth bits are preliminary information to which auxiliary information and a parity check signal are added. Since the number of data transmitting / receiving devices is set in the communication interface 12, an initial information signal including six groups of bits is transmitted to the data transmitting / receiving devices S1,..., S6.

The data transmitting / receiving apparatus S1 receives the initial information signal of the waveform (a), looks at the second bit after receiving the first start bit, and finds that it is "0". Can be determined to be the first data transmission / reception device. Then, the bit next to the first start bit is set to “1” and output to the transmission line on the subsequent stage. The output initial information signal is as shown in (b), and there is a time delay of one bit as compared with the received initial information signal. Since the data transmitting / receiving device S1 knows that it is the first data transmitting / receiving device on the preceding stage, it sets the number “1” in the number memory 301 inside the communication control circuit 30.

The data transmitting / receiving device S2 receives the initial information signal (b), looks at the second bit after receiving the first start bit, and finds that it is "1".
It knows that the data transmitter / receiver exists. Then 2
Looking at the bit next to the first start bit, since it is "0", it can be determined that the user is the second data transmission / reception device from the preceding stage. Then, the bit next to the second start bit is set to "1" and output to the transmission line on the subsequent stage. The output initial information signal is as shown in (c), and there is a time delay of one bit as compared with the received initial information signal. Since the data transmitting / receiving device S2 knows that it is the second data transmitting / receiving device from the preceding stage,
The number “2” is set in the internal number memory 301.

Hereinafter, similarly, the data transmitting / receiving devices S3,.
S6 stores “3”,..., “6” in the number memory 301, respectively.
Is set, and finally the data transmitting / receiving device S6 outputs an initial information signal as shown in (d) to the communication interface 12. The communication interface 12 receives the initial information signal having the waveform (d), and it can be understood that all the transmission paths are normal and all the data transmission / reception devices are operating normally. This initial information signal is also output to the return transmission line a predetermined time after output to the outward transmission line. The initial information signal on the return path is processed in the same manner as the initial information signal on the outward path, but the initial signal on the return path is S
6 and S1 in that order, and the data transmitting / receiving devices S6
.., S1 are processed in this order. Thus, the number is confirmed by the initial signal of the outward route.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the operation of information transmission to the data transmitting / receiving device. Assuming that there is an output signal to the data transmitting / receiving device S1, the communication interface 12 outputs an information transmission signal as shown in FIG. 7A to the outward transmission line. The information transmission signal also has a 4-bit bit group corresponding to each data transmitting / receiving device, and each bit group starts with a start bit. The second bit indicates input / output information to / from the data transmitting / receiving device. When the signal is output on the outward transmission path, it represents the output signal and the first input signal, and when it is output on the return path, it represents the second input signal. The third and fourth bits are preliminary information to which auxiliary information and a parity check signal are added. If there is an output signal for a specific data transmitting / receiving device, the bit next to the start bit of the bit group corresponding to that data transmitting / receiving device is set to "1" and transmitted. Here, since there is an output signal to the data transmitting / receiving device S1, the second bit of the bit group corresponding to S1 is “1”.

The data transmission / reception apparatus S1 receives the information transmission signal (a) and uses its own number "1" stored in the internal number memory 301 to store the first bit group 2 (2).
Look at the bit eyes. Since the second bit is “1”, an output signal to the external device is output from the output control unit as ON. The output signal is, for example, a hit information output signal for a call lamp. Next, the data transmitting / receiving device S1
Sets the detection value of the first input signal to the second bit of the first bit group, and outputs the information transmission signal to the next data transmitting / receiving device S2. If the first input signal is a jackpot signal from the pachinko machine 4 and the signal is “0”,
The second bit of the first bit group is “0” as in (b).
Is output. The information transmission signal to be output is as shown in (b), and is 1 compared with the received information transmission signal.
There is a time delay by a bit.

Next, the data transmission / reception apparatus S2 receives the information transmission signal of (b) and uses its own number “2” stored in the internal number memory 301 to store the two bits of the second bit group. Look into the eyes. Since the second bit is “0”, the output signal from the output control unit to the external device is turned off. The data transmission / reception device S2 sets the detection value of the first input signal to the second bit of the second bit group, and outputs the information transmission signal to the next data transmission / reception device S3. First
If the big hit signal from the pachinko machine 4 which is the input signal of “1” is “1”, as shown in FIG.
An information transmission signal whose bit is “1” is output. The output information transmission signal is as shown in (c), and there is a time delay of one bit as compared with the received information transmission signal.

Hereinafter, similarly, the data transmitting / receiving devices S3,.
S6 extracts the output signal for each from the information transmission signal, and sets the state of the jackpot signal as the first input signal to the second bit of the corresponding bit group. If the jackpot signal inputted to the data transmitting / receiving devices S3,..., S6 is "0", the data transmitting / receiving device S
6 outputs an information transmission signal as shown in (d) to the communication interface 12. The communication interface 12 is (d)
And transmits the information of the jackpot signal from each data transmitting / receiving device to an internal input memory. When collecting the second input signal from each data transmission / reception device, the information transmission signal is output to the return transmission line. However, no output signal is sent from the return transmission line. As the second input signal, for example, a hit signal from the pachinko machine 4 is connected.

Next, the operation of the communication interface 12 and each data transmitting / receiving device when there is an abnormality in the transmission path will be described. It is assumed that the transmission path abnormality has occurred between the data transmission / reception devices S4 and S5. When the power supply of the game hall management computer 1 is turned on, the communication interface 12,
Data relaying devices S1,..., S6 via the relay device 2
Is supplied, the contents of the number memory 301 in each data transmitting / receiving device are cleared by an initial operation. Next, each data transmission / reception device transmits a confirmation signal to the adjacent data transmission / reception circuit or the game arcade management computer 1, and determines whether or not a response signal is received, thereby determining the state of the transmission line. Each data transmitting / receiving device returns a return response signal when receiving a confirmation signal from an adjacent data transmitting / receiving circuit or the game arcade management computer 1.
Here, since an abnormality has occurred between the data transmitting and receiving devices S4 and S5, the data of the subsequent-stage abnormality is stored in the internal memory of the data transmitting and receiving device S4.
In the internal memory, data of the preceding-stage abnormality is stored.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the operation of initial numbering. The communication interface 12 outputs an initial information signal as shown in FIG. Operations up to the data transmitting / receiving devices S1,..., S3 are the same as those in FIG. Since the data transmission / reception apparatus S4 stores the rear-stage abnormality in the internal memory, the data transmission / reception device S4 returns the initial information signal of (d) not to the rear-stage side but to the upstream-side return transmission line, and outputs it. The data transmission / reception devices S1,..., S3 transmit the initial information signal (d) transmitted through the return transmission line to the preceding stage without any change. This is because the data transmitting / receiving devices S1,..., S3 determine from the reception timing of the initial information signal that the initial information signal is a folded signal.
The communication interface 12 receives the initial information signal having the waveform (d) from the return transmission line, and determines that the rear transmission line of the data transmitting / receiving device S4 is abnormal.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an initial information signal output to the return transmission line. An initial information signal as shown in FIG. 9A is output from the communication interface 12 to the return transmission line. The data transmitting / receiving device S6 performs the same operation as in the case where there is no abnormality, and outputs the initial information signal (b). Since the data transmission / reception device S5 stores the previous-stage abnormality in the internal memory, the data transmission / reception device S5 returns the initial information signal of (c) not to the previous stage but to the subsequent-stage forward transmission line and outputs it. The data transmission / reception device S6 transmits the initial information signal (c) input from the outward transmission path to the communication interface 12 as the initial information signal (d) without any change. This is because the data transmitting / receiving device S6 determines from the reception timing of the initial information signal that the initial information signal is a folded signal. The communication interface 12 receives the initial information signal having the waveform (d) from the outward transmission line, and determines that the upstream transmission line of the data transmitting / receiving device S5 is abnormal. The communication interface 12 knows the number of data transmission / reception devices capable of transmitting information at the former stage and the latter stage based on these initial information signals, and stores the data in an internal memory.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation of information transmission when there is an abnormality in the transmission path. Communication interface 12
Outputs an information transmission signal as shown in FIG. The communication interface 12 knows the number of data transmission / reception devices capable of transmitting information at the preceding stage and the succeeding stage by transmitting the initial information signal. Output. The first four groups are for output signals to the data transmitting and receiving devices S1,..., S4 and the first input signal, and the next four groups are for second input signals to the data transmitting and receiving devices S4,. It is for. Assuming that there is an output signal to the data transmitting / receiving device S1, the second bit of the head bit group corresponding to S1 is “1”.

The input signal is the first signal of the data transmitting / receiving device S2.
It is assumed that the big hit signal which is the input signal of and the hit signal which is the second input signal of the data transmitting / receiving device S3 are on, and the others are off. The output of the data transmitting / receiving device S1 is as shown in FIG. The output of the data transceiver S2 is
The second bit of the bit group corresponding to S2 on the leading side is “1”
And (c). Even if the information transmission signal of (c) reaches the outward path of the data transmitting / receiving device S3, no bit is set for the second input signal at this time. When the information transmission signal returns and passes on the return path, the second
Set the bit for the input signal of

Therefore, the information transmission signal (c) is transmitted to the data transmitting / receiving device S4, and the data transmitting / receiving device S4
Returns this information transmission signal and outputs it to the return transmission line as shown in (d). The data transmission / reception device S3 sets the second bit of the bit group corresponding to S3 on the rear end side because the hit signal which is the second input signal is ON, and transmits the information transmission signal of (e) to the return transmission line. Output to Then, the communication interface 12 receives the information transmission signal of (e) from the return transmission line, and receives the first and second input signals (in this case, the big hit signal and the hit signal) from the data transmitting / receiving devices S1,..., S4. The information is stored in an internal input memory.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing information transmission at the subsequent stage when there is an abnormality in the transmission path. Communication interface 1
2 outputs an information transmission signal as shown in FIG. The communication interface 12 has a capacity equal to the number of data transmitting / receiving devices capable of transmitting information at the subsequent stage to the return transmission line.
Output double the number of bits. The first two groups are for the second input signal to the data transceivers S6 and S5, and the next two groups are for the output signal and the first input signal to the data transceivers S5 and S6. is there.
Assuming that there is an output signal to the data transmitting / receiving device S6, the second bit of the bit group at the rear end corresponding to S6 is "1".

The input signal is the second signal of the data transmitting / receiving device S5.
It is assumed that the hit signal, which is the input signal, and the big hit signal, which is the first input signal of the data transmitting / receiving device S6, are on and the others are off. The information transmission signal transmitted on the return path is
Since only the second input signal is processed, the output of the data transmitting / receiving device S6 has the same waveform as that of (a) as shown in (b). Since the hit signal, which is the second input signal, is on, the data transmission / reception device S5 sets the second bit of the bit group corresponding to S5 on the leading side, and returns the information transmission signal of (c) to forward transmission. Output to the road.

The data transmission / reception device S6 processes the output signal. Further, since the jackpot signal on the rear end side of the first input signal is on, the second bit of the bit group corresponding to S6 on the rear end side is turned on. Is set, and the information transmission signal of (d) is output to the outward transmission line. The communication interface 12 is (d)
Of the first and second input signals (in this case, the big hit signal and the hit signal) from the data transmitting / receiving devices S5 and S6 are stored in an internal input memory. Even if an abnormality occurs in one of the transmission lines connected in a loop as described above, it is possible to access all the data transmission / reception devices by performing the return transmission.

With the configuration of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. What is necessary is just to increase the number of loops according to the number of information that needs to be collected, and it is possible to create an optimal system according to the information management method of each game hall. Further, by using a balanced transmission cable as the trunk communication cable and using an unbalanced transmission cable as the communication cable, it is possible to realize a low-cost transmission path with less noise and low power consumption. Also, by transmitting the initial information signal after the power of the management device is turned on, it is possible to automatically assign a number to each data transmitting / receiving device, and it is necessary to set an identification number or the like in advance to each data transmitting / receiving device. As a result, the work of installing the data transmitting / receiving device is simplified, and erroneous settings that are likely to occur with manual settings can be reliably prevented.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the above-described first embodiment, the relay device 2 in FIG. 1 is for converting between balanced transmission and unbalanced transmission and has no information processing function. The island management device 2 is installed. Figure 1 shows the arrangement of the equipment.
become that way. One island management device 2 is installed on each gaming machine installation island, and the island management device 2 manages the pachinko machines 4 on the entire gaming machine installation island.

The island management device 2 can be called a small game arcade management computer 1, and has a built-in circuit corresponding to the communication adapter 11 and the communication interface 12 therein. The island management device 2 collects information of each pachinko machine or the like via the communication cable 6 from the pachinko machine 4 belonging to the island or the data transmitting / receiving device 3 connected to the peripheral device, and performs processing such as tabulation as necessary. And store it in the internal memory of the island management device 2. The island management device 2 includes a general ball lending machine, a ball counter (a device for counting pachinko balls acquired by a player), a safe signal line (a signal from a device that outputs a deposit signal, and the like) as necessary. Lines) are connected.

The island management device 2 is connected to the data transmission / reception device 3 of each gaming machine installation island by a communication cable 6 in a loop. Since the island management device 2 is installed at a position near each of the gaming machine installation islands, the communication cable 6 includes the same 24V power line, 5V power line, and unbalanced transmission lines of the outward and return paths as in the first embodiment. This is a cable, and a normal flat cable or multi-core cable can be used. The form of transmission and reception of information between the island management device 2 and each data transmission / reception device 3 is the same as in the first embodiment.

The game center management computer 1 and each island management device 2 are connected in a loop by a trunk communication cable 5. The trunk communication cable 5 is also the same as the first embodiment.
This is a composite cable including a 4V power supply line, a ground line, and a balanced transmission line on the outward path and the return path. As the balanced transmission line, a twisted pair shielded wire or the like can be used. The amusement arcade management computer 1 transmits information of the pachinko machine 4 or the peripheral device corresponding to each of the gaming machine installation islands or information gathered by the island management device 2 from the plurality of island management devices 2 via the trunk communication cable 5. collect. Various tabulations are performed based on the information, and displayed on a screen or printed as a form according to an instruction of an operator.

In the second embodiment described above, even if an error occurs at one point of the communication cable 6 connected in a loop to the island management device 2, the transmission is performed in a loop-back manner, so that all of the inside of the game machine installation island Can access the data transmission / reception device. In other words, up to one abnormality can be tolerated on one gaming machine installation island. In addition, even if an abnormality occurs in one portion of the trunk communication cable 5 that connects the game center management computer 1 and the island management device 2 in a loop, by performing return transmission, all the island management devices 2 can be accessed. is there. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the reliability of information transmission is further ensured as compared with the first embodiment.

In the first and second embodiments, each data transmission / reception device is connected to a game arcade management computer or an island management device, which is a management device, in a form of a double loop connection in a return route. However, the connection is not necessarily required to be in such a form, and a connection form such as a single loop connection or a linear sequential connection may be used. Also, partially 2
It may be a double loop connection.

[0063]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects.

An information transmission signal in which a bit group for each data transmission / reception device is sequentially arranged is transmitted, and each data transmission / reception device determines a bit group corresponding to its own number and transmits / receives information, thereby forming an information transmission signal. There is no need to include an identification number or the like, and the time required for collecting and outputting information can be shortened.

Information can be input / output to / from all data transmission / reception devices connected in a loop by a single loop communication cable, so that the number of wires for information transmission is reduced, thereby reducing wiring costs and wiring work. Can be simplified. Further, there is no crosstalk or noise due to mutual interference between a large number of signal lines, and the quality of information is improved.

Even if one error occurs in one loop, all data transmission / reception devices can be accessed by performing return transmission, and the reliability of information transmission is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall system diagram of a game arcade management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication adapter 11;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication interface 12;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a relay device 2;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a data transmission / reception device 3;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation of initial numbering for the data transmitting / receiving device 3;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an operation of transmitting information to the data transmitting / receiving apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operation of initial numbering for a data transmission / reception device when a transmission path has an abnormality;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an initial information signal output to a return transmission line.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation of information transmission when a transmission path has an abnormality.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating information transmission at a subsequent stage when a transmission path has an abnormality.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game hall management computer 2 ... Relay device 3 ... Data transmission / reception device 4 ... Pachinko machine 5 ... Trunk communication cable 6 ... Communication cable 7 ... Input cable 8 ... Output cable 11 ... Communication adapter 12 ... Communication interface

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A management device, collects information from a gaming machine or a peripheral device and transmits the collected information to the management device side, and receives control information from the management device and outputs the control information to the gaming machine or the peripheral device. A plurality of data transmission / reception devices; a communication cable connecting the management device and each of the data transmission / reception devices via a transmission line; and an information unit group provided in the management device and corresponding to each of the data transmission / reception devices, sequentially arranged. Information transmission means for transmitting the information transmission signal, and the number of information unit groups provided from the top of the information transmission signal provided in each of the data transmission / reception devices, and stored in the internal number storage means. A game arcade management having communication control means for setting input information from a gaming machine or a peripheral device in an information unit group corresponding to a number and transmitting the information to the next data transmission / reception device or the management device system. 2. The game arcade management system according to claim 1, wherein said information sending means sets an output signal to be output to a gaming machine or a peripheral device in an information unit group corresponding to each of said data transmitting / receiving devices. The communication control means counts the number of information unit groups from the beginning of the information transmission signal, and determines the number of information unit groups corresponding to its own number stored in the internal number storage means. The output signal is received and output to the gaming machine or peripheral device, and further, the input information from the gaming machine or peripheral device is set in the information unit group corresponding to the own number, and the next data transmitting / receiving device or the management device is set. A game arcade management system to send to 3. The game arcade management system according to claim 1, wherein the communication cable includes a forward transmission line and a return transmission line, and the management device and each of the data. A game arcade management system in which a transmission / reception device is connected in a loop by the outward transmission line and the return transmission line of the communication cable, and information is transmitted in opposite directions between the outward transmission line and the return transmission line. 4. The game arcade management system according to claim 3, wherein the data transmission / reception device is configured to determine whether there is an abnormality in a transmission line adjacent to one of a first stage and a second stage in a connection order. A game arcade management system for transmitting information received from the outward transmission line or the return transmission line on the other side to the same return path or the outward transmission line on the other side. 5. A game arcade management system according to claim 3, wherein said information transmitting means includes an information unit group corresponding to each of said data transmitting / receiving devices, a gaming machine or a peripheral device. A game arcade management system for setting an output signal to be output and transmitting the information transmission signal to the outward transmission line as an information transmission signal, and transmitting an information transmission signal having no output signal set to the return transmission line. 6. A game arcade management system according to claim 3, wherein said management device is a forward input terminal and a forward output terminal for connecting to a forward transmission line and a return transmission line. , A communication interface having a return path input terminal and a return path output terminal, wherein the data transmission / reception device is an input / output terminal for connecting to a gaming machine or a peripheral device, and for connecting to the forward path transmission path and the return path transmission path. The communication cable has a forward path input terminal and a forward path output terminal of the communication interface, and a forward path input terminal and a forward path output terminal of the data transmitting and receiving device. The communication path is connected to each other in a loop by the forward transmission path, and the return input terminal and the return output terminal of the communication interface are connected to the data path. A game arcade management system in which a return path input terminal and a return path output terminal of a data transmission / reception device are connected to each other in a loop by the return path transmission path of the communication cable. 7. The game arcade management system according to claim 6, wherein the management device is a game arcade management computer that manages information on the entire game arcade, and a main line communication cable on the game arcade management computer side. Main line forward path input terminal, main line forward path output terminal, main line return path input terminal and main line return path output terminal, and forward path input terminal, forward path output terminal, return path input terminal and return path for connection with the communication cable on the data transmitting / receiving device side. And having one or more relay devices having an output terminal, wherein the communication cable includes a trunk communication cable that connects the game space management computer and the relay device, and the game space management computer and the relay device The trunk line communication cable is connected in a loop, and the relay device and the data transmission / reception device are connected to the communication cable. Gaming facility management system that is connected to the loop-shaped me. 8. The game arcade management system according to claim 3, wherein the management device is provided for each game machine installation island and is provided from a game machine or a peripheral device in the game machine installation island. A game where the island management device and the data transmission / reception device in the gaming machine installation island are connected in a loop by the outward transmission line and the return transmission line of the communication cable. Place management system. 9. The game arcade management system according to claim 8, further comprising a game arcade management computer for managing information on the entire game arcade, wherein the island management device and the game arcade management computer are connected to each other by a trunk communication cable. A game arcade management system connected in a loop by a forward transmission line and a return transmission line.