JPH10165607A - Game machine sales remote control device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To manage at low cost the sales information about game machines dispersed in a remote place. SOLUTION: A game machine 1 is provided with a cellular phone 3 and an exclusive terminal device 2 for transmitting the sales information about a game machine main body to a pocket bell by actuating the cellular phone 3. Coins inserted from a coin slot 46 are counted by a sensor part 47, and the exclusive terminal device 2 reads how many coins are stored in a coin box 48, this information being transmitted periodically by the cellular phone 3. Once coins are stored in 80% of the coin box 48, the exclusive terminal device 2 immediately transmits this information to the pocket bell via the cellular phone 3. The manager of the game machine can manage the sales information while patrolling and effectively collect the takings. Since a management central computer is not required, sales management can be achieved at low cost.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine sales remote monitoring device for transmitting sales information of a game machine to a pager as a portable terminal via a portable telephone, and more particularly, to a portable telephone and a pocket as a portable terminal. The present invention relates to a game machine sales remote monitoring device capable of managing sales information and status information of a plurality of game machines distributed in a remote place at low cost without using a central computer by using a bell.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various game machines called arcade games in game centers are activated when a customer inserts coins such as 100 yen coins or coins such as game center original medals so that they can play for a certain period of time. It has become. Many customers enjoy playing on game consoles one after another,
Over time, a large amount of coins are inserted and accumulated in coin boxes installed in each game machine. When the coin box is full, the game machine stops operating,
In order to continue operation, it is necessary to collect coins in the coin box so that the coin box does not become full. Due to security issues such as anti-theft security, coins must be collected as soon as possible. However, some game consoles are popular and others are not, so if you collect coins at regular intervals, it will be too late for those with a full coin box, If the coin box is almost empty, you have done a wasteful job. In order to perform an efficient collection operation, it is necessary to grasp how many coins are accumulated in the coin box.

[0003] In view of the above, various game machine management systems have been proposed so far, in which a manager of a game center constantly grasps and manages how much money is put into each game machine. As shown in FIG. 8, a typical game machine management system includes a plurality of game machines 41, a currency exchange device 42, a money collecting device 43, and a plurality of game machines 41 arranged for each store such as store A and store B.
It mainly comprises a floor management device (PC) 44 and a master management device 45 installed at the head office.

As shown in FIG. 9, a game machine 41 has a coin insertion slot 46 for inserting coins and the like, and a sensor section 47 for detecting coins inserted in the coin insertion slot.
And a coin box in which inserted coins are stored
48, a game machine body 49 for playing games, and a sensor unit 47
A data holding unit 50 for holding input data based on the sensor input of the game device and state information of the game machine body 49, and a wireless unit for wirelessly transmitting data held in the data holding unit 50
51 are the main elements.

The data holding unit 50 has a counting function for counting the number of times the contact switch of the sensor unit 47 is turned on when a coin is inserted, a memory function for storing count data and an ID number for communication of the game machine, and an instruction signal. It has a data clear function of erasing data, and is incorporated as a dedicated board in an existing game machine.

The radio section 51 is composed of a low-power radio station. The radio section 51 uses a subcarrier MSK modem IC for a general radio to transmit the data of the data holding section 50 by radio. It is configured to receive an instruction signal from the floor management device 44.

[0007] The floor management device 44 includes a data processing unit 52 composed of a personal computer, a wireless unit 53 for wirelessly transmitting data to and from the game machine 41, and a master management device 45.
And a communication modem 54 for data transmission between the game machine 41 and the data processing unit 52.A data collection program for wirelessly collecting data from each game machine 41 and data from equipment on the floor. It has a counting program for counting. Each floor management device 44 is connected online with the master management device 45 via a telephone line or the like.

In the game center, when a customer inserts a coin or the like into the coin insertion slot 46, the sensor unit 47 detects the insertion of the coin or the like, and the game machine body 49 of the game machine 41 operates. At this time, the data holding unit 50 counts the number of coins inserted and stores the number in the memory.
Further, at this time, the wireless unit 51 wirelessly transmits the data stored in the data holding unit 50 to the floor management device 44.
This floor management device 44 is a game machine 41 for the entire floor.
, And the operation status is transmitted online to the master management device 45, so that the master management device 45 can grasp the operation status of the game machines on all floors.

As described above, the conventional game machine management system provides the game device 41 with the floor management device 44
Since the sensor input data of the sensor unit 47 of each game machine 41 is wirelessly transmitted, and the floor management device 44 is configured to total the data on the entire floor, the game machine on the floor at any time is included. It will be possible to grasp the operating status of the entire 41 in real time. The operating state of the game machine 41 is transmitted online from the floor management device 44 to the master management device 45 via the communication modem 54. Then, the master management device 45 further aggregates the data collected by each floor management device 44, so that the sales status and the like of each branch can always be grasped in real time.

[0010]

As described above, in order to centrally manage game machines distributed in remote stores in a centralized manner, a central computer uses a communication line such as a telephone line. Because it was managed, the system became large and costly.

An object of the present invention is to enable low-cost management of game machines distributed to a plurality of remote locations.

[0012]

According to the present invention, there is provided a dedicated terminal for collecting status information such as sales information of a game machine and for inputting control information. A mobile phone (PH) for transmitting data to a pager as a mobile terminal under control of the device and receiving control data from a mobile phone of an administrator or the like.
S is included. The same shall apply hereinafter) is provided in the game machine.

The dedicated terminal device designates state information such as sales information of the game machine at regular intervals or when the game machine enters a specific state via a mobile phone built in the game machine. The control information is transmitted to a pager as a portable terminal or received through a mobile phone and stored in a control storage device.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention described in claim 1 of the present invention relates to a game machine for playing coins, a dedicated terminal connected to the game machine, and a portable telephone controlled by the dedicated terminal. In the game machine sales remote monitoring device having a game machine, the game machine is provided with sales detection means for detecting the state of coin insertion into the game machine and state detection means for detecting the operation state of the game machine. A dedicated terminal is provided with a data transmission means for inputting an output signal and activating a mobile phone at predetermined time intervals or occurrence of a predetermined status and transmitting game machine sales data and status data to a predetermined mobile terminal. It is provided and has an effect that sales data of a game machine in a remote place can be known by a portable terminal regardless of where the manager is.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game machine having a game machine for playing with coins inserted therein, a dedicated terminal connected to the game machine, and a portable telephone controlled by the dedicated terminal. In the sales remote monitoring device, incoming call detection means for detecting that there is an incoming call to the mobile phone,
A data storage unit that is activated by the incoming call detection unit, decodes data received from the mobile phone, and stores the received data in a specified storage device, and stores sales data and status data of the game machine according to the data in the storage device. The dedicated terminal has a data transmission means for transmitting data to the mobile terminal via the mobile terminal. The information collection function of the remote game machine can be controlled via the telephone, and the sales information of the game machine can be obtained regardless of where the manager is. Can be collected when needed.

(First Embodiment) In a first embodiment of the present invention, sales information of game machines distributed and arranged in a remote place is transmitted by a pager as a portable terminal while an administrator circulates. The dedicated terminal device reads the sales information of the game machine so that the sales information can be received, and transmits the sales information to a pager as a mobile terminal using a mobile phone built in the game machine. A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the game machine 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the game machine 1.
The game machine 1 is a machine for a TV game called an arcade game, and when a unique coin or a common coin such as a 100 yen coin issued by a game center is inserted, a program incorporated in the game machine main body 4 is started up. This is a coin-inserted game machine that allows a customer to operate the game machine body 4. The game machine 1 is connected to the Internet to send and receive messages and pictures via the Internet, the game machine 1 is connected to another game machine, enjoys online competitive games, and operates alone. There are various types.
The game machine body 4 is detachably installed and fixed inside the game machine 1, and is started by a game drive circuit. By changing the game machine main unit 4 or the game drive circuit, a game operated by another program can be enjoyed.

The game machine 1 is installed and fixed at a predetermined position on the floor such as a game center or a shopping center. There may be a case where a number of units are installed collectively, or a case where one or two units are dispersedly installed in each place. An administrator may be resident, or it may not be resident but just come around.

The game machine 1 is formed of a box-shaped casing, and is provided with a plurality of air holes at several places so as not to overheat the inside. At the front of the game machine 1, a game machine body 4
The display unit is provided as a screen for displaying the contents of the above. An operation unit including a lever unit and a button unit is provided at a position where a customer can operate while looking at the display unit, specifically, a lower part of the display unit. A coin insertion slot and a coin return slot for a customer to insert coins are provided at a lower portion of the operation unit of the game machine 1.

In the game machine 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the coin sensor 47, the game drive circuit 7, the coin sensor 47, the portable telephone 3 and the game drive circuit 7 are electrically connected. A dedicated terminal device 2, a coin passage,
A coin box 48 for storing inserted coins, and a coin return port for converting coins not detected by the coin sensor unit 47 into customers are arranged. The coin return slot is provided with a lid for preventing the coin from jumping out. In addition, the dedicated terminal device 2
Has a circuit configuration that can reliably detect and transmit the detection signal of the coin sensor unit 47 so that various coin sensor units 47 and the game drive circuit 7 can be connected.

The coin sensor unit 47 is a coin detecting unit that detects a coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 46 and outputs a detection signal. That is, the coin sensor unit 47
Comprises a sensor box, a section member protruding into the coin passage from the sensor box, and a detection signal output section connected to the sensor box and outputting a detection signal when a coin contacts the section member.

As described above, when the coin sensor 47 detects the insertion of a coin and the detection signal is output from the detection signal output unit, the detection signal is input to the dedicated terminal device 2. The dedicated terminal device 2 transmits the detection signal output from the coin sensor unit 47 to the game drive circuit 7 to activate the game machine main body 4, collects data related to coins based on the detection signal, and transfers the data and the like to the portable terminal. The telephone 3 is made to transmit.

Since the coin box becomes full at about 100,000 yen and no more can be entered, the coin slot is closed to stop the operation of the game machine. If this state continues, sales will stop, so it is necessary to collect coins before the coin box becomes full and continue business. Therefore, when the coin box is about 80% full, the mobile phone 3
To inform the pager as a mobile terminal. In order to know the sales situation, the state of the coin box is transmitted to the pager as a mobile terminal via the mobile phone 3 every hour.

As shown in FIG. 3, the dedicated terminal device 2 and the portable telephone 3 are stored inside the game machine 1 and can set transmission conditions. According to the set transmission conditions, The mobile phone 3 is activated to transmit sales information and the like. As shown in FIG. 4, the signal transmitted from the mobile phone 3 in the game machine 1 is received and displayed on the pager of the administrator via the pager company.

As shown in FIG. 5, this dedicated terminal 2
It has an input unit 22, a counting unit 23, a memory unit 24, an ID number setting unit 25 formed so that an ID number is set by a rotary switch or the like, and two terminal units 26 and 27. . The terminal 26 is connected to one end of a lead wire 30 and the other end of the lead wire 30 is connected to the game drive circuit 7, thereby connecting the dedicated terminal device 2 and the game drive circuit 7 to each other. Are electrically connected. Further, one end of a lead wire 29 is connected to the terminal portion 27, and the other end of the lead wire 29 is connected to the mobile phone 3.
And the mobile phone 3 are electrically connected.

When the detection signal output section of the coin sensor section 13 outputs a coin detection signal 28, the input section 22 inputs the detection signal 28 and transmits it to the terminal section 26. Further, the detection signal 28 is transmitted from the terminal section 26 to the game drive circuit 7 via the lead wire 30, and the game drive circuit 7 starts to be activated. That is, the detection signal 28
Is an instruction signal for activating the game driving circuit 7.

The counting unit 23 adds the number of times of the detection signal 28 transmitted from the input unit 22. That is, since the number of times coins are detected by the coin sensor unit 13 is the same as the number of coins put in the coin box, the counting unit 23 detects the number of coins put in the coin box. Then, when the counting section 23 adds the number of times of the detection signal 28, the result of the addition is transmitted to the memory section 24. The memory unit 24 is configured to store data relating to coins that are counted based on the output of the detection signal 28 in this manner.

The memory unit 24 has a reset function for returning the data relating to the coins added by the counting unit 23, that is, the number of coins in the coin box to "0". When the coin box is removed and the coins are collected, the counter is reset.

The dedicated terminal device 2 converts the ID number and coin data stored in the memory unit 24 into a signal suitable for a transmission signal and transmits the signal to the mobile phone 3. The mobile phone 3 inputs data relating to the ID number and the coin transmitted from the dedicated terminal device 2 and transmits data relating to the coin of the game machine 1 and data such as the ID number.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the dedicated terminal device 2 reads the coin counter when activated, and transmits sales data if the capacity exceeds 80% of the capacity of the coin box. If not, store it in memory and check the temperature and door. If the temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined value and the door is not open, that fact is stored in the memory. If the temperature exceeds a predetermined value or if the door is open, data to that effect is transmitted. If there is no abnormality, read the timer,
If the predetermined time has elapsed, the memory is read and the data of the coin counter is transmitted. If the time has not elapsed, the operation of reading the coin counter is repeated again.

In this way, the state information of the sales of the game machine 1 is periodically transmitted, and the state of the coin box near full is detected and transmitted. Therefore, the manager can manage the sales while patrol, Collect money efficiently.

Further, when an abnormality is detected, the information is immediately sent to the mobile phone 3 and transmitted to the pager. For example, if the door is open even though it is locked, it is determined to be abnormal and transmitted. Detects a power failure or overheating and sends an alarm. It also alerts you when you feel a strong shock or get wet.

The state of the game machine 1 is always detected and stored, and is periodically transmitted. When a predetermined state is detected, the game machine 1 is immediately transmitted to the pager through the mobile phone 3, so that sales management and security measures can be easily performed. it can.

Since the status information is transmitted to the pager in the form of text, the data displayed on the pager is taken as a digital signal by the RS232C into a personal computer, stored, and displayed in a list. It can be used to sort and display the priority of the tour.

(Second Embodiment) In a second embodiment of the present invention, sales information of a remote game machine can be managed in the same manner as a game machine in a game center. A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

The game machine management system comprises a plurality of game machines 41 each having a communication machine to which an individual communication ID number is assigned.
And floor management devices (PCs) 44 installed so as to be able to communicate with the communication devices of the plurality of game machines 41, respectively,
It mainly comprises a master management device 45 for totalizing and collectively managing the data of each game machine collected in the floor management device 44. At least one floor management device 44 is installed in each store, and data collected for each store is tabulated by a master management device 45 installed in the main store.

The data transmitted from the remote game machine 1 through the mobile phone 3 is received, converted in format, converted into the same data as the game machine 41 in the game center, and input to the master management device 45.

The operation of the game machine management system will be described.
When a coin is inserted from the coin insertion slot, the coin sensor operates and a detection signal is output from the detection signal output unit. When the detection signal is input to the input unit, a start command signal is output from the input unit to the game driving circuit, and the game driving circuit starts. The input unit transmits the detection signal to the game machine control unit. Then, the game machine control unit adds the number of times the detection signal has been output and stores the result as data relating to the coin storage status.
That is, the game machine control section stores data related to coins stored in the coin box of the game machine.

As the data to be transmitted, other data such as operation data and failure data may be transmitted alone or together with other data, in addition to the data relating to the coin storage status. In addition, in addition to the data transmission confirmation signal, other data such as a program of the game itself to be used on the game machine or data to be displayed on an unused game machine as an advertisement is transmitted as reception data, alone or in combination. Is also good.

In addition, the game machine uses a TV that uses coins.
Although a game machine is used, any game machine that uses coins such as a driving game machine or a UFO catcher may be used. Also, the floor management device 44 is connected online with a master management device 45 installed at the head office, and collectively manages data relating to coins with the master management device 45, but when managing one game center, for example, If the game centers are not distributed in a plurality of places, the master management device 45 is not required. What is necessary is just to comprise so that the data from the remote game machine 1 may be directly input into the floor management apparatus 44.

As described above, the data transmitted from the remote game machine 1 via the mobile phone 3 is input to the master management device 45 via the pager 5, and the data is transmitted to the game machine 41 in the game center. Since the management is performed in the same manner, all of the game machines 1 in the remote place and the game machine 41 in the game center can be collectively and centrally managed by the master management device 45. Aggregation of sales can be performed without distinction, and human intervention can be eliminated.

In order to collect sales, the game machine 1 in a remote place
When traveling around, the state of all game machines can be collectively grasped via the master management device 45, so that the sales collection work can be performed efficiently.

(Third Embodiment) A third embodiment of the present invention enables the information gathering function of a remote game machine to be set up via a portable telephone built in the game machine. It can easily set or change the information collection function from anywhere in an emergency or emergency.

Since the configuration of the game machine 1 is almost the same as that of the first embodiment, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

When the dedicated terminal device 2 detects an incoming call to the mobile phone 3, it converts the data from the mobile phone 3 into a predetermined format, decodes the command, and stores the data in accordance with the command in the address of the designated storage device. To be stored.
The commands include a sales data transmission request, a transmission cycle setting request, an emergency transmission event setting request, and the like.

In the case of the initial setting of the information collecting function of the game machine 1, after the game machine 1 is installed at the sales base, a call is made from the factory or the like to the game machine 1 and sales data is transmitted every hour. Or call every 2 hours. In addition, it also sets what state the emergency call is made in. For example, it is determined whether the call is to be transmitted when the coin box is 80% or 90%.

If the user wants to know the status of the game machine 1 at a remote place when traveling during business hours, the user can call the game machine 1 and request to transmit the current sales situation. For the game machine 1 with the highest sales, the regular report can be changed from every hour to every 30 minutes.

In addition to requesting sales information and changing setting information, changes can be made to request various information. For example, a microphone is provided in the game machine 1 so that voices of people playing in the game machine 1 can be heard via the mobile phone 3 by a mobile phone of a traveling administrator or a speaker in a management room of a game center. Then, the form of the game can be observed. It can also monitor for security.

Further, a TV camera or an electronic camera is provided in the game machine 1 to take a still picture of a game, convert it into a facsimile signal and transmit it via the portable telephone 3, and send it to the portable personal computer of the traveling administrator. It can also be displayed on the screen or displayed on the screen of the management room of the game center for monitoring. You can do market research on what kind of customers play.

Furthermore, if a call button is attached to the game machine 1 and the player is in trouble due to trouble or the like, the manager can be called by pressing the button to enable dialogue, so that a trouble can be dealt with promptly. . It is also possible to guide a player who does not know how to operate.

[0051]

Since the sales data of the game machine is transmitted to the pager as a portable terminal via the portable telephone, the manager can grasp the sales information of each game machine while patroling the game machine at a remote place. . It is easy to determine when and where to collect game consoles. Further, since a central management computer or the like is not used, no cost is required, and remote management can be easily performed even with one game machine.

Since the information collecting function of the game machine can be set up via the telephone, the setting at the time of shipment of the game machine can be easily performed, and the setting can be easily changed even if the game machine is rearranged. Further, it is possible to immediately collect necessary information in an emergency.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a game machine according to first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a game machine according to first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a game machine according to first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a communication system from a game machine to a pager as a portable terminal according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a dedicated terminal device according to the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an operation of the dedicated terminal device of the game machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a communication system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a conventional game machine management system.

9 is a block diagram showing a game machine and a floor management device of the game machine management system shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Dedicated terminal device 3 Mobile phone 4 Game machine main body 5 Pager as a portable terminal 6 Game machine management device 7 Game drive circuit 13 Coin sensor unit 22 Input unit 23 Count unit 24 Memory unit 25 ID setting unit 26 Terminal unit 27 Terminal 28 Detection signal 29 Lead wire 30 Lead wire 41 Game machine 42 Currency exchange device 43 Collection device 44 Floor management device 45 Master management device 46 Coin slot 47 Sensor unit 48 Coin box 49 Game console main unit 50 Data storage unit 51 Wireless unit 52 Processing unit 53 Radio unit 54 Modem

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A game machine sales remote monitoring device having a dedicated terminal device connected to a game machine main body for inserting coins and playing, and a mobile phone controlled by the dedicated terminal device, comprising: The game machine is provided with a sales detecting means for detecting the insertion state of the game machine and a state detecting means for detecting the operating state of the game machine, and inputting the output signals of the sales detecting means and the state detecting means, and for every predetermined time or in a predetermined state. A game machine sales remote monitoring device characterized in that a dedicated terminal device is provided with a data transmission means for starting up a mobile phone and transmitting game machine sales data and status data to a predetermined mobile terminal every time an occurrence occurs. 2. A game machine sales remote monitoring device having a dedicated terminal device connected to a game device main body for inserting coins and playing, and a mobile phone controlled by the dedicated terminal device, receiving a call to the mobile phone. Incoming call detecting means for detecting the presence of a call, and data storing means activated by the incoming call detecting means for decoding received data from the mobile phone and storing the received data in a designated storage device in the dedicated terminal device And a data transmission means for transmitting sales data and status data of the game machine to a designated mobile terminal via a mobile phone in accordance with data in the storage device. apparatus.