Game parlor management system

Abstract

To provide a game parlor management system capable of increasing the types of information to be acquired and the amount of information and improving robustness against disturbance.SOLUTION: A game parlor management system 1A has a communication device that is connected to a Pachinko game machine X capable of simultaneously outputting multiple kinds of signals having different communication systems, and acquires each of multiple kinds of signals having different communication systems from one Pachinko game machine X, and a game parlor management computer 5A for managing information on the basis of the multiple kinds of signals having different communication systems, and is connected to a game machine outputting Pachinko game machine information Mi according to the multiple kinds of signals having different communication systems via the communication device. The game parlor management computer 5A selects a signal that matches a predetermined condition from among the multiple kinds of signals having different communication systems acquired from the Pachinko game machine X, and manages the Pachinko game machine information Mi according to the selected signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a casino management system.

Background Art

[0002] A casino (store) management system is configured to acquire the operating status of each gaming machine in order to cope with the increase in the types of various gaming machines and the diversification of the business forms of casinos, and to construct detailed management information that forms the basis of casino operation. A large number of the gaming machines are installed in the casino. The gaming machines are connected to, for example, two console computers (relay devices) each. The console computers are connected to a hall computer (such as a gaming information management device) via an in-island computer.

[0003] The hall computer manages gaming data for each gaming machine, personal data for each member registered as a member, the operating status of the gaming machine, etc. by receiving various signals transmitted from the gaming machines. The hall computer acquires various information such as currency reception processing, consideration granting processing, balance, held balls, number of lent balls, number of returned balls, amount of deposited money, counted balls, number of lent balls, sales amount as the consideration for lent balls, and reception and issuance processing of general cards from the pachinko machines.

[0004] Among the gaming machines, there are a type that outputs the various information to the hall computer by a pulse signal and a type that outputs the various information to the hall computer by a serial communication method. A casino management system (casino system) capable of corresponding to the various information output from such different types of gaming machines is known.

[0005] The gaming parlor management system described in Patent Document 1 is configured to be able to perform type setting indicating which of a first gaming machine and a second gaming machine, which have different communication methods for output signals, is to be connected. When the gaming parlor management system is set to be connected to the first gaming machine in the type setting, it performs signal communication processing in the communication method of the first gaming machine, prioritizing over the communication method of the second gaming machine. Therefore, the gaming parlor management system described in Patent Document 1 can appropriately acquire gaming information even when, for example, a gaming machine using a pulse communication method and a gaming machine using a serial communication method are connected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In recent years, a next-generation new type of gaming machine capable of outputting signals in a plurality of communication methods has been developed. The new type of gaming machine is configured to be able to output, for example, both a signal using a pulse communication method and a signal using a serial communication method. The new type of gaming machine is configured to be able to output the various types of information to the hall computer by signals of a plurality of communication methods. The new type of gaming machine outputs, by a pulse signal, several types of information for which recording of changes in a time series such as the number of lent balls and the number of balls discharged every few seconds to several tens of seconds is desired. In addition, the new type of gaming machine outputs several tens of types of information including information for which immediacy is not required and recording of changes in a time series is not necessary by a serial communication method with a cycle slower than the pulse communication method. In this way, the new type of gaming machine outputs a plurality of information by a communication method according to the nature of the information.

[0008] However, the casino management system described in Patent Document 1 is configured to be able to connect a gaming machine of one of the communication methods between the first gaming machine and the second gaming machine having different communication methods. That is, the casino management system described in Patent Document 1 is configured to be able to receive signals of a plurality of communication methods, but processes information by signals of one of the plurality of communication methods. Therefore, the casino management system described in Patent Document 1 is restricted in terms of the types and amounts of information that can be acquired. In addition, the casino management system described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the reliability of information decreases when the signal is affected by disturbances such as noise.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a casino management system capable of increasing the types and amounts of information to be acquired and improving the robustness against disturbances.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The inventor of the present invention studied the configuration of a casino management system that can increase the types and amounts of information to be acquired and improve the robustness against disturbances in the casino management system. As a result of intensive studies, the inventor of the present invention came up with the following configuration.

[0011] A casino management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a casino management system that acquires gaming machine information related to the gaming machines for each of the plurality of gaming machines installed in the casino.

[0012] The casino management system is configured to be connectable to the gaming machine that can simultaneously output a plurality of types of signals having different communication methods, and includes a communication device that acquires each of the plurality of types of signals having different communication methods output by the gaming machine, and a control device that manages the gaming machine information based on the plurality of types of signals having different communication methods acquired by the communication device. The control device acquires the gaming machine information transmitted by the plurality of types of signals having different communication methods via the communication device connected to the gaming machine, and selects information that meets a predetermined condition from the acquired information.

[0013] In the above configuration, the casino management system acquires gaming machine information by means of a plurality of signals of a plurality of communication methods from a gaming machine capable of simultaneously outputting a plurality of types of signals with different communication methods via the communication device. For example, the casino management system acquires one piece of information by means of signals of a plurality of communication methods respectively. Further, for example, the casino management system acquires a plurality of types of information by means of signals of a communication method corresponding to the nature of the information by means of signals of a plurality of communication methods. Therefore, the casino management system multiplexes the transmission paths and transmission means of the information acquired from the gaming machine, and diversifies the information acquired from the gaming machine. Furthermore, since the casino management system selects information that meets a predetermined condition from among a plurality of pieces of information transmitted by signals of different paths and different communication methods, even if noise or the like affects the signals of one communication method, it is possible to acquire the information transmitted by the signals of other communication methods. Thereby, compared with the case of acquiring gaming machine information by means of a signal of a single communication method, the types and amounts of information to be acquired can be increased, and the robustness against disturbances can be improved.

[0014] From another point of view, it is preferable that the casino management system of the present invention includes the following configuration. The control device selects information in which the content of the information is within a predetermined range from the gaming machine information transmitted by a plurality of types of signals with different communication methods. Alternatively, the control device selects information in which the content of the information is within a predetermined range and information transmitted by a signal of a predetermined communication method from the gaming machine information transmitted by a plurality of types of signals with different communication methods.

[0015] In the above configuration, the control device acquires, as information that is not affected by disturbances or device malfunctions, information within a predetermined range among the same type of information and different types of information respectively transmitted by a plurality of types of signals with different communication methods. Further, the control device respectively selects, as information that is not affected by disturbances or device malfunctions, information within a predetermined range and information of a predetermined communication method among the same type of information and the different types of information. That is, the control device can select information that is not affected by disturbances from among a plurality of information transmitted by signals of different paths and a plurality of communication methods. Thereby, compared with the case of acquiring information output by a gaming machine by a signal of a single communication method, the types and amounts of information to be acquired can be increased, and the robustness against disturbances can be improved.

[0016] From another perspective, the casino management system of the present invention preferably includes the following configuration. The control device selects, from the gaming machine information transmitted by a plurality of types of signals with different communication methods, information whose content has been updated at the update time in each communication method. Or, the control device selects, from the gaming machine information transmitted by a plurality of types of signals with different communication methods, information whose content has been updated at the update time in each communication method and information transmitted by a signal of a predetermined communication method.

[0017] In the above configuration, the control device acquires, as information that is not affected by disturbances or device malfunctions, information that has been updated at the update time in each communication method among the same type of information and different types of information respectively transmitted by a plurality of types of signals with different communication methods. That is, the control device selects information that is not affected by disturbances based on the presence or absence of appropriate updates from among a plurality of information acquired by signals of different paths and a plurality of communication methods. Thereby, compared with the case of acquiring information output by a gaming machine by a signal of a single communication method, the types and amounts of information to be acquired can be increased, and the robustness against disturbances can be improved.

[0018] From another perspective, the casino management system of the present invention preferably includes the following configuration. The control device selects the information transmitted by the signal of the most recently acquired signal among the same type of information included in the gaming machine information transmitted by a plurality of types of signals with different communication methods. Further, the control device selects the information transmitted by the signal of the most recently acquired signal for each of the different types of information included in the gaming machine information transmitted by a plurality of types of signals with different communication methods.

[0019] In the above configuration, the control device acquires, as information not affected by disturbances or equipment malfunctions, the information transmitted by the signal of the most recently acquired signal among the same type of information respectively transmitted by a plurality of types of signals with different communication methods. Also, the control device selects, as information not affected by disturbances or equipment malfunctions, the information transmitted by the signal of the most recently acquired signal for each of the different types of information respectively transmitted by a plurality of types of signals with different communication methods. That is, the control device selects the latest information among the information acquired by signals of different paths and a plurality of communication methods as information not affected by disturbances. Thereby, compared with the case of acquiring the information output by the gaming machine by the signal of a single communication method, the types and amount of information to be acquired can be increased, and the robustness against disturbances can be improved.

[0020] From another perspective, the casino management system of the present invention preferably includes the following configuration. The control device is configured to be able to select the information transmitted by the signal of any communication method among the gaming machine information transmitted by a plurality of types of signals with different communication methods.

[0021] In the above configuration, the control device can select information transmitted by a signal of the most suitable communication method from among the same type of information and the different types of information respectively transmitted by a plurality of types of signals with different communication methods, taking into account the type of information, the amount of information, the acquisition timing, etc. Thereby, compared with the case of acquiring information output by a gaming machine by a signal of a single communication method, the type and amount of information to be acquired can be increased, and the robustness against disturbances can be improved.

[0022] From another viewpoint, it is preferable that the casino management system of the present invention includes the following configuration. When the control device cannot acquire information transmitted by a signal of at least one communication method among the gaming machine information transmitted by a plurality of types of signals with different communication methods, the control device outputs an error signal.

[0023] In the above configuration, when the control device cannot acquire information transmitted by a signal of at least one communication method among the information respectively transmitted by a plurality of types of signals with different communication methods, the control device determines that there is a problem that the gaming machine, the communication device, etc. cannot transmit, relay, or receive the signal of the one communication method. The communication device outputs an error signal to the outside or records an error signal inside, for example. Thereby, compared with the case of acquiring information output by a gaming machine by a signal of a single communication method, the type and amount of information to be acquired can be increased, and the robustness against disturbances can be improved.

[0024] From another viewpoint, it is preferable that the casino management system of the present invention includes the following configuration. The communication device can simultaneously acquire a signal of a serial communication method and a signal of a pulse communication method output from one of the gaming machines.

[0025] In the above configuration, the communication device can simultaneously acquire a signal of a serial communication method and a signal of a pulse communication method output from the gaming machine. The communication device can acquire, at the timing when each is output, the signal of the pulse communication method output from the gaming machine every few seconds to several tens of seconds, and the signal of the serial communication method output from the gaming machine at a cycle slower than the pulse communication method. Therefore, the casino management system can acquire the signal of the other communication method even if the signal of one communication method cannot be acquired. As a result, compared with the case of acquiring the information output by the gaming machine using the signal of a single communication method, the types and amount of information to be acquired can be increased, and the robustness against disturbances can be improved.

[0026] The technical terms used in this specification are used for the purpose of defining only specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the invention by the technical terms.

[0027] In this specification, the use of "including", "comprising", or "having" and their modifications identifies the presence of the described features, steps, elements, components, and / or their equivalents, but can include one or more of steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0028] In this specification, "attached", "connected", "coupled", and / or their equivalents are used in a broad sense and include both "direct and indirect" attachment, connection, and coupling. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connection or coupling, and can include direct or indirect electrical connection or coupling.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the technical field to which the present invention belongs.

Effect of the Invention

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a game hall management system that acquires game machine information related to the game machines for each of the plurality of game machines installed in the game hall, it is possible to increase the types and amounts of information to be acquired and improve the robustness against disturbances.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

[0032] <Embodiment 1> Using FIGS. 1 and 2, the game hall management system 1A which is Embodiment 1 of the game hall management system 1A will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the game hall management system 1A according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the game hall management system 1A.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the game hall management system 1A acquires and manages game machine information Mi related to the pachinko game machine X and the pachislot game machine Y which are game machines installed in the game hall. In the following embodiments, it will be described assuming that a pachinko game machine X is installed as a game machine in the game hall. <Pachinko Game Machine>

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko gaming machine X is a gaming machine in which a player fires pachinko balls (medals in the pachislot gaming machine Y), which are gaming media, and a certain number of pachinko balls are paid out by being inserted into a specific winning opening. The pachinko gaming machine X has a ball lending machine Xa (the pachislot gaming machine Y has a medal lending machine Ya). The ball lending machine Xa is a terminal that reads a magnetic card or the like, which is a recording medium, stores pachinko balls, and lends them out within a set amount range. The pachinko gaming machines X form a so-called "island" that combines a plurality of machine stands and is arranged in the game hall. A plurality of islands are configured in the game hall.

[0035] The pachinko gaming machine X is connected to the game hall management system 1A via a control box Xb (the pachislot gaming machine Y is connected via a control box Yb). The control box Xb is configured to be able to output gaming machine information Mi (hereinafter, "gaming machine information Mi") related to various gaming machines of the pachinko gaming machine X by means of a signal in a pulse communication system and a signal in a serial communication system.

[0036] The pachinko gaming machine X outputs, for example, pulse gaming machine information PMi, which is at least a part of the gaming machine information Mi, by means of a signal in a pulse communication system via the control box Xb. The pachinko gaming machine X outputs a signal in a pulse communication system every few seconds to several tens of seconds. The pulse gaming machine information PMi is suitable for information that requires immediacy such as the number of balls discharged. Also, the pachinko gaming machine X outputs, for example, serial gaming machine information SMi, which is at least a part of the gaming machine information Mi, by means of a signal in a serial communication system via the control box Xb. The serial gaming machine information SMi is suitable for information that requires calculation accuracy such as the winning rate. The pachinko gaming machine X outputs a signal in a serial communication system at a cycle slower than that of the pulse communication system.

[0037] In this embodiment, the gaming machine information Mi includes various information when the pachinko gaming machine X is being played by a player, such as an out signal (the number of pachinko balls shot into the pachinko gaming machine X) obtained by counting the pachinko balls inserted into the pachinko gaming machine X by sensors or the like within the pachinko gaming machine X, a safe signal (the number of pachinko balls won and collected), the number of jackpot occurrences, the number of jackpots with few balls being output, the number of balls output, the winning rate, various setting values, error information of the pachinko gaming machine X, a call request for the player, etc.

[0038] <Overall Configuration of the Game Hall Management System> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the game hall management system 1A has a desktop computer 2, an in-island computer 3, a unit terminal 4, and a game hall management computer 5A.

[0039] The desktop computer 2 that constitutes the communication device acquires the gaming machine information Mi regarding the gaming machine from the pachinko gaming machine X. Substantially, the desktop computer 2 may have a configuration in which a CPU, ROM, RAM, HDD, etc. are connected by a bus, or may have a configuration consisting of a one-chip LSI or the like.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, one desktop computer 2 is electrically connected to, for example, the control boxes Xb of two pachinko gaming machines X. The desktop computer 2 acquires the pulse gaming machine information PMi transmitted respectively by signals of a pulse communication method output from the control box Xb of the pachinko gaming machine X. The pulse gaming machine information PMi is a part of the gaming machine information Mi. Also, the desktop computer 2 outputs the acquired pulse gaming machine information PMi to the in-island computer 3 by a signal of the pulse communication method.

[0041] The in-island computer 3 that is the communication device acquires and holds the pulse gaming machine information PMi of a plurality of pachinko gaming machines X that constitute the island. Substantially, the in-island computer 3 may have a configuration in which a CPU, ROM, RAM, HDD, etc. are connected by a bus, or may have a configuration consisting of a one-chip LSI or the like. The in-island computer 3 is installed on each island in the game hall.

[0042] The in-island computer 3 is electrically connected to the base computers 2 of a plurality of pachinko gaming machines X that make up the island via a network system or the like constructed in the game parlor. The in-island computer 3 acquires pulse gaming machine information PMi transmitted from each base computer 2 by a signal in a pulse communication system. Further, the in-island computer 3 outputs the acquired pulse gaming machine information PMi to the game parlor management computer 5A by a signal in a pulse communication system.

[0043] The unit terminal 4, which is a communication device, acquires and holds the gaming machine information Mi of a plurality of pachinko gaming machines X that make up the island. Substantially, the unit terminal 4 may be configured such that a CPU, ROM, RAM, HDD, etc. are connected by a bus, or may be configured of a one-chip LSI or the like. The unit terminal 4 is installed on each island in the game parlor.

[0044] The unit terminal 4 is electrically connected to the control boxes Xb of a plurality of pachinko gaming machines X that make up the island via a network system or the like constructed in the game parlor. The unit terminal 4 acquires serial gaming machine information SMi transmitted from the control box Xb of the pachinko gaming machine X by a signal in a serial communication system. The serial gaming machine information SMi is a part of the gaming machine information Mi. Further, the unit terminal 4 outputs the acquired serial gaming machine information SMi to the game parlor management computer 5A by a signal in a serial communication system.

[0045] The casino management computer 5A that constitutes the control device manages gaming machine information Mi output from a plurality of pachinko gaming machines X (a plurality of pachislot gaming machines Y) in the casino. Substantially, the casino management computer 5A may have a configuration in which a CPU, ROM, RAM, HDD, etc. are connected by a bus, or may have a configuration consisting of a one-chip LSI or the like. A program for processing pulse gaming machine information PMi transmitted by a signal of the pulse communication method and serial gaming machine information SMi transmitted by a signal of the serial communication method is stored in the casino management computer 5A.

[0046] The casino management computer 5A is electrically connected to a plurality of in-island computers 3 and a plurality of unit terminals 4, respectively. The casino management computer 5A can process signals of the pulse communication method and the serial communication method. The casino management computer 5A acquires pulse gaming machine information PMi transmitted by signals of the pulse communication method output from the in-island computers 3, respectively. Further, the casino management computer 5A acquires serial gaming machine information SMi transmitted by signals of the serial communication method output from the unit terminals 4, respectively.

[0047] The casino management system 1A configured in this way is connected to a plurality of pachinko gaming machines X capable of simultaneously outputting signals of the pulse communication method and the serial communication method via a plurality of base computers 2, a plurality of in-island computers 3, and a plurality of unit terminals 4. The plurality of base computers 2 and the plurality of in-island computers 3 process the pulse gaming machine information PMi. The plurality of unit terminals 4 process the serial gaming machine information SMi.

[0048] The game parlor management computer 5A has a path for transmitting signals in a pulse communication system via a plurality of console computers 2 and a plurality of in-island computers 3, and a path for transmitting signals in a serial communication system via a plurality of unit terminals 4, respectively. That is, in the game parlor management computer 5A, the signal transmission paths are multiplexed. Therefore, the game parlor management computer 5A has improved robustness against disturbances such as noise and equipment failures. Also, by acquiring signals of a plurality of communication systems respectively, the game parlor management computer 5A has an increased amount of information that can be acquired compared to a system that acquires signals of a single communication system. The game parlor management computer 5A can manage the pulse gaming machine information PMi acquired respectively via the plurality of console computers 2 and the plurality of in-island computers 3, and the serial gaming machine information SMi acquired respectively via the plurality of unit terminals 4.

[0049] <Information selection control> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, information selection control A for the game parlor management computer 5A to select appropriate information from the pulse gaming machine information PMi acquired by signals in the pulse communication system and the serial gaming machine information SMi acquired by signals in the serial communication system will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the mode of information selection control A in the game parlor management system 1A.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, the game parlor management computer 5A acquires at least one of the pulse gaming machine information PMi transmitted respectively by signals in the pulse communication system from the pachinko gaming machine X and the serial gaming machine information SMi transmitted respectively by signals in the serial communication system. The pulse gaming machine information PMi and the serial gaming machine information SMi are information related to the pachinko gaming machine X transmitted by signals of different communication systems, respectively. Also, the pulse gaming machine information PMi and the serial gaming machine information SMi are each composed of information included in both and information included only in one of them.

[0051] The game parlor management computer 5A selects a signal that meets a predetermined condition from among the pulse game machine information PMi transmitted by a signal of the pulse communication method and the serial game machine information SMi transmitted by a signal of the serial communication method, which are obtained by the plurality of unit computers 2, the plurality of in-island computers 3, and the unit terminals 4 from a plurality of pachinko game machines X. The game parlor management computer 5A manages the game machine information Mi based on the selected signal.

[0052] <Predetermined condition: when the content of the information is within a predetermined range> The game parlor management computer 5A selects information whose content is within a predetermined range, or information whose content is within a predetermined range and is transmitted by a signal of a predetermined communication method, from among the pulse game machine information PMi and the serial game machine information SMi transmitted by signals with different communication methods.

[0053] For example, when the number of jackpot occurrences, which is the pulse game machine information PMi, and the number of jackpot occurrences, which is the serial game machine information SMi, are within a predetermined numerical range (for example, from 0 to 9999), the game parlor management computer 5A selects both the pulse game machine information PMi and the serial game machine information SMi. Or, for example, when the number of jackpot occurrences, which is the pulse game machine information PMi, and the number of jackpot occurrences, which is the serial game machine information SMi, are within their respective predetermined numerical ranges, the game parlor management computer 5A selects the pulse game machine information PMi, which is the predetermined information.

[0054] On the other hand, in the case of the number of jackpot occurrences that is the pulse game machine information PMi and the number of jackpot occurrences that is the serial game machine information SMi, for example, when the number of jackpot occurrences that is the pulse game machine information PMi exceeds a predetermined numerical range (for example, 99999 times), the game parlor management computer 5A determines that the pulse game machine information PMi may be affected by noise or the like and does not select the pulse game machine information PMi. Note that the game parlor management computer 5A is configured such that a predetermined numerical range for selecting information can be individually set according to the nature, accuracy, use, etc. of the target information.

[0055] Next, in the game parlor management system 1A, the information selection control A for selecting information within a predetermined range will be specifically described. The game parlor management computer 5A selects the pulse gaming machine information PMi within a predetermined range from among the pulse gaming machine information PMi and the serial gaming machine information SMi.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 3, in step S110 of the information selection control A, the game parlor management computer 5A acquires the pulse gaming machine information PMi from the in-island computer 3. Also, the game parlor management computer 5A acquires the serial gaming machine information SMi from the unit terminal 4. The game parlor management computer 5A shifts the step to step S120.

[0057] In step S120, the game parlor management computer 5A determines whether or not the acquired pulse gaming machine information PMi is included within a predetermined range. If the game parlor management computer 5A determines that the pulse gaming machine information PMi is included within a predetermined range, it shifts the step to step S130. On the other hand, if the game parlor management computer 5A determines that the pulse gaming machine information PMi is not included within a predetermined range, it shifts the step to step S230.

[0058] In step S130, the game parlor management computer 5A determines whether or not the acquired serial gaming machine information SMi is included within a predetermined range. If the game parlor management computer 5A determines that the serial gaming machine information SMi is included within a predetermined range, it shifts the step to step S140. On the other hand, if the game parlor management computer 5A determines that the serial gaming machine information SMi is not included within a predetermined range, it shifts the step to step S150.

[0059] In step S140, the game parlor management computer 5A selects the pulse gaming machine information PMi and the serial gaming machine information SMi, and shifts the step to step S110.

[0060] In step S150, the arcade management computer 5A selects the pulse gaming machine information PMi and causes the process to proceed to step S110.

[0061] In step S230, the arcade management computer 5A determines whether or not the acquired serial gaming machine information SMi is included within a predetermined range. When the arcade management computer 5A determines that the serial gaming machine information SMi is included within the predetermined range, it causes the process to proceed to step S240. On the other hand, when the arcade management computer 5A determines that the serial gaming machine information SMi is not included within the predetermined range, it causes the process to proceed to step S250.

[0062] In step S240, the arcade management computer 5A selects the serial gaming machine information SMi and causes the process to proceed to step S110.

[0063] In step S250, the arcade management computer 5A determines that the acquired pulse gaming machine information PMi and serial gaming machine information SMi are not included within the predetermined range, does not select a signal, and causes the process to proceed to step S110.

[0064] The gaming parlor management system 1A configured in this way acquires, for example, the gaming machine information Mi as pulse gaming machine information PMi transmitted by a signal of a pulse communication method transmitted via the desk computer 2 and the in-island computer 3, and serial gaming machine information SMi transmitted by a signal of a serial communication method transmitted via the unit terminal 4. Therefore, the gaming parlor management system 1A multiplexes the transmission path and transmission means of the information acquired from the pachinko gaming machine X. Further, the gaming parlor management system 1A acquires, for example, information such as the number of balls put out that requires immediacy as pulse gaming machine information PMi transmitted by a signal of a pulse communication method, and acquires high-precision information such as the winning rate and information with a large amount of information that does not require immediacy as serial gaming machine information SMi transmitted by a signal of a serial communication method. Therefore, the gaming parlor management system 1A acquires the gaming machine information Mi from the pachinko gaming machine X by a communication method according to the nature of the information.

[0065] Furthermore, the gaming parlor management system 1A acquires, as information that has not been affected by disturbances or equipment malfunctions, information within a predetermined range among the information transmitted by a plurality of types of signals with different communication methods. That is, since a plurality of information is transmitted by signals of a plurality of communication methods from a plurality of paths, the gaming parlor management system 1A can select and exclude signals that have not been appropriately updated. In addition, the gaming parlor management system 1A can select information according to the content, nature, and accuracy of the information by setting a predetermined range that is a selection criterion for the information for each piece of information. Thereby, compared with the case of acquiring the information output by the gaming machine by a signal of a single communication method, the types and amount of information to be acquired can be increased, and the robustness against disturbances can be improved.

[0066] <Embodiment 2> <Predetermined conditions: When the information is appropriately updated> Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, information selection control B by the casino management system 1B, which is Embodiment 2 of the casino management system, will be described. Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that information is selected on the condition of whether the information is appropriately updated. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the mode of information selection control B in the casino management system 1B. In the following embodiments, the specific description of the same points as those already described in the embodiments will be omitted, and the description will focus on the different parts.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 2, the casino management system 1B includes a console computer 2, an in-island computer 3, a unit terminal 4, and a casino management computer 5B.

[0068] The casino management computer 5B acquires at least one of the pulse gaming machine information PMi transmitted by a signal of the pulse communication method and the serial gaming machine information SMi transmitted by a signal of the serial communication method, which are acquired by the plurality of console computers 2, the plurality of in-island computers 3, and the unit terminal 4 from the plurality of pachinko gaming machines X. Further, the casino management computer 5B selects the information transmitted by the signal updated at the update time in the communication method among the acquired information. The casino management computer 5B manages the gaming machine information Mi by the selected signal.

[0069] On the other hand, the casino management computer 5B does not select the signal that is not updated at the update time in the communication method among the acquired information. For example, when the pulse gaming machine information PMi is not updated at a predetermined update time among the acquired pulse gaming machine information PMi and serial gaming machine information SMi, the casino management computer 5B determines that the pulse gaming machine information PMi may be affected by noise or the like and does not select the pulse gaming machine information PMi.

[0070] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, information selection control B for selecting information that has been appropriately updated in the game hall management system 1B will be specifically described. The game hall management computer 5B selects the pulse gaming machine information PMi and the serial gaming machine information SMi that have been updated at an appropriate update timing among the pulse gaming machine information PMi and the serial gaming machine information SMi.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 4, in step S310 of the information selection control B, the game hall management computer 5B acquires the pulse gaming machine information PMi from the island computer 3. Further, the game hall management computer 5B acquires the serial gaming machine information SMi from the unit terminal 4. The game hall management computer 5B shifts the step to step S320.

[0072] In step S320, the game hall management computer 5B determines whether or not the acquired pulse gaming machine information PMi has been updated at a predetermined update timing. If the game hall management computer 5B determines that the pulse gaming machine information PMi has been updated at a predetermined update timing, it shifts the step to step S330. On the other hand, if the game hall management computer 5B determines that the pulse gaming machine information PMi has not been updated at a predetermined update timing, it shifts the step to step S430.

[0073] In step S330, the game hall management computer 5B determines whether or not the acquired serial gaming machine information SMi has been updated at a predetermined update timing. If the game hall management computer 5B determines that the serial gaming machine information SMi has been updated at a predetermined update timing, it shifts the step to step S340. On the other hand, if the game hall management computer 5B determines that the serial gaming machine information SMi has not been updated at a predetermined update timing, it shifts the step to step S350.

[0074] In step S340, the casino management computer 5B selects the pulse gaming machine information PMi and the serial gaming machine information SMi, and transfers the step to step S310.

[0075] In step S350, the casino management computer 5B selects the pulse gaming machine information PMi, and transfers the step to step S310.

[0076] In step S430, the casino management computer 5B determines whether the acquired serial gaming machine information SMi has been updated at a predetermined update time. When the casino management computer 5B determines that the serial gaming machine information SMi has been updated at a predetermined update time, it transfers the step to step S440. On the other hand, when the casino management computer 5B determines that the serial gaming machine information SMi has not been updated at a predetermined update time, it transfers the step to step S450.

[0077] In step S440, the casino management computer 5B selects the serial gaming machine information SMi, and transfers the step to step S310.

[0078] In step S450, the casino management computer 5B determines that the acquired pulse gaming machine information PMi and serial gaming machine information SMi have not been updated at a predetermined update time, and transfers the step to step S310 without selecting a signal.

[0079] The game parlor management system 1B acquires, as information that has not been affected by disturbances or equipment malfunctions, the information that has been updated at the update timing in each communication method among the pulse gaming machine information PMi transmitted by a signal of the pulse communication method and the serial gaming machine information SMi transmitted by a signal of the serial communication method. That is, the game parlor management system 1B appropriately determines, as information that has not been affected by disturbances, the information that has been updated from among a plurality of information transmitted by signals of the pulse communication method and the serial communication method. That is, since a plurality of information is transmitted by signals of a plurality of communication methods from a plurality of paths, the game parlor management system 1B can select and exclude signals that have not been appropriately updated. Thereby, compared with the case of acquiring the information output by the gaming machine by a signal of a single communication method, the types and amounts of information to be acquired can be increased, and the robustness against disturbances can be improved.

[0080] <Embodiment 3> <Predetermined condition: When selecting the most recently updated signal> Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, information selection control C by the game parlor management system 1C, which is Embodiment 3 of the game parlor management system, will be described. Embodiment 3 differs from Embodiments 1 and 2 in that it selects the most recently updated information. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the mode of information selection control C in the game parlor management system 1C.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the pulse gaming machine information PMi and the serial gaming machine information SMi are the same type of information transmitted by a plurality of types of signals having different communication methods.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 2, the game parlor management system 1C includes a desktop computer 2, an in-island computer 3, a unit terminal 4, and a game parlor management computer 5C.

[0083] The arcade management computer 5C selects the information transmitted by the signal that was updated most recently among the same type of information included in the pulse gaming machine information PMi and the serial gaming machine information SMi, which are each transmitted by a plurality of types of signals with different communication methods.

[0084] On the other hand, the arcade management computer 5C does not select, for example, the information that has not been updated most recently among the acquired pulse gaming machine information PMi and serial gaming machine information SMi.

[0085] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the information selection control C for selecting the information that has been updated most recently in the arcade management system 1C will be specifically described.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 5, in step S510 of the information selection control C, the arcade management computer 5C acquires the pulse gaming machine information PMi from the in-island computer 3. Also, the arcade management computer 5C acquires the serial gaming machine information SMi from the unit terminal 4. The arcade management computer 5C shifts the step to step S520.

[0087] In step S520, the arcade management computer 5C determines whether the pulse gaming machine information PMi has been updated most recently among the pulse gaming machine information PMi and the serial gaming machine information SMi, which are the same type of information included in the acquired gaming machine information Mi. When the arcade management computer 5C determines that the pulse gaming machine information PMi has been updated most recently, it shifts the step to step S530. On the other hand, when the arcade management computer 5C determines that the pulse gaming machine information PMi has not been updated most recently, that is, when it determines that the serial gaming machine information SMi has been updated most recently, it shifts the step to step S540.

[0088] In step S530, the casino management computer 5C selects the most recently updated pulse gaming machine information PMi included in the acquired gaming machine information Mi, and causes the process to proceed to step S510.

[0089] In step S540, the casino management computer 5C selects the most recently updated serial gaming machine information SMi included in the acquired gaming machine information Mi, and causes the process to proceed to step S510.

[0090] The casino management system 1C acquires, for example, the information transmitted by the signal most recently acquired among the pulse gaming machine information PMi and the serial gaming machine information SMi, which are information of the same type. That is, since a plurality of information is transmitted by signals of a plurality of communication methods from a plurality of paths in the casino management system 1C, when a plurality of information is acquired at different timings, the most recently updated information is selected as the information having the smallest difference from the state of the current pachinko gaming machine X among the respective information acquired by the signals of the plurality of communication methods. Thereby, compared with the case of acquiring the information output by the gaming machine by the signal of a single communication method, the types and amounts of information to be acquired can be increased, and the robustness against disturbances can be improved.

[0091] (Other Embodiments) In the above-described embodiments, the casino management systems 1A, 1B, and 1C acquire the signals of the pulse communication method and the signals of the serial communication method at predetermined update times. At this time, the casino management systems 1A, 1B, and 1C may be configured to output an error signal when they cannot acquire the information transmitted by at least one of the information transmitted by the signal of the pulse communication method and the signal of the serial communication method.

[0092] When at least one piece of information transmitted by a signal of a certain communication method among the information transmitted by a plurality of types of signals with different communication methods cannot be obtained, the arcade management systems 1A, 1B, and 1C determine that there is a problem that signals cannot be received or transmitted to the pachinko machine X, the console computer 2, the in-island computer 3, the unit terminal 4, or the like. The arcade management systems 1A, 1B, and 1C output an error signal to the outside or record an error signal internally, for example. Therefore, since a plurality of pieces of information are transmitted by signals of a plurality of communication methods from a plurality of paths, the arcade management systems 1A, 1B, and 1C acquire signals without problems and clarify signals with problems. As a result, compared with the case of acquiring information output by a gaming machine by a signal of a single communication method, the types and amounts of information to be acquired can be increased, and the robustness against disturbances can be improved.

[0093] The arcade management system 1A selects information that meets predetermined conditions from among the information transmitted by signals of a predetermined communication method. However, when the arcade management system acquires the same type of information and different types of information transmitted by a plurality of types of signals with different communication methods, respectively, it may be configured to select information transmitted by a signal of any communication method from among the same type of information and the different types of information. For example, when the arcade management system acquires information transmitted by a signal of a pulse communication method and information transmitted by a signal of a serial communication method, and wants to acquire more accurate information, it may select the information transmitted by the signal of the serial communication method.

[0094] In the above configuration, the arcade management system can select information transmitted by a signal of the most suitable communication method in consideration of the type of information, the amount of information, the acquisition timing, and the like. As a result, compared with the case of acquiring information output by a gaming machine by a signal of a single communication method, the types and amounts of information to be acquired can be increased, and the robustness against disturbances can be improved.

[0095] In the above-described embodiments, the gaming machines managed by the casino management systems 1A, 1B, and 1C are composed of the pachinko gaming machine X and the pachislot gaming machine Y. However, the gaming machines managed by the casino management system may be composed of, for example, only the pachinko gaming machine X or only the pachislot gaming machine Y.

[0096] In all of the above-described embodiments, two pachinko gaming machines X are connected to one floor computer 2. However, one floor computer may be configured to be connected to one or three or more pachinko gaming machines.

[0097] In all of the above-described embodiments, the island computers 3 are respectively arranged on each island in the casino management systems 1A, 1B, and 1C. However, the casino management system may be configured to manage a plurality of islands with one island computer.

[0098] Also, in all of the above-described embodiments, the casino management systems 1A, 1B, and 1C are configured to be able to acquire signals of the pulse communication method and signals of the serial communication method. However, as long as the signals are of a plurality of communication methods, the communication method may be other than the signals of the pulse communication method and the serial communication method.

[0099] Also, the casino management systems 1A, 1B, and 1C are connected to a plurality of pachinko gaming machines X, floor computers 2, island computers 3, and unit terminals 4 by a network system constructed in the casino. At this time, the network system constructed in the casino may be wired or wireless.

[0100] In addition, the gaming hall management system 1A selects information whose content is within a predetermined range as information that conforms to predetermined conditions. The gaming hall management system 1B selects information transmitted by a signal that has been appropriately updated as information that conforms to predetermined conditions. The gaming hall management system 1C selects information transmitted by the most recently updated signal as information that conforms to predetermined conditions. However, the gaming hall management system may be configured to select information that conforms to a plurality of conditions. For example, the gaming hall management system may be configured to select information transmitted by the most recently updated signal and information whose content is within a predetermined range.

[0101] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been explained. However, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, without being limited to the above-described embodiments, it is possible to appropriately modify and implement the above-described embodiments within the scope not departing from the gist thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0102] 1A, 1B, 1C Gaming hall management systems Two computers Three in-island computers Four unit terminals 5A, 5B, 5C Gaming hall management computers X Pachinko gaming machine Xa Ball lending machine Xb, Yb Control boxes Y Pachislot gaming machine Ya Medal lending machine Mi Gaming machine information PMi Pulse gaming machine information SMi Serial gaming machine information

Claims

1. A game parlor management system that acquires game machine information related to each of a plurality of game machines installed in a game parlor, for each of the game machines, configured to be connectable to the game machines capable of outputting the game machine information by a plurality of types of signals having different communication methods, and acquiring the game machine information transmitted by the plurality of types of signals having different communication methods output by the game machines, a communication device; a control device that manages the game machine information acquired by the communication device, and has, The control device, acquires the game machine information transmitted by a plurality of types of signals having different communication methods via the communication device connected to the game machine, and selects information that conforms to a predetermined condition among the acquired information, A game parlor management system.

2. In the game parlor management system according to claim 1, The control device, In the game machine information transmitted by a plurality of types of signals having different communication methods, information whose content is within a predetermined range, Or, In the game machine information transmitted by a plurality of types of signals having different communication methods, information whose content is within a predetermined range and information transmitted by a signal of a predetermined communication method are selected, A game parlor management system.

3. In the game parlor management system according to claim 1, The control device, In the game machine information transmitted by a plurality of types of signals having different communication methods, information whose content is updated at the update time in each communication method, Or, In the game machine information transmitted by a plurality of types of signals having different communication methods, information whose content is updated at the update time in each communication method and information transmitted by a signal of a predetermined communication method are selected, A game parlor management system.

4. In the game parlor management system according to claim 1, The control device, Among the same type of information included in the game machine information transmitted by a plurality of types of signals having different communication methods, selects the information transmitted by the most recently acquired signal, In different types of information included in the game machine information transmitted by a plurality of types of signals having different communication methods, selects the information transmitted by the most recently acquired signal for each, A game parlor management system.

5. In the game parlor management system according to claim 1, The control device, In the gaming machine information transmitted by a plurality of types of signals with different communication methods, information transmitted by a signal of an arbitrary communication method is configured to be selectable. A casino management system.

6. In the casino management system according to claim 1, The control device, In the gaming machine information transmitted by a plurality of types of signals with different communication methods, when information transmitted by a signal of at least one communication method cannot be acquired, an error signal is output. A casino management system.

7. In the casino management system according to claim 1, The communication device, A casino management system capable of simultaneously acquiring a signal of a serial communication method and a signal of a pulse communication method output from one of the gaming machines. A casino management system.

Images