JP2006263100A - Game equipment managing unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game equipment managing unit which enables the simple setting of data for the layout display of game devices. <P>SOLUTION: Many kinds of layout patterns for game equipment are previously stored into a pattern memory part 25 and the selection of the layer out patterns is made through an operation part 20c. Moreover, the layout patterns selected are corrected on its basis or attributes involved in the numbers of the individual game equipment, its attachments and the like contained in the layout patterns are set to establish a layout to meet the requirements of the individual game parlors. In combination with the layout chart thus obtained, the operation condition of the individual game equipment and the locations where abnormality occur are displayed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming facility management apparatus that manages the operating status and abnormal status of various gaming facilities installed in a gaming store such as a pachinko parlor, and more particularly to a technique for displaying a layout of gaming facilities.

  The game store is equipped with various game facilities such as equipment for collecting and polishing the game balls discharged from each game machine, supplying them to each game machine and circulating them again, and equipment for counting prize balls. Yes. Anomalies in gaming facilities cause trouble for players and have a significant impact on sales. A management system that centrally manages gaming facilities in the store has been introduced, and the operational status of each gaming facility and the occurrence of abnormalities are monitored. The result is displayed on the monitor screen.

  Some display screens use a layout diagram so that the location of each gaming facility in the store can be confirmed at a glance. For example, in order to display various gaming facilities installed in the store in a form that conforms to the actual layout, the actual layout drawing is captured by a scanner, etc., and the layout and display size of each gaming facility is calculated based on this. There is one that creates data for layout display (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 14-346172

  As described above, taking the actual layout drawing with a scanner or the like to create layout display data is not only laborious and troublesome, but it also takes time to import the drawing and analyzes the captured image data for display data. There has been a problem that the computer processing for generating is complicated.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming facility management apparatus capable of easily setting layout display data for gaming machines.

The invention according to claim 1 is a gaming facility management apparatus capable of displaying a layout of gaming facilities to be managed.
A pattern storage unit (25, 44) that stores a plurality of types of layout patterns of gaming facilities in advance;
A pattern selection unit (21a, 41a) for receiving a layout pattern selection from those stored in the pattern storage unit (25, 44);
A gaming facility management apparatus that displays a layout of a gaming facility to be managed based on a layout pattern selected by the pattern selection unit (21a, 41a).

  According to the above invention, a plurality of types of basic layout patterns are stored in advance, the selection of the layout pattern is received from the plurality, and the layout of the gaming equipment is displayed based on the selected layout pattern.

The invention according to claim 2 further includes a pattern correction unit (21b, 41b) for correcting the layout pattern selected by the pattern selection unit (21a, 41a), and performs layout based on the corrected layout pattern. The gaming facility management device according to claim 1, wherein the gaming facility management device is displayed.

  According to the above invention, it is possible to make corrections based on the selected existing layout pattern. The correction method does not matter. For example, parts may be added / deleted to the selected layout pattern, or the size, shape, and color of the symbols representing each gaming machine may be changed.

In the invention according to claim 3, the pattern correction unit (21b, 41b) sets the presence / absence setting for each gaming facility included in the layout pattern selected by the pattern selection unit (21a, 41a). 3. The gaming facility management device according to claim 2, wherein the gaming facility management device accepts and corrects the layout pattern to a configuration composed of gaming facilities set to “present”.

  According to the above invention, by setting the presence / absence of each gaming facility included in the layout pattern, the existing layout pattern is corrected so as to match the actual layout.

The invention according to claim 4 further includes an attribute setting section (21c, 41c) for setting an attribute for each gaming facility included in the layout pattern. Equipment management device.

  According to the said invention, an attribute can be set to each game equipment contained in a layout pattern. The attributes include, for example, the type of game equipment, name, presence / absence of ancillary equipment, and installation position. By setting an attribute for each individual and general-purpose gaming equipment included in the layout pattern, each can be characterized and personalized.

In the invention according to claim 5, the pattern storage unit (25, 44) stores in advance a layout pattern in which substantially square gaming equipment marks (85) representing the gaming equipment are arranged in a lattice pattern. A gaming facility management device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.

  According to the above-described invention, instead of marks simulating the shape and size of each gaming facility, substantially square gaming facility marks (85) are used and arranged in a lattice pattern. By making the gaming equipment marks (85) square, a large number of gaming equipment marks (85) can be arranged with high density.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the layout display, from the gaming equipment mark (85) representing the gaming equipment in a simulated manner, the coupling mark (82) indicating the coupling with the other gaming equipment is replaced with another gaming equipment mark ( 85. The gaming facility management device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that it can be put out in all directions that can be adjacent to each other.

  According to the said invention, the connection state of game equipment is displayed on a layout by adding a connection mark (82) according to an actual layout. The connection corresponds to, for example, passing a game ball transfer path between adjacent gaming machine islands.

The invention according to claim 7 makes the layout set based on the layout pattern valid at a specified time. The gaming equipment according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 It is a management device.

  According to the above invention, the set layout becomes effective from the designated time. For example, if the game store start time is set, the layout changed on the previous day will not be effective at that time, but will automatically be enabled from the next day's start of business.

  According to the gaming facility management apparatus according to the present invention, since a desired layout pattern can be selected from pre-stored layout patterns, settings relating to layout display can be easily performed and convenience is improved. To do. Further, complicated processing such as calculating the display size and shape of the gaming machine is not required, and computer processing related to layout setting is simplified.

  If the layout pattern can be modified, a layout display closer to the actual layout can be performed based on the existing layout pattern. In particular, in the case where the presence / absence of each gaming facility included in an existing layout pattern is set, it is possible to cope with various layouts while simple operations for correction and computer processing.

  In addition, if the attributes can be set for each gaming facility included in the layout pattern, individuality is given to the marks of general-purpose gaming machines that are initially included in the layout pattern, so that more diverse and complicated layout display is possible. it can.

  The layout pattern of large stores can be displayed with a large number of gaming equipment marks arranged in high density with a pre-stored layout pattern in which approximately square gaming equipment marks that represent gaming equipment are arranged in a lattice pattern. It becomes possible to cope with.

  If the connection mark can be set, the layout can be displayed even if the connection state of the gaming facilities is complicated.

  For example, if you enable a set layout from a specified time, you can automatically enable a layout that has been changed during the previous business day from the start time of the next day. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the layout from being changed immediately during business.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of a game hall management system 10 including a gaming facility management apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment. The game hall management system 10 monitors the operating status and abnormal status of various gaming facilities installed in a game store such as a pachinko store, and displays the operating status and the occurrence status of the abnormal status together with a layout diagram in the store on the display device 20b. It has a function to do.

  The game hall management system 10 includes an island monitoring device 11 installed on each gaming machine island 60 in the store, and a game facility management device 20 to which the island monitoring device 11 is connected through the store network 12. The gaming facility management device 20 includes a management device body 20a, a display device 20b, and an operation unit 20c. In addition, a remote setting device 40 is connected to the gaming facility management device 20 through a communication line such as a network. The remote setting device 40 is included in a part of the gaming facility management device in the function relating to the layout setting.

  The display device 20b is installed on the wall or management room in the amusement store, and is viewed by employees, store managers, and the like in order to confirm the operation status and the occurrence status of abnormalities. The operation unit 20c is juxtaposed with the display device 20b. Before describing the details of the game hall management system 10, first, the internal structure of the gaming machine island 60 provided with various game facilities managed by the game hall management system 10 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine island 60 accommodates a plurality of gaming machines 61 such as pachinko machines arranged side by side, and game balls used for gaming with these gaming machines 61 are stored in the gaming machine island 60. It is configured to be used repeatedly by circulating. Specifically, the game balls discharged from each gaming machine 61 are collected by a collection conveyor 62 disposed at the lower part of the gaming machine island 60, and this is collected to a lifting and polishing machine 63 erected in the center of the gaming machine island 60. Transport. The lift polishing machine 63 lifts the transported game ball to the upper storage tank 64 of the gaming machine island 60 while polishing the game ball, and the game ball after polishing passes from the upper storage tank 64 to the respective game machines 61 through the replenishment rod 65. Will be supplied again.

  In addition, game balls and spare game balls overflowing from the upper storage tank 64 are stored in a plurality of lower storage tanks 66 arranged at the lower part of the gaming machine island 60, and the storage amount of the upper storage tank 64 is reduced. When the opening / closing device 68 provided at the discharge port of the lower storage tank 66 is opened by the sub-controller 76 and the game balls are discharged onto the recovery conveyor 62, the game balls circulating in the gaming machine island 60 are made to have an appropriate amount. Control to maintain.

  In addition, a transfer path (not shown) is reciprocally routed between the upper storage tanks 64 of adjacent game machine islands 60 so that the stored flow rates of game balls in each game machine island 60 are balanced. The game balls are delivered between the gaming machine islands 60. This delivery is controlled by opening and closing the shutter of the inter-island ball transport device 69 provided in the upper storage tank 64.

  In order to fulfill such a function, the upper storage tank 64 and the lower storage tank 66 are provided with a storage amount sensor 66a (see FIG. 1) for detecting the storage amount of game balls. In addition, the recovery conveyor 62, the lifting grinder 63, and the opening / closing device 68 are provided with various sensors (not shown) for detecting the respective operating states and occurrences of abnormalities.

  In addition, inter-bank ball machines 61 a for lending game balls to players are provided in parallel with each game machine 61. Further, between the back surfaces of the gaming machines 61 arranged side by side on the front and back sides of the gaming machine island 60, a banknote transport device 71 that transports the banknotes taken into the interbank ball machine 61a to the end of the island, and the interbank machine A coin transport device 72 that transports the coins taken into 61 a to the end of the island is disposed so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the gaming machine island 60.

  Also, at one end of the gaming machine island 60 (the right end in FIG. 2), a bill safe 73 and a coin safe 74 for separating and storing bills and coins transported by the bill transport device 71 and the coin transport device 72 are installed. Yes. Further, a ball counter 75 is installed at the other end of the gaming machine island 60 to collect and collect game balls acquired by the player. In the amusement store, a large number of such gaming machine islands 60 are arranged with passages therebetween.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the island monitoring device 11 includes an inter-bank ball machine 61 a, a ball counter 75, a sub-controller 76, a recovery conveyor 62, a lifting and polishing machine 63, and an inter-island ball transport device 69 provided in the gaming machine island 60. A bill transport device 71, a coin transport device 72, and the like are connected. Under the sub controller 76, a storage amount sensor 66a of the lower storage tank 66 and an opening / closing device 68 are connected. The in-island monitoring device 11 performs a function of collecting state information indicating the operation state or abnormal state from these gaming facilities installed on the gaming machine island 60. The island monitoring device 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an input / output circuit, a communication unit, and the like that are not shown. Is done.

  FIG. 3 shows a functional configuration of the gaming facility management apparatus 20. The management apparatus body 20a of the gaming facility management apparatus 20 includes a control unit 21, a display processing unit 22, a monitoring processing unit 23, a communication unit 24, a pattern storage unit 25, a setting layout storage unit 26, and a monitoring data storage. Part 27. The management device main body 20a is a computer device configured by a circuit having a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, not shown, as main parts.

  The control unit 21 fulfills a function of controlling the overall operation of the gaming facility management apparatus 20. The monitoring processing unit 23 collects status information from each gaming facility through the in-store network 12 and the island monitoring device 11, and performs a function of monitoring the operating status and abnormality occurrence status of each gaming facility. The status information is “normal error” indicating a serious abnormality that inevitably stops the operation of the gaming machine island 60, and “minor error” that can continue the operation of the gaming machine island 60 although it is abnormal. Are classified into three types, “normal” indicating a normal operating state. For example, in the “heavy error”, there is a stop due to a failure of the lifting grinder 63 and the recovery conveyor 62. “Light error” includes abnormality of the ball counter 75 and the inter-island ball transport device 69.

  The pattern storage unit 25 stores various basic layout patterns of the game store. The setting layout storage unit 26 stores a setting layout created based on any one of the layout patterns and by making modifications or setting attributes. The monitoring data storage unit 27 stores the state information collected by the monitoring processing unit 23 in association with the date and time.

  The display processing unit 22 functions to display the setting layout stored in the setting layout storage unit 26 on the display device 20b. In addition, it functions to display various screens for creating a setting layout and other screens on the display device 20b.

  The communication unit 24 functions to communicate with the remote setting device 40 and an external terminal (not shown). For example, it functions to receive a layout pattern to be registered in the pattern storage unit 25 and a setting layout to be registered in the setting layout storage unit 26 from the remote setting device 40 and to notify the occurrence of an abnormality to the outside.

  The control unit 21 functions as a pattern selection unit 21a, a pattern correction unit 21b, and an attribute setting unit 21c. The pattern selection unit 21a has a function of receiving a selection from the layout patterns stored in the setting layout storage unit 26 as a basis for creating a setting layout. The pattern correction unit 21b has a function of correcting the layout pattern selected by the pattern selection unit 21a. Specifically, for each gaming facility included in the layout pattern, a setting operation with / without presence is accepted, and the layout pattern is modified to include only gaming facilities set to “present”. Fulfills the function.

  The attribute setting unit 21c functions to set an attribute for each gaming facility included in the layout pattern. For example, it has a function of setting the island number of the gaming machine island 60, the presence / absence or arrangement of a counter, the presence / absence or connection direction of a transfer path, and the like as attributes. Note that the display device 20b performs the function of displaying the operation guidance in the functions of the pattern selection unit 21a, the pattern correction unit 21b, and the attribute setting unit 21c, and the function of receiving the selection operation is performed by the operation unit 20c.

  FIG. 4 shows a functional configuration of the remote setting device 40. The remote setting device 40 functions to transmit and set data related to layout display to the gaming facility management device 20 of each gaming store from a remote location via a network or the like. The remote setting device 40 includes a control unit 41, an operation display unit 42, a communication unit 43, a pattern DB 44, and a setting layout DB 45. The remote setting device 40 is a computer device having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. (not shown) as main parts.

  The pattern DB 44 is a database that serves as a pattern storage unit that stores various basic layout patterns. The setting layout DB 45 is a database that stores setting layouts for each game store.

  The control unit 41 performs a function of controlling the overall operation of the remote setting device 40. In addition, the pattern selection unit 41a has a function of receiving a selection of a layout pattern as a basis for creating a setting layout for each game store from the layout patterns stored in the pattern DB 44. The pattern correction unit 41b performs the function of correcting the layout pattern selected by the pattern selection unit 41a, like the pattern correction unit 21b of the gaming facility management device 20. The attribute setting unit 41 c performs a function of setting an attribute for each gaming facility included in the layout pattern, similarly to the attribute setting unit 21 c of the gaming facility management device 20.

  The operation display unit 42 includes a display screen such as a liquid crystal display and a keyboard / mouse, and has a function of displaying various screens and receiving various input operations.

  The communication unit 43 performs a function of communicating with the gaming facility management device 20 and the like. For example, the setting layout in the setting layout DB 45 is transmitted to the gaming facility management device 20 of the corresponding gaming store and registered remotely in the setting layout storage unit 26 of the gaming store, or the layout pattern in the pattern DB 44 is assigned to each game. It is used for communication when it is transmitted to the game facility management device 20 of the store and registered in the setting layout storage unit 26 of that game store.

  FIG. 5 exemplifies layout patterns registered in the pattern storage unit 25 and the pattern DB 44. The layout pattern A shown in FIG. 6A is a layout in which a long and narrow island symbol 81 representing a gaming machine island is arranged in a row in the width direction with a space corresponding to a passage. Each island symbol 81 is given a coordinate number in ascending order from “01” according to the arrangement order. Furthermore, between the adjacent island symbols 81, all of the forward path and the return path are connected by a connection mark 82 representing a transfer path. Further, counter symbols 83 corresponding to the ball counter 75 are arranged on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the island symbol 81 and on both sides in the center in the width direction. That is, the connection mark 82 and the counter symbol 83 are provided at all locations where the actual layout can be installed.

  The layout pattern B shown in FIG. 5B has a layout in which island symbols 81 are arranged in two upper and lower rows. A forward and backward connection mark 82 is also provided between the island symbols 81 adjacent in the vertical direction in the figure. In addition, the island symbol 81a having the coordinate number “08” at the upper right end and the island symbol 81b having the coordinate number “09” at the lower left end are also connected by the connection marks 82a and 82b for the forward path and the return path. ing.

  The layout pattern C shown in FIG. 6C has a layout in which substantially square island symbols 85 are arranged in a grid pattern. Each island symbol 85 is provided with four counter symbols 83 on the top, bottom, left and right. In addition, each island symbol 85 is provided with connection marks 82 in all directions in which the other island symbols 85 can be adjacent to each other, and the adjacent island symbols 85 are connected in advance. . The island symbol 85a at the right end of each stage and the island symbol 85b at the left end of the next stage are also connected by the connection marks 82a and 82b of the forward path and the return path. In the layout pattern C, 40 island symbols 85 are densely arranged in the same range as the layout pattern A. As a result, it is possible to deal with a layout display of a large store where a large number of gaming machine islands 60 are arranged on one floor. Further, since the connection mark 82 can be set in four directions, a layout display can be performed even if the connection state of the gaming facilities is complicated.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a layout setting screen 100 for setting a layout with the remote setting device 40. The store name input field 101 is an input field for the used store name and floor name of the layout set on the layout setting screen 100. The pattern selection column 102 is a selection column for selecting a layout pattern to be used this time from a plurality of types of layout patterns stored in the pattern DB 44. In the layout display area 103, a layout during the setting work is displayed. The detail setting unit 104 is an input field for setting the presence / absence and setting attributes for each gaming machine island in the layout pattern selected in the pattern selection field 102.

  The detailed setting unit 104 is configured by arranging a coordinate number column 105, an island setting column 106, an island number column 107, a counter column 108, and a transition column 109 from the left end.

  In the coordinate number column 105, coordinate numbers are displayed in ascending order in the vertical direction, and information related to one gaming machine island is displayed in one horizontal row. The display range can be moved by the scroll bar 104a. In the coordinate number column 105, the type of gaming machine island is set. For example, if “Morijima” is selected, a gaming machine island having a transfer path between adjacent islands is set. When “Independent Island” is selected, it is set to an independent gaming machine island that is not connected to another gaming machine island through a transfer path.

  In the island number column 107, an identification number of the gaming machine island is set. An arbitrary number can be set apart from the coordinate number. If the island number column 107 is set to be blank, the gaming machine island is treated as a non-existing gaming machine island and is deleted from the layout.

  In the counter column 108, the presence / absence of the ball counter 75 and the position of the ball counter 75 in the gaming machine island are set. For example, the position is selected from “upper”, “lower”, “both center”, “center right”, “center left”, and the like. If it is left blank, a gaming machine island without a ball counter 75 is set.

  In the transition column 109, the connection direction of the transfer path and the like are set. For example, when “with right” is set, the game machine island connected to the right adjacent game machine island through a transfer path is set. When “with left and right” is set, the game machine island is connected to each of the game machine island on the right and the game machine island on the left with a transfer path.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, the layout pattern B is the basic, the gaming machine islands with the coordinate numbers “01”, “02”, “10”, “13”, “16” are set to “no”, and the layout In the display of the display area 103, the corresponding game machine islands are blank. In addition, an island number “01” is set for the gaming machine island having the coordinate number “03”. When the layout setting screen 100 is closed, the setting contents are confirmed, and the setting layout corresponding to the setting contents is registered in the setting layout DB 45.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the layout data 120 representing the set layout. In the layout data 120, the setting contents on the layout setting screen 100 of FIG. 6 are registered. In the header portion 121, a layout pattern name, a store name, a floor name, and the like are registered. In the island-specific information column 122, the contents set by the detail setting unit 104 of the layout setting screen 100 are registered. When the set layout is actually displayed on the screen, the set layout is reproduced from the layout data 120 and the layout pattern data designated by the layout data 120. The configuration of the layout data is not limited to this. The image configuration of the setting layout itself may be stored as layout data.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the operating state monitoring screen 130 displayed on the display device 20b of the gaming facility management device 20. The operating state monitoring screen 130 is provided with a layout display unit 131 that displays the layout of gaming machine islands and gaming facilities, and an abnormality display unit 132 that displays information related to abnormalities in gaming facilities.

  The layout display unit 131 displays a layout diagram corresponding to the setting layout. In the layout diagram, an island symbol 81 simulating a gaming machine island is displayed at a location according to the setting. That is, the island symbol 81 is displayed only at a location corresponding to the coordinate number for which the island number is set. On the left shoulder of the displayed island symbol 81, the island number set for the gaming machine island of that coordinate number is displayed. In addition, a game ball amount level image 133 representing the stored flow rate of game balls in the corresponding game machine island 60 as a bar graph length and a numerical value is displayed at the center of each island symbol 81.

  In addition, a counter symbol 83 is displayed at the set position on the island symbol 81 corresponding to the gaming machine island where the counter is set at any position. Further, a connection mark 82 is displayed on the island symbol 81 of the gaming machine island set in the transfer field 109 with a transfer path.

  In addition, the color of the island symbol 81 itself indicates the state of occurrence of an abnormality on the gaming machine island 60 corresponding to the island symbol 81. Here, when a “heavy error” that must stop the operation of the gaming machine island 60 has occurred, a “light error” that allows the operation of the gaming machine island 60 to continue is displayed in red (indicated by horizontal stripes in the figure). When it occurs, it is displayed in yellow (indicated by diagonal lines in the figure), and in normal conditions, it is displayed in green (indicated by solid color in the figure).

  The abnormality display unit 132 sequentially displays an abnormality mark 141 indicating the number of occurrences of abnormality and an occurrence history, and a message 142 indicating the contents of the abnormality by flowing a telop. By comparing the content of the abnormality displayed on the abnormality display unit 132 with the layout diagram displayed on the layout display unit 131, it is possible to recognize what type of abnormality has occurred at which location.

  The operation state monitoring screen 130 in FIG. 8 displays a layout diagram related to the setting layout set on the layout setting screen 100 in FIG. For example, in the layout setting screen 100 of FIG. 6, since the gaming machine islands with the coordinate numbers “01”, “02”, “10”, “13”, “16” in the layout pattern B are set to “none”, In the layout diagram of FIG. 8, the island symbol 81 is not displayed at a position corresponding to these coordinate numbers. Further, since the island number “01” is set for the gaming machine island having the coordinate number “03” on the layout setting screen 100 in FIG. 6, the island at the position of the coordinate number is displayed on the operation state monitoring screen 130 in FIG. The island number “01” is displayed on the left shoulder of the symbol 81e.

  In this way, by modifying the basic layout pattern or setting the attribute, a layout diagram conforming to the actual layout at the game shop is displayed. In particular, the layout can be changed by setting the presence or absence of gaming machine islands and gaming equipment included in the existing layout pattern from the beginning. Yes. In addition, by setting attributes for each gaming facility included in the layout pattern, individuality can be given to the marks of general-purpose gaming machines that are initially included in the layout pattern, enabling more diverse and complex layout display. It has become.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the layout setting screen 200 when the layout pattern C is selected. FIG. 10 shows an operation state monitoring screen 220 displaying a layout diagram corresponding to the setting layout set on the layout setting screen 200 shown in FIG. The island symbol 85 is displayed in the layout diagram of the operation state monitoring screen 220 only at the location corresponding to the coordinate number in which the island number is not blank in the setting of the layout setting screen 200. In the layout setting screen 200, “→” is displayed at a location where the transfer path is set.

  In addition, when a transfer path that connects gaming machine islands in different rows is set, the operation state monitoring screen 220 displays that the island symbols 85 belonging to these different rows are actually connected by the connection mark 82. For example, the connection mark 82d is displayed so as to connect the island symbol 85b with the island number “05” and the island symbol 85c with the island number “06” in an L shape. Further, the numerical display 221 at the center of each island symbol 85 represents the storage flow level of the game balls in the gaming machine island 60. Further, as in the case of the island symbol 81, the island symbol 85 indicates an abnormality occurrence state with its own color.

  FIG. 11 shows a flow of operations for setting the layout of the gaming facility management device 20 from the remote setting device 40. The remote setting device 40 sets the opening time of the corresponding amusement store on the time setting screen (not shown) (step S301), then moves to the layout setting screen 200 shown in FIG. A game shop name to be entered is input, and a layout pattern is selected in the pattern selection field 102 (step S302). As a result, data related to the corresponding layout pattern is read from the pattern DB 44, and the layout pattern is displayed on the layout display unit 131 of the layout setting screen 200.

  Next, the person in charge of setting sets contents corresponding to each of the island setting field 106, the island number field 107, the counter field 108, and the transition field 109 for each coordinate number (step S303). When the setting is thus completed and the setting layout is confirmed, the data related to the setting layout and the data indicating the opening time set earlier are transmitted to the gaming facility management apparatus 20 of the corresponding gaming store through the network (step S304).

  The gaming facility management device 20 stores the received data relating to the setting layout in the setting layout storage unit 26 (step S305) and waits for the designated opening time (step S306; N). When the store opening time comes (step S306; Y), the newly received new setting layout is validated, and thereafter, this new setting layout is used in the display of the operation state monitoring screen 130 and the like (step S307).

  In this way, if you enable the set layout from the specified time, for example, it is possible to automatically enable the layout that was changed during the previous business day from the next business start time, It is possible to prevent a situation where the layout is immediately changed during business due to fraud and misoperation.

  Next, a case where a layout is set by the gaming facility management device 20 will be described.

  12 is a setting screen 410 displayed on the display device 20b of the gaming facility management device 20, and FIG. 13 is a front view of the operation unit 20c of the gaming facility management device 20. The operation unit 20c includes up / down / left / right arrow keys 421, a cancel button 422, a determination button 423, and a key switch 424 that can be operated by inserting a key. When a predetermined key is inserted into the key switch 424 and turned to the “closed” position, the operation state monitoring screen 130 shown in FIG. 8 or the operation state monitoring screen 220 shown in FIG. 10 is switched to display the setting screen 410 shown in FIG. 20b, and the layout setting can be changed.

  The setting screen 410 has a setting target display field 411 at the top, and a detail display field 412 below it. In the setting target display field 411, items to be set and coordinate numbers are displayed. An arrow mark 413 is displayed in the detail display field 412, and the setting item can be switched by moving the arrow mark 413 up and down. In addition, by moving the arrow mark 413 to the left and right and selecting “next island” or “previous island” in the detailed display column 412, the game machine islands to be set can be sequentially changed.

  When the up and down arrow keys 421 of the operation unit 20c are operated, the setting items can be switched by moving the arrow marks 413 on the setting screen 410 up and down. Further, by operating the left and right arrow keys 421, the setting value of the currently selected setting item can be switched. When the cancel button 422 is operated, the setting contents are canceled, and when the decision button 423 is operated, the setting contents are confirmed.

  By using such a display device 20b and the operation unit 20c, a layout pattern is selected and corresponding to each coordinate number in the same manner as the operation on the operating state monitoring screen 130 and the layout setting screen 200 of the remote setting device 40. Presence / absence and attributes of gaming machine islands can be set. It is also possible to set the opening time on a screen not shown. After the setting is completed, if the key switch 424 is set to “in operation”, the layout set in the “closed” state becomes valid.

  FIG. 14 shows an operation when layout setting is performed by the gaming facility management device 20. After setting the opening time on a screen (not shown) (step S501), a layout pattern is selected from those stored in the pattern storage unit 25 (step S502). Next, settings such as island setting, island number, counter position, and transition state are received for each coordinate number (step S503). Thus, the setting is completed and the setting layout is confirmed. After that, when the key switch 424 is set to “open” and the previously set opening time is reached (step S504; Y), the new setting layout is validated. Thereafter, this is displayed on the operation state monitoring screen 130 and the like. A new setting layout is used (step S505).

  As described above, by selecting a desired layout pattern from layout patterns stored in advance, settings relating to layout display can be easily performed, and convenience is improved. Further, complicated processing such as calculating the display size and shape of the gaming machine is not required, and computer processing related to layout setting is simplified.

  Further, although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to those shown in the embodiments, and there are changes and additions within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  For example, in the embodiment, three types of basic layout patterns are prepared, but the type and number of layout patterns are not limited to this. Further, the shape of the island symbol and the transfer route symbol used in each layout pattern may be appropriately changed. That is, even if it does not resemble the shape of an actual gaming machine island, a shape that can be easily arranged as a layout diagram or an arbitrary shape that can easily display information such as a storage flow level may be adopted. For example, even if the shape is substantially square like the island symbol 85, the positional relationship of the gaming machine islands in the store can be clearly understood.

  Further, the gaming facility management device 20 may be configured to obtain a layout pattern from the remote setting device 40 via a network as needed instead of storing the layout pattern in the pattern storage unit 25.

  Further, the modification applied to the layout pattern is not limited to that exemplified in the embodiment, and for example, the shape of the island symbol itself may be changed or the island symbol may be added.

  In the embodiment, the gaming facilities installed on the gaming machine island 60 are targeted for layout display. However, any gaming equipment installed in a gaming store may be used, and a gaming machine island 60 such as an information providing device for players. Other gaming equipment that does not belong to may be included in the layout display target.

  Further, in the embodiment, the layout setting is possible from both the gaming facility management device 20 and the remote setting device 40, but only one of them may be used.

It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the game hall management system containing the game equipment management apparatus concerning this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the internal structure of game machine island containing various game equipment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the game equipment management apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a remote setting apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the various layout patterns registered into the pattern memory | storage part of a game equipment management apparatus, or pattern DB of a remote setting apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the layout setting screen displayed on a remote setting apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the layout data showing a setting layout. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the operation state monitoring screen displayed on a gaming equipment management apparatus based on the setting layout set on the layout setting screen of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the layout setting screen displayed on a remote setting apparatus. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation state monitoring screen displayed on the gaming facility management device based on the setting layout set on the layout setting screen of FIG. 9. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement in the case of performing layout setting of the game equipment management apparatus from a remote setting apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the setting screen displayed on the display apparatus of a game equipment management apparatus. It is a front view which shows the operation part of a game equipment management apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement in the case of performing layout setting with a game equipment management apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

A, B, C: Basic layout pattern 10: Game hall management system 11 ... Island monitoring device 12 ... In-store network 20 ... Game equipment management device 20a ... Management device body 20b ... Display device 20c ... Operation unit 21 ... Control unit 21a ... Pattern selection unit 21b ... Pattern correction unit 21c ... Attribute setting unit 22 ... Display processing unit 23 ... Monitoring processing unit 24 ... Communication unit 25 ... Pattern storage unit 26 ... Setting layout storage unit 27 ... Monitoring data storage unit 40 ... Remote setting device 41 ... Control part 41a ... Pattern selection part 41b ... Pattern correction part 41c ... Attribute setting part 42 ... Operation display part 43 ... Communication part 44 ... Pattern DB
45 ... Setting layout DB
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 60 ... Game machine island 61 ... Game machine 61a ... Inter-bank ball machine 62 ... Collection conveyor 63 ... Lifting polishing machine 64 ... Upper storage tank 65 ... Supply tank 66 ... Lower storage tank 66a ... Storage amount sensor 68 ... Opening and closing device 69 ... Inter-island ball transport device 71 ... bill transport device 72 ... coin transport device 73 ... bill safe box 74 ... coin safe 75 ... ball counter 76 ... sub-controller 81 ... island symbol 82 ... connection mark 83 ... counter symbol 85 ... island symbol 100 ... Layout setting screen 101 ... Store name input field 102 ... Pattern selection field 103 ... Layout display area 104 ... Detail setting part 104a ... Scroll bar 105 ... Coordinate number field 106 ... Island setting field 107 ... Island number field 108 ... Counter field 109 ... Transition column 120 ... Layout data 121 ... Header section 122 ... Island-specific information column 130 ... Operating state monitoring screen 13 ... Layout display part 132 ... Abnormality display part 133 ... Game ball quantity level image 141 ... Abnormality mark 142 ... Message indicating abnormality content 200 ... Layout setting screen 220 ... Operating state monitoring screen 221 ... Numerical display 410 ... Setting screen 411 ... Setting target Display field 412 ... Detailed display field 413 ... Arrow mark 421 ... Arrow key 422 ... Cancel button 423 ... Enter button 424 ... Key switch

Claims (7)

In the gaming equipment management device capable of displaying the layout of the gaming equipment to be managed,
A pattern storage unit storing a plurality of types of layout patterns of gaming facilities in advance;
A pattern selection unit for selecting a layout pattern from those stored in the pattern storage unit,
A gaming facility management apparatus that displays a layout of a gaming facility to be managed based on a layout pattern selected by the pattern selection unit. The gaming facility management device according to claim 1, further comprising a pattern correction unit that corrects the layout pattern selected by the pattern selection unit, and displaying a layout based on the corrected layout pattern. The pattern correction unit accepts the presence / absence setting for each gaming facility included in the layout pattern selected by the pattern selection unit, and the layout pattern is configured with gaming facilities set to presence / absence The gaming facility management device according to claim 2, wherein the gaming facility management device is modified to a thing. The gaming facility management device according to claim 1, 2, or 3, further comprising an attribute setting unit that sets an attribute for each gaming facility included in the layout pattern. The layout pattern in which substantially square gaming equipment marks representing the gaming facilities are arranged in a grid pattern is stored in the pattern storage unit in advance. The described gaming equipment management device. In the layout display, from the game equipment mark that represents the game equipment in a simulated manner, the connection mark indicating the connection with other game equipment can be put out in all directions that other game equipment marks can be adjacent to. 6. The gaming facility management device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. The gaming facility management apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein a layout set based on the layout pattern is validated at a designated time.

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