JP6039014B2 - Management device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a management apparatus.

  In amusement arcades that operate by installing pachinko machines such as CR machines and cash machines, manage various information in the amusement hall in order to improve operational efficiency and meet customer demands. Yes. For example, operation information (operation data) such as the number of games and the number of jackpots of each gaming machine is aggregated and managed by a management computer (an example of a management device), which is useful for daily sales. In particular, operational information related to jackpots, such as hitting balls, playing balls in a single jackpot occurrence period, and the number of jackpot occurrences, is regarded as important in the sales strategy of amusement halls. For example, the nail adjustment of the pachinko machine is performed based on the number of balls, difference balls, or jackpot occurrences during one jackpot occurrence period.

Meanwhile, the power sale Ru jackpot occurs in a pachinko machine round number and the like there are a plurality of different kinds respectively. However, despite the presence of multiple types of jackpots, the management computer is often notified of the jackpot occurrence period by a common jackpot signal. In addition, the occurrence of an event that does not appear such as suddenness (sudden probability change) and suddenness (short time) is often commonly indicated by the jackpot signal. However, sudden probability change (surprising accuracy) is an effect that makes the player think that the player suddenly changed to the probability change state in order to excite the fun of the game. Sudden time reduction (collision) is an effect that makes the player think that a time reduction that suddenly shortens one symbol variation time has occurred. It should be noted that the occurrence of an event without sudden appearance such as sudden probability change or sudden shortening is often indicated in common by a jackpot signal, and hereinafter, this is regarded as one of the jackpots and is referred to as a jackpot without any balls.

  For this reason, it has been difficult for the management computer to properly manage the operation data related to the jackpot by distinguishing between a normal jackpot and a jackpot without a bonus. For example, it has been difficult to accurately calculate and manage information regarding the appearance or difference of balls in the period of occurrence of a single jackpot by distinguishing normal jackpots from jackpots without balls.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for pachinko machines that can generate a plurality of types of jackpots, a technique for managing operation data related to jackpots by distinguishing the types of jackpots has been proposed.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique of receiving a separate jackpot signal for each jackpot type and distinguishing the jackpot type generated based on the jackpot signal type. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for distinguishing the types of jackpots based on the hits in the jackpot generation period or the jackpot duration.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a gaming machine that distinguishes between normal jackpots and sudden probability changes and does not send a jackpot signal when a sudden hit occurs. The management computer that has received the signal sent from the gaming machine can manage the operating status by distinguishing between normal jackpot and sudden probability change.

  Patent Document 4 discloses a technique for distinguishing the type of jackpot using the jackpot signal and the difference (number of balls) between the number of hit balls (the number of balls out) and the number of balls hit (the number of safe balls). Has been. Specifically, the type of jackpot is distinguished based on the fact that the number of balls in the period when the jackpot signal is received is within a predetermined threshold range.

JP 2005-160617 A JP 2005-177263 A JP 2005-160738 A JP 2005-160696 A

  However, in the configurations disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, although the types of jackpots are distinguished, no distinction is made between a normal jackpot and a jackpot without a ball. For this reason, even with these configurations, it is still difficult to appropriately manage the operation data related to the jackpot by distinguishing between the normal jackpot and the jackpot without a game.

  In addition, the management computer corresponding to only the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 3 does not distinguish between the normal jackpot and the sudden probability change without distinguishing between the big jackpot and the sudden probability change. Can not be managed. In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 3, the process on the management computer side is unknown.

  In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 4, the number of balls is used as operation data used for calculating the number of balls. Since the signal related to the number of balls is output from the gaming machine based on the number of balls actually paid out as a prize ball from the gaming machine, for example, when a dispensing abnormality occurs due to a gaming machine's dispensing problem, etc. The number of balls in the jackpot period will not be accurate. Also, even if the jackpot period ends, there will be a time lag until the game media is actually paid out due to the winning that occurred just before the end of the jackpot period. Is output after the end of the jackpot period, and in this case as well, there is a problem that the number of balls in the jackpot period is not an accurate value.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that makes it possible to appropriately manage operation data related to jackpots by distinguishing between normal jackpots and jackpots without playing balls. To do.

In order to achieve the above object, a first invention is a management device that manages a jackpot signal that is transmitted from a gaming machine and indicates a plurality of types of jackpot occurrence periods in common, and an operating signal that indicates the operating status of the gaming machine. Because
Storage means for storing operation information of the gaming machine in a jackpot occurrence period;
Updating means for updating the operation information stored in the storage means based on the operation signal in the jackpot occurrence period;
Based on the jackpot signal and the operation signal, the difference between the hitting ball indicating the game ball paid out from the gaming machine and the hit ball indicating the game ball driven into the gaming machine in the jackpot occurrence period is calculated. A calculating means for calculating a difference ball shown;
First determination means for determining, based on the difference ball of the jackpot occurrence period calculated by the calculation means, whether or not the jackpot occurrence period indicated by the jackpot signal is a jackpot occurrence period without a ball When,
It is determined whether or not the jackpot occurrence period indicated by the jackpot signal is a jackpot occurrence period with no balls based on a scheduled ball showing a game ball to be paid out from the gaming machine in the jackpot occurrence period. And a second determination unit.

The second invention is a management device that manages a jackpot signal that is transmitted from a gaming machine and that indicates a plurality of types of jackpot occurrence periods in common, and an operation signal that indicates the operating status of the gaming machine,
Storage means for storing operation information of the gaming machine in a jackpot occurrence period;
Updating means for updating the operation information stored in the storage means based on the operation signal in the jackpot occurrence period;
Based on the jackpot signal and the operation signal, the difference between the hitting ball indicating the game ball paid out from the gaming machine and the hit ball indicating the game ball driven into the gaming machine in the jackpot occurrence period is calculated. First calculating means for calculating a difference ball shown;
First determining whether the jackpot occurrence period indicated by the jackpot signal is a jackpot occurrence period with no balls based on the difference between the jackpot occurrence periods calculated by the first calculation means A determination means;
Based on the jackpot signal and the operation signal, a second calculation for calculating a scheduled difference ball indicating a difference between a scheduled hit ball indicating a game ball to be paid out from the gaming machine and a hit ball in the jackpot occurrence period. Means,
Whether or not the jackpot occurrence period indicated by the jackpot signal is a jackpot occurrence period without a ball is determined based on the scheduled difference ball of the jackpot occurrence period calculated by the second calculation means. And a determination device.

The third invention is characterized in that the updating means, in response to said determination result first judging means and the second judging means, for updating the operation information corresponding to each determination unit, according to claim 1 or claim The management device described in 2 was used.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the technique which makes it possible to distinguish the normal jackpot and the jackpot without a ball and to manage the operational data relevant to a jackpot appropriately can be provided.

It is the block diagram which showed the system configuration of the management system exemplarily. It is the block diagram which showed the system configuration of the management system exemplarily. It is the block diagram which showed typically the hardware constitutions of the management computer. It is the schematic diagram which illustrated the outline of the external appearance structure of a pachinko machine. It is the block diagram which showed the hardware constitutions of the stand computer typically. It is the block diagram which showed typically the hardware constitutions of the island computer. It is the figure which showed typically the flow of the information between a management computer and a pachinko machine. It is the figure which showed the outline of the process which a management computer performs typically. It is the figure which showed typically the relationship between generation | occurrence | production of jackpot, a jackpot signal, and an operation signal. It is the figure which showed the structure of the temporary data area typically. It is the figure which showed the structure of the table for discrimination | determination typically. It is the figure which showed typically the structure of the accumulation operation data area. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure of the process which a management computer performs. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure of the process which a management computer performs. It is the figure which showed typically the structure of the accumulation operation data area.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the constituent elements described in this embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to them.

<< First Embodiment >>
In this embodiment, a jackpot signal that indicates the occurrence period of multiple types of jackpots including a jackpot without a game that occurs in the gaming machine and an operation signal that indicates the operating status of the gaming machine are received, and the jackpot occurrence period A management system for managing the operating status of the gaming machine will be described. In the following description, a case in which the gaming machine is configured by a pachinko machine will be described, but it is obvious that the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines such as a slot machine.

(System configuration)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram exemplarily showing the system configuration of the management system according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the management system includes a management computer (an example of a management device) 100, a pachinko machine 200, a base computer 300, an island computer 400, and networks 501 and 502 connecting these devices. .

  The management computer 100 is an information processing apparatus that manages the entire management system and counts and manages operation data such as the number of games and the number of jackpots of each pachinko machine. The management computer 100 is realized by, for example, a personal computer (PC) or a workstation (WS). The management computer 100 includes a user interface such as an instruction input device that receives an instruction input from the user to the management system and a display device that performs display such as failure detection.

  The pachinko machine 200 is a gaming machine that pays out pachinko balls (game balls) in response to the occurrence of a predetermined winning event. In a general pachinko machine 200, a normal winning opening from which a predetermined number of pachinko balls are paid out in accordance with the winning of a pachinko ball, a starting winning opening in which a lottery process is started in accordance with the winning of a pachinko ball, and is normally closed. However, it is equipped with a jackpot winning opening etc. that are opened when a lottery is won.

  The computer 300 is an information processing apparatus that acquires operation data related to the operation status from the connected pachinko machine 200 and notifies the management computer 100, the island computer 400, and the like.

  The island computer 400 is an information processing apparatus that mediates connection between the base computer 300 and the management computer 100. In the management system of this embodiment, the plurality of computer systems 300 are classified into one or more groups (islands), and the computer system 300 is managed for each group.

  The networks 501 and 502 are typically LANs (Local Area Networks), but may have any configuration as long as they can transmit and receive data regardless of wired / wireless. For example, a public line (analog line, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network, etc.)), WAN (Wide Area Network), wireless LAN, etc. may be used. For example, TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) can be adopted as a communication protocol on the networks 501 and 502.

  The configuration of the management system illustrated in FIG. 1 is basic for explaining the operation and effect of the configuration according to the present embodiment. When the management system is operated in an actual game arcade, if the management computer 100 can acquire information related to the operation status of the pachinko machine 200, various types of information can be used based on restrictions such as usage, purpose, or device arrangement. Can be configured. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a pachinko machine 200 may be connected to the management computer 100, and the management computer 100 may be configured to acquire information regarding the operating status directly from the pachinko machine 200.

(Management computer 100)
Next, the hardware configuration of the management computer 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the hardware configuration of the management computer 100.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 110 denotes a CPU. The CPU 110 executes an application program, an operating system (OS), a control program, and the like stored in an external storage device 105 (hard disk device) described later, and temporarily stores information, files, and the like necessary for executing the program in the RAM 102. Control to store.

  A ROM 101 stores programs such as basic I / O programs and various data used in basic processing. Reference numeral 102 denotes a RAM for temporarily storing various data, and functions as a main memory, a work area, and the like of the CPU 110.

  Reference numeral 103 denotes an external storage drive for realizing access to a recording medium, and a program stored in the medium (recording medium) 104 can be loaded into the computer system. The medium 104 includes, for example, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a PC card, a DVD, an IC memory card, an MO, a memory stick, and the like.

  Reference numeral 105 denotes an external storage device. In this embodiment, an HD (hard disk device) that functions as a large-capacity memory is used. The HD 105 stores application programs, OS, control programs, related programs, and the like.

  An instruction input device 106 corresponds to a keyboard, a pointing device (such as a mouse), a touch panel, or the like. Using the instruction input device 106, the user instructs the management computer 100 to input a command or the like for controlling the device.

  A display 107 displays a command input from the instruction input device 106, a response output of the management computer 100 to the command, and the like.

  Reference numeral 109 denotes a system bus that controls the flow of data in the management computer 100. Reference numeral 108 denotes an interface (hereinafter referred to as I / F), which exchanges data with an external device via the I / F 108.

  In addition, it can also be comprised as an alternative of a hardware apparatus with the software which implement | achieves a function equivalent to the above each apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the program and related data according to the present embodiment are directly loaded from the medium 104 into the RAM 102 and executed. However, every time the program according to the present embodiment is operated, the program is already executed. May be loaded into the RAM 102 from the HD 105 in which is installed. It is also possible to record the program according to the present embodiment in the ROM 101, configure it as a part of the memory map, and execute it directly by the CPU 110.

  In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a configuration in which the management computer 100 is realized by one device will be described. However, the management computer 100 may be realized by a configuration in which resources are distributed to a plurality of devices. For example, storage and calculation resources may be distributed in a plurality of devices. Alternatively, resources may be distributed for each component virtually realized on the management computer 100, and parallel processing may be performed.

(Pachinko machine 200)
Next, the configuration of the pachinko machine 200 and the outline of the game in the pachinko machine 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating the outline of the external configuration of the pachinko machine 200.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko machine 200 includes a pachinko machine body 210 and a display 230. In addition, an outbox (not shown) 220 capable of counting the hit amount is provided at the bottom of the pachinko machine 200.

  The pachinko machine main body 210 is provided with a board surface 211, and on the board surface 211, a symbol display device 212, a start winning port (attacker) 213, a jackpot winning port 214, a nail 215, a normal winning port (not shown) and the like are provided. ing. In addition, the lower part of the pachinko machine main body 210 is provided with an upper plate 221 for storing a pachinko ball to be driven in and a pachinko ball that has been paid out, a handle 222 for adjusting the strength of the pachinko ball driving, and the like. The display (calling lamp) 230 performs a predetermined display according to the occurrence of an event such as a big hit.

  The symbol display device 212 is a display device that performs symbol effect display related to lottery or the like, and is configured by a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, a drum, or the like, for example. For example, the symbol display device 212 displays a plurality of symbols such as numbers and figures in a variable manner or displays a demonstration screen related to a lottery.

  The start winning port 213 detects the winning of the pachinko ball when the pachinko ball hit by the operation of the handle 222 or the like wins. When this pachinko ball is detected, an internal lottery is performed. In addition, the symbol display device 212 displays a plurality of symbols such as numbers and figures in a variable manner, triggered by the winning of a pachinko ball in the start winning port 213. The symbol display device 212 stops the symbol variation display when a predetermined variation time has elapsed after the start of the variation display, and performs a lottery result notification and an effect display by a combination of symbols, a demonstration display, or the like.

  The jackpot winning opening 214 is normally closed so that the pachinko ball does not win, but is opened when the jackpot is won. When a pachinko ball wins the jackpot winning opening 214, a considerable number of pachinko balls (for example, 15 for each winning pachinko ball) are paid out. The opening of the jackpot winning opening 214 is continued until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses after the jackpot is generated, or until a predetermined number of pachinko balls win the winning jackpot 214. This single opening is called a round. In general, since the jackpot winning opening 214 is provided at a position where the pachinko balls easily pass, a large amount of pachinko balls are paid out during the jackpot occurrence period (during the round). In addition, during the jackpot, the symbol display device 212 performs an effect display during the jackpot with a combination of symbols, a demo display, and the like, and the display unit 230 displays the cumulative number of jackpots, an effect image, and the like.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 200, the jackpot winning opening 214 is opened on the board surface 211 until a predetermined time elapses during the round or until a predetermined number of pachinko balls are received. Note that the maximum number of consecutive rounds (for example, 15 times) is set in advance, and when the round continues for the maximum number of times, the opening of the jackpot winning opening 214 ends.

  The pachinko machine 200 according to the present embodiment has a plurality of types of jackpots that differ in the number of pachinko balls to be paid out for each pachinko ball won in the jackpot winning opening 214, the duration of one round, the maximum number of consecutive rounds, and the like. Have a state. Note that the jackpot includes jackpots that do not appear in the game, such as so-called sudden probability change (surprise) and sudden short time (rush). Here, the probability variation (probability change), sudden probability change, and short time will be briefly described.

  The probability change is to change the winning probability of jackpot to a higher value than usual. The probability of winning a jackpot when the pachinko ball is won at the start winning opening is set to a low value (for example, 1/500 to 1/300) in advance. However, if the probability of winning a jackpot does not change with a low probability, pachinko machine games will become monotonous. Therefore, in order to excite the excitement of gaming, many of the recent pachinko machines change the winning probability to a value higher than usual (for example, 1/50 to 1/30) triggered by the occurrence of a predetermined event It has a function of probability variation. The probability variation state (probability variation state) occurs, for example, when a lottery relating to the occurrence of probability variation, which is performed when a pachinko ball passes through a start winning opening or other predetermined area, is won. The probability variation state generally continues until the next jackpot occurs. In the probability change state, for example, the background color of the symbol display device 212 or the display device 230 is changed to a color different from the normal color to notify the player that the probability change is in progress.

  On the other hand, sudden probability change is an effect that makes the player think that the player suddenly changed to the probability change state in order to excite the fun of the game. For example, it is difficult for the player to recognize that the player is in the big hit state by not opening the big jackpot winning opening 214 for a short time (for example, 0.5 seconds) without notifying the jackpot on the symbol display device 212. Then, it suddenly seems to be in a probable state. Since the jackpot winning opening 214 is suddenly opened by a sudden change in a short time, the pachinko balls are paid out little (there is often nothing at all). In the present embodiment, since the jackpot signal commonly indicates that a sudden probability change has occurred, the sudden probability change is classified as one of the jackpots and is called a sudden jackpot. Since sudden probability change is a kind of probability change, the fact that probability fluctuation has occurred is called a probability change jackpot. The sudden probability change can be realized, for example, as a two-round probability change jackpot.

  Time saving is a function that shortens the time of symbol variation once. When the pachinko ball wins at the start winning opening 213, the symbol display device 212 starts the variable display. When the predetermined variation time has elapsed, the symbol variable display is stopped, and the lottery result is notified by a symbol combination or a demo display. And effect display. The time reduction is a function for shortening the time from the start of the variable display in the symbol display device 212 to the notification of the lottery result and the effect display. One symbol variation time is shortened due to the short time, and as a result, the number of symbol variations per unit time increases. For this reason, it is possible to excite the fun of the game by the occurrence of a short time. Sudden time reduction (collision) is an effect that makes the player think that the time has suddenly occurred in order to excite the fun of the game. The sudden time reduction can be configured to occur, for example, after two rounds of normal jackpots. Note that the jackpot without a ball includes, for example, a normal jackpot of only two rounds.

  The pachinko machine 200 according to the present embodiment has a jackpot signal that indicates the occurrence period of a plurality of types of jackpots including jackpots that do not have a lot of play such as accuracy and a collision that occur in the pachinko machine, and an operation that indicates the operating status of the pachinko machine An interface (not shown) for sending signals to an external device is provided.

  The jackpot signal has, for example, two states corresponding to a jackpot (including a jackpot without a game) and a normal state, and is configured to notify the switching of the gaming state by the rising or falling of the signal. be able to. Note that the jackpot signal commonly indicates a plurality of types of jackpot occurrence periods including jackpots that do not appear in a pachinko machine. That is, the jackpot signal indicates to the outside whether or not any jackpot has occurred, without distinguishing the type of jackpot. The operation signal is related to the scheduled payout signal relating to the number of pachinko balls (paid balls) scheduled to be paid out from the pachinko machine 200 in accordance with the winning, and related to the quantity of pachinko balls (paid balls) paid out from the pachinko machine 200 It includes at least a ball signal and a ball signal relating to the number of pachinko balls (balls) that have been driven into the pachinko machine. These signals can be configured to output pulses in accordance with, for example, winning, paying out or driving in to the pachinko ball start winning opening 213 and the jackpot winning opening 214. This pulse output may be configured to output one pulse for each pachinko ball payout number, payout number, and drive-in number, or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the pachinko ball payout number, payout number, and drive-in number. ) One pulse may be output for each accumulation.

  Here, the scheduled play signal will be briefly described. The expected payout signal is a signal related to the number of pachinko balls (outgoes) determined to be paid out by winning the pachinko ball start winning port 213 and the jackpot winning port 214, and actually from the pachinko machine 200 This is a signal different from the output signal related to the quantity of paid-out pachinko balls (out).

  As will be described later, the management computer 100 receives the jackpot signal and the operation signal, and manages the operation status of the pachinko machine 200 during the jackpot generation period based on these signals. More specifically, it is determined whether or not the jackpot occurrence period indicated by the jackpot signal is a jackpot occurrence period with no balls, and the operating status is managed according to the determination result.

  In addition, it can also comprise as a substitute of a hardware apparatus with the software which implement | achieves a function equivalent to the above apparatus. For example, winning determination, payout control at the time of winning, and the like can be realized by software, a hardware device, or the like.

  Further, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a configuration in which the pachinko machine 200 is realized by the pachinko machine main body 210, the outbox 220, and the display 230 as described above will be described, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the pachinko machine 200 may be configured as a single device.

(Computer 300)
Next, the hardware configuration of the base computer 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the hardware configuration of the base computer 300.

  In FIG. 5, reference numeral 301 denotes a RAM for temporarily storing operation data. In this embodiment, 301 stores information on the pachinko machine 200 such as the number of hit balls and the number of balls obtained from the pachinko machine 200. To do.

  Reference numerals 302 and 303 denote a first communication unit and a second communication unit as communication interfaces with external devices, respectively. The first communication unit 302 is a communication interface for connecting to the network 502, and the second communication unit 303 is a communication interface for connecting to the pachinko machine 200.

  Reference numeral 304 denotes a system bus (bus) that controls the flow of data in the computer 300.

  In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5, four pachinko machines 200 are connected to the second communication unit 303, but the number of pachinko machines 200 connected to the second communication unit 303 is not limited thereto. That is, it is possible to connect and configure an appropriate number of pachinko machines 200 according to the use and purpose.

  When the second communication unit 303 receives the operation data from the pachinko machine 200, the operation data of the pachinko machine 200 stored in the RAM 301 is updated based on the information. Then, the first communication unit 302 reads the operation data of the pachinko machine 200 stored in the RAM 301 and sends the read information to the island computer 400 via the network 502.

  In addition, it can also be comprised as an alternative of a hardware apparatus with the software which implement | achieves a function equivalent to the above each apparatus.

  In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a configuration in which the computer 300 is realized by a single device will be described. However, it may be realized by a configuration in which resources are distributed to a plurality of devices. For example, storage and calculation resources may be distributed in a plurality of devices. Alternatively, parallel processing may be performed by distributing resources for each component virtually realized on the computer 300.

(Island Computer 400)
Next, the hardware configuration of the island computer 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the hardware configuration of the island computer 400.

  In FIG. 6, 401 is a CPU that executes an operating system (OS), a control program, and the like stored in a ROM 402, which will be described later, and temporarily stores information, files, and the like necessary for executing the program in a RAM 403. I do.

  A ROM 402 stores programs such as basic I / O programs and various data necessary for system management. A RAM 403 temporarily stores various data, and functions as a main memory, work area, and the like of the CPU 401.

  Reference numeral 404 denotes a system bus (bus) that controls the flow of data in the island computer 400.

  Reference numerals 405 and 406 denote a first communication unit and a second communication unit, respectively, as communication interfaces with external devices. In the present embodiment, the first communication unit 405 is a communication interface for connecting to the computer 300 via the network 502, and the second communication unit 406 is a communication interface for connecting to the management computer 100 via the network 501. .

  In addition, it can also be comprised as an alternative of a hardware apparatus with the software which implement | achieves a function equivalent to the above each apparatus.

  In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a configuration in which the island computer 400 is realized by one device will be described. However, the island computer 400 may be realized by a configuration in which resources are distributed to a plurality of devices. For example, storage and calculation resources may be distributed in a plurality of devices. Alternatively, resources may be distributed for each component virtually realized on the island computer 400 to perform parallel processing.

(Outline of processing)
Next, an overview of processing in the management system according to the present embodiment will be described. In the management system according to the present embodiment, the management computer 100 receives the jackpot signal and the operation signal described above, and manages the operation status of the pachinko machine 200 during the jackpot generation period based on these signals. Hereinafter, for the sake of simplification of explanation, a case where a sudden big hit is generated as a big hit without a ball is exemplarily assumed. However, the same applies to the case where a jackpot with no other play occurs, such as a short time. Note that the jackpot signal and the operation signal may be transmitted in response to a request signal from the management computer 100. The management computer 100 is based on the signal reception timing and information identifying the pachinko machine. Can be identified.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the flow of information between the management computer 100 and the pachinko machine 200. As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, a jackpot signal, a scheduled ball signal, and a ball signal are sent to the management computer 100 from the pachinko machine body 210, and a ball signal is sent from the out box 220. However, the hitting signal can also be sent from the pachinko machine body 210.

  Further, when the management system has a configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, these signals are transferred from the pachinko machine 200 to the management computer 100 via the base computer 300 and the island computer 400. Alternatively, for example, in the case of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2, the data is directly transferred from the pachinko machine 200 to the management computer 100. In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 1, when a relay device such as the base computer 300 or the island computer 400 performs processing for converting an analog signal into a digital signal, processing for converting a signal into a packet of a predetermined format, or the like There is. Since these processes are obvious to those skilled in the art, description thereof is omitted in the present embodiment.

  It should be noted that the device for sending the jackpot signal and the operation signal (including the scheduled ball signal, the ball signal, and the ball signal) is illustrated in FIG. 7 if these signals are transmitted to the management computer 100. Not limited to. For example, all of these signals may be sent from the pachinko machine body 210. Further, the operation signal received by the management computer 100 is not limited to a scheduled ball signal, a ball signal, and a ball signal. For example, a signal indicating that a pachinko ball has won, a symbol has been determined, or the like may be included in the start winning opening 213.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating an outline of processing executed by the management computer 100 that has received the jackpot signal and the operation signal. As shown in FIG. 8, the management computer 100 has a temporary data area 151, a determination table 152, and a cumulative operation data area 153 in a storage device such as the HD 105. Details regarding these data structures will be described later.

  When the management computer 100 receives the jackpot signal indicating the occurrence of the jackpot (801), the operation data of the pachinko machine 200 based on the operation signal is accumulated in the temporary data area 151 until the end of the jackpot, that is, until the jackpot signal falls. Store. However, since the temporary data area 151 is cleared at the end of the jackpot, operation data for each jackpot occurrence period is temporarily stored in the temporary data area 151. As will be described later, the operation data includes information such as the expected number of balls to be played, the number of balls to be played, and the number of hit balls.

  Next, when recognizing the end of the jackpot (802), the management computer 100 determines the type of jackpot based on the operation data stored in the temporary data area 151 (803). However, this determination includes a determination as to whether or not the jackpot occurrence period indicated by the jackpot signal is a sudden jackpot occurrence period as a jackpot without any balls. The principle of the jackpot type determination will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the jackpot occurrence, the jackpot signal, and the operation signal.

  In FIG. 9, the horizontal direction indicates the passage of time, with a big hit a occurring in the time interval t2 and a big hit b occurring in the time interval t4. Reference numeral 901 indicates the transition of the jackpot signal with the passage of time. In this case, the jackpot signal rises in the time interval t2 and t4. Reference numeral 902 represents a transition of the accumulated value of the scheduled difference ball or the scheduled appearance ball with time. However, the scheduled appearance is based on the expected appearance signal. Further, the scheduled difference ball is the difference between the scheduled ball and the hit ball (scheduled ball-hit ball). Reference numeral 903 denotes a scheduled difference ball or scheduled ball in the occurrence period of jackpot a, and 904 indicates a scheduled difference ball or scheduled ball in the occurrence period of jackpot b.

  In general, the jackpot duration depends on the type of jackpot. Therefore, the management computer 100 can count the jackpot duration based on the received jackpot signal, and determine the jackpot type based on the clocked duration. For example, as shown in 902, in the generation period of a promising big hit as a big hit without a ball, the expected difference ball or the planned ball hardly changes, whereas in the occurrence period of the big jackpots a and b which are normal big hits There is a large increase in planned margins or scheduled withdrawals.

  In addition, the planned appearance ball or the planned difference ball during the jackpot occurrence period generally tends to fall within a certain range based on a predetermined probability distribution for each jackpot type. For this reason, the management computer 100 can determine the type of jackpot based on the scheduled appearance in the jackpot occurrence period. Alternatively, based on the jackpot signal, the hitting ball signal, and the scheduled payout signal, the scheduled difference ball in the jackpot occurrence period can be calculated, and the type of jackpot can be determined based on the calculated scheduled difference ball.

  The management computer 100 refers to the determination table 152 to make the above determination. However, the determination table 152 is information indicating the correspondence between the range of operation data and the type of jackpot. As will be described later, the management computer 100 determines the jackpot type corresponding to the range of operating data including the operating data stored in the temporary data area 151 during the jackpot occurrence period and the type of jackpot having a correspondence relationship in the determination table 152. Judged as the type.

  Returning to the description of FIG. When determining the jackpot type, the management computer 100 updates the value of the cumulative operation data area 153 according to the determination result (804). However, the cumulative operation data area 153 is a storage area that is set for each type of jackpot and stores operation information including a cumulative value of operation data of the pachinko machine 200 based on the operation signal. That is, the management computer 100 adds the operating data stored in the temporary data area 151 during the jackpot occurrence period to the cumulative value of the cumulative operating data area 153 corresponding to the determined jackpot type, and updates the cumulative value. To do.

  The management computer 100 updates the operation information when it is determined in the above determination that it is not the occurrence period of the sudden big hit as a big hit without a ball, while the management computer 100 determines that it is the occurrence period of the sudden big hit Can be configured not to update the operating information. Alternatively, when it is determined in the above determination that the occurrence period of a sudden big hit as a big hit without any balls is reached, the operation information corresponding to the sudden big hit (running information without a ball) is updated (the occurrence period of the sudden big hit) If it is determined that it is not, the normal operation information is updated). However, in the latter case, the operation information is divided into operation information corresponding to a sudden big hit as a big hit without a ball (operation information without a ball) and operational information when a big hit is not a big hit (normal operation information). Has been remembered. Each of these processes will be described later.

  The operation information stored in the accumulated operation data area 153 is managed for each pachinko machine 200.

(Temporary data area 151)
Next, the structure of the temporary data area 151 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the temporary data area 151.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the temporary data area 151 stores the big hit operation data 1010 during the jackpot occurrence period and the judgment data 1020 used for judging the jackpot type.

  The big hit operation data 1010 includes, for example, a hitting ball 1011, an outgoing ball 1012, a scheduled outgoing ball 1013, and the like. These pieces of information are increased based on operation signals such as a hitting signal, a payout signal, and a payout schedule signal received during the jackpot occurrence period. For example, if the scheduled game signal is to transmit one pulse each time one pachinko ball is paid out, the management computer 100 receives the value of the scheduled game 1013 every time a pulse is received in the scheduled game signal. Can be configured to increase by one.

The determination data 1020 includes a difference ball 1021, an exit ball 1022, a scheduled difference ball 1023, a scheduled exit ball 1024, a jackpot duration 1025, and the like. Among these, the difference ball 1021 is obtained based on the difference between the hit ball 1011 and the outgoing ball 1012 in the big hit operation data 1010 (outer ball-hit ball). The outgoing ball 1022 can store the same value as the outgoing ball 1012. Expected difference ball 1023, a large person medium-operation data 1010 in hitting the ball 1011 and expected payout 101 3 differences - are determined based on the (expected payout punching ball). The scheduled appearance ball 1024 can store the same value as the scheduled appearance ball 1013. The jackpot duration 1025 is a jackpot duration timed based on the jackpot signal. That is, the elapsed time from when the normal state is changed to the big hit state until the big hit state ends is stored. Note that the jackpot duration can be measured using a timer (timer) provided in a general information processing apparatus. Such a timer is realized by, for example, a crystal resonator.

(Determination table 152)
Next, the structure of the determination table 152 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the determination table 152.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the determination table 152 includes a range of determination data for each type of determination data (difference ball 1110, outgoing ball 1120, expected difference ball 1130, planned outgoing ball 1140, jackpot duration 1150). Correspondences between jackpots and jackpot types are shown. However, the difference ball 1110, the departure ball 1120, the expected difference ball 1130, the expected difference ball 1140, and the big hit duration 1150 are the difference ball 1021, the departure ball 1022, and the expected difference ball 1023 in the judgment data 1020 of the temporary data area 151, respectively. , Corresponding to the expected payout 1024 and the jackpot duration 1025.

  For example, when determining the type of jackpot based on the expected difference ball, if the value of the difference ball in the period of occurrence of the jackpot is in the range of -300 or more and less than 300, it is a sudden hit jackpot as a jackpot without a ball, 300 to less than 1000 In the case of being in the range, it is usually judged as jackpot 1, and in the range of 1000 or more and less than 3000, it is usually judged as jackpot 2. Or, for example, in the case of determining the type of jackpot based on the planned hitting, if the value of the hitting ball in the jackpot occurrence period is in the range of 0 to less than 100, the sudden hitting jackpot without hitting the ball is 100 to 1000 When it is in the range of less than 1, it is usually judged as jackpot 1, and when it is in the range of 1000 or more and less than 3000, it is usually judged as jackpot 2. The same method is used to determine the type of jackpot based on the difference ball or the outgoing ball. Or, for example, when judging by the jackpot duration, if the duration of the jackpot is in the range of 0 seconds or more and less than 5 seconds, it is in the range of 5 seconds or more and less than 120 seconds as the sudden hit big jackpot without a ball In the case, the jackpot is usually 1, and if it is in the range of 120 seconds or more and less than 600 seconds, the jackpot is usually determined to be 2. If a value outside the above range is detected, it is determined that the value is out of range. For example, when the value of the difference ball is 3000 or more, when the value of the appearance ball is 3000 or more, and when the jackpot duration is 600 seconds or more, it is determined to be out of range.

(Cumulative operation data area 153)
Next, the structure of the cumulative operation data area 153 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the cumulative operation data area 153.

  FIG. 12A is a configuration in which, in the above determination, the operation information is updated when it is not the occurrence period of the sudden jackpot as a big hit without a ball, while the operation information is not updated when it is the occurrence period of the sudden jackpot. 2 illustrates the structure of the cumulative operation data area 153 in FIG. On the other hand, in FIG. 12B, in the above determination, when it is not the occurrence period of sudden hit, the normal operation information is updated, and when it is the occurrence period of sudden hit, the no-run operation information is updated. 3 illustrates the structure of the cumulative operation data area 153 in the configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the cumulative operation data area 153, operation information is stored for each type of jackpot. For example, FIG. 12A shows the operation information storage area 1311 for the operation information corresponding to the normal jackpot 1, the operation information storage area 1312 for the operation information corresponding to the normal jackpot 2, and the operation information when determined to be out of range. Is stored in the operation information storage area 1313. FIG. 12B also shows an operation information storage information area 1321 corresponding to a sudden big hit as a big hit without any balls, an operation information operation information storage area 1322 corresponding to a normal big hit 1, and a normal big hit 2 The operation information storage area 1323 of the operation information corresponding to, and the operation information storage area 1324 in which the operation information is stored when it is determined to be out of the range. That is, 1311-1313 and 1322-1324 correspond to normal operation information (normal operation data), and 1321 corresponds to no-ball operation information (no-ball operation data). In each of the operation information storage areas 1311 to 1313 and 1321 to 1324, operation information including a cumulative value of operation data of the pachinko machine 200 based on the operation signal is stored. Although FIG. 12 illustrates a case where the number of jackpots, hitting balls, outgoing balls, and scheduled outgoing balls are stored as the types of operation data to be stored, the present invention is not limited to this. It is good also as a structure which calculates and stores a ball. As described above, the operation information stored in the accumulated operation data area 153 is managed for each pachinko machine 200.

  As described above, the value of the cumulative operation data area 153 corresponding to the determined jackpot type is updated based on the operation signal received during the jackpot occurrence period.

(Big hit distribution process 1)
Next, a detailed procedure of processing executed by the management computer 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing executed by the management computer 100. In FIG. 13, in the above determination, the operation information is updated when it is not the occurrence period of the sudden big hit as a big hit without a ball, while the operation information is not updated when it is the occurrence period of the sudden big hit. The flow of (big hit distribution process 1) is shown. In the above determination, when it is the occurrence period of the sudden hit big hit, a process (big hit distribution process 2) in the case of updating the no-run-out operation information will be described later. Further, the following processing is executed independently for each of the pachinko machines 200.

  First, in step S101, the management computer 100 receives a jackpot signal that indicates the occurrence period of a plurality of types of jackpots including a sudden jackpot as a jackpot without any balls occurring in the pachinko machine, and an operation signal that indicates the operating status of the pachinko machine. And receive. As described above, the operation signal includes a scheduled ball signal, a ball signal, a ball signal, and the like.

  Next, in step S102, the received jackpot signal is analyzed to determine whether or not the jackpot is being hit. For example, when the jackpot signal has two states corresponding to the jackpot state and the normal state, and the game state is switched by the rising or falling of the signal, it is determined which state is in effect. . As a result of the analysis, if it is a big hit (YES in step S102), the process proceeds to step S103, and if it is not a big hit (NO in step S102), the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S103, based on the received operation signal, the big hit operation data 1010 and the determination data 1020 used for determining the type of jackpot are updated in the temporary data area 151. That is, for example, in the case where the expected payout signal is to transmit one pulse every time it is determined that one pachinko ball is paid out, the management computer 100 receives the pulse in the expected payout signal, The value of the scheduled ball 1013 included in the big hit operation data 1010 is increased by one.

  Further, the determination data 1020 is updated on the basis of the updated big bonus medium operation data 1010. For example, as described above, the difference ball 1021 is calculated based on the difference between the hit ball 1011 and the outgoing ball 1012 in the big hit operation data 1010 (outer ball-hit ball). Further, the expected difference ball 1023 is calculated based on the difference between the hit ball 1011 and the expected ball 1013 in the bonus operation data 1010 (scheduled ball-hit ball). Alternatively, the outgoing ball 1022 or the scheduled outgoing ball 1024 is updated to the same value as the outgoing ball 1012 or the scheduled outgoing ball 1013 of the big hit operation data 1010. Alternatively, the jackpot duration 1025 is updated to the elapsed time from when the normal state is changed to the jackpot state. And it returns to step S101 and continues a process.

  On the other hand, in step S104, it is determined whether or not the jackpot has ended, that is, whether or not the jackpot state has been switched to the normal state. The determination of whether or not the jackpot has ended can be made, for example, by evaluating whether or not the jackpot was being hit immediately before proceeding to step S104. If the jackpot is over (YES in step S104), the process proceeds to step S105. If the jackpot has not ended, that is, if it has been in the normal state from before (NO in step S104), the process returns to step S101 and the processing is continued.

  In step S105, the type of jackpot is determined. As described above, the jackpot determination can be performed by referring to the determination table 152 and verifying the jackpot type corresponding to the value range including the value of the determination data 1020.

  Next, in step S106, it is determined whether or not the type of jackpot determined in step S105 is an abrupt jackpot as a jackpot without any balls. If it is a big hit (YES in step S106), the process proceeds to step S108. If it is not a big hit (NO in step S106), the process proceeds to step S107. As will be described later, since the process of clearing the temporary data area 151 is performed in step S108, the operation data in the occurrence period of the sudden hit is not cumulatively added.

  In step S107, the cumulative value of the operation information storage area corresponding to the jackpot type determined in step S105 is updated based on the operation signal received during the jackpot occurrence period. Specifically, the cumulative value is updated by adding the operation data (for example, 1311 and 1312 in FIG. 12) stored in the temporary data area 151 to the cumulative value. However, the update of the accumulated value is performed for the operation data corresponding to each pachinko machine 200 to be processed.

  Next, in step S108, the value stored in the temporary data area 151 is cleared, that is, set to an initial value (0, etc.). Then, the process returns to step S101.

(Big hit distribution process 2)
Next, when it is determined that the jackpot occurrence period is a sudden jackpot occurrence period as a jackpot without any balls, processing for updating the operation information without balls will be described with reference to FIG. . FIGS. 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing the procedure of processing executed by the management computer 100. The following processing is performed independently for each of the pachinko machines 200.

  The flow of the jackpot distribution process 2 is almost the same as the jackpot distribution process 1, and therefore the flowcharts of FIGS. 13 and 14 have many common parts. Specifically, the processes in steps S101 to S105 and S107 to S108 in FIG. 14 are the same as the jackpot distribution process 1. For this reason, only the parts different from the big hit distribution process 1 will be described.

  In step S106, it is determined whether or not the type of jackpot determined in step S105 is an abrupt jackpot as a jackpot without any balls, but the step of the process that branches depending on the determination result is different from the jackpot distribution process 1. . That is, if it is a big hit (YES in step S106), the process proceeds to step S201, and if it is not a big hit (NO in step S106), the process proceeds to step S107.

  In step S201, the operation information (operation data without a ball) corresponding to the sudden jackpot as a big jackpot without a ball is updated based on the operation signal received during the jackpot occurrence period. Specifically, the cumulative value is updated by adding the operation data (for example, 1010 in FIG. 10) stored in the temporary data area 151 to the cumulative value. However, the update of the accumulated value is performed for the operation data corresponding to each pachinko machine 200 to be processed. Then, the process proceeds to step S108.

  As described above, the configuration according to the present embodiment includes a jackpot signal that commonly indicates the occurrence periods of multiple types of jackpots including jackpots that do not have a big hit such as a sudden jackpot, and an operation signal that indicates the operating status of the gaming machine. Receive. Then, based on the received signal, it is determined whether or not the jackpot occurrence period indicated by the jackpot signal is a jackpot occurrence period with no balls, and the operation information is managed according to the determination result. For this reason, according to the configuration according to the present embodiment, the operating status of the gaming machine that sends the jackpot signal without distinguishing between the normal jackpot and the jackpot without the ball is accurately distinguished from the normal jackpot and the jackpot without the ball. Can be managed. In other words, it is possible to appropriately manage the operation data related to the jackpot by distinguishing the jackpot from the jackpot without any play. Note that, as described above, the jackpot determination can be performed based on any one of the scheduled hit ball, the exit ball, the scheduled difference ball, the difference ball, and the jackpot duration. In addition, by making a jackpot determination using a scheduled ball or a difference ball, the ball to be paid out during the jackpot occurrence period is compared with a case where a jackpot determination is made using a ball or a difference ball. Since the number can be reflected more accurately, the operating status of the gaming machine can be managed more appropriately. Further, for example, by comparing the accumulated operation data as shown in FIG. 12 and the scheduled appearance and exit of each operation data (not shown) for each jackpot or the planned difference and difference, It is possible to detect that there are abnormally fewer or more balls than balls, and it is possible to determine the possibility that some abnormality has occurred in the ball payout system and the possibility that a got action has been performed.

  Further, in the jackpot distribution process 1 described above, when it is determined that it is not the occurrence period of the sudden jackpot as the jackpot without the game, the operation information is updated, while when it is determined that the occurrence period is the sudden jackpot Do not update operation information. For this reason, it is possible to accurately manage the operation status in the jackpot occurrence period without mixing the operation information in the normal jackpot occurrence period and the operation information in the sudden jackpot occurrence period as a jackpot without a lottery. It becomes possible.

  Further, in the jackpot distribution process 2 described above, when it is determined that the occurrence period of a sudden jackpot as a jackpot without a ball is determined, the operation information without a ball is updated. However, the operation information is stored in a manner that distinguishes between the operation information without a ball in the case of an abrupt big hit and the normal operation information in the case of no abrupt big hit. For this reason, it is possible to accurately manage the operation status in the jackpot occurrence period without mixing the operation information in the normal jackpot occurrence period and the operation information in the sudden jackpot occurrence period. It is possible to manage the operation status in the generation period of the sudden jackpot as a jackpot without a ball.

  In addition, in the above example, a configuration assuming a sudden big hit as a big hit without a ball is illustrated, but even if a sudden shortage etc. occurs, a big hit and a big hit without a ball are distinguished by the same action. Operation data related to jackpots can be managed appropriately.

<< Other Embodiments >>
In the above embodiment, the jackpot determination is performed based on any one of the scheduled difference ball, the scheduled departure ball, the difference ball, the departure ball, and the jackpot duration. However, the jackpot type may be determined by a plurality of types of determination methods, and the operation information may be managed for each determination method.

FIG. 15 is a diagram exemplifying a cumulative operation data area 153 in a case where the jackpot type is determined by a plurality of types of determination methods and operation information is managed for each determination method. As shown in FIG. 15, the cumulative operation data area 153 includes a plurality of operation information storage areas 1211 to 1214, 1221 to 1224, and 1231 to 1234 set for each type of jackpot determination method and jackpot type. , 1241-1244, 1251-1254. However, in FIG. 15, the jackpot type includes out of range. In each operation information storage area 1211-1214 (1210), 1221-1224 (1220), 1231-1234 (1230), 1241-1244 (1240), 1251-1254 (1250), the pachinko machine 200 based on the operation signal is stored. Operation information including a cumulative value of operation data is stored. FIG. 15 illustrates a case where the number of jackpots, hitting balls, scheduled balls, and balls are stored as types of operation data to be stored. Similar to the first embodiment, the value of the cumulative operation data area 153 corresponding to the determined jackpot type is updated based on the operation signal received during the jackpot occurrence period. However, with this configuration, the value of the accumulated operating data area 153 corresponding to the type determination method of the jackpot is updated.

  In such a configuration, the jackpot type is determined based on each of the scheduled difference ball, the scheduled departure ball, the difference ball, the exit ball, and the jackpot duration, and the operation data is managed for each determination method. For this reason, according to such a configuration, it is possible to compare information recorded for each jackpot type determination method and verify whether or not there is any contradiction in the information. For this reason, for example, it is possible to detect an error related to the determination of the type of jackpot or an illegal act by the player by analyzing the recorded information. In addition, for example, accurate information related to the operation status can be acquired by excluding information that is considered to contain a contradiction.

  In FIG. 11, a range of operation information identified as a sudden hit is set as the determination table 152. However, only a range of operation information corresponding to a normal jackpot is set in the determination table 152, and if the operation information used for the determination exceeds the range of operation information set in the determination table 152, it is abrupt. You may comprise so that it may determine with jackpot.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the management computer 100 calculates the expected difference ball and difference ball in the jackpot occurrence period based on the received jackpot signal, hitting signal, outgoing scheduled signal, and outgoing signal. . However, for example, the scheduled difference ball or the difference ball may be calculated on the pachinko machine 200 side, and the management computer 100 may be configured to acquire and use the calculation result.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the description has been made assuming a pachinko machine as a game machine to be managed. However, it is obvious that the above management system can be applied to other gaming machines such as a pachislot (slot machine) and a pachilot.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention can take the embodiment as a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, a storage medium, etc., for example.

  The present invention is also achieved by supplying a program for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments directly or remotely to a system or apparatus, and reading and executing the program code supplied by the computer of the system or apparatus. Including cases.

  Therefore, in order to implement the functional processing of the present invention on a computer, the program itself installed in this computer is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. That is, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention. In this case, the program providing method includes a method of providing using a storage medium such as a CD-ROM and a DVD, a method of providing via a telecommunication line, and the like.

Claims (3)

A management device that manages a jackpot signal that indicates a plurality of types of jackpot occurrence periods in common, and an operation signal that indicates the operating status of the gaming machine, transmitted from the gaming machine,
Storage means for storing operation information of the gaming machine in a jackpot occurrence period;
Updating means for updating the operation information stored in the storage means based on the operation signal in the jackpot occurrence period;
Based on the jackpot signal and the operation signal, the difference between the hitting ball indicating the game ball paid out from the gaming machine and the hit ball indicating the game ball driven into the gaming machine in the jackpot occurrence period is calculated. A calculating means for calculating a difference ball shown;
First determination means for determining, based on the difference ball of the jackpot occurrence period calculated by the calculation means, whether or not the jackpot occurrence period indicated by the jackpot signal is a jackpot occurrence period without a ball When,
It is determined whether or not the jackpot occurrence period indicated by the jackpot signal is a jackpot occurrence period with no balls based on a scheduled ball showing a game ball to be paid out from the gaming machine in the jackpot occurrence period. A management apparatus comprising: a second determination unit. A management device that manages a jackpot signal that indicates a plurality of types of jackpot occurrence periods in common, and an operation signal that indicates the operating status of the gaming machine, transmitted from the gaming machine,
Storage means for storing operation information of the gaming machine in a jackpot occurrence period;
Updating means for updating the operation information stored in the storage means based on the operation signal in the jackpot occurrence period;
Based on the jackpot signal and the operation signal, the difference between the hitting ball indicating the game ball paid out from the gaming machine and the hit ball indicating the game ball driven into the gaming machine in the jackpot occurrence period is calculated. First calculating means for calculating a difference ball shown;
First determining whether the jackpot occurrence period indicated by the jackpot signal is a jackpot occurrence period with no balls based on the difference between the jackpot occurrence periods calculated by the first calculation means A determination means;
Based on the jackpot signal and the operation signal, a second calculation for calculating a scheduled difference ball indicating a difference between a scheduled hit ball indicating a game ball to be paid out from the gaming machine and a hit ball in the jackpot occurrence period. Means,
Whether or not the jackpot occurrence period indicated by the jackpot signal is a jackpot occurrence period without a ball is determined based on the scheduled difference ball of the jackpot occurrence period calculated by the second calculation means. And a determination unit. 2. A management apparatus comprising: a determination unit. Said updating means, depending on the determination result of the first judging means and the second judging means, and updates the operation information corresponding to each determination unit, according to claim 1 or claim 2 Management device.