Patent Publication Number: US-8118150-B2

Title: Management system for game arcade

Description:
This application is a U.S. national stage entry of co-pending International Application No. PCT/JP2005/009742 filed on May 27, 2005 which designates the United States, and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-158945 filed on May 28, 2004. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a management system for a game arcade using wireless communication, and more particularly to a management system for a game arcade which does not need to change any settings even if a game machine is increased or decreased. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a management system for a game arcade, which can be used for a game machine having not a power source. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     It is known that a management system uses wireless communication in a game arcade so that information of a money put into a game machine or a running state of the game machine is in controllable in the game arcade. In the present specification, the term “game machine” includes a pachinko machine, a pinball machine fitted with a slot machine mechanism, a slot machine, an amusement game machine, etc. 
     For example, such management system comprises a money identification unit at least authenticating money for each game machine, a slave processing unit connected to the money identification unit, a slave wireless communication unit connected to the slave processing unit, a master processing unit having at least a money information storage section, and a master wireless communication unit connected to the master processing unit and communicating with the slave wireless communication unit. Such is disclosed by the following Patent Document 1. 
     Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Kokai Publication No. Hei 6-312061 (Kokoku Publication No. Hei 8-15504) (See FIG. 2 and Pages 2-3). 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     Problem to be Solved by the Invention 
     In the game arcade, a layout is frequently changed to place newly popular game machines or to improve usability so as to respond to customers&#39; requests. Since the game machine uses a microprocessor and an electromagnetic actuator for control thereof, the wireless communication between the master wireless communication unit and the slave wireless communication unit is badly influenced by them. For example, a communication error occurs due to noise generated from them. In other words, though the money information was properly communicated formerly, the unexpected communication error happens because of the frequent layout change which is typical of the game arcade, so that the reliability of the important money information is damaged. 
     The problem to be solved by the present invention, therefore, is to prevent the reliability of the money information being lowered on the wireless communication because of the above typical circumstances in the game arcade. 
     Means for Solving the Problem 
     According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a management system for a game arcade, which does not make reliability of money information lower when the money information is communicated on the wireless in the game arcade. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a management system for a game arcade, which is controllable without changing settings even if the game machine increases in number. 
     For attaining the above objects, a management system for a game arcade according to the present invention of claim  1  is constituted as follows. The management system for a game arcade has a plurality of money identification units at least authenticating money, slave processing units connected to the money identification units respectively, slave wireless communication units connected to the slave processing units respectively, a master processing unit having at least a money information storage section, and a master wireless communication unit connected to the master processing unit and communicating with the slave wireless communication units, the management system for a game arcade comprising: a communication channel establishment process for establishing a communication channel between the master wireless communication unit and the slave wireless communication units; a slave transmission process for transmitting the money information and check information to the master wireless communication unit from the slave processing unit; a check process for checking authenticity of the check information corresponding to the money information received in the slave transmission process; and a storage process for storing in the master processing unit the authentic money information corresponding to the check information checked in the check process. 
     In the above structure, when the money is put into the money identification unit of the game machine, the slave processing unit stores the money information. Specifically, the information of denomination and the number of money are stored. In the case where the denomination is one type, for example, a 100 yen coin, and the game machine can be used by receiving only such coin, only the number of coins received may be stored. The communication channel between the master wireless communication unit and the slave wireless communication unit is established in the communication channel establishment process. After the communication channel is established, the slave processing unit transmits the stored money information and the stored check information via the slave wireless communication unit in the slave transmission process. The received check information is analyzed and the authenticity thereof is checked in the check process of the master processing unit. If the check information is decided as true, the money information received together with the check information is also regarded as true and is stored in the master processing unit in the storage process. Various types of processes are executed based on the money information stored in the master processing unit. Therefore, since the money information received together with the check information is stored based on the authenticity of the check information, the reliability of the money information is enhanced. 
     According to claim  2 , the management system for a game arcade in claim  1  is characterized in that the master wireless communication unit and the slave wireless communication unit have a plurality of corresponding communication channels, the master processing unit searches a free channel of the master wireless communication unit and selects the first free channel, and then the carrier signal is outputted using this channel, and the slave processing unit sequentially switches the communication channels of the slave wireless communication unit and fixes the communication channel to that of the carrier signal when the carrier signal is detected. 
     In the above structure, the master wireless communication unit and the slave wireless communication unit have a plurality of communication channels. For example, in the case where one channel is used oddly under noise circumstances or crosstalk circumstances with another wireless system, the slave wireless communication unit and the master wireless communication unit can be communicated with each other by using another channel. Therefore, the money information in the slave processing unit can be transmitted timely to the master processing unit, then no trouble occurs. 
     According to claim  3 , the management system for a game arcade in claim  1  is characterized in that the slave processing unit has a battery for operation and a voltage check means for the battery, and a battery check process outputs an abnormal signal to the master processing unit when the voltage check means detects an abnormal voltage. 
     In the above structure, the slave processing unit is operated by the battery. Therefore, the slave processing unit can be used in a game machine which does not have a commercial power source. Since the slave processing unit is also used together with the wireless communication unit, the game machine can be made wireless. Therefore, even if the position of the game machine is frequently moved, the layout can be changed without considering the wiring. 
     According to claim  4 , the management system for a game arcade in claim  1  is characterized in that the slave processing unit stores a count value of money and transmits it to the master processing unit. 
     In the above structure, the most recent count value of money is stored in the slave processing unit. Thus, even if the wireless communication cannot be carried out because of the trouble of the wireless communication unit or the cross talk, the slave processing unit stores the most recent money count value. When the wireless communication is restored, since the most recent money count value in the slave processing unit is transmitted to the master processing unit, there is no problem in the money data process. 
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT OF THE INVENTION 
     The management system for a game arcade has a plurality of money identification units at least authenticating money, slave processing units connected to the money identification units respectively, slave wireless communication units connected to the slave processing units respectively, a master processing unit having at least a money information storage section, and a master wireless communication unit connected to the master processing unit and communicating with the slave wireless communication units, the management system being characterized in that: the master processing unit has a master request process for outputting a plurality of transmission request signals via the master wireless communication unit; the slave processing unit has a slave transmission process for transmitting the money information and a check information to the master wireless communication unit responding to each of the plurality of transmission request signals via the slave wireless communication unit; and the system comprising: a check process for checking authenticity of the check information corresponding to the money information received in the slave transmission process; and a storage process for storing in the master processing unit the authentic money information corresponding to the check information checked in the check process. The management system for a game arcade also is that the master wireless communication unit and the slave wireless communication unit also have a plurality of corresponding communication channels, the master processing unit searches a free channel of the master wireless communication unit and selects the first free channel, then the carrier signal is outputted using this channel, and the slave processing unit sequentially switches the communication channels of the slave wireless communication unit and fixes the communication channel to that of the carrier signal when the carrier signal is detected. Further, the management system for a game arcade is that the slave processing unit has a battery for operation and a voltage check means for the battery, and a battery check process outputs an abnormal signal to the master processing unit when the voltage check means detects abnormal voltage. 
     Embodiments 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic view of a management system for a game arcade according to the present invention. A money identification unit  102 , which checks authenticity of money put thereinto, receives current money therein and returns base money, is installed in each of game machines  100 - 1  to  100 -N. The money identification unit  102  has a function for identifying authenticity of a coin put thereinto in case of the identification unit for a coin; a function identifying authenticity and denomination of paper money put thereinto in case of the identification unit for paper money; a function for identifying authenticity of a prepaid card, detecting an amount of money stored therein and writing a reduced amount of money in case of the identification unit for a prepaid card; or a function for identifying authenticity of an IC coin put thereinto, detecting an amount of money stored therein and writing a reduced amount of money in case of the identification unit for an IC coin. 
     As explained in detail, the money identification unit includes a coin identification unit, a paper money identification unit, a prepaid card identification unit, an IC coin identification unit, and a combination thereof. The coin identification unit includes a mechanical type coin identification unit which mechanically identifies physical characteristics of one type coin. There is also an electrical type coin identification unit which electrically, optically or acoustically detects and identifies physical characteristics of a coin. In the case where the electrical type coin identification unit is used, it can identify the authenticity and denomination of many coins. 
     Further, there is a paper money identification unit which electrically or optically detects physical characteristics of paper money and identifies authenticity and denomination of paper money. Furthermore, there is a card identification unit which authenticates a prepaid card and reads money amount information stored therein. Moreover, there is an IC coin identification unit which authenticates an IC coin and reads money amount information stored therein. Though the present invention may be applicable to all the above money identification units, the following embodiment of the invention is explained in the case where the mechanical type coin identification unit is applied thereto. 
     The mechanical type coin identification unit is explained in detail with reference to  FIG. 2 . The mechanical type coin identification unit  104  includes a coin slot  106 , a coin identification part  108 , a current coin passage  110 , an accounting sensor  112 , a return slot  114  and a return lever  116 . That is, when a coin  118  is put into the coin slot  106 , the diameter of the coin having large or small diameter, which is a base coin is mechanically detected, and the base coin is returned to the return slot  114 . If the diameter of the coin  118  is detected as a current coin, the coin  118  is led to a safe (not shown) through the current coin passage  110 . 
     In the case where the coin  118  presses a contact  120  of the accounting sensor  112  on the way of the movement, a switch  122  in the accounting sensor  112  illustrated in  FIG. 3 , which is a schematic circuit diagram of the accounting sensor, is turned on and the accounting sensor  112  outputs the accounting signal RS. When the coin  118  free falls through the current coin passage  110 , the contact  120  is constituted such that the coin  118  is contacted therewith for a predetermined time or more, or a signal is outputted for a predetermined time responding to receiving one accounting signal RS. In other words, the switch  122  is constituted to be ON for a predetermined time, for example, 10 milliseconds or more. 
     An example of a circuit structure of the accounting sensor  112  is explained with reference to  FIG. 3 . A light emitting diode  126  in a photocoupler  124  is connected in series to the switch  122 . A signal terminal  130  is connected to an input side of a phototransistor  128  in the photocoupler  124 . A plus terminal of each of the light emitting diode  126  and the phototransistor  128  is connected to a plus terminal of a battery, for example, a commercial dry battery  132 , and a minus terminal of each of the light emitting diode and the phototransistor is grounded. 
     Therefore, when the switch  122  is turned on, the light emitting diode  126  is emitted. Since the phototransistor  128  is in electrical continuity in response to such emitted light, the accounting signal RS is outputted to the signal terminal  130 . Thus, in the case where the mechanical type coin identification unit  104  is used, a signal meaning that one coin having a predetermined amount of money is passed can be obtained. In other words, this signal is the accounting signal RS. 
     Next, a slave processing unit  140  is explained with reference to  FIG. 2 . The slave processing unit  140  receives the accounting signal from the money identification unit  102  (the mechanical type coin identification unit  104 ). That is, the slave processing unit  140  is mounted on the upper side of each of game machines  100 - 1  to  100 -N. Since the slave processing unit  140  is mounted on the upper side, the slave processing unit can communicate with a master communication unit  156  explained later without being interrupted by chassis of the other game machines. 
     The slave processing unit  140  includes a slave microprocessor (MPU)  142 , a battery  144 , a battery check unit  146  and a display unit  148 . The slave MPU  142  includes a slave internal clock  149 , and carries out a predetermined process while storing a data in a RAM (not shown) as needed based on a program stored in a ROM (not shown) in accordance with a clock signal. 
     In this embodiment, money information in which the accounting signal RS is counted up is stored. The date and time of the received accounting signal RS and/or the uncounted accounting signal RS may also be stored. The battery  144  is, for example, a commercial inexpensive dry battery, which can be used in common with the battery  132  of the accounting sensor  112 . 
     The battery check unit  146  has a function which checks whether the battery  144  has voltage sufficient to drive the MPU  142 , etc., and if not, the battery check unit outputs a battery change request signal CB. The battery check unit is desirably constituted as illustrated in a schematic circuit diagram of the battery check unit in  FIG. 4 , in which a switching device  148  and a resistor  151  are connected in series to the battery  144 , a voltmeter  152  is connected in parallel to the resistor  151 , and the output of the voltmeter  152  is utilized. 
     However, the battery check unit  146  may detect indirectly the voltage in accordance with the number of times when a slave communication unit  150  communicates, which slave communication unit consumes the most electric power as explained later. In other words, the battery check unit  146  may be constituted by software. 
     The display unit  148  displays the count number stored by MPU  142 , but this display unit  148  may not be disposed. Further, the battery check unit  146  may not be disposed if the battery is periodically changed. However, if the battery check unit  146  is installed, it is advantageous to use effectively a capacity of the battery  144 . 
     Next, the slave wireless communication unit  150  is explained with reference again to  FIG. 2 . The slave wireless communication unit  150  has a function to wirelessly transmit the money information, that is, the accounting signal RS by wirelessly communicating with the master wireless communication unit  154 . Thus, a radio wave system, an optical wireless system, an acoustic wave system, etc. can be utilized as a communication system. However, a specific low power wireless communication system is the most preferable because it is small sized, inexpensive, and low power consumption. The slave wireless communication unit  150  has a plurality of communication channels which have different frequencies for preventing crosstalk generated by an outside radio wave, etc. In this embodiment, five channels CCH 1  to CCH 5  are provided. Additionally, the slave wireless communication unit  150  has an antenna  141 . 
     Next, the master wireless communication unit  154  is explained. The master wireless communication unit  154  has a function to communicate with the slave communication unit  150 . Thus, it has master communication channels PCH 1  to PCH 5  which correspond to the slave communication channels CCH 1  to CCH 5 . The many master wireless communication units  154  are disposed to receive certainly the money information from the slave wireless communication unit  150 . Additionally, the master wireless communication unit  154  has an antenna  153 . 
     In the illustrated example, the master wireless communication unit  154  includes, for example, at least two communication units, that is, a first master wireless communication unit  154 A and a second master wireless communication unit  154 B. The master wireless communication unit  154  can also be constituted by three or more wireless communication units. However, it may be constituted by only one master wireless communication unit. In this case, the master processing unit  156  explained later is one. 
     The first master wireless communication unit  154 A and the second master wireless communication unit  154 B are connected to the master processing unit  156 . Specifically, those are connected to a first master processing unit  156 A and a second master processing unit  156 B, respectively and are made to be unified. The first master processing unit  156 A and the second master processing unit  156 B are preferably disposed on a ceiling in a game arcade. This is because space where radio wave shieldings are comparatively few can be used to the wireless communication coupled with the slave processing unit  140  mounted on each top of the game machines  100 - 1  to  100 -N. 
     The master processing units  156 A and  156 B include master clocks  159 A and  159 B, master microprocessors (MPUs)  158 A and  158 B, master displays  160 A and  160 B, and communication interface circuits  164 A and  164 B with a host computer  162 , respectively. 
     The master MPUs  158 A and  158 B write into a RAM (not shown) as needed based on a program stored in a ROM (not shown) in accordance with the master clocks  159 A and  159 B, and the master MPUs carry out a predetermined process. Then the master MPUs transmit the money information wirelessly received from the slave wireless processing unit  150  to the host computer  162  via the interface circuits  164 A and  164 B. 
     The host computer  162  carries out a predetermined process in accordance with the money information from the first master processing unit  156 A and the second master processing unit  156 B. The host computer  162  carries out a predetermined process in accordance with the clock signal of the host clock  166 . Such host clock  166  is the same frequency as that of the master clocks  159 A and  159 B, and the slave clock  149 , but a few differences may be allowed because of individual difference. 
     Next, the operation of the present embodiment of the invention is explained with reference to flow charts of  FIGS. 5 to 8  and timing charts of  FIGS. 9 and 10 . When the current coin  118  is put into the coin identification unit  104  of the game machine  100 - 1 , the accounting sensor  112  outputs the accounting signal RS with a predetermined time width. As illustrated in the flow chart of  FIG. 7 , the slave processing unit  140  detects in a step S 11  whether a first predetermined time PT 1  has passed or not, and where the first predetermined time PT 1  has passed, the slave processing unit outputs an accounting signal confirmation signal TM. 
     The first predetermined time PT 1  is outputted at least twice within the time width of the accounting signal RS. For example, in the case where the width of the accounting signal RS is at least 10 milliseconds, the first predetermined time PT 1  is 4 milliseconds. However, it may be preferable to be constituted such that three times or more of the first predetermined time PT 1  may be passed within the width of the accounting signal RS so as to process the information certainly. 
     During the first predetermined time PT 1 , only the slave clock  149  is operated at the slave processing unit  140 , that is, this is a sleep mode. In the case where there are many first predetermined times PT 1 , the operation time of the slave MPU  142  increases, and the battery  144  is highly consumed, thus it is preferable to be as few as possible. Therefore, the number of the predetermined time PT 1  within the accounting signal RS is preferably three times. In the step S 11 , if the first predetermined time PT 1  has passed, the flow proceeds to a step S 12 . In the step S 12 , the accounting signal RS from the accounting sensor  12  is detected whether it exists or not. 
     If the accounting signal RS does not exist, the flow returns to the step S 11 , and if the accounting signal RS exists, the flow proceeds to a step S 13 . In the step S 13 , the accounting signal RS is counted and the counted value is stored, and then the flow proceeds to a step S 14 . As explained in detail, when the accounting signal RS is outputted, the slave processing unit  140  adds one (1) to the stored count value, and stores the resulted count value in the RAM. In the step S 14 , a wireless transmission sequence explained later is carried out, and the flow returns to the step S 11 . 
     In the step S 11 , if the first predetermined time PT 1  has not passed, the flow proceeds to the step S 15 . In the step S 15 , it is detected whether a second predetermined time PT 2  has passed or not. The second predetermined time PT 2  is a predetermined time width for detecting whether the battery has the voltage sufficient to drive the slave MPU  142 . Therefore, the second predetermined time PT 2  is longer than the first predetermined time PT 1 , for example, one time a day (24 hours). 
     In the step S 15 , if the second predetermined time PT 2  has not passed, the flow returns to the step S 11 . If the second predetermined time PT 2  has passed in the step S 15 , the flow proceeds to a step S 16 , and the voltage outputted from the battery check unit  146  is read out. Specifically, the switch  148  in  FIG. 4  is turned on for a predetermined time, and the voltage under the electric current flowing through the resistance  150  is measured by the voltmeter  152 , and the measured value is read out. 
     Next, the voltage is compared with a reference value in a step S 17 , and detected whether it is larger than the reference value. If the voltage is equal to or larger than the reference value, it is determined as a normal voltage and the flow returns to the step S 11 . If the voltage is less than the reference value, the flow proceeds to a step S 18 . In the step S 18 , the battery change request signal CB is stored in the RAM in the MPU  142 , and the flow returns to the step S 11 . Those steps S 16  to S 18  are named a battery check process BCP. 
     Next, the wireless communication sequence is explained with reference to  FIGS. 5 to 8 . This wireless communication sequence has a function to transmit the stored money information in the slave processing unit  140 , the battery change request signal, etc. (hereinafter referred to as “money information”) to the host computer  162 . The host computer  162  outputs a first communication request signal SR 1  having a predetermined width to the first master processing unit  156 A at a predetermined period T 1  in accordance with the clock signal CS of the embedded host clock  166 , and outputs a second communication request signal SR 2  to the second master processing unit  156 B after a predetermined time t 1  from the first communication request signal RS 1 . 
     The predetermined period T 1  is set to for 10 minutes to 30 minutes, preferably for about 15 minutes in the case where the game machines  100 -N are, for example, equal to or less than 250. In other words, the money information of each of the game machines  100 - 1  to  100 N can be transmitted to the host computer  162  two times to four times in one hour. If the predetermined period T 1  is short, the money information can be obtained timely, but the transmitting process time of the slave processing unit  140  is increased, and thus resulting in accelerating the consumption of the battery  144 . 
     The first master processing unit  156 A, which receives the first communication request signal SR 1 , wirelessly communicates in accordance with the flow chart in  FIG. 5  with the slave processing unit  140  of each the game machines  100 - 1  to  100 -N through the slave wireless communication unit  150 , the first master wireless communication unit  154 A and the second wireless communication unit  154 B, and transmits the money information stored in the slave processing unit  140  to the master processing units  156 A and  156 B, that is, the host computer  162 . 
     Also, the second master processing unit  156 B, which receives the second communication request signal SR 2 , wirelessly communicates in accordance with the flow chart in  FIG. 5  with the slave processing unit  140  of each the game machines  100 - 1  to  100 -N, and receives the money information from the slave processing unit  140  like the first master processing unit  156 A. 
     Next, the wireless communication sequence is explained with reference to flow charts of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The first master processing unit  156 A, which receives the communication request signal SR 1  from the host computer  162 , carries out a master request process PRP as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Specifically, the master communication unit  154 A starts the program illustrated in  FIG. 5  at a predetermined time of the clock signal CL 1  of the master clock  159 A. 
     First of all, in a step S 21 , the first channel PCH 1  with in the five wireless channels is selected. Next, in a step S 22 , the received signal from the antenna  153  is filtered predeterminately, and the existence or nonexistence of the radio wave of the channel CH 1  is checked. Next, if the radio wave of channel CH 1  is detected in a step S 23 , it is determined that the frequency of the channel CH 1  is busy, and then the flow proceeds to a step S 24 . 
     In the step S 24 , the communication channel is changed to another frequency channel PCH 2 , and then the flow proceeds to a step S 25 . The communication channel is determined whether it is the last communication channel PCH 5  in the step S 25 , and if not, the flow returns to the step S 22 . If the communication channel exceeds the last communication channel in the step S 25 , the flow proceeds to a step S 26 . 
     The error signal is outputted in the step S 26 , and the system becomes a standby state in the step S 27 . If the flow returns to the step S 22 , the use of the radio wave of the channel CH 2  is checked. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the fifth channel CH 5  is not busy. Therefore, if the channel CH 5  is not used in the step S 22 , the flow proceeds to a step S 29 . 
     If the game arcade is disposed in a space which is clean of a radio wave, since there is no fear of crosstalk, the number of the channel may be one. However, at an urban area, since various radio waves are transmitted and received, a plurality of channels is preferably employed so that the communication using a channel having a fear of crosstalk is avoided. 
     In the step S 29 , after the radio wave of the channel CH 5  is turned on, the flow proceeds to a step S 30 . In the step S 30 , a channel fixing signal FF is wirelessly transmitted through the master communication unit  154 A and the antenna  153 . For example, the number “ 5 ” which signifies the channel CH 5  is continuously outputted as the channel fixing signal FF. 
     Those steps S 21  to S 30  are the master request process PRP (a first master request process PRP 1 ). The master request process PRP 1  has a preparing function so as to establish the communication between the slave wireless communication unit  150  and the master wireless communication unit  154 A. In the same way, the second master processing unit  156 B also carries out the transmission request process PRP 2  in response to the communication request signal SR 2 . Those transmission request processes PRP 1  and PRP 2  are the same process. 
     On the other hand, the slave processing unit  140  carries out a slave transmission process CSP at a constant period T 2  in accordance with the clock signal CCL. This constant period T 2  is, for example, 15 minutes, which is the same as the constant period T 1 . Therefore, the slave processing unit  140  and the slave communication unit  150  carry out the communication process at 15 minute intervals. 
     Each of the slave processing unit  140  is also structured not to carry out the communication process simultaneously with each other such that a reference signal of the slave processing unit is shifted to, for example, a predetermined time Δt from a reference timing ST of the first master clock  159 A in  FIG. 9  set by a dip switch provided in each slave processing unit  140 . Specifically, the slave processing unit is constituted such that the slave transmission process CSP explained later is carried out after a lapse of time t 1 +Δt from the time when the transmission request process PRP 1  has finished. 
     The next transmission request process PRP 1  is subjected to be carried out after a lapse of a predetermined time from the time when the former slave transmission process CSP has finished. Therefore, though the power consumption of the slave processing unit  140  is the largest in the slave transmission process CSP, the necessary power consumption is only for the sleep state except in the slave transmission process CSP, then the power consumption is extremely low. 
     Further, since the period of the slave transmission process CSP is a long period, the frequency of the slave transmission process CSP needing large power consumption is low. That is, the power consumption of the slave processing unit  140  is extremely low, then a commercial inexpensive small battery can be used. 
     The MPU  142  in the slave processing unit  140  carries out a transmission request process CRP illustrated in  FIG. 6  in accordance with the slave clock signal CCL of the slave clock  149 . Specifically, the wireless channel is set to CCH 1  in a step S 41 , and then the flow proceeds to the S 42 . In the step  42 , the channel fixing signal FF of the channel CH 1  is checked, and then the flow proceeds to a step S 43 . 
     In the step S 43 , if the fixing signal FF of the channel CH 1  does not exist, that is, the channel CH 1  is busy, the flow proceeds to a step S 44  and the wireless channel is set to the next channel CCH 2 , and then the flow proceeds to a step S 45 . In the step S 45 , if the channel exceeds the setting channel number, the flow proceeds to a step S 46 . The error signal is outputted in the step S 46 , and then the flow proceeds to a step S 47  and the system becomes standby state. 
     In the step S 45 , if the channel is within a predetermined channel number, the flow returns to the step S 42 , and the channel fixing signal FF of the channel CH 2  is checked. As explained above, if the channels CCH 1  to CCH 4  are busy and the number “ 5 ” is outputted as the channel fixing signal FF of the channel CCH 5 , the flow proceeds to a step S 48 , the radio wave of the channel CH 5  is received, and then the flow proceeds to a step S 49 . 
     The slave channel fixing signal CFF is outputted in the step S 49 . That is, the number “ 5 ” corresponding to the channel CH 5  is sent from the slave communication unit  150  through the antenna  141 , and then the flow proceeds to a step S 50 . This causes that the channel CH 5  is fixed to the wireless communication between the master processing unit  156 A and the slave processing unit  140 . Those steps S 41  to S 49  are the slave transmission request process CRP. Also, a communication channel detection process CDP is constituted by the master request process PRP and the slave communication request process CRP. 
     In the communication channel detection process CDP, the money information and another information are transmitted succeedingly from the slave processing unit  140  to the first master processing unit  156 A after the wireless communication is established by the communication channel CH 5 . That is, in the step S 50 , the identification ID (Identification bracelet), for example, the number “ 104 - 1 ” decided for the game machine  100 - 1  in advance, specifically for the coin identification unit  104  is outputted. The master processing unit receives the identification ID  104 - 1  and stores it to the RAM in the master MPU  158 A in a step S 31 . 
     The flow proceeds the following step S 51 , and the slave processing unit  140  transmits the count value, specifically the number “ 1 ”, of the coin stored in the step S 13 . If the battery change request signal CB is stored, the request signal CB is also transmitted. 
     Next, in a step S 52 , a CRC signal (Cyclic Redundancy Check Code) which is the check information outputted by a predetermined process is transmitted, and then the flow proceeds to a step S 53 . The radio wave of the channel CH 5  is turned off in the step S 53 , and then the wireless transmission process finishes. Thus, those steps S 50  to S 53  are the slave transmission process CSP. 
     The following processes are simultaneously carried out in the first master processing unit  156 A and the second master processing unit  156 B. First of all, the count value and/or the battery change request signal CR is received in a step S 32 . In the following step S 33 , the CRC signal which is outputted in the step S 52  is received, and then the flow proceeds to a step S 34 . Thus, the steps S 31  to S 33  are the slave money information reception process CRP. Next, in the step S 34 , the CRC signal is analyzed by a predetermined process, and then the flow proceeds to a step S 35 . 
     In the step S 35 , the authenticity of the CRC signal is checked, and if correct, the flow proceeds to a step S 36 . Thus, the steps S 34  and S 35  are the check process CCP. In the step S 36 , the count value or the battery change request signal CB received in the step S 32  is outputted to the host computer  162 , and it is stored as the first money information CI 1  of the first master processing unit  156 A. Thus, the step S 36  is the storage process STP. 
     In the step S 35 , if the CRC signal is decided as an incorrect signal, the flow returns to the step S 32  and the accounting signal is newly received. In the second master processing unit  156 B, the count value received in the step S 32  is transmitted to the host computer  162 , and it is stored as the second money information CI 2  of the second master processing unit  156 B. 
     The host computer  162  receives the count value in accordance with the flow chart in  FIG. 8 . That is, in a step S 61 , it is detected whether the first money information CI 1  exists or not, and if exists, the flow proceeds to a step S 62 . In the step S 62 , it is detected whether the second money information CI 2  exists or not, and if exists, the flow proceeds to a step S 63 . 
     In the step S 63 , it is detected whether the first money information CI 1  is the same as the second money information CI 2 , and if the same, the flow proceeds to a step S 64 . In the step S 64 , the first money information CI 1  is stored together with the ID code, and the first money information CI 1  is used for various processes. In the step S 61 , if the first money information CI 1  does not exist, the flow proceeds to a step S 65 . In the step S 65 , if the second money information CI 2  exists, the flow proceeds to a step S 66 . 
     In the step S 66 , the second money information CI 2  is stored together with the ID code, and the second money information CI 2  is used for various processes. In the step S 65 , if the second memory information CI 2  does not exist, the process finishes as there is no money information. 
     In other words, if the first money information CI 1  and the second money information CI 2  exist, and if the first money information CI 1  exists, the first money information CI 1  is stored in the host computer  162 , and then it is used for collecting the money in the game machine, changing the battery, complying various statistics, etc. If only the second money information CI 2  exists, the second money information CI 2  is stored in the host computer  162 , and it is used for various processes. Therefore, the most recent count value of the game machine  100 - 1 , that is, the number of the coins  18  put into the money identification unit  102  is stored in the host computer  162 . 
     Where the most recent count value is stored in the slave processing unit  140  like the present embodiment, even if the money information cannot be transmitted because a failure occurs in the master communication unit  154  and/or the slave communication unit  150 , when the communication unit is restored, the most recent correct data can be obtained by transmitting the count value stored in the slave processing unit  140 . 
     Further, since the data is transmitted by using a plurality of communication channels of such as the first master communication unit  154 A connected to the first master processing unit  156 A and the second master communication unit  154 B connected to the second master processing unit  156 B, even if a failure occurs in one communication channel, the data of another communication channel can be utilized. 
     When the count value is transmitted from the slave processing unit  140 , the date and time information is preferably added thereto. In the case where this system is used for a paper money identification unit, the information of denomination and the information of the number of paper money is transmitted together with the CRC information. 
     As has been described in the foregoing, according to the invention, in the check process of the master processing unit, since the received check information is analyzed to check its authenticity, and the money information received together therewith is stored based on the authenticity of the check information, the reliability of the money information is enhanced. Since the master wireless communication unit and the slave wireless communication unit have many communication channels in the present invention, even if one communication channel is busy because of crosstalk, etc., the money information can be communicated by using another communication channel, and thus the communication can certainly be conducted at the communication timing. Further, since the master wireless communication unit includes the many master wireless communication units, even if an unexpected error occurs in one wireless communication unit, the money information can be received by another communication unit, and thus the money information can certainly be received. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a management system for a game arcade in an embodiment according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic block diagram of a management system for a game arcade in an embodiment according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a circuit diagram of an accounting sensor in an embodiment according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a circuit diagram of a battery check unit in an embodiment according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a flow chart for explaining a transmission sequence in a master processing unit in an embodiment according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a flow chart for explaining a transmission sequence in a slave processing unit in an embodiment according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  is a flow chart for explaining a process of a slave processing unit in an embodiment according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is a flow chart for explaining a process of a host computer in an embodiment according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is a timing chart for explaining a process of an embodiment according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  is a timing chart for explaining a process of a slave processing unit in an embodiment according to the present invention. 
     EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 102 
                 a money identification unit 
               
               
                   
                 140 
                 a slave processing unit 
               
               
                   
                 144 
                 a battery 
               
               
                   
                 146 
                 a check unit 
               
               
                   
                 150 
                 a slave wireless communication unit 
               
               
                   
                 154 
                 a master wireless communication unit 
               
               
                   
                 156 
                 a master processing unit 
               
               
                   
                 CDP 
                 a communication channel detection process 
               
               
                   
                 CSP 
                 a slave transmission process 
               
               
                   
                 CCP 
                 a check process 
               
               
                   
                 STP 
                 a storage process 
               
               
                   
                 CB 
                 an abnormal signal 
               
               
                   
                 BCP 
                 a battery check process