JP7232031B2 - Game management system and game management method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game management system and a game management method for managing games in game parlors.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, amusement arcades provide games through game media. For example, in a pachinko game, game balls are used as game media, and the game is played by hitting the game balls onto the game board surface. A plurality of prize-winning areas (award-winning openings) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined number of game balls are provided as prize balls based on the game balls passing through the prize-winning areas. In this way, the number of game media increases or decreases depending on the result of the game, and the player can exchange the obtained game media for prizes.

A gaming machine is generally provided with each machine. Each machine accepts the deposit and lends out the game medium. In addition, each machine manages the number of game media acquired through a game as the number of game media, and performs replay processing to subtract the number of game media and pay out game media (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .).

Here, in order to manage sales in game parlors, etc., a technique is known in which game information is collected from game machines and each machine, and the collected information is managed by a management device called a hall computer. For example, in Patent Document 2, a hall computer receives a hitting signal indicating the number of driven balls and a winning signal indicating the number of winning balls from a gaming machine, and processes the ball-losing signal indicating the number of rented balls by inter-machine card processing. JP-A-2005-100002 discloses a technique of receiving signals from a gaming machine and managing the number of rented balls, the number of driven balls, and the number of winning balls for each machine number based on these signals.

JP 2011-131037 A JP 2010-158297 A

However, the conventional technology only manages how many times each gaming machine has been used, and cannot manage usage results for each player, such as how many players have used each gaming machine. There was a problem.

For example, even if the number of rented balls, the number of driven balls, and the number of winning balls are the same, the result may be the result of a single player continuously playing, or the result of multiple players taking turns playing. It may be the result of playing a game, but the conventional technology cannot identify them. In addition, it is difficult for the conventional technology to identify which game machine the player has used and in what order.

How many players have played the gaming machine, that is, the turnover rate of the gaming machine is important information for gaming parlors. Similarly, what kind of gaming machine the player uses and in what order, that is, the flow line of the player is also important information for the gaming parlor. This is because, based on this information, it is possible to determine which gaming machine has a high ability to attract customers, and to change the layout of the gaming machines to a more efficient one.

Furthermore, if it is possible to evaluate how many games per player are playing at a certain game machine and how that trend changes, it will be possible to identify machines with high customer-attracting power and to make changes to more efficient machine layouts. can do well.

As described above, with conventional technology, it has been an important issue to acquire and analyze various information indicating how gaming machines are used, and to realize more efficient operation of amusement arcades.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is to acquire and analyze various information indicating how a game machine is used, thereby realizing efficiency in the operation of amusement arcades. for the purpose.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a game management system for managing games in a game arcade, comprising: a game machine operation history acquisition unit for acquiring an operation history of a game machine; performed by the game machine using the operation history acquisition unit for acquiring the operation history of each machine installed in association with the game machine and the operation history of the game machine and the operation history of each machine A game history information generating unit for generating game history information indicating a game history; and a game for generating game information indicating a game history for each player by identifying games played by one player from the game history information. an information generation unit; and a performance evaluation unit that evaluates changes in usage performance of the gaming machine based on the game information , wherein the performance evaluation unit evaluates the usage performance of a plurality of gaming machines installed in the gaming parlor. In addition to evaluating the change in the number of game media used per player, the number of game media used per player is totaled daily, and models that have increased or decreased at a predetermined rate or more from the previous day for a predetermined number of consecutive days are selected as targets for notification. .

Further, according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, the performance evaluation unit controls the display of a display screen showing information related to the gaming machine selected as the notification target so as to be superimposed on another display screen.

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the track record evaluation unit compares the record of use by member players who have registered as members of the game parlor, the track record of use by general players who are not identified as member players, and the record of use by the member players. It is characterized in that the usage record by the player and the general player are evaluated respectively.

Further, the present invention is a game management method for managing games in a game parlor, comprising: a game machine operation history acquisition step of acquiring an operation history of a game machine; generating game history information indicating a history of a game performed by the gaming machine using an operation history acquisition step of acquiring an operation history; and an operation history of the gaming machine and an operation history of the gaming machine. a game history information generating step; a game information generating step of identifying a game played by one player from the game history information and generating game information indicating a game history for each player; and based on the game information. and a performance evaluation step for evaluating transitions in usage performance of the game machines, wherein the performance evaluation step evaluates transitions in usage performance for a plurality of gaming machines installed in the gaming parlor, The number of used game media per unit is totaled daily, and models that have increased or decreased by a predetermined rate or more from the previous day for a predetermined number of consecutive days are selected as targets for notification.

According to the present invention, it is possible to acquire and analyze a variety of information indicating how a game machine is used, and to realize more efficient operation of a game parlor.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the concept of the game management system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the game parlor. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of an inter-machine card processing machine. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit of the inter-machine card processing machine. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the card management device shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit of the card management device. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the member management apparatus shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in a storage unit shown in FIG. 8. FIG. (Part 1) 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in a storage unit shown in FIG. 8. FIG. (Part 2) 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in a storage unit shown in FIG. 8. FIG. (Part 3) 12 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the hall computer shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in a storage unit shown in FIG. 12; FIG. (Part 1) 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in a storage unit shown in FIG. 12; FIG. (Part 2) FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of processing by the idle data generation unit. (Part 1) FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of processing by the idle data generation unit. (Part 2) FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of determination conditions for notification targets by the performance evaluation unit. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of display control for notification. FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure for generating play data. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a modification in which the member management device generates leisure data.

Preferred embodiments of the game management system and game management method according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In this specification, "balls in possession" refers to game media acquired by a player in a game or data indicating the number of such game media, which can be used again in the game only during the day (time before the store closes). Say what you can. Accumulated balls refer to game media acquired by a player in a game or data indicating the number of such game media, which can be used again in a game from the next day onwards (hours after the store closes). Possessed balls can be used by both general players and member players, and are used when the gaming machine used for the game is changed (so-called machine movement). The accumulated balls are normally usable only by the member players, and are used when the obtained game media are used in the game from the next day onwards. A predetermined fee may be charged for use of accumulated balls.

First, the concept of the game management system according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the concept of the game management system according to this embodiment. A plurality of gaming machines are installed in the game parlor, and each gaming machine is provided with an inter-machine card processing machine 10 as a machine. In addition, the amusement arcade is provided with a member management device 50, and the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is connected to the member management device 50 so as to be communicable. Furthermore, a hall computer 90 is installed in the gaming parlor, and the gaming machine 20 is connected to the hall computer 90 so as to be communicable.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts payment from a player, it associates a prepaid value corresponding to the amount of payment with the identification information (card ID) of the card housed inside itself. This prepaid value can be used for lending game balls. In addition, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 can accept insertion of a card associated with a prepaid value, owned balls, accumulated balls, and the like. Then, at the end of the game, the card associated with the prepaid value, owned balls, stored balls, etc. is ejected and returned to the player.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits to the member management device 50 a history of operations such as payment, card insertion, and card ejection. The member management device 50 accumulates a history of operations of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 such as deposit, card insertion and card ejection, and transmits the history to the hall computer 90 at a predetermined timing such as after the store is closed.

On the other hand, the gaming machine 20 transmits an out pulse to the hall computer 90 each time a predetermined number of game balls are discharged from the gaming board. Also, the gaming machine 20 transmits a safe pulse to the hall computer 90 each time a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out based on the fact that the game balls have passed through the prize winning area (so-called winning). Furthermore, when a special state such as a big win occurs in the game, a special prize pulse indicating the occurrence of such a state is transmitted to the hall computer 90 . The outpulse, the safe pulse and the special prize pulse may be directly transmitted from the gaming machine 20 to the hall computer 90, or another device installed in the gaming machine 20 may transmit the outpulse, the safe pulse and the special prize pulse to the hall computer. 90.

The outpulse corresponds to the number of balls hit by the player on the game board surface. The safe pulse corresponds to the number of winning balls obtained by winning. Also, the grand prize pulse indicates the state of the gaming machine 20 such as a big hit. The hall computer 90 can obtain the operation history of the gaming machine 20 by accumulating outpulses, safe pulses, and prize pulses.

The hall computer 90 uses the operation history of the gaming machine 20 accumulated by itself and the operation history of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 received from the member management device 50 to generate game history data.

This game history data indicates in chronological order the states related to the game, such as payment, card insertion, card ejection, number of balls driven, number of winning balls, and occurrence of a special prize. A card ID and a gaming machine ID are associated with deposit, card insertion, and card ejection. A gaming machine ID is associated with the number of hit balls, the number of winning balls, the occurrence of a special prize, and the like. Therefore, the game history data indicates which card was used in which gaming machine 20 and how the game progressed.

The hall computer 90 identifies games by the same player from the game history data, and generates game data indicating the history of games for each player. Although the details will be described later, when the same card is used, it is identified that the game is played by the same player. In addition, when a plurality of cards are used in a state in which games are played continuously, the plurality of cards are linked to identify that the games are played by the same player.

By using this play data, it is possible to determine how many games are played by each player in a certain gaming machine. For example, if the total number of balls driven into a certain gaming machine per day is divided by the number of players who used that gaming machine on the same day, the number of balls per player who used that gaming machine on that day will be calculated. You can ask if you typed. For the sake of convenience, this value is called a floating out.

In addition, by performing a usage performance evaluation that evaluates the usage performance of gaming machines such as idle outs, it is possible to accurately identify gaming machines that have a high ability to attract customers and change the layout of gaming machines to more efficient ones. can. For example, a gaming machine with a daily increase in idle outs is a favorable gaming machine that greatly contributes to the profit of the gaming parlor. Also, a gaming machine with a daily decrease in the number of idle outs is a poorly performing gaming machine that contributes little to the profit of the gaming parlor. Therefore, it is possible to support the replacement of gaming machines by extracting and notifying gaming machines with a particularly pronounced increasing or decreasing tendency.

In this way, the operation history of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 (deposit, card insertion, card ejection, etc.) and the operation history of the game machine 20 (out pulse, safe pulse, special prize pulse generation) are acquired. By generating game history data indicating the history of games played by the gaming machine 20 and identifying games played by the same player using the game history data, the hall computer 90 can obtain the game history of each player. It is possible to generate floating data indicating the Also, based on this play data, it is possible to evaluate the transition of the actual use of the gaming machine.

Next, the system configuration of the game parlor will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the game parlor. As shown in FIG. 2, the game parlor is provided with a plurality of gaming machines 20 and inter-machine card processors 10 provided corresponding to the respective gaming machines 20 . The inter-machine card processing machine 10 is connected via an island controller 30 to a communication line, which is a network within the store. An island controller 30, a card management device 40, a member management device 50, a prize management device 60, and a payment machine 80 are connected to the communication line. The gaming machine 20 is connected to the hall computer 90 via a communication line. Also, the hall computer 90 is communicably connected to the member management device 50 . Note that the hall computer 90 and the card management device 40 may be communicably connected.

The game machine 20 is a device for playing a game by hitting game balls onto a game board. A plurality of winning areas (award winning openings) are provided on the game board surface of the gaming machine 20, and a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls based on the game balls passing through the winning areas. It's becoming A predetermined number of starting areas (starting openings) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined lottery is conducted based on the passage of game balls through the starting areas. If the lottery results in a big hit, an operation that is advantageous in terms of the game is performed by operating a predetermined movable member, etc., such as improving the probability of the game ball passing through the winning area or another starting area. The result of the lottery by the ball passing through the starting port is displayed on a special pattern display device for displaying the lottery result. The display of the lottery results on the special symbol display device is performed in a manner in which a fixed display is performed after a predetermined period of variable display. In addition, the game board is provided with a decorative pattern display device that variably displays decorative patterns such as predetermined numbers based on the result of the lottery. , 7) and the like are displayed to notify the user. It should be noted that it is also possible to provide an area that serves as both the starting area and the winning area.

The winning area is provided with a winning sensor for detecting the passage of game balls into the winning area. It's becoming The control unit of the gaming machine 20 also has a prize memory that stores the number of game balls to be awarded as prizes for each prize area.

Therefore, when the winning sensor detects that the hit game balls have passed through the specific winning area, the gaming machine 20 determines from the stored contents of the winning ball memory and the number of game balls that have passed through the winning area. It is possible to determine the number of prize balls and perform payout processing for the determined number of prize balls. Moreover, regardless of whether or not the hit game balls have passed through the winning area, the game balls are finally discharged from the back side of the game board to the outside of the game machine. The game balls discharged to the outside of the gaming machine are detected by an out ball detection device attached to each gaming machine.

The gaming machine 20 also includes an external output unit that outputs a signal for managing the operating state of the gaming machine 20 to the hall computer 90 or the like. From the external output section, a safe pulse is transmitted to the hall computer 90 each time a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. Furthermore, when a special state such as a big win occurs due to a game in the gaming machine 20, a prize pulse indicating the occurrence of such a state is transmitted to the hall computer 90 from the external output section. Further, in the game machine 20, when the variable display of the special symbol display device is started based on the result of the lottery by the ball passing through the starting port, the start pulse indicating the start of the variable display is output from the external output section to the hall computer. 90. Further, an out-ball detector transmits an out-pulse indicating the number of balls hit into the game machine 20 (the number of balls ejected from the game board surface) to the hall computer 90 .

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives payment, lends out game balls, and communicates with the card management device 40 . When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the banknotes inserted by the player, it transmits payment notification data including the amount of the banknotes to the card management device 40, and stores the amount in the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40. Add the number corresponding to When a predetermined ball lending operation is performed, a ball lending request is transmitted to the card management device 40, the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40 is subtracted, and the number of games corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value is played. Payout processing of balls is performed.

Further, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits card insertion notification data to the card management device 40 when the insertion of the card is accepted. Further, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives data including the prepaid value, the number of owned balls, and the number of accumulated balls from the card management device 40, it stores the received prepaid value, the number of owned balls, and the number of accumulated balls. After storing the number of balls held, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits the ball possession subtraction request data to the card management device 40, thereby setting the number of balls managed by the card management device 40 to zero. clear.

In addition, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the replay operation of the owned balls, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of owned balls stored in its own device, and pays out a number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number of owned balls. conduct. Further, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the stored ball replay operation, it transmits stored ball replay request data to the card management device 40, thereby subtracting a predetermined number from the number of stored balls managed by the member management device 50. Then, the payout process of the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted stored number of balls is performed.

Further, when receiving the card return operation, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits to the card management device 40 ball-in-hand addition request data including the number of balls-in-hand managed by itself, After adding the number, the card ejection notification data is transmitted to the card management device 40 to control card ejection.

The island controller 30 is a relay device for bundling a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-machine card processing machines 10 provided on a game island.

The card management device 40 is a device that manages the prepaid value of the card, the number of balls held, etc. as card data. Upon receiving the card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processor 10, the card management device 40 associates the card ID of the inserted card with the device ID of the inter-machine card processor 10 and manages the card ID. to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Further, when the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data is the card ID of the membership card, the card management device 40 transmits the card insertion notification data to the membership management device 50 and receives the card insertion notification data from the membership management device 50. The accumulated ball replay data is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.例文帳に追加

Further, when the card management device 40 receives the ball-on-hand subtraction request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it clears the number of balls-on-hand to zero. Further, when the card management device 40 receives the ball-in-hand addition request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the number of balls-in-hand included in the ball-in-hand addition request data is changed to the number of balls-in-hand managed by the card management device 40. to add.

Further, when the card management device 40 receives the ball lending request data from the inter-machine card processor 10, the card management device 40 subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID, and transfers the ball lending permission data to the inter-machine card processor 10. Send to When the accumulated ball replay request data is received, the accumulated ball replay request data is transmitted to the member management device 50, and when the member management device 50 outputs the accumulated ball replay data, the accumulated ball replay data is sent to the machine. Send to card processing machine 10 .

Further, when the card ID is received from the prize management device 60, the card management device 40 notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of balls associated with the card ID. Furthermore, when the card ID is received from the payment machine 80, the payment machine 80 is notified of the prepaid value associated with this card ID.

Further, when receiving the card insertion notification data, the card management device 40 identifies the gaming machine ID of the gaming machine 20 corresponding to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the transmission source, and compares the gaming machine ID and the card ID. In association with this, the member management device 50 is notified of the card insertion. Similarly, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 ejects a card, the gaming machine ID of the gaming machine 20 corresponding to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the transmission source is specified, and the gaming machine ID and the card ID are matched. and notifies the member management device 50 of card ejection.

Further, when receiving the payment notification data, the card management device 40 identifies the gaming machine ID of the gaming machine 20 corresponding to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the transmission source, and associates the gaming machine ID with the card ID. and notifies the member management device 50 of the payment.

Card insertion notification, card ejection notification, payment notification, etc. from the card management device 40 to the member management device 50 are output to the hall computer 90 as the operation history of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, as will be described later. If the card management device 40 and the hall computer 90 can communicate with each other, the card management device 40 may directly notify the hall computer 90 of card insertion, card ejection, payment, and the like.

The member management device 50 is a management device that manages member management data of members registered as members of the amusement arcade. Specifically, the number of stored balls, the number of points, the personal identification number, the name, etc. are managed in association with the membership card ID issued to the member.

When the member management device 50 receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the member management device 50 generates accumulated ball replay data including the number of accumulated balls and a password associated with the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data. It is transmitted to the interim card processing machine 10 . When the member management device 50 receives the accumulated ball replay request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined number from the number of accumulated balls associated with the card ID indicated in the accumulated ball replay request data, Collected ball replay data including the number of accumulated balls after subtraction is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.例文帳に追加Communication between the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the member management device 50 is performed via the card management device 40 .

Further, when the member management device 50 receives an inquiry about the number of stored balls from the prize management device 60, the member management device 50 notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of stored balls corresponding to the designated card ID.

Furthermore, the member management device 50 accumulates the operation history of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 notified from the card management device 40, such as payment of money, card insertion, and card ejection, and stores the operation history in the hall computer 90 at a predetermined timing such as after the store closes. Send.

The member management device 50 also accumulates a history of operations related to prize exchange by the prize management device 60 and settlement by the payment machine 80, and transmits the history to the hall computer 90 at a predetermined timing such as after the store is closed.

The prize management device 60 is a prize exchange terminal installed at a prize exchange counter in the amusement arcade, and performs prize exchange processing for exchanging acquired balls, the number of stored balls, and the number of owned balls for prizes. A card reader for reading a card ID from a card and a prize payout device for paying out prizes are connected to the prize management device 60 . When the prize management device 60 reads a card ID from a general card or a membership card (or reads identification data corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal or the like), the prize management device 60 transmits the card ID to the card management device 40. to request the number of balls possessed by the card ID. When exchanging the number of accumulated balls for a prize, the number of accumulated balls is requested from the member management device 50 .

When the card associated with the prepaid value is inserted, the fare adjustment machine 80 transmits the card ID of this card to the card management device 40 and receives the response data to acquire the prepaid value associated with the card. and pays out money according to the acquired prepaid value.

The hall computer 90 manages the operation history of the gaming machine 20 by receiving and accumulating outpulses, safe pulses, and prize pulses from each gaming machine 20 . The hall computer 90 manages the status of each gaming machine 20 ("special prize in progress", "empty table", "playing", etc.), and displays these statuses of each gaming machine on a screen displaying a map of the inside of the hall. can also be displayed. The hall computer 90 also receives the history of the operation of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the history of prize exchange and payment. Using the operation history of the gaming machine 20, the operation history of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and the prize exchange and settlement history, the game history data and game data are generated.

Next, the ball lending process of the gaming system shown in FIG. 2 will be explained. When a player performs a ball lending operation to the inter-machine card processor 10, the inter-machine card processor 10 transmits ball lending request data to the card management device 40. - 特許庁This ball lending request data includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and an address or arbitrary identification data for specifying the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender.

Upon receiving the ball lending request data, the card management device 40 subtracts a predetermined value from the prepaid value associated with the card ID of the ball lending request data. Then, the card management device 40 transmits ball lending permission data to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 as the transmission source. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 that has received the ball lending permission data performs payout processing of the number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value.

Next, a description will be given of the ball replay process when the ball is replayed in the gaming system shown in FIG. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits card insertion notification data to the card management device 40 when the insertion of a general card or a membership card is accepted. This card insertion notification data consists of the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processor 10, the address or arbitrary identification data specifying the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender, and the inter-machine card processor. and data to specify the 10 rates.

When the card management device 40 receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processor 10, the card management device 40 sends the inter-machine card processor 10 the number of balls at each rate associated with the card ID in the card insertion notification data. Notice.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the number of balls received from the card management device 40 . Then, it transmits to the card management device 40 the card ID, the data specifying the rate, and the ball-on-hand subtraction request data indicating that the number of balls on hand is to be cleared to zero. Upon receiving the ball-on-hand subtraction request data, the card management device 40 clears the number of balls on each rate specified by the card ID to zero. Further, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts the replay operation of the balls and replays the balls, the card processing machine 10 subtracts a predetermined number from the stored number of the balls and performs payout processing of the corresponding number of the game balls. . When the payout process is performed, multiples of the payout unit (for example, 25 balls) that can be paid out by the gaming machine are paid out by transmitting a payout instruction to the gaming machine, and the rest are paid out from the nozzle unit 18a of the own machine. By doing so, the payout process is performed.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits ball-in-hand addition request data to the card management device 40 when the card return operation is accepted. This ball-in-hand addition request data includes the card ID of the card to be returned, an address or arbitrary identification data specifying the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, and the number of balls in each rate. .

When receiving the ball-in-hand addition request data, the card management device 40 adds the number of balls-in-hand contained in the ball-in-hand addition request data to the number of balls-in-hand for each rate associated with the card ID. Thereafter, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits card discharge notification data to the card management device 40 and controls card discharge.

Next, the stored ball replay processing in the gaming system shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits card insertion notification data to the card management device 40 when the card ID is read from the member card or the mobile terminal that can be used as the member card. This card insertion notification data consists of the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processor 10, the address or arbitrary identification data specifying the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender, and the inter-machine card processor. and data to specify the 10 rates.

The card management device 40 transmits the card insertion notification data received from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 to the member management device 50 . When the member management device 50 receives the card insertion notification data, the personal identification number associated with the card ID in the card insertion notification data and the number of accumulated balls at the rate specified by the card insertion notification data. Then, stored ball replay data including the number of possible replays of stored balls is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. - 特許庁The number of replayable stored balls indicates the number of stored balls that can be replayed. The possible number of replays of stored balls is a multiple of the number of payout units of game balls in the replay of stored balls. If an upper limit is set for the number of accumulated balls to be replayed, the maximum value within the range between the number of accumulated balls and the upper limit is the possible number of replays of the accumulated balls. Instead of the possible number of replays of the stored balls, the number of times the stored balls can be replayed may be used as the replay frequency of the stored balls. The replay frequency of accumulated balls corresponds to the quotient obtained by dividing the number of accumulated balls by the number of payout units of game balls in the replay of accumulated balls. However, when an upper limit is set for the replay of accumulated balls, the number of replays of accumulated balls is limited by this upper limit.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the received ball replay data, and makes it possible to accept the accumulated ball replay operation when the number of possible ball replays indicated in the accumulated ball replay data is 1 or more.

After storing the accumulated ball replay data, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 requests the player to enter a personal identification number when receiving the accumulated ball replay operation for the first time. It is determined whether or not it matches the personal identification number shown in .

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits accumulated ball replay request data to the card management device 40 when the personal identification numbers match. This stored ball replay request data includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processor 10, the address or arbitrary identification data specifying the inter-machine card processor 10 that is the sender, and the inter-machine card processing data. data for specifying the rate of aircraft 10;

The card management device 40 transmits accumulated ball replay request data to the member management device 50 . Upon receiving the accumulated ball replay request data, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined value from the balance of the accumulated balls at the rate specified by the electronic message among the accumulated balls associated with the card ID in the accumulated ball replay request data. and recalculate the number of possible replays of accumulated balls. Then, stored ball replay data including the balance after the subtraction and the possible number of stored ball replays are transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 .

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 updates the number of stored balls to be stored, and performs payout processing for the number of game balls corresponding to the number of payout units for replaying the stored balls. Also, it is determined whether or not the number of possible replays of accumulated balls after updating is 1 or more. If the number of possible replays of accumulated balls is 0, the operation of replaying accumulated balls is not accepted. If the number of possible replays of accumulated balls after updating is 1 or more, the operation of replaying accumulated balls can be accepted again. In the second and subsequent replays of the accumulated balls, confirmation of the personal identification number is unnecessary. In addition, you may make it confirm a personal identification number every time. Further, here, the case where the inter-machine card processing machine 10 performs the game ball payout process after the member management device 50 subtracts the balance of the accumulated balls has been exemplified, but the game ball payout process is performed based on the accumulated ball replay request. After doing so, the balance of the accumulated balls may be subtracted. This is because the stored ball replay data before the stored ball replay request indicates the possible number of stored ball replays, and the shortage of the balance will not be found after receiving the stored ball replay request.

Next, a description will be given of the transition from ball possession to ball storage in the closing process. The card management device 40 checks the number of balls in the card management data at the time of the closing process, and if there is a record associated with the number of balls greater than zero, the number of balls in the record is displayed together with the card ID and rate. The member management device 50 is notified. The member management device 50 adds the number of owned balls notified from the card management device 40 to the number of stored balls specified by the card ID and the rate. After that, the card management device 40 clears the number of possessed balls to zero.

Next, the appearance of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. As shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 3 shows the appearance of the inter-machine card processor 10 connected to the gaming machine 20 as the inter-machine card processor 10 . Also, the gaming machine 20 installed side by side is illustrated with a dashed line. In addition, although FIG. 3 illustrates the inter-machine card processing machine 10 for accepting only bills, a unit for accepting coins can also be provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 has a state display portion 11, a banknote slot 12a, a display operation portion 13, a card slot 14a, a holding portion 14b, a nozzle unit 18a and a counting unit 18b.

The status display unit 11 displays the status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 by lighting or blinking a lamp of a predetermined color. The banknote insertion slot 12a is an insertion slot for various banknotes necessary for lending game balls. The display operation unit 13 is a device that displays operation buttons such as a touch panel type liquid crystal display and receives an input operation using the operation buttons.

The card insertion slot 14a is an insertion slot for a card owned by a player. The holding portion 14b is a portion where the mobile terminal used for member registration is held up. When the mobile terminal is held over the holding portion 14b, data such as the unique ID (for example, IDm) of the mobile terminal is read from the mobile terminal. The nozzle unit 18 a is a mechanism for ejecting game balls to the gaming machine 20 . The counting unit 18b is a mechanism for counting game balls dropped from the lower tray of the gaming machine 20. As shown in FIG.

Next, the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4 , the inter-machine card processing machine 10 includes a banknote transport unit 12 , a display operation unit 13 , a reader/writer 14 , a holding unit 14 b , a communication unit 15 , a storage unit 16 , and a control unit 17 . , a nozzle unit 18a, and a counting unit 18b.

The banknote transport unit 12 is a transport unit that determines the denomination and authenticity of a banknote inserted from the banknote insertion slot 12a and transports the banknote to a banknote storage unit (not shown). The display operation unit 13 is an input/output device such as a touch panel liquid crystal display that displays various information such as the prepaid value that can be used for ball lending, the number of owned balls, the number of stored balls, etc., and accepts various operations such as ball lending operations. is.

The reader/writer 14 is a device for reading a card ID from a card inserted into the card slot 14a. A card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a passes through the reader/writer 14 and is stored in a card storage section (not shown). The holding unit 14b is an interface unit that reads various information such as a unique ID (for example, IDm) of the mobile terminal through short-range wireless communication when the mobile terminal or the like is held up. In addition, the reader/writer 14 has a function of associating value data such as balls and prepaid value shown in the card data 16b with the card stored in the card storage unit in response to the player's returning operation, and issuing a new card. also have However, if the prepaid value shown in the card data 16b is 0 and the number of balls held is less than a certain number (minimum number of held balls), the card is controlled not to be returned even if there is a return operation. This is a control for preventing the gaming parlor from losing money due to discarding a card associated with a small amount of balls. As the fixed number, for example, it is possible to set the value obtained by multiplying the number of balls in possession by the rental unit price per ball to be the value of the card or the lowest price prize in the amusement arcade, but this is not limitative. It can be freely set according to the policy of the store. In addition, when controlling so that the card is not returned even if there is a return operation, it is possible to pay out the stored ball, but display that the card cannot be returned and prompts the player to replay the ball. may

The communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication between the gaming machine 20 and the island controller 30 . The nozzle unit 18a is used to pay out some or all of the game balls when the game balls are paid out by ball lending or replay. The counting unit 18b is a unit that counts game balls.

The storage unit 16 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a non-volatile memory. The storage unit 16 stores self-device status data 16a and card data 16b.

The own device state data 16a is data indicating the state of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. FIG. The device status data 16a includes the device ID of the inter-machine card processing machine and game settings. The device ID of the inter-machine card processor is identification data for uniquely identifying the inter-machine card processor 10 within the amusement arcade. The game settings are data indicating game types and the like set in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 . When handling game balls with multiple rates in the amusement arcade, "Ball 1" for game balls with a rate of 4 yen, "Ball 2" for game balls with a rate of 2 yen, and "Ball 3" for game balls with a rate of 1 yen. In this way, a game type name is set and managed for each rate. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 selects a rate to be used for a game from these game types and stores it as a game setting.

The card data 16b is data relating to the card being used by the player. The card data 16b includes a card ID, a prepaid value, owned balls, accumulated balls, the number of accumulated balls that can be replayed, and the like. There is data for each game type (rate) for the balls held and stored. The card ID is the card ID read by the reader/writer 14 . When a card is transported from a card storage unit (not shown) to the card insertion slot 14a and ejected, the card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by the reader/writer 14 during transport. Also, when the card is conveyed from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage section (not shown), the card data 16b is updated by the card ID read by the reader/writer 14 during this conveyance.

The control unit 17 is a control unit that controls the entire inter-machine card processing machine 10, and has a data management unit 17a and a counting processing unit 17b.

When the card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits card insertion notification data including the device ID of the own device status data 16a and the card ID of the card data 16b to the card management device 40. FIG. Further, when the data management unit 17a receives data including value data (at least one of the prepaid value, the number of balls held, and the number of stored balls) from the card management device 40, the data management unit 17a updates the card data 16b with the received value data. . The data management unit 17a appropriately controls the display operation unit 13 to display the prepaid value, the number of owned balls, and the number of stored balls indicated in the card data 16b.

Further, when a banknote is inserted into the banknote insertion slot 12a, the data management unit 17a transmits payment notification data including the amount of the inserted banknote, the card ID, and the inter-machine card processing machine ID to the card management device 40 .

Further, the data management unit 17a transmits ball lending request data including the card ID and the device ID to the card management device 40 when the player performs the ball lending operation. When ball lending permission data is received as a response to the ball lending request data, the data management unit 17a performs payout processing of a predetermined number of game balls.

Further, when the player replays the balls held, the data management unit 17a subtracts a predetermined number from the number of balls held indicated in the card data 16b, and performs payout processing of the corresponding number of game balls. conduct.

Further, when the possible number of accumulated balls replay indicated in the card data 16b is 1 or more, the data management unit 17a displays a accumulated balls replay button on the display operation unit 13, and can accept the accumulated balls replay operation. and The data management unit 17a transmits accumulated ball replay request data including the card ID and the inter-machine card processing machine ID to the member management device 50 when the player performs the accumulated ball replay operation. When the accumulated ball replay data is received as a response to the accumulated ball replay request data, the number of accumulated balls in the card data 16b is updated, and the game ball payout process of the payout unit number of the accumulated ball replay is performed. At the time of the first accumulated ball replay operation, the input of the personal identification number is requested, and the accumulated ball replay request data is transmitted on the condition that the personal identification number matches the personal identification number indicated in the card data 16b.

Further, when the player performs a card return operation, the data management unit 17a transmits to the card management device 40 ball-in-hand addition request data including the card ID, the device ID, and the number of balls-in-hand, and collects the card data 16b. is cleared to zero, card discharge notification data is transmitted to the card management device 40, and the card is discharged.

Further, the data management unit 17a transmits general card expiry data including the card ID of the card data 16b to the card management device 40 when the balls and prepaid value of the general card become zero.

Further, when wagon prize exchange is performed, the data management unit 17a subtracts the number of balls corresponding to the prize from the number of balls indicated in the card data 16b. Then, by transmitting the wagon prize exchange data including the card ID of the card data 16b to the card management device 40, it is notified that the wagon prize exchange has been performed. Here, the wagon prize exchange is a service in which a game clerk carries prizes such as drinks and cigarettes around the amusement arcade so that players can exchange the prizes for balls while continuing the game.

Further, when the balls are divided, the data management unit 17a divides the cards into two cards with the number of balls indicated in the card data 16b, associates the cards, and discharges one of the cards. . Then, by transmitting ball split notification data including the card IDs of the two cards to the card management device 40, the fact that the ball split has been performed is notified.

When splitting the ball, the data management unit 17a enables the display operation unit 13 to display a button for splitting the ball, and inserts a new card when the button for splitting the ball is operated. and the input of the number of split balls. The newly inserted card becomes the split destination card, and the card that has been used up to that point becomes the split source card. The data management unit 17a subtracts the number of divided balls from the number of owned balls in the card data 16b, which is the number of owned balls of the card to be split, and associates the number of divided balls with the number of divided balls to the split destination card. card.

When the ball is divided, it is identified that the same player has used the card to be divided and the card to be divided. Also, it may be set so that the card to be divided and the card to be divided are identified as having been used by different players.

When game balls are thrown into the counting unit 18b, the counting processing unit 17b causes the counting unit 18b to count the game balls, and performs a process of adding the counting result to the number of balls in the card data 16b.

In addition, when the counting processing unit 17b adds the balls in hand by counting, the counting processing unit 17b transmits each machine count notification data including the card ID of the card data 16b to the card management device 40, thereby Notifies that a count of 10 has been made.

Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. As shown in FIG.

The own device state data 16a shown in FIG. 5(a) indicates a state in which the ID of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is "3001" and "ball 1" is set as the game type of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. ing.

The card data 16b shown in FIG. 5(b) indicates that the ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is "2002". Here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card, a card with the first digit "1" is a general card, and a card with the first digit "2" is a membership card. Also, the card data 16b indicates a state where the prepaid value is "2000 points". Here, one degree of the prepaid value is equivalent to 1 yen. Further, the card data 16b indicates that the number of balls held by ball 1 is "375 balls", the number of balls held by ball 2 is "500 balls", and the number of balls held by ball 3 is "2000 balls". showing.

Further, the card data 16b indicates that the personal identification number for replaying accumulated balls is "7777", the number of possible replayable accumulated balls is "250", the number of accumulated balls for ball 1 is "250", and the number of accumulated balls for ball 2 is "250". The stored number of balls of the ball 3 is "1000 balls", and the number of stored balls of the ball 3 is "4000 balls". Although the number of replayable balls is stored as the replayable number here, the number of replayable balls may be stored as the replay frequency. Although not shown, the card management device 40 also stores ON/OFF of a "lock" flag indicating validity/invalidity of the card in addition to the balls held, stored balls, and prepaid value in association with the card ID. , is turned ON by an employee's operation when the theft of the card is discovered. These data are also included in the card data 16b and stored. Furthermore, this "lock" flag can be set for each function ("use of accumulated balls", "boarding", etc.). , can also be used to prevent erroneous operations.

Next, the configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of card management device 40 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6 , the card management device 40 has a display section 41 , an input section 42 , an external network communication section 43 , a store network communication section 44 , a storage section 45 and a control section 46 .

The display unit 41 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device. The input unit 42 is an input device such as a keyboard and mouse. The external network communication unit 43 is an interface unit for data communication via a network outside the amusement arcade. The store network communication unit 44 is an interface unit for data communication with the island controller 30, the member management device 50, the prize management device 60, and the payment machine 80 via the communication line inside the amusement arcade.

The storage unit 45 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or nonvolatile memory, and stores game type setting data 45a, card management data 45b, and device management data 45c.

The game type setting data 45a is data in which the lending rate and the display name are associated with the game type. The card management data 45b is data that associates the prepaid value, the number of balls for each game type, and the device ID of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 into which the card is inserted with the card ID. be. The device management data 45c is data relating to the devices arranged in the amusement arcade. The device management data 45c includes the device ID of the inter-machine card processor, the address of the inter-machine card processor 10, the installation location, the gaming machine ID of the installed gaming machine, and model data.

The control unit 46 is a control unit that controls the entire card management device 40, and has a game type setting management unit 46a, a card management unit 46b, and a device management unit 46c. In practice, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed. 46a, the card management unit 46b, and the device management unit 46c are caused to execute corresponding processes.

The game type setting management unit 46a is a processing unit that associates game types used in the game parlor, rates, and display names, and manages them as game type setting data 45a.

The card management unit 46b is a processing unit that manages the card management data 45b. Specifically, when the card management unit 46b receives the card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the card management unit 46b replaces the card ID shown in the card insertion notification data with the card insertion notification data. Assume that the device ID is indicated in the data. In addition, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is notified of the prepaid value associated with the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification data and the number of balls at each rate as value data. If the inserted card is a membership card, it transmits card insertion notification data to the membership management device. When receiving the ball-in-hand subtraction request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the card management unit 46b clears the number of balls-in-hand at the rate indicated in the ball-in-hand subtraction request data to zero.

Further, when the card management unit 46b receives the ball lending request data including the card ID from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it determines whether or not the prepaid value associated with the card ID is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. . When the prepaid value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the card management unit 46b subtracts the predetermined value from the prepaid value stored in the card management data 45b, and stores the updated prepaid value in the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Send ball lending permission data. On the other hand, when the prepaid value is less than the predetermined value, the card management unit 46b notifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of ball lending prohibition data.

Further, when the card management unit 46b receives payment notification data including the amount of money inserted from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the card ID, and the device ID, the card management unit 46b receives payment notification for the prepaid value associated with the card ID. Add the prepaid value for the amount shown in .

When the card management unit 46b receives the accumulated ball replay request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the card management unit 46b transfers the accumulated ball replay request data to the member management device 50. FIG. In addition, the response data from the member management device 50 to the stored ball replay request data is also transferred to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 .

Further, when receiving the ball addition request data, the card management unit 46b adds the number of balls included in the ball addition request data to the number of balls of the corresponding rate. Further, when the card management unit 46b receives the card ejection notification data, the card management unit 46b deletes the destination device ID of the card ID.

Further, when the card ID is received from the prize management device 60, the card management unit 46b notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of balls for each rate associated with this card ID. Further, when the card ID is received from the payment machine 80, the card management unit 46b notifies the payment machine 80 of the prepaid value associated with this card ID.

The device management unit 46c is a processing unit that manages the device management data 45c. The device management unit 46c generates and updates the device management data 45c based on the device ID acquired from the inter-machine card processor 10, the address of the inter-machine card processor 10, the installation location, and the gaming machine ID.

Further, when receiving the card insertion notification data from the inter-machine card processor 10, the device management unit 46c refers to the device management data 45c to determine the gaming machine ID corresponding to the inter-machine card processor 10 as the transmission source. identify. Then, card insertion notification data including the specified gaming machine ID is transmitted to the member management device 50 .

Similarly, when the device management unit 46c receives the card discharge notification data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the device management unit 46c refers to the device management data 45c to refer to the game machine corresponding to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 as the transmission source. Identify the ID. Then, card ejection notification data including the specified gaming machine ID is transmitted to the member management device 50 .

Further, when the device management unit 46c receives payment notification data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the device management unit 46c refers to the device management data 45c to determine the gaming machine ID corresponding to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the transmission source. Identify. Then, the payment notification data including the specified gaming machine ID is transmitted to the member management device 50 .

Similarly, when the device management unit 46c receives each machine count notification data, general card use-up data, wagon prize exchange data, and ball split notification data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the device management unit 46c updates the device management data 45c. By referring to it, the gaming machine ID corresponding to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 of the transmission source is specified. Then, each machine count notification data, general card use-up data, wagon prize exchange data, and ball split notification data including the specified gaming machine ID are transmitted to the member management device 50 .

Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40. As shown in FIG.

The game type setting data 45a shown in FIG. 7A associates the game type name "ball 1" with the rate "4 yen" and the display name "4 pachi". The game type setting data 45a associates the game type name "ball 2" with the rate "2 yen" and the display name "2 pachi". The game type setting data 45a associates the game type name "ball 3" with the rate "1 yen" and the display name "1 pachi".

In the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 7(b), the card ID "1001" has a prepaid value of "2500", the number of balls held by ball 1 is "1500", the number of balls held by ball 2 is "2300", and the number of balls held by ball 3 is "2300". is associated with the number of possession balls "0". That is, the card with the card ID "1001" is not inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and the card management device 40 manages the balls in hand.

In the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 7B, the card ID "1002" is associated with the prepaid value "500", the number of balls at each rate "0", and the device ID "3004". That is, the card with the card ID "1002" is inserted into the inter-machine card processor 10 with the device ID "3004", and the management of the number of balls held is transferred to the inter-machine card processor 10. FIG. Therefore, the number of balls at each rate is zero.

In the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 7B, the card ID "2002" is associated with the prepaid value "2000", the number of balls held at each rate "0", and the device ID "3001". That is, the card with the card ID "2002" is inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with the device ID "3001", and the management of the ball is transferred to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. FIG. Therefore, the number of balls at each rate is zero.

In the device management data 45c shown in FIG. 7(c), the network address of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with the ID "3001" is "AB.CD.EF.GH" and the installation location is "Island 1-1. ”, the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is “P001”, the game type is “BALL 3”, and the model of the connected gaming machine 20 is “EV01”. It also indicates that this gaming machine 20 is in use.

Next, the internal configuration of the member management device 50 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the member management device 50 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the member management device 50 is connected to a display section 51 and an input section 52 . A display unit 51 is a liquid crystal panel, a display device, or the like, and an input unit 52 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like.

The member management device 50 also has an external network communication unit 53 , a store network communication unit 54 , a storage unit 55 and a control unit 56 . The external network communication unit 53 is an interface unit for data communication via a network outside the amusement arcade. The store network communication unit 54 is an interface unit for data communication with the prize management device 60, the card management device 40, the hall computer 90, etc. via the communication line in the amusement shop.

The storage unit 55 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or a non-volatile memory, and stores member management data 55a, game type setting data 55b, prize master data 55c, game-related card processing history data 55d, non-game card processing history data 55e, and counting. Settlement processing history data 55f, performance data 55g, and notification data 55h are stored.

The member management data 55a is data in which the card ID of the member card issued to the member is associated with the name, accumulated balls, mobile phone IDm, address, telephone number, and the like. The game type setting data 55b is data that associates a rate and a display name with a game type. The prize master 55c is data used when exchanging game balls for prizes.

The game-related card processing history data 55d indicates the history of the processing operations of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, such as card insertion, card ejection, payment, each machine counting, and general card use up. Specifically, the game-related card processing history data 55d is updated based on card insertion notification data, card ejection notification data, payment notification data, each machine count notification data, and general card expiration data received from the card management device 40. will be

The non-game card processing history data 55e indicates the history of services such as wagon prize exchange and ball splitting among the processing operations of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. FIG. Specifically, based on the wagon prize exchange data and the ball division notification data received from the card management device 40, the non-game card processing history data 55e is updated.

The count/settlement processing history data 55f indicates the history of processing operations performed by other than the inter-machine card processor 10, such as prize exchange by the prize management device 60, settlement of prepaid value by the settlement machine 80, and counting by the island-end counter. Specifically, upon receiving an operation notification from the prize management device 60, the settlement machine 80, the island-end counter, or the like, the counting settlement processing history data 55f is updated.

The performance data 55g indicates the usage performance of the gaming machine generated from the game data. The notification data 55h is data for notification generated based on the performance data 55g.

The control unit 56 is a control unit that controls the entire membership management device 50, and has a membership management unit 56a, a prize master management unit 56b, a card processing history management unit 56c, a play data analysis unit 56d, and a performance evaluation unit 56e. Actually, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed. The prize master management unit 56b, the card processing history management unit 56c, the play data analysis unit 56d, and the performance evaluation unit 56e are caused to execute corresponding processes.

The member management unit 56a is a processing unit that manages the member management data 55a. The member management unit 56a communicates with the card management device 40 and the prize management device 60 to update the balance of accumulated balls associated with the card ID. Further, when receiving a member registration request, the member management unit 56a updates the member management data 55a by adding the member.

Here, the stored ball replay processing by the member management unit 56a will be described. Upon receiving the accumulated ball replay request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the member management unit 56a checks the balance of the accumulated balls at the payout destination rate among the accumulated balls associated with the card ID in the accumulated ball replay request data. is withdrawn by the number of payout units, and the number of possible replays of stored balls is recalculated. Then, stored ball replay data including the balance after the subtraction and the possible number of stored ball replays are transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 .

The prize master management unit 56b is a processing unit that manages the prize master 55c. The prize master management unit 56b distributes the prize master 55c to the prize management device 60 in the amusement arcade when the prize master 55c is updated.

The card processing history management unit 56c accumulates the history of the operation of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 such as deposit, card insertion, and card ejection, and the operation history of the prize management device 60, the adjustment machine 80, the island-end counter, and the like. processing unit.

Specifically, when the card processing history management unit 56c receives card insertion notification data, card ejection notification data, payment notification data, each machine count notification data, and general card use-up data from the card management device 40, , game machine ID, card ID, etc., and the content of the processing are associated with each other and added to the game-related card processing history data 55d.

In addition, when the card processing history management unit 56c receives wagon prize exchange data and ball division notification data from the card management device 40, the card processing history management unit 56c associates the time, gaming machine ID, card ID, etc. with the content of the processing to perform the game. It is added to the outer card processing history data 55e.

In addition, when the card processing history management unit 56c receives an operation notification from the prize management device 60, the payment machine 80, the island-end counting machine, or the like, the card processing history management unit 56c receives the time, the device ID, the gaming machine ID of the last used gaming machine, The card ID or the like is associated with the content of the process and added to the count/settlement process history data 55f.

The card processing history management unit 56c transmits the game-related card processing history data 55d, the non-game card processing history data 55e, and the counting settlement processing history data 55f to the hall computer 90 at a predetermined timing such as after the store is closed. The hall computer 90 generates game history data and game data using these data, and transmits the generated game data to the member management device 50 .

The game data analysis unit 56d is a processing unit that receives game data from the hall computer 90 and analyzes the usage record of each player, such as how many players have used each game machine. The details of this analysis are described later. Further, the locomotion data and analysis results can be stored in the storage unit 55, and can also be transmitted to an external server by the external network communication unit 33. FIG.

The performance evaluation unit 56e is a processing unit that evaluates the transition of the usage performance of the gaming machine based on the game data. Specifically, the track record evaluation unit 56e evaluates the transition of the use record of a plurality of game machines installed in the game parlor, and selects a game machine to be notified based on the evaluation result.

As an example, the performance evaluation unit 56e determines the game out (a value obtained by dividing the total number of balls driven into a gaming machine in one day by the number of players who used the gaming machine on the same day, i.e., the number of games used per player). (number of media) is obtained for each day and stored in the performance data 55g. Then, a model for which the idle out is increasing or a model for which the idle out is decreasing is selected as an object of notification, and the content of the notification is registered in the notification data 55h.

Here, the performance evaluation unit 56e can generate idle outs for each player type, gaming machine model, game performance, rate, and the like. The types of players are member players who have registered as members of amusement parlors, general players who are not identified as member players, and all players including member players and general players. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which a play-out is generated for each player type and gaming machine model.

The performance evaluation unit 56e notifies the game clerk by displaying on the display unit 51 a display screen showing the content indicated by the notification data 55h, that is, the information related to the gaming machine selected as the target of notification. This display can be performed at any timing, but for example, it may be superimposed as a pop-up screen on the login screen when the game clerk starts the operation, and the display may be controlled.

Next, a specific example of data stored in the storage unit 55 shown in FIG. 8 will be described. 9 to 11 are explanatory diagrams for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit 55. FIG. The member management data 55a shown in FIG. 9(a) shows a state in which the card ID "2002" is associated with the name "B C", the balance of accumulated balls for each game type, the mobile phone ID "IDmX1", and the like. ing. Although not shown, the member management data 55a can associate points, number of visits, game history, personal identification number, etc. with the card ID. The mobile IDm is identification data that can identify a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, and is used when the mobile terminal is used as a membership card.

Also, in FIG. 9(a), stored balls are provided for five game types of "ball 1", "ball 2" and "ball 3". For example, the balance of "ball 1" with card ID "2002" is "250", the balance of "ball 2" is "1000", and the balance of "ball 3" is "4000".

The game type setting data 55b shown in FIG. 9B associates the game type name "ball 1" with the rate "4 yen" and the display name "4 pachi". The game type setting data 55b associates the game type name "ball 2" with the rate "2 yen" and the display name "2 pachi". The game type setting data 55b associates the game type name "ball 3" with the rate "1 yen" and the display name "1 pachi".

The prize master 55c shown in FIG. 9(c) is data that associates a prize code that uniquely identifies a prize with a prize name, group code, prize value, and the number of redeemable balls. Here, the group code is identification information for classifying and managing prizes. Group code "01" indicates redeemable prizes that are transferable for a predetermined value through certain procedures. Group codes "02" and later are general prizes including daily necessities other than exchange prizes.

The prize master 55c contains the prize code "0001", the prize name "grand prize", the group code "01", the prize value "1000", the number of balls exchanged for ball 1 "250", and the number of balls exchanged for ball 2 "500". ”, and the exchange ball number “1000” of the ball 3 are associated.

Also, the prize master 55c stores the prize code "0002", the prize name "small prize", the group code "01", the prize value "500", the number of balls exchanged for ball 1 "125", and the number of balls exchanged for ball 2. "250" and the exchange ball number "500" of the ball 3 are associated.

Also, the prize master 55c stores the prize code "0100", the prize name "M Seven", the group code "02", the prize value "400", the number of exchange balls for ball 1 "100", and the number of exchange balls for ball 2. "200" and the exchange ball number "400" of the ball 3 are associated.

Also, the prize master 55c stores the prize code "0101", the prize name "rack", the group code "02", the prize value "420", the number of exchange balls for ball 1 "105", and the number of exchange balls for ball 2 " 210” and the exchange ball number of the ball 3 “420” are associated with each other.

Also, the prize master 55c stores the prize code "0600", the prize name "end ball candy", the group code "04", the prize value "12", the number of exchange balls for ball 1 "3", and the exchange balls for ball 2. The number "6" and the exchange ball number "12" of the ball 3 are associated.

The game-related card processing history data 55d shown in FIG. 10(d) is data in which time, gaming machine ID, card ID, and processing are associated with each other. Specifically, the game-related card processing history data 55d is based on the inter-machine card processing machine 10 attached to the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P001" at time "11:10:00". card is used, and the processing "insert card" is performed.

Further, the game-related card processing history data 55d indicates that the inter-machine card processing machine 10 attached to the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P023" processed the card with the card ID "2005" at the time "12:35:30". is used to indicate that the process "card ejection" has been performed.

Further, the game-related card processing history data 55d indicates that the inter-machine card processing machine 10 attached to the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P015" processed the card with the card ID "1055" at the time "13:20:20". is used to indicate that the processing "deposit" has been performed.

Further, the game-related card processing history data 55d indicates that the inter-machine card processing machine 10 attached to the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P007" processed the card with the card ID "1021" at time "13:52:40". used to indicate that the processing "each vehicle count" has been performed.

Further, the game-related card processing history data 55d indicates that the inter-machine card processing machine 10 attached to the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P015" at time "14:04:00" processed the card with the card ID "1055". This indicates that the processing of “general card exhaustion” has occurred.

The non-game card processing history data 55e shown in FIG. 10(e) is data in which time, gaming machine ID, card ID and processing are associated with each other. Specifically, the non-gaming card processing history data 55e indicates that the inter-machine card processing machine 10 attached to the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P011" at the time "13:40:01" processed the card ID "1003". card is used to indicate that the process "wagon prize exchange" has been performed.

Further, the out-of-game card processing history data 55e indicates that the inter-machine card processing machine 10 attached to the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P007" processed the card with the card ID "1002" at the time "15:00:50". is used to indicate that the process "split ball" has been performed.

The count settlement processing history data 55f shown in FIG. 10(f) is data in which time, device ID, gaming machine ID, card ID, and processing are associated with each other. The device ID is identification information that uniquely identifies the prize management device 60, the payment machine 80, the island-end counter, and the like. The gaming machine ID is identification information indicating the gaming machine 20 last used by the player, and is specified by being input by the player when exchanging prizes, settling accounts, counting, and the like. Alternatively, the card usage history held by the card management device 40 or the member management device 50 may be referred to for identification.

Specifically, the count settlement processing history data 55f includes time “14:22:33”, device ID “6001” of prize management device 60, game machine ID “P001”, card ID “1002”, processing “prize exchange ” is associated. Also, the time "14:22:33", the device ID "6001" of the prize management device 60, the game machine ID "P001", the card ID "2013", and the process "prize exchange" are associated. That is, the general card with the card ID "1002" and the membership card with the card ID "2013" are simultaneously used for prize exchange.

In addition, the calculation settlement processing history data 55f is associated with the time "16:08:08", the device ID "7011" of the settlement machine 80, the gaming machine ID "P019", the card ID "1033", and the processing "completion". there is

Also, the counting settlement processing history data 55f includes the time "18:04:40", the device ID of the island edge counting machine "8011", the gaming machine ID "P013", the card ID "2009", and the processing "Island edge counting". are associated.

The performance data 55g shown in FIG. 11(g) is data accumulated for each business day by generating idle outs for each type of player and each model of gaming machine. Specifically, the idle out of the model "EV01" on "11/5 (Monday)" is "3918" for the player type "overall", "4020" for the player type "general", and "member" ' and '3894'. In addition, the idle out on "11/6 (Tue)" of the model "EV01" is "4176" for the player type "overall", "4230" for the player type "general", and "member" for the player type "member". 4008". In addition, the idle out on "11/7 (Wednesday)" of the model "EV01" is "4236" for the player type "whole", "4371" for the player type "general", and "member" for the player type "member". 4199". The idle out on "11/8 (Thursday)" of the model "EV01" is "4960" for the player type "whole", "5004" for the player type "general", and "4896" for the player type "member". is.

In addition, the idle out of the model "EV02" on "11/5 (Monday)" is "1109" for the player type "overall", "1001" for the player type "general", and "member" for the player type "member". 1204”. In addition, the idle out on "11/6 (Tue)" of the model "EV02" is "3576" for the player type "overall", "3692" for the player type "general", and "member" for the player type "member". 3533”. In addition, the idle out on "11/7 (Wednesday)" of the model "EV02" is "2246" for the player type "whole", "2305" for the player type "general", and "member" for the player type "member". 2199”. The idle out on "11/8 (Thursday)" of the model "EV02" is "1378" for the player type "whole", "1235" for the player type "general", and "1412" for the player type "member". is.

In addition, the idle out of the model "EV03" on "11/5 (Monday)" is "2528" for the player type "overall", "2427" for the player type "general", and "member" for the player type "member". 2589”. In addition, the idle out on "11/6 (Tue)" of the model "EV03" is "2498" for the player type "whole", "2431" for the player type "general", and "member" for the player type "member". 2575”. In addition, the idle out on "11/7 (Wednesday)" of the model "EV03" is "2403" for the player type "whole", "2421" for the player type "general", and "member" for the player type "member". 2337”. The idle out on "11/8 (Thursday)" of the model "EV03" is "2312" for the player type "whole", "2354" for the player type "general", and "2203" for the player type "member". is.

Notification data 55h shown in FIG. 11(h) is data for notification generated from performance data 55g. Specifically, models with a marked increase in idle outages will be displayed as "increasing idle outages," and models with a marked decrease in idle outages will be indicated as "decreasing idle outages." I am going to display it.

In FIG. 11(h), "EV01" and "EV23" are included in the models for which idle out is increasing. In addition, "EV01" corresponds to "all", "general", and "member" of the player types during idle-out increase. For "EV23", the player types "general" and "general" correspond to the increase in idle outs, and the player type "member" does not correspond to the increase in idle outs.

Similarly, in FIG. 11(h), "EV03" and "EV17" are included in the models for which idle outs are decreasing. In addition, in "EV03", the player types "general" and "member" correspond to the idle out decreasing state, and the player type "general" does not correspond to the idle out decreasing state. In "EV17", the player type "member" corresponds to the idle out decreasing state, and the player types "general" and "general" do not correspond to the idle out decreasing state.

Next, the internal configuration of the hall computer 90 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of hall computer 90 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the hall computer 90 has a display section 91 , an input section 92 , a communication section 93 , a pulse receiving section 94 , a storage section 95 and a control section 96 .

A display unit 91 is a liquid crystal panel, a display device, or the like, and an input unit 92 is an operation key or the like. The communication unit 93 is an interface unit for communicating with the member management device 50 . The communication unit 93 is used for receiving game-related card processing history data 55d, non-game card processing history data 55e, and counting settlement processing history data 55f, and transmitting game data.

The pulse receiving section 94 is a processing section that receives an out pulse, a safe pulse, and a prize pulse from each gaming machine 20 in the gaming arcade. When various pulses are received from each gaming machine 20, they may be received via one or a plurality of relay devices, or may be directly received without via a relay device. When a relay device is used, one relay device may aggregate and relay pulses from a plurality of gaming machines 20 and the like.

The storage unit 95 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or a non-volatile memory, and stores pulse data 95a, game history data 95b, and play data 95c. The pulse data 95 a indicates the history of pulses received from the game machine 20 . The game history data 95b is data showing the state of the game in chronological order, such as payment, card insertion, card ejection, the number of balls driven, the number of winning balls, and the occurrence of a special prize. The game data 95c is data obtained by identifying games by the same player from the game history data, and indicates the history of games for each player.

The control unit 96 is a control unit that controls the hall computer 90 as a whole, and has a pulse data accumulation unit 96a, a pulse data totalization unit 96b, a game history data generation unit 96c, and a game data generation unit 96d. In practice, programs corresponding to these functional units are stored in a ROM or non-volatile memory (not shown), and these programs are loaded into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executed to generate the pulse data storage unit 96a. , the pulse data totalization unit 96b, the game history data generation unit 96c, and the game data generation unit 96d are caused to execute corresponding processes.

When the pulse receiving unit 94 receives an out pulse, a safe pulse, and a prize pulse from the gaming machine 20, the pulse data accumulating unit 96a associates the time, the gaming machine ID, and the pulse type with each other and registers them in the pulse data 95a. This is a processing unit that accumulates pulse data.

The pulse data counting unit 96b is a processing unit that acquires the operation history of the game machine 20 by counting pulses based on the pulse data 95a. The operation history of the gaming machine 20 includes the number of hit balls, the number of winning balls, and the occurrence of a special prize.

The game history data generator 96c uses the operation history of the gaming machine 20, which is the result of counting pulses by the pulse data totalizer 96b, and the game-related card processing history data 55d received from the member management device 50, to generate the game history data. 95b is generated and stored in the storage unit 95. FIG.

The game data generator 96d uses the game history data 95b, the non-game card processing history data 55e and the counting settlement processing history data 55f received from the member management device 50, and identifies games by the same player from the game history data. , to generate play data 95c indicating the history of games for each player. The play data generation unit 96 d stores the generated play data 95 c in the storage unit 95 and transmits it to the member management device 50 .

Here, the game data generation unit 96d refers to the operation state data 95d when identifying games by the same player. The details of the processing by the idle data generator 96d will be described later.

Next, a specific example of data stored in the storage unit 95 shown in FIG. 12 will be described. 13 and 14 are explanatory diagrams for explaining an example of data stored in the storage unit 95. FIG. As shown in FIG. 13(a), the pulse data 95a is data in which time, gaming machine ID and pulse type are associated with each other.

Specifically, the pulse data 95a indicates that the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P001" output an out pulse at time "11:10:14". Similarly, it indicates that the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P001" output an out pulse at time "11:10:16". It also shows that the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P001" output the safe pulse at the time "11:10:30". It also shows that the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID “P015” output a special prize (big hit) pulse at time “13:30:00”. When a plurality of types of special prizes are provided, a different pulse is output for each type of special prize, and the type of special prize is registered in the pulse type.

As shown in FIG. 13(b), the gaming history data 95b is data in which time, gaming machine ID, card ID and processing are associated with each other. The state related to the game, such as the number of prizes and the occurrence of special prizes, is shown in chronological order.

Specifically, in the gaming history data 95b, time "11:10:00", gaming machine ID "P001", card ID "1002", and process "card insertion" are associated and registered. In the game history data 95b, the time "11:11:20", the game machine ID "P001", the card ID "1002", and the process "number of balls hit: 100" are registered in association with each other. Furthermore, in the game history data 95b, the time "11:12:00", the gaming machine ID "P001", the card ID "1002", and the process "the number of winning balls 30" are associated and registered.

In the gaming history data 95b, the time "12:35:30", the game machine ID "P023", the card ID "2005", and the process "card ejection" are registered in association with each other. In the gaming history data 95b, time "13:20:20", gaming machine ID "P015", card ID "1055", and processing "deposit" are associated and registered. Furthermore, in the game history data 95b, the time "13:30:00", the game machine ID "P015", the card ID "1055", and the processing "special prize (big hit)" are associated and registered.

As shown in FIG. 14(c), the game data 95c indicates the history of games for each player, and includes the start time, end time, gaming machine ID, customer ID, The amount, the number of shot balls, the number of prize balls, the number of big wins, the number of wagon prize exchanges, and the number of divisions of balls are associated with each other. Here, the customer ID is identification information given for convenience to players who are identified as the same player. Also, the player type indicates whether the player is a general player or a member player. If the player type is a member player, the member card ID may be used as the customer ID.

Specifically, the amusement data 95c includes start time "11:10:00", end time "14:15:33", gaming machine ID "P001", customer ID "U001", player type "member", The amount of money deposited is "3000", the number of shot balls is "4000", the number of prize balls is "6500", the number of big hits is "10", the number of wagon prize exchanges is "0", and the number of ball divisions is "1".

Similarly, the game data 95c includes start time "13:20:20", end time "18:00:00", gaming machine ID "P015", customer ID "U002", player type "general", deposit amount "12000", the number of shot balls "13000", the number of winning balls "10150", the number of big hits "13", the number of wagon prize exchanges "2", and the number of ball divisions "0" are associated.

Next, processing by the idle data generation unit 96d will be described. 15 and 16 are explanatory diagrams of the processing by the idle data generator 96d. As shown in FIG. 15, the game data generation unit 96d determines game start, game continuation, table movement, and game end based on the game history data 95b. Also, a plurality of cards used by the same player are linked.

Specifically, the playing data generation unit 96d generates a prepaid value on the internal general card, when a ball is generated on the internal general card, when a ball is driven before the card is inserted, the member When the card is inserted for the first time on the day, it is determined that the game has started.

A case where a prepaid value is generated in an internal general card corresponds to a case where a prepaid value is added by depositing money while no game is played. Further, the case where a ball is generated in the internal general card corresponds to the case where the ball is added by counting of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 in a state in which no game is played. A case where a ball is hit before the card is inserted corresponds to a state in which a game ball is directly inserted into the gaming machine 20 and a game is played.

Further, the game data generation unit 96d determines that the game should be continued when the same card is reinserted. This is because, when the cards ejected by the inter-machine card processing machine 10 are reinserted, the players are considered to be the same.

In addition, when a general card ejected by another machine (other inter-machine card processing machine 10) is inserted, or when a membership card with a usage history on another machine on the day is inserted, the play data generation unit 96d It is determined that the platform has been moved.

Further, the game data generation unit 96d determines that the game is over when a predetermined time has elapsed since the output of the out pulse was completed after the card was ejected. Also, after the general cards have been used up, the game is determined to be over when a predetermined time has passed since the output of the outpulse is completed. Also, when the ejected card is used for prize exchange, payment, or counting by the island-end counting machine, it is determined that the game is over even if the predetermined time has not passed.

In addition, if another card is inserted after the card is ejected but before it is determined that the game is over, the game data generation unit 96d associates the ejected card with the inserted card, and identified as used.

Similarly, if another card is inserted after the general cards have been used up and before it is determined that the game is over, the game data generation unit 96d divides the used general card and the inserted card. Linking, identifying as being used by the same player.

Further, when the payment is made after the member card is ejected but before it is determined that the game is finished, the game data generation unit 96d generates the ejected member card and the internal general card to which the prepaid value is added by the payment. Linking, identifying as being used by the same player.

In addition, when another card is inserted while the general card is in use, the game data generation unit 96d associates the general card that was being used with the newly inserted card so that it can be used by the same player. identified as being

Further, when a plurality of cards are used at the same time when exchanging prizes, the game data generation unit 96d links the used cards to identify that the same player has used the cards.

Further, when the ball is divided, the game data generation unit 96d associates the original card and the destination card to identify that the same player has used the card.

Furthermore, the play data generation unit 96d identifies the same player in the case shown in FIG. 16 as well. Specifically, when a predetermined time has passed since the end of the outpulse, but the special prize pulse is received, it is not determined that the game has ended, and the same player continues to play the game. I judge.

Similarly, if a predetermined time has passed since the outpulse ended, but it is estimated to be in a special prize state from the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of driven balls, it is not determined that the game has ended. , it is determined that the game by the same player continues.

Also, if the card is changed during the special prize state, that is, if the card in use is ejected and another card is inserted, the ejected card and the inserted card cannot be used by the same player. identified as

In addition, when it is estimated that the actual game balls are located on the upper tray of the gaming machine 20 from the difference between the number of payout balls and the number of hit balls, it is not determined that the game has ended, and the same player It is determined that the game is continuing.

Furthermore, when the game is temporarily suspended based on the player's operation, such as in rest mode, even if a predetermined time has passed since the end of the outpulse, it is not determined that the game has ended, and the same operation is performed. It is determined that the game by the player is continuing.

When it is possible to shift to rest mode by operation of a player, it is possible to display a button for rest mode on the display operation section 13 of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and when the button for rest mode is operated. Then, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is shifted to rest mode. When shifting to rest mode, for example, a password is set, and operation of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is prohibited until the set password is input again. Alternatively, the card is ejected when shifting to the rest mode, and operation of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is prohibited until the card is reinserted.

When the clerk operates to shift to the rest mode, the player calls the clerk using a call lamp or the like, and the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shifts to the rest mode based on a signal from a terminal carried by the clerk. It will be.

When the inter-stand card processing machine 10 shifts to the break mode and returns from the break mode, the hall computer 90, member management device 50, card management device 40 and the like are notified.

17A and 17B are explanatory diagrams of determination conditions for notification targets by the performance evaluation unit 56e. The performance evaluation unit 56e determines that idle outs are increasing when "the number of idle outs obtained by dividing the number of hit balls by the number of idle players increases by a predetermined ratio or more from the previous day for a predetermined number of consecutive days." In addition, if ``in the period from the previous day to 8 days ago, there were 6 or more days on which the number of idle outs increased compared to the previous day,'' and ``the previous day's idle outs increased by 20% compared to the idle outs eight days ago,'' It is also possible to determine that the number of idle outs is increasing. In addition, it may be determined that the number of idle outs is increasing when "comparing the moving average (7 days) of the idle outs of the previous day and eight days ago and increasing by 10% or more".

Further, the performance evaluation unit 56e determines that idle outs are decreasing when "the number of idle outs obtained by dividing the number of hit balls by the number of idle players has decreased by a predetermined ratio or more from the previous day for a predetermined number of consecutive days." In addition, if ``in the period from the previous day to 8 days ago, there were 6 or more days when the number of idle outs decreased compared to the previous day'' and ``the previous day's idle outs were 20% less than the idle outs 8 days ago'', It is also possible to determine that the number of migratory outs is decreasing. In addition, it may be determined that the idle out is decreasing when "comparing the moving average (for 7 days) of the idle out on the previous day and eight days ago, and decreasing by 10% or more".

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of display control for notification. FIG. 18(a) is a specific example of a pop-up display of idle out. In FIG. 18(a), the corresponding model and player type are displayed with an upward right arrow while idle out is increasing, and the corresponding model and player type are displayed with a right downward arrow while idle out is decreasing. The player type "member" of the model "EV023" is displayed as "-" because it does not correspond to the increase in idle outs. Similarly, the player type “general” of the model “EV03” and the player types “all” and “general” of the model “EV17” are not applicable during the idle out decrease, so “-” is displayed. ing.

FIG. 18(a) shows a pop-out display of idle out superimposed on the game parlor management screen. Therefore, for example, when the game clerk starts the operation, the pop-up display of idle out can be confirmed first.

The performance evaluation unit 56e can control the display of arbitrary data, not limited to idle outs. FIG. 18(b) is an example of a screen displaying the results of a gaming machine (new machine) newly introduced to the gaming arcade. In FIG. 18(b), the model, date of introduction, model type, out average, idle out, winning rate, and maximum winning are displayed. In addition, for average outs, idle outs, win rate, and maximum win, results, operating contributions, and differences between actual and operating contributions are displayed.

The out average is obtained by dividing the out total for the same model by the number of units installed. Idle out is obtained by dividing the total out of the same model by the number of idle. The winning rate is obtained by dividing the number of players who produced more prize balls than the number of hammered balls by the number of players and multiplying the result by 100. The maximum winning value is the maximum value of "(number of prize balls - number of hit balls) x rate". The actual performance is the actual performance at the own store, and the operation contribution is the actual performance at other game parlors under the same conditions. In other words, the difference between the actual performance and the contribution to operation indicates the difference between the game parlor and other game parlors.

In FIG. 18B, the model "EV41" of the model type "light middle" and the model "Ev42" of the model type "normal" are introduced on "2018/11/5". The out average performance of the model "EV41" is "30000", the operating contribution is "33000", and the difference is "-3000". The idle-out track record of the model "EV41" is "3000", the operating contribution is "2900", and the difference is "+100". The actual win rate of the model "EV41" is "23.0", the operating contribution is "20.0", and the difference is "+3.0". The maximum winning performance of the model "EV41" is "150000", the operating contribution is "100000", and the difference is "+50000".

Similarly, the out-average result of the model "EV42" is "14000", the operating contribution is "13000", and the difference is "+1000". The idle-out performance of the model "EV42" is "1400", the operating contribution is "1600", and the difference is "-200". The actual win rate of the model "EV42" is "23.0", the operating contribution is "20.0", and the difference is "+3.0". The maximum win record of the model "EV42" is "150000", the operating contribution is "100000", and the difference is "+50000".

Next, a processing procedure for generating idle data will be described. FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure for generating play data. As shown in FIG. 19, the member management device 50 accumulates game-related card processing history data 55d (step S101), accumulates non-game card processing history data 55e (step S102), and counts Accumulation of settlement process history data 55f (step S103) is performed. Then, the game-related card processing history data 55d, the non-game card processing history data 55e, and the count settlement processing history data 55f are transmitted to the hall computer 90 at a predetermined timing such as after the store is closed (step S104).

The hall computer 90 accumulates the pulse data 95a during the operation of the game parlor (step S201). Then, using the accumulated pulse data 95a and the game-related card processing history data 55d received from the member management device 50, the game history data 95b is generated (step S202). Furthermore, using the game history data 95b, the non-game card processing history data 55e and the counting settlement processing history data 55f received from the member management device 50, the game by the same player is identified from the game history data, Play data 95c indicating the history of games is generated (step S203).

Hall computer 90 transmits the generated play data to member management device 50 (step S204). The member management device 50 uses the gaming data received from the hall computer 90 to analyze the players and gaming machines (step S105).

Furthermore, the member management device 50 evaluates the transition of the usage record of the gaming machine based on the play data (step S106), selects the target of notification, executes notification (step S107), and ends the process.

In the description so far, the configuration in which the hall computer 90 acquires the operation history of the gaming machine 20, generates the game history data, and generates the game data has been described. As a modification, the member management device 50 may acquire the operation history of the gaming machine 20, generate game history data, and generate game data.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a modification in which the member management device generates leisure data. In the configuration shown in FIG. 20, the gaming machine 20 outputs to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 an out signal corresponding to the out pulse, a safe signal corresponding to the safe pulse, and a prize signal corresponding to the prize pulse. These signals may be directly transmitted from the gaming machine 20 to the inter-machine card processing machine 10, or may be transmitted by another device installed in the gaming machine 20 as an out signal, a safe signal and a special award signal. , and output to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits to the member management device 50 a history of operations of its own device such as deposit, card insertion and card ejection, and a history of operations of the game machine 20 such as an out signal, a safe signal and a prize signal. do. The member management device 50 generates game history data using various data received from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 . Then, the game played by the same player is identified from the game history data, and the game data indicating the game history for each player is generated. In addition, the member management device 50 evaluates the transition of the usage record of the gaming machine based on the game data, and notifies the evaluation result.

As described above, the game management system according to the embodiment acquires the operation history of the gaming machine 20, acquires the operation history of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 installed in association with the gaming machine 20, and Using the operation histories of the machine 20 and the inter-machine card processing machine 10, game history data indicating the history of games played by the gaming machine 20 is generated. Then, games performed by the same player are identified from the game history data to generate game data indicating the history of the game for each player, and the transition of the actual use of the gaming machine is evaluated. With such a configuration, it is possible to obtain and analyze various information indicating how the game machine is used, and to realize more efficient operation of the game parlor.

In the above-described embodiment, a detailed description of the form of the card, which is the medium associated with the number of game media, has been omitted, but such cards include magnetic cards, IC cards, and the like. In addition, although the "card" is used as an example for convenience of explanation, the present invention can also be applied to a case where a chip, a stick, a portable terminal, or the like is used other than such a card.

Also, in the above-described embodiment, the case of using game balls as game media has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to the case of using medals for slot machines.

Here, a reel-type gaming machine, which is a slot machine, will be described. In a reel-type gaming machine, medals, which are game media, are inserted into a medal insertion slot to rotate three reels (rotating drums). A game is played by arranging the symbols).

In the reel-type game machine, when medals are inserted into a medal slot and a start lever is operated, a lottery is drawn and three reels are rotated, and when each stop button is pressed, each reel is stopped. The reels are stopped by reel control based on the lottery result when the start lever is operated. In addition, based on the medals inserted from the insertion slot, the number of medals electronically stored and internally stored (credited) is used to set the number of bets, and when the start lever is operated, the reels start spinning. A game is played. In this game, an effective line corresponding to the set number of bets is set for each stop position of each reel.

Then, when the stop button is pressed and the combination of symbols on the reels stopped on the set effective line is a specific combination, a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the receiving tray of the reel-type gaming machine. The reel-type game machine stores payout medal number data for each combination of symbols aligned on an activated line, and payout is performed based on the payout medal number data. In addition, if the pattern aligned on the activated line is a replay role (replay role), the number of bets used in the previous game is automatically re-betted without inserting new medals or consuming credits. The number is set, and the game can be played again.

In addition, if the combination of symbols on the reels stopped on the active line is a combination related to a bonus (big bonus, normal bonus, etc.), the lottery results from the next game will be a small combination with the payout of predetermined medals. A game (bonus game) in which the probability of winning a role is increased is played until the total value of the number of medals paid out exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 300). In addition, at a predetermined opportunity such as after the end of the bonus, a game (replay time) in which the probability that the lottery result is a replay role is increased may be performed a predetermined number of times.

In addition, the reel-type game machine is provided with an external output section for outputting a signal for managing the operating state of the reel-type game machine to the hall computer 90 or the like. From the external output unit, a medal insertion pulse (outpulse) indicating the number of medals inserted into the medal insertion slot and a medal payout indicating the number of medals dispensed from the reel-type game machine according to the combination of the stopped symbols are output. A pulse (safe pulse) and a pulse (special prize pulse) indicating that the bonus game is in progress are output. In addition, from the reel-type game machine, a pulse indicating that it is in replay time (pulse during replay time) and information to make it easier to align the small winning combination on the effective line when winning a small winning combination in the lottery In some cases, a pulse (during assist time pulse) indicating that it is during the assist time, which is a state to be notified, is output.

Even when such a reel-type gaming machine is used, the hall computer 90 accumulates various pulses such as out pulses and safe pulses, and uses them as the operation history of the reel-type gaming machine to generate game history data and play data. can be generated.

Also, each configuration illustrated is a functional schematic, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the form of distribution/integration of each device is not limited to the illustrated one, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed/integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads and usage conditions. Can be configured.

For example, the game history data and game data may be generated by a management center provided outside the amusement arcade. Further, all or part of the functions of the hall computer 90 may be performed by the member management device 50 , or all or part of the functions of the member management device 50 may be performed by the hall computer 90 . It is also possible for the hall computer 90 to have functions equivalent to the leisure data analysis unit 56d and performance evaluation unit 56e of the member management device 50 so that the hall computer 90 can analyze the leisure data and evaluate the usage performance.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the game management system and game management method according to the present invention acquire and analyze a variety of information indicating how the game machine is used, and realize efficient operation of the game parlor. Suitable for

10 inter-machine card processing machine 11 status display unit 12 banknote transport unit 12a banknote insertion slot 13 display operation unit 14 reader/writer 14a card insertion slot 14b holding unit 15, 93 communication unit 16, 45, 55, 95 storage unit 16a own device state Data 16b Card data 17, 46, 56, 96 Control unit 17a Data management unit 17b Count processing unit 18a Nozzle unit 18b Count unit 20 Game machine 30 Island controller 40 Card management device 41, 51, 91 Display unit 42, 52, 92 Input Units 43, 53 External network communication units 44, 54 Store network communication unit 45a Game type setting data 45b Card management data 45c Device management data 46a Game type setting management unit 46b Card management unit 46c Device management unit 50 Membership management device 55a Membership management data 55b Game type setting data 55c Prize master 55d Game-related card processing history data 55e Non-game card processing history data 55f Account settlement processing history data 55g Performance data 55h Notification data 56a Member management unit 56b Prize master management unit 56c Card processing history management unit 56d Game data analysis unit 56e Achievement evaluation unit 60 Prize management device 80 Payment machine 90 Hall computer 94 Pulse receiving unit 95a Pulse data 95b Game history data 95c Game data 96a Pulse data accumulation unit 96b Pulse data totalization unit 96c Game history data generation unit 96d Game Data generator

Claims (4)

A game management system for managing games in amusement arcades,
a game machine operation history acquisition unit that acquires the operation history of the game machine;
each machine operation history acquisition unit for acquiring an operation history of each machine installed in association with the gaming machine;
a game history information generation unit that generates game history information indicating a history of games played by the gaming machine using the operation history of the gaming machine and the operation history of each machine;
a game information generation unit that identifies a game played by one player from the game history information and generates game information indicating a game history for each player;
a performance evaluation unit that evaluates the transition of usage performance of the game machine based on the game information ,
The track record evaluation unit evaluates the transition of the track record of use of a plurality of gaming machines installed in the game parlor, and totals the number of game media used per player on a daily basis. Select the model for which the increase or decrease continues for a predetermined number of days as the target of notification.
A game management system characterized by : 2. The game management system according to claim 1 , wherein the performance evaluation unit superimposes a display screen showing information related to the game machine selected as a notification target on another display screen. The record evaluation unit is configured to determine the record of use by member players who have registered as members of the game parlor, the record of use by general players who are not identified as member players, and the record of use by the member players and the general players. 2. The game management system according to claim 1, wherein the game management system evaluates and respectively. A game management method for managing games in a game parlor, comprising:
a gaming machine operation history acquisition step for acquiring an operation history of the gaming machine;
an operation history acquisition step for acquiring an operation history of each machine installed in association with the gaming machine;
a game history information generating step of generating game history information indicating a history of games performed by the gaming machine using the operation history of the gaming machine and the operation history of each machine;
a game information generating step of identifying a game played by one player from the game history information and generating game information indicating a game history of each player;
a performance evaluation step of evaluating the transition of usage performance of the game machine based on the game information ,
The performance evaluation step evaluates the transition of the usage performance of a plurality of gaming machines installed in the gaming parlor, totalizes the number of gaming media used per player on a daily basis, Select the model for which the increase or decrease continues for a predetermined number of days as the target of notification.
A game management method characterized by :

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