JP2004049661A - Information server for providing information for game player - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information server for providing information for a game player, for providing the game player with useful information according to the game status in a suitable timing. <P>SOLUTION: When the game player starts a game in a Pachinko game machine 50, a ball release signal or a bonanza signal is inputted to a hall management computer 40, and the game status data in the Pachinko game machine 50 is transmitted to a maker information server 10. The maker information server 10 selects delivery information from a maker delivery information database 11a stored in a maker delivery information storage means 11 according to the game status data, and delivers the same to a terminal device 60 corresponding to the Pachinko game machine 50 through a communication network 80 and a LAN (local area network) 70. The terminal device 60 receives delivery information and displays the same on a liquid crystal display 62. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information server for providing information for a player for individually providing various types of information for a player to a player who plays a game in a game hall such as a pachinko hall.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a game room such as a pachinko hall, a player usually stays in front of a game machine such as a pachinko game machine for a long time to continue playing. That is, in general, such a player plays a game in the hope of becoming a so-called big hit. However, it usually takes a long time until the big hit is won. In many cases, it takes a longer time to win a big hit.
It is very convenient for such a player to be able to receive various kinds of information while continuing the game, and it is possible to contribute to a change of mood of a player who is tired of playing for a long time.
In addition, there is a demand for a gaming hall to provide advertisement information for the purpose of fixing players and the like.
[0003]
In view of such a situation, conventionally, in a game room such as a pachinko hall, a player who plays a game in a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine is individually provided with advertising information and information on a game method. Various techniques have been proposed.
For example, the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-52148 is an advertisement information providing server that is communicably connectable to a plurality of pachinko gaming machines through a communication line and receives an advertisement information request signal from the pachinko gaming machines. And displaying an advertisement method on a display means of the pachinko gaming machine.
Further, the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-33172 discloses a technique in which news, weather forecast, and the like transmitted from the outside of a game arcade are received by a television tuner and transmitted to a hall control device, and character data such as CMs and notices are transmitted. Is transmitted from the character information transmitting device to the hall control device, and the hall control device as the information server transmits these signals to the information display unit disposed at the lower part of the game board of the pachinko game machine and displays the signals. Things.
[0004]
Further, in the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-253647, an information providing device as an information server provided on a game arcade transmits guide information, commercial information, jackpot information, and the like to each gaming machine, This is to be displayed on the fluctuation display section.
Further, the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-136756 includes a management device installed in a game arcade, and display means communicatively connected to the management device and provided facing a game console. Comprises an information server storing information and predetermined display conditions of the information, selecting information that meets the predetermined display conditions from the information server, transmitting the selected information to the display device, and the display device The transmitted information is displayed. In addition, an embodiment in which the predetermined display condition includes the player's attribute data, information that matches the member's attribute data is selected and displayed, and a predetermined display condition includes a time period in which the information is displayed, An embodiment for selecting and displaying information suitable for a time zone has been proposed.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-52148, the information server is configured to transmit the advertisement information only when receiving the request signal from the player, so that the request operation is cumbersome. However, there is a problem that no advertising effect can be exerted to a player who does not request the advertising information.
On the other hand, in the above described JP-A-2000-33172 and JP-A-11-253647, the information server unilaterally provides advertisement information and the like to a player such as a pachinko gaming machine. Therefore, unlike the conventional example described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-52148, the problem that the request operation is troublesome on the player side does not occur, and a certain degree of advertising effect can be expected. However, there is a problem that the advertisement server cannot provide a sufficient advertisement effect because the information server unilaterally provides the advertisement information and the like irrespective of the player's intention, preference and psychological situation.
[0006]
On the other hand, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-136756, the information server selects information suitable for the attribute data of the member or information suitable for the time zone and transmits the selected information to the display device. Therefore, there is no problem that the request operation is troublesome on the player side, and a certain degree of advertising effect can be expected. However, the advertisement information tends to be uniform because the information server selects the advertisement information only based on the attribute and time zone of the member as a display condition, and is the current gaming situation advantageous to the player? Depending on whether the situation is disadvantageous, it may be assumed that advertisement information that does not match the psychological situation of the player is displayed. In such a case, there is a problem that not only the advertising effect cannot be exerted, but also a case where the effect is adverse.
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information server for providing information for a player capable of providing useful information to a player at an appropriate timing according to a game situation. To provide.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Hereinafter, each means suitable for solving the above-described objects and the like will be described while adding operational effects and the like as necessary.
[0008]
1. A terminal device provided in association with the gaming machine installed in the game arcade and having a function of displaying information received by communication on a display unit, and cooperating with a gaming status determining unit for determining a gaming status in the gaming machine And an information server for providing information to a player playing a game on the gaming machine,
Based on the result of the determination by the gaming status determination means, at least one piece of distribution information is selected from various types of distribution information to be provided to the player and distributed to a terminal device corresponding to the gaming machine. An information server for providing information for players.
[0009]
According to the means (1), the information server selects at least one piece of distribution information from various kinds of distribution information to be provided to the player based on the determination result by the game situation determination means, and selects a terminal device corresponding to the gaming machine. Distribute to Then, the terminal device displays the distribution information distributed from the information server on the display means.
Therefore, from various kinds of distribution information to be provided to the player, appropriate information is selected according to the game situation and provided to the player via the terminal device. And useful information can be obtained at an appropriate timing. In addition, thereby, a game arcade or a game machine maker that provides distribution information can effectively provide information to a player, and can be differentiated from another game arcade or another game machine maker, Attraction of customers, expansion of game time, and the like can be achieved.
[0010]
2. The information server according to claim 1, wherein the information server is connected to a communication network outside the game arcade, and is capable of distributing information to the terminal device and receiving a determination result by the game status determination means. Information server for providing information for players.
According to the means (2), the information server connected to the communication network outside the game arcade receives the determination result by the game situation determination means via the communication network, selects the distribution information, and distributes it to the terminal device. . Therefore, a gaming machine maker or the like provided with the information server can receive the game situation determination result at a place away from the game hall, and according to the game situation, And can provide various information directly. In addition, this allows the gaming machine maker or the like to differentiate from other gaming machine manufacturers and to attract customers to the gaming machine manufacturer's products.
[0011]
3. The information provision for player according to claim 1, wherein the information server is provided in the game arcade, and is capable of distributing information to the terminal device and receiving a determination result by the gaming status determination means. Information server for
According to the means 3, the information server provided in the game arcade receives the determination result by the game situation determination means, selects distribution information, and distributes it to the terminal device. Therefore, a manager of a game arcade provided with an information server can directly provide various types of information to players who play games in the game arcade according to the game situation. In addition, this allows the game arcade manager to achieve differentiation from other game arcades, attract customers, increase game time, and the like.
[0012]
4. The information server for providing information for a player according to any one of means 1 to 3, further comprising a distribution information storage unit for storing various distribution information to be provided to the player.
According to the means (4), the distribution information storage means stores various kinds of distribution information to be provided to the player, so that the information server selects at least one piece of information from the various kinds of information stored in the information storage means. Can be delivered.
[0013]
5. Along with a player management information storage unit that stores player management information for each player identification information,
The terminal device has player identification information input means for inputting player identification information, and is configured to transmit the input player identification information to the information server,
While acquiring the player management information from the player management information storage means based on the player identification information transmitted from the terminal device, storing the distribution information based on the game situation determination result and the player management information. The information server for providing information for a player according to claim 4, wherein at least one piece of distribution information is selected and distributed from various types of distribution information stored in the means.
According to the means (5), the information server obtains the player management information from the player management information storage means based on the player identification information transmitted from the terminal device, and obtains the game status determination result and the player management information. At least one piece of distribution information is selected from the distribution information storage means and distributed. Therefore, in addition to the game situation determination result, the distribution information is selected by utilizing the player management information of the player identified by the player identification information, so that more appropriate information is provided for each player. Can be provided.
[0014]
6. The distribution information storage means is configured to classify and store the distribution information for each type of player,
A player type determining unit configured to determine a type of a player identified by the player identification information based on player management information stored in the player management information storage unit; 6. A method according to claim 5, wherein at least one piece of distribution information is selected from various types of distribution information stored in said distribution information storage means and distributed based on a player type determination result. Information server.
According to the means (6), the information server determines the type of the player specified by the player identification information based on the player management information stored in the player management information storage means in the player type determination means, Based on the situation determination result and the player type determination result, at least one piece of distribution information is selected and distributed from various types of distribution information stored in the distribution information storage unit. Therefore, it is possible to selectively provide distribution information having contents suitable for the type of the player. For example, the distribution information storage means is configured to classify and store the distribution information for members and the distribution information for non-members. Then, the player type determining means determines whether the user is a member or a non-member based on the player management information stored in the player management information storage means. Is selected, and if the user is a non-member, non-member distribution information is selected and distributed. Further, the distribution information storage means may be configured to classify and store members into distribution information for good customers and distribution information for general customers. In this case, the player type determination means determines whether the customer is a good customer or a general customer based on the player management information stored in the player management information storage means. The customer distribution information is selected, and if it is a general customer, the general customer distribution information is selected and distributed.
[0015]
7. 7. The information server for providing information for a player according to the means 5 or 6, wherein the player management information stored in the player management information storage means includes game history information of the player.
According to the means 7, since the player management information stored in the player management information storage means includes the game history information of the player, the information server refers to the game history information of the player. This makes it possible to select and distribute appropriate information. Furthermore, you may comprise so that it may determine whether a player is a good customer based on game history information.
[0016]
8. The player according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the player identification information input means is configured to input the player identification information via a portable communication terminal possessed by the player. Information server for providing information.
According to the means (8), the player identification information input means can easily and reliably input the player identification information via the portable communication terminal possessed by the player. Therefore, when going out, the user always uses the portable communication terminal to carry, so that there is an advantage that it is not necessary to carry an ID card or the like separately when going out to the game hall.
[0017]
9. The information for providing information for a player according to claim 8, wherein the player identification information input means comprises a barcode reading device capable of reading a barcode displayed on a display unit of the mobile communication terminal. server.
According to the means 9, since the barcode reading device inputs the player identification information by reading the barcode displayed on the display unit of the mobile communication terminal, the player identification information is reliably input by a simple operation. be able to.
[0018]
10. The information server for providing information for players according to claim 9, wherein the barcode reading device is configured to be capable of reading a two-dimensional barcode.
According to the means 10, since the barcode reading device inputs the player identification information by reading the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the display unit of the mobile communication terminal, the player identification information can be reliably input with a simple operation. Can be entered. In addition, since two-dimensional barcodes can express a large amount of information at high density, even in limited spaces such as the liquid crystal display of a mobile phone, the player identification information and even the encryption information can be represented by two-dimensional barcodes. It can be displayed in the form.
[0019]
11. Game result discriminating means for discriminating whether the discrimination result in the game situation discriminating means indicates an advantageous game situation or an unfavorable game situation, and the distribution is performed based on the discrimination result in the game score discriminating means. The information server for providing information for a player according to any one of means 4 to 10, wherein at least one piece of distribution information is selected and distributed from various types of distribution information stored in the information storage means.
According to the means (11), the game result discriminating means discriminates whether the discrimination result of the game situation discriminating means indicates an advantageous game situation or an unfavorable game situation. At least one piece of distribution information is selected from various kinds of distribution information stored in the distribution information storage means and distributed. Therefore, depending on whether the gaming situation is advantageous or disadvantageous for the player, appropriate information suitable for the player's psychological situation is reliably provided to the player.
[0020]
12. The distribution information storage means includes information on an advantageous situation player to be presented when the player is in a gaming situation advantageous to the player, and information on a disadvantaged situation player to be presented when the player is in a disadvantageous gaming situation for the player. Remember
If it is determined by the game performance determining means that the game situation is advantageous, the information for the advantageous situation player is selected and distributed from the various types of distribution information stored in the distribution information storage means. If it is determined that there is, the information for disadvantageous player is selected from various types of distribution information stored in the distribution information storage means and distributed, and the information for player information provision according to means 11 is provided. Information server.
According to the means 12, the game result determining means determines whether the determination result in the gaming state determining means indicates an advantageous gaming state or an unfavorable gaming state, and is determined to be an advantageous gaming state. In the case where the information is stored in the distribution information storage means, the information for the advantageous situation player is selected and distributed from the various types of distribution information stored in the distribution information storage means. And selects the disadvantaged player information from the distribution information. Therefore, depending on whether the gaming situation is advantageous or disadvantageous for the player, appropriate information suitable for the player's psychological situation is reliably provided to the player.
[0021]
13. Wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine, and wherein the gaming situation determining means outputs at least one of the number of big hits, the number of continuous probability varying games, and the number of payouts. An information server for providing information for a player according to any of the above.
According to the means 13, the gaming situation determination means outputs at least one of the number of jackpots, the number of continuous probability-variable games, and the number of payouts in the pachinko gaming machine. It is possible to reliably obtain a determination result that accurately represents a situation.
[0022]
14． The information server for providing information for a player according to any one of means 1 to 13, wherein the distribution of the distribution information is executed based on a result of the determination by the game situation determining means.
According to the means 14, since the distribution of the distribution information is executed based on the result of the determination by the game situation determining means, the player can receive the information at an appropriate timing. For example, in a gaming state in which the player is less likely to look at the information displayed on the display means (for example, during a reach state in a pachinko gaming machine), it is possible to wait for information distribution and try to look at the information. In a game state having a high possibility (for example, during a big hit state in a pachinko gaming machine or during a probability variation game), information can be delivered at an effective timing by configuring to execute information delivery.
[0023]
15. The terminal device includes a distribution request unit for requesting the information server to distribute specific distribution information,
15. The information server for providing information for a player according to any one of means 1 to 14, wherein the specific distribution information requested to be distributed by the distribution requesting unit is distributed.
According to the means 15, since the information server is configured to distribute the specific distribution information requested to be distributed by the distribution requesting means, the player can select the specific distribution information required by the player. Can be provided on a regular basis.
[0024]
16. 16. The information server for providing information for a player according to claim 15, wherein the distribution request unit is configured by a touch panel.
According to the means (16), the player can make a reliable information distribution request by a simple operation using the touch panel provided on the terminal device.
[0025]
17. Heading screen transmitting means for transmitting heading screen display information for displaying the heading of the distribution information on the display means of the terminal device to the terminal device,
17. The information provision for a player according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the distribution request unit is configured to select specific distribution information from a heading screen displayed on the display unit and request distribution. Information server for
According to the means 17, the player can easily and reliably select specific distribution information from the index screen displayed on the display means and request distribution.
[0026]
18. The information server for providing information for a player according to any one of means 1 to 17, wherein the terminal device is a portable communication terminal possessed by the player.
According to the means 18, since the information server distributes the information to the portable communication terminal possessed by the player, there is no need to separately provide a display device or the like for presenting the distributed information, so that the system is inexpensively configured. be able to.
[0027]
19. The information server for providing information for a player according to any one of means 1 to 17, wherein the terminal device is incorporated in a ball lending machine disposed adjacent to the gaming machine or an information device relating to ball lending. .
According to the means 19, since the terminal device is incorporated in the ball lending machine disposed adjacent to the gaming machine or in the information equipment relating to ball lending, the space of the device can be saved. Further, when it is necessary to replace the gaming machine, only the gaming machine needs to be replaced because the terminal device is incorporated in the ball rental machine separate from the gaming machine. The information device relating to ball lending is, for example, a ball lending machine dedicated to a prepaid card called a card unit.
[0028]
20. The information server for providing information for a player according to any one of means 1 to 17, wherein the terminal device is configured to perform display on a display means provided above the gaming machine.
According to the means 20, since the display is made on the display means which is the existing equipment provided above the gaming machine, the cost of the system can be reduced.
[0029]
21. The terminal device according to any one of means 1 to 17, wherein the terminal device is configured to perform display on a display unit provided at any part of the gaming machine. Information server.
According to the means 21, the terminal device is configured to display on the display means provided at any part of the gaming machine, so that the space of the device can be saved and the player can In addition, the user can view the information displayed on the display means while enjoying the game without greatly moving his or her eyes.
[0030]
22. 22. The information server for providing information for a player according to claim 21, wherein the display device is provided in a game area of the gaming machine.
According to the means 22, since the display device is provided in the game area of the gaming machine, the player can see the information displayed on the display device with almost no movement of the line of sight while playing the game. . In the case of a pachinko gaming machine or the like having a symbol change display device in the game area, the system can be reduced in cost by configuring the symbol change display device to display the distributed information.
[0031]
23. A step of selecting at least one piece of distribution information from various kinds of distribution information to be provided to a player, based on a gaming state of the gaming machine, based on a gaming state of the gaming machine, in order to provide information to a player playing a game on the gaming machine; When,
A procedure of distributing the selected at least one distribution information to a terminal device corresponding to the gaming machine;
Information providing program for a player to execute.
[0032]
According to the means 23, the computer executes the player information providing program to select at least one piece of distribution information from various kinds of distribution information to be provided to the player based on the gaming state of the gaming machine. And distributing the selected at least one distribution information to a terminal device corresponding to the gaming machine.
Therefore, from various kinds of distribution information to be provided to the player, appropriate information is selected according to the game situation and provided to the player via the terminal device. And useful information can be obtained at an appropriate timing. In addition, thereby, a game arcade or a game machine maker that provides distribution information can effectively provide information to a player, and can be differentiated from another game arcade or another game machine maker, Attraction of customers, expansion of game time, and the like can be achieved.
[0033]
24. In order to provide information to players playing games on the gaming machine,
A step of selecting at least one piece of distribution information from various kinds of distribution information to be provided to a player based on a gaming state of the gaming machine;
A procedure of distributing the selected at least one distribution information to a terminal device corresponding to the gaming machine;
A computer-readable recording medium on which a player information providing program for executing the program is recorded.
[0034]
According to the means 24, the computer reads out and executes the player information providing program from a computer-readable recording medium, thereby providing various distribution information to be provided to the player based on the gaming state of the gaming machine. And at least one distribution information is selected, and the selected at least one distribution information is distributed to a terminal device corresponding to the gaming machine.
[0035]
Therefore, from various kinds of distribution information to be provided to the player, appropriate information is selected according to the game situation and provided to the player via the terminal device. And useful information can be obtained at an appropriate timing. In addition, thereby, a game arcade or a game machine maker that provides distribution information can effectively provide information to a player, and can be differentiated from another game arcade or another game machine maker, Attraction of customers, expansion of game time, and the like can be achieved.
[0036]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a player information providing system to which a player information providing information server of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a player information providing system 1 according to the present embodiment.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 1, a player information providing system 1 is provided at a gaming machine maker side, and is provided at a maker information server 10 connected to a communication network 70 such as the Internet network, and at a gaming hall (game room) side. The server comprises a hall information server 20, a router 30 for communicating and connecting a communication network 70 with a LAN 80 in the game hall, a hall management computer 40, a pachinko game machine 50, and a terminal device 60. Although only one game hall is shown in FIG. 1, two or more game halls may be connected to the maker side (that is, the maker information server 10) via the communication network 70.
Note that the maker information server 10 and the hall information server 20 constitute the information server of the present invention, the hall management computer 40 constitutes a game situation determining means, and the pachinko gaming machine 50 constitutes a gaming machine.
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 1, the maker information server 10 is provided on the gaming machine maker side, and sets information to be provided to a player in the gaming hall in association with each pachinko gaming machine 50 in the gaming hall. And a computer for distributing the selected terminal device 60 via the communication network 70.
As shown in FIG. 2, the maker information server 10 includes a maker distribution information storage unit 11 that stores a maker distribution information database 11a storing various types of distribution information to be provided to a player, and stores a large number of maker member management information. A maker member management information storage means 12 for storing a maker member management information database 12a stored for each maker member ID, a game status receiving means 13, a game result discriminating means 14, a customer discriminating means 15, an information selecting means 16, It has an information distribution unit 17 and a game management table 18. Here, the maker distribution information storage means 11 and the maker member management information storage means 12 are specifically constituted by a storage device such as a hard disk device, and include a game status reception means 13, a game result determination means 14, a customer determination The means 15, the information selection means 16, the information distribution means 17, and the game management table 18 are realized by the CPU reading and executing a program stored in a storage means such as a hard disk device or a ROM (not shown). It is. The maker member ID is given to the member by the gaming machine maker when becoming a maker member.
The maker distribution information storage means 11 is the distribution information storage means and the information storage means of the present invention, the maker member management information storage means 12 is the player management information storage means, and the customer determination means 15 is the player type determination means. Make up.
[0039]
The distribution information database 11a stored in the maker distribution information storage means 11 is prepared by the gaming machine manufacturer to provide via the terminal device 60 to each player who plays a game at the gaming machine 50 in the gaming hall. It is a database that stores various distribution information obtained. As shown in FIG. 3, the maker distribution information database 11a classifies a large number of pieces of distribution information into three types of advantageous situation player information, disadvantageous situation player information, and common information according to the game situation, Has a logical structure of classifying the information into member information and non-member information, and further classifying the member information into excellent customer information and general customer information and storing and managing the information.
[0040]
Advantageous situation player information is information provided by a gaming machine maker when a gaming situation is advantageous to a player. The advantageous situation player information includes, for example, information for displaying a celebratory character celebrating the advantageous situation of the player, new model release information, new model development information, and the like. When such information is provided to the player in an advantageous situation, the mood of the player is enhanced, and the player becomes interested in the gaming machine of the gaming machine maker, thereby further improving the willingness to play the game. It is expected.
On the other hand, the disadvantage situation player information is information provided from the gaming machine maker when the gaming situation is disadvantageous for the player. The disadvantageous player information includes, for example, information for displaying a support character to support and encourage a player who is depressed in the disadvantageous situation. By providing such information to the player in a disadvantaged situation, it is expected that the player will be encouraged and motivated to continue the game aiming for a reversal.
In addition, the common information is provided by the gaming machine maker only when a short time has elapsed since the start of the game, when it is difficult to determine the gaming situation, or in an intermediate situation between an advantageous situation and a disadvantaged situation. Information. The common information includes, for example, information from a game machine maker, advertisement of a sponsor company, and the like. By providing such information, it is expected that the player can effectively utilize the time to obtain the information and can continue the game without being bored.
[0041]
Also, the member information is information prepared for the member, and information for general customers prepared for general customers who are members and information for good customers prepared for good customers who are members. There is. The information for good customers is limited information for only good customers, information having contents that are relatively valuable to information for general customers, and the like. By giving preferential treatment to superior customers with the information provided, further increasing the number of games played in the gaming machine of the gaming machine maker, and improving the willingness of the gaming machine maker to remain a superior customer for a long time There is expected. Further, it is expected that general customers will be more willing to become excellent customers of the gaming machine maker by increasing the number of games played by the gaming machine maker.
Further, non-member information is information prepared for non-members (guests who do not have a member ID). The non-member information, for example, is limited in the type of information provided as compared to the member information, and the non-member has a desire to be treated preferentially as a member of the gaming machine maker. It is expected to make it.
[0042]
The maker member management information database 12a stored in the maker member management information storage means 12 is a database in which information on all maker members registered as members in the gaming machine maker is stored for each maker member ID. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the maker member management information database 12a stores, for each maker member ID as player identification information, member attribute information including a member's name, address, gender, age, hobbies, and the like. Game history information including a history of games in various gaming machines of gaming machine makers, and distribution history information including a history of information distributed in the past are stored and managed.
The game management table 18 is a data table constructed on a storage device such as a hard disk device for managing a member ID during a game for each terminal device, and as shown in FIG. The area of the store where the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 50 is installed, the store name, the installed model, and the member ID during the game are stored and managed.
When no game is played on the pachinko gaming machine 50, the in-game member ID is blank (empty) (see FIG. 5).
[0043]
The hall information server 20 is provided on the gaming hall side, and provides information for providing to a player in the gaming hall to each terminal device 60 installed in the gaming hall in association with each gaming machine 50. It is a computer for distribution via the LAN 80.
As shown in FIG. 6, the hole information server 20 stores a hole distribution information database 21a storing various distribution information to be provided to a player, and stores a large number of hall member management information. A hall member management information storage unit 22 that stores a hall member management information database 22a accumulated for each hall member ID, a game status reception unit 23, a game result determination unit 24, a customer determination unit 25, an information selection unit 26, It has an information transmitting means 27 and a game management table 28. Here, the hole distribution information storage unit 21 and the hall member management information storage unit 22 are specifically configured by storage devices such as hard disk devices, and include a game status reception unit 23, a game result determination unit 24, a customer determination The means 25, the information selecting means 26, the information transmitting means 27, and the game management table 28 are realized by the CPU reading and executing a program stored in a storage means such as a hard disk device or a ROM (not shown). Things. The hall member ID is given to the member by the gaming machine maker when the member becomes a hall member.
The hall distribution information storage means 21 is the distribution information storage means and information storage means of the present invention, the hall member management information storage means 22 is the player management information storage means, and the customer determination means 25 is the player type determination means. Make up.
[0044]
The distribution information database 21a stored in the hall distribution information storage means 21 is prepared by the gaming hall to provide via the terminal device 60 to each player who plays a game at the gaming machine 50 in the gaming hall. It is a database that stores various distribution information obtained. As shown in FIG. 7, the distribution information database 21a classifies a large number of pieces of distribution information into three types of advantageous situation player information, disadvantageous situation player information, and common information according to the game situation. It has a logical structure of classifying into member information and non-member information, and further classifying and storing member information into excellent customer information and general customer information (manufacturer distribution information database 11a and Similar).
Advantageous situation player information is information provided when the game situation is advantageous to the player. Advantageous situation player information includes, for example, prize information in the gaming hall, information on shops near the gaming hall, and the like. When such information is provided to the player in an advantageous situation, it is expected that the player will enjoy prize exchange in the game hall or stop in a nearby store, thereby further improving the willingness to play. .
On the other hand, the disadvantage situation player information is information provided from the gaming hall when the game situation is disadvantageous for the player. The disadvantageous player information includes, for example, information indicating the possibility of reversal in the future, such as newly-opened store information, today's or upcoming excellent stand information, and the like. By providing such information to the player in a disadvantaged situation, it is expected that the player will be encouraged and motivated to continue the game aiming for a reversal.
In addition, the common information is information provided from the game hall irrespective of the game situation at a stage where the elapsed time from the start of the game is relatively short and it is difficult to determine the game situation. The common information includes, for example, information from the game hall, advertisement of a nearby store, and the like. By providing such information, it is expected that the player can effectively utilize the time to obtain the information and can continue the game without being bored.
[0045]
In addition, member information and non-member information are prepared for the above three types of information, and excellent member information and general customer information are prepared as member information. It is the same as the information database 11a. And, by preferentially treating a good customer with the information content to be provided, it is expected that the number of visits to the game hall is further increased, and that the desire to continue to be a good customer of the game hall for a long time is improved. . Further, it is expected that general customers will be more willing to become excellent customers of the game hall by increasing the number of visits to the game hall. Non-member information, for example, is limited in the type of information provided as compared to member information, and gives non-members the feeling of wanting to be treated as a member of the gaming hall. It is expected.
[0046]
The hall member management information database 22a stored in the hall member management information storage means 22 is a database in which information on all hall members registered as members in the game hall is stored for each hall member ID. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the hall member management information database includes, for each hall member ID serving as player identification information, member attribute information including a member's name, address, gender, age, hobbies, and the like; , Game history information including the history of games such as the total number of balls played, the last visit date and time, the last game model, and the like, and distribution history information including the history of information distributed from the game hall in the past are stored and managed.
The game management table 28 is a data table built on a storage device such as a hard disk device for managing the member ID during the game for each terminal device. As shown in FIG. The model name of the pachinko gaming machine 50 and the member ID during the game are stored and managed.
[0047]
The router 30 is provided in the game hall, and connects the LAN 80 to which the hall information server 20, the hall management computer 40, and the terminal device 60 are connected, and the communication network 70 to which the maker information server 10 is connected. Communication management device.
The hall management computer 40 is communicatively connected to each of the gaming machines 50 installed in the gaming hall via a communication line 81, receives and accumulates signals from each of the gaming machines 50 relating to the number of payouts, occurrence of big hits, and the like. It is a computer that obtains game situation data as a situation determination result by calculation and transmits the game situation data to the maker information server 20 and the hall information server 10. As shown in FIG. 10, the hall management computer 40 includes a receiving unit 41 that receives a payout signal, a jackpot signal, a reach signal, and the like output from each of the pachinko gaming machines 50, and a game situation determination result based on these signals. A game situation calculation means 42 for calculating game situation data as a calculation, a transmission means 43 for transmitting the game situation data and the address of the terminal device 60 corresponding to the game situation data to the maker information server 20 and the hall information server 10, and each pachinko game A terminal device management table 44 for storing the address of the terminal device 60 corresponding to the device 50 (unit number). Note that the game situation data obtained by the game situation calculation means 42 is data such as the number of payouts, the number of big hits, the number of continuous probability-variable games, and is necessary to determine whether the game is advantageous or disadvantageous. Data. Further, when the reach state occurs, the hole management computer 40 outputs data indicating the reach state. The manager of the gaming hall performs nail adjustment management of each gaming machine 50 based on the game situation data output from the hall management computer 40. Note that the address of the terminal device 60 is an address indicating the location of the terminal device 60 on the network. When the communication network 70 is the Internet, an IP address is used. The hall management computer 40 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM (not shown), and the like. The reception unit 41, the game situation calculation unit 42, the transmission unit 43, and the terminal device management table 44 are a hard disk drive and a ROM (not shown). The program is realized by the CPU reading and executing a program stored in the storage means such as.
[0048]
As shown in FIG. 11, the pachinko gaming machine 50 is a well-known electronically controlled pachinko gaming machine, and a hitting hammer (not shown) is activated by a player holding a hitting handle 51 and rotating clockwise. Then, the game balls stored in the upper receiving tray 52 are repeatedly launched. The launched game ball is guided into the game area 54 by being guided by the rail 59, and falls into the general winning opening 55 in the process of falling while hitting a plurality of obstacle nails. Is configured to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls (payout balls) to the lower tray 53). Further, a variable display device 56 having a liquid crystal display portion on which three display columns are displayed is provided at a substantially central portion of the game area 54, and the variable display device 56 is variably displayed based on a winning of the game ball to the operation chucker 57. The design of the liquid crystal display of the device 56 changes. Then, on condition that the symbol is a specific combination, the large winning opening 58 of the variable winning device is opened for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times, so that the gaming ball is in a big hit state in which it is easy to win. In addition, in the reach state in which a big hit occurs if one more symbol is arranged, a reach action in which the display of the liquid crystal display unit of the variable display device 56 changes so as to enhance the player's expectation is displayed. Also, when a big hit occurs with a specific picture, the big hit occurrence probability fluctuates to enter a probability changing mode in which a big hit occurs with a high probability. It has become. A signal output terminal (not shown) is provided on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 50, and the number of hitting balls, the number of payout balls (payout of prize balls), the occurrence of big hits, the entry into the probability variation mode, and the occurrence of a reach state. And the like.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 60 is installed adjacent to each of the pachinko gaming machines 50 in the gaming hall, and a ball is inserted into the pachinko gaming machine by inserting a prepaid card into a card insertion slot 61 provided on the front surface. A function as a ball lending machine (also referred to as an inter-stand sand) configured to flow into the upper tray 52 and information distributed from the maker information server 10 or the hall information server 20 through communication connection with the LAN 80 are described. This is a device having a function as a communication terminal individually provided to a player.
That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 12, the terminal device 60 includes a ball lending machine, a liquid crystal display 62 provided with a transparent touch panel 68 on the surface, a speaker 63, a bar code reading device 64, and a transmitting unit 65. , Receiving means 66, and control means 67. The terminal device 60 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (not shown). The transmitting unit 65, the receiving unit 66, and the control unit 67 cause the CPU to read and execute a control program stored in the ROM. This is achieved by:
The liquid crystal display 62 constitutes the display means of the present invention, the bar code reading device 64 constitutes the player identification information input means, and the touch panel 68 constitutes the distribution request means.
[0050]
The liquid crystal display 62 is a display device for displaying various kinds of image information such as still images or moving images distributed from the maker information server 10 or the hall information server 20 via the LAN 80 in color, and is used as a monitor of a personal computer or the like. It has the same configuration as that which is obtained. A transparent touch panel 68 is provided on the surface of the screen of the liquid crystal display 62. The touch panel 68 is a known device that, when touching the surface with a finger, detects the touched position and specifies a position on the screen. In the present embodiment, a command corresponding to a position on the screen touched by a finger is input to the terminal device 60, and the input command is transmitted by the transmission unit 65 and transmitted to the hall information server 20 via the LAN 80. At the same time, it is transmitted to the maker information server 10 via the LAN 80 and the communication network 70.
The speaker 63 is a device that generates sound when information distributed from the maker information server 10 or the hall information server 20 via the LAN 80 is accompanied by audio information.
[0051]
When the receiving unit 66 receives the distribution information distributed from the maker information server 10 or the hall information server 20, the control unit 67 causes the liquid crystal display 62 to display a still image or a moving image on the liquid crystal display 62 based on the image information included in the distribution information. Control is performed so as to display an image, and control is performed such that sound or music is generated by the speaker 63 based on the sound information included in the distribution information. More specifically, for example, the configuration is such that the distribution information is distributed in the form of a compressed moving image file, and all of the distribution information is downloaded to the storage device of the terminal device 60 and then the reproduction program constituting the control means 67 reproduces the moving image and the sound. Or it is configured to play back a moving image or sound while downloading (streaming function). Further, when the distribution information is in a program format described in a predetermined language such as Java (registered trademark), the distributed program is executed by a browsing program constituting the control means 67 to display an image or the like. Is configured.
[0052]
The barcode reading device 64 is a known barcode reading device capable of optically reading a two-dimensional barcode, and is a device for reading a member ID represented by a two-dimensional barcode symbol and inputting it to the terminal device 60. It is. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, a two-dimensional barcode symbol representing a member ID is displayed on the display unit 69a of the mobile phone 69 carried by the player, and is held up to the reading unit 64a of the barcode reading device 64. As a result, the member ID represented by the two-dimensional barcode is optically read. The read member ID and the address of the terminal device 60 are transmitted by the transmitting means 65 and transmitted to the hall information server 20 via the LAN 80 and transmitted to the maker information server 10 via the LAN 80 and the communication network 70. .
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that both the maker member ID and the hall member ID are represented by one two-dimensional barcode symbol, and the barcode reading device 64 transmits the maker member ID and the hall member ID at one time. Both can be read.
[0053]
Next, a series of processes from the start of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 50 to the distribution of information from the maker information server 10 or the hall information server 20 to the display on the liquid crystal display 62 of the terminal device 60 will be described with reference to the manufacturer in FIG. A description will be given with reference to a diagram showing an example of information transmission / reception between the information server / hole information server and the terminal device or the hall management computer, and respective flowcharts in FIGS.
First, the player operates the button 69b on the mobile phone 69 owned by the player to display a maker member ID and / or a hall member ID (hereinafter simply referred to as a member ID) on the liquid crystal display 69a in a two-dimensional bar code. (See FIG. 13). Then, when the liquid crystal display unit 69a displaying the two-dimensional barcode symbol representing the member ID is held over the reading unit 64a of the barcode reading device 64 provided in the terminal device 60, the barcode reading device 64 The member ID represented by the dimensional barcode is optically read (FIG. 15: S1). The read member ID and the address of the terminal device 60 on the network are transmitted by the terminal device 60 to the hall information server 20 via the LAN 80, and the manufacturer is transmitted from the LAN 80 via the router 30 via the communication network 70. It is transmitted to the information server 10 (FIG. 15: S2, FIG. 12: (1)).
[0054]
The maker information server 10 receives the member ID transmitted from the terminal device 60 (FIG. 16: S11), checks the received member ID against the maker member management information database 12a, and determines whether the registered member ID is a registered member ID. Is determined (FIG. 16: S12). Here, if there is a maker member ID that matches the received member ID (FIG. 16: S12: Yes), the player is recognized as a member of the gaming machine maker, and the received member ID is used for game management. It is stored in the table 18 in association with the terminal device address (FIG. 16: S14).
Thereby, the maker information server 10 recognizes that the player having the received maker member ID starts the game with the pachinko gaming machine 50 associated with the terminal device 60.
On the other hand, if there is no maker member ID that matches the received member ID in the maker member management information database 12a (FIG. 16: S12: No), the maker information server 10 recognizes the player as a guest, The guest ID (for example, "M000") is stored in the game management table 18 in association with the terminal device address (FIG. 16: S14).
[0055]
The processing in the hall information server 20 is the same as that in the maker information server 10 described above, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. However, in the hall information server 20, a hall member management information database 22a is used instead of the maker member management information database 12a, and a game management table 28 is used instead of the game management table 18.
Next, when the player grasps the hitting ball handle 51 of the pachinko gaming machine 50 and rotates it clockwise, the pachinko gaming machine 50 starts to hit the gaming ball. Along with this, the pachinko gaming machine 50 outputs a signal relating to the number of payouts, occurrence of a big hit, and the like from a signal output terminal (not shown), and transmits the signal to the hall management computer 40 via the communication line 81. Then, the hall management computer 40 receives signals relating to the number of payouts, occurrence of big hits, and the like (FIG. 10: receiving means 41), and calculates and outputs game situation data of the pachinko gaming machine 50 based on these signals. (FIG. 10: game situation calculation means 42). Further, the hall management computer 40 refers to the terminal device management table 44 together with the game status data, and stores the address information of the terminal device 60 associated with the pachinko gaming machine 50 (unit number) at predetermined time intervals by the manufacturer. The information is transmitted to the information server 10 and the hall information server 20, respectively (FIG. 10: transmission means 43, FIG. 14: (2), (4), (6)).
[0056]
The maker information server 10 and the hall information server 20 receive the game situation data and the address of the terminal device 60 transmitted from the hall management computer 40 (FIG. 16: S15). Then, based on the received game situation data and the member management information obtained by referring to the maker member management information database 12a or the hall member management information database 22a, the distribution information database 11a stored in the distribution information storage units 11 and 21 is provided. , 21a is selected (FIG. 16: S16).
Here, the details of the distribution information selection processing (FIG. 16: S16) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0057]
First, with reference to the received game situation data, it is determined whether or not the player is in an advantageous situation (S161). More specifically, when the number of payouts indicated by the game situation data is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, or when the probability-variable game is repeated a predetermined number of times or more, it is determined to be an advantageous situation. If it is an advantageous situation (S161: Yes), the advantageous situation player information stored in the distribution information databases 11a and 21a is selected (S162, FIG. 3).
If the situation is not favorable (S161: No), it is further determined whether or not the situation is disadvantageous (S163). More specifically, when the number of hit balls is equal to or more than a predetermined number and the ratio of the number of hit balls to the number of hits is equal to or less than a predetermined number, it is determined that the situation is disadvantageous. If the situation is disadvantageous (S163: Yes), the disadvantageous player information stored in the distribution information databases 11a and 21a is selected (S164, FIGS. 3 and 7).
If it is determined in step S163 that the situation is not disadvantageous (S163: No), the common information stored in the distribution information databases 11a and 21a is selected (S165, FIG. 3). It should be noted that the case where it is determined that the situation is not disadvantageous is a case where the situation is intermediate between the advantageous situation and the disadvantageous situation, a case where the time since the start of the game is short, and no big hit occurs, and the like.
Subsequent to the steps of S162, S164 and S165, it is further determined whether or not the player is a member (S166). Whether the member is a member is determined by referring to the member ID stored in the game management table 18 or 28. If the member ID is a guest ID (for example, M000), it is determined that the member is a non-member. In that case, it is determined that they are members.
[0058]
If it is determined that the user is a non-member (S166: No), at least one piece of distribution information is selected from the non-member information included in the information group selected in S162, S164, or S165 (S170, FIG. 3). , FIG. 7), and returns to the main routine (FIG. 16).
On the other hand, if it is determined that the member is a member (S166: Yes), the member is referred to the game history stored in the maker member management information database 12a (the hall member management information database 22a), and the member is determined to be excellent. It is determined whether the customer is a customer (S167). For example, if the total number of balls to be played since becoming a manufacturer member or a hall member is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, it is determined that the customer is a good customer. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not the customer is a good customer by RFM analysis known as a customer analysis tool by referring to when and how many games the player has visited.
[0059]
If it is determined that the customer is a good customer (S167: Yes), at least one piece of distribution information is selected from the good customer information included in the information group selected in each of S162, S164, or S165 (S167, FIG. 3, FIG. 7) and return to the main routine (FIG. 16). For example, with reference to the information provision history of the member stored in the maker member management information database, there is no record provided in the past from among the excellent customer information for favorable situation players stored in the distribution information database. The information and the information with the oldest provision date / time (delivery date / time) are selected. Also, by referring to the member attribute information included in the maker member management information database 12a (the hall member management information database 22a), distribution information suitable for the age, sex, hobbies, and the like of the member is selected. Each distribution information in the maker distribution information database 11a (the hall information database 21a) is provided with a code indicating a target age category, gender, and hobby category. It is possible to select distribution information suitable for the attribute.
If it is determined that the customer is not a good customer (that is, it is a general customer) (S167: No), at least one piece of distribution information from the general customer information included in the information group selected in each of S162, S164, or S165. Is selected (S169, FIGS. 3 and 7), and the process returns to the main routine (FIG. 16).
Steps S161 and S163 correspond to the game result discriminating means 14 and 24, steps S162, S164, S165, S168, S169 and S170 correspond to the information selecting means 16 and 26, and steps S166 and S167 correspond to the customer discriminating. They function as means 15 and 25, respectively.
[0060]
Next, a process of distributing the selected distribution information to the terminal device 60 is performed (FIG. 16: S17, FIG. 14: (3), (5), (7)). Step S17 functions as the information providing means of the present invention.
Here, the details of the distribution processing routine of S17 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, it is determined whether or not the game state can be transmitted by referring to the game state data as the game state determination result (S171). For example, in a state where the information on the advantageous situation player is about to be distributed and the current gaming state is the reach state, it is determined that the game state is not a transmittable gaming state. That is, in the reach state, it is normal for the player to gaze at the variable display device 56 in expectation of three rows of symbols being aligned on the liquid crystal display unit of the variable display device 56. This is because it is hard to imagine moving to view the distribution information. On the other hand, for example, when the current gaming state is a big hit or a probability varying game, it is assumed that there is room to move the line of sight to the liquid crystal display 62 and view the distribution information, so that the transmission is possible. Is determined. In addition, for example, in a state where the disadvantageous player information is about to be distributed, it is assumed that the player has started to be bored with the game, and thus it is always determined that transmission is possible.
[0061]
When it is determined that the game state is not the transmittable gaming state (S171: No), the game status data and the address of the terminal device 60 are received again from the hall management computer 40 (S172), and the pachinko gaming machine 50 can transmit. This is repeated until the game state is reached.
When it is determined that the game state is in which the game can be transmitted (S171: Yes), it is determined whether or not the heading screen is displayed (S173). That is, for example, when there are a plurality of candidates for distribution information, it is determined that a heading screen is displayed. On the other hand, when there is only one distribution information candidate, or when a plurality of distribution information are continuously distributed, it is determined that the title screen is not displayed.
If it is determined that the heading screen is not to be displayed (S173: No), the selected distribution information is immediately transmitted to the terminal device indicated by the address (S176), and the processing of this routine ends and the main routine (FIG. 16) ends. To return.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the heading screen is to be displayed (S173: Yes), the information for heading screen display is transmitted to the terminal device indicated by the address (S174). Here, the heading screen is displayed, for example, as shown in FIG. That is, a message to the player is displayed at the upper part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 62, and a heading of a plurality of distribution information as distribution candidates is displayed below the message. Incidentally, the step of S174 functions as the heading screen transmitting means of the present invention.
[0062]
At this time, when the player touches any index number portion of the touch panel 68 stacked on the screen of the liquid crystal display 62 with a finger, a command representing the index number is transmitted from the touch panel 68 to the information server 10 or 20. Sent to Then, the information server 10 or 20 determines that there is a distribution request by receiving the command indicating the index number (S175: Yes), and transmits the distribution information corresponding to the selected index number to the terminal device indicated by the address. Then, the process of this routine is completed, and the process returns to the main routine (FIG. 16).
On the other hand, when the player touches a character portion of “not seeing information” on touch panel 68 with a finger, a command indicating that distribution is not requested is transmitted from touch panel 68 to information server 10 or 20. Then, the information server 10 or 20 determines that there is no distribution request by receiving the command indicating that the distribution request is not made (S175: No), and executes the processing of this routine without transmitting the distribution information. Then, the process returns to the main routine (FIG. 16).
[0063]
Upon receiving the distribution information from each of the information servers 10 and 20 (FIG. 15: S3), the terminal device 60 displays the received distribution information on the liquid crystal display 62 (FIG. 15: S4). Thereby, the player can see the information distributed from each of the information servers 10 and 20 on the liquid crystal display 62. By repeating the steps S3 and S4, new information is sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display 62.
In FIG. 14, the member ID and the terminal device address are transmitted from the terminal device 60 to the maker information server 10 and the hall information server 20 ((1)), and thereafter, the common information is set based on the game situation data immediately after the start of the game. Is distributed ((2)-> (3)), and disadvantageous situation player information is distributed based on the game situation data indicating that the number of payouts is small ((4)-> (5)). , And the case where the information on the advantageous situation player is distributed based on the game situation data indicating the big hit ((6)-> (7)).
[0064]
As is clear from the above description, according to the present embodiment, the hall management computer 40 as the game state determining means is configured to convert the game state data as the game state determination result in the pachinko gaming machine 50 as the gaming machine. The maker information server 10 or the hall information server 20 outputs at least the various distribution information stored in the maker distribution information storage unit 11 or the hall distribution information storage unit 21 based on the game situation data of the pachinko gaming machine 50. One piece of distribution information is selected and distributed to the terminal device 60 corresponding to the pachinko gaming machine 60. Then, the terminal device 60 displays the distribution information distributed from the information server on the liquid crystal display 62 as a display unit.
Therefore, appropriate information is selected from various types of distribution information stored in the distribution information storage units 11 and 21 according to the game situation and provided to the player via the terminal device 60. In addition, useful information can be obtained at an appropriate timing according to a game situation. In addition, thereby, a game hall or a game machine maker that provides distribution information can effectively provide information to a player, and can be differentiated from other game arcades or other game machine makers, Attraction of customers, expansion of game time, and the like can be achieved.
[0065]
Further, according to the present embodiment, the information servers 10 and 20 acquire the member management information from the member management information storage unit 12 or 22 based on the member ID transmitted from the terminal device 60 and play the game status data. Then, at least one piece of distribution information is selected from the distribution information storage units 11 and 21 based on the member management information and distributed. Therefore, in addition to the game situation data, the distribution information is selected by utilizing the member management information of the player specified by the member ID, so that more appropriate information can be provided to each player. it can. Furthermore, since the member management information stored in the member management information storage units 12 and 22 includes the member's game history information, the information servers 10 and 20 refer to the member's game history information by referring to the member's game history information. Appropriate information can be selected and distributed.
Further, according to the present embodiment, distribution information storage means 11 and 21 classify and store the member information and the non-member information, and store the member information as the distribution information for the excellent customer and the distribution information for the general customer. And the distribution information are classified and stored. Then, the player type determining means determines whether the player is a member or a non-member with reference to the player management information. If the player is a non-member, the non-member information is selected and distributed. . On the other hand, if it is a member, it is determined whether the player is a good customer or a general customer based on the game history information, and if it is a good customer, the distribution information for good customers is selected and the player is a general customer. In such a case, the distribution information is selected and distributed. Therefore, it is possible to selectively provide distribution information having contents suitable for the type of the player.
[0066]
Further, according to the present embodiment, the member ID can be easily and reliably input via the portable communication terminal such as the portable telephone 69 carried by the player. Therefore, since the mobile phone 69 or the like that is always used when going out is used, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to carry an ID card or the like separately when going to the game hall.
Further, according to the present embodiment, the barcode reading device 64 inputs the member ID by reading the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 69a of the mobile phone 69. A member ID can be input as player identification information. In addition, since the two-dimensional barcode can express a large amount of information at a high density, the player identification information and the encryption information can be securely transmitted even in a limited space such as the liquid crystal display 69a of the mobile phone 69. It can be displayed in the form of a barcode. However, as long as the member ID can be displayed in the liquid crystal display unit 69a of the mobile phone 69, the member ID may be displayed by a one-dimensional barcode instead of the two-dimensional barcode, and the member ID may be read by the barcode reader 64. Absent.
[0067]
Further, according to the present embodiment, the information servers 10 and 20 determine whether the game situation data transmitted from the terminal device 60 in the game result determination means 14 and 24 indicates an advantageous game situation, or Is determined, and if it is determined to be an advantageous gaming situation, information on the advantageous situation player is selected from the distribution information storage means 11 and 21 and distributed, and it is determined to be an unfavorable gaming situation. In this case, the disadvantageous player information is selected from the distribution information storage means 11 and 21 and distributed. Therefore, appropriate information is reliably provided to the player depending on whether the gaming situation is advantageous or disadvantageous for the player.
According to the present embodiment, the distribution information is distributed based on the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 50 (S171 to S176), so that the player can receive the information at an appropriate timing. . For example, in a gaming state in which the player is unlikely to look at the information displayed on the liquid crystal display 62 (for example, during a reach state in the pachinko gaming machine 50), the player waits for information distribution and tries to look at the information. It is configured to execute information distribution in a gaming state in which the information is likely to be played (for example, during a jackpot state in the pachinko gaming machine 50 or during a probability variation game), so information is distributed at an effective timing. be able to.
[0068]
Further, according to the present embodiment, information servers 10 and 20 distribute specific distribution information requested to be distributed by selecting the title screen displayed on liquid crystal display 62 via touch panel 68. With such a configuration, the player can selectively receive specific distribution information required by the player by a simple operation.
Further, according to the present embodiment, terminal device 60 is incorporated in a ball lending machine arranged adjacent to pachinko gaming machine 50, so that space saving of the device can be achieved. Further, when the pachinko gaming machine 50 needs to be replaced, the terminal device 60 is incorporated in a ball lending machine separate from the pachinko gaming machine 50 or in an information device relating to ball lending, so that only the pachinko gaming machine 50 is replaced. do it.
[0069]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the present invention may be modified as follows.
(A) In the above embodiment, the information server for distributing the player information provided to the player is provided both on the gaming machine maker side and in the gaming hall, but only one of them is provided. An information server may be provided.
(B) In the above-described embodiment, the external information server connected to the outside of the game hall via the communication network is provided in the game machine maker. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be provided in the headquarters that supervises.
[0070]
(C) In the above-described embodiment, the game is started in the pachinko gaming machine 50 after the member ID is first input by the barcode reading device 64. However, the game can be started without inputting the member ID. Is also good. Specifically, the information servers 10 and 20 may be configured to store the guest ID in the same manner as in step S13 and perform the subsequent processing. In this case, since the player is not specified, it is not possible to refer to the game history information, the information distribution history, and the like included in the member management information. However, since the pachinko gaming machine 50 during the game is specified, the embodiment is not described. Similarly to the above, it is possible to distribute information based on game situation data.
[0071]
(D) In the above embodiment, the two-dimensional barcode representing the member ID is displayed on the display unit of the mobile phone carried by the player, and the member ID is read by the barcode reading device 64 provided in the terminal device 60. Although the configuration is such that the input is made, it is possible to adopt other various player identification information input methods instead of this configuration.
For example, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip, which is a non-contact IC memory storing a member ID, is built in a mobile phone, and when the mobile phone approaches a predetermined distance range, an RFID chip built in the mobile phone is used. A configuration may be adopted in which a reading device capable of reading the stored member ID in a non-contact manner is provided.
[0072]
(E) In addition, a signal transmitting light emitting device (LED) for generating a signal by infrared rays or the like is provided on the mobile phone 69, and a light receiving device is provided on the terminal device 60, so that the light emitting device between the signal transmitting light emitting device and the light receiving device is provided. The configuration may be such that the member ID is read by optical communication.
(F) It is not necessary to read the member ID in a non-contact manner as in the above-described respective examples. For example, a mobile phone holder having a connection terminal is provided in the terminal device 60, and the mobile phone 69 is mounted on the mobile phone holder. The connection terminal of the mobile phone holder and the connection terminal of the mobile phone 69 may be connected to each other so that the member ID stored in the memory built in the mobile phone 69 can be read.
(G) Instead of the mobile phone 69, another mobile communication terminal such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) may be used.
[0073]
(H) The member ID may be identified without using a mobile communication terminal such as the mobile phone 69. For example, the gaming machine maker or the game hall may be configured to issue a member card in which the member ID is magnetically recorded to the member and read the member ID by a magnetic card reader provided in the terminal device 60. . The member card may also serve as a card for recording the number of unexchanged prize balls called a so-called ball storage card.
(I) A member ID and a password may be input from a touch panel 68 provided on the screen of the liquid crystal display 62 of the terminal device 60 instead of the barcode reading device 64 and the magnetic card reader.
(J) A player identification information inputting means for inputting a member ID may be provided in the gaming machine main body.
[0074]
(K) In the above embodiment, the player is identified by the member ID issued by the gaming machine maker or the gaming hall. However, the player is identified by the telephone number of the mobile phone 69 or the like. May be. In this case, the player does not need to perform an enrollment procedure to become a member, and the gaming machine maker or the gaming hall does not need to issue a member ID.
(L) In the above embodiment, the information distributed from the maker information server 10 or the hall information server 20 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 62 provided in the terminal device 60. However, the information is displayed on another display unit. May be configured. For example, the configuration may be such that the information is displayed on the variable display device 56 provided in the game area 54 of the pachinko gaming machine 50. In this modification, since the display is performed by using the existing device incorporated in the pachinko gaming machine 50, there is no need for additional hardware, and the entire system can be configured at low cost and space can be saved. There is an advantage that can be.
[0075]
(M) Further, it may be configured to display the information on an LED display above the pachinko gaming machine 50 normally provided in the gaming hall. Also in this modified example, since the display is performed by using the existing device, there is no need to add hardware, and there is an advantage that the entire system can be configured at low cost and space can be saved.
(N) Further, the mail address of the mobile phone 69 owned by the member is stored in the member management information database 12a, 22a of the maker information server 10 or the hall information server 20, and the distribution information is transmitted to the mobile phone 69 in the form of e-mail. May be configured to be distributed. The electronic mail may be text information, or may include moving image information or sound information when the mobile phone 69 has a moving image reproducing function.
[0076]
(O) In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a combination of the maker information server 10, the hall information server 20, the hall management computer 40, the terminal device 60, and the communication network 70 and the LAN 80 for communication-connecting these. Although the embodiment that configures the providing system has been described, it may be configured as a player information providing device having each function of these devices.
(P) In the above embodiment, the programs having the processing contents shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 16 to 18 are stored in a storage device such as a hard disk built in the maker information server 10 or the hall information server 20, respectively. The CPU reads and executes the program. However, the information providing program for the player including these programs is recorded on another computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM, and is used as an information server. May be configured to be read and executed by the computer of the above.
[0077]
(Q) In the above-described embodiment, the storage means for storing various distribution information to be provided to the player is provided in the maker information server 10 or the hall information server 20, but the player information is not necessarily required. It is not necessary to provide these distribution information storage units in the providing system 1. For example, a configuration may be employed in which distribution information is obtained from an external device connected to a communication network.
[0078]
(R) The present invention is applicable to various game machines different from the above-described embodiment.
For example, a gaming machine applied to the present invention is a pachinko gaming machine, which has an operation handle as a basic configuration, fires a ball to a predetermined game area in response to operation of the operation handle, and the ball is played in the game area. The condition that the identification information dynamically displayed on the display device is fixedly stopped after a predetermined time, as a prerequisite for winning a prize (or passing through the operation gate) at the operation port disposed at a predetermined position in the display device, is mentioned. Can be In addition, when a special game state occurs, a variable winning device (specific winning opening) disposed at a predetermined position in the game area is opened in a predetermined mode to enable a ball to win, and a value corresponding to the winning number is obtained. A value (including data written on a magnetic card as well as a prize ball) is given.
[0079]
(S) Further, another gaming machine applied to the present invention is a slot machine, and has a basic configuration in which “an identification information sequence including a plurality of pieces of identification information is dynamically displayed, and then identification information is fixedly displayed. A variable display means is provided, and dynamic display of identification information is started by an operation of a starting operation means (for example, an operation lever), or a predetermined display is caused by an operation of a stop operation means (for example, a stop button). As time elapses, the dynamic display of the identification information is stopped, and a special game state generation that generates a special game state advantageous to the player on condition that the fixed identification information at the time of the stop is the specific identification information is a necessary condition. And a game machine having means. In this case, coins and medals are typical examples of the game medium.
[0080]
(T) Still another gaming machine applied to the present invention is a gaming machine obtained by fusing a pachinko machine and a slot machine, and has a basic configuration in which “an identification information sequence including a plurality of pieces of identification information is transmitted. A variable display unit for confirming and displaying the identification information after the dynamic display, wherein the dynamic display of the identification information is started by the operation of a start operation unit (for example, an operation lever), and a stop operation unit (for example, a stop button) The dynamic display of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of) or after a lapse of a predetermined time, and it is advantageous to the player on condition that the fixed identification information at the time of the stop is the specific identification information. Special game state generating means for generating a special game state, a ball is used as a game medium, and a predetermined number of balls are required at the start of dynamic display of the identification information. Saishi it becomes game machine ", which is configured as a number of balls are paid out.
[0081]
【The invention's effect】
As described in detail above, according to the present invention, from various information to be provided to the player, appropriate information is selected and provided to the player according to the playing situation. In addition, useful information corresponding to a game situation can be acquired at a good timing. In addition, this allows a gaming arcade or gaming machine maker or the like that provides information to provide effective information to a player, differentiates itself from another gaming arcade or another gaming machine maker, and attracts customers. Thus, it is possible to increase the game time.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a player information providing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a maker information server.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a logical structure of a maker distribution information database.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a storage example of a maker member management information database.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a storage example of a game management table on the maker side.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a hall information server.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a logical structure of a hall distribution information database.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a storage example of a hall member management information database.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a storage example of a game management table on the hall side.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a hall management computer.
FIG. 11 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a terminal device.
13A is a diagram illustrating an example of a mobile phone, and FIG. 13B is an enlarged view of a display unit illustrating a display example of a two-dimensional barcode representing a member ID.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information transmission and reception among a terminal device, a maker information server / hole information server, and a hole management computer.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in a main routine of the terminal device.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in a main routine of a maker information server / hole information server.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in a distribution information selection processing routine of a maker information server / hole information server.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in a distribution processing routine of a maker information server / hole information server.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a heading screen.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Player information provision system, 10 ... Maker information server (information server), 11 ... Maker distribution information storage means (distribution information storage means, information storage means), 12 ... Maker member management information storage means (player management information) Storage means), 14, 24 ... game result determination means, 15, 25 ... customer determination means (player type determination means), 17, 27 ... information distribution means (information provision means), 20 ... hall information server (information server) , 21: Hall distribution information storage means (distribution information storage means, information storage means), 22: Hall member management information storage means (player management information storage means), 40: Hall management computer (game status determination means), 50 ... Pachinko gaming machine (game machine), 60: terminal device, 62: liquid crystal display (display means), 64: bar code reading device (player identification information input means), 6 ... panel (distribution request means, requesting means), 69 ... mobile phone (portable communication terminal), 70 ... communication network.

Claims (1)

A terminal device provided in association with the gaming machine installed in the game arcade and having a function of displaying information received by communication on a display unit, and cooperating with a gaming status determining unit for determining a gaming status in the gaming machine And an information server for providing information to a player playing a game on the gaming machine,
Based on the result of the determination by the gaming status determination means, at least one piece of distribution information is selected from various types of distribution information to be provided to the player and distributed to a terminal device corresponding to the gaming machine. An information server for providing information for players.

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