JP2017018201A - Game system, game server, game machine, and game program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system and the like providing a game parlor with a stable operation and a player with high usability.SOLUTION: The game system comprises a plurality of game machines, and a management server to which the plurality of game machines are connected. Each of the plurality of game machines is configured to change over a plurality of game specifications respectively and to transmit a request for selecting one type of game specifications out of the plurality of types of game specifications, to the management server. The management server determines whether or not to permit the game machine from which the request is transmitted, to execute the game by the selected game specifications.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming system that controls gaming machines in a game arcade, and more particularly to a gaming system that includes a gaming server that manages and controls gaming machines in a gaming hall.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming system including a gaming server and a management server that can communicate with gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines have been proposed.

  For example, a gaming server and multiple gaming machines can communicate with each other for the purpose of shortening the time and effort required when replacing gaming machines or changing gaming machine settings in a game arcade, and improving gaming machine operation. In addition, a gaming system including a gaming server that enables a game program that can be executed in the gaming machine to be changed in accordance with the gaming situation of the gaming machine or the player's selection has been proposed (Patent Document 1).

  In other words, Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming system having a gaming machine and a gaming server that can communicate with the gaming machine, and the gaming server includes a program that controls the progress of a game that can be executed in the gaming machine. Is an independent program, a game program storage means for storing a first game program used in association with the progress of the game in the gaming machine, and the first program if a predetermined condition is satisfied A game program transmitting means for transmitting the game program to the gaming machine, and the gaming machine is used in the gaming machine when receiving the first game program from the gaming program transmitting means. A gaming system comprising a control device that rewrites a second game program into the first game program is disclosed.

  Also, a gaming machine management system that can change the game state settings such as probability changes in a timely manner without delay, in accordance with the store's sales policy and the skill of the player, by managing a plurality of gaming machines collectively by the server Has also been proposed (Patent Document 2).

  That is, in Patent Document 2, a game is started and a lottery is executed by driving a plurality of cylinders provided with a plurality of symbols along a circumferential direction by a player's starting operation, and the player is stopped. The game is provided with a symbol variation display device for controlling the stop of the rotating drum by operation and notifying the result of the lottery according to the arrangement state of the symbols of the plurality of rotors at the time of stop, and when the lottery is a win A gaming machine management comprising a gaming machine that can be in a gaming state advantageous to a player on condition that a predetermined symbol is aligned by a stop operation and a server that centrally manages the plurality of gaming machines An input means for inputting an operation signal relating to a player intervention operation including the start operation and stop operation respectively executed on the plurality of gaming machines, and provided in the server, based on the operation signal And Game specification setting means for setting a game specification, and game specification sending means for sending the game specification set by the game specification setting means to a gaming machine that is a transmission source of the operation signal input by the input means. A gaming machine management system is disclosed.

JP 2007-260439 A JP 2004-113651 A

  However, in the conventional game system (Patent Documents 1 and 2), even if the game program is changed via the game server, the effect program is only changed, or the game state setting is changed such as a probability change. However, the entire playground was not managed, and there was room for improvement.

For example, if the gaming machine specifications can be changed individually for the convenience of the game hall, it may be changed to a disadvantageous specification for the player, and the gaming specifications can be changed individually for the convenience of the player's skill etc. Then, stable management of the amusement hall becomes difficult.
Therefore, stable management is desired for the game hall, and management / control technology that is easy for the player is expected.

  Therefore, a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a gaming system including a plurality of gaming machines and a management server to which the plurality of gaming machines are connected, and each of the plurality of gaming machines includes a plurality of gaming machines. The game specification is configured to be switchable, and a request for selecting one game specification from the plurality of game specifications is transmitted from each of the plurality of gaming machines to the management server. It is determined whether or not the gaming machine to which the request has been transmitted is permitted to play a game with the selected game specification.

  According to the game system and the like according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a game system and the like that can be expected to be operated stably for a game arcade and can be easily used by a player.

It is explanatory drawing explaining the example of whole structure of the game system concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining arrangement | positioning of the installation island etc. in the game hall in the game system concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the external appearance structure of the game machine in the game system concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the functional block of the game machine in the game system concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the operation example of the game system concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the example of a screen display of the game machine in the game system concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the example of a screen display of the game machine in the game system concerning other embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the example of a screen display of the information terminal device which accessed the game system concerning one Embodiment of this invention.

  A gaming system and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming system 10 includes, as an exemplary configuration, an information management server 11, a game hall 21 in which one or more gaming machines are installed, and various information processing devices ( In the figure, PCs 12 and 13, a mobile phone 14, a portable information terminal or a tablet terminal 15 are exemplarily shown, and are hereinafter collectively referred to as “user terminal”). As a minimum configuration according to another embodiment of the present invention, processing can be closed by a device or device in the game hall 21 (in this case, the various terminals 12 to 15 as user terminals are omitted, and information management is performed). The processing operation of the server 11 is alternatively executed by the management computer 22 described later).

  In the game hall 21, a management computer 22 for managing and controlling one or more gaming machines is installed. In FIG. 1, the management computer 22 is exemplarily shown through interface units (hereinafter referred to as I / F units) 26, 27, and 28. A plurality of gaming machines 23, 24 and 25 are connected to each other (in fact, a larger number of gaming machines can be installed as illustrated in FIG. 2). Note that the gaming machines 23, 24, and 25 in this embodiment include a plurality of types of gaming machines such as pachinko machines and pachislot machines.

  When the data transmitted from a gaming machine such as a pachinko or pachislot machine is received and managed, the management computer 22 manages the data in the game room 21 in a closed manner, but operates as an open system. In that case, the information may be managed by the information management server 11 outside the game arcade 21 via the management computer 22. In the latter case, the information management server 11 is connected to a game hall 21 in which one or more gaming machines are installed so that they can communicate with each other via a public line 19 such as a dedicated line or the Internet (note that the line specifications are Wired or wireless).

  The information management server 11 may be connected to one or more game halls other than the game hall 21 (not shown) so as to be able to communicate with each other (in this case, integrated operation between a plurality of stores is possible). .

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the information management server 11 and the various terminals 12 to 15 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other through public lines (16 to 18 as wired lines) such as a dedicated line or the Internet. . These lines may be wired or wireless, and in the case of wireless, the mobile phone 14 and the portable information terminal or tablet terminal 15 enter the Internet 19 via a base station or wireless router (not shown) wirelessly. Further, they are connected to the information management server 11 via a line 18 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

  Many mobile phones, portable information terminals, and tablets at the time of filing of the present application have processing capabilities (communication processing speed, image processing capability, etc.) comparable to PCs, and should be called small computers.

  In addition, a program or software necessary for implementing the present invention is normally installed or stored in an HDD or SSD in a storage unit of a PC or a portable information terminal. When executing the program or software, a memory in the storage unit is used as necessary. Are read as all or a part of the software modules, and are executed by the CPU.

  It should be noted that the execution of the calculation is not necessarily performed by a central processing unit such as a CPU, and an auxiliary arithmetic unit such as a digital signal processor (DSP) (not shown) can be used.

  Further, the hardware configuration of the information management server 11 can basically adopt a PC. Although the present invention is not limited to this, the information management server 11 can process large-scale data by operating a plurality of PCs in parallel when raising the hardware specifications as necessary. A suitable configuration can also be taken.

  FIG. 2 shows an arrangement of an installation island or the like in which a gaming machine is installed in a game hall in the gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 2, the island facilities 200 a to 200 c have ten gaming machines 201 and gaming medium lending machines 210 arranged alternately in the horizontal direction on each side, and the same combination is combined back to back. Thus, the gaming machine 201 and the gaming medium lending machine 210 form one island facility with a total of 20 sets.

  In FIG. 2, a circle indicated by reference numeral 220 represents a gaming chair disposed on the front surface of the gaming machine 201. As shown in FIG. 2, in the amusement hall, for example, the passage area 230b between the island facility 200a and the island facility 200b and the passage area 230c between the island facility 200b and the island facility 200c are adjacent to each other. The gaming machines 201 arranged on one side of the island facility face each other, and a player sits on the gaming chair 220 of the gaming machine 201 installed on the adjacent island facility and plays a game. In this case, players are seated back to back.

  And the area | region (passage area 230b, 230c) between a player's back and a back becomes a channel | path of the player who is looking for a vacant board and is going to play a game from now on, or the attendant of a game hall. In recent years, the width of this passage is often designed to be relatively wide.

  In addition, although the operation example based on one Embodiment of this invention is concretely mentioned later for the example of the game machines 201a-201t installed in the both sides of the passage area 230b in FIG. 2, of course, island facilities are adjacent. Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to gaming machines installed in the passage areas 230a and 230d not shown. In other words, the present invention can be implemented not only for all the gaming machines installed in the game arcade but also only for some of the gaming machines.

  In FIG. 3, the external appearance structure of the game machine concerning one Embodiment of this invention is shown. In FIG. 3, the gaming machine 30 according to the embodiment of the present invention illustratively draws a special symbol on the game board 300, a “starter 1” 301 (so-called “nose”), and a special symbol. A “starting port 2” (so-called “electric chew”) 302 and a prize winning port (so-called “attacker”) 303 are provided. The term “short time” refers to a state in which the fluctuation time of a normal symbol drawn when a game ball passes through is reduced.

  As an example, the gaming machine 30 including the gaming board 300 includes a main body frame that is rotatably attached to a base frame. The front door of the board surface is formed with, for example, a substantially circular window whose upper part is opened (a transparent member such as a glass plate is fitted into this window as an example). The player views the game board 300 attached to the main body frame through this window.

  It should be noted that lamps and speakers (not shown in FIG. 3) for producing effects can be installed around the game board in front of the gaming machine 30.

  In addition, an upper ball tray 307 for storing a game ball as a game medium is disposed at the lower part of the gaming machine 30. Further, a lower ball receiving tray 308 for storing game balls overflowing from the upper ball receiving tray is disposed below the upper ball receiving tray 307. The game balls stored in the upper ball tray 307 are supplied one by one to a game ball launching device or a ball device (not shown in FIG. 3) provided inside the gaming machine 30, and the right side of the upper ball tray 307. When the player rotates the rotation ring 3091 of the launching handle 309 around the axis, the game ball is directed from the game ball launching device or the ball device to the game board 300 with the strength according to the rotated angle. Are fired one by one.

  The firing handle 309 includes a rotation ring 3091 having one or more protrusions for finger hanging as appropriate. The rotating ring 3091 is configured to return to the origin position by an urging force such as a coil spring.

  The firing handle 309 includes a firing stop switch 3092 for stopping the launch of the game ball and a touch sensor (not shown). As one embodiment, when the rotation ring 3091 is rotated clockwise in the figure on condition that the hand touches the touch sensor, the rotation ring 3091 detected by the operation detector (not shown in FIG. 3) is detected. A game ball is launched on the game board 300 with a firing intensity corresponding to the rotation angle (the amount of operation from the origin position).

  Although not shown in FIG. 3, an arcuate guide rail for guiding the game ball launched from the bullet ball device to the upper left side of the game board 300 is disposed on the periphery of the game board 300. Further, the game board 300 is provided with a number of obstacle nails (not shown), and the game ball released from the upper left side of the game board 300 to the upper right along the guide rail is placed on the board surface of the game board 300. Along the numerous obstacle nails, it falls downward.

  And in the center part of the game board 300, the result of the jackpot lottery executed by the main control part (main control board) described later is displayed as an effect managed by the sub control part (sub control board). A display unit 304 is provided. In addition, at the lower part of the display unit 304, there are provided a four-way holding lamp 305a and a holding lamp 305b for electric chews. The installation position of the holding lamp 305 may be at the top of the display unit or within the frame of the display unit.

  Below the display unit 304, a “starting port 1” 301 for drawing a special symbol is provided. In addition, a “starting port 2” 302 for drawing a special symbol is provided below the “starting port 1” (that is, above the winning prize opening 303). This “starting port 2” 302 can also be installed in the upper right part of the display unit 304.

  As an embodiment of the present invention, when a game ball is won at the “start 1” 301, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out, and various random numbers including a jackpot lottery random number used for the jackpot lottery are up to four as an example. Acquired (the number of subsequent acquired random numbers in the case where the rendering process for the acquired random number is not completed is indicated by the lighting of the jersey hold lamp 305a), and various lottery and rendering processes based on the value of the acquired random number are performed. Executed. Reference numeral 305b denotes a holding lamp for electric chews. Typically, up to four lamps can be held in the same manner as the holding lamp 305a for navel.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, “starting port 2” 302 includes, for example, an electric chew including a pair of movable blades. This electric Chu forms a “closed state” in which both movable blades are close to each other with a gap slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and an “open state” in which both movable blades are separated from each other than in the “closed state”. Drive controlled. The lottery to be in the “closed state” or “open state” is typically implemented when a game ball passes through a through 310a or 310b (described later).
In general, when an electric chew that is in a closed state is in an open state, it is easier to win a “starter 2” 302 than in a closed state.

  Below the “starter 1” 301, there is provided a rectangular special winning opening 303 that is opened a plurality of times during the big hit game. The special winning opening 303 is provided with a normal opening / closing plate, and a “closed state” in which the special winning opening 303 is closed, and an “open state” in which the special winning opening 303 is opened and the game ball flowing down from above the game board 300 is guided. The drive is controlled so as to be able to transition to.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, throughs 310 a and 310 b are arranged on the left and right sides of the display unit 304. The thru is not a prize opening, so there is no prize ball, but the game ball passes through the sensors installed in the thru, and the normal symbol is drawn (whether the electric chew is open or not) . Although it is an example, the electric-chu opening rate during probability fluctuation is controlled to be higher than the normal opening rate.
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, four normal winning openings 311 a to 311 d are arranged in total on the left and right portions of the big winning opening 303. As an example, the game board is provided with five winning openings that can be won in normal times. In the game board 300, “start port 1” 301 for drawing special symbols, and normal winning ports 311a to 311d correspond to this.
Although not shown in FIG. 3, a windmill for influencing the flow of the game ball can be arranged on the left side of the display unit 304.

  In FIG. 3, an out ball collection port 306 for collecting game balls (out balls) that have not entered any of the start ports is provided at the bottom of the game board 300.

  Then, with reference to FIG. 4, the functional block of the game machine in one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. In FIG. 4, the control unit 400 in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a main control unit (main control board) 410 and a sub control unit (sub control board) 420. The unit 420 is electrically connected by a one-way communication path (harness) from the main control unit 410 to the sub-control unit 420. The main control unit 410 mainly performs game control, and the sub-control unit 420 mainly performs presentation control of the display unit 471, the audio output unit 472, the illumination unit 473, and the like based on commands from the main control unit 410.

  Furthermore, the main control unit 410 includes a CPU 411, a RAM 412, and a ROM 413, and includes an input port and an output port (not shown).

  Further, the main control unit 410 and / or the sub control unit 420 are connected to a communication interface (I / F) 490 for transmitting / receiving data to / from the outside (for example, the management computer 22) via a connection terminal (not shown). Has been. Here, as a configuration in the control unit 400 for transmitting / receiving data to / from the outside, a configuration for exchanging with the management computer 22 or the like from the main control unit 410 via the line 492 and the communication I / F 490, Various configurations such as a configuration in which the control unit 420 communicates with the management computer 22 or the like via the line 493 and the communication I / F 490, or a configuration in which both are employed are conceivable.

  If necessary, the prize ball information is transmitted from the prize ball control unit 481 to the management computer 22 or the like via the line 491 and the communication I / F 490 in order to manage the history of prize ball control. You can also.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the input port of the main control unit 410 includes a “start port 1” sensor 431 that detects a winning in the “start port 1” 301 for drawing a special symbol (special symbol), and a “start port”. 2 ”302 for detecting a winning at the start time, a big winning opening sensor 433 for detecting a winning at the big winning opening 303, and one or more ordinary winning openings (311a to 311 in FIG. 3). 311d and the like) are electrically connected to one or more normal prize opening sensors 434 for detecting a prize.

  The output port of the main control unit 410 includes a special symbol (special drawing) display unit 441, a holding display unit 442, and a “starting port 2” for opening and closing the movable blades of the electric starting “302”. An accessory driving unit 451 and a special prize opening accessory driving unit 452 for opening and closing the open / close plate of the special winning opening 303 are electrically connected to each other.

  In addition, the CPU 411 of the main control unit 410 reads out the game program stored in the ROM 413 to the RAM 412 as appropriate, and displays each display unit connected to the output port according to the detection signals of various sensors connected to the input port. Control of the drive unit and command transmission to the sub-control unit 420 are performed.

  In addition, the RAM 412 sequentially reads and stores information necessary for executing the game program. In addition, although not shown in the figure, program control means such as lottery means, lottery result determination means, special game start / end means, winning probability control means, and the like are implemented in the main control unit 410 as software.

(Switching multiple game specs)
In the above description, the game program has been described as being stored in the ROM 413. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of game specifications (for example, MAX in descending order of probability of being hit first) Game programs having specifications such as type, middle type, and light type can be stored. In addition to storing all of these game programs having a plurality of game specifications in the ROM, it is also possible to download them from other servers, computers or the like and execute them.

  In other words, the ROM 413 adopts a method (a method of switching according to a flag) in which game programs or game parameters of all specifications of MAX type specifications, middle type specifications, and light type specifications are stored in advance, or the information management server 11 or Adopting a method (which is based on strict license management) that allows the management computer 22 (collectively, also referred to as “management server”) to download game programs with the required specifications to each gaming machine as appropriate. You can do it. Particularly in the latter case, it is more preferable to store and manage software or a computer program in another rewritable area (a storage device such as a hard disk or an SSD) (not shown) rather than storing the software or computer program in the ROM 413 in a fixed manner.

  Hereinafter, even if a game program, a game parameter, and the like are described as being stored in a ROM, the present invention is not limited to this, and a method of appropriately downloading as described above is also assumed. Is added in advance.

  Similarly, the sub-control unit 420 includes a CPU 421, a RAM 422, a ROM 423, a control unit 424 that controls a data communication bus and various devices such as a display and a speaker, and an input / output unit 425 that drives illumination and the like. A display driving unit 426 that drives the display unit 471, and a sound source IC 427 that stores a sound source for generating sound, sound effects, and the like from the sound output unit 473, and includes an input port and an output port (not shown). .

The main function of the sub control unit 420 is an effect based on the lottery result determined by the main control unit 410. Specifically, the ROM 423 of the sub-control unit 420 also stores effect data including image data for performing various effects by the display unit 471, the audio output unit 472, and the illumination unit 473. The effect content is determined from the effect data stored in the ROM 423 by the effect lottery process in the sub-control unit based on the signal output from the unit 410 and the display unit 471 based on the determined effect content. The audio output unit 472 and the illumination unit 473 are driven. In this case, dynamic presentation processing is also included in which the display and sound are changed by pressing the push button 461 described later.
Such effects produced by the display unit 471, the audio output unit 472, and the illumination unit 473 are stored as a computer program in the ROM 423 and the like, and are realized by being called and executed by the CPU 421 to the RAM 422 and the like as appropriate. .

(Switching production data, production parameters, etc.)
In the above description, production data (including production programs and production parameters related to production) has been described as being stored in the ROM 423. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ROM 423 contains MAX type specifications. Information management server 11 or management computer 22 (in addition to a method of storing production programs and production data or production parameters in advance for all specifications for middle, spec and light type specifications, a method of storing production data or production parameters) It is also possible to adopt a method that appropriately downloads necessary specification production data, production programs, etc. from the “management server”) to each gaming machine. Particularly in the latter case, it is more preferable that the program and data are not stored in the ROM 423 in a fixed manner, but are stored in another rewritable area (storage device such as a hard disk or SSD) not shown.

  Hereinafter, even if the production data, the production program, and the like are described as being stored in the ROM, the present invention is not limited to this, and a method of appropriately downloading as described above is also assumed. Is added in advance.

  In addition, push buttons (and sensors) 461 that respectively detect the presence or absence of an operation on a button (not shown in FIG. 3) are electrically connected to the input port of the sub-control unit 420.

  The push button (and sensor) 461 is not limited to this, but as an example, a button for changing the setting or a setting change option shown on the screen of the display unit 471 (304) is selected. In addition to an “arrow” button and a “decision” button, a “production” button used for a player to participate in the game according to the production can be provided. This “production” button is also referred to as a “chance button”, and plays a role of enhancing the interest in the game by urging the player to press through the display unit 471 (304) or the like during the reach production.

  Note that the push button 461 is merely an example of an operation unit, and is not necessarily a “push button”, and various input devices such as a lever and a touch sensor can be employed.

  A display unit 471, an audio output unit 472 such as a speaker, and an illumination unit 473 such as an effect lamp are electrically connected to the output port of the sub-control unit 420. In addition, the CPU 421 of the sub-control unit 420 appropriately reads the effect program stored in the ROM 423 to the RAM 422 and responds to the command from the main control unit 410 and the detection signals from various sensors connected to the input ports. The display unit 471, the audio output unit 472, and the illumination unit 473 connected to the output port are controlled. Further, the RAM 422 sequentially reads and stores information necessary for executing the effect program.

  Next, a basic lottery process executed by the CPU 411 of the main control unit 410 will be described. The basic lottery process executed by the CPU 411 of the main control unit 410 is a lottery process executed by winning a winning opening for drawing a special symbol. Specifically, various random number acquisition processes, This is a ball payout process.

  First, when the winning sensor 431 of the “starter 1” detects a winning, the number of jackpot lottery random numbers (hereinafter referred to as special figure holding number) already acquired by the winning sensor 431 and holding the jackpot lottery is less than 4. If the answer is YES, the special figure holding number is incremented. Then, the jackpot lottery random number R1 is acquired and stored in the special figure holding storage area of the RAM 412. Then, a prize ball payout process is executed.

  Here, the jackpot lottery random number R1 is a hard random number generated by a random number generator built in the CPU 411 of the main control unit 410, and has a numerical value range of 0 to 700 as an example. On the other hand, in addition to the jackpot lottery random number R1, other lottery random numbers can be determined by a counter-type soft random number that can be sequentially generated in the above-described game program.

In the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, as an example, the initial winning (first jackpot) can be determined as shown in the following table using the random numbers described above. For ease of understanding of the invention, the range of numerical value generation by the random number generator is 0 to 700. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is 2 bytes wide (0 to 65535) in implementation. ) In the range, and a specific range of numbers can be used as the winning number.

(Specific examples of multiple game specifications)
Here, a single gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used by switching a plurality of gaming specifications (each of which has a different hit probability). As described above, the game specifications can be switched by adopting a method in which game programs or game parameters related to all game specifications are stored in advance and switched by a flag or the like. It is also possible to adopt a method of appropriately downloading a game program having a required specification from the management computer 22 to each gaming machine.

Two or more arbitrary specifications can be adopted as the plurality of game specifications. Here, for convenience of understanding the present invention, the hit type has a low probability, but the MAX type has a large payout rate according to the hit, the middle type has a medium hit probability and the payout rate, and the hit probability has a high probability. A description will be given by taking, as an example, three specifications of a light type with a small payout rate corresponding to the hit.
The table below shows examples of specifications such as the hit probability and the payout rate.

Among the above game specifications, for example, the winning probability is adjusted or controlled so as to be a hit with an arbitrary probability using the random numbers in the above table. Furthermore, for each spec type, each game spec can be defined more finely by setting such as the number of hours after the big hit, the length of the number of ST (special time) games, and the probability variation entry rate.

  With reference to FIG. 4 again, prize ball control and game ball launch control will be described. In FIG. 4, a prize ball control unit 481 is connected to a prize ball motor 4811 and an external connection terminal 490 on the output side, and a main control unit 410 and a prize ball payout sensor 4812 are connected to the input side. The main control unit 410 and the prize ball control unit 481 are connected so as to be capable of one-way or two-way communication from the main control unit 410 to the prize ball control unit 481.

  The prize ball control unit 481 receives the game ball from the main control unit 410 when the “start port 1” sensor 431, the “start port 2” sensor 432, the big prize port sensor 433, or the normal prize port sensor 434 is detected. The prize ball motor 4811 is driven and controlled in accordance with the sent prize ball command, and the number of game balls set as the prize ball is paid out to the player.

  Although not shown, when there is a ball lending request (command) from the clearing apparatus, the player determines the number of game balls set as a lending ball by driving and controlling the award ball motor 4811 according to the ball lending request. Lend to.

  Further, the prize ball control unit 481 determines whether or not the number of game balls set as a prize ball has been paid out by detection of the game balls by the prize ball payout sensor 4812. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a game ball detection signal from the prize ball payout sensor 4812 is input to the main control unit 410. Or it can also be set as the structure input into both the main control part 410 and the prize ball control part 481. FIG.

  In the firing control unit 482, the firing unit 4821 is connected to the output side, and the firing stop instruction unit 4823, the operation detector 4824, and the touch sensor 4825 are connected to the input side.

  The role of the launch control unit 482 is to drive and control the launch unit 4821 that launches the game ball, and to change the launch intensity for launching the game ball according to the amount of operation of the rotating ring 3091 operated by the player.

  Furthermore, when the player gives an instruction to stop the launch of the game ball from the launch stop instruction unit 4823, the launch control unit 482 controls to stop the launch of the game ball.

(Management of selected game specs)
FIG. 5 shows an operation example of the gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As described above, a gaming machine in a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention can switch a plurality of gaming specifications to play a game. In one embodiment of the present invention, this switching is performed by a player's selection. Operate in a switchable manner. On the other hand, it is managed in the game system so that the assigned number of each specification in the game hall (or the entire game hall section loop across a plurality of stores) does not exceed the prescribed number.

In other words, in the gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention, the physical number of gaming machines capable of switching gaming specifications and the breakdown of each gaming specification in that number are determined, and if within that frame The player can freely select a spec from the currently available game specs for a free game machine.
This is also a major feature of the present invention. The system operation flow will be described below based on the above points.

  When system management (operation) is started in step S501 of FIG. 5, in step S502, a game specification selection / change request in the gaming machine is first waited (No loop in step S502).

Such a game specification selection or change request (request) is a method of storing game programs or game parameters of all specifications in advance in each gaming machine as described above (a method of switching by a flag), or the information management server 11. Alternatively, any method of appropriately downloading a game program having a required specification from the management computer 22 to each gaming machine may be employed.
In step S502, if there is a game specification selection or change request (Yes), the process proceeds to step S503.

  In step S502, a gaming machine and gaming specification reservation process can also be performed from the user terminal outside the gaming machine to the information management server 11 or the management computer 22 (described later with reference to FIG. 8).

  In step S503, in the information management server 11 or the management computer 22 that manages all the game specifications that can be provided in the game hall or a plurality of game hall groups, the requested game specifications are displayed in the request A check is made as to whether or not the game machine can be provided.

  As an example, the information management server 11 or the management computer 22 manages the provision status of such game specifications as shown in the table below.

In the above table, for example, it is possible to provide 20 each of the specifications of MAX, middle, and light, and at the present time, 5 types of MAX type are being provided (that is, the empty space is 15 as shown in the above table). 13 types are being provided for the middle type (that is, the vacant space is 7 units as shown in the above table), and 15 units are being provided for the light type (that is, the vacant space is above) It is for 5 cars as shown in the table).

  These managements can be managed for a part of the gaming machines in the gaming hall or for each gaming hall, or for the entire gaming hall group having a plurality of gaming halls.

  As another example, when the present invention is applied to 20 gaming machines 201a to 201t installed on both sides of the passage area 230b in the game hall shown in FIG. Alternatively, the management computer 22 can manage the application status of game specifications for each gaming machine as shown in the table below.

  In the above table, “maximum available number” represents the maximum number of game machines that can be provided for each game specification. In the above table, it is possible to provide 10 units for the MAX type, 6 units for the middle type, and 4 units for the light type. When the maximum number is provided, the total value is 20 units, installed on both sides of the passage area 230b. This corresponds to 20 gaming machines from 201a to 201t.

  In other words, it can be said that these “maximum available number” is the number of game program software licensed for each game specification. Actually, when a method of appropriately downloading a game program having a required specification from the information management server 11 or the management computer 22 to each gaming machine as described above is adopted, the number of licenses of the gaming program corresponding to each gaming specification is managed. It can also be used as a table.

  In the above table, the specification being provided is “-”, indicating that the gaming machine is currently unused. In the gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention, for example, when a certain gaming machine is not played and a certain time has elapsed, it is determined that the gaming machine is in an ungamed state and has been selected until then. By releasing the game specs, management control can be performed so that the game specs can be selected from other game machines.

  In the above table, regarding the gaming machines 201a to 201t installed on both sides of the aisle area 230b, the MAX type specs are selected for the six gaming machines 201a, 201b, 201l, 201o, 201p, and 201q, and the game is in progress. The middle type specs were selected for the four gaming machines 201c, 201m, 201r, and 201s, and the light type specs were selected for the three gaming machines 201g, 201h, and 201t. Playing.

Therefore, in the table above, specs for the MAX type can currently be selected with four more gaming machines, and specifications for the middle type can be selected with two more gaming machines, and specifications can be made for the light type. With regard to, it is a situation that can be selected with one more gaming machine.
These selectable empty specifications can be selected from seven gaming machines 201d, 201e, 201f, 201i, 201j, 201k, and 201n installed on both sides of the passage area 230b.

  In step S503, it is checked whether the requested game specification can be provided. If it is determined in step S504 that the requested game specification can be provided (Yes), the process proceeds to step S505. If not (No), step S507 is performed. , And a notification or notification to that effect is made at the requested gaming machine (for example, the gaming machine display unit n “the selected gaming spec is not available” is displayed). Alternatively, as described with reference to FIG. 6 and subsequent figures, the remaining number of selectable game specifications may be displayed in advance.

In step S505, since the provision status of game specifications for the gaming machine has changed, the management content on the management table is updated. For example, in the above table where the MAX type can be selected with four more gaming machines, if a gaming specification is started by selecting a gaming specification of the gaming machine 201d from the gaming machine 201d, a specification column corresponding to the gaming machine 201d is provided. Is updated from “−” to “MAX”.
Alternatively, when managing the available number, the available number (empty number), and the currently available number, 1 is subtracted from the MAX type available number (empty number), and the current MAX type Add 1 to the number of units being provided.

  In addition, for a game machine for which a game specification selection or change request has been made, if a method of pre-store game programs or game parameters of all specifications in the game machine is adopted, the flag of the target specification is set. When the game specification is permitted by turning it on, or when a download method is adopted, a game program of the target game specification from the information management server 11 or the management computer 22 to the game machine, etc. Or download as appropriate.

  In step S506, the update result is stored in the memory. In step S508, the update status is reflected or notified on the display unit of the gaming machine in the game hall. As a notification example in step S508, the display of the gaming machine that has newly selected the MAX type displays “MAX type has been selected” and also displays other gaming machines that have not yet been played. If the maximum number of MAX type is 1 or more, 1 is subtracted and displayed again. Alternatively, when the number of available MAX types becomes 0, the type may be hidden (or displayed but not selected).

  Next, proceeding to step S509, it is determined whether or not the operation of the gaming system is to be terminated (for example, when the game hall is closed for the day). If not, the process returns to step S502. In this case, the process proceeds to step S510, and this flow is finished.

FIG. 6 shows a screen display example of a gaming machine in the gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The display example shown in FIG. 6A is, in the above example, a display example when the gaming machine is currently in an unused state (a state where a specific game spec is not yet selected). It is. In the display unit 601 in FIG. 6, a comment 602 urging selection of a game specification, selectable game specifications 603 to 605, and free numbers of each game specification are shown in 606 to 608.
While watching the display on the display unit, the player can select a desired game specification by, for example, operating an arrow button or a decision button (not shown) and start a game.

  FIG. 6B shows a display example immediately after “MAX type” is selected as an example (corresponding to the display step in step S506 in FIG. 5). A notification message 609 is displayed on the display unit 601.

FIG. 7 shows a screen display example of a gaming machine in a gaming system according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A shows a selection screen displayed on the gaming machine by the player when switching to a game of another type specification during a game of the MAX type specification. The display unit 701 in FIG. 6A displays a message 702 for confirming the intention to change the game specification and selection areas 703 to 704 including a confirmation area (Yes (determination) area).
While watching the display on the display unit, the player confirms his intention by, for example, operating an arrow button or a decision button (not shown).

  FIG. 7B shows an example of a guidance screen immediately after operating “Yes” in FIG. In the display portion 701 in FIG. 5B, a message 705 for inducing change to another type and other types of selection areas 706 to 707 are displayed. Also shown are selectable numbers (empty numbers) 708 to 709 of each type at the present time. In this example, since the game has been played with MAX type specs so far, there is room for selection of other game types (middle type or light type), but in FIG. The selection area 707 is not selectable (the area is highlighted or displayed lightly).

  When canceling the specification change, it is possible to return to the previous screen or the like by selecting the return area 710 and pressing a decision button (not shown).

  FIG. 8 shows a screen display example of a user terminal that has accessed the gaming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a user terminal is included in the game system, and a game reservation can be made for a gaming machine that can switch game specifications at a specific game arcade from the user terminal.

  Such reservation acceptance processing and reservation management can be performed by a management server such as the information management server 11 or the management computer 22. In this case, as management items for the gaming machine that has accepted the reservation, an information item indicating which type of gaming specification is reserved, and a flag item indicating that the reservation is not currently used but are reserved.

In the display unit 82 installed on the upper surface of the casing unit 81 of the user terminal 80 shown in FIG. 8, a reservation page operated by a specific game arcade (“parlor J ² B ² ” as an example) is displayed. In the reserved time zone input field 821, after 11 o'clock is exemplarily specified, and the availability status for each model is shown in that time zone.

More specifically, it is shown in the status display area 825 for each model. As an example, for the model 822, any of the MAX type (825a), the middle type (825b), and the light type (825c) is reserved. Although it is possible, only the MAX type (825d) or the light type (825f) can be selected for the model 823 (in the figure, the middle type (825e) has zero free space). And cannot be selected).
Similarly, for the model 824, only the middle type (825h) or the light type (825i) can be selected (in the figure, the MAX type (825g) has zero free space, Selection is not possible).
As for models that can be played, advance reservations can be made with specifications that can be selected at the present time. As an example, if you want to make a reservation in advance for “Miracle Ogin” (a light-type game) shown in FIG. 8 as a model and specs that can be played after 11:00, tap 825c. When a reservation button 826 is pressed, a reservation is made in advance so that the model can be played as a light type after 11:00.

  Note that the hardware configuration of the user terminal as shown in FIG. 8 is approximately as follows. That is, the user terminal 80 includes a housing unit 81, a display unit 82, and a hardware button 83 provided in the lower center portion of the housing unit. The display unit 82 is typically composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like, and can display various information such as characters and images. Further, a menu button or a software keyboard is displayed on the display unit 82, and an instruction (command) to the user terminal 80 can be made by touching the button with a finger or a touch pen (not shown). In this respect, the hardware button 83 is not an essential component, but is implemented as a button having a certain function for convenience of explanation of the present invention. Of course, these hardware buttons 83 can be replaced with menu buttons displayed on a part of the display unit 82.

  The display unit 82 includes a multi-touch input panel, and touch input position coordinates on the touch input panel are transmitted to a processing system (CPU) of the user terminal 80 via an input device interface (not shown). And processed. And this multi-touch input panel is comprised so that the several contact point with respect to a panel can be sensed simultaneously. This detection (sensor) can be realized by various methods, and is not necessarily limited to the contact sensor. For example, an indication point for the panel can be extracted using an optical sensor. Furthermore, in addition to a contact sensor or an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor that senses contact with human skin can be used as the sensor.

  Moreover, although not appearing in FIG. 8, the user terminal 80 can also include a microphone and a speaker. In this case, it is possible to determine the voice of the user picked up from the microphone and use it as an input command. Further, although not shown in FIG. 8, a camera device such as a CMOS device is mounted on the back surface of the user terminal 80 (the surface on the opposite side of the display unit 82) (if necessary, on the display unit 82 side). Sub-cameras can be mounted on the same side surface).

  The operation of the user terminal 80 is realized by individual operations of hardware described below and a cooperative operation of these hardware and software.

  That is, the user terminal 80 as a whole hardware block is roughly divided into a hardware button 83, a multi-touch input panel provided on the display unit 82, an input unit including a microphone, a program, data, and the like. A storage unit composed of a hard disk, RAM and / or ROM, a central processing unit composed of a CPU that performs various numerical calculations and logical operations by a program, a display unit composed of a display unit 82, etc. A control unit for controlling the chip and the electrical system, a slot for accessing the Internet, a port for performing optical communication, and a communication interface unit including a communication interface, a speaker, a vibration, etc. Output unit, timing unit for measuring time, etc. and image sensor such as CMOS A sensor unit comprising, consists of a power supply unit for supplying power to each module in the system, these modules are connected by a suitable communication bus and power supply lines as necessary.

  Further, the program or software necessary for implementing the present invention is usually installed or stored in a hard disk or the like constituting the storage unit, and when executing the program or software, all or one of them is stored in the memory in the storage unit as necessary. The software module is read out as a software module and is executed by the CPU in the user terminal.

  It should be noted that the execution of the calculation is not necessarily performed by a central processing unit such as a CPU, and an auxiliary arithmetic unit such as a digital signal processor (DSP) (not shown) can also be used.

  As described above, the embodiments of the gaming system and the gaming program have been described based on the specific examples. However, the embodiment of the present invention includes a method or a program for implementing the system or the apparatus, and a storage medium on which the program is recorded. (As an example, an embodiment such as an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a magnetic tape, a hard disk, or a memory card) may be employed.

  Further, the implementation form of the program is not limited to an application program such as an object code compiled by a compiler and a program code executed by an interpreter, but may be a form of a program module incorporated in an operating system. good.

Furthermore, it is not always necessary for the program to be executed only by the CPU on the control board, but if necessary, an expansion board attached to the board or another processing unit (DSP or the like) mounted on the expansion unit. ) May be partly or wholly implemented.

These features are mutually exclusive for all of the components described in this specification (including claims, abstract, and drawings) and / or for all steps of all disclosed methods or processes. Except for the combination, any combination can be used.

  Also, each feature described in the specification (including the claims, abstract, and drawings) serves the same purpose, equivalent purpose, or similar purpose, unless expressly denied. Alternative features can be substituted. Thus, unless expressly denied, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of identical or equivalent features.

  Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to any specific configuration of the above-described embodiment. The invention includes all novel features or combinations thereof described in the specification (including claims, abstract and drawings), or all novel methods or process steps described, or Can be extended to any combination.

10 gaming system 11 information management server 12, 13 PC
14 Mobile phone 15 Tablet terminal 16, 17, 18 Public line 19 Internet 21 Game room 22 Management computer 23, 24, 25 Game machine 26, 27, 28 I / F unit

Claims (6)

A gaming system comprising a plurality of gaming machines and a management server to which the plurality of gaming machines are connected,
Each of the plurality of gaming machines is configured to be able to switch a plurality of gaming specifications, and for selecting one gaming specification from the plurality of gaming specifications from each of the plurality of gaming machines to the management server. Send a request,
The system is characterized in that the management server determines whether or not to allow a game with the selected game spec to the gaming machine to which the request is transmitted. The system according to claim 1, wherein the management server manages a total of a plurality of game specifications that can be provided to the plurality of gaming machines so as to match a number of the plurality of gaming machines. The gaming system further includes a user terminal,
3. The reservation server according to claim 1, wherein the management server performs reservation reception processing for the plurality of gaming machines configured to be able to switch the plurality of gaming specifications in the gaming system from the user terminal. system. A computer program executed in a gaming system comprising a plurality of gaming machines and a management server to which the plurality of gaming machines are connected, and when executed in the gaming system,
Configuring the plurality of gaming machines so that a plurality of gaming specifications can be switched respectively;
Sending each of the plurality of gaming machines a request for selecting one game specification from the plurality of game specifications to the management server;
Causing the management server to determine whether or not the gaming machine to which the request has been transmitted is permitted to play a game with the selected game specification. 5. The method further comprising: causing the management server to manage a total of a plurality of gaming specifications that can be provided to the plurality of gaming machines so as to match a number of the plurality of gaming machines. The program described in. The gaming system further includes a user terminal,
The step of causing the management server to perform reservation reception processing for the plurality of gaming machines configured to be able to switch the plurality of gaming specifications in the gaming system from the user terminal is further performed. The program according to 4 or 5.