JP2023128885A - Game parlor management system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game parlor management system capable of grasping an operation state of a game machine that is close to an end-of-game state, and capable of determining whether or not the game machine is to be reset when resetting of the game machine is possible.SOLUTION: A game parlor management system 1 for a game machine 2 that shifts to a jackpot state when a predetermined jackpot condition is established in a normal state, and shifts to an end-of-game state in which a game is not playable at the time point when a current value of a game value obtained by a player reaches a predetermined upper limit value specifies the game machine 2 in which a difference between a current value of a game value obtained by a player and an upper limit value is within a predetermined range as a game machine approaching an end-of-game state, determines whether or not a game state of the game machine approaching an end-of-game state is a normal state, and displays operation data indicating an operation state of the game machine approaching an end-of-game state determined to be in the normal state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a game hall management system.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, gaming machines suitable for so-called quantitative sales have been known, as described in, for example, Patent Document 1 below. Quantitative sales is a sales format that adopts what is called a "stop-start" approach. Under a fixed-price system, the game is forcibly terminated when the number of balls to be played reaches the upper limit. If sales are implemented on a fixed-quantity basis, it will be possible to suppress the excessive amount of balls played by a single gaming machine, and it will be possible to moderate the gambling nature.

JP2017-108880A

However, when a jackpot ends near the upper limit, even if a jackpot occurs again, only a small number of balls can be expected to be rolled out, so there is a high possibility that the player's motivation to continue playing will be lost and the game will be ended. The reality is that there are few players who want to play on gaming machines that are left close to the upper limit.

In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, the present invention provides a gaming hall management system that can grasp the operating status of a gaming machine that is about to be discontinued, and determine whether or not to reset the gaming machine if it is possible. This is what we provide.

The gaming hall management system of the present invention transitions to a jackpot state when a predetermined jackpot condition is met in a normal state, and a game failure when the current value of gaming value acquired by a player reaches a predetermined upper limit. This system targets gaming machines that transition to a possible stop state.

The gaming hall management system of the present invention identifies a gaming machine in which the difference between the current value of the gaming value acquired by the player and the upper limit value is within a predetermined range as a gaming machine approaching a stop, and Determine whether the state is normal. This gaming hall management system includes a display means for displaying operating data indicating the operating status of the close-to-stop gaming machine determined to be in the normal state.

The gaming hall management system of the present invention checks the operating data of a gaming machine in a normal state where the current value of gaming value acquired by a player is close to the upper limit value, and then determines which gaming machine to use. This is a useful management system that allows you to understand how much operation is occurring.

FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing the configuration of a gaming hall management system. A front view of a pachinko game machine and a score processing device. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko gaming machine and a score processing device. A front view of the game information display device. A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a game information display device. An explanatory diagram of data for each gaming machine managed and displayed by the management device. An explanatory diagram of jackpot history data managed and displayed by the management device. An explanatory diagram of stop approach table data managed and displayed by the management device. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of discontinuation summary data managed and displayed by the management device. The front view of the display screen during the game by the game information display device. The front view of the display screen of the game information display device during cancellation. The front view of the display screen of the game information display device that has been reset to stop.

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described using the following examples.
(Example 1)
In this example, when a predetermined jackpot condition is met in the normal state, the state shifts to the jackpot state, and when the current value of the gaming value acquired by the player reaches a predetermined upper limit value (referred to as the stop value). This is an example related to a gaming hall management system 1 that targets a gaming machine 2 that transitions to a discontinued state in which play is not possible. In this gaming hall management system 1, by checking the operating data of the gaming machine 2 that has been left in a state where the current value of the gaming value acquired by the player is close to the stop value, it is possible to determine how much the gaming machine 2 has been operated since then. It is now possible to determine whether this occurs. This content will be explained using FIGS. 1 to 12.

In a game hall to which the game hall management system 1 of this example is applied, a score processing device 4 and A game information display device 3 and the like are individually installed. Furthermore, one relay device 109 is installed for every two gaming machines 2. A management device 10 for managing various equipment in the game hall is installed in a management space within the game hall. Furthermore, the gaming hall is provided with a prize exchange counter (not shown) and a prize exchange terminal for exchanging the gaming values acquired by players for prizes.

The management device 10 is a computer device that manages the operating status of all the devices (gaming machines 2, score processing device 4, game information display device 3, etc.) installed in the gaming hall. The management device 10 transmits various setting information necessary for the operation of each device to each device. The management device 10 has a function of collecting, storing, and managing operating data representing the gaming status of each gaming machine 2, player's gaming history data, and the like.

The gaming history data includes the player's deposit balance, the number of points representing the gaming value acquired by the player, and the like. In the gaming hall, each player's ownership value is managed in association with the gaming card. The management device 10 stores, as card information, information on a player's ownership value associated with a card ID, which is identification information of a game card.

The relay device 109 is a terminal device that relays data transmission and reception between the score processing device 4 and game information display device 3 and the management device 10. As mentioned above, one relay device 109 is installed for every two gaming machines.

The game information display device 3 is a display device that is individually installed for each gaming machine 2. This game information display device 3 is installed above the corresponding gaming machine 2. The game information display device 3 creates and displays various types of display information based on various types of game information output from the corresponding gaming machines 2. Note that the gaming information display device 3 receives various gaming information of the corresponding gaming machine 2 from the score processing device 4 via the relay device 109.

The gaming machine 2 is a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine 21 or a pachislot gaming machine (not shown). The gaming machine 2 transmits various gaming information (consumed gaming value information, awarded gaming value information, jackpot occurrence information, etc.) to the score processing device 4. In this example, an enclosed pachinko game machine 21 is illustrated as an example of the game machine 2, in which the game is played by consuming points, which are game values, and firing game balls, which are game media. In the pachinko game machine 21, points constituting gaming value are awarded in accordance with the winning of a game ball in any of the winning holes. The above-mentioned consumed game value information and awarded game value information in the pachinko gaming machine 21 are consumed game point information or awarded game point information.

The score processing device 4 is installed individually for each gaming machine 2, and performs score-related processing such as assigning points necessary for a game and issuing a game card (an example of a recording medium not shown) on which scores are recorded. This is a device that performs This score processing device 4 is arranged on the side of the gaming machine 2, in a gap between adjacent gaming machines 2. In the explanation of this example, the points that have already been counted will be referred to as "possession points," and the points that can be used in a game will be referred to as "game points." The total score is the total score of the number of points owned and the number of game points.

In a gaming hall, an in-house network 100 such as a wired LAN is constructed to which various devices are communicably connected. A score processing device 4, a game information display device 3, and the like, which are communicably connected to the gaming machine 2, are connected to an on-site network 100 via a relay device 109. In the on-site network 100, various communications between peripheral devices of the gaming machine 2, such as the score processing device 4 and the game information display device 3, and the management device 10 are realized via a relay device 109.

Next, (A) the configuration and basic operation of the gaming machine and the score processing device, (B) the configuration and management data of the management device, and (C) the configuration and display screen of the game information display device will be explained in order.

(A) Configuration and basic operation of gaming machine and score processing device A pachinko gaming machine 21 (FIG. 2), which is an example of a gaming machine 2, consumes (uses) gaming points (scores), which are gaming value, and sells gaming media. This is a game machine in which games are played by shooting a certain game ball. The exemplified pachinko game machine 21 is a so-called seven machine in which a jackpot lottery is executed in response to winnings in a special figure start opening 221, and when a jackpot is won, a jackpot symbol is displayed and a jackpot state occurs.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko game machine 21 has a generally circular game area (game board) 210. Decorative lamp sections 242 are provided at the top of the game area 210 on both left and right sides, and speakers 241 are placed at the bottom and left side of the game area 210. Furthermore, an information display section 25 is provided below the gaming area 210, and an operation handle 26 is provided at the lower right of the information display section 25.

The information display unit 25 is constituted by a liquid crystal display, and various information such as various game information related to the game such as the number of jackpots and the number of special drawings are displayed on the display screen. The display screen of the information display unit 25 is a touch-operable display screen in which sheet-like touch panels 251 (FIG. 3) are stacked. The display contents of the information display section 25 can be switched according to a touch operation on the display screen.

The display screen of the information display unit 25 displays the total number of game points, such as game points received from the score processing device 4 and game points based on points awarded in response to winnings. The game score is subtracted by one point each time a game ball is fired, and a predetermined game point (score) is added in accordance with the winning of the game ball into the prize opening. In the pachinko game machine 21, when the game score reaches zero, the game ball cannot be fired.

The game area 210 is an area where game balls, which are game media, flow down. In the game area 210, a display device including a symbol display section 24 is placed near the center, and an out hole 225 is provided at the bottom for collecting game balls that have flown down without winning a prize. The special figure starting hole 221 is arranged below the symbol display section 24, and a big winning hole 222 is provided between the special figure starting hole 221 and the out hole 225.

On the left side of the symbol display section 24 as viewed from the player's side, a passing gate-type common symbol starting opening 223 and the like are arranged. The normal figure starting port 223 is a gate for detecting passage of a game ball. A payout (prize ball) of game balls is not set in the normal pattern starting port 223 which only allows game balls to pass through. When a game ball is detected by the regular symbol starting port 223, a random number for lottery for determining the validity of the regular symbols (hereinafter referred to as the regular symbol lottery) is extracted, and the regular symbol lottery is executed. The success or failure of the common symbol lottery is displayed by the symbol display section 24.

The special figure starting opening 221 is a variable winning opening that is equipped with an electric tulip (electric accessory) and serves as a trigger for determining the validity of a special symbol (hereinafter referred to as special figure lottery). The electric tulip is released upon winning the regular drawing lottery, and the winning rate of the special drawing opening 221 is greatly increased. When a game ball enters the special figure starting slot 221 (starting winning), a random number for a special figure lottery is extracted, and a special figure lottery (jackpot lottery) is executed.

The symbol display section 24 is a display section that variably displays symbols on a liquid crystal display. The symbol display section 24 has a function as a special symbol display section that displays the success or failure of the special symbol lottery (lottery result), and a function as a regular symbol display section that displays the success or failure of the general symbol lottery (lottery result). are doing. If you win in the special drawing lottery, a jackpot including opening of the jackpot 222 will occur.

The pachinko gaming machine 21 is mainly configured with a main control section 20 as shown in FIG. The main control unit 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 204 which are storage elements, and an I/O (Input/Output) 205 which forms an input/output interface. It is equipped with

The storage area of the RAM 204 stores game points that represent the number of game balls that can be fired, and the number of points that is the current value of the gaming value that the player has acquired and is used to determine whether to stop (current score number to be described later). A storage area is provided for storing information, preset stop values, and the like. The main control unit 20 including the RAM 204 has a function as a gaming value storage means and a stop value storage means. The stop value is a value set by the setting operation section 23, which will be described later.

The pachinko game machine 21 of this example can be set to either a fixed-rate mode with so-called stoppages or an unlimited fixed-rate mode without stoppages. It is also possible to provide a storage area of flag data corresponding to the operation mode in the storage area of the RAM 204, and it is also possible to set an unlimited quantity mode by setting a sufficiently large stop value. In this case, there is no need to provide a storage area corresponding to the operation mode.

The main control unit 20 includes an information display unit 25, a touch panel 251, a performance control unit 291, sensors 293 to 295 for winning game balls, a special figure starting solenoid 296 that opens a special figure starting opening (electric chew) 221, A large winning opening solenoid 297 that opens the large winning opening 222, a power supply circuit section 298 for power supply, a setting operation section 23, etc. are electrically connected. Further, an I/F section 200 that serves as a communication window with the score processing device 4 is electrically connected to the main control section 20 .

The effect control section 291 is electrically connected to an amplifier 241A that drives the speaker 241 and a decorative lamp section 242, and is also communicably connected to a display control section 292 that controls the display screen of the symbol display section 24. There is.

As detection sensors for winning game balls, there is a special figure winning sensor 293 that detects a winning in the special figure starting hole 221, a common figure winning sensor 294 that detects a winning in the regular figure starting hole 223, and a special figure winning sensor 294 that detects a winning in the general figure starting hole 223, and a special figure winning sensor 294 that detects a winning in the general figure starting hole 223, and a special figure winning sensor 294 that detects a winning in the general figure starting hole 223. There is a big prize sensor 295 that detects winnings.

The setting operation section 23 is an operation section for performing various settings. The setting operation section 23 is provided inside the game machine main body, and becomes operable when the game board surface is opened forward. According to the setting operation unit 23, a setting operation for setting one of, for example, six levels of setting values with different jackpot probabilities, an operation for setting a stop value, and a number of points to be determined as a stop value (described later) can be performed. You can perform a reset operation to reset the current score to zero, etc. Note that the stop value may be set under the control of the management device 10. The reset operation may also be performed by remote control by the management device 10.

The pachinko game machine 21 transmits various types of game information to the score processing device 4 in accordance with the execution of games that consume game points. The game information output by the pachinko game machine 21 includes various information that differs depending on the model. For example, the pachinko game machine 21 of this example transmits the following game information to the score processing device 4. The game information output by the pachinko game machine 21 is transmitted to the relay device 109, the management device 10, the game information display device 3, etc. via the score processing device 4.

・Consumed game point information: Information indicating the number of game points consumed in a game.
-Awarded game points information: Information indicating the number of game points awarded for winning.
・Start information: Information indicating that the jackpot lottery has been executed.
・Jackpot information: Information indicating a jackpot condition.
- Definitely variable information: Information indicating that it is in a definitely variable state.
- Discontinuation information: Information indicating that the status has shifted to the discontinuation state.
- Reset information: Information indicating that the discontinued state has been resolved and reset.

A score processing device 4 corresponding to each pachinko game machine 21 is installed in a space between adjacent pachinko game machines 21 (see FIG. 1). This score processing device 4 has a function (lending function) of giving game points (scores) which are the right to shoot game balls.

On the front surface of the score processing device 4 (see FIG. 2), there is a status lamp 41 that displays operating status such as device errors, a bill insertion slot 420, a display section 43 with a touch panel laminated to a liquid crystal display screen that can be operated by touch, and a display section 43 that can be operated by touch. A lending button 44 is used to receive the loan of game points necessary for the game in response to a withdrawal, a replay button 45 is used to convert the points that have already been counted into game points, and a return button 46 is used to request the return of the game card. , a card insertion slot 470, etc. are provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the score processing device 4 is electrically configured around a control unit 40 including a CPU 401, ROM 402, RAM 403, I/O 404, and the like. In addition to the above-mentioned components, a banknote processing section 42, a card processing section 47, and an I/F section 400 are electrically connected to the control section 40. The score processing device 4 can communicate with the relay device 109 via the I/F section 400, and is also directly connected to the corresponding pachinko game machine 21.

Next, the basic operations of the pachinko gaming machine 21 and the score processing device 4 will be explained. When the pachinko game machine 21 receives game points (scores) from the corresponding score processing device 4, it becomes able to fire game balls equal to the number of game points. The pachinko game machine 21 subtracts the game score by one ball each time a game ball is fired, and when a winning occurs, adds a score corresponding to the winning to the gaming score. In the pachinko game machine 21, when the game score reaches zero, the game ball cannot be fired and the game cannot be continued.

In the pachinko game machine 21, by operating the operation handle 26, game balls can be fired from a firing device (not shown) disposed at the upper left of the game area 210. When the game ball enters the special pattern start opening 221, a special pattern lottery (jackpot lottery) is executed, and the pattern display section 24 starts changing the pattern of the special pattern.

When winning in the special drawing lottery, a jackpot symbol such as 777 is stopped and displayed on the symbol display section 24 to notify the jackpot, and the state shifts to the jackpot state. In the jackpot state, the jackpot 222 is opened a predetermined number of times, thereby greatly improving the winning rate.

In addition, when a prize is entered into the common symbol start opening 223, a common symbol lottery is executed, and symbol fluctuation of the common symbol is started on the symbol display section 24. When winning the general drawing lottery, that effect is notified on the symbol display section 24, and the electric tulip of the special drawing opening 221 is opened, making it easier to win the prize through the special drawing starting opening 221.

The gaming states of the pachinko game machine 21 include, in addition to the above-mentioned jackpot state, a normal state and a variable probability state. The variable probability state is a hot state in which the winning probability of the special pattern judgment and the general pattern judgment is higher than in the normal state, and the expectation of a jackpot is high. In the illustrated pachinko game machine 21, after the end of the jackpot state, there is a probability of 70% to shift to the variable probability state, and a probability of 30% to shift to the normal state. Note that while playing the pachinko game machine 21, it is possible to view various game data (number of jackpots, number of special drawings, etc.) according to a touch operation on the information display section 25.

In the pachinko game machine 21, as described above, the game parlor can arbitrarily set either the fixed amount mode or the non-fixed amount mode. The quantitative mode is an operation mode in which the game is forcibly stopped when the current value of points (gaming value) acquired by the player reaches the upper limit. The unlimited quantity mode is an operation mode in which unlimited games can be played from the start to the end of the business.

In the quantitative system mode, when the current value of points earned by the player reaches a stop value, which is a predetermined upper limit, the game is stopped and the game enters a stop state. The stopped state is a state in which it is impossible to continue the game, that is, a state in which the game ball cannot be fired. The current value of the points earned by the player is, for example, the minimum difference score (an example of the difference number) when the score obtained by subtracting the consumed points from the points awarded since the start of business, and the latest difference score. This is the number of points specified by the difference between the current value of a certain point difference and the current value of the point difference. Hereinafter, the current value of points earned by the player will be referred to as the current score number. In the pachinko game machine 21 of this example, 30,000 points is set as the above-mentioned stop value, and the fixed-rate mode is thereby set. When setting the unlimited quantity mode, it is sufficient to set a sufficiently large value as the stop value.

When a predetermined reset operation is performed on the setting operation section 23 in the stopped state, the current score is reset to zero, and the game returns to the playable state. In this way, the setting operation section 23 serves as an example of a reset means for resetting the above-mentioned current score, which is an example of the current value of the gaming value acquired by the player, to zero. As mentioned above, since the setting operation section 23 is provided inside the gaming machine main body, in order to operate it, it is necessary to open the gaming board surface to the front.

When ending a game on the pachinko game machine 21, it is necessary to count the game points stored in the pachinko game machine 21. In order to count the game points, a counting button (not shown) displayed on the information display section 25 may be touched (counting operation). According to the counting operation, game points are transmitted to the score processing device 4, and the game points are subtracted. Game points are transmitted one by one by a short touch counting operation, and all game points are transmitted at once by a long touch (continuous touch) counting operation. In the score processing device 4, the game points received from the pachinko game machine 21 are converted into points. The game score stored in the pachinko game machine 21 becomes zero upon completion of transmission to the score processing device 4.

The score processing device 4 receives various game information from the corresponding pachinko game machine 21, aggregates and stores operational data, and also transmits the operational data to the management device 10 and the game information display device 3 via the relay device 109 at any time. Send. The score processing device 4 also transmits information on the player's ownership value, such as the player's deposit balance and the number of points he or she owns, to the management device 10 at any time. Note that the score processing device 4 receives and stores various setting information (gaming machine number, model name, point unit price, etc.) from the management device 10.

The operation data compiled by the score processing device 4 includes, for example, the following data.
(1) Number of jackpots: The number of times a jackpot condition occurs (number of consecutive wins).
(2) Start between jackpots: The number of starts (the current number of starts), which is the number of jackpot drawings since the end of the previous jackpot state.
(3) Cumulative starts today: Cumulative number of starts since the store opened on that day.
(4) Number of points: The number of points that have already been counted out of the points that the player has acquired.
(5) Difference points: Points obtained by subtracting the consumed points from the points awarded from the start of business.

When the score processing device 4 receives a bill, it adds the amount of the bill to the deposited balance and stores it. The upper limit of the deposit balance is 10,000 yen. When a game card is accepted, the card ID, which is the identification information of the game card, is correlated and compared with the card information stored in the management device 10. Then, when the verification result is OK, the score processing device 4 displays the deposit balance and the number of points related to the card information.

The score processing device 4 converts the player's deposit balance, accumulated balls, and points into game points in response to the player's request such as operation of the lending button 44, and transmits the game points to the corresponding pachinko game machine 21. For example, when the lending button 44 is operated, each fixed amount (for example, 1000 yen) is converted into game points (250 points) and sent to the pachinko game machine 21. For example, when the replay button 45 is operated, the points you have are converted into game points by 250 points and sent to the pachinko gaming machine 21, allowing you to play again using the points you have (replay processing).

The score processing device 4 stores and displays the number of points, such as the number of points owned, the number of game points, and the total number of points, which is the total number of points and the number of game points. The score processing device 4 receives score addition information and subtraction information from the corresponding pachinko gaming machine 21, and updates the stored number of scores. Then, in accordance with the update of the score, score information is transmitted to the relay device 109.

When the return button 46 is operated in a state where at least one of the deposit balance and the number of points is present, the score processing device 4 records the deposit balance and the number of points on a game card and issues the same. The game points stored in the pachinko game machine 21 are not recorded on the game card, but remain stored on the game machine side. Note that the score processing device 4 has a built-in card stocker and can stock up to 10 game cards.

(B) Configuration of Management Device and Management Data The management device 10 (FIG. 1), as described above, is a device that manages various devices installed in the gaming hall. In particular, the management device 10 of this example is capable of displaying various operating data regarding discontinuation of gaming machines 2 under fixed-price sales.

The management device 10 is a device that includes output means such as a PC monitor such as a liquid crystal display, a printer (not shown), a device body that executes various calculation processes, and input means such as a keyboard and a mouse (not shown). . The main body of the apparatus includes communication means for transmitting and receiving various signals or information, storage means such as a hard disk drive, and the like.

The management device 10 receives various game information from the score processing device 4, the game information display device 3, and the like. The management device 10 generates and manages various data based on the received gaming information and the like. The management device 10 is capable of displaying various data useful for game hall management on a PC monitor or outputting them as printouts.

The management device 10 realizes, for example, the following functions (1) to (9) as means.
(1) Operation data generation means: means for generating operation data of each gaming machine 2 installed in the gaming hall.
(2) Current value aggregation means: A means for aggregating the current value of the points (gaming value) obtained by the player as the current number of points. As mentioned above, the current score is, for example, the score specified by the difference between the minimum difference score, which is the minimum difference score obtained by subtracting the consumed points from the points awarded from the start of business, and the current difference score. It is.
(3) Upper limit value setting means: means for setting a discontinuation value (for example, an upper limit value such as 30,000 points) at which a discontinuation state is entered upon discontinuation.
(4) Identifying means: Identifying a gaming machine 2 in which the difference between the current score, which is an example of the current value of points earned by the player, and the stop value is within a predetermined range, as a game machine that is close to stopping. means to do. In this example, 3000 points are set as the predetermined range.
(5) Gaming state determining means: means for determining whether the gaming state of the close-to-stop gaming machine is the normal state.
(6) Operation determination means: means for determining whether the close-to-stop game machine determined to be in the normal state is in operation or in non-operation.
(7) Re-operation determining means: means for determining whether the close-to-stop gaming machine that was determined to be out of operation has since restarted.
(8) Re-operation rate calculation means: Means for calculating the ratio of the number of close-to-close game machines determined to be in operation again to the number of close-to-close game machines determined to be out of operation.
(9) Display means: means for displaying operating data representing the operating status of the game machine that is determined to be in a normal state.

Management data by the management device 10 will be explained. The management data includes data for each game machine (FIG. 6), jackpot history data (FIG. 7), close-to-stop data (FIG. 8), total stop data (FIG. 9), and the like. The management device 10 displays these management data on a PC monitor or prints them out. The contents of each management data will be explained below.

(Data by gaming machine)
The gaming machine-specific data in FIG. 6 is operation data of each gaming machine 2 displayed in a list by machine number, which is identification information of the gaming machine 2. The contents of the data items in the figure are as follows.

・Consumed points = Points consumed in the game. Equal to the number of balls fired.
・Score awarded = Points awarded for winning a prize.
・Start = Number of fluctuations in special drawings under normal conditions (number of jackpot draws).
・Jackpot = Number of jackpot occurrences.
・Stop = Number of times stop occurs.
・Reset = Number of resets for stopping.
・Current score = Difference between the minimum difference score (number of points awarded - number of points consumed) and the current value of the difference score.
When the current value of the difference score is the minimum value of the difference score, the current score becomes 0.
- Unplayable = Y: Discontinued state (playable state), N: Gameable state

Based on the data for each gaming machine illustrated in FIG. 6, the following operating status can be grasped, for example. The first machine was discontinued once, then reset and is currently in operation. For the No. 3 machine, after the first stop reset, a second stop occurs, and it remains in the stop state without being reset. Number 4 is a gaming machine that is close to a stop and has only 1019 points left (upper price 30000 points - current score 2891 points = 1019 points).

(Jackpot history data)
The jackpot history data in FIG. 7 is data representing the history of jackpot occurrences for a specific gaming machine. The jackpot history data in the figure is, for example, data of the gaming machine 2 with machine number 123. The jackpot history data is individually managed for each gaming machine 2 installed in the gaming hall. The states in the figure indicate whether the gaming state when a jackpot occurs is a normal state or a variable probability state.

According to the jackpot history data shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to grasp the occurrence status of the jackpot until it is canceled. For example, in the case of the same figure, No. 1 occurred under normal conditions at time 10:05. It can be seen that the probability change state occurs continuously with the jackpot number 1 as a trigger. After that, there were 15 jackpots under variable conditions, making a total of 16 consecutive wins, which ended at 11:55 p.m.

(Stop approach table data)
The near-stop machine data in FIG. 8 is data that extracts machine numbers of gaming machines that are near-stop and have less than 3000 points remaining, and displays the operating data of each near-stop game machine in a list. According to the stop approaching table data, it is possible to check the operating status of the gaming machine 2 which is approaching the stop. Each item in the figure is as follows.

・Status = Current gaming state (normal state, variable probability state, jackpot state)
・Operating = N (non-operating) / Y (operating)
If the deposit balance and the number of points are zero and the points are not consumed for a certain period of time or more, it is determined to be non-operating (N).

According to the stop approaching data in FIG. 8, it can be seen that, for example, number 4 is in a normal state with 1019 points remaining at the stop, and the operation is stopped. Further, for example, the number 11 is reset after the first stop, and the current score is 27,635 points, and it can be seen that there will be 2,365 points remaining after the second stop.

In addition, the management device 10 extracts the game machines whose status is "normal", the game machine whose status is "probably variable", the game machine whose operation status is "N", and the game machine whose operation status is "Y" from the game machine data that is approaching the stop. Can be displayed as a list. Furthermore, the management device 10 determines the number of machines that have stopped operating in a normal state among the approaching-stop machines (gaming machines that are approaching a stop), and the number of machines that have started operating above a certain level again, and the number of machines that have not started operating above a certain level. It is also possible to specify each of them and calculate their respective proportions.

(discontinuation aggregate data)
The discontinuation summary data in FIG. 9 is data that displays various types of discontinuation-related summary data for each model of gaming machine 2. This discontinuation aggregate data is useful for understanding discontinuation trends for each model. Each item in the figure is as follows.

・Number of discontinued units = Number of units that discontinued at least once out of the total number of units ・Total number of units = Total number of discontinuations that occurred ・Discontinued rate = Number of discontinued units/total number of units (%)
・Reset = Number of times the game was reset after being canceled ・Cancelled replays = Number of machines where 2000 points or more were consumed among reset machines ・Replay rate = Games after being canceled/reset (%)
・Re-stopping rate = (Total number of times - Stopping occurred) / Reset (%)

(C) Game Information Display Device The game information display device 3 (FIGS. 1 and 4) is a device that displays various information regarding the corresponding gaming machine 2. The gaming information display device 3 receives various setting information and information regarding the corresponding gaming machine 2 from the management device 10, and also receives various gaming information regarding the corresponding gaming machine 2 from the score processing device 4. Then, the game information display device 3 creates and displays various types of display information based on the received setting information, game information, and the like. Note that the game information display device 3 receives setting information, game information, etc. via the relay device 109.

The setting information received from the management device 10 includes, for example, the model name of the corresponding gaming machine 2, the machine number serving as identification information, and gaming performance such as jackpot probability and number of jackpot balls. The game information of the corresponding gaming machine 2 received from the score processing device 4 includes, for example, information such as the number of jackpot drawings (number of starts), the number of jackpots, the number of game points, the number of points held, and the like.

The game information display device 3 includes a liquid crystal display section 33 made of a large liquid crystal display. A call button 341, a remote control light receiving section 347, a group of various operation buttons 345, etc. are arranged on the lower side of the screen 330 of the liquid crystal display section 33, and a lamp section 32 is arranged so as to surround the upper half.

As shown in FIG. 5, the game information display device 3 is electrically configured with a control section 30 as its center. The control unit 30 includes a CPU 301 that executes software and performs various calculations, a ROM 302/RAM 304 as memory means, and an I/O unit 305 that inputs and outputs signals. The control unit 30 includes an I/F unit 308 that transmits and receives signals to and from the outside, a liquid crystal display unit 33, a lamp unit 32 that has an employee call function, a call button 341, a group of operation buttons 345, and a remote control light receiver. 347, etc. are electrically connected.

The game information display device 3 has functions as the following means.
(1) Discontinuation determining means: means for determining whether the gaming machine 2 has transitioned to a discontinued state. The control unit 30 serving as a stop determination means determines whether the pachinko game machine 21 has entered the stop state based on the above stop information outputted by the pachinko game machine 21.
(2) Reset determining means: means for determining whether the current score (an example of the current value) has been reset.
(3) Discontinuation information display means: means for displaying discontinuation information regarding the occurrence of a discontinuation state based on the determination result by the above discontinuation determining means.
(4) Reset information display means: means for displaying reset information regarding resetting the current score based on the determination result by the reset determination means.
(5) Approach determination means: means for determining whether the difference between the current score and the stop value (an example of an upper limit value) has approached within a predetermined range (3000 points in this example).
(6) Termination notice information display means: When the approach determination means determines that the difference between the current score and the termination value approaches within a predetermined range (3000 points in this example), the gaming machine 2 Means for displaying discontinuation notice information for notifying the transition to a discontinued state.

Among the above-mentioned means, each means (1), (2), and (5) is realized by the control unit 30 by, for example, executing a software program read from the ROM 302 by the CPU 301. Each of the means (4) and (6) is realized by the liquid crystal display section 33 that displays various information.

The game information display device 3 can display various types of game information of the corresponding gaming machine 2. The configuration of the display screen and display contents by the game information display device 3 will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

Examples of the display on the screen 330 by the game information display device 3 include a display screen during the game (FIG. 10), a display screen under the stopped state (FIG. 11), and a display screen when the stop has been reset (FIG. 12). explain. The display screens shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 have the same screen specifications, but have different game situations.

At the left end of each display screen, from the top, today's jackpot number display column 361, previous day's jackpot number display column 362, two days ago jackpot number display column 363, current start display column 364, and cumulative start display column 365 are arranged. . A graph display field 360 for displaying a difference score transition graph, which is a so-called slump graph, is arranged on the right side and above these display fields, and a message display field 368 is arranged below the graph display field 360.

The current start display column 364 is a display column for the current start, which is the number of starts from the start of business, and is the number of starts that is reset to zero and restarts the accumulation every time a jackpot ends. The cumulative start display column 365 is a display column for displaying the cumulative number of starts since the start of business.

The difference score transition graph represents the change in the difference score (number of points awarded - number of points consumed) from the start of business in the form of a graph of a line. In the difference score transition graph, the difference between the lowest point (minimum difference score) and the current (most recent) difference score is displayed as the current score. For example, on the display screen during the game (Figure 10), the current score is displayed as 26,530 points, and the remaining score, which is the difference in points until the game is stopped, is displayed as 3,470 points (30,000 points - 26,530 points). ing. Note that when the current score difference is the minimum, the current score is displayed as zero.

The display screen during the game (Figure 10) shows that the stopping value, which is the upper limit for stopping, is 30,000 points, the current score (26,530 points), the remaining points at stopping (3,470 points), and the jackpot 1. Data such as the average number of points difference per game (1980 points) is displayed in the message display column 368.

On the display screen (FIG. 11) while the game is stopped, the current score is displayed as 30,000 points. This 30,000 points is a termination value that is the upper limit of the current score, and it can be seen that the current score has reached the termination value, indicating that the game has been terminated. In addition, on the display screen during suspension (FIG. 11), a message is displayed in the message display field 368 informing that the game is suspended and the game cannot be played.

The discontinued reset display screen (FIG. 12) is a screen that is displayed when the current score is reset to zero and the game becomes possible. A message indicating that the stoppage has been reset and the game can now be played is displayed in the message display column 368 of the display screen indicating that the stoppage has been reset.

As described above, the gaming hall management system 1 of this example transitions to the jackpot state when a predetermined jackpot condition is satisfied in the normal state, and the current score, which is an example of the current value of the gaming value acquired by the player. This system targets a gaming machine 2 that is discontinued when the number reaches a predetermined upper limit value (in this example, a discontinuation value of 30,000 points is exemplified) and shifts to a discontinued state in which play is not possible.

This game hall management system 1 closes a game machine 2 in which the difference between the current number of points, which is the current value of the gaming value acquired by the player, and the stop value is within a predetermined range (3000 points in this example). It is identified as a gaming machine, and it is determined whether the gaming state of the game machine approaching a stop is in the normal state. The gaming hall management system 1 is capable of displaying operating data indicating the operating status of the game machines that are determined to be in the normal state.

In this way, the gaming hall management system 1 of this example collects operating data of the gaming machine 2 that has been left in a state where the current number of points, which is the current value of the gaming value acquired by the player, is close to the stop value. By checking this, it is a useful management system that allows you to understand how much operation will occur thereafter.

Furthermore, the gaming hall management system 1 of this example includes an operation determining means for determining whether the stop-approach gaming machine determined to be in the normal state is in operation or in non-operation. The management device 10 as a display means can display operation data including the determination result by the operation determination means. If the jackpot ends near the end when the number of remaining points is low, the reward is small even if the jackpot occurs again, so the reality is that many players stop playing without playing at the end. be. If the operating data including the determination result of whether the game machine approaching a stop is in operation or not is displayed, it becomes possible to grasp the operating rate of the game machine approaching a stop, and whether or not the game machine should be reset. You can obtain useful guidelines for managing a game hall.

Furthermore, the gaming hall management system 1 includes a re-operation determining means for determining whether the stop-approximate game machine determined to be out of operation by the operation determining means has subsequently restarted, and A re-operation rate that calculates a re-operation rate which is the ratio of the number of game machines that are determined to have restarted by the re-operation determination means to the number of game machines that have been determined to be in operation. It is equipped with a calculation means. Once the re-operation rate is known, it becomes possible to understand the trends in gaming after gaming machines are discontinued.

The gaming machine 2 includes a reset means for resetting the current score, which is the current value of the gaming value, to zero. By resetting the current score to zero, it becomes possible to restart the stopped game machine. By promoting the reactivation of discontinued gaming machines in this manner, the operating rate of gaming machines in the entire gaming hall can be improved.

In this example, the current value of the gaming value acquired by the player is the minimum value of the difference score (difference number), which is the difference between safe (points awarded) and out (points consumed), and the current value of the difference score. The current score number specified based on the difference is illustrated. Based on the current number of points, the timing of stopping can be determined with high accuracy.

Instead of or in addition to the configuration of this embodiment, the following configuration may also be adopted. Further, it is also good to employ a combination of the following configurations as appropriate.
In the configuration of this example, the current value of the gaming value is determined by the minimum value of difference points, which is the difference between the points awarded for winning (safe) and the points consumed (out), and the current value of the difference points. Although it was specified based on the difference, it is not limited to this. The current value of the gaming value may be the cumulative value of points awarded for winning (safe) or the difference between the points awarded for winning (safe) and the consumed points (out).

The current value of the gaming value (in this example, the current number of points is exemplified) stored in the gaming machine 2 may be resettable before the occurrence of a stoppage. This makes it possible to reset the current value of the game machine whose operation is stopped in a state where the end is approaching, and to promote the operation of the game machine 2. In this case, it is desirable to output different reset information depending on whether the reset is performed before termination or when the reset is performed in the termination state.

When the remaining points at the end of the game become less than a predetermined value, the end of game notice information may be output. In addition, when a jackpot occurs, the predicted current value, which is the current number of points expected at the end of the jackpot, is predicted, and if the predicted current value exceeds the stop value (upper limit), stop notice information is provided. You may also output it.

In this example, a configuration is exemplified in which the game ball cannot be fired when the state shifts to the stopped state, but the stopped state may be any state as long as it is not possible to continue the normal game. For example, the game ball may be fired, but may be in a stopped state in which there is no reaction even if it wins a prize.

The types of game information that can be displayed by the game information display device 3 are not limited to this example. The game information display device 3 can display various types of game information. For example, the probability of occurrence of a jackpot, the number of first jackpots, the number of consecutive jackpots, the number of cancellations in the past month, etc. may be displayed.

In this example, the game information display device 3 is attached above the game machine 2, but it may be placed on the side or below the game machine 2, or the game information display device 3 can be installed integrally with the game machine 2. It may be attached, or furthermore, the function of the game information display device 3 may be incorporated into the gaming machine 2 or the score processing device 4.

This example illustrates a configuration in which the score processing device 4 and the game information display device 3 communicate with the management device 10 via the relay device 109. Alternatively, the gaming machine 2, the score processing device 4, the gaming information display device 3, and the management device 10 may each communicate directly without providing the relay device 109.

In this example, an enclosed pachinko game machine 21 that awards game points according to winnings is illustrated as an example of a game machine, but the game machine is not limited to this. It may be a pachinko game machine that pays out game balls according to winnings. Alternatively, it may be a pachi-slot game machine, a jump ball game machine, or the like. The game value used in the game includes physical balls, medals, etc. in addition to electronic points.

Although specific examples of the present invention have been described above in detail as in the embodiments, these specific examples merely disclose an example of technology included in the scope of the claims. Needless to say, the scope of the claims should not be interpreted to be limited by the configurations, numerical values, etc. of the specific examples. The scope of the claims includes techniques in which the specific examples described above are variously modified, changed, or appropriately combined using known techniques and the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

1 Amusement park management system 10 Management device (operation data generation means, current value aggregation means, upper limit value setting means, identification means, gaming state determination means, operation determination means, re-operation determination means, re-operation rate calculation means, display means)
100 In-venue network 109 Relay device 2 Gaming machine 21 Pachinko gaming machine 23 Setting operation unit (resetting means)
3. Game information display device (stoppage determination means, reset judgment means, stoppage information display means, reset information display means, approach judgment means, stoppage notice information display means)
33 Liquid crystal display section 330 Screen 4 Score processing device 420 Bill insertion slot 43 Display section 44 Rent button 45 Replay button 46 Return button 470 Card insertion slot

Claims (5)

In the normal state, when a predetermined jackpot condition is met, the player enters the jackpot state, and when the current value of the gaming value acquired by the player reaches a predetermined upper limit, the player enters the no-play state. In a gaming hall management system for gaming machines configured with
identification means for identifying a gaming machine in which the difference between the current value and the upper limit value is within a predetermined range as a gaming machine that is close to being discontinued;
a gaming state determining means for determining whether or not the gaming state of the close-to-stop gaming machine specified by the identifying means is the normal state;
A gaming hall management system comprising: display means for displaying operating data indicating the operating status of a close-to-stop gaming machine determined to be in a normal state by the gaming state determining means. comprising operation determining means for determining whether the stop-approach gaming machine determined to be in the normal state by the gaming state determining means is in operation or in non-operation;
2. The gaming hall management system according to claim 1, wherein the display means displays the operation data including a determination result by the operation determination means. Re-operation determining means for determining whether the stop-approximate gaming machine determined to be out of operation by the operation determining means has subsequently restarted;
A calculation method for calculating the ratio of the number of game machines that are determined to be in operation again by the restart determination means to the number of game machines that are determined to be out of operation by the operation determination means. 3. The gaming hall management system according to claim 2, further comprising: operation rate calculation means. The gaming hall management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gaming machine includes a reset means for resetting the current value of the gaming value to zero. The current value of the gaming value acquired by the player is the gaming value given by winning a prize, the difference between the gaming value given by winning and the gaming value consumed in playing, or the minimum of the difference. 5. The gaming hall management system according to claim 1, wherein the identification is performed based on a difference between a value and a current value of the difference number.

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