JP2023136460A - Game video management system and host apparatus of game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable reproducing a display mode when a game player has played in the past, in the played game machine or in the game machine of the same model as the played game machine.SOLUTION: An inter-stand device 2 records game information from a game machine in a game information file 2082 by a game information record control unit 2021. When receiving replay instruction operation from a game player through a touch panel 205TP, a replay information generation control unit 2022 identifies the game information associated with the game information file 2082 on the basis of the information being input by the replay instruction operation. The replay information generation control unit 2022 generates the replay information on the basis of the identified game information, and transmits it to the game machine through a game machine connection unit 203. In the game machine, the situation of the past game is reproduced on the basis of the replay information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to, for example, a system that allows the reproduction of a gaming situation in a gaming machine called a pachinko machine or a pachinko-type slot machine, and an apparatus used in the system.

Patent Document 1, which will be described later, discloses that by increasing the chances of a special mode effect being executed, it is possible to suitably maintain the expectation that a player's gaming state will be in a probability fluctuating state from the opening of the gaming hall. An invention related to a gaming machine is disclosed. Here, the special mode performance includes, for example, the performance of a display image displayed on the mounted display element, the performance of the movement of the mounted device, and the like. That is, the presentation of the display image displayed on the display element mounted on the gaming machine and the presentation of the movement of the mounted device have important meaning for the player.

For this reason, Patent Document 2, which will be described later, describes a system for use in gaming parlors that allows players to capture images of the gaming conditions of gaming machines even when they casually drop by the gaming parlor, and where the players can obtain the captured data. An invention relating to a system is disclosed. The invention allows video of gaming machines installed in a gaming parlor to be videotaped and posted on a so-called video posting site, thereby making it possible to provide it to an unspecified number of viewers, thereby attracting more customers to the gaming parlor. It is intended to make it easy to promote games and gaming machines.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-158277 JP 2020-141718 Publication

In the case of the invention described in Patent Document 2, the acquired imaging data can be played back and viewed on one's own terminal device. In addition, the acquired imaging data can be posted on a video posting site, and general viewers who wish to view it can view it using a terminal device such as a PC (Personal Computer), tablet PC, or smartphone. However, since the images are only reproduced using a terminal device, it is impossible to obtain the sense of realism of actually playing a game on a gaming machine.

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to enable a player to reproduce the situation when playing in the past on the gaming machine where the player played the game, or on the gaming machine of the same model as the gaming machine where the player played the game. do.

In order to solve the above problem, the game image management system of the invention according to claim 1,
Game image management consisting of a gaming machine whose display mode provided to the player changes as the game progresses according to the player's operations, and a host device that transmits and receives information to and from the gaming machine. A system,
The gaming machine is
a game information generating means that generates game information including information indicating an operating state when a predetermined event occurs as the game progresses;
gaming information transmitting means for transmitting the gaming information generated by the gaming information generating means to the host device;
replay information receiving means for receiving replay information from the host device;
Replay control means for controlling to reproduce past game situations according to the replay information received by the replay information receiving means;
The higher-level device is
gaming information receiving means for receiving the gaming information from the gaming machine;
gaming information recording means for recording the gaming information received by the gaming information receiving means in gaming information storage means;
instruction operation receiving means for receiving a replay instruction operation from a player of the gaming machine;
Replay information generation means for identifying the corresponding game information from the game information storage means based on the information input by the replay instruction operation, and generating the replay information according to the specified game information;
and replay information transmitting means for transmitting the replay information generated by the replay information generating means to the gaming machine.

According to the gaming image management system of the invention as set forth in claim 1, when a predetermined event occurs, gaming information is generated by the gaming information generating means of the gaming machine, and this is transmitted to the host device by the gaming information transmitting means. Sent. In the host device, the gaming information receiving means receives gaming information from the gaming machine, and the gaming information recording means records this in the gaming information storage means. A replay instruction operation from a player is accepted through the instruction operation reception means.

Based on the information input by the replay instruction operation, the replay information generation means specifies the corresponding game information in the necessary game information storage, and generates play information according to the specified game information. The generated replay information is transmitted to the gaming machine by the replay information transmitting means. In the gaming machine, replay information from the host device is received through the replay information receiving means, and in accordance with this, the replay control means reproduces the past situation of the gaming machine.

Note that "replay" is a word that means "to perform again," "rematch," "replay," etc. However, in this specification, the word "replay" does not simply mean playing a game again on a gaming machine, but is used in the sense of "reproducing a past gaming situation on a gaming machine." Furthermore, in this specification, "replay information" is used to mean "reproduction data" for reproducing past gaming situations.

According to this invention, game information including information indicating the operating state from a game machine is stored in a host device, and replay information is formed from the stored game information in response to a player's replay instruction operation, and this is used to play a game. can be provided to the machine. This allows the game machine to reproduce the situation when the player played a game in the past.

1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a game image management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of gaming information transmitted from a gaming machine to a host device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of an inter-stand device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of data stored in a game information file. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of replay information that is data transmitted from an inter-machine device. It is a diagram for explaining information sent and received between a gaming machine and an inter-machine device. It is a figure for explaining the example of the operation part of the inter-stand apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining processing of an inter-machine device. It is a diagram for explaining processing of a gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of data stored in a game information file formed in a management device or a host server device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a gaming image management system and a host device of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the game image management system is comprised of a game machine operated by a player (user) and a host device located above the game machine. In this embodiment, the game machine is a pachinko machine (automatic ball game machine) or a pachinko slot machine (spinning drum game machine). Further, as explained below, the host device of the gaming machine corresponds to an inter-machine device, an inter-machine device and a management device, or an inter-machine device and a host server device.

[Example of configuration of gaming video management system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a game image management system according to an embodiment. A large number of gaming systems 3(1), 3(2), 3(3), . . . are installed in the gaming parlor. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming system 3(n) is comprised of a gaming machine 1(n) and an intermachine device 2(n). Note that the letter n in parentheses means an integer of 1 or more. Each of the gaming machines 1(1), 1(2), 1(3), . . . is a pachinko machine or a pachinko-type slot machine, as described above.

Each of the inter-machine devices 2(1), 2(2), 2(3), ... accepts a membership card or a general card, and connects the corresponding gaming machine 1(1), 1(2), 1(3). ,..., to start the game, end the game, and manage the balls and medals held. Further, each of the inter-machine devices 2(1), 2(2), 2(3), . . . can accept the insertion of money and lend out pachinko balls and slot medals. Furthermore, each of the inter-machine devices 2(1), 2(2), 2(3), ... will be described in detail later, but the corresponding gaming machines 1(1), 1(2), 1(3), By collaborating with..., we will also be able to realize the ability to recreate past situations in gaming machines. Here, the past situation mainly refers to the display mode of the gaming machine 1, and specifically refers to the content of the display provided to the player on the gaming machine 1.

Membership cards are given to players (customers) who frequently play games at the gaming parlor and are registered as members (members), and contain information about the member such as the member's name and phone number, as well as personal belongings. Information about the balls and medals you own is recorded, and you can take them home with you. General cards are temporarily lent to players (customers) who are not members, such as those who occasionally use the gaming parlor or those who happen to stop by the gaming parlor. If the number of balls or medals held by a general card is not 0 (zero), it can be moved and used in other gaming systems within the game store, but basically it must be paid for on the day it is lent (no prizes can be purchased). (replacement) and return it.

In addition, the number of balls that a player owns is the sum of so-called rented balls that are borrowed by paying money and balls that are paid out by playing games. Similarly, the medals you have are the sum of so-called loaned medals borrowed by paying money and medals obtained by playing games. In addition, with the membership card, the accumulated balls (stored medals) are managed separately from the balls (held medals) and deposited with the game store, and can be returned to the balls (held medals) or settled at a later date. You can also do that. Changes from balls held (held medals) to stored balls (stored medals) can be made at a POS terminal (not shown) installed at the counter of the game parlor.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, each of the gaming systems 3(1), 3(2), 3(3),... is connected to a management device 5 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 4. . The management device 5 is connectable to a host server device 7 via a wide area network 6. As shown in FIG. 1, the management device 5 controls the inter-machine devices 2(1), 2(2), 2(3), etc. of each gaming system 3(1), 3(2), 3(3),... ...and are able to communicate with each other. The management device 5 collects and manages information such as rental balls (rental medals) and paid balls (displayed medals) from the inter-machine devices 2(1), 2(2), 2(3), and so on. Controls the supply of pachinko balls (slot medals) to 1(1), 1(2), 1(3), . . .

Specifically, the management device 5 receives information from the inter-machine devices 2(1), 2(2), 2(3), ..., the number of rental balls (number of rental medals), and the number of rental balls (rental medals) according to the inserted banknotes. Receive notifications such as the number of balls inserted into the gaming machine (number of inserted medals) from the game machine (medals). In addition, the management device 5 controls the payout of balls from the gaming machines 1 (1), 1 (2), 1 (3), ... through the inter-machine devices 2 (1), 2 (2), 2 (3), ... Receive notifications about the number of balls (number of medals played), number of balls used (number of medals used), etc.

Based on this information, the management device 5 controls a pachinko ball (slot medal) supply system (not shown) and supplies pachinko balls (slot medals) to each gaming machine 1(1), 1(2), 1(3),... to ensure that there is no disruption in the supply of In addition, the management device 5 receives information regarding the inserted banknotes from the inter-machine devices 2(1), 2(2), 2(3), etc., and receives information from the inter-machine devices 2(1), 2(3),... It is also possible to manage how many banknotes are inserted and stored in each of 2), 2(3), and so on.

Furthermore, the management device 5 can communicate with the host server device 7 via the wide area network 6. The wide area network 6 is mainly the Internet, but includes various networks that connect devices connected to the Internet with the Internet, such as a general public telephone network, a mobile phone network, and a wireless LAN. The host server device 7 realizes functions of providing necessary information to the management device 5, receiving information from the management device 5, and managing the information.

When a management entity of a gaming parlor manages a plurality of gaming parlors (branches), the host server device 7 provides gaming systems (1), 3(2), 3(3), It is often established to centralize and manage... Of course, even if a single gaming parlor is operated, the management device 5 may be installed in a location away from the gaming parlor in order to realize the backup function.

In the game image management finger system of this embodiment, when a predetermined event occurs in the game machines 1(1), 1(2), 1(3),... Information is generated and transmitted to the corresponding inter-machine devices 2(1), 2(2), 2(3), . . . Inter-machine devices 2(1), 2(2), 2(3), ... receive and store gaming information from corresponding gaming machines 1(1), 1(2), 1(3),... .

When the inter-machine devices 2(1), 2(2), 2(3), ... receive a replay instruction operation from a player, they identify necessary information from the stored game information according to the operation. Then, replay information is formed according to the specified game information. The formed replay information is provided to the corresponding gaming machines 1(1), 1(2), 1(3),..., and the gaming machines 1(1), 1(2), 1(3),... , performs processing to reproduce the past gaming situation according to the provided replay information.

This allows the player to recreate and re-experience changes in the situation (mainly changes in display mode) that occurred during past games on the gaming machine in which the player played the game. In this case, it is possible to re-experience the state of change in the past situation on the gaming machine (actual machine) where the game was actually played, so it is possible to obtain the same sense of realism as when actually playing the game, and also to enjoy the game. You can reconfirm how the situation is changing.

In addition, in this embodiment, the host device means a device located above the gaming machines 1(1), 1(2), 1(3), etc. in FIG. 1, and specifically, Devices 2(1), 2(2), 2(3), . . . , the management device 5, and the upper server device 7. Therefore, the functions of the host device can be realized in the inter-machine devices 2(1), 2(2), 2(3), . . . Further, the inter-machine devices 2(1), 2(2), 2(3), . . . and the management device 5 or the host server device 7 can cooperate to realize the present invention.

In particular, when the management device 5 is included as a host device, past situations can be replayed on any gaming machine as long as it is located at the same gaming parlor and has the same model. This is because the management device 5 is connected to the LAN 4 and can provide information to the gaming systems 3 (1), 3 (2), 3 (3), etc. connected to the LAN 4. Furthermore, if the host device includes the host server device 7, past situations can be replayed on any game machine in any branch as long as the game machine is of the same model. The host server device 7 is connected to the wide area network 6 and can provide information to the gaming systems 3(1), 3(2), 3(3), etc. of each branch via the wide area network 6. It is. However, in the following description, in order to simplify the explanation, first, an example will be described in which the inter-machine devices 2(1), 2(2), 2(3), . . . function as host devices.

Furthermore, gaming machines 1(1), 1(2), 1(3), . . . have basically the same configuration. Similarly, the inter-stand devices 2(1), 2(2), 2(3), . . . have basically the same configuration. Therefore, in the following, each of the gaming machines 1 (1), 1 (2), 1 (3), etc. will be collectively referred to as the gaming machine 1, unless it is necessary to distinguish between them. (1), 2(2), 2(3), . . . are collectively referred to as the inter-stand device 2. Therefore, the gaming systems (gaming machines) 3(1), 3(2), 3(3), . . . are also similar. For this reason, each of gaming systems (gaming machines) 3(1), 3(2), 3(3), . . . will also be referred to as gaming system 3, unless it is necessary to distinguish them. Each device constituting the game video management system of this embodiment will be specifically explained below.

[Configuration example of gaming machine 1]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment. A pachinko machine (gaming machine 1) shoots a small steel ball from the bottom left of the board onto a board covered with a glass plate with many nails driven into it, and when the balls that fall following the nails enter a specific prize opening, a prize ball is won. It is something that can be done. In addition, in a pachinko-type slot machine, which is the gaming machine 1, a medal is inserted and a lever is pulled to rotate three reels, and the rotation of the reels is stopped by pressing a stop button corresponding to each reel. , prize medals can be obtained depending on the symbols on the reels.

FIG. 2 shows the main components of the gaming machine 1, which is a pachinko machine or a pachinko-type slot machine. The inter-machine device connection unit 101 realizes a function of mutual communication with the inter-machine device 2 connected to the machine itself. Although not shown, the control unit 102 is a microprocessor configured by connecting a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), nonvolatile memory, etc. Realizes functions that control each part. The control unit 102 also realizes functions as a game information generation unit 1021 and a replay control unit 1022, as will be described in detail later, by a program executed by the CPU.

The operation unit 103 is a part equipped with a rotating handle that is operated by a player when the gaming machine 1 is a pachinko machine, and is a part that is equipped with a rotating handle that is operated by the player when the gaming machine 1 is a pachinko-type slot machine. This is the part that has levers, stop buttons, etc. that can be operated. The operation unit 103 receives an operation input from a player and notifies the control unit 102 of a signal corresponding to the operation input. Thereby, the control unit 102 can control each unit according to the player's operation input and advance the game.

Under the control of the control unit 102, the ball/medal processing unit 104 releases rental balls/rental medals in response to instructions from the inter-machine device 2, or releases balls/medals to be paid out according to the progress of the game. It performs the process of releasing or absorbing and reducing the number of balls/medals that you have. Under the control of the control unit 102, the production unit 105 produces a display display (image display) on a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) provided on the gaming surface (front side) of the gaming machine 1 according to the progress of the game. Performance) and the actions of various devices (accessories) provided on the game surface (accessories effects). Furthermore, yakumono is pronounced ``yakumono'' and is also called gimmick.

The segment display section 106 is composed of a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), and has the role of displaying all the results related to the so-called winning lottery under the control of the control section 102. The storage unit 107 is an auxiliary storage unit configured by, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, and is capable of storing and retaining the progress of a game. The speaker section 108 is a section that emits acoustic information such as music and sound effects during a game under the control of the control section 102. The clock circuit 109 provides the current date and time.

When the game machine is a pachinko machine, the game information generation unit 1021 of the control unit 102 generates information when a ball enters a so-called start checker (winning hole), a digital slot rotates, and a lottery is executed. Forming gaming information including results. In addition, when the gaming machine is a pachinko-type slot machine, the game information generating unit 1021 of the control unit 102 determines the result when a lever is pulled to rotate, for example, three reels to perform a lottery. Form gaming information including. The formed gaming information is transmitted to the inter-machine device 2 through the inter-machine device connection section 101.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of gaming information transmitted from the gaming machine 1 to the inter-machine device 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the game information includes the model, time, start, winning performance, accessory performance, performance execution command, and amount of money spent. The model is information indicating the model of the own machine, and is information recorded in, for example, a ROM of the control unit 102. The time is the time when the lottery was started, and is information acquired from the clock circuit 109 at the time of starting the lottery. As mentioned above, if the game machine is a pachinko machine, the start is the number of times a digital slot is rotated and a lottery is executed (the number of lottery executions (so-called rotation) when a ball enters the start checker (winning slot). number)). If the gaming machine is a pachinko-type slot machine, it indicates the number of times a lever is pulled to rotate, for example, three reels to perform a lottery (number of lottery executions (so-called number of rotations)). The winning performance is information indicating the type of video performance performed through the performance unit 105 when a jackpot is achieved as a result of the lottery, and is information that is grasped by the control unit 102. The accessory performance is information indicating the type of accessory performance performed through the performance section 105 according to the result of the lottery, and is information grasped by the control section 102.

The production execution command is a group of commands (commands) that causes the control unit 102 to execute processing through the production unit 105, segment display unit 106, and speaker unit 108. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 3, the information indicates the processes to be executed and the order of execution, such as executing command 1 and executing command 1 again. The amount consumed indicates the amount consumed up to the start of the lottery. The consumption amount is information grasped by the inter-machine device 2, which will be described later, and will be inserted in the inter-machine device 2. The game information explained using FIG. 3 is generated by the game information generating section 1021, and is transmitted to the inter-machine device 2 provided corresponding to the gaming machine 1 through the inter-machine device connecting section 101.

The replay control unit 1022 of the control unit 102 controls the production unit 105, the segment display unit 106, and the speaker unit 108 in accordance with replay information provided from the inter-machine device 2, which will be described later, to reproduce the past gaming situation. Perform processing. Specifically, changes in the display mode and audio output mode that occurred during past games are reproduced. As will be described later, the replay information includes at least performance execution commands from past games. In this embodiment, the sounds (music and sound effects) during the game are also reproduced through the speaker section 108.

In addition, when the game machine is a pachinko machine, a ``big hit'' occurs when a ball enters the so-called start checker (winning hole), the digital slot rotates and a lottery is held, and the symbols on the digital slot line up, resulting in a large number of prize balls. It means that it is ready to come out. To win a jackpot in a pachinko-type slot machine, pull the lever to draw a lottery, and when you stop, for example, the symbols on the three reels will line up, and the probability that the symbols on the reels will line up after this (the winning combination will line up) is the probability. is said to have reached a state where the amount has increased significantly. In addition, as described above, the video effect means a display effect on a display section such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) provided on the gaming surface (front side) of the gaming machine 1. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the accessory performance refers to the performance of the actions of various devices (accessories) provided on the game surface.

In this way, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, in addition to executing games, also generates and transmits gaming information, receives replay information, and performs replay processing (reproduction processing of past situations) according to the replay information. It is possible to do the following. In addition, during the replay process, the control unit 102 displays display information such as "performance reproduction in progress" on a predetermined part of the LCD constituting the production unit 105, and announces through the speaker unit 108 that the general game is not in progress. do. It also cooperates with the inter-stand device 2, which will be described later, to inhibit the lending and dispensing of balls/tokens and stop the launching of balls. In this way, replay (reproduction of past situations) is reproduction of the display mode and audio output mode.

[Example of configuration of inter-stand device 2]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the inter-stand device 2 according to the embodiment. Note that, in FIG. 4, for the sake of simplicity, descriptions of components related to the insertion of banknotes are omitted. The LAN communication unit 201 realizes a function of communicating with the management device 5 connected through the LAN 4. Although not shown, the control unit 202 is a microprocessor configured by connecting a CPU, ROM, RAM, nonvolatile memory, etc., and realizes a function of controlling each part of the inter-machine device 2. Further, the control unit 202 also realizes functions as a game information recording control unit 2021 and a replay information generation control unit 2022, which will be described in detail later, by a program executed by the CPU.

The gaming machine connection unit 203 realizes a function of communicating with the gaming machine 1. The operation unit 204 includes a plurality of button switches operated by the player, such as a card ejection button, a ball rental instruction button, a button for instructing membership card ejection, and the like. The operation unit 204 receives an operation input from a player and notifies the control unit 202 of a signal corresponding to the operation input. Thereby, the control unit 202 can control each unit according to the player's operation input and execute processing according to the instruction.

The display unit 205 includes, for example, an LCD, and realizes a function of providing necessary information to the player as display information. For example, as will be described later, the balance of the card inserted into the inter-machine device 2, the number of balls held, the number of stored balls, etc. can also be presented to the player through the display unit 205. In this embodiment, the display unit 205 is equipped with a relatively large display screen, and a touch sensor 205S is attached to the display screen to also realize a function as a touch panel 205TP. That is, the display unit 205 and the touch sensor 205S realize a function as an input/output interface.

When starting a game, the card insertion section 206 accepts the insertion of a membership card or a general card, reads out recorded information and supplies it to the control section 202, or inserts the card according to an instruction from the control section 202. This enables functions such as updating the recorded information of the card. A clock circuit 207 provides the current date and time. The storage unit 208 is a storage device unit including a recording medium and its driver, and in this embodiment is realized as an SSD (Solid State Drive). In the storage section 208 of the inter-machine device 2, a member information file 2081 and a game information file 2082 are formed.

The member information file 2081 stores and holds various information regarding members, such as a member ID read from a member card inserted into the card insertion section 206, by the function of the control section 202. The member information file 2081 stores and holds information such as the member ID until the member card is removed from the card insertion section 206. Therefore, it is possible to know who the member is playing the game by referring to the information in the member information file 2081.

The gaming information file 2082 stores and holds gaming information from the gaming machine 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of data stored in the game information file 2082. As shown in FIG. 5, the game information file 2082 stores information such as the model, time, start, winning performance, accessory performance, performance execution command, and amount of money spent. That is, in the inter-machine device 2 of this embodiment, the game information recording control unit 2021 of the control unit 202 sequentially receives the game information (FIG. 3) sequentially transmitted from the gaming machine 1 and stores it in the storage unit. 208 game information file 2082 is recorded and accumulated.

The replay information generation control unit 2022 of the control unit 202 of the inter-machine device 2 generates corresponding (necessary) game information from the game information file based on information corresponding to the replay instruction operation from the player received through the touch panel 205TP. Identify. The replay information generation control unit 2022 generates replay information according to the identified gaming information. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of replay information that is data transmitted from the inter-machine device 2. As shown in FIG. It is assumed that the replay information generation control unit 2022 receives an instruction to reproduce the display mode at the time of the third lottery through the touch panel 205TP. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6A, the replay information generation control unit 2022 extracts the game information in which information indicating the third time is input in the start column from the game information file 2082 shown in FIG. This is referred to as replay information.

Further, it is assumed that the replay information generation control unit 2022 receives an instruction to reproduce the display mode at the lottery time from 10:20 to 10:30 through the touch panel 205TP. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6(B), the replay information generation control unit 2022 extracts three times from the game information file 2082 shown in FIG. This game information is extracted and used as replay information.

Note that, although the extracted game information has been described here as being used as replay information as it is, the present invention is not limited to this. The replay information generation control unit 2022 extracts, for example, a winning effect, an accessory effect, and an effect execution command from the game information extracted from the game information file 2082, assigns a playback order to these, and generates replay information. You can also do this.

In this way, the inter-machine device 2 of this embodiment has the function of receiving gaming information from the gaming machine 1 and recording and accumulating it in the gaming information file 2082. Further, the inter-machine device 2 extracts (specifies) necessary game information from the game information file 2082 in response to operation input from the player, and generates replay information. The generated replay information is information provided to the gaming machine 1 and has a function of reproducing the past gaming situation (display mode and audio output mode) on the gaming machine 1.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining information transmitted and received between the gaming machine 1 and the inter-machine device 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the gaming machine 1 generates gaming information in the form shown in FIG. 3 every time a lottery is held, and transmits it to the inter-machine device 2. The inter-machine device 2 receives and accumulates gaming information from the gaming machine 1, extracts necessary gaming information from the gaming information file 2082 in response to instructions from the player, and transmits it to the gaming machine as replay information. provide. As a result, in the gaming machine 1, the display mode of the gaming machine 1 at the past timing desired by the player can be reproduced and provided to the player.

Note that FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of the touch panel 205TP of the inter-machine device 2. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, under the control of the control unit 202, the display unit 205 of the touch panel 205TP displays so-called software keys such as a free word, time, start time, jackpot, accessory, and amount of money. When the software key indicated as "free word" is operated, a free word input field and a software keyboard are displayed, and the free word can be input.

When a software key marked as time is operated, a time entry field, numeric keys, and some symbol keys are displayed, allowing entry of a single time or a range of times. . When the software key indicated as the start time is operated, an input field for the start time, numeric keys, and some symbol keys are displayed, and a single start time such as 1st time, 2nd time, or 1 start time is displayed. It is possible to input a range of starting times, such as the first to third times.

When the software key indicated as jackpot is operated, an input field for the type of jackpot effect (video effect) and the software key are displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, "D", It is possible to input information indicating the type of jackpot effect such as "C". In addition, when a software key indicated as an accessory is operated, an input field for the type of accessory effect and the software key are displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, "a", " It is possible to input information indicating the type of accessory performance, such as "f". Also, when a software key indicated as an amount is operated, an input field for the amount, numeric keys, and some symbol keys are displayed. It is possible to input a range of amounts such as 3000 yen.

In this way, the information input through the touch panel 205TP is the information input by the replay instruction operation, and serves as the extraction condition for game information required to generate replay information. Therefore, it is assumed that the software key indicated as the start time is operated, and a single start time, the third time, is entered using the numeric keys in the input field for the start time. In this case, game information whose starting time is "third time" is extracted from the game information file 2082 shown in FIG. 5, and replay information shown in FIG. 6(A) is generated.

Also, when the software key labeled "Time" is operated, a time entry field, numeric keys, and some symbol keys are displayed, and a time range such as "10:20 to 10:30" is entered. Suppose that In this case, three pieces of game information with times of 10:20, 10:27, and 10:30 are extracted from the game information file 2082 shown in FIG. 5, and the replay shown in FIG. 6(B) is extracted. Information is generated.

Note that the display mode of the touch panel shown in FIG. 8 is an example, and the touch panel with various display modes can be configured by a program executed by the control unit 202 of the inter-stand device 2. Therefore, in addition to the example shown in FIG. 8, various changes can be made to the display mode of the display information on the touch panel 205TP used to accept the replay instruction operation.

[Summary of processing of inter-stand device 2]
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the inter-machine device 2. As shown in FIG. The process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is a process executed in the control section 202 of the inter-machine device 2 when a membership card is inserted into the card insertion section 206 of the inter-machine device 2. First, the control unit 202 determines whether the operation unit 204 of the gaming machine 1 is being operated, for example, based on information indicating the operating state transmitted from the gaming machine 1 at predetermined timings through the gaming machine connection unit 203. , it is determined whether or not the game is in progress (step S101). Assume that in the determination process of step S101, it is determined that a game is being played. In this case, the game information recording control unit 2021 of the control unit 202 functions to receive the game information (FIG. 3) that is sequentially transmitted from the game machine 1, and records it in the game information file (FIG. 5). is performed (step S102), and the processing from step S101 is repeated.

Assume that in the determination processing in step S101, it is determined that no game is being played. In this case, the control unit 202 accepts a replay instruction through the operation unit 204 (FIG. 8) (step S103), and determines whether the replay instruction has been accepted (step S104). Assume that in the determination process in step S104, it is determined that a replay instruction has been received. In this case, the replay information generation control unit 2022 functions to execute processing for generating replay information (step S105). As explained with the examples shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the process of step S105 extracts necessary game information from the game information file 2082 based on the replay instruction received from the player, and extracts the necessary game information from the game information file 2082 based on the This is the process of generating replay information. Thereafter, the replay information generation control unit 2022 sets the replay information generated in step S105 to gaming machine 1 (step S106), and repeats the processing from step S101.

Further, assume that in the determination processing in step S104, it is determined that no replay instruction has been accepted. In this case, the control unit 202 determines whether the reception instruction input in step S103 is a termination instruction date, such as an instruction to eject the membership card inserted into the card insertion unit 206 (step S107). In the determination process of step S107, when it is determined that the termination instruction has not been received, the process from step S101 is repeated.

It is also assumed that in the determination process of step S107, it is determined that a termination instruction has been received. In this case, the control unit 202 controls the card insertion unit 206 to perform a series of termination processes such as recording necessary information on the inserted membership card and ejecting the membership card (step S108). The process shown in FIG. 9 ends. In this way, the inter-machine device 2 performs the processing of receiving and accumulating gaming information from the gaming machine 1, and the processing of generating replay information and providing it to the gaming machine 1 in response to operation input from the player. It is something that can be done.

[Summary of processing of gaming machine 1]
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the processing of the gaming machine 1. The process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is executed in the control unit 202 of the gaming machine 1 when the membership card is inserted into the card insertion unit 206 of the inter-machine device 2 and the gaming machine 1 becomes ready for playing. This is a process that First, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the game is being played, for example, the operation unit 103 is being operated (step S201). Assume that in the determination process of step S201, it is determined that a game is being played. In this case, the gaming information generation unit 1021 of the control unit 102 functions to generate gaming information and transmit it to the inter-machine device 2 every time a lottery is held (step S202), and the process from step S201 is performed. Make the process repeat.

Assume that in the determination process of step S201, it is determined that the game is not in progress. In this case, the control unit 102 determines whether a termination command has been received from the inter-machine device 2 (step S203). In the determination process of step S203, when it is determined that the end command has not been received, it is determined whether or not replay information has been received (step S204). In the determination process of step S204, when it is determined that replay information has been received, the replay control unit 1022 controls the presentation unit 105, segment display unit 106, and speaker unit 108 to execute the replay process (step S205).

The replay process in step S205 is to reproduce the situation when the lottery was held in the past, and the situation of the video production, character production, audio production, lighting, extinguishing, and blinking of the segment when the jackpot was won is reproduced. Ru. As a result, past gaming situations can be reproduced on the gaming machine 1, which is the actual machine used for gaming, and the player can reproduce the past gaming situations while feeling a sense of realism during gaming. You can reconfirm the situation.

After the process in step S205 and in the determination process in step S204, when it is determined that no replay information has been received, the process from step S201 is repeated. Further, in the determination process of step S203, when it is determined that an end command has been received, a predetermined end process is performed (step S206), and the process shown in FIG. 10 is ended. In this way, the gaming machine 1 generates game information and transmits it to the inter-machine device 2, receives replay information from the inter-machine device 2, and based on the received replay information, plays a past game. It is also possible to perform replay processing to reproduce the situation.

[When the higher-level devices are the management device 5 and the higher-level server device 7]
In the embodiment described above, the gaming information file 2082 is provided in the inter-machine device 2, and the gaming information from the gaming machine 1 is stored in the inter-machine device 2. If this happens, it becomes impossible to reproduce the past gaming situation. However, even if the player leaves the gaming machine 1, it is desirable to be able to reproduce past gaming situations as long as the gaming machine is of the same model. It would be even more convenient to be able to reproduce past gaming situations, even at a later date.Even if the gaming parlor you play at is different, it would be even more convenient if you could reproduce past gaming situations if the gaming parlor is affiliated with a branch. It will improve the service.

In this way, in order to be able to reproduce past gaming situations even on different gaming machines of the same model or at a later date, the management device 5 and the upper server device 7, which are higher-level devices of the inter-machine device 2, All you have to do is make it possible to accumulate and provide information. In addition, in order to be able to reproduce past gaming situations even at different gaming parlors, it is possible to store and provide gaming information in the host server device 7, which is a host device of the inter-machine device 2. good.

FIG. 11 shows an example of data stored in a game information file formed in the management device 5 or the host server device 7 when the host device is the management device 5 or the host server device 7. As can be seen by comparing FIG. 11 and FIG. 5, the gaming information stored in the gaming information file formed in the management device 5 or the upper server device 7 includes information to which the gaming date and member ID are added. Become. The gaming information shown in FIG. 11 is generated by adding the gaming date and member ID to the gaming information accumulated in the gaming information file 2082 in the end processing of step S108 of the processing explained using FIG. 5 or to the upper level server device 7. In this case, the game date can be obtained from the clock circuit 207, and the member ID can be obtained from the member information file 2081 or the member card inserted in the card insertion section 206.

Note that it is also possible to input the game date through the touch panel 205TP. As a result, when the inter-machine device 2 receives a replay instruction through the operation unit 204, it is assumed that there is no game information for the corresponding game date or member ID. In this case, the inter-machine device 2 requests the management device 5 and the higher-level server device 7 to provide replay information in accordance with the replay instruction, and based on the gaming information provided from the management device 5 and the higher-level server device 7, , the replay information may be generated and provided to the gaming machine 1.

In this way, if the management device 5 and the host server device 7 are provided with a gaming information file as shown in FIG. good. Thereby, the inter-machine device 2 and the management device 5, or the inter-machine device 2 and the higher-level server device 7, can realize the function as a higher-level device realized by the above-described inter-machine device 2. In this case, if the gaming machines are of the same model, it is possible to reproduce the past gaming situation, and even if the gaming parlor is different, the host server device 7 can be used, and the gaming machines of the same model can be used. If you use it, you can recreate past gaming situations.

Furthermore, if the management device 5 and the host server device 7 are provided with the replay information generation control unit 2022 of the inter-machine device 2 shown in FIG. It is possible to realize the function of a higher-level device that generates and provides information. In this case, the inter-machine device 2 will have the function of receiving replay instruction information and providing it to the management device 5 and the host server device 7.

[Effects of embodiment]
In the game image management system of the embodiment described above, it is possible to reproduce the situation when the player played a game in the past on the game machine where the game was played or on the game machine of the same model as the game machine where the game was played. In this case, the situation of past games can be reproduced using the same gaming machine as the one on which the game was played. In addition to this, past gaming situations can be reproduced using other gaming machines of the same model at the same gaming parlor (gaming machines that are different from the gaming machine on which you actually played). Furthermore, it is possible to reproduce the past gaming situation using the same model of gaming machine on a different day from the playing day. Furthermore, even when using gaming machines from a gaming parlor different from the gaming parlor where the game was played, if the gaming parlors are affiliated with each other or are other gaming parlors where the host server device 7 can be used. In such cases, past gaming situations can be reproduced by using gaming machines of the same model.

In this way, it is possible to recreate past gaming situations using the gaming machine that actually plays the game, allowing players to recreate past gaming situations while feeling the realism of playing the game. , you can reconfirm the situation. Furthermore, as part of their services, gaming parlors can provide a service that reproduces past gaming situations using their own gaming machines.

[Modified example]
In the above-described embodiment, the occurrence of a predetermined event is when a pachinko ball hits the start checker and the lottery is started, or when the lottery is started by pulling the lever and rotating the slot. Game information is now generated and sent. However, it is not limited to this. The gaming machine 1 generates and transmits gaming information when a predetermined video presentation or accessory presentation is performed even if the lottery has not started, or generates gaming information at predetermined time intervals. You can also send it by

Further, although the gaming video management system of the embodiment described above has been described as being configured entirely by equipment on the gaming parlor side, the system is not limited to this. For example, a member can access the host server device 7 via the wide area network 6 using a communication terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet PC (Personal Computer) that can be connected to the wide area network 6 . In this case, it is possible to log in to a predetermined website provided in the host server device 7 using the assigned member ID and a password set in advance. This allows the member to download and hold his/her own gaming information from the host server device 7 to his/her own communication terminal.

In this way, the member's own gaming information downloaded to his/her own communication terminal is connected through the digital interface provided in the inter-machine device 2 at the gaming parlor, transferred to the inter-machine device 2, and then transferred to the inter-machine device 2. Allows memory retention. Thereby, before actually starting a game using the game machine 1 at a game parlor, it is possible to check the status of past games and then start a new game.

Furthermore, the gaming information downloaded to the member's communication terminal can be edited, for example by replacing the jackpot effect. In this case, it is possible to check in advance the situation in the event that the performance desired by the member is performed at the time of a jackpot. This allows you to calmly handle even if you hit the jackpot.

In addition, software is prepared that can reproduce past gaming conditions, mainly display modes, on the display of a smartphone or tablet PC, depending on the gaming information downloaded to the member's communication terminal. As a result, even if the game situation is not photographed, it is possible to reproduce and check the past game situation via a smartphone or tablet PC.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the gaming information has been described as including information indicating the operating state. Specifically, the information indicating the operating state includes whether or not there was a jackpot, the type of video production in the case of a jackpot, the type of role model production in the case of a jackpot, and a production command. In addition to this, various information necessary to reproduce the operation of the gaming machine 1 is included, such as the type of audio output performance and segment control information.

In addition to the information indicating the operation, the game information can also include information corresponding to the progress of the game, such as the amount of money spent, the number of balls consumed, and the number of balls played. This information can be used when specifying the reproduction range. For example, if the gaming machine 1 is a pachinko machine, the game situation where the amount of money spent is 1000 to 3000 yen is reproduced, or the situation where the number of balls consumed is 1000 to 1500 balls is reproduced. It becomes possible to do things like this.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the gaming machine 1 is described as being a pachinko machine or a pachinko-type slot machine, but the present invention is not limited to this. The gaming machine 1 may be, for example, various gaming machines at a game center.

In addition, the past gaming situation mainly means changes in the display mode, including the effect of the display image displayed on the display element such as the LCD installed in the gaming machine 1, and the effect of the movement of the installed device. , and the status of the mounted lamp. Of course, in addition to this, sound effects such as sound effects may be performed. In addition, if the gaming machine is one of various gaming machines located in a game center, other effects such as visual effects and audio output effects performed on the game machine, such as vibration effects and lighting effects, may be used in past games. Of course, it is also possible to reproduce the situation as follows.

[others]
As can be seen from the above description of the embodiment, the function of the gaming information generating means of the gaming machine in the claims is realized by the gaming information generating section 1021 of the gaming machine 1 in the embodiment. Further, the functions of the gaming information transmitting means and the replay information receiving means of the gaming machine according to the claims are realized by the cooperation of the control section 102 of the gaming machine 1 and the inter-machine device connecting section 101, The function of the replay control means is realized by the replay control section 1022 of the gaming machine 1.

Further, the function of the game information receiving means of the host device in the claims is realized by the cooperation of the game machine connecting section 203 and the control section 202 of the inter-machine device 2 of the embodiment. Further, the function of the game information recording means of the host device in the claims is realized by the game information recording control unit 2021 of the inter-machine device 2, and the function of the instruction operation receiving means of the host device in the claims is realized by the game information recording control unit 2021 of the inter-machine device 2. A touch panel 205TP is realized. Further, the function of the replay information generation means of the higher-level device in the claims is realized by the replay information generation control section 2022 of the inter-machine device 2, and the function of the replay information transmission means of the higher-level device in the claims is realized by the replay information generation control section 2022 of the inter-machine device 2. This is realized by the cooperation of the control section 202 and the gaming machine connection section 203.

1... Gaming machine, 101... Inter-machine device connection section, 102... Control section, 1021... Game information generation section, 1022... Replay control section, 103... Operation section, 104... Ball/medal processing section, 105... Production section, 106 ...Segment display section, 107...Storage section, 108...Speaker section, 109...Clock circuit, 2...Inter-machine device, 201...LAN communication section, 202...Control section, 2021...Game information recording control section, 2022...Replay information generation Control unit, 203...Game machine connection unit, 204...Operation unit, 205...Display unit, 205S...Touch sensor, 205TP...Touch panel, 206...Card insertion unit, 207...Clock circuit, 208...Storage unit, 2081...Member information file , 2082...Game information file, 3...Game system, 4...LAN, 5...Management device, 6...Wide area network, 7...Upper server device

Claims (6)

Game image management consisting of a gaming machine whose display mode provided to the player changes as the game progresses according to the player's operations, and a host device that transmits and receives information to and from the gaming machine. A system,
The gaming machine is
a game information generating means that generates game information including information indicating an operating state when a predetermined event occurs as the game progresses;
gaming information transmitting means for transmitting the gaming information generated by the gaming information generating means to the host device;
replay information receiving means for receiving replay information from the host device;
Replay control means for controlling to reproduce past game situations according to the replay information received by the replay information receiving means;
The higher-level device is
gaming information receiving means for receiving the gaming information from the gaming machine;
gaming information recording means for recording the gaming information received by the gaming information receiving means in a gaming information storage section;
instruction operation receiving means for receiving a replay instruction operation from a player of the gaming machine;
Replay information generation means that identifies the corresponding gaming information from the gaming information storage unit based on the information input by the replay instruction operation, and generates the replay information according to the identified gaming information;
A gaming image management system comprising: replay information transmitting means for transmitting the replay information generated by the replay information generating means to the gaming machine. The game image management system according to claim 1,
A game image management system characterized in that the higher-level device is an inter-machine device provided for each of the game machines. The game image management system according to claim 1,
A gaming image management system characterized in that the host device is configured by an inter-machine device provided for each gaming machine, and a management device connected to the inter-machine device via a network. The game image management system according to claim 1,
A gaming image management system characterized in that the host device is an inter-machine device provided for each gaming machine, and a server device connected to the inter-machine device via a network. Game image management consisting of a gaming machine whose display mode provided to the player changes as the game progresses according to the player's operations, and a host device that transmits and receives information to and from the gaming machine. The gaming machine of the system,
The host device includes a game information receiving means for receiving game information from the game machine, a game information recording means for recording the game information received by the game information receiving means in a game information storage means, and a game information recording means for recording the game information received by the game information receiving means in a game information storage means. an instruction operation receiving means for accepting a replay instruction operation from a player; and specifying the corresponding gaming information from the gaming information storage means based on the information input by the replay instruction operation, and responding to the specified gaming information. and a replay information transmitting means for transmitting the replay information generated by the replay information generating means to the gaming machine,
a game information generating means that generates the game information including information indicating an operating state when a predetermined event occurs as the game progresses;
gaming information transmitting means for transmitting the gaming information generated by the gaming information generating means to the host device;
replay information receiving means for receiving replay information from the host device;
A gaming machine comprising: replay control means for controlling to reproduce past game situations according to the replay information received by the replay information receiving means. Game image management consisting of a gaming machine whose display mode provided to the player changes as the game progresses according to the player's operations, and a host device that transmits and receives information to and from the gaming machine. The host device of the system,
The gaming machine includes a gaming information generating unit that generates gaming information including information indicating an operating state when a predetermined event occurs as the game progresses, and the gaming information generated by the gaming information generating unit. a gaming information transmitting means for transmitting the information to the higher-level device; a replay information receiving means for receiving the replay information from the higher-level device; and a replay control means for controlling the reproduction.
gaming information receiving means for receiving the gaming information from the gaming machine;
gaming information recording means for recording the gaming information received by the gaming information receiving means in gaming information storage means;
instruction operation receiving means for receiving a replay instruction operation from a player of the gaming machine;
Replay information generation means for identifying the corresponding game information from the game information storage means based on the information input by the replay instruction operation, and generating the replay information according to the specified game information;
and replay information transmitting means for transmitting the replay information generated by the replay information generating means to the gaming machine.

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