JP2024061888A - Production control system, computer program used therein, and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

A performance control system is provided that can switch control of performance devices between control based on performance control data and manual control depending on the game play situation.
[Solution] When a game event using a game provided by a game machine 4 is provided as an event at an event venue EF, the performance control system 1 determines whether or not a switching condition based on each play situation occurring in the game is satisfied. Then, when the switching condition is not satisfied, the performance control system 1 controls the performance equipment 3 based on the performance control data CD, while when the switching condition is satisfied, the performance control system 1 switches the control of the performance equipment 3 from automatic control to manual control so that manual control as the control of the performance equipment 3 by manual control is executed instead of automatic control as the control of the performance equipment 3 based on the performance control data CD until a resume condition is satisfied.
[Selected figure] Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a production control system that is connected to production equipment installed at an event venue via a network and controls the production equipment to realize a production at the event venue based on production control data for executing control of the production equipment.

There are production control systems that are connected to production equipment installed at an event venue via a network and control the production equipment to realize a performance at the event venue based on production control data for executing the control of the production equipment. For example, a system is known that uses such production equipment and a large display device installed at the event venue as a performance, and a character displayed on it (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-158046 A

In the system of Patent Document 1, an event using characters displayed on a large display device is provided at an event venue. On the other hand, game events using games provided by game machines may also be provided at event venues. Such game events are often livened up when effects are executed at the event venue according to the game play status. For this reason, the effect equipment may be manually controlled to realize effects according to the game play status. However, this is not only time-consuming but also prone to errors. For this reason, there is a need for a system that automates similar control.

On the other hand, there are cases where it is preferable to implement some effects manually. For example, when an event is held in the form of a tournament, various effects such as lighting at the award ceremony may be automated, but in many cases it is more exciting if they are implemented flexibly according to the mood of the event venue. Alternatively, at game events, various mini-live performances may be included in addition to the game, and for such mini-live performances, it is highly likely that flexible production is preferable.

The present invention aims to provide a performance control system that can switch the control of performance devices between control based on performance control data and manual control depending on the game play situation.

The production control system of the present invention is a production control system that is connected to production equipment installed at an event venue via a network and controls the production equipment to realize a production at the event venue based on production control data for executing control of the production equipment, and includes a condition determination means that determines whether a switching condition based on each play situation occurring in a game is satisfied when a game event using a game provided by a game machine is provided as an event at the event venue, a device control means that controls the production equipment based on the production control data when the switching condition is not satisfied, and a control switching means that switches the control of the production equipment from the automatic control to the manual control when the switching condition is satisfied so that manual control as the control of the production equipment is executed instead of the automatic control as the control of the production equipment based on the production control data until a resumption condition is satisfied.

On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause a computer connected to the performance equipment via the network to function as each of the means of the performance control system described above.

The control method of the present invention also involves having a computer, which is connected to a production equipment installed at an event venue via a network and is incorporated in a production control system that controls the production equipment to realize a production at the event venue based on production control data for executing control of the production equipment, execute a condition determination procedure for determining whether or not a switching condition based on each play situation occurring in a game is satisfied when a game event using a game provided by a game machine is provided as an event at the event venue, a device control procedure for controlling the production equipment based on the production control data when the switching condition is not satisfied, and a control switching procedure for switching the control of the production equipment from the automatic control to the manual control when the switching condition is satisfied so that manual control as the control of the production equipment is executed instead of automatic control as the control of the production equipment based on the production control data until a resumption condition is satisfied.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a performance control system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the main parts of a control system of the performance control system. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a control service in which venue performance is realized using the game play status. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of venue production realized through a control service in an event venue that functions as a public viewing venue. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a control switching service. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of an event service. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of performance data. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of performance control data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of event data. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of device management data. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a target identification process. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a rendering process. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a control switching process. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a restart process.

An example of a performance control system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. First, with reference to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of a performance control system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The performance control system 1 includes a center server 2 as a server device. A performance device 3 and a game machine 4 are connected to the center server 2 as client devices that can be connected via a specified network NT. The center server 2 is configured as a single logical server device by combining server units 2A, 2B, etc. as multiple computer devices. However, the center server 2 may also be configured from a single server unit. Alternatively, the center server 2 may be configured logically using cloud computing.

The network NT may be configured as appropriate, so long as it is possible to connect the production equipment 3 and the game machines 4 to the center server 2. As an example, the network NT may be constructed by the Internet as a WAN and a LAN that connects the center server 2 and the production equipment 3, or the center server 2 and the game machines 4, to the Internet. Note that various computer devices, such as a local server that controls the production equipment 3, etc., may be interposed between the production equipment 3, etc. and the LAN as appropriate. In this case, various devices that can be controlled through such a computer device may function as the production equipment 3, etc.

The performance equipment 3 and game machine 4 may be installed in any suitable location, but in the example of FIG. 1, they are both installed at the event venue EF. The performance equipment 3 is a well-known output device that realizes various performances, or an input device used for such performances. The performance equipment 3 is configured as a network device (so-called IOT device) that can be connected to the network NT. Any suitable device may be used as the performance equipment 3, but in the example of FIG. 1, a light unit 3A, a speaker 3B, a smoke device 3C, a monitor 3D, and a camera 3E are shown.

The light unit 3A is a well-known lighting device that produces various visual effects using illumination (light), such as lighting, blinking, turning off, or appropriate coloring. The speaker 3B is a well-known audio output device that produces auditory effects by playing (outputting) various sounds. The smoke device 3C is a well-known device that produces visual effects by generating an appropriate amount of smoke. The monitor 3D is a well-known display device that displays various images (including images for effects or various information). Meanwhile, the camera 3E is a well-known optical device that captures the event. Such capture includes the game machine 4, or a user playing a game through the game machine 4. The operation of all of these performance devices 3 is controlled by the center server 2 via the network NT.

When the production devices 3 are connected to the network NT via a computer device, the operation of these production devices 3 may be controlled by the center server 2 via the computer device. Such control may be realized through various well-known technologies, and an appropriate system for controlling the operation of the production devices 3 may be constructed between the computer device and the production devices 3 through such various technologies. For example, the control of the production devices 3 may be realized using the USITT DMX512-A standard. The USITT DMX512-A standard is a technology that controls various production devices 3 connected in a daisy chain to a controller through a common standard signal. In this case, the controller and the center server 2 are connected via the network NT, and the operation of each of the daisy chain production devices 3 is controlled via the controller. Below, as an example, a case where the control of the production devices 3 is realized via such a controller will be described.

The game machine 4 is a device that provides games. As the game machine 4, various computer devices for personal use such as stationary or portable game machines (including tablets or smartphones) or stationary or notebook personal computers may be used, but in the example of FIG. 1, an arcade game machine is used. An arcade game machine is a computer device that is originally installed in an appropriate facility such as a store with the main purpose of making a large number of users play games repeatedly to generate profits. For this reason, the game machine 4 is configured as a commercial (commercial) game machine (a game machine that provides games for a fee) that allows users to play games within a range corresponding to the payment of a predetermined play fee in exchange for the payment of the play fee, but in the example of FIG. 1, the game is provided free of charge as part of the event at the event venue EF. The game machine 4 may provide appropriate games for the event, such as action games, simulation games, role-playing games, and timing games (music games).

The event venue EF is a venue where an event is held. At the event venue EF, an appropriate event may be provided, and as an example, an event using a game provided by the game machine 4 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a game event) is provided as described above. The production equipment 3 may be applied to various productions at the event venue EF, and such productions include productions for livening up a game or a game event. There may be only one event venue EF, but as an example, multiple event venues EF are prepared. A common event is provided at all of these event venues EF. For this reason, in principle, a game machine 4 is installed at each event venue EF, but the example of FIG. 1 also shows an event venue EF where a game machine 4 is not installed. Such an event venue EF may function as a public viewing venue for sharing events at other event venues EF that are distributed through, for example, a monitor 3D. At each event venue EF, appropriate production equipment 3 may be arranged according to the characteristics of each venue, and for example, the type of production equipment 3 installed at each event venue EF may be the same at all event venues EF (the type of production equipment 3 may be the same at all event venues EF), but in the example of FIG. 1, they are different. Specifically, for example, no camera 3E for filming is installed in an event venue EF that functions as a public viewing venue. In other words, the type of performance equipment 3 installed in each event venue EF differs from one event venue EF to another.

The center server 2 provides various equipment services to the performance equipment 3. For example, if the performance equipment 3 (or the controller) is configured to be able to store programs or data, the equipment services may include a data distribution service that distributes and updates such programs or data via the network NT. In this way, the equipment services include various services related to the performance equipment 3, and one example is a control service that controls the performance equipment 3. The control service will be described in detail later.

Similarly, the center server 2 provides various game machine services to the game machine 4 via the network NT. The game machine services include an event service that executes event instructions to the game machine 4 and requests (obtains) event data. Details of the event service will be described later. The game machine services may include a matching service that matches users of other game machines 4 as opponents or collaborators when the game machine 4 provides a competitive game or a cooperative game. The game machine services may also include a service that receives user identification information from the game machine 4 and authenticates the user. Similarly, the game machine services may include a service that receives data such as the usage history of the authenticated user from the game machine 4 and stores it, or provides the stored data to the game machine 4. The game machine services may also include a billing service that collects fees from users.

Next, the main parts of the control system of the performance control system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 2. First, the center server 2 is provided with a control unit 21 and a storage unit 22 as a storage means. The control unit 21 is configured as a computer that combines a CPU, which is an example of a processor that executes various arithmetic processes and operational control according to a predetermined computer program, with an internal memory and other peripheral devices required for its operation.

The storage unit 22 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk array. The storage unit 22 may be configured to hold all data in one storage unit, or may be configured to distribute and store data across multiple storage units. The storage unit 22 records a program PG1 as an example of a computer program that causes the control unit 21 to execute various processes necessary to provide various services to users. The storage unit 22 also stores server data 23 necessary for providing various services. Such server data 23 includes various data necessary for providing device services or game machine services, and in the example of FIG. 2, performance control data CD, event data ED, performance data SD, and device management data MD are shown as types of such various data.

The performance control data CD is data for controlling the operation (performance) of the performance device 3. On the other hand, the performance data SD is data for determining the operation (performance) to be performed by the performance device 3. In other words, the performance data SD is used to determine the operation to be performed by the performance device 3, and the performance control data CD is used to instruct the performance device 3 to perform the determined operation. The event data ED is data for managing the progress of the event. The device management data MD is data for managing the type of performance device 3 installed at each event venue EF. Details of the performance control data CD, event data ED, performance data SD, and device management data MD will be described later. In addition, the server data 23 may include various data for realizing various other services. For example, such data may include ID management data for managing various IDs such as user IDs, play data for managing the game results of each user, image data for displaying various images for the game screen, BGM data for playing various BGM for the game, etc. However, illustration of these is omitted.

The control unit 21 is provided with a device service management unit 24 and a game machine service management unit 25 as logical devices realized by a combination of the hardware resources of the control unit 21 and the program PG1 as a software resource. The device service management unit 24 executes various processes for implementing the above-mentioned device services for the performance device 3. Such processes include processes for implementing control services. Specifically, the device service management unit 24 executes, for example, performance processing, control switching processing, and restart processing as such processes. Meanwhile, the game machine service management unit 25 executes, for example, target identification processing as such processes for implementing various game machine services for the game machine 4. Such processes include processes for implementing event services. Specifically, the game machine service management unit 25 executes, for example, target identification processing as such processes. The details of the procedures for performance processing, control switching processing, restart processing, and target identification processing will be described later.

Other input devices such as a keyboard, output devices such as a monitor, etc. may be connected to the control unit 21 as necessary. Similarly, the performance equipment 3 described above may be connected to the control unit 21 directly or indirectly via an appropriate computer device, but in the example of FIG. 2, a controller DC is connected to the control unit 21, and the performance equipment 3 is connected via the controller DC. In this case, the control unit 21 is configured to control the performance equipment 3 via the controller DC. In other words, the control unit 21 outputs various control instructions to the controller DC, and the controller DC controls the performance equipment 3 in accordance with those instructions.

On the other hand, the game machine 4 is provided with a control unit 41 as a computer and a storage unit 42 as a storage means. The control unit 41 is configured as a computer that combines a CPU, which is an example of a processor that executes various processes according to a specific computer program, with an internal memory and other peripheral devices required for its operation.

The storage unit 42 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 42 records a program PG2 as an example of a computer program that causes the control unit 41 to execute various processes necessary to provide a game to a user. The storage unit 42 also records game data GD necessary for providing a game (including those using a game machine service). The game data GD includes various data necessary for providing a game, and in the example of FIG. 2, the performance data SD is shown as one type of data. The performance data SD is generated in the game machine 4 and provided to the center server as appropriate, and is provided from the game machine 4 to the center server 2 via the above-mentioned event service as an example. The game data GD may also include various other data necessary for providing a game, such as image data, BGM data, ID management data, or play data. These may be distributed from the center server 2 through the above-mentioned distribution service, for example, and stored in the storage unit 42 as appropriate. However, these are not shown in the figures.

In the control unit 41, various logical devices are configured by combining the hardware resources of the control unit 41 with the program PG2 as a software resource. Various processes required for providing the game are executed through these logical devices, and in the example of FIG. 2, an image control unit 43 and a data management unit 44 are shown as logical devices related to these. The image control unit 43 is a logical device that performs various processes for displaying various images. Such processes include processes for displaying game screens for the game. Meanwhile, the data management unit 44 is a logical device that performs various processes related to the management of various data recorded in the memory unit 42. Such processes include processes for generating performance data SD and processes for providing the performance data SD to the center server 2. For example, the data management unit 44 executes a performance process as one of such processes in cooperation with the center server 2.

The game machine 4 may also be provided with various output devices and input devices as appropriate depending on the type of game machine 4, but in the example of FIG. 2, a monitor 47 and a speaker SP are shown as output devices, and a control panel 46 is shown as an input device. The monitor 37 and the speaker SP are well-known display devices for displaying various images (including game screens), and a well-known audio playback device for playing audio, respectively. Similarly, the control panel 46 is a well-known input device provided in commercial game machines 4, and generally has various operating sections such as push button switches. The control panel 46 outputs signals to the control unit 41 in response to user operations (playing actions) on these operating sections.

Next, the control service will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 3 to 5. The control service is a service for controlling the performance equipment 3 to realize various performances. At the event venue EF, various performances for the event (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as venue performances) are realized through the control service, but the following describes the case where venue performances are executed according to the play status of the game provided by the game machine 4.

Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a control service in which a venue performance using the game play status is realized. As described above, the game machine 4 may provide an appropriate game, but the following will explain a case in which a competitive game is provided as an example. In addition, an appropriate number of game machines 4 may be installed at each event venue EF, but the example of Figure 3 shows two game machines 4 used for a competitive game. Specifically, the example of Figure 3 shows three types of venue performances, from top to bottom, when two users U play a competitive game in which they compete against each other via two game machines 4 at the same event venue EF, when one user is dominant, when the other user is dominant, and when the match ends. The control service may realize various venue performances depending on the game play status, and such various venue performances include the three types of venue performances in the example of Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, in all of these three types of venue performances, the center server 2 realizes the control service by controlling the performance equipment 3 based on the performance data SD provided from the game machine 4 at the event venue EF.

Specifically, the game machines 4 installed at the event venue EF include two game machines 4, a first game machine 4A and a second game machine 4B. Both of these game machines 4A and 4B provide a competitive game in which users compete against each other. The game event includes a competitive event in which two users U, a first user U1 and a second user U2, compete against each other in a competitive game via these game machines 4A and 4B. In the example of FIG. 3, the top event venue EF shows a case in which the first user U1 is dominant in such a competitive event. In this case, the performance data SD may be provided appropriately from both of the two game machines 4A and 4B (including a case in which, for example, one of the game machines 4 functions as a host and the host game machine 4 provides both or either one of the performance data SD), but the performance data SD is provided to the center server 2 from at least the first game machine 4A corresponding to the first user U1 (including a case in which the performance data SD is provided via the host game machine 4). The performance data SD describes information indicating a play situation in which the first user U1 is dominant. Then, the center server 2 realizes venue effects (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as first venue effects) that correspond to the playing conditions prevailing for the first user U1 based on the effect data SD.

Such a first venue production may be realized appropriately through various production devices 3 installed at the event venue EF, but in the example of FIG. 3, it is realized through a light unit 3A, a speaker 3B, and a monitor 3D installed at the event venue EF. Specifically, the event venue EF is equipped with a light unit 3A, a speaker 3B, a smoke device 3C, a monitor 3D, and a camera 3E as production devices 3, and in the example of FIG. 3, the production devices 3 located relatively close to the first user U1 are controlled by the center server 2 to perform the production. For example, the light unit 3A has four lights, but only two lights (the left two) located on the first user U1 side (left side) are lit. Similarly, the speaker 3B located further to the left of those lights is playing audio. These lights and sounds may be realized through various aspects that produce the superiority of the first user U1, such as various color schemes, various flashing lights, or various music, sounds, etc.

In addition, various images such as the game screens of the first game machine 4A and the second game machine 4B, or the play patterns of the first user U1 and the second user U2 captured by the camera 3E may be appropriately displayed on the monitor 3D, but in the example of FIG. 3, the display of such game screens and the like is omitted. Meanwhile, the monitor 3D presents information such as "first user advantage" that conveys the situation in which the first user U1 is in the advantage. The monitor 3D displays various effects expressing the advantage of the first user U1, and in the example of FIG. 3, such text information is displayed. In addition, as such text information, various information conveying the relative advantage of the first user U1, such as the disadvantage of the second user U2, may be used, but in the example of FIG. 3, direct expressions are used. When the first user is in the advantage, such venue effects showing the play situation are realized through the control service.

Similarly, in the example of FIG. 3, the event venue EF in the middle shows a case where the second user U2 is dominant in the battle event. In this case, as in the case of the top event venue EF, the performance data SD may be provided appropriately from both of the two game machines 4A and 4B, etc., but at least the performance data SD is provided to the center server 2 from the second game machine 4B corresponding to the second user U2 (including the case where it is provided via the game machine 4 of the host). The performance data SD describes information indicating the play situation in which the second user U2 is dominant. Then, the center server 2 realizes the venue performance (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the second venue performance) corresponding to the play situation in which the second user U2 is dominant based on the performance data SD. The second venue performance may also be realized appropriately like the first venue performance, but in the example of FIG. 3, it is realized by the performance of the performance device 3 located relatively close to the second user U2 among the performance devices 3 of the event venue EF. For example, of the four lights of the light unit 3A, only two lights (the right two) located on the second user U2 side (right side) are lit. Additionally, smoke device 3C, located further to the right of these lights, generates smoke. Furthermore, as in the case of the first venue production, monitor 3D also displays information saying "Second user dominant" as text information conveying the dominance of second user U2. When the second user is dominant, venue production showing the playing status in this manner is realized through the control service.

On the other hand, in the example of Figure 3, the bottom event venue EF shows the case where a match has ended in a match event. In this case, the performance data SD may be provided to the center server 2 from only one of the two game machines 4 to produce a winner or loser, but in the example of Figure 3, performance data SD is provided from both of the two game machines 4 (including the case where it is provided by the host game machine 4). Each performance data SD describes various information indicating the results of the match, such as winning or losing. Based on the performance data SD, the center server 2 may realize a venue performance (which may be the same as or different from the venue performance in the case of a dominant player) that produces only a winner or loser, or may realize both venue performances in sequence (with a time lag). Alternatively, the center server 2 may realize a special effect that is completely different from the effect for winners or the effect for losers, such as a venue effect that shines a spotlight only on the winner (or the winner of each set if multiple pairs of game machines 4 are installed in the same event venue EF). In this manner, venue effects may be realized as appropriate, but in the example of FIG. 3, a venue effect (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a third venue effect) is realized that combines a effect based on the effect data SD of the first game machine 4A (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a first effect) and a effect based on the effect data SD of the second game machine 4B (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a second effect).

The center server 2 may adopt appropriate effects as the first and second effects, and may execute an effect in which these effects are further appropriately combined as the third venue effect. For example, if the first user U1 wins, the center server 2 may adopt the winner's effect as the first effect and the loser's effect as the second effect, and combine and combine them to realize the third venue effect. In this case, when overlapping (competing) effects occur, such as the effect of the light unit 3A or the effect of the speaker 3B, the center server 2 may prioritize one of the effects, such as the effect of the winner, based on a predetermined rule (the same applies when other superiority such as ranking is set), and may change the degree of the overlapping effects while prioritizing that effect (for example, in the case of the light effect, the color scheme may be changed to a more vibrant color or the brightness may be increased, or in the case of the speaker 3B effect, the music may be changed to a more lively song or the volume may be increased). In this way, the center server 2 may execute various kinds of effects that appropriately combine the first and second effects as the third venue effect, but in the example of FIG. 3, the effects when the first user U1 is dominant and the effects when the second user is dominant are adopted as the first and second effects, and the third venue effect is realized by combining and combining these.

Specifically, when the first user U1 is dominant, a sound is reproduced from the speaker 3B that realizes the performance, and when the second user U2 is dominant, the smoke device 3C that realizes the performance generates smoke. Similarly, the two lights that are turned on when the first user U1 is dominant and the two lights that are turned on when the second user U2 is dominant are both turned on, and as a result, all four lights of the light unit 3A are turned on. Meanwhile, the monitor 3D also displays information congratulating the winner, which is different from when the first user U1 is dominant and when the second user U2 is dominant, as an example of various text information corresponding to the battle result. The third venue performance may be realized by a simple combination of the first and second performances, but as an example, it is not a simple combination, but is realized by a synthesis with appropriate modifications such as the display on the monitor 3D. When the battle is over, a relatively gorgeous venue performance is realized through the control service by composing the first and second performances in this way. In this example, the first game machine 4A and the second game machine 4B function as two or more game machines of the present invention. In addition, the first and second effects function as multiple corresponding effects of the present invention. Furthermore, the event venue EF and the third venue effect function as one event venue and an adjusted effect, respectively, of the present invention.

Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a venue production realized through the control service at an event venue EF (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a PB event venue EF) that functions as a public viewing venue. The PB event venue EF has different equipment from the event venue EF (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a normal event venue EF), for example, in that game machines 4 are not installed. For this reason, the production that can be realized at the normal event venue EF may differ from the production that can be realized at the PB event venue EF. In addition, not only for PB event EF, but also between normal event venues EF, various equipment may differ due to the structural characteristics of each event venue EF. Furthermore, even between normal event venues EF with the same equipment, different venue productions may be requested depending on the characteristics of the participants or environmental characteristics (for example, the permitted volume differs depending on the environment). In the control service, such differences are taken into consideration and venue production according to the characteristics of each event venue EF is realized. For example, various production devices 3 are controlled for each event venue EF so that a venue production different from that at the normal event venue EF is realized at the PB event venue EF. Below, with reference to Figure 4, we will explain the differences in venue presentation between the PB event venue EF and the regular event venue EF as an example of such differences.

The example in FIG. 4 shows the venue performance at the PB event venue EF when the second venue performance is executed in the example in FIG. 3. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the center server 2 realizes a unique venue performance at the PB event venue EF that is different from the normal event venue EF, based on the performance data SD acquired from the second game machine 4B at the normal event venue EF.

Specifically, as in the example of FIG. 3, the center server 2 is first provided with the performance data SD from the second game machine 4B. The center server 2 may be appropriately configured with a single server unit, etc., but as described above, it is configured with multiple server units 2A, 2B, etc., and includes the first server unit 2A and the second server unit 2B corresponding to the normal event venue EF and the PB event venue EF, respectively. Of these, the performance data SD provided from the second game machine 4B is acquired by the first server unit 2A. Upon acquiring the performance data SD, the first server unit 2A (center server 2) realizes the second venue performance as described above at the normal event venue EF. Furthermore, the first server unit 2A provides the acquired performance data SD to the second server unit 2B. Upon acquiring the performance data SD, the second server unit 2B realizes its own venue performance at the PB event venue EF based on the performance data SD.

Specifically, since the PB event venue EF may have different facilities than the normal event venue EF as described above, the second server unit 2B realizes the presentation at the PB event venue EF according to the presentation equipment 3 installed there. The PB event venue EF may have various differences compared to the normal event venue EF, but in the example of FIG. 3, the same presentation equipment 3 is installed, except for the game machine 4 and camera 3E. Therefore, it is possible to realize venue presentation at the PB event venue EF that is almost the same as that at the event venue EF.

On the other hand, there is no user U or game machine 4 in the PB event venue EF, so there is no need to realize a performance according to their positions. In fact, it may be preferable to have a flashy performance to compensate for the absence of the game machine 4, etc. For this reason, various unique venue performances may be realized in the PB event venue EF, but in the example of FIG. 3, unlike the second venue performance described above, a venue performance in which all the lights of the light unit 3A are turned on and the speaker 3B and the smoke device 3C also perform the performance is realized. In this case, the color scheme of the lights may match the color scheme of the lights in the second venue performance, or may be different. For example, if the color scheme of the lights in the second venue performance and the first venue performance match, and it is not possible to distinguish whether the second user U2 or the first user U1 is dominant just by turning them on, the lights may be lit with a unique color scheme indicating the second user U2, different from the second venue performance. The same applies to the sound played by the speaker 3B and the smoke generated by the smoke device 3C.

On the other hand, various images such as the results of photography by camera 3E can be displayed on monitor 3D, as in the second venue production. Since there are no game machines 4 etc. at the PB event venue EF, the importance of such images is particularly high, but in the example of Figure 4, as in the example of Figure 3, the display of these images is omitted, and information similar to that of the second venue production, which conveys the dominance of second user U2, "second user dominance", is displayed. As an example, in this way, the control service takes into account the facilities of each event venue EF, and a unique venue production is appropriately realized according to the facilities.

Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a control switching service included in the control service. The control switching service is a service for switching the control of the performance equipment at the event venue EF from automatic control performed by the center server 2 to manual control performed manually by an appropriate manager such as the event organizer. Depending on the event situation, manual control may be preferable to automatic control. In such a case, the center server 2 executes switching from automatic control to manual control via the control switching service. The center server 2 may appropriately determine whether manual control is necessary depending on various conditions such as instructions from the manager based on the play situation, and as an example, determines whether it is necessary using switching conditions.

The switching condition may include various requirements as appropriate, but as an example, when a game event is executed according to an event schedule at the event venue EF, the requirements include each plan included in the schedule, or information included in the performance data SD. Specifically, the switching condition is satisfied when the game play situation in the game event corresponds to a specific plan among the plans included in the event schedule. Alternatively, the switching condition is satisfied when the performance data SD provided from the game machine 4 providing the game event includes specific information that can be determined as the switching time. Then, the center server 2 executes switching from automatic control to manual control when the switching condition is satisfied. The example of FIG. 5 shows an example of a control switching service when switching to manual control is executed using such a switching condition. As shown in FIG. 5, in this case, the center server 2 executes switching between automatic control and manual control by referring to the event data ED or the performance data SD in order to realize the control switching service.

Specifically, the event data ED may manage various plans (schedules) related to the event and may include information on such various plans, but in the example of FIG. 5, it includes information on scheduled matches for fighting games provided by the game machine 4 and scheduled MCs at various times such as between those matches. The center server 2 refers to such event data ED, and realizes the venue performance through automatic control when the next scheduled match corresponds to a scheduled match. The center server 2 can execute appropriate performances as such venue performances, but in the example of FIG. 5, of the two event venues EF located above and below, the upper event venue EF realizes the first venue performance as shown in the example of FIG. 3.

On the other hand, the center server 2 refers to the event data ED, and if the next event corresponds to a hosting event (an example of a specific event), it switches from automatic control to manual control. Alternatively, the center server 2 refers to the performance data SD, and performs a similar switch when it is determined that it is time to switch from automatic control to manual control. The performance data SD may be configured in various formats, such as a simple program (a so-called script) or data for a program. For this reason, various pieces of information included in the performance data SD can function as specific information that can be determined as the time to switch, and as an example, a switching instruction in the case of a simple program, or information indicating the play situation corresponding to the switching time in the case of data, functions as such specific information. Then, when such specific information is included in the performance data SD, the center server 2 switches to manual control.

When automatic control is switched to manual control, manual control is permitted (accepted) at the event venue EF. That is, manual control is executed instead of automatic control as the control of the performance equipment 3. Manual control may be realized as appropriate, but in the example of FIG. 5, it is realized through a book-type personal computer 5 connected to the controller DC (which may be connected by an appropriate technology like the center server 2, but as an example, is connected by a wired connection using various cables). That is, the event manager O executes performance instructions to the book-type personal computer 5, and the controller DC controls the performance equipment 3 so that the performance is executed according to the instructions. For example, the announcement of the match results is often performed by the emcee, and the performance timing needs to be adjusted appropriately depending on the convenience of the announcement. Specifically, for example, when announcing the winner, it is often more exciting to have a slight delay before the announcement, but such a delay tends to reflect the atmosphere of the venue or the personality of the emcee. The event manager O executes control of the performance equipment 3 so that various venue performances are realized at a more favorable time according to such atmosphere, etc.

At the event venue EF, appropriate venue effects can be realized through manual control, but in the example of FIG. 5, as shown at the lower event venue EF, effects are being executed using the light unit 3A and speaker 3B from among the various performance devices 3. Specifically, the administrator of the event venue EF issues an instruction to turn on the light unit 3A and play audio using the speaker 3B, resulting in all the lights in the light unit 3A being lit and the speaker 3B playing audio according to the instruction. The monitor 3D can also display various images such as the results of photography by the camera 3E or game screens, but these are omitted in the example of FIG. 5, and the text information "commentary in progress" indicating the scheduled hosting is displayed through similar manual control.

As part of the control switching service, the center server 2 may switch from manual control to automatic control (resume automatic control) as appropriate in accordance with various conditions, but as an example, when a resume condition is met, it switches from automatic control to manual control again so that automatic control resumes. The resume condition may be met, for example, like the switching condition, based on an appropriate schedule or appropriate information in the performance data, and is met, for example, when the hosting schedule has ended (it may also be the case that the next schedule is a match schedule), or when the performance data includes information that can be determined as the time to switch to automatic control. The control service includes such a control switching service.

Next, the details of the event service will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The event service may execute various instructions and acquire various data as instructions and data for the event, but the following describes a case where the provision of the performance data SD is instructed and the acquisition is executed. The instruction to provide the performance data SD may be omitted, and for example, the event service may be configured to unconditionally acquire the performance data SD from all game machines 4 in the event venue EF, but as an example, it is configured to execute the instruction to provide to some of the game machines 4. The example of FIG. 6 shows an example of an event service when such an instruction is executed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the center server 2 refers to target identification data for identifying some of the game machines 4 to which the performance data SD should be provided, and instructs some of the game machines 4 in the event venue EF to provide the performance data SD. Then, the center server 2 realizes the above-mentioned control service based on the performance data SD acquired from these some of the game machines 4.

Specifically, various data may function as data for target identification as target identification data as appropriate depending on the contents of the control service, but in the example of FIG. 6, the event data ED, the performance data SD, and the device management data MD function as such. In the event data ED, various plans may be managed as described above, and these various plans may be used as appropriate to identify some of the game machines 4 as information for identification, but as an example, information on the scheduled matches is used to identify some of the game machines 4. More specifically, when each game machine 4 provides a competitive game, the match may be realized in various formats (methods) such as a league match format or a tournament format, and the event data ED describes information indicating the opponents based on each format or the game machines 4 for the match as part of the information on the scheduled matches. Then, such a game machine 4 for the match, or the game machine 4 used by the opponent, functions as some of the game machines 4. In other words, the center server 2 references the information about the scheduled matches, identifies the multiple game machines 4 that will be used in the next match (two game machines 4 in the case of a one-on-one match, or two or more game machines 4 if multiple matches are being played or if a group match is being played) as some of the game machines 4, and instructs these multiple game machines 4 to provide the performance data SD.

When the center server 2 instructs the multiple game machines 4 to provide performance data SD, the multiple game machines 4 may provide the performance data SD as appropriate. For example, all of the multiple game machines 4 may provide performance data SD at all times, or only in specific situations, such as when the playing situation is favorable, the multiple game machines 4 may provide performance data SD. The same applies when other target identification data is used to identify some of the game machines 4 and to give instructions to those game machines 4.

On the other hand, the effect data SD is used in appropriate cases when it is necessary to identify a further portion of the game machines 4 to which the effect data SD is to be provided when the target game machines 4 to which the effect data SD is to be provided has already been determined. For example, when multiple game machines 4 that will play the first round in a tournament format have already been identified as a portion of the game machines 4 to which the effect data SD is to be provided, the effect data SD may be used to identify a game machine 4 among these game machines 4 that is playing in an advantageous situation. The effect data SD may also be used to identify an appropriate game machine 4 corresponding to various other play situations, but as an example, it is used to identify a game machine 4 (opponent) corresponding to the winner among the multiple game machines 4 that will play the first round.

The performance data SD may be configured in various formats as described above. For this reason, various information included in the performance data SD may be used to identify some of the game machines 4, and as an example, information instructing the performance of the winner or information indicating victory in the match is used to identify some of the game machines 4. In addition, the specified further part of the game machines 4 may be requested to provide performance data SD as appropriate, and for example, performance data SD including more detailed information (performance data SD with a different amount of information) may be requested, but as an example, the continued provision of performance data SD including similar information is requested. As a result, the center server 2 refers to the performance data SD to identify the game machines 4 corresponding to the winner of the first round, and instructs the provision of performance data SD so that the performance data SD will continue to be provided to those game machines 4 in the next match (for example, the second round).

The device management data MD may also include various information for managing the types of the performance equipment 3 at each event venue EF, and these various pieces of information may be used appropriately to identify some of the various game machines 4. For example, the device management data MD may include information on the position of each performance equipment 3, and in this case, game machines 4 close to a specific performance equipment 3 may be identified as some of the game machines 4 based on this position information and data managing the position of each game machine 4. As data for managing the position of such game machines 4, data other than the device management data MD may be used, or the device management data MD may be used. As an example, when the device management data MD includes information on the position of each game machine 4, this position information functions as information for identification. Furthermore, this position information may be used appropriately to identify various game machines 4, and as an example, it is used to identify game machines 4 included in the shooting range of the camera 3E. In other words, the center server 2 refers to the shooting results of the camera 3E and the device management data MD, identifies the game machines 4 included in the shooting range of the camera 3E as some of the game machines 4, and instructs them to provide the performance data SD.

Based on the event data ED, the performance data SD, and the device management data MD, appropriate game machines 4 may be identified as the partial game machines 4. For example, not only the game machines 4 in the same event venue EF, but also multiple game machines 4 installed in different event venues EF may be identified as the partial game machines 4 when multiple event venues EF are prepared. In this way, appropriate game machines 4 may be identified as the partial game machines 4, and the example of FIG. 6 shows both a case where each game machine 4 in different event venues EF is identified as the partial game machines 4, and a case where each game machine 4 in the same event venue EF is identified as the partial game machines 4.

Specifically, the example of FIG. 6 shows, from top to bottom, two event venues EF (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the top two event venues EF) each including one game machine 4 identified as a part of the game machines 4, and one event venue EF (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the bottom event venue EF) including two game machines 4 identified as a part of the game machines 4. For example, multiple users U may compete against each other via multiple game machines 4 installed at different event venues EF. In this case, the competitors and the game machines 4 used by the competitors are located across multiple event venues EF, and a competition is realized between the different event venues EF. Both of the top two event venues EF include multiple game machines 4, each of which is used in a competition. In other words, each of the top two event venues EF includes two game machines 4 that compete against each other in a competition event. For this reason, the center server 2, for example, based on the event data ED or the performance data SD, identifies two game machines 4 located in each of the top two event venues EF (the game machine 4 at the left end of the top event venue EF, and the game machine 4 second from the left of the middle event venue EF) as some of the game machines 4. Then, the center server 2 instructs these game machines 4 to provide the performance data SD.

On the other hand, the lower event venue EF also includes multiple game machines 4, but only two game machines 4 near the center are included in the shooting range CR of the camera 3E. In other words, the shooting range CR of the camera 3E is controlled so that only two game machines 4 near the center are shot among the multiple game machines 4. In this case, the center server 2 identifies these two game machines 4 as some of the game machines 4, for example, based on the shooting range CR of the camera 3E and the device management data MD. Specifically, the center server 2 first determines the shooting range CR based on the shooting conditions of the camera 3E. Next, the center server 2 identifies the game machines 4 (the two game machines 4 near the center) whose position information included in the shooting range CR is described in the device management data MD as some of the game machines 4. Then, the center server 2 instructs these game machines 4 to provide performance data SD.

Furthermore, the center server 2 may appropriately execute the venue effects as described above based on the effect data SD acquired from these some of the game machines 4. Such venue effects may include effects that shine a spotlight on some of the game machines 4 through light units 3A or the like, and if the game machines 4 are equipped with effect devices such as lights, the center server 2 may further control the effect devices of such some of the game machines 4. In other words, the venue effects are not limited to the effect devices 3, and may be realized through various devices, and such devices may include the game machines 4. Such control of the game machines 4 may be executed appropriately, but as an example, the center server 2 controls the effect devices of some of the game machines 4 to execute an effect that indicates (or highlights) the presence of some of the game machines 4 in order to produce an effect similar to a spotlight. As an example, the event service is configured to realize the instruction to provide such effect data SD and the acquisition thereof.

Next, the details of the performance data SD, performance control data CD, event data ED, and device management data MD will be described. The performance to be executed by the performance device 3 is determined according to various play situations such as the match schedule, as described above. For this reason, the performance data SD includes various information related to such play situations. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the performance data SD. The performance data SD may be configured as a simple program as described above, but the example of FIG. 7 shows a case where it is configured as data for a program. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the performance data SD includes a performance record SDR that manages the game play situation in association with each opponent (user U). In addition, in order to realize such management, the performance record SDR includes information such as "user", "character", "action", and "situation".

"User" is information for identifying a user U (opponent) who is playing a game. Any appropriate information capable of identifying each user U may be described in "user", but as an example, a unique user ID for each user U is described in order to identify each user U. Such a user ID may be an event-specific user name, or an event-specific user number that is limited to the event. Alternatively, if there is a user ID used when playing a game machine 4 installed in various facilities (an ID that is not limited to an event and identifies each user U), such a user ID may be used.

"Character" is information for identifying characters that appear during game play. "Character" may contain appropriate information that can identify each character, but as an example, unique character ID information is written for each character to identify each character. Also, "character" may contain character ID information corresponding to an appropriate character (which may be multiple characters) that appears in the game being played, but as an example, when user U plays the game through a character, character ID information corresponding to such a character (the character corresponding to user U as the so-called player character) is written.

"Action" is information for specifying an action (behavior) via the character of each user U. "Action" may describe any appropriate information for specifying various actions performed by the character, but as an example, information indicating the movements of techniques, etc. performed by each character, or the operations performed by user U to realize such techniques, etc. is described.

"Situation" is information for identifying the situation in the game being played. Various information for identifying the play situation (at least the situation related to the venue production) may be described in "situation". For example, as such information, the number of stages when the game is divided into multiple stages (or the selected stage in the case of a selection format), the number of innings in a baseball game, the position of the ball in a game in which the offense and defense switch depending on the position of the ball, such as a soccer game, the number of points scored, or the remaining amount of value related to the match, such as HP (hit points), may be appropriately described. In addition, the result of the match (including ranking, or superiority or inferiority such as inferiority or superiority) may be appropriately determined from the score, etc., or information on the result of the match may be used as such information separately or instead of them. In "situation", these pieces of information are appropriately described according to the request of the venue production. In the production record SDR, these pieces of information are recorded so that they are mutually associated. Then, these pieces of information are appropriately used for various venue productions, etc. In this example, the information on the play situation described in "situation" functions as the production information of the present invention, or the play information.

On the other hand, the performance data SD may be configured as a simple program, in which case the above-mentioned information on the "user", "character", "action", and "situation" is written, for example, in script format. Script format data is a well-known technology, but like programs, it is data that is executed in such a way that the compilation process for the computer is omitted (it is processed appropriately in the background, etc., and at least appears that way). In the case of script format data, since it is possible to omit such a compilation process, relatively complex instructions can be realized earlier. Therefore, relatively complex play situations can be reflected in the performance. The performance data SD may be generated so that various formats such as such script format data or simple data can be appropriately used. For example, when a simple venue performance corresponding to a simple play situation is executed, it may be generated as normal data, and when a more complex situation and venue performance is executed, it may be generated as script format data.

The performance data SD is not limited to the above information, and may manage appropriate information according to requests for venue performance. For example, some of the above information may be omitted, or other various information may be added. For example, instead of the "user" information, or as the above-mentioned "user" information, a cabinet ID corresponding to each game machine 4 (used by each user U) described below may be used. Similarly, for example, information on the opponent in a competitive game (for example, the opponent's user ID, or an opponent ID unique for each match (match) that manages the opponent's user ID, etc. to identify such an opponent or the game machine 4) may be included. Also, for example, the game machine 4 may execute instructions for venue performance via the performance data SD, and in this case, the performance data SD may include information instructing the performance, such as information on the "performance type" described below (information included in the performance control data CD). In this case, information instructing the performance, such as information on the "performance type" functions as the performance information of the present invention. Also, for example, when the performance data SD is used to identify some game machines 4 in an event service, the performance data SD may include information such as a cabinet ID for identifying the game machine 4 that provides the performance. In this case, the "status" information in the performance data SD and the cabinet ID information function as the correspondence information and game machine identification information of the present invention, respectively.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the performance control data CD. The performance control data CD may include various information for controlling the performance of the performance equipment 3 as appropriate, but the example of Figure 8 shows an example of the performance control data CD in the case where the performance realized at each event venue EF is divided into a predetermined unit of performance equipment 3 and managed for each unit (type). In addition, the performance control data CD may be configured appropriately according to, for example, the configuration of the performance data SD (for example, a configuration such as a simple program or simple data), but the example of Figure 8 shows an example of the performance control data CD in the case where the performance data SD is configured as simple data. In this case, as shown in Figure 8, the performance control data CD includes a performance control record CDR that divides the performance equipment 3 into predetermined units for each event venue EF and manages them as a type of performance. In addition, in order to realize such management, the performance control record CDR includes information such as "venue ID", "performance type", "target equipment", "performance details", and "application conditions".

"Venue ID" is information indicating a unique venue ID for each event venue EF in order to identify each event venue EF when there are multiple event venues EF. "Performance type" is information for identifying the type of performance (venue performance) to be performed through each performance device 3. "Performance type" may describe any appropriate information as this information, but as an example, unique performance ID information is described for each type of performance in order to identify each performance. "Target device" is information for identifying the performance device 3 for realizing each type of performance. "Target device" may describe any appropriate information as this information, but as an example, unique device ID information is described for each type of performance device 3 in order to identify the type of each performance device 3 (e.g. light unit 3A, speaker 3B, etc.).

Similarly, "performance details" is information for specifying the performance (action) that each performance device 3 should execute for each type of performance. Any appropriate information may be described in "performance details" as such information, but as an example, appropriate parameter information is described. Specifically, for example, if information specifying the first venue performance is described in "performance type", information specifying the light unit 3A, speaker 3B, and monitor 3D is described in "target devices". Then, in "performance details", numerical values indicating the two lights on the left side of the light unit 3A, a numerical value indicating their illumination, a numerical value indicating their color scheme, and a numerical value indicating their intensity are described as parameter information. In addition, a numerical value indicating the music to be played from speaker 3B and a numerical value indicating its volume are also described in "performance details" as parameter information. Similarly, numerical values indicating the image to be displayed on monitor 3D (for example, numerical values indicating the game screen, numerical values indicating the results of photography by camera 3E, or numerical values indicating various standard phrases such as "first user dominance") and numerical values indicating the display mode (numerical values indicating the position, range, and, in the case of combination with other images, layout, etc.) are also described in "performance details" as parameter information. In other words, each performance device 3 is divided into predetermined units based on the information in "performance type" and "target device", and specific performances according to those units are defined in "performance details". Similar descriptions are used when other performances, such as second venue performances, are executed.

On the other hand, in the case of a performance that corresponds to the synthesis of multiple performances, such as a third venue performance, the performance that corresponds to such a synthesis may be defined separately and individually by "performance type", "target device", and "performance details", but as an example, information indicating the type of performance to be synthesized, such as a first venue performance and a second venue performance, is described in "performance type". In this case, the information on "target device" and "performance details" may be omitted, or information corresponding to the combination of a first venue performance and a second venue performance may be described.

The "application condition" is information indicating the application condition under which each type of performance should be applied (executed). The "application condition" may appropriately describe information indicating various conditions according to the request of the venue performance, etc., but information indicating a specific play situation such as when the first user U1 has a certain score difference or more (one example of a favorable situation), when the first user U1 has the ball in a ball game such as soccer (another example of a favorable situation), when the first user U1 has a stamina (e.g., HP) lead in a fighting game, or when the match has ended is described. In addition, a situation such as a stamina lead may be further divided into finer situations such as a large stamina lead. Furthermore, for example, a large stamina lead may be described as an "application condition" associated with a normal event venue EF, and a stamina lead may be described as an "application condition" associated with a PB event venue EF. In other words, different application conditions may be associated with each event venue EF. Then, different venue performances may be realized for each event venue EF according to the common performance data SD in which information on the remaining stamina value is described in the "situation". As described above, different venue effects may be realized for each event venue EF depending on the characteristics of the event venue EF, and this may be realized through differences in such "application conditions." In this case, different (more detailed) venue effects for each event venue EF are realized by the same presentation data SD through such "application conditions" (presentation control data CD). In other words, the presentation control data CD may play a role in absorbing the differences in venue effects for each event venue EF through the "application conditions," in defining the different venue effects for each event venue EF, and instructing the realization of the different venue effects. On the other hand, the presentation data SD may play a role in conveying the basis for determining different venue effects through the common play situation of such "situations."

The above-mentioned information is recorded in the performance control record CDR so that it is mutually associated. This information is used appropriately to control the performance equipment 3 that realizes various venue performances. The performance control data CD is not limited to the above-mentioned information, and may manage appropriate information according to the request of the venue performance. For example, some of the above-mentioned information may be omitted, or other various information may be added. For example, when there is one event venue EF, the information on the "venue ID" may be omitted. Also, for example, when the performance data SD includes information on the "performance type", when a specific type of performance is specified by the performance data SD, the information on the "application conditions" may be omitted. In this example, the information on the venue ID described in the "venue ID" functions as the venue identification information of the present invention. Also, when the performance data SD does not include information specifying a specific performance, the information on the play situation (specific play situation) described in the "application conditions" of this example and the type of performance described in the "performance type" (or a combination of these, further including the "target equipment" and "performance details") function as the performance information of the present invention and the corresponding performance, respectively. On the other hand, if the performance data SD includes information that indicates a specific performance, the combination of the information on the type of performance described in "Performance Type" in this example, and the device ID information described in "Target Device" and the parameter information described in "Performance Details" function as the performance information and corresponding performance of the present invention, respectively.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of event data ED. The event data ED may manage various plans related to the progress of an event, but the example in Figure 9 shows an example of event data ED in the case where the switching conditions include the requirements for each plan in the event schedule, and where such plans are managed. In this case, as shown in Figure 9, the event data ED includes an event record EDR for managing each plan for each event. Furthermore, to achieve such management, the event record EDR includes information such as "event ID", "venue ID", "plan", "target", and "progress".

"Venue ID" is information indicating the above-mentioned venue ID. "Event ID" is information indicating a unique event ID for each event in order to identify each event. "Schedule" is information for identifying various schedules included in each event. Events at the event venue EF include game events, and the game events progress according to the game play status. For this reason, the event schedule includes a play status schedule corresponding to the game play status. In this case, "schedule" describes information for identifying such a play status schedule. Specifically, for example, when a tournament-style battle event is executed, "schedule" describes information for identifying each play status schedule such as the first round, second round, semi-final, final, and emcee. In this case, the play status schedule indicating the battle such as the first round, second round, semi-final, or final, and the play status schedule indicating the emcee function as the above-mentioned battle schedule and emcee schedule, respectively. "Schedule" may describe appropriate information for identifying these schedules, but as an example, information of a unique schedule ID for each schedule is described in order to identify each schedule such as the first round, second round, and so on.

On the other hand, "target" is information for identifying a target to be used as a target for each schedule. Various events may be held at the event venue EF, and the schedules for these various events may be appropriately managed in the event data ED. Below, a case where a game event schedule (play situation schedule) is managed as such an event will be described. In this case, "target" describes information for identifying each game machine 4 as a target for each schedule. For example, a schedule corresponding to the semi-finals describes information for identifying each game machine 4 that will compete in the semi-finals. The same applies to the first round, etc. On the other hand, when a schedule corresponding to the hosting is scheduled, "target" may describe information indicating no target, or may describe information indicating the hosting. Also, "target" may describe appropriate information for identifying each game machine 4, and as an example, information of a unique cabinet ID for each game machine 4 is described in order to identify each game machine 4.

"Progress" is information for identifying which of the plans contained in the event data ED is currently in progress. Any suitable information may be described in "Progress" as such information, but as an example, information is described that distinguishes at least three types of plans: plans that have already been completed (implemented), plans that are currently in progress, and plans that have not yet been implemented. The "progress" information then manages whether each plan described in "Plan" in the event data ED belongs to one of these categories: already implemented, in progress, or not yet implemented. In the event record EDR, this information is recorded so that it is mutually associated. This information is then used as appropriate to provide various services, such as a performance switching service.

The event data ED is not limited to the above information, and may manage appropriate information in response to requests from the performance switching service. For example, some of the above information may be omitted, or other various information may be added. In this example, the information described in "Progress" functions as the progress information of the present invention. Furthermore, the information corresponding to the play status plan among the plans described in "Plan" functions as the play status plan of the present invention. Furthermore, the information corresponding to the next match scheduled by the host among the play status plans described in "Plan" functions as the specified play status plan of the present invention. On the other hand, when the event data ED is used to identify some game machines 4 through the event service, the information described in "Plan" in this example and the information of the cabinet ID described in "Target" function as the correspondence information and game machine identification information of the present invention, respectively.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the device management data MD. The device management data MD may include various information for managing the performance equipment 3 installed at the event venue EF as described above. For this reason, the device management data MD is used to manage the performances that can be realized at each event venue EF when there are multiple event venues EF (for example, a smoke performance is possible at an event venue EF where a smoke device 3C is present, and a performance in which a specific game machine 4 is spotlighted is possible at an event venue EF where a spotlight is present, and the performance is for each event venue EF). The example of Figure 10 shows a case where the device management data MD is further used to manage the position of each game machine 4 at the event venue EF. In this case, as shown in Figure 10, the device management data MD includes a device management record MDR for managing the performance equipment 3 installed at each event venue EF. In order to realize such management, the device management record MDR includes information on "venue ID", "installed equipment", "cabinet ID", and "location".

The "venue ID" and "cabinet ID" are information indicating the above-mentioned venue ID and cabinet ID, respectively. The "installed equipment" is information for identifying the performance equipment 3 installed at each event venue EF. The "installed equipment" may contain appropriate information as such information. As an example, information on a unique device ID for each type of performance equipment 3, such as a light unit 3A or a speaker 3B, is described to identify each performance equipment 3. The "placement" is information for identifying the position of each game machine 4. The "placement" may contain appropriate information as such information. As an example, information indicating coordinates when set in a predetermined range (for example, a stage on which the game machine 4 is installed) in the event venue EF is described. The device management record MDR records these pieces of information so that they are mutually associated. These pieces of information are used appropriately to provide various services such as event services. The device management data MD is not limited to the above-mentioned information, and may manage appropriate information according to requests for event services, etc. For example, some of the above-mentioned information may be omitted, or conversely, various other pieces of information may be added. Furthermore, when the device management data MD is used to identify some game machines 4 through an event service, the location information described in "Layout" in this example and the cabinet ID information described in "Cabinet ID" function as the correspondence information and game machine identification information of the present invention, respectively.

Next, the target identification process, the performance process, the control switching process, and the restart process will be described with reference to FIG. 11 to FIG. 14. The target identification process is a process for identifying the device to be instructed among various devices installed at the event venue EF. Any suitable device installed at the event venue EF may be used as such a device, but the example of FIG. 11 shows the target identification process when a game machine 4 is used. More specifically, the example of FIG. 11 shows an example of the target identification process when the target to which the performance data SD is provided is identified and the specific instruction is executed. In this case, when a suitable start condition is satisfied, such as when a predetermined operation is executed to instruct the identification of the target to which the performance data SD is provided, the game machine service management unit 25 starts the target identification process of FIG. 11 and first acquires data for target identification (step S101). Various data can function as data for target identification, but as an example, the event data ED, the performance data SD, and the device management data MD function. For this reason, the game machine service management unit 25 acquires these event data ED, performance data SD, or device management data MD as data for target identification. The following describes how to obtain event data ED as data for target identification.

Then, the game machine service management unit 25 refers to the event data ED acquired in step S101 and determines the next schedule (step S102). Specifically, the game machine service management unit 25 realizes this determination by referring to the "schedule" and "progress" information in the event data ED. Next, the game machine service management unit 25 identifies the game machine 4 that functions as the target of the identified schedule (step S103). The target of each schedule may be managed appropriately, but as an example, it is managed via the "target" information in the event data ED. For this reason, the game machine service management unit 25 realizes the identification of such a target by referring to the "target" information in the event data ED. Specifically, the game machine service management unit 25 identifies the game machine 4 identified by the "target" in the event data ED as the target game machine 4 of the schedule identified in step S102. In this case, when there are multiple event venues EF, the game machine service management unit 25 may further identify each event venue EF where the target game machine 4 is installed by referring to the "venue ID".

The game machine service management unit 25 then instructs the game machine 4 identified in step S104 to provide the performance data SD (step S104). After this instruction, the game machine service management unit 25 ends the current target identification process. As a result, targets to which the performance data SD will be provided are identified from among the multiple game machines 4 installed at the event venue EF (multiple event venues EF in the case of multiple event venues EF) based on the target identification data. More specifically, the game machine 4 corresponding to the next schedule among the schedules managed by the event data ED is identified as the target to which the performance data SD will be provided. These are then actually instructed to provide the performance data SD. As a result, the event service is realized.

The performance process is a process for realizing the performance at the venue based on the performance data SD. The game machine 4 may generate the performance data SD appropriately in response to various conditions, such as when the game play situation corresponds to a specific situation, but the example of FIG. 12 shows the performance process when the game machine 4 generates the performance data SD at a predetermined cycle during the game upon receiving an instruction from the center server 2. The example of FIG. 12 also shows the performance process when multiple game machines 4 are identified through the target identification process, such as two game machines 4 in a match, and are instructed to provide the performance data SD. Note that in the example of FIG. 12, the process mainly executed by the control unit 31 of the game machine 4 is shown as the game machine 4, and the process mainly executed by the control unit 21 of the center server 2 is shown as the center server 2.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 12, each game machine 4 (data management unit 44) starts the effect processing of FIG. 12 at a predetermined cycle, and first generates effect data SD (step S201). Next, each game machine 4 transmits the generated effect data SD to the center server 2 (step S202). Then, after the transmission, each game machine 4 ends the current effect processing.

On the other hand, when the performance data SD is transmitted from each game machine 4 (or when the control of the performance device 3 is in an automatic control state), the center server 2 (the device service management unit 24) starts the performance process of FIG. 12 and first acquires the performance data SD (step S301). Next, the center server 2 determines whether the application conditions for applying (executing) the performance are satisfied based on the performance data SD (step S302). For example, various information included in the performance data SD may be used as the requirements for the application conditions in response to a request for the performance to be realized, such as realizing a specific venue performance at the time of a specified action, and it may be determined whether the application conditions are satisfied (whether or not the performance can be added) appropriately based on such information, and as an example, the information on the "situation" is used as the requirement for the application conditions. Specifically, the center server 2 refers to the "situation" information of the performance data SD and the "application condition" information of the performance control data CD, and determines whether the situation of the game being played (the situation described in "situation") corresponds to a specific situation (the condition described in "application condition") in which the performance should be executed. At this time, the center server 2 determines whether the application condition is not satisfied when the game situation does not correspond to the specific situation, or whether the application condition is satisfied when the game situation corresponds to the specific situation. Then, if the application condition is not satisfied (the game situation does not correspond to the specific situation), the center server 2 skips the subsequent processing and ends the current presentation processing.

On the other hand, if the application conditions are met (the game situation corresponds to a specific situation), the center server 2 determines the effect that should be realized through the performance equipment 3 (step S303). This determination is made based on the "application conditions" referenced in step S302. Specifically, the center server 2 identifies the "performance type," "target equipment," and "performance details" information associated in the performance control data CD with the "application conditions" that correspond to the situation of the game being played, and determines the performance realized by these (the type of performance corresponding to the "performance type") as the performance that should be realized. Furthermore, if there are multiple event venues EF, the center server 2 references the "venue ID" information in the performance control data CD and makes this determination for each event venue EF.

The center server 2 then determines whether the adjustment conditions are met (step S304). The adjustment conditions may be configured as appropriate according to the requirements of the effect to be realized, but as an example, the adjustment conditions are met when the effect based on the effect data SD (the effect identified in step S303) competes or overlaps between multiple game machines 4. For this reason, the center server 2 determines whether the effect identified in step S303 competes or overlaps with effects based on other effect data SD.

Specifically, the center server 2 determines that the effects identified in step S303 are competing or overlapping when the effect device 3 for realizing the effect based on the other effect data SD is the same as the effect device 3 for realizing the effect based on the other effect data SD, or when the effect time is the same. For example, in a soccer game, when an effect of a user U who has the ball (hereinafter, may be called a ball effect) and an effect of a user U who has a large number of goals (number of points) (hereinafter, may be called an advantage effect) are both identified in the "application conditions" and applied at the same time, these effects are determined to overlap. In addition, when the effect devices 3 required for the ball effect and the advantage effect overlap, these effects are determined to compete. Alternatively, in the case of a victory of one side, a dominant situation of the other side, a disadvantageous situation of the other side, and a plurality of situations corresponding to the match result may be identified in the "application conditions". In this case, it is considered that effects corresponding to these are requested at the same time, so it may be determined that the effects overlap or compete.

When the adjustment conditions are met (there is a conflict or overlap between the performances), the center server 2 adjusts the performances (conflicting or overlapping performances) that satisfy the adjustment conditions (step S305). This adjustment may be realized as appropriate by shifting the performance time or prioritizing one of them, but as an example, it is realized by combining those performances. Specifically, for example, when the third venue performance in the example of FIG. 3 is realized by combining the first and second performances based on the information of the first and second performances described in the "performance type" of the performance control data CD, the center server 2 combines the first and second performances by this adjustment. The center server 2 also adjusts the display on the monitor 3D as appropriate according to a predetermined rule. In this way, the center server 2 realizes the third venue performance in the example of FIG. 3.

Alternatively, for example, when the generation of smoke by the smoke device 3C and the reproduction of a predetermined sound by the speaker 3B are specified by the information of the "effect type" as the above-mentioned ball effect and advantage effect, these are combined, and the effect of step S303 (the effect corresponding to either the generation of smoke or the reproduction of a predetermined sound) is adjusted to an effect that executes both the generation of smoke and the reproduction of a predetermined sound. Also, when the lighting of the light unit 3A is specified for both effects in addition to the generation of smoke and the reproduction of a predetermined sound as the ball effect and advantage effect, if the lighting has the same color scheme, the brightness of the lighting (parameter indicating illuminance) is doubled, and if the lighting has different color schemes, the color scheme is changed to a mixture of the colors, and so on, and the like, is appropriately adjusted according to a predetermined rule. Also, when multiple situations corresponding to a dominant situation, an unfavorable situation of the other side, and a match result are specified, the situation may be appropriately adjusted by combining, or by selecting one of them based on a predetermined criterion, etc.

On the other hand, if the adjustment conditions are not met (there is no conflict or overlap between the performances) or after the adjustment in step S305, the center server 2 controls the performance equipment 3 to execute the performance specified in step S303 or the performance after adjustment (e.g., after synthesis) in step S305 (step S306). If there are multiple event venues EF, the center server 2 executes this control for each event venue EF so that such a performance is executed in each event venue EF. In addition, when the control of each performance equipment 3 is realized through the controller DC, this control is realized by instructing the controller DC to execute the performance to be executed (the performance specified in step S303 or the performance after adjustment in step S305). Furthermore, when the controller DC controls each performance equipment 3 based on the performance control data CD that defines the performance to be executed, the center server 2 realizes this control by transmitting the performance control data CD to the controller DC so as to include a performance control record CDR (which may be a part excluding unnecessary parts such as "application conditions") in which information such as "performance type" indicating the performance to be executed is described. In this case, the center server 2 may generate performance control data CD including a performance control record CDR corresponding to the adjusted performance as part of the performance adjustment in step S305. After such control, the center server 2 ends the current performance processing.

According to the procedure in FIG. 12, the target game machine 4 generates performance data SD at a predetermined cycle and provides it to the center server 2. Then, based on the performance data SD, the center server 2 determines whether or not to execute a performance, and executes the performance as appropriate. Specifically, when the game play situation corresponds to a specific situation, the performance equipment 3 at the event venue EF is controlled so that a performance corresponding to that situation is realized. Also, when performances based on the performance data SD conflict or overlap, the competing performances are adjusted, and the performance equipment 3 is controlled to realize the adjusted performance.

The control switching process is a process for switching the control of the performance device 3 from automatic control to manual control. Various conditions may be adopted as conditions for switching from automatic control to manual control, but the example of Figure 13 shows the control switching process when the above-mentioned switching conditions are adopted. In addition, the switching conditions may include appropriate information of the event data ED and the performance data SD as requirements and may be satisfied appropriately based on this information, but the example of Figure 13 shows a case where the switching conditions include information of the event data ED as requirements. The device service management unit 24 starts the control switching process of Figure 13 every time performance data SD is provided from the game machine 4, for example, and first obtains the performance data SD (step S401).

Then, the device service management unit 24 determines whether the update condition is satisfied (step S402). The update condition may be satisfied in various cases, such as when an instruction from the administrator O (for example, an update instruction via a flag indicating the arrival of a hosting schedule or a flag indicating the insertion of a hosting schedule) is executed, and may be satisfied appropriately to update the event data ED. As an example, the update condition is satisfied when the game play situation corresponds to the situation to be updated. In addition, various situations in the game may be appropriately used as the situation to be updated, and as an example, a situation corresponding to the end of the match is used. Specifically, the update condition is satisfied when the "situation" of the performance data SD corresponds to the end of the match. Therefore, in step S402, the device service management unit 24 determines whether the "situation" of the performance data SD corresponds to the end of the match. Then, if the update condition is not satisfied (does not correspond to the end of the match), the device service management unit 24 skips the subsequent processing and ends the current control switching processing.

On the other hand, if the update condition is met (corresponding to the end of the match), the device service management unit 24 updates the event data ED (step S403). Specifically, the device service management unit 24 "changes (updates)" the "progress" information of the "schedule" corresponding to the ongoing match from "in progress" to "completed," and the "progress" information of the "schedule" following the "schedule" that was in progress from "not yet completed" to "in progress." The device service management unit 24 then determines whether the switching condition is met (step S404). The switching condition may be met appropriately based on each schedule in the event data ED, but as an example, as described above, the switching condition is met when the next schedule described in the "schedule" of the event data ED (the schedule whose "progress" information has changed from "not yet completed" to "in progress" in the current update) corresponds to the moderator. For this reason, the device service management unit 24 refers to the "schedule" and "progress" of the event data ED and determines whether the next schedule (the schedule that has changed to "in progress" due to the update in step S403) corresponds to the moderator. Then, if the switching condition is not met (the next schedule does not correspond to the moderator), the device service management unit 24 skips the subsequent processing and ends the current control switching processing.

On the other hand, if the switching condition is met (if the next event corresponds to hosting), the device service management unit 24 executes switching from automatic control to manual control (step S405). For example, when the device service management unit 24 executes control of each performance device 3 via the controller DC, this switching is realized by instructing the controller DC to switch the control of each performance device 3 from automatic control to manual control. After this switching, the device service management unit 24 ends the current control switching process. As a result, the performance of each performance device 3 is switched from automatic control to manual control according to the switching condition. More specifically, if the next event corresponds to hosting based on the event data ED, such switching from automatic control to manual control is executed. In other words, a control switching service is realized.

The restart process is a process for switching the control of the performance equipment 3 from manual control to automatic control. Automatic control is resumed, for example, when a restart condition is satisfied. The restart condition may be satisfied appropriately based on various conditions for resuming automatic control, and as an example, is satisfied when the match (game play) is resumed after the hosting. The resumption of the match may also be determined appropriately based on various information, such as a restart instruction (execution of a specified restart operation) by the event manager O, and as an example, is determined based on "status" information in the performance data SD. The example in Figure 14 shows the restart process when it is determined whether or not to resume automatic control based on such performance data SD.

When the device service management unit 24 acquires the performance data SD while the control of the performance device 3 is in manual control, it starts the restart process of FIG. 14 and first determines whether the restart condition is satisfied (step S501). As an example, the restart condition is satisfied when the play situation corresponds to a battle, as described above. Therefore, the device service management unit 24 realizes this determination by referring to the "status" information in the performance data SD and determining whether the game play situation corresponds to a battle.

If the restart condition is not met (the play situation does not correspond to a match), the device service management unit 24 maintains the current manual control (step S502). On the other hand, if the restart condition is met (the play situation corresponds to a match), the device service management unit 24 switches the control of the performance device 3 from manual control to automatic control (step S503). In other words, the device service management unit 24 switches the control of the performance device 3 so that automatic control is resumed. Specifically, for example, when the control of each performance device 3 is executed via the controller DC, the device service management unit 24 realizes this switching by instructing the controller DC to switch the control of each performance device 3 from manual control to automatic control. Then, after step S502 or after executing the switching in step S503, the device service management unit 24 ends the current restart process. As a result, switching from manual control to automatic control, in other words, resumption of automatic control, is realized according to the restart condition. More specifically, when the game play status corresponds to a match based on the performance data SD (in other words, when the game changes from moderation to a match), this automatic control is resumed.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the performance data SD including various information according to the game play situation is generated in the game machine 4 and is provided to the center server 2 as appropriate. For example, performance data SD including "situation" information is generated as such information and provided to the center server 2. The center server 2 acquires the performance data SD and determines the performance associated with the "situation" information from a plurality of performances that can be realized based on the performance control data CD. Specifically, the center server 2 specifies the "application condition" in which the play situation corresponding to the play situation described in the "situation" is described, and determines the type of performance corresponding to the "application condition" (performance specified by the "performance type" or the like) as the performance associated with the "situation". In other words, the center server 2 determines the performance associated with the "situation" via the "application condition" as the performance to be executed. Then, the center server 2 actually controls the performance device 3 of each event venue EF so that the performance is realized. Therefore, the play situation is reflected in the performance of the performance device 3 via the "situation" information in the performance data SD. This makes it possible to control the performance of the performance device 3 according to the game play situation.

In addition, when the game machines 4 to which the performance data SD is provided through the event service are limited to a portion of the game machines 4, the play status to be reflected in the performance at the event venue EF can be limited to that of a portion of the game machines 4. Specifically, based on target identification data such as the event data ED, a portion of the game machines 4 related to each event status that may occur at the event venue EF (in addition to the game play status, various statuses that may occur at the event venue EF such as the shooting status of the camera 3E) is identified from among the multiple game machines 4, and performance data SD including various information corresponding to the game play status is acquired from the portion of the game machines 4. Then, the performance equipment 3 at each event venue EF is actually controlled so that a performance corresponding to the various information is realized. In other words, a portion of the game machines 4 related to each event status is identified, and the play status of the portion of the game machines 4 is reflected in the performance of the performance equipment 3 via the performance data SD.

Specifically, of the multiple game machines 4 at each event venue EF, only the two game machines 4 competing against each other are identified, and the play status of these two game machines 4 is reflected in the venue performance via the "status" information in the performance data SD. Alternatively, of the multiple game machines 4, the game machines 4 included in the shooting range CR of camera 3E, i.e., the game machines 4 being photographed by camera 3E, are identified as a portion of the game machines 4, and are reflected in the venue performance. For this reason, the performance of the performance equipment can be controlled according to the game play status of these portion of game machines 4. As a result, it is possible to focus (attention on) the play of these two game machines 4 competing against each other, or the game machine 4 photographed by camera 3E, for example.

Furthermore, when there are multiple event venues EF, the center server 2 realizes the above-mentioned effects for each event venue EF. Specifically, the effect equipment 3 installed at each event venue EF and the effects that can be realized with it are managed via the effect control data CD. The center server 2 then refers to the effect control data CD to identify the effect to be executed for each event venue EF and actually realizes that effect. This makes it possible to realize effects that are appropriate for each event venue EF. For example, a PB event venue EF has different equipment such as effect equipment 3 from a normal event venue EF, and as a result, the effects required are often different. Even in such cases, it is possible to realize a unique effect that is required for a public viewing venue based on the effect equipment 3 installed at the PB event venue EF.

Furthermore, when a control switching service is provided, the control of the performance device 3 can be switched from automatic control to manual control according to a switching condition. The switching condition is a condition based on the play situation. Therefore, the play situation can be reflected in the switching from automatic control to manual control via the switching condition. Specifically, for example, in a situation where it is relatively easy to plan the performance in advance, such as a battle, automatic control of the performance device 3 is realized. On the other hand, in a situation where flexible performance is relatively required, such as a host, the switching condition is satisfied and the control of the performance device 3 is switched from automatic control to manual control. In this way, the control of the performance device can be switched between automatic control and manual control according to the play situation of the game. In addition, after switching to manual control, manual control is maintained until the resume condition is satisfied, but if the resume condition uses the play situation, such as the schedule of the event data ED, the play situation can also be reflected in the resumption of automatic control. As a result, automatic control can be realized in a play situation that is relatively suitable for automatic control, and manual control can be realized in a play situation where manual control is relatively preferable.

In the above embodiment, the device service management unit 24 of the center server 2 functions as the data acquisition means, the performance determination means, and the device control means of the present invention by executing the process of FIG. 12. Specifically, the device service management unit 24 functions as the data acquisition means by executing the process of step S301 in FIG. 12, as the performance determination means by executing the process of step S303, and as the device control means by executing the process of step S306. Also, the game machine service management unit 25 of the center server 2 functions as the target identification means of the present invention by executing the process of step S103 in FIG. 11. Furthermore, the device service management unit 24 functions as the condition determination means, the control switching means, and the information acquisition means of the present invention by executing the control switching process of FIG. 13. Specifically, the device service management unit 24 functions as the information acquisition means by executing the process of step S401 in FIG. 13, as the condition determination means by executing the process of step S404, and as the control switching means by executing the process of step S405.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be implemented in a form with appropriate modifications or changes. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a venue effect that conveys the superiority of one user U, such as the first venue effect, is realized. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, when the game machine 4 provides a game that virtually realizes a ball game such as soccer or tennis, an effect that indicates the position of such a ball may be realized as the venue effect. Specifically, for example, in the case of a tennis game, when the ball is hit back from the first user U1 to the second user U2 in the example of FIG. 3, an effect may be realized in which the light that is turned on moves gradually from left to right so as to represent the position of the ball gradually moving from the first user U1 toward the second user U2. In this case, the effect data SD may include information indicating the position of the ball (for example, coordinate data of the ball in the game) as, for example, "situation" information or other information.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the instruction to provide and obtain the performance data SD are shown as an example of the event service. However, the event service is not limited to this embodiment. As described above, the event service may include various services that execute processes related to the event using the game machine 4. For example, when the game machine 4 is included in the venue performance equipment as described above (each game machine 4 is used as part of the venue performance), in other words, when each game machine 4 functions as part of the performance equipment, various controls on each game machine 4 for realizing the venue performance may be realized through the event service. Each game machine 4 may realize various venue performances through the event service, but for example, a performance that provides various information through the monitor 47 of each game machine 4 (if the monitor 47 includes a monitor for venue performance separate from the game screen, that monitor may be used). Specifically, for example, the game machine 4 used in the next match may present information indicating the next opponent (user U) identified based on the match result (play situation) and the event data ED through the monitor 47.

In addition, for example, when the first competitor (or the game machine 4 for the match) is managed via the event data ED, the information on the next competitor may include information on the first competitor. Therefore, the game play situation may include not only the situation during and after the play, but also the situation before the play. In this case, for example, the situation before the play includes the situation before the match such as the first match. Similarly, such information indicating the situation before the play may include, for example, information indicating the game machine 4 to be used in the next match (including the first match) (for example, the first match of the first round, or the third match of the first round, etc.) (including information indicating its location in the event venue EF), information indicating the event venue EF (if there are multiple venues) where the next match will be performed, or information indicating the start time of the next match. In other words, each game machine 4 may present information indicating these next game machines 4 (for example, if a number is assigned to the next game machine 4, the number, or a map indicating the route to the next game machine 4, etc.) on the monitor 47 as part of the venue production.

Furthermore, for example, when information indicating the next game machine 4 is presented, and only some of the game machines 4 installed at the event venue EF (for example, the game machine 4 of the winner of the current match) are used for venue production (presentation of information), such some game machines 4 may be identified through the event service. Specifically, for example, when the first opponent, the match start time (and the game machine 4 corresponding thereto), etc. are managed by the event data ED, identification of some game machines 4 based on such event data ED and control of some game machines 4 may be realized through the event service. Similarly, for example, when the position of each game machine 4 is managed by the device management data MD, identification of a route based on such device management data MD and presentation of the route may be realized through the event service. Alternatively, similar control, etc. may be realized through the device control service so that each game machine 4 is positioned as a part of the production equipment. When there are multiple event venues EF or when there are many sets of game machines 4 in the event venue EF, the user ∪ who is playing a match may not know where to play the match. In such cases, there is a possibility that the user will get lost and miss the start of the match, resulting in disqualification. Similarly, spectators may have difficulty knowing where the match they wish to watch is taking place. Event services such as those described above can provide appropriate guidance to user ∪ and spectators.

In addition, all or part of the role (various processes, etc.) of the center server 2 in the above-mentioned form may be performed by other systems (including the game machine 4, controller DC, and notebook-type personal computer 5). In other words, the performance control system of the present invention may include various other systems as appropriate. On the other hand, only the center server 2 (including the case where another system functions as the center server 2) may function as the performance control system of the present invention. Alternatively, a personal computer 5 or the like installed in each event venue EF may function as a local server and take on all of the roles of the center server 2. In other words, an appropriate local server may function as the center server 2. In this case, such a local server may use various data such as performance control data CD customized for the event venue EF in which it is installed, that is, only the performance control record CDR corresponding to that event venue EF (the information on the "venue ID" may be omitted) (the same applies to various data provided to the controller DC of the event venue EF).

Various aspects of the present invention derived from each of the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications are described below. In the following description, the corresponding components shown in the attached drawings are noted in parentheses to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, but this does not mean that the present invention is limited to the illustrated forms.

The production control system of the present invention is a production control system (1) that is connected to production equipment (3) installed in an event venue (EF) via a network (NT) and controls the production equipment to realize a production at the event venue based on production control data (CD) for executing control of the production equipment, and is equipped with a condition determination means (24) that determines whether a switching condition based on each play situation occurring in a game is satisfied when a game event using a game provided by a game machine (4) is provided as an event at the event venue, a device control means (24) that controls the production equipment based on the production control data when the switching condition is not satisfied, and a control switching means (24) that switches the control of the production equipment from the automatic control to the manual control when the switching condition is satisfied so that manual control as the control of the production equipment is executed manually instead of the automatic control as the control of the production equipment based on the production control data until a resumption condition is satisfied.

According to the present invention, automatic control of the performance equipment based on the performance control data is realized, while when a switching condition is satisfied, the control of the performance equipment is switched from such automatic control to manual control. The switching condition is a condition based on the play situation. Therefore, the play situation can be reflected in the switching from automatic control to manual control via the switching condition. This makes it possible to switch the control of the performance equipment between automatic control (control based on the performance control data) and manual control (manual control) depending on the play situation of the game.

The switching condition may be configured as an appropriate condition based on the play situation. For example, when information corresponding to the play situation is acquired, the switching condition may be configured as a condition that is determined whether or not it is satisfied based on that information. Alternatively, the switching condition may be configured as a condition that is determined whether or not it is satisfied based on other information that reflects the play situation. In other words, the switching condition may be configured as a condition that directly uses information corresponding to the play situation, or may be configured as a condition that indirectly uses information via other information.

Specifically, for example, one aspect of the performance control system of the present invention may include an information acquisition means (24) connected to the game machine via a network (NT) and acquiring play information corresponding to each play status of the game from the game machine, and the condition determination means may determine whether the switching condition is satisfied based on the play information. In this aspect, the switching condition may include a play status schedule as a requirement when the game event progresses according to each schedule included in an event schedule and the event schedule includes a play status schedule as a schedule corresponding to each play status, and the condition determination means may determine that the switching condition is satisfied when the next play status schedule corresponds to a specific play status schedule based on event data (ED) described so that each schedule in the event schedule is associated with progress information for identifying the currently ongoing schedule.

The restart of automatic control may be realized as appropriate. For this reason, various conditions may be adopted as the restart condition. For example, the restart condition may be satisfied when a restart instruction is executed by various users, such as an event manager. Alternatively, for example, in an aspect of the present invention that uses event data, the restart condition may be satisfied when the next play situation schedule corresponds to a predetermined play situation schedule in which the automatic control should be restarted. In this case, the play situation can also be reflected in the restart of automatic control.

On the other hand, the computer program (PG1) of the present invention is configured to cause a computer (21) connected to the performance equipment via the network to function as each of the means of the performance control system described above.

In addition, the control method of the present invention causes a computer (21) incorporated in a production control system (1) that is connected to a production device (3) installed in an event venue (EF) via a network (NT) and controls the production device to realize a production at the event venue based on production control data (CD) for executing control of the production device to execute the following steps when a game event using a game provided by a game machine (4) is provided as an event at the event venue: a condition determination step for determining whether a switching condition based on each play situation occurring in the game is satisfied; a device control step for controlling the production device based on the production control data when the switching condition is not satisfied; and a control switching step for switching the control of the production device from the automatic control to the manual control when the switching condition is satisfied, so that manual control as the control of the production device is executed until a resumption condition is satisfied instead of automatic control as the control of the production device based on the production control data. By executing these computer programs or control methods, the production control system of the present invention can be realized.

(Reference Example 1)
As described above, in the system of Patent Document 1, an event using characters displayed on a large display device is provided at an event venue. On the other hand, a game event using a game provided by a game machine may also be provided at an event venue. In such game events, it is often the case that the excitement is enhanced when a performance according to the game play situation is executed at the event venue. For this reason, the performance device may be manually controlled so that a performance according to the game play situation is realized. However, this is not only time-consuming but also prone to errors. For this reason, there is a need for a system that automates similar control, but the system of Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration such a performance according to the game play situation.

The embodiment exemplified below aims to provide a performance control system that can control the performance of the performance device according to the game play situation.

The production control system of this reference example is a production control system (1) that is connected to a production device (3) installed in an event venue (EF) via a network (NT) and controls the production device to realize a production at the event venue. When a game event using a game provided by a game machine (4) is provided as an event at the event venue, the system is equipped with: a data acquisition means (24) that is connected to the game machine via the network (NT) and acquires from the game machine production data (SD) including production information corresponding to each play situation occurring in the game as information to be the basis of the production; a production discrimination means (24) that discriminates the corresponding production corresponding to the production information based on the production control data (CD) described so that the production information and the corresponding production to be executed in each play situation corresponding to the production information among multiple types of productions that the production device can realize are associated; and a device control means (24) that controls the production device to execute the corresponding production.

According to this reference example, performance data including performance information according to the game play status is acquired, and a corresponding performance associated with the performance information is identified from multiple performances based on the performance control data. Then, the performance device is actually controlled to realize the corresponding performance. In other words, the play status is reflected in the performance of the performance device via the performance information. This makes it possible to control the performance of the performance device according to the game play status.

The number of event venues may be any number. For example, a single or multiple performance devices may be provided at only one event venue, or multiple performance devices may be provided at multiple event venues. When multiple performance devices are provided at multiple event venues, one performance device may be provided at each event venue, or multiple performance devices may be provided at each event venue. As a result, the types of performances that can be provided at each event venue may differ. In this case, a performance that can be commonly provided at all event venues may be uniformly provided as a corresponding performance, or a different performance may be provided at each event venue. For example, in one aspect of the performance control system of this reference example, when there are multiple performance devices for providing the corresponding performances, and multiple event venues where the multiple performance devices are installed, venue identification information for identifying each event venue is further described so as to be associated with the corresponding performance so that the corresponding performance differs for each event venue depending on the performance devices installed at each event venue, and the performance discrimination means discriminates the corresponding performance for each event venue based on the performance control data, and the device control means may control each performance device so that the corresponding performance corresponding to each event venue is executed at each event venue. In this case, it is possible to create a performance that suits each event venue.

The game machine may be installed at the event venue, or at a different venue. There may be one game machine, or multiple game machines. When multiple game machines are used for a game event, performance data may be provided from one of the game machines, and a corresponding performance may be determined based on the performance data corresponding to that one game machine. Alternatively, performance data may be provided from multiple game machines, and a corresponding performance may be determined based on the performance data. In this case, one corresponding performance may be executed based on multiple performance data corresponding to the multiple game machines, or multiple corresponding performances may be executed corresponding to the multiple performance data. When one corresponding performance is executed, or when multiple corresponding performances compete with each other, the corresponding performance may be adjusted as appropriate.

For example, in a mode in which a corresponding performance is prepared for each event venue, when the game machine includes a plurality of game machines, the data acquisition means acquires the performance data from two or more of the plurality of game machines (4A, 4B), and when the performance discrimination means discriminates a plurality of corresponding performances corresponding to the two or more game machines in one event venue (EF) as the corresponding performance corresponding to the performance information, the performance discrimination means adjusts the plurality of corresponding performances to an adjusted performance, and the device control means controls the performance device (3) installed in the one event venue so that the adjusted performance is executed as the corresponding performance. Also, in this mode, the performance discrimination means may use, as the adjusted performance, either a performance in which the plurality of corresponding performances are combined, or a performance in which the plurality of corresponding performances are executed in sequence.

The performance data may be configured as appropriate. For example, the performance data may be configured as simple data for a program, or may be configured as a simple program. For example, in one aspect of this reference example, the data acquisition means may acquire data in a script format as the performance data from the game machine. In this case, a relatively complex play situation can be reflected in the performance.

On the other hand, the computer program (PG1) of this reference example is configured to cause the presentation device and a computer (21) connected to the game machine via a network (NT) to function as each of the means of the presentation control system described above.

In addition, the control method of this reference example is to have a computer (21) connected to a performance device (3) installed at an event venue (EF) via a network (NT) and incorporated in a performance control system (1) that controls the performance device to realize a performance at the event venue, when a game event using a game provided by a game device (4) is provided as an event at the event venue, the computer (21) is connected to the game device via a network (NT) and acquires performance data (SD) from the game device, which includes performance information corresponding to each play situation that occurs in the game as information to be the basis of the performance, a performance determination procedure that determines the corresponding performance corresponding to the performance information based on performance control data (CD) described so that the performance information and the corresponding performance to be executed in each play situation corresponding to the performance information among multiple types of performances that the performance device can realize, and a device control procedure that controls the performance device to execute the corresponding performance. By executing these computer programs or control methods, the performance control system of the present invention can be realized.

(Reference Example 2)
As described above, in the system of Patent Document 1, an event using characters displayed on a large display device is provided at an event venue. On the other hand, a game event using a game provided by a game machine may also be provided at an event venue. In such a game event, it is often exciting when a performance according to the game play situation is executed at the event venue. For this reason, the performance device may be manually controlled so that a performance according to the game play situation is realized. However, not only is this time-consuming, but errors are also likely to occur. For this reason, there is a need for a system that automates similar control. Furthermore, a plurality of game machines may be used for a game event, and the performance at the event venue may only reflect the play situation of some of the game machines. The system of Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the performance according to the game play situation, nor does it consider the discrimination of some of the game machines that should use the play situation.

The embodiment exemplified below aims to provide a performance control system that can control the performance of a performance device according to the game play status of some of the multiple games on a game machine.

The production control system of this reference example is a production control system (1) that is connected to production equipment (3) installed in an event venue (EF) via a network (NT) and controls the production equipment to realize a production at the event venue. When a game event using games provided by multiple game machines (4) is provided as an event at the event venue, the system includes: a target identification means (25) that identifies some of the multiple game machines (4) related to each event situation based on target identification data (ED, SD, MD) that is described so that corresponding information corresponding to each event situation occurring in the event venue in relation to the game event is associated with game machine identification information for identifying each game machine; a data acquisition means (24) that is connected to the multiple game machines via a network (NT) and acquires from the some of the game machines production data (SD) including production information corresponding to each play situation occurring in the game as information to be the basis of the production; and a device control means (24) that controls the production equipment so that the production corresponding to the production information is executed.

According to this reference example, a portion of the multiple game machines related to each event situation that may occur at the event venue is identified based on the target identification data, and performance data including performance information according to the game play situation is obtained from the portion of the game machines. Then, the performance device is actually controlled so that a performance according to the performance information is realized. In other words, a portion of the game machines related to each event situation is identified, and the play situation of the portion of the game machines is reflected in the performance of the performance device via the performance information. This makes it possible to control the performance of the performance device according to the game play situation of the portion of the multiple game machines. Note that when two or more game machines are identified as the portion of the game machines, the performance according to the play situation of the game machines may be appropriately realized. For example, if one performance is prepared in advance as a performance according to the play situation, that performance may be realized. Alternatively, if multiple performances compete according to the play situations, they may be adjusted appropriately.

Various information may be described in the target identification data, and some game machines may be appropriately identified based on the information. For example, the target identification data may describe information that associates each play situation that may occur in the game with some game machines related to the play situation, and some game machines according to the play situation may be identified based on the information. Alternatively, the target identification data may describe information that specifies the position of each game machine, and game machines located within a predetermined range, such as a camera's shooting range, may be identified as some game machines based on the information. Also, for example, in one aspect of the performance control system of this reference example, when the performance is executed according to an event schedule for managing each schedule of the event, the target identification data (ED) may describe information that specifies each schedule as the corresponding information, and the target identification means may identify game machines related to each schedule of the event as the some game machines based on the target identification data.

The event schedule may include various plans. For example, when a cooperative game is played, the start time of the play may be described as a plan. Then, multiple game machines that play the game cooperatively may be identified as a portion of the game machines. Alternatively, in a mode in which each plan in the event schedule is used as correspondence information, when a competitive game in which two game machines compete against each other is provided as the game, the event schedule may include a match schedule for the two game machines (4) as each plan, and the target identification means may identify the two game machines as the portion of the game machines based on the match schedule.

The number of event venues may be any number. For example, a single or multiple performance devices may be installed at only one event venue, or multiple performance devices may be installed at multiple event venues. When multiple performance devices are installed at multiple event venues, one performance device may be installed at each event venue, or multiple performance devices may be installed at each event venue. As a result, the types of performances that can be performed at each event venue may differ. In this case, a performance that can be commonly realized at all event venues may be uniformly realized as a corresponding performance, or a different performance may be realized at each event venue. For example, in one aspect of the performance control system of this reference example, when there are multiple performance devices that respectively realize the performances, and multiple event venues where the multiple performance devices are installed, the target identification data may be described so that venue identification information for identifying each of the multiple event venues is further associated with the corresponding information, and the target identification means may further identify the event venue related to each event situation based on the venue identification information.

On the other hand, the computer program (PG1) of this reference example is configured to cause the presentation device and a computer (21) connected to the game machine via a network (NT) to function as each of the means of the presentation control system described above.

In addition, the control method of this reference example is to have a computer (21) connected to a production device (3) installed at an event venue (EF) via a network (NT) and incorporated in a production control system (1) that controls the production device to realize a production at the event venue execute a target identification procedure for identifying some of the multiple game machines (4) related to each event situation based on target identification data (ED, SD, MD) that is described so that corresponding information corresponding to each event situation occurring at the event venue in relation to the game event is associated with game machine identification information for identifying each game machine, a data acquisition procedure for acquiring from the some game machines production data (SD) that includes production information corresponding to each play situation occurring in the game as information to be the basis of the production, and a device control procedure for controlling the production device so that the production corresponding to the production information is executed. By executing these computer programs or control methods, the production control system of this reference example can be realized.

1. Production control system 2. Center server 3. Production equipment 4. Game machine 21. Control unit (computer)
24 Equipment service management unit (data acquisition means, performance determination means, equipment control means, condition determination means, control switching means, information acquisition means)
25 Game machine service management unit (target identification means)
CD Production control data ED Event data MD Device management data SD Production data EF Event venue NT Network PG1 Program (computer program)

Claims (1)

A production control system that is connected to a production device installed at an event venue via a network and controls the production device to realize a production at the event venue based on production control data for executing control of the production device,
a condition determining means for determining whether or not a switching condition based on each play state occurring in a game is satisfied when a game event using a game provided by a game machine is provided as an event at the event venue;
A device control means for controlling the performance device based on the performance control data when the switching condition is not satisfied;
a control switching means for switching the control of the performance equipment from the automatic control to the manual control when the switching condition is satisfied, so that a manual control as a manual control of the performance equipment is executed instead of the automatic control as a control of the performance equipment based on the performance control data until a restart condition is satisfied;
A performance control system comprising:

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