JP6204665B2 - Game system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system including a game machine placed in a store.

Conventionally, there has been a game system in which a plurality of game machines are connected and a player plays with each game machine (for example, Patent Document 1).
However, even if a conventional game system secures a large installation space and prepares a plurality of game machines, if the game is bored, the operation rate decreases. Further, the conventional game system cannot be played until the store server is restored when the store server or the like breaks down.
As described above, the conventional game system has a problem that the store is difficult to introduce from the viewpoint of store management.

JP 2009-66055 A

  The subject of this invention is providing the game system which a shop is easy to introduce.

  The present invention solves the problems by the following means. In addition, in order to make an understanding easy, although the code | symbol corresponding to embodiment of this invention is attached | subjected and demonstrated, it is not limited to this. In addition, the configuration described with reference numerals may be improved as appropriate, or at least a part thereof may be replaced with another configuration.

The first invention includes a plurality of game machines (20) arranged in the same store, and a play control device (40) arranged in the same store as the plurality of game machines and connected to the plurality of game machines. ), Wherein the play control device includes a storage unit (41) for storing a plurality of game programs (41e) of a game executed by the plurality of game machines, A game system including a play control unit (42a) that plays independently of the game machine.
-2nd invention is the game system of 1st invention, Each said game machine (20) is each provided with the display part (28), The said play control part (42a) is independent of each said display part. The game system is characterized by displaying a game selection screen (28a), receiving a game selection operation from each game machine, and controlling the play of the game selected by each game machine.
-3rd invention is a game system of 1st or 2nd invention, It is an apparatus different from the said play control apparatus (40), The play management apparatus (60) which judges play start permission is provided, The said In response to a request from each game machine (20), the play control unit (42a) inquires the play management device for permission to start play, and according to the start determination result of the play management device, A game system characterized by starting play of each game machine.
The fourth invention is the game system according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the game system is connected to a central server (90) installed at a location different from the store via a communication network. The play control unit (42a) is connected and sets an executable game among the game programs (41e) stored in the storage unit (41) based on a command from the central server, and executes the game The game system is characterized in that a game selection screen (28a) of a possible game is displayed on each display section (28) of each game machine (20).
The fifth invention is the game system of the fourth invention, wherein the game selection screen (28a) is an image corresponding to a plurality of the games, a plurality of game selection images (28b), and the plurality The advertisement image (28c) arranged between the selected images and a preview image corresponding to the game selection image and the advertisement image are displayed, and the play control unit (42a) is configured to display the game machine (20). In response to the operation of the operation unit, the plurality of game selection images and the advertisement image are sequentially selected next to each other, and when the game selection images are sequentially selected, the preview image corresponds to the game selection image. An explanation image of the played game is displayed, and when the advertisement image is selected, an advertisement corresponding to the advertisement image is displayed as the preview image. It is a non-system.
-6th invention is the game system of 5th invention, The said play control part (42a) arrange | positions the said advertisement image (28c) next to the said game selection image (28b) of a game with high play frequency. It is a game system characterized by doing.

-7th invention is a game system provided with the some game machine (20) arrange | positioned in the same store, Comprising: The play control apparatus (40) which advances the play of the game selected from several games And a play management device (60) for managing play, and an auxiliary play management device (70) for assisting the play management device, wherein the play control device can establish communication with the play management device. In this case, when play is performed on each game machine and communication with the play management device cannot be established, communication with the auxiliary play management device can be established. A game system characterized by executing play.
The eighth invention is the game system of the seventh invention, wherein the game system is connected to a central server (90) installed at a place different from the store via a communication network, and the play management When communication with the device (60) can be established, play execution information, which is information relating to execution of play on each game machine, is transmitted to the central server, and communication with the play management device is performed. If it cannot be established, a history of the play execution information of the time that cannot be established is acquired from the auxiliary play management device (70), and the play execution information is transmitted to the central server. It is a game system.

-9th invention is a game system provided with the some game machine (20) arrange | positioned in the same store, Comprising: The play control apparatus (40) which advances the play of the game selected from several games And a play management device (60) for determining start of play and an auxiliary play management device (70) for assisting the play management device, wherein the play control device responds to a play start request from each game machine. Accordingly, a play start determination request is made to the play management device, and the play of each game machine is started according to the start determination result of the play management device, between the play control device and the play management device. If the communication cannot be established, a start determination request is made to the auxiliary play management device, and the game machine's play is determined according to the start determination result of the auxiliary play management device. To start the stomach, it is a game system according to claim.
-10th invention is the game system of 9th invention, The said play management apparatus (60) is the said auxiliary | assistant play management apparatus (70) of the time when communication with the said play control apparatus (40) was not able to be established. The start determination result is obtained from the auxiliary play management device.
The eleventh invention is the game system of the tenth invention, wherein the game system is connected via a communication network to a central server (90) installed at a place different from the store, and the play management The device (60) transmits information regarding the start determination result of the play management device to the central server, and when communication between the play control device (40) and the play management device cannot be established, The game system is characterized in that a history of the start determination result during the failure to establish is obtained from the auxiliary play management device (70), and information related to the start determination result is transmitted to the central server. .
The twelfth invention is the game system according to any one of the ninth to eleventh inventions, wherein the play start request from each game machine (20) includes billing information that each game machine charges from a player. This is a game system characterized by that.

The thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a game system connected to a central server (90) that manages score information of play and capable of selecting and playing from a plurality of games, wherein the game program (41e) for the game is There are a transmission type program that transmits score information to the central server at the end of play, and a non-transmission type program that does not transmit to the central server at the end of play, and the score file name to which the non-transmission type program writes score information And a transmission type storage unit (41d) for storing a transmission destination to the central server, and a play control unit (42a). The play control unit refers to the transmission type storage unit (41d) and plays If the finished game is the non-transmission type program, check the score file name and the transmission destination to the central server, Based on the file information of the core files, transmitting the game scores information of played ends to the central server, a game system according to claim.

The fourteenth invention is a game system that can be selected and played from a plurality of games, and the game is selected from the plurality of games on the display unit (28) of the game machine (20). A play control unit (42a) for displaying a game selection screen (28a) to be played, wherein the game selection screen is an image corresponding to a plurality of the games, a plurality of game selection images (28b), and the plurality The advertisement image (28c) arranged between the selected images and a preview image corresponding to the game selection image and the advertisement image are displayed, and the play control unit, in response to an operation of the operation unit, When a plurality of game selection images and the advertisement image are sequentially selected next to each other and the game selection images are sequentially selected, a game corresponding to the game selection image is used as the preview image. Description image is displayed, and when said advertisement image is selected, as the preview image, displaying an advertisement corresponding to the advertisement image, a game system according to claim.
The fifteenth invention is the game system of the fourteenth invention, wherein the play control unit (42a) arranges the advertisement image (28c) next to the game selection image (28b) of a game having a high play frequency. It is a game system characterized by doing.

According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
In the first invention, since the play control device plays each game machine independently from other game machines, one play control device simultaneously plays different types of games on a plurality of game machines. Can be controlled. For this reason, if a single play control device is prepared and connected to each game machine, it is possible to play independently on each game machine without having to provide a control device for each game machine as in the prior art. Thereby, when installing a some game machine, cost can be reduced significantly compared with the past, and a store tends to introduce a system.
-2nd invention can display the game selection screen independently on each display part, and can play the game selected with each game machine independently. For this reason, the player can freely select and play from a plurality of games, not a specific game, when playing with any of the plurality of game machines.
-3rd invention is an apparatus different from a play control apparatus, and is provided with the play management apparatus which judges play start permission. For this reason, a play control apparatus can be concentrated on the play process in each game machine, and processing loads other than the play process of a play control apparatus can be reduced. Thereby, more game machines can be connected with a play control apparatus, and the effect of cost reduction can be improved.
-4th invention sets the game which can be performed with a game system based on the command from a central server. For this reason, for example, even when a game system is installed in each store and it is desired to set different games for each store, the same game program is downloaded to all stores and executed for each store. Allow only possible games. Thereby, the administrator of the whole system, an operator, etc. can manage a game program etc. easily.
In addition, when the license fee is set according to the game that can be executed, the store only needs to ask the administrator to allow only the desired game, which leads to a reduction in store operating costs. be able to.
-5th invention selects a some game selection image and an advertisement image according to operation of an operation part, and displays the image corresponding to the selected image in a preview area | region. For this reason, in the process in which the player selects a desired game from among a plurality of games, the advertisement image can be naturally selected and the advertisement can be displayed on the preview screen. Thereby, if an operation for selecting a game is performed, an advertising effect can be expected.
In the sixth invention, since the advertisement image is arranged next to the game selection image of the game with high play frequency, the probability that the advertisement image is selected can be improved, and a high advertisement effect can be expected.

Moreover, according to this invention, there can exist the following effects.
-7th invention is a play control apparatus, when communication between a play control apparatus and a play management apparatus cannot be established, when communication with an auxiliary | assistant play management apparatus can be established, it plays with each game machine. For example, even if the play management device fails, the auxiliary play management device can operate in the same manner as the play management device. Thereby, even if a play control apparatus breaks down, a store can operate a game machine, can operate a store stably, and it is easy to introduce a system.
-8th invention acquires the log | history of play execution information from an auxiliary | assistant play management apparatus, and transmits to a central server, when communication with a play management apparatus cannot be established. For this reason, after the play management device returns from a failure or the like, the play execution information can be acquired without omission and the number of plays can be totaled.

Moreover, according to this invention, there can exist the following effects.
In the ninth aspect, when communication between the play control device and the play management device cannot be established, an inquiry for permission to start play is made to the auxiliary play management device. For example, when the play management device fails or the like However, the auxiliary play management device can operate in the same manner as the play management device. Thereby, even if a play control apparatus breaks down, a store can operate a game machine, can operate a store stably, and it is easy to introduce a system.
In the tenth aspect, the play management device acquires the start determination result of the auxiliary play management device. For this reason, after a play management apparatus returns from failure etc., the information regarding a play start can be acquired without omission and the number of plays can be totaled.
The eleventh aspect of the invention is that the start determination result acquired from the auxiliary play management device is transmitted to the central server even when communication between the play control device and the play management device cannot be established, and is managed by the central server However, it is possible to obtain information regarding the start of play without omission and to count the number of plays.
In the twelfth aspect, since the billing information is included in the play start request, the central server can total store sales.

Moreover, according to this invention, there can exist the following effects.
-13th invention transmits score information to a central server based on file information, when the game which complete | finished play is a non-transmission type | mold program. For this reason, score information can be transmitted to the central server regardless of whether the game that has been played is a transmission type program or a non-transmission type program. Thereby, the kind of game which can be played in a store can be increased, and a store is easy to introduce a system.

Moreover, according to this invention, there can exist the following effects.
In the fourteenth aspect, a plurality of game selection images and advertisement images are selected according to the operation of the operation unit, and images corresponding to the selected images are displayed in the preview area. For this reason, in the process in which the player selects a desired game from among a plurality of games, the advertisement image can be naturally selected and the advertisement can be displayed on the preview screen. Thereby, if an operation for selecting a game is performed, an advertisement effect can be naturally expected. Further, since no special device is required for advertisement, the store is easy to introduce the system.
In the fifteenth aspect, since the advertisement image is arranged next to the game selection image of the game with high play frequency, the frequency with which the advertisement image is selected can be improved, and a high advertisement effect can be expected.

It is a figure explaining the whole structure of the game management system 1 of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of game machine 20, play control device 40, and sub display part control device 50 of a 1st embodiment. It is a block diagram of store server 60, central device 70, large-sized display device 80, and central server 90 of a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the command table 41b of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the color table 41c and transmission type table 41d of 1st Embodiment. 1 is a perspective view of a game machine 20 and a central device 70 of a first embodiment. It is sectional drawing explaining the operation part 24 of the game machine 20 of 1st Embodiment. It is a sequence explaining the whole process of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the game selection process of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the game selection screen 28a of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the play start determination process of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the score transmission process of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the color change process of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows this command description screen 35a of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the color change screen 100 of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the video switching apparatus 203 of 2nd Embodiment, the play control apparatus 240, and the game machine 20. FIG. It is a flowchart of the game selection process of the store system of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the play execution information communication process of the store system of 3rd Embodiment.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings and the like.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the game management system 1 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the game machine 20, the play control device 40, and the sub display unit control device 50 according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the store server 60, the central device 70, and the large display device 80 central server 90 of the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the command table 41b according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the color table 41c and the transmission type table 41d according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the game machine 20 and the central device 70 of the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation unit 24 of the game machine 20 according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the game management system 1 includes a store system 10 that is a game system in a store, and a central server 90 that is installed at a location different from the store. The store is a game facility such as a game center or a game facility owned by a department store or the like. The central server 90 is a server owned by an operator (game maker or the like) that manages and manages the game management system 1.

The store system 10 and the central server 90 are connected by a communication network 2 such as the Internet. In the drawings and the following description, the game management system 1 shows an example in which the store system 10 is installed in one store, but in reality, store systems are installed in a plurality of stores. Are connected to the central server 90.
The computer referred to in the present invention refers to an information processing device including a storage device, a control device, and the like. A play control device 40, a sub display control device 50, a store server 60, a central device 70, and a central server 90, which will be described later. Are included in the concept of the computer of the present invention.

The store system 10 includes a game machine 20 (20-1 to 20-8), a play control device 40, a sub display control device 50, a store server 60 (play start management device), and a central device 70 (auxiliary play start management device). A large display device 80 is provided. These devices are arranged in the same store.
The game machine 20, the play control device 40, the store server 60, and the central device 70 are connected by an in-store LAN 12. The in-store LAN 12 is a communication network provided in the store.

(Configuration of game machine 20)
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the game machine 20 is an apparatus in which each player actually plays. For example, the game machine 20 is played while the player is sitting on a chair.
In the embodiment, the store system 10 includes eight game machines 20 (20-1 to 20-8), and eight players P (P1 to P8) can play simultaneously. The configuration of one game machine 20 will be described below, but the other game machines 20 have the same configuration. Similarly, only one game machine 20 is illustrated in FIG. 2, but the other game machines 20 have the same configuration.
The game machine 20 includes a coin insertion unit 21 (billing unit), a card reader 22, an operation unit 24, a display unit 28, and a sub display unit 30.
The play control device 40 and the game machine 20 are connected by a video cable, an audio output cable, a communication cable for communicating operation information of the game machine 20, coin detection information, and reading information of the card reader 22.
Further, the sub-display unit control device 50 and the game machine 20 are connected by a video cable or a communication cable for communicating operation information of a touch panel 35 (described later).

As shown in FIG. 6, the coin insertion unit 21 includes a coin insertion slot 21a and a coin detection unit (not shown).
The coin insertion slot 21a is an insertion slot for the player to insert coins for playing. The coin detection unit is an optical sensor or the like that detects inserted coins. When the coin detection unit detects a coin, it outputs a coin detection signal (billing information) to the play control device 40.
The billing unit is not limited to the coin insertion unit 21 as long as it can be billed by the player and can output billing information. For example, a card reader that reads information such as a prepaid card or a credit card may be used.

The card reader 22 is a device that communicates with the ID card 23 possessed by the player. When the ID card 23 is inserted into the card insertion slot 22a, the card reader 22 reads the identification information of the ID card 23 and outputs it to the play control device 40.
For example, the ID card 23 is a card incorporating an RFID tag, and the card reader 22 is an RFID tag reader.
Note that the card reader 22 may include a card placement unit and may be a read type of the placed (touched) ID card 23.

The operation unit 24 is operated by the player at the time of game selection, play progress, or the like. The operation unit 24 is provided on the operation panel 20a on the front side Y1 of the game machine 20.
The operation unit 24 includes one lever 25, six buttons 26, and a color change unit 27.
The lever 25 is a member that is operated to be tilted in the left-right direction X, the depth direction Y, and a direction in which these are combined.
As shown in FIG. 7, the lever 25 includes a spherical body 25a and a shaft body 25b.
The spherical body 25a is made of milky white resin or the like and is translucent.
The lower end of the shaft body 25b is rotatably supported by the electric board 20b, and the spherical body 25a is fixed to the upper end.

The button 26 is a push button. The game machine 20 includes six buttons 26 (26-1 to 26-6). Each button 26-1 to 26-6 has the same configuration.
The button 26 includes a top portion 26a, a shaft body 26b, an electrical contact 26c, and a spring 26d.
The top portion 26a is made of milky white resin or the like and is translucent. The top part 26a is a part that the player actually operates.
The shaft body 26b has an electrical contact 26c fixed to the lower end and a top portion 26a fixed to the upper end. The shaft body 26b is supported in the vertical direction Z.
The spring 26d is a coil spring and urges the shaft body 26b in the vertical direction.
With the above configuration, the button 26 moves to the lower side Z1 when the top portion 26a is pressed, and the electrical contact 26c comes into contact with the contact on the electrical board, so that operation information can be output.

The color changing unit 27 is a device that changes the color of the sphere 25 a of the lever 25 and the color of the top portion 26 a of the button 26.
The color changing unit 27 includes an LED 27a and an LED 27b (27b-1 to 27b-6). The LED 27a and the LED 27b can be colored in a plurality of colors.
The LED 27 a is accommodated inside the sphere 25 a of the lever 25. The LED 27a is connected to the electric board by an electric cable passed through the shaft body 25b. Light from the LED 27a enters from the inner surface of the sphere 25a and exits from the outer surface. For this reason, the sphere 25a is toned to a color corresponding to the emission color of the LED 27a.

A plurality of LEDs 27b are arranged on the circumference on the lower side Z1 of the flange portion of the top portion 26a. Light from the LED 27b enters the top portion 26a from the collar portion, and exits from the surface through the inside of the top portion 26a. For this reason, the button 26 is toned to a color corresponding to the light emission color of the LED 27b, like the sphere 25a.
The LED 27b (27b-1 to 27b-6) is disposed on each button 26 (26-1 to 26-6). For this reason, by setting each LED 27b to a different emission color for each button 26, each top portion 26a is toned in a different color.
With the above configuration, the color changing unit 27 can change the sphere 25a of the lever 25 and the top portion 26a of the six buttons 26 to different colors.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the display unit 28 displays a game selection screen 28a (see FIG. 10) before play, or displays a play screen or the like during play. The display unit 28 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device. The display unit 28 includes a display screen of about 32 inches, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the sub display unit 30 includes an upper display unit 31 and a touch panel 35 (change operation unit, setting display unit).
The upper display unit 31 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device. The upper display unit 31 includes a medium display screen of about 20 inches, for example. The upper display unit 31 is installed on the upper side of the game machine 20. The upper display unit 31 is installed so as to match the eyes of a person standing around the game machine 20. The upper display unit 31 mainly displays information for people around the game machine 20.
The touch panel 35 is a device in which a display device such as a liquid crystal display device and an input device such as a resistance curtain method are combined. The touch panel 35 is installed on the operation panel 20a of the game machine 20 or the like. The touch panel 35 is viewed and operated by the player before and during play. The sub display unit 30 is a small device having a display screen of about 10 inches, for example. For this reason, even if the touch panel 35 is installed on the operation panel 20a or the like, it does not get in the way during play.

(Configuration of the play control device 40)
As shown in FIG. 2, the play control device 40 is a device that controls the play of all the game machines 20.
The play control device 40 can play eight games independently from among the game programs 41e-1 to 41e-20 that are permitted to be executed from the central server 90. That is, the play control device 40 can accept the operation of each operation unit 24 from all the eight game machines 20 and can play one game independently from the other seven games.
Therefore, the play control device 40 includes a graphic board and the like, and includes eight independent video output units.
Although the description is omitted in the embodiment, the configuration is the same for voice.

Note that if the eight games cannot be played independently due to reasons such as the performance of the play control device 40, the four games may be played independently. In this case, if the four cables from each video output unit are branched into two, four independent videos can be branched into two, so that a play screen can be displayed on the eight game machines 20.
For example, one video cable of four video outputs is branched and connected to each display unit 28 of the game machines 20-1 and 20-2, and the same screen is displayed.
In this case, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, eight game machines 20 are grouped by two, and four game machines 20 can be played against each other. For example, the game machines 20-1 and 20-2 are assembled and can be played against each other.

  The setting location of the play control device 40 is not limited as long as it is within a range in which video or the like can be output to the game machine 20. For example, you may accommodate in the game machine 20 among eight. In this case, it is convenient when the game machine 20 is moved. Further, in this case, an input device such as a keyboard can be connected to the play control device 40 and, for example, a setting screen such as volume adjustment and screen setting can be displayed on the display unit 28 of the game machine 20. The work of is also convenient.

As shown in FIG. 2, the play control device 40 includes a storage unit 41 and a control unit 42.
The storage unit 41 is a storage device such as a hard disk for storing programs, information, and the like necessary for the operation of the play control device 40.
The storage unit 41 includes a selection program 41a, a command table 41b, a color table 41c, a transmission type table 41d (transmission type storage unit), a game program 41e (41e-1 to 41e-20), and a permitted game name storage unit 41f.
The selection program 41a is a program related to a game selection process for selecting a game to be played by the player. The selection program 41a stores information such as a game selection program, a game selection screen 28a (see FIG. 10), and the like. Details of each image will be described later.
In addition, the selection program 41 a includes information on a game permitted to be executed from the central server 90 among the game programs 41 e stored in the storage unit 41. The control unit 42 receives this information from the store server 60 and updates it.

As shown in FIG. 4, the command table 41b stores each button 26 in association with each button 26 and an operation command when each button 26 is operated for each game program 41e.
For example, for the fighting game of the game program 41e-1, the command table 41b associates the button 26-1 with information for punching the character operated by the player when the button 26-1 is operated. Remember.
Although a description is omitted, a command table for the lever 25 is also provided.

As shown in FIG. 5, the color table 41c stores the button 26 and the color information of the button 26 in association with each game program 41e.
For example, the color table 41c stores the button 26-1 and the color “red” of the button 26-1 in association with each other for the game program 41e-1.

The transmission type table 41d stores the game program 41e and the score transmission type in association with each other. The game program 41e includes a transmission type program having a function of transmitting a score to the central server 90 at the end of play, and a non-transmission type program not having this function. The score transmission type indicates this type.
Note that even a non-transmission type program has a function of writing score information in the storage unit 41. That is, the control unit 42 creates a score file having a file name specified by the non-transmission type program in the storage unit 41 and stores score information (scores, etc.).
The transmission type table 41d stores a game program name and a score file name (file identification information) in association with each other for the non-transmission type program.
For example, the transmission type table 41d stores a game program 41e-2, a non-transmission type program, and a score file name “score.DAT” in association with each other.
The non-transmission type program is prepared in addition to the game program 41e-2, and a score file name is stored in association with each game program.

Twenty game programs 41e (41e-1 to 41e-20) are stored. The number and genre (type) of the game program 41e are not limited.
For example, the game program 41e-1 has a genre related to a fighting game, and the game program 41e-2 has a genre related to a soccer game.
The permitted game name storage unit 41 f has the same information as the permitted game name storage unit 61 a of the store server 60. The information in the permitted game name storage unit 41f is updated based on information from the store server 60. The permitted game name is a game name of the game program 41e (41e-1 to 41e-20) permitted to be executed from the central server 90.

The control unit 42 is a control device for comprehensively controlling the play control device 40, and includes, for example, a CPU (central processing unit).
The control unit 42 includes a play control unit 42a.
The play control unit 42 a causes each game machine 20 to play independently of other game machines 20 based on the output from each operation unit 24. For this reason, the play control device 40 is designed such that a component having sufficient performance is selected as a component such as a CPU and has the performance of independently proceeding through four different games.
Details of the processing of the control unit 42 will be described later.

(Configuration of Sub Display Control Device 50)
As shown in FIG. 2, the sub display unit control device 50 is a device that controls the sub display unit 30 (upper display unit 31, touch panel 35).
In addition, each sub display unit control device 50 may be provided in each game machine 20, or one sub display unit control device 50 may control all eight sub display units 30. In the embodiment, the latter form will be described, but the former form can be processed and function in the same manner as the latter. In any form, the sub display unit control device 50 only needs to have a performance sufficient to control the sub display unit 30. That is, the CPU or the like of the sub-display unit control device 50 may not have a performance enough to advance the game like the play control device 40.

The sub display unit control device 50 includes a storage unit 51 and a control unit 52 (setting control unit).
It is a storage device such as a hard disk for storing information necessary for the operation of the storage unit 51 and the sub display unit control device 50, programs, and the like.
The storage unit 51 includes a command explanation screen storage unit 51a and an operation unit setting storage unit 51b.

The command explanation screen storage unit 51a stores a command explanation screen 35a (see FIG. 14) for each game.
In addition, the operation method of the operation part 24 changes with every game (refer command table 41b of FIG. 4). Further, the operation method varies depending on the genre. Moreover, even if it is the same genre (for example, a genre is a fighting game), it may differ for every game. This is because the operation method is uniquely determined by the provider of the game program 41e (manufacturer, designer, etc. of the game program 41e) and is not unified among a plurality of providers.
In the game management system 1, the command explanation screen 35a for these different games is created by the operator of the game management system 1 and stored in the command explanation screen storage unit 51a.
The operation unit setting storage unit 51b stores a program, information, and the like for the color change process of the operation unit 24 of the game machine 20 by the player. Details of the color change processing will be described later.

The control unit 52 is a control device for comprehensively controlling the sub-display unit control device 50, and includes, for example, a CPU.
The control unit 52 performs control related to the sub display unit 30 (upper display unit 31, touch panel 35).
Details of the processing of the control unit 52 will be described later.

(Configuration of store server 60)
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the store server 60 is a device different from the play control device 40 and is disposed in the store.
The store server 60 includes a storage unit 61 and a control unit 62.
The storage unit 61 is a storage device such as a hard disk for storing information necessary for the operation of the store server 60, programs, and the like.
The storage unit 61 includes a permitted game name storage unit 61a and a game program 41e.
The permitted game name storage unit 61 a stores a permitted game name that is a game name that can be played by the play control device 40. The permitted game name storage unit 61a is controlled by the central server 90, and the permitted game name is rewritten.
The game program 41e is a database that stores a game program 41e stored in the play control device 40 in advance. That is, the game program 41e of the play control device 40 is a copy of the game program 41e of the store server 60 transmitted. The game program 41e of the store server 60 is downloaded from the central server 90 or updated.

The control unit 62 is a control device for comprehensively controlling the store server 60, and includes, for example, a CPU. The control unit 62 implements various functions of the game management system 1 in cooperation with the hardware described above by appropriately reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 61.
The control unit 62 includes a play start determination unit 62a.
The play start determination unit 62a determines play start in response to a request from the play control device 40.
Details of the processing of the play start determination unit 62a will be described later.

(Configuration of central device 70)
As shown in FIG. 1, the central device 70 is a device that is installed in the vicinity of the game machine 20 and displays, manages, etc., various information of each game machine 20.
The central device 70 has the following functions, for example.
A process when the player converts points possessed into game items.
-Display of the usage status of each game machine 20 (such as the number of times a player has continued).
Processing when the player purchases an item of the game.
-Management when store managers, salespeople, players, etc. hold game competitions.
Control of the large display device 80
Processing when the player analyzes his / her play.
Assisting the server play start determination unit 62a (described later).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the central device 70 includes a coin insertion unit 71, a card reader 72, an operation unit 74, a display unit 75, a storage unit 76, and a control unit 77.

The coin insertion unit 71 is an insertion slot for inserting coins when a player purchases a game item or the like. The coin insertion unit 71 has the same configuration as the coin insertion unit 21 of the game machine 20.
The card reader 72 is a device that communicates with the ID card 23 possessed by the player. The card reader 72 has the same configuration as the card reader 72 of the game machine 20.
The operation unit 74 is a button or the like operated by a store manager, a store clerk, a player, or the like.
The display unit 75 displays necessary screens for store managers, salesclerks, players, and the like in the above-described processes. The display unit 75 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device. The display unit 75 includes a display screen of about 30 inches, for example.

The storage unit 76 is a storage device such as a hard disk for storing information necessary for the operation of the game machine 20, programs, and the like.
The storage unit 76 includes an auxiliary permission game name storage unit 76a.
The auxiliary permission game name storage unit 76 a stores the same permission game name as that of the store server 60. This permitted game name is received from the store server 60. Further, as will be described later, the auxiliary-permitted game name storage unit 76a stores a history or the like when assisting the process regarding the start determination.

The control unit 77 is a control device for comprehensively controlling the central device 70, and includes, for example, a CPU.
The control unit 77 reads and executes various programs stored in the storage unit 76 as appropriate, thereby realizing various functions of the game management system 1 in cooperation with the hardware described above.
The control unit 77 includes an auxiliary play start determination unit 77a.
The auxiliary play start determination unit 77a assists the process regarding the start of play when the store server 60 breaks down.
Details of the processing of the control unit 77 will be described later.

(Configuration of central server 90)
As shown in FIG. 3, the central server 90 is a server that manages the game management system 1 in an integrated manner.
The central server 90 has the following functions, for example.
-Management of player play history.
・ Billing management at each store.
-Matching processing of a game between the game machines 20 in different stores.

The central server 90 includes a storage unit 91 and a control unit 92.
The storage unit 91 is a storage device such as a hard disk for storing information necessary for the operation of the store server 60, programs, and the like.
The storage unit 91 includes a play history storage unit 91a, a billing information storage unit 91b, and a game program 41e (41e-1 to 41e-20).
The play history storage unit 91a stores a player's play history, points possessed by the player, game items, and the like based on the player ID of the player.
The billing information storage unit 91b stores information related to store sales based on the billing information transmitted from the store system 10.
The game program 41e is a program for downloading to the store server 60.
The central server 90, the store server 60 described above, and the game program 41e of the play control device 40 are all the same.

The control unit 92 is a control device for comprehensively controlling the central server 90, and includes, for example, a CPU.
The control unit 92 implements various functions of the game management system 1 in cooperation with the hardware described above by appropriately reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 91.
The control unit 92 performs matching processing, management of score information, and the like.
Based on the operation of the operation unit (not shown), the control unit 92 connects to the play control device 40 of the store system 10 of each store and permits a game that can be executed by each store system 10.

Hereinafter, processing of the game management system 1 will be described.
(Whole process)
FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating the overall processing of the first embodiment.
The following processing is performed independently based on the operation of each game machine 20.
In step S (hereinafter simply referred to as “S”) 1, when the player inserts the ID card 23 into the card insertion slot 22 a of the game machine 20, the card reader 22 reads the player ID of the ID card 23 and sends it to the central server 90. Send.
In S <b> 2, the central server 90 reads out the player's play history from the play history storage unit 91 a based on the player ID, and transmits it to the play control device 40.
In S3, the play control device 40 performs a game selection process. The play control device 40 displays a game selection screen 28a (see FIG. 10) on the display unit 28 of the game machine 20.

In S <b> 4, when the player inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot 21 a of the coin insertion unit 21, the coin detection unit transmits a coin detection signal to the play control device 40.
In S5, when receiving the coin detection signal, the play control device 40 transmits a start determination request including the game name selected on the game selection screen 28a and the coin detection signal to the store server 60. In addition, the play control apparatus 40 transmits a start determination request to the central apparatus 70 when communication with the store server 60 cannot be established.

In S6, store server 60 will perform play start judgment, if a start judgment demand is received. The store server 60 transmits the determination result to the play control device 40.
In S <b> 7, when the central device 70 receives the start determination request, the central device 70 performs an auxiliary play start determination for determining whether or not the play can be started, similarly to the store server 60. The central device 70 transmits the determination result to the play control device 40.

In S8, when the determination result from the store server 60 (or the central device 70) is permission, the play control device 40 controls the color changing unit 27 so that the operation unit 24 has a color suitable for the game. change.
And the play control apparatus 40 starts play according to the game program 41e of the selected game. Further, the name of the game to start playing is transmitted to the sub display unit control device 50.

In S <b> 9, when receiving the game name, the sub display unit control device 50 displays the game name on the upper display unit 31. A person around the game machine 20 can confirm that the game machine 20 is playing, the name of the game being played, and the like by this display.
Further, when receiving the game name selected on the game selection screen 28 a, the sub display unit control device 50 reads out the command explanation screen 35 a of the game name from the command explanation screen storage unit 51 a and displays it on the touch panel 35.

In S <b> 10 and S <b> 11, the play control device 40 and the sub display unit control device 50 receive the color change process of the operation unit 24 during play.
In S12, during the play control device 40, during play, the operation information of the game machine 20 is transmitted to the central device 70 together with the player ID.
In S <b> 13, the central device 70 stores the operation information and the player ID in the storage unit 76 when receiving the operation information and the player ID. The central device 70 stores these pieces of information for a certain time (for example, about one hour) and then deletes them.

In S <b> 14, the play control device 40 transmits score information to the central server 90 together with the player ID when the game in progress is over and the play ends.
In S15, the central server 90 updates the play history (player score information, play count information, etc.) in the play history storage unit 91a based on the player ID.

When the player wants to confirm the analysis result of the play he / she has played, the player can confirm with the central device 70 as follows within the predetermined time after the play time has elapsed.
When the player inserts the IC card into the card insertion slot 72a in S16, the central device 70 reads out the player ID. The central device 70 refers to the storage unit 76 and reads the operation information of the player based on the player ID.
The central device 70 reproduces and analyzes the play based on the evaluation program (not shown) and the operation information of the player, and creates advice (advice). The central device 70 displays advice on the reproduced play screen. Thereby, the player can confirm where his / her play was bad, and can reflect it in the next play.

In this way, one play control device 40 selects each game machine 20 independently from the other game machines 20 and starts playing, and each game machine 20 becomes independent from the other game machines 20. And play. That is, the eight game machines 20 can perform game selection and play execution independently.
Thereby, if the store system 1 prepares the one play control apparatus 40 and connects it to each game machine 20, even if it does not make it the structure which provides a control apparatus in each game machine like the conventional, each game machine 20 Can play independently. Thereby, when installing the some game machine 20, what is necessary is just to prepare the one play control apparatus 40, and cost can be reduced significantly conventionally, and a shop tends to introduce a system.

(Game selection process)
The game selection process will be described.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the game selection process of the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a game selection screen 28a according to the first embodiment.
The game selection process is the process of S3 of the overall process shown in FIG.
In S21, the play control unit 42a of the play control device 40 displays the game selection screen 28a independently on each display unit 28 of each game machine 20. The play control unit 42a creates a game selection screen 28a for a game permitted to be executed from the central server 90 based on the information in the permitted game name storage unit 41f.
As shown in FIG. 10, the game selection screen 28a displays a game selection image 28b (28b-1 to 28b-7), an advertisement selection image 28c, a preview image 28d, an operation unit schematic diagram 28e, and the like.
The game selection image 28b is an image corresponding to a plurality of games, and a plurality of game selection images 28b are arranged. The game selection image 28b is, for example, an image including a game title, character, and the like, and is an image that is small enough to identify the game. The displayed game selection screen 28 a is for a game that is permitted to be executed from the central server 90. As a result, the player can select only the games permitted by the central server 90.

  Further, in the case of a game in which the store system 10 is connected to another store system via the communication network 2 and players of different stores can play with each other like a competitive game, information regarding the recruitment of the game is a game selection image. It is displayed below 28b. Thus, since the game management system 1 recruits participation from a single game machine 20 to a plurality of games, it is possible to improve the probability of the combination being established. The reason for this will be described later.

The advertisement selection image 28c is arranged between the plurality of game selection images 28b.
The preview image 28d displays images corresponding to the game selection image 28b and the advertisement selection image 28c.
The preview image of the game selection image 28b is an image that shows the play atmosphere. The preview image of the game selection image 28b is, for example, a moving image of a scene of play.
The preview image of the advertisement selection image 28c is an advertisement image. The preview image of the advertisement selection image 28c is, for example, a moving image including candy packaging, a catchphrase, and the like in the case of a candy advertisement.
The operation unit schematic diagram 28e is a display for explaining an operation method on the game selection screen 28a using the schematic diagram of the operation unit 24.

  Based on the player history received from the central server 90, the play control unit 42a arranges the advertisement selection image 28c next to the game selection image 28b in which the player has the largest number of plays. That is, the play control unit 42a arranges the advertisement selection image 28c next to the game selection image 28b of a game with a high play frequency. FIG. 10 shows a scene in which the game with a high play frequency of the player is an RPG (role playing game), and an advertisement selection image 28c is arranged on the left side of the game selection image 28b-7.

  In S22, the play control unit 42a accepts a selection operation of the lever 25 of the game machine 20, and moves a selected image among the plurality of game selection images 28b and the advertisement selection image 28c. The play control unit 42a sequentially moves the images to be selected one by one up, down, left, and right based on the operations in the depth direction Y and the left-right direction X of the lever 25. The play control unit 42a improves the brightness of the selected image so that the player can check. FIG. 10 shows a scene where the game selection image 28b-5 is selected.

When the game selection image 28b is selected, the play control unit 42a sequentially displays game description images corresponding to the game selection image 28b on the preview image 28d.
On the other hand, when the advertisement selection image 28c is selected, the play control unit 42a displays an advertisement corresponding to the advertisement selection image 28c on the preview image 28d.
When the game selection image 28b-1 or the game selection image 28b-5 arranged at the left end is selected, the play control unit 42a scrolls the game selection image 28b by operating the lever 25 to the left. Other than these eight game selection images and advertisement selection images are displayed.
Thereby, the player can select a desired game from all the games that can be executed in the store system 10, and can select an advertisement of interest from the advertisement selection image.

In the scene of FIG. 10, the probability of the image that the player intends to finally select is high in the RPG game selection image 28 b-7 with high play frequency. In order to move from the scene of FIG. 10 to the game selection image 28b-7, it is necessary to operate the lever 25 to the right three times. When passing over the advertisement selection image 28c, a preview image of the advertisement is displayed.
In this way, the play control device 40 can display the advertisement preview image by naturally selecting the advertisement selection image 28c in the process of selecting the desired game by the player. Thereby, if the player performs an operation of selecting a game, an advertising effect can be expected. Further, since a display device for advertisement is not required other than the game machine 20 and the cost is low, the store can easily introduce the system.

In S23, the play control unit 42a determines whether any of the buttons 26-1 to 26-3 has been operated, or whether a detailed display operation has been performed. When it is determined that the detailed display operation has been performed (S23: YES), the play control unit 42a proceeds to S24. On the other hand, when it is determined that it has not been performed (S23: NO), the play control unit 42a proceeds to S25.
In S24, the play control unit 42a displays a detailed screen corresponding to the selected game selection image 28b or advertisement selection image 28c. The detailed image has more detailed information than the preview image.
When the game selection image 28b is selected, the play control unit 42a reads the detailed image of the game from the storage unit 41 and displays it on the display unit 28. The detailed image of the game has, for example, introduction of characters appearing in the game, information on each stage of the game, and the like.
When the advertisement selection image 28c is selected, the play control unit 42a reads the detailed image of the advertisement from the storage unit 41 and displays it on the display unit 28. For example, if the detailed image of the advertisement is a candy advertisement, it includes information such as the price and material of the candy.
The detailed image may be provided in the central server 90 on the communication network 2 or the like. In this case, the selected image and the URL of each detailed image may be stored in the storage unit 41 of the play control device 40 in association with each other. And according to operation of detailed display, the play control apparatus 40 should just connect to the central server 90 grade | etc., And display a detailed image on the display part 28 based on URL of each detailed image.

  In S25, the play control unit 42a determines whether any of the buttons 26-4 to 26-6 has been operated, that is, whether or not a determination operation has been performed. The determination operation is an operation for determining a game to be played by the player. If the play control unit 42a determines that the determination operation has been performed (S25: YES), the play control unit 42a proceeds to S26. On the other hand, if the play control unit 42a determines that it has not been performed (S25: NO), the process from S22 is repeated.

  In S26, the play control unit 42a accepts the player's coin insertion. When the coin is inserted, the play control unit 42a transmits coin detection information and information on the selected game name to the store server 60. Thereafter, the system starts processing such as play start determination described later.

The reason why the above-described combination establishment probability can be improved will be described.
As described above, information related to game recruitment is displayed under the game selection image 28b.
For example, under the game selection image 28b-2 for the car racing game and under the game selection image 28b-2 for the fighting game, the numbers of other players recruiting opponents are "30", "50" Or the like.
When recruiting a battle in a car racing game, other players can accept the battle for about one minute before the start of play, and can start the battle play when the battle is established. “30 players” is the number of other players who are looking for a match before this play starts.
In addition, when recruiting a battle in a fighting game, other players should set a mode (so-called “intrusion mode”) in which a battle can be accepted even if they are playing alone by a computer battle and start playing. That's fine. “50 players” is the number of other players playing in this mode.
In addition, the control part 92 of the central server 90 performs the combination of players.

  Since the store system 10 can play a plurality of games with one game machine 20, the player can also participate in other fighting games other than car racing from one game machine 20. Further, even if seven game machines 20 are already playing, if one game machine 20 is available, the player can participate in any game.

Unlike the embodiment, for example, in the case of a conventional dedicated game machine that can only play a car racing game, a player playing on the game machine can participate only in the car racing game. Further, when the game machine 20 of the car race is already being played, even if the game machine 20 of the fighting game is vacant, the player cannot participate in the car race. For this reason, in the case of a dedicated game machine, the chance of establishing a combination between players is reduced.
Thereby, the store system 10 can improve the probability of establishment of the combination of players compared with the past. The effect is particularly great when the recruitment time is short, such as in car races.

Through the above game selection process, the store system 10 can independently display the game selection screen 28a on each display unit 28 of each game machine 20 and play the game selected on each game machine 20 independently. For this reason, the player can freely select and play from a plurality of games, not a specific game, when playing with any of the plurality of game machines 20.
Further, unlike the embodiment, if the dedicated game machine breaks down, even a profitable game cannot be played. In the embodiment, even when one game machine 20 breaks down, it can be played with the other seven, which is advantageous in terms of store management.

  Furthermore, even if the manager of the game management system 1 installs the store system 10 in a plurality of stores and wants to permit different games for each store, the same game program 41e is stored in each store server 60. A different game may be permitted for each store. Thereby, the operator can unify the game programs 41e of all the stores, and management is easy.

  Furthermore, if the license fee is set according to the game that can be executed, the store manager or the like may ask the operator to allow only the desired game. This can lead to cost reduction.

(Play start determination process)
The play start determination process will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the play start determination process according to the first embodiment.
The play start determination process is a process of S4 to S8 of the overall process shown in FIG.
In S <b> 31, when the play control unit 42 a of the play control device 40 receives a play start request from each game machine 20, the play control unit 42 a attempts to communicate with the store server 60. In the embodiment, the coin detection information and the information of the selected game name are used as the play start request, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of coin detection information, button operation information for starting play may be used.
In S32, the play control unit 42a determines whether or not communication with the store server 60 has been established. For example, the play control unit 42a tries communication with the store server 60 several times. When it is determined that the play control unit 42a has been established (S32: YES), the play control unit 42a proceeds to S33a. On the other hand, when it is determined that it has not been established (S32: NO), the play control unit 42a proceeds to S33b.
The case where the communication is not established is, for example, a case where the store server 60 fails or a case where the communication process cannot be performed because other processes are being performed.

In S33a, the play control unit 42a transmits a start determination request to the store server 60. The start determination request requests the store server 60 to determine whether or not to start the game. The start determination request includes coin detection information and information on the selected game name.
In S33b, the play control unit 42a transmits a start determination request to the central device 70.
Note that this S33b allows the play control unit 42a to make a start determination request even when the store server 60 is out of order.

In S34, when the play start determination unit 62a of the store server 60 receives the start determination request, the play start determination process is performed.
The play start determination process determines whether or not the game name included in the start determination request is included in the permitted game name storage unit 61a. The play start determination part 62a will determine with permission, if a game name is contained in the permission game name memory | storage part 61a.
For this reason, the store system 10 can permit play only when the information in the permitted game name storage unit 43f of the play control device 40 matches the information in the permitted game name storage unit 61a of the store server 60. become. Thereby, acts, such as illegally rewriting the information in the permitted game name memory | storage part 43f of the play control apparatus 40, can be suppressed.
In S35, the play start determination unit 62a transmits the determination result to the play control unit 42a.
In S 36, a coin detection signal is transmitted to the central server 90. The central server 90 aggregates store sales, availability, etc. based on the billing information.

In S37, when the auxiliary play start determination unit 77a of the central device 70 receives the start determination request, the auxiliary play start determination unit 77a performs auxiliary play start determination processing.
The auxiliary play start determination process is the same process as the play start determination process of the store server 60. That is, the auxiliary play start determination unit 77a determines that the game is permitted if the game name included in the start determination request is included in the auxiliary permission game name storage unit 76a.
In S38, the auxiliary play start determination unit 77a transmits the determination result to the play control unit 42a.
In S39, the auxiliary play start determination unit 77a stores the start determination request, the reception time, and the determination result in the storage unit 76.
As a result, the start determination request, the reception time, and the determination result history while communication between the play control device 40 and the store server 60 cannot be established are sequentially stored in the storage unit 76.

In S40, the play control unit 42a of the play control device 40 determines whether the determination result received from the store server 60 or the central device 70 is permission. If it is permitted (S40: YES), the play control unit 42a proceeds to S41, whereas if it is determined not to be permitted (S40: NO), the play control unit 42a proceeds to S42.
In S41, the play control unit 42a starts playing the game machine 20.
In S42, the play control unit 42a ends the process related to the start of play. In this case, for example, the play control unit 42a returns the inserted coins.

In S43, the auxiliary play start determination unit 77a of the central device 70 repeats communication with the store server 60.
When communication with the store server 60 is established, the auxiliary play start determination unit 77a of the central device 70 transmits the start determination request, the reception time, and the determination result stored in the storage unit 76 to the store server 60.
In S44, the play start determination unit 62a of the store server 60 receives the start determination request, the reception time, and the determination result. Thereby, the store server 60 acquires the start determination request, the reception time, and the determination result while the communication with the play control device 40 cannot be established from the central device 70.
The play start determination unit 62 a transmits the start determination request, the reception time, and the determination result acquired from the central device 70 to the central server 90.
Thereby, the central server 90 can total the operation information and billing information of the game machine 20 during which communication between the play control device 40 and the store server 60 could not be established.

  Through the play start determination process described above, the store system 10 can operate the game machine 20 even when the store play control device 40 breaks down, can stably operate the store, and can easily introduce the system.

(Score transmission processing)
The score transmission process will be described.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the score transmission process according to the first embodiment.
The score transmission process is the process of S14 of the overall process shown in FIG.
In S51, when the play ends, the play control device 40 refers to the transmission type table 41d (see FIG. 5) and determines whether or not the game program 41e of the game for which play has ended is a transmission type program.
As described above, the transmission type program has a function of transmitting the score to the central server 90 at the end of play, and the non-transmission type program does not have this function. In order to display the non-transmission type program on the play screen, the score information is written and stored in the storage unit 41 with the score file name designated by the program.
When it is determined that the play control device 40 is a transmission type program (S51: YES), the play control device 40 proceeds to S52. On the other hand, when it is determined that the play control device 40 is not a transmission type program (S51: NO), that is, non-transmission. If it is determined that the program is a type program, the process proceeds to S53.
In S <b> 52, the play control device 40 transmits the score of the game that has been played to the central server 90 in accordance with the game program 41 e.

In S53, the play control apparatus 40 refers to the transmission type table 41d and confirms the score file name of the non-transmission type program that has been played.
In S54, the play control device 40 searches the storage unit 41 for a score file with the score file name. The play control device 40 reads the score from the score file and transmits it to the central server 90.
For example, in the case of the game program 41e-2, the play control device 40 searches the storage unit 41 for the score file name “score.DAT” and transmits the score to the central server 90.

  With the above score transmission process, the store system 10 can obtain the score information from the central server 90 regardless of the transmission type of the game that has been played. Thereby, the kind of game which can be played in a store can be increased, and a store is easy to introduce a system.

(Color change processing of the operation unit 24)
The color change process of the operation unit 24 will be described.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the color change process according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the command explanation screen 35a of the first embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the color change screen 100 according to the first embodiment.
The color changing process of the operation unit 24 is a process performed during the play, and is a process of S9 to S11 of the entire process shown in FIG. Note that in the case of a game specification such that the command explanation screen 35a is displayed before play, the color change process may be performed before play.
First, the command explanation screen 35a will be described.
As illustrated in FIG. 14, the control unit 52 of the sub display unit control device 50 displays a command explanation screen 35 a on the touch panel 35.
The control unit 52 receives the name of the game to start playing (see S8 and S9 above), and reads the command explanation screen 35a for the game from the storage unit 41. FIG. 14 is an example of a command explanation screen 35a for a fighting game of the game program 41e-1.

The command explanation screen 35a displays a schematic diagram of the operation unit 24 (see FIG. 6) and a color change button 35c.
The schematic diagram of the operation unit 24 (see FIG. 6) displays the color of each operation member of the operation unit 24 and the operation content.
For example, “blue” is displayed in the schematic diagram of the lever 25, and blue is also displayed in the schematic diagram (circle). In the schematic diagram of the lever 25, the movement of the character in each operation direction (such as “jump”) is described as the operation content.
Similarly, “red” is displayed in the schematic diagram of the button 26-1, and the schematic diagram (circle) is also displayed in green. Further, the character movement “punch” is displayed in the schematic diagram of the button 26-1.

  On the other hand, at the start of play, the play control device 40 reads the color of each operation member of the game from the color table 41c (see FIG. 5) and controls the color changing unit 27. If it is a fighting game of the game program 41e-1, the first line 41c-1 is read from the color table 41c and the color changing unit 27 is controlled.

As a result, the color display on the command explanation screen 35a matches the actual color of the operation unit 24. The player can operate the operation unit 24 while referring to the color display on the command explanation screen 35a. Moreover, since the store system 10 controls the command explanation screen 35a and the color change unit 27 for each game, the command explanation screen 35a and the color change unit 27 can be controlled according to the game selected by the player.
The color setting at the start of play is based on the specifications of each manufacturer of the game program 41e. In other words, the game manuals and strategies for each game program 41e have explanations of how to play, etc., and the colors of buttons and the like are also explained by explanations and illustrations.
Each line of the command explanation screen 35a and the color table 41c is created by the operator of the game management system 1 for each game based on the manufacturer's specifications and the like.
Thereby, even if the game management system 1 is a system which can select a some game, it can set the operation part 24 to the color corresponding to the selected game.
The color changing process of the operation unit 24 is for enabling the color of the operation unit 24 to be changed so that the player can operate it more easily. This will be described in detail below.

In S61, the control unit 52 of the sub-display unit control device 50 starts a series of processes when the color change button 35c (see FIG. 14) on the command explanation screen 35a is operated.
In S62, the control unit 52 displays the color change screen 100 (setting screen) on the touch panel 35 as shown in FIG.
The color change screen 100 displays a schematic diagram of the operation unit 24 (see FIG. 6), a color selection button 101, a determination button 102, and a return button 103.
Similar to the command explanation screen 35a, the schematic diagram of the operation unit 24 displays the color before the change of each operation member.
The color selection button 101 is displayed below the schematic diagram of the operation unit 24.

In S <b> 63, the control unit 52 accepts a selection operation of the color selection button 101.
The player can select a color that makes it easy for him to play by selecting the color selection button 101.
For example, three buttons “red”, “green”, and “yellow” are arranged below the schematic diagram of the blue lever 25 in the initial setting. The player can select a color that makes it easier for the player to play.
Below the schematic diagram of the button 26-6, four buttons “red”, “green”, “yellow”, and “blue” are arranged. The player can select buttons that are not operated in the fighting game, but can also select these buttons if they want to color.

  In S64, the control unit 52 determines whether or not the enter button 102 has been operated. When it is determined that the determination button 102 has been operated (S64: YES), the control unit 52 proceeds to S65, whereas when it is determined that the determination button 102 has not been operated (S64: NO), S65. Proceed to

In S65, the control unit 52 determines whether or not the return button 103 has been operated. When it is determined that the return button 103 has been operated (S65: YES), the control unit 52 proceeds to S66, whereas when it is determined that the return button 103 has not been operated (S65: NO), S63. Repeat the process from.
In S66, the control unit 52 displays the command explanation screen 35a as it is without changing it.

In S <b> 67, the control unit 52 transmits color change determination information, that is, information on the selected color selection button 101 to the play control device 40.
In S <b> 68, the control unit 52 displays a command explanation screen 35 a reflecting the color change determination information on the touch panel 35.
For example, when the “red” button of the color selection button 101 is selected so as to change the lever 25 from blue to red, the control unit 52 changes the blue of the schematic diagram of the lever 25 from blue to red. The text is changed and the text is also displayed as “red”.

In S69, when the play control unit 42a of the play control device 40 receives the color change determination information, the play control unit 42a controls the color change unit 27 based on the color change determination information.
For example, in the above example, the play control unit 42a controls the color of the LED 27a (see FIG. 7) of the color changing unit 27 from red to blue.
Thus, even after the change, the color display on the command explanation screen 35a matches the actual color of the operation section 24, and the player can operate the operation section 24 while referring to the command explanation screen 35a.

Through the color change process described above, the player can change the color of the operation unit 24 so that the player can easily play any game machine 20.
In the color change process, the sub-display unit control device 50 controls the touch panel 35. For this reason, the processing load of the play control device 40 can be reduced, and the play control device 40 can be concentrated on the play progress processing so that the play can proceed smoothly.

Further, the play control device 40 controls the color changing unit 27 based on the initial setting at the start of play. For this reason, the store may add a touch panel 35, a sub-display unit control device 50, and the like as necessary when it is desired to make the system capable of changing the default color.
Furthermore, the game machine 20 can be expected to reduce the cost due to the common parts of the button 26.

  As described above, the store system 10 is a device that is different from the play control device 40 and includes the store server 60 that determines whether or not to start play. For this reason, the play control apparatus 40 can be concentrated on the play process in each game machine 20, and processing loads other than the play process of the play control apparatus 40 can be reduced. Thereby, more game machines 20 can be connected to the play control device 40, and the effect of cost reduction can be improved.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the description and drawings after the second embodiment, parts that perform the same functions and processes as those of the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals or the same reference numerals at the end (last two digits). A duplicate description will be omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the video switching device 203, the play control device 240, and the game machine 20 according to the second embodiment.
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a video switching device 203 is provided in the play control device 240 and the game machine 20.
The video switching device 203 is a device that switches the video signal of the play control device 240.
The video switching device 203 can switch, for example, video information output to the game machine 20-2 and video information output to the game machine 20-8 in accordance with a command from the play control device 240.
The video switching device 203 may be used in a method of transmitting video information from the play control device 240 to the game machine 20 by radio waves.

Thereby, even if it is the performance which advances four games simultaneously, the play control apparatus 240 can change freely the game machine 20 to combine.
In the first embodiment, the game machine 20 to be combined has been determined when the play control device 40 has the performance of proceeding simultaneously with four games. One battle game cannot be played on the game machines 20 other than the game machines 20-1 and 20-2, for example.

On the other hand, since the play control apparatus 240 switches the video information and changes the game machine 20 to be combined, one battle game can be performed between the game machines 20-1 and 20-8.
Although explanation is omitted, a switching device similar to the video switching device 203 is also provided for audio.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the game selection process of the store system according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the play execution information communication process of the store system according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 17, in S320a, the play control unit of the play control device (see the play control device 40 in FIG. 2 and the play control unit 42a) communicates with the store server (see the store server 60 in FIG. 3 and the like). Try. That is, the play control unit determines whether or not the play control device and the store server are online. When it is determined that communication has been established (S320a: YES), the play control unit proceeds to S22, and when it is determined that communication has not been established (S320a: NO), the play control unit proceeds to S320b.
The processes of S22 to S25 are the same as in the first embodiment.

  In S320b, the play control unit attempts to communicate with the central device (see the central device 70 in FIG. 3 and the like) in the same manner as in S320a. When it is determined that communication has been established (S320b: YES), the play control unit proceeds to S22, and when it is determined that communication has not been established (S320b: NO), the play control unit proceeds to S320c.

In S320c, the play control unit ends the game selection process without displaying the game selection screen (see the game selection screen 28a in FIG. 10).
By the process so far, the play control unit displays the game selection screen when communication with the store server or the central device is established, and does not display the game selection screen when communication is not established. become.
Further, the store system cannot play when communication between the play control device and the store server and communication between the play control device and the central device are not established. This is because if the cable between them is disconnected and the play control device operates the game machine, the central server cannot acquire play execution information (described later). It is because it becomes impossible to total.

  In S326, the play control unit accepts coin insertion into the play insertion slot of the play insertion unit (see the coin insertion unit 21a in FIG. 2 and the like), and then receives button operation information for starting play.

As shown in FIG. 18, in S327, when the player operates a button operation to start play, the play control unit transmits play start information to the store server and starts play. The play start information includes information indicating that the game machine has actually started play, a game name, and game machine identification information.
When the communication with the store server is not established (S320a: NO), and the communication with the central device is established (S320b: YES), the play control unit transmits the play start information to the central device.
If the communication with the store server can be established by the processing so far, the play control unit executes the game machine, and even if communication with the play management device cannot be established, When the communication can be established, the game machine can be played.

In S328, when receiving the play start information, the control unit of the store server (see the control unit 62 in FIG. 3 and the like) transmits it to the central server.
In S329, when receiving the play start information, the control unit (see the control unit 77 in FIG. 3) of the central device stores the play start information together with the reception time in the storage unit (see the storage unit 76 in FIG. 3).
Thereby, the play start information and the history of the reception time are stored in the storage unit of the central device.

In S330, the play control unit transmits the play end information to the store server when the play of the player ends due to game over or the like. The play end information includes information indicating that the play on the game machine has ended, a game name, and game machine identification information.
Further, when the play control unit is the same as S327 (S320a: NO → S320b: YES), the play control unit transmits play start information to the central device.

In S331, the control part of a store server will transmit this to a central server, if play completion information is received.
In S332, when the control unit of the central device receives the play end information, the control unit stores it in the storage unit.
Thereby, the play end information and the history of the reception time are stored in the storage unit of the central device.

In S333, the control unit of the central device attempts communication with the store server. When communication with the store server is established, the control unit of the central device transmits the play end information, the reception time, the play end information, and the reception time stored in the storage unit to the store server.
In S334, the control unit of the store server receives the play end information, the reception time, the play end information, and the reception time from the central device, and transmits them to the central server.

By the above process, when communication with the play control device is established (S320a: YES), the control unit of the store server displays the play start information and play end information received by the control unit of the store server. It can be transmitted to the central server (S328, S331). On the other hand, even if communication with the play control device is not established (S320a: NO), the control unit of the store server plays from the central device when communication between the central device and the play control device is established (S320b: YES). Information such as start information and play end information can be acquired and transmitted to the central server (S334).
Thereby, the central server can acquire information such as play start information and play end information after returning even if the store server is out of order. The play start information, the play end information, and the like are play execution information that is information related to play execution on the game machine. Thereby, the central server can total the operation information and billing information of the game machine during the time when the communication between the play control device and the store server could not be established.

  As described above, the store system of the present embodiment can operate the game machine 20 and operate the store stably even if the store server is out of order as in the first embodiment.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made as in the modifications described later, and these are also included in the present invention. Within the technical scope. In addition, the effects described in the embodiments are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments. It should be noted that the above-described embodiment and modifications described later can be used in appropriate combination, but detailed description thereof is omitted.

(Deformation)
In the embodiment, the game control apparatus has shown an example in which eight or four games can be progressed simultaneously, but is not limited thereto. For example, if the processing capacity of the game control device is improved or the game program has a small processing load, more games than these can be simultaneously executed.

    DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game management system 10 ... Store system 20 ... Game machine 21 ... Coin insertion part 22 ... Card reader 22a ... Card insertion slot 23 ... ID card 24 ... Operation part 25 ... Lever 25a ... Sphere 26 ... Button 26a ... Top part 27 ... Color change unit 28 ... Display unit 28a ... Game selection screen 28b ... Game selection image 28c ... Advertisement selection image 28d ... Preview image 30 ... Sub-display unit 31 ... Upper display unit 35 ... Touch panel 35a ... Command explanation screen 35c ... Color change button 40 ... Play control device 41 ... Storage unit 41a ... Selection program 41b ... Command table 41c ... Color table 41d ... Transmission type table 41e ... Game program 42 ... Control unit 42a ... Play control unit 50 ... Sub-display Control device 51 ... Storage unit 51a ... Command explanation screen storage unit 51b ... Operation unit setting storage unit 52 ... Control unit 60 ... Store server 61 ... Storage unit 61a ... Permitted game name storage unit 62 ... Control unit 62a ... Play start determination unit 70 ... Central device 71 ... Coin insertion part 72 ... Card reader 72a ... Card insertion slot 74 ... Operation part 75 ... Display part 76 ... Storage part 76a ... Auxiliary permission game name storage part 77 ... Control part 77a ... Auxiliary play start determination part 80 ... Large display device 90 ... Central server 91 ... Storage unit 91a ... Play history storage unit 91b ... Billing information storage unit 92 ... Control unit 100 ... Color change screen 101 ... Color selection button 102 ... Decision button 103 ... Button 203 ... Video switching device 240 ... Play control device

Claims (4)

A plurality of game machines arranged in the same store;
A game system including a play control device disposed in the same store as the plurality of game machines and connected to the plurality of game machines;
The play control device
A storage unit for storing a plurality of game programs of a game executed by the plurality of game machines;
A play control unit for playing each game machine independently from the other game machines;
This game system is connected via a communication network to a central server installed at a location different from the store,
The play control unit
Based on an instruction from the central server, set an executable game among the game programs stored in the storage unit,
The game selection screen of the executable game is displayed on each display unit of each game machine ,
The game selection screen is
It is an image corresponding to a plurality of the games, a plurality of game selection images arranged,
Advertising images arranged between the plurality of selected images;
Displaying a preview image that is an image corresponding to the game selection image and the advertisement image;
The play control unit
According to the operation of the operation unit of the game machine, the plurality of game selection images and the advertisement image are sequentially selected next to each other,
When the game selection images are sequentially selected, a description image of the game corresponding to the game selection image is displayed as the preview image,
When the advertisement image is selected, displaying an advertisement corresponding to the advertisement image as the preview image;
A game system characterized by The game system according to claim 1,
Each of the game machines has a display unit,
The play control unit
A game selection screen is displayed independently on each display unit,
Accepting game selection operations from each of the game machines,
Controlling the play of the game selected by each of the game machines;
A game system characterized by In the game system according to claim 1 or 2,
The play control device is a device different from the play control device, and includes a play management device that determines play start permission
The play control unit
In response to a request from each of the game machines, inquiries of permission to start play to the play management apparatus, and according to a start determination result of the play management apparatus, to start play of the game machines
A game system characterized by The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The play control unit
Placing the advertisement image next to the game selection image of a game with high play frequency;
A game system characterized by

Images