JP6655490B2 - Game system and game device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game arcade system and a game arcade.

  In a game arcade, various gaming devices are provided corresponding to the gaming machines. Specifically, as the gaming device, there are provided a gaming information display device for displaying gaming information such as the number of jackpots, and a lending machine for lending balls and medals used for gaming.

  Generally, various processing programs of the game device are generally updated as appropriate. For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-157, a processing program is distributed from a distribution computer to the game device, and various processing of the game device is performed. It states that the program is updated. Patent Literature 1 also describes that a processing device is updated and a completion of the update is displayed on a gaming device.

JP 2010-179150 A

  The update timing of the above-mentioned processing program is arbitrarily performed, and it is also performed after the player has entered or while the player is playing a game. However, depending on the player, when checking the display regarding the update processing of the processing program, the player may be suspicious that the jackpot probability may have been changed due to a fraud on the game hall side. For this reason, the player who has confirmed the display regarding the update process may not return.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game arcade system and a game arcade device that satisfactorily update the processing program of the game arcade device.

  According to the amusement arcade system of the first aspect, since the update processing information is not displayed in the business state, it is possible to provide an environment in which the player does not easily notice that the update processing has been performed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from suspicion that the illegal operation has been performed on the game arcade side. In addition, since the information for update processing is displayed in the non-business state, the manager of the game arcade can grasp that the update processing has been performed in a state where there is no player. In other words, when the update processing information is displayed, the player determines whether or not to display the update processing information, depending on whether the player can easily view the update processing information. It is possible to reduce the risk of visually recognizing application information. As a result, the processing for updating the processing program of the gaming machine can be favorably performed.

Overall configuration diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention Schematic functional block diagram of a playground system Flowchart showing processing contents of rental machine in gaming island Diagram showing the flow of processing related to abnormality notification and counting errors Diagram showing the flow of processing related to card issuance and acceptance and counting error

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 schematically shows an entire configuration of a game arcade system. A plurality of gaming machine islands (not shown) are provided in the amusement arcade, and in each gaming machine island, a large number of gaming machines 1 and a large number of rental machines 2 and calling lamps 3 corresponding thereto are installed. ing. As shown in FIG. 1, one lending machine 2 is arranged on the left side of one gaming machine 1, and one call lamp 3 is arranged above the gaming machine 1. Each of the gaming machine 1, the rental machine 2, and the call lamp 3 is connected to the relay device 4 by two each. The relay device 4 is connected to the island management device 5 via the first communication line 7. The island management device 5 is provided for each game island, and each of the island management devices 5 is connected to the relay device 4 via the first communication line 7 so that various data can be transmitted and received.

  In the gaming machine system of the present embodiment, all the gaming machine-side devices such as the gaming machine 1, the lending machine 2, and the call lamp 3 are connected to the gaming space management device 10 via the second communication line 8. Have been. The game arcade management device 10 is a device that manages all devices of the game arcade, and is also connected to a storage device 9 described later via the second communication line 8.

  The game arcade management device 10 is installed in, for example, an office or the like in the game arcade, and is connected to a monitor 10m, a keyboard 10k, and the like. In the amusement arcade, for example, hundreds of amusement machines 1 are installed, and a well-known POS or the like for exchanging prizes is also installed. It is managed. The second communication line 8 is a line (for example, Ethernet (registered trademark)) different from the first communication line 7, and connects the game arcade management device 10 to various devices without passing through the relay device 4. The details of data communication by the communication lines 7 and 8 will be described later.

  The gaming machine 1 is a CR pachinko machine, and has an operation handle 12, an upper saucer 13, and a lower saucer 14 which constitute a launching device for emitting a pachinko ball as a game medium on a board 1a, and a liquid crystal display section on the board 1a. 15, a general drawing winning opening 16, a first starting opening 17, a second starting opening 18, a large winning opening 19 and the like. The gaming machine 1 also has a lending button 13a and an issue button 13b on the upper surface of the upper tray 13.

The gaming machine 1 operates as described below.
(1) The first starting port 17 is a winning port where the winning rate does not fluctuate (so-called navel winning port), and the second starting port 18 is a winning port (so-called electric chew) where the winning rate fluctuates.

(2) A jackpot lottery is performed in accordance with a prize (start prize) in each of the starting ports 17 and 18, and the lottery result is notified by a symbol change performed on the liquid crystal display unit 15, and the jackpot is determined according to the change result. .
(3) When a winning is started during a symbol change, the symbol changes are cumulatively held up to a predetermined holding upper limit value (for example, four each), and the held symbol changes are started after the symbol changes are completed. In addition, if the start winning is made in a state where the number of held symbol variations (the number of held symbols) is the upper limit, the symbol variations are not held.

  (4) The winning probability (big hit probability) of the big hit lottery is 1/360, and the probability of the big hit being the big hit (probable big hit) that the big hit becomes the probable change state (probable change) thereafter (both the normal state and the probable change state) 66.6%. When a big hit occurs, the special winning opening 19 is opened for 15 rounds (R). The upper limit winning number of 1R is 10 balls, and the upper limit opening time is 30 seconds. When either the upper limit winning number or the upper limit opening time is satisfied, 1R is ended.

  (5) During the probable change, the jackpot probability is increased to 1/31, and the winning rate to the second starting port 18 is increased. Incidentally, since the probability change continues until the next big hit, it continues until a big hit (normal big hit) that becomes a normal gaming state (normal state), which is neither a big hit nor a certain probability, occurs after the big hit, and thereafter, a predetermined number (for example, 100 times) ), The time-saving state is reached until the symbol changes, and then the normal state.

  (6) The second starting port 18 is in an open state with a high winning rate when a normal symbol (common figure) that fluctuates in accordance with a prize in the normal figure winning port 16 is hit. In this case, the fluctuation time for one time in the normal state is 30 seconds in the normal state and 3 seconds in the time reduction state. The opening time is 0.3 seconds in the normal state and 5 seconds in the time saving state. In other words, in the time-saving state, the normal figure fluctuation time is shorter than in the normal state, while the opening time is longer, so that the winning rate of the second starting port 18 is higher. Note that the specifications of the gaming machine 1 described above are merely examples, and gaming machines 1 of various specifications are installed in a gaming arcade.

The following gaming signals are transmitted from the gaming machines such as the gaming machine 1 and the renting machine 2 in accordance with the progress of the game, such as the player driving a ball or winning the starting openings 17 and 18 by the player.
OUT signal = signal (operation signal) transmitted from the OUT BOX for collecting consumed balls, which can specify the consumption value (OUT). Since one pulse is transmitted for every 10 consumed (used, driven, collected) balls, “out signal number × 10” is specified as out. Note that a signal transmitted from the gaming machine 1 may be used.

  Safe signal = a signal transmitted from the gaming machine 1 and capable of specifying a prize awarded value (safe). Since one pulse is transmitted for every 10 payout (giving) balls, “the number of safe signals × 10” is specified as safe. The replenishment signal transmitted from the replenishing device may be a safe signal.

  Start signal = Signal signal transmitted from the gaming machine 1 that can specify a start process (symbol change, operation of an accessory, a unit game) in the liquid crystal display unit 15 (accessory) that changes (operates) due to a winning start. Since the start process is transmitted when the symbol variation is determined, the start process is specified in response to the reception of the start signal, and “start signal × 1” is specified as the number of starts. Note that a signal indicating a winning start may be used.

The jackpot signal is a signal transmitted from the gaming machine 1 and capable of specifying a jackpot period. Since the status signal is transmitted during the jackpot, the reception of the jackpot signal is specified as the jackpot.
Special state signal = a signal that can specify a special state (Amanaka) transmitted from the gaming machine 1. Since the status signal is a level signal transmitted during a special state (during a reduced working time) in which the winning rate of the second starting port 18 is improved, the reception of the special state signal is specified as being in the special state. Note that a state signal (probable change signal) transmitted at a level during the probable change in which the jackpot probability is improved may be used. Further, a period in which neither the jackpot signal nor the special state signal is received is specified as a normal state.

  The lending machine 2 is a so-called gaming device with a counting function for each unit, and includes a state display unit 22 showing a gaming state of the gaming machine 1 and the lending machine 2, a coin slot 23 into which money is inserted, and operations from a player. A touch-panel type liquid crystal display unit 24 that receives game inputs and displays game information such as the number of starts and the probability of a big hit as the game progresses, a payout button 25 for paying out balls and coins, and the paid out balls pass. It has a payout nozzle 26, a card insertion slot 27 into which an IC card 29 (only shown in FIG. 1 is inserted), a detachable counting tray 28 located below the lower tray 14 of the gaming machine 1, and the like.

  As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the lending machine 2 is connected to a control unit 2A configured by a microcomputer having a CPU 2a, a storage unit 2M such as a ROM 2b and a RAM 2c, and an I / O 2d, and the control unit 2A. It is configured with a peripheral portion. As the peripheral part, it is inserted into the I / F part 31, the state display part 22, and the money insertion slot 23 for transmitting and receiving various signals and various information to and from an external device such as the island management device 5 and the game arcade management device 10. The bill processing unit 23a that determines the authenticity of the bill that has been inserted, a liquid crystal display unit 24 that displays game information and the like, which is information related to the game, a touch panel 32 provided on the liquid crystal display unit 24, and a card insertion slot 27 A card RW (reader / writer) 27a for reading and writing various information recorded on the IC card 29, the payout button 25, and when the payout button 25 is operated, the one unit ball is paid out by the payout nozzle 26. And a counting unit 34 for counting the number of balls flowing in from the counting tray 28.

  The storage unit 2M of the lending machine 2 stores a predetermined processing program as a storage unit, and the control unit 2A executes a game process related to the game based on the processing program as a game process execution unit. In the following (1) to (3), an example of the operation related to the execution of the game process will be described.

  (1) When money is received by the money input into the money insertion slot 23 (money reception processing), the amount of money received is added to the balance and displayed on both the gaming machine 1 and the lending machine 2. When an operation (lending operation, granting operation) of pressing the lending button 13a of the gaming machine 1 is performed in a state where there is a balance, a lending ball for one lending unit (for example, 500 yen) (for example, a lending unit price of 4 yen) For example, a pay-out process of paying out 125 coins from the pay-out mechanism inside the gaming machine 1 is executed, and a value corresponding to the rate (for example, a rate of 4 yen per ball) is subtracted (withdrawn) from the balance. , Send a sales signal. Note that the money can receive a portion corresponding to a plurality of compensation processes (for example, up to 10,000 yen).

  (2) When the lower tray 14 of the gaming machine 1 is opened and the ball dropped from the lower tray 14 is received by the counting tray 28, the received ball is a holding ball, that is, a game owned by the player. The counting ball as the actual game value number, which is the number of values, is specified by the counting by the counting unit 34 as counting means and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 24. When the payout button 25 is pressed in a state where a ball is held, a payout process (a replay process of the ball) that allows the ball to be paid out from the payout mechanism inside the gaming machine 1 is performed, and the payout process is executed. Is subtracted from the value of the ball (e.g., the same number as the number of refunded balls). When the player performs an issuance operation by pressing an issuance button 13b (corresponding to an operation means) for performing an issuance operation in a state where the balance or the ball is left, the control unit 2A sets the recording medium issuance means as a recording medium issuance means in advance. An IC card 29 as a balance card stocked in the own device 2 is issued. The balance card is a recording medium on which information indicating the number of balls held and the balance, which are the counting results of the counting unit 34, and unique identification information are recorded.

  In addition, the lending machine 2 can accept not only the IC card 29 as a balance card but also an IC card 29 as a so-called member card in which member information capable of identifying an individual player is recorded. That is, when the member card inserted from the card insertion slot 27 is accepted by the card RW 27a serving as a receiving means, the member ID (for example, information such as the member number and the name of the player) recorded on the member card is read out. The read member ID is transmitted to the game arcade management device 10. Also, when the member card is accepted, a game (replay) by so-called ball storage becomes possible. In this embodiment, the balance card and the member card are collectively referred to as the IC card 29, and the identification information (including the member ID) recorded on each card is collectively referred to as the card ID.

  (3) In the game hall management device 10 through serial communication with the relay device 4, a money receiving process, a value providing process, a balance and a ball, a loan ball, a refund ball, a deposit amount, a counted ball, a loan ball, and the like. It is possible to specify various information such as the amount of money to be paid for the lending ball and the reception and issuance processing of the IC card 29. These signals are pulse signals (for example, one pulse for every 1,000 yen of deposit, one pulse for every 100 yen of sales). Etc.). Note that the communication in the lending process may be performed directly between the gaming machine 1 and the lending machine 2.

  The call lamp 3 shown in FIG. 1 is provided so as to correspond to the gaming machine 1 on a one-to-one basis similarly to the rental machine 2, and an information display unit for displaying various game information such as the number of start times and the number of occurrences of big hits. 41, an operation unit 42 including a call button pressed by the player when calling an employee of the game hall, a switching button pressed by the player when switching game information displayed by the information display unit 41, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the island management device 5 includes a control unit 5A including a CPU 5a, a storage unit 5M such as a ROM 5b and a RAM 5c, and a microcomputer having an I / O 5d. Further, the island management device 5 includes an I / F unit 38 for communicating various kinds of information with the rental machine 2 and the call lamp 3 via the first communication line 7 and the relay device 4. It is configured as a management device.

  On the other hand, the game arcade management device 10 includes a control unit 10A constituted by a microcomputer having a CPU 10a, a storage unit 10M such as a ROM 10b and a RAM 10c, and an I / O 10d. Further, the game arcade management device 10 communicates various types of information via the second communication line 8 with various devices such as the gaming machine 1, the rental machine 2, the call lamp 3, and the storage device 9 in the game arcade. And is configured as a second management device. A monitor 10m, a keyboard 10k, and the like are connected to the control unit 10A.

  The storage device 9 is installed in a place that is invisible to the player (for example, a storage room for storing various devices in a game hall). The storage device 9 has a storage portion 9a (schematically illustrated in FIG. 2) for storing a spare one of the rental machine 2 that is actually provided in one-to-one correspondence with the gaming machine 1. The storage device 9 communicates various kinds of information via the second communication line 8 with the control unit 9A connected to the plurality of lending machines 2 stored in the storage unit 9a and the game center management device 10. The I / F unit 40 is provided. As described above, the storage device 9 is a device for storing the pre-installation game device which is the rental machine 2 before being installed corresponding to the gaming machine 1.

  By the way, in a game arcade, an update process for updating the processing program to, for example, a new version of a processing program or the like (update program) without replacing the rental machine 2 itself (that is, the gaming machine itself) is generally performed. ing. The download to the rental machine 2 related to the update processing is not limited to a non-business state described below, in which a manager of a game arcade can perform maintenance, but also in a state in which a player can play a game. It is also possible to perform in a certain business state (a state of a business mode described later). Therefore, in the rental machine 2, if the processing program is updated in the business state, and if the information related to the update can be visually recognized from the outside on the display units 22, 24, the gaming machine 1 is currently playing a game. There is a possibility that the player may have distrust caused by the display of the corresponding rental machine 2.

  Therefore, as will be described in detail later, in the game arcade system or the rental machine 2 of the present embodiment, the control unit 2A serves as a display control unit in a state in which the processing of updating the processing program is being executed or a state in which the updating processing has been completed. When an update state occurs, control is performed to display information related to the update on the display units 22 and 24 if the business state is non-business, while information related to the update is displayed on the display units 22 and 24 if the state is business. Instead, control is performed to display game information that is normally displayed during the business hours.

  In addition, in the amusement arcade system, in order to prevent balls or medals (that is, game values) illegally brought in from being used by the game machine 1 or counted by the lending machine 2, the game value possessed by the player is prevented. Abnormality notification is generally performed based on the difference between the actual game value number, which is the number, and the theoretical game value number, which is the theoretical game value owned by the player. However, if a small amount of balls and medals are illegally brought in and used in each of the gaming machines 1, an error may occur in each of the gaming machines 1, despite the fact that a large number of illegally brought balls and medals are accumulated. Since the amount is small, abnormality notification may not be executed.

  Therefore, in the gaming arcade system according to the present embodiment, the gaming arcade management apparatus 10 manages an error relating to a game value in association with the IC card 29, and uses the IC card 29 to play a game with a plurality of gaming machines 1. Also, the error is cumulatively managed when the error is detected. Thus, even when one gaming machine 1 performs a fraud with an error smaller than the reference value, if the accumulated error is equal to or larger than the reference value, the abnormality notification is executed. Hereinafter, a specific configuration and operation of such a game arcade system will be described in the order of “1. Update of processing program” and “2. Cumulative management of counting error” with reference to FIGS.

<1. Update of processing program>
The game arcade management device 10 downloads and acquires an update program (update information), which is information for updating the processing program of the lending machine 2, from an external server (not shown) in advance, and stores the update program in the storage unit 10M of the game device 10 itself. ing.

  When determining that the predetermined output condition has been satisfied, the game arcade management device 10 executes an output process for distributing the update program to each of the rental machines 2. The output condition is, for example, a condition that a distribution timing relating to automatic distribution that is periodically updated by the update program arrives, or that an operation input related to manual distribution that is updated irregularly by the update program is received. In the former automatic distribution, the manager of the game arcade sets and inputs the distribution time in the management device 10 in advance, and when the distribution time has arrived, this is regarded as the output condition at the normal timing, and the update is performed. The program is output to the rental machine 2. In the latter manual distribution, when an operation input for executing the update process for the rental machine 2 using the operation means (the keyboard 10k or the like) in the game arcade management device 10 is received, the operation condition is output at a special timing. As a result, the update program is immediately output to the lending machine 2. In other words, in the manual delivery, the update program is delivered at a special timing earlier than the automatic delivery without setting the delivery time, and therefore, for example, when the rental machine 2 is exchanged for another one during the business hours, it is urgent. This can be dealt with when it is desired to update the processing program.

  In this way, the game arcade management device 10 outputs the update program at a predetermined normal timing, and outputs the update program at a special timing earlier than the normal timing when an operation input is made by the operation means. Note that the control unit 2A of the rental machine 2 corresponds to an update process execution unit, and the operation unit operated by the game arcade administrator to execute the update process is not limited to the keyboard 10k in the game arcade management device 10. A mouse (not shown) or a touch panel provided on the front of the monitor 10m may be used.

  The game arcade management device 10 simultaneously distributes the update program to all the rental machines 2 in the game arcade. Here, the update information to be distributed includes, for example, at least one or more types of programs such as an update program, and at least one of version information for specifying a version and ID (Identification) information of the renting device 2, and is compressed data. It shall be compressed. The “all lending machines 2” include the lending machines 2 stored in the storage device 9.

  On the other hand, in the lending machine 2, the control unit 2 and the I / F unit 31 are configured as input means for inputting update information output by the game center management device 10, and input the update information from the I / F unit 31. In this case, the control unit 2A updates the processing program stored in the storage unit 2M based on the update information. In this case, the lending machine 2 checks the ID information of the storage unit 2M and the ID information of the update information, and when it determines that there is a program associated with the ID information, performs a process of updating the corresponding processing program. Execute. When the lending machine 2 determines that there is a new version of the program by comparing the version information of the program to which the ID information is not associated with the version information of the storage unit 2M, the corresponding processing program Execute the update process.

  Note that the updating of the processing program includes not only updating the old version of the processing program to the new version, but also additionally installing (additionally updating) the new processing program. In the lending machine 2, the input update information is not the processing program itself but the data compressed as described above. Therefore, the compressed data is decompressed, and the decompressed data is analyzed. Update processing (installation) is being performed.

  Also, the rental machine 2 can be selectively set between a business mode in a normal business state and a maintenance mode in a non-business state when a manager or an employee of a game arcade performs maintenance of the device 2 or the like. It is possible. In the sales mode, lending for the balance or the accumulated coins is allowed, while in the maintenance mode, the setting of the lending machine 2 is changed (for example, the lending unit price is changed in the sales mode) or a trial hit at the time of confirming the operation of the gaming machine 1 is performed. Payout of free balls can be executed.

  The rental machine 2 changes the display mode of the game information and the update processing information on the display units 22 and 24 depending on whether the business mode and the maintenance mode are set or stored. I have. FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of the update correspondence display process that is periodically executed by the rental machine 2.

  That is, when determining that the timing of starting the update corresponding display process has come, the lending machine 2 determines whether or not compressed data of update information including an update program (hereinafter, simply referred to as update information) has been input from the game hall management apparatus 10. Is determined (S1). When determining that there is no input of update information (S1: NO), the lending machine 2 ends the update correspondence display process and returns.

  If it is determined that update information has been input (S1: YES), the renting device 2 checks its own storage unit 2M for the input version information or ID information to determine whether there is an associated processing program. Is determined (S2). Here, when the lending machine 2 determines that there is no processing program associated with itself (S2: NO), the rental machine 2 sends a non-execution notification indicating that there is no processing program to be updated to the game hall management apparatus 10 ( S2-1).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a processing program associated with the rental machine 2 based on the update information (S2: YES), the renting machine 2 executes an update process for updating the processing program (S3). Also, in this case, the lending machine 2 determines whether or not it is in a storage state not associated with the gaming machine 1 (S4), whether the update information is manual distribution, and whether or not the lending machine 2 is set to the maintenance mode. Is determined (S5).

  That is, first, among the renting machines 2 in the game hall, the renting machine 2 stored in the storage device 9 can also output the update information by the game hall management device 10 (see FIG. 2). If the updated lending machine 2 determines that the lending machine 2 itself is in a custody state that is not associated with the gaming machine 1 (S4: YES), the lending machine 2 is controlled by the control unit 2A as a state identification unit. Regardless of the specific result (that is, whether the mode is the sales mode or the maintenance mode), control is performed to display update processing information on the display units 22 and 24 (S6). In other words, regardless of the mode of the lending machine 2 at the time of inputting the update information, the stored lending machine 2 displays, for example, a message of “Updating the processing program” on the liquid crystal display unit 24 as the update processing information. And the display of the status on the status display unit 22 (displayed with a display color different from the normal display color or blinking) is performed during the update process (or added). Update). Note that the rental machine 2 may be upgraded by software before delivery to a game arcade by executing an update process at the time of factory shipment. Also in this case, similarly to the stored lending machine 2 (S4: YES), the update processing information is displayed on the display units 22 and 24 in conjunction with the execution of the update processing, and this can be visually recognized.

  In step S5, the lending machine 2 determined to be associated with the gaming machine 1 (NO) in step S4 determines whether it is in a non-business state at a special timing by manual distribution and by setting the maintenance mode. I do.

  That is, if the rental machine 2 installed on the gaming island is in the business state by the setting of the business mode at the time of executing the update processing, regardless of which of the automatic distribution method and the manual distribution method (S5: NO) ), The contents of the current display on the display units 22 and 24 in the business mode are maintained without displaying any information for update processing on the display units 22 and 24 (S7). Here, the current display is a display of game information including a display of the balance and the number of balls held on the liquid crystal display unit 24 immediately before executing the step S3 and a display of the game state on the state display unit 22. In this case, the display does not include the display of the update processing information that can specify that the update state has occurred. If the update processing is executed at the normal timing by the automatic distribution in the setting of the maintenance mode of the rental machine 2 (S5: NO), the display in the maintenance mode is not performed without displaying the update processing information. (Display immediately before executing step S3) is maintained (S7). When step S7 is executed in this way, since the display mode on the display units 22 and 24 does not change in the rental machine 2 due to the occurrence of the update state, this is not visually recognized from outside. On the other hand, if the update processing is executed at a special timing by manual distribution in the setting of the maintenance mode (S5: YES), the rental machine 2 of the gaming island displays the above-mentioned "processing program update" message and the like. (S6).

  In this way, when the rental machine 2 determines that the update state has occurred in the business mode based on the input of the update information output by the game hall management device 10 at the normal timing (S5: NO), the rental units 2 display the display units 22 and 24. While the display control (S7) for maintaining the current display without displaying the update processing information is executed, an update state occurs in the maintenance mode based on the input of the update information output by the game hall management apparatus 10 at a special timing. If it is determined that the update has been performed (S5: YES), control for displaying the update processing information is executed (S6).

  Also, the lending machine 2 waits until the update processing is completed (S8: NO), and when it is determined that the update processing is completed (S8: YES), in the next steps S9 and S10, the same as steps S4 and S5. Execute the processing of

  In other words, even when the update process is completed, the rental machine 2 is not in the storage state (S9: NO), and if it is in the business mode setting (S10: NO), the rental machine 2 is in the normal business mode on the display units 22 and 24. Is maintained (S12). In addition, if the completed update processing is executed at the normal timing in the setting of the maintenance mode (S10: NO), there is no indication that the update processing has been completed (S12). When step S12 is executed as described above, the display mode on the display units 22 and 24 does not change in the rental machine 2 due to the end of the update state, so that the rental mode is not visually recognized from outside. On the other hand, the renting machine 2 is in the storage state at the time when the update processing is completed (S9: YES), or the update processing is executed at a special timing in the setting of the maintenance mode even if it is not in the storage state (S9: NO). If it is (S10: YES), a message of "processing program update end" is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 24 as information for update processing, and the end state is displayed on the state display unit 22 (display color at normal time). (Displayed with a different display color or blinking). Thereafter, the update corresponding display processing is terminated and the routine returns.

  Although illustration in FIG. 3 is omitted, at the end of the update processing (for example, after execution of S8 and before execution of S9), the lending machine 2 is determined to be in the storage state or not, and to set the type of the mode. Regardless of this, it outputs a completion notification of the update process to the game hall management apparatus 10 together with the ID information of itself 2. The amusement arcade management device 10 can specify that the update process has been normally performed in the corresponding lending machine 2 by inputting information relating to the completion notification. In the case where the update process has failed in the renting machine 2, the renting machine 2 outputs the ID information of the renting machine 2 and the NG signal thereof to the game hall management apparatus 10. The amusement arcade management device 10 determines that the update process has not been normally performed on the specified rental machine 2 when the completion notification has not been input or the NG signal has been input before the predetermined time has elapsed. The abnormality notification is executed by, for example, displaying the corresponding rental machine 2 on the monitor 10m.

  As described above, the renting machine 2 of the gaming island (NO in S4 and S9) operates when any of the update state of the state in which the update processing is being executed and the state in which the update processing has been completed occurs. When the mode is set, regardless of the manual distribution or the automatic distribution (NO in S5 and S10), the display in the business mode is maintained without displaying the update processing information corresponding to the generated update state. (S7 and S12). In the case of any of the update states, the rental machine 2 of the game island has occurred when the update process is performed by automatic distribution and the maintenance mode is set (NO in S5 and S10). While the display in the maintenance mode is maintained without displaying the update processing information corresponding to the update state (S7 and S12), when the update processing is performed by manual distribution and the maintenance mode is set (S5). And YES in S10), and executes control to display update processing information corresponding to the generated update state.

<2. Cumulative management of counting errors>
The communication related to the update information is performed via the second communication line 8 between the game center management device 10 and the rental machine 2 of the game island or the storage device 9, but the communication related to the cumulative management of the counting error is not performed. This is performed using both the first communication line 7 and the second communication line 8 (see FIG. 2). Here, FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operations performed by the game arcade management device 10, the island management device 5, and the gaming island rental machine 2 for cumulative management of counting errors.

  In the island management device 5 of FIG. 4, the control unit 5A as the error number specifying means, when game data is input from the rental machine 2 of the game island via the first communication line 7, the theoretical game value number and the actual game value The error number, which is the difference from the value number, is specified. More specifically, the control unit 5A calculates “safe + sales−out” as the theoretical number specifying means, and obtains the number of theoretical balls as the theoretical game value. The “sales ball” is the number of lending balls awarded by the corresponding lending machine 2 and includes the number of replayed balls by the previous day's savings (sold up to the previous day) and is specified by the sales signal.

  In addition, the control unit 5A of the island management device 5 specifies the counting result in the counting unit 34, which is the actual game value, as a real number specifying means, and compares the counting result with the theoretical possessed ball to determine the difference between them. Then, a counting error, which is the number of errors, is specified (A1). Accordingly, when the control unit 5A determines that the specified counting error is equal to or greater than a preset reference value (for example, 500) (A2), the control unit 5A sends an error abnormality signal to the corresponding lending machine 2 and the first communication line 7 Execute the processing to output via. The process related to this output is an abnormality process for executing a predetermined abnormality notification when the difference between the theoretical ball that can be identified from the counting error and the counting result in the counting unit 34 is 500 or more. The processing is executed by the control unit 5A as an abnormality processing executing means in order to recognize an abnormality relating to a manager, an employee or the like of the game arcade.

  On the other hand, in the lending machine 2, when the error abnormality signal is input from the island management device 5, the control unit 2A turns on, for example, the abnormal state red on the status display unit 22 as error abnormality notification (B1). For example, since the status display unit 22 is configured by an LED, the error color can be changed from blue in the normal state to another color by the LED and flashed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, in response to receiving the error abnormal signal from the island management device 5, the control unit 2 </ b> A of the rental machine 2 transmits the error abnormal signal to the game arcade management via the second communication line 8. Output to the device 10.

  Therefore, in the game arcade management device 10, when the error abnormal signal is input from the lending machine 2, the control unit 10A displays a message such as "An error has occurred in the XX series" on the monitor 10m as error error notification. (C1). Thus, the monitor 10m of the game arcade management device 10 and the status display unit 22 of the rental machine 2 function as error abnormality notification means.

  Although the reference value of the counting error is 500 as an example, this value represents a larger number of balls than the number of balls that can be stored in the upper tray 13 of the gaming machine 1. The setting of the reference value is arbitrarily set in advance in the game arcade in consideration of the number of balls that can be stored.

FIG. 5 shows a sequence relating to the cumulative management of counting errors at the time of issuing and accepting a card, in contrast to the sequence relating to the abnormality notification.
That is, the control unit 5A of the island management device 5 in FIG. 5 specifies the counting error based on the game data output from the lending machine 2 as in step A1 in FIG. 4 (A11). The control unit 5A, as an issuing operation specifying unit, receives the issued issuing operation signal via the first communication line 7 in response to the issuing operation performed by the issuing button 13b (B11). Identify that the player performed the operation. Thus, in the island management device 5, when the issuing operation is specified, the control unit 5A outputs the counting error at the current time from the I / F unit 38 to the rental machine 2 via the first communication line 7. The control unit 5A and the I / F unit 38 correspond to a first error number output unit.

  On the other hand, the control unit 2A and the I / F unit 31 in the rental machine 2 correspond to error number input means, and input the counting error output by the island management device 5 from the I / F unit 31. Further, the control unit 2A and the I / F unit 31 in the lending machine 2 correspond to special output means. When a counting error is input, the control unit 2A determines the counting error and the IC card 29 issued by the control unit 2A. The I / F unit 31 outputs special information for causing the game arcade management device 10 to manage the card ID in association with the card ID. That is, in the lending machine 2, when the control unit 2A issues the IC card 29 in response to the issuance operation of B11 (B12), the card ID is transmitted via the second communication line 8 as special information in which the card ID is associated with the counting error. Output to the game arcade management device 10. The output timing of this special information is not limited to before the IC card 29 is issued as shown in FIG. 5, but may be after the IC card 29 is issued.

  Therefore, in the amusement arcade management device 10, the control unit 10A receives the special information on the IC card 29 issued (or issued) by the lending machine 2 to thereby input the data on the counting error for each card ID. It can be stored and managed (C11).

  When the IC card 29 inserted from the card insertion slot 27 is accepted by the card RW 27a (B13), the control unit 2A of the lending machine 2 reads the card ID of the IC card 29, and reads the card ID. The data is output from the I / F unit 31 to the game arcade management device 10 via the second communication line 8. Thereby, the control unit 2A and the I / F unit 31 of the lending machine 2 request the counting error associated with the card ID to the game hall management device 10 as the error number requesting unit.

  In this case, in the amusement arcade management device 10, the control unit 10A obtains a corresponding counting error by collating its own storage unit 10M with respect to the card ID input from the lending machine 2, and calculates the counting error as I Output from the / F unit 39 to the rental machine 2 via the second communication line 8. Therefore, the control unit 10A and the I / F unit 39 of the game arcade management device 10 correspond to a second error number output unit that outputs a counting error in response to a request from the I / F unit 31 of the rental machine 2.

  In this way, in the rental machine 2, as a result of requesting the game place management device 10 for the counting error, the obtained counting error is output from the I / F unit 31 to the island management device 5 via the first communication line 7. As described above, the control unit 2A and the I / F unit 31 of the lending machine 2 output the counting error input from the game center management device 10 to the island management device 5 as a game error number output unit.

  Then, in the island management device 5, when the I / F unit 38 as the first error number input unit inputs the counting error, the control unit 5A specifies the subsequent counting error based on the counting error (A12). ). Specifically, after the IC card 29 is received in B13, the control unit 5A of the island management device 5 receives an input from the lending machine 2 with the progress of the game by the player in the corresponding gaming machine 1. Based on the game data, the counting result and the theoretical possessed ball are specified, and a counting error is obtained and updated from the difference therebetween. Therefore, for example, if the counting error already indicates a value of “100” and is managed by the game arcade management device 10 in association with the card ID, by playing the game using the IC card 29, Further, when a counting error of “50” occurs, the counting error is updated to “150” by integrating the counting error in the control unit 5A.

  As described above, the island management device 5 is not directly connected to the game arcade management device 10, but since the communication using the two communication lines 7 and 8 is performed via the rental machine 2, the player can Even when a plurality of gaming machines 1 play a game using the IC card 29 (see corresponding B11 to B13 in FIG. 5), the control unit 5A specifies the total of counting errors.

  As described above, in the configuration according to “1. Update of the processing program”, the update processing information is not displayed on the display units 22 and 24 in the business state, so that the rental machine 2 performs the update processing. It is possible to create an environment in which the player is less likely to notice that something has been done. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from suspicion that the illegal operation has been performed on the game arcade side.

  In addition, the rental machine 2 displays the information for update processing on the display units 22 and 24 in the non-business state due to the setting of the maintenance mode. Therefore, when there is no player, the manager of the game hall performs the update processing. You can understand that. In other words, by determining whether or not to display the update processing information on the lending machine 2, depending on whether or not the player can easily view the update processing information when the update processing information is displayed, the player Can reduce the risk of visually recognizing the update processing information. As a result, the process of updating the processing program of the rental machine 2 can be favorably performed.

  When the rental machine 2 performs the update process based on the update information output at the normal timing by the automatic distribution of the game hall management device 10, it is considered that the update process is a regular update process, and thus the rental machine 2 is in the non-business state. However, the update processing information is not displayed on the display units 22 and 24. In the case of the regular update process, there is a possibility that the manager of the game arcade is not around the rental machine 2 before and after the update process, and the trouble hardly occurs even if the update process information is not displayed. On the other hand, in the rental machine 2, when the update process is performed based on the update information output at a special timing by the manual distribution of the game space management device 10, the update process may be a highly urgent update process. It can be assumed that the administrator wants to specify the execution of the update processing. In the game arcade system or the rental machine 2 having this configuration, when the update processing is performed based on the update information output at a special timing, the update processing information is displayed on the display units 22 and 24 of the rental machine 2. Therefore, the administrator of the game hall can visually confirm the execution of the update process. As described above, in order to determine whether or not to display the update processing information according to the degree to which the administrator of the game hall wants to specify the execution of the update processing, the rental machine 2 displays the update processing information more than necessary in the rental machine 2 Can be suppressed.

  If the rental machine 2 is installed before the gaming machine 1 is installed, the probability of the rental machine 2 being seen by the player is low, and even if the update processing information is displayed, the player is less likely to feel suspicious. In the case of the game arcade system or the rental machine 2 having this configuration, the update processing information is displayed when the display of the update processing information on the display units 22 and 24 is not likely to cause a problem. Can be suppressed from being displayed too much.

  Further, in the gaming arcade system according to “2. Cumulative management of counting errors”, the gaming arcade management device 10 uses the IC card 29 in order to manage the counting error in association with the IC card 29. Thus, even when a game is played with a plurality of gaming machines, counting errors can be cumulatively managed. As a result, even when one gaming machine 1 performs a fraud with only an error smaller than the reference value, the gaming machine system recognizes that the accumulated error has become equal to or greater than the reference value, and performs abnormal processing. It can be carried out. Therefore, it is possible to easily manage the error of the game value such as possessed balls.

  Further, in the game arcade system, the island management device 5 identifies the counting error, and the game arcade management device 10 associates the counting error with the IC card 29 to manage the counting error. The processing load can be prevented from becoming excessively large. Further, since the island management device 5 outputs the counting error to the game arcade management device 10 via the rental machine 2, even when the island management device 5 and the game arcade management device 10 are not directly connected, The counting error can be cumulatively managed by the game arcade management device 10. Thus, it is possible to suppress the connection of each device from being complicated.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be modified or expanded as follows. In addition, the above-described numerical values, the number of digits, the items, and the like are mere examples, and each numerical value and related expressions may be appropriately changed, and any combination of the illustrated configurations including the following modifications may be used.

The present invention may be applied to gaming machines other than the gaming machine 1 illustrated, for example, compatible with an enclosed pachinko machine in which a ball is enclosed, and consumes credits and points and fires the ball, a slot machine, and the like. It is also possible. In the case of a slot machine, a gaming machine that gives a medal or a score as a gaming value to a player instead of the rental machine 2 may be adopted.
Although the IC card 29 is used as the recording medium, a recording medium different from the IC card 29 may be used. For example, a coin-type or stick-type recording medium may be employed.

Although the lending machine 2 has been illustrated as a gaming device, a gaming information display device such as a call lamp 3 for displaying gaming information may be configured as a gaming device. That is, it is also possible to adopt a device different from the lending machine 2 as a game device, and the display means is not limited to the display units 22 and 24 of the lending machine 2 but the display unit 41 of the other device 3 and the like. May be changed as appropriate.
The types of balls and medals used in the game may be arbitrarily changed. For example, various kinds of game media such as balls lent at a rate of one yen and one yen or medals lent at a rate of five yen per piece may be used. It is.

  The rental machine 2 may be configured to perform a restart (that is, power off and power on of the device 2) after executing the update process. Whether or not to execute this restart may be determined in accordance with one of the business mode and the maintenance mode. For example, the configuration may be such that the restart is not executed in the business mode, while the restart is executed in the maintenance mode. Further, in the business mode, the restart may not be executed when the update program is automatically distributed from the game arcade management apparatus 10, while the restart may be executed when the update program is manually distributed. .

  When the update process is executed in the maintenance mode, the rental machine 2 does not execute the display regarding the occurrence of the update state when the update program is the automatic distribution, and executes the display regarding the occurrence of the update state when the update program is the manual distribution. However, regardless of whether the update program is automatic distribution or manual distribution, a display relating to the occurrence of an update state may be executed in the maintenance mode.

  In addition, the lending machine 2 is configured to display that the update process is being executed and that the update process is completed as the display regarding the occurrence of the update state. You may.

Further, in the gaming facility management apparatus 10, the automatic distribution and the manual distribution of the update program are performed, but the configuration may be such that only one distribution method is possible.
The game arcade management device 10 is configured to acquire the update program by downloading from an external server. However, the update program is acquired using a method using another medium, such as copying the update program from a recording medium such as a DVD. May be.

  The amusement arcade management device 10 is configured to distribute the update program as the update information. However, the processing program itself of the rental machine 2 (that is, not only the processing program of the additional update part, but also the original processing other than the additional update part) (Including a program alternative to the program), and the lending device may copy the processing program.

Although the game arcade management device 10 is configured to distribute the update program to the plurality of renting devices 2 at the same time, the configuration may be such that the update program is distributed only to the designated renting device 2.
Although the maintenance mode has been exemplified as the non-business mode of the rental machine 2, other modes may be employed as the non-business mode in addition to or instead of the maintenance mode, for example, when the game hall is closed outside business hours. The closed mode may be settable. It should be noted that maintenance of the rental machine 2 may be enabled even during the closing time.

  When the update state occurs in the business mode of the rental machine 2, the display contents are maintained without being changed, but the display contents may be changed, such as starting display of predetermined game information. That is, when an update state occurs, if another display is performed without displaying that the update state has occurred, the game information is displayed instead of the update processing information.

  Although the game arcade management device 10 and the island management device 5 are configured to be unable to directly communicate at all, a line enabling direct communication between the two devices 10 and 5 may be added. Even when this configuration is adopted, it is not necessary to directly communicate the information on the counting error between the amusement arcade management device 10 and the island management device 5, so that the rental device 2 does not pass between the devices 10 and 5. It is possible to suppress the amount of information input / output to / from an enormous amount. Therefore, for example, the configuration may be such that the occurrence of an error in the counting error is directly reported from the island management device 5 to the game arcade management device 10, and the transmission and reception of data is not limited to the above configuration.

  The calculation method of the counting error may be arbitrarily changed, for example, by comparing the out with the safe, and determining that the out is larger than the safe by a predetermined value or more in a state where no sales are generated, it is determined to be abnormal. You may.

  When an abnormality occurs in the counting error, the rental machine 2 and the game arcade management device 10 execute the abnormality notification. However, the method of causing the manager to specify that the abnormality has occurred in the counting error is arbitrarily changed. You may. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which an abnormality is notified by the call lamp 3 or a configuration in which an abnormality is announced to an earphone or a so-called headset owned or worn by an administrator.

It should be noted that the following features can be extracted from the exemplary embodiment described above.
Counting means provided for each of a plurality of gaming machines in a one-to-one correspondence, for counting the actual game value number, which is the number of game values owned by the player, and operating means for the player to perform an issuance operation And when the player performs the issuing operation, a recording medium issuing unit that issues a recording medium that records information capable of specifying the counting result of the counting unit, and a receiving unit that receives the recording medium of the player. , And a first management device and a second management device capable of communicating with the game device, the first management device is owned by a player. Theoretical number specifying means for specifying the theoretical game value number, which is the number of theoretical game values that are doing, real number specifying means for specifying the actual game value number counted by the counting means, and the theoretical game value number The error number, which is the difference from the actual game value number, An error number specifying means for determining, and an abnormality for executing a predetermined abnormality notification when a difference between the theoretical game value number and the actual game value number that can be specified from the error number is equal to or greater than a reference value. Abnormal processing executing means for executing processing, issuing operation specifying means for specifying that the player has performed the issuing operation, and, when the issuing operation specifying means specifies the issuing operation, the error number is determined by the game. First error number output means for outputting the error number to the game device, wherein the gaming machine comprises: an error number input means for inputting the error number output by the first error number output means; and the error number input means. When the error number is input, special information for causing the second management apparatus to manage the error number and identification information of the recording medium issued or issued by the recording medium issuing unit is associated with the error number. Special output to output An error number requesting means for requesting the second management device for the error number associated with the identification information of the recording medium when the receiving means receives the recording medium; and Means for outputting the error number input from the second management device to the first management device as a result of requesting the error number, the error number identification means comprising: A game arcade system wherein the number of errors thereafter is specified based on the number of errors output by the number-of-errors output means.

The system for a game arcade, wherein the error number specifying means specifies a total of the error numbers when a player plays a game using the recording medium with a plurality of gaming machines.
The second management device includes a second error number output unit that outputs the error number in response to a request from the error number request unit, and the first management device is configured to output the error number output unit for game. A game arcade system comprising first error number input means for inputting an error number.

  In the drawings, 1 is a gaming machine, 2 is a lending machine (gaming device), 2A is a control unit (game processing execution means, input means, update processing execution means, state identification means, display control means, recording medium issuing means, error Number input means, special output means, error number request means, 2M is a storage section (storage means), 5 is an island management apparatus (first management apparatus), 5A is a control section (theoretical number identification means, real number identification means, Error number specifying means, abnormality processing executing means, issuing operation specifying means, first error number output means, game error number output means), 9 is a storage device, 10 is a game center management device (management device, second management device) , 10A is a control unit (second error number output means), 10k is operation means, 13b is an issue button (operation means), 22 and 24 are display means, 27a is a card RW (acceptance means), 29 is an IC card (recording). Medium), 31 is an I / F unit (input means, error number) Force means, special output means, error number request means, game error number output means), 34 is a counting section (counting means), 38 is an I / F section (first error number output means), and 39 is an I / F section (Second error number output means) is shown.

Claims (4)

A gaming machine provided corresponding to a gaming machine, for executing a game process related to a game based on a predetermined processing program, and information for updating the processing program when a predetermined output condition is satisfied. And a management device that outputs update information to the gaming device.
The gaming device,
Storage means for storing the processing program;
A game processing execution means for executing the game processing based on the processing program stored in the storage means;
Input means for inputting the update information output by the management device,
Update processing executing means for executing an update processing for updating the processing program stored in the storage means based on the update information when the input means inputs the update information,
State specifying means for specifying which of a business state in which a player can play a game, and a non-business state in which a game room manager can perform maintenance;
When an update state that is a state in which the update processing is being executed or an update state in which the update processing is completed has occurred, update processing information that can identify that the update state has occurred, Display means capable of displaying game information, which is information,
When the update state occurs, control is performed to display the update processing information on the display means if the non-business state, while the update processing information is displayed on the display means if the business state. Display control means for executing control for displaying the game information without
A game arcade system comprising: An operation unit operated by a game arcade manager to cause the update process execution unit to execute the update process,
The management device outputs the update information at a predetermined normal timing, and when the operation unit is operated, outputs the update information at a special timing earlier than the normal timing.
The display control unit controls the display unit to not display the update processing information when the update state occurs in the non-business state based on the input of the update information output by the management device at the normal timing. On the other hand, when the update state occurs in the non-business state based on the input of the update information output by the management device at the special timing, the display unit displays the update processing information. The game system according to claim 1, wherein: A storage device for storing a pre-installation gaming device, which is the gaming device before being installed corresponding to the gaming machine,
The management device can output the update information to the pre-installation game device stored by the storage device,
The display control unit of the pre-installation game device, when the update state occurs, regardless of the identification result of the state identification unit, execute the control to display the update processing information on the display unit. A game arcade system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Storage means for storing a predetermined processing program,
A game processing execution means for executing the game processing based on the processing program stored in the storage means;
Input means for inputting update information, which is information output by a management device provided outside, and which is information for updating the processing program,
Update processing executing means for executing an update processing for updating the processing program stored in the storage means based on the update information when the input means inputs the update information,
State specifying means for specifying which of a business state in which a player can play a game and a non-business state in which a pipe operator of a game arcade can perform maintenance;
When an update state that is a state in which the update processing is being executed or an update state in which the update processing is completed has occurred, update processing information that can identify that the update state has occurred, Display means capable of displaying game information, which is information,
When the update state occurs, control is performed to display the update processing information on the display means if the non-business state, while the update processing information is displayed on the display means if the business state. And a display control means for executing a control to display the game information.

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