JP7448188B2 - Production control system, computer program used therefor, and control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a performance control system and the like that are connected to performance equipment installed at an event venue via a network and control the performance equipment so as to realize a performance at the event venue.

There is a performance control system that is connected to performance equipment installed at an event venue via a network and controls the performance equipment so as to realize a performance at the event venue. For example, as such production equipment and production, a system is known that uses a large display device installed at an event venue and characters displayed thereon (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-158046

In the system of Patent Document 1, an event using characters displayed on a large display device is provided at an event venue. On the other hand, game events using games provided by game machines may be provided at event venues. Such game events often become more exciting when effects are performed at the event venue in accordance with the game play situation. For this reason, the performance equipment may be controlled manually so that the performance is realized in accordance with the game play situation. However, it is not only time-consuming, but also prone to mistakes. For this reason, there is a need for a system that automates similar control, but the system disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration effects that correspond to the playing situation of the game.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an effect control system and the like that can control the effect of an effect device according to the playing situation of a game.

The production control system of the present invention is a production control system that is connected to production equipment installed at an event venue via a network, and controls the production equipment so as to realize production at the event venue. When a game event using a game provided by a game machine is provided as an event, information that is connected to the game machine via a network and that is the basis of the production is provided according to each play situation that occurs in the game. a data acquisition means for acquiring performance data including performance information from the game machine; and a data acquisition means for acquiring performance data including performance information from the game machine, and a data acquisition means to be executed in each play situation corresponding to the performance information among a plurality of types of performances that can be realized by the performance information and the performance equipment. a performance determining means for determining the corresponding performance corresponding to the performance information based on performance control data described in such a manner that the corresponding performance is associated with the performance; and a device control means for controlling the device.

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

Further, the control method of the present invention includes a computer that is connected to production equipment installed at an event venue via a network and incorporated in a production control system that controls the production equipment so as to realize production at the event venue. When a game event using a game provided by a game machine is provided as an event at the event venue, each play that occurs in the game is connected to the game machine via a network and serves as the basis for the production. A data acquisition procedure for acquiring performance data including performance information according to the situation from the game machine, and execution in each play situation corresponding to the performance information among a plurality of types of performances that can be realized by the performance information and the performance equipment. a performance determination procedure for determining the corresponding performance corresponding to the performance information based on performance control data described so as to be associated with a corresponding performance as a performance to be performed; A device control procedure for controlling performance devices is executed.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a production control system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The functional block diagram which shows the main part of the control system of a performance control system. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a control service when a venue performance is realized using a game play situation. An explanatory diagram for explaining an example of venue production realized through a control service at an event venue functioning as a public viewing venue. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a control switching service. An explanatory diagram for explaining an example of an event service. The figure which shows an example of the structure of production data. The figure which shows an example of a structure of production control data. The figure which shows an example of a structure of event data. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of device management data. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for target identification processing. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of production processing. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for control switching processing. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for restart processing.

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

The network NT may be configured as appropriate as long as the production equipment 3 and the game machine 4 can be connected to the center server 2. As an example, the network NT may be constructed of the Internet as a WAN, and a LAN that connects the center server 2 and the production equipment 3, or the center server 2 and the game machine 4, respectively, to the Internet. Note that various computer devices such as a local server that controls the performance equipment 3 and the like may be appropriately interposed between the performance equipment 3 and the LAN. In this case, various devices that can be controlled through such a computer device may function as the performance device 3 and the like.

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

The light unit 3A is a well-known lighting device that performs various visual effects using illumination (light), such as turning on, blinking, turning off, or developing an appropriate color. The speaker 3B is a well-known audio output device that performs auditory effects by reproducing (outputting) various sounds. The smoke device 3C is a well-known device that creates a visual effect by generating an appropriate amount of smoke. Further, the monitor 3D is a well-known display device that displays various images (for presentation purposes or including various information). On the other hand, the camera 3E is a well-known optical device that photographs the event. Such photography includes the game machine 4 or the user playing the game through the game machine 4. The operations of all of these performance devices 3 are controlled by the center server 2 via the network NT.

In addition, when the effect devices 3 are connected to the network NT via a computer device, the operations of these effect devices 3 may be controlled by the center server 2 via the computer device. Such control may be realized through various well-known techniques, and an appropriate system for controlling the operation of the performance equipment 3 can be constructed between the computer device and the performance equipment 3 through such various technologies. It's fine. For example, control of the performance equipment 3 may be realized using the USITT DMX512-A standard. The USITT DMX512-A standard is a technology for controlling various performance devices 3 connected in a chain to a controller through signals of a common standard. In this case, the controller and the center server 2 are connected via the network NT, and the operation of each of the performance devices 3 connected in a daisy chain is controlled via the controller. Below, as an example, a case will be described in which control of the production equipment 3 is realized via such a controller.

The game machine 4 is a device that provides games. As the game machine 4, various computer devices for personal use may be used, such as a stationary or portable game machine (including a tablet or a smartphone), or a stationary or book-type personal computer. In example 1, an arcade game machine is used. An arcade game machine is a computer device that is originally installed in an appropriate facility such as a store for the main purpose of increasing profits by allowing a large number of users to repeatedly play games. Therefore, the game machine 4 is a commercial game machine (a game machine that provides games for a fee) that allows users to play games within a range corresponding to the play fee in exchange for payment of a predetermined play fee. ), but in the example of FIG. 1, game play is provided free of charge as part of the event at the event venue EF. The game machine 4 may provide appropriate games such as action games, simulation games, role-playing games, timing games (music games), etc. for the event.

The event venue EF is a venue where an event is held. At the event venue EF, an appropriate event may be provided, and as an example, an event using a game provided by the game machine 4 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a game event) is provided as described above. The performance equipment 3 may be applied to various performances at the event venue EF, and such performances include games or performances for enlivening game events. Although there may be only one event venue EF, as an example, a plurality of event venues EF are prepared. Common events are provided at all of these event venues EF. For this reason, game machines 4 are installed in each event venue EF in principle, but the example in FIG. 1 also shows event venues EF in which no game machines 4 are installed. Such an event venue EF may function as a public viewing venue for sharing events of other event venues EF distributed through, for example, a 3D monitor. Appropriate production equipment 3 may be arranged in each event venue EF according to the characteristics of each venue. For example, the type of production equipment 3 installed in each event venue EF may be unified in all event venues EF. (The types of production equipment 3 may be the same in all event venues EF), but in the example of FIG. 1, they are different. Specifically, for example, the event venue EF, which functions as a public viewing venue, does not have a camera 3E installed therein. In other words, the type of production equipment 3 installed at each event venue EF is different for each event venue EF.

The center server 2 provides various equipment services to the performance equipment 3. For example, if the performance device 3 (or controller) is configured to be able to store programs or data, the device service includes a data distribution service that distributes and updates such programs or data via the network NT. But that's fine. As described above, the device services include various services related to the presentation device 3, and include, as an example, a control service for controlling the presentation device 3. Details of the control service will be described later.

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

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

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

The performance control data CD is data for controlling the operation (performance) of the performance equipment 3. On the other hand, the performance data SD is data for determining an operation (performance) to be performed by the performance device 3. That is, the performance data SD is used to determine the action to be performed by the performance equipment 3, and the performance control data CD is used to instruct the performance equipment 3 to perform the determined action. The event data ED is data for managing the progress of an event. The equipment management data MD is data for managing the types of production equipment 3 installed at each event venue EF. Details of the production control data CD, event data ED, production data SD, and device management data MD will be described later. Note that the server data 23 may also include various types of data for realizing various other services. For example, such data includes ID management data for managing various IDs such as user IDs, play data for managing each user's game performance, or data for displaying various images for game screens. Image data, BGM data for playing various types of BGM for games, etc. may be included. However, illustration thereof was omitted.

The control unit 21 is provided with a device service management section 24 and a game machine service management section 25 as logical devices realized by a combination of the hardware resources of the control unit 21 and the program PG1 as software resources. It will be done. The device service management unit 24 executes various processes for realizing the above-described device services on the performance device 3. Such processing includes processing for realizing control services. Specifically, the device service management unit 24 executes, for example, a presentation process, a control switching process, and a restart process as such processes. On the other hand, the game machine service management unit 25 executes various processes for realizing various game machine services for the game machine 4. Such processing includes processing for realizing event services. Specifically, the game machine service management unit 25 executes, for example, target identification processing as such processing. Details of the procedures of the production process, control switching process, restart process, and target specifying process will be described later.

For example, other input devices such as a keyboard, output devices such as a monitor, etc. may be connected to the control unit 21 as necessary. Similarly, the above-mentioned performance equipment 3 can be connected directly to the control unit 21 or indirectly via an appropriate computer device, but in the example of FIG. 2, the controller DC is connected to the control unit 21, Performance equipment 3 is connected via controller DC. In this case, the control unit 21 is configured to control the production equipment 3 via the controller DC. That is, the control unit 21 outputs various control instructions to the controller DC, and the controller DC controls the production equipment 3 according to the instructions.

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

The storage unit 42 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a nonvolatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk or a semiconductor storage device. A program PG2 is recorded in the storage unit 42 as an example of a computer program that causes the control unit 41 to execute various processes necessary for providing a game to a user. Further, the storage unit 42 records game data GD necessary for providing games (including those using services for game machines). The game data GD includes various types of data necessary for providing the game, and the example in FIG. 2 shows performance data SD as one type of data. The performance data SD is generated in the game machine 4 and provided to the center server as appropriate, but as an example, it is provided from the game machine 4 to the center server 2 via the above-mentioned event service. Note that the game data GD may also include various types of data necessary for providing the game, such as image data, BGM data, ID management data, or play data. These may be distributed from the center server 2 through the above-mentioned distribution service, for example, and stored in the storage unit 42 as appropriate. However, these illustrations were omitted.

Various logical devices are configured in the control unit 41 by a combination of the hardware resources of the control unit 41 and the program PG2 as a software resource. Various processes necessary for providing the game are executed through these logical devices, and the image control unit 43 and data management unit 44 are shown in the example of FIG. 2 as logical devices related to these. ing. The image control unit 43 is a logical device that performs various processes for displaying various images. Such processing includes processing for displaying a game screen for a game. On the other hand, the data management unit 44 is a logical device that performs various processes related to management of various data recorded in the storage unit 42. Such processing includes a process of generating production data SD and a process of providing production data SD to the center server 2. For example, the data management unit 44 collaborates with the center server 2 to execute performance processing as one of such processes.

Further, the game machine 4 may be provided with various output devices and input devices as appropriate depending on the type of the game machine 4, but in the example of FIG. A control panel 46 is shown as a device. The monitor 37 and the speaker SP are respectively a well-known display device for displaying various images (including game screens) and a well-known sound playback device for playing back audio. Similarly, the control panel 46 is a well-known input device provided in the commercial game machine 4, and generally includes various operating sections such as push button switches. The control panel 46 outputs a signal to the control unit 41 according to the user's operation (play action) on such an operation section.

Next, details of the control service will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. The control service is a service for controlling the performance equipment 3 to realize various performances. In the event venue EF, various performances for the event (hereinafter sometimes referred to as venue performances) are realized through the control service, but below, venue performances are executed according to the playing situation of the game provided by the game machine 4. We will explain the case when

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a control service when a venue presentation is realized using the game play situation. Although the game machine 4 may provide an appropriate game as described above, a case where a competitive game is provided will be described below as an example. Further, although an appropriate number of game machines 4 may be installed at each event venue EF, the example in FIG. 3 shows two game machines 4 used for a competitive game. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 3, when two users U compete against each other via two game machines 4 in the same event venue EF, if one of them is dominant, the other Three types of venue effects are shown in order from top to bottom, in the case of an advantage and in the case of the end of the match. The control service may implement various types of venue effects depending on the game play situation, and these various types of venue effects include the three types of venue effects shown in the example of FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, in any of these three types of venue performances, the center server 2 provides control services by controlling the performance equipment 3 based on the performance data SD provided from the game machine 4 of the event venue EF. has been realized.

Specifically, the game machines 4 installed at the event venue EF include two game machines 4, a first game machine 4A and a second game machine 4B. These game machines 4A and 4B both provide competitive games in which users compete against each other. The game event includes a competitive event in which two users U, a first user U1 and a second user U2, play against each other in a competitive game via these game machines 4A and 4B. In the example of FIG. 3, the top event venue EF indicates a case where the first user U1 is dominant in such a competitive event. In this case, the performance data SD may be provided to both of the two game machines 4A and 4B as appropriate (for example, one of the game machines 4 functions as a host, and the game machine 4 serving as the host (including the case where both or either one of the production data SD is provided) is the production from the first game machine 4A corresponding to at least the first user U1 (including the case where the production data SD is provided via the game machine 4 serving as the host). Data SD is provided to the center server 2. The performance data SD describes information indicating a play situation that is superior to the first user U1. Based on the performance data SD, the center server 2 realizes a venue performance (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a first venue performance) that corresponds to the play situation prevailing for the first user U1.

Such first venue production may be realized as appropriate through various production devices 3 installed in the event venue EF, but in the example of FIG. This is realized through a 3D monitor. Specifically, in the event venue EF, a light unit 3A, a speaker 3B, a smoke device 3C, a monitor 3D, and a camera 3E are installed as the production equipment 3, but in the example of FIG. The center server 2 controls the performance equipment 3 located near the first user U1 to perform the performance. For example, the light unit 3A is provided with four lights, but of these, only the two lights (the two on the left) located on the first user U1 side (left side) are lit. Similarly, the speaker 3B located further to the left of these lights is reproducing audio. These lighting and sounds may be realized through various modes that express the dominance of the first user U1, such as various color schemes, various types of blinking, or various types of music, sounds, etc.

In addition, various images such as the game screens of the first game machine 4A and the second game machine 4B, or the play patterns of the first user U1 and the second user U2 photographed by the camera 3E are displayed on the monitor 3D as appropriate. However, in the example of FIG. 3, display of such a game screen and the like is omitted. On the other hand, on the monitor 3D, information indicating a situation in which the first user U1 is dominant is presented, which is "first user dominant." Various effects expressing the dominance of the first user U1 are displayed on the monitor 3D, and in the example of FIG. 3, such text information is displayed. Further, as such text information, various types of information that convey the relative superiority of the first user U1, such as the inferiority of the second user U2, may be used, but in the example of FIG. 3, a direct expression is used. ing. If the first user is dominant, such a venue presentation indicating the play situation is realized through the control service.

Similarly, in the example of FIG. 3, the middle event venue EF shows a case where the second user U2 is dominant in the competitive event. In this case, as in the case of the topmost event venue EF, the production data SD may be provided as appropriate for both of the two game machines 4A and 4B, but at least the production data SD corresponding to the second user U2 may be provided. The production data SD is provided to the center server 2 from the second game machine 4B (including the case where it is provided via the game machine 4 serving as the host). The performance data SD describes information indicating a play situation that is superior to the second user U2. Based on the performance data SD, the center server 2 realizes a venue performance (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a second venue performance) corresponding to the play situation prevailing for the second user U2. The second venue performance may be realized as appropriate in the same manner as the first venue performance, but in the example of FIG. This is realized by For example, among the four lights of the light unit 3A, only the two lights (the right two) located on the second user U2 side (right side) are lit. Further, a smoke device 3C located further to the right of these lights generates smoke. Furthermore, as in the case of the first venue presentation, information "second user predominance" is also presented on the monitor 3D as text information that conveys the predominance of the second user U2. When the second user is dominant, the venue presentation indicating the play situation is realized through the control service.

On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 3, the event venue EF at the bottom shows the case where the competition has ended in the competition event. In this case, the production data SD may be provided to the center server 2 from only one of the two game machines 4 in order to produce a winner or a loser, but in the example of FIG. 4 (including the case where the game machine 4 serving as the host provides the data). Each performance data SD describes various types of information indicating the match results such as victory or defeat. The center server 2 may realize a venue performance (which may be the same as or different from the venue performance in the case of an advantage) that presents only the winner or the loser based on the performance data SD, Both of these venue effects may be realized in order (staggered). Alternatively, the center server 2 may, for example, perform a venue presentation that spotlights only the winner (in the case where multiple sets of two game machines 4 are installed in the same event venue EF, the winner of each set). A special performance that is completely different from the performance for winners or the performance for losers may be realized, and the venue performance may be realized as appropriate in this way, but in the example of FIG. 3, the performance data of the first game machine 4A A venue performance (hereinafter referred to as the "second performance") that is a combination of a performance based on the SD (hereinafter referred to as the first performance) and a performance based on the performance data SD of the second game machine 4B (hereinafter referred to as the second performance). (sometimes referred to as 3-venue production).

The center server 2 may employ appropriate performances as the first performance and the second performance, and may execute a performance that further appropriately combines these performances as the third venue performance. For example, when the first user U1 wins, the center server 2 adopts the winner's performance as the first performance and the loser's performance as the second performance, and realizes the third venue performance by combining them. You may. In this case, when overlapping (competing) performances occur, such as the performance of the light unit 3A or the performance of the speaker 3B, the center server 2 performs one of the performances (such as the winner's performance) based on predetermined rules. For example, if other superiority such as ranking is set, give priority to that effect, and change the degree of overlapping effects while giving priority to that effect (for example, if it is a light effect, change the color scheme to a more gorgeous color) (or change the music to a livelier song or increase the volume if the speaker 3B is producing the music). In this way, the center server 2 may execute various performances that suitably combine the first performance and the second performance as the third venue performance, but in the example of FIG. The performance when the user U1 is dominant and the performance when the second user is dominant are adopted, and the third venue performance is realized by combining these.

Specifically, when the first user U1 is dominant, the sound is played from the speaker 3B which realizes the effect, and when the second user U2 is dominant, the smoke device 3C which realizes the effect generates smoke. . Similarly, the two lights that are lit when the first user U1 is dominant and the two lights that are lit when the second user U2 is dominant are both lit, and as a result, all four lights of the light unit 3A are lit. is lit. On the other hand, on the monitor 3D, as an example of various text information corresponding to the battle results, information congratulating the winner such as "Congratulations" is displayed, which is different when the first user U1 is dominant and when the second user U2 is dominant. ing. The third venue production may be realized by a simple combination of the first production and the second production, but as an example, it is not a simple combination, but is realized by a composition with appropriate modifications such as display on a 3D monitor. be done. When the competition ends, a relatively gorgeous venue performance is realized through the control service by combining the first performance and the second performance in this way. In this example, the first game machine 4A and the second game machine 4B function as two or more game machines of the present invention. Further, the first performance and the second performance function as a plurality of corresponding performances of the present invention. Further, the event venue EF and the third venue production function as one event venue and an adjusted production of the present invention, respectively.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a venue presentation realized through a control service at an event venue EF (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as PB event venue EF) that functions as a public viewing venue. The PB event venue EF differs in various facilities from the event venue EF (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the normal event venue EF), for example, the game machine 4 is not installed. For this reason, there is a possibility that the effects that can be realized at the normal event venue EF and the effects that can be realized at the PB event venue EF are different. Furthermore, not only the PB event EF but also the regular event venues EF may have different equipment due to the structural characteristics of each event venue EF. Further, even between regular event venues EF with the same equipment, different venue presentations may be requested depending on the characteristics of participants or environmental characteristics (for example, the permitted volume varies depending on the environment). In the control service, such differences are taken into account and venue effects are realized according to the characteristics of each event venue EF. For example, in the PB event venue EF, various production devices 3 are controlled for each event venue EF so that a venue production different from that of the normal event venue EF is realized. Below, with reference to FIG. 4, the difference in venue presentation between the PB event venue EF and the normal event venue EF will be described as an example of such a difference.

The example of FIG. 4 shows the venue presentation at the PB event venue EF when the second venue presentation is executed in the example of FIG. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the center server 2 creates a unique system in the PB event venue EF, which is different from the regular event venue EF, based on the production data SD acquired from the second game machine 4B of the regular event venue EF. Realize venue performance.

Specifically, similarly to the example of FIG. 3, the center server 2 is first provided with the production data SD from the second game machine 4B. The center server 2 may be appropriately configured with one server unit, etc., but as described above, it is configured with a plurality of server units 2A, 2B, etc. 1 server unit 2A and a second server unit 2B. Of these, the first server unit 2A acquires the effect data SD provided from the second game machine 4B. When the first server unit 2A (center server 2) acquires the performance data SD, it realizes the above-described second venue performance at the normal event venue EF. Further, the first server unit 2A provides the acquired performance data SD to the second server unit 2B. Upon acquiring the performance data SD, the second server unit 2B realizes a unique venue performance at the PB event venue EF based on the performance data SD.

Specifically, since the PB event venue EF may have different types of equipment from the normal event venue EF as described above, the second server unit 2B uses the performance equipment 3 installed there in the PB event venue EF. Achieve a performance that matches your needs. Although various differences may occur in the PB event venue EF compared to the normal event venue EF, in the example of FIG. 3, the same production equipment 3 is installed except for the game machine 4 and the camera 3E. For this reason, it is possible to realize almost the same venue presentation as the event venue EF at the PB event venue EF.

On the other hand, neither the user U nor the game machine 4 is present in the PB event venue EF, and there is no need to realize an effect according to their positions. In fact, it may be preferable to have flashy performances to compensate for the absence of game consoles 4 and the like. Therefore, various unique venue effects may be realized in the PB event venue EF, but in the example of FIG. 3, unlike the second venue effect described above, all the lights of the light unit 3A are lit, and the speakers 3B A hall performance is realized in which the smoke device 3C also performs a performance. In this case, the color scheme of the lights may be the same as the color scheme of the lights in the second venue presentation, or may be different. For example, if the colors of the lights are the same in the second venue performance and the first venue performance, and it is not possible to distinguish between the second user U2's dominance and the first user U1's dominance by lighting alone, the lights are the same in the second venue performance. The light may be lit in a unique color scheme indicating the second user U2, which is different from the above. The same applies to the sound reproduced by the speaker 3B and the smoke generated by the smoke device 3C.

On the other hand, various images such as the photographed results of the camera 3E can be displayed on the monitor 3D, similarly to the second venue performance. In the PB event venue EF, since there are no game consoles 4, etc., such images are particularly important, but in the example of FIG. 4, the display of these images is omitted, as in the example of FIG. The same information as the second venue production is displayed, which conveys the dominance of the second user U2, "User 2 Dominant." As an example, in this way, the control service takes into account the equipment of each event venue EF, and appropriately realizes a unique venue presentation according to the equipment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a control switching service included in the control service. The control switching service is a service for switching the control of the production equipment in the event venue EF from automatic control executed by the center server 2 to manual control executed manually by an appropriate administrator such as an event operator. Depending on the event situation, manual control may be preferable to automatic control. In such a case, the center server 2 executes switching from automatic control to manual control via the control switching service. The center server 2 may appropriately determine whether manual control is necessary according to various conditions such as instructions from an administrator based on the play situation, but as an example, the center server 2 may use switching conditions to determine whether manual control is necessary. .

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

Specifically, the event data ED may manage various schedules related to the event and may include information on such various schedules, but in the example of FIG. This information includes information on competition schedules for competitive games to be played, as well as information on host schedules that intervene at various times, such as between those competitions. The center server 2 refers to such event data ED, and if the next schedule corresponds to a match schedule, realizes venue presentation through automatic control. The center server 2 can execute an appropriate performance as such a venue performance, but in the example of FIG. The first venue performance as shown in the example is realized.

On the other hand, the center server 2 refers to the event data ED, and if the next schedule corresponds to a moderator schedule (an example of a specific schedule), switches from automatic control to manual control. Alternatively, the center server 2 refers to the production data SD and executes a similar switch when it is determined that it is time to switch from automatic control to manual control. The performance data SD may be configured in various formats such as a simple program (so-called script) or data for a program. Therefore, various types of information included in the performance data SD can function as specific information that can be used to determine the switching timing. For example, switching instructions in the case of a simple program, and play situations corresponding to the switching timing in the case of data can be used as specific information. The information shown functions as such specific information. Then, when such specific information is included in the production data SD, the center server 2 executes switching to manual control.

When automatic control is switched to manual control, manual control is permitted (allowed) at event venue EF. That is, manual control is executed as control of the production equipment 3 instead of automatic control. Manual control may be realized as appropriate, but in the example shown in FIG. This is realized via a book-type personal computer 5 (connected). That is, the event manager O issues a performance instruction to the book-type personal computer 5, and the controller DC controls the performance equipment 3 to perform a performance in accordance with the instruction. For example, the announcement of the match results is often made by the host, and it is necessary to adjust the performance timing as appropriate depending on the circumstances of the announcement. Specifically, for example, when announcing the winner, it is often more exciting to have a short pause before the announcement, but such a pause time should reflect the atmosphere of the venue or the personality of the host. tends to be favorable. The event manager O controls the performance equipment 3 so that various venue performances are realized at more favorable times depending on the atmosphere and the like.

Further, in the event venue EF, appropriate venue effects can be realized through manual control, but as shown in the lower event venue EF in the example of FIG. The effect used is being executed. Specifically, the administrator of the event venue EF instructs the light unit 3A to turn on and the speaker 3B to play audio, and as a result, all the lights in the light unit 3A turn on, and the speaker 3B plays the audio in response to the instructions. is playing. The monitor 3D may also display the shooting results of the camera 3E or various images such as game screens, but these are omitted in the example of FIG. ” character information is displayed.

The center server 2 may appropriately switch from manual control to automatic control (resuming automatic control) according to various conditions as part of the control switching service, but as an example, when the restart conditions are met Switch from automatic control to manual control again so that automatic control resumes. For example, the restart condition may be satisfied based on an appropriate schedule or appropriate information in the production data, similar to the switching condition, for example, when the host schedule ends (the next schedule may be a competition schedule), or Satisfied when the performance data includes information that can be used to determine when to switch to automatic control. The control service includes such a control switching service.

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

Specifically, various data may function as target identification data as target identification data depending on the content of the control service, etc., but in the example of FIG. 6, event data ED, production data SD, and Device management data MD is functioning. In the event data ED, various schedules may be managed as described above, and these various schedules may be used as identification information to identify some game machines 4 as appropriate. The information is used to identify some game machines 4. More specifically, when each game machine 4 provides a competitive game, the competition may be realized in various formats (methods) such as a league format or a tournament format, but the event data ED includes information for each format. Information indicating the opponent based on the match or the game machine 4 for the match is described as part of the match schedule information. Then, such a game machine 4 for competition or a game machine 4 used by an opponent functions as a part of the game machine 4. In other words, the center server 2 refers to the match schedule information and selects a plurality of game machines 4 to be used in the next match (two in the case of a one-on-one match, two machines in the case of multiple matches), Alternatively, when a group battle is to be performed, two or more game machines 4) are specified as part of the game machines 4, and the plurality of game machines 4 are instructed to provide the performance data SD.

When the center server 2 instructs the provision of the production data SD, the plurality of game machines 4 may provide the production data SD as appropriate. For example, even if all the plurality of game machines 4 provide the production data SD at all times, Alternatively, only in a specific situation such as a situation where the play situation is advantageous, only the game machine 4 corresponding to the specific situation may provide the performance data SD. The same applies when other target specifying data is used to specify some game machines 4 and to give instructions to the game machines 4.

On the other hand, the performance data SD is used in an appropriate case where it is necessary to further specify some of the game machines 4 among the game machines 4 to be provided when the target of the provision of the performance data SD has already been determined. Ru. For example, in a case where a plurality of game machines 4 that will play the first round in a tournament format have already been specified as some of the game machines 4 to which the production data SD is to be provided, it is possible to play in an advantageous situation among these game machines 4. It may be used to identify the game machine 4 that is playing the game. The performance data SD may also be used to specify appropriate game machines 4 corresponding to various play situations, but as an example, the game machine 4 corresponding to the winner among the plurality of game machines 4 executing the first round Used to identify (opponent).

The performance data SD may be configured in various formats as described above. For this reason, various types of information included in the performance data SD may be used to identify some game machines 4. For example, information instructing a winner's performance or information indicating victory in a battle may be used to identify some game machines 4. Used to identify 4. Further, some of the identified game machines 4 may be requested to provide the production data SD as appropriate, for example, production data SD containing more detailed information (production data SD with different amounts of information). Although it may be requested, as an example, the continuation of provision of the effect data SD including the same information is requested. As a result, the center server 2 refers to the performance data SD, identifies the game machines 4 corresponding to the winners of the first round, and continues to play against those game machines 4 in the next match (for example, the second round). The provision of the performance data SD is instructed so that the performance data SD is provided.

In addition, the equipment management data MD may appropriately include various types of information for managing the types of production equipment 3 of each event venue EF, and these various types of information may be used to appropriately specify some of the game machines 4 of each type. may be used for. For example, the equipment management data MD may include information on the position of each performance equipment 3, and in this case, based on this position information and data managing the position of each game machine 4, specific performance equipment 3 may be A nearby game machine 4 may be specified as a part of the game machine 4. As data for managing the position of the game machine 4, data other than the device management data MD may be used, or the device management data MD may be used, but as an example, the device management data MD may be used. In the case where information on the position of each game machine 4 is included, this position information functions as identification information. Furthermore, this position information may be used to specify various game machines 4 as appropriate, but as an example, it is used to specify game machines 4 included in the photographing range of the camera 3E. In other words, the center server 2 refers to the shooting results of the camera 3E and the device management data MD, identifies the game machines 4 included in the shooting range of the camera 3E as some game machines 4, and adds the production data SD to these game machines 4. Instruct provision.

An appropriate game machine 4 may be specified as a part of the game machines 4 based on these event data ED, performance data SD, and device management data MD. For example, as some game machines 4, not only game machines 4 in the same event venue EF but also multiple game machines 4 installed in different event venues EF are specified if multiple event venues EF are prepared. may be done. In this way, appropriate game machines 4 may be specified as some game machines 4, but in the example of FIG. 6, when each game machine 4 of a different event venue EF is specified as some game machines 4, Both cases in which game machines 4 at the same event venue EF are identified as some game machines 4 are shown.

Specifically, the example in FIG. 6 includes two event venues EF (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the upper two event venues EF) each including one game machine 4 identified as a part of the game machines 4. , and one event venue EF (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the lower event venue EF) including two game machines 4 specified as some game machines 4 are shown in order from the top. For example, a plurality of users U may compete via a plurality of game machines 4 installed in different event venues EF, and in this case, the opponents and the game machines 4 used by the opponents are in a plurality of event venues EF. Located astride the EF, competitions are realized between different event venues EF. Both of the above two event venues EF include a plurality of game machines 4, and each of these machines is used in a competition. That is, the upper two event venues EF each include two game machines 4 that play against each other in a competitive event. For this reason, the center server 2 selects the two game machines 4 located in the upper two event venues EF (the leftmost game machine 4 of the upper event venue EF), based on the event data ED or the production data SD, for example. , and the second game machine 4 from the left in the event venue EF in the middle are identified as some of the game machines 4. The center server 2 then instructs these game machines 4 to provide the performance data SD.

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

Furthermore, the center server 2 may appropriately execute the venue presentation as described above based on the presentation data SD acquired from some of these game machines 4. 4 may include an effect that shines a spotlight through the light unit 3A, etc., but if the game machine 4 is equipped with effect devices such as lights, some of the effect devices of the game machine 4 may be further included. May be controlled. That is, the venue performance is not limited to the performance equipment 3, but may be realized through various types of equipment, and such equipment may include the game machine 4. Such control of the game machines 4 may be executed as appropriate, but for example, the center server 2 may indicate (or emphasize) that it applies to some game machines 4 in order to produce an effect similar to the spot ) Control the performance equipment of some of the game machines 4 so as to execute the performance. As an example, the event service is configured to instruct the provision of the production data SD as described above and to realize the acquisition thereof.

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

“User” is information for identifying the user U (competitor) who is playing the game. Appropriate information that can identify each user U may be written in "User", but as an example, unique user ID information for each user U is written in order to identify each user U. Such a user ID may be an event user name or an event-specific user number. Alternatively, if there is a user ID (ID that identifies each user U, not limited to events) used when playing game machines 4 installed in various facilities, such user ID is used. may be done.

“Character” is information for specifying a character that appears during play of the game. Appropriate information that can identify each character may be written in the "character", but as an example, unique character ID information is written for each character in order to identify each character. Further, in "Character", information on a character ID corresponding to an appropriate character (or multiple characters may be used) that appears in the game being played may be written, but as an example, the user U can play the game through the character. When playing, information on a character ID corresponding to such a character (a character corresponding to user U as a so-called player character) is described.

“Action” is information for specifying the action (behavior) of each user U through the character. "Action" may include appropriate information that specifies various actions performed by the character. For example, an action such as a technique performed by each character, or a user's information to realize such a technique, etc. Information indicating the operation performed by U is described.

“Situation” is information for specifying the situation in the game being played. “Situation” may include various types of information for specifying the play situation (at least the situation related to venue performance). For example, such information may include the number of stages if the game is divided into multiple stages (or the selected stage in the case of a multiple-choice format), the number of innings in a baseball game, and the position of the ball in a soccer game. If there is value related to the match, such as the position of the ball, the number of points scored, or HP (hit points) in a game where offense and defense are switched depending on the game, information on the remaining amount may be described as appropriate. In addition, the match results (including ranking, inferiority, superiority, etc.) may be determined as appropriate based on scores, etc., or separately or in place of that, the match result information may be used as such information. It may be used as. In the "situation", such information is appropriately described in accordance with the request of the venue performance. These pieces of information are recorded in the performance record SDR so as to be correlated with each other. Then, this information is used as appropriate for various venue performances and the like. In this example, the play situation information described in "situation" functions as performance information or play information of the present invention.

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

Note that the performance data SD is not limited to the above-mentioned information, and may manage appropriate information according to requests for venue performance, etc. For example, some of the above information may be omitted, or on the contrary, various other information may be added. For example, instead of the "user" information or as the above-mentioned "user" information, the below-described case ID corresponding to each game machine 4 (used by each user U) may be used. Similarly, for example, information on opponents in a competitive game (e.g., the user ID of the opponent, or the user ID of the opponent in order to identify such an opponent or the game machine 4) may be managed. ) information such as a unique opponent ID for each player may be included. Further, for example, the game machine 4 may issue instructions for the venue performance via the performance data SD, and in this case, the performance data SD may include information on "performance type" (which will be described later) (included in the performance control data CD). information), etc., may also include information that instructs the performance. In this case, information instructing the performance, such as information on the "type of performance", functions as the performance information of the present invention. Furthermore, for example, when the performance data SD is used to identify some game machines 4 in an event service, the performance data SD includes information such as a housing ID for identifying the game machine 4 that is the provider. good. In this case, the "situation" information of the performance data SD and the information on the housing ID function as correspondence information and game machine identification information of the present invention, respectively.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the production control data CD. The performance control data CD may appropriately contain various information for controlling the performance of the performance equipment 3, but in the example of FIG. An example of production control data CD that is divided and managed for each unit (type) is shown. In addition, the performance control data CD may be configured as appropriate depending on the configuration of the performance data SD (for example, whether it is a simple program or just data), but the example in FIG. An example of the effect control data CD is shown in the case where the data is configured as mere data. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the performance control data CD includes a performance control record CDR that manages the performance equipment 3 in predetermined units for each event venue EF as a type of performance. In addition, in order to realize such management, the performance control record CDR includes information such as "venue ID", "type of performance", "target equipment", "details of performance", and "application conditions", for example. .

“Venue ID” is information indicating a unique venue ID for each event venue EF in order to identify each event venue EF when there are multiple event venues EF. “Production type” is information for specifying the type of production (venue production) to be executed through each production device 3. Appropriate information may be described as such information in the "performance type", but as an example, information on a unique performance ID for each type of performance is described in order to identify each performance. "Target equipment" is information for specifying the performance equipment 3 for realizing each type of performance. Appropriate information may be described as such information in the "target equipment", but as an example, the type of the performance equipment 3 may be written in order to identify the type of each performance equipment 3 (for example, the light unit 3A, the speaker 3B, etc.). Unique device ID information is written for each device.

Similarly, "details of performance" is information for specifying the performance (operation) that each performance device 3 should perform for each type of performance. Appropriate information may be described as such information in the "performance details," and as an example, information on appropriate parameters may be described. Specifically, for example, when information specifying the first venue presentation is written in "Production type", information specifying the light unit 3A, speaker 3B, and monitor 3D is written in "Target equipment". Ru. Then, in "Production details", numerical values indicating the two lights on the left side of the light unit 3A, numerical values indicating their lighting, numerical values indicating their color scheme, and numerical values indicating their intensity are described as parameter information. . Further, a numerical value indicating the music to be played from the speaker 3B and a numerical value indicating the volume thereof are also described in the "performance details" as parameter information. Similarly, the numerical value indicating the image to be displayed on the monitor 3D (for example, the numerical value indicating the game screen, the numerical value indicating the photographing result of the camera 3E, or the numerical value indicating various fixed phrases such as "first user is dominant"), and the like. Numerical values indicating the display mode (numbers indicating the position, range, layout, etc. in the case of a combination with other images) are also described in the "performance details" as parameter information. That is, each performance device 3 is divided into predetermined units based on the information of "performance type" and "target device," and a specific performance corresponding to the unit is defined by "performance details." The same description applies when other effects such as the second venue effect are executed.

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

The “application condition” is information indicating the application condition under which each type of performance should be applied (executed). In the "applicable conditions", information indicating various conditions may be appropriately described in response to requests for venue production, etc., but for example, if the first user U1 has a score difference of more than a certain level (in a case where the first user U1 has a score difference of more than a certain level) For example, if you are in a ball game such as soccer, you will be in possession of the ball (another example of a dominant situation); if it is a fighting game, you will be in the lead in terms of physical strength (for example, HP), or if the match has ended, etc. Information indicating the play status of is described. Further, for example, a situation such as a lead in physical strength may be further divided into detailed situations such as a large lead in physical strength. Further, for example, a large lead in physical strength may be described as an "applicable condition" associated with the normal event venue EF, and a lead in physical strength may be described as an "applicable condition" associated with the PB event venue EF. In other words, different application conditions may be associated with each event venue EF. Then, a different venue performance may be realized for each event venue EF according to the common performance data SD in which information about the remaining amount of physical strength is described in the "situation". As described above, different venue effects may be realized for each event venue EF depending on the characteristics of the event venue EF, but this may be realized through differences in such "application conditions". In this case, different (more detailed) venue effects for each event venue EF are realized by the same effect data SD through such "application conditions" (effect control data CD). In other words, the production control data CD has the role of absorbing differences in venue production for each event venue EF through "application conditions", the role of defining different venue production for each event venue EF, and the role of realizing the different venue production. May play a role of giving instructions. On the other hand, the performance data SD may serve to convey the basis for determining different venue performances through the common play situation of such "situations".

The above-mentioned information is recorded in the production control record CDR so as to be correlated with each other. These pieces of information are used as appropriate to control the production equipment 3 that realizes various venue productions. Note that the production control data CD is not limited to the above-mentioned information, and may manage appropriate information according to requests for venue production, etc. For example, some of the above information may be omitted, or on the contrary, various other information may be added. For example, if there is only one event venue EF, the "venue ID" information may be omitted. Further, when the performance data SD instructs a specific type of performance, such as when the performance data SD includes information on the "type of performance", the information on the "application conditions" may be omitted. In this example, venue ID information described in "venue ID" functions as venue identification information of the present invention. In addition, if the production data SD does not include information instructing a specific production, the information on the play situation (specific play situation) described in "Applicable conditions" in this example and the information described in "Production type" The type of performance (or a combination thereof, further including "target device" and "performance details") functions as performance information and corresponding performance, respectively, of the present invention. On the other hand, if the production data SD includes information instructing a specific production, the production type information described in "Production type" in this example, the device ID information described in "Target equipment", and the "Production type" information, The combination with the parameter information described in "Details" functions as performance information and corresponding performance of the present invention, respectively.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of event data ED. The event data ED may manage various schedules related to the progress of an event, but in the example of FIG. 9, when the switching conditions include each schedule of the event schedule, An example of event data ED is shown. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the event data ED includes an event record EDR for managing each schedule for each event. Further, in order to realize such management, the event record EDR includes information such as "event ID", "venue ID", "schedule", "target", and "progress".

“Venue ID” is information indicating the venue ID described above. “Event ID” is information indicating a unique event ID for each event in order to identify each event. “Schedule” is information for specifying various schedules included in each event. The events at the event venue EF include game events, and the game events progress according to the playing status of the game. Therefore, the event schedule includes a play status schedule corresponding to the game play status. In this case, information for specifying such a play situation schedule is described in the "schedule". Specifically, for example, when a tournament-style competitive event is executed, information specifying each play status schedule such as the first round, second round, semi-final, final, and moderator is described in the "schedule". In this case, a play status schedule indicating a match such as the first round, second round, semi-final, or final round, and a play status schedule indicating a moderator function as the above-mentioned match schedule and moderator schedule, respectively. Appropriate information may be written in “Schedule” to identify these schedules, but as an example, unique schedule ID information for each schedule may be written to identify each schedule such as the first round, second round, etc. Described.

On the other hand, "target" is information for specifying the target to be used as the target of each schedule. Various events may be carried out at the event venue EF, and the schedules of these various events may be appropriately managed in the event data ED, but in the following, game event schedules (play status schedules) are such events. We will explain the cases where it is managed. In this case, information for specifying each game machine 4 as a target of each schedule is described in "target". For example, information specifying each game machine 4 that will compete in the semifinals is described in the schedule corresponding to the semifinals. The same applies to the first round, etc. On the other hand, if the event is scheduled to correspond to a moderator, information indicating that there is no target may be written in "Target", or information indicating a moderator may be written in "Target". In addition, appropriate information may be written as information for identifying each game machine 4 in "target", but as an example, a unique case ID for each game machine 4 is used to identify each game machine 4. information is described.

“Progress” is information for identifying a schedule that is currently in progress among the schedules included in the event data ED. Appropriate information may be described as such information in “progress”, but as an example, it is necessary to distinguish between at least three of the following: plans that have already been completed (implemented), plans that are currently in progress, and plans that have not yet been implemented. Information is written. Based on the "progress" information, it is managed whether each schedule described in "schedule" of the event data ED belongs to completed, in progress, or unimplemented. These pieces of information are recorded in the event record EDR so as to be correlated with each other. Then, this information is used as appropriate to provide various services such as a production switching service.

Note that the event data ED is not limited to the above-mentioned information, and may manage appropriate information in response to requests for production switching services, etc. For example, some of the above information may be omitted, or on the contrary, various other information may be added. In this example, the information described in "progress" functions as progress information of the present invention. Further, among the schedules described in "schedule", information corresponding to the play status schedule functions as the play status schedule of the present invention. Further, among the play situation schedules described in "schedule", information corresponding to the next competition schedule scheduled for the moderator functions as a predetermined play situation schedule of the present invention. On the other hand, when the event data ED is used to identify some game machines 4 through an event service, the information described in "schedule" in this example and the information of the chassis ID described in "target" are not the actual information. They each function as invention correspondence information and game machine identification information.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of device management data MD. The equipment management data MD can include various types of information for managing the performance equipment 3 installed at the event venue EF as described above. For this reason, the equipment management data MD includes the effects that can be realized at each event venue EF when there are multiple event venues EF (for example, the event venue EF where the smoke device 3C is present can produce a smoke effect, and the spot It is used to manage effects for each event venue EF, such as an event venue EF where lights are present, where it is possible to spotlight a specific game machine 4. The example in FIG. 10 shows a case where the device management data MD is further used to manage the position of each game machine 4 in the event venue EF. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the device management data MD includes a device management record MDR for managing the performance devices 3 installed at each event venue EF. Furthermore, in order to realize such management, the equipment management record MDR includes information on "venue ID", "installed equipment", "casing ID", and "arrangement".

“Venue ID” and “Case ID” are information indicating the above-mentioned venue ID and case ID, respectively. Moreover, "installed equipment" is information for specifying the production equipment 3 installed at each event venue EF. Appropriate information may be described as such information in the "installed equipment", but as an example, in order to specify each performance equipment 3 such as the light unit 3A and the speaker 3B, unique equipment for each type of performance equipment 3 may be written. ID information is described. “Layout” is information for specifying the position of each game machine 4. "Placement" may include any appropriate information as such information, but as an example, it indicates the coordinates when the coordinates are set in a predetermined range (for example, the stage where the game machine 4 is installed) in the event venue EF. Information is written. This information is recorded in the device management record MDR so as to be correlated with each other. This information is used as appropriate to provide various services such as event services. Note that the device management data MD is not limited to the above-mentioned information, and may manage appropriate information in response to requests for event services and the like. For example, some of the above information may be omitted, or on the contrary, various other information may be added. In addition, when the device management data MD is used to specify some game machines 4 through an event service, the location information described in "location" in this example and the information described in "casing ID" The information on the housing ID functions as the correspondence information of the present invention and the game machine identification information.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14, the object specifying process, the effect process, the control switching process, and the restart process will be described. The target specifying process is a process for specifying an instruction target device among various devices installed at the event venue EF. Although any appropriate device installed at the event venue EF may be used as such a device, the example in FIG. 11 shows the target specifying process when the game machine 4 is used. More specifically, the example of FIG. 11 shows an example of specifying a target for providing the production data SD, and an example of the target specifying process when the specified instruction is executed. In this case, when an appropriate start condition is met, such as when a predetermined operation instructing to specify the target for providing the production data SD, the game machine service management unit 25 executes the target specifying process shown in FIG. 11. First, data for specifying a target is acquired (step S101). Various types of data can function as data for specifying the object, and as examples, event data ED, production data SD, and device management data MD function. Therefore, the game machine service management unit 25 acquires these event data ED, performance data SD, or device management data MD as data for target specification. In the following, a case will be described in which the event data ED is acquired as data for specifying a target.

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

Subsequently, the game machine service management unit 25 instructs the game machine 4 identified in step S104 to provide the production data SD (step S104). After receiving this instruction, the game machine service management unit 25 ends the current target specifying process. As a result, from among the plurality of game machines 4 installed in the event venue EF (in the case of multiple event venues EF, the multiple event venues EF), the target of production data SD is identified based on the data for target identification. be done. More specifically, the game machine 4 corresponding to the next schedule among the schedules managed by the event data ED is specified as a target for providing the production data SD. Then, they are actually instructed to provide the performance data SD. As a result, an event service is realized.

The production process is a process for realizing venue production based on the production data SD. The game machine 4 may generate the production data SD as appropriate depending on various conditions, such as when the game play situation corresponds to a specific situation, but in the example of FIG. This figure shows a production process when the game machine 4 generates production data SD at a predetermined period during a game. Furthermore, the example in FIG. 12 shows the effect processing when a plurality of game machines 4, such as two game machines 4 in a match, are identified through the target identification process and they are instructed to provide the effect data SD. It shows. In the example of FIG. 12, the process mainly executed by the control unit 31 of the game machine 4 is shown as the game machine 4, and the process mainly executed by the control unit 21 of the center server 2 is shown as the center server 2. There is.

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

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

On the other hand, if the application condition is satisfied (the game situation corresponds to a specific situation), the center server 2 determines the effect to be realized through the effect device 3 (step S303). This determination is realized based on the "application condition" referred to in step S302. Specifically, the center server 2 specifies the information of "effect type", "target device", and "effect details" that are associated in the effect control data CD with the "applicable conditions" corresponding to the situation of the game being played. Then, the performance realized by these (the type of performance corresponding to the "performance type") is determined as the performance to be realized. Furthermore, if there are multiple event venues EF, the center server 2 refers to the "venue ID" information of the performance control data CD and performs such determination for each event venue EF.

Next, the center server 2 determines whether the adjustment conditions are satisfied (step S304). The adjustment conditions may be configured as appropriate depending on the request for the performance to be realized, etc., but as an example, when the performance based on the performance data SD (the performance specified in step S303) competes between multiple game machines 4. , or if they overlap. For this reason, the center server 2 determines whether the performance specified in step S303 competes with the performance based on other performance data SD, or whether it overlaps.

Specifically, the center server 2 determines whether the production device 3 for realizing the production specified in step S303 is the same as the production device 3 for realizing the production based on other production data SD, or if the production timing is different. If they match, it is determined that there is a conflict or overlap. For example, in a soccer game, a performance of user U holding a ball (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a ball performance) and a performance of user U with a large number of goals (scores) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a dominant performance) If both are specified in the "application conditions" and applied at the same time, these effects will be judged to overlap. Furthermore, if the necessary performance equipment 3 is duplicated in these performances for the ball and the performance for dominance, it is determined that these performances conflict. Alternatively, in the case of one side winning, a plurality of situations in which one side is superior, the other side is disadvantageous, and situations corresponding to the match result may be specified as "applicable conditions." In this case, since it is considered that the performances corresponding to these are requested at the same time, it may be determined that the performances are duplicated or competing.

If the adjustment conditions are satisfied (there is competition or overlap between performances), the center server 2 adjusts the performances (competing or overlapping performances) that satisfy those adjustment conditions (step S305). This adjustment may be realized as appropriate, such as by shifting the presentation timing or prioritizing one of the presentations, but as an example, it may be realized by compositing these presentations. Specifically, for example, the third venue in the example of FIG. When the effect is realized, the center server 2 synthesizes the first effect and the second effect through this adjustment. Furthermore, the center server 2 appropriately adjusts the display on the monitor 3D according to predetermined rules. With these, the center server 2 realizes the third venue performance in the example of FIG.

Alternatively, for example, when the production of smoke by the smoke device 3C and the reproduction of a predetermined sound by the speaker 3B are each specified by information on "performance type" as the above-mentioned ball performance and dominance performance, these are combined. , the performance in step S303 (the performance corresponding to either the generation of smoke or the reproduction of predetermined sound) is adjusted to the performance that executes both the generation of smoke and the reproduction of predetermined sound. In addition to producing smoke and playing predetermined sounds as the ball performance and dominance performance, if the lighting of the light by the light unit 3A is specified for both performances, the lighting will be in the same color scheme. If so, the brightness of the illumination (parameter indicating illuminance) is doubled, and if different colors are used, a color scheme that is a mixture of them is adjusted as appropriate according to predetermined rules. Furthermore, even if a plurality of situations are identified, such as an advantageous situation, an inferior situation, and situations corresponding to the battle results, they may be adjusted as appropriate by combining them or selecting one of them based on predetermined criteria. .

On the other hand, if the adjustment conditions are not satisfied (there is no conflict or overlap between performances), or after the adjustment in step S305, the center server 2 adjusts the performance specified in step S303 or after the adjustment made in step S305 (for example, The effect device 3 is controlled to execute the effect (after synthesis) (step S306). When a plurality of event venues EF exist, the center server 2 executes this control for each event venue EF so that such a production is executed at each event venue EF. In addition, in this control, when the control of each performance device 3 is realized via the controller DC, the performance to be executed (the performance specified in step S303 or the performance after adjustment adjusted in step S305) is sent to the controller DC. This is accomplished by giving instructions. Furthermore, when the controller DC controls each performance device 3 based on the performance control data CD that defines the performance to be executed, the center server 2 stores information such as "performance type" indicating the performance to be executed. This control is realized by transmitting the performance control data CD to the controller DC so as to include the performance control record CDR (for example, it may be a part excluding unnecessary parts such as "application conditions"). In this case, the center server 2 may generate performance control data CD including a performance control record CDR corresponding to the performance after adjustment as part of the performance adjustment in step S305. After such control, the center server 2 ends the current production process.

According to the procedure shown in FIG. 12, production data SD is generated at a predetermined period by the game machine 4 to be provided, and is provided to the center server 2. Then, based on the performance data SD, the center server 2 determines whether or not the performance can be executed, and executes the performance as appropriate. Specifically, when the game play situation corresponds to a specific situation, the performance equipment 3 of the event venue EF is controlled so that a performance corresponding to the situation is realized. Further, when performances based on the performance data SD conflict or overlap, the competing performances are adjusted, and the performance equipment 3 is controlled so as to realize the adjusted performance.

The control switching process is a process for switching the control of the production equipment 3 from automatic control to manual control. Although various conditions may be adopted as conditions for switching from automatic control to manual control, the example in FIG. 13 shows control switching processing when the above-mentioned switching conditions are adopted. Furthermore, the switching condition includes appropriate information on the event data ED and the production data SD, and may be satisfied as appropriate based on this information, but in the example of FIG. 13, the switching condition requires information on the event data ED. Indicates cases included in The device service management unit 24 starts the control switching process shown in FIG. 13 every time the performance data SD is provided from the game machine 4, for example, and first acquires the performance data SD (step S401).

Subsequently, the device service management unit 24 determines whether the update conditions are satisfied (step S402). The update condition may be satisfied in various cases, such as when an instruction by administrator O (for example, an update instruction via a flag indicating the arrival of a moderator schedule, a flag indicating insertion of a moderator schedule, etc.) is executed. , may be satisfied as appropriate in order to update the event data ED, but as an example, it is satisfied when the game play situation corresponds to the situation to be updated. Further, various situations in the game may be used as the update target situation, but as an example, a situation corresponding to the end of a battle is used. Specifically, the update condition is satisfied when the "situation" of the production data SD corresponds to the end of the battle. Therefore, in step S402, the device service management unit 24 determines whether the "situation" of the production data SD corresponds to the end of the match. If the update condition is not satisfied (the match does not end), the device service management unit 24 skips the subsequent process and ends the current control switching process.

On the other hand, if the update condition is satisfied (corresponding to the end of the match), the device service management unit 24 updates the event data ED (step S403). Specifically, the device service management unit 24 changes the "progress" information of the "schedule" corresponding to the match in progress from the "in progress" to the "completed" information among the "schedule" in the event data ED. The information on the "progress" of the "schedule" following the "schedule" that was in progress is "changed (updated)" from unfulfilled to in progress.Then, the device service management unit 24 updates the "progress" information of the "schedule" that follows the "schedule" that was in progress. (Step S404).The switching condition may be satisfied as appropriate based on each schedule of the event data ED, but as an example, the next schedule described in "Schedule" of the event data ED as described above is an example. (The schedule in which the "progress" information changed from not yet implemented to in progress in this update) is satisfied when the event corresponds to the moderator. Therefore, the device service management unit 24 changes the "schedule" and "progress" information in the event data ED Referring to "progress", it is determined whether the next schedule (the schedule that changed while in progress due to the update in step S403) corresponds to the moderator.Then, if the switching conditions are not met (the next schedule is changed to the moderator due to the update in step S403). If not applicable), the device service management unit 24 skips the subsequent processing and ends the current control switching processing.

On the other hand, if the switching condition is satisfied (if the next schedule corresponds to moderating), the device service management unit 24 executes switching from automatic control to manual control (step S405). For example, when controlling each production device 3 via the controller DC, the device service management unit 24 instructs the controller DC to switch the control of each production device 3 from automatic control to manual control. Realize this switching. After this switching, the device service management unit 24 ends the current control switching process. Thereby, the performance of each performance device 3 can be switched from automatic control to manual control according to the switching conditions. More specifically, when the next schedule corresponds to a moderator based on the event data ED, such a switch from automatic control to manual control is executed. In other words, a control switching service is realized.

The restart process is a process for switching the control of the production equipment 3 from manual control to automatic control. Automatic control is restarted, for example, when restart conditions are met. The restart condition may be satisfied as appropriate based on various conditions for restarting automatic control, and as an example, it is satisfied when the competition (game play) is restarted after the moderator. The restart of the match may also be determined as appropriate based on various information such as a restart instruction (execution of a predetermined restart operation) by the event manager O, but as an example, it may be determined based on the "situation" information of the performance data SD. be judged based on The example in FIG. 14 shows restart processing when it is determined whether automatic control can be restarted based on such performance data SD.

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

If the restart conditions are not met (the play situation does not correspond to a competition), the device service management unit 24 maintains the current manual control (step S502). On the other hand, if the restart condition is satisfied (the play situation corresponds to a competition), the device service management unit 24 switches the control of the performance device 3 from manual control to automatic control (step S503). In other words, the device service management unit 24 switches the control of the production device 3 so that automatic control is restarted. Specifically, for example, when each production device 3 is controlled via the controller DC, the device service management unit 24 instructs the controller DC to switch the control of each production device 3 from manual control to automatic control. This switching is realized by giving an instruction. Then, after step S502 or after executing the switching in step S503, the device service management unit 24 ends the current restart process. Thereby, switching from manual control to automatic control, in other words, restarting automatic control is realized according to the restart conditions. More specifically, when the game play situation corresponds to a competition based on the production data SD (in other words, it changes from a moderator to a competition), such automatic control is resumed.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the performance data SD including various information depending on the playing situation of the game is generated in the game machine 4 and provided to the center server 2 as appropriate. For example, performance data SD including "situation" information as such information is generated and provided to the center server 2. The center server 2 acquires the performance data SD and determines the performance associated with the "situation" information from among the plurality of performances that can be realized based on the performance control data CD. Specifically, the center server 2 identifies an "applicable condition" in which a play situation corresponding to the play situation described in the "situation" is described, and determines the type of production ("production A performance specified by "type" etc.) is determined as a performance associated with the "situation". That is, the center server 2 determines a performance associated with the "situation" via the "application condition" as a performance to be executed. Then, the center server 2 actually controls the performance equipment 3 of each event venue EF so that the performance is realized. Therefore, the play situation is reflected in the performance of the performance device 3 via the "situation" information of the performance data SD. Thereby, the performance of the performance device 3 can be controlled according to the playing situation of the game.

In addition, if the game machines 4 to which production data SD is provided through the event service are limited to some of the plurality of game machines 4, the play status that should be reflected in the production of the event venue EF may be changed to some of the game machines 4. can be limited to. Specifically, each event situation (in addition to the play situation in the game, the event such as the shooting situation of the camera 3E) that may occur at the event venue EF among the plurality of game machines 4 is based on target identification data such as event data ED. Some of the game machines 4 related to various situations that may occur in the venue EF are specified, and performance data SD including various information depending on the game play situation is acquired from some of the game machines 4. Then, the performance equipment 3 of each event venue EF is actually controlled so that the performance according to the various information is realized. That is, some of the game machines 4 related to each event situation are specified, and the play status of some of the game machines 4 is reflected in the performance of the performance equipment 3 via the performance data SD.

Specifically, only two game machines 4 to compete among the plurality of game machines 4 in each event venue EF are specified, and the play status of the two game machines 4 is used as "situation" information in the production data SD. This will be reflected in the venue performance through. Alternatively, among the plurality of game machines 4, the game machines 4 included in the shooting range CR of the camera 3E, that is, the game machines 4 photographed by the camera 3E, are identified as some of the game machines 4, and reflected in the venue production. . Therefore, it is possible to control the performance of the performance equipment according to the playing status of the game on some of these game machines 4. As a result, it is possible to shine a spotlight on (attention to) the two game machines 4 during the competition, or the play of the game machines 4 photographed by the camera 3E, for example.

Furthermore, if there are multiple event venues EF, the center server 2 realizes the above-described effects for each event venue EF. Specifically, the performance equipment 3 installed in each event venue EF and the performance that can be realized thereby are managed via the performance control data CD. Then, the center server 2 specifies the performance to be executed for each event venue EF while referring to the performance control data CD, and actually realizes the performance. Thereby, it is possible to realize a performance that corresponds to each event venue EF. For example, the PB event venue EF is different from the normal event venue EF in terms of equipment such as production equipment 3, and as a result, the required production is often different. Even in such a case, it is possible to realize a unique performance required for a public viewing venue based on the performance equipment 3 installed in the PB event venue EF.

Furthermore, when a control switching service is provided, the control of the production equipment 3 can be switched from automatic control to manual control according to switching conditions. The switching condition is a condition based on the play situation. Therefore, the play situation can be reflected in switching from automatic control to manual control via the switching conditions. Specifically, automatic control of the performance equipment 3 is realized in situations where it is relatively easy to plan the performance in advance, such as a battle. On the other hand, in a situation where a flexible presentation is required, such as that of a moderator, the switching condition is satisfied and the control of the presentation device 3 is switched from automatic control to manual control. In this way, the control of the performance equipment can be switched between automatic control and manual control depending on the game play situation. In addition, after switching to manual control, manual control will be maintained until the restart conditions are met, but if the restart conditions use the play status such as the schedule of event data ED, the play status will also be used to restart automatic control. can be reflected. As a result, it is possible to implement automatic control in a play situation where automatic control is relatively suitable, and manual control in a play situation where manual control is relatively preferable.

In the above embodiment, the device service management section 24 of the center server 2 functions as the data acquisition means, effect determination means, and device control means of the present invention by executing the process shown in FIG. Specifically, the device service management unit 24 executes the process of step S301 in FIG. 12 as a data acquisition means, and executes the process of step S303 as a performance determination means, and executes the process of step S306. As a result, each functions as a device control means. Furthermore, the game machine service management unit 25 of the center server 2 functions as the target specifying means of the present invention by executing the process of step S103 in FIG. Further, by executing the control switching process shown in FIG. 13, the device service management section 24 functions as a condition determining means, a control switching means, and an information acquisition means of the present invention. Specifically, the device service management unit 24 executes the process of step S401 in FIG. 13 as an information acquisition means, and executes the process of step S404 as a condition determination means, and executes the process of step S405. As a result, each of them functions as a control switching means.

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

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an instruction to provide and obtain production data SD is shown as an example of the event service. However, the event service is not limited to this type of form. As described above, the event service may include various services that use the game machine 4 to perform event-related processing. For example, when the game machines 4 are included in the venue production equipment as described above (each game machine 4 is used as part of the venue production), in other words, each game machine 4 is used as part of the venue production equipment. When functioning, various controls for each game machine 4 to realize venue production may be realized through the event service. Each game machine 4 may realize various venue effects through event services, but for example, the monitor 47 of each game machine 4 (if the monitor 47 includes a monitor for venue effects in addition to the one for the game screen, that monitor may also be used) A presentation that provides various information may be realized through the following. Specifically, for example, the game machine 4 used for the next match displays information indicating the next opponent (user U) identified based on the match result (play situation) and the event data ED on the monitor 47. It may be presented through

Furthermore, for example, if the first opponent (or the game machine 4 for competition) is managed via event data ED, etc., the information of the next opponent may include the information of this first opponent. good. Therefore, the game play situation may include the situation before the game as well as the situation during and after the game. In this case, for example, the pre-play situation includes a situation before a match such as the first time. Similarly, such information indicating the pre-play situation may include, for example, information indicating the game machine 4 to be used in the next (including the first) match (for example, the first game of the first round, or the third game of the first round, etc.) information (including information indicating its location within the event venue EF), information indicating the event venue EF where the next battle will be held (if there is more than one), information indicating the start time of the next battle, etc. May be included. In other words, as part of the venue presentation, each game machine 4 receives information indicating the next game machine 4 (for example, if the next game machine 4 is given a number, that number, or the next game machine 4 A map showing the route to the destination, etc.) may be displayed on the monitor 47.

Furthermore, for example, when information indicating the next game machine 4 is presented, only some of the plurality of game machines 4 installed at the event venue EF (for example, the game machine 4 of the winner of the current match) are displayed at the venue. When used for production (presentation of information), some of such game machines 4 may be specified through the event service. Specifically, for example, if the first opponent, match start time (and corresponding game machine 4), etc. are managed by event data ED, some games based on such event data ED Identification of the game machine 4 and control of some of the game machines 4 may be realized through an event service. Similarly, for example, if the location of each game machine 4 is managed by device management data MD, identification of a route based on such device management data MD and its presentation may be realized through an event service. . Alternatively, similar control, etc. may be realized through a device control service so that each game machine 4 is positioned as a part of production equipment. If there are multiple event venues EF, or if there are multiple sets of game machines 4 in the event venue EF, the user ∪ who will be competing will not know where to compete. There is a possibility that it will disappear. In such a case, as a result of hesitation, there is a possibility that the player may not be able to arrive in time for the match start time and be disqualified. Similarly, it may be difficult for viewers to know where a match that they wish to watch is being held. Appropriate guidance for users and viewers can be realized by using the event services as described above.

Furthermore, other systems (including the game machine 4, the controller DC, and the book-type personal computer 5) may perform all or part of the role (various processes, etc.) of the center server 2 in the above-described configuration. That is, the performance control system of the present invention may include various other systems as appropriate. On the other hand, only the center server 2 (including the case where another system functions as the center server 2) may function as the production control system of the present invention. Alternatively, a personal computer 5 or the like installed at each event venue EF may function as a local server and take on the entire role of the center server 2. That is, an appropriate local server may function as the center server 2. In this case, such a local server stores only the production control data CD etc. customized for the event venue EF where it is installed, that is, the production control record CDR etc. corresponding to the event venue EF (of the "venue ID"). (information may be omitted) may be used (the same applies to various data provided to the controller DC of the event venue EF, etc.).

Various aspects of the present invention derived from each of the embodiments and modifications described above will be described below. In the following description, corresponding members illustrated in the accompanying drawings are added in parentheses to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, but the present invention is thereby limited to the illustrated form. It's not a thing.

The production control system of the present invention is connected to production equipment (3) installed in an event venue (EF) via a network (NT), and controls the production equipment to realize production at the event venue. A control system (1) connected to the game machine via a network (NT) when a game event using a game provided by a game machine (4) is provided as an event at the event venue; data acquisition means (24) for acquiring performance data (SD) including performance information corresponding to each play situation occurring in the game as information to be the basis of the performance from the game machine; and the performance information and the performance equipment. Based on the production control data (CD) described in such a manner that the corresponding production is associated with the production that should be executed in each play situation corresponding to the production information among the plurality of types of production that can be realized, the production is performed. The apparatus includes a performance determining means (24) for determining the corresponding performance corresponding to information, and a device control means (24) for controlling the performance equipment to execute the corresponding performance.

According to the present invention, performance data including performance information corresponding to the play situation of the game is acquired, and a corresponding performance associated with the performance information is determined from a plurality of performances based on performance control data. Then, the performance equipment is actually controlled so that the corresponding performance is realized. In other words, the play situation is reflected in the performance of the performance equipment via the performance information. Thereby, it is possible to control the performance of the performance device according to the playing situation of the game.

The number of event venues may be arbitrary. For example, one or more performance devices may be provided at only one event venue, or multiple performance devices may be provided at multiple event venues. In the case where a plurality of production devices are provided at a plurality of event venues, one production device may be provided at each event venue, or a plurality of production devices may be provided at each event venue. As a result, the types of effects that can be produced may differ between event venues. In this case, a performance that can be realized in common at all event venues may be uniformly implemented as a corresponding performance, or a different performance may be implemented at each event venue. For example, in one aspect of the performance control system of the present invention, the performance control data includes a plurality of performance devices for respectively realizing the corresponding performance, and a plurality of event venues where the plurality of performance devices are installed. In this case, venue identification information for identifying each event venue is further associated with the corresponding production so that the corresponding production differs from event venue to event venue depending on the production equipment installed at each event venue. The production determining means determines the corresponding production for each event venue based on the production control data, and the device control means executes the corresponding production corresponding to each event venue at each event venue. Each performance device may be controlled in this manner. In this case, it is possible to realize performances that are appropriate for each event venue.

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

For example, in an embodiment in which a corresponding performance is prepared for each event venue, when the game machine includes a plurality of game machines, the data acquisition means may transfer the performance data to two or more games among the plurality of game machines. The production determining means determines a plurality of corresponding productions corresponding to the two or more game machines at one event venue (EF) as the corresponding production corresponding to the production information. when the plurality of corresponding effects are adjusted to the adjusted effect, and the equipment control means controls the effect equipment installed in the one event venue so that the adjusted effect is executed as the corresponding effect. 3) may be controlled. Further, in this aspect, the performance determining means may use either a performance in which the plurality of corresponding performances are combined, or a performance in which the plurality of corresponding performances are sequentially executed, as the adjusted performance. .

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

On the other hand, the computer program (PG1) of the present invention causes a computer (21) connected to the production equipment and the game machine via a network (NT) to function as each means of the production control system described above. It is constructed.

Moreover, the control method of the present invention is connected to a production device (3) installed in an event venue (EF) via a network (NT), and controls the production device so as to realize a production in the event venue. When a game event using a game provided by a game machine (4) is provided as an event at the event venue to a computer (21) incorporated in the performance control system (1), the game machine is connected to a network (NT). a data acquisition procedure for acquiring, from the game machine, performance data (SD) including performance information corresponding to each play situation occurring in the game as information to be the basis of the performance; Based on performance control data (CD) described in such a manner that corresponding performances are associated with each other as performances to be executed in each play situation corresponding to the performance information among the plurality of types of performances that can be realized by the performance equipment. , a performance discrimination procedure for determining the corresponding performance corresponding to the performance information, and a device control procedure for controlling the performance equipment to execute the corresponding performance. By executing these computer programs or control methods, the performance control system of the present invention can be realized.

(Reference example 1)
As described above, in the system of Patent Document 1, an event using characters displayed on a large display device is provided at an event venue. On the other hand, game events using games provided by game machines may be provided at event venues. Such game events often become more exciting when effects are performed at the event venue in accordance with the game play situation. For this reason, the performance equipment may be controlled manually so that the performance is realized in accordance with the game play situation. However, this is not only time-consuming, but also prone to mistakes. Therefore, there is a need for a system that automates similar control. Furthermore, there are cases where a plurality of game machines are used for a game event, and the performance at the event venue may need to reflect the play status of only some of those game machines. The system disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration not only the performance according to the playing situation of the game but also the determination of some game machines that should utilize the playing situation.

Therefore, the embodiments exemplified below are intended to provide an effect control system, etc. that can control the effect of an effect device according to the play status of a part of a plurality of games on a game machine. .

The production control system of this reference example is connected to production equipment (3) installed at an event venue (EF) via a network (NT), and controls the production equipment to realize production at the event venue. In the production control system (1), when a game event using a game provided by a plurality of game machines (4) is provided as an event at the event venue, the event venue is controlled in relation to the game event. Based on the target identification data (ED, SD, MD) described in such a manner that correspondence information corresponding to each event situation occurring in the game machine is associated with game machine identification information for identifying each game machine, the plurality of games a target specifying means (25) for specifying some of the game machines (4) related to each event situation; and a target specifying means (25) that is connected to the plurality of game machines via a network (NT) and serves as the basis of the production. data acquisition means (24) for acquiring performance data (SD) including performance information corresponding to each play situation that occurs in the game as information to be performed from some of the game machines; and a data acquisition means (24) for executing the performance according to the performance information. and equipment control means (24) for controlling the performance equipment so as to be performed.

According to this reference example, some of the game machines that are related to each event situation that may occur at the event venue are identified based on the target identification data, and the game play status is determined from some of the game machines. Performance data including performance information corresponding to is acquired. Then, the performance equipment is actually controlled so that the performance is realized according to the performance information. That is, some game machines related to each event situation are specified, and the play status of some of the game machines is reflected in the performance of the performance equipment via the performance information. Thereby, it is possible to control the performance of the performance device according to the game play situation on some of the plurality of game machines. In addition, in the case where two or more game machines are specified as some game machines, effects according to the playing conditions of those game machines may be realized as appropriate. For example, if one performance is prepared in advance as a performance corresponding to the play situation, that performance may be realized. Alternatively, if a plurality of performances compete with each other depending on the play situation, they may be adjusted as appropriate.

Various types of information may be described in the target identification data, and some game machines may be appropriately specified based on the information. For example, the target identification data describes information that associates each play situation that may occur in the game with some game machines related to that play situation, and based on that, some game machines can be identified according to the play situation. You can. Alternatively, the target identification data may include information that specifies the location of each game console, and based on that information, game consoles located within a predetermined range, such as the shooting range of a camera, may be identified as some game consoles. good. Further, for example, in one aspect of the effect control system of this reference example, the object identification data (ED) includes, when the effect is executed according to an event schedule for managing each schedule of the event, Information identifying each schedule may be described as the correspondence information, and the target specifying means may identify game machines related to each schedule of the event as some of the game machines based on the target identification data. .

The event schedule may include various schedules. For example, when a cooperative game is played, the start time of the play may be described as a schedule. Then, a plurality of game machines that cooperatively play the game may be specified as some of the game machines. Alternatively, in a mode in which each schedule of the event schedule is used as correspondence information, the event schedule may be used as each schedule when a competitive game in which two game machines compete against each other is provided as the game. The target specifying means may specify the two game machines as some of the game machines based on the match schedule.

The number of event venues may be arbitrary. For example, one or more performance devices may be provided at only one event venue, or multiple performance devices may be provided at multiple event venues. In the case where a plurality of production devices are provided at a plurality of event venues, one production device may be provided at each event venue, or a plurality of production devices may be provided at each event venue. As a result, the types of effects that can be produced may differ between event venues. In this case, a performance that can be realized in common at all event venues may be uniformly implemented as the corresponding performance, or a different performance may be implemented at each event venue. For example, in one aspect of the production control system of this reference example, if the target identification data includes a plurality of production devices that respectively realize the production, and a plurality of event venues where the plurality of production devices are installed. , venue identification information for identifying each of the plurality of event venues is further described so as to be associated with the corresponding information, and the target specifying means identifies event venues related to each event situation based on the venue identification information. may be further specified.

On the other hand, the computer program (PG1) of this reference example causes a computer (21) connected to the production equipment and the game machine via a network (NT) to function as each means of the production control system described above. It is composed of

In addition, the control method of this reference example is connected to a production device (3) installed at an event venue (EF) via a network (NT), and controls the production device so as to realize a production at the event venue. When a game event using a game provided by a plurality of game machines (4) is provided as an event at the event venue to a computer (21) incorporated in a production control system (1), Based on target identification data (ED, SD, MD) described in such a manner that corresponding information corresponding to each event situation occurring at the event venue is associated with game machine identification information for identifying each game machine. and a target identification procedure for identifying some of the game machines (4) related to each event situation among the plurality of game machines; A data acquisition procedure for acquiring performance data (SD) including performance information corresponding to each play situation that occurs in the game as basic information from some of the game machines, and executing the performance according to the performance information. and an equipment control procedure for controlling the performance equipment so as to be performed. By executing these computer programs or control methods, the performance control system of this reference example can be realized.

(Reference example 2)
As described above, in the system of Patent Document 1, an event using characters displayed on a large display device is provided at an event venue. On the other hand, game events using games provided by game machines may be provided at event venues. Such game events often become more exciting when effects are performed at the event venue in accordance with the game play situation. For this reason, the performance equipment may be controlled manually so that the performance is realized in accordance with the game play situation. However, this is not only time-consuming, but also prone to mistakes. Therefore, there is a need for a system that automates similar control.

On the other hand, it may be preferable to implement some effects manually. For example, various effects such as lighting may be automated at an awards ceremony when the event is held in the form of a tournament, but it is often more exciting if they are implemented flexibly depending on the mood of the event venue. Alternatively, various mini-lives may be held in addition to the game at game events, but it is highly likely that flexible performances are preferable for such mini-lives.

Therefore, the embodiments exemplified below are intended to provide an effect control system etc. that can switch the control of effect equipment between control based on effect control data and manual control according to the playing situation of the game. do.

The production control system of this reference example is connected to production equipment (3) installed in an event venue (EF) via a network (NT), and produces production control data (CD) for controlling the production equipment. A performance control system (1) that controls the performance equipment to realize a performance at the event venue based on the above, wherein a game event using a game provided by a game machine (4) is performed as an event at the event venue. a condition determining means (24) for determining whether or not a switching condition is satisfied based on each play situation that occurs in the game when the switching condition is provided; equipment control means (24) for controlling performance equipment; and when the switching condition is satisfied, manual control for controlling the performance equipment manually instead of automatic control as control for the performance equipment based on the performance control data. The apparatus further includes a control switching means (24) for switching control of the performance equipment from the automatic control to the manual control so that the control is executed until a restart condition is satisfied.

According to this reference example, automatic control of the performance equipment based on the performance control data is realized, while control of the performance equipment is switched from such automatic control to manual control when the switching condition is satisfied. The switching condition is a condition based on the play situation. Therefore, the play situation can be reflected in switching from automatic control to manual control via the switching conditions. Thereby, control of the performance equipment can be switched between automatic control (control based on performance control data) and manual control (manual control) depending on the game play situation.

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

Specifically, for example, as one aspect of the performance control system of this reference example, the system is connected to the game machine via a network (NT) and acquires play information according to each play situation of the game from the game machine. An aspect may be adopted in which the condition determining means determines whether or not the switching condition is satisfied based on the play information. Further, in this aspect, the switching condition is such that when the game event progresses according to each schedule included in the event schedule, and the event schedule includes a play situation schedule as a schedule according to each play situation, The condition determining means includes the play status schedule as a requirement, and the condition determining means is based on event data (ED) described in such a manner that each schedule of the event schedule is associated with progress information for specifying the currently ongoing schedule. It may be determined that the switching condition is satisfied when the next play situation schedule corresponds to a specific play situation schedule.

Resuming automatic control may be implemented as appropriate. Therefore, various conditions may be adopted as the restart conditions. For example, the restart condition may be satisfied when a restart instruction is issued by various users such as an event operator. Alternatively, for example, in the aspect of this reference example that uses event data, the restart condition may be satisfied when the next play situation schedule corresponds to a predetermined play situation schedule in which the automatic control should be resumed. . In this case, the play situation can be reflected in the resumption of automatic control.

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

In addition, the control method of this reference example uses a production control data (CD) that is connected to production equipment (3) installed in an event venue (EF) via a network (NT), and is used to control the production equipment. ) A game provided by a game machine (4) as an event at the event venue to a computer (21) incorporated in a performance control system (1) that controls the performance equipment to realize a performance at the event venue based on a condition determination procedure for determining whether a switching condition based on each play situation that occurs in the game is satisfied when a game event using a device control procedure for controlling the performance equipment based on the performance equipment; and a manual control procedure for controlling the performance equipment manually instead of automatic control as the control of the performance equipment based on the performance control data when the switching condition is satisfied. A control switching procedure for switching control of the production equipment from the automatic control to the manual control is executed so that the control is executed until a restart condition is satisfied. By executing these computer programs or control methods, the performance control system of this reference example can be realized.

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

Claims (6)

A performance control system that is connected to performance equipment installed at an event venue via a network and controls the performance equipment to realize a performance at the event venue,
When a game event using a game provided by a game machine is provided as an event at the event venue, each play that occurs in the game is connected to the game machine via a network and serves as the basis for the production. data acquisition means for acquiring performance data including performance information according to the situation from the game machine;
Based on performance control data described in such a manner that the performance information is associated with a corresponding performance as a performance to be executed in each play situation corresponding to the performance information among the plurality of types of performances that can be realized by the performance equipment. a performance determining means for determining the corresponding performance corresponding to the performance information;
equipment control means for controlling the performance equipment to execute the corresponding performance;
Equipped with
The production control data includes a plurality of production devices for realizing each of the corresponding productions, and, if there are a plurality of event venues where the plurality of production devices are installed, production equipment installed at each event venue. Venue identification information for identifying each event venue is further described so as to be associated with the corresponding production so that the corresponding production differs depending on the event venue,
The production determining means determines the corresponding production for each event venue based on the production control data,
The device control means is a production control system that controls each production device so that the corresponding production corresponding to each event venue is executed at each event venue . When the game machine includes a plurality of game machines, the data acquisition means acquires the performance data from two or more of the plurality of game machines,
When a plurality of corresponding performances respectively corresponding to the two or more game machines are determined as the corresponding performances corresponding to the performance information at one event venue, the performance determining means is configured to adjust the plurality of corresponding performances after adjusting the plurality of corresponding performances. Adjust to the performance,
The performance control system according to claim 1 , wherein the equipment control means controls performance equipment installed at the one event venue so that the adjusted performance is executed as the corresponding performance. The performance control according to claim 2 , wherein the performance determining means uses either a performance in which the plurality of corresponding performances are combined or a performance in which the plurality of corresponding performances are sequentially executed as the adjusted performance. system. 4. The performance control system according to claim 1 , wherein the data acquisition means acquires data in a script format as the performance data from the game machine. A computer program configured to cause a computer connected to the performance equipment and the game machine via a network to function as each means of the performance control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . A computer connected to production equipment installed at an event venue via a network and incorporated in a production control system that controls the production equipment so as to realize production at the event venue,
When a game event using a game provided by a game machine is provided as an event at the event venue, each play that occurs in the game is connected to the game machine via a network and serves as the basis for the production. a data acquisition procedure for acquiring performance data including performance information according to the situation from the game machine;
Based on performance control data described in such a manner that the performance information is associated with a corresponding performance as a performance to be executed in each play situation corresponding to the performance information among the plurality of types of performances that can be realized by the performance equipment. a performance determination procedure for determining the corresponding performance corresponding to the performance information;
a device control procedure for controlling the production device to execute the corresponding production;
run the
The production control data includes a plurality of production devices for realizing each of the corresponding productions, and, if there are a plurality of event venues where the plurality of production devices are installed, production equipment installed at each event venue. Venue identification information for identifying each event venue is further described so as to be associated with the corresponding production so that the corresponding production differs depending on the event venue,
The production determination procedure determines the corresponding production for each event venue based on the production control data,
The device control procedure is a control method for controlling each production device so that the corresponding production corresponding to each event venue is executed at each event venue .

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