JP7493748B2 - Information Management Device - Google Patents

Description

The technology disclosed in this specification relates to an information management device that manages information related to the operation of a gaming machine.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information management device that manages information related to the operation of a gaming machine. Based on content information related to the operation of the gaming machine output from the gaming machine, this information management device can tally up and output the number of outs, which indicates the number of gaming media inserted into the gaming machine, and the number of safes, which indicates the number of gaming media paid out from the gaming machine, by distinguishing between the gaming state of the gaming machine (specifically, normal state, special prize state, and time-saving state). In addition, this information management device can also tally up and output the number of outs while the gaming machine is in the normal state, by distinguishing between the number of loaned ball outs (the number of outs due to gaming media loaned from the ball loan machine) and the number of held ball outs (the number of outs due to gaming media paid out during the special prize state, etc.).

JP 2005-177393 A

The information management device of Patent Document 1 can only output information regarding the number of outs and the number of safes in each of the normal, special prize, and time-saving game states. On the other hand, even when gaming machines are operating in the normal, special prize, and time-saving game states, there is a possibility that the operation content will differ even in the same game state depending on the circumstances of the transition to that game state. Furthermore, in recent years, the operation content of gaming machines in each game state has been increasingly subdivided. Due to these circumstances, there is a demand for new technology that allows users (e.g., players, gaming facility managers, etc.) to understand the operation content of gaming machines in more detail.

This specification discloses technology that allows users to understand the operation of gaming machines in greater detail than ever before.

One information management device disclosed in this specification includes an information acquisition unit that acquires content information related to the operation of a gaming machine, and a generation unit that generates output data related to the operation of the gaming machine by aggregating the acquired content information by condition, the gaming machine being capable of operating in a plurality of types of gaming states including a normal state, a special prize state, and a time-saving state, the time-saving state including a first type of time-saving state and a second type of time-saving state different from the first type of time-saving state, and the output data includes at least operation data during time-saving for each of the first type of time-saving state and the second type of time-saving state, the operation data indicating the operation while the gaming machine is operating in the corresponding type of time-saving state.

The above-mentioned "information management device" includes any device for managing information related to the operation of the gaming machine. For example, the "information management device" may include various amusement facility equipment such as each machine display device (machine lamp, call device, call push button, etc.) provided for each gaming machine, ball lending machine provided for each gaming machine, information collection device provided for each gaming machine or for each island (sand, machine unit, island unit, etc.), card unit for issuing prepaid cards, etc., counting machine, kiosk terminal provided in the gaming facility, management device for managing the gaming facility (hall computer, member server, etc.), various effects and display devices, etc. The above-mentioned "gaming machine" is mainly a pachinko machine, but may include any gaming machine such as a slot machine. The above-mentioned "normal state" includes any gaming state that is not advantageous to the player. The "normal state" also includes a standby state in which the game is not progressing. The "special prize state" is a so-called jackpot state, which is an advantageous state for the player. During the special prize state, a relatively large number of game media (for example, pachinko balls when the game machine is a pachinko machine) can be paid out from the gaming machine. The "probability change state" is a game state that is generally transitioned to after the special prize state ends, and is a state in which the probability of transitioning to the special prize state is higher than in the normal state, making it advantageous for the player. The "time-saving state" is a state in which the probability of transitioning to the special prize state is the same as in the normal state, but the pattern change time is shortened, making it advantageous for the player in that the decrease in the game media in hand is suppressed. In addition, the above-mentioned "multiple types of time-saving states" include various time-saving states, such as a time-saving state after a special prize state (a so-called time-saving state after a big win, a time-saving state after a special prize), a time-saving state after a probability change state (a so-called time-saving state after a probability change), a time-saving state that occurs with a predetermined probability during a normal state (a so-called sudden time-saving state (a sudden time-saving state)), and a time-saving state that occurs when a predetermined number of pattern changes are performed without the next special prize state occurring after the special prize state (a so-called ceiling time-saving state). Each time-saving state ends when a predetermined number of symbol changes are performed without transitioning to the special prize state, or when a transition occurs while the game machine is operating in the special prize state. The "time-saving operation data" may include, at least for the first type of time-saving state and the second type of time-saving state, either information indicating the operation content for the entire period while the game machine is operating in the time-saving state of that type, or information indicating a part of the operation content while the game machine is operating in the time-saving state of that type.

The time-saving state, which is one of the game states of the gaming machine, may include multiple different types of time-saving states. According to the above configuration, the information management device generates output data including time-saving operation data indicating the operation content while the gaming machine operates in at least the first type of time-saving state and the second type of time-saving state, respectively. By outputting (e.g., displaying on a display unit, etc.) the output data including the time-saving operation data, users such as players and managers of gaming establishments can grasp the operation content of the gaming machine for each type of time-saving state, at least for the first type of time-saving state and the second type of time-saving state, respectively. Therefore, users can grasp the operation content of the gaming machine in more detail than before.

The generation unit may further specify a previous state, which is the gaming state immediately before the gaming machine transitions to the special prize state, when the gaming machine transitions to the special prize state. The output data may further include pre-special prize gaming state data for each previous state indicating at least one of the number of times the gaming machine transitioned from the previous state to the special prize state and the ratio of the number of times the gaming machine transitioned from the previous state to the special prize state to the total number of times the gaming machine transitioned to the special prize state.

According to this configuration, the information management device generates output data including pre-prize game state data indicating, for each immediately preceding state, at least one of the number of times the gaming machine has transitioned from the immediately preceding state to the special prize state and the ratio of the number of times the gaming machine has transitioned from the immediately preceding state to the special prize state to the total number of times the gaming machine has transitioned to the special prize state. By outputting the output data including the pre-prize game state data, the user can know from which game state the transition to the special prize state has occurred and the number and/or ratio of such transitions.

The pre-special prize game state data may further include, when the immediately preceding state is the time-saving state, data by type of time-saving state indicating, for each of the first type of time-saving state and the second type of time-saving state, at least one of the number of times the gaming machine has transitioned from the time-saving state of that type to the special prize state and the ratio of the number of times the gaming machine has transitioned from the time-saving state of that type to the special prize state to the total number of times the gaming machine has transitioned to the special prize state.

According to this configuration, the information management device generates output data including time-saving type-specific data indicating at least one of the number of times the gaming machine has transitioned from the first type of time-saving state to the special prize state and the ratio of the number of times the gaming machine has transitioned from the time-saving state to the special prize state to the total number of times the gaming machine has transitioned to the special prize state. By outputting the output data including the time-saving type-specific data, the user can at least grasp which type of time-saving state, the first type or the second type of time-saving state, the gaming machine has transitioned to the special prize state from, and the number of times and/or the ratio.

The generation unit may further specify an immediate-after state, which is the gaming state to which the gaming machine transitions immediately after the special prize state when the gaming machine transitions from the special prize state to another gaming state. The output data may further include post-special prize gaming state data for each immediate-after state indicating at least one of the number of times the gaming machine transitioned from the special prize state to the immediate-after state and the proportion of transitions from the special prize state to the immediate-after state relative to the total number of times the gaming machine transitioned to the special prize state.

According to this configuration, the information management device generates output data including post-prize game state data indicating, for each immediate-after state, at least one of the number of times the gaming machine transitioned from the special prize state to that immediate-after state and the percentage of transitions from the special prize state to that immediate-after state relative to the total number of times the gaming machine transitioned to the special prize state. By outputting the output data including the post-prize game state data, the user can know which game state has transitioned from the special prize state and the number and/or percentage of transitions.

The multiple types of game states may further include a probability-changing state. The output data may further include state-specific special prize probability data including a probability of transition to the special prize state while the gaming machine is operating in the probability-changing state, and a probability of transition to the special prize state while the gaming machine is operating in one or both of the normal state and the time-saving state.

According to this configuration, the information management device generates output data including state-specific special prize probability data, which includes the probability of transitioning from the probability-varying state to the special prize state, and the probability of transitioning from the normal state and/or the time-saving state to the special prize state. By outputting output data including state-specific special prize probability data, the user can grasp the probability (i.e., the expectation) of transitioning from each state to the special prize state on the gaming machine.

The multiple types of game states may further include a probability-changing state. The output data may further include state-specific special prize transition rate data including at least one of the ratio of the number of times the gaming machine transitioned from the probability-changing state to the special prize state relative to the number of times the gaming machine transitioned to the probability-changing state, and the ratio of the number of times the gaming machine transitioned from the time-saving state to the special prize state relative to the number of times the gaming machine transitioned to the time-saving state.

According to this configuration, the information management device generates output data including state-specific special prize transition rate data including at least one of the following: the ratio of the number of times a probability variable state transitioned to the special prize state to the number of times a probability variable state transitioned to the special prize state, and the ratio of the number of times a time-saving state transitioned to the special prize state to the number of times a time-saving state transitioned to the special prize state. By outputting output data including state-specific special prize transition rate data, the user can grasp at least one of the rate of transition from the probability variable state to the special prize state (i.e., the expectation level) and the rate of transition from the time-saving state to the special prize state (i.e., the expectation level) on the gaming machine.

The information management device may further include a display unit and a display control unit that causes the display unit to display information related to the operation of the gaming machine based on the generated output data. The first type of time-saving state may be a ceiling time-saving state that is a time-saving state to which the gaming machine is transitioned when a specific number of pattern variations are executed without transitioning to the next special prize state after the previous special prize state ends. The generation unit may further determine whether or not the gaming machine is in at least one of the normal state before transitioning to the ceiling time-saving state, the ceiling time-saving state, and the normal state after the ceiling time-saving state ends, when the current gaming state of the gaming machine is other than the special prize state. The output data may further include information related to at least the state determined by the generating unit among pre-ceiling time-shortening information indicating that the current gaming state of the gaming machine is the normal state before transitioning to the ceiling time-shortening state, ceiling time-shortening information indicating that the current gaming state of the gaming machine is the ceiling time-shortening state, and post-ceiling time-shortening information indicating that the current gaming state of the gaming machine is the normal state after the ceiling time-shortening state ends, based on the result of the determination when the current gaming state of the gaming machine is other than the special prize state. The display control unit may display at least one of the pre-ceiling time-shortening information, the ceiling time-shortening information, and the post-ceiling time-shortening information on the display unit based on the output data when the current gaming state of the gaming machine is neither the special prize state nor the probability variable state.

The above "display unit" may include a display unit of each machine display device, a display unit of a ball dispensing machine provided for each gaming machine, a display unit of an information collection device (sand, machine unit, island unit, etc.) provided for each gaming machine or for each island, a display unit of a kiosk terminal installed inside the gaming facility, a display unit of a management device, etc., and may include a display unit of any gaming facility equipment that is located in a position visible to the user.

According to this configuration, when the current gaming state of the gaming machine is other than the special prize state, the information management device can display at least one of information before the ceiling time reduction, information during the ceiling time reduction, and information after the ceiling time reduction on the display unit associated with the gaming machine according to the current state of the gaming machine. Then, the user can understand the current state of the gaming machine by looking at the display unit.

The pre-ceiling time-saving information may further include first number information indicating the remaining number of pattern changes before the gaming machine transitions to the ceiling time-saving state.

With this configuration, by looking at the display section showing the pre-ceiling time-saving information, the user can see that the current gaming state of the gaming machine is the normal state before transitioning to the ceiling time-saving state, and can also see the number of remaining pattern changes before transitioning to the ceiling time-saving state. Users (particularly players) can more clearly grasp the progress of the current game on the gaming machine, and can predict the future operation of the gaming machine.

The ceiling time-saving information may further include second number information indicating the number of remaining pattern changes until the gaming machine transitions to the normal state after the ceiling time-saving state ends.

With this configuration, by looking at the display section showing the ceiling time-saving information, the user can ascertain that the current gaming state of the gaming machine is in the ceiling time-saving state, as well as the number of remaining pattern changes until the ceiling time-saving state ends. Users (particularly players) can more clearly grasp the progress of the current game on the gaming machine, and can predict the future operation of the gaming machine.

The output data may further include, when the current gaming state of the gaming machine is other than the special prize state, first type of change count information indicating the number of times that a pattern change was performed without transitioning to the next special prize state after the previous special prize state ended, first threshold information indicating the number of pattern changes required to transition to the ceiling time-saving state after the previous special prize state ended, and second threshold information indicating the number of pattern changes required to end the ceiling time-saving state after the previous special prize state ended. When the current gaming state of the gaming machine is neither the special prize state nor the probability change state, the display control unit may further display the first type of change count information, the first threshold information, and the second threshold information on the display unit based on the output data.

With this configuration, by looking at the display unit, the user can ascertain whether the current gaming state of the gaming machine is the normal state before transitioning to the ceiling time-saving state, the ceiling time-saving state, or the normal state after the ceiling time-saving state ends, as well as the start and end conditions of the ceiling time-saving state on the gaming machine. Users (particularly players) can more clearly grasp the progress of the current game on the gaming machine, and can more clearly predict the future operation of the gaming machine.

The output data may further include, for each of the one or more special prize states that have occurred before the last time, second type of number of pattern changes information indicating the number of pattern changes performed after the end of the previous special prize state until the special prize state is transitioned to the special prize state, third threshold information indicating the number of pattern changes required to transition to the ceiling time-saving state after the end of the previous special prize state for each of the one or more special prize states that have occurred before the last time, and fourth threshold information indicating the number of pattern changes required to end the ceiling time-saving state after the end of the previous special prize state for each of the one or more special prize states that have occurred before the last time. When the current gaming state of the gaming machine is other than the special prize state, the display control unit may further display, on the display unit, the second type of number of pattern changes information, the third threshold information, and the fourth threshold information for each of the one or more special prize states that have occurred before the last time, based on the output data.

With this configuration, by looking at the display, the user can grasp the current state of the gaming machine, and can also grasp the number of pattern changes that were performed after the end of the previous special prize state until the transition to that special prize state, for each of the one or more special prize states that occurred before the previous time, by looking at the display. In other words, the user (particularly the player) can grasp both the current gaming state of the gaming machine and the progress of past games. This allows the user to predict the future operation of the gaming machine.

The number of times the pattern change is performed, indicated by the first type of change count information, may include the number of times the pattern change is performed for each operating day of the gaming machine, including the current day and the day before. When the display control unit causes the display unit to display the first type of change count information, the display control unit may cause the display unit to display the number of times the pattern change is performed for each operating day in an identifiable manner.

With this configuration, by looking at the display, the user can understand which range of the number of times that pattern changes were performed after the previous special prize state ended without transitioning to the next special prize state represents the number of pattern changes performed on the current day, and which range represents the number of pattern changes performed on the previous or previous operating days.

The number of times the pattern change is performed, which is indicated by the first type of change count information, may be the number of times the pattern change is performed on the gaming machine on that day.

In gaming establishments, the operating state of gaming machines may be initialized (so-called RAM clear processing is performed) after the business hours of the day are closed. With the above configuration, the user can see by looking at the display unit that the number of pattern changes that have been performed at the present time is the number of pattern changes that have been performed on the gaming machine on that day, and that they are not continuous with the games performed on the previous day or earlier.

The manager of the gaming establishment, etc., can select and set whether the number of times pattern changes are indicated by the first type of change count information to be the number of times pattern changes are performed on each operating day of the gaming machine, including the current day and the day before (i.e., the number of pattern changes for the current day is displayed continuing from the number of pattern changes from the day before) or whether the number of pattern changes are indicated by the first type of change count information to be the number of pattern changes performed on the gaming machine on the current day (i.e., the number of pattern changes for the current day is displayed separately without continuing from the number of pattern changes from the day before).

The device may further include a notification control unit that executes a predetermined notification operation if, at the end of the day's operation, the number of times that a pattern change has been performed without transitioning to the next special prize state after the previous special prize state has ended is within a specific range.

According to this configuration, the information management device can cause the notification control unit to execute a predetermined notification operation when the number of times that the pattern change was executed without transitioning to the next special prize state after the previous special prize state ended is within a specific range at the end of the day's operation. By performing the notification operation, the manager of the gaming establishment, etc. can know that the number of times that the pattern change was executed without transitioning to the next special prize state after the previous special prize state ended in the gaming machine is within a specific range at the end of the day's operation. For example, the manager of the gaming establishment, etc. can set the specific range to the range of the number of pattern changes after the end of the ceiling time-saving state. In that case, by performing the notification operation, it can be known that the gaming state of the gaming machine is the normal state after the end of the ceiling time-saving state at the end of the day's operation. In that case, for example, the manager, etc. can perform necessary processing such as initializing the operating state of the gaming machine on which the notification operation was executed (i.e., the gaming machine in the normal state after the end of the ceiling time-saving state) (performing the so-called RAM clear processing) according to the policy of the gaming establishment. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the management burden of the gaming machine on the manager, etc. can be reduced.

Another information management device disclosed in this specification includes an information acquisition unit that acquires content information related to the operation of the gaming machine, a generation unit that generates output data related to the operation of the gaming machine by aggregating the acquired content information by condition, a display unit associated with the gaming machine, and a display control unit that causes the display unit to display information related to the operation of the gaming machine based on the generated output data, and the gaming machine is capable of operating in a plurality of types of gaming states including a normal state, a special prize state, and a time-saving state, and the time-saving state includes a ceiling time-saving state, which is a time-saving state to which a specific number of pattern variations are executed without transitioning to the next special prize state after the previous special prize state has ended, and the generation unit further generates information related to the normal state before transitioning to the ceiling time-saving state, the ceiling time-saving state, and the time-saving state to which a specific number of pattern variations are executed after the previous special prize state has ended without transitioning to the next special prize state when the current gaming state of the gaming machine is other than the special prize state, and generates information related to the normal state before transitioning to the ceiling time-saving state, the ceiling time-saving state, and the time-saving state to which a specific number of pattern variations are executed after the previous special prize state has ended, .... and the normal state after the ceiling time-shortening state, and the output data includes information related to at least the state determined by the generating unit among pre-ceiling time-shortening information indicating that the current gaming state of the gaming machine is the normal state before transitioning to the ceiling time-shortening state, during-ceiling time-shortening information indicating that the current gaming state of the gaming machine is in the ceiling time-shortening state, and after-ceiling time-shortening information indicating that the current gaming state of the gaming machine is the normal state after the ceiling time-shortening state ends, based on the result of the determination when the current gaming state of the gaming machine is other than the special prize state, and the display control unit causes the display unit to display at least one of the pre-ceiling time-shortening information, the during-ceiling time-shortening information, and the after-ceiling time-shortening information based on the output data when the current gaming state of the gaming machine is neither the special prize state nor the probability fluctuating state.

According to this configuration, when the current gaming state of the gaming machine is other than the special prize state, the information management device can display on the display unit associated with the gaming machine any one of pre-ceiling time-saving information, ceiling time-saving information, and post-ceiling time-saving information, depending on the current gaming state. Then, by looking at the display unit, the user can grasp the current progress of the game on the gaming machine. Therefore, the user can grasp the operation contents of the gaming machine in more detail than ever before.

Another information management device disclosed in this specification includes an information acquisition unit that acquires content information related to the operation of a gaming machine output from the gaming machine, the gaming machine being capable of operating in a plurality of types of gaming states including a normal state, a special prize state, and a time-saving state, and a generation unit that generates output data related to the operation of the gaming machine by aggregating the acquired content information by condition, the generation unit identifying a previous state that is the gaming state immediately before the gaming machine transitions to the special prize state when the gaming machine transitions to the special prize state, the output data including pre-special prize gaming state data indicating at least one of the number of times the gaming machine transitioned from the previous state to the special prize state and the ratio of the number of times the gaming machine transitioned from the previous state to the total number of times the gaming machine transitioned to the special prize state.

According to this configuration, the information management device generates output data including pre-special prize game state data indicating, for each immediately preceding state, at least one of the number of times the gaming machine has transitioned from that immediately preceding state to the special prize state and the ratio of the number of times the gaming machine has transitioned from that immediately preceding state to the special prize state to the total number of times the gaming machine has transitioned to the special prize state. By outputting the output data including the pre-special prize game state data, the user can know from which game state the game machine has transitioned to the special prize state and the number and/or ratio of such transitions. Therefore, the user can understand the operation of the gaming machine in more detail than ever before.

The control method, computer program, and computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program for implementing the above-mentioned information management device are also novel and useful.

2 shows an overview of a management system 2. A block diagram of a relay device 20 is shown. A block diagram of each display device 40 is shown. A block diagram of a kiosk terminal 60 is shown. A block diagram of a management device 80 is shown. A display example (display example 1) of special prize data by previous state is shown. An example of display of special prize data by most recent time-saving status (Display Example 2) is shown. A display example (display example 3) of special prize data based on the previous normal state is shown. 13 shows a display example (display example 4) of immediate-after state data. 13 shows an example of displaying game data by time-saving status (Display Example 5). 13 shows an example of displaying special prize probability data by game state (Display Example 6). 13 shows an example of display of special prize transition rate data by game state (Display Example 7). 13 shows an example of displaying game progress data (Display Example 8). 13 shows modified example 1 (display example 9) of the display example of game progress data. 13 shows modified example 2 (display example 10) of the display example of game progress data. 13 shows modified example 3 (display example 11) of the display example of game progress data. 13 shows a fourth modified example (display example 12) of the display example of game progress data. 13 shows modified example 5 (display example 13) of the display example of game progress data. 13 shows a sixth modified example (display example 14) of the display example of game progress data. 13 shows a display example (display example 15) of a notification of a device to be initialized.

(First embodiment)
(System overview: Figures 1 to 5)
The management system 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for managing the operating status of each gaming machine in a gaming parlor such as a pachinko parlor. As shown in FIG. 1, the management system 2 of this embodiment includes a management device 80, a kiosk terminal 60, an island unit ("SU" in FIG. 1) 8, a machine unit ("DU" in FIG. 1) 6, a number of gaming machines 10 installed in the gaming parlor, a relay device 20 installed corresponding to each gaming machine 10, and an individual machine display device 40 installed corresponding to each gaming machine 10. In this embodiment, the management device 80, the kiosk terminal 60, the island unit 8, the machine unit 6, the gaming machine 10, the relay device 20, and the individual machine display device 40 are all installed in the gaming parlor. Of these, the kiosk terminal 60, the gaming machine 10, the relay device 20, and the individual machine display device 40 are arranged in positions that are visible to players.

The management device 80, kiosk terminal 60, the island units 8, and the display units 40 in the game store are each connected to LAN 4. The management device 80, kiosk terminal 60, the island units 8, and the display units 40 can communicate with each other via LAN 4. Each of the island units 8 is connected to a corresponding unit 6 so that they can communicate with each other. The island units 8 in the game store are also connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. Each of the unit units 6 is connected to a corresponding relay device 20 so that they can communicate with each other. The unit units 6 in the game store are also connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. Each of the unit displays 40 is also connected to a corresponding relay device 20 so that they can communicate with each other. Each of the relay devices 20 is also connected to a corresponding gaming machine 10 so that they can communicate with each other.

Next, we will explain the specific configuration of each device that makes up the management system 2 of this embodiment.

(Configuration of Gaming Machine 10)
In this embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is a pachinko machine using pachinko balls as a gaming medium. In a modified example, the gaming machine 10 may be a slot machine using medals as a gaming medium. As described above, each gaming machine 10 is communicably connected to the corresponding relay device 20. Each gaming machine 10 is assigned a machine number (e.g., "001", "101", etc. in FIG. 1) assigned to the gaming machine 10 in the gaming establishment. In another example, each gaming machine 10 may be assigned a unique gaming machine ID (identification information).

In this embodiment, each gaming machine 10 has the same configuration. The gaming machine 10 has various components necessary for playing the game, a control unit, and a memory (not shown). The control unit executes various processes according to the programs stored in the memory. The memory stores various programs.

The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment can operate in multiple types of game states, including a normal state, a special prize state, a probability change state, and a time-saving state. The normal state is a state that is not advantageous to the player (for example, no special prize, probability change, or time-saving state has occurred). The normal state also includes a standby state in which the game is not progressing. The special prize state is a so-called jackpot state, and is an advantageous state for the player. During the special prize state, a relatively large number of game media (pachinko balls in this embodiment) can be paid out from the gaming machine 10. The probability change state is a game state that is generally transitioned to after the end of the special prize state, and has a higher probability of transitioning to the special prize state than the normal state, making it an advantageous state for the player. The time-saving state has the same probability of transitioning to the special prize state as the normal state, but is an advantageous state in that the pattern change time in the gaming machine 10 is shortened and the reduction in game media held by the player is suppressed.

The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is also characterized in that the time-saving state includes a plurality of different types of time-saving states. In this embodiment, the time-saving state includes various time-saving states such as a time-saving state after a special prize state (a so-called time-saving state after a big win, a time-saving state after a special prize), a time-saving state after a probability fluctuation state (a so-called time-saving state after a probability fluctuation), a time-saving state that occurs with a predetermined probability during a normal state (a so-called sudden time-saving state (a sudden time-saving state)), and a time-saving state that occurs when a predetermined number of times (e.g., 800 times) of pattern fluctuations are performed without the next special prize state occurring after the end of the special prize state (a so-called ceiling time-saving state). Any of the time-saving states ends when a predetermined number of times (e.g., 100 times, 600 times, etc.) of pattern fluctuations are performed without transitioning to the special prize state. In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when the time-saving state ends without transitioning to the special prize state, the gaming state of the gaming machine 10 transitions to the normal state. In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, if the ceiling time-saving state ends without transitioning to the special prize state, the state transitions to the normal state. However, even if the number of pattern changes exceeds a predetermined number in the normal state after the ceiling time-saving state ends, the normal state continues without transitioning to the ceiling time-saving state again unless the state transitions to the special prize state again. In this embodiment, the threshold number of pattern changes (e.g., 800 times) until the ceiling time-saving state is transitioned to after the previous special prize state ends, and the threshold number of pattern changes (e.g., 600 times) until the ceiling time-saving state is transitioned to the normal state (i.e., until the ceiling time-saving state ends) are previously determined by instructions from the management device 80 (or by operation by a staff member at the gaming facility).

The control unit of the gaming machine 10 supplies various signals indicating the operation of the machine (out signal, safe signal, special prize signal, pattern change signal, probability change signal, time-saving signal, door open/close signal, etc.) to the relay device 20 or the machine unit 6 to which the gaming machine 10 is connected. The various signals supplied by the gaming machine 10 to the relay device 20 may be output as individual signals or as a combination of multiple signals. For example, when the gaming machine 10 outputs a time-saving signal, it may output a single time-saving signal, or the time-saving signal may be configured by switching the on/off state of two types of signals at a specific timing.

The out signal is a signal indicating that a gaming medium has been inserted into the gaming machine 10. The safe signal is a signal indicating that a gaming medium has been paid out from the gaming machine 10. The special prize signal is a signal indicating that the gaming machine 10 has transitioned to a special prize state or that the special prize state of the gaming machine 10 has ended. The pattern change signal is a signal indicating that a pattern change has occurred in the gaming machine 10. The probability change signal is a signal indicating that the gaming machine 10 has transitioned to a probability change state or that the probability change state of the gaming machine 10 has ended. The time-saving signal is a signal indicating that the gaming machine 10 has transitioned to a time-saving state or that the time-saving state of the gaming machine 10 has ended. The door opening/closing signal is a signal indicating that the front door of the gaming machine 10 has been opened or closed.

In this embodiment, the gaming machine 10 outputs a common time-saving signal regardless of which of the above-mentioned multiple types of time-saving states (time-saving state after special prize, time-saving state after probability change, sudden time-saving state, ceiling time-saving state, etc.) the gaming machine 10 is in. The device that acquires the signal (e.g., each machine display device 40, relay device 20, machine unit 6, island unit 8, kiosk terminal 60, management device 80, etc.) determines which of the multiple types of time-saving states the gaming machine 10 is in by referring to the game content before and after. For example, if a time-saving signal is output after the end of the special prize state, the device that acquires the signal determines that the state is a time-saving state after special prize. If a time-saving signal is output after the end of the probability change state, the device that acquires the signal determines that the state is a time-saving state after probability change. If a time-saving signal is output after a predetermined number of pattern changes have been performed after the end of the previous special prize state, the device that acquires the signal determines that the state is a ceiling time-saving state. If the time-saving signal is output when none of the above is true, the device receiving the signal will determine that it is in a sudden time-saving state.

(Configuration of relay device 20)
The relay device 20 is a device that is configured by a collection of one or more devices including a sandwich. Here, the sandwich is installed between the corresponding gaming machine 10 and the adjacent gaming machine 10 (on the side), and is a device for performing various processes related to cards such as membership cards and visitor cards in addition to lending game media. The relay device 20 may include a relay device that relays communication between the gaming machine 10 and each machine display device 40 in addition to the sandwich. As described above, the relay device 20 is installed at a position that relays the gaming machine 10 and each machine display device 40, and at a position that relays the gaming machine 10 and the machine unit 6, and is connected to the gaming machine 10, each machine display device 40, and the machine unit 6 so as to be able to communicate with them. Each relay device 20 is also assigned the same machine number (for example, "001", "101", etc.) as the machine number of the corresponding gaming machine 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the relay device 20 includes a ball lending unit 22, a touch panel 24, a card processing unit 26, a bill processing unit 28, an alarm lamp 30, a communication interface 32, a control unit 34, and a memory 36. In the following, the interface is referred to as "I/F." All of these elements 22 to 36 are mounted on a sandwich included in the relay device 20.

The ball lending unit 22 lends pachinko balls, which are the gaming medium, to users (mainly players) according to their operations. The touch panel 24 functions both as a display unit (display) for displaying various information, and as an operation unit that allows the user to input various instructions to the relay device 20 by touching the display. In a modified example, instead of the touch panel 24, the display unit and operation unit may be provided separately.

The card processing unit 26 executes various processes related to visitor cards, such as discharging, reading, and collecting visitor cards, and various processes related to member cards, such as issuing, discharging, reading, and collecting member cards. The visitor card is an information recording card that is stored in advance in the sand. A visitor card ID is recorded on the visitor card to identify the card. The member card is a card that is issued when a user operates the touch panel 24 to carry out a specified member registration process. A member ID is recorded on the member card, which is identification information to identify the user who is a member. In addition, when the card is discharged, information indicating the balls held (the gaming media remaining at the end of the game) and the remaining balance (the amount of inserted cash that was not used to lend out gaming media) is also recorded on both the visitor card and the member card.

The bill processing unit 28 accepts bills inserted by the user and performs various processes. The notification lamp 30 is an LED lamp that emits light in a manner that corresponds to the rental price set in the sand. The communication I/F 32 is an I/F for communicating with the corresponding gaming machine 10, each machine display device 40, and machine unit 6.

The control unit 34 executes various processes according to the programs stored in the memory 36. The memory 36 is composed of ROM, RAM, etc., and stores various programs. The memory 36 also has a storage area for storing information (e.g., output data, etc.) obtained by the control unit 34 executing various processes.

(Configuration of each display device 40)
Each machine display device 40 is a device provided above the corresponding gaming machine 10. Each machine display device 40 functions as a device for displaying various information related to the operation of the corresponding gaming machine 10, etc., and for calling a staff member of the gaming establishment as necessary. Each machine display device 40 may also be called a "call lamp." As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, each machine display device 40 includes a display unit 42, an operation unit 44, a communication I/F 45, a control unit 46, and a memory 48. Although not shown in this embodiment, each machine display device 40 further includes a speaker and a light-emitting unit for calling operations.

The display unit 42 is a display for displaying various information. The operation unit 44 has a plurality of buttons including a display switching button, a normal call button, a service call button, etc. A user can input various instructions to each machine display device 40 by operating the buttons. The display switching button is a button operated to switch the content of information to be displayed on the display unit 42. The normal call button is a button operated by a player playing on the gaming machine 10 to call an attendant of the gaming establishment for a cause related to the game (e.g., a ball is out or a problem with the gaming machine 10, etc.). The service call button is a button operated by a player playing on the gaming machine 10 to call an attendant of the gaming establishment for a service unrelated to the game (e.g., a drink, a wet towel, etc.). In a modified example, each machine display device 40 may have a touch panel that functions as a display unit and an operation unit instead of the display unit 42 and the operation unit 44.

The communication I/F 45 is an I/F for communicating with the corresponding relay device 20. The communication I/F 45 is also connected to the LAN 4. The control unit 46 can communicate with the management device 80, the kiosk terminal 60, etc. via the communication I/F 45 and the LAN 4.

The control unit 46 executes various processes according to the programs stored in the memory 48. The memory 48 is composed of ROM, RAM, etc., and stores various programs. The memory 48 also has a storage area for storing information (e.g., output data, etc.) obtained by the control unit 46 executing various processes.

(Configuration of Stand Unit 6)
The machine unit 6 is an information processing device provided for each of a plurality of gaming machines 10 (e.g., four). The machine unit 6 includes a control unit and a memory (not shown). The control unit executes various processes according to programs stored in the memory. The memory stores various programs. As described above, the machine unit 6 is communicatively connected to the relay device 20 corresponding to each of the corresponding plurality of gaming machines 10 and the corresponding island unit 8. Note that FIG. 1 illustrates only one of the multiple gaming machines 10 corresponding to one machine unit 6.

(Configuration of island unit 8)
The island unit 8 is an information processing device provided for each island on which a corresponding gaming machine 10 is located. The island unit 8 is equipped with a control unit and a memory (not shown). The control unit executes various processes according to programs stored in the memory. The memory stores various programs. As described above, the island unit 8 is connected to the corresponding machine unit 6 so as to be able to communicate with it. Furthermore, the island unit 8 can communicate with the management device 80, the kiosk terminal 60, etc. via the LAN 6.

(Configuration of Kiosk Terminal 60)
The kiosk terminal 60 is a device installed in a gaming establishment. The kiosk terminal 60 functions as a device for displaying various information related to the operating status of the gaming machines 10 in the gaming establishment and various information related to the gaming establishment in accordance with the operation of a user (mainly a player). As shown in FIG. 4, the kiosk terminal 60 includes a display unit 62, an operation unit 64, a communication I/F 65, a control unit 66, and a memory 68.

The display unit 62 is a display for displaying various information. The operation unit 64 has a number of buttons. The user can input various instructions to the kiosk terminal 60 by operating the buttons. In a modified example, the kiosk terminal 60 may have a touch panel that functions as a display unit and an operation unit, instead of the display unit 62 and the operation unit 64.

The communication I/F 65 is connected to the LAN 4. The control unit 66 can communicate with the management device 80, each island unit 8, etc. via the communication I/F 65 and the LAN 4.

The control unit 66 executes various processes according to the programs stored in the memory 68. The memory 68 is composed of ROM, RAM, etc., and stores various programs. The memory 68 also has a storage area for storing information (e.g., output data, etc.) obtained by the control unit 66 executing various processes.

(Configuration of management device 80)
The management device 80 is a management server installed by the gaming establishment. The management device 80 functions as a server that manages various information within the gaming establishment. Therefore, the management device 80 is installed in an area that cannot be seen by players, and is mainly operated by the manager of the gaming establishment. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the management device 80 is configured by being divided into each device of a hall computer, a member server, a ball storage server, and a ball holding server. The hall computer, the member server, the ball storage server, and the ball holding server can communicate with each other. In the following, the configuration and operation of the management device 80 will be described assuming the entire management device 80 that is configured by the hall computer, the member server, the ball storage server, and the ball holding server.

As shown in FIG. 5, the management device 80 includes a display unit 82, an operation unit 84, a communication I/F 85, a control unit 86, and a memory 88. The display unit 82 is a display for displaying various information. The operation unit 84 includes a mouse and a keyboard. A user (mainly an amusement facility manager, etc.) can input various instructions to the management device 80 by operating the operation unit 84. The communication I/F 85 is connected to the LAN 4. The control unit 86 can communicate with the island unit 8, each machine display device 40, and the kiosk terminal 60, etc., via the communication I/F 85 and the LAN 4.

The control unit 86 executes various processes according to the programs stored in the memory 88. The memory 88 is composed of ROM, RAM, etc., and stores various programs. The memory 88 also has a storage area for storing information (e.g., output data, etc.) obtained by the control unit 86 executing various processes. Furthermore, the memory 88 also has a storage area (which may be called a database area) for storing various signals and information output by each gaming machine 10 and relay device 20 in the gaming establishment by machine number.

(Information transmission paths between devices and the process of generating output data)
Next, we will explain the information transmission paths between each device in the management system 2, and the process by which output data is generated in each device equipped with an information display function (specifically, the relay device 20, each machine display device 40, kiosk terminal 60, and management device 80) for displaying various information related to the gaming machines 10, etc. on the display unit 42, etc.

The control unit of the gaming machine 10 generates various signals indicating the operation of the gaming machine 10 (out signal, safe signal, special prize signal, pattern change signal, probability change signal, time-saving signal, door opening/closing signal, etc.) in response to changes in the operation of the gaming machine 10 (e.g., game progress, door opening/closing signal, etc.) and supplies them to the relay device 20 to which the gaming machine is connected. Hereinafter, the various signals indicating the operation of the gaming machine 10 (out signal, safe signal, special prize signal, pattern change signal, probability change signal, time-saving signal, door opening/closing signal, etc.) may be collectively referred to as "content information".

The control unit 34 of the relay device 20 (see FIG. 2) acquires the above content information (out signal, safe signal, special prize signal, pattern change signal, probability change signal, time-saving signal, door open/close signal, etc.) from the gaming machine 10. On the other hand, when a player operates the relay device 20 (specifically, the sandwich) (for example, a deposit operation, a ball lending operation, a card insertion operation, etc.), the control unit 34 generates various signals corresponding to the operation (specifically, a deposit signal, a ball lending signal, etc.) and/or various card information (visitor card ID, member card ID, etc.). Hereinafter, the various signals corresponding to the operation on the relay device 20 (specifically, a deposit signal, a ball lending signal, etc.) and/or various card information (visitor card ID, member card ID, etc.) may be collectively referred to as "operation information".

The control unit 34 supplies content information acquired from the gaming machine 10 and operation information generated by the game machine 10 to each machine display device 40 to which the game machine 10 is connected at a predetermined timing. Furthermore, the control unit 34 also supplies the content information and operation information to the machine unit 6 to which the game machine 10 is connected at a predetermined timing. The timing at which the control unit 34 supplies content information to each machine display device 40 and the machine unit 6 and the timing at which the control unit 34 supplies operation information to each machine display device 40 and the machine unit 6 may be the same or different.

Meanwhile, the control unit 34 compiles the content information acquired from the gaming machine 10 and generates output data that represents the operation content of the gaming machine 10. The control unit 34 stores the generated output data in the memory 36. The output data includes various data (see Figures 6 to 19) that compiles the content information for each different condition. The control unit 34 can display the various information represented by the output data on the touch panel 24, which is the display unit, based on the generated output data in accordance with a user's instruction (see Figures 6 to 19). The various data included in the output data and examples of the information displayed on the touch panel 24 based on the various data will be described in detail later with reference to Figures 6 to 19.

In a modified example, the control unit 34 may omit the process of aggregating the content information and generating the output data. In that case, the various pieces of information represented by the output data may not be displayed on the touch panel 24 of the relay device 20.

The control unit 46 (see FIG. 3) of each display device 40 acquires the above content information and operation information from the relay device 20. The control unit 46 supplies the content information and operation information acquired from the relay device 20 to the management device 80 at a predetermined timing. In this case, too, the timing at which the content information is supplied to the management device 80 and the timing at which the operation information is supplied to the management device 80 may be the same or different. Note that in another example, the control unit 46 does not need to supply the content information and operation information acquired from the relay device 20 to the management device 80.

Meanwhile, the control unit 46 compiles the content information obtained from the relay device 20 and generates output data representing the operation content of the gaming machine 10. The output data generated here has the same content as the output data generated by the relay device 20 described above. The control unit 46 stores the generated output data in the memory 48. The control unit 46 can display various information represented by the output data on the display unit 42 based on the generated output data in accordance with the user's instructions (see Figures 6 to 19).

The control unit of the stand unit 6 also acquires the above content information and operation information from the relay device 20. The control unit of the stand unit 6 supplies the content information and operation information acquired from the relay device 20 to the island unit 8 to which the stand unit 6 is connected at a predetermined timing. In this case, too, the timing at which the content information is supplied to the island unit 8 and the timing at which the operation information is supplied to the island unit 8 may be the same or different.

The control unit of the island unit 8 acquires the above content information and operation information from the stand unit 6. The control unit of the island unit 8 supplies the content information and operation information acquired from the stand unit 6 to the management device 80 at a predetermined timing. Furthermore, the control unit of the island unit 8 also supplies the content information and operation information to the kiosk terminal 60 at a predetermined timing. In this case, too, the timing at which the content information is supplied to the management device 80 and the kiosk terminal 60 and the timing at which the operation information is supplied to the management device 80 and the kiosk terminal 60 may be the same or different.

The control unit 66 of the kiosk terminal 60 (see FIG. 4) acquires the above content information and operation information from the island unit 8. The control unit 66 compiles the content information acquired from the island unit 8 and generates output data that represents the operation content of the gaming machine 10. The output data generated here has the same content as the output data generated by the relay device 20 described above. The control unit 66 stores the generated output data in the memory 68. The control unit 66 can display various information represented by the output data on the display unit 62 based on the generated output data in accordance with the user's instructions (see FIG. 6 to FIG. 19).

The kiosk terminal 60 collects content information output from each gaming machine 10 in the arcade via the relay device 20, the machine unit 6, and the island unit 8. Therefore, the output data of each gaming machine 10 in the arcade is stored in the memory 68 of the kiosk terminal 60. The control unit 66 can display information on the operation of the gaming machine 10 specified by the user on the display unit 62 in accordance with the user's instructions (see Figures 6 to 19).

The control unit 86 of the management device 80 (see FIG. 5) also acquires the above content information and operation information from the island unit 8. The control unit 86 compiles the content information acquired from the island unit 8 and generates output data that represents the operation content of the gaming machine 10. The output data generated here has the same content as the output data generated by the relay device 20. The control unit 86 stores the generated output data in the memory 88. The control unit 86 can display various information represented by the output data on the display unit 82 based on the generated output data in accordance with instructions from a user (mainly an administrator) (see FIG. 6 to FIG. 19).

The management device 80 also accumulates content information output from each gaming machine 10 in the arcade via the relay device 20, the machine unit 6, and the island unit 8. Therefore, the memory 88 of the management device 80 accumulates output data from each gaming machine 10 in the arcade. The control unit 86 can display information about the operation of the gaming machine 10 specified by the user on the display unit 82 in accordance with the user's instructions (see Figures 6 to 19).

The control unit 86 can further aggregate the output data of each gaming machine 10 in the gaming shop according to conditions such as the type of gaming machine 10 or the island, and generate gaming shop output data including various data such as output data by model and output data by island. The control unit 86 can supply the generated gaming shop output data to the kiosk terminal 60, the relay device 20, and the individual machine display device 40.

The control unit 66 of the kiosk terminal 60 can display information indicating the operation of each model of gaming machine 10, information indicating the operation of each island of gaming machines 10, etc. on the display unit 62 based on the gaming store output data acquired from the management device 80. Similarly, the control unit 34 of the relay device 20 can display information indicating the operation of each model of gaming machine 10, etc. on the touch panel 24 based on the gaming store output data. The control unit 46 of the individual machine display device 40 can also display information indicating the operation of each model of gaming machine 10, etc. on the display unit 42 based on the gaming store output data.

(Examples of various data included in the output data and information based on the various data: Figures 6 to 19)
Next, various data included in the output data and examples of information displayed on the display units 42, 62, 82 (or the touch panel 24) based on the various data will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 19. As described above, the control unit 34 of the relay device 20, the control unit 46 of each display unit 40, the control unit 66 of the kiosk terminal 60, and the control unit 86 of the management device 80 each collect content information output from the gaming machine 10 for different conditions and generate various data. Then, the control unit 34 of the relay device 20, the control unit 46 of each display unit 40, the control unit 66 of the kiosk terminal 60, and the control unit 86 of the management device 80 can each display information based on the various data on the display units 42, 62, 82 (or the touch panel 24) (see Figures 6 to 19).

In the following, we will assume examples of various data contained in the output data generated by the control unit 46 of each display device 40 and information displayed by the control unit 46 on the display unit 42, but similar data can also be generated in the relay device 20, kiosk terminal 60, and management device 80, and similar information can be displayed.

(Special prize data by last status (Display example 1): Figure 6)
The output data may include special prize data by previous state. Here, the "previous state" means the game state immediately before the gaming machine 10 transitions to the special prize state. The previous state is either a normal state, a probability variable state, or a time-saving state. The special prize data by previous state includes information on the special prize states that have occurred in the gaming machine 10, summarized by their previous states.

The control unit 46 identifies the state immediately preceding each special prize state based on the content information, calculates, for each immediately preceding state, the number of times the gaming machine 10 transitioned from that immediately preceding state to the special prize state and the ratio of the number of times the gaming machine 10 transitioned from that immediately preceding state to the special prize state relative to the total number of times the gaming machine 10 transitioned to the special prize state, and generates special prize data by immediately preceding state. The generated special prize data by immediately preceding state includes information indicating, for each immediately preceding state, the number of times the gaming machine 10 transitioned from that immediately preceding state to the special prize state and the ratio of the number of times the gaming machine 10 transitioned from that immediately preceding state to the special prize state relative to the total number of times the gaming machine 10 transitioned to the special prize state.

Figure 6 shows an example of information that the control unit 46 displays on the display unit 42 based on the special prize data by previous state. Figure 6 shows information for the gaming machine 10 with the machine number "001" (the same applies to Figures 7 to 19 below). "Normal jackpot (first hit)", "probability jackpot", and "time-saving jackpot" mean that the previous state was the normal state, the probability variable state, and the time-saving state, respectively. In other words, "normal jackpot (first hit)", "probability jackpot", and "time-saving jackpot" mean that the gaming machine 10 has transitioned from the normal state to the special prize state, from the probability variable state to the special prize state, and from the time-saving state to the special prize state, respectively. In the example of Figure 6, "normal jackpot (first hit)" is "3 times/10 times (30%)". In other words, out of the 10 special prize states that occurred in the gaming machine 10, the previous state was the normal state 3 times, which means that it accounts for 30% of the total special prize states. Similarly, a "probable jackpot" is "5 times/10 times (50%)." This means that of the 10 special prize states, the previous state was the probability variable state 5 times, which accounts for 50% of the total special prize states. A "time-saving jackpot" is "2 times/10 times (20%)." Of the 10 special prize states, the previous state was the time-saving state 2 times, which accounts for 20% of the total special prize states. In Figure 6, both the number of times and the percentage of transitions to each state are displayed, but it is also possible to display only one of them.

As shown in FIG. 6, by displaying information based on the special prize data by previous state, a user who sees this information can understand from which game state the game transitioned to the special prize state, the number of times it occurred, and the percentage of such transitions. The user can predict which game state is most likely to transition to the special prize state, etc.

(Special prize data by last minute time-saving status (Display example 2): Figure 7)
The output data may further include special prize data by previous time-saving state. Here, the "previous time-saving state" refers to the type of the previous time-saving state when the gaming machine 10 transitions from the time-saving state to the special prize state (i.e., when the previous state was the time-saving state). The previous time-saving state is classified into one of the following: a time-saving state after a big win (a special prize time-saving state), a time-saving state after a probability change, a sudden time-saving state, and a ceiling time-saving state. The special prize data by previous time-saving state may be said to be lower-level data included in the above-mentioned special prize data by previous state (see FIG. 6). The special prize data by previous time-saving state includes information on the special prize state that occurred in the gaming machine 10, which is compiled by the type of the time-saving state immediately before.

The control unit 46 identifies the immediately preceding time-saving state of each special prize state based on the content information. Then, for each immediately preceding time-saving state, the control unit 46 calculates the number of times the gaming machine 10 transitioned from the immediately preceding time-saving state to the special prize state and the ratio of the number of times the gaming machine 10 transitioned from the immediately preceding state to the special prize state to the total number of times the gaming machine 10 transitioned to the special prize state, and generates special prize data by immediately preceding time-saving state. The special prize data by immediately preceding time-saving state includes information indicating, for each immediately preceding time-saving state, the number of times the gaming machine 10 transitioned from the immediately preceding time-saving state to the special prize state and the ratio of the number of times the gaming machine 10 transitioned from the immediately preceding time-saving state to the total number of times the gaming machine 10 transitioned to the special prize state.

Figure 7 shows an example of information that the control unit 46 displays on the display unit 42 based on the special prize data by the previous time-saving state. "Time-saving after jackpot", "Time-saving after probability change", "Sudden time-saving", and "Ceiling time-saving" mean that the previous time-saving state was a special prize time-saving state, a special prize time-saving state, a sudden time-saving state, and a ceiling time-saving state, respectively. That is, "Time-saving after jackpot", "Time-saving after probability change", "Sudden time-saving", and "Ceiling time-saving" mean that the gaming machine 10 has transitioned from a special prize time-saving state to a special prize state, from a special prize time-saving state to a special prize state, from a sudden time-saving state to a special prize state, and from a ceiling time-saving state to a special prize state, respectively. In the example of Figure 7, "Time-saving after jackpot" is "0 times/10 times (0%)". That is, it means that of the 10 special prize states that occurred in the gaming machine 10, the number of times that the previous time-saving state was a special prize time-saving state was 0 times, which was 0% of the total. Similarly, "time-saving after probability change" is "1 time/10 times (10%)", which means that out of 10 special prize states, the number of times that the immediately preceding time-saving state was the time-saving state after probability change is 1 time, which accounts for 10% of the total. "Sudden time-saving" is "0 times/10 times (0%)", which means that out of 10 special prize states, the number of times that the immediately preceding time-saving state was the sudden time-saving state is 0 times (0% of the total). "Ceiling time-saving" is "1 time/10 times (10%)", which means that out of 10 special prize states, the number of times that the immediately preceding time-saving state was the ceiling time-saving state is 1 time (10% of the total). In addition, in FIG. 7, four types of time-saving states are specified, but the four types of time-saving states may be divided into ceiling time-saving states and other time-saving states (time-saving state after special prize, time-saving state after probability change, sudden time-saving state), or time-saving states after special prize or probability fluctuation and other states (sudden time-saving state, ceiling time-saving state), etc. In addition, one or two of the four types of time-saving states identified in FIG. 7 may be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, by displaying information based on the special prize data by previous time-saving state, a user who sees this information can understand what type of time-saving state the special prize state was transitioned from, the number of times it occurred, and the percentage. The user can predict which type of time-saving state is most likely to transition to the special prize state.

(Special prize data by previous normal state (Display example 3): Figure 8)
The output data may further include special prize data by previous normal state. Here, the "previous normal state" refers to the type of time-saving state immediately before the gaming machine 10 transitions from the normal state to the special prize state (i.e., the previous state was the normal state). The previous normal state is classified into either the normal state before transitioning to the ceiling time-saving state or the normal state after the ceiling time-saving state ends. The special prize data by previous normal state may be said to be lower-level data included in the above-mentioned special prize data by previous state (see FIG. 6). The special prize data by previous normal state includes information that summarizes the special prize states that have occurred in the gaming machine 10 by the type of the normal state immediately before.

The control unit 46 identifies the normal state immediately before each special prize state based on the content information. Then, for each immediately previous normal state, the control unit 46 calculates the number of times the gaming machine 10 transitioned from the immediately previous normal state to the special prize state and the ratio of the number of times the gaming machine 10 transitioned from the immediately previous normal state to the special prize state to the total number of times the gaming machine 10 transitioned to the special prize state, and generates special prize data by immediately previous normal state. The special prize data by immediately previous normal state includes information indicating, for each immediately previous normal state, the number of times the gaming machine 10 transitioned from the immediately previous normal state to the special prize state and the ratio of the number of times the gaming machine 10 transitioned from the immediately previous normal state to the total number of times the gaming machine 10 transitioned to the special prize state.

Figure 8 shows an example of information that the control unit 46 displays on the display unit 42 based on the special prize data by previous normal state. "Normal jackpot (before ceiling)" and "normal jackpot (after ceiling)" mean that the previous normal state was the normal state before the shift to the ceiling time-saving mode and the normal state after the end of the ceiling time-saving mode, respectively. In the example of Figure 8, "normal jackpot (before ceiling)" is "2 times/10 times (20%)". That is, of the 10 special prize states that occurred in the gaming machine 10, the previous normal state was the normal state before the shift to the ceiling time-saving mode 2 times, which is 20% of the total. Similarly, "normal jackpot (after ceiling)" is "1 time/10 times (10%)", which means that of the 10 special prize states, the previous normal state was the normal state after the end of the ceiling time-saving mode 1 time, which is 10% of the total.

As shown in FIG. 8, by displaying information based on the special prize data for each previous normal state, a user who sees this information can understand the number and percentage of times the special prize state was transitioned to for each of the normal state before the transition to the ceiling time-saving mode and the normal state after the ceiling time-saving mode ends. The user can predict whether there is a higher chance of transitioning to the special prize state, before or after the ceiling time-saving mode.

(Data by immediate state (Display example 4): Figure 9)
The output data may include immediately-after state data. Here, the "immediately-after state" refers to a gaming state to which the gaming machine 10 transitions immediately after the special prize state ends. The immediately-after state is any one of a normal state, a probability-varying state, and a time-saving state.

The control unit 46 identifies the state immediately following each special prize state based on the content information, and for each immediately following state, information is included that indicates the number of times the gaming machine 10 transitioned from the special prize state to that immediately following state, and the percentage of transitions from the special prize state to that immediately following state relative to the total number of times the gaming machine 10 transitioned to the special prize state.

9 shows an example of information that the control unit 46 displays on the display unit 42 based on the immediately following state data. "Normal", "Probability change", and "Time-saving" mean that the immediately following state was a normal state, a probability-changing state, and a time-saving state, respectively. In the example of FIG. 9, "normal" is "5 times/10 times (50%)". That is, of the 10 special prize states that occurred in the gaming machine 10, the number of times that the state transitioned to the normal state after the end of the special prize state was 5, which accounts for 50% of the entire special prize state. Similarly, "Probability change" is "4 times/10 times (40%)". Of the 10 special prize states, the number of times that the state transitioned to the probability-changing state after the end of the special prize state was 4, which accounts for 40% of the entire special prize state. "Time-saving" is "1 time/10 times (10%)". Of the 10 special prize states, the number of times that the state transitioned to the time-saving state after the end of the special prize state was 1, which accounts for 10% of the entire special prize state.

As shown in FIG. 9, by displaying information based on the immediate state data, a user who sees this information can understand which game state was transitioned to after the special prize state ended, the number of times, and the percentage. The user can predict which game state is most likely to transition from the special prize state, etc.

(Operation data by time-saving status (Display example 5): Figure 10)
The output data may include operation data by time-saving state. The control unit 46 identifies that the gaming state of the gaming machine 10 is a time-saving state and the type of the time-saving state based on the content information. Then, the control unit 46 identifies information indicating operation contents while the gaming state operates in the time-saving state of that type, and generates operation data by time-saving state. The operation data by time-saving state includes information indicating operation contents while the gaming machine 10 operates in the time-saving state of that type, for each of a plurality of types of time-saving states.

10 shows an example of information that the control unit 46 displays on the display unit 42 based on the operation data for each time-saving state. "Time-saving after big win", "Time-saving after probability change", "Sudden time-saving", and "Ceiling time-saving" each indicate a type of time-saving state. "Out" indicates the number of game media inserted into the gaming machine 10 (the so-called number of outs). "Number of starts" indicates the number of times that a pattern change has been performed. "Safe" indicates the number of game media paid out from the gaming machine 10 (the so-called number of safes). "Number of occurrences" indicates the number of times that the time-saving state of that type has occurred. Although not shown in FIG. 10, any other information regarding the operation content during operation in the time-saving state of that type may be included, such as the average number of outs per time of the time-saving state of that type, the average number of safes per time of the time-saving state of that type, and the ball payout rate in the time-saving state of that type (i.e., the number of safes/number of outs, which may be called the "base").

In the example of FIG. 10, in the "time-saving after jackpot", the out is "870", the number of starts is "100", the safe is "850", and the number of occurrences is "1". In other words, the number of outs during the time-saving after jackpot operation of the gaming machine 10 is 870, the number of executed pattern changes is 100, the number of safes is 850, and the number of occurrences of the time-saving after jackpot operation is 1. Similarly, in the "sudden time-saving", the out is "300", the number of starts is "37", the safe is "280", and the number of occurrences is "2". In other words, the number of outs during the time-saving after jackpot operation of the gaming machine 10 is 300, the number of pattern changes is 37, the number of safes is 280, and the number of occurrences of the time-saving after jackpot operation is 2. Furthermore, in the "ceiling time-saving", the out is "1300", the number of starts is "222", the safe is "1280", and the number of occurrences is "5". In other words, the number of outs while the gaming machine 10 was operating in the ceiling time-saving state was 1,300, the number of symbol changes was 222, the number of safes was 1,280, and the ceiling time-saving state occurred 5 times.

As shown in FIG. 10, by displaying information based on the operation data for each time-saving state, a user who sees this information can understand the operation details of the gaming machine 10 for each type of time-saving state. The user can understand the operation details of the gaming machine 10 in more detail than ever before. In addition, the control unit 46 may combine the operation data for each type of time-saving state with the operation data for the normal state to process the operation data for each time-saving state. For example, the control unit 46 may determine the ball payout rate and the like from the number of outs and the number of safes in each of the normal state and the ceiling time-saving state. In addition, although four types of time-saving states are specified in the example of FIG. 10, one or two of these types may be omitted.

(Special prize probability data by game state (Display example 6): FIG. 11)
The output data may include special prize probability data by game state. Based on the content information, the control unit 46 calculates the game state of the gaming machine 10 and the probability of transitioning to the special prize state while operating in that game state (i.e., the number of times the special prize state occurs relative to the number of times the pattern changes (the number of starts)), and generates special prize probability data by game state. The special prize probability data by game state includes information indicating the probability of transitioning to the special prize state for each game state.

Figure 11 shows an example of information that the control unit 46 causes the display unit 42 to display based on the special prize probability data by game state. "Normal state + time-saving state" means the probability of transitioning to the special prize state while the gaming machine 10 is operating in either the normal state or the time-saving state. In the example of Figure 11, the probability of transitioning to the special prize state of "normal state + time-saving state" is "1/290 (= 5/1450)". That is, it means that the probability of transitioning to the special prize state while the gaming machine 10 is operating in either the normal state or the time-saving state is 1/290 (one transition to the special prize state when the pattern changes 290 times). In addition, "(= 5/1450)" displayed next to it represents the number of occurrences of the special prize state relative to the actual number of pattern changes that is the basis for the transition probability to the special prize state. That is, it means that the actual number of pattern changes while the gaming machine 10 is operating in either the normal state or the time-saving state is 1450 times, and the game machine 10 transitioned to the special prize state 5 times during that time.

In the example of FIG. 11, the probability of transitioning to the special prize state in the "time-saving state" is "1/240 (=1/240)." This means that the probability of transitioning to the special prize state while the gaming machine 10 is operating only in the time-saving state is 1/240 (the game transitions to the special prize state once for every 240 pattern changes). The "(=1/240)" displayed next to it means that the actual number of pattern changes while the gaming machine 10 is operating only in the time-saving state is 240, and that the game machine transitioned to the special prize state once during that time.

Similarly, in the example of FIG. 11, the probability of transitioning to the special prize state from the "probable change state" is "1/47 (=5/235)." This means that the probability of transitioning to the special prize state while the gaming machine 10 is operating in the probability change state is 1/47 (the game transitions to the special prize state once for every 47 pattern changes). The "(=5/235)" displayed next to it means that the actual number of pattern changes while the gaming machine 10 is operating in the probability change state is 235, and that the game machine transitioned to the special prize state five times during that time.

As shown in FIG. 11, by displaying information based on the special prize probability data by game state, a user who sees this information can understand the probability of transitioning to the special prize state for each game state. The user can predict in which game state the gaming machine 10 is operating with a high probability of transitioning to the special prize state. Also, in FIG. 11, the probability of transitioning to the special prize state for each game state is displayed as "1/290 (=5/1450)," but it is also possible to display only either "1/290" or "5/1450" as the transition probability.

(Special prize transition rate data by game state (Display example 7): FIG. 12)
The output data may include special prize transition rate data by game state. Based on the content information, the control unit 46 calculates the game state of the gaming machine 10 (if the game state is a time-saving state, the type of the game state) and the rate of transition to the special prize state while the game machine 10 is operating in that game state (i.e., the number of times the special prize state occurs relative to the number of times the game state occurs), and generates special prize transition rate data by game state. The special prize transition rate data by game state includes information indicating an index regarding the ratio of the number of times the game state transitions to the special prize state relative to the number of times the game state transitions to the special prize state.

Figure 12 shows an example of information that the control unit 46 causes the display unit 42 to display based on the special prize transition rate data by game state. In the example of Figure 12, "normal" is "5 times/7 times (71%)". This means that the gaming machine 10 has transitioned to the normal state 7 times so far, and has transitioned to the special prize state 5 times during that time, and the probability of transitioning to the special prize state during the transition to the normal state is 71% (= 5/7). "Probable change" is "5 times/5 times (100%)". This means that the gaming machine 10 has transitioned to the probability variation state 5 times so far, and has transitioned to the special prize state 5 times during that time, and the probability of transitioning to the special prize state during the transition to the probability variation state is 100% (= 5/5). "Time reduction after probability change" is "0 times/1 time (0%)". That is, it means that the gaming machine 10 has transitioned to the time-saving state after the probability change once, and has not transitioned to the special prize state once during that time, and that if it transitions to the time-saving state after the probability change, the probability of transitioning to the special prize state during that time is 0% (=0/1). "Ceiling time-saving" is "1 time/2 times (50%)." That is, it means that the gaming machine 10 has transitioned to the time-saving state after the probability change twice, and has transitioned to the special prize state once during that time, and that if it transitions to the time-saving state after the probability change, the probability of transitioning to the special prize state during that time is 50% (=1/2).

As shown in FIG. 12, by displaying information based on the special prize transition rate data by game state, a user who sees this information can understand the probability of transitioning to the special prize state for each game state. The user can understand, for example, in which game state the gaming machine 10 is operating in which the rate of transitioning to the special prize state (i.e., the expectation level) is high. Although FIG. 12 displays both the number of times and the rate of transition to each state, it is also possible to display only one of them.

(Amusement store output data)
As described above, the control unit 46 of each machine display device 40 can acquire the gaming facility output data from the management device 80, and can display information corresponding to the conditions such as for each model and each island of the gaming machines 10 in the gaming facility, which corresponds to the various data described with reference to Figures 6 to 12, on the display unit 42 based on the acquired gaming facility output data. Although display examples are not shown, by looking at this information, the user can grasp information corresponding to the various information described with reference to Figures 6 to 12, which corresponds to the conditions such as for each model and each island. The user can grasp more detailed operation details of the gaming machines 10 installed in the gaming facility.

(Game Progress Data (Display Example 8): FIG. 13)
The output data may include game progress data. The game progress data is data that indicates the current game progress of the gaming machine 10 while it is mainly operating in a normal state. The control unit 46 identifies the current game state and operation content of the gaming machine 10 based on the content information, and generates game progress data. In this example, the game progress data includes any one of information indicating a normal state before the transition to a ceiling time-saving state, information indicating a ceiling time-saving state (during ceiling time-saving), information indicating a normal state after the ceiling time-saving state ends, and information indicating a probability fluctuation state, depending on the current game state of the gaming machine 10.

Figure 13 shows an example of information that the control unit 46 causes the display unit 42 to display based on game progress data. (a) in Figure 13 shows an example of the display when the current game state of the gaming machine 10 is the normal state before transitioning to the ceiling time-saving state. In this case, a message is displayed explaining that the game state is the normal state before transitioning to the ceiling time-saving state, such as "Currently, before ceiling time-saving."

(b) in FIG. 13 shows an example of a display when the current gaming state of the gaming machine 10 is in the ceiling time-saving state. In this case, a message explaining that the gaming state is in the ceiling time-saving state, such as "Currently in the ceiling time-saving state", is displayed.

(c) in FIG. 13 shows an example of a display when the current gaming state of the gaming machine 10 is the normal state after the ceiling time-saving state has ended. In this case, a message is displayed explaining that the game is in the normal state after the ceiling time-saving state has ended, such as "Currently, after the ceiling time-saving state."

(d) in FIG. 13 shows an example of a display when the current gaming state of the gaming machine 10 is a probability variable state. In this case, a message explaining that the state is a probability variable state, such as "Currently in a probability variable state", is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 13, information based on game progress data is displayed, allowing a user who sees this information to understand the current state of the gaming machine 10.

In the example of FIG. 13, the gaming status of the gaming machine 10 is displayed by a message, but the display manner is not limited to this, and the gaming status may be identifiably displayed by switching the display color (specifically, for example, the background color of the display area of the display unit 42, the display color of information indicating the number of pattern changes, etc.) for each state: normal state before transition to the ceiling time-saving state, the ceiling time-saving state (during the ceiling time-saving state), the normal state after the ceiling time-saving state ends, and the probability fluctuating state.

(Modification 1 of Game Progress Data (Display Example 9): FIG. 14)
With reference to Fig. 14, one of the modified examples of the game progress data (see Fig. 13) will be described. When the gaming machine 10 is in a normal state before the transition to the ceiling time-saving state, the game progress data of this modified example may include information indicating the number of remaining pattern changes until the gaming machine 10 transitions to the ceiling time-saving state, in addition to information indicating the normal state before the transition to the ceiling time-saving state. Also, when the gaming machine 10 is in a ceiling time-saving state, the game progress data may include information indicating the number of remaining pattern changes until the transition to the normal state after the end of the ceiling time-saving state, in addition to information indicating the ceiling time-saving state (during the ceiling time-saving state).

Figure 14 shows an example of information that the control unit 46 causes the display unit 42 to display based on the game progress data of this modified example. (a) in Figure 14 shows an example of the display when the current game state of the gaming machine 10 is the normal state before transition to the ceiling time-saving state. In this case, a message is displayed explaining that it is the normal state before transition to the ceiling time-saving state, such as "Currently before ceiling time-saving", along with a message indicating that transition to ceiling time-saving information will occur when 33 more pattern changes are executed, such as "33 more starts to reach the ceiling".

(b) in FIG. 14 shows an example of a display when the current gaming state of the gaming machine 10 is in the ceiling time-saving state. In this case, a message explaining that the gaming machine is in the ceiling time-saving state, such as "Currently in ceiling time-saving state", is displayed along with a message indicating the remaining number of pattern changes before the game transitions to the normal state after the ceiling time-saving state ends (i.e., the number of times until the ceiling time-saving state ends), such as "77 times remaining".

As shown in FIG. 14, by displaying information based on game progress data, a user who sees this information can understand the current state of the gaming machine 10, as well as the start and end conditions of the ceiling time-saving state on the gaming machine 10. Users (particularly players) can more clearly understand the current progress of play on the gaming machine 10, and can more clearly predict the future operation of the gaming machine 10.

(Modification 2 of Game Progress Data (Display Example 10): FIG. 15)
Another modified example of the game progress data (see FIG. 13) will be described with reference to FIG. 15. The modified game progress data may further include information indicating the number of times that a pattern change was performed without transitioning to the next special prize state after the previous special prize state ended, first threshold information indicating the number of pattern changes (e.g., 800 times) required to transition to the ceiling time-saving state after the previous special prize state ended, and second threshold information indicating the number of pattern changes (e.g., 1400 times) required to end the ceiling time-saving state after the previous special prize state ended.

Figure 15 shows an example of information that the control unit 46 displays on the display unit 42 based on the game progress data of this modified example. As shown in Figure 15, in this modified example, the current game progress state is displayed in a graph. The bar graph in the figure shows the number of times that pattern changes were performed without transitioning to the next special prize state after the previous special prize state ended (in this example, "777 times"). The graph also includes a display indicating that the number of pattern changes required to transition to the ceiling time-saving state after the previous special prize state ended is "800 times" (see the vertical axis. Corresponding to the first threshold information), and a display indicating that the number of pattern changes required from the start to the end of the ceiling time-saving state is "600 times" (see the vertical axis. Corresponding to the second threshold information). In other words, the graph essentially shows that a total of 1400 pattern changes are required until the ceiling time-saving state ends after the previous special prize state ends. In this example, the graph shows that if 33 more pattern changes are performed without transitioning to the special prize state, the state will transition to the ceiling time-saving state. In the example of FIG. 15, after the previous special prize state ends, the message "800 times until ceiling time reduction" is displayed along with the vertical axis of the graph to indicate that the number of times the pattern changes required to transition to the ceiling time reduction state is "800 times". Similarly, the message "600 times ceiling time reduction" is displayed along with the vertical axis of the graph to indicate that the number of times the pattern changes required from the start to the end of the ceiling time reduction state is "600 times". In this regard, in a modified example, "800 times until ceiling time reduction" and "600 times ceiling time reduction" may be omitted, and only the vertical axis may be displayed.

As shown in FIG. 15, by displaying information based on game progress data, a user who sees this information can understand the current state of the gaming machine 10 (specifically, whether it is before, during, or after the ceiling time reduction), as well as the start and end conditions of the ceiling time reduction state on the gaming machine 10. The user can also understand the current progress of play on the gaming machine 10. In particular, in the example of FIG. 15, this information is displayed as a graph, so the user can intuitively recognize each piece of information. The user (particularly the player) can more clearly understand the current progress of play on the gaming machine 10, and can play while more clearly predicting the future operation of the gaming machine 10.

(Modification 3 of game progress data (display example 11): FIG. 16)
With reference to FIG. 16, another modified example of the game progress data will be described. The game progress data of this modified example is a modified form of the modified example 2 (see FIG. 15). The game progress data of this modified example may further include information indicating the progress of each of the one or more special prize states that occurred before the previous time. Specifically, the game progress data of this modified example may further include, in addition to the various information described in FIG. 15, information indicating the number of pattern changes performed until the special prize state is transitioned to after the end of the previous special prize state for each of the one or more special prize states that occurred before the previous time, third threshold information indicating the number of pattern changes (e.g., 800 times) required for transition to the ceiling time-saving state after the end of the previous special prize state for each of the one or more special prize states that occurred before the previous time, and fourth threshold information indicating the number of pattern changes (e.g., 600 times) required for the ceiling time-saving state to be terminated after the end of the previous special prize state for each of the one or more special prize states that occurred before the previous time.

Figure 16 shows an example of information that the control unit 46 displays on the display unit 42 based on the game progress data of this modified example. In this modified example, as shown in Figure 16, the current game progress state and the past game progress are displayed in a graph. In the example of Figure 16, each bar graph of "Current", "1 time ago", "2 times ago", and "3 times ago" is displayed. The graph also includes an indication that the number of pattern changes required to transition to the ceiling time reduction state after the previous special prize state ends is "800 times" (see vertical axis. Corresponding to the third threshold information), and an indication that the number of pattern changes required from the start to the end of the ceiling time reduction is "600 times" (see vertical axis. Corresponding to the fourth threshold information). In other words, the graph essentially indicates that a total of 1400 pattern changes are required until the ceiling time reduction information ends after the previous special prize state ends. In this case, too, in a modified example, the messages "800 times until ceiling time reduction" and "600 times until ceiling time reduction" may be omitted and only the vertical axis may be displayed (the same applies to Figures 17 to 20 below).

"Current" indicates the number of times (in this example, "623 times") that a pattern change has been performed without transitioning to the next special prize state after the previous (i.e., the previous) special prize state ended. In this example, the "Current" graph indicates that if the pattern change is performed 177 more times without transitioning to the next special prize state, the state will transition to the ceiling time-saving state.

"1 time ago" indicates the number of times that the pattern change was performed after the previous (i.e., 2 times ago) special prize state ended and before transitioning to the next (1 time ago) special prize state. In this example, the "1 time ago" graph shows that a total of 1290 (800 + 490) pattern changes were performed before transitioning to the previous special prize state. In other words, 800 pattern changes were performed after the previous (i.e., 2 times ago) special prize state ended and before transitioning to the next (1 time ago) special prize state, which indicates that the normal state before the ceiling time-saving state transitioned to the ceiling time-saving state, and then the transition to the special prize state occurred during the 490th pattern change while operating in the ceiling time-saving state.

"Two times ago" indicates the number of times that pattern changes were performed after the previous (i.e., three times ago) special prize state ended and before transitioning to the next (two times ago) special prize state. In this example, the "two times ago" graph shows that 511 pattern changes were performed before transitioning to the special prize state two times ago. In other words, 511 pattern changes were performed after the previous (i.e., three times ago) special prize state ended and before transitioning to the next (two times ago) special prize state, indicating that the special prize state was transitioned to while operating in the normal state before the ceiling time-saving state.

"3 times ago" indicates the number of times that pattern changes were performed after the previous (i.e., 4 times ago; not shown) special prize state ended and before transitioning to the next (3 times ago) special prize state. In this example, the "3 times ago" graph shows that a total of 1881 (800 + 600 + 481) pattern changes were performed before transitioning to the 3 times ago special prize state. In other words, 1881 pattern changes were performed after the previous (i.e., 4 times ago) special prize state ended and before transitioning to the next (3 times ago) special prize state, indicating that the special prize state was transitioned to while operating in the normal state after the ceiling time-saving state ended.

As shown in FIG. 16, by displaying information based on game progress data, a user who sees this information can grasp the current state of the gaming machine 10 (specifically, whether it is before the ceiling time-saving, during the ceiling time-saving, or after the ceiling time-saving), as well as the start and end conditions of the ceiling time-saving state on the gaming machine 10. In addition, the current game progress on the gaming machine 10 and the progress of the game that led to the special prize state before the previous time can also be grasped. In the example of FIG. 16, this information is also displayed as a graph, so the user can intuitively recognize each of the above information. The user (particularly the player) can clearly grasp the current game progress on the gaming machine 10 and the progress of the game before the previous time, and can more clearly predict the future operation of the gaming machine 10.

(Modification 4 of Game Progress Data (Display Example 12): FIG. 17)
Another modified example of the game progress data will be described with reference to Fig. 17. The game progress data of this modified example is a modified form of the modified example 3 (see Fig. 16). In the game progress data of this modified example, information indicating the number of times that a pattern change was performed without moving to the next special prize state after the previous special prize state ended (i.e., information represented by the "current" graph) includes information indicating the number of times that a pattern change was performed on the previous or previous operating day, and information indicating the number of times that a pattern change was performed on the current day.

Figure 17 shows an example of the information that the control unit 46 displays on the display unit 42 based on the game progress data of this modified example. In the example of Figure 17, the "current" graph shows the total number of times (in this example, "723 times") that pattern changes were performed after the previous (i.e., the previous) special prize state ended without transitioning to the next special prize state. Of these, "523 times" indicates the number of pattern changes performed on the previous day, and "200 times" indicates the number of pattern changes performed on the current day. The number of pattern changes performed on the previous day (523 times) and the number of pattern changes performed on the current day (200 times) following the end of the previous day's operation are displayed in a distinguishable manner, for example, by using different display patterns, display colors, etc. In this way, in the example of Figure 17, the number of pattern changes on the current day is displayed in succession to the number of pattern changes on the previous day and before. In the example of FIG. 17, only the vertical axis is displayed in the graph to indicate that the number of pattern changes required from the end of the previous special prize state until the transition to the ceiling time-saving state is "800 times". Similarly, only the vertical axis is displayed in the graph to indicate that the number of pattern changes required from the start of the ceiling time-saving state until it ends is "600 times". In a modified example, messages such as "800 times until ceiling time-saving" and "600 times ceiling time-saving" may be displayed along with these vertical axes.

In Figure 17, the graphs for "1 time ago," "2 times ago," and "3 times ago" are the same as those in Variation 3 above (see Figure 16), so detailed explanations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 17, by displaying information based on game progress data, a user who sees this information can grasp the current state of the gaming machine 10 (specifically, whether it is before the ceiling time reduction, during the ceiling time reduction, or after the ceiling time reduction), as well as the start and end conditions of the ceiling time reduction state in the gaming machine 10. In addition, the user can grasp the current game progress status in the gaming machine 10 and the progress of the game that led to the special prize state before the previous time. Furthermore, the user can grasp which range of the number of times that the pattern change was performed without transitioning to the next special prize state after the previous special prize state ended is the number of pattern changes performed on the day, and which range is the number of pattern changes performed on the previous or previous operating day. In the example of FIG. 17, these pieces of information are also displayed as graphs, so the user can intuitively recognize each of the above pieces of information. The user (especially the player) can more clearly grasp the current game progress status and the progress of the game progress before the previous time in the gaming machine 10, and can more clearly predict the future operation of the gaming machine 10.

(Modification 5 of Game Progress Data (Display Example 13): FIG. 18)
Another modified example of the game progress data will be described with reference to Fig. 18. The game progress data of this modified example is a modified form of the modified example 4 (see Fig. 17). In the game progress data of this modified example, information indicating the number of times that a pattern change was performed without moving to the next special prize state after the previous special prize state ended (i.e., information represented by the "current" graph) also includes information indicating the number of times that a pattern change was performed on the operating day before the previous day, and information indicating the number of times that a pattern change was performed on the current day.

Figure 18 shows an example of the information that the control unit 46 displays on the display unit 42 based on the game progress data of this modified example. In the example of Figure 18, the "current" graph shows the total number of times (in this example, "1650 times") that pattern changes were performed after the previous (i.e., one time before) special prize state ended without transitioning to the next special prize state. Of these, "650 times" indicates the number of pattern changes performed on the day before last, "800 times" indicates the number of pattern changes performed on the day before last, and "200 times" indicates the number of pattern changes performed on the day. The number of pattern changes performed on the day before last (650 times), the number of pattern changes performed on the day before last (800 times) following the end of the operation on the day before last, and the number of pattern changes performed on the day after the end of the operation on the day before last (200 times) are displayed in a manner that makes them distinguishable, for example, by using different display patterns and display colors. In this way, in the example of Figure 18, the number of pattern changes for the current day is displayed, continuing from the number of pattern changes from the previous day and earlier.

In Figure 18, the graphs for "1 time ago," "2 times ago," and "3 times ago" are the same as those in Variation 3 (see Figure 16) and Variation 4 (see Figure 17) above, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 18, by displaying information based on the game progress data, the user who sees this information can grasp the current state of the gaming machine 10 (specifically, whether it is before the ceiling time reduction, during the ceiling time reduction, or after the ceiling time reduction), as well as the start and end conditions of the ceiling time reduction state in the gaming machine 10. In addition, the user can grasp the current game progress status in the gaming machine 10 and the progress of the game that led to the special prize state before the previous time. Furthermore, the user can grasp which range of the number of times that the pattern change was performed without transitioning to the next special prize state after the previous special prize state ended is the number of pattern changes performed on the day, and which range is the number of pattern changes performed on the operating day before the previous day. In the example of FIG. 18, these pieces of information are also displayed as graphs, so the user can intuitively recognize each of the above pieces of information. The user (especially the player) can more clearly grasp the current game progress status and the progress of the game before the previous time in the gaming machine 10, and can more clearly predict the future operation of the gaming machine 10.

(Modification 6 of Game Progress Data (Display Example 14): FIG. 19)
Another modified example of the game progress data will be described with reference to FIG. 19. The game progress data of this modified example is a modified form of the modified example 4 (see FIG. 17) and modified example 5 (see FIG. 18). In the game progress data of this modified example, the information indicating the number of times that the pattern change was executed without moving to the next special prize state after the previous special prize state ended (i.e., the information represented by the "current" graph) includes only the information indicating the number of times that the executed pattern change was executed on the gaming machine 10 on the day, and is distinguished from the information indicating the number of times that the executed pattern change was executed on the previous day or before. In detail, the game progress data of this modified example is game progress data assuming a case where the operation state of the gaming machine 10 up to that point is initialized (so-called RAM clear processing is performed) after the business of one day is ended in the gaming establishment.

Figure 19 shows an example of the information that the control unit 46 causes the display unit 42 to display based on the game progress data of this modified example. In the example of Figure 19, the "Current" graph shows the total number of times (in this example, "623 times") that pattern changes have been performed on the current day after the previous (i.e., the previous) special prize state ended without transitioning to the next special prize state. In this example, the "Current" graph shows that if pattern changes are performed 177 more times without transitioning to the special prize state, the state will transition to the ceiling time-saving state.

The "Previous Day" graph shows the total number of times (in this example, "523 times") that pattern changes were performed on the previous day, without transitioning to the next special prize state, after the previous (i.e., the previous) special prize state ended and before the operation of the gaming machine 10 ended (i.e., by the closing of the previous day). In this example, the "Previous Day" graph shows that 523 pattern changes were performed without transitioning to the next special prize state after the previous (i.e., the previous) special prize state ended, and then the operation of the gaming machine 10 ended due to the closing of the store.

In Figure 19, the graphs for "1 time ago," "2 times ago," and "3 times ago" are similar to those in Variation 3 (see Figure 16), Variation 4 (see Figure 17), and Variation 5 (see Figure 18) above, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

In this way, in the example of Figure 19, after the gaming establishment closes for the day, the operating state of the gaming machine 10 is initialized (so-called RAM clear processing is performed), so that the operating content represented by the "previous day" graph and the operating content represented by the "present" graph are displayed in a discontinuous manner.

As shown in FIG. 19, by displaying information based on the game progress data, the user who sees this information can grasp the current state of the gaming machine 10 (specifically, whether it is before the ceiling time reduction, during the ceiling time reduction, or after the ceiling time reduction), as well as the start and end conditions of the ceiling time reduction state on the gaming machine 10. In addition, the user can grasp the current game progress on the gaming machine 10 and the results of the game that reached the special prize state before the previous time. Furthermore, the user can grasp that the number of pattern changes that have been performed at the present time is the number of pattern changes performed on the gaming machine 10 on the day, and is not continuous with the game performed on the previous day or earlier. In the example of FIG. 19, these pieces of information are also displayed as graphs, so the user can intuitively recognize each of the above pieces of information. The user (especially the player) can more clearly grasp the current game progress on the gaming machine 10 and the progress of the game before the previous time, and can more clearly predict the future operation of the gaming machine 10.

The manager of the gaming establishment can select and set whether the number of times the pattern change corresponding to the "current" graph is to be the number of times the pattern change was performed for each operating day of the gaming machine 10, including the current day and the day before (i.e., whether the number of times the pattern change for the current day is displayed continuing from the number of times the pattern change for the previous day or before), or whether the number of times the pattern change corresponding to the "current" graph is to be the number of times the pattern change was performed on the gaming machine 10 on the current day (i.e., whether the number of times the pattern change for the current day is displayed separately without continuing from the number of times the pattern change for the previous day or before). That is, the manager can switch between the display mode of FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 and the display mode of FIG. 19 depending on the policy of whether the gaming establishment initializes the game state of the gaming machine 10 after the end of business for one day.

Hereinafter, various data included in the output data and examples of information displayed on the display unit 42 based on the various data have been described with reference to Figures 6 to 19. As mentioned above, the above examples have been described assuming examples of display of various data included in the output data generated by the control unit 46 of each display device 40 and information that the control unit 46 causes to be displayed on the display unit 42, but similar data can also be generated in the relay device 20, kiosk terminal 60, and management device 80, and similar information can be displayed.

(Initialization target device notification (Display example 15): FIG. 20)
As described above, in a gaming establishment, after the business of one day is finished, the operation states of the gaming machines 10 up to that point may be initialized (so-called RAM clear processing may be performed). In that case, the manager of the gaming establishment may initialize the operation states of all the gaming machines 10 in the gaming establishment, or may initialize the operation states of only some of the gaming machines 10 among all the gaming machines 10 in the gaming establishment.

When initializing the operating state of some of all gaming machines 10 in an amusement facility, for example, the gaming machines 10 whose game state at the end of the day's operation time-saving are in the normal state after the end of the ceiling time-saving state may be targeted for initialization. As described above, when the game state of the gaming machine 10 is the normal state after the end of the ceiling time-saving state, even if play continues in the normal state thereafter (no matter how many times the pattern changes), it will not transition back to the ceiling time-saving state unless it transitions to the special prize state (because there is no expectation of transitioning to the ceiling time-saving state).

In this embodiment, the control unit 46 of each machine display device 40 causes the display unit 42 to display notification information such as that shown in FIG. 20 when the gaming state of the gaming machine 10 at the end of the day's operation is the normal state after the ceiling time-saving state has ended.

Figure 20 shows an example of a display when the control unit 46 displays notification information on the display unit 42. In this example, the current game progress state at the end of the day's operation is displayed in a graph. The "Current" graph in the figure shows the number of times that pattern changes have been performed without transitioning to the next special prize state after the previous special prize state has ended. In this example, the "Current" graph shows that 1881 pattern changes have been performed without transitioning to the next special prize state after the previous special prize state has ended. In other words, in this example, this means that 1881 pattern changes have been performed without transitioning to the next special prize state after the previous special prize state has ended, and as a result, the game state of the gaming machine 10 has transitioned to the normal state after the end of the ceiling time-saving state.

In addition, in the example of FIG. 20, the displayed notification information includes a message indicating that the gaming state of the gaming machine 10 at the end of the day's operation is the normal state after the ceiling time-saving state and therefore is subject to initialization ("Normal after the ceiling time-saving state = machine subject to initialization!"). The gaming establishment has set up in advance to initialize the operating state of the gaming machine 10 if the gaming state of the gaming machine 10 at the time of closing is the normal state after the ceiling time-saving state has ended.

20, the manager or the like who sees the notification information can immediately understand that the gaming machine 10 on which the notification information is displayed is a device to be initialized. The manager or the like can perform necessary processing such as initializing the operating state of the corresponding gaming machine 10 (i.e., the gaming machine 10 in the normal state after the ceiling time-saving state ends) (performing so-called RAM clear processing) according to the policy of the gaming establishment. Therefore, the manager or the like does not need to check each time whether each gaming machine 10 is a device to be initialized, so that the burden of managing the gaming machines 10 on the manager or the like can be reduced. Furthermore, by operating each machine display device 40 or the management device 80, information indicating that the gaming machine 10 to be initialized has been initialized may be stored in each machine display device 40 or the management device 80. Furthermore, each machine display device 40 or the management device 80 may determine whether to continue or count the number of pattern changes from the previous day (for example, whether to use FIG. 17, FIG. 18, or FIG. 19) based on the stored information.

The configuration and operation of the management system 2 of this embodiment have been described above. As described above, in this embodiment, the control unit 46, etc. can generate output data including various data based on the acquired content information, and can display various information on the display unit 42, etc. based on the various data (see Figures 6 to 19). This allows the user to understand the operating details of the gaming machine 10 in more detail than ever before.

The correspondence between this embodiment and the claims will be explained. At least one of the display devices 40, the relay device 20, the management device 80, and the kiosk terminal 60 is an example of an "information management device". The ceiling time-saving state is an example of a "first type of time-saving state", and any one of the time-saving state after the special prize, the time-saving state after the probability change, and the sudden time-saving state is an example of a "second type of time-saving state". The operation data by time-saving state (see FIG. 10) is an example of "operation data during time-saving". The special prize data by the previous state (see FIG. 6) is an example of "play state data before the special prize". The special prize data by the previous time-saving state (see FIG. 7) is an example of "data by type of time-saving". The data by the immediate state (see FIG. 9) is an example of "play state data after the special prize". The special prize probability data by play state (see FIG. 11) is an example of "special prize probability data by state". The special prize transition rate data by play state (see FIG. 12) is an example of "special prize transition rate data by state".

Information indicating that the normal state is before the transition to the ceiling time-saving state (the "current" graphs in Fig. 13(a), Fig. 14(a), Fig. 15-17, and Fig. 19) is an example of "pre-ceiling time-saving information". Information indicating that the ceiling time-saving state (during ceiling time-saving) (Fig. 13(b), Fig. 14(b)) is an example of "information during ceiling time-saving". Information indicating that the normal state is after the ceiling time-saving state has ended (Fig. 13(c), Fig. 18) is an example of "post-ceiling time-saving information". Information indicating the remaining number of pattern changes until the gaming machine 10 transitions to the ceiling time-saving state (the "current" graphs in Fig. 14(a), Fig. 15-17, and Fig. 19) is an example of "first number of times information". Information indicating the remaining number of pattern changes until the transition to the normal state after the ceiling time-saving state has ended (Fig. 14(b)) is an example of "second number of times information". Information indicating the number of times that a pattern change was performed after the previous special prize state ended without transitioning to the next special prize state (the "Current" graphs in Figs. 15 to 19) is an example of "first type of change count information." Information indicating the number of times that a pattern change was performed after the end of the previous special prize state until transitioning to the special prize state for each of the one or more special prize states that occurred before (the "1 time ago," "2 times ago," and "3 times ago" graphs in Figs. 16 to 19) is an example of "second type of change count information." Displaying the notification information in Fig. 20 on display unit 42 is an example of an "announcement operation."

Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples given above. For example, the following modifications may be adopted.

(Variation 1) In the above embodiment, the gaming machine 10 used in the management system 2 is assumed to be of a type in which the actual gaming medium (pachinko balls) is not discharged outside the gaming machine 10. However, this is not limited to this, and the gaming machine 10 used in the management system 2 may be of a type in which the actual gaming medium (pachinko balls) is discharged outside the gaming machine 10 and is stored in a ball tray or the like installed in the gaming machine 10 and used as gaming balls (i.e., pachinko balls that can be inserted into the gaming machine 10). In that case, the gaming machine 10 may not output an out signal, and an out meter (not shown) attached to the gaming machine 10 may output an out signal.

(Variation 2) In the above embodiment, the control unit of the gaming machine 10 outputs various signals (out signal, safe signal, special prize signal, pattern change signal, probability change signal, time-saving signal, door opening/closing signal, etc.) indicating the operation contents of the own machine. Not limited to this, at least one of the out signal, safe signal, special prize signal, pattern change signal, probability change signal, time-saving signal, door opening/closing signal, etc. may be configured by switching the on/off state of two types of signals at a specific timing. In that case, the state of the gaming state of the gaming machine 10 is determined by referring to the previous and following game contents, etc. in the device (e.g., each machine display device 40, relay device 20, machine unit 6, island unit 8, kiosk terminal 60, management device 80, etc.) that acquires the signal. For example, the gaming machine 10 may turn on a common first output signal in the probability change state and the time-saving state, and turn on a second output signal for a certain period of time before the occurrence of the time-saving state. In this case, the device receiving the signal may detect the start of the time-saving state when the second output signal turns on, and may determine that the time-saving state has ended when the first output signal turns off. Furthermore, in this case, the second output signal may also serve as the special prize signal. In this case, the device receiving the signal may determine whether the state is in the special prize state or the time-saving state based on the on-time of the second output signal (or an out signal, a safe signal, etc. while it is on). For example, if the second output signal turns on and then turns off within 0.5 seconds, it may be determined to be in the time-saving state, and if the on-state is maintained for longer than 0.5 seconds, it may be determined to be in the special prize state.

(Variation 3) In the above embodiment, the device that receives the signal (e.g., each machine display device 40, relay device 20, machine unit 6, island unit 8, kiosk terminal 60, management device 80, etc.) determines which of the multiple types of time-saving states the gaming machine 10 is in by referring to the previous and following game content, etc. Without being limited to this, in a variation, a different type of time-saving signal may be output from the gaming machine 10 for each of the multiple types of time-saving states.

(Modification 4) In the above embodiment, the threshold number of symbol changes (e.g., 800 times) until the state transitions to the ceiling time-saving state after the end of the previous special prize state is predetermined by an instruction from the management device 80 (or an operation by an attendant at the game arcade). Not limited to this, the threshold number of symbol changes (e.g., 800 times) until the state transitions to the ceiling time-saving state after the end of the previous special prize state may be specified by the device that acquires the signal based on the content information. Specifically, it may be specified as follows (A) to (F).
(A) The device receiving the signal monitors the number of pattern changes before transitioning to the time-saving state after being turned on (after starting operation) or after the end of the previous special prize state, and estimates the maximum value of this as the threshold for the number of pattern changes before transitioning to the ceiling time-saving state.
(B) If the number of pattern changes before the time-saving state is entered exceeds the threshold value estimated in (A) above, the device receiving the signal updates the value of the threshold value estimated in (A).
(C) If a situation in which a transition to a time-saving state occurs multiple times at the threshold value estimated in (A) above, the device receiving the signal determines the threshold value estimated in (A) above as the threshold value.
(D) If a situation occurs in which the number of pattern changes before transitioning to the time-saving state exceeds the threshold determined in (C) above, the device receiving the signal updates the threshold determined in (C) above.
(E) When the above situations (B) and (D) occur, the device receiving the signal may determine that there is an error in the settings and notify that fact.
(F) The device receiving the signal (particularly, the management device 80 and the kiosk terminal 60) may execute the above processes (A) to (E) on a machine-by-machine basis, rather than on a gaming machine-by-machine basis.
In addition, the device receiving the signal may also determine the threshold number of pattern changes (e.g., 600 times) from the transition to the ceiling time-saving state until the transition to the normal state (i.e., until the ceiling time-saving state ends) using methods similar to those described above in (A) to (F).

(Variation 5) In the above embodiment, the control unit 34 of the relay device 20, the control unit 46 of each display device 40, the control unit 66 of the kiosk terminal 60, and the control unit 86 of the management device 80 each cause the display units 42, 62, 82 (or the touch panel 24) to display information based on various data contained in the generated output data (see Figures 6 to 19). In this variation, the output of the output data is not limited to displaying information on the display unit 42, etc., but may be performed by any method, such as outputting by email or storing in a storage device. These variations are also examples of "output".

(Variation 6) In the above embodiment, the control unit 34 of the relay device 20 can also compile content information output from the gaming machine 10 for different conditions, generate various data, and display information based on the various data on the touch panel 24. In contrast, in the variation, the relay device 20 does not need to compile content information or generate and output output data.

(Variation 7) In the above embodiment, the control unit 34 of the relay device 20, the control unit 46 of each display device 40, the control unit 66 of the kiosk terminal 60, and the control unit 86 of the management device 80 each compile content information output from the gaming machines 10 for different conditions and generate various data. In contrast, in a variation, one of the devices (e.g., the management device 80) may compile and generate output data collectively, supply the generated output data to other devices, and display various information based on the output data on each device (see Figures 6 to 19).

(Variation 8) The gaming machine 10 may be configured to be able to change a setting value related to the probability. In this case, when the setting value is changed, the game state may be initialized (RAM cleared). Furthermore, the control unit 34 of the relay device 20, the control unit 46 of each display device 40, the control unit 66 of the kiosk terminal 60, and the control unit 86 of the management device 80 may compile content information for each setting value and generate various data. The control unit 34 of the relay device 20, the control unit 46 of each display device 40, the control unit 66 of the kiosk terminal 60, and the control unit 86 of the management device 80 may each display unit 42, 62, 82 (or touch panel 24) to display information based on various data included in the generated output data for each setting value (see Figures 6 to 19).

(Variation 9) When the gaming machine 10 operates in the ceiling time-saving state, the output data may include information regarding the time played in the ceiling time-saving state (play time information during the ceiling time-saving state).

(Variation 10) In the above embodiment, the control unit 46 of each machine display device 40 causes the display unit 42 to display notification information as shown in FIG. 20 when the gaming state of the gaming machine 10 at the end of the day's operation is the normal state after the end of the ceiling time-saving state. However, the content of the notification operation is not limited to displaying the notification information, and may be performed by any method, such as a sound notification or outputting a notification signal to another device (e.g., the management device 80).

(Variation 11) In the above embodiment, the control unit 46 of each machine display device 40 displays notification information as shown in FIG. 20 on the display unit 42 (i.e., performs a notification operation) when the game state of the gaming machine 10 at the end of the day's operation is the normal state after the end of the ceiling time-saving state. Not limited to this, the control unit 46 of each machine display device 40 may perform a notification operation (for example, displaying notification information on the display unit 42, etc.) when the number of pattern changes executed after the end of the previous special prize state at the end of the day's operation is within a specific range. Generally speaking, the information management device may further include a notification control unit that executes a predetermined notification operation when the number of pattern changes executed without transitioning to the next special prize state after the end of the previous special prize state is within a specific range at the end of the day's operation.

(Variation 12) In the above embodiment, the gaming state of the gaming machine 10 includes a probability-changing state in addition to a normal state, a special prize state, and a time-saving state. In a variation, the gaming state of the gaming machine 10 does not have to include a probability-changing state. Also, the probability-changing state may be included in the special prize state.

(Variation 13) In the above embodiment, the types of time-saving states include time-saving after special prize, time-saving after special bonus, sudden time-saving, and ceiling time-saving. In a variation, the types of time-saving states do not have to include any one or two of time-saving after special prize, time-saving after special bonus, and sudden time-saving. In this variation, the ceiling time-saving state is the "first type of time-saving state," and one of the other types of time-saving states included is the "second type of time-saving state."

(Variation 14) In the above embodiment, the control unit 46 of each machine display device 40, etc., determines whether the gaming machine 10 is in a normal state before transitioning to the ceiling time-shortening state, a ceiling time-shortening state, or a normal state after the ceiling time-shortening state ends, based on the content information, and generates game progress data (see Figures 13 to 19). Not limited to this, the control unit 46 of each machine display device 40, etc., may determine whether the gaming machine 10 is in at least one of the normal state before transitioning to the ceiling time-shortening state, the ceiling time-shortening state, and the normal state after the ceiling time-shortening state ends, based on the content information. Therefore, for example, the control unit 46 of each machine display device 40, etc., determines whether the gaming machine 10 is in a normal state before transitioning to the ceiling time-shortening state or a ceiling time-shortening state, based on the content information, but may not determine whether the gaming machine 10 is in a normal state after the ceiling time-shortening state ends. Also, for example, the control unit 46 of each machine display device 40 determines whether the gaming machine 10 is in the ceiling time-saving state or the normal state after the ceiling time-saving state ends based on the content information, but does not have to determine whether it is in the normal state before the transition to the ceiling time-saving state. Generally speaking, when the current gaming state of the gaming machine is other than the special prize state, the generation unit only needs to determine whether it is in at least one of the normal state before the transition to the ceiling time-saving state, the ceiling time-saving state, and the normal state after the ceiling time-saving state ends.

(Variation 15) Each of the multiple types of time-saving states may be further subdivided. For example, a sudden time-saving state may include a first pattern that ends after 40 symbol changes, and a second pattern that ends after 60 symbol changes. The same applies to other types of time-saving states (e.g., ceiling time-saving state, post-probability change time-saving state, post-special prize time-saving state). In that case, various data included in the output data may be generated and the information may be displayed with each pattern as a different type of time-saving state.

(Variation 16) In the above embodiment, the operating state of each gaming machine 10 is initialized (RAM cleared) by a predetermined initialization operation performed by an administrator or the like. This is not limited to the above, and the operating state of the gaming machine 10 may be automatically initialized (RAM cleared) when a change is made to the settings related to the probability of the gaming machine 10. When the device that acquires the content information acquires a setting change signal indicating that a change has been made to the settings of the gaming machine 10, it may store that the operating state of the corresponding gaming machine 10 has been initialized.

The technical elements described in this specification or drawings have technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. The technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving any one of those objectives is itself technically useful.

2: Management system 6: Machine unit 8: Island unit 10: Gaming machine 20: Relay device 22: Ball lending unit 24: Touch panel 26: Card processing unit 28: Bill processing unit 30: Notification lamp 32: Communication I/F
34: Control unit 36: Memory 40: Stand display device 42: Display unit 44: Operation unit 45: Communication I/F
46: Control unit 48: Memory 60: Kiosk terminal 62: Display unit 64: Operation unit 65: Communication I/F
66: Control unit 68: Memory 80: Management device 82: Display unit 84: Operation unit 85: Communication I/F
86: Control unit 88: Memory

Claims (6)

An information management device,
An information acquisition unit that acquires content information related to the operation of the gaming machine;
a generating unit that generates output data related to the operation content of the gaming machine by aggregating the acquired content information by condition,
The gaming machine is operable in a plurality of game states including a normal state, a special prize state, and a time-saving state , and the time-saving state includes a ceiling time-saving state, which is a time-saving state to which a player is shifted when a specific number of pattern variations are executed without shifting to the next special prize state after the previous special prize state ends, and a second type of time-saving state different from the ceiling time-saving state;
The generation unit includes at least
When the game state is other than the special prize state,
The normal state before transitioning to the ceiling time-saving state;
The ceiling time-saving state;
The normal state after the ceiling time-saving state ends;
The second type of time-saving state;
For each state, it is possible to determine whether or not the state is in question,
generating the output data including time-saving operation data indicating operation details while the gaming machine is operating in the time-saving state of at least one of the ceiling time-saving state and the second type of time-saving state;
Information management device. The generation unit further
When the gaming machine transitions to the special prize state, a previous state is specified, which is the gaming state immediately before the transition to the special prize state;
The output data further includes:
The information management device of claim 1 includes pre-prize gaming state data indicating, for each immediately preceding state, at least one of the number of times the gaming machine has transitioned from the immediately preceding state to the special prize state and the ratio of the number of times the gaming machine has transitioned from the immediately preceding state to the special prize state to the total number of times the gaming machine has transitioned to the special prize state. The pre-prize gaming state data further includes:
The information management device of claim 2 includes time-saving type-specific data indicating, when the immediately preceding state is the time-saving state, at least one of the number of times that the gaming machine has transitioned from the time-saving state of the ceiling time-saving state and the second type of time-saving state to the special prize state and the ratio of the number of times that the gaming machine has transitioned from the time-saving state of the type to the special prize state to the total number of times that the gaming machine has transitioned to the special prize state. The generation unit further
When the gaming machine transitions from the special prize state to another gaming state, a immediately subsequent state is specified, which is the gaming state to which the gaming machine transitions immediately after the special prize state;
The output data further includes:
An information management device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising post-prize gaming state data indicating, for each immediate-after state, at least one of the number of times the gaming machine has transitioned from the special prize state to the immediately-after state and the proportion of transitions from the special prize state to the immediately-after state relative to the total number of times the gaming machine has transitioned to the special prize state. The plurality of types of game states further includes a probability fluctuation state,
The output data further includes:
A probability of transition to the special prize state while the gaming machine is operating in the probability varying state; and
A probability of transition to the special prize state while the gaming machine is operating in one or both of the normal state and the time-saving state;
5. The information management device according to claim 1, further comprising state-specific special prize probability data including: The plurality of types of game states further includes a probability fluctuation state,
The output data further includes:
A ratio of the number of times the gaming machine has transitioned from the probability variation state to the special prize state to the number of times the gaming machine has transitioned to the probability variation state; and
A ratio of the number of times the gaming machine has transitioned from the time-saving state to the special prize state to the number of times the gaming machine has transitioned to the time-saving state; and
6. The information management device according to claim 1, further comprising special prize transition rate data by state, the special prize transition rate data including at least one of the above.

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