JPH08155121A - Information control system for use in amusement hall - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To enable a player to easily consult game data effective in selecting a game machine with which he plays a game and to prevent the player from consulting information other than game information preset so that it can be consulted. CONSTITUTION: A control system installed in an amusement hall to control various informations together is connected via terminal information control devices 6... to game machines 1... with which players actually play games, and when the presentation of information is requested from the player via the terminal information control device 6, this information requested by the player is presented to the player by the terminal information control device 6... within a preset presentable range.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technology relating to information management control, information display control, etc. of a gaming machine in which a plurality of gaming machines are installed. The present invention relates to an information control system in which information can be easily presented to a store clerk or the like, and game information related to a game of each gaming machine can be easily used by a player as needed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A game store having a large number of gaming machines typified by pachinko machines and pachislot machines is generally equipped with a management control device for comprehensively managing a plurality of gaming machines. This management control device acquires game information related to the game from each gaming machine (the number of safe balls, the number of out balls, the number of times special games have occurred, etc.), and processes and centrally manages the information,
It also controls operations such as stop control for each gaming machine. As described above, the conventional information control system in the game store is constructed mainly for realizing the information grasp and operation control of each game machine on the game store side.

[0003]

However, since the conventional information control system as described above is constructed mainly for the purpose of use by the gaming shop side, a general player can use past information of the gaming machine, etc. There is a case where only a part of persons who are familiar with the progress information of the gaming machine, etc., can obtain a great gaming profit by playing the game in the game store for a relatively long time without being able to refer to Since the equilibrium is likely to occur, the fact that the past game information is closed has been a great complaint for general players.

Incidentally, recently, the jackpot information (the number of times of special games that have occurred in the past in the game machine), which is useful information for the player to select a game machine to play a game, is displayed. There is also an information control system, but this is only for displaying the number of occurrences of special games that occurred after the start of business on the day, and actively presents the game information etc. necessary for the player before the previous day Not a thing.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an information control system in a game store which allows a player to easily take out useful game information permitted by the game store.

[0006]

In order to solve the above problems, an information control system in a game shop according to a first aspect of the present invention comprehensively manages and controls a plurality of game machines (2) installed in the game shop. The management control device (1) is provided for each gaming machine, acquires game information about a game of the gaming machine, sends the gaming information to the management control device, and stores and holds the gaming information for a predetermined period. The terminal information control device (6) acquires the information requested for information presentation from the management control device and displays the information.

An information control system in a game store according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a management control device (1) for comprehensively controlling and controlling a plurality of game machines (2) installed in the game store,
A terminal information control device (6), which is provided for each gaming machine, acquires and stores game information related to a game of the gaming machine, stores the held gaming information, and receives an information request from a player, and an island facility including a plurality of gaming machine rows. (4) The game information is acquired from each terminal information control device corresponding to each gaming machine in the island facility and transmitted to the management control device, and required for other island facility gaming machines. The island facility information control device (23) receives information from the management control device and supplies game information corresponding to the information request from each terminal information control device to each terminal information control device.

[0008]

Therefore, in the first aspect of the present invention, the player operates the terminal information control device provided for each gaming machine so that the gaming information of the gaming machine is not limited to the gaming information of other gaming machines. The terminal information control device can present the necessary information to the player by obtaining the necessary information from the management control device that comprehensively manages the information about the gaming machines in the gaming shop.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the management control device centrally manages the information of all the gaming machines in the gaming machine, and at the same time, the information of the gaming machine group in the island facility consisting of the gaming machine row is set to the island facility. Since the information control device manages it secondarily, it is possible to present desired information to the player while reducing the load on the management control device for information presentation and information management.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an embodiment of the information control system in a game shop according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a device configuration for embodying an information control system. A management control device 1 installed in a game shop, a large number of game machines 2 installed in the shop, and in-store speakers. 3 and the like are connected, and the management control device 1 comprehensively manages and controls the gaming machine 2, the in-store speaker 3 and the like. It should be noted that a large number of island-like island equipments 4 each having a plurality of gaming machines 2 typified by pachinko machines, pachi-slots, etc. arranged side by side are formed in the game shop. Island edge lamp 5 in good condition ...
By turning on (or blinking), information such as "the game machine 2 executing the special game that allows the player to obtain a relatively large amount of game profit is present in the island facility 4" is displayed. It is presented to players and the like.

The management control device 1 is designed so that it can be operated only by a person who is engaged in the management of the game store, and by receiving and storing data such as game information from all the game machines 2 in the store. Instead, it is possible to process the collected data from each of the gaming machines 2 to be useful for determining the management policy, and to issue an operation control command to the functions in each of the gaming machines 2 and the island facility 4. Therefore, the management control device 1 includes not only the main arithmetic processing function but also the input terminal 1a, the monitor 1b, the printer 1c, and the like, and has a large capacity necessary for storing and holding the collected data for a long period of time. A storage device 1d is provided.

The gaming machine 2 is for playing a game using a game medium such as a game ball or a game coin, and the player borrows this game medium to perform a game in the game store. The gaming machine 2 shown in the drawings is an enclosed ball type in which the player can play a game without directly touching the gaming medium. By inserting a gaming card previously acquired by the player into the gaming machine 2, The game machine reads the remaining frequency (or remaining money information) of the game card, player information, etc., so that the game ball selected by the player within the frequency range can be used for the game, and at the end of the game, the remaining frequency Information such as the number of balls acquired in the game is written on the game card and returned to the player.

According to such a gaming machine 2, since there is no need for facilities and troubles for collecting bills, coins, etc. and circulating a large amount of gaming media, the gaming machine can be easily managed and the gaming machine can be easily managed. There is an advantage that a person does not need to handle the game medium in a complicated manner. Further, by preventing the player from directly touching the game medium, it is possible to prevent sweat and dust from adhering to the game medium, facilitate the circulation of the game medium, and scatter the game medium in the store. Therefore, the game medium is not taken out of the store.

Each of the gaming machines 2 is provided with a terminal information control device 6 in association therewith, and the terminal information control device 6 acquires the gaming information about the game of the gaming machine 2. Then, the game information is transmitted to the management control device 1 and the game information for a predetermined period in the game machine 2 is stored and held. That is, the game information sent from each gaming machine 2 to the management control device 1 is sent via the terminal information control device 6.

Further, the terminal information control device 6 includes the island equipment 4
Are provided in the upper part of each gaming machine 2 ... In the area where a "calling lamp" for calling a game store clerk and a "big hit lamp" for indicating the occurrence of a special game are conventionally provided. In addition, the visibility is good for the player who plays the game on each gaming machine 2, and the player's operation is easy (see FIG. 2). As a result, the player can operate the terminal information control device 6 to make an information request, and the information requested by the player is displayed to the player. Moreover, the terminal information control device 6 can obtain information from the management control device 1 and display it to the player, not only the game information about the gaming machine 2 but also the information about other gaming machines 2. is there.

In addition, the island equipment 4 is used to notify (visual display or audio output) various information related to the game, and to effectively decorate the appearance of the island equipment 4 with an island decoration device 7. Is provided. The island decoration device 7 includes, for example, an island decoration information display 8, a speaker 9, a decoration lamp 10 and the like (see FIG. 2). The island decoration device 7 shown in this embodiment is controlled by the management control device 1.

The island information display 8 is, for example, a matrix lamp type laterally long display capable of displaying Chinese numerals and the like, and includes "information from the hall (regular holidays)", "lucky number," Unlucky number (a specific number string used in connection with the game on the game machine 2), "service time notice", "prize information", "excellent base (game machine having a game progress history advantageous to the player" 2) ”,“ Island production display (display of the fact that a special game has occurred on the gaming machine 2 in the island facility 4 and a display of the special game type, etc.) "Enhance)" and "general information (weather forecast, news, etc.)" are displayed.

The decorative lamp 10 has a function equivalent to that of a conventional jackpot lamp. For example, each gaming machine 2 ...
In addition to being provided corresponding to the upper part of, the two-color emission display of the green lamp and the red lamp is possible. When a special game occurs in the gaming machine 2, for example, a red lamp is displayed in a blinking manner, and the probability control used for the progress of the gaming of the gaming machine 2 changes to a state advantageous to the player. For example, a green lamp is displayed in a blinking manner. Further, unlike the conventional jackpot lamp, the operation and control of all the decorative lamps 10 ... Can be centrally performed by the management control device 1. Therefore, by moving and blinking the parallel decorative lamps 10 ... It is also possible to perform a display that enhances the effect.

As shown in FIG. 3, the detailed appearance of the front panel which controls the user interface of the terminal information control device 6 is, for example, a decoration device 12 (for example, a liquid crystal type display device 11) which surrounds the periphery of the display device 11. In addition to arranging an indicator in which a region for variable color light emission display is arranged in an annular shape with three color diodes of green, orange, and red, a reservation operation section 13 (ten keys, reservation buttons, etc.) used for key input by the player is provided. Display switch 1 for switching reference data, etc.
4. A call switch 15 for calling a game shop clerk, a remote control receiver 16 for receiving a signal from a remote control device carried by the game shop clerk, etc. are provided at appropriate positions. Speakers 17 ... Are arranged on both left and right sides of the terminal information control device 6 so that a player sitting on the front surface of the gaming machine 2 can hear sound effects of the gaming machine and various information notifications as stereo sound. There is.

A system configuration showing an outline of a configuration of an information control system in a game shop configured by using the terminal information control device 6 as described above is as shown in FIG. 4, and the management control device 1 and each island facility 14 are shown. The terminal information control device group of ... Is connected to each para. The terminal information control devices 6 ... And the game machines 2 ... Are connected in a one-to-one correspondence,
The terminal information control device 6 stores and holds the game information of each of the gaming machines 2 and deactivates the gaming function of the gaming machine 2 in order to perform the machine reservation control (described in detail later). Further, by receiving a signal from the remote control device 18 possessed by the clerk of the game store, it is possible to display the table adjustment data and the like which cannot be pulled out by a normal player.

In the system configuration example shown in FIG. 4, each terminal information control device 6 and the management control device 1 are connected to each other, but a relay terminal or the like is provided for each island facility 4 to play games. Network management (maintenance of signal line connections, etc.) in the store may be simplified. Further, the relay terminal group provided for each island facility 4 and the management control device 1 may be connected by wireless communication.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the terminal information control device 6, in which the above-mentioned reservation operation unit 13, by the function of the control circuit 19 including a CPU, ROM and RAM.
While receiving signals from the display changeover switch 14, the call switch 15, and the remote control receiver 16, the display 11, the decorative device 12, and the speaker 17 notify information and the like. Further, the control circuit 19 is connected to the gaming machine 2 via the interface circuit 20a and the management control device 1 via the interface circuit 20b, and can exchange various game information and control commands. is there.

The information collected by the terminal information control device 6 from the gaming machine 2 is, for example, information on the occurrence of a big hit, the start of starting a slot or the like (starting the determination of a game state transition condition), and the occurrence of a start winning ball (game state). Occurrence of winning spheres that are the starting conditions for transition condition determination), probability variation state (variation state of probability for game state transition condition determination), safe ball count (general winning ball count),
Count winning number (the number of winning balls that have been won in the variable winning device that has been converted into a player's advantageous state in the special game), V number of winnings (the number of winning balls that have been won at the special winning port in the variable winning device), out ball Number (the number of balls collected from the outlet without entering any prize area), the number of prize balls (the number of prize balls paid out to the player when the prize balls are generated), the number of balls lent (local These are the number of game balls lent from the gaming machine 2 to the player) and card information (amount information recorded on the game card, player information, etc.).

The various collected data as described above are processed into predetermined processed data by the control circuit 19 of the terminal information control device 6, and the processed data and the collected game data are sent together to the management control device 1. By doing so, the data processing capacity of the management control device 1 can be given a margin, and the management device 1 can also display the collected data in real time.

Further, the control circuit 19 transmits the information obtained from the gaming machine 2 to the management control device 1 and stores and retains the information independently in, for example, a nonvolatile storage circuit 21. Therefore, even after the power supply from the power supply circuit 22 is turned off at the end of business hours, the game information of the gaming machine 2 is stored and held in the memory circuit 21, and the gaming machine 2 to which the terminal control device 6 is connected is stored. If it is game information, the player can confirm the game information even before the previous day by the terminal information control device 6, and the game data and the like will be distributed and stored in addition to the management control device 1. Therefore, the data management It is also safe in terms of. It should be noted that even if the information of the other gaming machine 2 that is not the gaming machine to which the terminal information control device 6 is connected (hereinafter referred to as the local gaming machine) is acquired from the management control device 1, the display 11 It is possible to display to.

An example of the normal display performed by the display 11 and the decorative device 12 of the terminal information control device 6 as described above is as shown in FIG. 6, for example, the local game machine 2
The "number of balls held" read from the game card inserted in is displayed in the central portion of the display device 11, and the decoration device 12 displays the number of balls held. For example, if you have 5000 balls or more
If it is 3000 to 4999, it is made to emit orange light, if it is 1000 to 2999, it is made to emit green light, and if it is less than 1000, no lamp is turned on, so that it can be used for games. This makes it easy to recognize whether or not there is a margin in the remaining number of balls.

The contents displayed on the display unit 11 as a normal display are not limited to the number of balls held by the player, and past game data of the local gaming machine 2 may be displayed. However, a description of the game contents that tend to be complicated and a simple demo may be displayed as a normal display. In such a case, there is a complication that the player has to call up the display of the number of balls that the player can use for the game one by one. Therefore, the game card information such as the number of balls the player has is displayed on the operation unit of the gaming machine 2. It is desirable to provide it in the vicinity.

An example of the table adjustment data displayed when the game shop clerk performs the table adjustment is as shown in FIG. 7. For example, the difference value from the start of business on the previous day to the end of business (" The difference obtained by subtracting the "total number of award balls paid out to the player as a prize ball" from the "total number of game balls that have been used and used", the number of special prizes (the number of occurrences of special games), and the number of probability changes (special games) The number of fluctuations of the probability value used for the generation control of the), the base value (the number of prize balls paid out for 100 driving balls), the special prize probability ("the number of times the game state transition condition to the special game is satisfied") Probability value divided by "the number of times the game state transition condition to special game is judged"), number of special prize balls (total number of prize balls paid out to the player during the occurrence of the special game), probability setting value ( Criteria used to determine the game state transition conditions for special games In the gaming machine provided with a plurality of probability values is the displaying the rank value) or the like which is set. At this time, when the number of difference balls is negative (when the number of balls acquired by the player is large), the decoration device 12 displays a red color, and when the number of difference balls is positive, the decoration device 12 displays a green color. In this case, it is possible to easily grasp the approximate balance of the game machine 2.

The game data that can be displayed on the display 11 by the player operating the display changeover switch 14 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b). For example, by pressing the display changeover switch 14, the display of the display 11 on which the normal display such as the number of balls held is switched to the standard game data (see FIG. 8A), and particularly in this standard game data. When the machine number of the gaming machine 2 for which detailed display is desired is designated by ten-key input or the like, detailed gaming data (see FIG. 8B) as detailed gaming information regarding the designated gaming machine is displayed.

Here, if the designated gaming machine for which the player has requested the detailed gaming data is not the local gaming machine 2, the designated gaming machine information transmission request signal is once transmitted to the management control device 1, The game information regarding the designated gaming machine sent from the management device 1 is visually displayed on the display unit 11.
That is, the player only selects a designated gaming machine that requests information presentation, and the information that the player can obtain regarding this designated gaming machine is limited to what the terminal information control device 6 can accept. Since the information sent from the management control device 1 to the terminal information control device 6 can be set in advance to a limited information content, it is possible for the player to directly extract important management data and the like from the management control device 1 which is a host computer. Compared to other systems, there is no danger of hacking,
Highly reliable in terms of security.

The terminal information control device 6 allows the player to request information not only for game data and the like, but also for information such as prize exchange information and service information transmitted by the game store. Is also good. As one of such information services, an example of performing reservation designation of a game table will be described. For example, when the player presses the "reservation button" of the reservation operation unit 13 of the terminal information control device 6, a message prompting the user to input the unit number of the gaming machine 2 for which reservation is designated is displayed on the display device 11 (Fig. See a)). If you enter the machine number according to this instruction, reservation reservation for the specified machine is completed,
Returns to the normal display screen.

Thus, the reservation request accepted by the terminal information control device 6 is transmitted to the management control device 1 together with the player information of the player who made the reservation, and the management control device 1 responds to the designated game machine 2. The reservation request signal is transmitted to the terminal information control device 6 that operates. The terminal information control device 6 that has received this reservation request signal performs reservation control of the local gaming machine 2 (when the local gaming machine 2 is in use, it displays a reservation reception, and the local gaming machine 2 has not If it is in use, a display indicating that the machine is reserved is displayed and the local gaming machine 2 is set in a game-disabled state).

Based on such reservation control, when the terminal information control device 6 that has received the reservation setting sets the preferential use right of the local gaming machine 2 to the reservation person, the terminal information control device 6 makes a reservation to the management control device 1. By transmitting the platform availability information, the platform availability information is transmitted from the management control device 1 to the terminal information control device 6 that has designated the reservation. Then, the display 11 indicates that the reservation table is available (FIG. 9).
(Refer to (b)), and the intention of the reservation table is urged. At this time, in addition to the display by the display unit 11, the speaker 9 or the in-store speaker 3 may be used to notify by voice. The preferential use right of the reserved table is valid only for a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes). While the preferential use right is valid, the preferential usage right is displayed on the display 11 of the terminal information control device 6 of the reserved table. A display indicating that the player who does not have the card cannot use it is displayed (see FIG. 9C).

Therefore, in the information control system constructed by the LAN connection of the management control device 1, the gaming machine 2, ... And the terminal information control device 6 ... While playing a game with one gaming machine 2, another gaming machine 2 ( For example, it is possible to reserve a game machine or the like in which the player has found the possibility of playing a more advantageous game than the one currently in use, which can greatly contribute to the flight of the player. When the reserved gaming machine 2 is in use, it is impossible for the player to determine when the reserved table can be used. For example, the gaming machine 2 reserved for each predetermined time Information or the like may be displayed. Further, the reservation table may be canceled by the player, and when the player finishes the game on the gaming machine 2, the reservation table is canceled or the reservation is designated. You may make it possible to select whether to continue.

In the above-described embodiment of the information control system in the game store, the terminal information control device that can be used by using each gaming machine 2 can provide desired game information to the player. It is desirable that the game information can be used even when the game machine 2 is not used. Therefore, an embodiment of the information control system that enables the use of the game information even by the player who is not using the specific game machine 2 will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 10, the island facility information control device 23 is provided for each island facility 4, and the management control device 1 and the gaming machine 2 are provided.
..., a terminal information control device 6 ... and an example of a system configuration when an information control system in a game store is configured. The same components as those in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

The island facility information control device 23 can perform the same control as the information request and the information presentation using the terminal information control device 6, and the display 24 and the terminal operation unit capable of displaying various information. 25 (consisting of a reservation operation section, a game data display operation section, etc.). That is, by using the display unit 24 and the terminal operation unit 25, the gaming machines 2 ... (The gaming machines 2 in the island facility 4 ... and the gaming machines of other island facilities 4 performed by the terminal information control device 6 are used. It is possible to present the game information of 2 ...), reserve a machine, and the like.

Further, the island facility information control device 23 is provided with a setting operation section 26 which can be operated only by a game shop clerk or the like of the game facility concerned, and information which is normally notified by the island decoration device 7 of the island facility 4 concerned. It is supposed to be able to set. The operation panel of the setting operation unit 26 is always housed in the housing.
Only a player having a dedicated key pulls out the operation panel of the setting operation unit 26 to perform various setting operations, so that a general player cannot operate.
The configuration of the setting operation unit 26 is not limited to this. For example, the setting operation can be performed from the terminal operation unit 25 by inputting a setter ID, a password or the like with a remote control device possessed only by an amusement shop staff or the like. good. Further, various settings may be sent from the management control device 1 to the island equipment information control devices 23 of the respective island equipments 4 to enable collective setting or individual setting.

An example of the configuration of the information control system using the above-mentioned island equipment information control device 23 is as shown in FIG. 11, and the management equipment 1 and the island equipment information control devices 23 of the respective island equipments 4 ... .. are connected to all the terminal information control devices 6 ... In the island equipment 4 and the terminal information control devices 23 ... Are connected to the local gaming machines 2. In the information control system thus configured,
The island equipment information control device 6 further collects and processes the information collected and processed by each terminal information control device 6 ... From each local gaming machine 2 (for example, simple processing such as counting) (different data from various data It is transmitted to the management control device 1 after being subjected to relatively advanced processing such as arithmetic processing.

According to the above-mentioned information control system in the game store, the above-mentioned embodiment (management control device 1 and game machine 2 ...
And the terminal information control device 6 ...), the information can be decentralized and the processing load of the management control device 1 can be reduced. Real-time processing becomes possible,
It is possible to reflect useful information, which is the key to sales, in the business policy of the game store as soon as possible, and it becomes an information control system of extremely high practical value.

In the information control system as described above, the management control device 1 is used as a core to form a star network, but the island facility information control devices 23 of the respective island facilities 4 are connected in a ring. Then, a ring network may be used (indicated by a dashed arrow in FIG. 11). In this way, for the information control performed between the island equipments 4 such as the reservation of the machines, the island equipment information control devices 23 of the island equipments 4 directly exchange the information without passing through the management control device 1. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the load on the management control device 1, and it is also possible to perform a quick machine reservation process.

Next, a detailed processing operation of the terminal information control device 6 which constitutes the above-mentioned information control system will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the outline of the configuration of the terminal information control device 6, and the reservation operation section 13, the display changeover switch 15 and the remote control receiving section 16 are controlled by the function of the control circuit 19 composed of CPU, ROM and RAM. In addition to receiving the signal, the display device 11, the decorative device 12, and the speaker 17 notify information and the like. In addition, the control circuit 19 is connected to the gaming machine 2 via the interface circuit 20a and the island facility information control device 23 via the interface circuit 20b, and can exchange various game information and control commands. It is a thing.

A series of main processes related to information control of the terminal information control device 6 having the above-mentioned configuration is shown in FIG.
The flow is as shown in. That is, first, communication processing with the island facility information control device 23 is performed via the interface circuit 20b (step S1), then various game information is received from the local gaming machine 2 and predetermined processing processing etc. is performed ( In step S2), the process number set when the main process is performed is referred to, and the process branches to the process corresponding to the process number (step S3). For example, when the process number is set to "0", the normal process (step S4) is performed, and when the process number is set to "1", the platform adjustment data display process (step S5). If the process number is set to "2", the game data display process (step S6) is performed, and if the process number is set to "3", the reservation acceptance process (step S7). )I do.

When any one of the processes by the above branch ends, a reservation control process for performing reservation control for the local gaming machine 2 is performed (step S8), and the gaming state such as the auxiliary game or the special game is displayed as a decoration device. A game state notification process for notifying using 12 is performed (step S9), and a calling process for calling a game store clerk when the player operates the call switch 15 (step S10). The collected data, new set values, and the like are stored in the storage circuit 21, and the process ends.

The details of the normal display process performed by setting the process number to "0" are as shown in FIG. 14. First, the "number of balls to lend", the "number of out balls", and the "prize ball" are shown. number"
Then, the "number of balls held" is calculated (step S4-1), the number of balls held which is the result of this calculation is displayed on the display 11 (step S4-2), and the game card collection button is operated. A predetermined event is detected and it is determined whether or not the player is replaced (step S4-3). Only when the player is replaced, the number of balls held is returned to zero and the final possession is made on the game card. The number of spheres is written (step S4-
4).

Next, the information of the lucky number and the unlucky number involved in the game continuation condition after the end of the special game is displayed (step S4-5). The lucky number and the unlucky number are the island facility information control device 23. Since the information is set by each terminal information control device 6
It is possible for the player to confirm by the island information display device 8 without visually displaying on the display device 11. However, for example, when the lucky number setting is changed due to service time, etc., the information display of the lucky number and the unlucky number is given in order to call the player's attention, and the number of balls is given priority over the predetermined time. It only does an interrupt.

After performing the above processing, it is judged whether or not the signal from the remote controller 18 is detected by the remote controller receiver (step S4-6), and if it is received, the stand adjustment data is received. Assuming that a display request has been made, the process number is set to "1" (step S4-7), and the process is branched to the platform adjustment data display process in the next main routine. Then, it is determined whether or not there is an input based on the operation of the display changeover switch 14 (step S
4-8), if there is an input from the display changeover switch 14, it is determined that there is a request for game data display, the processing number is set to "2" (step S4-9), and in the next main routine. It is branched to the game data display processing. Next, it is determined whether or not there is a reservation input based on the operation of the reservation operation unit 13 (step S4-10). If there is a reservation input, it is determined that there is a vehicle reservation request and the processing number. Is set to "3" (step S4-11), and the process branches to the reservation acceptance process in the next main routine.

The details of the platform adjustment data display process performed by setting the processing number to "1" are as shown in FIG. 15. First, the type of platform adjustment data to be displayed and the storage date are designated. It is determined whether or not it has been received (step S5-
1) If the designation has been received, the platform adjustment data for the designated date is retrieved from the storage circuit 21 (step S
5-2) and display the platform adjustment data on the display 11 (step S5-3). In addition, when data out of the storage range of the storage circuit 21 is requested (for example, when the storage capacity of the storage circuit 21 is one week, but the stand adjustment data of 10 days ago is requested. In (), an error message may be displayed to prompt the user to re-input, or the island facility information control device 23, the management control device 1 and the like may be requested to display the corresponding data and displayed.

When the platform adjustment data is not designated and after the designated platform adjustment data is displayed, it is determined whether or not a request for ending the display of the platform adjustment data is received (step S5). -4) When the display end request for the base adjustment data is received, the process number is set to "0" to end the base adjustment data display process (step S5-5), and in the next main routine. The process is branched so as to return to the normal display process. In the present embodiment, the platform adjustment data display process is continued until the platform adjustment data display process request is made. However, after the platform adjustment data is displayed for a predetermined time, it automatically returns to the normal display process. Alternatively, the platform adjustment data display process may be forcibly ended by selecting another process.

The details of the game data display process performed by setting the process number to "2" are as shown in FIG. 16. First, the data displayed on the display 11 is the game data. It is determined whether or not (step S6-
1) If the display has not yet been switched to the game data (the normal display such as the number of balls held is being displayed), the local game machine 2 determined in advance from the memory circuit 21.
The game data is taken out (step S6-2) and visually displayed on the display 11 (step S6-3).
Next, it is determined whether or not the display changeover switch 14 has been operated again (step S6-4), and the display changeover switch 14
If is turned on, the process number is set to "0" to return to the normal process (step S6-5).

In this embodiment, each time the display changeover switch 14 is selected and operated, the predetermined game data display and the normal display on the local gaming machine 2 are alternately switched. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the above, as in the above-described embodiment, display of standard game data (displaying a list of simplified information of a plurality of game machines 2 ...) and display of detailed game data (detailed information of a specific game machine 2) (Displaying only game data) may be selected. Further, even when the game data of the local gaming machine 2 is limitedly displayed, the content of the game data to be displayed may be arbitrarily selectable.

Details of the reservation acceptance process performed by setting the process number to "3" are as shown in FIG.
First, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the display changeover switch 14 (step S7-1), and if there is an input from the display changeover switch 14, the detailed game data of the selected gaming machine 2 is displayed for a predetermined time. (Step S7-2). Note that the terminal information control device 6 displays a list of standard game data for a plurality of gaming machines 2 ... (Excluding the local gaming machine 2) along with the operation of the display changeover switch 14, and the table in the display data is displayed. When the player inputs a number, the gaming machine 2 for displaying detailed game data is selected.

If there is no input from the display changeover switch 14, it is judged whether or not a reservation input is made by the reservation operation section 13 (step S7-3). If there is a reservation input, for example, a game is played. The player information written on the card is read (step S7-4), and the reservation information such as the reservation number and the reservation information input from the reservation operation unit 13 is transmitted to the island facility information control device 23 (step S7-4). S7-5),
Along with the completion of the transmission to the island facility information control device 23, a message indicating that the vehicle reservation has been accepted is displayed on the display device 11 for a predetermined time (step S7-6), and the processing number is "0". Is set to return to the normal display processing (step S7-7).

The details of the reservation control processing performed after the branch processing corresponding to the above-mentioned processing number is completed are as shown in FIG. 18. First, the local gaming machine 2 is making a reservation for a machine (priority usage right for the reservation person). Is set, and it is determined whether or not the third party cannot use the local gaming machine 2 (step S8-1). If not set during the machine reservation, from the local gaming machine 2 It is determined whether a reservation for another gaming machine 2 is accepted (step S8-2),
If equipment reservation is not accepted, island equipment information control device 2
It is determined whether or not a reservation has been received from another vehicle through the step 3 (step S8-3).

When the reservation acceptance for the other gaming machine 2 has been completed in the reservation acceptance processing described above, information is received from the island facility control device 23 that the reservation table is available (standby reservation standby information). Whether or not the reception desk is available is determined based on whether or not the reservation desk is available (step S8-4). If the reservation desk is available, a display indicating that the reservation desk is available is displayed on the display unit 11 ( Step S8-5). The speaker 17 is provided so that the player can easily confirm the availability of the reservation table.
It may be possible to notify that the reservation table is available. Also, if you do not move to the reservation board within the predetermined time which is the maximum valid time of the machine reservation, the machine reservation will be invalid, so for example a certain time has elapsed after the reservation machine was in the usable state. Also, in the case where the reservation person continues to play the game on the local gaming machine 2, it is configured to notify the user that he / she is requested to move to the reservation table or to request a judgment as to whether or not to cancel the table reservation. May be.

If it is determined in step S8-3 that there is a machine reservation, it is determined whether or not a game is being played on the local gaming machine 2 (step S8-
6) When the local gaming machine 2 is playing, the display 11 or the decorative device 12 is used to display that the gaming machine 2 is reserved (step S8-).
7) The game of the local gaming machine 2 is continued.
In addition, when determining whether a game is in progress, not only when the game actually using the game medium is being continued (a state in which the hitting ball launching device or the like is operating), but a game card is inserted, etc. The state in which a game can be played may be considered to be playing.

Further, as described above, the local gaming machine 2 is not vacant even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the reservation for the local gaming machine 2 in use is made (the game by the previous user is In this case, the terminal information control device 6 forcibly cancels the reservation because it may cause a disadvantage to the person making the reservation by lengthening the waiting time for the reservation. It may be controlled. In such a case, the terminal information control device 6 transmits a reservation cancellation signal to the island facility information control device 23, so that the island facility information control device 23 or the management control device 1 has canceled the reservation It suffices to set the notification. Of course, when the table reservation player is playing a game on a specific gaming machine 2, the terminal information control device 6 corresponding to the gaming machine 2 may be set to notify that effect.

If it is determined in step S8-6 that the player is not playing the game, the display 11 of the gaming machine 2 displays that the vehicle reservation is set (step S8-8), and, for example, the hitting ball launcher is operated. By disabling the operation, the game on the game machine 2 is forcibly disabled (step S8-
9), the machine reservation standby information indicating that the machine has been reserved for the local gaming machine 2 is transmitted to the island facility information control device 23, and the clocking of a predetermined time which is the maximum effective time of machine reservation is started (step S8-10). ). When shifting to the machine reservation state, by rejecting the game card other than the game card of the machine reservation setter, the game is disabled until the game card of the machine reservation is inserted into the local gaming machine 2. Of.

As described above, after the vehicle has been reserved, the vehicle reservation display on the display unit 11 is updated (step S8).
-11), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time, which is the maximum valid time for the vehicle reservation, has elapsed (step S8-12). If the predetermined time has not yet passed, it is determined whether or not the reservation player has started using the game card of the reservation player in the local gaming machine 2 (step S
8-13). The updating of the vehicle reservation display performed in step S8-11 is, for example, updating the remaining time display until the maximum valid time of the vehicle reservation expires.

When the use is started by the reservation person before the effective predetermined time of the above-mentioned machine reservation has elapsed, the machine reservation display on the display 11 of the local gaming machine 2 is cleared along with the start of the use. At the same time, a table reservation cancellation signal is transmitted to the island facility information control device to return the game to a state in which the game can be played by the reservation person (step S8-11). In addition, when the predetermined time elapses before the use by the reservation person is started, the machine reservation display on the display 11 of the local gaming machine 2 is cleared and a machine reservation cancellation signal is issued with the elapse of the predetermined time. The local gaming machine 2 is returned to the normal state (state that anyone can use) by transmitting it to the facility information control device (step S8-11).

Next, based on FIGS. 19 to 23, the island facility information control device 23 constituting the above information control system.
The detailed processing operation of will be described.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the island facility information control device 23. The function of the control circuit 27 including a CPU, a ROM and a RAM allows the reservation operating part 28 constituting the terminal operating part 25 and game data. In addition to receiving signals from the display operation unit 29 and the setting operation unit 26, the information display 2
4 and the island decoration device 7 (island information display device 8, speaker 9, decoration lamp 10, island edge lamp 5 and the like) notify information and the like. The control circuit 27 also controls the terminal information control device 6 via the in-island equipment interface circuit 30a.
, And the management control device 1 via the island facility outside interface circuit 30b, respectively, so that various game information and control commands can be exchanged. A storage circuit 31 is provided in the island facility information control device 23, and the power supply circuit 3
Even after the power supply from 2 is cut off, the terminal information control device 6 ...
The game information collected from and the information obtained by processing the information can be stored and held.

A series of main processings related to information control of the island facility information control device 23 having the above-mentioned configuration has a flow as shown in FIG. That is, first, communication processing with the management control device 1 is performed via the outside-island equipment interface 30b (step S11), and then communication processing for receiving various game information from each terminal information control device 6 in the island equipment 4 is performed. Performing (step S12), performing arithmetic processing for processing the game data collected from each terminal information control device 6 ... (Step S13), and storing the collected game data and the arithmetically processed game data in the memory circuit 31. Data storage processing is performed (step S14).

Then, control processing of the island decoration device 7 including the island information display 8, the speaker 9 and the decoration lamp 10 is performed (step S15), the display control of the island edge lamp 5 is performed (step S16), and the reservation operation section is performed. While accepting the machine reservation based on the operation input from 28, a reservation control process for notifying the received availability information of the reserved machine is performed (step S17), and the game data based on the operation input from the game data display operation unit 29. A game data display process for displaying is performed (step S18), and a setting input process for setting display information or decoration information is performed (step S18).
19).

The details of the reservation control process are as shown in FIG. 21. First, it is judged whether or not the reservation input of the gaming machine 2 is received through the reservation operating unit 28 (step S1).
7-1) If the reservation input from the reservation operation unit 28 has not been received, it is determined whether or not the reservation board that has completed the reservation reception is in a usable standby state (step S17).
-2) If there is no reservation board in the standby state, the reservation control process is temporarily terminated.

When it is determined in step S17-1 that there is a reservation input, it is determined whether or not the selected gaming machine 2 is present in the island facility 4 (step S17-
3) If there is the selected gaming machine 2 in the island equipment 4 managed and controlled by the island equipment control device 23, the reservation person information or the like is read from the terminal information control device 6 that has transmitted the machine reservation (step S17- Along with 4), the reservation information is transmitted to the terminal information control device 6 corresponding to the gaming machine 2 selected as the reservation table (step S17-5). On the other hand, the island facility control device 23
When there is no selected gaming machine 2 in the island equipment 4 managed and controlled by, the reservation information and the reservation information are read from the terminal information control device 6 which has transmitted the machine reservation (step S17-6). The reservation person information is transmitted to the management control device 1 (step S17-7).

In step S17-2,
If the reservation stand-by information is received from the management control device 1 or the terminal information control device 6 ...
Reservation table availability information is notified from such as (step S17).
-8). The terminal operation unit 2 of the island facility information control device 23
The standby information of the reservation table that was reserved by 5 is
The management control device 1 is not limited to being managed and controlled by each island facility information control device 23, and the management control device 1 may integrally process the notification of the availability information for the vehicle reservation received by the whole island facility information control device 23. .

The details of the game data display processing are as shown in FIG. 22, and it is judged whether or not a game data display request is made through the game data display operation section 29 (step S18-1), and the game is displayed. When there is a data display request, it is determined whether or not the selected gaming machine 2 for which data display is requested exists in the island facility 4 (step S18-
2). If the selected gaming machine 2 exists in the island facility 4 managed by the island facility information control device 23, the selected gaming machine 2
Is read from the storage circuit 31 (step S18
-3), displaying the data for a predetermined time (step S1)
8-4).

On the other hand, when the selected gaming machine 2 does not exist in the island equipment 4 managed by the island equipment control device 4, the management control device 1 is requested for the data of the selected gaming machine (step S18-5). ), The game data received from the management control device 1 is displayed for a predetermined time (step S18-6). If direct communication control is possible between the island equipment control devices 23, the game information may be exchanged between the island equipment control devices without the management control device 1.

The details of the setting input process are as shown in FIG. 23, and it is determined whether or not a display information setting request is made through the setting operation unit 26 (step S19-1).
When there is a display information setting request, the display content based on the setting operation is set to be displayed on the island information display 8 of the island decoration device 7 (step S19-2). In addition, it is determined whether or not a decoration information setting request has been issued via the setting operation unit 26 (step S19-3). If there is a decoration information setting request, the display content based on the setting operation is displayed. The display is set to be displayed by the lamp 10 (step S)
19-4).

[0073]

As described above, according to the information control system in the game shop according to the first aspect of the present invention, the player operates the terminal information control device provided for each gaming machine, so that Since the terminal information control device can obtain the necessary information from the management control device and present it to the player, not only the game information but also the information of other game machines, It becomes possible to know the game information related to the game of the other gaming machine while playing the game.

As a result, since the range of choices of game machines by the player can be widened, the player's willingness to play the game is motivated, the interest in the game is increased, and the profit of the game store is also improved. You can Further, since the information that the player can obtain is limited to what the terminal information control device can accept, in terms of security as compared to a system in which the player directly obtains information from the management control device that is a host computer. Is also highly reliable.

Further, according to the information control system in the game shop according to the second aspect of the present invention, the management control device centrally manages the information of all the game machines in the game shop, and the game machine group in the island facility is managed. Since the island facility information control device manages the information secondarily, it is possible to present the desired information to the player while reducing the load on the management control device that is devoted to information presentation and information management. Even when information requests from players are concentrated, desired game information can be quickly presented without significantly reducing the processing speed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an information control system in a game store.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of an island information display device and a terminal information control device provided on the upper part of the island facility on the side where the gaming machine rows are arranged.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a front panel of the terminal information control device.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an information control system including a management control device, a terminal information control device group, and a gaming machine group.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a terminal information control device.

FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of the display unit of the terminal information control device displaying information about the number of balls held.

FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of a display unit of the terminal information control device displaying platform adjustment data.

FIG. 8A is a schematic front view of the display unit of the terminal information control device displaying the standard game data. (B) It is a schematic front view of the display part of the terminal information control device which is displaying detailed game data.

FIG. 9 (a) is a schematic front view of the display unit of the terminal information control device displaying the message for starting the vehicle reservation. (B) It is a schematic front view of the display part of the terminal information control device which is displaying the message that the reservation table has become available. (C) It is a schematic front view of the display part of the terminal information control device which is displaying the message of the reservation table which cannot be used.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an information control system in a game store provided with an island facility information control device in the island facility.

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of an information control system including a management control device, an island facility information control device group, a terminal information control device group, and a game machine group.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a terminal information control device.

FIG. 13 is a general flowchart showing a flow of operations related to information control performed by the terminal information control device.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a normal display process performed by the terminal information control device.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a platform adjustment data display process performed by the terminal information control device.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a game data display process performed by the terminal information control device.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a reservation process performed by the terminal information control device.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a reservation reception process performed by the terminal information control device.

FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an island facility information control device.

FIG. 20 is a general flowchart showing the flow of operations related to information control performed by the island facility information control device.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a reservation process performed by the island facility information control device.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of game data display processing performed by the island facility information control device.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a setting input process performed by the island facility information control device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Management control device 2 Gaming machine 4 Island equipment 6 Terminal information control device 23 Island equipment information control device

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A management control device for comprehensively controlling and controlling a plurality of gaming machines installed in a gaming machine; and a management control device, which is provided for each gaming machine, acquires game information about a game of the gaming machine, and performs the management control. A terminal information control device that transmits to the device, stores and holds game information for a predetermined period, and acquires and displays the information requested by the player to present the information from the management control device. Information control system in a game store. 2. The terminal information control device according to claim 1, wherein the game information acquired from the gaming machine is processed into preset data and transmitted to the management control device. Information control system in amusement stores in Japan. 3. The terminal control device is adapted to accept a display request for game information within a predetermined period of the gaming machine and read the game information from an internal storage circuit for display. An information control system in a game store according to claim 1 or 2. 4. The specified game machine for receiving the request for game information about another game machine from the connected game machine and requesting game information about the requested specified game machine from the connected game machine. An information transmission request signal is transmitted to the management control device, and the management control device supplies game information related to the designated gaming machine to the terminal control device based on receiving the designated gaming machine information transmission request signal from the terminal control device. The information control system in the amusement store according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that. 5. The terminal information control device receives a reservation request for another game machine from the connected game machine, and transmits a reservation request signal for the designated game machine that has received the reservation request to the management control device. The reservation control of the connected gaming machine is performed based on receiving a reservation request signal from the management control device.
An information control system in a game shop according to claim 4. 6. A management control device for comprehensively controlling and controlling a plurality of gaming machines installed in a gaming store, and gaming information regarding a game of the gaming machine, which is provided for each gaming machine and is stored and retained. , A terminal information control device that accepts information requests from players and an island facility consisting of a plurality of gaming machine rows, and obtains game information from the terminal information control device that corresponds to each gaming machine in the island facility And transmits to the management control device, the game information required for the game machines of the other island equipment is received from the management control device, and the game information corresponding to the information request from each terminal information control device is sent to each terminal information control device. An information control system in an amusement store, comprising: an island facility information control device to be supplied to. 7. The specified game machine for receiving a request for game information about another game machine from the connected game machine, and requesting game information about a requested specified game machine. The information transmission request signal is transmitted to the island facility information control device, and the island facility information control device,
7. The information in the game store according to claim 6, wherein game information about the designated gaming machine is supplied to the terminal controlling apparatus based on receiving a designated gaming machine information transmission request signal from the terminal controlling apparatus. Control system. 8. The island facility information control device includes a terminal operation unit, and is capable of displaying game information regarding a specified gaming machine specified by an input from the terminal operation unit. Alternatively, an information control system in a game shop according to claim 7. 9. The terminal information control device receives a reservation request for another game machine from a connected game machine, and sends a reservation request signal for the designated game machine that has received the reservation request to the island facility information control device. The reservation control of the connected gaming machine is performed based on receiving the reservation request signal from the management control device via the island facility information control device. The information control system in a game shop according to any one of claims 6 to 8. 10. The island facility information control device includes a terminal operation unit, receives a reservation request for a specified gaming machine specified by an input from the terminal operation unit, and transmits a reservation request signal to the management control device. The information control system in a game shop according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that. 11. The island facility information control device includes a terminal operating unit, receives a reservation request for a designated gaming machine designated in the island facility by an input from the terminal operating unit, and sends a reservation request signal to the designated gaming machine. The information control system in a game shop according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the information is transmitted to a terminal information control device corresponding to. 12. The island facility information control device comprises a terminal operation unit, and local data valid only for a gaming machine group in the island facility can be set by an input from the terminal operation unit. An information control system in a game shop according to any one of claims 6 to 11. 13. The island facility information control device includes a terminal operation unit, and the island information to be displayed on an island information display device provided in the island facility can be variably set by an input from the terminal operation unit. Claims 6 to 1 characterized in that
2. An information control system in a game shop according to any one of 2.