Game device

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of enhancing a player motivation to visit a parlor.SOLUTION: A game device to be installed in association with a game machine that increases or decreases game media based on game content, comprises an input part to which a player inputs an instruction, a communication part for communicating with the game machine, and a control part. The control part enables executing either one of a paid mode, in which paid game media for normal game can be lent to the player for a fee in accordance with the instruction inputted to the input part by the player, and a trial game mode, in which trial game media for trial game can be lent to the player free of charge. The control part, when the paid mode is executed, allows the player to play the normal game with the game machine using the paid game media by lending the paid game media for a fee to the player, and when the trial game mode is executed, allows the player to play the trial game with the game machine using the trial game media by lending the trial game media to the player free of charge.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a gaming device installed corresponding to a gaming machine.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of operating a gaming device in a free setting that provides gaming value for free, collecting information on game players who play games on the gaming device operated in the free setting, and analyzing the trends of game players.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technology of Patent Document 1, the gaming device operated in the free setting is specified and set in advance by the installer (such as a game parlor) who installs the gaming device. That is, a game player can play free-setting games only on the gaming device with the pre-specified free setting. A game player cannot play free-setting games on a gaming device that is not set to free. Also, a game player cannot play normal paid-setting games on a gaming device with a free setting. This may not contribute to the motivation for game players to visit the store.

[0005] This specification discloses a technology that can improve the motivation for game players to visit the store.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The gaming device disclosed by this specification is a gaming device installed to correspond to a gaming machine that increases or decreases gaming media according to the gaming content. The gaming device includes an input unit for a player to input instructions, a communication unit for communicating with the gaming machine, and a control unit. The control unit can execute one of a paid mode that enables lending out paid gaming media for normal gaming for a fee according to the instructions of the player input to the input unit, and a trial gaming mode that enables lending out trial gaming media for trial gaming for free. When the paid mode is executed, the paid gaming media is lent out to the player for a fee, and it is possible to perform normal gaming on the gaming machine using the paid gaming media. When the trial gaming mode is executed, the trial gaming media is lent out to the player for free, and it is possible to perform trial gaming on the gaming machine using the trial gaming media.

[0007] The above-mentioned "game device" includes any device installed corresponding to a gaming machine. For example, the "game device" may include units (sand unit, card unit) provided corresponding to a gaming machine, other information collection devices (hall combobox, table unit, island unit), each table display device (table lamp, call lamp, call device, call push button, etc.) provided corresponding to a gaming machine, a management device (hall computer, member server, etc.) for managing a game parlor, various effect and display devices, and various game parlor facilities. The above-mentioned "gaming machine" is mainly a pachinko machine, but may include any gaming machine such as a slot machine. The "gaming machine" may be a so-called smart gaming machine in which game media such as pachinko balls and medals are not mainly paid out. The "game media" is a medium in a state that can be used for games on a gaming machine. The "game media" can also be called a game ball, a game medal, a game point, a game value, etc. The "input unit" includes a touch panel, an operation button, a card processing unit, a communication unit with the outside, etc. That is, the "instruction" by a game player may include an instruction input by the game player on the touch panel or the operation button, causing the card processing unit to read a card (paid membership card, membership card (free membership card), visitor card, etc.), and inputting an instruction from an external device (for example, a smartphone, etc.) via the communication unit.

[0008] According to the above-mentioned game device, a game player can choose whether to play a paid normal game or a free trial game on the gaming machine according to his own instruction. A game player can actively choose whether to play a normal game or a free game. It can meet the wishes of both a game player who wants to try out and a game player who wants to enjoy a normal game on the same gaming machine. Therefore, according to the above-mentioned game device, the motivation of game players to visit the store can be improved.

[0009] It may further include a notification unit. While the trial game mode is being executed, the control unit may cause the notification unit to perform a notification operation different from that during the execution of the paid mode.

[0010] The above-mentioned "notification unit" includes a lamp, a speaker, a display, etc. According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the surrounding staff, game players, etc. of whether the trial game mode or the paid mode is being executed. The staff, etc. can respond to the game players according to whether the trial game mode or the paid mode is being executed. Also, the number of trial games per day may be limited.

[0011] When the trial game mode is being executed, the control unit may end the trial game on the gaming machine using the trial game medium when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the trial game mode.

[0012] According to this configuration, it is possible to limit the period during which a game player can play a trial game. It is possible to suppress the situation where the same game player monopolizes the gaming machine only with trial games. Also, if the number of trial games per day is limited, it is possible to more appropriately suppress the situation where the same game player monopolizes the gaming machine only with trial games.

[0013] When the trial game mode is being executed, the control unit may end the trial game on the gaming machine using the trial game medium when a game using a predetermined number of the trial game media ends.

[0014] The "predetermined number of trial game media" may be a predetermined number of out balls (fired balls) or a predetermined number of held balls. Also in this case, it is possible to limit the opportunity for a game player to play a trial game. It is possible to suppress the situation where the same game player monopolizes the gaming machine only with trial games. Also, if the number of trial games per day is limited, it is possible to more appropriately suppress the situation where the same game player monopolizes the gaming machine only with trial games.

[0015] When the trial game mode is being executed, the control unit may end the trial game on the gaming machine using the trial game medium when an end instruction is input to the input unit.

[0016] According to this configuration, a player can end the trial game at a desired timing. A game mode according to the player's wishes can be provided.

[0017] When the trial game on the gaming machine using the trial game medium ends, the control unit may erase the trial game medium that is validly present.

[0018] According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress a player from taking out and reusing the trial game medium. It is possible to prevent the mixing of paid game media and trial game media.

[0019] The gaming machine may be operable in a plurality of game states including a normal state and a state different from the normal state and advantageous to the player. When the trial game on the gaming machine using the trial game medium ends, if the game state of the gaming machine is a game state other than the normal state, the control unit may execute processing related to shifting the game state of the gaming machine to the normal state.

[0020] "A state advantageous to the player" includes, for example, a special prize state, a probability variation state, a time shortening state, etc., which are game states different from the normal state. "Processing related to shifting the game state of the gaming machine to the normal state" includes, for example, processing for instructing the gaming machine to return to the game state before the start of the trial game, processing for extending the trial game until the advantageous state ends and returns to the normal state, a series of processing for shifting the gaming machine to an error state, performing a notification operation to call a staff member, and having the staff member reset the gaming machine, etc. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress a situation where a player shifts the game state of the gaming machine to an advantageous state by playing a trial game and then shifts to a normal game while remaining in the advantageous state.

[0021] The gaming machine may further include a recording medium processing unit that performs processing related to a recording medium issued by the game parlor where the gaming machine is installed and capable of specifying the gaming value owned by the player. When the recording medium processing unit reads the recording medium, the control unit may enable the execution of the trial gaming mode.

[0022] "Recording medium" includes any medium capable of recording information, for example, membership cards (paid membership cards, free membership cards), visitor cards, etc. The recording medium is not limited to the card type and may be a coin type or the like. According to this configuration, only players who possess the recording medium issued by the game parlor can perform trial gaming on the gaming machines in the game parlor. The game parlor can provide the trial gaming service to players who are customers of the game parlor.

[0023] The recording medium may include a specific recording medium issued by the game parlor to paid members who pay a predetermined membership fee to the game parlor.

[0024] According to this configuration, the game parlor can expect membership fee income from players who visit the store only for the purpose of trial gaming. It is possible to suppress the decrease in revenue on the game parlor side by enabling gaming in the trial gaming mode.

[0025] The control method, computer program, and computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program for realizing the above gaming device are also novel and useful. The gaming system including the above gaming device is also novel and useful.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] (First Embodiment) (Overview of the System: FIG. 1) The game system 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for managing the operating status and the like of each gaming machine in a game parlor such as a pachinko parlor. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 2 of the present embodiment includes a management device 100 and a plurality of gaming machines 90A and 90B provided in the game parlor. The gaming machines 90A and 90B each include a gaming machine 10, a unit 20, a hall combobox 50, and a call lamp 60. Hereinafter, when the gaming machines 90A and 90B are not distinguished and collectively referred to, they are called "gaming machines 90". The unit 20 is wired-connected to the gaming machine 10 and the hall combobox 50 and can communicate with each other. The call lamp 60 is wired-connected to the hall combobox 50 and can communicate with each other. Further, the unit 20 and the call lamp 60 are communicably connected to the management device 100 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 4. Also, the hall combobox 50 and the management device 100 are communicably connected. In the example of FIG. 1, only the gaming machines 90A and 90B are shown, but in an actual game parlor, many other gaming machines 90 are also installed.

[0028] For the gaming machines 90A, a device ID "D1" for identifying the gaming machines 90A is assigned. For the gaming machines 90B, a device ID "D2" is assigned. In this embodiment, the device ID is stored in the call lamp 60, the unit 20, and the hall combobox 50. The device ID may be stored in one or more devices among the gaming machine 10, the unit 20, the hall combobox 50, and the call lamp 60. The device ID may be a stand number.

[0029] (Configuration of the gaming machine 10) The gaming machine 10 is a smart gaming machine, which can be a smart pachinko machine or a smart pachislot machine. The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment includes a game board 11, a hitting handle 12, a game ball number display unit 13, a counting button 14, and a control unit 15. A game area including a symbol display area and various winning holes is formed on the game board 11. The hitting handle 12 is an operation handle for a game player to hit game balls to play the game. When the game player operates the hitting handle 12, one sealed ball is launched into the game board 11 each time. When the sealed ball is launched, the game balls are subtracted. The game ball number display unit 13 is a display for real-time displaying the number of game balls currently stored in the gaming machine 10. The game ball number display unit 13 is, for example, a 7-segment display. The counting button 14 is an operation button for starting the conversion (counting) process from game balls to held balls. The control unit 15 is built into the gaming machine 10 and controls the operations of each component of the gaming machine 10.

[0030] The outline of the operation of the gaming machine 10 will be described. When a conversion process for converting held balls or stored balls into a predetermined number of gaming balls is performed in the unit 20, the number of gaming balls stored in the gaming machine 10 is incremented by the predetermined number. "Held balls" are the balls obtained by the player on the same day and not deposited at the game parlor. "Stored balls" are the balls obtained by the player prior to the same day and deposited at the game parlor. "Gaming balls" are the balls that can be inserted into the gaming machine 10. In this embodiment, since the case where the gaming machine 10 is a pachinko machine is exemplified, the terms "gaming balls", "held balls", and "stored balls" are used, but the terms "gaming balls", "held balls", and "stored balls" may be renamed to general terms such as "gaming medium", "held medium", and "stored medium". During the game on the gaming machine 10, the number of gaming balls increases or decreases according to the game situation. The number of gaming balls is constantly displayed on the gaming ball number display unit 13. The number of outs (the number of fired gaming balls (firing number)), the number of safes (the number of paid-out gaming balls (bonus balls)), the number of gaming balls, etc. are periodically transmitted to the unit 20. The number of outs, the number of safes, the number of gaming balls, etc. may be referred to as "game information". The game information may be transmitted to the unit 20 at any time.

[0031] Also, when the player operates the counting button 14, the number of gaming balls is transmitted to the unit 20. Hereinafter, operating the counting button 14 is referred to as a "counting operation". When the counting operation is performed, the number of gaming balls stored in the gaming machine 10 becomes 0 (settled).

[0032] The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment can operate in a plurality of types of gaming states including a normal state, a special prize state, a probability variation state, and a time shortening state. The normal state is a state that is not advantageous for the player (for example, none of the special prize, probability variation, or time shortening occurs). The normal state includes a standby state in which the game is not in progress. The special prize state is a so-called big win state and is an advantageous state for the player. While in the special prize state, a relatively large number of game balls are paid out from the gaming machine 10. The probability variation state is a gaming state that generally transitions after the end of the special prize state, and has a higher probability of transitioning to the special prize state compared to the normal state, and is an advantageous state for the player. The time shortening state has the same probability of transitioning to the special prize state as the normal state, but is an advantageous state in that the symbol variation time in the gaming machine 10 is shortened and the decrease in the player's held game balls is suppressed.

[0033] (Configuration of Unit 20) Unit 20 is a device provided on the side of the gaming machine 10. Unit 20 may also be referred to as the "sand unit (sand)" or the "card unit". Unit 20 is a terminal device for providing various services to the player, such as accepting paper money, lending out game balls (for example, conversion from the remaining amount, conversion from the held balls, conversion from the stored balls, etc.), card processing, and processing for securing the gaming machine 10 accompanying a game interruption.

[0034] In this embodiment, the unit 20 can operate in two different modes: a paid mode (normal mode) in which it lends out game balls for normal games for a fee, and a trial game mode in which it lends out game balls for trial games for free. The behavior of the gaming machine 10 while the unit 20 is operating in the trial game mode may be referred to as "the gaming machine 10 is operating in the trial game mode". The behavior of the gaming machine 10 while the unit 20 is operating in the paid mode may be referred to as "the gaming machine 10 is operating in the paid mode". "Normal game" refers to a game played using game balls lent out for a fee. Game balls for normal games may sometimes be referred to as paid game balls. Paid game balls are lent out using the remaining balance, held balls, and stored balls. Paid game balls can also be converted into held balls and stored balls by performing a predetermined settlement process after the end of a normal game. "Trial game" refers to a game played using game balls lent out for free. Game balls for trial games may sometimes be referred to as trial game balls. Trial game balls are lent out only when the unit 20 is operating in the trial game mode. Although trial game balls are lent out for free, they cannot be converted into held balls and stored balls after the end of a trial game. Therefore, it can be said that the trial game is a game mode for players who want to try playing the game on the gaming machine 10 and for players who want to try watching the effects associated with the game on the gaming machine 10, etc.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the unit 20 includes a touch panel 22, a bill processing unit 30, a card processing unit 32, a hall combo box interface 34, a gaming machine interface 36, a hall con interface 38, a control unit 40, a memory 42, and an audio output unit 44. Hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F".

[0036] The touch panel 22 has the function as a display unit 24 for displaying various information and the function as an operation unit 26 through which a player can input various instructions by touching the panel. In a modified example, the display unit 24 and the operation unit 26 may be provided separately. The bill processing unit 30 accepts bills inserted by the player and executes various processes. The card processing unit 32 executes various processes related to the visitor card, such as discharge, reading, and collection of the visitor card, and various processes related to the membership card, such as issuance, discharge, reading, collection, and confirmation of the membership card for the free play target member.

[0037] The visitor card is a recording medium pre-stored in the unit 20. A visitor card ID for identifying the card is recorded on the visitor card. The membership card is a card issued when a player operates the touch panel 22 to perform a predetermined membership registration process. The issuer of the membership card may be the unit 20 or the management device 100. The membership card may be issued at a manned counter where the player has completed the membership registration procedure. A membership ID, which is identification information for identifying the player as a member, is recorded on the membership card. The visitor card ID recorded on the visitor card and the membership ID recorded on the membership card are associated with the gaming value (held coins, stored coins, remaining balance) owned by the player. The management device 100 can specify the gaming value (held coins, stored coins, remaining balance) for each player associated with the visitor card ID and the membership ID. Also, the membership card may include two types of cards: a membership card for regular members (free membership card) that allows free membership registration and a membership card for paid members (paid membership card) that requires paid membership registration. Paid members may be referred to as subscription members. In this embodiment, an example where the recording medium handled by the unit 20 is in card form has been described, but it is not limited to this, and the recording medium handled by the unit 20 may be a recording medium in any form such as coin form.

[0038] The hall combox I / F 34 is an I / F for communicating with the corresponding hall combox 50. The gaming machine I / F 36 is an I / F for communicating with the corresponding gaming machine 10. The hall comb I / F 38 is an I / F for communicating with the management device 100 via the LAN 4.

[0039] The voice output unit 44 is a unit capable of outputting various voices (voice messages, melodies, etc.). The voice output unit 44 includes a speaker or the like.

[0040] The control unit 40 executes various processes including the trial game mode start process (Fig. 5) and the trial game mode end process (Fig. 6) according to the program stored in the memory 42. The memory 42 stores the device ID (such as "D1") indicating the gaming machine type 90 including the unit 20. In addition, the memory 42 has a flag storage area 43 for storing the trial game mode flag. When the trial game mode flag is stored in the flag storage area 43, the control unit 40 can operate the unit 20 in the trial game mode. The trial game mode flag is supplied from the management device 100 to the unit 20 corresponding to the gaming machine 10 targeted for the trial game and stored in the memory 42. The trial game mode flag may be stored in the memory 42 in advance. Also, the memory 42 is provided with an information storage area for storing information obtained when the control unit 40 executes various processes (for example, the number of game balls in the gaming machine 10, information recorded on the card being read by the card processing unit 32, etc.).

[0041] (Configuration of the Hall Combox 50) The hall combox 50 shown in Fig. 1 is a device provided between the unit 20 and the call lamp 60. The hall combox 50 is a device mainly for collecting, relaying, and totaling information related to the games of the gaming machine 10. As shown in Fig. 3, the hall combox 50 includes a control unit 52, a memory 54, a call lamp I / F 55, a unit I / F 56, and an external I / F 57.

[0042] The call lamp I / F 55 is an I / F for communicating with the corresponding call lamp 60. The unit I / F 56 is an I / F for communicating with the corresponding unit 20. The external I / F 57 is an I / F for communicating with an external device (e.g., the management device 100).

[0043] The control unit 52 executes various processes according to the programs stored in the memory 54. The memory 54 stores a device ID (such as "D1") indicating the gaming machines 90 including the whole combobox 50. The memory 54 is also provided with an information storage area for storing information (e.g., the number of safes, the number of outs, the cumulative number of safes, the cumulative number of outs, the complete design value, related information, arcade-related information, etc.) obtained when the control unit 52 executes various processes.

[0044] (Configuration of the call lamp 60) As shown in FIG. 1, the call lamp 60 is a device provided on the upper part of the gaming machine 10. The call lamp 60 is a device for displaying various information related to the gaming machine 10 (e.g., slump graph, complete-related information, etc.) or performing a call operation to call an arcade staff member. As shown in FIG. 4, the call lamp 60 includes a display unit 62, an operation unit 64, a light-emitting notification unit 66, an audio output unit 68, a whole combobox I / F 70, a whole combobox I / F 71, a control unit 72, and a memory 74. In another example, the call lamp 60 may further include a card processing unit.

[0045] The display unit 62 is a display for displaying various information. The operation unit 64 includes a plurality of buttons. The player can input various instructions to the call lamp 60 by operating the buttons. In a modified example, the call lamp 60 may include a touch panel that functions as both a display unit and an operation unit instead of the display unit 62 and the operation unit 64.

[0046] The light-emitting notification unit 66 can emit light in multiple modes. The light-emitting notification unit 66 includes an LED lamp. The voice output unit 68 is a unit capable of outputting various voices (voice messages, melodies, etc.). The voice output unit 68 includes a speaker or the like. The hall combobox I / F 70 is an I / F for communicating with the corresponding hall combobox 50. The hall con I / F 71 is an I / F for communicating with the management device 100 via the LAN 4.

[0047] The control unit 72 executes various processes according to the programs stored in the memory 74. The memory 74 stores device IDs (such as "D1") indicating gaming machines 90 including the call lamp 60.

[0048] (Configuration of the management device 100) The management device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a management server installed by the game parlor. The management device 100 manages various information within the game parlor. The management device 100 is installed in an area where game customers cannot view it and is mainly operated by the game parlor manager or the like. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the management device 100 is actually configured by being divided into devices such as a hall computer, a member server, a stored ball server, and a held ball server. The hall computer, the member server, the stored ball server, and the held ball server can communicate with each other. Hereinafter, assuming the entire management device 100 composed of the hall computer, the member server, the stored ball server, and the held ball server, the configuration and operation of the management device 100 will be described.

[0049] The management device 100 includes a display unit 102, an operation unit 104, a communication I / F 106, a control unit 110, and a memory 112. The display unit 102 is a display for displaying various information. The operation unit 104 includes a mouse and a keyboard. The game parlor manager or the like can input various instructions into the management device 100 by operating the operation unit 104. The communication I / F 106 is connected to the LAN 4. The communication I / F 106 is an I / F for communicating with external devices (such as each hall combobox 50) via the LAN 4.

[0050] The control unit 110 executes various processes according to the programs stored in the memory 112. The memory 112 also has a storage area for storing information obtained when the control unit 110 executes various processes. The memory 112 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 hall combobox 50 in the game parlor for each device ID. The memory 112 stores various information when normal games are played on each gaming machine 10 and various information when trial games are played separately.

[0051] (Trial game mode start process: Figure 5) With reference to Figure 5, the trial game mode start process executed by the control unit 40 of the unit 20 will be described. The trial game mode start process is a process for the control unit 40 of the unit 20 corresponding to the gaming machine 10 designated as the target of the trial game to start operation in the trial game mode according to the instructions of the player.

[0052] When the power of the gaming machine category 90 including the unit 20 is turned on while the trial game mode flag is stored in the flag storage area 43 of the memory 42, the control unit 40 of the unit 20 starts the trial game mode start process in Figure 5. If the trial game mode flag is not stored in the flag storage area 43, the control unit 40 of the unit 20 does not perform the trial game mode start process.

[0053] When the trial game mode start process is started, in S10 of FIG. 5, the control unit 40 monitors that no game is being played on the corresponding gaming machine 10 at this time. If there are no remaining credits or game balls (paid game balls or trial game balls) available on the corresponding gaming machine 10 at this time, the control unit 40 determines YES in S10 and proceeds to S12. When there are no remaining credits or game balls (paid game balls or trial game balls) (when YES in S10), it can be said that neither the trial game nor the normal game is being played on the corresponding gaming machine 10. On the other hand, if there are remaining credits or game balls (paid game balls or trial game balls) available on the corresponding gaming machine 10 at this time, the control unit 40 determines NO in S10 and continues to monitor S10 until the game on the gaming machine 10 ends. When there are remaining credits or game balls (paid game balls or trial game balls) (when NO in S10), it can be said that the trial game or the normal game is ongoing on the corresponding gaming machine 10.

[0054] In S12, the control unit 40 starts the trial game available standby operation. Specifically, for example, the control unit 40 causes the display unit 24 (touch panel 22) to display a message indicating that it is possible to play a trial game on the corresponding gaming machine 10. The control unit 40 waits for the player to input an operation while the message is being displayed on the display unit 24.

[0055] Subsequently, the control unit 40 starts monitoring S14 and S16. In S14, the control unit 40 monitors for the input of a trial game start operation. A player who wishes to play a trial game can input a trial game start operation on the operation unit 26 (touch panel 22) of the unit 20. The trial game start operation includes an operation of selecting the trial game mode from among two game modes (trial game and normal game). When the trial game start operation is input, the control unit 40 determines YES in S14 and proceeds to S18. On the other hand, a player who wishes to play a normal game can input a normal game start operation to the unit 20. The normal game start operation includes an operation of selecting the normal game mode from among two game modes. When the normal game start operation is input, the control unit 40 determines YES in S16 and proceeds to S20.

[0056] In S18, the control unit 40 starts the trial game mode. Specifically, the control unit 40 lends out a predetermined number of trial game balls for free. The player can play a trial game using the lent trial game balls. The behavior of the gaming machine 10 in the trial game is basically the same as the behavior of the gaming machine 10 in the normal game.

[0057] Also, the control unit 40 causes the touch panel 22 and the audio output unit 44 to perform a trial notification operation. The trial notification operation is a notification operation performed while the trial game mode is being executed, and is different from the notification operation (normal notification operation) performed while the normal game mode is being executed. The trial notification operation includes operations such as display of messages, images, etc. on the touch panel 22 and audio output from the audio output unit 44. In the trial notification operation, the content of the messages, images displayed on the touch panel 22 and the audio output from the audio output unit 44 is different from the normal notification operation.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 40 aggregates the information output from the gaming machine 10 during the execution of the trial game mode. The information output from the gaming machine 10 includes, for example, various game information (outs, safes, special prizes, symbol variations, etc.). The control unit 40 outputs the aggregated information in combination with the information indicating that it is the trial game mode to the management device 100. The management device 100 can aggregate the information related to the trial game performed on the gaming machine 10 separately from the information related to the normal game.

[0059] After starting the trial game mode in S18, the control unit 40 returns to monitoring S10. When the trial game ends and the held balls and game balls (trial game balls) become 0, the control unit 40 determines YES again in S10 and executes each process after S12 again.

[0060] On the other hand, in S20, the control unit 40 starts the normal game mode. Specifically, the control unit 40 lends out normal game balls for a fee using the remaining balance. The player can play a normal game using the lent-out normal game balls. The behavior of the gaming machine 10 in the normal game is basically the same as the behavior of the gaming machine 10 in the trial game.

[0061] Also, the control unit 40 causes the touch panel 22 and the audio output unit 44 to perform a normal notification operation. The normal notification operation is a notification operation performed while the normal game mode is being executed, and is different from the trial notification operation. In the normal notification operation, the message, image displayed on the touch panel 22, and the content of the audio output from the audio output unit 44 are different from those in the trial notification operation.

[0062] Furthermore, the control unit 40 aggregates the information output from the gaming machine 10 during the execution of the normal mode. The control unit 40 combines the aggregated information with the information indicating that it is the normal game mode and outputs it to the management device 100. The management device 100 can aggregate the information regarding the normal game played on the gaming machine 10 separately from the information regarding the trial game.

[0063] After starting the normal mode in S20, the control unit 40 returns to monitoring in S10. When the normal game ends and the number of balls held and the game balls (paid game balls) become 0, the control unit 40 determines YES again in S10 and executes each process after S12 again.

[0064] (Trial game mode end process: Figure 6) With reference to Figure 6, the trial game mode end process executed by the control unit 40 of the unit 20 will be described. The trial game mode end process is a process for the control unit 40 of the unit 20 that started operating in the trial game mode to end the operation in the trial game mode. When the operation in the trial game mode is started (S18 in Figure 5), the control unit 40 starts the trial game mode end process in Figure 6.

[0065] The control unit 40 monitors each of S30, S32, and S34. In S30, the control unit 40 monitors that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the trial game mode. The predetermined time mentioned here is the restricted time during which the trial game can be played on the gaming machine 10, for example, 10 minutes from the start, 30 minutes from the start, etc. The timer count of the predetermined time may be paused due to the convenience of the player (for example, unavoidable departure due to using the restroom, etc.). If the predetermined time elapses before being determined as YES in S32 and S34, the control unit 40 determines YES in S30 and proceeds to S36.

[0066] In S32, the control unit 40 monitors that the game using a predetermined number of trial game balls ends after the start of the trial game mode. If the launch of a predetermined number of out balls (fired balls) is completed after the start of the trial game mode before being determined as YES in S30 and S34, the control unit 40 determines YES in S32 and proceeds to S36. In other examples, if the game using a predetermined number of held balls ends after the start of the trial game mode, the control unit 40 may determine YES in S32.

[0067] In S34, the control unit 40 monitors that an end instruction is input to the touch panel 22. The player who plays the trial game on the gaming machine 10 can input an end instruction for the trial game to the touch panel 22 (operation unit 26) at a desired timing. If the end instruction is input before being determined as YES in S30 and S32, the control unit 40 determines YES in S34 and proceeds to S36.

[0068] In S36, the control unit 40 ends the trial game on the gaming machine 10. Specifically, the control unit 40 outputs an end signal to the gaming machine 10 and restricts the behavior of the gaming machine 10 so that the trial game balls are not fired.

[0069] In subsequent S38, the control unit 40 erases the trial game balls (held balls and game balls) that are effectively present at this time. Specifically, for example, if there are still trial game balls in the gaming machine 10 at this time, the player is made to press the count button 14 of the gaming machine 10. When the count button 14 is pressed, the trial game balls stored in the gaming machine 10 are settled and added to the trial held balls of the unit 20. The control unit 40 of the unit 20 then erases the trial held balls.

[0070] In subsequent S40, the control unit 40 performs a process of shifting the gaming state of the gaming machine 10 to the normal state. Specifically, the control unit 40 outputs a state transition instruction to the gaming machine 10 to shift to the normal state. When the gaming machine 10 acquires the state transition instruction, if it is in a gaming state other than the normal state, it shifts the gaming state to the normal state. If the gaming machine 10 is already in the normal state when it acquires the state transition instruction, it may maintain the current normal state.

[0071] In other examples, the "process of shifting the gaming state of the gaming machine 10 to the normal state" in S40 may be a process of instructing the gaming machine 10 to return to the gaming state before the start of the trial game. In still other examples, the process in S40 may be a process for extending and executing the trial game until a favorable gaming state (such as a special prize state, a time-saving state, etc.) ends and returns to the normal state. In still other examples, the process in S40 may be a series of processes for shifting the gaming machine 10 to an error state, performing a notification operation to call an attendant, and having the attendant reset the gaming machine 10. The process in S40 may be any process for shifting the gaming machine 10 to a state that is not favorable for the player or a state close to a favorable state after the end of the trial game mode.

[0072] When the process in S40 is completed, the trial game mode ends. The control unit 40 ends the trial game mode end process in FIG. 6.

[0073] The configuration and operation of the gaming system 2 of the present embodiment have been described above. As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit 40 starts one of the normal mode and the trial game mode according to the instruction of the player input to the touch panel 22 (S14 to S18 in FIG. 5). The unit 20 of the present embodiment can operate in either the normal mode or the trial game mode according to the instruction of the player. According to the unit 20 of the present embodiment, the player can actively choose whether to play a paid normal game or a free trial game on the gaming machine 10. It is possible to meet the wishes of both players who want to try out the gaming machine 10 and players who want to enjoy a normal game on the gaming machine 10. Therefore, according to the unit 20 of the present embodiment, the motivation of the player to visit the game arcade can be improved. The operating rate of the game arcade can also be improved.

[0074] In the present embodiment, while the trial game mode is being executed, the control unit 40 causes the touch panel 22 and the voice output unit 44 to perform notification operations different from those during the execution of the normal mode (S18 in FIG. 5). Therefore, according to the unit 20 of the present embodiment, it is possible to notify the surrounding staff, players, etc. whether the trial game mode or the paid mode is being executed. The staff, etc. can respond to the player according to whether the trial game mode or the paid mode is being executed.

[0075] In the present embodiment, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the trial game mode was started, the control unit 40 ends the trial game on the gaming machine 10 (YES in S30 and S36 in FIG. 6). The period during which the player can play the trial game can be restricted. It is possible to suppress the situation where the same player monopolizes the gaming machine 10 with only trial games. Also, if a limit is set on the number of trial games per day, the situation where the same player monopolizes the gaming machine 10 with only trial games can be more appropriately suppressed.

[0076] In this embodiment, when the test game mode is started and the game using a predetermined number of test game balls ends, the control unit 40 ends the test game on the gaming machine 10 (YES in S32, S36). Also in this case, the opportunity for the player to play the test game can be restricted. It is possible to suppress a situation where the same player monopolizes the gaming machine 10 only with the test game. Further, if a limit is imposed on the number of test games per day, it is possible to more appropriately suppress a situation where the same player monopolizes the gaming machine 10 only with the test game.

[0077] In this embodiment, when an end instruction is input while the test game mode is being executed, the control unit 40 ends the test game on the gaming machine 10 (YES in S34, S36). The player can end the test game at a desired timing. It is possible to provide a game mode according to the player's wishes.

[0078] In this embodiment, when ending the test game on the gaming machine 10, the control unit 40 erases the effectively existing test game balls (S38). It is possible to suppress the player from taking out and reusing the test game balls. It is possible to prevent the mixing of paid game balls and test game balls.

[0079] In this embodiment, when ending the test game on the gaming machine 10, the control unit 40 executes processing related to shifting the game state of the gaming machine 10 to the normal state (S40). It is possible to suppress a situation where the player plays the test game to shift the game state of the gaming machine 10 to an advantageous state and then shifts to the normal game while remaining in the advantageous state.

[0080] The correspondence between this embodiment and the claims will be described. The unit 20 is an example of a "game device". The touch panel 22 (operation unit 26) is an example of an "input unit". The control unit 40 and the gaming machine I / F 36 are an example of a "communication unit". The touch panel 22 and the audio output unit 44 are an example of a "notification unit". The normal mode is an example of a "paid mode". The paid game balls and the test game balls are examples of "paid game media" and "test game media", respectively.

[0081] (Second Embodiment) The gaming system 2 of the second embodiment will be mainly described with respect to the differences from the first embodiment. The basic configuration of the gaming system 2 in this embodiment is also common to that of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 4). In this embodiment, it is different from the first embodiment in that the reading of a card issued by the gaming parlor in the card processing unit 32 of the unit 20 is one of the conditions for starting the trial game mode. For this reason, a part of the content of the trial game mode start process in this embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment.

[0082] (Trial Game Mode Start Process: FIG. 7) Referring to FIG. 7, the trial game mode start process of this embodiment will be described. When the power of the gaming machines 90 including the unit 20 is turned on with the trial game mode flag stored in the flag storage area 43 of the memory 42, the control unit 40 of the unit 20 starts the trial game mode start process of FIG. 7.

[0083] In S50, the control unit 40 monitors that no game is being played on the corresponding gaming machine 10. In the subsequent S52, the control unit 40 starts the trial game available standby operation. The processes of S50 and S52 are the same as the processes of S10 and S12 in FIG. 5.

[0084] In S54, the control unit 40 monitors that the card processing unit 32 reads a card. While the trial game available standby operation is being performed in the unit 20, a player can insert the card he / she holds into the card processing unit 32. When a card is inserted into the card processing unit 32, the card processing unit 32 reads the inserted card. When the card processing unit 32 reads a card, the control unit 40 determines YES in S54 and proceeds to S56. Hereinafter, the card read by the card processing unit 32 may be referred to as the "read card". The control unit 40 can acquire the information read by the card processing unit 32 (i.e., the information recorded on the read card). The information read by the card processing unit 32 may be hereinafter referred to as the "read information".

[0085] In S56, the control unit 40 determines whether the read card is a card issued by the game parlor (hereinafter referred to as the "own store") where the gaming machine 90 including the unit 20 is installed. When the read card is a card issued by the own store, the read information includes the own store information indicating the own store. When the own store information is included in the read information, the control unit 40 determines YES in S56 and proceeds to S58. On the other hand, when the read card is a card issued by another store or a card unrelated to the own store (such as a bank cash card, etc.), the own store information is not included in the read information. When the own store information is not included in the read information, the control unit 40 determines NO in S56 and proceeds to S57. In S57, the control unit 40 discharges the read card from the card processing unit 32 (discharge due to a read error). Then, the control unit 40 returns to the monitoring in S54.

[0086] In S58, the control unit 40 determines whether the read card is a membership card issued to a member of the own store. A member of the own store is a game player who has performed a predetermined membership registration procedure with the own store. A membership card with member information such as a member ID is issued to the member. Members of the own store include regular members (free members) who can register for membership for free and paid members (subscription members) who can register for membership for a fee. Paid members can become paid members with an expiration date according to the membership fee by paying a predetermined membership fee to the own store. The services received from the store by regular members and paid members are different. When the read card is a membership card, the read information includes the member information. When the member information is included in the read information, the control unit 40 determines YES in S58 and proceeds to S60. When the read card is not a membership card, the member information is not included in the read information. In this case, the read card is a visitor card used by non-member game players for carrying around the remaining balance, etc. When the member information is not included in the read information, the control unit 40 determines NO in S58 and proceeds to S70.

[0087] In S60, the control unit 40 determines whether the read card is a paid membership card issued to a paid member of the store. If the read card is a membership card of a paid member, the read information includes paid member information indicating that the cardholder is a paid member. If the read information includes paid member information, the control unit 40 determines YES in S60 and proceeds to S62. If the read card is a membership card of a free member, the read information does not include paid member information. If the read information does not include paid member information, the control unit 40 determines NO in S60 and proceeds to S70.

[0088] In S62, the control unit 40 determines whether it is within the expiration date of the paid member. If the read card is a membership card of a paid member, the read information includes information indicating the expiration date of the paid member. If it is within the expiration date at the time of S62, the control unit 40 determines YES in S62 and proceeds to S64. On the other hand, if the expiration date has passed (i.e., the membership has expired) at the time of S62, the control unit 40 determines NO in S62 and proceeds to S70.

[0089] As described above, in this embodiment, the control unit 40 of the unit 20 itself makes the determinations in S58, S60, and S62. In other examples, the determinations in S58, S60, and S62 may be made by the management device 100. In that case, only the card ID may be recorded on the read card. When the control unit 40 of the unit 20 reads the card ID, it may transmit the read card ID to the management device 100. The management device 100 may read the information corresponding to the card ID received from the unit 20 from the memory 112 and make each determination corresponding to S58, S60, and S62 (i.e., determine whether the read card is a paid membership card issued to a paid member within the expiration date), and may transmit the determination result to the unit 20. The control unit 40 may switch whether to proceed to S64 or S70 based on the determination result received from the management device 100.

[0090] In S64, the control unit 40 causes the display unit 24 (touch panel 22) to display a mode selection screen. The mode selection screen includes a message asking the player to select either a trial game mode or a normal game mode.

[0091] In subsequent S66, the control unit 40 determines whether the trial game mode has been selected. A player (valid paid member) who wishes to play a trial game can input an operation to select the trial game mode on the operation unit 26 (touch panel 22) while the mode selection screen is being displayed on the display unit 24. When an operation to select the trial game mode is input, the control unit 40 determines YES in S66 and proceeds to S68. On the other hand, a player (valid paid member) who wishes to play a normal game can input an operation to select the normal game mode on the operation unit 26 while the mode selection screen is being displayed. When an operation to select the normal game mode is input, the control unit 40 determines NO in S66 and proceeds to S70.

[0092] In S68, the control unit 40 starts the trial game mode. Since the content of the process in S68 is the same as S18 in FIG. 5, a detailed description is omitted. After starting the trial game mode in S68, the control unit 40 returns to monitoring in S50. When the trial game ends and the stored balls and game balls (trial game balls) become 0, the control unit 40 determines YES again in S50 and executes each process after S52 again.

[0093] On the other hand, in S70, the control unit 40 starts the normal game mode. Since the content of the process in S70 is the same as S20 in FIG. 5, a detailed description is omitted. After starting the normal mode in S70, the control unit 40 returns to monitoring in S50. When the normal game ends and the stored balls and game balls (paid game balls) become 0, the control unit 40 determines YES again in S50 and executes each process after S52 again.

[0094] The configuration and operation of the gaming system 2 of the present embodiment have been described above. As described above, when the unit 20 of the present embodiment reads a card issued by its own store and an operation for selecting the trial game mode is input to the operation unit 26 (touch panel 22), it enables the execution of the trial game mode (YES in S66). Only the game players who possess the cards issued by their own stores can play the trial game. The service of the trial game can be provided only to the game players who are the customers of their own stores.

[0095] Furthermore, the unit 20 of the present embodiment enables the execution of the trial game mode only when it reads a paid membership card within the valid period issued by its own store (YES in S54 to S62, S64). In the present embodiment, the game parlor (its own store) can expect membership fee income even from the game players who visit the store only for the purpose of the trial game. It is possible to suppress the decrease in the income on the game parlor side by enabling the game in the trial game mode.

[0096] The membership card (free membership card, paid membership card) and the visitor card are examples of the "recording medium". The paid membership card is an example of the "specific recording medium". The card processing unit 32 is an example of the "recording medium processing unit".

[0097] 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 changes of the specific examples illustrated above. For example, the following modification examples may be adopted.

[0098] (Modification Example 1) In each of the above embodiments, it is mainly assumed that the gaming machine 10 is an enclosed circulation type pachinko machine. However, it is not limited to this, and the gaming machine 10 may be a type of slot machine in which medal payout is not performed. In that case, each term such as "game ball" and "held ball" may be renamed such as "game medium" and "held medium".

[0099] (Modification Example 2) In each of the above embodiments, the control unit 40 of the unit 20 performs a trial game mode start process (FIGS. 5 and 7) and a trial game mode end process (FIG. 6). However, it is not limited to this, and the control unit 72 of the call lamp 60 may perform a trial game mode start process and a trial game mode end process. In this case, the call lamp 60 is an example of a "game device". In still another example, two or more devices among the unit 20, the call lamp 60, and the hall combobox 50 may cooperate to perform a trial game mode start process and a trial game mode end process. In this case, two or more devices among the unit 20, the call lamp 60, and the hall combobox 50 are an example of a "game device".

[0100] (Modification Example 3) In each of the above embodiments, the control unit 40 ends the trial game mode (S36) when it is determined as YES in any one of S30, S32, and S34 in FIG. 6. In the modification example, one or two of S30, S32, and S34 may be omitted. That is, the end condition of the trial game mode may be at least one of the elapse of a predetermined time from the start of the trial game mode (YES in S30), the end of the game with a predetermined number of trial game balls after the start of the trial game mode (YES in S32), and the input of an end instruction (YES in S34).

[0101] (Modification Example 4) In the above-described second embodiment, when the control unit 40 reads a paid membership card within the valid period issued by the store itself, it enables the execution of the trial game mode (YES in S54 to S62, S64). However, this is not the only case. In a modification example, the determination in S62 may be omitted. That is, when the control unit 40 reads a paid membership card issued by the store itself, it may enable the execution of the trial game mode. In another modification example, the determinations in S60 and S62 may be omitted. In that case, when the control unit 40 reads a membership card issued by the store itself, it may enable the execution of the trial game mode. In yet another modification example, the determinations in S58, S60, and S62 may be omitted. In that case, when the control unit 40 reads a card (visitor card or membership card) issued by the store itself, it may enable the execution of the trial game mode.

[0102] (Modification Example 5) In the above-described second embodiment, when the control unit 40 reads a paid membership card within the valid period issued by the store itself and then an operation to select the trial game mode is input to the operation unit 26 (touch panel 22), it enables the execution of the trial game mode (YES in S66). However, this is not the only case. In a modification example, when a paid membership card within the valid period issued by the store itself is read by the control unit 40, the control unit 40 may start the trial game mode even if an operation to select the trial game mode is not input. In this modification example, the control unit 40 and the card processing unit 32 are also examples of an "input unit". The "instruction" by the game player may include causing the card processing unit 32 to read a card (such as a subscription membership card, membership card, visitor card, etc.).

[0103] (Modification Example 6) In each of the above-described embodiments, when the number of times the trial game mode that can be provided in a day in the corresponding gaming machine 10 reaches a predetermined upper limit, the control unit 40 may not shift to the trial game mode regardless of the instruction from the game player thereafter. In that case, the memory 42 may store the number of times of shifting to the trial game mode and the upper limit for the current day.

[0104] (Modification Example 7) In the above-described second embodiment, when the control unit 40 reads a paid membership card within the valid period issued by the store itself, it enables the execution of the trial game mode (YES in S54 to S62, S64). Not limited to this, in the modification example, when the control unit 40 reads a paid membership card within the valid period issued by the store itself, and further, when the number of times the paid member has executed the trial game mode in the game hall on the same day has not reached the predetermined upper limit number of trial games that can be provided to the paid member in one day, the execution of the trial game mode may be enabled. In this case, even when the control unit 40 reads a paid membership card within the valid period issued by the store itself, if the number of times the paid member has executed the trial game mode in the game hall on the same day has reached the predetermined upper limit number of trial games that can be provided to the paid member in one day, the control unit 40 may not shift to the trial game mode. In this case, the paid membership card may record the number of times of shifting to the trial game mode on the same day and the upper limit number of times.

[0105] In addition, the technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Also, the technology exemplified in this specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of purposes simultaneously, and achieving one of those purposes itself has technical utility.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0106] 2: Game system 10: Gaming machine 20: Unit 22: Touch panel 24: Display unit 26: Operation unit 30: Bill processing unit 32: Card processing unit 40: Control unit 42: Memory 44: Audio output unit 50: Hall combobox 60: Call lamp 100: Management device

Claims

1. A gaming device installed to correspond to a gaming machine that increases or decreases gaming media according to the content of the game, an input unit for a player to input instructions, a communication unit for communicating with the gaming machine, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is capable of executing one of a paid mode in which a paid gaming medium for normal gaming can be lent out to the player for a fee and a trial gaming mode in which a trial gaming medium for trial gaming can be lent out to the player for free, according to the instruction of the player input to the input unit, when the paid mode is executed, the paid gaming medium is lent out to the player for a fee, and it is possible to perform a normal game on the gaming machine using the paid gaming medium, when the trial gaming mode is executed, the trial gaming medium is lent out to the player for free, and it is possible to perform a trial game on the gaming machine using the trial gaming medium. Gaming device.

2. further comprising a notification unit, wherein the control unit causes the notification unit to perform a notification operation different from that during the execution of the paid mode while the trial gaming mode is being executed. The gaming device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit ends the trial game on the gaming machine using the trial gaming medium when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the trial gaming mode when the trial gaming mode is executed. The gaming device according to claim 1.

4. The control unit ends the trial game on the gaming machine using the trial gaming medium when the game using a predetermined number of the trial gaming media ends when the trial gaming mode is executed. The gaming device according to claim 1.

5. The control unit ends the trial game on the gaming machine using the trial gaming medium when an end instruction is input to the input unit while the trial gaming mode is being executed. The gaming device according to claim 1.

6. The control unit deletes the trial gaming medium that is effectively present when the trial game on the gaming machine using the trial gaming medium ends. The gaming device according to claim 1.

7. The gaming machine is operable in a plurality of gaming states including a normal state and a state different from the normal state and advantageous to the player. The control unit according to claim 1 performs processing related to shifting the gaming state of the gaming machine to the normal state when the trial game on the gaming machine using the trial game medium ends and the gaming state of the gaming machine is a gaming state other than the normal state.

8. The gaming device further includes a recording medium processing unit that performs processing related to a recording medium that can identify the gaming value issued by the game parlor where the gaming machine is installed and owned by the player. The control unit according to claim 1 enables execution of the trial game mode when the recording medium processing unit reads the recording medium.

9. The recording medium according to claim 8 includes a specific recording medium issued by the game parlor to paid members who pay a predetermined membership fee to the game parlor.

Images