Management system

Abstract

To provide a technology to inhibit an arrangement layout of game machines in a game parlor from being restricted with a small burden on a game parlor side.SOLUTION: A management system includes a device for a game installed in correspondence with a game machine that increases or decreases a game medium according to game contents, and a robot that can freely move in a predetermined region including a position corresponding to an installation place of the device for a game. The device for a game includes a first card processing part for processing a card and a control part for performing lending processing for lending the game medium using a remaining amount associated with the card that the first card processing part receives. The robot includes moving means for moving freely in the predetermined region, and a bill processing part for processing a bill. In a specific case where a bill is put into the bill processing part of the robot, the remaining amount associated with the card is increased by the amount put.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a management system for managing a game parlor.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a management system for handling paper money in a game parlor, a system including a unit provided corresponding to each gaming machine and a transport mechanism is known. The unit has paper money processing means capable of identifying and processing inserted paper money. The transport mechanism is installed within an island where gaming machines are arranged, and is a mechanism for transporting paper money inserted into the paper money processing means of each unit to a collection position. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional transport mechanism.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional management system, each unit needs to have paper money processing means capable of identifying paper money. Therefore, for example, when the paper money is refreshed, it is necessary to update the paper money processing means installed in each unit. There is a problem that the burden on the game parlor side (such as the work burden and the equipment investment burden) is large because the paper money processing means of all the units existing in the game parlor must be updated. Furthermore, due to the necessity of installing a transport mechanism within the island, there is also a problem that the layout of the gaming machines is restricted.

[0005] This specification discloses a technology that can reduce the burden on the game parlor side and suppress the restriction of the layout of the gaming machines in the game parlor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The management system disclosed by this specification is provided with a gaming device installed to correspond to a gaming machine that increases or decreases gaming media according to the content of the game, and a robot that can freely move within a predetermined area including a position corresponding to the installation location of the gaming device. The gaming device has a first card processing unit for processing cards, and a control unit that performs a lending process of lending out gaming media using the remaining balance associated with the cards received by the first card processing unit. The robot has a moving means for freely moving within the predetermined area, and a bill processing unit for processing bills. When bills are deposited into the bill processing unit of the robot, the remaining balance associated with the card is increased by the amount of the deposited money.

[0007] The above-mentioned "gaming device" includes any device installed corresponding to a gaming machine. For example, the "gaming device" may include units (sand units, card units) provided corresponding to gaming machines, other information collection devices (hall comboboxes, table units, island units), each table display device (on-table lamps, call lamps, call devices, call push buttons, etc.) provided corresponding to gaming machines, management devices (hall computers, member servers, etc.) for managing gaming stores, various effect and display devices, and various gaming hall 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 enclosed management gaming machine in which gaming media such as pachinko balls and medals are not paid out mainly. The "gaming media" is a medium in a state that can be used for gaming on a gaming machine. The "gaming media" can also be referred to as gaming balls, gaming medals, gaming points, gaming values, etc. The "robot" includes a robot that travels and moves on the ground and a robot that flies in the air. The moving means of the robot includes any means as long as it can freely move within a predetermined area. "Freely movable" may include the robot moving to a position corresponding to the installation location of the gaming device and changing the orientation of the bill processing unit so that a game customer can easily insert bills. The "predetermined area" may be the entire area within the gaming store or a predetermined area within the gaming store (the area in charge of the robot).

[0008] According to the above management system, since the robot that can freely move within a predetermined area has a bill processing unit, a game player who plays a game on a gaming machine can increase the remaining amount by depositing bills into the bill processing unit of the robot when going to the location of the robot or when the robot is staying under himself / herself. Therefore, there is no need to provide a bill processing unit for each gaming device. There is also no need to provide a bill transport mechanism within the island where the gaming machines are arranged. For example, when the bills are refreshed, it is only necessary to update the bill processing unit of the robot. Therefore, according to the above management system, the burden on the game parlor side (such as work burden and equipment investment burden) can be reduced, and the restriction on the layout of the gaming machines in the game parlor can be suppressed.

[0009] The gaming device may further include an input unit through which a game player can input operations. When a call operation is performed on the input unit, the robot may move to a position corresponding to the installation location of the gaming device.

[0010] The "input unit" includes a touch panel, operation buttons, etc. According to this configuration, a game player who plays a game on a gaming machine can call the robot to a position corresponding to the installation location of the gaming device by performing a call operation on the input unit when it is necessary to increase the remaining amount. The game player does not need to go under the robot for depositing money. The convenience of the game player is high.

[0011] The gaming device may further include a notification unit. When a call operation is performed on the input unit, the notification unit may perform a first notification operation of notifying that the robot is being called.

[0012] The "notification unit" includes a touch panel, a display, a speaker, a lamp, etc. The "first notification operation" includes displaying an image or a message on the display or the like, outputting a notification sound or an announcement voice from the speaker, emitting or flashing a lamp, etc. According to this configuration, by performing the first notification operation, the player who has performed the call operation can grasp that the robot is currently being called and that the robot is heading towards the location corresponding to the installation location of the gaming device. The anxiety that the player may feel while waiting for the arrival of the robot is reduced.

[0013] The gaming device may further include a notification unit. After a call operation is performed at the input unit, when the robot arrives at a position corresponding to the installation location of the gaming device, the notification unit may perform a second notification operation to notify that the robot has arrived.

[0014] The "second notification operation" includes displaying an image or a message on the display or the like, outputting a notification sound or an announcement voice from the speaker, emitting or flashing a lamp, etc. According to this configuration, by performing the second notification operation, the player who has performed the call operation can grasp that the robot has arrived. A situation where a player during the game does not notice the arrival of the robot is suppressed.

[0015] The gaming device may further include a server that manages position information indicating a position corresponding to the installation location of the gaming device. When a call operation is performed at the input unit, the server may transmit a movement instruction including the position information to the robot. When the robot receives the movement instruction from the server, the robot may move to a position corresponding to the installation location of the gaming device according to the position information included in the movement instruction.

[0016] According to this configuration, the robot can move to a position corresponding to the installation location of the gaming device according to the position information. The robot can accurately arrive under the gaming device where the call operation has been performed.

[0017] The robot may store position information indicating a position corresponding to the installation position of the gaming device. When a calling operation is performed at the input unit, the robot may move to a position corresponding to the installation location of the gaming device according to the position information.

[0018] According to this configuration, the robot can move to a position corresponding to the installation location of the gaming device according to the position information. The robot can appropriately arrive under the gaming device where the calling operation has been performed.

[0019] The robot may further include a server that manages the remaining amount associated with the card. In the specific case, the robot may notify the server of the deposited amount. The server may increase the remaining amount associated with the card accepted by the first card processing unit by the deposited amount.

[0020] The "server" mentioned here is a management device (hall computer, member server, etc.) that manages the game parlor. The "server" may include units (sand units, card units) provided corresponding to the gaming machines, other information collection devices (hall comboboxes, stand units, island units), each stand display device (on-stand lamps, calling lamps, calling devices, calling push buttons, etc.) provided corresponding to the gaming machines, various effect and display devices, and various game parlor facilities.

[0021] According to this configuration, the game player can increase the remaining amount without taking out the card from the first card processing unit of the gaming device. The work of the game player for increasing the remaining amount can be reduced.

[0022] The robot may further have a second card processing unit that processes the card. In the specific case where the card is accepted by the second card processing unit and banknotes are deposited into the banknote processing unit, the remaining amount associated with the card accepted by the second card processing unit may be increased by the deposited amount.

[0023] According to this configuration, a player can increase the remaining amount of money without using the gaming device. After increasing the remaining amount of money, the player can take out the card from the second card processing unit of the robot and reinsert it into the first card processing unit of the gaming device, so that the gaming device can lend out gaming media using the remaining amount of money. The increase in the remaining amount of money can be performed smoothly.

[0024] A control method, a computer program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program for realizing the above management system are also novel and useful. A control method, a computer program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program for realizing the above gaming device, robot, and server are also novel and useful respectively.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] (First Embodiment) (Overview of the System: Figure 1) The management system 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for managing the operating status and the like of each gaming machine in a gaming parlor such as a pachinko parlor. As shown in FIG. 1, the management system 2 of the present embodiment includes a server 100, a plurality of gaming machines 90A and 90B provided in the gaming parlor, a robot 200 capable of freely moving within the gaming parlor, and an access point 300. The management system 2 of the present embodiment is characterized in that the robot 200 moves under the gaming machines 90A and 90B and performs processing related to paper money.

[0027] 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 server 100 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 4. Also, the hall combobox 50 and the server 100 are communicably connected. In the example of FIG. 1, only the gaming machines 90A and 90B are shown, but in an actual gaming parlor, many other gaming machines 90 are also installed. Also, in the example of FIG. 1, only one robot 200 is shown, but other robots 200 may be installed in an actual gaming parlor.

[0028] A device ID "D1" for identifying the gaming machine 90A is assigned to the gaming machine 90A. A device ID "D2" is assigned to the gaming machine 90B. In the present embodiment, the device ID is stored in the call lamp 60, the unit 20, and the hall combobox 50. The device ID only needs to 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. The gaming machine 10 may be a smart pachinko machine or a smart pachislot machine. The gaming machine 10 includes a game board 11, a ball 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 openings is formed on the game board 11. The ball hitting handle 12 is an operation handle for a player to shoot game balls and play the game. When the player operates the ball hitting handle 12, the enclosed balls are shot into the game board 11 one by one. When the enclosed balls are shot, the game balls are subtracted. The game ball number display unit 13 is a display that real-time displays 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 the respective components 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 game balls is performed in the unit 20, the number of game balls stored in the gaming machine 10 is incremented by the predetermined number. "Held balls" are the balls obtained by the player on the current day and not deposited at the game parlor. "Stored balls" are the balls obtained by the player prior to the current day and deposited at the game parlor. "Game 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 "game balls", "held balls", and "stored balls" are used, but the terms "game balls", "held balls", and "stored balls" may be renamed to general names such as "game media", "held media", and "stored media". During the game on the gaming machine 10, the number of game balls increases or decreases according to the game situation. The number of game balls is constantly displayed on the game ball number display unit 13. The out number (the number of game balls launched (launch number)), the safe number (the number of game balls paid out (bonus ball number)), the number of game balls, etc. are periodically transmitted to the unit 20. The out number, the safe number, the number of game 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 a player operates the count button 14, the number of game balls is transmitted to the unit 20. Hereinafter, operating the count button 14 is referred to as "count operation". When the count operation is performed, the number of game balls stored in the gaming machine 10 becomes zero (settled).

[0032] (Configuration of Unit 20) The unit 20 is a device provided on the side of the gaming machine 10. The unit 20 may also be referred to as the "sand unit (sand)" or "card unit". The unit 20 is a terminal device for providing various services to players, such as lending out game balls (for example, conversion from the remaining amount, conversion from the balls held, conversion from the stored balls, etc.), card processing, and processing for securing the gaming machine 10 associated with game interruption.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the unit 20 includes a touch panel 22, 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 is described as "I / F". The unit 20 of this embodiment does not include a bill processing unit for accepting bills.

[0034] The touch panel 22 has a function as a display unit 24 for displaying various information and a 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 card processing unit 32 executes various processes related to visitor cards, such as discharging, reading, and collecting visitor cards, and various processes related to membership cards, such as issuing, discharging, reading, and collecting membership cards.

[0035] The visitor card is a recording medium pre-stored within unit 20. The visitor card has a visitor card ID recorded thereon for identifying the 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 unit 20 or server 100. The membership card may also be issued at a manned counter where the player has completed the membership registration procedure. The membership card has a membership ID, which is identification information for identifying the player who is a member, recorded thereon. The visitor card ID recorded on the visitor card and the membership ID recorded on the membership card are associated with the gaming values (holding balls, stored balls, remaining money) owned by the player. Server 100 can identify the gaming values (holding balls, stored balls, remaining money) for each player associated with the visitor card ID and the membership ID. In this embodiment, an example where the recording medium handled by unit 20 is card-type has been described, but it is not limited thereto, and the recording medium handled by unit 20 may be a recording medium in any form such as coin-type.

[0036] The hall combobox I / F 34 is an I / F for communicating with the corresponding hall combobox 50. The gaming machine I / F 36 is an I / F for communicating with the corresponding gaming machine 10. The hall con I / F 38 is an I / F for communicating with server 100 via LAN 4.

[0037] The audio output unit 44 is a unit capable of outputting various sounds (voice messages, melodies, etc.). The audio output unit 44 includes a speaker or the like.

[0038] The control unit 40 executes various processes according to the programs stored in the memory 42. The memory 42 stores a device ID (such as "D1") indicating the gaming machines 90 including the unit 20. The memory 42 is also provided with an information storage area for storing information obtained when the control unit 40 executes various processes (for example, the number of gaming balls of the gaming machine 10, the information recorded on the card being read by the card processing unit 32, etc.).

[0039] (Configuration of Hall Combobox 50) The hall combobox 50 shown in FIG. 1 is a device provided between the unit 20 and the call lamp 60. The hall combobox 50 is a device mainly for collecting, relaying, and totaling information related to the game of the gaming machine 10. Although not shown, the hall combobox includes a control unit, a memory, a call lamp I / F, a unit I / F, and an external I / F. The call lamp I / F is an I / F for communicating with the corresponding call lamp 60. The unit I / F is an I / F for communicating with the corresponding unit 20. The external I / F is an I / F for communicating with an external device (for example, the server 100). The control unit executes various processes according to the programs stored in the memory.

[0040] (Configuration of 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 (for example, slump graph, completion-related information, etc.) and for performing a call operation to call a staff member of the game parlor. As shown in FIG. 1, the call lamp 60 includes a display unit 62, an operation unit 64, a light emission notification unit 66, and an audio output unit 68.

[0041] The display unit 62 is a display for displaying various information. The operation unit 64 includes a plurality of buttons. A 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. The light-emitting notification unit 66 can emit light in a plurality of 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. Although not shown in the figure, the call lamp 60 further includes a hall combox I / F, a hall computer I / F, a control unit, and a memory. The hall combox I / F is an I / F for communicating with the corresponding hall combox 50. The hall computer I / F is an I / F for communicating with the server 100 via the LAN 4. The control unit executes various processes according to the programs stored in the memory. Also, in other examples, the call lamp 60 may further include a card processing unit.

[0042] (Configuration of Server 100) The server 100 is a management server installed by the game parlor. The server 100 manages various information within the game parlor. The server 100 is installed in an area that is not visible to the players and is mainly operated by the game parlor administrators and the like. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the server 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 server 100 composed of the hall computer, the member server, the stored ball server, and the held ball server, the configuration and operation of the server 100 will be described.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the server 100 includes a display unit 102, an operation unit 104, a LAN I / F 106, a wireless I / F 108, 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. An administrator of a game parlor or the like can input various instructions to the server 100 by operating the operation unit 104. The LAN I / F 106 is connected to the LAN4. The wireless I / F 108 is a wireless interface for performing wireless communication (hereinafter referred to as "Wi-Fi communication") according to the Wi-Fi method.

[0044] 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 also stores a position information table 114 and a remaining amount information table 116.

[0045] The position information table 114 stores, in association with each other, the device ID of each gaming machine type 90 (unit 20) in the game parlor and the position information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "corresponding position") indicating the installation position of the gaming machine type 90 (unit 20) indicated by the device ID. The corresponding position is a position near the gaming machine type 90 indicated by the device ID and is a position near the game player who plays a game on the gaming machine type 90. Specifically, the position information is coordinates indicating a specific location in the game parlor. As will be described later, the robot 200 moves under each gaming machine type 90 based on the position information stored in the position information table 114.

[0046] The remaining balance information table 116 stores, in association with each other, the device ID of each unit 20, the card ID (member ID or visitor card ID) of the card being read with the device ID, and the remaining balance information indicating the amount of the remaining balance corresponding to the card ID. The server 100 can cause the touch panel 22 of each unit 20 to display the remaining balance amount based on the remaining balance information stored in the remaining balance information table 116.

[0047] (Configuration of the robot 200) The robot 200 shown in FIG. 1 is a device that can freely move within a predetermined area in the game parlor including the corresponding positions of the gaming machines 90A and 90B, and can perform various processes related to paper money. In the example of FIG. 1, only one robot 200 is shown, but actually, a plurality of robots 200 may be arranged in the game parlor. When a plurality of robots 200 are arranged in the game parlor, each robot 200 may be able to move throughout the game parlor, or each robot 200 may be able to move only within its own assigned area.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the robot 200 includes a touch panel 202, a position detection means 210, a movement means 220, a paper money processing unit 222, a wireless I / F 224, an imaging unit 226, an audio output unit 228, a control unit 250, and a memory 260.

[0049] The touch panel 202 has a function as a display unit 204 for displaying various information and a function as an operation unit 206 through which a game player can input various instructions by touching the panel. In a modified example, the display unit 204 and the operation unit 206 may be provided separately.

[0050] The position detection means 210 is a means for detecting the position (coordinates) of its own device. The position detection means 210 is, for example, GPS (Global Positioning System), SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), or the like.

[0051] The moving means 220 is a device that can freely move the housing of the robot 200 within a predetermined area in the game parlor. The moving means 220 includes a driving mechanism capable of traveling or flying in the game parlor and a detection mechanism for detecting and avoiding obstacles and the like. The moving means 220 is a mechanism that can move freely within a predetermined range (that is, can change direction freely), and does not include a mechanism that moves and stops only within a predetermined track range such as a rail. By the moving means 220, the robot 200 can freely change the orientation of the bill processing unit 222.

[0052] The bill processing unit 222 receives the bills inserted by the game players and executes various processes. The wireless I / F 224 is a wireless interface for executing Wi-Fi communication. The imaging unit 226 is a camera that captures images. The voice output unit 228 is a unit capable of outputting various voices (voice messages, melodies, etc.). The voice output unit 228 includes a speaker or the like.

[0053] The control unit 250 executes various processes according to the programs stored in the memory 260. The memory 260 is also provided with an information storage area for storing information (for example, deposit information, etc.) obtained when the control unit 250 executes various processes.

[0054] The configuration of the robot 200 has been described above. An example of the appearance of the robot 200 is shown in FIG. 5. (a) of FIG. 5 shows an example of the robot 200 of a type that can freely travel on the floor in the game parlor. (b) shows an example of the robot 200 of a type (drone type) that can freely fly in the air in the game parlor. For any type of robot 200, the robot 200 can move to a position corresponding to the installation location of the unit 20 so that the game player can easily insert bills, and can change the orientation of the bill processing unit 222.

[0055] (Configuration of the access point 300) The access point 300 is a device that operates as the parent station of a Wi-Fi wireless network (hereinafter referred to as "Wi-Fi network"). The server 100 operates as a child station of the Wi-Fi network by establishing a wireless connection with the access point 300 via the wireless I / F 108 (see FIG. 3). Further, the robot 200 operates as a child station of the Wi-Fi network by establishing a wireless connection with the access point 300 via the wireless I / F 224 (see FIG. 4). Thereby, the server 100 and the robot 200 can communicate with each other via the access point 300 using the Wi-Fi network.

[0056] (Specific example of the operation for making a deposit; FIG. 6) Subsequently, referring to FIG. 6, a specific example of the operation of each device when a player playing a game on the gaming machine 10 makes a deposit via the robot 200 in the management system 2 of the present embodiment will be described. In S2, the unit 20 causes the touch panel 22 to display a lending operation screen 510 (see (a) of FIG. 7). As shown in (a) of FIG. 7, the lending operation screen 510 includes information indicating the remaining amount at that time and a lending button for inputting a lending operation of game balls. When the player wants to lend game balls using the remaining amount, the player can input a lending operation by pressing the lending button.

[0057] In S4, the player inputs a lending operation to the unit 20. That is, the player presses the lending button on the lending operation screen 510. When a lending operation is input (S4), in S6, the unit 20 transmits a lending signal to the server 100. The lending signal includes the device ID of the unit 20 (for example, the machine number of the gaming machine 10). The unit 20 reduces the remaining amount in the lending operation screen 510 being displayed on the touch panel 22 by the amount required for lending game balls. At the time of S6, the remaining amount is not 0. Although not shown, when a lending operation is input (S4), the unit 20 lends game balls. The lent game balls are supplied to the gaming machine 10 in a state where they can be inserted.

[0058] Server 100 receives a lending signal (S6). In S8, Server 100 updates the remaining balance information. Specifically, Server 100 refers to the remaining balance information table 116, and reduces the remaining balance amount associated with the device ID included in the lending signal (that is, the remaining balance amount associated with the card accepted by the card processing unit 32 of unit 20 indicated by the device ID) by the amount required for lending game balls.

[0059] After that, in S10, the player inputs a lending operation to unit 20 again. In S12, unit 20 sends a lending signal to Server 100. Unit 20 reduces the remaining balance amount in the lending operation screen 510 displayed on the touch panel 22 by the amount required for lending game balls. In this example, the remaining balance becomes 0 at the time of S10.

[0060] Server 100 receives a lending signal (S12). In S14, Server 100 updates the remaining balance information. Specifically, Server 100 refers to the remaining balance information table 116 (see FIG. 3), and reduces the remaining balance amount associated with the device ID included in the lending signal (that is, the remaining balance amount associated with the card accepted by the card processing unit 32 of unit 20 indicated by the device ID) by the amount required for lending game balls. In this example, the remaining balance amount associated with the device ID included in the lending signal becomes 0 at the time of S14.

[0061] As described above, in this example, the remaining balance is 0 at the time of S10. In S16, unit 20 displays a deposit operation screen 520 (see (b) of FIG. 7) on the touch panel 22 instead of the lending operation screen 510. As shown in (b) of FIG. 7, the deposit operation screen 520 includes information indicating that the remaining balance amount at that time is 0, and a deposit button for inputting a deposit start operation for additional deposit of the remaining balance. When the player performs additional deposit of the remaining balance, the player can input a deposit start operation by pressing the deposit button.

[0062] In S18, the player inputs a deposit start operation to the unit 20. That is, the player presses the deposit button on the deposit operation screen 520. When the deposit start operation is input (S18), in S20, the unit 20 transmits a robot call signal to the server 100. The robot call signal is a signal for calling the robot 200. The robot call signal includes the device ID of the unit 20. In the subsequent S22, the unit 20 performs a call notification operation to notify that the robot 200 is being called. Specifically, the unit 20 causes the touch panel 22 to display a robot standby screen 530 (see (c) of FIG. 7) instead of the deposit operation screen 520. As shown in (c) of FIG. 7, the robot standby screen 530 includes a message indicating that the robot 200 is heading towards the player. Also, the unit 20 can output a notification sound or an announcement voice from the audio output unit 44.

[0063] The server 100 receives the robot call signal (S20) from the unit 20 where the deposit start operation has been input. Subsequently, in S30, the server 100 transmits a movement instruction to the robot 200 to move the robot 200 to the location of the unit 20. Specifically, the server 100 refers to the position information table 114 (see FIG. 3) and identifies the position information associated with the device ID included in the robot call signal. Then, the server 100 generates a movement instruction including the device ID included in the robot call signal and the identified position information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "designated position information"), and transmits the movement instruction to the robot 200 that should be directed towards the location of the unit 20. When there are multiple robots 200, the robot 200 to which the movement instruction in S30 is sent may be the robot 200 whose area of responsibility includes the location where the unit 20 is installed, or the robot 200 closest to the unit 20, or any robot 200 that is on standby (not handling a call).

[0064] Robot 200 receives a movement instruction (S30). In subsequent S32, robot 200 refers to the designated position information included in the movement instruction and starts moving to the position indicated by the designated position information. Robot 200 refers at any time to the position of its own machine detected by the position detection means 210 (Fig. 4) and the designated position information, and moves to the position indicated by the designated position information. Then, in S34, robot 200 determines that it has arrived at the position indicated by the designated position information. In subsequent S36, robot 200 transmits an arrival notice including the position information of the position where its own machine has arrived (hereinafter, may be referred to as "arrival position information") to server 100.

[0065] Server 100 receives an arrival notice (S36) from robot 200. In subsequent S38, server 100 identifies unit 20 corresponding to the position where robot 200 has arrived based on the arrival position information included in the received arrival notice. Specifically, server 100 refers to the position information table 114 and identifies the position information that matches the arrival position information. Next, server 100 identifies the device ID associated with the identified position information. The identified device ID is the device ID of unit 20 corresponding to the position where robot 200 has arrived (i.e., unit 20 that is the source of the robot call signal (S20)). The device ID identified in S38 may hereinafter be referred to as the "arrival device ID".

[0066] In subsequent S40, server 100 transmits a predetermined arrival notice to unit 20 indicated by the arrival device ID. Unit 20 indicated by the arrival device ID is the unit 20 in the vicinity of the position where robot 200 has arrived and is the unit 20 that is the source of the robot call signal (S20).

[0067] Unit 20 receives an arrival notice (S40). In subsequent S42, Unit 20 performs an arrival notification operation to notify that the robot 200 has arrived. Specifically, Unit 20 causes the touch panel 22 to display a deposit request screen 540 (see (d) of FIG. 7) instead of the robot standby screen 530. As shown in (d) of FIG. 7, the deposit request screen 540 includes a message prompting the player to deposit banknotes into the banknote processing unit 222 of the arrived robot 200. Also, Unit 20 can output a notification sound or an announcement voice from the voice output unit 44.

[0068] Thereafter, in S50, the player deposits banknotes into the banknote processing unit 222 of the robot 200. In S52, the robot 200 determines the deposit amount of the banknotes deposited in the banknote processing unit 222. In subsequent S54, the robot 200 transmits deposit information including its current position information (i.e., arrival position information) and the amount of the deposited banknotes to the server 100.

[0069] The server 100 receives the deposit information (S54). In subsequent S56, the server 100 identifies the Unit 20 corresponding to the position where the robot 200 has arrived based on the arrival position information included in the received deposit information. Since the method of identifying Unit 20 in S56 is the same as that in S38, a detailed description is omitted. In subsequent S58, the server 100 updates the remaining balance information corresponding to the device ID (arrival device ID) of the Unit 20 identified in S56. Specifically, the server 100 refers to the remaining balance information table 116 (see FIG. 3) and increases the remaining balance amount (i.e., the remaining balance amount associated with the card accepted by the card processing unit 32 of Unit 20 indicated by the arrival device ID) by the amount included in the deposit information. Thereafter, in S60, the server 100 transmits a deposit completion notice including the updated remaining balance amount to the Unit 20 indicated by the arrival device ID.

[0070] Unit 20 receives a deposit completion notice (S60). In the subsequent S62, Unit 20 causes the touch panel 22 to display a deposit completion screen 550 (see (e) of FIG. 7) instead of the deposit request screen 540. As shown in (e) of FIG. 7, the deposit completion screen 550 includes information indicating the remaining balance after the update (after the increase) and a message indicating that the amount deposited by the player has been received. Also, Unit 20 can output a notification sound or an announcement voice from the audio output unit 44. Thus, the deposit is completed. The player can lend out game balls using the remaining balance again.

[0071] On the other hand, in S70, the robot 200 waits on the spot without moving for a predetermined time in case the player may make an additional deposit. If an additional deposit is made while waiting, the robot 200 executes the processes of S50 and S52 described above again. On the other hand, if the predetermined time elapses without an additional deposit or the like being made, in S72, the robot 200 moves away from the position corresponding to Unit 20 (the current position). The next destination may be a predetermined waiting position or a position corresponding to another Unit 20 being called. In other examples, the next destination may be a position designated by the server 100. For example, the server 100 may designate the position corresponding to the Unit 20 whose remaining balance is approaching 0 as the next destination of the robot 200.

[0072] The configuration of the management system 2 of the present embodiment and the operations of the respective devices have been described above. As described above, in the management system 2 of the present embodiment, the robot 200 that can freely move within a predetermined area in the game parlor has the bill processing unit 222. Therefore, a game player who plays a game on the gaming machine 10 can increase the remaining balance by depositing bills into the bill processing unit 222 of the robot 200 when going to the location of the robot 200 or when the robot 200 is staying under himself / herself (see S50 in FIG. 6). Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a bill processing unit in each unit 20. It is also not necessary to provide a bill conveyance mechanism in the island where the gaming machines 10 are arranged. For example, when bills are refreshed, only the bill processing unit 222 of the robot 200 needs to be updated. Therefore, according to the management system 2 of the present embodiment, the burden on the game parlor side (such as the work burden and the equipment investment burden) can be reduced, and the restriction on the layout of the gaming machines 10 in the game parlor can be suppressed.

[0073] In the present embodiment, the unit 20 has the operation unit 26 (touch panel 22). When a game player performs a deposit start operation (S18 in FIG. 6) on the touch panel 22 of the unit 20, the robot 200 moves to a position corresponding to the installation location of the unit 20 (S32). Therefore, when the remaining balance needs to be increased or the like, the game player can call the robot 200 to a position corresponding to the installation location of the unit 20 by performing a deposit start operation on the touch panel 22. It is not necessary for the game player to go under the robot 200 for depositing. The convenience of the game player is high.

[0074] In the present embodiment, when a deposit start operation (S18) is input, the unit 20 performs a call notification operation (S22) for notifying that the robot 200 is being called. By performing the call notification operation, the game player who has performed the deposit start operation can grasp that the robot 200 is currently being called and that the robot 200 is heading towards a location corresponding to the installation location of the unit 20. The anxiety felt by the game player while waiting for the arrival of the robot 200 is reduced.

[0075] In this embodiment, after a deposit start operation (S18) is input, when the robot 200 arrives at a position corresponding to the installation location of its own unit, the unit 20 performs an arrival notification operation (S42) to notify that the robot 200 has arrived. By performing the arrival notification operation, the player who has performed the deposit start operation can grasp that the robot 200 has arrived. A situation where a player during the game does not notice the arrival of the robot 200 is suppressed.

[0076] In this embodiment, when the server 100 receives a robot call signal (S20) from the unit 20 in which the deposit start operation is input, it transmits a movement instruction to the robot 200 (S30). The movement instruction includes the device ID included in the robot call signal and the specified position information. The robot 200 can move to a position corresponding to the installation location of the unit 20 according to the position information included in the movement instruction. The robot 200 can be accurately arrived under the unit 20 in which the deposit start operation is input.

[0077] In this embodiment, when banknotes are deposited into the banknote processing unit 222, the robot 200 transmits deposit information including the current position information of its own unit (that is, the arrival position information) and the amount of the deposited banknotes to the server 100 (S54). When the server 100 receives the deposit information, it increases the remaining amount associated with the arrival device ID (that is, the remaining amount associated with the card accepted by the card processing unit 32 of the unit 20 indicated by the arrival device ID) by the amount included in the deposit information. In this embodiment, the player can increase the remaining amount without taking out the card from the card processing unit 32 of the unit 20. The work of the player for increasing the remaining amount is reduced.

[0078] The correspondence between this embodiment and the claims will be explained. Unit 20 is an example of a "gaming device". The card processing unit 32 is an example of a "first card processing unit". The touch panel 22 (operation unit 26) is an example of an "input unit". The deposit start operation of S18 in FIG. 6 is an example of a "call operation". The touch panel 22 (display unit 24) and the voice output unit 44 are examples of a "notification unit". The call notification operation of S22 is an example of a "first notification operation". The arrival notification operation of S42 is an example of a "second notification operation".

[0079] (Second Embodiment) Regarding the management system 2 of the second embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. The basic configuration of the management system 2 of this embodiment is also common to that of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 5). However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the memory 260 of the robot 200 stores the position information table 262, which is different from the first embodiment. The content of the position information table 262 is the same as that of the position information table 114 in FIG. 3. That is, the position information table 262 stores the equipment ID of each gaming machine type 90 (unit 20) in the game arcade and the position information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "corresponding position") corresponding to the installation position of the gaming machine type 90 (unit 20) indicated by the equipment ID in a corresponding manner.

[0080] In this embodiment, the movement instruction transmitted by the server 100 to the robot 200 in S30 of FIG. 6 may include only the equipment ID. When the robot 200 receives the movement instruction, it may refer to the position information table 262, specify the position information associated with the equipment ID included in the movement instruction, and start moving with the specified position information as the destination (S32).

[0081] According to this embodiment, the robot 200 can move to the position corresponding to the installation location of the unit 20 according to the position information stored by itself. The robot 200 can be appropriately arrived under the unit 20 where the deposit start operation is input.

[0082] (Third Embodiment) In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, it is different from the first embodiment in that the robot 200 includes a card processing unit 230. Also, in the third embodiment, information indicating the amount of the remaining balance may be recorded on the card. Accordingly, in the third embodiment, a part of the method for depositing the remaining balance is also different from that of the first embodiment.

[0083] In this embodiment, a player who wishes to make an additional deposit of the remaining balance inputs a card ejection operation on the touch panel 22 of the unit 20 when the robot 200 arrives under the unit 20 (S42 in FIG. 6), and takes out a card (member card or visitor card) from the card processing unit 32. Then, the player inserts the taken-out card into the card processing unit 230 of the robot 200.

[0084] The card processing unit 230 of the robot 200 accepts the inserted card. Then, the player deposits banknotes into the banknote processing unit 222 of the robot 200. When banknotes are deposited into the banknote processing unit 222, the robot 200 increases the remaining balance associated with the card accepted by the card processing unit 230 by the amount of the deposited banknotes. Information indicating the amount of the remaining balance after the increase may be recorded on the card. Next, the robot 200 ejects the card from the card processing unit 230.

[0085] The player inserts the card ejected from the robot 200 into the card processing unit 32 of the unit 20. The card processing unit 32 of the unit 20 accepts the inserted card. The player can lend out game balls using the remaining balance again.

[0086] According to this embodiment, a player can increase the remaining amount corresponding to the card without going through unit 20. After the player increases the remaining amount, the player can take out the card from the card processing unit 230 of the robot 200 and re-insert it into the card processing unit 32 of unit 20, so that unit 20 can lend out game balls using the remaining amount. The increase in the remaining amount can be performed smoothly. The card processing unit 230 of this embodiment is an example of the "second card processing unit". In this embodiment, without going through unit 20, the operation for depositing money in FIG. 6 can be simplified by increasing the remaining amount only through the processing between the server 100 and the robot 200.

[0087] As described above, the embodiments have been described in detail, but 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.

[0088] (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 where 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".

[0089] (Modification Example 2) Unit 20 may omit at least one of the call notification operation in S22 and the arrival notification operation in S42 in FIG. 6.

[0090] (Modification Example 3) The robot 200 may not have a function of visiting the vicinity of unit 20 according to the instruction of the server 100. The robot 200 may be patrolling inside the game parlor. The player may visit under the robot 200 patrolling inside the game parlor to make a deposit, or may make a deposit at the timing when the robot 200 visits under the player.

[0091] (Modification Example 4) The operation performed by the unit 20 in each of the above embodiments may be performed by the call lamp 60. In that case, the call lamp 60 may have a card processing unit. In this case, the call lamp 60 is an example of a "gaming device". Further, in another example, two or more of the devices among the unit 20, the call lamp 60, and the hall combobox 50 may cooperate to perform the operation performed by the unit 20 in each of the above embodiments. In this case, two or more of the devices among the unit 20, the call lamp 60, and the hall combobox 50 are an example of a "gaming device".

[0092] (Modification Example 5) In each of the above embodiments, the robot 200 may further have a settlement function for settling the remaining balance. When a player inputs a predetermined settlement instruction to the unit 20 or the robot 200, the unused remaining balance may be discharged from the bill processing unit 222 of the robot 200. At the same time, a card may be discharged from the card processing unit 32 of the unit 20 (or the card processing unit 230 of the robot 200), and the card being accepted (member card or visitor card) may be discharged.

[0093] (Modification Example 6) In each of the above embodiments, the robot 200 can freely move throughout the game hall. Not limited to this, in the modification example, the robot 200 may be able to freely move only within a predetermined area in the game hall (for example, within a predetermined island, within a predetermined floor). Also in this case, the robot 200 can freely move within the predetermined area so that the orientation of the bill processing unit 222 can be changed. The predetermined area in this modification example is also an example of a "predetermined region".

[0094] Also, the technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Also, the technology illustrated 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

[0095] 2: Management System 10: Gaming machine 20: Unit 22: Touch panel 32: Card processing unit 40: Control unit 100: Server 200: Robot 210: Position detection means 220: Moving means 222: Banknote processing unit

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, and A robot capable of freely moving within a predetermined area including a position corresponding to the installation location of the gaming device, comprising a management system, The gaming device has a first card processing unit for processing cards, and a control unit for performing a lending process of lending gaming media using the remaining balance associated with the cards received by the first card processing unit. The robot has a moving means for freely moving within the predetermined area and a bill processing unit for processing bills. When bills are deposited into the bill processing unit of the robot in a specific case, the remaining balance associated with the card is increased by the amount of the deposited bills. Management system.

2. The gaming device further has an input unit through which a player can input operations. When a calling operation is performed on the input unit, the robot moves to a position corresponding to the installation location of the gaming device. The management system according to claim 1.

3. The gaming device further has a notification unit. When a calling operation is performed on the input unit, the notification unit performs a first notification operation of notifying that the robot is being called. The management system according to claim 2.

4. The gaming device further has a notification unit. After a calling operation is performed on the input unit, when the robot arrives at a position corresponding to the installation location of the gaming device, the notification unit performs a second notification operation of notifying that the robot has arrived. The management system according to claim 2.

5. The management system further includes a server that manages position information indicating a position corresponding to the installation location of the gaming device. When a calling operation is performed on the input unit, the server transmits a movement instruction including the position information to the robot. When the robot receives the movement instruction from the server, the robot moves to a position corresponding to the installation location of the gaming device according to the position information included in the movement instruction. The management system according to claim 2.

6. The robot stores position information indicating a position corresponding to the installation position of the gaming device. When a calling operation is performed on the input unit, the robot moves to a position corresponding to the installation location of the gaming device according to the position information. The management system according to claim 2.

7. The system further includes a server that manages the remaining balance associated with the card. In the specific case, the robot notifies the server of the amount of money deposited. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the server increases the remaining balance associated with the card received by the first card processing unit by the amount of money deposited. **Claim 8** The robot further has a second card processing unit that processes the card. The management system according to claim 1, wherein in the specific case where the card is received by the second card processing unit and banknotes are deposited into the banknote processing unit, the remaining balance associated with the card received by the second card processing unit is increased by the amount of money deposited.

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