Performance system

Abstract

To disclose a new technique for imparting special feelings to a player or the like in a game parlor.SOLUTION: A performance system comprises: N notification control devices for N notification devices installed in a specific position separated from game machines in accordance with each of N game machines provided in a game parlor; M information communication devices that are connected to N game machines and input game information showing game states of the N game machines; and a performance control device capable of executing radio communication between the N notification control devices and the M information communication devices. The performance control device receives game information showing game states of the N game machines by radio communication from the M information communication devices, and transmits a first notification instruction to a first notification control device corresponding to a specific game machine in the case of a specific case in which the specific game machine is determined to be in a specific state on the basis of game information. The first notification control device allows a first notification device to perform first notification operation when receiving the first notification instruction from the performance control device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a presentation system used in gaming establishments. [Background technology]

[0002] A call lamp provided on the top of the gaming machine provides various effects, including notification of a jackpot that has occurred on the gaming machine. Also, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, it has been proposed to attach a display device to the chair that the player uses when playing the gaming machine to provide effects. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-136593 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In gaming parlors, spaces may be created near gaming machines but at a distance from the machines (for example, chairs used by players when playing on gaming machines, the floor near the gaming machines, or positions above call lights). In particular, with the recent spread of smart gaming machines, it is expected that situations in which game media storage boxes are placed near gaming machines will decrease, and there is a possibility that the occurrence of situations in which spaces are created near gaming machines but at a distance from the gaming machines will increase. There is a demand for effective use of such spaces.

[0005] This specification discloses a new technology that effectively utilizes the space around gaming machines in a gaming parlor to create a special space and give players and others in the gaming parlor a special feeling. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The presentation system disclosed in this specification comprises N notification control devices for N notification devices installed at specific positions spaced apart from N gaming machines (N is an integer of 2 or more) corresponding to N gaming machines installed in a gaming parlor, M information communication devices (M is an integer of 1 to N) connected to the N gaming machines and inputting game information indicating the game status of the N gaming machines, and a presentation control device capable of wireless communication with the N notification control devices and the M information communication devices. Each of the M information communication devices is connected so that the game status of L gaming machines (L is an integer of 1 to N) out of the N gaming machines can be input thereto. The effect control device receives the gaming information indicating the gaming states of the N gaming machines from the M information communication devices via wireless communication, and in a specific case where it is determined that the gaming state of a specific gaming machine among the N gaming machines is in a specific state based on the gaming information, transmits a first notification instruction via wireless communication to a first notification control device among the N notification control devices that corresponds to the specific gaming machine. Upon receiving the first notification instruction from the effect control device, the first notification control device causes the corresponding first notification device to perform a first notification operation.

[0007] The "specific position" includes, for example, the chair used by the player when playing on the gaming machine, the floor near the gaming machine, a position above the call lamp, etc. The "specific state" includes, for example, a special prize state, a time-saving state, a probability change state, a normal state, etc. The "alert device" includes, for example, a lamp, a display, a speaker, etc.

[0008] According to the above-described presentation system, when a specific gaming machine is in a specific state, a first notification device installed at a specific location corresponding to the specific gaming machine can be caused to perform a first notification action. This allows the space around the gaming machine in the gaming parlor to be utilized and a special space to be created. As a result, a sense of exclusivity can be given to users (players) in the gaming parlor.

[0009] A unique number may be assigned to each of the N notification control devices and the M information communication devices. The performance control device may use the unique number to identify the notification control device for the game information received from the information communication device.

[0010] According to this configuration, the effect control device can appropriately identify the first notification control device based on the game information received from the information communication device by using the unique number. When a specific gaming machine is in a specific state, the effect control device can appropriately cause the first notification device to perform the first notification operation.

[0011] Each of the N notification control devices may have a mechanical switch capable of indicating an integer value of 1 or more, and the integer value indicated by the mechanical switch may represent the unique number assigned to that notification control device. Each of the M communication control devices may have a mechanical switch capable of indicating an integer value of 1 or more, and the integer value indicated by the mechanical switch may represent the unique number assigned to that communication control device.

[0012] With this configuration, the unique numbers of each notification control device and each communication control device can be set using mechanical switches. Amusement parlor staff can easily and intuitively set the numbers by mechanically operating the mechanical switches. This reduces the workload of amusement parlor staff when replacing a defective notification control device or information and communication device.

[0013] The N notification control devices, the M information communication devices, and the performance control device may form one linked group. The performance control device may, in the specific case, transmit the first notification instruction to the first notification control device via wireless communication, and transmit a second notification instruction via wireless communication to a second notification control device among the N notification control devices that is different from the first notification control device. When the first notification instruction is received from the performance control device, the first notification control device may cause the corresponding first notification device to perform the first notification operation. When the second notification control device receives the second notification instruction from the performance control device, the second notification control device may cause the corresponding second notification device to perform the second notification operation. The second notification operation may be an notification operation that is performed in conjunction with the first notification operation being performed by the first notification device, and may be an notification operation that is linked to the first notification operation.

[0014] According to this configuration, within one linked group, a first notification device can be made to perform a notification operation, and a second notification device different from the first notification device can also be made to perform a notification operation in conjunction with the first notification device. By having multiple notification devices perform notification operations in conjunction with each other, a special effect can be realized. As a result, a more special feeling can be given to users and others within the gaming facility. Furthermore, by dividing the gaming facility into areas and assigning each area to a different linked group, individual notification operations can be performed for each divided area.

[0015] Having the second alarm device perform the second alarm operation may include, after the first alarm operation is initiated by the first alarm device, having a first type alarm device among the second alarm devices that is adjacent to the first alarm device initiate the second alarm operation, and, after the second alarm operation is initiated by the first type alarm device, having a second type alarm device among the second alarm devices that is adjacent to the first type alarm device initiate the second alarm operation.

[0016] According to this configuration, within one linked group, after a first notification action is initiated by a first notification device, the adjacent first-type notification device, the adjacent second-type notification device, and so on can be linked together to perform notification actions in sequence. This can create a special effect in which notification actions are chained around the first notification device. As a result, a more special feeling can be given to users in the gaming facility.

[0017] A unique number may be assigned to each of the N notification control devices and the M information communication devices. The performance control device may receive the unique number of each of the N notification control devices or the unique number of each of the M information communication devices, and when an interval between the received unique numbers is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, determine that the unique number before the interval of equal to or greater than the predetermined number and the unique number after the interval of equal to or greater than the predetermined number belong to different child groups.

[0018] With this configuration, when the interval between the unique numbers of the notification control devices or the unique numbers of the information communication devices included in one interlocking group is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the performance control device can determine that the unique numbers before and after the interval of equal to or greater than the predetermined number belong to different child groups. The performance control device can manage the notification control devices and information communication devices in the interlocking group by dividing them into multiple child groups. Staff at the gaming facility can easily set which notification control devices and information communication devices to include in each child group.

[0019] Of the N notification control devices, NA notification control devices corresponding to NA gaming machines (NA is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than N) among the N gaming machines, MA information communication devices (MA is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than M) among the M information communication devices corresponding to the NA gaming machines, and the presentation control device may form a first child group. Of the N notification control devices, NB notification control devices corresponding to NB gaming machines (NB is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than N-NA) among the N gaming machines, and MB information communication devices (MB is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than M-MB) among the M information communication devices corresponding to the NB gaming machines, and the presentation control device may form a second child group. In a first case where the gaming state of a first gaming machine among the NA gaming machines is determined to be the specific state, the presentation control device may transmit a third notification instruction by wireless communication to a third notification control device among the NA notification control devices corresponding to the first gaming machine, and transmit a fourth notification instruction by wireless communication to a fourth notification control device among the NA notification control devices different from the third notification control device, and in a second case where the gaming state of a second gaming machine among the NB gaming machines is determined to be the specific state, the presentation control device may transmit a fifth notification instruction by wireless communication to a fifth notification control device among the NB notification control devices corresponding to the second gaming machine, and transmit a sixth notification instruction by wireless communication to a sixth notification control device among the NB notification control devices different from the fifth notification control device. Upon receiving the third notification instruction from the presentation control device, the third notification control device may cause the corresponding third notification device to perform a third notification operation. The fourth notification control device may, upon receiving the fourth notification instruction from the performance control device, cause the corresponding fourth notification device to perform a fourth notification action. The fourth notification action may be an notification action that is performed in conjunction with the third notification action being performed by the third notification device and may be an notification action that is linked to the third notification action. The fifth notification control device may, upon receiving the fifth notification instruction from the performance control device, cause the corresponding fifth notification device to perform a fifth notification action.The sixth notification control device may, upon receiving the sixth notification instruction from the performance control device, cause the corresponding sixth notification device to perform a sixth notification action. The sixth notification action may be an notification action that is performed in conjunction with the fifth notification action being performed by the fifth notification device, and may be an notification action that is linked to the fifth notification action.

[0020] With this configuration, it is possible to have each notification device in each child group perform a linked notification action. By having the notification devices in each child group perform a linked notification action, it is possible to realize a special effect that is differentiated for each child group. In addition, it is possible to realize a flexible effect according to the layout of gaming machines, etc. in the gaming parlor. As a result, it is possible to give a more special feeling to users, etc. in the gaming parlor.

[0021] The control method, computer program, and computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program for realizing the above-mentioned performance system are also novel and useful. Also, the control method, computer program, and computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program for realizing the above-mentioned notification control device, information communication device, and performance control device are each novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 shows an overview of a rendering system 2 of a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 shows a block diagram of a notification control device 100. [Figure 3] 2 shows a block diagram of an information communication device 200. [Figure 4] 1 shows a block diagram of a performance control device 300. [Figure 5] The first example of a linked group is shown below. [Figure 6] 10 shows an example of control executed in the interlocking group of the first example. [Figure 7] 10 shows an example of a notification instruction that the performance control device 300 transmits to the notification control device 100 in the linked group of the first example. [Figure 8] A second example of a linked group is shown below. [Figure 9] A third example of a linked group is shown below. [Figure 10] 13 shows an example of a notification instruction that the performance control device 300 transmits to the notification control device 100 in the linked group of the third example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] (Example) (System overview: Figure 1) The presentation system 2 shown in Fig. 1 is a system for performing various presentations in accordance with the operating status of each gaming machine in a gaming parlor such as a pachinko parlor. As shown in Fig. 1, the presentation system 2 of this embodiment includes a plurality of gaming machines 50A, 50B installed in the gaming parlor, a plurality of chairs 60 provided corresponding to each gaming machine 50A, etc. and on which players (users) playing on the gaming machines 50A, etc. sit, a plurality of notification devices 62 provided corresponding to the plurality of chairs 60, a plurality of notification control devices 100 for the plurality of notification devices 62, a plurality of information communication devices 200 connected so as to input the game states of the plurality of gaming machines 50A, 50B, a plurality of notification devices 250 connected to the plurality of information communication devices 200, a presentation control device 300, and an access point 400.

[0024] Hereinafter, the gaming machines 50A and 50B may be referred to as "gaming machines 50" without distinction. Although only four gaming machines 50A and 50B are shown in Fig. 1, many other gaming machines 50 are actually installed in an amusement parlor. Furthermore, many more chairs 60, notification devices 62, notification control devices 100, information and communication devices 200, notification devices 250, and performance control devices 300 are also installed in an actual amusement parlor in addition to those shown in Fig. 1.

[0025] (Configuration of gaming machines 50A and 50B) The gaming machine 50A comprises a gaming machine 10A, a unit 12A, a hall control output box 20A, and a call lamp 30A. The gaming machine 10A included in the gaming machine 50A is a smart gaming machine. In this embodiment, the gaming machine 10A is a smart pachinko machine. In a modified example, the gaming machine 10A may be a smart pachislot machine. In the gaming machine 10A, when a player operates the ball-hitting handle, enclosed balls (gaming balls) are shot out one by one into the gaming board. When an enclosed ball is shot out, the number of gaming balls is subtracted.

[0026] An overview of the operation of the gaming machine 10A (smart gaming machine) will be described. When the unit 12A performs a conversion process to convert owned or stored balls into a predetermined number of gaming balls, the number of gaming balls stored in the gaming machine 10A is increased by a predetermined number. "Owned balls" refer to balls acquired by a player on the same day and not deposited at the gaming parlor. "Saved balls" refer to balls acquired by a player on or before the same day and deposited at the gaming parlor. "Gaming balls" refer to balls that can be inserted into the gaming machine 10A. In this embodiment, the gaming machine 10A is illustrated as a pachinko machine, so the terms "game balls," "owned balls," and "saved balls" are used. However, these terms may also be referred to as general terms such as gaming medium, owned medium, and storage medium. During play on the gaming machine 10A, the number of gaming balls increases or decreases depending on the game situation. The number of outs (the number of game balls fired (number of shots)), the number of safes (the number of game balls paid out (number of prize balls)), the number of game balls, etc. are periodically transmitted to the unit 12A. The number of outs, the number of safes, the number of game balls, etc. may be called "game information." The game information may be transmitted to the unit 12A at any time.

[0027] The gaming machine 10A can operate in multiple game states, including a normal state, a special prize state, a probability-changing state, and a time-saving state. The normal state is a state that is not advantageous to the player (for example, no special prize, probability-changing state, or time-saving state has occurred). The normal state also includes a standby state in which no game is being played. The special prize state is a so-called jackpot state, and is advantageous to the player. During the special prize state, a relatively large number of game balls are paid out from the gaming machine 10A. The probability-changing state is a game state that is generally entered after the special prize state ends, and has a higher probability of entering the special prize state than the normal state, making it advantageous to the player. The time-saving state has the same probability of entering the special prize state as the normal state, but is advantageous to the player in that the pattern change time in the gaming machine 10A is shortened and the player's remaining game balls are prevented from decreasing.

[0028] The unit 12A is a device provided on the side of the gaming machine 10A. The unit 12A is also called a "sand unit (sand)" or a "card unit." The unit 12A is a unit compatible with smart gaming machines. The unit 12A is a terminal device for providing various services to players, such as accepting banknotes, lending gaming balls (for example, converting from remaining balance, converting from held balls, converting from saved balls, etc.), card processing, and processing for securing the gaming machine 10A when play is interrupted.

[0029] The hall control output box 20A is a device that mainly collects, relays, and tally information related to games played on the gaming machine 10A. The hall control output box 20A is also a device compatible with smart gaming machines.

[0030] The call lamp 30A is provided on the top of the gaming machine 10A. The call lamp 30A is a device for displaying various information related to the gaming machine 10A (for example, a slump graph, etc.) and for performing a call operation to call an attendant at the gaming parlor. The call lamp 30A is also a device compatible with smart gaming machines.

[0031] The gaming machine 10A, unit 12A, hall control output box 20A, and call lamp 30A input and output information via serial communication. The serial output of the gaming machine 10A is connected to the unit 12A. The serial output of the unit 12A is connected to the hall control output box 20A. The serial output of the hall control output box 20A and the serial output of the call lamp 30A are connected to the information communication device 200.

[0032] The gaming machine 50B includes a gaming machine 10B, a unit 12B, and a call lamp 30B. The gaming machine 10B included in the gaming machine 50B is a conventional gaming machine that uses gaming media to play games. In this embodiment, the gaming machine 10B is a pachinko machine. In a modified example, the gaming machine 10B may be a slot machine. In the gaming machine 10B, when a player operates a ball-hitting handle, actual pachinko balls (gaming balls) are shot out one by one into the gaming board.

[0033] The operation of the gaming machine 10B (conventional gaming machine) is also almost the same as that of the gaming machine 10A. However, in the gaming machine 10B, pachinko balls (gaming media) dispensed by the unit 12B are actually inserted to play the game. During play on the gaming machine 10B, the gaming media increase or decrease depending on the game situation. Game information such as the number of outs (the number of gaming balls fired (number of shots)) and the number of safes (the number of gaming balls paid out (number of prize balls)) is periodically output to the unit 12B, etc. The gaming machine 10B can also operate in multiple types of gaming states, including a normal state, a special prize state, a probability-varying state, and a time-saving state.

[0034] The unit 12B is a device provided on the side of the gaming machine 10B. The unit 12B is also a terminal device for providing various services to players, such as accepting bills, lending gaming balls (for example, converting from remaining balance, converting from held balls, converting from saved balls, etc.), processing cards, and processing for securing the gaming machine 10B when a game is interrupted. The unit 12B is a unit compatible with conventional gaming machines.

[0035] The call lamp 30B is provided on the top of the gaming machine 10B. The call lamp 30B is a device for displaying various information related to the gaming machine 10B (for example, a slump graph, etc.) and for performing a call operation to call an attendant at the gaming parlor. The call lamp 30B is also a device compatible with conventional gaming machines.

[0036] The gaming machine 10B, the unit 12B, and the call lamp 30B input and output information through parallel communication (contact input and output). The contact output of the gaming machine 10B is connected to the unit 12B and the call lamp 30B. The contact output of the unit 12B is connected to the call lamp 30B. The contact output of the call lamp 30B is connected to the information communication device 200.

[0037] It should be noted that the gaming machines 50B do not include a device equivalent to the hall control output box 20A. As described above, the gaming establishment in this embodiment has a mixture of gaming machines 50A including the gaming machine 10A, which is a smart gaming machine, and gaming machines 50B including the gaming machine 10B, which is a conventional gaming machine. Hereinafter, the gaming machines 10A and 10B may be referred to as "gaming machines 10" without distinction. Each gaming machine 10 is assigned a unique machine number by the manager of the gaming establishment.

[0038] (Configuration of chair 60 and alarm device 62) The chairs 60 are chairs on which players (users) can sit while playing on the gaming machines 10. The chairs 60 are provided corresponding to each gaming machine 10. The chairs 60 are provided in front of the gaming machines 10, at a distance from the gaming machines 10. Typically, the chairs 60 are fixed to the floor in front of the gaming machines 10. The chairs 60 can rotate left and right.

[0039] The notification device 62 is provided on the back of each chair 60. The notification device 62 performs a notification action according to the gaming status of the corresponding gaming machine 10. In this embodiment, the notification device 62 includes a lamp that can emit light in various colors and patterns. The notification action in this embodiment includes causing the lamp to emit light in various colors and patterns. The notification device 62 may be a display that can display various information, a speaker that can output sound, a vibration device that causes a player sitting in the chair 60 to experience vibrations, or a combination of two or more of these. In this case, the "notification action" may be a combination of displaying information on a display, outputting sound, vibration, etc.

[0040] (Configuration of notification control device 100) The notification control device 100 is a control device connected to each notification device 62. The notification control device 100 controls the notification operation of the corresponding notification device 62. By establishing a wireless connection with the access point 400, the notification control device 100 can participate as a slave station in a wireless communication network (e.g., a Wi-Fi communication network) formed by the access point 400. The notification control device 100 can perform wireless communication with other devices participating as slave stations in the wireless communication network. In this embodiment, the notification control device 100 can perform wireless communication with the performance control device 300.

[0041] 2, the notification control device 100 includes a control unit 102, a wireless communication unit 104, a contact input unit 106, a serial input unit 108, an external drive unit 110, and a setting unit 112. The notification control device 100 may be configured as a single control board incorporating these components 102 to 112.

[0042] The control unit 102 executes various processes in accordance with programs stored in the memory 103. The memory 103 can store a group number, a unique number, etc., set in the notification control device 100.

[0043] The wireless communication unit 104 is an interface for performing wireless communication with the performance control device 300 via the wireless communication network formed by the access point 400. The contact input unit 106 is an interface for connecting a device that performs parallel communication and inputting information from the device via parallel communication. The serial input unit 108 is an interface for connecting a device that performs serial communication and inputting information from the device via serial communication. In this embodiment, no device is connected to the contact input unit 106 or the serial input unit 108. One or both of the contact input unit 106 and the serial input unit 108 may be omitted.

[0044] The external drive unit 110 is connected to the corresponding notification device 62. The external drive unit 110 is an interface for driving the notification device 62. When the control unit 102 receives a notification instruction from the performance control device 300, it can drive the notification device 62 via the external drive unit 110, thereby causing the notification device 62 to perform a notification operation.

[0045] The setting unit 112 is a device for making various settings related to the notification control device 100. The setting unit 112 can set a group number indicating the interlocking group to which the notification control device 100 belongs, and a unique number assigned to the notification control device 100 within the interlocking group. Here, the "interlocking group" refers to a group of control devices (the notification control device 100, the information communication device 200, and the performance control device 300) for executing interlocked performances for multiple notification devices 62.

[0046] The setting unit 112 includes a mechanical switch group 114. The mechanical switch group 114 includes one or more mechanical switches. In this embodiment, the mechanical switch group 114 includes at least four mechanical switches. The mechanical switches are, for example, rotary switches. Each mechanical switch can indicate an integer value of 1 or greater. A group number can be set by two mechanical switches (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "first and second switches") included in the mechanical switch group 114. Depending on the combination of values ​​indicated by the first and second switches, the group number is set to one of integer values ​​between 1 and 90. Devices (announcement control device 100, information communication device 200, performance control device 300) that have the same group number constitute one linked group.

[0047] The other two mechanical switches (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "third and fourth switches") included in the mechanical switch group 114 can be used to set the unique number of the notification control device 100 within the interlocking group to which the notification control device 100 belongs. Depending on the combination of values ​​indicated by the third and fourth switches, the unique number is set to one of integer values ​​between 1 and 100. A different unique number is assigned to each notification control device 100 within the same interlocking group. The unique numbers of each notification control device 100 within the same interlocking group are set so that they do not overlap (see FIG. 5).

[0048] The setting unit 112 may include a mechanical switch (hereinafter referred to as a "fifth switch") other than the first to fourth switches. The fifth switch may be a switch for setting a vibration operation when the alarm device 62 includes a vibration device.

[0049] (Configuration of information communication device 200) The information and communication device 200 is a control device connected to two gaming machines 50A and 50B and one notification device 250. In the example of FIG. 1, the information and communication device 200 is communicatively connected to two gaming machines 50, but in other examples, the information and communication device 200 may be communicatively connected to only one gaming machine 50, or may be communicatively connected to three or more gaming machines 50. The notification device 250 connected to the information and communication device 200 is, for example, a lamp that can emit light in various colors and patterns. The information and communication device 200 can control the notification operation of the corresponding notification device 250.

[0050] Furthermore, by establishing a wireless connection with the access point 400, the information communication device 200 can participate as a slave station in the wireless communication network formed by the access point 400. The information communication device 200 can perform wireless communication with other devices participating as slave stations in the wireless communication network. In this embodiment, each information communication device 200 can perform wireless communication with the performance control device 300. In this embodiment, the information communication device 200 can input game information indicating the game status of the gaming machine 10 included in each gaming machine 50 that is communicatively connected, and transmit the game information to the performance control device 300 by wireless communication.

[0051] 3, the information communication device 200 includes a control unit 202, a wireless communication unit 204, a contact input unit 206, a serial input unit 208, an external drive unit 210, and a setting unit 212. The information communication device 200 may be configured as a single control board incorporating these components 202 to 212. The control board that functions as the information communication device 200 may have the same configuration as the control board that functions as the above-mentioned notification control device 100.

[0052] The control unit 202 executes various processes in accordance with programs stored in the memory 203. The memory 203 can store a group number, a unique number, and the like set in the information communication device 200.

[0053] Wireless communication unit 204 is an interface for performing wireless communication with performance control device 300 via a wireless communication network formed by access point 400.

[0054] The contact input unit 206 is an interface for connecting a device that performs parallel communication and inputting information from the device via parallel communication. In this embodiment, the contact input unit 206 is connected to a contact output of a gaming machine 50B, including the gaming machine 10B, a conventional gaming machine. In FIG. 1, the contact output of the call lamp 30B is connected to the contact input unit 206. However, this is not limited to this. In other examples, the contact output of another device may be connected as long as it can input the contact output of game information. For example, the contact output of the gaming machine 10B may be connected to the contact input unit 206. The control unit 202 can input game information indicating the game status of the gaming machine 10B via the contact input unit 206. Although not shown in the figure, the contact input unit 206 may have multiple channels. If the contact input unit 206 has multiple channels, multiple gaming machines 50B can be connected to the contact input unit 206. The contact input unit 206 can input game information for different gaming machines 10B for each channel.

[0055] The serial input unit 208 is an interface for connecting a device that performs serial communication and inputting information from the device via serial communication. In this embodiment, the contact input unit 206 is connected to the serial output of a gaming machine 50A, including the gaming machine 10A, which is a smart gaming machine. Specifically, the serial input unit 208 is connected to the serial output of a hall control output box 20A (see FIG. 1). The control unit 202 can input game information indicating the game status of the gaming machine 10A via the serial input unit 208. Although not shown in the figure, the serial input unit 208 may also have multiple channels. When the serial input unit 208 has multiple channels, multiple gaming machines 50A can be connected to the serial input unit 208. The serial input unit 208 can input game information of different gaming machines 10A for each channel.

[0056] The external driving unit 210 is connected to a corresponding notification device 250. The external driving unit 210 is an interface for driving the notification device 250.

[0057] The setting unit 212 is a device for performing various settings related to the information communication device 200. The setting unit 212 can set a group number indicating the interlocking group to which the information communication device 200 belongs, and a unique number assigned to the information communication device 200 within the interlocking group.

[0058] The setting unit 212 includes a mechanical switch group 214. The mechanical switch group 214 includes one or more mechanical switches. In this embodiment, the mechanical switch group 214 includes at least four mechanical switches. The mechanical switches are, for example, rotary switches. Each mechanical switch can indicate an integer value of 1 or greater. A group number can be set by two mechanical switches (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "first and second switches") included in the mechanical switch group 214. Depending on the combination of values ​​indicated by the first and second switches, the group number is set to one of integer values ​​between 1 and 90. Devices (announcement control device 100, information communication device 200, performance control device 300) that have the same group number constitute one linked group.

[0059] The other two mechanical switches (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "third and fourth switches") included in the mechanical switch group 214 can be used to set a unique number for the information communication device 200 within the interlocking group to which the information communication device 200 belongs. Depending on the combination of values ​​indicated by the third and fourth switches, the unique number is set to one of integer values ​​between 1 and 100. A different unique number is assigned to each information communication device 200 within the same interlocking group. The unique numbers assigned to each information communication device 200 within the same interlocking group will not overlap (see FIG. 5).

[0060] In particular, in this embodiment, two gaming machines 50A and 50B are connected to the information and communication device 200 on the left and right sides. In this embodiment, the unique number of the information and communication device 200 is set to any odd number between 1 and 100 (i.e., any of 1, 3, 5, . . . 99) depending on the combination of values ​​indicated by the third and fourth switches. The unique number set as an odd number is the unique number corresponding to the gaming machine 50 on the left side set in the information and communication device 200. In this case, the unique number corresponding to the gaming machine 50 on the right side is automatically assigned as the next value (even number) of the unique number corresponding to the gaming machine 50 on the left side. For example, if the unique number corresponding to the gaming machine 50 on the left side is set to "1" by the third and fourth switches, the unique number corresponding to the gaming machine 50 on the right side is automatically assigned as "2."

[0061] The unique number assigned to one information communication device 200 is the same as the unique number assigned to the notification control device 100 provided in the chair 60 of the gaming machine 10 connected to that information communication device 200. That is, if the unique number of the information communication device 200 is "1," the unique number of the notification control device 100 provided in the chair 60 of the gaming machine 10 on the left side connected to that information communication device 200 is also "1" (see FIG. 5). The unique number of the notification control device 100 provided in the chair 60 in front of the gaming machine 10 on the right side connected to that information communication device 200 is "2" (see FIG. 5).

[0062] The setting unit 212 may also include a mechanical switch (hereinafter referred to as a "fifth switch") other than the first to fourth switches. The fifth switch may be, for example, a switch for setting the content of the announcing operation by the announcing device 250.

[0063] When the control unit 202 inputs the gaming information of the gaming machine 10B via the contact input unit 206, it transmits the gaming information to the performance control device 300 by wireless communication (i.e., via the wireless communication unit 204 and the wireless communication network). The control unit 202 transmits the unique number corresponding to the gaming machine 10B together with the gaming information. This allows the performance control device 300 to determine that the received gaming information is the gaming information of the gaming machine 10B.

[0064] Similarly, when the control unit 202 receives game information of the gaming machine 10A via the serial input unit 208, it transmits the game information to the presentation control device 300 by wireless communication. The control unit 202 transmits the unique number corresponding to the gaming machine 10A together with the game information. This allows the presentation control device 300 to determine that the received game information is game information of the gaming machine 10A.

[0065] (Configuration of performance control device 300) The performance control device 300 is a device for controlling performances by the notification devices 62 in the linked group. By establishing a wireless connection with an access point 400, the performance control device 300 can participate as a slave station in the wireless communication network formed by the access point 400. The performance control device 300 can perform wireless communication with the notification control device 100 and the information communication device 200 that participate as slave stations in the wireless communication network through the access point 400. The performance control device 300 can receive game information of each gaming machine 10 from the multiple information communication devices 200 in the linked group via wireless communication, transmit notification instructions to the notification control device 100 corresponding to the gaming machine 10 via wireless communication, and cause the notification device 62 corresponding to the notification control device 100 to perform a notification operation.

[0066] 4, performance control device 300 includes control unit 302, wireless communication unit 304, and setting unit 312. Performance control device 300 may be configured as a single control board incorporating these components 302, 304, and 312. The control board that functions as performance control device 300 may have the same configuration as the control board that functions as notification control device 100 and the control board that functions as information communication device 200 described above. In this case, performance control device 300 may further include a contact input unit, serial input unit, and external drive unit similar to those of notification control device 100 and information communication device 200.

[0067] The control unit 302 executes various processes according to the programs stored in the memory 303. The memory 303 can store the group number set in the performance control device 300, the unique numbers of the notification control device 100 and the information communication device 200 in the linked group, and the like.

[0068] The wireless communication unit 304 is an interface for performing wireless communication between the notification control device 100 and the information communication device 200 via a wireless communication network formed by the access point 400 .

[0069] The setting unit 312 is a device for making various settings related to the performance control device 300. The setting unit 312 can set the group number indicating the linked group to which the performance control device 300 belongs and the content of the notification operation to be performed by the notification device 62 in the linked group.

[0070] The setting unit 312 includes a mechanical switch group 314. The mechanical switch group 314 includes one or more mechanical switches. In this embodiment, the mechanical switch group 314 includes five mechanical switches. The mechanical switches are, for example, rotary switches. Each mechanical switch can indicate an integer value of 1 or more. A group number can be set by two mechanical switches (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "first and second switches") included in the mechanical switch group 314. Depending on the combination of values ​​indicated by the first and second switches, the group number is set to one of integer values ​​from 1 to 90. The notification control device 100, the information communication device 200, and the performance control device 300 that include the same group number constitute one linked group.

[0071] The other three mechanical switches (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "third, fourth, and fifth switches") included in the mechanical switch group 314 can be used to set the content of the notification action to be performed by each notification device 62 in the linked group to which the effect control device belongs. By combining the values ​​indicated by the third to fifth switches, it is possible to set, for example, the content of the notification action when the gaming machine 10 is in the special prize state (e.g., the light emission color and light emission pattern of the lamp), the notification action when the gaming machine 10 is in the normal state, the content of the linked effect within the group, etc.

[0072] (Configuration of Access Point 400) The access point 400 is placed inside the amusement facility and operates as a master station of a wireless communication network formed within the amusement facility. The wireless communication network is, for example, a Wi-Fi communication network. The access point 400 can establish a wireless communication connection with other devices present within its current communication range (for example, the entire amusement facility, or a specific floor within the amusement facility, etc.), allowing the other devices (the notification control device 100, the information communication device 200, and the performance control device 300) to participate in the wireless communication network as slave stations.

[0073] (First example of linked groups and unique numbers) Referring to FIG. 5, a first example of one linked group formed by the performance control device 300, the information communication device 200, and the notification control device 100 of this embodiment will be described.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 5, in this example, 40 gaming machines 10 with machine numbers "1" to "40" are provided. In FIG. 5, the numbers written in the boxes representing each gaming machine 10 indicate the machine number. The 20 gaming machines 10 with machine numbers "11" to "30" are provided opposite each other across the aisle and chairs 60 in front of the gaming machines 10. The 20 gaming machines 10 with machine numbers "11" to "30" form one area (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "specific area"). Note that other devices (such as the unit 12) included in the gaming machines 50 are not shown in FIG. 5.

[0075] FIG. 5 shows 20 notification control devices 100 corresponding to the chairs 60 and notification devices 62 provided in front of 20 gaming machines 10 (machine numbers "11" to "30") included in a specific area. Note that the chairs 60 and notification devices 62 are omitted from FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the numbers written in the boxes representing each notification control device 100 indicate unique numbers. FIG. 5 also shows a total of 10 information communication devices 200, one for each two gaming machines 10 included in the specific area. In FIG. 5, the numbers written in the boxes representing each information communication device 200 indicate unique numbers. Furthermore, FIG. 5 shows one effect control device 300 capable of wireless communication with each notification control device 100 and each information communication device 200.

[0076] The group number "10" is assigned to the performance control device 300, the 10 information communication devices 200, and the 20 notification control devices 100. In other words, the performance control device 300, the 10 information communication devices 200, and the 20 notification control devices 100 in Fig. 5 form one linked group represented by the group number "10."

[0077] The 20 notification control devices 100 are assigned unique numbers "1" to "20." The unique numbers "1" to "20" of each notification control device 100 are assigned in ascending order of the machine number. For example, the unique number of the notification control device 100 corresponding to the gaming machine 10 with machine number "11" is set to "1." The unique number of the notification control device 100 corresponding to the gaming machine 10 with machine number "30" is set to "20."

[0078] The ten information communication devices 200 are assigned odd-numbered unique numbers "1," "3," "5," ... "19." The unique numbers "1," "3," "5," ... "19" of the information communication devices 200 are assigned in ascending order of the machine number and the unique number of the notification control device 100. For example, the unique numbers of the information communication devices 200 corresponding to the two gaming machines 10 with machine numbers "11" and "12" are set to "1." In this case, the unique number "1" set by the setting unit 212 corresponds to the gaming machine 10 on the left (machine number "11"), and the unique number "2," which is not set by the setting unit 212 but is automatically assigned, corresponds to the gaming machine 10 on the right (machine number "12"). The gaming machine 10 on the left (machine number "11") and the gaming machine 10 on the right (machine number "12") are connected to different ports (contact input unit 206, serial input unit 208) of the information communication device 200. Therefore, the information communication device 200 can determine whether the game information has been input from the gaming machine 10 on the left (machine number "11") or the gaming machine 10 on the right (machine number "12"). In addition, the unique number "1" of the information communication device 200 (and the automatically assigned "2") is set to correspond to the unique numbers "1" and "2" of the notification control devices 100 corresponding to the gaming machines 10 with machine numbers "11" and "12", respectively. Similarly, the unique number of the information communication device 200 corresponding to the two gaming machines 10 with machine numbers "13" and "14" is set to "3". The unique number of the information communication device 200 corresponding to the two gaming machines 10 with machine numbers "29" and "30" is set to "19".

[0079] When a group number ("10") and a unique number are set in each notification control device 100, the notification control device 100 transmits the group number and unique number set in the device to the performance control device 300 via wireless communication. Similarly, when a group number and unique number are set in each information communication device 200, the information communication device 200 transmits the group number and unique number set in the device to the performance control device 300 via wireless communication. The performance control device 300 receives the unique number of each notification control device 100 including the group number "10" and the unique number of each information communication device 200. The performance control device 300 stores the unique numbers of the 20 notification control devices 100 included in the one interlocking group represented by the group number "10" and the unique numbers of the 10 information communication devices 200. The performance control device 300 identifies the minimum value ("1") and the maximum value ("20") of the unique numbers of the 20 notification control devices 100 included in the one interlocking group represented by the group number "10". Furthermore, the performance control device 300 identifies the minimum value ("1") and maximum value ("19") of the unique numbers of the 10 information communication devices 200 included in one linked group represented by group number "10."

[0080] (Example of control executed by the linked group in Example 1) An example of control executed in the linked group of Fig. 5 will be described. Each information communication device 200 inputs game information indicating the game status of the gaming machine 10 corresponding to the device. The information communication device 200 transmits the input game information together with the unique number of the device to the presentation control device 300 via wireless communication. For example, a special prize state (jackpot) occurs in the gaming machine 10 with machine number "16." The information communication device 200 set with unique number "5" inputs game information indicating the special prize state of the gaming machine 10 corresponding to unique number "6" (i.e., the unique number corresponding to the gaming machine 10 on the right). The information communication device 200 transmits the unique number "6" and the game information indicating the special prize state to the presentation control device 300 via wireless communication.

[0081] The performance control device 300 receives the unique number "6" and game information indicating the special prize state. The performance control device 300 determines that the gaming machine 10 (machine number "16") corresponding to the unique number "6" has transitioned to the special prize state. The performance control device 300 transmits a first notification instruction via wireless communication to the notification control device 100 (sometimes referred to as the "first notification control device") corresponding to the unique number "6."

[0082] As shown in FIG. 6, when the notification control device 100 with the unique number "6" receives the first notification instruction, it causes the notification device 62 (sometimes referred to as the "first notification device") connected to the notification control device to perform a first notification operation. The first notification operation includes, for example, blinking a lamp included in the notification device 62 for three minutes. When the first notification operation is performed by the notification device 62 (first notification device) corresponding to the notification control device 100 with the unique number "6" (first notification control device), it is notified to those around that the gaming machine 10 (machine number "16") corresponding to the notification control device 100 with the unique number "6" has transitioned to a special prize state.

[0083] Furthermore, the performance control device 300 sequentially transmits second notification instructions via wireless communication to notification control devices 100 (sometimes referred to as "second notification control devices") other than the notification control device 100 with unique number "6" (first notification control device). For example, one second after transmitting the first notification operation to the first notification control device, the performance control device 300 transmits second notification instructions to the notification control devices 100 (second notification control devices) with unique numbers "5" and "7."

[0084] As shown in Fig. 6, when the notification control devices 100 with unique numbers "5" and "7" receive a second notification instruction, they cause the notification device 62 (sometimes referred to as the "second notification device") connected to them to perform a second notification operation. The second notification operation is an notification operation that is performed in conjunction with the first notification operation being performed by the first notification device, and is an notification operation that is linked to the first notification operation. The second notification operation includes, for example, an operation of turning on a lamp included in the notification device 62 for three seconds.

[0085] Next, one second after transmitting the second notification operation to the notification control devices 100 with unique numbers "5" and "7," the performance control device 300 transmits a second notification instruction to the notification control devices 100 with unique numbers "4" and "8" (second notification control devices). Upon receiving the second notification instruction, the notification control devices 100 with unique numbers "4" and "8" cause the notification devices 62 (second notification devices) connected to them to perform the second notification operation.

[0086] Thereafter, every second, the performance control device 300 sequentially transmits the second notification action to each pair of notification control devices 100 with unique numbers "3" and "9," "2" and "10," "1" and "11," "20" and "12," "19" and "13," ... "5" and "7," in ascending and descending order of unique numbers. After transmitting the second notification action to the notification control device 100 with the smallest unique number ("1") in the descending order, the performance control device 300 next transmits the second notification action to the notification control device 100 with the largest unique number ("20"). Similarly, after transmitting the second notification action to the notification control device 100 with the largest unique number ("20") in the ascending order, the performance control device 300 next transmits the second notification action to the notification control device 100 with the smallest unique number ("1").

[0087] When the notification control device 100 (second notification control device) receives the second notification instruction, it causes the notification device 62 (second notification device) connected to the notification control device 100 to perform a second notification. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the notification device 62 corresponding to the notification control device 100 (first notification control device) with the unique number "6" starts a first notification (blinking for three minutes), and then the notification devices 62 of the surrounding chairs 60 start a second notification (lighting up for three seconds) sequentially every second. The first notification of the notification device 62 with the unique number "6" triggers the second notification (lighting up for three seconds) of the adjacent notification device 62, and then the notification device 62 next to it, in that order. This creates a special effect in which notification actions (light emission) are chained together, centered on the first notification device. This gives a sense of exclusivity to players and the like in the gaming parlor.

[0088] The performance control device 300 may transmit a first notification instruction to the notification control device 100 (first notification control device) with the unique number "6," and simultaneously transmit a second notification instruction as shown in the table of FIG. 7 to the other notification control devices 100 (second notification control devices). As shown in FIG. 7, for example, the notification control devices 100 with the unique numbers "5" and "7" are instructed to turn on their lamps for three seconds after 1 second and after 19 seconds, respectively. For example, the notification control devices 100 with the unique numbers "4" and "8" are instructed to turn on their lamps for three seconds after 2 seconds and after 18 seconds, respectively. In this way, the performance control device 300 can also realize a linked performance similar to the above by simultaneously transmitting a second notification instruction to multiple second notification control devices after specifying the start timing of the second notification operation (FIG. 6).

[0089] (Second example of linked groups and unique numbers) Referring to FIG. 8, a second example of one linked group formed by the performance control device 300, the information communication device 200, and the notification control device 100 will be described, focusing on the differences from the first example (FIG. 5) described above.

[0090] In the second example, no gaming machines 10 corresponding to machine numbers "15" and "26" are installed within the specific area. The gaming machines 10 with machine numbers "15" and "26" are unused numbers. The reason why gaming machines 10 corresponding to machine numbers "15" and "26" are not installed may be, for example, due to layout reasons of the gaming parlor (e.g., other machines being installed). Accordingly, in the second example, no notification control devices 100 corresponding to fixed numbers "5" and "16" are installed. In the second example, 18 notification control devices 100 are installed within the specific area. Accordingly, the fixed numbers "5" and "16" of the notification control devices 100 are also unused numbers. Furthermore, although information communication devices 200 corresponding to fixed numbers "5" and "15" are installed, only the gaming machine 10 corresponding to machine number "16" is connected to the information communication device 200 corresponding to fixed number "5", and only the gaming machine 10 corresponding to machine number "25" is connected to the information communication device 200 corresponding to fixed number "15".

[0091] In this way, in the second example, the fixed numbers of the 18 notification control devices 100 include missing numbers ("5", "16"). The fixed numbers of the notification control devices 100 are not consecutive numbers. The fixed numbers of the notification control devices 100 include a gap of two (a difference of the integer "2").

[0092] Meanwhile, in the second example, the group number "10" is also set for the performance control device 300, the 10 information communication devices 200, and the 18 notification control devices 100. In the second example, the performance control device 300, the 10 information communication devices 200, and the 18 notification control devices 100 in Fig. 6 form one interlocking group represented by the group number "10." Even if the fixed numbers of the notification control devices 100 include a gap of two integers, the performance control device 300 determines that the performance control device 300, the 10 information communication devices 200, and the 18 notification control devices 100 are one interlocking group.

[0093] (Example of control executed by the linked group in the second example) In the linked group of the second example, linked performance control is performed in the same manner as in the linked group of the first example. For example, when a special prize state occurs in the gaming machine 10 with the machine number "16," as in the first example, the performance control device 300 transmits a first notification instruction to the notification control device 100 (first notification control device) with the unique number "6." The notification control device 100 (first notification control device) with the unique number "6" causes the corresponding notification device 62 (first notification device) to perform a first notification operation (flashing the lamp for 3 minutes). Then, the performance control device 300 transmits a second notification instruction sequentially (or simultaneously after specifying the start timing of the second notification operation) via wireless communication to the notification control devices 100 (second notification control devices) other than the notification control device 100 (first notification control device) with the unique number "6." The second notification control device causes the corresponding notification device 62 (second notification device) to perform the second notification operation (turn on the lamp for 3 seconds) at the specified timing. In the second example, at this time, the notification control device corresponding to the missing numbers (fixed numbers "5" and "16") is skipped and the adjacent notification control device 100 is caused to perform the second notification operation. When the notification control device corresponding to the missing numbers (fixed numbers "5" and "16") is skipped, the adjacent notification control device 100 may be caused to perform the second notification operation after an interval of 1 second, or may be caused to perform the second notification operation without an interval of 1 second.

[0094] (Third example of linked groups and unique numbers) Referring to FIG. 9, a third example of one linked group formed by the performance control device 300, the information communication device 200, and the notification control device 100 will be described, focusing on the differences from the first example (FIG. 5) described above.

[0095] In the third example, the group number "10" is also set for the performance control device 300, the 10 information communication devices 200, and the 20 notification control devices 100. In other words, the performance control device 300, the 10 information communication devices 200, and the 20 notification control devices 100 in Fig. 9 form one linked group represented by the group number "10."

[0096] However, in the third example, the 20 notification control devices 100 are assigned unique numbers "1" to "10" and "15" to "24." The unique numbers "1" to "10" and "15" to "24" of each notification control device 100 are assigned in ascending order of the machine number. For example, the unique number of the notification control device 100 corresponding to the gaming machine 10 with machine number "11" is set to "1." The unique number of the notification control device 100 corresponding to the gaming machine 10 with machine number "20" is set to "10." The unique number of the notification control device 100 corresponding to the gaming machine 10 with machine number "21" is set to "15." The unique number of the notification control device 100 corresponding to the gaming machine 10 with machine number "30" is set to "24."

[0097] As described above, in the third example, the unique numbers of the 20 notification control devices 100 are not consecutive. There are four missing numbers (11, 12, 13, and 14) between the unique numbers "10" and "15." That is, there is a gap of five numbers (a difference of the integer "5") between the unique numbers "10" and "15" of the notification control devices 100. Accordingly, there is also a gap of five numbers (a difference of the integer "5") between the unique numbers "9" and "15" of the 10 information communication devices 200.

[0098] In the third example, when a group number ("10") and a unique number are set in each notification control device 100, each notification control device 100 transmits the group number and unique number set in its own device to the performance control device 300 via wireless communication. Similarly, when a group number and a unique number are set in each information communication device 200, each information communication device 200 transmits the group number and unique number set in its own device to the performance control device 300 via wireless communication. The performance control device 300 receives the unique number of each notification control device 100 including the group number "10" and the unique number of each information communication device 200. The performance control device 300 stores the unique numbers of the 20 notification control devices 100 included in the one interlocking group represented by the group number "10" and the unique numbers of the 10 information communication devices 200. The performance control device 300 identifies the minimum value ("1") and the maximum value ("24") of the unique numbers of the 20 notification control devices 100 included in the one interlocking group represented by the group number "10". Furthermore, the performance control device 300 identifies the minimum value ("1") and maximum value ("24") of the unique numbers of the 10 information communication devices 200 included in one linked group represented by group number "10."

[0099] In the third example, the performance control device 300 further determines that, among the unique numbers of the 20 notification control devices 100, the unique numbers "10" and "15" of the notification control devices contain an interval of five (a difference of the integer "5") units. In the third example, when the unique numbers of the notification control devices 100 contain an interval of any number or more (for example, an integer difference of five or more), the performance control device 300 determines that the unique number ("10") before the interval of five or more units and the unique number ("15") after the interval of five or more units belong to different child groups. That is, in this example, the performance control device 300 determines that the 10 notification control devices 100 with unique numbers "1" to "10" and the 10 notification control devices 100 with unique numbers "15" to "24" form different child groups. The performance control device 300 determines that the ten notification control devices 100 with unique numbers "1" to "10" form a first child group, and the ten notification control devices 100 with unique numbers "15" to "23" form a second child group. Similarly, the performance control device 300 determines that the five information communication devices 200 with unique numbers "1," "3," "5," "7," and "9" and the five information communication devices 200 with unique numbers "15," "17," "19," "21," and "23" form another child group. The performance control device 300 determines that the five information communication devices 200 with unique numbers "1" to "9" form a first child group, and the five information communication devices 200 with unique numbers "15" to "23" form a second child group.

[0100] The performance control device 300 then identifies the minimum ("1") and maximum ("10") of the unique numbers of the ten notification control devices 100 included in the first child group. Furthermore, the performance control device 300 also identifies the minimum ("1") and maximum ("9") of the unique numbers of the five information communication devices 200 included in the first child group. Similarly, the performance control device 300 identifies the minimum ("15") and maximum ("24") of the unique numbers of the ten notification control devices 100 included in the second child group. Furthermore, the performance control device 300 also identifies the minimum ("15") and maximum ("23") of the unique numbers of the five information communication devices 200 included in the first child group. In the third example, the performance control device 300 causes the first child group and the second child group to individually perform linked performances. That is, in the third example, one linked group indicated by group number "10" has two child groups for separately performing linked performances.

[0101] (Example of control executed by the interlocking group in the third example) An example of control executed by the linked group in the third example will be described. In the third example, the first child group and the second child group perform linked performances separately. For example, when a special prize state occurs in the gaming machine 10 with the machine number "16" corresponding to the first child group, the performance control device 300 transmits a third notification instruction to the notification control device 100 with the unique number "6" (sometimes referred to as the "third notification control device"), as in the first example. The notification control device 100 with the unique number "6" (sometimes referred to as the "third notification control device") causes the corresponding notification device 62 (sometimes referred to as the "third notification device") to perform a third notification operation (e.g., blinking a lamp for three minutes). The performance control device 300 then transmits a fourth notification instruction sequentially via wireless communication to the nine notification control devices 100 (sometimes referred to as the "fourth notification control devices") included in the first child group other than the notification control device 100 with the unique number "6" (sometimes referred to as the "third notification control device"). The performance control device 300 may simultaneously transmit a third notification instruction to the notification control device 100 (third notification control device) with the unique number "6" and a fourth notification instruction as shown in the table of FIG. 10(a) to the other notification control devices 100 (fourth notification control devices) in the first child group. The fourth notification control device causes the corresponding notification device 62 (fourth notification device) to perform a fourth notification action (e.g., turn on a lamp for three seconds) at a timing specified by the performance control device 300. The fourth notification action is an notification action that is performed in conjunction with the third notification action performed by the third notification device, and is an notification action that is linked to the fourth notification action. In this example, the notification devices 62 corresponding to the notification control devices 100 (unique numbers "15" to "24") included in the second child group do not perform a linked notification action. The linked performance is completed within the first child group.

[0102] The linked performance of the second child group is performed in a similar manner. For example, if a special prize state occurs in the gaming machine 10 with machine number "20" corresponding to the second child group, the performance control device 300 transmits a fifth notification instruction to the notification control device 100 with unique number "19" (sometimes referred to as the "fifth notification control device"), as in the first example above. The notification control device 100 with unique number "19" (sometimes referred to as the "fifth notification control device") causes the corresponding notification device 62 (sometimes referred to as the "fifth notification device") to perform a fifth notification operation (e.g., blinking a lamp for three minutes). Then, the performance control device 300 sequentially transmits a sixth notification instruction via wireless communication to the nine notification control devices 100 (sometimes referred to as the "sixth notification control devices") included in the second child group other than the notification control device 100 with unique number "19" (sometimes referred to as the "fifth notification control device"). The performance control device 300 may transmit a fifth notification instruction to the notification control device 100 (the fifth notification control device) with the unique number "19," and simultaneously transmit a sixth notification instruction as shown in the table of FIG. 10(b) to the other notification control devices 100 (the sixth notification control devices) in the second child group. The sixth notification control device causes the corresponding notification device 62 (the sixth notification device) to perform a sixth notification action (for example, lighting a lamp for three seconds) at a timing specified by the performance control device 300. The sixth notification action is an notification action that is performed in conjunction with the fifth notification action performed by the fifth notification device, and is an notification action that is linked to the sixth notification action. In this example, the notification devices 62 corresponding to the notification control devices 100 (the unique numbers "1" to "10") included in the first child group do not perform a linked notification action. The linked performance is completed within the second child group.

[0103] The configuration of the presentation system 2 of this embodiment and the operation of each device have been described above. As described above, according to the presentation system 2 of this embodiment, when a specific gaming machine 10 is in a specific state such as a special prize state, a first notification device provided at a specific position corresponding to the specific gaming machine 10 can be made to perform a first notification action (see FIGS. 5, 6, 8, etc.). This makes it possible to utilize the space around the gaming machine 10 in the gaming facility and realize a special space. As a result, a sense of exclusivity can be given to users (players) in the gaming facility.

[0104] In this embodiment, a unique number is assigned to each notification control device 100 and each information communication device 200 (see FIGS. 5, 6, 8, etc.). When a specific gaming machine 10 is in a specific state, the performance control device 300 can use the unique number to appropriately identify the first notification control device based on the game information received from the information communication device 200. When a specific gaming machine 10 is in a specific state, the performance control device 300 can appropriately cause the first notification device to perform a first notification operation.

[0105] The unique number of the notification control device 100 is set by a mechanical switch included in the setting unit 112. The integer value indicated by the mechanical switch represents the unique number assigned to the notification control device 100. Similarly, the unique number of the information communication device 200 is set by a mechanical switch included in the setting unit 212. The integer value indicated by the mechanical switch represents the unique number assigned to the information communication device 200. In this way, in this embodiment, the unique number of each notification control device 100 and the unique number of each information communication device 200 can be set by a mechanical switch. A staff member at an amusement facility or the like can perform the setting easily and intuitively by mechanically operating the mechanical switch. When replacing a defective notification control device 100 or information communication device 200, the workload of the staff member at the amusement facility or the like is reduced.

[0106] As described above, in this embodiment, multiple notification control devices 100, multiple information communication devices 200, and a performance control device 300 form one linked group. The performance control device 300 transmits a first notification instruction to a first notification control device via wireless communication, and transmits a second notification instruction to a second notification control device, different from the first notification control device, via wireless communication. Upon receiving the first notification instruction, the first notification control device causes the corresponding first notification device to perform a first notification operation, and upon receiving the second notification instruction, the second notification control device causes the corresponding second notification device to perform a second notification operation (see FIGS. 5 to 8, etc.). That is, according to this embodiment, within one linked group, a first notification device can be caused to perform a notification operation, and a second notification device, different from the first notification device, can also be caused to perform a notification operation in conjunction with the first notification device. By having multiple notification devices perform notification operations in conjunction with each other, a special performance can be realized. As a result, it is possible to give a special feeling to players (users) in the gaming parlor.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, within one linked group, after a first notification action is initiated by a first notification device, the adjacent second notification device, and the second notification device next to that can sequentially link and perform a second notification action. This can realize a special effect in which notification actions are chained around the first notification device. As a result, a sense of exclusivity can be given to players (users) within the gaming facility. Furthermore, by dividing the gaming facility into areas and assigning each area to a different linked group, individual notification actions can be performed for each divided area.

[0108] In this embodiment, as in the third example (FIGS. 9 and 10), when the unique numbers of 20 notification control devices 100 include a gap of five or more (a difference of five or more integers), the performance control device 300 determines that the unique number before the gap of five or more ("10") and the unique number after the gap of five or more ("15") belong to different child groups. Alternatively, when the unique numbers of 10 information communication devices 200 include a gap of five or more, the performance control device 300 determines that the unique number before the gap of five or more ("9") and the unique number after the gap of five or more ("15") belong to different child groups. In this way, in this embodiment, when the gap between the unique numbers of the notification control devices 100 or the unique numbers of the information communication devices 200 included in one interlocking group is a predetermined number or more, the performance control device 300 can determine that the unique numbers before and after the gap of the predetermined number or more belong to different child groups. The performance control device 300 can manage the notification control devices 100 and information communication devices 200 in the linked group by dividing them into multiple child groups. A staff member at the gaming facility can easily set which notification control devices 100 and information communication devices 200 are included in each child group.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as in the third example above, it is possible to perform linked effects separately for the first child group and the second child group. For each child group, linked notification actions can be performed by the notification devices in the child group. By having the notification devices in each child group perform linked notification actions, it is possible to realize special effects that are differentiated for each child group. In addition, it is possible to realize flexible effects according to the arrangement of gaming machines 10, etc. in the gaming facility. As a result, it is possible to give a more special feeling to players (users), etc. in the gaming facility.

[0110] The correspondence between the embodiments and the claims will be explained. The 20 gaming machines 10 included in a specific area in FIG. 5 are an example of "N gaming machines." The 20 notification control devices 100 in FIG. 5 are an example of "N notification control devices." The 10 information communication devices 200 in FIG. 5 are an example of "M information communication devices." The special prize states of the gaming machines 10 in the first example (FIGS. 5 to 7), the second example (FIG. 8), and the third example (FIGS. 9 and 10) are examples of "specific states." In the first example, the second notification device (corresponding to the unique number "6") adjacent to the first notification device (corresponding to the unique number "5" and "7") is an example of a "first type notification device," and the second notification device (corresponding to the unique number "4" and "8") adjacent to that is an example of a "second type notification device." In the third example, the ten gaming machines 10 corresponding to the first child group are an example of "NA gaming machines," and the ten gaming machines 10 corresponding to the second child group are an example of "NB gaming machines." The ten notification control devices 100 corresponding to the first child group are an example of "NA notification control devices," and the ten notification control devices 100 corresponding to the second child group are an example of "NB notification control devices." The five information communication devices 200 corresponding to the first child group are an example of "MA information communication devices," and the five information communication devices 200 corresponding to the second child group are an example of "MB information communication devices."

[0111] 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 alterations of the specific examples exemplified above. For example, the following modifications may be adopted.

[0112] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, the first, third, and fifth notification actions all include an action of flashing a lamp included in notification device 62 for three minutes. The second, fourth, and sixth notification actions all include an action of turning on a lamp included in notification device 62 for three seconds. The first, third, and fifth notification actions and the second, fourth, and sixth notification actions are not limited to the above and may include any other notification action. For example, the first, third, and fifth notification actions and the second, fourth, and sixth notification actions may include lighting or flashing a lamp in a pattern other than those described above, displaying an image on a display, outputting sound from a speaker, etc.

[0113] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, the unique number of the notification control device 100 and the unique number of the information communication device 200 are set by a mechanical switch. The method for setting the unique numbers is not limited to a mechanical switch, and they may be set by any other method. For example, the unique numbers may be assigned by communication from another device (such as a management device).

[0114] (Variation 3) In the above embodiment, as in the third example, when the unique number of the notification control device 100 (or the unique number of the information communication device 200) includes a gap of five or more (a difference of the integer "5" or more), the performance control device 300 determines that the unique number before the gap of five or more and the unique number after the gap of five or more are different child groups. However, without being limited to this, when the unique number of the notification control device 100 (or the unique number of the information communication device 200) includes a gap of a predetermined number other than five (for example, "3") or more, the performance control device 300 may determine that the unique number before the gap of the predetermined number and the unique number after the gap of the predetermined number or more are different child groups.

[0115] (Modification 4) In the above embodiment, each notification control device 100 and information communication device 200 is identified by a unique number represented by an integer value. However, this is not limiting, and each notification control device 100 and information communication device 200 may be identified using other identification information (for example, a unique ID) instead of the unique number.

[0116] (Variation 5) In the above embodiment, within one linked group, after a first notification action is initiated on a first notification device, the adjacent second notification device, and the second notification device next to that, are sequentially linked to perform the second notification action. The linked performance pattern is not limited to this, and any other pattern may be adopted. For example, after a first notification action is initiated on a first notification device, all second notification devices other than the first notification device may flash simultaneously for several seconds.

[0117] (Variation 6) In a variation, linked groups and child groups do not have to be formed, and linked performances by multiple notification devices do not have to be performed at all.

[0118] (Variant 7) The installation location of the alarm device and the alarm control device is not limited to the chair 60, but may be any location that corresponds to each gaming machine 10 while being spaced apart from the gaming machine 10, such as on the floor in front of the gaming machine 10 or above the call lamp 30.

[0119] (Variation 8) In the above embodiment, the information communication device 200 is connected so as to be able to input game information for two gaming machines 10. However, this is not limiting, and the information communication device 200 may be connected so as to be able to input game information for three or more gaming machines 10. Also, the information communication device 200 may be connected so as to be able to input game information for only one gaming machine 10.

[0120] (Variation 9) In the above embodiment, the performance control device 300, the information communication device 200, and the notification control device 100 are equipped with linked group setting units 312, 212, 112. This is not limiting, and each of the performance control device 300, the information communication device 200, and the notification control device 100 does not have to have a linked group setting unit. In this case, the performance control device 300, the information communication device 200, and the notification control device 100 all form a single common linked group, and performances may be performed by dividing the areas only among child groups within the linked group.

[0121] Furthermore, the technical elements described in this specification or drawings may exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings simultaneously achieve multiple objectives, and achieving one of those objectives alone has technical utility. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 2: Production system 10 (10A, 10B): Gaming machine 12 (12A, 12B): Unit 20A: Hall capacitor output box 30 (30A, 30B): Call lamp 50 (50A, 50B): Gaming machines 60: Chair 62: Alarm device 100: Notification control device 200: Information and communication equipment 300: Production control device 400: Access point

Claims

1. N notification control devices for N notification devices that correspond to N gaming machines (N is an integer of 2 or more) installed in a gaming establishment and are installed at specific positions spaced apart from the gaming machines; M (M is an integer between 1 and N) information communication devices connected to the N gaming machines and inputting gaming information indicating gaming states of the N gaming machines; A performance control device capable of wirelessly communicating with the N notification control devices and the M information communication devices; Equipped with each of the M information communication devices is connected to receive the gaming information indicating the gaming status of L gaming machines (L is an integer of 1 to N) among the N gaming machines; The performance control device includes: receiving the gaming information indicating the gaming states of the N gaming machines from the M information communication devices via wireless communication; When it is determined based on the gaming information that a gaming state of a specific gaming machine among the N gaming machines is in a specific state, a first notification instruction is transmitted by wireless communication to a first notification control device among the N notification control devices that corresponds to the specific gaming machine; When the first notification control device receives the first notification instruction from the performance control device, the first notification control device causes the corresponding first notification device to perform a first notification operation. Production system.

2. A unique number is assigned to each of the N notification control devices and the M information communication devices, The performance control device uses the unique number to identify the notification control device for the game information received from the information communication device. The presentation system according to claim 1 .

3. Each of the N notification control devices has a mechanical switch capable of indicating an integer value of 1 or more, and the integer value indicated by the mechanical switch represents the unique number assigned to the notification control device; Each of the M communication control devices has a mechanical switch capable of indicating an integer value of 1 or more, and the integer value indicated by the mechanical switch represents the unique number assigned to the communication control device. The production system according to claim 2 .

4. The N notification control devices, the M information communication devices, and the performance control device form one interlocking group, The performance control device includes: In the specific case, transmitting the first notification instruction to the first notification control device via wireless communication, and transmitting a second notification instruction to a second notification control device, which is different from the first notification control device, among the N notification control devices via wireless communication; When the first notification control device receives the first notification instruction from the performance control device, it causes the corresponding first notification device to perform the first notification operation, and when the second notification control device receives the second notification instruction from the performance control device, it causes the corresponding second notification device to perform the second notification operation; The second notification action is an notification action that is performed in conjunction with the first notification action being performed by the first notification device, and is an notification action that is linked to the first notification action. The presentation system according to claim 1 .

5. causing the second notification device to perform the second notification operation, After the first notification operation is started by the first notification device, causing a first type notification device adjacent to the first notification device among the second notification devices to start the second notification operation; After the second notification operation is started by the first type notification device, the second type notification device adjacent to the first type notification device is caused to start the second notification operation. The presentation system according to claim 4.

6. A unique number is assigned to each of the N notification control devices and the M information communication devices, The performance control device includes: receiving the unique numbers of the N notification control devices or the M information communication devices, When the interval between the received unique numbers is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the unique numbers before the interval of equal to or greater than the predetermined number and the unique numbers after the interval of equal to or greater than the predetermined number are determined to be in different child groups. The presentation system according to claim 4.

7. Among the N notification control devices, NA notification control devices corresponding to NA gaming machines (NA is an integer of 1 or more and less than N) among the N gaming machines, MA information communication devices (MA is an integer of 1 or more and less than M) corresponding to the NA gaming machines among the M information communication devices, and the performance control device form a first child group, Among the N notification control devices, N B notification control devices corresponding to N B gaming machines (N B is an integer of 1 or more and N-NA or less) among the N gaming machines, and among the M information communication devices, M B information communication devices (M B is an integer of 1 or more and M-MB or less) corresponding to the N B gaming machines, and the performance control device form a second child group, The performance control device includes: In a first case where it is determined that the gaming state of a first gaming machine among the NA gaming machines is the specific state, a third notification instruction is transmitted by wireless communication to a third notification control device among the NA notification control devices that corresponds to the first gaming machine, and a fourth notification instruction is transmitted by wireless communication to a fourth notification control device among the NA notification control devices that is different from the third notification control device; in a second case in which it is determined that the gaming state of a second gaming machine among the N B gaming machines is the specific state, transmitting a fifth notification instruction by wireless communication to a fifth notification control device among the N B notification control devices that corresponds to the second gaming machine, and transmitting a sixth notification instruction by wireless communication to a sixth notification control device among the N B notification control devices that is different from the fifth notification control device; the third notification control device, upon receiving the third notification instruction from the performance control device, causes the corresponding third notification device to perform a third notification operation; and the fourth notification control device, upon receiving the fourth notification instruction from the performance control device, causes the corresponding fourth notification device to perform a fourth notification operation; the fourth notification action is an notification action that is performed in conjunction with the third notification action being performed by the third notification device and is an notification action that is linked to the third notification action, the fifth notification control device, upon receiving the fifth notification instruction from the performance control device, causes the corresponding fifth notification device to perform a fifth notification operation; and the sixth notification control device, upon receiving the sixth notification instruction from the performance control device, causes the corresponding sixth notification device to perform a sixth notification operation; The sixth notification action is an notification action that is performed in conjunction with the fifth notification action being performed by the fifth notification device, and is an notification action that is linked to the fifth notification action. The presentation system according to claim 6.

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