Remote driving device, manipulation application, and game machine remote driving system

Abstract

To provide a remote driving device, a manipulation application, and a game machine remote driving system that allow players to play games without visiting game halls.SOLUTION: The remote driving device 400 is a remote driving device to be used for remotely manipulating a game machine that is operated according to the manipulation to a manipulation unit. The remote driving device includes: a first mechanism 402 to be attached to a handle 504; a second mechanism 404 for moving the first mechanism 402 between a first position and a second position; and a control unit 406 for controlling the second mechanism 404 according to instructions inputted from an external terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote drive device, an operation application, and a gaming machine remote drive system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines such as pachinko machines have been known (for example, Patent Document 1). A common system is that a plurality of gaming machines are installed in one store, and customers visit the store in person to play the gaming machines. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-149856 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional systems require customers to visit the store in person, which makes it difficult for people with walking difficulties to enjoy the games.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a remote drive device, an operation application, and a gaming machine remote drive system that allow players to play games without visiting a store. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure for solving the above problem is a remote drive device used to remotely operate an amusement machine that operates in response to operation of an operating unit, and includes a first mechanism attached to the operating unit, a second mechanism that moves the first mechanism between a first position and a second position, and a control unit that controls the second mechanism in response to commands input from an external terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a gaming machine remote drive system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a remote drive device and an imaging system applied to a gaming machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a user terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an operation application. [Figure 5] 10 is an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 6] 10 is another example of a screen displayed on the user terminal. [Figure 7] 10 is another example of a screen displayed on the user terminal. [Figure 8] 10 is another example of a screen displayed on the user terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The following describes embodiments of the present disclosure. The gaming machine remote drive systems and their components according to the embodiments are merely illustrative, and each configuration can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. In particular, in the following embodiments, the hardware and functional blocks for realizing the user terminal constituting the gaming machine remote drive system are clearly explained in detail. However, it is clear that the functions realized by each piece of hardware can be changed as appropriate within the spirit of the present disclosure. It is also clear that each functional block can be realized by the same hardware or software, or by different hardware or software. In the following description, it is assumed that an application installed on the user terminal controls each piece of hardware.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a gaming machine remote drive system. As shown in Fig. 1, the gaming machine remote drive system 100 includes a user terminal 200, an imaging system 300, and a remote drive device 400. The user terminal 200, the imaging system 300, and the remote drive device 400 are connected via a network N. The network N includes, for example, the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a provider terminal, a wireless communication network, a wireless base station, a dedicated line, and the like. Note that not all combinations of the devices shown in Fig. 1 need to be able to communicate with each other, and the network N may include a local network in part.

[0010] 2 is a schematic diagram of the remote drive device and the imaging system when applied to a gaming machine. For convenience of explanation, the remote drive device and the gaming machine are shown separated from each other, but when in use they are connected in a manner described below.

[0011] The gaming machine 500 comprises a gaming table 502 and a handle 504 (corresponding to an operation unit). When a ball shot into the gaming table 502 reaches a predetermined position by operating the handle 504, a winning jackpot occurs based on a predetermined probability. When a user grips the handle 504 and rotates it around a predetermined axis, the launch speed of the ball changes depending on the amount of rotation. Note that the gaming machine 500 itself does not constitute a part of the remote drive device 400 according to the present disclosure, and the handle 504 may have any configuration. For example, the handle 504 may be slidable toward or away from the user, or may be a so-called smart handle that can be operated with either the left or right hand.

[0012] The remote drive device 400 includes a first mechanism 402 attached to a handle 504 , a second mechanism 404 that actuates the first mechanism 402 , and a control unit 406 that controls the second mechanism 404 .

[0013] The first mechanism 402 grips the handle 504 in order to drive the handle 504. The first mechanism 402 can also be said to be a gripping mechanism that plays the role of the user's hand. Various forms are conceivable for the first mechanism 402. As one example, the first mechanism 402 may be something like a cover that fits the outer shape of the handle 504. As another example, the first mechanism 402 may have multiple claws, and the distance between the claws can be adjusted to fit the handle 504. The first mechanism 402 may have any shape or structure that allows it to firmly grip the handle 504 when the first mechanism 402 is moved in a desired direction (the direction in which the handle 504 is operated).

[0014] The second mechanism 404 is a power source that moves the first mechanism 402. A motor with a reducer can be used as the second mechanism 404. When the second mechanism 404 is a motor, the second mechanism 404 rotates forward or backward by a predetermined amount under the control of the control unit 406. When the second mechanism 404 rotates, the first mechanism 402 rotates according to the rotation amount and rotation speed. When the first mechanism 402 rotates, the handle 504 rotates. In this way, it can be said that the control unit 406 controls the rotation of the handle 504 via the first mechanism 402 and the second mechanism 404.

[0015] The amount of rotation of the handle 504 may be set in stages. For example, a state in which no rotational force is applied to the handle 504, i.e., an initial position in which the first mechanism 402 is not applying any rotational force to the handle 504, is defined as the first position of the first mechanism (which can also be referred to as the first position of the handle 504). Furthermore, a maximum position in which a rotational force is applied to the handle 504 and the handle 504 is allowed to rotate is defined as the second position of the first mechanism (which can also be referred to as the second position of the handle 504). The amount of rotation of the handle 504 may be set according to a plurality of positions between the first position and the second position. For example, the range between the first position and the second position may be divided into 10 stages. In this case, the control unit 406 controls the output of the second mechanism 404 so that the handle 504 stops at 12 positions, including the first position and the second position. This allows the position of the handle 504 to be controlled with high precision.

[0016] The control unit 406 controls the output of the second mechanism 404 in response to a command from the user terminal 200, thereby controlling the position of the handle 504. The control unit 406 also includes a transceiver unit 408 that receives imaging data from the imaging system 300 and transmits it to the user terminal 200.

[0017] The imaging system 300 includes a first camera 302 and a second camera 304. The imaging data acquired by the imaging system 300 is transmitted to the remote driving device 400.

[0018] The first camera 302 captures images of the operating state of the gaming machine 500. The operating state of the gaming machine 500 refers to a state in which the gaming machine 500 is operating due to user operation. The first camera 302 is preferably angled to capture images of at least the portion of the gaming machine 500 where a game is being played. By capturing images of the operating state of the gaming machine 500 so that the user can see the operating state, a sense of realism is imparted to the user. The first camera 302 may also capture images of the gaming machine 500 in a non-operating state (non-operating state). In other words, it is sufficient for the first camera 302 to be able to capture images of at least the operating state of the gaming machine 500. The first camera 302 may have a zoom-in / out function and a view angle adjustment function. The first camera 302 may also have a so-called swivel function that allows the imaging range to be adjusted.

[0019] The optional second camera 304 captures an image of the vicinity of the first mechanism 402. The vicinity of the first mechanism 402 refers to an area including the handle 504. Capturing an image of the first mechanism 402, and therefore the handle 504, allows the user to see the operating state, providing a sense of security to the user. Like the first camera 302, the second camera 304 may also have a zoom in / out function, a field of view adjustment function, and / or a swivel function.

[0020] As a modified example, a third camera (not shown) may be provided to capture an image of the number of remaining balls. In this case, it is preferable that the image data of the third camera is also sent to the control unit 406. It is preferable that the third camera captures an image of an area that displays the number of remaining balls in the gaming machine 500 or an area that displays the number of remaining balls in a so-called sandwich that is installed next to the gaming machine 500.

[0021] The first camera 302 and the second camera 304 (and the third camera, if present) may be realized by connecting a camera held by the user to the remote driving device 400 .

[0022] In this embodiment, the imaging data acquired by the imaging system 300 is first sent to the control unit 406, and then transmitted from the control unit 406 to the user terminal 200. However, if the imaging system 300 has a communication function, the imaging data may be transmitted directly from the imaging system 300 (or a camera constituting the system) to the user terminal 200. In this case, in a broad sense, the remote driving device 400 and the transmitting / receiving unit of the imaging system 300 can be considered to constitute a "remote driving device."

[0023] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a user terminal. Fig. 3 shows the main hardware configuration of the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 includes a control unit 202, a display unit 204, a transmission / reception unit 206, a storage unit 208, and an input unit 210. The user terminal 200 may be a terminal dedicated to the remote driving device 400, or may be an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or a PC.

[0024] The control unit 202 sends commands to each unit based on commands from an operation application (described later) by using the area of ​​the storage unit 208. As a result, the user terminal 200 operates in accordance with the operation application.

[0025] The display unit 204 displays various information to the user. When a touch-type terminal such as a smartphone is used as the user terminal 200, the display unit also serves as the input unit 210.

[0026] The transmitting / receiving unit 206 is an interface for the user terminal 200 to communicate with other devices via the network N.

[0027] The storage unit 208 provides an area for expanding information when the control unit 202 executes various processes, and also stores information.

[0028] 4 is a schematic diagram of the operation application 600. As shown in FIG.

[0029] The position command unit 602 causes the control unit 202 of the user terminal 200 to transmit a command regarding the position of the handle 504 (which can also be said to be a command regarding the position of the first mechanism 402, or a command regarding the amount and direction of rotation of the second mechanism 404) from the user terminal 200 to the remote driving device 400 in response to a command from the user.

[0030] The display command unit 604 displays various types of information on the display unit 204 of the user terminal 200. The content that the display command unit 604 displays on the display unit 204 mainly includes operation screens of applications, which will be described later. When a command is input from the user to the display unit 204, which also functions as an input unit, the display command unit 604 receives the command and executes a predetermined operation.

[0031] The operation state determination unit 606 determines the operation state of the user terminal 200. Specifically, the operation state determination unit 606 determines whether the user terminal 200 has not been operated for a predetermined time (i.e., the user has not touched the display unit 204), and whether the touch state has not changed for a predetermined time even if the user has been operated. The operation of the operation state determination unit 606 will be described later together with the description of the application screen.

[0032] 5 is an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal. The content displayed on the display unit 204 is controlled by the control unit 202 operating each unit in accordance with the operation application 600.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 5, a gaming machine display area 702 and an operation display area 704 are displayed on the display unit 204 of the user terminal 200. The gaming machine display area 702 displays an image captured by the first camera 302 in real time. This allows the user to recognize the status of the gaming machine 500. The operation display area 704 is displayed below the gaming machine display area 702. The operation display area 704 is an area that the user touches when operating the gaming machine 500. In this example, the operation display area 704 is displayed as a narrow area extending in the width direction. When the user touches the operation display area 704, the control unit 202 detects this and performs an operation to control the handle 504 so that the ball in the gaming machine 500 is launched with a strength corresponding to the contact position on the operation display area 704. In other words, this corresponds to the contact position on the operation display area 704 (the distance from the starting point) and the movement amount of the handle 504 (the movement amount of the first mechanism 402). The left end of the operation display area 704 is set to launch the ball at the weakest intensity, and the right end of the operation display area 704 is set to launch the ball at the strongest intensity. When the user touches the left end of the operation display area 704, a command to launch the ball at the weakest intensity is sent from the user terminal 200 to the remote drive device 400. The operation display area 704 is designed to allow the ball to be launched at an intensity between the weakest and strongest intensities. As an example, assume that the operation display area 704 is divided into 12 levels. This means that the intensity is divided into the weakest and strongest intensities as well as 10 intermediate intensities. Each level is set as an area of ​​the same width on the operation display area 704, and the command to launch the ball is weaker near the left end and stronger near the right end. The user can experience a greater sense of realism by operating the operation display area 704 to change the intensity at which the ball is launched while watching the status of the gaming machine display area 702.

[0034] As another example, simply touching one end (left end) of the operation display area 704 does not start the ball from being launched, but the strength of the ball launch may be increased in stages by sliding the contact position on the operation display area 704 from one end to the other end (right end). That is, in this example, the launch strength is set to zero at the left end. Also, even if the user touches the right end without touching the left end, the ball will not be launched. In this way, the user may be required to specify a contact start position on the operation display area 704 in advance and then perform a sliding motion from there to gradually increase the strength of the ball launch. This example also enhances the sense of realism.

[0035] The operation state determination unit 606 may determine whether the user is touching the operation display area 704 and whether the touch state has not changed for a predetermined period of time. Whether the user is touching the operation display area 704 can be easily determined based on the detection result of a capacitance sensor installed in a location corresponding to the operation display area 704. Whether the user is touching the operation display area 704 but has not changed for a predetermined period of time can be determined based on the amount of change in the detection result of the capacitance sensor. When the operation state determination unit 606 determines that the user is touching the operation display area 704 or that the touch state has not changed for a predetermined period of time, the operation application 600 can send a command to the remote drive device 400 to return the handle 504 to its initial position. This prevents the ball from being continuously launched against the user's intention and prevents the user from fixing the operation by any means other than their finger.

[0036] 6 is another example of a screen displayed on a user terminal. A gaming machine display area 802 and an operation display area 804 are displayed on the display unit 204 of the user terminal 200. The gaming machine display area 802 is the same as the gaming machine display area 702. The operation display area 804 displays a launch area 808 for issuing a launch command, in addition to the elongated area 806 (which may also be called an intensity selection area) that was displayed in the operation display area 704. In this example, a command to launch the ball is not issued when the user simply touches the elongated area 806. Instead, the user selects the intensity of the ball in the elongated area 806, and when the user touches the launch area 808, a command to launch the ball is transmitted to the remote drive device 400. Such an operation screen also provides a greater sense of realism.

[0037] 7 is another example of a screen displayed on a user terminal. A gaming machine display area 902 and an operation display area 904 are displayed on the display unit 204 of the user terminal 200. In this example, the operation display area 904 is displayed overlapping the gaming machine display area 902. Specifically, the operation display area 904 is displayed at a position overlapping with the handle 504 of the gaming machine displayed in the gaming machine display area 902. Such an operation screen also provides a greater sense of realism.

[0038] 8 is another example of a screen displayed on a user terminal. A gaming machine display area 1002, an operation display area 1004, and a ball count display area 1006 are displayed on the display unit 204 of the user terminal 200. The ball count display area 1006 is an area that displays the number of remaining balls in the gaming machine 500. The image displayed in the ball count display area 1006 may be, for example, an image captured by a third camera (not shown) of the imaging system 300, or may be the result of analyzing the captured image and reading out a numerical value.

[0039] In addition to the above example, a stop instruction area for stopping the launch of the ball may be provided. When the user touches the stop instruction area while the gaming machine 500 is in operation, the remote drive device 400 returns the handle 504 to its initial position under the command of the operation application 600. In addition, the operation application 600 may store the state before touching the stop instruction area (the position in the operation display area where the user was touching) and display it in the operation instruction area. This makes it possible to inform the user of the ball launch strength before the gaming machine 500 was stopped.

[0040] As described above, according to the embodiment, a user can operate a gaming machine and enjoy a game without visiting a store. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 100: Gaming machine remote drive system 200: User terminal 300: Imaging system 400: Remote drive unit 402: 1st mechanism 404:Second mechanism 406: Control unit 600: Operation application 602:Position command section 604:Display command section 606: Operation state determination unit

Claims

1. A remote drive device used to remotely operate a gaming machine that operates in response to the operation of an operating unit, a first mechanism attached to the operation unit; a second mechanism that moves the first mechanism between a first position and a second position; a control unit that controls the second mechanism in response to a command input from an external terminal.

2. 2. The remote drive device according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission unit that transmits image data of an operating state of the gaming machine to the external terminal.

3. The remote drive device of claim 1 , wherein the second mechanism is operable to move the first mechanism between a plurality of positions between the first position and the second position.

4. The remote drive device according to claim 2 , wherein the transmitter transmits further image data of the first mechanism and its surroundings to the external terminal.

5. 10. An operating application for sending commands to a remote drive device according to claim 1, comprising: The operating application is configured to send commands to each piece of hardware of the terminal on which it is installed, The operation application causes the terminal to output a command regarding the position of the first mechanism in response to a command from a user.

6. the remote drive device includes a transmission unit that transmits image data of an operating state of the gaming machine to the external terminal; The operation application according to claim 5 , wherein the operation application causes a display unit of the terminal to display the captured image data.

7. a display command unit that causes a display unit of the terminal to display an operation screen; The display command unit is configured to a gaming machine display area for displaying the imaging data; an operation display area for receiving an input of a command for the movement amount of the first mechanism; The operation application according to claim 6, wherein the operation application outputs a command to display the following.

8. the operation display area accepts an input of a command for a movement amount of the first mechanism in response to a touch by a user; The operation application according to claim 7, wherein the operation application determines that the command has not been input when the operation display area has not been touched for a predetermined time and when the contact state of the operation display area does not change for a predetermined time.

9. a gaming machine that operates in response to operation of an operation unit; A user terminal; A gaming machine remote drive system comprising: a first mechanism attached to the operating unit; a second mechanism that moves the first mechanism between a first position and a second position; and a remote drive device that comprises a control unit that controls the second mechanism in response to commands input from the user terminal.

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