Game system, control device, and remote game control method

Abstract

To efficiently enhance the sense of realism in a game when remotely controlling a game machine.SOLUTION: When a mobile terminal 40 notifies a handle operation instruction (S1), a game machine 20 receives the handle operation instruction via a controller 10 and shoots game balls on the basis of the received handle operation instruction (S2). A camera 30 captures images of the game machine 20 and transmits the captured image data (S3). Upon receiving the image data via the controller 10, the mobile terminal 40 displays the received image (S4). When a big winning occurs on the game machine 20 (S5), the game machine 20 transmits big winning data to the controller 10 (S6), and the controller 10 notifies the mobile terminal 40 of specific performance information (S7). Upon receiving the specific performance information, the mobile terminal 40 performs a vibration operation (S8).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming system, a control device, and a remote gaming control method that can efficiently enhance the sense of realism of a game when a gaming machine is remotely operated. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, gaming parlors have offered games involving gaming media. For example, in pachinko games, gaming balls are used as gaming media, and the game is played by shooting the gaming balls into a gaming board. The gaming board is provided with a plurality of winning areas (winning holes), and a predetermined number of gaming balls are awarded as prize balls when the gaming ball passes through the winning area.

[0003] Recently, systems have been developed that allow players to remotely control actual gaming machines (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Remote control of the actual machines has the advantage of not being restricted by location or time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-234270 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, systems that remotely control actual machines have the problem of making it difficult to effectively convey the effects of the gaming machine to players. In particular, it is difficult to accurately reproduce the effects installed in the gaming machine on a mobile device or the like that is used for remote control. As a result, the player's remote control operation lacks a sense of realism. For these reasons, how to enhance the sense of realism of the game when remotely controlling a gaming machine is an important issue.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a gaming system, a control device, and a remote gaming control method that can efficiently enhance the sense of realism of the game when remotely operating a gaming machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a gaming system in which a gaming machine that uses a gaming medium to play is remotely controlled by a terminal device carried by a player, and is characterized by comprising a presentation state identification means for identifying the presentation state of the gaming machine while the gaming machine is being remotely controlled by the terminal device, and a control means for controlling the operation of the terminal device based on the presentation state.

[0008] In the present invention, the presentation state specifying means acquires the presentation state based on a signal transmitted from the gaming machine.

[0009] Furthermore, in the present invention, the presentation state specifying means specifies the presentation state based on video information obtained by capturing an image of the gaming machine with a predetermined imaging device.

[0010] In the present invention, the control means controls a vibration operation of the terminal device based on the presentation state.

[0011] In addition, in the above invention, the present invention is characterized in that the control means controls the vibration operation of the terminal device when the gaming machine is in a presentation state of a jackpot, a pre-read, or a predetermined number or more of holds.

[0012] The present invention also provides a gaming system in which a gaming machine for playing games using gaming media is remotely controlled by a terminal device carried by a player, and is characterized by comprising an acquisition means for acquiring the state of the gaming machine, a detection means for detecting that the gaming machine has entered a specific state based on the results acquired by the acquisition means, and a change instruction means for instructing the acquisition means to change the acquisition mode when it is detected that the gaming machine has entered the specific state.

[0013] The present invention also provides a control device communicably connected to a gaming machine for playing games using a gaming medium and a terminal device carried by a player who remotely controls the gaming machine to play, the control device comprising: a presentation state identification means for identifying the presentation state of the gaming machine while the terminal device is remotely controlling the gaming machine; and a control instruction means for instructing the terminal device to control the operation of the terminal device based on the presentation state.

[0014] The present invention also provides a remote gaming control method in a gaming system in which a gaming machine that uses a gaming medium to play is remotely controlled by a terminal device carried by a player, and is characterized by including a presentation state identification process for identifying the presentation state of the gaming machine while the gaming machine is being remotely controlled by the terminal device, and a control process for controlling the operation of the terminal device based on the presentation state.

[0015] The present invention also provides a remote gaming control method in a gaming system in which a gaming machine that uses a gaming medium to play a game is remotely operated by a terminal device carried by a player, and is characterized by including an acquisition process for acquiring the state of the gaming machine, a detection process for detecting that the gaming machine has entered a specific state based on the results acquired by the acquisition process, and a change instruction process for issuing an instruction to change the acquisition mode acquired by the acquisition process when it is detected that the gaming machine has entered the specific state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, when a gaming machine is remotely operated, the sense of realism of the game can be efficiently enhanced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an overview of a gaming system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the gaming system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the controller shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the specific effect data and the game status data shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for processing a specific effect according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an outline of a gaming system according to the first modification. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an outline of a gaming system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram (part 1) showing an example of a display related to adjustment of a captured image according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram (part 2) showing an example of a display related to adjustment of a captured image according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a mobile terminal according to the second modification. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen display on the mobile terminal according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the mobile terminal according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] [Embodiment 1] The following describes in detail the gaming system, the control device, and the remote gaming control method according to the present embodiment 1 with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the term "number of balls managed by the gaming machine" refers to the number of balls that can be used for playing in the gaming machine.

[0019] Overview of the gaming system according to the first embodiment First, an outline of the gaming system according to the present embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the gaming system according to the present embodiment 1. In the gaming system according to the present embodiment 1, a mobile terminal 40 that operates and displays online games is connected to a gaming machine 20 via a control controller 10.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 1(a), when the mobile terminal 40 notifies a handle operation instruction (S1), the gaming machine 20 receives this handle operation instruction via the controller 10. Then, based on the received handle operation instruction, the gaming machine 20 shoots out a game ball (S2).

[0021] The camera 30 captures an image of the gaming machine 20 and transmits the captured image data (S3). Upon receiving the image data via the controller 10, the mobile terminal 40 displays the received image (S4).

[0022] 1(b), when a jackpot occurs in the gaming machine 20 (S5), the gaming machine 20 transmits jackpot data to the control controller 10 (S6), and the control controller 10 notifies the mobile terminal 40 of specific effect information (S7). When the mobile terminal 40 receives this specific effect information, it performs a vibration operation (S8).

[0023] In this way, in the gaming system according to this embodiment 1, when a special effect such as a jackpot occurs on a gaming machine that provides online gaming, the special effect information is notified to the mobile terminal that is playing the online game, and the mobile terminal is configured to vibrate in response to this special effect information, so that when the gaming machine is remotely operated, the sense of realism of the game can be efficiently enhanced.

[0024] <System configuration according to the first embodiment> Next, the system configuration of the gaming system according to the present embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the gaming system according to the present embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 2, a gaming machine 20 that provides online gaming and a camera 30 that captures images of the gaming machine 20 are connected to a control controller 10. The control controller 10 is connected to a mobile terminal 40 via the Internet so as to be able to communicate with the mobile terminal 40.

[0025] The gaming machine 20 is a device in which game balls enclosed within the device are shot onto a game board. These game balls are physical "balls" used in the game, and are different from the "game balls" that the gaming machine 20 treats as data. The game board of the gaming machine 20 is provided with multiple prize areas (prize openings), and a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prize balls when a game ball passes through a prize area. The game board is also provided with a predetermined number of start areas (start openings), and a predetermined lottery is held when a game ball passes through a start area. If the lottery results in a jackpot, a predetermined movable member or the like is activated, thereby increasing the probability of the game ball passing through the aforementioned prize area or another start area, thereby providing an advantage in the game. An area may also serve as both a start area and a prize area.

[0026] Each of the winning areas is provided with a winning sensor for detecting the passage of a gaming ball into the winning area, and the winning sensor detects the passage (winning) of a gaming ball shot into the winning area. The control unit of the gaming machine 20 also has a prize ball memory for storing the number of gaming balls to be awarded as prize balls for each winning area, and a gaming ball number memory for indicating the number of gaming balls managed by the gaming machine. The control unit of the gaming machine 20 also periodically transmits the number of gaming balls managed by the gaming machine to the control controller 10.

[0027] Furthermore, when the gaming machine 20 receives handle operation data from the control controller 10, it shoots out a predetermined number of gaming balls onto the gaming board and transmits out data to the control controller 10. Furthermore, when a gaming ball passes through a winning area (so-called winning) and a predetermined number of prize balls are added to the gaming balls, the gaming machine 20 transmits safe data to the control controller 10.

[0028] In addition, when a start occurs, the gaming machine 20 transmits start data to the control controller 10, and when a special state such as a big win occurs during the game, it transmits special prize data indicating the occurrence of such a state to the control controller 10.

[0029] The out data corresponds to the number of balls that are shot onto the game board, and the safe data corresponds to the number of balls that are won as a prize. The special prize data indicates the status of the gaming machine 20, such as a jackpot.

[0030] Furthermore, when the gaming machine 20 is in a high probability state, it transmits high probability data to the control controller 10, and when audio is to be output in the game presentation, it transmits this audio data to the control controller 10.

[0031] Furthermore, when the gaming machine 20 receives a game stop instruction from the control controller 10, it clears the number of balls managed by the gaming machine to zero.

[0032] The control controller 10 is a device that controls the gaming machine 20 and notifies the mobile terminal 40 of the game status of the gaming machine 20. When the control controller 10 receives data for specifying a specific effect, the control controller 10 stores the received data as specific effect data.

[0033] Furthermore, when the control controller 10 receives a game start instruction from the mobile terminal 40, it notifies the camera 30 of an image capture start instruction, and when it receives video data from the camera 30, it transmits the received video data to the mobile terminal 40. When the control controller 10 receives a game stop instruction from the mobile terminal 40, it notifies the camera 30 of an image capture stop instruction.

[0034] Furthermore, when the control controller 10 receives a game start instruction from the mobile terminal 40, it notifies the gaming machine 20 of a predetermined number of balls (for example, 1,000 balls) and adds it to the number of balls managed by the gaming machine. When the control controller 10 receives voice data from the gaming machine 20, it transmits this voice data to the mobile terminal 40.

[0035] Furthermore, when the control controller 10 receives a handle operation instruction from the mobile terminal 40, it transmits handle operation data to the gaming machine 20. When the control controller 10 receives game data (out data, safe data, start data, special prize data, and high probability data) from the gaming machine 20, it updates the items of the game status data corresponding to the received data, and transmits the updated game status data to the mobile terminal 40.

[0036] Furthermore, when the controller 10 receives a game stop instruction from the mobile terminal 40, it notifies the gaming machine 20 of this game stop instruction and clears the game status data to zero.

[0037] Furthermore, when the control controller 10 receives game data from the gaming machine 20, it uses the specific effect data to determine whether the received data corresponds to a specific effect, and if it does, notifies the mobile terminal 40 of the specific effect information.

[0038] The camera 30 is an imaging device that captures images of the gaming machine 20. When the camera 30 receives an instruction to start imaging from the control controller 10, it starts imaging the gaming machine 20 and transmits the captured video data to the control controller 10. When the camera 30 receives an instruction to stop imaging from the control controller 10, it stops imaging and stops transmitting the video data to the control controller 10.

[0039] The mobile terminal 40 is a terminal device that controls and displays online games. When the mobile terminal 40 receives a game start instruction, it notifies the controller 10 of the game start instruction. When the mobile terminal 40 receives video data from the controller 10, it displays the video data, and when the mobile terminal 40 receives audio data, it outputs the audio data.

[0040] Furthermore, when the mobile terminal 40 receives a steering wheel operation instruction, it notifies the steering wheel operation instruction to the controller 10. When the mobile terminal 40 receives game playing situation data from the controller 10, it displays the game playing situation data.

[0041] Furthermore, when the mobile terminal 40 receives specific performance information from the controller 10, it performs a vibration operation.

[0042] Furthermore, when the mobile terminal 40 receives the instruction to stop playing the game, it notifies the controller 10 of the instruction to stop playing the game.

[0043] <Configuration of the controller 10> Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the control controller 10 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the control controller 10 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the control controller 10 has a display operation unit 11, an external network communication unit 12, a communication unit 13, a gaming machine connection unit 14, a storage unit 15, and a control unit 16.

[0044] The display operation unit 11 is an input / output device such as a touch panel display. The external network communication unit 12 is an interface unit for data communication with the mobile terminal 40 via an external network. The communication unit 13 is an interface unit for data communication with the camera 30. The gaming machine connection unit 14 is an interface unit for data communication with the gaming machine 20.

[0045] The storage unit 15 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive or nonvolatile memory, and stores specific effect data 15a and game status data 15b. The specific effect data 15a is data indicating whether or not data received from the gaming machine 20 corresponds to a specific effect. The game status data 15b is data indicating the game status of the gaming machine 20.

[0046] The control unit 16 is a control unit that performs overall control of the controller 10, and includes a special effect setting unit 16a, an imaging control unit 16b, a game control unit 16c, and a special effect notification unit 16d. In practice, by loading these programs into a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executing them, the special effect setting unit 16a, the imaging control unit 16b, the game control unit 16c, and the special effect notification unit 16d will execute processes corresponding to them, respectively.

[0047] The specific effect setting unit 16a is a processing unit that manages the specific effect data 15a. When the specific effect setting unit 16a receives specific effect data from the display operation unit 11, the specific effect setting unit 16a stores the received data in the specific effect data 15a.

[0048] The imaging control unit 16b is a processing unit that controls imaging by the camera 30. When the imaging control unit 16b receives a game start instruction from the mobile terminal 40, it notifies the camera 30 of the imaging start instruction. When the imaging control unit 16b receives video data from the camera 30, it transmits the received video data to the mobile terminal 40.

[0049] Furthermore, when the imaging control unit 16b receives a game stop instruction from the mobile terminal 40, it notifies the camera 30 of an instruction to stop imaging.

[0050] The game control unit 16c is a processing unit that controls games in the gaming machine 20 and acquires game status information. When the game control unit 16c receives a game start instruction from the mobile terminal 40, it notifies the gaming machine 20 of a predetermined number of balls (for example, 1,000 balls) and adds the number of balls to the number of balls managed by the gaming machine. When the game control unit 16c receives voice data from the gaming machine 20, it transmits the voice data to the mobile terminal 40.

[0051] Furthermore, when the game control unit 16c receives a handle operation instruction from the mobile terminal 40, it transmits handle operation data to the gaming machine 20. When the game control unit 16c receives game data (out data, safe data, start data, special prize data, and high probability data) from the gaming machine 20, it updates the items of the game status data 15b corresponding to the received data, and transmits the updated game status data 15b to the mobile terminal 40. For example, when out data is received, it adds a predetermined number corresponding to the out data to the number of balls shot in the game status data 15b, and when start data is received, it adds 1 to the number of starts in the game status data 15b, thereby updating the game status data 15b.

[0052] Furthermore, when the game control unit 16c receives a game stop instruction from the mobile terminal 40, it notifies the gaming machine 20 of this game stop instruction and clears the game status data 15b to zero.

[0053] The specific effect notification unit 16d is a processing unit that notifies the mobile terminal 40 of the specific effect. When the specific effect notification unit 16d receives game data from the gaming machine 20, it uses the specific effect data 15a to determine whether the received data corresponds to a specific effect. If the received data corresponds to a specific effect, the specific effect notification unit 16d notifies the mobile terminal 40 of the specific effect information.

[0054] Next, an example of data stored in the storage unit 15 of the controller 10 shown in Fig. 3 will be described. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the specific effect data 15a and the game play situation data 15b shown in Fig. 3.

[0055] The specific effect data 15a shown in Figure 4(a) associates the received data "special prize data" with a state in which the specific effect is "〇", the received data "high probability data" with a state in which the specific effect is "〇", and the received data "start data" with a state in which the specific effect is "×".

[0056] The game status data 15b shown in Figure 4(b) indicates that the number of balls managed by the gaming machine is "1000", the number of balls inserted is "2000", the number of balls lent is "3000", the number of starts is "63", the number of jackpots is "2", and the number of special modes is "5".

[0057] <Processing procedure for processing specific effects according to the first embodiment> Next, a description will be given of the processing procedure for the specific effect processing according to the present embodiment 1. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for the specific effect processing according to the present embodiment 1.

[0058] 5, if game data is generated (step S101; Yes), the gaming machine 20 transmits the game data to the controller 10 (step S102). If game data is not generated (step S101; No), the process returns to step S101.

[0059] If the received game data corresponds to a specific effect (step S103; Yes), the control controller 10 notifies the mobile terminal 40 of the specific effect information (step S104). If the received game data does not correspond to a specific effect (step S103; No), the process returns to step S103.

[0060] When the mobile terminal 40 receives the specific effect information, it performs a vibration operation (step S105) and ends the process.

[0061] As described above, in the gaming system according to this embodiment 1, when a special effect such as a jackpot occurs on a gaming machine that provides online gaming, the special effect information is notified to the mobile terminal that is playing the online game, and the mobile terminal is configured to vibrate in response to this special effect information, so that when the gaming machine is remotely operated, the sense of realism of the game can be efficiently enhanced.

[0062] In the above-described first embodiment, when a jackpot occurs in a gaming machine that provides online gaming, it is determined that a special game has occurred, and the mobile terminal vibrates in response to the occurrence of this special effect. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure a gaming machine that provides online gaming so that when a pre-read or a predetermined number of reserved balls occurs, it is determined that a special game has occurred, and the mobile terminal vibrates in response to the occurrence of this special effect.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the handle operation is received by the mobile terminal as the operation for the gaming machine has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. As the operation for the gaming machine, the operation of the cross key (up, down, left, right, center), the chance operation or the operation of the forced special prize can also be received by the mobile terminal.

[0064] In the first embodiment, a configuration is described in which a vibration action is performed on the mobile terminal when the generated game data corresponds to a specific effect, but the present invention is not limited to this. When the generated game data corresponds to a specific effect, a text message to that effect may be displayed on the mobile terminal, or an LED may be flashed on the mobile terminal. Furthermore, a wearable device such as a smartwatch may be configured to vibrate or flash an LED.

[0065] In the first embodiment, a configuration in which a mobile terminal and a gaming machine are communicatively connected to play online games has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration in which a PC and a gaming machine are communicatively connected to play online games may also be used. In this case, the control controller may be a control controller dedicated to the PC.

[0066] In the first embodiment, a configuration in which a mobile terminal and a gaming machine are communicatively connected to play online games has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure a mobile terminal and a gaming demo machine to be communicatively connected to play online games.

[0067] In the first embodiment, a configuration is described in which a vibration action is performed on the mobile terminal when the generated game data corresponds to a specific effect, but the present invention is not limited to this. When the generated game data corresponds to a specific effect, the content of the effect performed on the gaming machine can also be configured to be displayed on the mobile terminal.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, a configuration in which a vibration action is performed on the mobile terminal when the generated game data corresponds to a specific effect has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. When the generated game data corresponds to a specific effect, the mobile terminal may be configured to vibrate in synchronization with the occurrence of this specific effect. For example, if there is a delay in the transmission of video data captured from the gaming machine, the vibration action may be synchronized with the display of this video data.

[0069] In the first embodiment, a configuration is described in which a vibration action is performed on the mobile terminal when the generated game data corresponds to a specific effect, but the present invention is not limited to this. The mobile terminal may also be configured to allow the conditions for performing the vibration action to be set.

[0070] [Variation 1] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, a configuration was described in which game data received from a gaming machine was used to determine whether a specific effect had occurred, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may also be configured to determine whether a specific effect had occurred using video data obtained by capturing an image of the gaming machine. In this first modified example, a gaming system will be described that determines whether a specific effect had occurred using video data obtained by capturing an image of the gaming machine.

[0071] <Outline of Gaming System According to Modification 1> An outline of the gaming system according to Modification 1 will be described below. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the outline of the gaming system according to Modification 1.

[0072] As shown in Figure 6, in the gaming system of this variant example 1, when a jackpot occurs in the gaming machine 20 (S11), the camera 30 transmits video data of the gaming machine 20 being imaged to the control controller 100 (S12).

[0073] The control controller 100 detects the occurrence of a jackpot from the received video data of the gaming machine (S13), and if this jackpot corresponds to a specific effect, notifies the mobile terminal 40 of specific effect information (S14). When the mobile terminal 40 receives this specific effect information, it performs a vibration operation (S15).

[0074] In this way, the gaming system according to this variant example 1 uses video data captured of the gaming machine to determine whether or not a specific effect has occurred, and if it does, notifies the mobile terminal playing the online game of specific effect information, and the mobile terminal is configured to vibrate in response to this specific effect information, thereby efficiently increasing the sense of realism of the game when the gaming machine is operated remotely.

[0075] [Embodiment 2] Incidentally, in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, when a special effect such as a jackpot occurs in a gaming machine that provides online gaming, the special effect information is notified to the mobile terminal that is playing the online game, and the mobile terminal performs a vibration operation in response to this special effect information, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0076] When a problem occurs with a gaming machine, an employee must deal with the problem, but to make this process easier, the camera that captures the gaming machine may be temporarily moved. Once the problem has been resolved, the camera is returned to its designated position, but the captured image may not be the same as before the problem occurred.

[0077] Therefore, when a problem occurs in a gaming machine, an image of the gaming machine taken just before the problem occurred can be stored as a reference image, and the output of the image of the gaming machine taken after the problem has been dealt with can be automatically adjusted to match this reference image.

[0078] In this embodiment 2, we describe a gaming system that, when a problem occurs in a gaming machine, stores an image of the gaming machine taken just before the problem occurred as a reference image, and automatically adjusts the output of the image of the gaming machine taken after the problem has been dealt with so that it matches this reference image.

[0079] <Outline of the gaming system according to the second embodiment> An outline of the gaming system according to the second embodiment will be described below. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the outline of the gaming system according to the second embodiment.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 7(a), in the gaming system according to the second embodiment, when an online game is started, the camera 210 transmits video data of the gaming machine 20 to the controller 200 (S21).

[0081] If a problem occurs in the gaming machine 20 (S22), the gaming machine 20 notifies the controller 200 of the problem information (S23). The controller 200 notifies the mobile terminal 220 that is playing the online game of the problem information (S24), and the mobile terminal 220 reports the received problem information (S25).

[0082] The controller 200 extracts an image taken immediately before the occurrence of the trouble as a reference image from the video data received from the camera 210 (S26), and notifies the extracted reference image to the camera 210 (S27).

[0083] As shown in FIG. 7(b), after the troubleshooting is completed, the camera 210 is returned to the predetermined position and image capture is resumed. If the image being captured deviates from the reference image, the video data output by the camera 210 is automatically adjusted so that it matches the reference image (S28).

[0084] <Example of display related to adjustment of captured image according to embodiment 2> Next, a description will be given of an example of a display relating to adjustment of a captured image according to the second embodiment. Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams showing an example of a display relating to adjustment of a captured image according to the second embodiment.

[0085] In the gaming system of this embodiment 2, when a problem occurs in the gaming machine 20, an image of the gaming machine 20 taken just before the problem occurred is stored as a reference image, and the output of the image of the gaming machine taken after the problem has been dealt with is automatically adjusted so as to be consistent with this reference image.

[0086] In the reference image, the captured gaming machine 20 fits perfectly within the frame of the image, as shown in Fig. 8(a). If the image of the gaming machine 20 captured after troubleshooting is misaligned from the reference image, for example, as shown in Fig. 8(b), the gaming machine 20 may appear small in the lower left corner due to an error in zoom adjustment.

[0087] The camera 210 automatically adjusts the zoom and the like to match the captured image with the reference image, and outputs an image similar to the reference image, as shown in FIG. 8(c).

[0088] In order to match the reference image, the shape of the gaming machine 20 in the reference image may be displayed on the display unit of the camera 210 so that the camera 210 is not automatically adjusted but can be manually adjusted by an employee.

[0089] Specifically, if the reference image is the image shown in Fig. 9(a), the shape of the gaming machine 20 in this image is displayed with a dashed line. As shown in Fig. 9(b), by displaying the dashed line superimposed on the captured image, the employee can recognize the deviation from the reference image.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 9(c), an employee can manually adjust the position and zoom of camera 210 to align the image captured by camera 210 with the reference image. At this time, if the captured image and the reference image are aligned, an audio notification may be provided to notify the employee that the alignment has been achieved. Also, a dashed line of the reference image may be displayed on an employee terminal such as a tablet terminal.

[0091] As described above, in the gaming system of this embodiment 2, when a problem occurs in a gaming machine, an image of the gaming machine taken just before the problem occurred is stored as a reference image, and the output of the image of the gaming machine taken after the problem has been dealt with is automatically adjusted to match this reference image, so that when the gaming machine is operated remotely, the sense of realism of the game can be efficiently enhanced.

[0092] [Variation 2] Incidentally, in the above-mentioned embodiment 2, a configuration was described in which, when a problem occurs in a gaming machine, an image of the gaming machine taken just before the problem occurred is stored as a reference image, and the output of the image of the gaming machine taken after the problem has been dealt with is automatically adjusted so as to be consistent with this reference image; however, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0093] In a specific state, such as when a jackpot occurs, there is a need to see the status of a specific part, such as the crane (the part that distributes the winning balls). For this reason, it is possible to configure the system so that a specific part is automatically focused when a specific state occurs during online play. In this second variation, a gaming system is described that automatically focuses on a specific part when a specific state occurs during online play.

[0094] <Example of display on mobile terminal according to Modification 2> A description will be given of an example of a display on the mobile terminal according to Modification 2. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the mobile terminal according to Modification 2.

[0095] As shown in Fig. 10(a), in the gaming system according to this modification 2, a gaming machine in online play is displayed on a mobile terminal. At this time, if a specific state such as a jackpot is detected, a specific part such as a crown is automatically focused and displayed, as shown in Fig. 10(b).

[0096] The specific state is detected by receiving a signal from the gaming machine when a jackpot occurs or when PUSY is activated, by acquiring gaming machine model information, or by acquiring audio output from the gaming machine.

[0097] As described above, the gaming system according to this variant example 2 is configured to automatically focus on a specific part when a specific state is reached during online play, so that when the gaming machine is remotely controlled, the sense of realism of the game can be efficiently enhanced.

[0098] In the above-mentioned second modification, a configuration was described in which a specific part is automatically focused when a specific state is reached during online play, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure the specific part to be focused by the player performing a predetermined operation on the mobile terminal.

[0099] [Embodiment 3] Incidentally, in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, when a special effect such as a jackpot occurs in a gaming machine that provides online gaming, the special effect information is notified to the mobile terminal that is playing the online game, and the mobile terminal performs a vibration operation in response to this special effect information, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0100] In online gaming, players can easily experience games, so they can try out various models and settings. For this reason, it is possible to configure the gaming machine so that it can be set by the player's operation. In this third embodiment, a gaming system will be described in which the gaming machine can be set using a mobile terminal owned by the player in online gaming.

[0101] <Example of setting screen display on mobile terminal according to embodiment 3> An example of a setting screen display on the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment 3 will be described below. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen display on the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment 3.

[0102] In the gaming system according to the third embodiment, settings can be made for each machine type in online pachinko and pachislot games. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11(a), the pachinko settings involve setting the jackpot probability and the number of initial starts. For example, the jackpot probability can be set to "standard," "1 / 1," or "1 / 50," and the number of initial starts can be set to "0" or the "number of Yu-time activations."

[0103] As shown in Figure 11(b), in the Pachislot settings, the setting and the AT winning start are set. For example, the setting is set to "1", "2", "3", "4", "5", or "6", and the AT winning start is set to "Yes" or "No".

[0104] As described above, the gaming system according to the third embodiment is configured so that in online games, the gaming machine can be set up using the player's mobile terminal, so that when the gaming machine is remotely controlled, the sense of realism of the game can be efficiently enhanced.

[0105] [Embodiment 4] Incidentally, in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, when a special effect such as a jackpot occurs in a gaming machine that provides online gaming, the special effect information is notified to the mobile terminal that is playing the online game, and the mobile terminal performs a vibration operation in response to this special effect information, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0106] Since various players, from beginners to experienced players, play online games, appropriate guidance is required for each player. For this reason, it is possible to configure the system to display appropriate guidance according to the characteristics of the player. In this fourth embodiment, a gaming system that displays appropriate guidance according to the characteristics of the player will be described.

[0107] <Example of display on mobile terminal according to embodiment 4> A description will be given of an example of a display on the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment 4. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment 4.

[0108] In the gaming system according to the fourth embodiment, when the game status is displayed on the mobile terminal, a presentation introduction button is displayed. When this presentation introduction button is pressed, guidance according to the characteristics of the player is displayed. In addition, in this gaming system, the classification of general players and employees and the gaming experience level of general players are managed as player information.

[0109] As shown in Figure 12, when the effect introduction button is pressed, if the player is an employee, the setting information of the gaming machine, etc. is displayed. For example, it displays "Gross profit on balls: XX yen, "XX×△" effect is recorded as a machine-exclusive video."

[0110] If the player is a member with no previous playing experience, the system will display basic information and instructions on how to play. For example, it will say, "You're hitting the jackpot, so aim for the right side of the machine. After this, the 'G Time' effect will determine whether you can continue."

[0111] Furthermore, if the player is a member with a history of playing, no special display is made, as experienced members may find the guidance display unpleasant.

[0112] As described above, the gaming system of this embodiment 4 is configured to display appropriate guidance according to the characteristics of the player, so that when the gaming machine is remotely operated, the sense of realism of the game can be efficiently enhanced.

[0113] In the above-mentioned fourth embodiment, a configuration was described in which guidance is not displayed when the player is a member with a gaming record, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure the display to display information (for example, detailed gaming machine information) different from that displayed when the player is a member with no gaming record.

[0114] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned fourth embodiment, a configuration was described in which appropriate guidance was displayed according to the characteristics of the player, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure the content of the guidance to be displayed to be selectable according to the characteristics of the player.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned fourth embodiment, a configuration was described in which appropriate guidance was displayed according to the characteristics of the player, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure the system so that appropriate guidance is provided by voice according to the characteristics of the player.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned fourth embodiment, a configuration was described in which appropriate guidance is displayed according to the characteristics of the player, but the present invention is not limited to this. When a player presses the effect introduction button, the guidance content can be configured to be sent to the player's contact information, such as an email address. At this time, video data of the gaming machine may also be sent.

[0117] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the present invention has been described as being applied to a gaming system related to a smart pachinko machine that uses gaming balls as gaming media, but the present invention is not limited to this and can also be configured to be applied to a gaming system related to a smart pachislot machine. Note that the gaming machine is not limited to a smart pachinko machine or a smart pachislot machine, and may be a gaming machine that can pay out gaming media to the outside.

[0118] Furthermore, the configurations illustrated in the above embodiments are merely functional schematics and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that illustrated, and all or part of the devices can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. [Industrial Applicability]

[0119] The gaming system, the control device, and the remote gaming control method according to the present invention are suitable for efficiently enhancing the sense of realism of a game when a gaming machine is remotely operated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 10 Controller 11 Display operation section 12 External network communication section 13 Communications Department 14 Gaming machine connection part 15 Storage section 15a Specific performance data 15b Game status data 16 Control Unit 16a Specific production setting section 16b Imaging control unit 16c Game control unit 16d Specific performance notification section 20 Gaming machines 30 Camera 40 Mobile Devices 100 Controller 200 Controller 210 Camera 220 Mobile Devices

Claims

1. A gaming system in which a gaming machine for playing a game using a gaming medium is remotely operated by a terminal device carried by a player, a presentation state specifying means for specifying a presentation state of the gaming machine during remote operation of the gaming machine by the terminal device; a control means for controlling the operation of the terminal device based on the rendering state; A gaming system comprising:

2. The performance state specifying means 2. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein the presentation state is acquired based on a signal transmitted from the gaming machine.

3. The performance state specifying means 2. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein the presentation state is determined based on video information obtained by capturing an image of the gaming machine with a predetermined imaging device.

4. The control means 4. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein vibration of said terminal device is controlled based on said presentation state.

5. The control means 5. The gaming system according to claim 4, wherein the vibration operation of the terminal device is controlled when the gaming machine is in a presentation state of a jackpot, a pre-read, or a predetermined number or more of reserved balls.

6. A gaming system in which a gaming machine for playing a game using a gaming medium is remotely operated by a terminal device carried by a player, An acquisition means for acquiring a state of the gaming machine; a detection means for detecting that the gaming machine has entered a specific state based on the result of acquisition by the acquisition means; a change instruction means for instructing the acquisition means to change the acquisition mode when it is detected that the specific state has been reached; A gaming system comprising:

7. A control device communicably connected to a gaming machine for playing games using gaming media and a terminal device carried by a player who remotely controls the gaming machine to play the game, a presentation state specifying means for specifying a presentation state of the gaming machine during remote operation of the gaming machine by the terminal device; a control instruction means for instructing control of an operation of the terminal device based on the rendering state; A control device comprising:

8. A remote game control method in a gaming system in which a gaming machine that uses a gaming medium to play a game is remotely controlled by a terminal device carried by a player, comprising: a presentation state specifying step of specifying a presentation state of the gaming machine during remote operation of the gaming machine by the terminal device; a control step of controlling the operation of the terminal device based on the rendering state; A remote game control method comprising:

9. A remote game control method in a gaming system in which a gaming machine that uses a gaming medium to play a game is remotely controlled by a terminal device carried by a player, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a state of the gaming machine; a detection step of detecting that the gaming machine has entered a specific state based on the result of the acquisition step; a change instruction step of issuing an instruction to change the acquisition mode performed by the acquisition step when it is detected that the specific state has been reached; A remote game control method comprising:

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