Game information display system

Abstract

To provide a game information display system capable of appealing discharged balls even while a player leaves a seat.SOLUTION: The game information display system for creating an in-island composite image obtained by compositing an in-island image obtained by imaging a state of a game island including an island passage and a ball box image 61 indicating the number of points in each game machine and displaying the composite image in the vicinity of an entrance of each island passage generates the in-island composite image without displaying the ball box image 61 related to the corresponding game machine 2 when a game card is issued in response to a return operation, and continues the display of the in-island composite image with the ball box image 61 related to the corresponding game machine 2 when the game card is issued in response to a rest operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game information display system. [Background technology]

[0002] In gaming parlors where pachinko and slot machines are installed, it is important to highlight the ball dispensing status in order to increase players' motivation to play. However, with so-called sealed gaming machines or gaming machines equipped with counters for each machine, the balls or medals are not in the player's hands, making it difficult to highlight the ball dispensing status itself. Taking this into consideration, a display device has been proposed that combines an image of an actual gaming machine with an image showing the balls dispensing (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). The image showing the balls dispensing is, for example, an image of a ball box with the number of balls stacked according to the number of dispensing balls stored on the gaming machine side including the counter for each machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4427997 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When leaving your seat during play to eat or go to the toilet, for security reasons it is preferable to remove the game card or other recording medium on which the balls have been won from the counter of each machine, and then reinsert the game card into the counter of each machine when you return from your break. However, when the game card is removed, the composite display of the image showing the balls won ends, which means that others will not be able to grasp the ball situation, and there is a risk that the opportunity to show off the balls won will be lost.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and aims to provide a game information display system that allows a player to appeal to the player about the number of balls won even when the player is away from the seat. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The gaming information display system of the present invention is a system for an amusement facility in which a plurality of gaming islands, each with a plurality of gaming machines installed, are provided on the floor and an island passage is provided along each gaming island. This gaming information display system creates an island composite image by combining an island image, which is an image of the gaming island including the island passage, with an individual machine gaming value image, which shows the earned value of each gaming machine, and displays the island composite image near the entrance of each island passage.

[0007] This gaming information display system can issue a recording medium associated with an acquired value in response to a return operation or a rest operation by a player. When a return operation is accepted, an island composite image is created excluding the game value images of the gaming machines corresponding to the return operation, while when a rest operation is accepted, an island composite image is created in which the game value images of the gaming machines corresponding to the rest operation are combined.

[0008] In the gaming information display system of the present invention, in addition to the gaming value images of each gaming machine in play, an island composite image is displayed in which the gaming value images of each gaming machine related to the gaming machine that is not in use due to the break operation being performed are composited. With this gaming information display system, it is possible to appeal to the winning balls even for the gaming machine that is not in use due to the break. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the floor of the game center in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a game information display system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a combination of the gaming machine and the score processing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine and the score processing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating game data managed by a game management server in the first embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating card information managed by the game management server in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating ball box image setting data managed by the image management server in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating central composite image setting data managed by an image management server in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an island composite image in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a central composite image in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a front view of a rest screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a front view of a safety lock setting screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a front view of a security lock PIN setting screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a front view of a safety lock release screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a front view of a rest operation screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a front view of a rest screen (safe rest screen) under a safety lock in the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a front view of the game resumption screen under safety lock in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described using the following examples. Example 1 This example is an example of a game information display system 1 that can effectively appeal to players in an arcade about the ball dispensing status by displaying a composite image showing the ball dispensing status. The details of this will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 11.

[0011] 1 and 2, gaming machines 2 such as pachinko machines and slot machines are arranged in a row on a floor 5 of an amusement facility to form a gaming island 510. On the floor 5, a plurality of island passages 515 are provided in parallel, with the gaming islands 510 facing each other, and a central passage 51 is provided to connect the island passages 515. A player who enters the amusement facility can enter the central passage 51 from the entrance 50, and then branch off from the central passage 51 and enter one of the island passages 515 to search for a gaming machine 2.

[0012] 1 and 2, in the gaming information display system 1 of this example, a central camera 141 and a central aisle display device 131 are installed at the entrance of the central aisle 51, which overlooks the floor 5 from the entrance 50. Furthermore, an island camera 143 and an island display device 133 are installed at the entrance from the central aisle 51 to the island aisle 515.

[0013] Each gaming machine 2 installed on the gaming island 510 is individually equipped with a score processing device 4, a gaming information display device 3, etc. The score processing device 4 is a gaming device that has a function of granting (lending) gaming points, which are the gaming value required for playing games. The gaming information display device 3 is a gaming device that displays various gaming information such as the gaming data of the corresponding gaming machine 2.

[0014] In the gaming center, a relay device 106 connected to an in-house network 101 is installed for every two gaming machines. The score processing device 4 and the game information display device 3 are connected to the in-house network 101 via the relay device 106. The gaming machine 2 is connected to the in-house network 101 via the score processing device 4 and the relay device 106.

[0015] A management space (not shown) where the manager of the gaming parlor is stationed is provided within the gaming parlor. The management space is equipped with a gaming management server 12 that manages the operating status of various devices within the gaming parlor, including the gaming machines 2, an image management server 14 that manages images captured by a central camera 141 and an island camera 143, and the like. The gaming management server 12, image management server 14, central camera 141, island camera 143, central aisle display device 131, and island display device 133 are all connected to an in-parlor network 101.

[0016] The gaming management server 12 is a server device for managing the operating status of the gaming machines 2 and various peripheral devices in the gaming facility. The gaming management server 12 has functions such as aggregating and managing game data of each gaming machine 2, and storing and managing the number of points owned by players as gaming value.

[0017] The image management server 14 is a server device that manages the captured images received from the cameras 141, 143 in the amusement facility, and also controls the images displayed on the central passage display device 131 and the island display device 133. The image management server 14 creates composite images (island composite image, central composite image) based on the images received from the cameras 141, 143 (island image, central image), and displays them on the central passage display device 131 and the island display device 133.

[0018] The central camera 141 is an example of a central imaging means for capturing images of the inside of the game arcade, including the central passage 51. The central camera 141 is installed suspended from the ceiling in a position where it can capture images of the entire central passage 51 from the entrance of the central passage 51. The central image, which is an image captured by the central camera 141, is transmitted to the image management server 14 as needed. The central image is the original image of the central composite image described above.

[0019] The island camera 143 is an example of an island imaging means that captures images of the game island 510, including the island passage 515. The island camera 143 is installed suspended from the ceiling in a position where it can capture images of the entire island passage 515 from the entrance of the island passage 515. The island images captured by the island camera 143 are transmitted to the image management server 14 as needed. The island images are the original images of the island composite images described above.

[0020] The central passage display device 131 is installed on a ceiling near the entrance of the central passage 51 so that it can be seen by players who enter. The central passage display device 131 displays the central composite image received from the image management server 14. The island display devices 133 are installed on the ceiling near the entrances of the island passages 515. The island display devices 133 display the island composite images received from the image management server 14.

[0021] Next, the configurations and basic operations of the gaming machines 2 and the score processing devices 4 will be explained, followed by an explanation of the gaming management server 12 and the image management server 14. Next, the contents of the images (island composite image, central composite image) displayed by the island display device 133 and the central aisle display device 131 will be explained, followed by an explanation of the operation of the gaming information display system 1 when a player takes a break.

[0022] (Configuration of gaming machine and score processing device) In this example, a pachinko gaming machine (FIGS. 2 and 3) in which games are played by firing gaming balls, which are gaming media, is exemplified as the gaming machine 2. The gaming machine 2 in this example is a so-called sealed gaming machine in which gaming balls can be fired by consuming gaming points, which are gaming value, and points, which are gaming value, can be awarded in response to winning. The gaming machine 2 is a so-called seven-game machine in which a jackpot lottery is held in response to winning a prize in the starting slot, and a jackpot state (jackpot) occurs when predetermined jackpot conditions are met in response to winning. The gaming states of the gaming machine 2 include a normal state, a probability variable state, and a jackpot state. The probability variable state is an advantageous gaming state in which the probability of winning a jackpot lottery or the like is higher than in the normal state.

[0023] The gaming machine 2 has a substantially circular gaming board 230 onto which gaming balls are shot. Decorative lamp units 236 are arranged above and on both sides of the gaming board 230, and a speaker 231 is arranged below the gaming board 230 in the left corner as seen from the player's side. A launcher 349 (not shown in Figure 3; see Figure 4) for launching gaming balls is arranged inside the gaming board 230 at the top left.

[0024] An information display unit 250 is provided below the gaming board surface 230. An operating handle 235 for shooting gaming balls into the gaming board surface 230 is provided on the lower right side of the information display unit 250 as viewed from the player's side.

[0025] The information display unit 250 is a display unit for displaying various game data such as game points indicating the number of balls that can be fired and the number of jackpots. The display screen of the information display unit 250 is a touch panel on which a touch sensor sheet 251 (see FIG. 4) is laminated, and can be operated by touch. Various operation buttons are displayed on the information display unit 250. The operation buttons displayed on the information display unit 250 include, for example, a count button and a display button. The count button is an operation button for converting the game points stored in the gaming machine 2 into the number of points owned. The display button is an operation button for switching the display content of the information display unit 250.

[0026] On the gaming board 230, there are arranged a display device 29 including a liquid crystal display unit 290 at the center, an electric chute type special symbol start opening 21, a through type normal symbol start opening 24, an open / close type large prize opening 260, and the like. At the bottom of the gaming board 230, there is an outlet hole 238 for collecting game balls that have flowed down without winning. The special symbol start opening 21 is the start opening that triggers the jackpot lottery. The normal symbol start opening 24 is the start opening that triggers the normal symbol lottery. When the normal symbol lottery is won, the special symbol start opening 21 is opened. The results of the jackpot lottery and the normal symbol lottery are reported by the display device 29.

[0027] The LCD display unit 290 has the functions of a special symbol display unit that displays the result of the jackpot lottery, which is a special symbol lottery, and a regular symbol display unit that displays the result of the regular symbol lottery. The LCD display unit 290 as a special symbol display unit displays the result of the jackpot lottery by, for example, a combination of multiple symbols. The LCD display unit 290 as a regular symbol display unit displays the result of the regular symbol lottery by, for example, a circle or an x.

[0028] Next, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine 2 will be explained with reference to Fig. 4. The gaming machine 2 is configured around a main control unit 20. The main control unit 20 is a circuit including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory elements such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and an I / O (Input / Output) that serves as an input / output interface.

[0029] In addition to the above configuration, the main control unit 20 is electrically connected to a performance control unit 31 that controls the amplifier 231A that drives the speaker 231 and the decorative lamp unit 236, a display control unit 32 that controls the LCD display unit 290, winning ball detection sensors 351 to 353, a special prize start solenoid 362 that opens the special prize start port 21, a large prize port solenoid 364 that opens the large prize port 260, a power supply circuit unit 37 that supplies operating power, etc.

[0030] The winning ball detection sensors include a special prize winning sensor 351 that detects winning balls at the special prize starting port 21, a regular prize winning sensor 352 that detects winning balls at the regular prize starting port 24, and a large prize winning sensor 353 that detects winning balls at the large prize winning port 260. Furthermore, the main control unit 20 is connected to an I / F unit 38 which serves as a communication window with the score processing device 4. The contents of the information or data sent and received between the main control unit 20 and the score processing device 4 will be explained after explaining the configuration of the score processing device 4.

[0031] Next, the score processing device 4 (FIGS. 2 and 3) is a device that enables playing on the corresponding gaming machine 2 on the condition that a gaming card 460 such as a membership card 461 or a banknote is accepted. The score processing device 4 is connected to the in-game network 101 via a relay device 106, and is capable of sending and receiving signals and information to and from the gaming management server 12. The score processing device 4 functions as an issuing means that issues a gaming card 460 (recording medium) associated with the number of points (acquired value) by accepting a return operation or a rest operation by the player.

[0032] The front panel of the score processing device 4 is provided with a status lamp 41, a bill insertion slot 42, a camera unit 47, a touch panel 43, operation buttons 441 to 444, a card insertion slot 46 for a game card 460, and the like. The touch panel 43 is a display screen configured so that a touch sensor sheet 431 is laminated on the display screen of the display unit 430 (FIG. 4) and can be operated by touch. The operation buttons include a loan button 441 for receiving the game value required for the game, a replay button 442 for receiving the payout of saved balls, a return button 443 for requesting the return of the game card 460, and a break button 444 for a break operation.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, the score processing device 4 is electrically configured around a control unit 40 including a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, etc. In addition to the above configuration, the control unit 40 is electrically connected to a banknote processing unit 421 that performs banknote reception processing, a card processing unit 465 that performs various processes related to the gaming card 460, etc. The card processing unit 465 has a function of suctioning and ejecting the gaming card 460 in addition to a function of reading and writing recorded information on the gaming card 460. Furthermore, an I / F unit 48 that serves as a communication window between the control unit 40 and the gaming machine 2 is connected to the control unit 40. The score processing device 4 has a function of stocking general cards. The maximum number of general cards that can be stocked is 10.

[0034] The score processing device 4 is configured to receive various setting information (gaming machine number, model name, score unit price (point unit price), type, etc.) from the gaming management server 12. The score processing device 4 stores the various setting information received from the gaming management server 12.

[0035] (Basic operation of gaming machine and score processing device) When the gaming machine 2 receives the gaming points from the score processing device 4, it becomes possible to launch gaming balls equal to the gaming points. During play on the gaming machine 2, the gaming points are subtracted by the number of balls launched, and the points awarded for winning are added to the gaming points. When the gaming points reach zero through play, it becomes impossible to launch gaming balls.

[0036] The gaming points of the gaming machine 2 can be converted into the number of possessed points stored in the score processing device 4 by touching the counting button displayed on the information display unit 250 (counting operation). The gaming machine 2 sends all or part of the gaming points to the score processing device 4 in accordance with the counting operation, and subtracts the gaming points. By briefly pressing the counting button, one point is added to the number of possessed points, and by long pressing the button, all points are converted into the number of possessed points all at once, and the number of possessed points is reset to zero.

[0037] In the gaming machine 2, game balls can be launched from the launcher 349 by operating the operating handle 235. When the launched game ball enters the special symbol starting hole 21, a jackpot lottery (special symbol lottery) is executed, and the special symbol pattern starts to change on the display device 29. If the jackpot lottery is won, the jackpot win is announced by the stopped display of the jackpot symbol, and then the player can transition to the jackpot state.

[0038] In the jackpot state, the big prize slot 260 is opened a specified number of times, thereby significantly increasing the winning rate. Also, when a game ball enters the normal prize slot 24, a normal prize lottery is executed and the normal prize pattern starts to change on the display device 29. If the normal prize lottery is won, the electric chute type special prize slot 21 is opened, significantly increasing the winning rate. In playing the gaming machine 2, a predetermined score is awarded according to the prize entered into each prize slot.

[0039] The gaming states of the gaming machine 2 include a normal state, a probability variable state, and a jackpot state. After a jackpot ends, there is a 70% probability of transitioning to the probability variable state, and a 30% probability of transitioning to the normal state. The probability variable state is a gaming state in which the probability of winning the special and regular lotteries is higher than in the normal state.

[0040] In addition, in the gaming machine 2, various gaming data (number of jackpots, number of special drawing draws, etc.) can be displayed on the information display unit 250 in response to a touch operation (information display operation) on the display button displayed on the information display unit 250.

[0041] The score processing device 4 can accept banknotes and gaming cards 460. The gaming cards 460 include a membership card 461 for members who have registered with the gaming facility, and a general card (not shown) for general players. The general card, which is valid for one day only, records the deposit balance and the number of points held. The membership card 461 records the deposit balance, while the number of points held is associated with a card ID and is stored and managed exclusively by the gaming management server 12.

[0042] When a bill is inserted, the score processor 4 adds the bill to the deposit balance and stores the added bill. The upper limit of the deposit balance is set to, for example, 10,000 yen. When a general card is inserted, the score processing device 4 refers to the card information (described later with reference to FIG. 6) stored in the gaming management server 12 in association with the card ID of the general card. If it is confirmed that the information recorded on the general card matches the card information stored in the gaming management server 12, the score processing device 4 approves the received general card, and reads out and displays the recorded deposit balance and the number of points held.

[0043] When a membership card 461 is inserted, the score processing device 4 requests authentication using a PIN number, and refers to the card information stored in the gaming management server 12 in association with the card ID of the membership card 461. If the score processing device 4 is able to authenticate using the PIN number and confirm the card information, it approves the accepted membership card 461. The score processing device 4 reads and displays the deposit balance recorded on the approved membership card 461, and also displays the number of points stored in the gaming management server 12.

[0044] When the loan button 441 is operated, the score processing device 4 converts the points into game points (250 points) in increments of a fixed amount (1,000 yen) and sends them to the gaming machine 2. When the replay button 442 is operated, the score processing device 4 converts the owned points into game points in increments of 250 points and sends them to the gaming machine 2. The score processing device 4 stores and displays the owned points, game points, and total points (the total of the owned points and game points). The score processing device 4 updates the stored game points according to the score addition information and subtraction information received from the gaming machine 2.

[0045] When the return button 443 is operated while the membership card 461 has not yet been accepted but at least one of a credit balance and owned points exists, the score processing device 4 records the credit balance and owned points on a general card, issues the general card, and transmits issuance information, described below, to the gaming management server 12. On the other hand, when the membership card 461 is currently being accepted and the membership card 461 is returned (one form of issuance), the score processing device 4 records the credit balance on the membership card 461 and transmits issuance information for the membership card 461 to the gaming management server 12. The issuance information includes the owned points associated with the membership card 461, and the owned points are stored in the gaming management server 12. Note that the gaming points stored in the gaming machine 2 are not recorded on the gaming card 460 but remain in the gaming machine 2.

[0046] As described above, the score processing device 4 is equipped with the camera unit 47, and the camera unit 47 is built in so that it can capture images of the player. The score processing device 4 uses this camera unit 47 to capture images of the player at regular time intervals, such as every three seconds, and transmits the images to the game management server 12.

[0047] The game information display system 1 of this example has one of its technical features in the system operation when the break button 444 of the score processing device 4 is operated. The details of the operation when a game card 460 is issued in response to the operation of the break button 444 will be explained in detail later.

[0048] The score processing device 4 receives operation information (machine data, described later) indicating the progress of the game from the corresponding gaming machine 2, tallying and storing the game data, and also transmits the information to the gaming management server 12 via the relay device 106 as needed. The information transmitted to the gaming management server 12 includes information indicating the game status and issuance information of the gaming card 460. The score processing device 4 transmits the information indicating the game status of the gaming machine 2 to the gaming management server 12, for example, every second. Furthermore, the score processing device 4 transmits the above-mentioned issuance information to the gaming management server 12 as needed in response to the issuance of the gaming card 460.

[0049] The information representing the gaming status includes the gaming data based on the above-mentioned operation information (machine data), as well as information representing the amount of the price paid by the player for the game and the value of his / her possessions. Information representing the value of the player's possessions is information such as the player's deposit balance and the number of points held. Information representing the amount of the price paid by the player is the number of points (sales points) awarded to the player in response to the payment of the price.

[0050] The issuance information of the gaming card 460 is information indicating that the gaming card 460 has been issued, and is associated with a card ID. The issuance information includes information on the player's ownership value, such as the remaining deposit amount and the number of points held, as well as information indicating the issuance type, information indicating the type of gaming card 460, and identification information of the score processing device 4 that issued the gaming card 460. The issuance type distinguishes between issuance of a gaming card 460 in response to a return operation and issuance of a gaming card 460 in response to a rest operation. The type of gaming card 460 includes a general card valid only for that day, a membership card 461 for members, and the like. The identification information of the score processing device 4 can be the machine number, which is the identification information of the corresponding gaming machine 2. The score processing device 4 transmits the issuance information as needed in response to the issuance of the gaming card 460.

[0051] Between the gaming machine 2 and the score processing device 4, for example, the following signals are transmitted and received. (1) Machine data request signal: A request signal for machine data, which is operation information of the gaming machine 2. The score processing device 4 transmits this to the gaming machine 2 every 200 ms. (2) Machine data: A status confirmation response sent by the gaming machine 2 to the score processing device 4 in response to a status confirmation request signal. The breakdown of the machine data is as described below. (3) Card insertion notification: Notification by the score processing device 4 that the gaming card 460 has been accepted. (4) Card insertion response: Response of the gaming machine 2 to the card insertion notification. (5) Count request signal: A signal transmitted by the gaming machine 2 when the count button is operated on the gaming machine side. The count request signal is a signal requesting the counting of one point of the gaming points stored in the gaming machine 2.

[0052] The machine data transmitted by the gaming machine 2 to the score processing device 4 is information that collectively includes multiple pieces of operating information such as out, safe, and the number of jackpots. This machine data is associated with the machine number of the gaming machine 2. The machine data includes, for example, the following data and information. Note that instead of the machine data, various signals indicating the gaming status, such as a jackpot signal, a probability variation signal, a firing signal, and an award signal, may also be transmitted to the score processing device 4.

[0053] (1) Out (number of times): Indicates the consumption value (use value, input value, out) since the last data transmission in units of one point. (2) Safe (number of times): Indicates the winning value (safe) awarded according to the winning since the last data transmission in units of one point. (3) S winning (number of times): Indicates the number of starting winnings (S winnings) since the last time data was sent, in units of one. (4) Start (number of times): Indicates the start (number of symbol changes, number of symbol operations, number of unit plays) of the special symbol (special symbol display section) that operates (changes) due to S winning since the last data transmission. It is counted at the time of confirmation, but it can also be counted at the time of start. (5) Jackpot (number of times): Indicates the number of jackpots that have occurred since the last data transmission in units of one jackpot. (6) Jackpot flag (state): If a jackpot state is occurring at the time of data transmission, this flag is ON; if not, this flag is OFF. Therefore, the period from when it turns ON to when it turns OFF can be determined as the jackpot state.

[0054] (Game management server) The gaming management server 12 (Fig. 2) is a computer device for centrally managing the operating status of various devices in the gaming facility. The gaming management server 12 is composed of a PC monitor such as an LCD display, output means such as a printer (not shown), a device main body for executing various arithmetic processing, and input means such as a keyboard and a mouse (not shown). The device main body has communication means for sending and receiving various signals or information, storage means such as a hard disk drive, etc.

[0055] The game management server 12 of this example has functions as the following means, for example. (1) Gaming information acquisition means: means for acquiring information (referred to as gaming information) that indicates the gaming status of each gaming machine 2. The gaming information acquisition means acquires the gaming information of each gaming machine 2 from the corresponding score processing device 4 at regular intervals (for example, every second). (2) Gaming data identification means: means for identifying the gaming data of each gaming machine 2 based on the gaming information acquired from each gaming machine. (3) Gaming value determination means: A means for determining the number of points held by a player and the maximum gaming value (MAX MY) based on gaming information acquired from each gaming machine. The number of points held indicates the amount of gaming value that a player has acquired on each gaming machine 2. The maximum gaming value (MAX MY) is gaming data that indicates the maximum value of gaming value held by a player during the course of play since the start of play. (4) Game data storage means: means for storing game data of each gaming machine 2. (5) Card information storage means: means for storing card information relating to the issued gaming card 460.

[0056] The gaming management server 12, which serves as gaming data storage means, stores and manages various gaming data based on the gaming information of each gaming machine 2, for example, as shown in Fig. 5. The machine number in the figure is the machine number, which is the identification information of the gaming machine 2. The gaming data includes data such as the number of shot points, the number of awarded points, the number of lotteries, the number of jackpots, as well as sales points, which represent the amount paid by the player for the game, the number of points held, which is the value owned by the player, maximum MY, a break flag, etc.

[0057] The number of firing points is the number of points consumed in response to the firing of balls, with one point per ball. The number of sales points is the number of points awarded to a player in response to payment of a fee. The number of awarded points is the number of points awarded to a player in response to winning balls. The number of owned points is the game value that a player has acquired on the corresponding gaming machine 2. The number of owned points is (number of sales points + awarded points - number of firing points). Maximum MY is the maximum game value, which is the maximum value of the acquired game value. The rest flag is flag data that indicates that a player is taking a break and away from their seat. A flag value of 1 indicates a resting state, and a flag value of 0 indicates a non-resting state.

[0058] The gaming management server 12, which serves as card information storage means, stores and manages card information, such as that shown in FIG. 6, for each gaming card 460 issued. The card information includes the card ID, the deposited balance, the number of points held, as well as identification information for the score processing device 4 that issued the gaming card 460 and a break flag. The machine number of the corresponding gaming machine 2 is used as the identification information for the score processing device 4. The break flag indicates that the gaming card 460 was issued in response to a break.

[0059] (Image management server) Image management server 14 (FIG. 2) is a computer device for controlling images captured by cameras 141, 143 and images displayed by display devices 131, 133. Image management server 14 is configured to include output means such as a PC monitor such as a liquid crystal display and a printer (not shown), a device main body for executing various arithmetic processing, and input means such as a keyboard and a mouse (not shown). The device main body has communication means for sending and receiving various signals or information, storage means such as a hard disk drive, etc.

[0060] The image management server 14 creates a central composite image or an island composite image by combining a ball box image showing the number of balls dispensed and various effect images with the central image and island image received from the central camera 141 and island camera 143. The image management server 14 transmits the central composite image to the central passage display device 131 for display. The image management server 14 also transmits the island composite image to the island display device 133 for display.

[0061] The image management server 14 has the functions of the following means. (1) Image capture means: A means for constantly acquiring images captured by cameras installed in the game center, such as the central camera 141 and the island cameras 143. (2) Gaming data acquisition means: means for acquiring the gaming data of each gaming machine 2 managed by the gaming management server 12 (see FIG. 5). (3) Image storage means: means for storing image data such as ball box images and various effect images. Ball box images are images of ball boxes that contain balls. For example, data on four types of ball box images, 1 / 4 box, 2 / 4 box, 3 / 4 box, and 4 / 4 box, are stored according to the number of balls contained therein. Ball box images are image data of real images that have been photographed in advance. (4) Image setting data storage means: means for storing setting data for each image. The setting data includes setting data for each type of ball box image to be compositely displayed on the island image (image captured from the island passage 515), setting data for ball box images (separately stacked ball box images, specific game value images) to be displayed separately on the central image (image captured from the central passage 51), etc. The contents of the setting data will be explained later with reference to Figs. 7 and 8. (5) Island composite image creation means: A means for creating an island composite image in which each machine's game value image (ball box image) and maximum game value image (maximum MY image) are combined with the island image of the game island 510. The island image is an image captured by the island camera 143 as an island imaging means for capturing images of each game island 510, including each island passage 515. Each machine's game value image is an image showing the number of points (earned value) of each game machine 2 on the game island 510. The maximum game value image is an image showing the maximum MY, which is the maximum game value of each game machine 2 on the game island 510. (6) Central composite image creation means: A means for creating a central composite image in which a specific game value image (separately stacked ball box image) is combined with a central image captured by the central camera 141. The specific game value image is an image showing the number of points (an example of the size of the acquired value) of the gaming machine 2 when the number of points (an example of the size of the acquired value) has reached a predetermined reference value (separately stacked ball number). (7) Composite image output means: means for outputting a composite image to display devices 131, 133. The island composite image is output to the island display device 133 as an island composite image display means that displays the island composite image near the entrance of each island passage 515. The central composite image is output to the central passage display device 131 as a central composite image display means that displays the central composite image near the entrance of the central passage 51.

[0062] The image management server 14, which serves as image setting data storage means, stores the ball box image setting data of FIG. 7, the central composite image setting data of FIG. 8, and the like. The ball box image setting data in FIG. 7 is setting data for selecting the type of ball box image to be superimposed on the island image or center image. The ball box image is image data of a ball box that can hold approximately 2000 balls. In this example, image data (jpg data) of four types of ball box images with ball storage levels of 1 / 4 box, 2 / 4 box, 3 / 4 box, and 4 / 4 box are prepared. The setting data for the image data of the four types of ball box images, 1 / 4 box, 2 / 4 box, 3 / 4 box, and 4 / 4 box, is stored in association with the number of points held: 500 points or more, 1000 points or more, 1500 points or more, and 2000 points or more. One point held corresponds to one game ball.

[0063] According to the ball box image setting data in Figure 7, the compositely displayed ball box image changes every time the number of points increases by 500. In this ball box image setting data, 500 points is the updated setting value for the ball box image. When the number of points is 2500 or more, two or more ball boxes are displayed stacked in the composite image within the island. However, the maximum number of stacking layers is five. Therefore, when the number of points is 10500 or more, the number of parallel stacking rows will be two or more.

[0064] The central composite image setting data in Fig. 8 is setting data that serves as a reference for whether or not to display a separately stacked ball box image in the central image, which is a captured image of the central aisle 51. In this example, 20,500 balls are set as the number of separately stacked balls (an example of a predetermined reference value; setting data) for compositely displaying a separately stacked ball box image in the central composite image. Note that this 20,500 balls is the number of balls that will result in the number of parallel stacked rows exceeding two and reaching three. In the central composite image, when the number of parallel stacked rows reaches three or more, stacked ball boxes (separately stacked ball box image) are compositely displayed.

[0065] (Island composite image) The island composite image (FIG. 9) is an image in which the ball box image 61, which is an example of an image of each machine's game value, and various effect images are composited with the island image, which is an image captured by the island camera 143. In the island composite image, the ball box image 61 and various effect images are compositely displayed in association with each gaming machine 2 in the island image.

[0066] The image management server 14, which serves as an island composite image creating means, creates an island composite image in which a ball box image 61 of a type corresponding to the number of points held by each gaming machine 2 is composited and displayed on the island image. The image management server 14, which serves as an island composite image creating means, acquires data on the number of points held by each gaming machine 2 at one-second intervals and updates and displays the island composite image.

[0067] The compositely displayed ball box image 61 is image data of actual images stored in advance. The type, number of rows, and number of rows of the compositely displayed ball box image 61 are determined by comparing the game data (number of points) acquired by the image management server 14 from the game management server 12 with the ball box image setting data shown in FIG. 7. For example, if the number of points is 6,600, this can be broken down into 2,000 points x 3 + 600 points, and a four-tiered ball box image 61 is selected, with three 4 / 4 ball boxes and one 1 / 4 ball box. As mentioned above, the maximum number of rows of stacked ball box images 61 is five. If the number of points exceeds the number of points corresponding to five tiers of ball boxes (10,500 balls), the number of rows of rows will be two or more. Furthermore, for gaming machines 2 with a predetermined number of points (2,000 points in this example) or more, a compositely displayed point display 65 showing the number of points in increments of 1,000 is displayed.

[0068] In the island composite image of Figure 9, a maximum MY image 67 is compositely displayed for a gaming machine 2 in which the maximum gaming value (maximum MY) acquired by a player exceeds a predetermined value (3000 points in this example). The maximum MY image 67 is an example of a maximum gaming value image that indicates the magnitude of the maximum gaming value of each gaming machine 2. The maximum MY image 67 is configured to indicate the maximum MY in Figure 5 in units of 1000 points. For example, for a gaming machine 2 in which the maximum MY is 3150 points, a maximum MY image 67 indicating 3000 points is compositely displayed.

[0069] In addition, even when an island composite image is created excluding each machine game value image (ball box image 61) of the corresponding gaming machine 2 in response to acceptance of a return operation by the score processing device 4, the island composite image is composited with the maximum MY image 67 of the gaming machine 2. In other words, even after the game card 460 is issued and the display of the ball box image 61 ends with the end of the game, the maximum MY image 67 continues to be displayed in the island composite image as long as the predetermined display conditions are met.

[0070] As described above, in the ball box image setting data (FIG. 7), 500 balls, at which the ball box image 61 switches, is the updated setting value for the ball box image 61. In the island composite image, every time the number of points increases by 500 points, which is the updated setting value, a performance image (decorative image) in which the ball box image 61 emits light is compositely displayed for one second (ball number increase performance).

[0071] It should be noted that while a jackpot occurs on a gaming machine 2 in the island composite image, a jackpot effect image (an effect image not shown) is compositely displayed on the island image. It is advisable to compositely display the jackpot effect image at a position corresponding to the gaming machine 2 so that it can be visually recognized in association with the gaming machine 2 that is in a jackpot.

[0072] (Center composite image) The central composite image (Fig. 10) is an image in which a separately stacked ball box image 66, which is an example of a specific game value image, is composited and displayed on the central image, which is an image captured by the central camera 141. This separately stacked ball box image 66 is composited and displayed in the island passage 515 where the corresponding gaming machine 2 is located. As explained with reference to the central composite image setting data in Fig. 8, the separately stacked ball box image 66 in the central composite image is composited and displayed in correspondence with a gaming machine 2 that has 20,500 balls or more and has three or more rows of stacked ball box images.

[0073] In the central composite image, a composite display of a balloon display 661 for displaying the model name, machine number, and number of points (number of balls) is combined with the separately stacked ball box image 66. Note that the image management server 14, which serves as central composite image creation means, reads the data on the number of points of the corresponding gaming machine 2 every second during the composite display of the separately stacked ball box image 66, and updates the appearance of the separately stacked ball box image 66 to be compositely displayed as appropriate.

[0074] (System behavior during break operation) One of the features of the game information display system 1 of this embodiment is the operation performed when the break button 444 of the score processing device 4 is operated (break operation).

[0075] When a return operation or a rest operation is performed, a gaming card 460 (membership card 461 or general card) is issued by the score processing device 4 as an issuing means, and the issuing information is transmitted to the gaming management server 12. As described above, the issuing information of the gaming card 460 is information indicating that the gaming card 460 has been issued, and is associated with identification information of the issuing score processing device 4. As the identification information of the score processing device 4, the machine number of the corresponding gaming machine 2 is used.

[0076] The issuance information of the game card 460 includes information on the player's possession value, such as the card ID, which is identification information, the deposited balance, and the number of points, as well as information indicating the issuance type and information indicating the type of game card 460 (general card, member card 461), etc. The issuance type distinguishes between the issuance of the game card 460 in response to a return operation and the issuance of the game card 460 in response to a rest operation.

[0077] When the gaming management server 12 receives the issuance information of the gaming card 460 from the score processing device 4, it stores and manages it as card information (see FIG. 6). As described above, the card information includes the machine number of the issuer of the gaming card 460 and the break flag in addition to the card ID, the deposited balance, and the number of points held.

[0078] When the gaming management server 12 receives issuing information corresponding to a return operation, it resets the gaming data (see FIG. 5) of the corresponding gaming machine 2 except for the maximum MY. On the other hand, when it receives issuing information corresponding to a break operation, it sets the break flag to "1" and reserves the gaming data (see FIG. 5) of the corresponding gaming machine 2 as is.

[0079] When issuing a gaming card 460, the player's ownership value (such as the deposit balance and points held) managed by the score processing device 4 is reset once, regardless of whether it is a general card or a membership card 461. In the case of a general card valid for the same day, the points held are recorded on the general card along with the deposit balance. In the case of a membership card 461, only the deposit balance is recorded on the membership card 461, and the points held are stored and managed exclusively by the gaming management server 12.

[0080] The score processing device 4 that issued the gaming card 460 in response to the return operation is set to a state in which it is possible to accept a new gaming card 460 or banknotes, and a new game can be started on the corresponding gaming machine 2. On the other hand, the score processing device 4 that issued the gaming card 460 in response to the break operation is set to a break state, which indicates that the player is temporarily away from the seat. The break state is, for example, a relatively long break such as a meal break, or a relatively short break such as a cigarette break or toilet break. In the break state, the score processing device 4 restricts operations by the player. For example, it stops accepting gaming cards 460 other than the gaming card 460 issued in response to the break operation and stops accepting banknotes. As a result, it becomes impossible to play on the corresponding gaming machine 2.

[0081] As described above, the image management server 14 acquires the game data (FIG. 5) of each gaming machine 2 from the gaming management server 12, and displays the island composite image (FIG. 9) and the central composite image (FIG. 10). When the score processing device 4 issues a gaming card 460 in response to a return operation, the game data (FIG. 5) of the corresponding gaming machine 2 is reset in the gaming management server 12. The image management server 14 stops the composite display of the ball box image 61 or the separate stacked ball box image 66 related to the gaming machine 2 corresponding to the return operation in the island composite image (FIG. 9) and the central composite image (FIG. 10); in other words, it creates a composite image excluding the ball box image 61 or the separate stacked ball box image 66, and outputs it to the central aisle display device 131 and the island display device 133.

[0082] On the other hand, when a gaming card 460 is issued in response to a rest operation, the rest flag is set to "1" in the game data (Fig. 5) of the corresponding gaming machine 2 in the gaming management server 12, while the game data such as the number of points held is retained as is. Therefore, the image management server 14 continues to display the composite image of the ball box image 61 or the separately stacked ball box image 66 corresponding to the gaming machine 2 corresponding to the rest operation in the island composite image (Fig. 9) and the central composite image (Fig. 10), that is, it creates a composite image of the ball box image 61 or the separately stacked ball box image 66 and continues to output it to the central aisle display device 131 and the island display device 133.

[0083] When the score processing device 4 is in a rest state, the rest screen of Fig. 11 is displayed on the touch panel 43. On the rest screen, a preset rest time, such as 10 minutes, is counted down. When the remaining rest time reaches zero, a subsequent rest screen (not shown) displays that the rest time has elapsed and counts up the excess time.

[0084] When the score processing device 4 receives a gaming card 460 (membership card 461 or general card) in the break state, it reads the card ID and requests an inquiry from the gaming management server 12. The gaming management server 12 references the card information (see FIG. 6) including the card ID read by the score processing device 4 in the break state. If the break flag in the card information is "1" and the identification information of the score processing device 4 that requested the inquiry (the machine number of the corresponding gaming machine 2) matches the machine number in the card information, the gaming management server 12 replies with a positive inquiry result and resets the break flag (FIG. 5) in the corresponding gaming data. When the score processing device 4 receives a positive inquiry result, it ends the break state and transitions to a state in which gaming can be resumed.

[0085] The gaming information display system 1 configured as described above is a system for an arcade in which a plurality of gaming islands 510, each with a plurality of gaming machines 2 installed, are provided on the floor, and an island passage 515 is provided along each gaming island 510. Each island passage 515 is connected to the central passage 51, allowing movement between the islands.

[0086] This game information display system 1 is composed of an island camera 143 (island imaging means) that captures the state of the game island 510, including the island passage 515, as an island image, and a central camera 141 (central imaging means) that captures the state of the game center, including the central passage 51, as a central image.

[0087] In the gaming information display system 1 of this example, an island composite image is displayed near the entrance of each island passage 515, and a central composite image is displayed near the entrance of the central passage 51. The island composite image is a composite image of an island image taken by the island camera 143 and a ball box image 61 (each machine gaming value image) showing the size of the gaming value (the number of points held) of each gaming machine 2 on the gaming island 510. The central composite image is a composite image of a central image taken by the central camera 141 and a separate ball box image 66 (specific gaming value image) showing the size of the gaming value (the number of points held) of a specific gaming machine 2 whose size of the gaming value has reached a predetermined reference value.

[0088] According to the game information display system 1 of this example, it is possible to appeal to players near the entrance of the central passage 51 that a large number of balls have been dispensed, and to notify the game island 510 on which the gaming machine 2 is installed. Furthermore, it is possible to clearly appeal to players near the entrance of each island passage 515 the ball dispense status of each gaming machine 2 installed on that game island 510.

[0089] The gaming information display system 1 of this example can issue a gaming card 460 associated with the number of points held in response to a return operation or a rest operation by the player. In the case of a return operation, an island composite image is created excluding the ball box image 61 (each machine game value image) related to the gaming machine 2 corresponding to the return operation, while in the case of a rest operation, an island composite image is created in which the ball box image 61 related to the gaming machine 2 corresponding to the rest operation is combined.

[0090] In the gaming information display system 1 of this example, even if the gaming card 460 is removed from the score processing device 4 during a break, the composite display of the ball box image 61 (each machine's gaming value image) for the corresponding gaming machine 2 can be continued. According to this gaming information display system 1, it is possible to display an island composite image in which the ball box image 61 for the gaming machine 2 that is being played and the ball box image 61 for the gaming machine 2 that is away from the seat due to a break operation are composited together. Therefore, in this gaming information display system 1, there is no risk that others will not be able to grasp the ball output status of the gaming machine 2 during a break, and the opportunity to appeal for ball output will not be lost.

[0091] In the gaming information display system 1 of this example, a maximum MY (maximum gaming value) representing the maximum value of the gaming value owned by the player during the course of play from the start of the game is specified for each gaming machine 2. A maximum MY image 67 (maximum gaming value image) representing the size of the maximum MY is composited into the island composite image. Even after the composite display of the ball box image 61 (each machine gaming value image) for the gaming machine 2 for which the return operation has been performed is completed, the maximum MY image 67 of that gaming machine 2 remains composited and displayed within the island composite image. According to the gaming information display system 1 of this example, the maximum MY (maximum gaming value) is displayed within the island composite image even if the player has finished playing. This makes it possible to clearly appeal the ball payout status of each gaming machine 2 installed on the gaming island 510 to players who arrive after returning the gaming card 460.

[0092] Instead of or in addition to the configuration of this example, the following configurations may be adopted. Also, the following configurations may be adopted in appropriate combination. In this example, ceiling-suspended installation is shown as an example of the installation mode of the central aisle display device 131 and the island display devices 133. The installation mode of these display devices is not limited to this example. Similarly, the installation position is not limited to the configuration of this example and can be changed as appropriate. The central aisle display device 131 can be installed in various ways at various locations in the central aisle 51 as appropriate, and may not only be hung from the ceiling but also placed on the floor. Similarly, the island display device 133 may be placed on the floor or embedded in the wall at the end of the game island 510.

[0093] The island composite image can display various information. For example, information such as available machines, players on break, players being called, employees being called, and gaming machine malfunctions can be received from the gaming management server 12 and displayed in a composite manner. This information can be useful not only to players but also to employees.

[0094] When the separately stacked ball box image 66 (see FIG. 10) is compositely displayed on the central composite image, it is also good to compositely display text such as "Separately stacked" on the island image. That is, in the island composite image of the gaming island 510 where the specific gaming machine 2 related to the separately stacked ball box image 66 (an example of a specific gaming value image) has occurred, it is good to display information indicating that the separately stacked ball box image 66 is compositely displayed on the central composite image. If information indicating that the separately stacked ball box image 66 is compositely displayed is compositely displayed corresponding to the specific gaming machine 2, it is possible to clearly appeal to the location of the gaming machine 2 that has a large number of balls.

[0095] In this example, the image management server 14, which is independent from the gaming management server 12, is illustrated as a dedicated server device for handling images. The image management server 14 may be a dedicated server, or the gaming management server 12 may also serve as the image management server. Furthermore, the image management server may be installed in the gaming facility as in this example, or may be a cloud server accessible via a public communication line such as the Internet.

[0096] Although the image management server 14 is configured to create the island composite image and the central composite image, the system can also be configured so that the island display device 133 or the central passage display device 131 creates the composite image. In this example, a ball box image in which game balls are contained in the ball box is shown as an example of the game value image, but the game value image is not limited to the ball box image in this example. The game value image may be any image that represents the amount of game value that the player has acquired. For example, it may be an image in which game medals are contained in a box instead of game balls. Or it may be an image in which banknotes or gold bars are piled up.

[0097] In the configuration of this example, when a gaming card 460 (membership card 461, general card) is issued in response to a return operation, the display of the corresponding ball box image 61, 66 is terminated. After the display of the ball box image due to the issuance of the gaming card 460 is terminated, when the issued gaming card 460 is reinserted into the score processing device 4, the display of the ball box image corresponding to that gaming card 460 may be resumed. In such a configuration, the ball box image may be redisplayed only when the score processing device 4 that issued the gaming card 460 and the score processing device 4 that subsequently accepted the gaming card 460 are the same device, or may be redisplayed even when they are different devices. When the original score processing device 4 that issued the gaming card 460 and the new score processing device 4 that accepted the new gaming card 460 are different devices, the ball box image may be redisplayed on a new gaming machine (another gaming machine) corresponding to the new score processing device 4. In this case, a ball box image may be displayed that indicates the total number of points acquired on the original gaming machine and the new gaming machine.

[0098] The rest state may be set by operating a button on the score processing device 4 or on a game information display device 3 provided separately for the gaming machine 2. In this case, the system operation may be the same as that of the rest operation on the score processing device 4. Also, the rest state may be set by operating a rest operation using a remote control owned by an employee. In this case, it is preferable that the gaming card 460 is not issued even if the return button 443 on the score processing device 4 is operated.

[0099] Furthermore, the break state set by the break operation on the score processing device 4 may be configured to be able to be cancelled by an employee operating the remote control. In this case, the display of the ball box images 61, 66 may be terminated upon cancellation of the break state. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately deal with a player who takes a break but then changes his mind and quits playing.

[0100] The POS terminal that performs the exchange process for exchanging the points associated with the gaming card 460 for a prize may also cancel the break state. For example, if the score processing device 4 that last issued the gaming card 460 accepted by the POS terminal is in a break state, the display of the ball box image 61 may be terminated when the break state is terminated by the POS terminal. By terminating the display of the ball box image 61 when the break state is terminated by the POS terminal in this way, it becomes possible to appropriately terminate the display of the ball box image 61 when a player changes their mind during the break and exchanges their card for a prize. Gaming machines 2 that have been left in a break state can be detected early, preventing a decline in operation. Furthermore, the POS terminal may notify an employee of information about the gaming machine 2 whose break state has been terminated.

[0101] Immediately after the opening of the gaming parlor, the island display device 133 may compositely display the maximum MY image 67 (see FIG. 9) from the previous day or earlier. By adopting such a configuration, the player can conveniently grasp the ball payout status of each gaming machine 2 on the island without having to individually check the display of the game information display device 3 attached to each gaming machine 2.

[0102] In this example, a so-called sealed-in type pachinko gaming machine is exemplified as the gaming machine. The gaming machine is not limited to a sealed-in type pachinko gaming machine. It may also be a pachinko gaming machine that actually pays out balls in response to winning. In this case, it is preferable to add a ball counting function to the score processing device. It may also be a pachislot gaming machine, and in that case, it may similarly be either a system that does not pay out medals in response to winning, or a system that pays out medals. Furthermore, it may also be an arrange ball gaming machine, a jump ball gaming machine, etc.

[0103] Example 2 This example is an example in which a safety lock function is provided in the score processing device 4 based on the game information display system of Example 1. The details of this will be described with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 12 to Fig. 17. The safety lock function is a safe function that does not issue a game card 460 unless a preset condition for issuing the game card 460 is met.

[0104] In the score processing device 4 of this example, it is possible to display the safety lock setting screen (FIG. 12) by appropriately touching the operation menu screen (not shown) displayed on the touch panel 43. However, this setting screen can only be switched to and displayed when at least one of the deposited balance and the number of owned points exists. When neither the deposited balance nor the number of owned points exists, the safety lock setting screen is not displayed.

[0105] The security lock setting screen (Fig. 12) has a "Settings" button 4A and a "Back" button 4B for canceling the setting. Touching the "Settings" button 4A switches to the PIN setting screen (Fig. 13). The PIN setting screen has a PIN input field 4C and a numeric keypad 432 for entering numbers. Two PIN input fields 4C are provided for entering and confirming the PIN.

[0106] The safety lock can be set by performing a safety lock operation (setting operation) of inputting a PIN on the PIN setting screen (Fig. 13). When the safety lock is set, the gaming card 460 will not be issued unless the issuance conditions are met, even if the return button 443 or the break button 444 is operated. When the safety lock is set, i.e., when the issuance conditions for the gaming card 460 have been set, re-entering the safety lock PIN that has been set in advance becomes the issuance condition set for the gaming card 460. The touch panel 43 that displays the PIN setting screen (Fig. 13) functions as an issuance condition setting means that sets the issuance conditions for the gaming card 460 (recording medium) in accordance with the player's setting operation.

[0107] By appropriately touching the operation menu screen (not shown) displayed on the touch panel 43, the safety lock release screen (FIG. 14) can be switched to and displayed. This release screen has a "Cancel" button 4D and a "Back" button 4E for canceling the release. When the "Cancel" button 4D is touched, a PIN entry screen (not shown) is displayed. The safety lock can be released by entering the safety lock PIN on the PIN entry screen.

[0108] When the return button 443 is operated while the safety lock is set, a PIN entry screen (not shown) is displayed. By entering the safety lock PIN, the game card 460 can be issued. When the game card 460 is issued, the safety lock is released at the same time.

[0109] When the break button 444 is operated with the safety lock set, the score processing device 4 displays a break operation screen (FIG. 15) on the touch panel 43, prompting the user to enter a PIN. This break operation screen includes a PIN input field 4F and a numeric keypad 432 for entering numbers. When the safety lock PIN is entered on this break operation screen, the score processing device 4 sets the break state without issuing a game card 460. Note that when the break button 444 is operated with the safety lock not set, a safety lock setting screen (FIG. 12) may be displayed to prompt the user to set the safety lock. Alternatively, when the break button 444 is operated with the safety lock set, the break state may be set without prompting the user to enter a PIN.

[0110] In the rest state under the safety lock, a safety rest screen (FIG. 16) is displayed on the touch panel 43 of the score processing device 4. This safety rest screen displays the rest state under the safety lock and the remaining rest time. Furthermore, on this safety rest screen, text is displayed indicating that the game can be resumed by touching the screen.

[0111] When a player wants to resume play after a break, he or she simply touches the safety break screen (Fig. 16). Touching the safety break screen (Fig. 16) switches to the display of a resume play screen (Fig. 17) that requires the player to enter a PIN. This resume play screen has a PIN input field 4G and a numeric keypad 432 for entering numbers. By entering a preset safety lock PIN on the resume play screen, the break state can be ended and play can be resumed.

[0112] In the gaming information display system 1 of this example, when the issuing conditions for the gaming card 460 are set, that is, when the safety lock is set, the gaming information display system 1 can issue the gaming card 460 in response to the acceptance of the return operation, but will not issue the gaming card 460 even if the rest operation is accepted. When the rest operation is accepted by the score processing device 4, the composite display of the ball box image 61 (each machine gaming value image, FIG. 9) relating to the corresponding gaming machine 2 continues in the island composite image.

[0113] In the configuration of this example, when the issuing conditions for the game card 460 are set, the game card 460 will not be issued even if the player leaves the seat for a break, etc. This can prevent the player from forgetting to take the game card 460 issued during the break, and also allows the ball box image 61 to continue to be displayed, making it possible to clearly appeal to the ball output status of each gaming machine 2.

[0114] In this example, the security lock requires the entry of a PIN code when it is activated. However, instead of or in addition to entering a PIN code, the security lock may be activated by reading the device ID of a mobile device such as a smartphone. For example, if the score processing device 4 is equipped with a near-field communication (NFC) function, the device ID can be read from a mobile device equipped with the NFC function. When using the NFC function, it is preferable to enable the security lock to be released or a rest state to be set in the security lock state by authenticating the device ID when the security lock is activated. When the security lock is activated, the security lock may be terminated using a remote control owned by the employee. Furthermore, the security lock may be activated or released or a rest state to be set in the security lock state may be activated or cancelled by biometric authentication such as fingerprint authentication or iris authentication.

[0115] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail as examples, these examples merely disclose examples of the technology encompassed by the claims. Needless to say, the scope of the claims should not be interpreted as being limited by the configurations, numerical values, etc. of the specific examples. The claims encompass technologies that are obtained by variously modifying, changing, or appropriately combining the specific examples using publicly known technology and the knowledge of those skilled in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1. Game Information Display System 12 gaming management server (gaming information acquisition means, gaming data identification means, gaming value identification means, gaming data storage means, card information storage means) 131 Central aisle display device (central composite image display means) 133 Island display device (island composite image display means) 14 Image management server (captured image acquisition means, game data acquisition means, image storage means, image setting data storage means, island composite image creation means, central composite image creation means, composite image output means) 141 Central camera (central imaging means) 143 Island Camera (Island Imaging Means) 2. Gaming machines 3 Gaming information display device 4. Score processing device (issuing means) 43 Touch panel (issuance condition setting means) 5 floors 50 entrance 51 Central aisle 510 Amusement Island 515 Island Passage 61 Ball box image (each machine game value image) 65 Points display 66 Separate stacked ball box image (specific game value image) 66 Maximum MY image (maximum play value image)

Claims

1. In a gaming information display system for an amusement facility in which a plurality of gaming islands, each having a plurality of gaming machines installed thereon, are provided on a floor and an island passageway is provided along each gaming island, an island image capturing means for capturing images of the game island including the island passage to acquire images of the game island; a game value specifying means for specifying an acquired value representing the amount of game value acquired by a player on each gaming machine; an island composite image creating means for creating an island composite image, which is a composite image of the island image captured by the island imaging means and each machine game value image showing the earned value of each gaming machine installed on the gaming island; an island composite image display means for displaying the island composite image created by the island composite image creation means near the entrance of each island passage; issuing means for issuing a recording medium associated with the acquired value by accepting a return operation or a rest operation by a player; The island composite image creation means When the issuing means accepts the return operation, an island composite image is created excluding each machine game value image relating to the gaming machine corresponding to the return operation, A gaming information display system characterized in that, when the break operation is accepted by the issuing means, an island composite image is continuously created in which the game value images of each gaming machine corresponding to the break operation are composited.

2. an issuance condition setting means for setting issuance conditions for the recording medium in response to a setting operation by a player; When the issuance condition is set, the issuing means is capable of issuing the recording medium in response to acceptance of the return operation when the issuance condition is satisfied, but is not capable of issuing the recording medium in response to acceptance of the rest operation, The game information display system of claim 1, characterized in that the island composite image creation means is configured to create an island composite image in which the game value images of each gaming machine corresponding to the break operation are combined when the issuance conditions are set and the issuance conditions are further met, when the break operation is accepted by the issuance means.

3. the game value specifying means specifies, for each gaming machine, a maximum game value representing the maximum value of the game value owned by the player in the course of the game from the start of the game; the island composite image creating means creates an island composite image by combining a maximum gaming value image indicating the magnitude of the maximum gaming value of each gaming machine with the island image; The gaming information display system described in claim 1 or 2 is characterized in that even when an island composite image is created excluding the game value images of each gaming machine corresponding to the return operation in response to the acceptance of the return operation by the issuing means, an island composite image is created in which the maximum game value image of the gaming machine is composited.

Images