Game arcade system

Abstract

To reduce the possibility that a correspondence relation with game information is feared to be unstable, regarding maintenance information which makes it difficult to specify corresponding game information.SOLUTION: The system for game parlors manages the maintenance state of a first start pocket 15 (slit) of a game machine 1 as a rank, manages game information in association with the rank by a business day and a machine number unit, and manages S1 showing the ratio of the number of start winnings. A reference rank which is a specific rank and a setting S1 of the other rank are set with a reference S1 corresponding to the reference rank as a reference. Even in a case where the corresponding S1 is not converged or is difficult to specify such as difficult to be assumed, it is possible to reduce a concern that the correspondence relationship with the set S1 is unstable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for an amusement park. [Background technology]

[0002] Gaming parlors operate by installing gaming machines such as pachinko machines, and some of these parlors have a need to manage the maintenance status of gaming machines in association with game information. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes managing maintenance information indicating the maintenance status, such as the spacing between nails and the angle of inclination, in association with game information, such as the payout rate and number of starts obtained under that maintenance status, and adopting the corresponding maintenance information to obtain appropriate game information based on that management information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-126351 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Since game information does not converge until a certain amount of play has been performed, when maintenance information and game information are associated and managed as in Table 1 of Patent Document 1, for example, it is possible that some maintenance information has converged and other maintenance information has not converged. In other words, maintenance information may arise that raises concerns about the correspondence because the corresponding game information has not converged. To alleviate this sense of uncertainty, game play is required to the extent that the game information converges, but it is difficult to create a maintenance status that corresponds to all the desired maintenance information and play until each piece of game information converges. Furthermore, even when corresponding game information is identified, for example, by operational input, there is some maintenance information for which the corresponding game information can be roughly estimated, while there is also maintenance information for which it is difficult to estimate.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an amusement park system that can reduce the risk of concerns about the correspondence between maintenance information and game information when the corresponding game information is difficult to identify. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is a game information specifying means (for example, a management device 6, etc.) that specifies game information including start information (for example, the ratio (S) of the number of start wins) that indicates at least one of the winning status of a start port (for example, the first start port 15, etc.) provided in the game machine and the execution status of a unit game (for example, a start process, etc.) that is executed by winning at the start port, by at least one of a game signal output from the game machine and an operation input; a maintenance information setting means (for example, the management device 6, etc.) that sets a plurality of maintenance information (for example, rank, etc.) that indicates the maintenance status of the game machine; and a standard maintenance information specifying means that specifies standard maintenance information (for example, standard rank, "1175" shown in FIG. 7, etc.) that is specific maintenance information from the maintenance information. and a start information setting means (e.g., a management device 6, etc.) that is capable of setting set start information (e.g., setting S1, etc.), which is the start information corresponding to the maintenance information, and that sets standard set start information (e.g., setting S1, such as "550" shown in Figure 7) corresponding to the standard maintenance information based on the start information identified by the game information identification means, and the start information setting means sets general set start information (e.g., setting S1, such as "570", "590" shown in Figure 7), which corresponds to general maintenance information (e.g., other ranks, such as "1200", "1225" shown in Figure 8) among the maintenance information other than the standard maintenance information, based on the standard maintenance information and the standard set start information.

[0007] According to the invention described in claim 1, general setting start information corresponding to general maintenance information other than the standard maintenance information is set based on standard maintenance information, which is specific maintenance information among the maintenance information indicating the maintenance status of the gaming machine, and standard setting start information corresponding to the standard maintenance information.This makes it possible to reduce the risk of concerns about the correspondence between maintenance information for which it is difficult to identify the corresponding gaming information and gaming information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an amusement park system according to one embodiment; [Figure 2] Figure showing the raw data list (model A) [Figure 3] Figure showing game information collection (machine A) [Figure 4] Figure showing the rank-based aggregation (model A) [Figure 5] Diagram showing business plan [Figure 6] Diagram showing an example of calculation [Figure 7] Diagram showing default ranking settings [Figure 8] A diagram showing the model-specific ranking settings [Figure 9] Figure showing the first form [Figure 10] Maintenance reference diagram (part 1) [Figure 11] Maintenance reference diagram (part 2) [Figure 12] Figure showing the second report (before the conventional plan) [Figure 13] Figure showing the second report (after the conventional plan) [Figure 14] Figure showing the second report (after conventional ranking determination) [Figure 15] FIG. 2 shows a second form (the present embodiment) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of an amusement facility system. A large number of gaming machines 1 are installed in an amusement facility, and a gaming machine device 2 and an information display device 3 are installed corresponding to each gaming machine 1. Each of the gaming machines 1, gaming machine devices 2, and information display devices 3 is connected to a relay device 4, two at a time. The relay device 4 is connected to a management device 6 (corresponding to a gaming information determination means, a maintenance information setting means, a standard maintenance information determination means, a start-up information setting means, a management means, a default start-up information setting means, a fluctuation range registration means, a suppression means, a gaming information registration means, a calculation standard registration means, a presentation means, an extraction means, a calculation maintenance information determination means, a notification means, a start-up information comparison means, an update means, a maintenance information registration means, a profit / loss information derivation means, and a maintenance information determination means) via a LAN 5. The management device 6 receives gaming signals transmitted from the gaming machines (e.g., the gaming machines 1 and the gaming machine devices 2) and manages gaming data for each gaming machine. It also manages personal data for each registered member.

[0010] Also installed within the gaming facility are POS terminals, island counters, adjustment machines (none of which are shown), and these POS terminals, island counters, adjustment machines, etc. are also connected to the management device 6 via LAN 5. Although not shown in FIG. 1, in reality, for example, several hundred gaming machines 1 are managed by the management device 6. The management device 6 is installed in, for example, an office within the gaming facility, and is connected to a keyboard 7, a monitor 8, a printer (not shown), etc., which are operated by the gaming facility manager. The management device 6 manages the operating status of the gaming machines 1, gaming device 2, etc. installed within the gaming facility.

[0011] Cards that players use at gaming parlors include membership cards (membership recording media) and general cards (general recording media). Membership cards are valid until a preset expiration date (for example, three years) and are issued to players who have registered as members in advance. The balls corresponding to the membership card are stored for each loan price in a membership account in the management device 6. An IC chip built into the membership card records a member ID that can identify the card, as well as recorded (associated) with deposit balance information that can identify the deposit balance deposited in the gaming machine device 2. The balls corresponding to the membership card are associated (associated) with the membership card by reading, from the membership account, stored ball information (earned value information) that can identify the balls (playing value, earned value) stored for each loan price in the membership account in the management device 6.

[0012] General cards are valid only for the day and are issued to an unspecified number of players, including players who are not registered as members of the gaming facility. However, if a player so desires, they can also be issued to registered players. The IC chip built into the general card records (associates) a general ID that can identify the card, as well as deposit balance information that can identify the deposit balance deposited into the gaming machine device 2, and ball information (acquired value information) that can identify the balls (play value, acquired value) acquired by the player through play on that day, for each loan price. However, if the deposit balance information and ball information can be associated with a recording medium like a card, it is of course possible to adopt a configuration in which the management device 6 records them in association with the identification information of the recording medium, for example, without recording them on the recording medium.

[0013] We will now explain the gaming machine 1. The gaming machine 1 has an operating handle 10, an upper tray 11, and a lower tray 12 that constitute a launching device that launches balls onto a board 9, and the board 9 also has an LCD display 13, a regular prize opening 14, a first start opening 15, a second start opening 16, a big prize opening 17, etc.

[0014] The gaming machine 1 performs the following operations. (1) The first starting hole 15 is a winning hole (a so-called center hole winning hole) in which the winning rate does not fluctuate, and the second starting hole 16 is a winning hole (a so-called electric chute) in which the winning rate fluctuates.

[0015] (2) A lottery for a jackpot is held in response to a winning entry (start winning entry) into the first starting port 15 or the second starting port 16, and the result of the lottery is announced by a pattern change on the LCD display unit 13, and a jackpot is awarded in response to the result of the change.

[0016] (3) If a start win occurs during a pattern change, the pattern changes are cumulatively reserved up to a predetermined reserved upper limit (for example, 4 each), and the reserved pattern changes will start after the pattern change ends. Note that if a start win occurs when the number of reserved pattern changes (reserved number) is at the upper limit, the pattern change will not be reserved.

[0017] (4) The probability of winning the jackpot lottery (jackpot probability) is 1 / 200, and the probability rate, which is the percentage of jackpots that subsequently enter a probability state (probability change) and result in a jackpot (probability change jackpot), is 50% for center hole wins and 70% for the electric chute. When a jackpot occurs, the large prize slot 17 opens for the allocated number of rounds (R). Here, for center hole wins, all Rs are allocated to 4R, while for the electric chute, 50% are allocated to 10R and 50% to 4R. The maximum number of prizes per R is 10, and the maximum opening time is 30 seconds. One R ends when either the maximum number of prizes or the maximum opening time is reached.

[0018] (5) During the probability variation, the probability of winning increases to 1 / 50, and the time-saving state (time-saving) in which the winning rate to the first starting slot 15 and the second starting slot 16 increases becomes a compound time-saving state (time-saving), which continues until a jackpot occurs. On the other hand, if a normal jackpot that does not become a probability variation occurs, the time-saving state (single time-saving) that does not become a probability variation continues until 100 pattern variations are performed, and if a jackpot does not occur, it returns to the normal state.

[0019] (6) The second starting port 16 opens to a high winning rate when the normal symbol (normal symbol) that changes depending on the winning of the normal symbol winning port 14 becomes a winning symbol. In this case, the normal symbol changes over 30 seconds in the normal state and 3 seconds in the time-saving state. Also, the opening time is 0.3 seconds in the normal state and 5 seconds in the time-saving state. In other words, in the time-saving state, the normal symbol change time is shorter than in the normal state, while the opening time is longer, resulting in a higher winning rate for the second starting port 16.

[0020] In addition to these gaming machines, gaming machines other than those exemplified above, such as so-called ST machines that use a so-called limited-number probability change, gaming machines that can generate so-called ceiling time reductions, or gaming machines that have multiple jackpot probabilities that can be changed by settings, may also be subject to management.

[0021] The gaming machine 1 and the peripheral devices attached to the gaming machine 1 output the following gaming signals as the game progresses, such as when the player shoots a ball or when a ball enters the first starting hole 15 or the second starting hole 16.

[0022] Out signal = A signal (operation signal) that can identify the consumption value (out) output from the out box that collects consumed balls. Since one pulse is output for every 10 balls consumed (used, inserted, collected), the "number of out signals x 10" is identified as out. Note that it may also be a signal output from the gaming machine 1.

[0023] Safe signal = a signal that can identify the winning value (safe) output from the gaming machine 1. Since one pulse is output for every 10 balls paid out in response to a win, "number of safe signals x 10" is identified as safe. The supply signal output from the supply device can also be used as the safe signal. There are two types of safe signals: an actual safe signal that is output when balls are actually paid out, and a winning safe signal that is output when a payout is reserved in response to a win; however, it is preferable to use the latter in order to minimize the time lag between winning and output.

[0024] Start signal = A signal that can specify the start processing (pattern change, device operation, unit game) and start (number of start processing) in the liquid crystal display unit 13 (device) that changes (operates) in response to the start winning (S winning) output from the gaming machine 1. Since it is output when the pattern change is confirmed, the start processing is specified according to the signal input.

[0025] S winning signal: A signal that can identify the number of starting winnings output from the gaming machine 1 at the time of starting winning.

[0026] The jackpot signal is a signal capable of identifying the jackpot period output from the gaming machine 1. Since it is a status signal whose level is output during a jackpot, the time when the jackpot signal is being input is identified as the time when a jackpot is occurring.

[0027] The special state signal is a signal that can identify a special state (sweet state) output from the gaming machine 1. Since it is a state signal that is output at a high level during a special state (during time reduction (including combined time reduction)) in which the winning rate of the second starting port 16 increases, the special state is identified as being in progress when the special state signal is being input. Note that it may also be a state signal (probability variable signal) that is output at a high level during a probability variable in which the probability of a jackpot increases. Furthermore, the period in which neither a jackpot signal nor a special state signal is input is identified as being in a normal state.

[0028] The gaming machine 2 will now be described. The gaming machine 2 includes a status indicator light 18 that indicates the game status of the gaming machine 1 and the status of the gaming machine 2, a bill slot 19 into which bills are inserted, a camera unit 20 (only a protective cover is shown in FIG. 1 ) that incorporates a camera that photographs the upper body, including the player's face, a touch-panel LCD display unit 21 that accepts operation inputs from the player and displays game data such as the number of symbol changes (start), the probability of a jackpot, or the balance and number of balls held as the game progresses, a payout button 22 that is operated to pay out balls, a payout nozzle 23 through which paid out balls pass, a card insertion slot 24 into which a membership card or general card is inserted, and a detachable counting tray 25 located below the lower tray 12 of the gaming machine 1. The gaming machine 2 also includes a remote control receiver (not shown) that receives remote control signals transmitted from an employee remote control carried by an employee.

[0029] The gaming machine device 2 performs the following operations. (1) When currency (banknotes, coins, etc.) is accepted (currency acceptance process), the amount of deposit is displayed on both the gaming machine 1 and the gaming device 2, and one unit of loaned balls (value of the loaned balls) (for example, 500 yen) is paid out from the gaming machine 1 (value grant process, grant process), and the amount of deposit is displayed as the remaining deposit amount excluding the value of the loaned balls according to the value grant process. Currency can be accepted in an amount corresponding to multiple value grant processes (for example, up to 11,000 yen).

[0030] (2) When the loan button on the gaming machine 1 is pressed (loan operation, grant operation) while there is a deposit balance, one unit of loan balls is paid out from the gaming machine 1, and the payment amount is deducted from the deposit balance. It also has a so-called counting function for each machine, which counts the balls acquired by the player and can also pay back balls using the counted balls as payment, and the number of balls excluding the payment amount can be determined as the balls held.

[0031] (3) When the return button on the gaming machine 1 is pressed (the issuance operation is accepted) while there is a remaining deposit balance or balls in hand, a general card is issued that can identify the remaining deposit balance and balls in hand. In this case, a minimum issuance limit (the amount of gaming value indicated by the predetermined minimum issuance limit information, the number of balls corresponding to the assumed purchase price of the general card, for example, 500 yen, or 125 balls for a 4-yen pachinko machine) is set for the general card, and when the deposit balance is "0," the condition for issuance is that the number of balls in hand reaches the minimum issuance limit. In other words, if a general card or membership card is not inserted and the deposit balance is not "0," a general card is dispensed and issued from the card stock section regardless of whether the number of balls in hand has reached the minimum issuance limit. However, if the deposit balance is "0," a general card will be issued if the number of balls in hand has reached the minimum issuance limit, but will not be issued (prohibited issuance) if the number of balls in hand has not reached the minimum issuance limit. Furthermore, if a general card is inserted and the deposit balance is not "0", the inserted general card will be issued regardless of whether the number of balls held has reached the minimum issuance limit, but if the deposit balance is "0", a card will be issued if the number of balls held has reached the minimum issuance limit, but if the number of balls held has not reached the minimum issuance limit, the card will not be issued (issuance is prohibited). There is no minimum issuance limit set for member cards, and if a member card is inserted, the inserted member card will be issued regardless of whether the deposit balance is "0". Note that, for the sake of simplicity, partial issuance, in which a portion of the deposit balance or held balls is to be issued, is not permitted, but it may be permitted.

[0032] (4) Serial communication with the relay device 4 (receiving sales signals) makes it possible to identify the currency acceptance process, the payment process, the remaining deposit balance, the number of balls lent, the deposit amount, the number of balls lent, the sales amount in exchange for the lent balls, the counted balls, the balls in hand, the payout balls, and the acceptance and issuance process of general cards. However, these can also be identified by pulse signals (for example, one pulse for every 1,000 yen deposited, one pulse for every 100 yen in sales, etc.).

[0033] The management device 6 manages game information by business day and machine number in association with a rank. The rank is an indicator of the maintenance status (equivalent to maintenance information) of the first start hole 15 (navel) of the gaming machine 1, and corresponds to, for example, the nail width at the top of the first start hole 15. When checking the nail width at the top of the first start hole 15 in an amusement parlor, a so-called plate gauge (checking tool) consisting of a group of plates with different widths, such as "11.25 mm," "11.50 mm," and "11.75 mm," is used. One of the plates is placed between the nails at the top of the first start hole 15 to check which plate the nail width corresponds to. The rank can be set to correspond to such a checking tool. In addition to the plate gauge described above, a ball gauge can also be used as a checking tool.

[0034] The management device 6 can set multiple ranks, and can set S1, which is the ratio of the number of start winnings corresponding to each rank (corresponding to start information, basic start information, and actual start information), as the setting S1 (corresponding to the setting start information). Note that S1 is shown as an example of the target of setting S1, but for example, the start (number of symbol fluctuations) or winning S1 may also be the target, and it is possible to arbitrarily set which one to target. Also, setting S1 may be set by operation input.

[0035] 2 shows a list of raw data for "machine A" that is compiled and managed by the management device 6. The definitions of each item are as follows. Note that "average" indicates the average for gaming machines for machine A, and "total" indicates the total for gaming machines for machine A.

[0036] Rank = Indicates the maintenance status of the first starting port 15 (center) of the gaming machine 1 (determined by separate operation input, etc.). Out = Indicates the gaming value consumed in the gaming machine 1 identified by the Out signal. Safe = Indicates the gaming value awarded in response to a win on the gaming machine 1 identified by the safe signal. Start = Indicates the number of times the device in the gaming machine 1 specified by the start signal is activated. Incidentally, including the following, "normal" indicates game information corresponding to a normal period that is not a time-saving period, and "sweet" indicates game information corresponding to a special state period such as a time-saving period. S1 Win=Indicates the number of starting wins in the gaming machine 1 identified by the S win signal. Sales balls = indicates the gaming value (number of loaned balls, value of consideration) given in exchange for monetary value in the corresponding gaming machine device 2 identified by the sales signal. Number of jackpots = The number of jackpots specified by the jackpot signal. "Normal" is the number of jackpots that occurred during normal times, and indicates the number of so-called "initial hits." "Specific" indicates the number of specific jackpots that occurred, which are jackpots that meet specific conditions (for example, T1Y within a standard range set for T1Y (for example, 1000 to 2000)).

[0037] T Out = Out during T (during jackpot and sweet win) T Safe = Safe during T (during big wins and sweet wins) T1 out = Out during T1 (during a jackpot) T1 Safe = Safe during T1 (jackpot) Special T1 Out = Out during T1 for specific jackpots only Special T1 Safe = Safe during T1 for specific jackpots only

[0038] For convenience of explanation, this embodiment is based on the premise that the gaming parlor does not have a replay system based on so-called saved balls, but if the gaming parlor has a replay system, it is desirable to include replay balls in the sales balls in the calculation. Note that replay balls that are used to pay back balls that a player has won on that business day do not need to be included in the sales balls.

[0039] 3 shows the gaming information summary for "machine A" that is compiled and managed by the management device 6. The definitions of each item are as follows. Note that "average" indicates the average for gaming machines for machine A.

[0040] Base = Indicates the payout rate for each state (normal, sweet). "Normal" is determined by B safe ÷ BO, and "sweet" is determined by B safe A ÷ BOA. Including below, "BO", which is an out during normal times, is determined by out - T out, "B safe", which is a safe during normal times, is determined by safe - T safe, "BOA", which is an out during sweet times, is determined by T out - T1 out, and "B safe A", which is a safe during sweet times, is determined by T safe - T1 safe, but BO, B safe, BOA, and B safe A can also be determined as raw data. Note that below, the base during normal times will simply be referred to as base, and the base during sweet times will also be referred to as BA.

[0041] S = Indicates the ratio of the number of symbol changes to the number of outs for each state. "Normal" is determined by normal start / BO, and "sweet" is determined by sweet start / BOA. S1 = indicates the ratio of start wins to outs for each state. "Normal" is determined by normal average S1 win = normal S1 win ÷ BO, and "sweet" is determined by sweet average S1 win = sweet S1 win ÷ BOA. Also, S1 corresponds to the first start hole 15 (center hole), which is the start hole with the highest winning rate during normal conditions, and is distinguished from other start holes such as the second start hole 16 (electric chute) (S2) and S3. In the following, S will be referred to as the average S during normal conditions, S1 as the average S1 win, S during sweet conditions as SA, and S1 during sweet conditions as S1A.

[0042] Effective rate = The ratio of the number of symbol changes to the start winning. It is determined by the normal start divided by the normal S winning. Note that the effective rate can be managed not only for normal wins but also for sweet wins. BY = Base excluding the amount of pattern fluctuation. "Normal" is determined by normal base - normal average S x starting prize ball, and "sweet medium" is determined by sweet medium base - sweet medium average S x starting prize ball. The starting prize ball is a safe per starting prize, and is calculated using "3". BYmin = Base excluding starting winnings. "Normal" is determined by normal base - normal average S winning x starting winning ball, and "sweet medium" is determined by sweet medium base - sweet medium average S winning x starting winning ball.

[0043] T1Y = Average number of balls paid out during a jackpot. Determined by (T1 safe - T1 out) ÷ total number of jackpots. Total number of jackpots = number of regular jackpots + number of special jackpots. T1O = Average jackpot out. Determined by T1 out / total number of jackpots. Special T1Y = T1Y for specific jackpots. (Special T1 safe - Special T1 out) ÷ number of specific jackpots Special T1O = T1O for specific jackpots. Determined by Special T1 Out / number of specific jackpots.

[0044] Payout rate = The ratio of safes to outs (payout rate, award rate). Determined by Safe / Out. B-SA = Indicates the difference in the number of balls during normal play. Identified by BO-B Safe. Customer retention rate = The ratio of B-Sa to sales. Determined by B-Sa ÷ sales.

[0045] Gross profit = indicates the operating profit of the amusement parlor based on the amount of play. It is determined by the formula: Sales amount - acquired balls x rental cost x cost rate. Note that the calculation is based on acquired balls (acquired value) = sold balls + safe - out, sales amount = sold balls x rental cost, rental cost = 4 yen, and cost rate = 93.5%. Unit price = Sales amount per out. Determined by sales amount / out. Gross profit per ball = Gross profit per out. Determined by gross profit / out. Sales share = The ratio of the arcade's profit and loss (ball losses) to the actual sales amount (ball sales). Determined by winning balls divided by ball sales.

[0046] FIG. 4 shows an example of aggregating gaming information such as S1 (corresponding to start-up information, base start-up information, and actual start-up information) collected as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 above by rank (the base start-up information and operation information are managed separately by maintenance information indicating the maintenance status under which the base start-up information and operation information were obtained). While FIG. 4 illustrates aggregation by model, aggregation by gaming machine is also possible, and the reference target for the gaming information by rank, described below, may also be by model or gaming machine. The rank column indicates the rank registered by gaming machine, as shown in the raw data list in FIG. 2, and gaming information is sorted and aggregated by the business day on which the rank is registered. The number of machines column indicates the total number of gaming machines registered with the corresponding rank, and the average / total column at the bottom indicates the number of business days. In other words, the rank-based aggregation shown in FIG. 4 is gaming information covering "30" business days. Furthermore, the reference period can be any period, and by managing the gaming information as shown in Figures 2 and 3 in association with dates (corresponding to the period corresponding to the performance start information) on a business day basis, if an arbitrary period is specified as described below, the gaming information for that period can be extracted and specified as in the rank-unit aggregation shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, for example, a range can be set in S1, and the corresponding gaming information can be managed instead of or together with the rank.

[0047] In the average / total column at the bottom, the "average" for OUT and BO indicates the average value for each business day and gaming machine, while "total" indicates the total for the entire reference period. The "average" for S1 and S indicates the ratio of S1 or start to OUT, similar to the gaming information summary shown in Figure 3 for the entire reference period, while "total" indicates the total for each business day, i.e., cumulative S1 or so-called cumulative start. Furthermore, since OUT and BO are also cumulative values ​​for one business day, they may be indicated as cumulative OUT or cumulative BO (equivalent to operation information) as necessary, but as mentioned above, they may also be indicated as OUT or BO without the specific "cumulative" prefix. Any information other than OUT or BO may be used as operation information, such as cumulative S or S1, or information indicating operation such as a jackpot. Note that the payout rate and subsequent figures indicate the average value for the entire reference period.

[0048] As will be described later, the rank with the most outs and BOs in the reference period is identified as the first rank, the rank with the second most, etc. In the example of Figure 4, for example, the total out is "2050620", and the highest rank "1175" is set as the first rank (corresponding to standard maintenance information, which is maintenance information corresponding to operation information showing the largest operation level), and the line from the first rank "1175" to the customer occupancy rate "122.6%" is identified and output in "yellow", and the second highest rank "1200" in the total out is "1019260", and the line from the second rank "1200" to the customer occupancy rate "130.6%" is identified and output in "orange" (corresponding to next-best maintenance information, which is maintenance information corresponding to operation information showing the next largest operation level). In Figure 4, for example, the first rank "1175 (yellow)" indicates that the first rank number "1175" is included in one line of notation and the background color is "yellow," and the second rank "1200 (orange)" indicates that the second rank number "1200" is included in one line of notation and the background color is "orange." The same applies to the other identification outputs based on coloring, including the other colors that follow.

[0049] The management device 6 plans gross profit per ball (corresponding to gross profit information and registration information) for each business day and machine type, and creates a management plan for each machine type, as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 shows the aggregated values ​​and planned values ​​of gaming information for machine type A for a specified planning period (e.g., "March 1st to March 31st"). The "Actual" in "Status" indicates that the gaming information is actual gaming information already obtained during the gaming parlor's business hours, and the "Expected" in "Status" indicates that the value is a simulated value for future business hours. Figure 5 shows the planned values ​​for March, as simulated values ​​for gaming information from "March 13th" after business hours have ended up until "March 12th." From "March 13th" onwards, the planned values ​​are exemplified assuming that the payout rate and unit price of balls would be arbitrary values ​​(in Figure 5, the payout rate is "94.6%" and the unit price of balls is "2.3") if the outs from one week prior were obtained, but any values ​​may be used as the planned values. These planned values ​​can be changed by adjusting the rank, as described below.

[0050] The bottom row shows the totals divided into "Actual" and "Expected," with "Entire Period" showing the total for the entire planning period combining these. In other words, "Actual" corresponds to "March 1st to March 12th," "Expected" corresponds to "March 13th to March 31st," and "Entire Period" corresponds to "March 1st to March 31st." In this way, management plans are made for each machine, and the total values ​​are used as the planned values ​​for the entire amusement center. Furthermore, when compared with the "Maintenance Reference Diagram" shown in Figure 10, which will be described later, the "planned gross profit on balls" of model A shown in Figure 10 corresponds to "initial" (0.330) in the summary column shown in Figure 5, the "current month's gross profit on balls" of model A corresponds to "actual" (0.300) in the summary column, the "previous planned gross profit on balls" of model A corresponds to "gross profit on balls" on "March 12th" (0.350), and the "planned gross profit on balls" of model A corresponds to "gross profit on balls" on "March 13th" (0.350).

[0051] Here, information (corresponding to calculation standard information; gross profit on balls is a reference value) identified (in Figure 6, "identification" is indicated by a dot pattern) such as "T1Y" to "unit price of balls" and "rental unit price" to "exchange unit price" shown in Figure 6 is pre-registered based on, for example, performance information and operational inputs such as those shown in Figures 2 to 4, or information received from an external system manufacturer's server. By using this information to calculate the payout rate from gross profit on balls and then calculating S1 from the payout rate, it is possible to identify the corresponding S1 from the gross profit on balls for each business day and machine type. Figure 6 also shows a calculation example, but a more detailed calculation example and method for calculating the payout rate from gross profit on balls is described below. Similarly, if the calculation standard information shown in Figure 6 is registered, it is also possible to derive the payout rate, gross profit on balls, etc. from S1.

[0052] Gross profit = Sales - (Sales + Safe-out) x Exchange price Gross profit = Out × {Ball price - (Ball price / Loan price + Withdrawal rate - 1) × Exchange price} Gross profit on balls = unit price of balls - (unit price of balls ÷ unit rental price + withdrawal rate - 1) x unit exchange price (Unit price of balls ÷ Unit price of loan + Withdrawal rate - 1) × Exchange price = Unit price of balls - Gross profit on balls Ball unit price ÷ lending price + withdrawal rate - 1 = (ball unit price - ball gross profit) ÷ exchange price Payout rate = (unit price of balls - gross profit on balls) ÷ exchange price + 1 - unit price of balls ÷ lending price

[0053] An example of calculation to find S1 from the payout rate is shown below. Outcome rate = (B safe + T safe) ÷ (BO + TO) BO+TO=(B safe+T safe)÷out rate BO = (BO × Base + T Safe) ÷ Out Rate - TO BO-BO × (S1 × S prize ball + BYmin) ÷ payout rate = T safe ÷ payout rate - TO

[0054] Here, BO=TS÷S, so TS÷S-TS÷S×(S1×S prize ball+BYmin)÷Output rate=T safe÷Output rate-TO TS - (TS x S1 x S prize ball) ÷ Output rate - (TS x BYmin) ÷ Output rate = (T Safe × S) ÷ Out Rate - TO × S

[0055] Here, S1 = S ÷ effective rate, so (T safe × S) ÷ Output rate - TO × S + (TS × S ÷ Effective rate × S prize ball) ÷ Output rate =TS-(TS×BYmin)÷output rate S × (T safe-TO × output rate + TS ÷ effective rate × S prize ball) =TS×Output rate-TS×BYmin S = TS × (Output rate - BYmin) ÷ (T safe - TO × Output rate + TS ÷ Effective rate × S prize ball) S1 = TS × (Output rate - BYmin) ÷ Effective rate ÷ (T safe - TO × Output rate + TS ÷ Effective rate × S prize ball)

[0056] We will explain why BO = TS ÷ S. First, theoretically, a first win (a jackpot that occurs under normal conditions) can be expected with a symbol change equivalent to TS, so the out required to obtain a symbol change equivalent to TS is the theoretically required BO (out in normal conditions) to obtain a first win. Since S indicates the ratio of the number of symbol changes to BO, such as cumulative symbol changes divided by cumulative BO, TS symbol changes divided by BO = S, and rearranging the equation using BO yields BO = TS ÷ S. The same is true for TSA ÷ SA. This derivation method is merely an appropriate adjustment of the example calculation formula shown in [Figure 6] of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-42150, and can be considered publicly known. The calculation shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-102369 may also be employed.

[0057] Now, let's talk about S1. In this embodiment, S1 is treated as "the average value of S1 winnings (average S1 winnings)", but S1 can also be treated as follows, taking into account cases where the pattern changes due to winnings in the electric chute or other center holes during normal play. For example, if there are two center holes and one electric chute, center hole 1, center hole 2, and electric chute can be defined as S1 winnings, S2 winnings, and S3 winnings, respectively, and the average values ​​of each can be found and the ratio (winning ratio) can be calculated.

[0058] For example, the average S1 winning rate is 5.0%, the average S2 winning rate is 0.02%, and the average S3 winning rate is 0.3%, which adds up to 5.32%. S1 winning rate = 5.0% ÷ 5.32% = 94.0% S2 winning rate = 0.02% ÷ 5.32% = 0.4% S3 winning rate = 0.3% ÷ 5.32% = 5.6% And S1 = S ÷ validity rate × (S1 winning rate + S2 winning rate) =5.12% ÷ 96.0% × (94.0% + 0.02%) = 5.01% In the above, only the S3 winnings were excluded, but the S2 winnings may also be excluded, or both the S3 winnings and the S2 winnings may be excluded to correspond to the average winnings of only the center hole 1.

[0059] The management device 6 sets a default setting S1 for each gaming parlor. FIG. 7 shows a default rank setting indicating the correspondence between the setting S1 and rank for each gaming parlor (equivalent to setting the setting start information to default). It is possible to set not only the corresponding setting S1 for each rank, but also the targets for use and warnings. In FIG. 7, the reference rank, described below, is set to "1175," and the reference rank "1175" and the corresponding setting S1, "550," are distinguishably displayed in yellow. Hereinafter, to make it easier to understand the numerical value of the setting S1, "5.50%" will be displayed as "550." The same applies to other settings. In this embodiment, a reference rank is set in the default rank setting. However, since the reference rank differs for each model, it is not necessary to set a reference rank in the default rank setting if a separate reference rank is set for each model when a new machine is introduced.

[0060] The setting S1 can be finely adjusted on a rank-by-rank basis. Deadlines (equivalent to upper and lower limits) can be set for ranks, such as when a rank is too high or too low, and there are two levels of deadlines: "Caution" and "Warning." In the "Usability & Warning Selection" column shown in Figure 7, a checked checkbox indicates that the item is usable (usable), and an unchecked checkbox indicates that the item is not usable (not usable). "Caution" ranks ("1125," "1275," "1300") are output in yellow, and "Warning" ranks ("1100," "1325") are output in red. Note that it is also possible to use only either "Caution" or "Warning."

[0061] FIG. 8 shows model-specific rank settings for setting the setting S1 (corresponding to setting start information) corresponding to the rank (corresponding to maintenance information) on a model-by-model basis. The management device 6 performs maintenance information presentation processing and difference information presentation processing by presenting FIG. 8. When a new model is introduced, a standard rank (standard rank, corresponding to standard maintenance information) and a setting S1 (standard S1, corresponding to standard setting start information) corresponding to that standard rank are registered. For example, a case where a new rank setting is set assuming that model A is newly introduced will be explained. The default setting shown in FIG. 7 is set as the initial value, so there is no problem with leaving it as it is and if the rank is not to be adjusted, there is no need to set it again.

[0062] On the other hand, when adjusting the rank, for example, numerical values ​​are set in the columns for the reference value actual value and the S1 actual value (the same applies to the rank range and the fluctuation range). In FIG. 8, for model A, "1175 (corresponding to the corresponding maintenance information)" is set as the reference value actual value and "560" is set as the S1 actual value. To reflect the contents, the "right arrow" button 51 in the "Reflect" column is operated as described below. In this case, the input value is set as the S1 of the reference rank, while the difference from the set S1 (set start information) for the reference rank is specified (a default value may also be used for comparison). Here, in the case of model B described below, when a new product is introduced and put into operation and actual values ​​are obtained, the S1 actual value indicates the S1 actual value (corresponding to the actual start information) corresponding to the rank indicated in the reference value actual value for the specified period (corresponding to the set period).

[0063] In the example of Figure 8, the setting S1 corresponding to the rank "1175" is set to "550" (corresponding to the default setting start information), but as described below, once set, the set setting S1 is displayed (corresponding to the first presentation process). As described above, the difference between this "550" and the S1 actual value of "560" is determined to be "10," and the settings S1 for other ranks (corresponding to the general setting start information) are also set so that this difference is maintained for other ranks (corresponding to the general setting start information) (this corresponds to adjusting the difference between the default setting start information and the reference setting start information so that it is reflected in the general setting start information). For example, if the rank is "1300," the setting S1 is set to "670," so "10" is added to "670" to set "680." Note that the reference rank is also identified and output in yellow in Figure 8.

[0064] After setting setting S1 in this way, if you want to register a rank that does not exist in Figure 7, such as "1108," or if you want to delete a set rank, you can add or delete a rank by operating the relevant section, so you can add or delete it in this way and set the corresponding setting S1 or "warning." Note that the ranks for "caution" and "warning" are also set in the same way by the identification output of "red" or "yellow" shown in Figure 7, so if you want to change them, you can change them by operating the corresponding section. Similarly, the reference rank and setting S1 may also be set by operating input (corresponding to game information identification means).

[0065] The above explanation is a setting method based on the default rank setting shown in FIG. 7, but in this embodiment, a fluctuation range can also be set (equivalent to registering a fluctuation range). The fluctuation range includes a rank width indicating the difference between ranks (e.g., "25" for "1150" and "1175") and an S1 width indicating the difference in setting S1 between ranks (e.g., "20" for "530" and "550"). By setting these two and the setting S1 for the base rank, the setting S1 for ranks other than the base rank is set so that the difference between adjacent ranks is the rank width and S1 width (e.g., if the rank increases by "25" from the base rank, the setting S is increased by "20" (equivalent to setting the general setting start information based on the difference of the fluctuation range from the base start information)). This configuration reduces the need to pre-set the default rank setting shown in FIG. 7, but if a fluctuation range is used, fine adjustments will be required.

[0066] 8, the "right arrow" buttons 51, 52 in the reflection column are divided into reference value actual value and S1 actual value, and rank width change value and S1 width actual value, and are reflected by operating the corresponding "right arrow" buttons 51, 52, but if you want to reflect only one of the values ​​targeted by the "right arrow" buttons 51, 52 (S1 width in the case of a variable width), you can simply leave the other (same rank width) unchanged. Also, by checking the checkboxes in the reflection column, it is possible to reflect the settings for all target models at once.

[0067] Here, the rank width, S1 width, reference value S1, etc. are entered by operating the appropriate section, but when a rank value is selected, an operation section showing an "up arrow" or "down arrow" pops up (the same applies to other operations), so the rank can be changed in the set rank unit by operating these. In other words, if an unexpected value is adopted, there is a risk that it will no longer correspond to the plate gauge described above, so the rank can be changed in the set rank unit.

[0068] The actual value column will now be described. When actual values ​​such as those shown in Figures 2 to 4 have not been obtained (including when the allowable value has not been reached), such as when a new system is installed, the actual value column shows the numerical values ​​set in the "Setting List" on the right (the numerical values ​​shown in Figure 7 are set when a new system is installed). On the other hand, when actual values ​​are obtained after the system is installed and operations are carried out, the first rank with the most BOs in Figure 4 during a predetermined reference period (corresponding to the set period), such as one week, is set as the reference rank S1, and the difference between the second rank with the second most BOs and the first rank is shown as the fluctuation range (this corresponds to registering the fluctuation range based on the difference between the reference maintenance information, which is maintenance information corresponding to the operation information showing the largest magnitude of operation among the operation information managed by classification based on maintenance information, and the second maintenance information, which is maintenance information corresponding to the operation information showing the second largest magnitude of operation).

[0069] The reference period can be set to any period by operating icons 53 to 56 for the items indicated by icons 53 to 56 on the numeric keypad in Fig. 8 (for example, it is possible to set a reference period in which only the reference value differs from the others). Furthermore, when the fluctuation range is determined based on the performance data as described above, the first rank and the second rank are compared, and if there is a contradiction in the performance data, such as a higher rank but a lower S1 (corresponding to a case where a predetermined abnormal condition is met), the determination of the fluctuation range is suppressed. Furthermore, as described above, it is also possible to manually input any value.

[0070] When a value is displayed in the actual value field in this way, it is compared with the value in the setting list on the right, and if it differs (a separate tolerance for the difference may be set, and if the difference reaches the tolerance, it is determined to be different), it is identified and output in red. For example, for model B, the reference value setting value is "1200 (corresponding to the corresponding maintenance information)" and the S1 setting value is "540 (corresponding to the set start information)." However, the first rank of the reference value actual value is "1225 (corresponding to the corresponding maintenance information)," and the S1 actual value of that first rank is "570 (corresponding to the actual start information)." Therefore, "1225" and "570" are identified and output in red (corresponding to the second presentation process). Similarly, the S1 width setting value was "20," but the S1 width actual value was "18," so "18" is identified and output in red. Here, operating the "right arrow" button 51 for the reference value actual value and S1 actual value updates the setting values ​​using the new reference value, as described above. The same applies to the rank width change value and the S1 width actual value; when the "right arrow" button 52 for the rank width change value and the S1 width actual value is operated, the set value is updated for the new rank width in the same manner as above.

[0071] Using the planned gross profit on balls (corresponding to registration information, planned profit and loss information) as illustrated in Figure 5 and preset standard values ​​(corresponding to calculation standard information) such as from "T1Y" to "ball unit price" and from "lending unit price" to "exchange unit price" identified and illustrated in Figure 6, S1 that can be derived by the calculation illustrated in Figure 6, for example, is derived as calculation S1 (corresponding to calculation start information, plan-related information), and two settings S1 that approximate calculation S1 (for example, a minimum setting S1 that is larger than calculation S1, and a maximum setting S1 that is smaller than calculation S1) (corresponding to two setting start information that approximate calculation start information) are extracted.

[0072] In addition, the calculation S1 may be derived using other game information, such as payout rate, as long as it is information corresponding to S1, not limited to gross profit on balls. When two settings S1 are extracted, the ranks corresponding to the two extracted settings S1 (corresponding to the setting maintenance information corresponding to each of the two setting start information) are calculated proportionally, and the calculation rank (corresponding to the calculation maintenance information) corresponding to the calculation S1 is derived (this corresponds to specifying the calculation maintenance information so that the relationship between the two setting start information and the calculation start information corresponds to the relationship between the two setting maintenance information and the calculation maintenance information). For example, if the rank corresponding to the setting S1 "570" is "1225" and the rank corresponding to the setting S1 "590" is "1250," and the calculation S1 calculated from the planned gross profit on balls is "588," the calculation rank corresponding to the calculation S1 is derived using the following formula. Arithmetic rank = 1225 + (1250 - 1225) x (588 - 570) ÷(590-570)=1247.5

[0073] A corresponding rank range (corresponding to the setting maintenance information) can be arbitrarily set for the rank (corresponding to the acceptable range), and a registered rank (corresponding to the registered maintenance information) that corresponds to the rank range to which the identified calculation rank belongs as described above (corresponding to the setting maintenance information associated with the acceptable range to which the calculation maintenance information belongs) is identified and presented, but the registered rank may also be presented on the condition that it is different from the rank currently used.

[0074] The reason why the rank range can be set arbitrarily is that, for example, the range for rank "1250" is not limited to "1238" to "1262," but rather, if a harsh rank is to be presented to players, it can be "1250" to "1274," and conversely, if a lenient rank is to be presented, it can be "1226" to "1250." For example, if the calculated rank is "1247.5," "1225" will be presented if it is harsh, and "1250" if it is lenient (both of these correspond to registered maintenance information).

[0075] Alternatively, instead of or in addition to a rank range, an arbitrarily settable range (corresponding to an acceptable range) may be set in the setting S1 (corresponding to the set start information), and the corresponding rank may be identified based on that range. For example, if the calculated S1 is "588" as described above, if "588" falls within the range set in the setting S1 "590," the corresponding rank "1250" (corresponding to the set maintenance information corresponding to the set start information associated with the acceptable range to which the calculated start information belongs) is set as the registered rank (corresponding to the registered maintenance information) if it falls within the range set in the setting S1 "1225." Furthermore, if the rank to be presented falls within the deadline, this fact is notified (this is equivalent to notifying that the maintenance information to be presented exceeds the reference range).

[0076] If a different rank is presented as a condition, the presented rank is adopted (registered in the rank in Figure 2) unless a change operation as described below is performed, and subsequent performance data is associated with it. After the rank is identified in this way, performance data obtained through sales is used to confirm whether the setting S1 is appropriate, as shown in Figures 8, 10, and 11. Note that any method may be used to identify the registered rank corresponding to the calculation S1, such as a method other than the above-mentioned identification method, such as using the rank corresponding to the setting S1 that is most similar to the calculation S1 as the registered rank, or using a rank corresponding to a range, such as a rank range, as the registered rank.

[0077] 10 and 11 show maintenance reference diagrams that the amusement center manager refers to when adjusting the rank. FIG. 10 shows the data before it is reflected, and FIG. 11 shows the data after it is reflected. By presenting FIGS. 10 and 11, the management device 6 performs the first and second presentation processes, and then the third presentation process described below. The "rank (corresponding to previous maintenance information)" indicating the last adjustment, i.e., the current maintenance status, is displayed in the previous column of the machine type summary field, and the "rank (corresponding to planned maintenance information)" corresponding to the next day is registered in the input field. (At the start of adjustment (screen display), the rank (corresponding to registered maintenance information) corresponding to the planned gross profit on balls identified as described above is displayed, but it may also be set to the same value as "previously.") The gross profit on balls (corresponding to profit and loss information) planned for the previous day based on the "rank" registered in the previous column of the rank field is the "previously planned gross profit on balls (corresponding to previous profit and loss information)," and the actual value for the target period, as described below, is the "actual S1 (corresponding to actual start-up information for the set period)."

[0078] Here, we will provide a supplementary explanation about the actual results S1. As described above, it is desirable to derive the actual results S1 from S1 aggregated by rank as shown in Figure 4. However, for example, when presenting the "rank" of the "previous" presented, the rank is for the previous day, and if the period including the previous day includes a period corresponding to a rank different from the rank in question, it can be said to be a period corresponding to the rank. Therefore, the derivation target is not limited to game information divided by rank as shown in Figure 4, but game information not divided by rank as shown in Figure 3 may also be used.

[0079] In FIG. 10, for model A, the rank "1150" registered in the previous column of the rank column corresponds to the previous planned gross margin of "0.350", and the actual S1 is "506". The "rank (corresponding to planned maintenance information, plan-related information)" registered in the input field of the rank column corresponds to "plan S1 (corresponding to setting start information, plan-related information corresponding to planned maintenance information)" and "planned gross margin of balls (corresponding to planned profit and loss information)", which respectively indicate "setting S1" and "gross margin of balls in the case of plan S1" (corresponding to the third presentation process). In FIG. 10, for model A, the rank "1150" registered in the input field of the rank column corresponds to the plan S1 "530", and the planned gross margin of balls "0.350".

[0080] The target period for "Actual S1" (corresponding to the set period set for actual start-up information) can be set arbitrarily by operating icon 61 on the numeric keypad, and does not necessarily cover only the previous day, and the actual value S1 corresponding to the "Rank" in the input field is extracted from the rank-by-rank summary shown in Figure 4 and output (corresponding to the extraction means). On the other hand, the rank setting on the right corresponds to the model-specific rank setting shown in Figure 8, and the "Previous Value" shows the "Rank (corresponding to the corresponding maintenance information, previous maintenance information)" corresponding to the "Last" "Rank (corresponding to specific maintenance information)" and "Setting S1 (corresponding to set start-up information)" (corresponding to the first presentation process).

[0081] Model A and model B identify and output "setting S1" (model A is "530", model B is "580") in "red", which indicates that the difference with actual result S1 (model A is "506", model B is "567") is not within the allowable range (for example, "±10") (corresponding to the comparison result by the start-up information comparison means) (corresponding to the second presentation process). The "reflect" button 62 and "reference value" on the right side are also identified and output in "red". In this case, the setting status of the rank setting is compared with the actual value for both the reference value and the fluctuation range, and if the difference is not within the allowable range (for example, setting S1 is "±10" and S1 range is "±1"), the check box for the one that is not within the allowable range is checked and output as "red", and the "Reflect" button 62 is also output as "red", so that by operating the "Reflect" button 62, the rank setting for the one whose check box is checked is corrected to correspond to the actual value (this is equivalent to updating the set start information of the specific maintenance information to correspond to the actual start information depending on the comparison result by the start information comparison means).

[0082] For example, in the case of model A, the difference between "Setting S1" and "Actual S1" is outside the allowable range, so it is indicated by a "red" output. Operating the "Reflect" button 62 updates the data as shown in Figure 11. That is, for model A, the "Rank" of the reference value is "1175" and the "Setting S1" is "550" according to the default rank setting shown in Figure 7, so the "Setting S1" is set to "532" based on the actual value of the rank-by-rank aggregation shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, because the difference in the reference value is "18," the "Setting S1" of the "Rank" of the "Previous Value" of "1150" is also updated from "530" to "512" (this corresponds to a case where the setting start information is updated), and as a result of this rank setting update, the "Rank" of the "Input" remains unchanged at "1150," but the "Plan S1" is updated from "530" to "512" (this corresponds to a case where the setting start information is updated, so that the plan-related information is also updated to correspond to the update results). Furthermore, the "planned gross profit on goods" is updated from "0.350" to "0.359 (corresponding to the planned profit and loss information derived from the updated setting start information)" (corresponding to deriving the profit and loss information from the setting start information corresponding to the maintenance information and the calculation standard information). In this case, it can be derived by, for example, the calculation illustrated in FIG. 6 using the preset standard value (corresponding to the calculation standard information) identified and illustrated in FIG. 6. The updated parts are identified and output in "blue".

[0083] When updating, any method may be used, as long as the update corresponds to the actual value S1, such as averaging the current setting S1 and the actual value, or rounding down the actual value (rounding down to two decimal places). Furthermore, the "previously planned gross profit on balls (corresponding to the previous profit and loss information derived from the setting start information before the update)" is not affected by the rank setting update and remains as previously planned (based on the value before the rank setting update). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the current month's gross profit on balls is based on the actual value, so the current month's gross profit on balls is not updated in response to the rank setting update. However, the current month's gross profit on balls may include at least one of the simulated amount based on the currently adjusted rank and the subsequent planned amount (the business plan shown in Figure 5). In this case, if the above-mentioned rank setting update has an impact, the current month's gross profit on balls may also be subject to update. Of course, in this case, the update may be indicated by a "blue" color, just like the other items. If the rank is adjusted to a level equivalent to a caution or warning as shown in Figure 7, a caution or warning display will be displayed (this is equivalent to notifying the user when the maintenance information to be presented is outside the reference range).

[0084] In the case of model B, as with model A, the "Reflect" button 62 is pressed to update as shown in FIG. 11, but model B also changes the "Input" in the model summary field by pressing the "Up Arrow" button 63 or the "Down Arrow" button 64 next to it, and the changes are shown in FIG. 11. That is, as with model A, it is assumed that the arcade manager, after checking the updated content of the update, decides that it would be better to adjust the rank and performs the operation. In this case, the corresponding rank may be updated without pressing the "Up Arrow" button 63 or the "Down Arrow" button 64 so that it corresponds to the "Plan S1" or "Planned Ball Gross Profit" shown in FIG. 10 before the rank setting update (this is equivalent to updating the plan-related information to correspond to the updated results).

[0085] In the case of model C, the S1 width is identified and output in "red," but since the "reflect" button 62 is not operated, the identified output in "red" remains. Also, since the "key" button 65 to the right of the "up arrow" button 63 and the "down arrow" button 64 is operated, changes to the "input" of the "rank" are suppressed, and for example, by operating the "key" button 65 again, the suppression is released and operation becomes possible.

[0086] In the case of model D, although the identification output is not "red", by changing the "input" of "rank", the "Plan S1" and "Planned gross profit" are updated (this is equivalent to deriving profit and loss information from the setting start information corresponding to the maintenance information and the calculation standard information), and the identification output is "blue" to indicate this.

[0087] Here, the rank setting is extracted based on the "previous value," but for example, the "reference rank (corresponding to specific maintenance information)" in the rank setting or the "first rank (corresponding to specific maintenance information)" specified by the actual value may also be extracted, and switching may be performed depending on the setting operation. Furthermore, if the "reference rank" in the rank setting differs from the "first rank" specified by the actual value, the "reference rank" may be updated to the value of the "first rank" depending on the operation of the "reflect" button 62 or the screen display (this corresponds to specifying the maintenance information corresponding to the operating information showing the greatest magnitude of operation as the reference maintenance information).

[0088] The "Process" button 66 shown in the upper row is operated when performing batch processing. For example, when the "Process" button 66 for "Planned Gross Margin" is operated, the gross margin for all machines is changed to the desired gross margin for all machines at once, and the "Plan S1" and "Rank" are updated to the corresponding values ​​according to the change. In this case, the rank setting is not updated, but is updated based on the rank setting at the time of operation. Note that the machine for which the above-mentioned "Key" button 65 is operated is excluded from such batch processing until the suppression is released as described above.

[0089] Similarly, when the "Reflect all models at once" button 67 on the upper right side is operated for rank settings, if the "Target only" checkbox below is checked, the rank settings of the target models that are identified and output in "red" will be updated as described above.

[0090] Similarly, when the "Reflect all models at once" button 67 is operated, the checks in the corresponding check boxes for each model are updated by checking or unchecking the "Reference value" and "Fluctuation range" check boxes, so it is also possible to adjust the check boxes as desired and then reflect the changes all at once.

[0091] Also, by checking the "Automatic Reflection" checkbox (not shown), it is possible to reflect the results without performing the above operation (for example, when the screen display starts). It is also possible to set the reference period, tolerance range, reflection conditions, etc. In this case, it is also possible to distinguish by "target only" for target models that are identified and output in "red" as above. Furthermore, the fluctuation range can be set as a condition that the cumulative BO for both the first and second ranks has reached the reference value. Furthermore, other information such as outs and starts other than cumulative BO can also be set as a reflection condition.

[0092] When updated in this way, the updated "reference value" and "fluctuation range" are identified and output in "blue" as shown in Figure 11, and "Plan S1" is also updated in accordance with the update and identified and output in "blue", but the "previous planned gross profit on balls (equivalent to previous profit and loss information)" remains unupdated. When "Plan S1" is updated, the "planned gross profit on balls (equivalent to planned profit and loss information)" is also updated. In that case, there may be a difference between the "previous planned gross profit on balls" and the "planned gross profit on balls" even without changing the "rank", so the arcade manager will consider whether it would be better to change the rank.

[0093] If the manager of the gaming facility decides that it would be better to change the rank, he or she can adjust the "input" of the "rank" by using the "up arrow" or "down arrow" in the adjustment field to the right of the input field. In this case, the change is made on a rank-by-rank basis according to the operation.

[0094] When considering the rank, the "planned gross profit" initially planned for a specified period (e.g., a month) and the "current month's gross profit" that has been achieved so far during the specified period are shown, so the difference between them can also be taken into consideration.

[0095] When planning, if the deadline rank is planned as described above, a notification to that effect will be displayed (this is equivalent to notifying the user when the maintenance information to be presented is outside the reference range). When managing ranks, management is basically performed on a model basis, but management on a gaming machine basis is also possible. Even when the rank is changed on a gaming machine basis in this way, if the rank is changed on a model basis corresponding to that gaming machine, the rank on a gaming machine basis will be overwritten. Furthermore, for example, the above-mentioned "key" button 65 may be provided on a gaming machine basis to enable the rank to be fixed, and when the rank is fixed, even if the rank is changed on a model basis, the fixed rank may be maintained by excluding it from the above-mentioned overwriting targets.

[0096] While adjustments are generally made on a rank-by-rank basis, because adjustments to rank only allow for changes to S1 in increments of 20, i.e., increments of 0.1 for gross profit balls, some arcades have a need to check areas other than the center. To accommodate such arcades, reports are output that distinguish between rank and other differential information. Since the S1 (center) corresponding to rank does not vary significantly between machines and is a relatively easy adjustment, a report specialized for rank is output corresponding to the layout of the arcade, such as the first report shown in Figure 9. In this case, ranks can be displayed for all machines corresponding to the layout, as in Figure 9. However, it is also possible to exclude machines that do not need to be checked by comparing them with the current rank and display ranks for machines that require checking, or to identify machines that require checking. Ranks can also be displayed without being related to the layout.

[0097] 9 will be described. FIG. 9 shows a first form output (displayed or printed) on a layout in which the machine number is associated with the registered rank. The machine number is displayed in the machine number window, the registered rank (corresponding to the registered rank and registered maintenance information) is displayed in the rank window, the machine number window for the machine number whose rank is to be changed is displayed in inverted form (in FIG. 9, "inverted" is indicated by a dot pattern), the rank window frame is displayed in bold, and the rank before the change (corresponding to the previous maintenance information) is displayed on the aisle side for identification. For example, for machine number 7 of model B, "7" is displayed in the machine number window, the registered rank "1150" is displayed in the rank window, the machine number window is displayed inverted, the rank window frame is displayed in bold, and the rank before the change "1175" is displayed on the aisle side. Here, the machine whose rank is to be changed is the target of identification. Machine numbers whose rank is not changed but whose other locations (for example, so-called "close" areas or BYmin maintenance locations) are to be serviced are excluded from identification. Furthermore, if the rank is changed, it is treated as an object of identification regardless of whether other parts are changed.

[0098] Other parts may also be included, and only some of the examples may be used as the identification output, or an identification method not shown in the examples may be used (for example, inverting the rank window or enlarging the character size). Furthermore, the rank may not be displayed for machine numbers whose ranks are not changed, or the machine numbers may be excluded from the output targets. Also, machine numbers whose ranks are not changed but whose other parts are changed may be included as identification targets. Furthermore, as machine numbers and model names are associated in advance by the model settings, the boundary between corresponding model names and models is indicated by square brackets ([ ]).

[0099] In FIG. 9, the rank before the change is shown only for the machine number for which the rank is to be changed (corresponding to a gaming machine whose registered maintenance information and previous maintenance information differ), and the registered rank is shown for all machines to be presented (corresponding to all gaming machines to be presented). However, the rank before the change may be shown for all machines, or the registered rank may be shown only for the machine number for which the rank is to be changed. When all machines are presented, it is desirable to separately identify the machine number for which the rank is to be changed (for example, by outputting the rank before the change as "red"). Furthermore, although the current rank is exemplified as the previous maintenance information, for example, if checking the current rank reveals that it is different from the rank of the previous day, a past rank such as the rank of the previous day may be used instead of or in addition to the current rank.

[0100] Checking the periphery varies greatly from model to model and is difficult without a certain level of experience, so a second report different from the first report described above is output separately, as shown in Figures 12 to 15. In this case, it is desirable to output a report different from the first report, such as one that does not correspond to the layout (equivalent to showing difference information without using the layout), but it is also possible to use the layout, and rank may be added to the output targets, with difference information showing the difference after rank adjustment being the output target (conventionally, the difference from the previous time (before rank adjustment) was output as is, without taking rank into consideration).

[0101] For example, if the current rank is "1175" and its setting S1 is "530," and the calculation S1 (corresponding to the start information corresponding to the registered maintenance information) corresponding to the desired gross profit margin (corresponding to the registered information) for the next day is "580," the rank (corresponding to the registered maintenance information) will be "1225," with the corresponding setting S1 (corresponding to the set start information corresponding to the registered maintenance information) being "570." Considering the need to further increase S1 by a difference of "10 (corresponding to the difference information)," this difference would be checked around the periphery. For example, a second report would be used to check the difference of "10" at a location other than the center, such as the so-called "approach." While profit and loss information such as gross profit margin has been exemplified as registered information, other profit and loss information such as payout rate may also be used as long as the corresponding start information can be identified, for example, by the calculation shown in connection with FIG. 6. Furthermore, the start information itself may be used as registered information from which the corresponding start information can be identified.

[0102] A more specific explanation will be given using Figures 12 to 15. Figures 12 to 14 show a conventional presentation method, and Figure 15 shows the second form in this embodiment. Here, for "Out" to "Correction T1Y," all fields from "9 / 16" to "9 / 22 (assuming the previous day)" are left blank, but this is just to omit the numbers for the sake of explanation, and the appropriate corresponding numerical values ​​will be shown.

[0103] Previously, before planning such as gross profit on balls, the "Plan" value was left as it was on the previous day, and the "Difference" showed the difference from the current rank (previously, for example, the previous day), as shown in Figure 12. For example, the "Plan" "Prize S (corresponding to S1)" is "540" ("Start (corresponding to start-up information)" is "520"), but since the current rank is "1175", the corresponding setting S1 of "530" is shown in the "Prize S" "After Maintenance" ("Start" is "512"), and the difference is shown as "10" in the "Difference" ("Start" is "8").

[0104] If the plan is changed from this state, it will be updated as shown in Figure 13. That is, the "Prize S" in the "Plan" is updated to "580", which indicates the plan S1 corresponding to the desired gross profit on balls, and since the current status is "530" shown in "After Maintenance", the "Difference" becomes "50" ("Start" is "46"). Conventionally, there was no configuration for correcting the rank on the system side as in this embodiment, and the manager of the gaming facility would refer to Figure 13 like this to determine the corresponding rank and then change the rank by operating the machine.

[0105] Figure 14 shows the result of changing the rank as described above, with the "Rank" after maintenance being "1225," which corresponds to the setting S1 of "570," which is close to the "Plan" "Prize S." However, the "Prize S" and "Start" after maintenance remained at "530" and "512," respectively, before the change, and the "Difference" remained at "50" and "46," showing only the correction amount regardless of the rank. In other words, even if the corresponding rank was identified as shown in Figure 14, it still showed the difference between the planned value and the current maintenance state.

[0106] On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, when the plan is changed as in FIG. 13 and "S1" in "Plan" is updated to "580," the "Rank" and "S1" in "After Maintenance" are correspondingly updated to "1225" and "570," respectively. Furthermore, the "Start" and "S1" in "Difference" are also displayed as "8" and "10," indicating the difference between the "Plan" and "After Maintenance." In other words, since this indicates the difference between the current maintenance state and the state after a further rank change, it indicates that the difference should be made at another location (for example, a location other than the center, such as the so-called "closer"). In other words, by indicating the difference that cannot be made at each rank, it indicates the extent to which the difference should be made up at another location.

[0107] In Figure 15, the start and S1 reflecting the changes in rank are shown as "after maintenance," but it is also possible to show the current start and S1 as in Figure 14 without reflecting the changes (for example, "Start" "512," "S1" "530"), or to show values ​​reflecting only the difference as in Figure 15.

[0108] The difference may also be presented in other items such as BYmin. Furthermore, when presenting difference information, including this case, an acceptable range (for example, ±1 or ±5) may be set, and machines that fall within the acceptable range may be excluded, and machines that fall outside the acceptable range may be presented as machines that require confirmation.

[0109] For example, there may be cases where it is necessary to systematically check surroundings other than the rank such as BYmin. In this case, BYmin is changed as a planned value, but if the planned BYmin is compared with the actual BYmin and is not within the allowable range, a notification is issued to check BYmin, and the sales data from that point on, such as those shown in Figures 2 to 4, can be managed in association with the adjusted BYmin.

[0110] We have indicated that sales information is managed in association with rank, but BYmin, corrected T1Y, or BA, etc. are also managed by dividing them into three levels, such as open, standard, and finished, and corresponding sales data is managed for each level, and the above-mentioned association shows this association.

[0111] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following advantageous effects can be obtained: In the game center system, a specific rank is set as a reference rank, and the setting S1 of another rank is set based on the reference S1 corresponding to the reference rank, so even for a rank that is difficult to specify, such as one for which the corresponding S1 has not converged or is difficult to imagine, it is possible to reduce the risk of concern about the correspondence with the setting S1.

[0112] Ranks and cumulative BOs are managed in association with each other, and the rank with the largest corresponding BO is set as the reference rank, so that it is possible to set other ranks S1 based on the highly reliable rank to which S1 is likely to have converged.

[0113] The corresponding setting S1 is set as a default for each rank, and when the standard rank and the standard S1 that is the setting S1 are updated, the difference between the default setting in the actual S1 of the standard rank is adjusted so as to be reflected in other ranks, so that the setting S1 of other ranks can be set with higher accuracy.

[0114] A fluctuation range indicating the difference between two ranks is registered, and the setting S1 of another rank is set based on the difference of the fluctuation range starting from the registered reference value. This makes it possible to simplify the system, for example by reducing the need to set the setting S1 for each rank as a default.

[0115] S1 and BO are managed in association with each other, and the fluctuation range is determined by the difference between the reference rank of the corresponding BO with the highest rank and S1 with the second highest rank, so that it is possible to determine the fluctuation range based on the highly reliable rank to which S1 is likely to have converged.

[0116] The reference rank is compared with the second rank, and if there is a contradiction in the performance data, such as a higher rank but a lower S1, the specification of the fluctuation range is suppressed, so that it is possible to reduce the risk of setting a fluctuation range that is obviously problematic when setting the fluctuation range.

[0117] Standard values ​​of game information other than S1 necessary to calculate S1 corresponding to the planned gross profit on balls are registered in advance, and from among a plurality of ranks set in correspondence with the setting S1, a set rank corresponding to the calculated S1 that can be calculated using the planned gross profit on balls and the registered standard value is presented. Therefore, even when it is desired to estimate gross profit on balls that is difficult to directly associate with a rank, it is possible to appropriately derive a rank indicating the corresponding maintenance status.

[0118] Since a rank range is associated with the rank and the rank corresponding to the rank range to which the calculation rank corresponding to the calculation S1 belongs is presented, it is possible to present an appropriate rank for each rank.

[0119] Since the rank range can be set arbitrarily, it is possible to accommodate a wide range of needs, including not only amusement parlors that want to set the rank range so that the rank is the median value, but also amusement parlors that want to set the rank so that the rank is the minimum or maximum value.

[0120] When specifying the calculation rank, two ranks corresponding to settings S1 that are similar to the calculation S1 are extracted, and the calculation rank is specified so that the relationship between the two settings S1 and the calculation S1 corresponds to the relationship between the two ranks and the calculation rank, so that an appropriate calculation rank can be presented even if the calculation rank is not identical to any of the settings S1.

[0121] A deadline is set for the rank, and when the rank to be presented reaches the deadline, the fact is notified, so that the manager of the game parlor can be made aware that the registered gross profit on balls needs to be reviewed in the event that problems arise, such as when the calculated rank is too lenient and no gross profit can be obtained, or when it is too strict and operation drops significantly, or when the rank becomes subject to guidance from the authorities.

[0122] The setting S1 and the actual result S1 for a predetermined period are displayed together with the corresponding rank, so that even if the setting S1, which is set in advance in association with the rank, deviates from the actual result S1, it is possible to respond appropriately.

[0123] The comparison results between the actual S1 and the set S1 corresponding to a specific rank, such as the previous rank, are presented, making it easier to understand when there is a discrepancy between the actual S1 and the set S1.

[0124] The first rank setting S1 is updated to correspond to the actual result S1 according to the comparison result between the actual result S1 and the setting S1, so that it becomes easier to adopt a setting S1 that corresponds to the actual S1 when the setting S1 and the actual S1 diverge.

[0125] When the setting S1 of a specific rank, such as the previous rank, is updated, the plan S1 is also updated to correspond to the updated result, so that it becomes easy to refer to the appropriate plan S1 even if the plan S1 does not correspond to the actual situation.

[0126] When the setting S1 is updated, the gross profit corresponding to "previous" is derived and presented using the setting S1 before the update, while the gross profit corresponding to "input" is derived and presented using the setting S1 after the update, so it becomes easier to consider how to update the rank corresponding to the actual S1 with respect to the gross profit planned last time. In other words, if the previous amount is also updated to correspond to the actual S1, it becomes difficult to understand what assumptions were made to determine the rank last time, but it is possible to reduce such a risk.

[0127] While presenting the registered rank corresponding to an arbitrary S1, difference information showing the difference between the set S1 of that rank and the arbitrary S1 is also presented, so that it is possible to present a user-friendly indicator when checking the maintenance location near the starting port corresponding to the rank and other maintenance locations.

[0128] An allowable range is set for the difference information, and difference information is extracted and presented only if it falls outside the allowable range, thereby reducing the need to check other maintenance locations more than necessary.

[0129] Since a first report showing the rank and a second report showing the difference information are output, it is possible to provide reports according to the manager's confirmation category, such as having the first report checked by a first manager who can check without requiring specialized confirmation on a model-by-model basis, and having the second report checked by a second manager who can check with a certain degree of expertise on a model-by-model basis.

[0130] The first report is output for all target machines or for machines whose registered rank differs from their current rank, while the second report is output for machines that fall outside the tolerance range set for the difference information. This makes it possible to support operations such as the first administrator conducting a general, broad check across other models, while the second administrator narrows down the check to the necessary gaming machines.

[0131] The first report presents the rank on a layout, while the second report presents differential information without using a layout. Therefore, the first report makes it easy to grasp the location of the gaming machines to be checked even when they are scattered throughout the gaming facility, while the second report makes it possible to grasp more detailed information.

[0132] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but may be modified or extended as described below, or each modified embodiment may be combined with the above-described embodiments or each modified embodiment may be combined with another modified embodiment in any combination, or configurations may be omitted as appropriate.

[0133] The setting values ​​and registration information may be set by the administrator through manual input, may be set in advance by the management device manufacturer, or may be set by downloading setting information from an external server (such as the headquarters of a chain store). In this case, the setting values ​​are also set by manual input on the server. Of course, past gaming information may also be set as the reference value.

[0134] All of the game information listed above may be specified directly by the input signal or indirectly by using an arithmetic expression. Furthermore, the type of game machine may be classified in any way, such as by manufacturer or by specification, as long as it indicates the type of game machine.

[0135] The numerical values, number of digits, items, etc. are examples, and any numerical values ​​may be used. Furthermore, the identification output may be in any output form, such as adding symbols other than those shown in the examples, and at least printing and display output are envisioned.

[0136] For "above or above" and "exceed," either one can be used, and expressions such as "reached" correspond to either "above or above" or "exceeded." The same is true for "below or below," and expressions such as "did not reach" correspond to both. Display is used as an example of a notification method, but other notification methods such as printing can also be used.

[0137] Although a pachinko gaming machine that pays out gaming value has been exemplified as a target gaming machine, a so-called smart pachinko gaming machine that does not pay out gaming value and is a point-based gaming machine that does not pay out gaming value may also be targeted. Since it is possible to envision gaming media that are paid out from not only payout-type gaming machines but also point-based gaming machines, the expression "gaming value" is used as appropriate to encompass both types.

[0138] Although the examples have been given in which each process is performed by the management device 6, some or all of the processes may be performed by the gaming machine device 2, the relay device 4, or a server or the like installed outside the gaming facility that can communicate with the management device 6, or the entire process may be configured by only the relay device 4 or only the server. Furthermore, whether or not to adopt the illustrated configurations may be changed depending on the appropriate settings, and the illustrated configurations including modified examples may be combined in any way, or configurations may be excluded as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] In the drawing, 1 is a gaming machine and 6 is a management device (game information identification means, maintenance information setting means, standard maintenance information identification means, start information setting means, management means, default start information setting means, fluctuation range registration means, suppression means, game information registration means, calculation standard registration means, presentation means, extraction means, calculation maintenance information identification means, notification means, start information comparison means, update means, maintenance information registration means, profit and loss information derivation means, maintenance information identification means).

Claims

1. a game information specifying means for specifying game information including start information indicating at least one of the winning status of a start port provided in the gaming machine and the execution status of a unit game executed by winning at the start port, by at least one of a game signal output from the gaming machine and an operation input; a maintenance information setting means for setting a plurality of pieces of maintenance information indicating the maintenance status of the gaming machine; A standard maintenance information specifying means for specifying standard maintenance information, which is specific maintenance information, from the maintenance information; a start information setting means for setting set start information, which is the start information corresponding to the maintenance information, and for setting standard set start information corresponding to the standard maintenance information based on the start information identified by the game information identification means; The start-up information setting means is an amusement park system that sets general setting start-up information corresponding to general maintenance information other than the standard maintenance information among the maintenance information, based on the standard maintenance information and the standard setting start-up information.

2. management means for managing basic start information, which is start information identified by the game information identification means; The gaming information specifying means specifies the basic start information and operation information indicating operation of the gaming machine based on the gaming signal; The management means manages the basic start information and the operation information by classifying them according to the maintenance information indicating the maintenance status under which the basic start information and the operation information were obtained, An amusement park system as described in claim 1, wherein the standard maintenance information identification means identifies the maintenance information corresponding to the operation information that shows the largest level of operation among the operation information classified and managed by the maintenance information as the standard maintenance information.

3. a default start-up information setting means for setting the set start-up information as a default in units of the maintenance information; An amusement park system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the start-up information setting means adjusts the general setting start-up information so that, when the standard setting start-up information is set, the difference between the default setting start-up information that is set by default in accordance with the standard maintenance information and the standard setting start-up information is reflected in the general setting start-up information.

4. a fluctuation range registration means for registering a fluctuation range indicating a difference between the two pieces of set start information; An amusement park system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein when the reference start information is set, the start information setting means sets the general setting start information based on the difference in the fluctuation range starting from the reference start information.

5. management means for managing basic start information, which is start information identified by the game information identification means; The gaming information specifying means specifies the basic start information and operation information indicating operation of the gaming machine based on the gaming signal; The management means manages the basic start information and the operation information by classifying them according to the maintenance information indicating the maintenance status under which the basic start information and the operation information were obtained, The amusement park system of claim 4, wherein the fluctuation range registration means registers the fluctuation range based on the difference between the reference maintenance information, which is the maintenance information corresponding to the operation information that indicates the largest magnitude of operation among the operation information classified and managed by the maintenance information, and the next-highest maintenance information, which is the maintenance information corresponding to the operation information that indicates the next-highest magnitude of operation.

6. An amusement park system as described in claim 5, which is provided with a suppression means for suppressing the identification of the fluctuation range when a predetermined abnormal condition is established based on the correspondence between the maintenance information and the start-up information as a result of comparing the standard maintenance information with the next maintenance information.

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