System for amusement facilities

Abstract

Even if there are gaming machines in the arcade that can perform a RAM clear without outputting a RAM clear signal, the machines are managed and distinguished to avoid outputting identification results that could cause misidentification. [Solution] In a gaming arcade system, the system provides notification of the results of a comparison between information that identifies a gaming machine 1 that should undergo a RAM clear, such as "processing," and information that identifies a gaming machine 1 that has been RAM cleared by inputting a RAM clear signal, such as "R input." The system provides notification that distinguishes between a first model category that involves signal input during the RAM clear operation and a second model category that includes both cases where the RAM clear operation involves signal input and cases where it does not.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for a game arcade.

Background Art

[0002] In a game arcade, various game information is managed based on game signals output from gaming machines. Conventionally, for example, as in Patent Document 1, models that require RAM clearing (initialization) of gaming machines due to game information are identified, and the RAM of the gaming machines is cleared at closing time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the RAM clearing of gaming machines is performed by employees of the game arcade, there is a risk of internal fraud. For example, in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-112275, as a countermeasure against internal fraud, a system has been proposed to manage whether the RAM of the gaming machines that should be cleared is appropriately cleared at closing time by identifying the RAM clear signal. On the other hand, recently, models of slot machines equipped with a RAM clear button have appeared. Among such models, some output a RAM clear signal when clearing the RAM using a setting key for setting the gaming machine setting value (mode), but may not output a RAM clear signal when clearing the RAM by a special operation using the RAM clear button. In the above cases, in the known systems, there is a risk of outputting an incorrect identification result such as no signal input information from the gaming machine that should have its RAM cleared even though the RAM has been cleared.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming arcade system that can distinguish and manage gaming machines so as not to output identification results that cause misidentification, even if there are gaming machines in the arcade that can clear the RAM without outputting a RAM clear signal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a gaming arcade system that manages gaming machines capable of outputting a RAM clear signal indicating that a RAM clear has been performed when a RAM clear is performed to initialize the gaming machine in response to a RAM clear operation by an employee of the gaming arcade, and comprises: a first clear information acquisition means (e.g., management device 6, etc.) that acquires first clear information (e.g., "processing" of "mode input" shown in Figure 5) which is information that can identify the gaming machine that should be RAM cleared and is identified based on at least one of operation input by an employee of the gaming arcade and a game signal output from the gaming machine; a second clear information acquisition means (e.g., management device 6, etc.) that acquires second clear information (e.g., "R input" shown in Figure 5) which can identify the gaming machine that has been RAM cleared by inputting the RAM clear signal; and comparing the first clear information and the second clear information The system includes a comparison means (e.g., a management device 6) capable of comparison, a notification means (e.g., a management device 6) capable of notifying the comparison results (e.g., clear information management shown in Figure 5), and a management means (e.g., a management device 6) for managing the gaming machines by classifying them into a first model category (e.g., a category where "R output" in the clear information management shown in Figure 5 is "present") where the RAM clear operation involves a signal input, and a second model category (e.g., a category where "R output" in the clear information management shown in Figure 5 is "blank") which includes both cases where the RAM clear operation involves a signal input and cases where it does not, wherein the notification means notifies, as a notification of the comparison results, that when the RAM clear signal is not output from a gaming machine that should perform a RAM clear, it is possible to distinguish between the first model category and the second model category by at least one of the presence or absence of notification and the notification manner.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the machines are managed separately into a first machine category, which involves a signal input during the RAM clear operation, and a second machine category, which includes both cases where a signal input is involved in the RAM clear operation and cases where there is no signal input. When a RAM clear signal is not output from a gaming machine that should perform a RAM clear, the system is configured to distinguish between the first and second machine categories in terms of whether or not a notification is sent and the manner of the notification. Therefore, even if there are gaming machines in the arcade that can perform a RAM clear without outputting a RAM clear signal, the machines can be managed separately in a way that avoids outputting identification results that could cause misidentification. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a game arcade system in one embodiment. [Figure 2] Front view of a gaming machine [Figure 3] Diagram showing specifications [Figure 4] Front view of the gaming device [Figure 5] Diagram showing clear information management [Figure 6] Diagram showing the settings screen [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes one embodiment with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a gaming arcade system. Multiple gaming machines 1 are installed in the arcade. In this embodiment, the gaming machines 1 are assumed to be so-called slot machines. Each gaming machine 1 is equipped with a gaming device 2 and an information display device 3. The gaming machine 1 is connected to the gaming device 2, and the gaming device 2 and the information display device 3 are each connected to a relay device 4. The relay device 4 is connected via LAN 5 to a management device 6 (corresponding to the first clear information acquisition means, second clear information acquisition means, comparison means, notification means, management means, and setting means).

[0010] The management device 6 is installed in the gaming hall, for example, in an office, and is connected to a monitor 7, a keyboard 8, etc. The management device 6 manages the operating status of various devices installed in the gaming hall (gaming machines 1, gaming devices 2, information display devices 3, etc.). In addition, there are several hundred gaming machines 1 installed in the gaming hall, including so-called pachinko machines, and each gaming machine 1 is managed by the management device 6. The gaming hall is also equipped with island-end counting machines and prize exchange terminals (POS) 9, which are also connected to the management device 6 via LAN 5.

[0011] POS9 accepts IC cards such as membership cards used by members of the amusement arcade or general cards usable by non-members, and can identify the game value (acquired value) earned by the player, such as points held by the player identified by the accepted IC card or points deposited by the player as a member at the amusement arcade. POS9 identifies the game value that can be exchanged for prizes, such as points held by the management device 6, which is associated with the member ID identifiable from the IC card, and then performs a prize exchange process to exchange the identified game value for the desired prize.

[0012] As shown in Figure 2, the gaming machine 1 includes a display window 10, reels 11, a start lever 12, stop buttons 13a to 13c, an LCD display 14, a speaker 15, a MAXBET button 16, a counting button 17, a number display unit 18, a credit number display unit 19, etc. The player can see the symbols drawn on the reels 11 located inside through the display window 10. When the player operates the MAXBET button 16, a predetermined number of credit points (game points, game value, hereinafter also called credits) are bet (game value is consumed), and when the start lever 12 is operated in that state (the game is started), an internal lottery is performed and the symbols begin to change. When the stop buttons 13a to 13c are operated, the change of the reels 11 is stopped by so-called pull-in control (control that pulls symbols up to a predetermined pull-in range, for example, 4 symbols, onto the active line and stops them). The gaming machine 1 is not limited to those equipped with the physical reels 11 described above, but may also be of a type in which the display window 10 is made of an LCD display or the like, and the symbols are displayed and changed as images. In that case, when the start lever 12 is operated, the symbols displayed on the LCD screen start to change, and when the stop buttons 13a to 13c are operated, the corresponding symbols are stopped and displayed.

[0013] As is well known, the game machine 1 has various roles such as bonus roles, minor roles, and replay roles. When the player operates stop buttons 13a to 13c while an internal role has been internally selected during the internal lottery described above, and the symbols corresponding to the internally selected role are displayed on a pre-set active line (when the symbols line up), a win occurs. When a win occurs, the corresponding number of points are awarded or the game transitions to a jackpot state (bonus state), etc.

[0014] As shown in Figure 3, the gaming machine 1 is equipped with a gaming machine setting value (mode) for setting the internal probability of winning a role in six stages, for example, from "1" to "6," and one of these modes is activated. The higher the value of the mode, the more advantageous the setting is for the player (high setting), and the lower the value, the more disadvantageous the setting is for the player (low setting). Higher settings result in a higher payout rate due to a higher rate of winning bonus roles, and the payout rate of gaming machine 1 is adjusted according to the mode. Note that the probability of winning small roles is the same for all settings. The above is just an example, and depending on the model, the specifications may differ depending on the mode, such as differences in the probability of winning bonus roles other than the probability of winning small roles, or the occurrence of special states different from bonuses, such as ART. Furthermore, it is also possible to manage a gaming machine in which the internal winning probability is set so that the payout rate is the same in mode "4" and mode "5," or that the payout rate in mode "4" is higher than in mode "5."

[0015] The gaming machine 1 is equipped with an I / F unit (not shown) that inputs and outputs game information to and from the gaming device 2 via data signals, and transmits data signals containing various types of game information as shown below to the gaming device 2 in accordance with the execution of the game. "Score Consumption Information (Out Information)" = Information indicating the number of points consumed during the game. "Score Award Information (Safe Information)" = Information indicating the number of points awarded for winning a prize. "Game score information" = Information showing the current game score (credits, loan points + awarded points (safe) - points consumed (out)). "Game information" = Information indicating that the game was played. "Bonus Information" = Information indicating that a bonus state (special state) is in effect. It can categorize bonus types such as BB and RB. It can also include other special states, such as AT.

[0016] "RAM Clear Information (corresponding to the RAM Clear signal)" = Information indicating that RAM clear (initialization) has been performed by operating the setting key for setting the mode. In this case, RAM clear is performed during store closing hours, but the system power may be off, so not only at the time of RAM clear, but also until the system inputs information, RAM clear information is output. Also, some gaming machines have a RAM clear button that allows RAM clear without a mode setting operation. When RAM clear is performed by operating the RAM clear button, RAM clear information is not output. That is, a model (corresponding to the first gaming machine) that does not have a RAM clear button and allows RAM clear only by operating the setting key involves information input during the RAM clear operation, so it corresponds to the first model classification. On the other hand, a model (corresponding to the second gaming machine) that has a RAM clear button and allows RAM clear by operating either the setting key or the RAM clear button includes both cases with and without information input during the RAM clear operation, so it corresponds to the second model classification.

[0017] Such gaming information can be output to the gaming device 2 as a data signal like a telegram that can identify it, with the cumulative data (updated data) from the previous transmission at regular intervals (for example, every 300 milliseconds), and various information different depending on the model can also be output. Also, it may be displayed on the information display device 3 as the holding point number indicating the total value of the above-mentioned gaming points (credits) and the holding point number described later.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 4, the gaming device 2 includes a coin insertion slot 20 into which the player inserts currency (valuable value), a camera 21, a card insertion slot 22 into which the player inserts an IC card such as a membership card or a general card, a lending button 23 that is operated when performing a lending operation, a replay button 24 that is operated when performing a replay operation, an issue button 25 that is operated when performing an issue operation, a touch panel type liquid crystal display unit 26, a small item storage 27 for storing small items, etc.

[0019] The gaming device 2 performs the following operations. (1) Receive currency (currency reception process), add the deposited amount to the balance and display it. When the lending button 23 is pressed (receive lending operation, conferral operation) while there is a balance, points for the conferral unit (e.g., 1000 yen) (lending points, countervalue conferral value) are conferred (added) to the credit (game points) managed by the gaming machine 1 (lending process, countervalue conferral process), and the corresponding countervalue is deducted from the balance. Note that the currency can receive the corresponding amount for multiple countervalue conferral processes (e.g., up to 11000 yen).

[0020] (2) Manage the held points. When the counting button 17 of the gaming machine 1 is pressed (receive counting operation), perform a counting process to convert the credit into held points. Also, when the replay button 24 is pressed (receive replay operation, conferral operation), a payback process (value conferral process, replay process) to convert the held points into credit is also possible. When the payback process is performed, the corresponding countervalue (the same number as the conferred held points) is subtracted from the held points. Note that the credit converted by such a replay process may be included in the above lending points. Also, for the counting process and payback process, similar to the lending process, the conversion rate can be arbitrarily set, and the rate can be appropriately converted according to the conversion rate.

[0021] (3) When the issuance button 25 is pressed (receive issuance operation) while there is a remaining balance or held points, issue a general card that can identify the remaining balance or held points (acquisition value) (issuance process). Note that when a general card is received, the remaining balance or held points are carried over. In this case, in the case of a special operation such as a leaving operation, issuance is possible while leaving the credit. However, in the normal issuance process, to prevent forgetting to count the credit, the issuance process is permitted on the condition that the game points are "0".

[0022] (4) Through serial communication with the relay device 4, the management device 6 can identify various information such as currency acceptance processing, payment processing, balance, points held, points lent, points refunded, deposit amount, counted points, points lent, sales amount which is the consideration for points lent, and general card acceptance and issuance processing. These can also be identified using pulse signals (for example, one pulse for every 1000 yen deposited, one pulse for every 100 yen sold, etc.). In addition, information is transmitted from the relay device 4 not only to the management device 6 but also to the information display device 3, and issuance information that can identify the balance or points held (issuance value) or the time of issuance (if a message indicating issuance is transmitted, the approximate issuance time can be identified from the transmission time alone) is also transmitted as information related to issuance processing.

[0023] (5) The camera 21 can capture images of the players of the corresponding gaming machine 1, and it is determined whether or not they are the same players based on the captured images. If they are the same players, the gaming information of the gaming machine 1 during the period in which the player played is identified as the gaming information of that player.

[0024] Internal fraud related to RAM clearing of gaming machines includes mode changes and targeting the benefits of RAM clearing. Fraud through mode changes involves changing the setting to a higher mode that is advantageous to the player, even though the player has not been instructed to change the mode. Since mode changes involve a RAM clear, this is related to RAM clearing. Fraud targeting the benefits of RAM clearing can create situations that are advantageous to the player whether or not a RAM clear is performed. The former is fraud in which a RAM clear is performed on a gaming machine that would not normally be instructed to be cleared when the expected value of the gameplay gained in the AT that is won for the first time after a RAM clear is set to be high. The latter is fraud in which, for example, with a pachinko machine, a ceiling time reduction (a game state that is advantageous to the player that is entered when no jackpots occur for a predetermined number of games after a jackpot) is approaching, and a RAM clear should be performed, but the RAM clear is not performed.

[0025] Of the internal frauds mentioned above, fraud aimed at obtaining the RAM clear bonus only affects the first big win or AT after a RAM clear, while fraud through mode changes continues to have an effect from opening to closing time and should therefore be given more importance. In other words, fraud aimed at obtaining the RAM clear bonus is of relatively low importance, while fraud through mode changes is of relatively high importance. Some gaming machines allow all of the above internal frauds, while others only allow some of them. Furthermore, it is conceivable that some players might adjust whether or not to perform a RAM clear, then inform acquaintances of the situation and share the profits with them, or they might sell information indicating whether or not a RAM clear has been performed via social media.

[0026] As shown in Figure 5, the management device 6 sets up clear information management and manages the RAM clear status on a per-unit basis. The items of clear information management are as follows: "Machine number" refers to the gaming machine ID assigned to each individual gaming machine, and is assigned according to its location within the gaming arcade. "Model name" = Indicates the name of the model. "R Output" indicates whether or not the gaming machine outputs RAM clear information when a RAM clear is performed. If the gaming machine outputs RAM clear information when a RAM clear is performed (a gaming machine in the first category), it will be marked "Yes," and if the gaming machine is equipped with a RAM clear button and does not output RAM clear information (a gaming machine in the second category), it will be left blank. In the example in Figure 5, for example, machine numbers "1" to "4" are gaming machines in the first category, and for example, machine numbers "5" to "9" are gaming machines in the second category.

[0027] "Previous Mode (First Clear Information, corresponding to information that can identify whether or not the game machine settings have been changed)" = Indicates the mode that was set last time (for example, on the previous business day). "Mode Input (corresponding to the first clear information, information that can identify whether or not the game machine settings have been changed)" = "Mode" indicates the mode entered by the game hall manager and shows the mode set after the last closing time. "Processing (corresponding to the first clear information)" indicates the contents of the RAM clear, and "R" is entered for game machine 1 that should be set to a different mode from the previous mode, or for game machine 1 that does not need to change the previous mode but should undergo a RAM clear, indicating that it is registered as a game machine subject to RAM clear. In other words, machine numbers with "R" entered are game machines subject to RAM clear, and machine numbers with "blank" fields where "R" is not entered are not game machines subject to RAM clear. In the example in Figure 5, for example, machine number "4" is a game machine subject to RAM clear, and for example, machine number "3" is not a game machine subject to RAM clear.

[0028] "R input (corresponding to the second clear information)" = Indicates the RAM-cleared gaming machine 1 identified by the input of RAM clear information. "Yes" indicates that the RAM-cleared gaming machine 1 has been identified by the input of RAM clear information, and "No" indicates that the RAM-cleared gaming machine 1 has not been identified because RAM clear information has not been entered.

[0029] To monitor internal fraud related to RAM clearing, the system identifies and outputs whether a gaming machine that should undergo RAM clearing has actually had its RAM cleared. In this embodiment, a comparison is made between "processing" and "R input" (corresponding to a comparison between the first clear information and the second clear information), and if the identification results are inconsistent, an abnormality is identified and output.

[0030] In the example in Figure 5, for a gaming machine with "R output" set to "Yes" (a gaming machine of the first type), if, for example, machine number "3" has "Processing" set to "Blank" while "R input" is set to "Yes", the gaming establishment should not perform a RAM clear, but in reality, the performance of a RAM clear is specified, so it is identified and output in "Red". Also, if, for example, machine number "4" has "Processing" set to "R" while "R input" is set to "No", the gaming establishment should perform a RAM clear, but in reality, the performance of a RAM clear is not specified, so it is identified and output in "Blue". In Figure 5, "(Red)" indicates that the entire row, i.e., the characters or numbers such as machine number "3" or machine name "Machine B", or the background color, will be displayed or printed in "Red", and "(Blue)" indicates that the entire row, i.e., the characters or numbers such as machine number "4" or machine name "Machine C", or the background color, will be displayed or printed in "Blue".

[0031] Possible causes for each identification result are as follows: A "red" output indicates a deliberate RAM clear with the intent of cheating, suggesting internal cheating such as attempting to take advantage of mode changes or RAM clear benefits. A "blue" output suggests a failure to perform mode changes or RAM clears.

[0032] On the other hand, for gaming machines where "R output" is "blank" (gaming machines in the second category), the identification method is different (corresponding to distinguishing whether or not a notification has been made). For example, in the case of machine number "6," where "processing" is "R" but "R input" is "none," the gaming facility should perform a RAM clear, and although the implementation of a RAM clear is not actually specified, it is not identified by "blue" (corresponding to excluding it from the target of abnormal notification). This is because, in the case of a RAM clear that does not involve a mode change (corresponding to cases where there are gaming machines where a RAM clear should be performed but the gaming machine settings have not been changed), machine D can perform a RAM clear by operating the RAM clear button, which does not output RAM clear information. If the case where "processing" is "R" and "R input" is "none" is identified by "blue," it would result in outputting an incorrect identification result for gaming machines where a RAM clear has been performed correctly. To prevent misidentification in the identification results, for gaming machines where "R output" is "blank," if the RAM is cleared by operating the RAM clear button without changing the mode, even if "processing" is "R" and "R input" is "none," the identification output will not be "blue" (no identification result will be output).

[0033] The situation described above for machine number "6" can occur if the arcade manager does not perform a RAM clear by operating the RAM clear button, but enters incorrect "mode input." However, from the perspective of internal fraud, not outputting the identification result is unlikely to be a major problem. On the other hand, even if a gaming machine has a "blank" "R output," if, for example, machine number "7" has a "blank" "processing" field but a "R input" is "present," the machine will be identified and output in "red" as described above for machine number "3," even if the "R output" is not "present" (this corresponds to the idea that a RAM clear should not be performed and that if there is no change in the machine's settings, it should be subject to abnormal notification).

[0034] Furthermore, for gaming machines where the mode has been changed from the previous mode, such as machine number "8" and machine number "9," and the mode change can be confirmed, machine number "8" has "Processing" set to "R" but "R Input" is "None," so it is identified and output in "Blue," while machine number "9" has "Processing" set to "R" but "R Input" is "Present," so there is no contradiction and it is not identified and output (this corresponds to the rule that if there is a change in the machine setting value of a gaming machine classified as the second type of machine, it will be subject to abnormal notification).

[0035] For internal fraud involving mode changes, which is of relatively high importance, the identification level is not changed, as illustrated in the relationship between machine numbers "3" and "7" in Figure 5. Therefore, even in gaming establishments where machines capable of RAM clearing without outputting RAM clear information are present, the identification results will be output appropriately.

[0036] Some amusement facilities may find such processing annoying, so it may be possible to set whether or not to perform such processing. Also, some machines do not require such processing (for example, so-called A-type slot machines have little effect on the player's advantage or disadvantage when RAM is cleared without changing the mode), so it may be possible to set whether or not to perform this processing on a machine-by-machine basis. Furthermore, the output should be appropriate as needed, including not only displays and printouts but also audio output, etc.

[0037] In this embodiment, a configuration is shown in which "mode" and "process" are input for each item, but the first clear information may also be obtained based on game signals output from the gaming machine, respectively, for both "mode" and "process". For example, the "mode" may be identified from setting value information that allows the mode to be identified, output from the gaming machine, or the mode may be changed by comparing the "mode" identified by operation input or signal input with the "previous mode", or similarly, information indicating a special game state (e.g., during a jackpot) output from the gaming machine may be detected during or around closing time, and the "process" may be identified as "R" if the RAM must be cleared to return to the normal state. Note that the "previous mode" can also be identified without operation input by carrying over the "mode" of the previous day to the "previous mode" in accordance with the fulfillment of a predetermined condition, such as a date update.

[0038] Regarding the identification of gaming machines that should undergo a RAM reset, the example shows a configuration where both "Mode" and "Process" are inputted, but a configuration that identifies using only one of these items may also be adopted. For example, if identification is done using only "Mode," it is assumed that if a RAM reset is not performed without changing the mode, the "Mode" field will be left blank, and if a RAM reset is performed, an input will be made in the "Mode" field. Note that gaming machines with a "Blank" field will retain the mode from the "Previous Mode" as no mode change is involved.

[0039] While the identification method is illustrated by comparing "processing" and "R input," the items to be identified are not limited to "processing." Any item that can identify a gaming machine that should undergo a RAM clear (for example, "mode") may be compared with "R input." Since such settings are determined by the management policy of the gaming facility, either method may be configurable in the management device 6.

[0040] Figure 6 illustrates the setting screen (RAM clear setting key setting screen) for models that receive a RAM clear signal when RAM is cleared, which can be set on the management device 6. The setting screen displays guidance 61, such as "Uncheck the box for models that do not perform RAM clearing via settings (but are cleared using the clear button)," and a setting area 62. In the setting area 62, "Model Name" is a group of gaming machines categorized by model, and only models registered per gaming hall are displayed. Checking the "RAM clear setting key" box sets the "R output" in the clear information management shown in Figure 5 to "Yes" for the gaming machine of that model, and unchecking it sets the "R output" to "Blank." Figure 5 illustrates a case where, for example, the "RAM clear setting key" box is checked for model A, etc., and unchecked for model D, etc.

[0041] RAM clear operations that do not involve a mode change include "normal operation" using the setting key and "special operation" using the RAM clear button. Normal operation requires inputting RAM clear information, but special operation does not in all machines. Whether or not to set the check depends on whether the machine does not require inputting RAM clear information during RAM clearing, whether or not special operation is possible, etc.

[0042] Regarding the above determination, in this embodiment, it is assumed that RAM clearing without a mode change is performed when special operations are thoroughly carried out. However, it is also possible that even if a machine is equipped with a RAM clear button at each gaming facility, normal operations will be thoroughly carried out. Therefore, it is not always necessary to uncheck the machine equipped with a RAM clear button (this is equivalent to saying that the second gaming machine can be classified into either the first or second machine category). Furthermore, for machines that require input of RAM clear information during special operations, appropriate identification processing can be performed by setting the "RAM clear setting key" checkbox.

[0043] As described above, this embodiment provides the following advantages and benefits. In the amusement arcade system, the status of RAM clearing on a per-machine basis is managed by the clear information management shown in Figure 5. The system provides notification of the comparison result between information that identifies a gaming machine 1 that should undergo RAM clearing, such as "Processing," and information that identifies a gaming machine 1 that has been RAM cleared by inputting RAM clearing information, such as "R Input." This notification distinguishes between machine categories that involve signal input during RAM clearing operations (first machine category) and machine categories that include both cases where information input is involved in RAM clearing operations and cases where information input is not involved (second machine category). Therefore, even if there are gaming machines in the arcade that can be RAM cleared without outputting RAM clearing information, it is possible to distinguish and manage the gaming machines so as not to output identification results that could cause misidentification.

[0044] If a gaming machine does not change its mode even though a RAM reset should be performed, if that gaming machine is classified as a first-type machine (for example, the machine with machine number "4" shown in Figure 5), it will be subject to an abnormality notification. However, if it is classified as a second-type machine (for example, the machine with machine number "6" shown in Figure 5), it will be excluded from the abnormality notification. This makes it possible to reduce the output of misidentification results.

[0045] Gaming machines classified under the second category (for example, the gaming machine with the machine number "7" shown in Figure 5) are now subject to abnormal notification if a RAM clear is not performed and there is no change in mode. Therefore, even if a RAM clear is performed without changing the mode and is excluded from abnormal notification, an abnormal notification will be issued if, for example, a RAM clear is performed due to internal fraud, allowing for a more appropriate output of the identification result.

[0046] Since gaming machines classified under the second model category (for example, the gaming machine with the machine number "8" shown in Figure 5) are now subject to abnormal notification if there is a change in mode, even if they are excluded from abnormal notification when the RAM is cleared without changing the mode, abnormal notification will be issued if, for example, the RAM clear is not performed due to a failure to change the mode, making it possible to output the identification result more appropriately.

[0047] By making it possible to set information indicating whether a machine belongs to the first or second model category on a per-gaming machine group basis, even machines equipped with a RAM clear button can be configured to match the operational policies of the gaming establishment, such as ensuring that RAM is thoroughly cleared using a setting key.

[0048] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified or expanded as follows. Furthermore, the exemplary configurations, including modified versions, may be combined in any way, and some configurations may be omitted as appropriate.

[0049] Figure 5 illustrates the example of not outputting identification results that could cause misidentification. However, the identification results may be output in a way that makes them distinguishable, other than outputting them in "blue" (for example, using "yellow" for identification) (this corresponds to making the notification mode distinguishable). Furthermore, the method of identification output is not limited to color; other methods may be used.

[0050] Figure 5 illustrates how a mode change can be identified by comparing the "previous mode" and the "mode" and checking for differences. However, information indicating a mode change can also be included in the input content of "processing." For example, changing the description of "processing" from "R" to "M" could indicate that the game machine should undergo a RAM clear that includes a mode change. Furthermore, the input content of "processing" can be identified not only through direct operation inputs but also indirectly through other information identified by separate operation inputs or signal inputs, such as "R" or "M."

[0051] In Figure 5, "Mode" and "Processing" are shown as examples of items for identifying a gaming machine that should undergo a RAM clear. However, an item that identifies the planned input of a RAM clear signal (e.g., "Planned R") may also be used, taking into account the "R Output" information. In this case, for example, "R" could be entered for "Processing" when performing a RAM clear without changing the mode, and the "Planned R" for the gaming machine that should undergo a RAM clear, identified by the contents of "Mode" and "Processing," could be set to "Yes." A configuration could then be adopted in which this "Planned R" is compared with the "R Input." Note that both information such as "Processing" that is input and information such as "Planned R" identified by the input correspond to the first clear information.

[0052] Figure 6 illustrates how configuration information can be set on a per-model basis. However, information related to the output of the RAM clear signal, such as whether or not a model has a RAM clear button, may also be displayed along with the model name. Furthermore, this information can be set via user input or downloaded from an external server.

[0053] The settings information for the management device 6 and the gaming device 2 can be set by the administrator through manual input, pre-configured by the manufacturer of the management device and gaming device, or downloaded from an external server (e.g., the headquarters of a chain store). Furthermore, past game data can also be used as a baseline for setting the values.

[0054] All the game information exemplified can be identified directly by the input signal or indirectly using a calculation formula. Furthermore, the classification can be any way that indicates the type of game machine, such as by manufacturer or by specifications.

[0055] The numerical values, number of digits, and items are examples only; you may use any numerical values. Similarly, the arithmetic formulas are merely examples; you may use any formula that produces a value similar to, or has a similar meaning to, the example formula.

[0056] For "less than or equal to" and "less than," either can be used, and expressions such as "not reached" can be used to describe both cases. The same applies to "greater than or equal to" and "greater than or equal to"; expressions such as "reached" can be used to describe both cases.

[0057] As an example of the target gaming machine 1, a so-called smart gaming machine that manages game value solely through data was used, but it is not limited to slot machines; pachinko gaming machines may also be targeted, and conventional payout-type pachinko gaming machines or slot machines may also be used. The term "value," as in "game value," is used to encompass both the acquired value managed by data as in this embodiment and the game medium that is paid out.

[0058] Some of the processing performed by the management device 6 may be carried out by the gaming device 2, the information display device 3, or the relay device 4, etc., and the configuration may be as desired. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] In the drawing, 1 is a gaming machine, 2 is a gaming device, and 6 is a management device (first clear information acquisition means, second clear information acquisition means, comparison means, notification means, management means, setting means).

Claims

1. A gaming arcade system that manages gaming machines capable of outputting a RAM clear signal indicating that a RAM clear has been performed when a RAM clear is performed to initialize the gaming machine in accordance with a RAM clear operation by an employee of the gaming arcade, A first clear information acquisition means that acquires first clear information that can identify a gaming machine that should undergo a RAM clear, and which is identified based on at least one of the operation input by an employee of the gaming parlor and a game signal output from the gaming machine; A second clear information acquisition means that acquires second clear information that can identify a gaming machine whose RAM has been cleared by inputting the aforementioned RAM clear signal, A comparison means capable of comparing the first clear information and the second clear information, A notification means capable of notifying the comparison results obtained by the aforementioned comparison means, The system includes a management means for classifying and managing the aforementioned gaming machines into a first model category in which a signal input is involved in the RAM clear operation, and a second model category that includes both cases in which a signal input is involved in the RAM clear operation and cases in which a signal input is not involved. The notification means is a gaming arcade system that, as notification of the comparison result, notifies in a manner distinguishing between the presence or absence of notification and the notification manner for at least one of the first model category and the second model category when the RAM clear signal is not output from the gaming machine that should perform a RAM clear.

2. The first clear information includes information that can identify whether or not the game machine setting value set in the game machine has been changed. The gaming machine includes a first gaming machine that outputs the RAM clear signal when a RAM clear is performed regardless of whether the gaming machine setting value is changed, and a second gaming machine that may not output the RAM clear signal when a RAM clear is performed without changing the gaming machine setting value. The management means is capable of classifying the first gaming machine into the first model category, while classifying the second gaming machine into the second model category. The amusement arcade system according to claim 1, wherein the notification means, when there is a gaming machine for which the gaming machine setting value has not changed even though a RAM clear should be performed, designates the gaming machine for notification indicating that it is abnormal if it is classified as a gaming machine in the first model category, while excluding it from notification if it is classified as a gaming machine in the second model category.

3. The notification means is a gaming machine classified into the second model category that is subject to the abnormality notification if it does not require a RAM clear and there is no change in the gaming machine setting value, as described in claim 2.

4. The notification means is a game machine classified into the second model category that is subject to the abnormality notification if there is a change in the game machine setting value, as described in claim 2 of the game arcade system.

5. The system includes a setting means that allows setting information indicating whether to classify a machine into the first or second machine category on a per-gaming machine group basis. The aforementioned gaming machine includes a second gaming machine capable of performing a RAM reset by either a normal operation or a special operation. The second gaming machine, when performing a RAM clear without changing the gaming machine settings, does not output a RAM clear signal if a special operation is performed, but outputs a RAM clear signal if no special operation is performed. The amusement arcade system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the management means is capable of managing amusement machines by classifying them into a first model category and a second model category based on information set by the setting means, and the second amusement machine is capable of being classified into either the first model category or the second model category.

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