Item acquisition game system, notification method, and computer program

Abstract

To improve the management efficiency of the item acquisition game device. [Solution] The item acquisition game system S includes a detection means 70 that notifies information about an item acquisition game device 1 capable of acquiring items stored inside the item storage unit 20 and detects status information indicating the state of the item acquisition game device 1 or the item storage unit 20, and a transmission means 170 that, when the number of status information entries exceeds a predetermined value, transmits housing identification information identifying the item acquisition game device 1 or the item storage unit 20, and notification information indicating that status information has been detected, to an administrator terminal 200 operated by the administrator of the item acquisition game device 1 or the item storage unit 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article acquisition game system, a notification method, and a computer program for notifying information related to an article acquisition game device capable of acquiring an article housed inside an article housing section.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an article acquisition game system is known that is connected via a network to a plurality of article acquisition game devices and executes data transmission and reception and the like between the article acquisition game devices.

[0003] For example, as such an article acquisition game system, Patent Document 1 discloses a store server that transmits data for notifying that a prize payout has occurred together with a device number for identifying the game device that is the notification source in response to a notification of a prize payout from the game device to an electronic device held by a staff member in charge of the game device that is the notification source. A staff member who has received such a notification on the electronic device will go to the game device and replenish the prizes or arrange the prizes in the game device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in the game device described in Patent Document 1, for example, if prizes are dispensed consecutively, data is sent consecutively to an electronic device held by the staff member in charge to notify them that prizes have been dispensed. In such a case, the second notification (when multiple prizes have been dispensed) is more important than the first notification (when one prize has been dispensed) because after the second notification, the game device is running low on more prizes.

[0006] However, in the item acquisition game system described in Patent Document 1, a notification is sent every time a prize is dispensed, making it difficult to distinguish between notifications of low importance (e.g., a notification that the first prize has been dispensed) and notifications of high importance (e.g., a notification that multiple prizes have been dispensed). As a result, administrators (e.g., store employees at a store where the item acquisition game machine is installed) may perform less important tasks due to notifications of low importance, or important tasks may be overlooked because important notifications are buried amongst the less important ones. Thus, notifications sent every time a prize is dispensed have the problem of reducing the management efficiency of the item acquisition game machine.

[0007] This invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems in the prior art, and aims to improve the management efficiency of an item acquisition game device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) An item acquisition game system that provides information regarding an item acquisition game device that can acquire items stored inside an item storage section, A detection means for detecting state information indicating the state of the item acquisition game device or the item storage unit, A count storage means for storing the number of times the aforementioned state information has been detected, An item acquisition game system characterized by comprising a transmission means that, when the number of status information occurrences exceeds a predetermined value, transmits to an administrator terminal operated by the administrator of the item acquisition game device or the item storage unit housing identification information that identifies the item acquisition game device or the item storage unit, and notification information indicating that the status information has been detected.

[0009] In configuration (1), the item acquisition game system that notifies information about an item acquisition game device that can acquire an item stored inside the item storage section comprises a detection means, a count storage means, and a transmission means. The detection means detects status information indicating the state of the item acquisition game device or the item storage unit. The count storage means stores the number of times the state information has been detected, which is the count of state information. When the number of status information occurrences exceeds a predetermined value, the transmission means transmits housing identification information that identifies the item acquisition game device or item storage unit, and notification information indicating that status information has been detected, to an administrator terminal operated by the administrator of the item acquisition game device or item storage unit.

[0010] According to the configuration of (1), when the number of times status information indicating the status of the item acquisition game device or item storage unit has been detected reaches a predetermined value or more, notification information indicating that status information has been detected can be transmitted to an administrator terminal operated by the administrator of the item acquisition game device or item storage unit.

[0011] This allows notification information to be sent to the administrator terminal only when the number of times status information has been detected exceeds a predetermined value. For example, if the number of times status information has been detected is less than the predetermined value (meaning status information has been detected, but the importance or urgency is relatively low), notification information will not be sent to the administrator terminal. Therefore, it is possible to notify the administrator only of situations that are relatively important or urgent, and not of situations that are relatively low in importance or urgency. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the management efficiency of the item acquisition game device.

[0012] (2) The count storage means stores the number of consecutive times in which the next state information is detected within a predetermined time after a certain state information has been detected, The item acquisition game system according to (1), characterized in that the transmission means transmits the notification information to the administrator terminal when the number of consecutive occurrences exceeds a predetermined value.

[0013] According to the configuration of (2), if the number of consecutive occurrences, which is the number of times the next state information is detected within a predetermined time after a certain state information is detected, exceeds a predetermined value, notification information is sent to the administrator terminal. This allows notification information to be sent to the administrator terminal when status information is detected continuously over a relatively short period. When status information is detected continuously over a relatively short period, it is more likely to be a situation of relatively high importance or urgency compared to when status information is detected only sporadically. Therefore, it becomes possible to notify the administrator only of situations that are relatively high in importance or urgency. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the management efficiency of the item acquisition game device.

[0014] (3) The detection means detects first state information indicating that an item acquisition game has ended in the item acquisition game device, and second state information indicating that the next item acquisition game has started after an item acquisition game has ended. The item acquisition game system according to (2), characterized in that the count storage means stores the number of consecutive times the second state information is detected within a predetermined time after the first state information is detected.

[0015] Here, when the second state information indicating that the next item acquisition game has been started is detected within a relatively short time after the first state information indicating that a certain item acquisition game has ended is detected, it is highly likely that the same player is continuously playing the item acquisition game. Also, when the same player is continuously playing the item acquisition game, although the player has played the item acquisition game multiple times, it is highly likely that the player has not been able to acquire an item. In such a case, an administrator (for example, a store clerk of a store where the item acquisition game device is installed, etc.) needs to assist such a player as part of the management work of the item acquisition game device.

[0016] According to the configuration of (3), when the number of consecutive times that the second state information indicating that the next item acquisition game has been started is detected within a predetermined time after the first state information indicating that a certain item acquisition game has ended is detected reaches a predetermined value or more, notification information is transmitted to the administrator terminal.

[0017] Thereby, in the item acquisition game device, it is possible to notify the administrator that the player is in a situation where the player has not been able to acquire an item despite continuously playing the item acquisition game. Therefore, the administrator can promptly assist the player as part of the management work of the item acquisition game device, and it becomes possible to improve the management efficiency of the item acquisition game device.

Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the management efficiency of the item acquisition game device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a diagram for explaining the outline of an item acquisition game system in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram for explaining the appearance of an item acquisition game device in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]It is a block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of an article acquisition game system in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the key part of an article acquisition game device in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the key part of an article acquisition game device in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is an example schematically showing the administrator DB of an article acquisition game system in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is an example schematically showing the play state information DB of an article acquisition game system in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is an example schematically showing the article acquisition state information DB of an article acquisition game system in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of a notification status screen displayed on the administrator terminal of an article acquisition game system in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of a notification status screen displayed on the administrator terminal of an article acquisition game system in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart for explaining the continuous alert notification process by the server of an article acquisition game system in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart for explaining the continuous alert notification process by the article acquisition game device of an article acquisition game system in an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically using preferred embodiments. However, the following embodiments are merely examples embodying the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. [[ID=?]] The outline of an article acquisition game system in an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of an article acquisition game system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] The configuration of the item acquisition game system S will be explained. The item acquisition game system S includes an item acquisition game device 1 capable of acquiring items stored inside an item storage section, and provides information regarding the item acquisition game device. Specifically, the item acquisition game system S includes multiple item acquisition game devices 1, a server 100 which is an example of a management unit and is connected to the multiple item acquisition game devices 1 via a network, and an administrator terminal 200 which is connected to the server 100 via a network and is operated by an administrator. Alternatively, the item acquisition game system S may consist only of the server 100 which is an example of a management unit, and be configured to be connectable via a network to multiple external item acquisition game devices 1 and the administrator terminal 200.

[0022] Here, we will explain the configuration of the item acquisition game device 1. Figure 2 illustrates the external appearance of an item acquisition game device in one embodiment of the present invention. The item acquisition game device 1 comprises a base 10 installed on the floor, an item storage section 20 placed on the base 10 and containing items (prizes, etc.), with walls and other surfaces made of a translucent material (for example, glass), a moving device 30 provided in the upper interior of the item storage section 20, a vertical moving device 40 attached to the moving device 30 and moving the item acquisition device 50 (described later) in the vertical direction, and an item acquisition device 50 capable of acquiring items.

[0023] The item acquisition game device 1, for example, based on the player's operation of an operating unit 11 such as a switch provided on the base 10, moves the vertical movement device 40 in the left-right and front-back directions using a moving device 30 provided in the upper part of the inside of the item storage unit 20, then moves the item acquisition device 50 downward using the vertical movement device 40, grasps an item (not shown) placed inside the item storage unit 20 with a pair of arms 51 of the item acquisition device 50, moves the item onto a drop-off opening 12 provided on the base 10, then opens the pair of arms 51 and drops the item into the drop-off opening 12, thereby discharging the item to the outside. Through this item acquisition game, the player can acquire an item placed in the item storage unit 20.

[0024] The item acquisition game device 1 starts the item acquisition game by receiving a payment operation of a predetermined monetary value to execute the item acquisition game at the operation unit 11 (for example, an operation to insert coins equivalent to a predetermined amount into the coin slot provided on the operation unit 11). After starting the item acquisition game, the item acquisition game device 1 moves the item acquisition device 50, returns the item acquisition device 50 to its initial position, and ends the item acquisition game.

[0025] The item acquisition game device 1 then stores game start information as status information indicating that the item acquisition game has started when it has started, and stores game end information as status information indicating that one item acquisition game has ended when it has finished.

[0026] Furthermore, the item acquisition game device 1 may transmit game start information indicating that the item acquisition game has started when it has started, and may transmit game end information indicating that one item acquisition game has ended when it has finished.

[0027] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 2, the item acquisition game device includes a plurality of booths 5 (two in the example shown in Figure 2) arranged in a predetermined direction (left and right in the example shown in Figure 2). The item acquisition game device has an item storage section 20 that is partitioned into booths 5, and each booth 5 is equipped with an operation unit 11, a moving device 30, an up and down moving device 40, an item acquisition device 50, and a drop-off opening 12. With this configuration, one item acquisition game device can accommodate as many players as there are booths 5 (two in the example shown in Figure 2), each playing the item acquisition game.

[0028] The base 10 is provided with a lock mechanism 13 near the item storage section 20, which allows the door 21 that opens and closes the item storage section 20 to be locked and unlocked. The base 10 is also provided with detection means 70, which will be described in more detail later, to detect the open / closed state of the door 21 and the locked / unlocked state of the lock mechanism 13.

[0029] Door 21 can be locked and unlocked by an administrator (for example, an employee of a store where the item acquisition game system is installed), and can be unlocked and opened, for example, when replenishing items in the item storage section 20 or rearranging items.

[0030] The item acquisition game device 1 then transmits item acquisition information when an item is acquired by the player from inside the item storage section 20 (for example, when it detects that an item has fallen into the drop-off opening 12). Furthermore, the item acquisition game device 1 transmits open information when the door 21 is opened by the administrator.

[0031] Returning to Figure 1, we will now describe the overview of the functions of the item acquisition game system S. The item acquisition game system S provides information regarding the item acquisition game device 1, which can acquire items stored inside the item storage section 20. Specifically, the item acquisition game system S, when a pre-set notification event occurs in the item acquisition game device 1, sends notification information from the item acquisition game device 1 to the server 100, and the server 100 sends notification information corresponding to this notification information to the administrator terminal 200.

[0032] In this embodiment, a reportable incident would be, for example, the operation of a button on the item acquisition game device 1 to call a store employee, a malfunction occurring in the execution of the item acquisition game on the item acquisition game device 1, the item acquisition game being played continuously, or an item being acquired in the item acquisition game.

[0033] In detail, in the item acquisition game system S, the item acquisition game device 1 detects status information indicating the state of the item acquisition game device 1 or the item storage unit 20 (booth 5), and stores the number of times this status information has been detected, which is the number of times the status information has been detected. When the number of status information occurrences exceeds a predetermined value, the item acquisition game device 1 sends notification information corresponding to the type of status information to the server 100.

[0034] In this embodiment, the status information includes game start information indicating that the item acquisition game has started, game end information indicating that the item acquisition game has ended, call information indicating that the button to call a store clerk has been operated, error information indicating that a malfunction occurred in the execution of the item acquisition game in the item acquisition game device 1, and item acquisition information indicating that an item has been acquired in the item acquisition game.

[0035] In the item acquisition game system S, the server 100 receives notification information from the item acquisition game device 1 according to the type of status information of the item acquisition game device 1 or the item storage unit 20 (booth 5).

[0036] When the server 100 receives such notification information, it transmits to the administrator terminal 200, which is operated by the administrator of the item acquisition game device 1 or item storage unit 20 (booth 5), housing identification information that identifies the item acquisition game device 1 or item storage unit 20 (booth 5), and notification information indicating that notification information has been sent.

[0037] In this embodiment, the notification information includes, for example, a call alert indicating that a button to call a store clerk, provided on the item acquisition game device 1, has been operated; an error alert indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the execution of the item acquisition game on the item acquisition game device 1; a continuous alert indicating that the item acquisition game has been played continuously; and an item acquisition alert indicating that an item has been acquired in the item acquisition game.

[0038] With this item acquisition game system S, notification information can be sent to the administrator terminal 200 only when the number of times status information has been detected exceeds a predetermined value. For example, if the number of times status information has been detected is less than the predetermined value (a situation where status information has been detected, but the importance or urgency is relatively low), notification information will not be sent to the administrator terminal 200. Therefore, it is possible to notify the administrator only in situations that are relatively important or urgent, and not in situations that are relatively low in importance or urgency. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the management efficiency of the item acquisition game device 1.

[0039] Next, we will describe the functional configuration of the item acquisition game system S. Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of an item acquisition game system in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] The item acquisition game system S includes a plurality of item acquisition game devices 1, a server 100 which is an example of a management unit to which the plurality of item acquisition game devices 1 are connected, and an administrator terminal 200 which is connected to the server 100 via a network and operated by an administrator.

[0041] The functional configuration of the item acquisition game device 1 will be described below. The item acquisition game device 1 comprises an operation unit 11, a moving device 30, a vertical moving device 40, an item acquisition device 50, a control means 60, a detection means 70, and a communication means 80.

[0042] The operation unit 11 is located on the front side of the base 10 and includes switches that receive player input in the item acquisition game, a monetary value detection unit (for example, a coin slot or a code input unit with monetary value) that detects when a predetermined monetary value has been paid to play the item acquisition game, a call unit (switch or button, etc.) for calling a store clerk, and a call cancellation unit (switch or button, etc.) for canceling the call. The operation unit 11 also transmits various information (for example, the game start information, game end information, and information regarding the operation of the item acquisition device 50, etc.) in response to the player's input to the control means 60.

[0043] The moving device 30 moves the vertical moving device 40 and the item acquisition device 50 in a predetermined direction (for example, left-right direction or front-back direction) under the control of the control means 60. The vertical movement device 40 moves the item acquisition device 50 in a predetermined direction (for example, vertically) under the control of the control means 60. The item acquisition device 50 opens and closes a pair of arm sections 51 under the control of the control means 60.

[0044] The control means 60 controls the operation of the item acquisition game device 1. Specifically, the control means 60 receives various information from the server 100 and the administrator terminal 200 via the communication means 80, and controls the item acquisition game played by the player based on settings derived from the received information.

[0045] Furthermore, the control means 60 switches between a game mode in which the item acquisition game device 1 can be executed and a maintenance mode, and controls the operation of the item acquisition game device 1 in each mode.

[0046] In this embodiment, "game mode" is a mode in which a player can play an item acquisition game, and is an example of a first mode. That is, the first mode is not limited to the so-called "game mode," but is a mode in which the item acquisition game device 1 is operated based on the player's actions.

[0047] Furthermore, "Maintenance Mode" is a mode in which the administrator of the item acquisition game device (for example, an employee of a store where the item acquisition game system S is installed) can perform various settings on the item acquisition game device 1 (for example, settings to adjust the amount of movement of the movement device 30, the vertical movement device 40, and the item acquisition device 50, etc.), and is an example of the second mode. In other words, the second mode is not limited to the so-called "Maintenance Mode," but is a mode in which various settings can be performed on the item acquisition game device 1.

[0048] Furthermore, the control means 60 refers to various information received from the server 100 and the administrator terminal 200 and controls the operation of the movement device 30, the vertical movement device 40, and the item acquisition device 50 based on various information transmitted from the operation unit 11 in response to the player's operations.

[0049] Furthermore, the control means 60 transmits status information indicating the status of the item acquisition game device 1 or the item storage unit 20 (booth 5), which has been detected by the detection means 70 (described later), to the server 100, along with the enclosure ID that identifies the item acquisition game device 1 and the booth ID that identifies the booth 5. The enclosure ID and booth ID are pre-set by the administrator or other relevant personnel.

[0050] Specifically, the control means 60 transmits game start information, which is an example of second state information indicating that a predetermined monetary value for playing the item acquisition game has been paid in the monetary value detection unit as detected by the detection means 70 (described later), to the server 100 via the communication means 80, along with the enclosure ID and booth ID.

[0051] Furthermore, the control means 60 transmits game end information, which is an example of first state information indicating that the item acquisition device 50 was moved from its initial position after the item acquisition game started and then returned to its initial position, to the server 100 via the communication means 80, along with the cabinet ID and booth ID. This information is detected by the detection means 70, which will be described later.

[0052] Furthermore, the control means 60 transmits, via the communication means 80, to the server 100, along with the enclosure ID and booth ID, an example of status information indicating that an item has been acquired by a player from inside the item storage section 20, as detected by the detection means 70 (described later) (for example, that the passage of an item has been detected by sensors provided at each of the drop-off points 12 (see Figure 2) of the multiple booths 5).

[0053] The control means 60 may also notify that an item has been acquired using various notification devices (light-emitting means, display means, sound-generating means, etc.) provided by the item acquisition game device 1.

[0054] Furthermore, the control means 60 transmits information indicating the state of the door 21 (see Figure 2) of the item storage section 20 (for example, open information described later), which has been detected by the detection means 70 (described later), to the server 100 via the communication means 80, along with the housing ID and booth ID, as state information.

[0055] Furthermore, the control means 60 transmits call information, which is an example of status information indicating that the call unit has been operated by a player as detected by the detection means 70 (described later), to the server 100 via the communication means 80, along with the cabinet ID and booth ID. Also, the control means 60 transmits call cancellation information, which is an example of status information indicating that the call cancellation unit has been operated by a player as detected by the detection means 70 (described later), to the server 100 via the communication means 80, along with the cabinet ID and booth ID.

[0056] Furthermore, the control means 60 transmits error information, which is an example of status information indicating that an error has occurred in the item acquisition game device 1 as detected by the detection means 70 (described later), to the server 100 via the communication means 80, along with the cabinet ID and booth ID. Also, the control means 60 transmits error resolution information, which is an example of status information indicating that an error in the item acquisition game device 1 has been resolved as detected by the detection means 70 (described later), to the server 100 via the communication means 80, along with the cabinet ID and booth ID.

[0057] Furthermore, the control means 60 stores the number of times the state information has been detected by the detection means 70 (described later) in the memory means provided by the item acquisition game device 1. Such a control means 60 functions as an example of a count storage means.

[0058] In detail, the control means 60 stores in the storage means the number of consecutive occurrences in which the next state information is detected within a predetermined time after a certain state information is detected by the detection means 70, which will be described later. Specifically, the control means 60 stores in the storage means the number of consecutive occurrences in which the game start information, which is an example of second state information, is detected within a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) after the game end information, which is an example of first state information, is detected by the detection means 70, which will be described later.

[0059] Specifically, if the control means 60 detects game start information as second state information within a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) after the detection means 70, which will be described later, detects game end information as first state information, it adds 1 to the value of the play count counter stored in the storage means of the item acquisition game device 1 for each item acquisition game device 1 and item storage unit 20 (booth 5).

[0060] Furthermore, if the control means 60 detects game start information as second state information after a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) has elapsed since the detection means 70, which will be described later, detected game end information as first state information, the control means 60 clears (sets to 0) the value of the play count counter and then increments it by 1.

[0061] Furthermore, when the number of status information occurrences or consecutive occurrences reaches a predetermined value (for example, 5), the control means 60 transmits notification information corresponding to the status information to the server 100 via the communication means 80, along with the housing ID and booth ID. In this embodiment, the notification information includes the content of the status information (continuous alert information, continuous alert cancellation information, item acquisition alert information, item acquisition alert cancellation information, call alert information, call alert cancellation information, error alert information, error alert cancellation information, etc.) and information indicating the number of status information occurrences or consecutive occurrences.

[0062] The control means 60 generates continuous alert information when the number of consecutive times (for example, 5) in which game start information for a certain item acquisition game is detected within a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) after game end information for a certain item acquisition game is detected by the detection means 70, which will be described later, reaches a predetermined number (for example, 5).

[0063] The control means 60 generates continuous alert information when the number of consecutive occurrences (e.g., 5) of game start information for a certain item acquisition game detected within a predetermined time (e.g., 1 minute) after game end information for a certain item acquisition game is detected by the detection means 70, which will be described later, reaches a predetermined number of occurrences (e.g., 5). Furthermore, after generating the continuous alert information, if the detection means 70, which will be described later, detects game start information for a certain item acquisition game after a predetermined time (e.g., 1 minute) has elapsed since game end information for a certain item acquisition game was detected, the control means 60 generates continuous alert cancellation information.

[0064] Furthermore, the control means 60 generates item acquisition alert information when the detection means 70, described later, detects item acquisition information indicating that an item has been acquired by the player from inside the item storage unit 20 (for example, when the sensors provided at each of the drop-off points 12 (see Figure 2) of the multiple booths 5 detect that an item has passed through). Also, the control means 60 generates item acquisition alert cancellation information when the detection means 70, described later, detects information indicating the state of the door 21 (see Figure 2) of the item storage unit 20 (for example, open information described later).

[0065] Furthermore, the control means 60 generates call alert information when the detection means 70, described later, detects call information indicating that the call unit has been operated by the player. Also, the control means 60 generates call alert cancellation information when the detection means 70, described later, detects call cancellation information indicating that the call cancellation unit has been operated by the player.

[0066] Furthermore, the control means 60 generates error alert information when the detection means 70, described later, detects error information indicating that an error has occurred in the item acquisition game device 1. Also, the control means 60 generates error alert cancellation information when the detection means 70, described later, detects error resolution information indicating that the error in the item acquisition game device 1 has been resolved.

[0067] Furthermore, in maintenance mode, the control means 60 performs various settings on the item acquisition game device (for example, settings to adjust the amount of movement of the moving device 30, the vertical moving device 40, and the item acquisition device 50, etc.) based on direct operation from an administrator (operation on the item acquisition game device) or indirect operation (operation via a server to which the item acquisition game device is connected via a network), and stores these settings in the storage means.

[0068] The detection means 70 detects the state of the door 21. More specifically, the detection means 70 detects the state of the door 21 for each of the multiple booths 5. In this embodiment, the state of the door 21 detected by the detection means 70 includes the open / closed state of the door 21 itself, the locked state of the door 21 (closed state), and the unlocked state (state in which the door 21 can be opened).

[0069] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the operation of the key mechanism in an item acquisition game device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The key mechanism 13 comprises a cylinder 131 and a movable part 132. The cylinder section 131 rotates when a key managed by an administrator (for example, an employee of a store where an item acquisition game system is installed) is inserted, causing the shaft extending in the front and rear directions to rotate. The movable part 132 moves vertically in accordance with the rotation of the axis of the cylinder part 131, and has an engaging piece 132a that engages with the door 21 when it moves upward.

[0070] Door 21 has an engagement hole 21a formed on its side edge, through which an engagement piece 132a can be inserted. The engagement hole 21a is formed in a position directly above the engagement piece 132a when the door 21 is in the closed position.

[0071] Door 21 becomes closed when the engaging piece 132a is inserted into the engaging hole 21a, preventing it from opening (see Figure 4). On the other hand, door 21 becomes open when the engaging piece 132a is removed from the engaging hole 21a (see Figure 5).

[0072] Returning to Figure 2, the detection means 70 transmits closed information to the control means 60 when it detects that the door 21 is in a closed state. Also, the detection means 70 transmits open information to the control means 60 when it detects that the door 21 is in an open state or in a state where the door can be opened.

[0073] Specifically, the detection means 70 is composed of a microswitch capable of contact detection or a reflective sensor capable of non-contact detection. For example, when the door 21 is closed, it detects a predetermined portion of the door 21 at predetermined intervals and transmits closed information to the control means 60 at predetermined intervals. Furthermore, when the door 21 actually opens (the predetermined portion moves) and the detection means 70 can no longer detect the predetermined portion, it transmits open information to the control means 60.

[0074] Furthermore, the detection means 70 is composed of a sensor that detects the position of the engaging piece 132a (see Figures 4 and 5), and for example, it can detect the engaging piece 132a at its uppermost position (the position in which the engaging piece 132a is inserted into the engaging hole 21a of the door 21 (see Figures 4 and 5)), and if this state (the locking mechanism 13) is detected, it may transmit closed information to the control means 60. Also, if the detection means 70 detects that the locking mechanism 13 is unlocked, it may transmit open information to the control means 60.

[0075] Furthermore, if the detection means 70 transmits only closed information to the control means 60, the control means 60 may determine that the door 21 is in an open state when the closed information is interrupted.

[0076] Furthermore, if the control means 60 detects that an item has been acquired by the player from inside the item storage section 20 using the detection means (for example, sensors provided at each of the drop-off points 12 (see Figure 2) of the multiple booths 5 detect that the item has passed through), and has been issuing a notification using notification equipment (light-emitting means, display means, sound-generating means, etc.), the control means 60 may cancel the notification depending on the state of the door 21 detected by the detection means 70.

[0077] Furthermore, the detection means 70 detects game end information for a certain item acquisition game and stores it in the storage means. Furthermore, the detection means 70 detects game start information for a certain item acquisition game and stores it in the storage means. Furthermore, the detection means 70 detects item acquisition information indicating that an item has been acquired by the player from inside the item storage unit 20 (for example, that the passage of an item has been detected by sensors provided at each of the drop-off openings 12 (see Figure 2) of the multiple booths 5) and stores it in the storage means. Furthermore, the detection means 70 detects information indicating the state of the door 21 (see Figure 2) of the item storage unit 20 (for example, open information described later) and stores it in the storage means. Furthermore, the detection means 70 detects call information indicating that the call unit has been operated by the player and stores it in the storage means. Furthermore, the detection means 70 detects call cancellation information indicating that the call cancellation unit has been operated by the player and stores it in the storage means. Furthermore, the detection means 70 detects error information indicating that an error has occurred in the item acquisition game device 1 and stores it in the storage means. Also, the detection means 70 detects error resolution information indicating that the error in the item acquisition game device 1 has been resolved and stores it in the storage means.

[0078] Returning to Figure 3, the communication means 80, under the control of the control means 60, transmits to the server 100, along with the chassis ID and booth ID, notification information including status information such as game start information, game end information, item acquisition information, open information, call information, call cancellation information, error information, and error resolution information, as well as the content of the status information (continuous alert information, continuous alert cancellation information, item acquisition alert information, item acquisition alert cancellation information, call alert information, call alert cancellation information, error alert information, error alert cancellation information, etc.) and information indicating the number of status information occurrences and consecutive occurrences.

[0079] Furthermore, the communication means 80 receives various setting information from the server 100 to control the operation of the moving device 30, the vertical moving device 40, and the item acquisition device 50, under the control of the control means 60.

[0080] Next, we will describe the functional configuration of server 100. Server 100 generates and stores information for managing multiple item acquisition game devices 1 connected via a network, based on the administrator's operations. Server 100 may consist of a single computer (e.g., a personal computer), or it may consist of an externally provided storage means (e.g., cloud storage) and an administrator terminal (e.g., a personal computer) that can access this storage means.

[0081] Specifically, the server 100 includes a notification information receiving means 110, a timing means 120, a count storage means 130, an administrator setting means 140, a status information generation means 150, an update means 160, a transmission means 170, and a storage means 180.

[0082] The notification information receiving means 110 receives status information indicating the status of the item acquisition game device 1 or the item storage unit 20 (booth 5), as well as notification information corresponding to the status information, from the item acquisition game device 1.

[0083] In detail, the notification information receiving means 110 receives from the item acquisition game device 1 the cabinet ID that identifies the item acquisition game device 1, the booth ID of the booth 5 where the item acquisition game is being played by the player, and as state information, game end information as first state information indicating that a certain item acquisition game has ended, and game start information as second state information indicating that the next item acquisition game has started after a certain item acquisition game has ended. The notification information receiving means 110 associates the cabinet ID and booth ID, which are cabinet information, with the time the game start information and game end information are received, and stores them in the storage means 180.

[0084] Furthermore, the notification information receiving means 110 receives item acquisition information as status information from the item acquisition game device 1, along with the cabinet ID that identifies the item acquisition game device 1 and the booth ID of the booth 5 where the item was acquired by the player. The notification information receiving means 110 associates the cabinet ID and booth ID, which are cabinet information, with the item acquisition information and stores it in the storage means 180.

[0085] Furthermore, the notification information receiving means 110 receives open information as status information from the item acquisition game device 1, along with the enclosure ID that identifies the item acquisition game device 1 and the booth ID of the booth 5 whose door 21 is open. The open information is then associated with the enclosure information, namely the enclosure ID and booth ID, and stored in the storage means 180.

[0086] Furthermore, the notification information receiving means 110 receives status information such as call information, call cancellation information, error information, and error resolution information from the item acquisition game device 1, along with the enclosure ID and booth ID of booth 5 that identify the item acquisition game device 1. The notification information receiving means 110 associates the enclosure information, such as the enclosure ID and booth ID, with the item acquisition information and stores it in the storage means 180.

[0087] Furthermore, the notification information receiving means 110 receives notification information from the item acquisition game device 1, along with the enclosure ID that identifies the item acquisition game device 1 and the booth ID of booth 5, as well as the contents of the status information (continuous alert information, continuous alert cancellation information, item acquisition alert information, item acquisition alert cancellation information, call alert information, call alert cancellation information, error alert information, error alert cancellation information, etc.) and information indicating the number of status information occurrences and consecutive occurrences. The notification information is then associated with the enclosure information, namely the enclosure ID and booth ID, and stored in the storage means 180.

[0088] The timing means 120 measures the elapsed time from the time when a certain state information is received by the notification information receiving means 110 until the time when the next state information is received. Specifically, if the timing means 120 receives game end information from the item acquisition game device 1 along with the same cabinet ID and booth ID, as an example of first state information indicating that a certain item acquisition game has ended, and then receives game start information as an example of second state information indicating that the next item acquisition game has started, the timing means 120 measures the elapsed time from the time when the game end information is received until the time when the game start information is received.

[0089] Furthermore, the timing means 120 measures the time elapsed from the time the call alert information is received to the time the call alert cancellation information is received, and stores the time taken to cancel the call alert for each call alert in the storage means 180. The timing means 120 may then calculate the average time taken to cancel the call alert for each predetermined period (for example, one day). The transmission means 170, which will be described later, may also transmit this average time information to the administrator terminal 200. This allows the administrator to check the average time taken to cancel the call alert on the administrator terminal 200.

[0090] The count storage means 130 stores in the storage means the number of times the notification information receiving means 110 has received state information. The count storage means 130 also stores in the storage means, which is a play count counter (a storage area on the circuit board provided by the server 100), the number of consecutive times the notification information receiving means 110 has received the next state information within a predetermined time after receiving a certain state information. A play count counter is provided for each item acquisition game device 1 (cabinet ID) and item storage unit 20 (booth 5 (booth ID)).

[0091] Specifically, if the notification information receiving means 110 receives game end information as first state information from the item acquisition game device 1, and the timing means 120 receives game start information as second state information within a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute), the count storage means 130 adds 1 to the value stored in the play count counter of the item acquisition game device 1 (casing ID) or item storage unit 20 (booth 5 (booth ID)).

[0092] Furthermore, if the notification information receiving means 110 receives game end information as first state information from the item acquisition game device 1, and the timing time measured by the timing means 120 exceeds a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute), and the count storage means 130 receives game start information as second state information, it clears (sets to 0) the play count counter value of the item acquisition game device 1 (casing ID) or item storage unit 20 (booth 5 (booth ID)) and then adds 1.

[0093] The administrator setting means 140 sets an administrator to be in charge of each of the multiple item acquisition game machines 1 and multiple booths 5. Specifically, based on the administrator's operation, the administrator setting means 140 generates and updates an administrator DB 181 that associates the cabinet ID and booth ID, which are the cabinet information for each of the multiple item acquisition game machines 1, with the administrator ID, which is the administrator information of the administrator in charge of each cabinet or booth, and the address of the administrator's administrator terminal 200, and stores this DB in the storage means 180.

[0094] Figure 6 shows a schematic example of the administrator database for an item acquisition game system in one embodiment of the present invention. Administrator DB181 associates enclosure information, including enclosure ID and booth ID, with the assigned administrator ID, which is administrator information that identifies the administrator responsible for each enclosure. In the example shown in Figure 6, the administrator DB 181 associates multiple assigned administrators (assigned administrator IDs, which are administrator information) with a single booth (booth ID, which is enclosure information). Furthermore, the administrator setting means 140 can associate the same assigned administrator (assigned administrator ID) with all booths (for example, two) in the administrator DB 181, even though a single enclosure (enclosure ID) has multiple booths (booth IDs). Alternatively, different assigned administrators (assigned administrator IDs) may be associated with each booth.

[0095] Thus, the administrator setting means 140 can associate multiple administrators (such as the administrator ID or the address of the administrator's administrator terminal 200) with each of the multiple booths 5 (booth IDs) of the item acquisition game device 1 (cabinet ID) (generating an administrator group). The administrator setting means 140 may associate an administrator (administrator ID) with each item acquisition game device 1 (cabinet ID), or it may associate one administrator (administrator ID) with each item acquisition game device 1 (cabinet ID) and booth 5 (booth ID).

[0096] The administrator setting means 140 may send a common version of the software and database to the administrator terminal 200 for each assigned administrator group. This makes it possible for each assigned administrator group to manage multiple booths 5 (booth IDs) of the item acquisition game device 1 (cabinet ID) that they are responsible for, in a common environment on the administrator terminal 200 of all administrators.

[0097] Furthermore, the server 100 may include a cabinet group setting means for setting up cabinet groups consisting of multiple item acquisition game devices 1 and multiple booths 5. By installing a common version of control software and setting various settings and effects for the item acquisition game device 1 in the cabinet group setting means, the server 100 can operate all of the multiple item acquisition game devices 1 and multiple booths 5 included in the cabinet group using the common control software and the various settings and effects.

[0098] When a group of cabinets consisting of multiple item acquisition game devices 1 and multiple booths 5 is set up using the cabinet group setting means, the administrator setting means 140 can assign one or more administrators (assigned administrator IDs) to each cabinet group (cabinet group ID that identifies the cabinet group) to be in charge of that booth.

[0099] Returning to Figure 3, the state information generation means 150 stores play start time information, indicating the time the game start information was received, in the storage means 180 when the notification information receiving means 110 receives game start information from the item acquisition game device 1 as state information associated with the cabinet ID and booth ID. Also, the state information generation means 150 stores play end time information, indicating the time the game end information was received, in the storage means 180 when the notification information receiving means 110 receives game end information from the item acquisition game device 1 as state information associated with the cabinet ID and booth ID.

[0100] In detail, when the notification information receiving means 110 receives game start information or game end information, the state information generation means 150 generates a play state information DB 182 that associates the play start time information and play end time information, which indicate the time when the game start information or game end information was received, with the cabinet ID and booth ID that were associated with the game start information or game end information, and stores it in the storage means 180. Furthermore, when the state information generation means 150 receives game start information, it associates the value of the play count counter as play count information with the play start time information of the game start information in the play state information DB 182 and stores it.

[0101] Figure 7 shows a schematic example of a play status information database for an item acquisition game system in one embodiment of the present invention. The play status information DB182 associates machine information, including the machine ID and booth ID, with play start time information, play end time information, and play count information (play count counter value).

[0102] In the example shown in Figure 7, the time difference between the end time of the previous item acquisition game at booth ID "A...2" and the start time of the next item acquisition game is within a predetermined time (1 minute in the example shown in Figure 7), so the number of plays (value of the play counter) is added sequentially, reaching a maximum of 5 (the number of consecutive plays is 5). On the other hand, the time difference between the end time of the previous item acquisition game at booth ID "A...1" and the start time of the next item acquisition game exceeds a predetermined time (1 minute in the example shown in Figure 7), so the number of plays is not added and remains at 1. Such play count information (value of the play counter) stored in the play status information DB182 is an example of the number of consecutive times that the next status information is received within a predetermined time after receiving a certain status information.

[0103] Returning to Figure 3, the status information generation means 150 also stores the status information in the storage means 180 when the notification information receiving means 110 receives item acquisition information from the item acquisition game device 1 as status information associated with the cabinet ID and booth ID, along with item acquisition time information indicating the time the item acquisition information was received. More specifically, when the notification information receiving means 110 receives item acquisition information, the status information generation means 150 generates an item acquisition status information DB 183 by associating the cabinet ID and booth ID associated with the item acquisition information with notification information (for example, item acquisition time information and information indicating whether or not open information was received) which is information to be notified to the manager in charge of the item acquisition game device 1 (cabinet ID) or booth 5 (booth ID), and stores it in the storage means 180.

[0104] When the update means 160 receives open information as status information from an item acquisition game device 1, it updates the status information for the item acquisition game device to reflect the state in which the notification has been canceled. Specifically, when the notification information receiving means 110 receives open information from an item acquisition game device 1, the update means 160 updates the item acquisition status information DB 183 generated by the status information generation means 150 to reflect the information indicating whether or not open information has been received, which is notification information associated with the item acquisition game device 1 (casing ID) and booth 5 (booth ID), to reflect the information indicating that open information has been received.

[0105] Figure 8 is a schematic example of the item acquisition status information database of an item acquisition game system in one embodiment of the present invention. The item acquisition status information DB183 associates notification information with enclosure information, including enclosure ID and booth ID. In the example shown in Figure 8, the item acquisition status information DB183 associates the booth (booth ID, which is enclosure information) associated with the item acquisition information with information indicating the item acquisition time and whether or not open information has been received, as notification information.

[0106] The information indicating whether or not open information has been received is, in the item acquisition status information DB183, information indicating whether or not the notification information receiving means 110 has received open information from the item acquisition game device 1 to which the information is associated. In the example shown in Figure 8, 0 is used when no open information has been received, and 1 is used when open information has been received.

[0107] The status information generation means 150, in the item acquisition status information DB 183, when it receives item acquisition information from an item acquisition game device 1, associates item acquisition time information with the item acquisition game device 1 (casing ID) or booth 5 (booth ID), and sets the information indicating whether or not open information has been received to information indicating that open information has not been received (0 in the example shown in Figure 7).

[0108] Subsequently, the update means 160, at the time it receives open information from the item acquisition game device 1, sets the information indicating whether or not open information has been received in the item acquisition status information DB 183 to information indicating that open information has been received (1 in the example shown in Figure 8).

[0109] Furthermore, the status information generation means 150, in a certain item acquisition game device 1 or booth 5, unless the notification information receiving means 110 receives open information, accumulates notification information (item acquisition time information) in the item acquisition status information DB 183 each time the notification information receiving means 110 receives item acquisition information (in the example shown in Figure 8, booth ID "A...2").

[0110] Returning to Figure 3, when the number of times status information has been received reaches a predetermined value (for example, 5), the transmitting means 170 transmits to the administrator terminal 200, which is operated by the administrator of the item acquisition game device 1 or item storage unit 20 (booth 5), the enclosure identification information (enclosure ID or booth ID) that identifies the item acquisition game device 1 or item storage unit 20 (booth 5), and notification information indicating that status information has been transmitted.

[0111] Furthermore, the transmission means 170 may transmit notification information to the administrator terminal 200 when the number of consecutive times status information has been received (for example, the number of plays stored in the play status information DB 182 (the value of the play counter)) reaches a predetermined value (for example, 5, etc.).

[0112] In detail, when the notification information receiving means 110 receives game start information from an item acquisition game device 1, the transmission means 170 transmits, in the administrator DB 181, the cabinet ID or booth ID of the item acquisition game device 1 and the play count information indicating the number of plays, which are associated with the cabinet identification information (cabinet ID or booth ID) that identifies the item acquisition game device 1 or the item storage unit 20 (booth 5), to the administrator terminal 200 of the administrator (responsible administrator ID) associated with the cabinet ID or booth ID as notification information (e.g., continuous alert information).

[0113] Then, when the notification information receiving means 110 receives game start information from the item acquisition game device 1, and the number of plays associated with the cabinet identification information (cabinet ID or booth ID) that identifies the item acquisition game device 1 or the item storage unit 20 (booth 5) in the play status information DB 182 becomes 1 (when the time measured by the timing means 120 exceeds a predetermined time (e.g., 1 minute) after receiving the game end information for the previous item acquisition game, the transmission means 170 transmits cancellation information, indicating that the notification information (e.g., continuous alert) has been canceled, along with the cabinet ID or booth ID of the item acquisition game device 1, to the administrator terminal 200 of the administrator (responsible administrator ID) associated with the cabinet ID or booth ID in the administrator DB 181.

[0114] Furthermore, when the notification information receiving means 110 receives item acquisition information, the transmitting means 170 transmits notification information (e.g., item acquisition alert information) indicating that an item has been acquired to the administrator terminal 200, and when the notification information receiving means 110 receives open information, it transmits cancellation information to the administrator terminal 200 indicating that the notification (e.g., item acquisition alert) has been canceled.

[0115] In detail, when the notification information receiving means 110 receives item acquisition information from an item acquisition game device 1, and the item acquisition status information DB 183 is generated and updated by the status information generation means 150, the transmission means 170 transmits the cabinet ID or booth ID of the item acquisition game device 1 and the item acquisition time information as notification information to the administrator terminal 200 of the administrator (responsible administrator ID) associated with the cabinet ID or booth ID in the administrator DB 181.

[0116] Then, when the notification information receiving means 110 receives open information from the item acquisition game device 1, and the item acquisition status information DB 183 is updated by the update means 160, the transmission means 170 transmits the cabinet ID or booth ID of the item acquisition game device 1 and the open information as release information to the administrator terminal 200 of the administrator (responsible administrator ID) associated with the cabinet ID or booth ID in the administrator DB 181.

[0117] Furthermore, the transmission means 170 may transmit notification information to the administrator terminal 200 when the notification information receiving means 110 receives item acquisition information and meets predetermined conditions.

[0118] In this case, specifically, for example, the transmission means 170 may, under predetermined conditions, transmit notification information (such as item acquisition time information) associated with a certain item acquisition game device 1 (cabinet ID) or booth 5 (booth ID) in the item acquisition status information DB 183 to the administrator terminal 200 when the number of notification information entries (such as item acquisition time information) associated with a certain item acquisition game device 1 (cabinet ID) or booth 5 (booth ID) reaches a predetermined number (for example, 5 entries).

[0119] Furthermore, for example, the transmission means 170 may, under predetermined conditions, transmit notification information regarding a certain item acquisition game device 1 or booth 5 (in the example shown in Figure 7, booth ID "A···2") to the administrator terminal 200 if the item acquisition status information DB 183 (see Figure 7) is updated a predetermined number of times (for example, 5 times) within a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) by the status information generation means 150.

[0120] Furthermore, when the notification information receiving means 110 receives status information such as call information or error information from the item acquisition game device 1, the transmission means 170 transmits the cabinet ID or booth ID of the item acquisition game device 1 and notification information corresponding to each status information (for example, call alert, error alert, etc.) to the administrator terminal 200 of the administrator (responsible administrator ID) associated with the cabinet ID or booth ID in the administrator DB 181.

[0121] Furthermore, when the notification information receiving means 110 receives status information such as call cancellation information or error resolution information from the item acquisition game device 1, the transmission means 170 transmits the cabinet ID or booth ID of the item acquisition game device 1 and cancellation information indicating that the notification information (e.g., call alert, error alert, etc.) has been canceled, to the administrator terminal 200 of the administrator (responsible administrator ID) associated with the cabinet ID or booth ID in the administrator DB 181.

[0122] Furthermore, when the notification information receiving means 110 receives notification information corresponding to the status information from the item acquisition game device 1, the transmission means 170 transmits the cabinet ID or booth ID of the item acquisition game device 1 and the notification information corresponding to the status information of each notification information to the administrator terminal 200 of the administrator (responsible administrator ID) associated with the cabinet ID or booth ID in the administrator DB 181.

[0123] Specifically, when the transmission means 170 receives information from the item acquisition game device 1 as notification information, which includes continuous alert information and information indicating the number of status information occurrences and consecutive occurrences, it transmits information to the administrator terminal 200 as notification information, which includes continuous alert information and information indicating the number of status information occurrences and consecutive occurrences.

[0124] Furthermore, if the transmission means 170 receives notification information such as continuous alert cancellation information, item acquisition alert information, item acquisition alert cancellation information, call alert information, call alert cancellation information, error alert information, or error alert cancellation information from the item acquisition game device 1, it will transmit the same information to the administrator terminal 200 as notification information.

[0125] Next, we will describe the functional configuration of the administrator terminal 200. The administrator terminal 200 is composed of equipment suitable for each administrator (for example, a mobile terminal, smartphone, tablet terminal, personal computer, etc.) and includes an administrator terminal transmission / reception means 210, an administrator terminal control means 220, and an administrator terminal input / output means 230.

[0126] The administrator terminal transmission / reception means 210 is an example of an administrator terminal reception means, and receives notification information (such as the cabinet ID and booth ID of the item acquisition game device 1, continuous alerts, item acquisition alerts, call alerts, and error alerts) and cancellation information (such as the cabinet ID and booth ID of the item acquisition game device 1, and information indicating that the notification based on the notification information has been canceled) from the item acquisition game device 1 and the server 100.

[0127] The administrator terminal control means 220 controls the administrator terminal 200 based on the administrator's operations on the administrator terminal input / output means 230 and various information received from the item acquisition game device 1 and the server 100. Specifically, the administrator terminal control means 220 generates a notification status screen based on the notification information received by the administrator terminal transmission / reception means 210 and controls the administrator terminal input / output means 230 to display it.

[0128] Furthermore, when the administrator terminal control means 220 receives release information regarding a certain item acquisition game device 1 from the administrator terminal transmission / reception means 210, it updates the notification status screen to reflect the state in which the notification for the item acquisition game device 1 has been released.

[0129] The administrator terminal input / output means 230 is an example of a display means, and is, for example, composed of a touch panel, which, under the control of the administrator terminal control means 220, displays a notification status screen and accepts administrator operations.

[0130] Figure 9 shows an example of a notification status screen displayed on the administrator terminal of an item acquisition game system in one embodiment of the present invention. The notification status screen shown in Figure 9 is an example of a notification status for continuous alerts, and the number of times the item acquisition game has been played is associated with each cabinet ID of the item acquisition game device 1 that was included in the notification information.

[0131] When generating such a notification status screen, the administrator terminal control means 220 stores continuous alert information in the administrator terminal 200's storage means, which associates the number of plays with the cabinet ID included in the notification information, when the administrator terminal transmission / reception means 210 receives notification information. Then, the administrator terminal control means 220 generates a notification status screen that associates the number of plays with the cabinet ID based on the continuous alert information.

[0132] Furthermore, when the administrator terminal control means 220 receives cancellation information from the administrator terminal transmission / reception means 210 indicating that a continuous alert regarding a certain item acquisition game device 1 is to be canceled, the administrator terminal control means 220 performs control on the notification status screen to indicate that the notification for the item acquisition game device 1 has been canceled, such as erasing the cabinet ID and play count of the item acquisition game device 1, or changing the display manner of the cabinet ID and play count of the item acquisition game device 1 (for example, graying them out).

[0133] Figure 10 shows an example of a notification status screen displayed on the administrator terminal of an item acquisition game system in one embodiment of the present invention. The notification status screen shown in Figure 10 is an example of a notification status for an item acquisition alert. For each enclosure ID of the item acquisition game device 1 included in the notification information, the elapsed time, which is the time difference from the time the notification information was received to the present time, is associated.

[0134] When generating such a notification status screen, the administrator terminal control means 220 stores item acquisition alert information in the administrator terminal 200's storage means when the administrator terminal transmission / reception means 210 receives notification information, associating the time the notification information was received with the housing ID included in the notification information. The administrator terminal control means 220 then calculates the elapsed time based on the item acquisition alert information and generates a notification status screen associating the elapsed time with the housing ID. The administrator terminal control means 220 may also update the elapsed time on the notification status screen at predetermined intervals (for example, 1 second or 1 minute).

[0135] Furthermore, when the administrator terminal control means 220 receives cancellation information from the administrator terminal transmission / reception means 210 indicating that an item acquisition alert for a certain item acquisition game device 1 is to be canceled, the administrator terminal control means 220 performs control on the notification status screen to indicate that the notification for the item acquisition game device 1 has been canceled, such as erasing the enclosure ID and elapsed time of the item acquisition game device 1, or changing the display manner of the enclosure ID and elapsed time of the item acquisition game device 1 (for example, graying them out).

[0136] The functional configuration of this system described above is merely an example, and a single functional block (database and functional processing unit) may be divided, or multiple functional blocks may be combined into a single functional block. Each functional processing unit is realized by a computer program (e.g., core software or the character generation application mentioned above) that is read by the CPU (Central Processing Unit) built into the device and executed by the CPU. In other words, each functional processing unit is realized by this computer program reading and writing necessary data such as tables from the database (DB) stored in the storage device or from memory storage areas, and, if necessary, controlling related hardware (e.g., input / output devices, display devices, communication interface devices). Furthermore, the database (DB) in the embodiments of the present invention may be a commercial database, but it also means a mere collection of tables and files, and the internal structure of the database itself is not specified.

[0137] Next, we will explain the continuous alert notification process performed by server 100. Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the continuous alert notification process by the server of an item acquisition game system in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] In step S1, the notification information receiving means 110 receives game end information as status information (first status information) from the item acquisition game device 1, along with the enclosure ID that identifies the item acquisition game device 1 and the booth ID of the booth 5 in which the item acquisition game is being played by the player.

[0139] In step S2, the notification information receiving means 110 receives game start information as status information (second status information) from the item acquisition game device 1 that transmitted the game end information received in step S1, along with the enclosure ID that identifies the item acquisition game device 1 and the booth ID of the booth 5 in which the item acquisition game is being played by the player.

[0140] In step S3, the count storage means 130 determines whether the notification information receiving means 110 received the game start information in step S2, within a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) since the notification information receiving means 110 received the game end information in step S1. If the count storage means 130 determines that the information was received within the predetermined time, it moves to step S4; if it determines that the information was not received within the predetermined time, it moves to step S7.

[0141] In step S4, the count storage means 130 adds 1 to the value stored in the play count counter of the item acquisition game device 1 (cabinet ID) or item storage unit 20 (booth 5 (booth ID)) that transmitted the game start information received in step S2.

[0142] In step S5, the transmitting means 170 determines whether the value of the play count counter (play count information indicating the number of consecutive times status information has been received) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 5). If the transmitting means 170 determines that it is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, it proceeds to step S6; if it determines that it is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value, it terminates the continuous alert notification process.

[0143] In step S6, the transmission means 170 transmits continuous alert information, which includes the cabinet ID or booth ID of the item acquisition game device 1 that transmitted the game start information received in step S2, and the value of the play count counter (play count information), to the administrator terminal 200 of the administrator (responsible administrator ID) associated with the cabinet ID or booth ID in the administrator DB 181.

[0144] Then, when the administrator terminal control means 220 of the administrator terminal 200 receives continuous alert information, it generates a notification status screen (see Figure 9) showing the notification status of the continuous alert based on the continuous alert information and controls it to display on the administrator terminal input / output means 230.

[0145] In step S7, the count storage means 130 clears (sets to 0) the value of the play count counter of the item acquisition game device 1 (cabinet ID) or item storage unit 20 (booth 5 (booth ID)) that transmitted the game start information received in step S2, and then increments it by 1.

[0146] In step S8, the transmitting means 170 determines whether it has sent continuous alert information to the item acquisition game device 1 that sent the game start information received in step S2, and whether this continuous alert information has not been canceled (i.e., has not sent cancellation information). If the transmitting means 170 determines that it has sent continuous alert information and that this continuous alert information has not been canceled, it proceeds to step S9. If it determines that it has not sent continuous alert information, or that it had sent continuous alert information but that this continuous alert information has been canceled, it terminates the continuous alert notification process.

[0147] In step S9, the transmission means 170 transmits the cabinet ID and booth ID of the item acquisition game device 1 that transmitted the game start information received in step S2, along with release information indicating that the continuous alert has been canceled, to the administrator terminal 200 of the administrator (responsible administrator ID) associated with the cabinet ID and booth ID in the administrator DB 181.

[0148] Then, when the administrator terminal control means 220 of the administrator terminal 200 receives cancellation information, it performs control to update the notification status screen showing the notification status of the continuous alert to the state in which the continuous alert for the item acquisition game device 1 has been canceled.

[0149] Next, we will describe an example of continuous alert notification processing in the item acquisition game device 1. Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the continuous alert notification process by the item acquisition game device of an item acquisition game system in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0150] In step S11, the detection means 70 detects game completion information for a certain item acquisition game as state information (first state information).

[0151] In step S12, the detection means 70 detects game start information as the state information (second state information) for the next item acquisition game following the item acquisition game for which the game end information detected in step S11 is located.

[0152] In step S13, the control means 60 determines whether the detection means 70 detected game start information in step S12 within a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) after the detection means 70 detected game end information in step S11. If the control means 60 determines that the information was detected within the predetermined time, it proceeds to step S14; otherwise, it proceeds to step S17.

[0153] In step S14, the control means 60 adds 1 to the value stored in the play count counter of the item acquisition game device 1 or item storage unit 20 (booth 5) where the detection means 70 detected the game start information in step S12.

[0154] In step S15, the control means 60 determines whether the value of the play count counter (play count information indicating the number of consecutive times status information has been received) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 5). If the control means 60 determines that it is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, it proceeds to step S16; otherwise, it terminates the continuous alert notification process.

[0155] In step S16, the control means 60 transmits notification information to the server 100 via the communication means 80, which includes the enclosure ID and booth ID of the item acquisition game device 1, the content of the status information (continuous alert information), and the value of the play count counter (play count information).

[0156] Server 100 transmits the received machine ID or booth ID, continuous alert information, and play count information to the administrator terminal 200 of the administrator (responsible administrator ID) associated with the machine ID or booth ID in the administrator DB 181. When the administrator terminal 200's administrator terminal control means 220 receives continuous alert information, it generates a notification status screen (see Figure 9) showing the notification status of the continuous alert based on the continuous alert information and controls it to display on the administrator terminal input / output means 230.

[0157] In step S17, the control means 60 clears (sets to 0) the play count counter of the item acquisition game device 1 or item storage unit 20 (booth 5) where the detection means 70 detected game start information in step S12, and then increments it by 1.

[0158] In step S18, the control means 60 sends notification information including continuous alert information to the server 100 and determines whether this continuous alert information has not been canceled (whether continuous alert cancellation information has not been generated). If the control means 60 determines that continuous alert information has been sent and this continuous alert information has not been canceled, it proceeds to step S19. If it determines that continuous alert information has not been sent, or that continuous alert information was sent but this continuous alert information has been canceled, it terminates the continuous alert notification process.

[0159] In step S19, the control means 60 transmits notification information, including the housing ID and booth ID of the item acquisition game device 1 and the content of the status information (continuous alert cancellation information), to the server 100 via the communication means 80.

[0160] Server 100 transmits the received chassis ID or booth ID, along with the continuous alert cancellation information, to the administrator terminal 200 of the administrator (assigned administrator ID) associated with the chassis ID or booth ID in the administrator DB 181.

[0161] Then, when the administrator terminal control means 220 of the administrator terminal 200 receives continuous alert cancellation information, it performs control to update the notification status screen showing the notification status of the continuous alert to reflect the state in which the continuous alert for the item acquisition game device 1 has been canceled.

[0162] As described above, with the item acquisition game system S of this embodiment, notification information can be sent to the administrator terminal 200 only when the number of times status information has been detected (the number of times status information has been detected) exceeds a predetermined value. For example, if the number of times status information has been detected is less than the predetermined value (a situation where status information has been detected, but the importance or urgency is relatively low), notification information will not be sent to the administrator terminal. Therefore, it is possible to notify the administrator only in situations that are relatively important or urgent, and not in situations that are relatively low in importance or urgency. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the management efficiency of the item acquisition game device 1.

[0163] Furthermore, according to the item acquisition game system S, if the number of consecutive occurrences (the number of times the next state information is detected within a predetermined time after a certain state information is detected) exceeds a predetermined value, notification information is sent to the administrator terminal 200. This allows notification information to be sent to the administrator terminal when status information is detected continuously over a relatively short period. When status information is detected continuously over a relatively short period, it is more likely to be a situation of relatively high importance or urgency compared to when status information is detected only sporadically. Therefore, it becomes possible to notify the administrator only of situations that are relatively high in importance or urgency. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the management efficiency of the item acquisition game device.

[0164] Furthermore, according to the item acquisition game system S, if the number of consecutive instances in which a second state information indicating the start of the next item acquisition game is detected within a predetermined time after a first state information indicating the end of an item acquisition game is detected exceeds a predetermined value, notification information is sent to the administrator terminal 200.

[0165] This allows the administrator to be notified when a player is continuously playing the item acquisition game but has not acquired any items. As a result, the administrator can promptly assist the player as part of their management duties for the item acquisition game device 1, thereby improving the management efficiency of the item acquisition game device 1.

[0166] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiments. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. Furthermore, it is clear from the claims that such modified or improved forms are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] S Item Acquisition Game System 1. Item Acquisition Game Device 5 booths 10 bases 11 Control section 12 Drop-off 13 Key section 20. Item storage section 21 Doors 21a Engagement hole 30 Mobile device 40 Vertical movement device 50 Goods acquisition device 51 Arm section 60 Control means 70 Detection means 80 Communication methods 100 servers 110 Notification information receiving means 120 Timekeeping means 130 count memory means 131 Cylinder section 132 Mobile section 132a Engagement piece 140 Administrator setting means 150 State information generation means 160 Update method 170 Transmission method 180 Memory means 200 Administrator terminals 210 Administrator terminal transmission / reception means 220 Administrator terminal control means 230 Administrator terminal input / output means

Claims

1. An item acquisition game system that provides information regarding an item acquisition game device that can acquire items stored inside an item storage section, A detection means for detecting state information indicating the state of the item acquisition game device or the item storage unit, A count storage means for storing the number of times the aforementioned state information has been detected, An item acquisition game system characterized by comprising a transmission means that, when the number of status information occurrences exceeds a predetermined value, transmits to an administrator terminal operated by the administrator of the item acquisition game device or the item storage unit housing identification information that identifies the item acquisition game device or the item storage unit, and notification information indicating that the status information has been detected.

2. The count storage means stores the number of consecutive occurrences, which is the number of times the next state information is detected within a predetermined time after a certain state information has been detected. The item acquisition game system according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission means transmits the notification information to the administrator terminal when the number of consecutive occurrences exceeds a predetermined value.

3. The detection means detects first state information indicating that a certain item acquisition game has ended in the item acquisition game device, and second state information indicating that the next item acquisition game has started after a certain item acquisition game has ended. The item acquisition game system according to claim 2, characterized in that the count storage means stores the number of consecutive times the second state information is detected within a predetermined time after the first state information is detected.

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