Gaming system

Abstract

To provide an interesting and innovative game system.SOLUTION: A system includes a storage unit storing a database capable of associating and managing game machines with a game parlor where the game machines are installed, and an identification unit capable of identifying the game parlor where the game machine corresponding to used key information is installed when a user uses the key information corresponding to the game machine. The identification unit is capable of executing association processing to associate a first privilege with the identified game parlor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a gaming machine that stops the rotation of a rotating reel based on an operation by a player on a stop switch and advances the game is known (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In such a gaming machine, a player can enjoy a game in which the game value increases or decreases according to the winning combination established for each game.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The inventor of the present application has conceived a novel gaming system with a different kind of appeal that connects players, stores, and gaming machine manufacturers using such a conventionally popular gaming machine.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a novel gaming system with an appeal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present disclosure includes a storage unit that stores a database capable of managing in association with each other a gaming machine and a store in which the gaming machine is installed, and an identifying unit capable of identifying the store in which the gaming machine corresponding to the key information used is installed according to the use of the key information corresponding to the gaming machine by a user on the gaming machine, and is provided with The identification unit is capable of performing association processing to associate the first benefit with the identified store. It is a system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an interesting and innovative gaming system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram of the gaming system. [Figure 2] This diagram schematically shows the configuration of the system server. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a hall computer. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 5] This is a front view of a slot machine. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a slot machine and card unit. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the connection / communication relationships between the main control board, the game value control board, and the sub-control board. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating the process of granting benefits. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [First Embodiment] The gaming system AS according to the embodiment of the gaming machine of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. Note that the embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately modified without altering the gist of the invention. Furthermore, in the following description, "connection" includes cases where the objects to be connected are directly connected, and cases where the objects to be connected are indirectly connected via other circuit boards or devices.

[0011] <Description of the Gaming System AS> The gaming system AS is composed of a system server SS (an example of a specific part), a hall computer HC, a slot machine 1, and a user terminal UD, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0012] The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is a rotary gaming machine of a type in which the quantity of gaming value is managed by electronic data (hereinafter referred to as "gaming value data") without using physically existing medals, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0013] Each slot machine 1 is installed in the store H.

[0014] One or more hall computers HC are installed in each store H. The hall computer HC manages the slot machines 1 installed in each store H. Specifically, the hall computer HC acquires data related to game progress, gaming value, etc. from each slot machine 1 and manages the data. In addition, the hall computer HC manages the individual identification code of each slot machine (hereinafter referred to as "gaming machine ID").

[0015] The user terminal UD is a terminal device used by a player who is playing a game on the slot machine 1, such as a smartphone or a tablet.

[0016] The system server SS is a server prepared by a business operator who provides predetermined content (e.g., video, application), and is arranged outside the store H. Then, the system server SS performs data transmission and reception with the hall computer HC and the user terminal UD. Note that the business operator may be the manufacturer or seller of the slot machine 1.

[0017] Hereinafter, each device constituting the gaming system AS of the present embodiment will be described.

[0018] <Description of the System Server SS> The system server SS provides the user terminal UD with predetermined content and a predetermined password (an example of key information; hereinafter referred to as "gaming machine PASS"), and also provides the hall computer HC with the gaming machine PASS and a new machine discount coupon (an example of the first benefit) that can be used to receive a discount when introducing a new gaming machine.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the system server SS comprises a control unit SS01, a storage unit SS02, and a network interface SS03. The storage unit SS02 and the network interface SS03 are electrically connected to the control unit SS01 via a bus SS09.

[0020] The control unit SS01 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, various input / output interfaces, etc., and controls the operation of the system server SS.

[0021] Furthermore, the control unit SS01 manages the store H where slot machine 1 is installed, the game machine ID of that slot machine, the game machine PASS corresponding to slot machine 1, the user ID which is the account information of the player, and so on.

[0022] Specifically, the control unit SS01 can store the store H identified by the player using the game machine PASS, the game machine ID of the slot machine 1 on which the game machine PASS was used, and the game machine PASS used, in association with the storage unit SS02 of the system server SS. In other words, in this embodiment, for a player to input a game machine PASS, it is necessary that the slot machine 1 is one for which the control unit SS01 of the system server SS manages the game machine ID.

[0023] Then, when a content purchase operation is performed on the user terminal UD, the control unit SS01 associates the specified content and game machine PASS with the user terminal UD (assigns them to the user) based on the fact that the game machine ID of slot machine 1 has been transmitted from the user terminal UD.

[0024] The gaming machine PASS is a password with a predetermined validity period (for example, 3 years) that is set for slot machine 1 at the time of shipment. This gaming machine PASS is managed by the system server SS, the hall computer HC, and slot machine 1, respectively.

[0025] Furthermore, when a player enters a game machine PASS into slot machine 1, the control unit SS01 identifies the store H where the corresponding slot machine 1 is installed and assigns a new machine discount coupon to the hall computer HC of that store H (an example of association processing).

[0026] Furthermore, when the control unit SS01 performs the various processes described above, it updates the various information stored in the memory unit SS02.

[0027] The memory unit SS02 consists of components such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0028] The memory unit SS02 stores, for example, the program according to this embodiment, as well as the game machine ID of the slot machine 1 transmitted from the user terminal UD, the store H where the slot machine 1 is installed, and the game machine PASS of the slot machine 1.

[0029] The network interface SS03 is connected to the communication network NW and can send and receive data with the hall computer HC, user terminal UD, and other devices.

[0030] <Configuration of the Hall Computer (HC)> The hall computer HC is installed in each store H and manages data such as the game value of the slot machine 1 installed in that store H.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the hall computer HC comprises a control unit HC01, a memory unit HC02, and a network interface HC03. The memory unit HC02 and the network interface HC03 are electrically connected to the control unit HC01 via a bus HC09.

[0032] The control unit HC01 consists of a CPU, memory, various input / output interfaces, etc., and controls the operation of the hall computer HC. For example, the control unit HC01 manages the game progress and the amount of game value for each slot machine 1, as well as store H information, the game machine ID of slot machine 1, and the game machine PASS associated with the game machine ID.

[0033] Furthermore, the control unit HC01 transmits a signal to the system server SS indicating that the game machine PASS has been entered, which was sent from the slot machine 1. This allows the system server HC1 to send a new machine discount coupon to the hall computer HC. This new machine discount coupon is managed by the hall computer HC.

[0034] When the control unit HC01 performs the various processes described above, it updates the various information stored in the memory unit HC02.

[0035] The memory unit HC02 consists of components such as an HDD, RAM, ROM, and SSD.

[0036] The memory unit HC02 stores, for example, the program according to this embodiment, the game status of each slot machine 1, the amount of game value, as well as the game machine ID of the slot machine 1 installed in store H, the game machine PASS of that slot machine 1, its validity period, and new machine discount coupons.

[0037] The network interface HC03 is connected to the communication network NW and can send and receive data with the system server SS, user terminal UD, etc. The network interface HC03 is also connected to the slot machine 1 and the card unit 7. The network interface HC03 can obtain information regarding the game state and payouts from the slot machine 1, and information regarding the amount of game value from the card unit 7. Information regarding the game state includes information such as normal play, AT mode, and special game mode. Information regarding payouts includes the difference between the total number of bets and the total number of payouts for game value in the slot machine 1. Information regarding the amount of game value includes the amount of game value currently held in the card unit 7.

[0038] <User Terminal UD Configuration> The user terminal UD is used by individual players who play slot machine 1. The user terminal UD accepts purchase operations for content and / or services (examples of content, e.g., videos, applications) based on the program according to this embodiment.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the user terminal UD has a monitor UD4, speaker UD51, microphone UD52, controller UD6, and camera UD7 connected externally or built-in.

[0040] Furthermore, the user terminal UD comprises a control unit UD01, a storage unit UD02, a network interface UD03, a graphics processing unit UD04, an audio processing unit UD05, an operation unit UD06, and an imaging data processing unit UD07.

[0041] The memory unit UD02, network interface UD03, graphics processing unit UD04, audio processing unit UD05, operation unit UD06, and imaging data processing unit UD07 are electrically connected to the control unit UD01 via bus UD09.

[0042] The control unit UD01 consists of a microcomputer including a CPU and semiconductor memory, and controls the operation of the user terminal UD. For example, the control unit UD01 handles communication processing between the user terminal UD and the system server SS, content purchase processing, and so on.

[0043] The control unit UD01 receives content specified by the player, as well as the game machine password, during communication processing with the system server SS.

[0044] Furthermore, the control unit UD01 accepts requests from players to purchase content, as well as requests to input the gaming machine ID.

[0045] The control unit UD01 then transmits the user ID, content purchase request signal, game machine ID, etc., to the system server SS.

[0046] After the purchase request signal and the gaming machine ID are sent from the control unit UD01 to the system server SS, the control unit UD01 receives the gaming machine PASS from the system server SS. This gaming machine PASS is displayed on the monitor UD4.

[0047] The memory unit UD02 consists of an HDD, RAM, ROM, and SSD. The memory unit UD02 stores purchased content, as well as game machine passwords received from the system server SS.

[0048] The network interface UD03 is connected to a communication network NW such as the internet or a LAN, and can communicate with system servers SS and other devices.

[0049] The graphics processing unit UD04 draws images containing various objects in still image or video format according to the image information output from the control unit UD01. The graphics processing unit UD04 is connected to, for example, a liquid crystal display monitor UD4. The drawn images are displayed on the monitor UD4.

[0050] The audio processing unit UD05 is connected to the speaker UD51 and the microphone UD52. The audio processing unit UD05 plays and synthesizes sound according to the signal from the control unit UD01, and outputs it from the speaker UD51.

[0051] Furthermore, when the audio processing unit UD05 receives audio, including the player's speech, into the microphone UD52, it performs audio processing to remove noise such as static from the audio and stores it in the memory unit UD02.

[0052] The control unit UD06 is connected to the controller UD6, which consists of a touch panel and the like. When an operation input is made to the controller UD6, the control unit UD06 generates data related to that operation input.

[0053] The image data processing unit UD07 is connected to the camera UD7. When the camera UD7 captures a moving or still image from the player, it processes the captured data and stores it in the storage unit UD02.

[0054] The card unit 7 and slot machine 1 are described below.

[0055] <Composition of Card Unit 7> As shown in Figure 6, the card unit 7 is connected to the slot machine 1 externally and is capable of communicating with the slot machine 1.

[0056] Furthermore, the card unit 7 can store a card 70 inside which game value data is stored as electronic data, replacing physical tokens.

[0057] Regarding card unit 7, the details are the same as in conventional medalless machines, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0058] <Configuration of Slot Machine 1> As described above, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is a coinless machine that allows the game to proceed without using physical tokens. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the game is played using game value data as electronic data instead of physical tokens.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5, the slot machine 1 comprises a casing 10. A front door 100 is provided on the front of the casing 10. This front door 100 is locked while the game is in progress.

[0060] A transparent reel window 200 is provided in the center of the front door 100. Through this reel window 200, the player can see the multiple symbols displayed on the surface of each of the multiple rotating reels 20, which will be described later.

[0061] Above the reel window 200, there is an LCD screen 3 for displaying various effects during gameplay, a speaker 101, and an illuminated unit 102.

[0062] LCD screen 3 has a monitor LED as well as a backlight, and displays various animation videos (animation screens) while the player is playing.

[0063] Speaker 101 outputs predetermined background music (BGM), sound effects (SE), and voice.

[0064] The lighting unit 102 is made up of LEDs and the like, and lights up or turns off in a predetermined pattern when, for example, a highly anticipated performance screen is displayed or a winning combination is achieved.

[0065] Below the reel window 200 are the control panel 4, the lower panel 103, and the front bottom 104. The lower panel 103 displays the title of the slot machine 1. LED lighting is located on the back of the lower panel 103. The front bottom 104 is designed to allow players to place their personal belongings.

[0066] The control unit 4 includes multiple stop switches 40 (40a, 40b, 40c), a bet switch 41, a lever 42, a digital counter 43, a counting button 44, a cancel button 45, and a performance button 46.

[0067] Sensors are provided near each switch on the control unit 4 to detect the player's actions and output an operation signal to the control unit 6.

[0068] Each stop switch 40a, 40b, and 40c is provided in conjunction with each rotating reel 20 (20a, 20b, and 20c). The stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c accept operation to stop the rotation of the corresponding rotating reel 20a, 20b, and 20c while the reel is rotating.

[0069] Lamps are provided inside the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c. The lamps can indicate, for example, that the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are inoperable by emitting a different color (e.g., red) from the time the lever 42 is operated until each of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c reaches a steady rotation state. The lamps can also indicate, for example, that the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are inoperable by emitting a different color (e.g., blue) from the time each of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c reaches a steady rotation state until the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are operated.

[0070] The bet switch 41 is used when a player places a bet on game value. The amount of game value credited and the amount of game value bet are managed by the slot machine 1 (media management unit 620). The bet switch 41 is also equipped with a lamp inside or around it that lights up when the operation is active and turns off when the operation is inactive.

[0071] Lever 42 functions as a start switch that accepts input to rotate the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0072] The digital counter 43 digitally displays the number of credits in game value, the number of payouts (acquired) of game value, and other information. Players can also check the digital counter 43 during gameplay to see how much game value they currently possess.

[0073] The counting button 44 can receive input from the player to transfer game value data from the media management unit 620 to the card unit 7. When the counting button 44 receives input from the player, a transfer signal is generated by the counting button 44. The counting button 44 is also equipped with a lamp inside or around it that changes its illuminated color or switches on / off depending on whether it is being operated or not.

[0074] The cancel button 45 can receive an operation from the player to change the game value from a bet state (bet state) to an unbet state (non-bet state). When the cancel button 45 receives an operation from the player, the cancel button 45 generates a cancel signal. Subsequently, the media management unit 620, upon receiving the cancel signal, manages the game value data in the bet state as an unbet state. The cancel button 45 is also equipped with a lamp inside or around it that changes its illuminated color or turns on / off depending on whether it is being operated or not.

[0075] The performance buttons 46 (including up / down keys and the select button) are used on the menu screen to display the game machine ID, which is the individual identification menu for slot machine 1, to set the brightness of the LEDs in the lighting unit 101, to set the volume of the speaker 102, to check game data, and to set various other menus related to the game. In addition, the performance buttons 46 may be operated by the player during gameplay in response to the effects. If the performance buttons 46 are operated during gameplay, the effects will change.

[0076] Furthermore, the performance button 46 is equipped with a lamp inside or around it that can emit light in various colors and patterns. The lamp lights up when the performance button 46 is operational and turns off when it is inoperable.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, a reset button 51 and a setting change button 52 are provided inside the casing 10.

[0078] The reset button 51 is operated to clear various errors and to initialize the RAM that constitutes the control unit 6. For example, if the power to the slot machine 1 is switched from off to on while the reset button 51 is being operated, the amount of game value managed by the media management unit 620 is cleared to "0", and the second game state of the slot machine 1 is set to "general game state", and the game section is set to "normal section".

[0079] The setting change button 52 is a button operated by store staff when setting one of several setting values ​​for slot machine 1. For example, when slot machine 1 is set to setting change mode and the power to slot machine 1 is switched from off to on, the setting change button 52 becomes operational, and when the setting change button 52 is operated in this state, it becomes possible to set a setting value.

[0080] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the slot machine 1 includes a rotating reel unit 2 and a control unit 6 (composed of a main control unit 61 mounted on the main control board P1, a game value control unit 62 mounted on the game value control board P2, and a sub-control unit 63 mounted on the sub-control board P3). The rotating reel unit 2 and the control unit 6 are located inside the housing 10, along with a power supply device for supplying voltage to the slot machine 1.

[0081] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the rotary reel unit 2 comprises three rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, and three stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c.

[0082] For example, symbols are placed on the surfaces of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. The game proceeds when the combination of symbols displayed on the active line L (described later) when the rotation of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c stops is determined by the game result determination unit 612 (described later) to determine whether or not it is a predetermined combination of symbols.

[0083] The stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c are provided in accordance with the rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, and drive the corresponding rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0084] The stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c stop the rotation of the rotating reel 20 (e.g., 20a) corresponding to the operated stop switch 40 (e.g., 40a) within 190 milliseconds after the stop switch 40a, 40b, or 40c is operated while the rotating reels 20a, 20b, or 20c are rotating.

[0085] These rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c and stepping motors 21a, 21b, 21c are controlled by a rotating reel control unit 611, which will be described later, to control their rotation and stopping.

[0086] <How the game is played by the player> The player bets the credited game value on the slot machine 1 by operating the bet switch 41. Once a predetermined number (for example, 3) of game value has been bet on the slot machine 1, the active line L is activated. After that, it becomes possible to operate the lever 42, i.e., to start playing.

[0087] Figure 5 shows an example where the active line L is composed of the upper section within the reel window 200 for the left rotating reel 20a, the middle section within the reel window 200 for the middle rotating reel 20b, and the lower section within the reel window 200 for the right rotating reel 20c.

[0088] In this embodiment, one game (one play) refers to a series of actions taken by a player to obtain a predetermined game result, including internal lottery, prize determination processing, and processing to increase or decrease game value data, by operating the bet switch 41, lever 42, and stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c, etc.

[0089] Specifically, when the lever 42 is operated (lever on) in a state where the game can be started, an internal lottery is held to determine the winning flag, and the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c begin to rotate. In this state, if any of the stop switches 40a, 40b, or 40c are operated, the reel 20 (20b) corresponding to the operated stop switch 40 (for example, 40b) stops. Once all the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c have stopped, a payout process of a predetermined amount of game value is performed according to the combination of symbols (winning combination) that lined up (won) on the active line L. This completes one game.

[0090] Furthermore, at least some of the information regarding the progress of the game until these predetermined game results are obtained (for example, that the bet switch 41 was operated, that the lever 42 was operated, that the stop switch 40 was operated, that an internal lottery was performed, that a predetermined combination was won, that the spinning reels rotated, etc.) is managed by the main control unit 61 mounted on the main control board P1.

[0091] <Configuration of Control Unit 6> As described above, the control unit 6 consists of a main control unit 61 mounted on the main control board P1, a game value control unit 62 mounted on the game value control board P2, and a sub-control unit 63 mounted on the sub-control board P3.

[0092] The connection relationships and communication processes of the main control board P1, the game value control board P2, and the sub-control board P3 will be explained below with reference to Figure 7.

[0093] The main control board P1 and the game value control board P2 are electrically connected by a harness, enabling bidirectional serial communication.

[0094] The information and commands transmitted from the main control board P1 to the game value control board P2 include external information, whether or not settings are being changed, commands related to various errors, a bet request signal for game value when the bet button 41 is operated, a payout request signal for game value corresponding to the winning combination, a bet cancellation request signal when the cancel button 45 is operated, and a transfer request for game value when the counting button 44 is operated.

[0095] The information and commands transmitted from the game value control board P2 to the main control board P1 include information indicating that the complete function (described later) has been activated, information indicating that the number of credits has reached the upper limit (a value used to prompt the player to transfer credits when the number of credits is too high), information regarding whether or not there is a communication abnormality between the card unit 7 and the slot machine 1, and various responses to requests from the main control unit 61.

[0096] The main control board P1 and the sub-control board P3 are electrically connected by a harness, but only one-way serial communication takes place from the main control board P1 to the sub-control board P3.

[0097] The information and commands transmitted from the main control board P1 to the sub-control board P3 include information about game value (e.g., betting / payout information for game value, total number of game values ​​acquired during AT), information about the game state and game section, information about the start / end of the game, information about the start / end of the mechanism's operation, information about various errors, and information about whether the player is able to operate the lever 42, etc.

[0098] The game value control board P2 and the sub-control board P3 are electrically connected by a harness, but one-way serial communication takes place from the game value control board P2 to the sub-control board P3.

[0099] The information and commands transmitted from the game value control board P2 to the sub-control board P3 include the range (MY) described later, information indicating the operation of the complete function, commands related to prior notification before the operation of the complete function, information related to the transfer of game value (e.g., that the transfer has started, that the transfer is in progress, that the transfer is complete, etc.), information indicating the number of credits or acquired, information indicating that the number of credits has reached the upper limit, error information if a credit backup error has occurred, and information on whether the player is able to operate the counting button 44, etc.

[0100] <Description of Main Control Unit 61> The main control unit 61 consists of an MPU mounted on the main control board P1 and functions as an internal lottery unit 610, a rotating reel control unit 611, a game result determination unit 612, a set value control unit 613, a section control unit 614, a game state control unit 615, an RT state control unit 616, and an error determination unit 617.

[0101] <Internal lottery section 610> The internal lottery unit 610 performs an internal lottery based on the operation of the lever 42, and can select one of the flags for multiple winning combinations as the winning flag.

[0102] <Rotating reel control unit 611> The rotary reel control unit 611 controls the drive of the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c based on the operation of the lever 42 or each stop switch 40a, 40b, and 40c, and can perform rotation start control to start the rotation of each rotary reel 20a, 20b, and 20c, or rotation stop control to stop the rotation.

[0103] <Explanation of the game result determination unit 612> The game result determination unit 612 can determine the result of the game (for example, whether or not a winning combination was awarded) based on the internal lottery result output from the internal lottery unit 610 and the results of the rotation stop control of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0104] <Description of the Set Value Control Unit 613> Based on the operation of the setting change button 52 by the store staff, the set value control unit 613 can carry out game progress using any one of a plurality of types of set values (for example, 1 to 6) with different degrees of advantage in game progress control.

[0105] Also, the set value control unit 613 transmits set value information, which is information about the currently set set value, to the later-described effect control unit 630. Thereby, the effect control unit 630 can carry out an effect lottery game and setting suggestions.

[0106] <Interval Control Unit 614> The interval control unit 614 can carry out game progress by setting any one of a plurality of game intervals (a normal interval and an advantageous interval).

[0107] <Game State Control Unit 615> The game state control unit 615 can carry out game progress by setting each of a first game state (for example, during special combination execution, inside special combination) and a second game state (for example, a general game state, special game states such as AT, CZ, etc.).

[0108] <RT State Control Unit 616> The RT state control unit 616 can carry out game progress using one of a plurality of RT states (a table used for internal lottery, and an RT state in which a replay probability is determined in advance).

[0109] <Error Judgment Unit 617> The error judgment unit 617 can judge the presence or absence of various errors. Examples of various errors include backup abnormality, communication abnormality between the main control board P1 and the game value control board P2, connection abnormality between the slot machine 1 and the card unit 7, reaching the upper limit value of the credit number, and the like.

[0110] <Description of the Game Value Control Unit 62> The game value control unit 62 consists of an MPU mounted on the game value control board P2 and functions as a media management unit 620 and a function operation unit 621.

[0111] <Explanation from Media Management Department 620> The media management unit 620 is capable of managing the number of credits and bets for game value. The media management unit 620 also uses the difference in game value, which is the cumulative value obtained by subtracting the number of bets for game value from the number of payouts for game value since the last time the slot machine 1 was powered on, to calculate the range (MY), which is the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the difference in game value. Information such as the number of credits for game value is transferred to the card unit 7 when the operator issues a transfer instruction.

[0112] <Functional operating part 621> The function activation unit 621 is capable of receiving range (MY) information transmitted from the media management unit 620. When the range (MY) becomes, for example, 18500 or higher, the function activation unit 621 generates information indicating that the activation of the complete function is imminent.

[0113] This "complete function" is essentially a function that stops the game from going any further. When the complete function is activated, slot machine 1 will no longer accept any input related to gameplay, and players will be unable to continue playing unless the power is turned off and on by store staff (the game will be unplayable).

[0114] <Explanation of Sub-control Unit 63> The sub-control unit 63 is mounted on the sub-control board P3 and functions as the performance control unit 630 through the operation of a microcontroller or the like.

[0115] <Performance Control Unit 630> The performance control unit 630 can determine at least one of the following as a performance pattern by executing a performance lottery: a video / still image output on the LCD screen 3, a sound pattern output from the speaker 101, a light emission pattern of the LED or other lighting unit 102, or a light emission pattern of the performance button 46.

[0116] Furthermore, the performance control unit 630 displays the game machine ID based on the player's operation on the menu screen. The performance control unit 630 may also switch the display / hide of the game machine ID on the menu screen based on the operation of the store staff. The game machine ID is stored, for example, in the memory of the main control board P1 and is shared with the sub-control board P3 (performance control unit 630).

[0117] Furthermore, the performance control unit 630 manages the game machine PASS and its validity period, which are pre-set for the slot machine 1. Specifically, this game machine PASS and its validity period are stored in a memory unit installed on the sub-control board P3 when the slot machine 1 is shipped.

[0118] Furthermore, the performance control unit 630 accepts the game machine PASS based on the player's operation of the up / down keys, the select button, etc., on the menu screen. The performance control unit 630 then determines whether the entered game machine PASS is valid or not.

[0119] If the entered gaming machine PASS is valid (i.e., the gaming machine PASS was correctly entered for the corresponding slot machine 1 within the validity period of the gaming machine PASS), the performance control unit 630 provides a performance lottery game related to setting indications.

[0120] When a performance lottery game is executed based on the player's operation, the performance control unit 630 executes a performance lottery based on the setting value information received from the setting value control unit 613, selecting one of the following icons: bronze, silver, gold, maple, or rainbow, and displays the result (setting indication).

[0121] Specifically, when a player requests a performance lottery, the performance control unit 630 executes a performance that selects a bronze icon if the currently set setting value is 2, a performance that selects a silver icon if the currently set setting value is 3, a performance that selects a gold icon if the currently set setting value is 4, a performance that selects a maple leaf icon if the currently set setting value is 5, and a performance that selects a rainbow icon if the currently set setting value is 6.

[0122] In this way, players can obtain a game machine ID from the menu screen, and then, by accessing the system server SS from the user terminal UD and entering the game machine ID when purchasing the specified content, they can obtain a game machine PASS for the corresponding slot machine 1.

[0123] Then, within the validity period of the gaming machine PASS, the player can enter that gaming machine PASS into the corresponding slot machine 1 to obtain the right to play the special effect lottery game (an example of the second benefit).

[0124] By playing this special lottery game, players can determine the settings that are configured for slot machine 1.

[0125] Furthermore, the performance control unit 620 transmits a signal to the system server SS via the hall computer HC indicating that the gaming machine PASS has been entered into the slot machine 1. This allows the system server SS to identify the store H into which the gaming machine PASS was entered.

[0126] <Flow of reward granting process> Next, the benefit granting process of this embodiment will be explained using Figure 8.

[0127] First, the flow branches based on whether or not the slot machine ID is set to be displayed on the menu screen of slot machine 1, based on the store staff's actions (step S1).

[0128] If the game machine ID is not displayed on the menu screen (S1:NO), the reward granting process will be terminated.

[0129] On the other hand, if the game machine ID is displayed on the menu screen (S1:YES), the user terminal UD accepts the user's content purchase operation (step S2), and at that time, the game machine ID is accepted as input by the player on the content purchase screen (step S3).

[0130] As a result, the system server SS transmits the content, the generated gaming machine PASS, and its validity period to the user terminal UD (step S4).

[0131] Next, based on the player's actions on slot machine 1, slot machine 1 accepts the player's machine pass on the slot machine 1's menu screen (step S5).

[0132] Next, the flow branches based on whether or not the correct game machine PASS was entered into the corresponding slot machine 1 within the validity period (step S6).

[0133] If the correct game machine PASS is not entered into the relevant slot machine 1 within the validity period (S6:NO), the reward granting process will be terminated.

[0134] On the other hand, if the correct gaming machine PASS is entered into the relevant slot machine 1 within the validity period (S6: YES), the system server SS identifies the store H (hall computer HC) and grants the hall computer HC a new machine discount coupon (step S7).

[0135] Furthermore, if the correct game machine PASS is entered into the relevant slot machine 1 within the validity period (S6: YES), slot machine 1 grants the player the right to participate in the performance lottery game, separate from step S7 (step S8).

[0136] Then, based on the player's actions, slot machine 1 executes a performance lottery game (step S9) and performs setting indication (step S10). The reward granting process will be executed following the steps described above.

[0137] To summarize, the AS gaming system is: A system server SS has a storage unit SS02 that stores a database capable of managing slot machine 1 and the hall computer HC of store H where slot machine 1 is installed in association with each other. A system server SS is capable of identifying the store H where the slot machine 1 corresponding to the used slot machine PASS is installed, in response to a player using (e.g., inputting) key information (e.g., a game machine PASS) corresponding to the slot machine 1 to the slot machine 1. Equipped with, The system server SS can perform association processing to link the first benefit (for example, a discount coupon for new machines) to the identified store H.

[0138] <Effects of the invention> Conventionally, there are known gaming machines that allow the game to proceed by stopping the rotation of the spinning reels based on the player's operation of a stop switch.

[0139] In such gaming machines, players can enjoy games where the value of the game increases or decreases depending on the winning combination achieved in each game.

[0140] In response to this, the inventor of the present invention has devised a novel and engaging gaming system that connects players, arcades, and gaming machine manufacturers, using these conventionally popular gaming machines.

[0141] Specifically, in the slot machine of this embodiment, the game machine ID, which is the individual identification code of the slot machine, is displayed on its menu screen.

[0142] Then, when a player accesses the system server from their user terminal to purchase specific content (for example, a video), they can obtain the content and also receive a game machine pass that is valid for, for example, 30 minutes, by entering the game machine ID displayed on the menu screen.

[0143] Then, for the relevant slot machine, if the player enters the correct machine password within the validity period, the player will gain the right to play a predetermined performance lottery game (a lottery game related to setting hints), and the store will receive a new machine discount coupon.

[0144] Thus, this disclosure makes it possible to provide a novel and interesting gaming system unlike anything seen before.

[0145] [Other embodiments] The various control means and processing procedures described in the above embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses. The various control means and processing procedures can be modified as appropriate without changing the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the various control means, processing procedures, and processing contents described in each embodiment can be configured individually or combined as appropriate.

[0146] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified for each example, the various definitions used herein are used in common throughout the specification.

[0147] While the above embodiments describe an example in which there is one system server and one hall computer, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The system server and hall computer may consist of multiple computers.

[0148] New machine discount coupons may be issued to the hall computer when a player purchases content, or they may be issued even if the gaming machine PASS is not entered into the slot machine.

[0149] In the above embodiment, the storage unit SS01 in which the database is stored is described as being installed on a system server, but the configuration of this disclosure is not limited to this. The storage unit may be installed outside the system server. In this case, the system server receives the necessary data from the storage unit and executes the benefit granting process of this disclosure.

[0150] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which the gaming machine PASS is valid for three years, the configuration of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the gaming machine PASS may be valid for one year, or it may be valid for any period of time.

[0151] Furthermore, a slot machine may only be allowed to have a game machine PASS entered once, or it may be allowed to have it entered multiple times, for example, up to three times. In this case, for example, a store may only be allowed to be given a new machine discount coupon once, and players may be allowed to be given the right to participate in the special effect lottery game up to two times.

[0152] Furthermore, when a player enters the game machine ID, the player may enter the number / symbol using the up / down keys on the menu screen, or they may use the camera on their user terminal to read the two-dimensional code indicating the game machine ID displayed on the menu screen.

[0153] Furthermore, the embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is not necessary to be able to switch the display / hide of the game machine ID on the menu screen. In this case, the game machine ID may always be displayed, or it may only be displayed while input of the game machine PASS is permitted (for example, if input of the game machine PASS is permitted up to 4 times, when the input of the game machine PASS is less than 4 times).

[0154] Additionally, players can choose not to enter their machine ID when purchasing content. In this case, the player can obtain the content, but will not receive a machine password.

[0155] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example where the slot machine is an AT machine, the slot machine may also be an ART (Assist Replay Time) machine, or it may be a slot machine that only provides bonuses without performing AT, ART, etc., or a slot machine that can perform both bonuses and AT (or ART).

[0156] Furthermore, although the slot machine in the above embodiment was a coinless machine, the slot machine to which the present invention is applied does not have to be a coinless machine. If the slot machine is not a coinless machine, it will have components such as a coin slot, a coin payout slot, and a hopper.

[0157] Furthermore, although the above embodiments describe an example of a so-called smart slot machine, the present invention is not limited thereto. In this case, the slot machine may have an upper limit (for example, 4000 games) on the number of games in which the advantageous period can be executed.

[0158] Furthermore, the invention can be applied not only to slot machines but also to so-called enclosed-type pachinko machines, i.e., smart pachinko (registered trademark) equipped with a handle, a ball launching device, an electric tulip, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0159] AS Gaming System SS System Server SS02 Memory Unit (Database) UD User Terminal HC Hall Computer 1. Slot machine (amusement machine) 61 Main Control Unit 610 Internal drawing section 611 Rotating Reel Control Unit 612 Game result determination unit 613 Setting Value Control Unit 614 Section Control Unit 615 Game State Control Unit 616 RT State Control Unit 617 Error detection unit 62 Game Value Control Unit 620 Media Management Department 621 Functional Operating Part 63 Sub-control Unit 630 Performance Control Unit

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores a database capable of managing a gaming machine and the store where the gaming machine is installed in association with each other, A device that can identify the store where the gaming machine corresponding to the key information used is installed, in response to a user using key information corresponding to the gaming machine on the gaming machine, Equipped with, The specified unit is capable of performing association processing to associate the first benefit with the specified store. system.

2. The specified unit is capable of associating a second benefit with the user in accordance with the user's use of the key information with the gaming machine. The system according to claim 1.

3. The specified part is, When an identification code attached to the aforementioned gaming machine is received, It is possible to assign the key information associated with the identification symbol to the user, and The store identified by the user using the key information, the identification code of the gaming machine on which the key information was used, and the key information used can be stored in the database in association with each other. The system according to claim 1.

4. The specified part is, It is possible to associate content and / or services (hereinafter referred to as "Content, etc.") with the user, It is possible to assign the key information to the user as a result of associating the aforementioned content with the user. The system according to claim 1.

5. The gaming machine that can input the aforementioned key information is the gaming machine in which the identification unit manages the identification symbols. The system according to claim 1.

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