Game arcade system

Abstract

To provide a game parlor system that can promote operation.SOLUTION: A game parlor system 1 includes a plurality of game machines 2 and a game information display device 3 attached to each game machine 2 and capable of displaying various game information. When a vacant machine display process is executed in response to an operation by an employee in a first game information display device 3 attached to a first game machine 2 which is a vacant machine, it is determined whether or not to execute a vacant machine notification display process for notifying a player of the first game machine 2 in a second game information display device 3 attached to another second game machine 2. When it is determined that the vacant machine notification display process should be executed, the second game information display device 3 displays that the machine is vacant together with identification information of the first game machine 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a conventional casino, as described in Patent Document 1 below, for example, efforts have been made to promote operation by notifying players that the table is empty. As such an effort, for example, it has been proposed to display that the table is empty on a game information display device attached to each gaming machine in response to the remote control operation of an employee. By displaying that the table is empty on the game information display device in this way, players can easily recognize that the table is empty.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] If the game information display device displays that the table is empty as described above, although a certain degree of improvement in operation can be expected, the effect has not been sufficient yet.

[0005] In view of the above situation, the present invention provides a casino system that can achieve further promotion of operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The amusement arcade system of the present invention is a system comprising a plurality of gaming machines and a gaming information display device attached to each gaming machine so as to be able to display various types of gaming information. In this amusement arcade system, when the first gaming information display device attached to a first gaming machine that is vacant is used to perform a vacant machine display process in response to an employee's operation, the second gaming information display device attached to another second gaming machine determines whether or not to perform a vacant machine notification display process to notify a player of the first gaming machine. If the second gaming information display device determines that the vacant machine notification display process should be performed, it displays that the machine is vacant along with the identification information of the first gaming machine.

[0007] In the amusement arcade system of the present invention, when an employee performs an operation to display an empty machine on a game information display device, an empty machine notification display operation is also performed on other game information display devices for the game machine targeted by the employee. In this amusement arcade system, in response to an employee's operation on one game machine, it is possible that an empty machine notification display operation will be performed not only on the game information display device corresponding to that game machine, but also on other game information display devices. According to the amusement arcade system of the present invention, by performing an empty machine notification display operation on multiple game information display devices, it is expected that operations will be promoted.

[0008] As described above, the amusement arcade system of the present invention is a system with excellent characteristics that can further promote operation in an amusement arcade where multiple amusement machines are installed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A system diagram showing the configuration of the amusement arcade system. [Figure 2] Front view of a pachinko game machine and scoring device. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko game machine and scoring device. [Figure 4] Front view of the game information display device. [Figure 5] A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a game information display device. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating the data for each gaming machine managed by the control device. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating the model group data managed by the control device. [Figure 8] Front view of the vacant machine display screen on the game information display device. [Figure 9] Front view of the recommended available machine information display screen on the game information display device. [Figure 10] Front view of the recommended machine information display screen on the game information display device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described using the following examples. (Example 1) This example relates to a gaming arcade system 1 that includes a gaming information display device 3 that performs a vacant machine display process in response to an employee's operation of a vacant machine. This will be explained using Figures 1 to 10.

[0011] First, let's describe the amusement arcade in which the amusement arcade system 1 of this example is introduced. In the amusement arcade, a scoring processing device 4 and a game information display device 3, etc., which assign the necessary game value to the game, are individually installed for each amusement machine 2, such as a pachinko game machine 21 or a pachislot game machine (not shown). Furthermore, one relay device 109 is installed for every two amusement machines 2.

[0012] A management device 10 for managing various machines within the gaming area is installed in the management space of the gaming area. In addition, a prize exchange counter (not shown) is provided in the gaming area, and a prize exchange terminal is installed for players to exchange the game value they have earned for prizes. The gaming area is composed of a gaming area system 1, which includes the equipment installed in the gaming area (gaming machines 2, score processing device 4, game information display device 3, etc.), with the management device 10 at its center.

[0013] The management device 10 is a computer device that manages the operating status of all devices installed in the game arcade. The management device 10 transmits various setting information necessary for the operation of each device to each device. The management device 10 has a function of collecting, storing, and managing the operation data representing the gaming status of each gaming machine 2 and the gaming history data of the players.

[0014] The gaming history data includes the remaining deposit amount owned by the player, the score representing the gaming value obtained by the player, and the like. In the game arcade, the ownership value of each player is managed in association with the game card. The management device 10 stores the information on the ownership value of the player associated with the card ID, which is the identification information of the game card, as card information.

[0015] The relay device 109 is a communication device that mediates communication among the score processing device 4, the game information display device 3, and the management device 10 and relays data transmission and reception. As described above, the relay device 109 is installed at a ratio of one for every two gaming machines 2.

[0016] The game information display device 3 is a display device installed individually, one for each gaming machine. The installation location of this game information display device 3 is above the corresponding gaming machine 2. The game information display device 3 creates and displays various display information based on various game information output from the corresponding gaming machine 2. Note that the game information display device 3 receives various game information of the corresponding gaming machine 2 from the score processing device 4 via the relay device 109. Further, the game information display device 3 can be remotely operated by the employee remote controller 101 carried by the employee.

[0017] The employee remote control 101 is a portable remote control device that transmits various command signals to the casino display device 3. Operations performed by the employee remote control 101 include an empty seat operation indicating that the corresponding gaming machine 2 is in an empty state. The employee remote control 101 has a function as an empty seat display command means for causing the gaming information display device 3 (the first gaming information display device) attached to the gaming machine 2 (the first gaming machine) that is an empty seat without a player to execute an empty seat display process for displaying that it is an empty seat according to the operation of the employee. The employee remote control 101 as the empty seat display command means transmits an empty seat signal which is a kind of command signal.

[0018] The score processing device 4 is a device that performs processes related to scores, such as a process of awarding scores required for the game and a process of issuing a card (an example of a recording medium not shown) on which the scores are recorded. The score processing device 4 is individually installed one by one for each gaming machine. The score processing device 4 is arranged in the gap between the side of the gaming machine 2 and the adjacent gaming machine 2. In the following description, the counted score is referred to as "held score", and the score that can be used in the game is referred to as "game score". The total score is the sum of the held score and the game score.

[0019] The gaming machine 2 is a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine 21 or a pachislot gaming machine not shown. A plurality of models are installed in the casino. The gaming machine 2 outputs various gaming information to the score processing device 4 according to the execution of the game using the game score. In this example, an enclosed pachinko gaming machine 21 in which the game value of the game score is consumed and the game ball which is a game medium is launched for the game is exemplified as an example of the gaming machine 2. In the pachinko gaming machine 21, a score that constitutes a game value is awarded and added to the game score according to the winning of the game ball into any of the winning holes.

[0020] In the amusement arcade, an in-house network 100, such as a wired LAN, is established, with various devices connected in a communication-enabled manner. The scoring processing device 4 and game information display device 3, which are connected in a communication-enabled manner to the amusement machines 2, are connected to the in-house network 100 via a relay device 109. In the in-house network 100, various communications between peripheral devices of the amusement machines 2, such as the scoring processing device 4 and game information display device 3, and the management device 10 are realized via the relay device 109.

[0021] The following will provide a detailed explanation of (A) the configuration and basic operation of the gaming machine and scoring processing device, (B) the configuration of the gaming information display device, (C) the configuration of the management device, and (D) the display processing by the gaming information display device.

[0022] (A) Configuration and basic operation of gaming machines and scoring devices An example of a gaming machine 2 is the pachinko gaming machine 21 (Figure 2), which is a gaming machine in which the player consumes (uses) game points, which are the value of the game, to launch game balls, which are the game medium, and plays the game. The pachinko gaming machine 21 shown as an example is a so-called "seven" machine in which a jackpot lottery is performed in response to a ball entering the special symbol start opening 221, and when a jackpot is won, the jackpot symbols are displayed and a jackpot state is created.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the pachinko game machine 21 has a roughly circular game area (game board) 210. Decorative lamp sections 242 are provided on both the left and right sides of the upper part of the game area 210, and a speaker 241 is located on the left side of the lower part of the game area 210. An information display section 25 is also provided below the game area 210, and an operating handle 26 is provided to the lower right of the information display section 25.

[0024] The information display unit 25 is composed of a liquid crystal display, and its display screen shows various types of game information, such as the number of jackpots and the number of special symbol draws. The display screen of the information display unit 25 is a touch-operable display screen with a sheet-like touch panel 251 (Figure 3) stacked on top of it. The content displayed by the information display unit 25 can be switched according to the touch operation on the display screen.

[0025] The display screen of the information display unit 25 shows the cumulative number of game points, including game points received from the scoring processing device 4 and game points awarded for winning prizes. The game points are reduced by one point each time a game ball is launched, while predetermined game points (scores) are added for each game ball that enters a prize slot. In the pachinko game machine 21, when the game points reach zero, it becomes impossible to launch game balls.

[0026] The game area 210 is the area through which the game balls, which are the game medium, flow. In the game area 210, a display device including the liquid crystal display unit 24 is located near the center, and an out hole 225 for collecting game balls that have flowed down without winning is provided at the very bottom. The special feature start opening 221 is located below the liquid crystal display unit 24, and a large prize opening 222 is provided between the special feature start opening 221 and the out hole 225.

[0027] To the left of the LCD display unit 24, facing the player, is a pass-through gate-type regular symbol start gate 223, etc. The regular symbol start gate 223 is a gate for detecting the passage of game balls. The regular symbol start gate 223, which only allows game balls to pass through, is not set to dispense game balls (prize balls). When a game ball is detected by the regular symbol start gate 223, a random number for determining whether the regular symbols are correct or incorrect (hereinafter referred to as the regular symbol lottery) is extracted, and the regular symbol lottery is executed. The result of the regular symbol lottery is displayed on the LCD display unit 24.

[0028] The special symbol start gate 221 is equipped with an electric tulip (electric mechanism) and is a variable prize entry gate that triggers the determination of whether a special symbol is a winner (hereinafter referred to as the special symbol lottery). The electric tulip opens when a winner is selected in the regular symbol lottery, significantly increasing the chances of a ball entering the special symbol start gate 221. When a game ball enters the special symbol start gate 221 (start entry), a random number for the special symbol lottery is extracted, and the special symbol lottery (jackpot lottery) is executed.

[0029] The liquid crystal display unit 24 is a display unit that displays symbols in a variable manner using a liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display unit 24 has the function of displaying whether the special symbol lottery is won or lost (lottery result) by symbols, and the function of a general symbol display unit that displays whether the general symbol lottery is won or lost (lottery result). If the special symbol lottery is won, the liquid crystal display unit 24, acting as the special symbol display unit, will notify the player of the win, and then a jackpot will occur, including the opening of the large prize slot 222.

[0030] The pachinko game machine 21 is configured around a main control unit 20, as shown in Figure 3. The main control unit 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, memory elements such as ROM (Read Only Memory) 202 and RAM (Random Access Memory) 204, and an I / O (Input / Output) 205 which forms an input / output interface.

[0031] The RAM 204's memory area includes memory areas for game points, which represent the number of game balls that can be launched, and the score, which is the current value of the game value acquired by the player. The main control unit 20, which includes the RAM 204, functions as a means of storing game value.

[0032] The main control unit 20 is electrically connected to the information display unit 25, the touch panel 251, the performance control unit 291, the sensors 293-295 for winning game balls, the special feature start solenoid 296 that opens the special feature start opening (electric tuner) 221, the large prize opening solenoid 297 that opens the large prize opening 222, and the power supply circuit unit 298 for power supply, the setting operation unit 23, and so on. Furthermore, the main control unit 20 is electrically connected to the I / F unit 200 that serves as a communication interface with the score processing device 4.

[0033] The performance control unit 291 is electrically connected to the amplifier 241A that drives the speaker 241 and the decorative lamp unit 242, as well as to the display control unit 292 that controls the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit 24, which is communicated to it.

[0034] The sensors for detecting winning game balls include a special winning sensor 293 for detecting a winning entry into the special starting slot 221, a regular winning sensor 294 for detecting a winning entry into the regular starting slot 223, and a large winning sensor 295 for detecting a winning entry into the large winning slot 222.

[0035] The setting operation unit 23 is an operation unit for making various settings. The setting operation unit 23 is located inside the main body of the gaming machine and becomes operable when the game board is opened forward. The setting operation unit 23 allows for setting operations such as setting one of six different setting values, each with a different jackpot probability.

[0036] The pachinko game machine 21 transmits various game information to the scoring processing device 4 in accordance with the execution of a game that consumes game points. The game information output by the pachinko game machine 21 varies depending on the model. For example, the pachinko game machine 21 in this example transmits the following game information to the scoring processing device 4. The game information output by the pachinko game machine 21 is transmitted via the scoring processing device 4 to the relay device 109, management device 10, game information display device 3, etc.

[0037] • Game points consumed information: Game information showing the number of game points consumed during gameplay. • Awarded Game Points Information: Game information showing the number of game points awarded for winning. • Start Information: Game information indicating that a jackpot lottery has been held. • Jackpot Information: Game information indicating that the game is in a jackpot state. • Probability Change Information: Game information indicating that the game is in a probability change state.

[0038] Each individual scoring device 4 for a pachinko game machine 21 is installed in the space between adjacent pachinko game machines 21 (see Figure 1). This scoring device 4 has a function (lending function) for granting game points (scores) that represent the right to launch game balls.

[0039] The front of the scoring device 4 (see Figure 2) is equipped with a status lamp 41 that indicates the operating status such as device errors, a banknote slot 420, a touch-operable display unit 43 with a touch panel overlaid on a liquid crystal display screen, a loan button 44 for receiving the game points necessary for playing according to the payment deduction, a re-play button 45 for converting the counted points into game points, a return button 46 for requesting the return of the game card, a card slot 470, and the like.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the scoring processing device 4 is electrically configured around a control unit 40 equipped with a CPU 401, ROM 402, RAM 403, I / O 404, etc. In addition to the above configuration, a banknote processing unit 42, a card processing unit 47, and an I / F unit 400 are electrically connected to the control unit 40. The scoring processing device 4 can communicate with the relay device 109 via the I / F unit 400 and is also directly connected to the corresponding pachinko game machine 21.

[0041] Next, the basic operation of the pachinko game machine 21 and the scoring device 4 will be explained. When the pachinko game machine 21 receives game points (score) from the corresponding scoring device 4, it becomes able to fire game balls equal to the number of game points. The pachinko game machine 21 deducts one game point each time it fires a game ball, while if a prize is won, it adds points corresponding to the prize to the game points. When the game points of the pachinko game machine 21 reach zero, it becomes impossible to fire game balls and continue playing.

[0042] In the pachinko game machine 21, the player can launch game balls from a launching device (not shown) located in the upper left of the game area 210 by operating the operating handle 26. When a game ball enters the special symbol start opening 221, a special symbol lottery (jackpot lottery) is performed, and the special symbol changes on the LCD display unit 24.

[0043] If a winning combination is selected in the special lottery, the LCD display unit 24 will stop and display a winning combination such as 777 to announce the win, and the game will enter the jackpot state. In the jackpot state, the large prize entry opening 222 will open a predetermined number of times, significantly increasing the chances of winning.

[0044] When a ball enters the regular symbol starting gate 223, a regular symbol lottery is executed, and the regular symbol changes on the LCD display unit 24 begin. If the regular symbol lottery is won, the LCD display unit 24 will notify the user of this, and the electric tulip of the special symbol starting gate 221 will open, making it easier to enter the special symbol starting gate 221.

[0045] In addition to the jackpot state described above, the pachinko game machine 21 has two other game states: a normal state and a probability variation state. The probability variation state is a hot state in which the probability of winning special symbol judgments and regular symbol judgments is higher than in the normal state, and the expectation of a jackpot is higher. In the example pachinko game machine 21, after the jackpot state ends, there is a 70% chance of transitioning to the probability variation state and a 30% chance of transitioning to the normal state. During gameplay of the pachinko game machine 21, various game data (number of jackpots, number of special symbol draws, etc.) can be viewed by touching the information display unit 25.

[0046] When ending a game on the pachinko machine 21, it is necessary to have the game score stored in the pachinko machine 21 counted. To count the game score, the player simply touches the counting button (not shown) displayed on the information display unit 25. The game score is transmitted to the score processing device 4 according to the counting operation, and the game score is deducted. A short touch counting operation transmits the game score one point at a time, while a long touch (continuous touch) counting operation transmits all game points at once. The score processing device 4 converts the game score received from the pachinko machine 21 into points. The game score stored in the pachinko machine 21 becomes zero once the transmission to the score processing device 4 is complete.

[0047] The scoring device 4 receives various game information from the corresponding pachinko game machine 21, aggregates and stores the operational data, and transmits the operational data to the management device 10 and the game information display device 3 via the relay device 109 as needed. The scoring device 4 also transmits information about the player's value, such as the player's deposit balance and points, to the management device 10 as needed. The scoring device 4 also stores various setting information (game machine number, model name, point unit price, etc.) received from the management device 10.

[0048] The operational data collected by the scoring processing device 4 includes, for example, the following data: (1) Number of jackpots: The number of times the jackpot state occurred (number of consecutive wins). (2) Start between jackpots: The number of jackpot draws since the end of the previous jackpot state (current start count). (3) Total starts today: The total number of starts since opening on the day. (4) Points held: The points that have been counted out of the points earned by the player. (5) Difference in points: Points obtained by subtracting points spent from points awarded from the start of business.

[0049] When the scoring device 4 receives a banknote, it adds the amount of the banknote to the deposit balance (for example, up to 10,000 yen) and stores it. When a game card is received, it associates the card ID, which is the identification information of the game card, with the card information stored in the management device 10 and verifies it. Then, if the verification result is OK, the scoring device 4 displays the deposit balance and points held for that card information.

[0050] The scoring device 4 converts the player's deposit balance, stored balls, and points into game points in response to the player's request, such as when the player operates the dispensing button 44, and transmits this to the corresponding pachinko machine 21. For example, when the dispensing button 44 is operated, a fixed amount (for example, 1000 yen) is converted into game points (250 points) and transmitted to the pachinko machine 21. For example, when the replay button 45 is operated, the points are converted into game points in increments of 250 points and transmitted to the pachinko machine 21 to enable replay using the points (replay processing).

[0051] The scoring device 4 stores and displays the player's score, game score, and total score (the sum of the player's score and game score). The scoring device 4 receives score addition and subtraction information from the corresponding pachinko machine 21 and updates the stored score. Then, in accordance with the score update, it transmits the score information to the relay device 109.

[0052] When the return button 46 is pressed while at least one of the deposit balance and points is present, the scoring device 4 records the deposit balance and points on the game card and issues it. However, the game points stored by the pachinko game machine 21 are not recorded on the game card and remain stored in the game machine. The scoring device 4 has a built-in card stocker and can store up to 10 game cards.

[0053] (B) Configuration of the game information display device The game information display device 3 (Figures 1 and 4) is a device that displays various information related to the corresponding gaming machine 2. The game information display device 3 receives various setting information and information related to the corresponding gaming machine 2 from the management device 10, and also receives various game information related to the corresponding gaming machine 2 from the score processing device 4. The game information display device 3 then creates and displays various display information based on the received setting information, game information, etc. The game information display device 3 receives setting information, game information, etc. via the relay device 109.

[0054] The configuration information received from the management device 10 includes, for example, the model name of the corresponding gaming machine 2, the group number of the corresponding gaming machine 2, the machine number which serves as identification information, and information on game performance such as the probability of a jackpot and the number of balls dispensed per jackpot. The game information received from the scoring processing device 4 includes, for example, the number of jackpot draws (start count) for the corresponding gaming machine 2, the number of jackpots, the game score and the number of points held, and various messages. The group number of the gaming machine 2 is an example of a group ID for a gaming machine group classified based on its gameplay characteristics.

[0055] The game information display device 3 is equipped with a liquid crystal display unit 33 consisting of a large liquid crystal display. Below the screen 330 of the liquid crystal display unit 33 are a call button 341, a remote control receiver 347, various operation buttons 345, etc., and a lamp unit 32 is arranged to surround the upper half.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the game information display device 3 is electrically configured around a control unit 30. The control unit 30 includes a CPU 301 that executes software and performs various calculations, ROM 302 and RAM 304 as memory means, and an I / O unit 305 that performs signal input and output. The control unit 30 is electrically connected to an I / F unit 308 that sends and receives signals to and from the outside, a liquid crystal display unit 33, a lamp unit 32 that has an employee call function, a call button 341, a group of operation buttons 345, and a remote control receiver unit 347, etc.

[0057] The game information display device 3 has the following functions: (1) Empty Machine Notification Determination Means: Means for determining, based on predetermined determination conditions, whether or not to execute an empty machine notification display process to notify the player of the first game machine when the second game information display device 3 attached to a second game machine, which is different from the first game machine that was the target of the empty machine display process. The contents of the determination conditions will be explained in detail later. (2) Setting information storage means: Means for storing the setting information received from the management device 10. The setting information includes information such as the group number of the corresponding gaming machine 2 (an example of a group ID; identification information).

[0058] In addition to displaying various game information for the corresponding gaming machine 2, the game information display device 3 can perform various display processes to promote the operation of the gaming machines 2 in the gaming hall. As will be described in detail later with reference to Figures 8 to 10, the game information display device 3 can perform processes such as displaying that the corresponding gaming machine 2 is vacant, displaying recommended vacant machine information (vacant machine notification display process), and displaying recommended machine information.

[0059] (C) Configuration of the control device The management device 10 is a device that manages the operating status of all equipment in the gaming hall. The management device 10 consists of a main unit equipped with a processing board including a CPU and storage devices such as a hard disk or solid-state drive, combined with a user interface such as an LCD monitor, keyboard, and mouse. The administrator of the gaming hall can use the user interface to input various setting information regarding the gaming machines 2, etc. Setting information includes, for example, the group number of each gaming machine 2, which is classified based on its gameplay characteristics.

[0060] The control device 10 has the following functions: (1) Operation data storage means: A means for storing various data representing the operating status of each gaming machine 2, categorized by machine number. (2) Group storage means: A means for storing the group numbers of groups classified based on gameplay characteristics, in association with each gaming machine 2. (3) Recommended information distribution means: A means for distributing various recommended information to the game information display device 3 corresponding to each game machine 2. Examples of recommended information include recommended available machine information, recommended machine information, etc.

[0061] The management device 10, which serves as a means of distributing recommended information, can perform tasks such as distributing recommended available machine information and recommended machine information. When the management device 10 receives available machine information from the game information display device 3, it creates "recommended available machine information" and transmits it simultaneously to each game information display device 3. In addition, the management device 10 also creates "recommended machine information" at predetermined time intervals, such as every 5 minutes, and transmits it periodically to each game information display device 3.

[0062] The management device 10, which serves as a means of storing operational data, stores and manages operational data specific to each gaming machine, such as gaming machine-specific data (Figure 6). The management device 10, which serves as a means of storing group data, stores and manages machine group data (Figure 7), which is a list of group numbers associated with each gaming machine 2.

[0063] The data for each gaming machine shown in Figure 6 is the operational data for each gaming machine 2 by machine number. The data items in the figure are as follows: • Model ID = An ID used to identify the model. • Points consumed = Points used during the game. Equivalent to the number of balls fired. • Points awarded = Points given for winning an award. • Start = The number of times the special symbol changes in the normal state (number of times the jackpot is drawn). • Jackpot = Number of times a jackpot occurs. • Empty machine F = A flag indicating that the machine is empty. It is stored when the empty machine information is received.

[0064] The machine group data in Figure 7 is a list of group numbers assigned to each machine. The group number is an ID used to identify the type of group, and the amusement facility sets arbitrary groups and assigns them to each machine. For example, it is possible to set multiple groups based on the probability of winning a jackpot. For example, a jackpot probability of 1 / 300 or less could be group 1, a jackpot probability of 1 / 200 to 1 / 299 could be group 2, a jackpot probability of 1 / 100 to 1 / 199 could be group 3, and a jackpot probability of 1 / 99 or more could be group 4. In addition, it is also possible to group machines based on the average number of balls dispensed per jackpot or the average number of consecutive wins.

[0065] (D) Display processing by the game information display device The display processing details of the game information display device 3 will be explained with reference to the display screens in Figures 8 to 10. Figure 8 is an example of the vacant machine display screen. Figure 9 is an example of the recommended vacant machine information display screen. Figure 10 is an example of the recommended machine information display screen. The display screens in Figures 8 to 10 share the same screen specifications.

[0066] On the left edge of each display screen, from top to bottom, were the following: Today's Jackpot Count Display 361, Yesterday's Jackpot Count Display 362, Day Before Yesterday's Jackpot Count Display 363, Current Start Count Display 364, and Cumulative Start Count Display 365. To the right and above these display fields was a graph display field 360, which displayed a slump graph showing the difference in points over time, and below that was a message display field 368.

[0067] The "Current Start" display field 364 is the field for displaying the current start number. The "Current Start" is the number of starts since the start of business, and the count is reset to zero and restarted after each jackpot. The "Cumulative Start" display field 365 is the field for displaying the cumulative number of starts since the start of business.

[0068] The score difference trend graph displayed in graph display area 360 shows the trend of the score difference (points awarded - points consumed) from the start of business in line graph format. The message display field 368 can display various messages received from the management device 10. The management device 10 can also arbitrarily input various messages.

[0069] The vacant machine display screen in Figure 8 is displayed when a vacant machine signal is received from the employee remote control 101 or the management device 10. When the game information display device 3 receives a vacant machine signal from the employee remote control 101 or the management device 10, it performs a vacant machine display process and displays a message indicating that the machine is vacant. The figure shows an example of a vacant machine display using the text message "Currently vacant!".

[0070] The management device 10 detects the vacant state of a gaming machine 2 based on factors such as the machine not being in operation or the return of a gaming card by the corresponding scoring device 4, and transmits a vacant machine signal to the gaming information display device 3 in response to the detection of a vacant machine. When the gaming information display device 3 receives a vacant machine signal from the employee remote control 101, it transmits vacant machine information to the management device 10.

[0071] The recommended vacant machine information display screen in Figure 9 is a screen that displays recommended vacant machine information received from the management device 10, and is displayed by the vacant machine notification display process. The recommended vacant machine information from the management device 10 includes information such as the group number (an example of a group ID), model name, machine number, number of jackpots, etc., of the vacant gaming machine 2. When the gaming information display device 3 receives the recommended vacant machine information from the management device 10, it determines whether or not to execute the vacant machine notification display process based on predetermined determination conditions.

[0072] The predetermined criteria for judgment are the following two conditions: (1) Whether the group number of the corresponding gaming machine 2 matches the group number included in the recommended available machine information. (2) Whether the current game state of the corresponding gaming machine 2 is operational (operating state) and in a normal state.

[0073] The game information display device 3 displays the recommended vacant machine information display screen shown in Figure 9 when it meets either of the two judgment conditions described above. Therefore, if the corresponding game machine 2 is in a jackpot state or is not in operation, the game information display device 3 will not execute the vacant machine notification display process even if it receives recommended vacant machine information from the management device 10, and will not display the recommended vacant machine information display screen shown in the same figure. The recommended vacant machine information display screen shown in the same figure displays the machine number (identification information) of the vacant game machine 2 (the first game machine), the number of jackpots which is game information related to the jackpots that occurred on that game machine 2, and that the game machine 2 is vacant.

[0074] The recommended machine information display screen in Figure 10 is a display screen based on recommended machine information received from the management device 10. The recommended machine information from the management device 10 includes the group number (an example of a group ID), the machine name, the total number of recommended machines, and the number of available recommended machines. When the game information display device 3 receives the recommended machine information from the management device 10, it determines whether the group number matches and whether the current game status of the corresponding game machine 2 is operational and in a normal state. If the group number matches, the machine is operational, and in a normal state, the game information display device 3 displays the recommended machine information display screen in Figure 10.

[0075] As described above, the management device 10 creates "recommended machine information" at predetermined time intervals, such as every 5 minutes, and periodically transmits it to each game information display device 3. Therefore, the game information display device 3 periodically displays recommended machine information, which is an example of game information for introducing other game machines 2 that are associated with the same group number as the corresponding game machine 2.

[0076] The recommended machine information displayed on the recommended machine information screen in Figure 10 is information about other machines that have the same gameplay classification as the corresponding gaming machine 2. The recommended machine information is displayed in the format of number of available machines / total machines, showing the total number of machines for each machine and the number of available machines out of the total.

[0077] The amusement arcade system 1 configured as described above comprises multiple gaming machines 2 and a gaming information display device 3 attached to each gaming machine 2, which is capable of displaying various types of gaming information. In this amusement arcade system 1, when the gaming information display device (first gaming information display device) 3 corresponding to an empty gaming machine 2 (first gaming machine) executes an empty machine display process in response to an employee's operation, the gaming information display device (second gaming information display device) 3 corresponding to another gaming machine 2 (second gaming machine) determines whether or not to execute an empty machine notification display process to notify the player of the empty gaming machine 2. If the gaming information display device 3 corresponding to the other gaming machine 2 determines that the empty machine notification display process should be executed, it displays that the machine is empty along with the machine number, which is an example of identification information for the empty gaming machine 2.

[0078] In the amusement arcade system 1, when an employee performs a remote control operation to cause the game information display device 3 corresponding to the vacant amusement machine 2 to execute a vacant machine display process, the game information display device 3 corresponding to the other amusement machine 2 also executes a vacant machine notification display process for the amusement machine 2 targeted by the employee (the vacant amusement machine, the first amusement machine). In this amusement arcade system 1, in response to an employee's operation on one amusement machine 2, it is possible that the vacant machine notification display process will be executed not only on the game information display device 3 corresponding to that one amusement machine 2, but also on other game information display devices 3. With this amusement arcade system 1, it is expected that operation will be promoted by executing the vacant machine notification display process on multiple game information display devices 3.

[0079] The game information display device 3 (vacant machine notification determination means) determines that it should execute the vacant machine notification display process if it satisfies the determination conditions that the other game machine 2 (second game machine) is in operation and not in a jackpot state. The game information display device 3 corresponding to the other game machine 2 executes the vacant machine notification display process for the vacant game machine 2 (first game machine) when the other game machine 2 is in operation and not in a jackpot state. With such determination conditions, the vacant machine notification display process can be avoided in situations where notification of a vacant game machine 2 is unnecessary, such as when it is not in operation or is in a jackpot state.

[0080] Furthermore, the game information display device 3 (vacant machine notification determination means) determines that it should execute a vacant machine notification display process for the vacant machine 2 if it satisfies the determination condition that the group No. (group ID) associated with the other game machine 2 (second game machine) and the group No. associated with the vacant game machine (first game machine) are the same. Here, the group No. is an example of a group ID that represents a group of machines with a high degree of similarity in gameplay. Therefore, according to the above determination condition, the player can be presented with vacant machine information for machines with a high degree of similarity in gameplay to the game machine 2 that the player is currently playing. If the vacant machine information is for a machine with a high degree of similarity in gameplay to the machine the player is currently playing, the player is more likely to be interested, which helps to promote operation.

[0081] Furthermore, the game information display device 3 attached to each gaming machine 2 periodically displays game information to introduce other gaming machines 2 that are associated with the same group number (group ID) as the corresponding gaming machine 2. Such game information is very effective for players who are thinking of ending their game on one of the gaming machines 2, and can encourage them to start playing on another gaming machine 2. In particular, if the machines have the same group number, there is a high probability that they will match the player's preferences.

[0082] The game information display device 3, which corresponds to the other gaming machine 2 mentioned above, displays the machine number (identification information) of the vacant gaming machine 2 along with the fact that it is vacant, and also displays game information related to jackpots, such as the number of jackpots that have occurred on the vacant gaming machine 2. Information such as the number of jackpots is extremely important game information for players to decide whether or not to move to another machine. Displaying such game information along with the fact that the machine is vacant is effective in encouraging players to move to another machine.

[0083] Alternatively, the following configurations may be adopted instead of, or in addition to, the configuration of this embodiment. Furthermore, the following configurations may be combined in appropriate ways. In this example, each game information display device 3 is provided with a means for determining whether a machine is available. However, instead, the management device 10 or the relay device 109 may be provided with a means for determining whether a machine is available, and the determination result may be transmitted to each game information display device 3.

[0084] In this example, the arcade arbitrarily assigned a group number to each machine, but it would also be possible to analyze the combinations of machines that each player prefers to play based on their gaming history and assign group numbers according to the results of that analysis.

[0085] In this example, we have illustrated a configuration in which an employee operates the employee remote control 101 to display the vacant machine, but it is also possible to specify a particular game information display device 3 by operating the input keyboard on the management device 10 and then display the vacant machine.

[0086] In this example, the game information display device 3 sets the condition that the corresponding game machine 2 is in operation and in a normal state as a condition for determining whether or not to display recommended available machine information. However, the condition is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to set the condition that the game is nearing the end of a jackpot state. Alternatively, the condition may be set that the game is not in operation, and recommended available machine information may be notified to players who have not yet started playing.

[0087] The types of game information that the game information display device 3 can display are not limited to this example, and various types of game information can be displayed. For example, it is also possible to display the probability of a jackpot occurring, the number of first jackpots, the number of consecutive jackpots, and the number of times play stopped in the past month.

[0088] The types of game information that the game information display device 3 can display are not limited to this example. The game information display device 3 can display various types of game information. For example, it may display the probability of a jackpot occurring, the number of first jackpots, the number of consecutive jackpots, the number of times play stopped in the past month, etc.

[0089] In this example, a sealed pachinko game machine 21 that awards game points according to winning is used as an example of a game machine, but the game machine is not limited to this. It may also be a pachinko game machine that dispenses game balls according to winning. It may also be a pachislot game machine or a jackpot game machine. The game value used in the game may be electronic points, as well as physical balls, tokens, etc.

[0090] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail as shown in the examples above, these examples only disclose an example of the technology covered by the claims. Needless to say, the claims should not be interpreted restrictively based on the configuration or numerical values ​​of the specific examples. The claims encompass technologies obtained by various modifications, changes, or combinations of the above examples using prior art or the knowledge of those skilled in the art. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 1. Amusement arcade system 10. Management device (operation data storage means, group storage means, recommended information distribution means) 100 In-house network 101 Employee remote control (vacant unit display command means) 109 Relay device 2 Gaming machines 20 Main Control Unit 21 Pachinko gaming machines 3. Game information display device (means for determining whether a machine is vacant, means for storing setting information) 33 LCD display section 330 screens 368 Message display field 4. Score Processing Device

Claims

1. In a gaming arcade system comprising multiple gaming machines and a gaming information display device attached to each gaming machine that can display various types of gaming information, A first gaming machine that is vacant and has no players is equipped with a first gaming information display device, and a vacant machine display command means that causes the display device to execute a vacant machine display process in response to an employee's operation to indicate that the machine is vacant, A second gaming information display device attached to a second gaming machine, which is different from the first gaming machine that was the subject of the aforementioned vacant machine display processing, includes a vacant machine notification determination means that determines, based on predetermined determination conditions, whether or not to perform a vacant machine notification display processing to notify a player of the first gaming machine, Each gaming machine is equipped with a group storage means that stores a group ID associated with a group classified based on its gameplay characteristics. The vacant machine notification determination means determines that the vacant machine notification display process should be executed if the determination condition is met that the group ID associated with the second gaming machine by the group storage means and the group ID associated with the first gaming machine are the same. The first game information display device displays that the first game machine is vacant in response to a command from the vacant machine display command means. The amusement park system is characterized in that the second game information display device displays the fact that the machine is vacant together with the identification information of the first game machine when the vacant machine notification determination means determines that the vacant machine notification display process should be executed.

2. The gaming arcade system according to claim 1, wherein a gaming information display device attached to each gaming machine periodically displays gaming information for introducing other gaming machines associated with the same group ID as the gaming machine, using the group storage means.

3. The amusement park system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when a game information display device attached to each amusement machine displays that the machine is vacant along with the identification information of the first amusement machine, it also displays game information relating to a jackpot that occurred on the first amusement machine.

Images