System for amusement facilities

Abstract

To provide a system for game parlors capable of appropriately using game devices for a plurality of types of game machines.SOLUTION: A game device includes first game devices and a second game device capable of accommodating to conveyance-type game devices 2(1) and 2(2) and a stock-type game device 2(3). The conveyance-type game devices 2(1) and 2(2) requiring consideration of a money conveyance path in a game island involve changes by replacement or remodeling of the devices 2(1) and 2(2) themselves in order to accommodate the money conveyance path, while the stock-type game device 2(3) requiring little consideration of the money conveyance path may accommodate thereto by update processing without changing the device 2(3) itself. Accordingly, the game devices 2(1) to 2(3) can be appropriately used for a plurality of types of game machines.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , , , , , ,

[0004] , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] In a casino, a plurality of types of gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines are installed. Conventionally, dedicated gaming devices were installed side by side. Here, for example, in Patent Document 1, it has been proposed to install and share a gaming device common to a plurality of types of gaming machines and to set and classify which type of gaming machine it corresponds to. The gaming device plays a role of赋予 gaming value in exchange for the currency received from the player. However, if it is configured to赋予 gaming value to the gaming machine in data form from the gaming device, such as corresponding to a prepaid card or the so-called enclosed type as in Patent Document 1, the mechanism for physically赋予, represented by the so-called nozzle that pays out the gaming medium, can be omitted, and there is no obstacle to sharing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the gaming device also requires a mechanism for collecting the received currency, and conventionally, the following two types have been adopted. That is, a type having a stock mechanism for stocking the received currency until it is collected by a casino employee during business hours or after closing, and a type in which the received currency is conveyed by a conveying mechanism to a currency conveyance path installed on the gaming island.

[0005] It should be noted that the term "赋予" in the original text seems to be an incorrect or incomplete expression. I have translated it as "赋予" as it is, but it might need to be further corrected or clarified in the original context.Of these, when a stock mechanism is adopted, there is little need to consider the currency transport path, so it is not a problem to use it in conjunction with the gaming device. On the other hand, when a transport mechanism is adopted, the transport path provided within the gaming island to take into account maintenance such as currency jams is installed at the same height as the gaming machine if it is compatible with pachinko machines which are easy to open and close, but if it is compatible with slot machines which are difficult to open and close, it tends to be installed at a height higher than the gaming machine, which leads to the following problems. In other words, when employing a transport mechanism, if it is compatible with pachinko machines, a banknote receiving mechanism must be installed within the gaming device. However, if it is compatible with slot machines, the banknotes must be transported along an upper transport path, requiring a separate banknote receiving mechanism to be installed above the gaming island, making it difficult to use the same gaming device for both.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming system for amusement parlors that can appropriately use gaming devices for multiple types of gaming machines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention of claim 1 is a game arcade system equipped with a game device installed in a game machine in which a game is played based on a game value stored in a memory unit inside the machine, The aforementioned gaming machine includes a first gaming machine that uses a circulating gaming medium pre-sealed inside the machine (for example, a sealed-type pachinko machine 1p that uses circulating pachinko balls) and a second gaming machine that does not use the said circulating gaming medium (for example, a coinless slot machine 1s), The aforementioned gaming device can accommodate the installation of a first gaming device (for example, gaming device 2(1) and gaming device 2(2) of machine No. 1 shown in Figures 6 and 7) which have a transport mechanism capable of guiding the coins inserted by the player to the outside, and a second gaming device (for example, gaming device 2(3) of machine No. 3 shown in the same figure) which has a stock section for storing the coins inside. In the case of replacing gaming machines in a gaming arcade, when the replacement is performed between the first gaming machine and the second gaming machine, the system includes update means (for example, gaming devices 2(1) to (3) and management device 6) that perform an update process to update the setting of the type of gaming machine corresponding to the gaming device, The second gaming device can accommodate the replacement of gaming machines in accordance with the update process without replacing the second gaming device itself, whereas the first gaming device is not subject to the update process, or it cannot accommodate the replacement of gaming machines in accordance with the update process without replacing the first gaming device itself.

[0008] According to the invention of claim 1, the first gaming device and the second gaming device are compatible, and when the corresponding gaming machine is replaced with a different type, the corresponding gaming device will undergo a change by replacing or modifying the gaming device if it is the first gaming device, while if it is the second gaming device, an update process will be performed to update the type setting without replacing or modifying the gaming device, thus making it possible to appropriately use the gaming device for multiple types of gaming machines. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of a game arcade system in one embodiment. [Figure 2] Front view of a gaming machine and gaming device [Figure 3] Electrical block diagram showing the gaming device at its center. [Figure 4] External view showing the pachinko island along with the currency transport route. [Figure 5] External view showing the slot island along with the currency transport path. [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram showing the types and specific configurations of gaming devices in a table format. [Figure 7] Perspective view showing the gaming device body and rear mounting frame by type. [Figure 8] Diagram illustrating the correspondence between gaming machine islands, gaming machines, and gaming equipment (Part 1) [Figure 9] Diagram illustrating the correspondence between gaming machine islands and gaming devices (Part 2) [Figure 10] An example of a display screen for a gaming device's display unit, where (a) shows a conventional display and (b) shows a display configuration according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] One embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of the amusement arcade system, while Figures 4 and 5 show a pachinko island where pachinko machines 1p are installed, and a slot island where slot machines 1s are installed. In this way, numerous amusement machines 1, including pachinko machines 1p and slot machines 1s, are installed in the amusement arcade, and a gaming device 2 and an information display device 3 are attached to each of these amusement machines 1 in a one-to-one correspondence. Note that "amusement machine 1" is a general term for pachinko machines 1p and slot machines 1s, and is also referred to as "amusement machine 1p, 1s".

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, two gaming machines 1, two gaming devices 2, and two information display devices 3 are connected to a relay device 4, and the relay device 4 is connected to a management device 6 via a LAN 5. The management device 6 manages game information for each gaming machine 1 by receiving game information indicating the game status of the gaming machine 1. In this case, the game information for the gaming machine 1 is received by the management device 6 sequentially from the gaming machine 1 side, via the gaming device 2 and the relay device 4. On the other hand, various setting information (including type information described later) managed by the management device 6 is received by the gaming device 2 from the management device 6 side via the relay device 4.

[0012] The gaming area is also equipped with a prize exchange terminal (POS) 7 and a payment machine (not shown), which are connected to the management device 6 via LAN 5. POS7 executes a prize exchange process based on game values such as held values and stored values specified by an IC card 10 such as a membership card or a general card issued by the gaming device 2. When performing a prize exchange process, POS7 reads the held values and held medals acquired by the player from the IC card 10, or identifies a player as a member who wishes to exchange prizes, and then acquires online from the management device 6 the stored value (stored balls, stored medals) that the player has deposited at the game venue to specify the game value that can be used for prize exchange.

[0013] Although not shown in the figure, when the IC card 10 is inserted into the card insertion slot, the payment machine accepts the inserted IC card 10, reads the remaining deposit amount (monetary value, hereinafter abbreviated as "balance") recorded on the inserted IC card 10 using a card reader (not shown), and returns banknotes or coins corresponding to the read remaining deposit amount through the return slot. In addition, the payment machine is provided with a banknote insertion slot into which banknotes are inserted, and the inserted amount can be added to the remaining deposit amount recorded on the IC card 10.

[0014] Here, the membership card 10a and the general card 10b shown in FIG. 3 as the IC card 10 are recording media that can specify at least one of the game value and the monetary value, i.e., a valuable value. The general card 10b is a general recording medium issued to an unspecified number of general players, and is distinguished from the membership card 十a issued to members who have registered as members in advance. The game value (game medium) used in the pachinko machine 1p is pachinko balls, and the game value used in the slot machine 1s is medals. However, both are game values stored in the internal storage unit of the machine. Different from conventional payout-type gaming machines, actual balls and medals are not paid out, and the game value in the storage unit increases or decreases according to the game.

[0015] The management device 6 shown in FIG. 1 is a management means installed in, for example, an office in the game venue, and includes a keyboard 14, a monitor 15, a printer (not shown), etc., which are operated by the game venue manager. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the control unit of the management device 6 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having a storage unit such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. In the management device 6, a control unit that serves as a control subject (simply referred to as the "management device 6") is connected to a keyboard 14, a monitor 15, and the printer, and a transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives various signals to and from the gaming machine side (such as the gaming machine 1 and the gaming device 2) is also connected. Although not shown in FIG. 1, actually, for example, several hundred gaming machines 1 are under the management of the management device 6. The management device 6 manages the operating status of the gaming machines 1, gaming devices 2, POS 7, ticket dispensers, etc. installed in the game parlor.

[0016] Both the pachinko machine 1p and the slot machine 1s of the present embodiment are gaming machines 1 in which games are played based on game values stored in the internal storage unit. The pachinko machine 1p is a first gaming machine that uses a circulating game medium (for example, circulating pachinko balls) enclosed in the machine in advance, and the slot machine 1s corresponds to a second gaming machine that does not use the circulating game medium. Hereinafter, the pachinko machine 1p will be mainly described as an enclosed gaming machine 1. Since the slot machine 1s adopts the configuration of a well-known medal-less slot machine that enables games without using actual medals, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0017] The pachinko machine 1p is a management gaming machine that stores and manages the remaining money, held balls, and stored balls owned by the player, converted into game balls. On the condition that the game balls (game values) stored in the internal storage unit remain, the internal circulating pachinko balls (simply referred to as "balls") are supplied to the launching device and launched onto the game board. When the player wins and acquires game balls, instead of paying out the game balls, they are added as acquired balls in the data. The pachinko machine 1p mainly manages the increase and decrease of the game balls in this way. On the other hand, as is well known, the slot machine 1s does not circulate a game medium such as medals. When the player wins, the acquired medals are added as acquired medals in the internal data like so-called credits, and the slot machine 1s mainly manages the increase and decrease of the acquired medals in this way.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the pachinko machine 1p has a playfield 1a from which pachinko balls are launched, an operating handle 16 that constitutes the launching device, a dispensing button 17 for converting the balance into game balls, a return button 18 for issuing member cards 10a and general cards 10b, a balance display unit 19 that displays the balance, a counting button 20 for converting game balls into held balls, and a game ball display unit 21 that displays the number of game balls. The playfield 1a has a general diagram display unit 22, a general diagram reserve display unit 23, a special diagram display unit 24, a general diagram prize slot 25, general prize slots 26, 27, a first reserve number display unit 28, a second reserve number display unit 29, a first start slot 30, a second start slot 31, and a large prize slot 32. In addition, there is a decorative panel 33 below the counting button 20 and the game ball display unit 21.

[0019] Pachinko machine 1p operates as follows: (a) The first starting port 30 is a winning port with a fixed winning rate (a so-called "center winning port"), and the second starting port 31 is a winning port with a variable winning rate (a so-called "electric chute"). A jackpot lottery is held according to the winnings (starting wins) in each starting port 30 and 31, and the lottery results are announced by symbol changes (unit games) on the special display unit 24, and a jackpot is awarded according to the result of those changes. (b) If a starting win occurs during a symbol change, the symbol changes will be cumulatively held in reserve up to a predetermined maximum number of reserved symbols (for example, 4 each), and the reserved symbol changes will start after the symbol changes have finished. However, if a starting win occurs when the number of reserved symbol changes (reserved number) has reached the maximum value, the symbol changes will not be held in reserve.

[0020] (c) There are six settings (modes) for the gaming machine. These modes allow adjustment of the probability of winning a jackpot (jackpot probability) for both the normal game state (normal state, normal) and the probability variation state (probability variation state, probability variation). The probability variation rate (for example, 66% common to all modes), which is the proportion of jackpots that result in a probability variation jackpot, is also defined. In addition, the jackpot probabilities for the normal state and probability variation are set to be higher with higher settings, but it is sufficient that at least one of the following can be adjusted depending on the mode: the jackpot probabilities for the normal state and probability variation, the probability variation rate, or the round distribution rate described later.

[0021] (d) When a jackpot occurs, the large prize slot 32 is opened for the corresponding number of rounds (R). The maximum number of prizes that can be won in 1R is 10, and the maximum opening period is 30 seconds. 1R ends when either the maximum number of prizes or the maximum opening period is reached. The corresponding rounds are also drawn in the same way as the jackpot draw, and the distribution rates are as follows: if the prize enters the first starting slot 30, there is a 10% chance of 2R, a 50% chance of 8R, and a 40% chance of 15R. However, if the prize enters the second starting slot 31, there is a 10% chance of 8R and a 90% chance of 15R. The priority for consuming the reserved symbols corresponding to the prize is set higher for the second starting slot 31 than for the first starting slot 30.

[0022] (e) During the probability variation mode, the probability of winning a jackpot increases, and the rate of winning at the second starting slot 31 increases, resulting in a time-saving state (time-saving mode). Also, if a jackpot that is not a probability variation jackpot (a regular jackpot) occurs, a time-saving mode that is not a probability variation mode (a standalone time-saving mode) will be entered after the jackpot, and the time-saving mode will continue until the symbols change for a predetermined number of time-saving times (for example, 100 times) or a jackpot occurs. If the symbols change for the number of time-saving times without a jackpot occurring, the game returns to the normal state.

[0023] (f) The second starting gate 31 opens to a state with a higher probability of winning than the normal state when a normal symbol (normal symbol), which changes in response to a win in the normal symbol winning gate 25, is hit. In this case, the period of one normal symbol change is 30 seconds in the normal state and 3 seconds in the time-saving state. Also, the opening period is 0.3 seconds in the normal state and 5 seconds in the time-saving state. In other words, in the time-saving state, the period of normal symbol change is shorter compared to the normal state, while the opening period is longer, making it easier to enter the open state and increasing the probability of winning in the second starting gate 31.

[0024] (g) Since the large prize slot 32 and the second starting slot 31 are located on the right side of the play surface 1a, players will aim to shoot to the right side of the play surface 1a during the time-saving mode or during a big win. The above explanation uses model A as an example, but the values ​​exemplified will vary depending on the model, for example, model B will have a different distribution of rounds, and the gameplay will also differ. Furthermore, the configuration of the gaming machine 1 can be changed as appropriate, for example, by providing the return button 18, which is operated when issuing the card 10, on the gaming device 2 side.

[0025] Pachinko machine 1p outputs the following data items as the game progresses, such as when the player shoots balls into the starting holes 30 and 31. • Out = A signal indicating the consumption (usage, insertion) value (out) in units of one ball since the last data transmission. • Safe = A signal indicating the prize value (Safe) awarded in units of one ball, based on the number of wins since the last data transmission.

[0026] • S-win count = A signal indicating the number of start wins (S-wins) since the last data transmission, in units of one. • Start (count) = A signal indicating the start (number of symbol changes, number of mechanism activations, unit game count) of the special feature (special display unit 24) that is activated (changed) by S-winning since the last data transmission. It is counted when confirmed, but may also be counted when it starts. • Operating (Status) = This signal indicates ON if a feature such as a changing symbol is in operation during data transmission, and OFF if it is not in operation. The period from when it turns ON until it turns OFF is identified as when the feature is in operation.

[0027] • Jackpot (Count) = A signal indicating the number of jackpots that have occurred since the last data transmission, in units of one. It is counted when it occurs, but it may also be counted when it ends. • Jackpot (state) = A signal that indicates ON if a jackpot state is occurring at the time of data transmission, and OFF if a jackpot state is not occurring. The period from when it turns ON until it turns OFF is identified as the jackpot state.

[0028] • Sweet Mode (State) = This signal indicates ON if a special state (Sweet Mode) or a jackpot state is active during data transmission, and OFF otherwise. The period from when it turns ON to when it turns OFF is identified as Sweet Mode or Jackpot. For example, if Sweet Mode (State) is ON, it is identified as Jackpot if Jackpot (State) is ON, and Sweet Mode if it is OFF. Also, if both Jackpot (State) and Sweet Mode (State) are OFF, it is identified as a normal state. Note that Sweet Mode does not necessarily have to be ON during a jackpot. Sweet Mode corresponds to the special states such as time-saving and probability change mentioned above, and Sweet Mode or Jackpot corresponds to Special Prize.

[0029] • Number of game balls = The number of game balls stored in the memory unit of the pachinko machine 1p, and a signal indicating the number of game balls available for play on the pachinko machine 1p in units of one ball. The game signals, which are the data items mentioned above, are transmitted as data signals similar to telegrams that can be identified. Cumulative data (updated data) from the previous transmission is sent from the pachinko machine 1p to the game device 2 at regular intervals (for example, every 200 milliseconds), and fraudulent information other than the data items mentioned above is also output.

[0030] As mentioned in the "Background Technology" section, the gaming device 2 plays the role of assigning game value in exchange for currency (e.g., banknotes) received from the player. However, if it is compatible with a non-dispensing type gaming machine 1, such as the sealed or coinless type described above, then the gaming value is assigned to the gaming machine 1 using data, making it possible to omit physical mechanisms such as nozzles that dispense the game medium. Therefore, such a gaming device 2 could be used as a common device for both sealed pachinko machines 1p and coinless slot machines 1s, and could be installed regardless of the type of gaming machine 1 or the type of game value.

[0031] However, the gaming device 2 also requires a mechanism for collecting the coins inserted by the players. There are two types: a stock type (second gaming device) which has a stock section that stores the coins inside the device 2 until they are collected by an employee after closing time, and a transport type (first gaming device) which has a transport mechanism that can guide the inserted coins to an external coin transport path 100p, 100s (see Figures 4 and 5). Even if the corresponding gaming machine 1 is not a payout type, it is difficult to make the transport-type gaming device 2 usable for both pachinko machines 1p and slot machines 1s. This is because, as explained below, the arrangement of the money transport paths 100p and 100s differs significantly between pachinko islands (P islands) and slot island (S islands).

[0032] Therefore, as shown in the upper half of the table in Figure 6, conventional gaming devices were set up as separate "transport" and "stock" types, with "201" and "202" machines dedicated to pachinko machines 1p and "251" and "252" machines dedicated to slot machines 1s, respectively, and were installed separately in the P and S islands. Furthermore, as shown in the same figure, conventional gaming devices had dedicated settings for pachinko machines 1p and slot machines 1s, with different "installation positions," "installation locations," "width" dimensions, and "software" for each.

[0033] In addition, the "bill validator" in machine 251 is not built into the main gaming device, but is incorporated as an external peripheral device (including the coin slot 35s in Figure 5, which will be described later). Furthermore, the "setting frame," which is the mounting frame, differs between machines 201 and 202 (see Figure 6), and is not used in machines 251 and 252. Therefore, when gaming device 1 is swapped between pachinko machine 1p and slot machine 1s, not only is the gaming device itself replaced, but work related to the attachment and detachment of the setting frame is also required.

[0034] Therefore, in this embodiment, the amusement arcade system uses a "common unit" (for example, machines 1, 2, and 3 in Figure 6) that is common to various types of amusement machines 1p and 1s as the amusement device 2, making it possible to install both a transport-type first amusement device and a stock-type second amusement device. When amusement machines 1 are replaced in an amusement arcade, for example, between a non-payout pachinko machine 1p and a slot machine 1s, the system is equipped with update means that performs an update process to update the settings of the types of amusement machines 1p and 1s. The stock-type second amusement device can handle the replacement of amusement machines 1 in accordance with the update process without replacing the second amusement device itself, while the transport-type first amusement device is not subject to the update process, or is configured in such a way that it cannot handle the replacement of amusement machines 1 in accordance with the update process unless the first amusement device is replaced. The following sections will explain the process in the following order, referring to the diagrams from Figure 3 onward: 1. Gaming Islands and Currency Transport Paths, 2. Types and Configurations of Gaming Equipment, and 3. Replacement of Gaming Machines and Upgrade Processes for Gaming Equipment.

[0035] <1. Amusement Islands and Currency Transport Routes> Figures 4 and 5 show the relationship between the respective coin transport paths 100p and 100s, the gaming machines 1p and 1s, and the coin slots 35 and 35s of the gaming device 2 in the pachinko and slot machine islands, which constitute the gaming islands.

[0036] Specifically, island P is provided with a coin transport path 100p, shown by a dashed line in Figure 4(a). The coin transport path 100p is located directly behind the pachinko machine 1p and on the back side of the upper part of the gaming device 2 where the coin slot 35 is located. It extends in the same direction as the transport direction (the longitudinal direction of island P), with the left-right direction of the lined-up pachinko machines 1p being the transport direction. As a result, if the gaming device 2 in Figure 4(a) is a transport type, the coins inserted into the coin slot 35 are guided and transported to the coin transport path 100p on the back side.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(b), the pachinko machine 1p is a relatively thin, plate-like structure overall. In the event of a problem such as a coin jam, the machine can be rotated around a pivot axis (not shown) on the left end of the pachinko machine 1p to open up the coin transport path 100p, allowing the machine to address the problem occurring on the transport path 100p side.

[0038] Meanwhile, island S is provided with a coin transport path 100s, shown by a dashed line in Figure 5(a). The coin transport path 100s is located on the back side of the back panel 101 above the slot machines 1s, and extends in the same direction as the left-right direction of the slot machines 1s, which are lined up side by side. Also, as shown in Figure 5(a), the coin slot 35s is located on the front side of the back panel 101 and is positioned to the right of the corresponding information display device 3.

[0039] The coin slot 35s may also be located above the panel 101 or on the ceiling of the S island, and depending on the location of the coin slot 35s, the coin transport path 100s may also be located in a place other than directly behind the panel 101. However, in any case, it tends to be installed above the slot machine 1s to allow access to and maintainability of the coin transport path 100s. As a result, if the gaming device 2 in Figure (a) is of the transport type, the coins inserted into the coin slot 35s are guided and transported to the coin transport path 100s on the other side.

[0040] The slot machine 1s, as a whole, is a relatively thick box-shaped machine compared to the pachinko machine 1p. Even if the front of the slot machine 1s is rotated around the pivot axis (not shown) on the left end, it is only possible to access the inside of the machine (the back cannot be opened). Therefore, as shown in Figure 5(b), by rotating the fascia plate 101 around the pivot axis (not shown) on the upper edge, the coin transport path 100p can be exposed, allowing for the handling of problems that occur on the side of the transport path 100p.

[0041] <2. Types and Configurations of Gaming Devices> The gaming device 2 of this embodiment includes a No. 1, No. 2, or No. 3 machine that corresponds to the configuration of the coin transport paths 100p, 100s and coin slots 35, 35s in the gaming island described above, and is applied according to different types such as transport type or stock type (see Figure 6). In the following, the gaming devices 1, 2, and 3 will be distinguished from each other by assigning the symbols "2(1)", "2(2)", and "2(3)", respectively. That is, as shown in Figure 7, the first device will be referred to as "gaming device 2(1)", the second device as "gaming device 2(2)", and the third device as "gaming device 2(3)".

[0042] As shown in Figure 6, the gaming devices 2(1) to (3) all have the same "width" dimension (for example, 40 mm, the same width dimension as the conventional Model 201 and Model 202) and are positioned on the "left side" of gaming machines 1p and 1s. Furthermore, as shown by the thick border in the same figure, gaming devices 2(1) and (2) are transport-type first gaming devices and are divided into Unit 1, which can be installed on the "P Island," and Unit 2, which can be installed on the "S Island." Gaming device 2(3) is a stock-type second gaming device and is classified as Unit 3, which can be installed on both the "P Island" and the "S Island." As shown in the "Software" column of the same figure, the common software can be used for each gaming device 2(1) to (3), and it is possible to switch between software for pachinko machine 1p and slot machine 1s by setting it (an update process is executed), but more details will be described later.

[0043] Since gaming devices 2(1) to (3) have a similar appearance when viewed from the front (see Figure 7), for the sake of explanation, the gaming devices in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5 are simply denoted with the symbol "2". However, the corresponding gaming device 2(1) to (3) is to be installed according to the correspondence between the "installation location" and the "transport / stock" type in Figure 6. Furthermore, since gaming devices 2(1) to (3) are all designed to correspond to both pachinko machine 1p and slot machine 1s and have a common configuration, essentially identical components are denoted with the same symbol to simplify the explanation.

[0044] As shown in Figures 2 and 7, the gaming devices 2(1) to (3) include status indicator lights 34 that show the game status of gaming machines 1p and 1s and the status of gaming device 2 (such as error status described later), a coin slot 35 into which coins (e.g., banknotes) are inserted, a touch panel type liquid crystal display 36 that accepts operation input from the player and displays various game data described later, a game button 37 for dispensing balls (including stored balls if the player is a member), a card slot 38 into which a member card 10a or a general card 10b is inserted, a camera 39 (shown only in Figure 3) that photographs the upper body including the player's face, and a remote control receiver 41 that receives signals from an employee remote control 42 (see Figure 1) that is carried and operated by an employee.

[0045] Of these, the gaming device 2(1) is a transport type and is installed on island P in Figure 4. Therefore, the device 2(1) incorporates a transport mechanism (see "transport" in Figure 6) that guides the coins inserted from the coin slot 35 to the external transport path 100p, and a coin processing unit 35a (see "bill validator" in Figures 3 and 6) that determines the authenticity of the coins at a point along the transport path. The transport mechanism is a well-known configuration that includes, for example, multiple rollers for transporting coins (banknotes) and their drive motors, and a guide section that guides the coins to the transport path 100p side (back side).

[0046] Since the gaming device 2(2) is a transport type and is installed on island S in Figure 5, a transport mechanism (not shown) that guides the coins inserted from the coin slot 35s in Figure 5 to the external transport path 100s, and a coin processing unit 35a provided in the middle of the transport path are connected as external peripheral devices (see "External built tray" in Figure 6). Note that the coin slot 35 of the main body of the device 2(2) is not used and is covered with a sealing lid 45 as shown in Figure 7. In this case, the coin slot 35 is detachably locked (sealed) by inserting the locking part 45a of the lid 45.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown on the right side of Figure 7, the setting frames 50(1)(2) are common mounting frames that are installed on the rear side of the gaming devices 2(1)(2), and the same ones used for the conventional transport type can be reused (the ones for machine 201 in Figure 6 can be used as is). In other words, gaming devices 2(1) or gaming devices 2(2) are both installed on island P or island S via the same setting frames 50(1)(2), and even when the gaming device 1 is swapped between pachinko machine 1p and slot machine 1s, there is no need to replace the setting frames 50(1)(2).

[0048] The setting frame 50(1)(2) has its vertical section as the main body and holds the game device 2(1)(2) with its upper section 51 and lower section 52. The main body of the setting frame 50(1)(2) is provided with a coin outlet 50a for passing coins from directly behind the coin slot 35 of the game device 2(1) to the coin transport path 100p, and a connector section 53. When installed on an S island, a wire harness 55 is provided (see harness or wire in "Notes" in Figure 6). The wire harness 55 can include wiring to the external peripheral equipment, and this wiring can be electrically connected via the connector section 53.

[0049] On the other hand, the gaming device 2(3) can be installed on both island P and island S, and incorporates a stock section 47 shown in Figure 7 and a currency processing section 35a shown in Figure 3. Therefore, in the gaming device 2(3), the currency inserted from the currency slot 35 is stored in the internal stock section 47, which makes the stock section 47 somewhat bulky, while a transport mechanism to the currency transport paths 100p and 100s is unnecessary.

[0050] The setting frame 50(3) for the gaming device 2(3), shown on the right side of Figure 7, is the same as the conventional stock type (for machine No. 202 in Figure 6). The setting frame 50(3) has a thinner upper edge 51' side compared to the setting frames 50(1) and (2), and is recessed to match the outer shape of the stock section 47. In addition, the setting frame 50(3) does not require a coin outlet 50a or the connector section 53 for the wiring.

[0051] Although detailed illustrations are omitted, when installing the gaming device 2(3) to island P or island S, first install and fix the setting frame 50(3) (or reuse the one for the existing machine No. 202), and then install the gaming device 2(3) by fitting the connector on the back side of the gaming device 2(3) into the connector on the setting frame 50(3). Furthermore, when installing the gaming device 2(1) or (2) to island P or island S, the setting frame 50(1)(2) is first installed and fixed (or the one for the existing machine No. 201 is reused), and the connector on the back of the gaming device 2(1) or (2) is fitted into the connector on the setting frame 50(1)(2).

[0052] The electrical configuration of the gaming devices 2(1) to (3) described above will be explained with reference to the block diagram in Figure 3. The control units 40 of gaming devices 2(1) to (3) are all mainly composed of a microcomputer having a CPU 40a, memory units such as ROM 40b and RAM 40c, and I / O 40d. The control unit 40 is connected to the LEDs constituting the status indicator light 34, the liquid crystal display unit 36 ​​and the touch panel 36a provided on the display unit 36, the game buttons 37 and the remote control receiver 41. The control unit 40 is also connected to the I / F unit 40e (including the connector unit 53 for wiring in the game device 2(2)) which sends and receives various signals and data with the management device 6 and the game machine, the currency processing unit 35a (external in the game device 2(2)), the card RW (reader / writer) 38a which reads and writes various information recorded on the cards 10a and 10b inserted into the card slot 38, and the card stock unit 38b which can store multiple general cards 10b.

[0053] Next, we will explain the operation of gaming devices 2(1) to (3) (here, the operation of gaming devices 2(1) and (3) installed in conjunction with pachinko machine 1p). (a) When currency is accepted (currency acceptance processing), the amount of the deposit is added to the balance and displayed on both the gaming machine 1p and the gaming device 2(1)(3). When the dispensing button 17 on gaming machine 1p is pressed (dispensing operation) while there is a balance, one unit of dispensing (e.g., 125 balls) is dispensed from gaming machine 1p as dispensing balls (dispensing processing, payment processing), and the payment amount according to the game rate is deducted from the balance. Note that currency can be accepted for multiple payment processing transactions (e.g., up to 10,000 yen).

[0054] (b) Gaming machine 1p manages the game balls, subtracting game balls according to the number of balls launched (used) onto the game board 1a and adding game balls according to the number of wins. Gaming devices 2(1)(3) manage the held balls, and the held balls cannot be used directly for gameplay, but when the game button 37 is pressed (replay operation, grant operation), a granting process (replay process) is performed to convert one unit of held balls into game balls. In this case, a separate conversion rate may be set (the same applies to the counting process below).

[0055] (c) When the number of game balls in the game machine 1p increases in accordance with the game, a counting process is performed to convert the game balls into held balls in response to the pressing of the counting button 20 of the game machine 1p (counting operation). In this case, one ball is counted for each press, but if the button is held down, the conversion can be performed continuously and accelerated. In this way, the game balls and held balls are updated, and when an issuance operation such as pressing the return button 18 of the game machine 1p is performed in the game device 2(1)(3) while there are remaining balances or held balls, a general card 10b that can identify the balance or held balls is issued (issuance process).

[0056] (d) When the return button 18 is pressed while a general card 10b is inserted into the insertion slot 38, the balance and ball information is recorded on the general card 10b inserted into the insertion slot 38 and issued. When the return button 18 is pressed while a general card 10b is not inserted into the insertion slot 38, the card 10b stocked in the card stock unit 38b is fed out to the card RW 38a side, the balance and ball information is recorded (associated), and then fed out to the outside of the insertion slot 38 as a general card 10b and issued (issuance process). When a general card 10b is issued, issuance information including information that can identify the self-device 2(1)(3) (game device ID), information that can identify the issued general card 10b (card ID), and information on the balance and balls recorded on the general card 10b is transmitted to the management device 6. Partial issuance is also possible, where only a portion of the balance and balls are to be issued.

[0057] (e) The issuance process has issuance conditions that correspond to the number of game balls in the game machine 1p. For example, the issuance conditions for a general card 10b are met when there is a balance or the number of game balls held has reached the issuance threshold (e.g., 25 balls), and the number of game balls has not reached the remaining threshold (e.g., 1 ball). As an exception to the aforementioned issuance conditions, when issuing cards in installments, the system is set to allow the issuance of general cards 10b even if game balls remain. Furthermore, the issued general cards 10b can be accepted by the gaming devices 2(1)(3).

[0058] (f) The game information transmitted from the gaming machine 1p includes information indicating that the number of game balls has become "0" due to use in the game or counting processing, which enables the gaming device 2(1)(3) to determine whether the issuance conditions have been met and to identify the number of game balls and the total number of balls held, including the game balls and the player's own balls.

[0059] (g) Through serial communication with the relay device 4, the management device 6 can identify various information such as the processing of receiving money and providing payment, the balance, the number of balls held, the number of balls lent out, the number of balls converted, the amount deposited, the number of balls counted, the number of balls lent out, the sales amount which is the payment for the balls lent out, and the processing of receiving and issuing ball tickets (cards 10b). These can also be identified using pulse signals (for example, one pulse for every 1000 yen deposited, one pulse for every 100 yen sold, etc.). (h) The remote control receiver 41 receives (receives light) commands from the employee remote control 42 and performs various processes (error clearing, etc.) according to the content of the command.

[0060] <3. Replacement of gaming machines and updating of gaming equipment> Figure 8 shows the corresponding relationships when game devices 2(1) to (3) and game machines 1p and 1s are installed in each of the game islands (P island, S island) described above, and Figure 9 shows the relationships that cannot be matched when game devices 2(1) to (3) are installed in each game island, indicated by an "×" mark.

[0061] Of these, the gaming device 2(1) of "Unit 1" shown on the left in Figure 8 can be installed in a way that is compatible with both pachinko machine 1p and slot machine 1s if it is a P island as a transport type, but considering the above-mentioned maintainability (the back of slot machine 1s cannot be opened), it is difficult to make it compatible with slot machine 1s.

[0062] The game device 2(2) of "Unit 2" in the center of Figure 8 is a transport type that corresponds to a game island where the currency transport path 100s is located above the game machine, as in Island S. Therefore, if the currency slot 35s (built tray) is separated from the game device 2(2) and placed on top as in Figure 5(a), it can be used for both pachinko machines 1p and slot machines 1s. However, since the currency slot 35 has traditionally been located on the main body of the game device in pachinko machines 1p, it would cause discomfort and inconvenience to the player, so it is not desirable to use it for pachinko machines 1p.

[0063] The gaming device 2(2) of "Unit 3" on the right side of Figure 8 can be used in common with both pachinko machine 1p and slot machine 1s as a stock type. Based on the above, when the gaming island is changed due to the replacement of gaming machines 1p and 1s in a gaming arcade, modifications or replacements of gaming devices 2(1) to (3) will be necessary. In other words, as indicated by the "×" marks in Figure 9, gaming devices 2(1) to (3) are not compatible with gaming islands with different installation environments, and when moved to a different gaming island, devices corresponding to the presence or absence of the currency transport paths 100p and 100s, or the distinction between island P and island S, will be installed. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to swap machines 1 to 3 with each other to create corresponding gaming devices 2(1) to (3), or to modify them to match the format of machines 1 to 3 (see the "Bill Validator" and "Remarks" columns in Figure 6, etc.).

[0064] Here, the term "replacement" of the gaming devices 2(1) to (3) in this embodiment is a concept that includes not only the replacement of devices 1 to 3 with each other, but also the rearrangement of the gaming devices after making modifications to them before replacement. As shown in the right-hand column of Figure 8, the gaming device 2(3) in this embodiment is a stock type, and can be swapped between gaming machines 1p and 1s in response to software or setting information update processing without replacing the gaming device 2(3). On the other hand, the gaming devices 2(1)(2) are transport type, and are not subject to software or setting information update processing, or cannot be swapped between gaming machines 1p and 1s in response to software or setting information update processing without replacing the gaming devices 2(1)(2) (see the left-hand column of Figure 8 in particular).

[0065] As shown in Figure 6, gaming devices 2(1) to (3) use "shared software," and a switching operation performs an update process that updates (switches) the settings for the type corresponding to gaming machines 1p and 1s. Therefore, there is no need for version upgrades or software replacements when switching between gaming machines 1p and 1s. Furthermore, the management device 6 manages information indicating the type of game value for each gaming device, with regard to the software update process for gaming devices 2(1) to (3), and which requires a switching operation when switching between pachinko machines 1p and slot machines 1s. This type information is information that can identify the type of each gaming device 1p, 1s, and indicates whether it corresponds to a pachinko machine 1p or a slot machine 1s.

[0066] Figure 10(b) shows screens 63p and 63s displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 36 ​​(simply referred to as "display unit 36") of the gaming devices 2(1) to (3), and shows the display screens 63p and 63s for each gaming machine 1p and 1s, which are displayed by the shared software. Here, in the case of the gaming device 2(3), since it is possible to switch between gaming machines 1p and 1s in accordance with the software update process without replacing the gaming device, the display screens 63p and 63s in Figure 10(b) will be described as examples of display screens in the display unit 36 ​​of the gaming device (hereinafter, the explanation will focus on the gaming device 2(3)). Figure 10(a) shows the display screens 61 and 62 for the pachinko machine 1p and the display screen 62 for the slot machine 1s, respectively, as display screens 61 and 62 using conventional dedicated software (see Figure 6).

[0067] In other words, the display screens 63p and 63s shown in Figure 10(b) are the screens after the update process corresponding to the replacement of the pachinko machine 1p and the slot machine 1s, and both are examples of screens 63p and 63s that are displayed during the lending process. As shown in Figure (b), the fonts (character data) for "Balls Held" and the number of "Balls" in the lower sections 61b and 62b of the display screens 63p and 63s, respectively, and "Medals Held" and the number of "Medals" are considered first-class display information that takes on different display modes depending on the type. In contrast, the "Paying Out" image portion shown as common images 63a and 63a in the same display screens 63p and 63s is considered second-class display information that represents currency and game media with the same design and takes on a common display mode (the same images 63a and 63a) regardless of the corresponding type such as balls or medals.

[0068] Thus, the update process includes an update process that targets relatively small-capacity data such as text data as first display information, while using a common image regardless of type to exclude relatively large-capacity image data as second display information. Therefore, in the update process, the update target can be limited (the first display information can be stored in the storage unit efficiently) without using the conventional individual images 61a and 62a shown in Figure 10(a).

[0069] It should be noted that the display screens subject to update during the update process are not limited to the display screens 63p and 63s shown in Figure 10(b) during the lending process. Although not shown in the illustration, for example, in the standby display screen, the above-mentioned text data can be separated as first display information (subject to update), while various animation images (videos) can be standardized as second display information (not subject to update).

[0070] The update target of the update process in gaming device 2(3) includes not only the display screen described above, but also the setting values ​​related to game value that were internally defined in gaming device 2(3) (reference values ​​stored in the memory unit). For example, in a configuration where, when the game device 2(3) is in a non-operational state, if the balance or game value (for example, the game balls or the total number of balls held) stored on the game device 2(3) side reaches a predetermined standard value, the system switches to a safe mode that suppresses the process of using the balance or game value as a so-called value forget. In this configuration, the standard value of the game value is updated by an update process to a value corresponding to the type (for example, a standard value corresponding to medals).

[0071] Furthermore, the gaming device 2(3) is configured to be able to transition to a trial play mode, which is different from the normal operating mode (normal mode) at opening time, and at closing time, allows for the granting of game value without inserting money into the coin slot 35 (without using money as payment), and the update process includes an update process that updates the settings for granting game value to be granted in the trial play mode.

[0072] Specifically, in the trial play mode of the gaming device 2(3), the conditions for granting game value corresponding to the pachinko machine 1p are to grant a standard unit (e.g., 125) of game balls when transitioning to (starting) the mode, and to repeat the process of granting the standard unit when the number of game balls no longer reaches a predetermined value (e.g., 50). On the other hand, the conditions for granting game value corresponding to the slot machine 1s are to grant a standard unit (e.g., 50) of credits in response to the operation of the game button 37.

[0073] The update process is performed in response to the replacement of gaming machines 1p and 1s, and therefore the granting conditions are updated to match the value of the replaced pachinko machine 1p or slot machine 1s. As a result, in trial play mode, unlike normal mode, granting can be performed according to the respective settings without the need for monetary input (consideration) for any of the above granting conditions. Furthermore, the reason why the granting conditions are set differently in the trial play mode, as described above, is because the trial play method differs between the pachinko machine 1p and the slot machine 1s. Specifically, the pachinko machine 1p can be trial played even unattended by fixing the operating handle 16, but it would be inconvenient if operation were required when the game's value is gone. On the other hand, the slot machine 1s requires lever and button operations to be performed at the appropriate timing, so trial play must be done with a person present, and it is not inconvenient even if the granting conditions require operation of the game button 37.

[0074] Switching between the pachinko machine 1p and the slot machine 1s in the gaming device 2(3), that is, updating the type setting, is performed with the setting from the higher-level management device 6 (type switching operation in the management device 6) as the correct setting, and the management device 6 transmits the aforementioned type information indicating whether it corresponds to the pachinko machine 1p or the slot machine 1s to the gaming device 2(3). Thus, the gaming device 2(3) enters an error state if it can determine, through communication with the management device 6, that there is no correspondence between the received type information and the type setting to be updated (the type information of the device 2(3) that was originally set). This is because the received type information and the type information of the device 2(3) do not match in order for the gaming device 2(3) to handle the swapping between gaming machines 1p and 1s without replacing the device 2(3) itself.

[0075] If an error occurs in the gaming device 2(3), the error is cleared upon restart by turning off the power or performing a reset operation, and an update process is performed to switch between the pachinko machine 1p and the slot machine 1s based on the received type information. The error may also be cleared using the remote control 42 or by a clearing operation on a device other than the gaming device 2(3), such as the management device 6, and will be cleared upon a clearing operation by an employee or manager of the gaming hall. Thus, when a changeover occurs between gaming machines 1p and 1s, the switching operation related to the type information requires a switching operation in the management device 6, a power OFF or reset operation in the gaming device 2(3), or an error clearing operation. The management device 6 and the gaming device 2(3) function as update means for executing update processing in the device 2(3).

[0076] In addition, the gaming device 2(3) receives type information from gaming machines 1p and 1s, and if it determines that the received type information differs from the type information enabled by the device 2(3), it displays an error. In this way, if it is possible to determine that there is no correspondence between the type information (information indicating the type) obtained by communicating with gaming machines 1p and 1s and the type setting that is the target of the update process (the type information of the device 2(3) that was originally set), the gaming device 2(3) can be detected as being in an error state.

[0077] Furthermore, if a gaming device 2(3) is newly introduced (during initial installation), or if the type information is not set in the device 2(3), communication with gaming machines 1p and 1s is not performed to avoid an error state. In other words, if the type setting in gaming device 2(3) has not been updated, it is configured to suppress communication regarding type information with gaming machines 1p and 1s, and communication with gaming machines 1p and 1s is permitted only if the type information is set. Furthermore, if an error occurs in the gaming device 2(3) due to communication with gaming machines 1p and 1s, that error can also be cleared by the clearing operation described above. In addition, the error in the gaming device 2(3) may be notified not only by the error display on the status indicator light 34 described above, but also by displaying the display unit 36 ​​or sounding a buzzer, etc.

[0078] According to the embodiments described above, the following effects are achieved. The amusement arcade system includes update means (e.g., gaming devices 2(1) to (3) and management device 6) that perform an update process to update the settings of the types of gaming machines 1p and 1s corresponding to gaming devices 2(1) to (3) when a gaming machine 1p or 1s is replaced in an amusement arcade, and the replacement is between a first gaming machine (e.g., a sealed-type pachinko machine 1p) and a second gaming machine (e.g., a medalless-type slot machine 1s). The second gaming device (e.g., a stock-type gaming device 2(3)) can handle the replacement of gaming machines 1p and 1s in accordance with the update process without replacing the second gaming device, whereas the first gaming device (e.g., a transport-type gaming device 2(1)(2)) is not subject to the update process, or cannot handle the replacement of gaming machines in accordance with the update process without replacing the first gaming device.

[0079] According to this, the first and second gaming devices can be used to accommodate, for example, transport-type gaming devices 2(1)(2) and stock-type gaming devices 2(3). Transport-type gaming devices 2(1)(2), which require a high degree of consideration for the currency transport paths 100p and 100s on the gaming island, require replacement or modification of the devices 2(1)(2) themselves to accommodate the currency transport paths 100p and 100s. On the other hand, stock-type gaming devices 2(3), which do not require a high degree of consideration for the currency transport paths 100p and 100s, can be accommodated by updating the devices 2(3) themselves without modification. Thus, gaming devices 2(1) to (3) can be appropriately used for multiple types of gaming machines 1p and 1s.

[0080] The system includes a management device 6 that manages type information indicating the type of each gaming device 2(1) to (3), which requires a switching operation when swapping is performed between the first gaming device and the second gaming device. The second gaming device (for example, a stock-type gaming device 2(3)) communicates with the management device 6 and enters an error state if it can determine that there is no correspondence between the type information and the type setting that is the target of the update process. According to this, for example, if a switching operation to change the type is performed by the management device 6, and the type information transmitted from the management device 6 differs from the type information originally set in the gaming device 2(3), an error state requiring a clearing operation will occur. Therefore, even if only the type setting is changed by mistake without replacing the gaming machine 1, the error operation can be prevented by a two-step confirmation process involving not only the switching operation but also the error clearing operation.

[0081] If it can be determined that there is no correspondence between the type information obtained by communicating with gaming machines 1p and 1s and the type setting to be updated, the second gaming device (for example, a stock-type gaming device 2(3)) is detected as being in an error state. In this way, if the type information received from gaming machines 1p and 1s differs from the type information in gaming device 2(3), it is detected as being in an error state, so it becomes possible to respond appropriately if incorrect type information or type information that has not been updated is set in gaming device 2(3).

[0082] Since the aforementioned error state is cleared by a clearing operation, if an error state occurs, for example, the error can be cleared by performing a clearing operation on the gaming device 2(3), and operations such as actually checking the gaming device 2(3) and then changing the type information can be appropriately supported.

[0083] Furthermore, for example, if the type setting of the gaming device 2(3) has not been updated by the update means, it will suppress communication regarding type-indicating information with the gaming machines 1p and 1s. As a result, the gaming device 2(3) receives type-indicating information through communication with the gaming machines 1p and 1s, but suppresses communication with the gaming machines 1p and 1s if the type is not set in the device 2(3). This reduces the risk of unnecessary errors occurring when the gaming device 2(3) is initially installed or when the type is not set, due to receiving type-indicating information from the gaming machines 1p and 1s.

[0084] Furthermore, for example, the gaming device 2(3) has a display unit 36 ​​capable of displaying display information relating to the value of the game, which includes first display information that takes a different display form depending on the type, and second display information that takes a common display form regardless of the type, and the update process includes an update process that targets the first display information but does not target the second display information. According to this, for example, relatively small-capacity information such as the aforementioned text data can be switched as first display information through an update process, allowing for appropriate display to the player. Meanwhile, relatively large-capacity information such as image data can be used as second display information, sharing different types of information. This reduces the risk of straining the memory capacity of the gaming device 2(3), and allows for the adoption of appropriate display information while considering the memory capacity of the memory unit.

[0085] Furthermore, for example, the gaming device 2(3) is configured to be able to transition to a trial play mode, which is different from the normal mode, and is a state in which gaming value can be assigned without monetary consideration, and the update process includes an update process that updates the setting of the conditions for assigning gaming value to be assigned in the trial play mode. With this, even if the setting of the conditions for assigning gaming value in the trial play mode, that is, the setting for pachinko machine 1p and the setting for slot machine 1s, differs in the method of trial play, the update process including switching of the setting can be performed, and the gaming device 2(3) can be suitably used not only in the normal mode but also in the trial play mode, enabling appropriate responses.

[0086] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and may be modified or expanded as follows. Based on a switching operation in the management device 6 (with the switching setting operation being considered correct), the corresponding gaming device 2(3) is configured to perform an update process, but this is not the only configuration. For example, the gaming device 2(3) may perform an update process based on type information received from gaming machines 1p and 1s, or based on type information pre-associated with the gaming device 2(3), and a switching operation is not necessarily required. Furthermore, the gaming device 2(3) may be pre-configured to be dedicated to pachinko machine 1p and slot machine 1s, as long as it can handle the swapping of gaming machines 1p and 1s in accordance with the update process.

[0087] Although the above-mentioned gaming machines were described using a sealed-type pachinko machine 1p and a medalless-type slot machine 1s as examples, they may include a first gaming machine that uses a circulating gaming medium pre-sealed inside the machine and a second gaming machine that does not use the said circulating gaming medium, and the same can be applied to embodiments other than those described above or illustrated in the drawings.

[0088] In the embodiments described above, it was assumed that both the first gaming device 2(1)(2) and the second gaming device 2(3) were installed in the amusement arcade. However, in an amusement arcade, there may be cases where only the first gaming device is installed, or where only the second gaming device is installed. As long as it is possible to install or replace both, it is not necessarily required that both be installed at the same time. Similarly, regarding the first and second gaming machines, there may be cases where only the first gaming machine is installed or only the second gaming machine is installed, but the present invention can be applied if the first and second gaming machines are interchangeable.

[0089] Each setting can be configured by the administrator through manual input, pre-configured by the manufacturer of the management device 6, or downloaded from an external server (e.g., the headquarters of a chain store). In this case, the setting will be the one entered via manual input on the server. It is also possible to set the setting based on past game data. All the game information exemplified can be identified directly by the input signal or indirectly using a calculation formula. Furthermore, while data signals were used as examples of game signals, other signals such as pulse signals may also be used.

[0090] The numerical values, number of digits, and items are examples only; any numerical values ​​may be used. Furthermore, the identification output can be any format, including adding symbols, in addition to the examples provided. Printing and display output are at least expected forms of output. For "greater than" and "exceeding," either can be used, and expressions such as "reached" or "exceeded" can correspond to either "greater than" or "exceeded." The same applies to "less than" and "less than"; expressions such as "did not reach" can correspond to both.

[0091] The term "value," as in "game value," is used to represent a concept that encompasses the acquired value managed by data, as in this example. Some of the processing performed by the management device 6 may be carried out by the relay device 4, the gaming device 2, etc., and the configuration may be any way. Furthermore, the example configurations, including variations, may be combined in any way, and some configurations may be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] In the drawing, 1 is a gaming machine, 1p is a pachinko machine (first gaming machine), 1s is a slot machine (second gaming machine), 2 is a gaming device, 2(1) and 2(2) are gaming devices (first gaming device, update means), 2(3) is a gaming device (second gaming device, update means), 6 is a management device (management means, update means), and 36 is a liquid crystal display unit (display unit).

Claims

1. In a gaming arcade system equipped with gaming devices installed in accordance with a gaming machine in which games are played based on game values ​​stored in the machine's internal memory, The aforementioned gaming machine includes a first gaming machine that uses a circulating gaming medium pre-sealed inside the machine, and a second gaming machine that does not use the said circulating gaming medium. The gaming device includes a first gaming device having a transport mechanism capable of guiding coins inserted by a player to the outside, and a second gaming device having a stock section for storing the coins inside. In a game arcade, when a game machine is replaced between the first game machine and the second game machine, the system includes update means for performing an update process to update the setting of the type of game machine corresponding to the game device. At least one of the first gaming device and the second gaming device is installed in the aforementioned gaming hall. When the second gaming device is installed, the second gaming device can accommodate the replacement of gaming machines in accordance with the update process without replacing the second gaming device itself. A gaming arcade system in which, when the first gaming device is installed, the first gaming device is not subject to the update process, or the system cannot accommodate the replacement of gaming machines in accordance with the update process unless the first gaming device is replaced.

2. The system includes a management means for managing information indicating the type for each gaming device, which requires a switching operation when swapping is performed between the first gaming machine and the second gaming machine. The amusement arcade system according to claim 1, wherein the second amusement device enters an error state when it can determine, by communicating with the management means, that there is no correspondence between the type information and the type setting that is the target of the update process.

3. The amusement arcade system according to claim 1, which detects the second gaming device as being in an error state when it can be determined that there is no correspondence between the information indicating the type obtained by communicating with the amusement machine and the setting of the type to be updated.

4. The amusement park system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the aforementioned error state is cleared upon execution of a clearing operation.

5. The amusement arcade system according to claim 3, wherein the second amusement device suppresses communication with the amusement machine regarding information indicating the type if the type setting has not been updated by the update means.

6. The second gaming device has a display unit capable of displaying display information relating to gaming value, which includes first display information that takes a different display mode depending on the type, and second display information that takes a common display mode regardless of the type. The amusement arcade system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the update process includes an update process that targets the first display information but does not target the second display information.

7. The second gaming device is configured to be able to transition to a trial mode different from the normal mode, in which the gaming value can be assigned without using the aforementioned currency as consideration. The amusement arcade system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the update process includes an update process that updates the setting of the conditions for granting the game value to be granted in the trial play mode.

Images