System for amusement facilities

Abstract

To provide a gaming arcade system that optimizes the environment and improves the convenience of gaming by allowing users to freely set the number of machines available for loan between machines. [Solution] A gaming arcade system 1 for use in an arcade equipped with multiple types of gaming machines (101, 120, etc.) and units (inter-machine units) that assign gaming value to the gaming machines, wherein the management server device comprises: an assignment number setting means that can set assignment number information, which is information on the number of gaming values ​​assigned by the inter-machine unit to the gaming machines in response to a single operation by a player, according to the operation of an employee; a first assignment number storage means that stores the assignment number information in association with each inter-machine unit; a management display unit; and a management operation unit, wherein the inter-machine unit comprises an assignment execution means that performs an assignment process to assign the number of gaming values ​​from the inter-machine unit to the gaming machines according to the operation of a player, based on the assignment number information stored in the first assignment number storage means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a casino system for managing a casino for playing games on a pachinko machine or a slot machine.

[0002] In recent casinos, in addition to conventional payout gaming machines that use tangible objects such as balls and medals as gaming values, smart gaming machines that use credit, which is an intangible object, as a gaming value have been introduced into the market. As a result, two types of gaming machines are installed mixedly in the casino. In this case, for a smart gaming machine installed in the same gaming machine island as a payout gaming machine, the number of lent balls for a single lending amount is set to the same, such as 125 balls for 500 yen, by belonging to the same lending unit price (account).

[0003] On the other hand, there is a demand from players to increase the single lending amount of a smart gaming machine, for example, to 250 balls for 1000 yen, and to reduce the frequency of lending operations by players to improve convenience. In this regard, when increasing the lending amount, since a smart gaming machine only uses credit, which is an intangible object, and only changes the digital display, there is no problem. However, in the case of a payout gaming machine, for example, if the number of balls lent at one time is increased, there is a problem that the balls will overflow from the upper tray, and it may not be possible to set 250 balls for 1000 yen for the payout gaming machine. Therefore, if you want to set a value such as 250 balls for 1000 yen only for smart gaming machines, it is necessary to set a separate account. When moving the platform between a smart gaming machine and a payout gaming machine, although the lending unit price is the same, due to the difference in accounts, the balls held by the card and the remaining amount of stored balls cannot be used, which will hinder smooth platform movement.

[0004] Therefore, as a technology for solving the above problems, there is known a casino system for a casino in which a smart gaming machine and a payout gaming machine are installed mixedly, and in a management device, the unit for granting gaming value in a lending unit or a replay unit can be set separately for the granting unit for a payout gaming machine and the granting unit for a smart gaming machine (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2025-20912 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, the system described in Patent Document 1 can only distinguish and set the payout units for two types of gaming machines: smart gaming machines and payout gaming machines. For example, in a gaming machine island where smart gaming machines and payout gaming machines exist, and where multiple types of payout gaming machines are mixed, if the types of payout gaming machines are different, the structure of the parts that store the gaming media, such as the upper and lower trays, will be different, resulting in differences in the payout units. The system described in Patent Document 1 distinguishes between smart gaming machines and payout gaming machines, so it cannot handle gaming machine islands where multiple types of payout gaming machines are mixed.

[0007] Furthermore, in the case of a gaming machine island where multiple types of payout-type gaming machines are mixed, there is a need to flexibly handle the number of machines that can be lent out, not only because of the structure of the part that stores the gaming media of the above-mentioned gaming machines, but also because there are differences in the gameplay of the machines. For example, if a machine has a gameplay that generally requires more gameplay value to win the right to a jackpot, it is desirable to be able to lend out more than the normal amount per rental. However, the system described in Patent Document 1 distinguishes between smart gaming machines and payout-type gaming machines, so it cannot meet this need.

[0008] This invention was made under these circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming arcade system that optimizes the environment of the arcade and improves the convenience of gaming by allowing the number of machines available for loan between machines to be freely set. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a gaming arcade system for use in an arcade that includes a plurality of gaming machines that play games using game value, and units that are provided one-to-one with the gaming machines and grant the game value to the gaming machines by accepting predetermined operations from the players, wherein the gaming arcade system includes a management server device that can send and receive information with the units, the management server device includes a grant count setting means that can set grant count information, which is information on the number of game values ​​granted in response to a single operation by the player that the units grant to the gaming machines, for each unit according to the operation of an employee, a first grant count storage means that stores the grant count information set by the grant count setting means in association with each unit, a management display unit that displays the grant count information, and a management operation unit for setting the grant count information, and the units are The above-mentioned unit for the player's game includes a means for changing the number of items that has been set in advance by the means for setting the number of items that can be used by the player, and a second means for storing the number of items that has been changed by the means for changing the number of items that can be used by the player. The above-mentioned number of assignments information stored in the above-mentioned first number of assignments storage means or the above-mentioned number of assignments stored in the second number of assignments storage means Based on this, a granting execution means performs a granting process that grants the game value in the number of units to the game machine in accordance with the player's operation, The amusement arcade system comprises a display unit for displaying the above-mentioned number of units and an operation unit for changing the above-mentioned number of units, and includes a means for preventing the above-mentioned number of units from being changed by the above-mentioned number of units changing means. (Claim 1) characterized by the above.

[0010] By configuring it in this way, employees can set the number of game values ​​that each unit grants to the gaming machine in response to a single action by a player. Furthermore, the number of game values ​​that a unit used for the player's game grants to the gaming machine in response to a single player operation can be changed by the player's actions. In addition, for some units, the change in the number of game values ​​granted in response to a single player operation can be restricted, thereby preventing the game medium from overflowing from the storage area of ​​the gaming machine.

[0011] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a gaming arcade system for use in an arcade that includes a plurality of gaming machines that play games using game value, and units that are provided one-to-one with the gaming machines and grant the game value to the gaming machines by accepting predetermined operations from the players, wherein the gaming arcade system includes a management server device that can send and receive information with the units, and the management server device includes: a grant count setting means that can set grant count information, which is information on the number of game values ​​granted in response to a single operation by the player that the units grant to the gaming machines, for each unit according to the operation of an employee; a first grant count storage means that stores the grant count information set by the grant count setting means in association with each unit; a management display unit that displays the grant count information; and a management operation unit for setting the grant count information. The above-mentioned unit comprises: an allocation quantity changing means that can change the allocation quantity information, which is set in advance by the allocation quantity setting means of the above-mentioned unit used for the player's game, in accordance with the player's operation; a second allocation quantity storage means that stores the allocation quantity information changed by the allocation quantity changing means; an allocation execution means that performs an allocation process to allocate the allocation quantity of the above-mentioned game value from the above-mentioned unit to the above-mentioned game machine in accordance with the player's operation, based on the allocation quantity information stored in the first allocation quantity storage means or the allocation quantity information stored in the second allocation quantity storage means; a display unit that displays the allocation quantity information; and an operation unit for changing the allocation quantity information. The above-mentioned game hall system is characterized in that, for some of the above-mentioned units among the plurality of above-mentioned units, an upper limit setting means is provided to set an upper limit on the allocation quantity that can be changed when the allocation quantity information is changed by the allocation quantity changing means. (Claim 2).

[0012] By configuring it in this way, Employees can set the number of game values ​​that each unit grants to the gaming machine in response to a player's single action. Players can also change the number of game values ​​that a unit provides to the gaming machine in response to a player's single action. Furthermore, for some units, an upper limit can be set on the change in the number of game values ​​granted in response to a player's single action, thereby preventing the gaming media from overflowing from the storage area of ​​the gaming machine.

[0013] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a gaming arcade system for use in an arcade that comprises a plurality of gaming machines that play games using game value, and units that are provided one-to-one with the gaming machines and grant the game value to the gaming machines by accepting predetermined operations from the players, wherein the gaming arcade system comprises a management server device that can send and receive information with the units, the management server device comprises: a grant count setting means that can set grant count information, which is information on the number of game values ​​granted in response to a single operation by the player that the units grant to the gaming machines, for each unit according to the operation of an employee; a first grant count storage means that stores the grant count information set by the grant count setting means in association with each unit; a management display unit that displays the grant count information; and the grant The system for a gaming arcade is characterized by comprising: a management operation unit for setting numerical information; a unit for which numerical information is set in advance by the numerical information setting means for the unit used for the player's game, and which includes a numerical information changing means that can change the numerical information set in advance by the numerical information setting means for the unit used for the player's game in accordance with the player's operation; a granting execution means that performs a granting process to grant the game value in the number of grants to the gaming machine in accordance with the player's operation, based on the numerical information stored in the first numerical information storage means or the numerical information stored in the second numerical information storage means; a display unit for displaying the numerical information; and an operation unit for changing the numerical information; and for some of the units among the plurality of units, a lower limit setting means for setting a lower limit on the number of grants that can be changed when changing the numerical information by the numerical information changing means. (Claim 3).

[0014] By configuring it in this way, Employees can configure the number of game values ​​that each unit grants to the gaming machine in response to a single player action. The number of game values ​​that the unit used for the player's game grants to the gaming machine in response to a single action by the player can be changed through the player's actions. Furthermore, for some units, a minimum can be set for the change in the number of game values ​​awarded in response to a player's actions, allowing the arcade to appropriately collect the minimum game fee it desires.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the gaming hall system of the present invention, the number of game values given to a player in response to one operation of the unit to the gaming machine can be set for each unit by an employee's operation. Therefore, by making it possible to freely set the number of game values given, the environment of the gaming hall can be optimized and the convenience of the game can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a schematic front view showing a gaming machine island. [Figure 2] It is a schematic front view showing two types of medal payout slots, a medal payout type inter-machine, and two types of smart slots and an inter-machine for smart slots. [Figure 3] It is a schematic explanatory view showing the overall configuration of the gaming hall system. [Figure 4] It is a schematic block diagram showing the overall configuration of the gaming hall system. [Figure 5] It is a setting screen displayed on the management display unit of the management server device. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing the initial number of grants setting process by employee input. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the process of transmitting initial number of grants information, etc. from the management server device to each medal payout type inter-machine and inter-machine for smart slots via the island controller. [Figure 8] It is front views (a) to (f) showing the liquid crystal display screens of the touch panels of the medal payout type inter-machine and the inter-machine for smart slots. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the process of changing the number of grants by player input.

[0023] Hereinafter, the casino system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 shows a schematic explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the casino system 1. FIG. 4 shows a schematic block diagram showing the overall configuration of the casino system 1.

[0024] The casino system 1 is a system that enables employees and players in a casino to set and change the number of game values given to a player according to one operation of the player by units (the medal payout type base machine 20 and the smart slot base machine 30) for the gaming machine. It is constructed from a management server device 10, an island controller 40, medal payout type slots 101 and 102, a medal payout type base machine 20, smart slots 119 and 120, a smart slot base machine 30, and the like. Each member constituting the casino system 1, in this case, the management server device 10, the island controller 40, the medal payout type slots 101 and 102, the medal payout type base machine 20, the smart slots 119 and 120, and the smart slot base machine 30 are configured to be able to transmit and receive information to and from each other using a wired or wireless network, and can transmit and receive various information.

[0025] 〔Explanation of the gaming machine island 2〕 Referring to Figure 1, the gaming machine island 2 will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic front view showing the gaming machine island 2. The gaming arcade system 1 is equipped with multiple gaming machine islands (multiple slot machine islands and multiple pachinko machine islands). Of these, the slot machine island 2 has a mix of multiple types of gaming machines installed, including coin-paying slots 101 and 102 and smart slots 119 and 120. A coin-paying inter-machine unit 20 is provided one-to-one to the right of the coin-paying slots 101 and 102. A smart slot inter-machine unit 30 is provided one-to-one to the right of the smart slots 119 and 120. Gaming machine island 2 is configured in a double-sided format, with multiple rows of gaming machines, each consisting of 10 sets of coin-dispensing slots 101, 102 and coin-dispensing inter-machine machines 20, and smart slots 119, 120 and smart slot inter-machine machines 30, arranged alternately on the left and right sides, back to back. A coin circulation system (not shown) is incorporated along the left-right direction of gaming machine island 2 in the gaps between the gaming machine rows to supply and collect coins for the coin-dispensing slots 101, 102 and the coin-dispensing inter-machine machines 20.

[0026] [Explanation of the value of the game] In this invention, the term "game value" includes not only tangible objects such as game balls and game tokens that are lent to players from amusement facilities and obtained as profits from the players' gameplay, but also intangible objects. "Game value of tangible objects" refers to physical objects that exist, such as game balls and game tokens, and these tangible objects are called game media. "Game value of intangible objects" refers to data that has the same value as the game media and is an intangible object that does not exist physically.

[0027] [Description of the management server device 10] The management server device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 shows the management server device 10 that constitutes the amusement arcade system 1. Figure 4 shows a schematic block diagram of the management server device 10 that constitutes the amusement arcade system 1. The management server device 10 is a device that can send and receive information with the medal dispensing inter-machine machine 20, the smart slot inter-machine machine 30 (hereinafter, when there is no distinction between inter-machine machines, they will be referred to as inter-machine machines (20, 30)) etc. via the island controller 40, and mainly comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, a management operation unit 14, and a management display unit 15. The management server device 10 is located in an area that can only be accessed by employees of the amusement arcade, and can only be operated by employees.

[0028] The control unit 11 is a part that performs various controls and processes based on a program, and is configured with a CPU as a control means, a ROM as a storage means, and RAM used as a temporary data storage area, all connected by a bus. The control unit 11 mainly includes a game machine information setting means 11a, an account information setting means 11b, an allocation number setting means 11c, an unchangeable means 11d, an upper limit setting means 11e, and a lower limit setting means 11f as functions / means (processing units) realized by the implemented hardware configuration or program.

[0029] The gaming machine information setting means 11a can set information for each gaming machine that makes up each gaming machine island. The gaming machine information setting means 11a identifies and sets a gaming machine by associating each account number with the gaming machine island number and the machine number. Each gaming machine island number has a machine number assigned to it in advance. The machine number is a unique number assigned to each gaming machine and is information that identifies the area in which the gaming machine is installed. As shown in Figure 5, account number 1 is assigned 20 machine numbers from 101 to 120 depending on the installation area within gaming machine island 2, and a gaming machine is installed in the area designated by each machine number. In addition, although not shown in Figure 5, account number 1 is assigned to multiple gaming machine islands other than gaming machine island 2, for example, four gaming machine islands. Each of the four gaming machine islands is assigned 20 machine numbers, and within each island, the installation section is designated with machine numbers ranging from 121 to 200. Gaming machines are installed in the section designated by each machine number. Gaming machines are identified by the machine number to which they are installed; for example, a gaming machine installed in section 101 is identified as 101. The gaming machine information setting means 11a sets information for the gaming machine identified by its machine number, such as whether it is a medal-paying type, a smart type, and the maximum number of game media that can be stored in the gaming machine's storage section. This information is stored in the gaming machine information storage means 12a, which will be described later.

[0030] The account information setting means 11b can set a minimum loan amount and a minimum number of tokens / balls allocated for each gaming machine island. The minimum loan amount, the minimum number of tokens / balls allocated for each loan amount, and the loan unit price calculated based on the information set by the account information setting means 11b are stored in the account information storage means 12b, which will be described later, in association with the account number. Figure 5 shows the setting screen for the number of tokens allocated, which is displayed by the management display unit 15 of the management server device 10. In Figure 5, "Minimum loan amount," "Minimum number of tokens / balls (minimum number of tokens / balls allocated)," and "Loan unit price" display the minimum loan amount, the minimum number of tokens / balls allocated for each account, and the loan unit price stored in the account information storage means 12b. For example, account number 1 is set so that the minimum loan amount for gaming machine island 2 is 100 yen, the minimum number of tokens allocated for that is 50, and the loan unit price is 2.0 yen.

[0031] The grant number setting means 11c executes a process to set grant number information for each inter-machine unit (20, 30), which is information about the number of game values ​​granted to each player in response to a single operation by the player for the medal-paying slots 101, 102, smart slots 119, 120 (hereinafter, when there is no distinction between the gaming machines, they will be referred to as slots 101, etc.). As will be described in detail later, the number of game values ​​granted to each slot 101, etc. of the inter-machine unit (20, 30) in response to a single operation by the player is set to a minimum grant number corresponding to the minimum loan amount for each gaming machine island, and the grant number can be set in multiples of the minimum loan amount. The grant number information is stored in the first grant number storage means 12c, which will be described later, linked to the machine number.

[0032] The unchangeable means 11d, in response to an employee's operation, executes a process to make the assigned number information of some of the inter-machine units (20, 30) unchangeable by the assigned number changing means 21a described later. The unchangeable information is stored in the storage unit 12 described later, linked to the machine number.

[0033] The upper limit setting means 11e uses the information stored in the gaming machine information storage means 12a (for example, the type of game ball payout, the maximum number of game media that can be stored in the storage section, etc.) to set an upper limit on the number of games when changing the number of games to be played by the number of games to be played by the number of games to be played by some of the inter-machine machines (20, 30) in response to an employee's operation. The upper limit setting information is stored in the storage unit 12, which will be described later, and is linked to the machine number.

[0034] The lower limit setting means 11f, in response to an employee's operation, executes a process to set a lower limit on the number of assigned items when changing the assigned item number information by the assigned item number changing means 21a, which will be described later, for some of the inter-machine machines (20, 30) among the multiple inter-machine machines (20, 30). The lower limit setting information is stored in the storage unit 12, which will be described later, linked to the machine number.

[0035] The memory unit 12 is a memory device capable of storing various data and programs, and mainly comprises a gaming machine information storage means 12a, an account information storage means 12b, and a first assigned number storage means 12c.

[0036] The gaming machine information storage means 12a stores information about gaming machines linked to account numbers and machine numbers. For example, for gaming machines identified by account numbers and machine numbers, the gaming machine information storage means 12a stores information such as whether they are medal-dispensing type, smart type, and the maximum number of game media that can be stored in the storage section.

[0037] The account information storage means 12b stores the minimum loan amount, the minimum number of loans allocated for the minimum loan amount, and the loan unit price as account information, linked to the account number.

[0038] The first allocation quantity storage means 12c stores the allocation quantity information set by the allocation quantity setting means 11c, linking it to each inter-machine unit (20, 30). Specifically, it stores the allocation quantity information entered into the machine number field from the screen shown in Figure 5 by an employee, linking it to the machine number.

[0039] The communication unit 13 uses the network to request information transmission from inter-unit machines (20, 30) etc. via the island controller 40. The communication unit 13 then receives the information transmitted from the inter-unit machines (20, 30) etc. via the island controller 40 and outputs it to the control unit 11.

[0040] The management operation unit 14 is an input device such as a keyboard, which allows employees to input information into the management server device 10.

[0041] The management display unit 15 is a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor, and displays information according to the control of the control unit 11.

[0042] [Explanation of the coin-paying slot machine 101] The medal-dispensing slot machine 101 will be described with reference to Figures 1-3. Figures 1-3 show a front view of the medal-dispensing slot machine 101. The medal-dispensing slot machine 101 is used by players to play using game tokens. When a player inserts game tokens into the slot 101a and operates the lever 101b, etc., and the symbols on the three rows of reels 101c match a pre-set winning combination, the game tokens are dispensed from the built-in storage unit (not shown) into the tray 101d. When the storage unit of the medal-dispensing slot machine 101 exceeds its maximum storage capacity, the excess tokens are discharged from a drop-off opening (not shown) located on the bottom of the casing into a medal circulation system outside the medal-dispensing slot machine 101.

[0043] [Description of the coin-paying slot machine 102] The medal-paying slot machine 102 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figures 1 and 2 show a front view of the medal-paying slot machine 102. Like the medal-paying slot machine 101, the medal-paying slot machine 102 is a machine in which players use game tokens to play. The medal-paying slot machine 102 is a machine with a gameplay that has a low probability of winning, but when a win occurs, it pays out a large amount of game tokens compared to the medal-paying slot machine 101. Components with the same function as those in the medal-paying slot machine 101 are given the same reference numerals and their explanation is omitted.

[0044] [Explanation of the medal-dispensing inter-machine machine 20] The medal dispensing inter-machine machine 20 will be described with reference to Figures 1-4. Figures 1-3 show a front view of the medal dispensing inter-machine machine 20. Figure 4 shows a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the medal dispensing inter-machine machine 20. The medal dispensing inter-machine machine 20 is a device that enables gameplay on the medal dispensing slots 101 and 102 by inserting coins or an IC card and dispensing game tokens, which are the game value, via a nozzle 20A. It mainly comprises a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a banknote and coin processing unit 23, a card reader / writer 24, a touch panel 25, a dispensing button 26, a lending button 27, a return button 28, and a communication unit 29.

[0045] The control unit 21 is a part that performs various controls and processes based on a program, and is configured with a CPU as a control means, a ROM as a storage means, and RAM used as a temporary data storage area, all connected by a bus. The control unit 21 mainly includes a means for changing the number of assigned items 21a and an item assignment execution means 21b as functions / means (processing units) realized by the implemented hardware configuration or program.

[0046] The number of tokens to be awarded change means 21a performs a process to change the number of tokens to be awarded for the token dispensing inter-machine coin dispenser 20 used for the player's game by changing the initial number of tokens to be awarded that has been set in advance by the number of tokens to be awarded setting means 11c described above, in accordance with the player's operation. Furthermore, the number of tokens to be awarded change means 21a performs a process to change the number of tokens to be awarded again in accordance with the player's operation, after the number of tokens to be awarded has been changed by the number of tokens to be awarded change means 21a.

[0047] When a player presses the payout button 26 (loan button 27) of the medal-paying inter-machine machine 20, the granting execution means 21b executes a granting process that grants the granting amount of game value from the medal-paying inter-machine machine 20 to the medal-paying slots 101 and 102 based on the granting amount information stored in the first granting amount storage means 12c or the second granting amount storage means 22a.

[0048] The memory unit 22 is a memory device capable of storing various data and programs, and mainly comprises a second assignment number storage means 22a.

[0049] The second allocation number storage means 22a stores the allocation number information that has been changed by the allocation number changing means 21a. It also stores the initial allocation number information (details will be described later) stored by the first allocation number storage means 12c, which has been transmitted from the management server device 10.

[0050] The banknote and coin processing device 23 identifies the currency, such as banknotes and coins, inserted by the user and outputs cash information to the control unit 21.

[0051] The card reader / writer 24 reads information such as member ID information stored in the IC card inserted by the player and outputs it to the control unit 21. The card reader / writer 24 also writes various information to the IC card based on the commands from the control unit 21.

[0052] The touch panel 25 displays balance data such as stored tokens and held tokens on the LCD screen according to the control of the control unit 21. The touch panel 25 allows information to be input and operations to be performed by touching the LCD screen. The touch panel 25 functions as both a display unit and an operation unit.

[0053] The medal dispensing inter-machine machine 20 is equipped with physical buttons: a dispensing button 26, a lending button 27, and a card return button 28. When a player presses the dispensing button 26, game value is added to the medal dispensing slots 101 and 102 from the player's balance of medals, etc. When a player presses the lending button 27, game value is added to the medal dispensing slots 101 and 102 from the player's cash balance. When a player presses the card return button 28, the IC card is returned from the card reader / writer 24. In this embodiment, if the number of game values ​​added when the lending button 27 is pressed is set or changed, the number of game values ​​added when the dispensing button 26 is pressed will be set or changed to the same number as the number added when the lending button 27 is pressed.

[0054] The communication unit 29 requests the management server device 10, etc., to transmit information using the network. The communication unit 29 then receives the information transmitted from the management server device 10, etc., and outputs it to the control unit 21.

[0055] [Description of Smart Slot 119] The smart slot 119 will be explained with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figures 1 and 2 show a front view of the smart slot 119. The smart slot 119 is a so-called smart pachislo machine that does not use game tokens, but instead uses electromagnetic methods to lend or acquire game tokens, or to make game tokens available for use in the game. The smart slot 119 operates using the game value of intangible assets, which are data that has the same value as game media such as game tokens. The information indicating the number of game values ​​is called "credits," and the number is called the "number of credits." When a player consumes credits in the smart slot 119 and operates the lever 119b, etc., the number of credits of game value increases when the symbols on the three rows of reels 119c become a combination that has been set to be awarded in advance. Components with the same function as the token-paying slot 101 are given the same reference numerals and their explanation is omitted.

[0056] [Description of Smart Slot 120] The smart slot 120 will be described with reference to Figures 1-3. Figures 1-3 show a front view of the smart slot 120. The smart slot 120, like the smart slot 119, is a so-called smart pachislo machine. The smart slot 120 is a machine with a gameplay style in which the probability of winning is low, but when a win occurs, a larger amount of credits are awarded compared to the smart slot 119. Components with the same function as the medal-paying slot 101 and the smart slot 119 are given the same reference numerals and their explanation is omitted.

[0057] [Description of the inter-machine unit 30 for smart slots] The inter-machine unit 30 for smart slots will be described with reference to Figures 1-4. Figures 1-3 show a front view of the inter-machine unit 30 for smart slots. Figure 4 shows a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the inter-machine unit 30 for smart slots. The inter-machine unit 30 for smart slots is a device that enables gameplay on the smart slots 119 and 120 by inserting coins or an IC card, thereby granting credits, which are game value. It mainly comprises a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a banknote and coin processing unit 23, a card reader / writer 24, a touch panel 25, a payout button 26, a loan button 27, a return button 28, and a communication unit 29. Components with the same function as those in the medal-dispensing inter-machine unit 20 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0058] [Description of Island Controller 40] The island controller 40 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 shows an explanatory diagram showing the connection status between the island controller 40 and other devices. Figure 4 shows a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the island controller. The island controller 40 is a device that is placed in each gaming machine island and manages a group of gaming machines etc. installed in each gaming machine island, and mainly comprises a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a communication unit 43.

[0059] [Explanation of how to set the number of points to be awarded by employees of amusement parlors] Referring to Figures 5, 6, and 7, we will explain how the setting of the number of points to be awarded is performed by an employee of the amusement parlor. Figure 5 shows the setting screen displayed by the management display unit 15 of the management server device 10. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the initial number of points to be awarded setting process by employee input. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the process of transmitting initial number of points to each inter-machine unit (20, 30) via the island controller 40 from the management server device 10. In the amusement parlor system 1 according to the present invention, the number of game value points to be awarded by the inter-machine unit (20, 30) to the slot machine 101, etc., in response to a single operation by a player is initially set by an employee of the amusement parlor, and then the player can change it as they wish. This flow is for an employee to initially set the number of game value points to be awarded. The employee starts the management server device 10 and operates the management operation unit 14 to input information.

[0060] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the process for setting the initial number of items to be allocated based on employee input. The process executed by the management server device 10 is performed by the control unit 11 based on the control program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0061] In step S1, "Setting the minimum loan amount and the minimum number of tokens allocated for each account number," the account information setting means 11b of the control unit 11 executes a process to set the minimum loan amount and the minimum number of tokens allocated for each account number in response to an employee's operation. Figure 5 shows the setting screen displayed by the management display unit 15 of the management server device 10. For "account number 1," to which gaming machine island 2 belongs, a "minimum loan amount of 100 yen" and a "minimum number of tokens allocated for the minimum loan amount of 50" are set. The "loan unit price of 2.0 yen" is automatically calculated by setting the minimum loan amount and the minimum number of tokens allocated for the minimum loan amount. For "account number 2," to which other gaming machine islands belong, a "minimum loan amount of 100 yen" and a "minimum number of tokens allocated for the minimum loan amount of 5" are set, and the "loan unit price of 20.0 yen" is automatically calculated. In "Account Number 3," to which the other gaming machine island belongs, a "minimum loan amount of 100 yen" and a "minimum number of balls awarded for the minimum loan amount of 25" are set, and a "loan price of 4.0 yen" is automatically calculated. The account information setting means 11b stores the minimum loan amount, minimum number of balls awarded, and loan price in the account information storage means 12a, linking them to the account number. Next, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0062] In step S2, "Inputting information for each gaming machine," the gaming machine information setting means 11a of the control unit 11 identifies a gaming machine in accordance with the account number and machine number, and performs a process to set individual information for the associated gaming machine. Specifically, it sets information such as the model, the type of game ball payout, the type of medal payout, the smart type, and the maximum number of game media that can be stored in the storage section. The set information is stored in the gaming machine information storage means 12a.

[0063] In this case, the immutability means 11d executes a process to make the information on the number of points awarded by the player's operation unchangeable in response to the employee's operation, generates immutability information linked to the corresponding machine number, and stores it in the storage unit 12. The upper limit setting means 11e uses the information stored in the gaming machine information storage means 12a (such as the type of game ball payout and the maximum number of points that can be received in the part that stores the game medium) to execute a process to set an upper limit on the number of points of game value awarded by the player's operation in response to the employee's operation, generates upper limit setting information linked to the corresponding machine number, and stores it in the storage unit 12. The lower limit setting means 11f executes a process to set a lower limit on the number of points of game value awarded by the player's operation in response to the employee's operation, generates lower limit setting information linked to the corresponding machine number, and stores it in the storage unit 12. Next, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0064] In step S3, "Individually initial setting of the number of games to be awarded to each inter-machine unit," the award number setting means 11c of the control unit 11 executes a process to set the award number information, which is information about the number of games to be awarded to each inter-machine unit (20, 30) in response to a single operation by a player, according to the operation of an employee.

[0065] Figure 5 shows the settings screen displayed by the management display unit 15 of the management server device 10. Account number 1 in Figure 5 is set to "minimum loan amount of 100 yen", "minimum number of tokens granted of 50", and "loan unit price of 2.0 yen" by the account information setting means 11b described above. Account number 2 is set to "minimum loan amount of 100 yen", "minimum number of tokens granted of 5", and "loan unit price of 20.0 yen". Account number 3 is set to "minimum loan amount of 100 yen", "minimum number of tokens granted of 25", and "loan unit price of 4.0 yen".

[0066] Employees enter a multiple of the minimum loan amount in the "Amount" column for the "Machine Number" in Figure 5 for each machine number. By entering a multiple of the "Minimum Loan Amount" for each inter-machine unit (20, 30), the specific number of tokens to be awarded is automatically calculated from the account information. For example, for machine number 101, the inter-machine unit 20 of the token-paying slot machine 101, if an amount of 500 yen (5 times the "Minimum Loan Amount" of 100 yen) is entered, the minimum number of tokens awarded for account number 1 is 50, so it can be set to award 250 game tokens for every 500 yen spent by the player in a single operation. As mentioned above, the coin-paying slot machine 102, which belongs to the same account number 1, requires more game value to win a jackpot than the coin-paying slot machine 101. Therefore, the coin-paying inter-machine machine 20 of the coin-paying slot machine 102, "machine number" 102, is set to dispense 500 game tokens for every 1000 yen spent in response to a single operation by the player.

[0067] The inter-machine smart slot 119, "machine number" 119, which belongs to the same account number 1, is set to award 500 credits for every 1000 yen spent by the player in response to a single operation. As mentioned above, smart slot 120, which also belongs to the same account number 1, requires more game value to win a jackpot than smart slot 119, so the inter-machine smart slot 120, "machine number" 120, is set to award 1000 game tokens for every 2000 yen spent by the player in response to a single operation. The initial award amount information set for each inter-machine (20, 30) is stored in the first award amount storage means 12c, linked to the "machine number". Next, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0068] In step S4, "The management server device transmits information to each island controller," the control unit 11 of the management server device 10 transmits account information (minimum loan amount, minimum number of accounts granted, loan unit price), initial number of accounts granted information, non-changeable information, upper limit setting information, lower limit setting information, etc., grouped by account number, to each island controller 40 via the communication unit 13. Proceed to step S5.

[0069] In step S5, "Each island controller transmits information to the inter-machine unit," the control unit 41 of each island controller 40 transmits the account information, allocation information, non-changeable information, upper limit setting information, lower limit setting information, etc., which have been transmitted collectively, to the inter-machine unit (20, 30) with the machine number that matches the associated machine number. Proceed to step S6.

[0070] In step S6, "Display on the touch panel of each inter-machine unit," the control unit 21 of the inter-machine unit (20, 30) stores the transmitted initial allocation information as initial allocation information in the second allocation storage means 22a of the storage unit 22. The control unit 21 operates the touch panel 25 of the inter-machine unit (20, 30) and displays the initial allocation information stored in the second allocation storage means 22a, for example, "Rental fee 500 coins 1000 yen" as shown in Figure 8(a). It also stores the transmitted unchangeable information, upper limit setting information, and lower limit setting information in the storage unit 22. The allocation execution means 21b, based on the initial allocation information stored in the first allocation storage means 12c (in this case, stored in the second allocation storage means 22a), executes an allocation process to allocate the allocated amount of game value from the inter-machine unit (20, 30) to the slot 101, etc., in response to the player's operation. This completes the initial allocation setting process by employee input.

[0071] Thus, with the amusement arcade system 1, the number of game values ​​that the inter-machine devices (20, 30) assign to slots 101, etc., in response to a single operation by a player can be set for each inter-machine device (20, 30). By making it possible to freely set the number of game values ​​assigned, the environment of the amusement arcade can be optimized and the convenience of playing can be improved.

[0072] Furthermore, the number of game values ​​that the inter-machine machines (20, 30) assign to slots 101, etc., in response to a single operation by a player is set for each gaming machine island, with a minimum number of game values ​​corresponding to the minimum loan amount set. Since the number of assignments can be set in multiples of the minimum loan amount, multiple assignment numbers can be set within a group of gaming machines (for example, gaming machine island 2, account number 1) where the minimum number of game values ​​corresponding to the minimum loan amount is set to be the same, players can move between machines smoothly within gaming machine island 2.

[0073] [Explanation regarding changes to the number of points awarded by the player] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the process of changing the number of points awarded by the player will be explained. Figure 8 is a front view (a) to (f) showing the liquid crystal display screen of the touch panel 25 of the inter-machine unit (20, 30). Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the process of changing the number of points awarded by player input. In the amusement arcade system 1 according to the present invention, the number of game values ​​awarded by the inter-machine unit (20, 30) to the slot 101, etc., in response to a single operation by the player is initially set by an employee, and then the player can change it as they wish. This flow is for the player to change the initial number of points awarded information set by the employee.

[0074] First, let's explain the player's operation. When a player plays using a gaming machine, such as the smart slot 119, they insert an IC card into the card reader / writer 24 of the smart slot inter-machine unit 30. The control unit 21 of the smart slot inter-machine unit 30 identifies the player's current tokens, stored tokens, cash balance, etc., linked to the IC card and displays them on the touch panel 25 of the smart slot inter-machine unit 30. This display screen is shown in Figure 8(a). The screen in Figure 8(a) shows the initial allocation information "Rental fee 500 tokens 1000 yen" which was set by the gaming store for the smart slot inter-machine unit 30 used by the player.

[0075] If a player wishes to change the number of tokens awarded, the player presses the "Menu" button on the card acceptance screen shown in Figure 8(a). Next, the menu screen shown in Figure 8(b) is displayed. The player presses the "Change Loan Amount" button on the menu screen shown in Figure 8(b). Next, the loan amount change screen shown in Figure 8(c) is displayed. The loan amount change screen displays buttons for "100 yen 50 tokens", "500 yen 250 tokens", "1000 yen 500 tokens", and "2000 yen 1000 tokens". These amounts and quantities are set to display multiples of the minimum loan amount of 100 yen and minimum number of tokens awarded of 50, based on the account information stored in the memory unit 22. An "Arbitrary Input" button is also displayed. When the "Arbitrary Input" button is pressed, the arbitrary input screen shown in Figure 8(f) is displayed, where the player can enter their desired amount (however, it must be a multiple of the minimum loan amount of 100 yen). Players can change the number of tokens allocated by pressing the button for their desired loan amount, and the change is completed by pressing the confirm button after making their selection.

[0076] For inter-machine units (20, 30) to which information indicating that changes cannot be made has been sent, the menu screen shown in Figure 8(e) will be displayed. Since the menu screen in Figure 8(e) does not display the "Change Loan Amount" button, the loan amount cannot be changed for these inter-machine units (20, 30). By configuring the system in this way, it is possible to restrict the change in the number of game values ​​awarded in response to a single operation by a player for some inter-machine units (20, 30), thereby preventing game balls or tokens from overflowing from the game medium storage area of ​​the game machine.

[0077] Furthermore, for inter-machine players (20, 30) to which the upper limit setting information has been transmitted, a loan amount change screen as shown in Figure 8(d) will be displayed. In this case, the upper limit is set to 1000 yen, and the limit is set by not displaying buttons that are higher than 1000 yen, such as the "2000 yen 1000 tokens" button. By configuring it in this way, it is possible to set an upper limit on the change in the number of game values ​​awarded in response to a single operation by a player for some inter-machine players (20, 30), thereby preventing game balls or tokens from overflowing from the part of the game machine that stores the game medium.

[0078] Furthermore, for inter-machine players (20, 30) to which the lower limit setting information has been transmitted, a loan amount change screen as shown in Figure 8(d) is displayed. In this case, 500 yen is set as the lower limit, and the lower limit is set by not displaying buttons for amounts less than 500 yen, such as the "100 yen 50 coins" button. By configuring it in this way, a lower limit can be set for the change in the number of game values ​​awarded in response to a single operation by a player for some inter-machine players (20, 30), so that the minimum game fee desired by the amusement arcade can be appropriately collected.

[0079] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the process of changing the number of points awarded based on player input. The processes performed by the inter-machine units (20, 30) are carried out by the control unit 21 based on the control program stored in the memory unit 22.

[0080] In step T1, "Is the number of points awarded changed by player input = valid?", the control unit 21 determines whether or not the number of points awarded has been changed by player input. Specifically, this is determined by whether or not the second award storage means 22a of the storage unit 22 has stored a change in the number of points awarded information other than the initial number of points awarded by the number of points awarded change means 21a. If the number of points awarded information has been changed (YES in step T1), the process proceeds to step T2; otherwise (NO in step T1), the process proceeds to T6.

[0081] In step T2, "Is the game in progress?", the control unit 21 determines whether the game is continuing. Specifically, it determines this by whether the IC card return process has been completed, or, if the IC card is not inserted, whether a certain amount of time has elapsed since the player's tokens and cash balance were depleted. If the game is in progress (YES in step T2), the process proceeds to step T3; otherwise (NO in step T2), the process proceeds to T6.

[0082] In step T3, "Has the number of tokens allocated been changed?", the token allocation change means 21a of the control unit 21 determines whether the token allocation information of the inter-machine devices (20, 30) used by the player has been changed. Specifically, it determines whether the "Confirm" button has been pressed while the loan amount button (for example, the "2000 yen 1000 tokens" button) shown in Figure 8(c) on the touch panel 25 has been selected by the player. If the number of tokens allocated has been changed (YES in step T3), the process proceeds to step T4; otherwise (NO in step T3), the process proceeds to T5.

[0083] In step T4 "changing the number of grants", the grant number changing means 21a stores the changed grant number information in the second grant number storage means 22a.

[0084] In step T6 "Number of granted = Initial setting value", the number of granted change means 21a sets the number of granted information to the initial number of granted information stored in the first number of granted storage means 12c and stores it in the second number of granted storage means 22a.

[0085] In the case of the flow from T3,4, in step T5 "Display on the display unit of the inter-machine unit", the control unit 21 controls the touch panel 25 to display the modified number of added items stored in the second number of added items storage means 22a. Based on the modified number of added items stored in the second number of added items storage means 22a, the granting execution means 21b executes a granting process to grant the number of added items of game value from the inter-machine unit (20,30) to the slot 101, etc., in accordance with the player's operation.

[0086] In the case of the flow from T6, in step T5 "Display on the display unit of the inter-machine unit", the control unit 21 controls the touch panel 25 to display the initial number of added items stored in the second number of added items storage means 22a. The addition execution means 21b, based on the initial number of added items stored in the first number of added items storage means 12c (in this case, stored in the second number of added items storage means 22a), executes an addition process to add the number of added items of game value from the inter-machine unit (20, 30) to the slot 101, etc., in response to the player's operation. This concludes the explanation of the process of changing the number of added items based on player input.

[0087] Thus, according to the amusement arcade system 1, the number of game values ​​that the inter-machine devices (20, 30) used for the player's game grant to the slot machine 101, etc., in response to a single operation by the player can be changed by the player's operation. By making it possible to freely set the number of game values ​​granted, the environment of the amusement arcade can be optimized and the convenience of playing can be improved.

[0088] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and examples described above, and the technical scope of the claims includes various design modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 1. System for amusement facilities 10 Management Server Device 11a Means for setting the number of items to be assigned 11d Non-modifiable means 11e Upper limit setting means 11f Lower limit setting means 12a First number storage means 14 Management operation section 15 Management display section 20 Coin-dispensing inter-machine machines (units) 21a Means for changing the number of items to be assigned 22a Second number storage means 25. Touch panel (display unit, operation unit) 30 Inter-machine unit for smart slots 101,102 Coin-paying slot machines (gaming machines) 119,120 Smart Slots (Gaming Machines)

Claims

1. A game arcade system for use in a game arcade, comprising multiple game machines that use game value to play games, and units that are provided one-to-one with the game machines and that assign the game value to the game machines by accepting predetermined operations from the players, The above-mentioned amusement facility system includes a management server device that can send and receive information with the above-mentioned unit, The above management server device is The above unit provides information on the number of game values ​​to be awarded to the above gaming machine in response to a single operation by the player, and the number of award information can be set for each above unit according to the operation of an employee, A first assignment number storage means stores the assignment number information set by the assignment number setting means in association with each of the above units, A management display unit that displays the above-mentioned number of assigned items, It comprises a management operation unit for setting the above-mentioned number of allocations, The above unit is The above-mentioned unit used for the player's game has a means for changing the number of items that has been set in advance by the above-mentioned number of items setting means, in accordance with the player's operation. A second assignment number storage means that stores the assignment number information changed by the assignment number changing means described above, An awarding execution means that performs an awarding process to award the game value in the number of units to the game machine in accordance with the player's operation, based on the awarding number information stored in the first awarding number storage means or the awarding number information stored in the second awarding number storage means. A display unit that displays the above assigned number information, It includes an operating unit for changing the above assigned number information, The above-mentioned amusement arcade system includes a means to prevent the assignment information from being changed by the assignment number changing means for some of the multiple units. A gaming system characterized by the following features.

2. A game arcade system for use in a game arcade, comprising a plurality of game machines that play games using game value, and a unit that is provided one-to-one with the game machine and assigns the game value to the game machine by receiving a predetermined operation from a player, The above-mentioned amusement facility system includes a management server device that can send and receive information with the above-mentioned unit, The above management server device is The above unit provides information on the number of game values ​​to be awarded to the above gaming machine in response to a single operation by the player, and the number of award information can be set for each above unit according to the operation of an employee, A first assignment number storage means stores the assignment number information set by the assignment number setting means in association with each of the above units, A management display unit that displays the above-mentioned number of assigned items, It comprises a management operation unit for setting the above-mentioned number of allocations, The above unit is The above-mentioned unit used for the player's game has a means for changing the number of items that has been set in advance by the above-mentioned number of items setting means, in accordance with the player's operation. A second assignment number storage means that stores the assignment number information changed by the assignment number changing means described above, An awarding execution means that performs an awarding process to award the game value in the number of units to the game machine in accordance with the player's operation, based on the awarding number information stored in the first awarding number storage means or the awarding number information stored in the second awarding number storage means. A display unit that displays the above assigned number information, It includes an operating unit for changing the above assigned number information, The above-mentioned amusement arcade system includes an upper limit setting means for setting an upper limit on the number of units that can be changed when the number of units information is changed by the number of units change means, for some of the multiple units. A gaming system characterized by the following features.

3. A game arcade system for use in a game arcade, comprising a plurality of game machines that play games using game value, and a unit that is provided one-to-one with the game machine and assigns the game value to the game machine by receiving a predetermined operation from a player, The above-mentioned amusement facility system includes a management server device that can send and receive information with the above-mentioned unit, The above management server device is The above unit provides information on the number of game values ​​to be awarded to the above gaming machine in response to a single operation by the player, and the number of award information can be set for each above unit according to the operation of an employee, A first assignment number storage means stores the assignment number information set by the assignment number setting means in association with each of the above units, A management display unit that displays the above-mentioned number of assigned items, It comprises a management operation unit for setting the above-mentioned number of allocations, The above unit is The above-mentioned unit used for the player's game has a means for changing the number of items that has been set in advance by the above-mentioned number of items setting means, in accordance with the player's operation. A second assignment number storage means that stores the assignment number information changed by the assignment number changing means described above, An awarding execution means that performs an awarding process to award the game value in the number of units to the game machine in accordance with the player's operation, based on the awarding number information stored in the first awarding number storage means or the awarding number information stored in the second awarding number storage means. A display unit that displays the above assigned number information, It includes an operating unit for changing the above assigned number information, The above-mentioned amusement arcade system includes a lower limit setting means for setting a lower limit on the number of units that can be changed when changing the number of units information by the number of units change means. A gaming system characterized by the following features.

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