JP5007454B2 - Amusement hall system and information acquisition method of portable terminal in amusement hall - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system in a game hall having a large number of game machines such as a pachinko or pachislot store, and in particular, without requiring a dedicated portable information terminal and without burdening the user with a communication fee, etc. The present invention relates to a gaming system that can provide customer service that allows a player to easily obtain hall information including game data of a gaming table by constructing a low-cost system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, in game halls such as pachinko halls, by providing game data useful for the player among a plurality of game data related to the gaming machines installed in the game hall, the interest and expectation of the game in the game hall Attempts have been made to improve customer satisfaction and to improve customer attraction.
[0003]
By the way, as a conventional method for providing game data to a player, for example, a large information providing terminal provided with a display device such as a CRT display and an operation key switch is installed at an appropriate place in the game hall, There is a display device that can selectively display each game data such as a description of a gaming machine, a special prize probability and a payout rate, the number of occurrences and history of a special prize, and the number of occurrences of a stop state (hereinafter, “ Prior art 1 ”).
[0004]
In addition, as a method different from the prior art 1, it is possible to refer to table data on a liquid crystal display installed on each sand which is conventionally installed beside a game table, for example, and to operate on the liquid crystal display. Can order drinks and inquire about membership information (hereinafter referred to as “Prior Art 2”).
[0005]
However, in the above prior art 1, since the price per large information providing terminal is relatively expensive, there are inevitably only about one or two places in the game arcade, and the player can obtain the desired information. When you want to know the game data of a game machine, you must go to the designated place where the information provision terminal is installed, which is inconvenient for the player and at the same time changes the game machine data. Cannot be referenced in real time.
[0006]
Further, in this prior art 1, it is very inconvenient because the player needs to memorize or write down the desired game machine model, machine number, etc., and input it at the information providing terminal. .
[0007]
For this reason, in order to eliminate such inconvenience, in recent years, game data is transmitted from a large information providing terminal to an information terminal that can be carried by the player, and the desired information can be obtained by the information terminal carried by the player. A system that can check game data and the like has been proposed. Specifically, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-79264, a player can obtain game information equally without the need for a dedicated small information terminal. As an information providing system in a game arcade that does not need to be carried, an example using a PHS mobile phone possessed by a player is described (hereinafter referred to as “Prior Art 3”).
[0008]
However, in the service for referring to the game table data with the portable information terminal as in the conventional technology 3, only the portable information terminal (PHS machine) of the specific manufacturer can be used, and the player who wants to use the portable information terminal of the specific manufacturer I have to buy a machine. In addition, since a base station that accommodates a portable information terminal such as PHS is used, there is a possibility that the number of people that can be used at one time is limited.
[0009]
Further, in the above-described conventional technique 2, the game table data can be referred to, and a table sand having a function capable of inquiring a drink order or member information is provided for each game table. However, there is a tendency for the hall side to hesitate to introduce the player even if he wants to provide a player service.
[0010]
Further, as another method, the i-mode (registered trademark) service, which has recently become widespread, is used, and is used in a system configuration (hereinafter referred to as “prior art 4”) in which a server or the like is installed in the hall. At this time, a packet communication fee is generated via the communication network of the communication carrier.
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in the conventional techniques 2, 3, and 4 in which the hall information is acquired while staying at the gaming table, for example, (1): In the conventional technique 2, the gaming table data can be referred to, and drink order and member information Since a table sand with a function that can make inquiries, etc. is installed for each game machine, the cost increases, and the inconvenience that the hall side hesitates to introduce it even if it wants to provide a player service. There is.
[0012]
Also, {circle over (2)}: Conventional technology 3 has a disadvantage that only a dedicated portable information terminal can be used, and a player who wants to use must purchase a dedicated portable information terminal.
[0013]
Also, {circle over (3)} is disadvantageous in that the prior art 4 incurs a packet communication fee for use and places a burden on the user side.
[0014]
Therefore, in the present invention, in view of the above situation, by using a recently developed Bluetooth (registered trademark) wireless communication technology, a dedicated portable information terminal is not required and a burden of communication charges etc. is imposed on the user side. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming system that can provide customer service that allows a player to easily obtain hall information including game data of a gaming table without making a call by building a low-cost system.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1
  A game operating state management device that sequentially collects game information of a plurality of gaming machines installed in the game hall and manages operating state information for each gaming machine and manages various information in the game hall including member information In a game system in a game hall comprising: disposed in the game hall,It has its own device identification code,Players that can communicate with the game operating state management device and are in the game hallInMobile phoneProvided with a communication function using a public line and a near field communication function.Mobile deviceofA communication device capable of communicating with the mobile terminal using a short-range communication function, and short-range communication is performed between the mobile terminal and the communication device,A communication control program required for using a service using near field communication provided in a game arcade is stored in the portable terminal.When there is no communication or when the version of the communication control program in the portable terminal is old, the communication from the gaming operation state management device to the portable terminal via the communication device is requested in response to a request from the portable terminal. A communication control program communication means for transmitting the control program;Terminal position acquisition means for executing the communication control program and acquiring a position corresponding to the gaming machine of the portable terminal based on an input designation from the portable terminal or the identification code of the communication device; and the communication control Specifying means for executing a program and specifying information for specifying a predetermined gaming machine among gaming machines in the game hall by input from the portable terminal, and the communication device identifies its own device. Information request means for transmitting to the game operating state management device a request for the operating state information related to the gaming machine specified by the specifying means together with a code; and the operating state information received from the game operating state management device as the portable Information transmission control means for transmitting to the terminal, wherein the game operating state management device is specified by the information requesting means of the communication device. A transmitting means for transmitting the operational status information to the locationIt is characterized by that.
[0018]
  The invention of claim 2 is the invention of claim 1,
The mobile terminal executes the communication control program to register member authentication information in the mobile terminal, and also transmits the authentication information to the communication device when a service request for a member is input to the mobile terminal. And the communication device receives the authentication information transmitted by the mobile terminal, transmits the authentication information to the gaming operation state management device, and the gaming operation state management device is transmitted by the communication device. The authentication information is received, and authentication processing is performed using the authentication information.
[0019]
  Also,Claim 3The invention of claim 1 is the invention of claim 1,
  The short-range communication function installed in the portable terminal is a communication function using Bluetooth that employs a spread spectrum system based on a frequency hopping system.
[0020]
  Also,Claim 4The invention ofClaim 3In the invention of
  The communication device and the mobile terminal are each equipped with a Bluetooth module for realizing a communication function using the Bluetooth.
[0021]
  Also,Claim 5The invention of claim 1 is the invention of claim 1,
  The portable terminal is any one of a mobile phone, a portable handheld computer, a PDA, and a personal computer.
[0022]
  Also,Claim 6The invention of claim 1 is the invention of claim 1,
  The communication device,A connection unit that accommodates the portable terminal is provided, and the portable terminal and the communication device are connected via the connection unit by accommodating the portable terminal in the connection unit.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0024]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration in a game arcade when the game system of the present invention is applied. The main configuration of the system of this embodiment is a plurality of game islands 5 in which a plurality of game tables 2 are arranged. In addition, the game data from each game machine 2 on each game island 5 is sequentially collected to manage the operating state information for each game machine, and other member information and various information used in the game hall (game room) Are managed by the management computer 1 (corresponding to the “game operating state management device” in the claims) and the management computer 1 for managing event information and information on drinks and snacks orders. Bluetooth (Registration) that transmits and receives operating status information, membership information, and various information used at the amusement hall with other information devices separately from the telephone communication function by wireless communication that does not incur communication charges. (Trademark) equipped with a mobile phone 6 (corresponding to the “portable terminal” in the claims) equipped with a communication function (for example, a communication function using Bluetooth employing a spread spectrum system using a frequency hopping system). Configured.
[0025]
Here, the management computer 1 as the game information management device is provided with various sensors provided for each game stand (pachinko stand in this embodiment) 2 installed on each game island 5 in the game hall through signal lines. (Not shown) and the island controller 40, and each game table 2 and various information on the sand which is a ball lending machine provided adjacent to the game table via the signal line (described later) The management computer / game information management table shown in FIG. 16 is collected via the data collector 30, and the game data in each gaming machine is stored and updated in a storage device (not shown) in the management computer 1.
[0026]
In general, the management computer 1 and the island controller 40 are connected via a LAN. In addition, each game machine and communication device are connected from the island controller 40 via the data collector 30, and the island controller 40 and the data collector 30 are connected by, for example, an arc net which is a simple LAN. The
[0027]
In the present invention, the game data registered and managed by the management computer 1 as described above is used as a Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (unit) provided for each game table 2 installed on each game island 5. 3 or via a Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (island) 4 provided on the island edge of each game island 5, the information is distributed to a mobile phone 6 compatible with Bluetooth (registered trademark).
[0028]
In the figure, the data collector 30 is provided for each game machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of data collectors such as four machines may be provided.
[0029]
In the above embodiment, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip is a Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (module) (unit) 3 provided for each gaming table 2 installed on each gaming island 5 (claims). And a Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (module) 4 (island) 4 provided at the end of each game island 5 (corresponding to “communication device” in the claims). However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be configured to include only the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (base) 3.
[0030]
Furthermore, in the figure, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (island) 4 is directly connected to the island controller 40, but separately from this, it is connected to the signal line connecting the island controller 40 and the data collector 30. You may make it do.
[0031]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a wireless method when game data is communicated using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (table) 3 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2 (a) shows the Bluetooth (registered trademark). A case where communication is performed using a mobile phone not equipped with a function is shown, and FIG. 2B shows a case where communication is performed using a mobile phone equipped with a Bluetooth (registered trademark) function.
[0032]
2A, in this case, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip 3a mounted on the connection unit 3A is installed on the game table 2 by connecting the mobile phone 6 to the mobile phone connection unit 3A. A configuration for wireless communication with a Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip 3b is shown.
[0033]
By having such a configuration, the above-described service can be used even in a mobile phone not equipped with a Bluetooth (registered trademark) function. In the present embodiment, the mobile phone connection unit 1 is provided with a charging function, so that the mobile phone of the player who receives the service can be charged.
[0034]
FIG. 2B shows a configuration in this case in which the mobile phone 2 with a built-in Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip directly communicates with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip 3 c connected to the game machine. ing.
[0035]
In this case, since it is difficult to correspond to mobile phones of all manufacturers, the connection unit is a communication adapter that can support the major manufacturers with a certain focus on major manufacturers with a high penetration rate. One or several of these may be prepared, and a flat mounting base may be used in order to cope with a certain type of model shape.
[0036]
FIG. 3 shows an example of a communication program application (hereinafter referred to as “Hall Navi”) necessary for enabling the mobile phone 6 to perform the above-described services, that is, game table data browsing and drink ordering services. It is a figure which shows the structure which can be automatically downloaded to the mobile telephone 6 in a hall | hole using a function.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 3, (1) a user who wants to receive the service operates the Bluetooth function of his / her mobile phone and installs it in the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip 3 or the island controller 40. When communication is performed with a device within the wireless communication range of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (island) 4, first, (2) whether there is a hall navigation program in the mobile phone, or the version of the hall navigation If it is determined that there is no program or that the version is old, it is installed in the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip 3 or the island controller 40 that communicates with the mobile phone. The registered Bluetooth® chip (island) 4 instructs the management computer 1 to download the hall navigation program.
[0038]
(3) The management computer 1 transfers the requested hall navigation program to the desired Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip 3 or the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (island) 4 installed in the island controller 40. To do.
[0039]
Then, (4) a desired Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (stand) 3 communicating with the cellular phone or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (island) 4 installed in the island controller 40 is connected to the cellular phone. Wireless transfer of programs.
[0040]
As a result, the hall navigation program is automatically downloaded to the mobile phone 6, and the user can thereafter receive services such as viewing game table data and ordering drinks using the mobile phone owned by the user. . Note that the mobile phone registers its own location with the management computer using the acquired communication program when acquiring such various types of information. Here, if a Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip is provided for each gaming table, the position registration can be automatically performed by the address of the chip. If not, the position registration is performed by manually inputting the gaming table number. Yes.
[0041]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the case of downloading the hall navigation program to the mobile phone 6 shown in FIG. 3, and downloads the hall navigation by high-speed wireless communication using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) function. In addition to the processing procedure, a processing procedure for downloading hall navigation via an information terminal (not shown) installed on the island edge of the game island is shown.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 4, this process is performed first when the service user who owns the mobile phone 6 has registered whether or not the hall navigation for receiving the above-described service is registered in his / her mobile phone. If it is determined that the hall navi is not in the mobile phone, that is, it is not downloaded (NO in step S101), the user then selects a method for installing the hall navi, It is selected whether to install hall navi using an information terminal (not shown) installed on the island edge or to install hall navi using high-speed wireless communication using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) function (step S102). .
[0043]
Here, when the user selects an installation method using an information terminal (not shown) (step S102 (information terminal)), the information terminal installed on the island edge of the amusement island is transferred to the mobile phone 6. Hall navi is installed (step S103).
[0044]
In addition, as a specific method of installing using this information terminal, for example, a method of installing using an infrared communication function, a method of installing by connecting the information terminal and a mobile phone with a communication cable, etc. There is a method of installing by directly inserting a mobile phone into the information terminal.
[0045]
When the installation is finished, the process here is finished.
[0046]
On the other hand, when the user selects a method of installing hall navi by high-speed wireless communication using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) function in the selection in step S102 (step S102 (wireless)), the player owns the player. The wireless function of the mobile phone is activated (step S104).
[0047]
Then, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (table or island) on the table or island receives the radio signal from the mobile phone (step S105), and instructs the management computer 1 to download the hall navi. Thereby, the Bluetooth chip of the platform or island (the platform or island) acquires the hall navigation program from the management computer 1 (step S106).
[0048]
Thereafter, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip of the platform or island (the platform or island) transmits a radio signal (including a hall navigation program) to the mobile phone (step S107), so that the hall navigation is installed in the mobile phone. (Step S108).
[0049]
When this installation is finished, the processing here is finished.
[0050]
Through the above process, the hall navigation program is downloaded to the mobile phone equipped with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) function, and after that, the user can browse the game table data, order drinks, etc. using his own mobile phone. Can receive services.
[0051]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a hall information acquisition processing procedure. Specifically, when the latest hall information of a game machine or event information that changes every day comes to the hall and the hall navigation of the mobile phone is started. The processing procedure that can be automatically acquired is shown.
[0052]
In FIG. 5, when the service user who owns the mobile phone has already downloaded the hall navigation by the above-described processing of FIG. 4, when the hall navigation is activated in the game hall (step S <b> 201), A (registered trademark) chip (stand or island) receives a radio signal from the mobile phone (step S202), and requests the latest hole information from the management computer.
[0053]
As a result, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (stand or island) of the stand or island receives and acquires the latest hole information from the management computer (step S203).
[0054]
Thereafter, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (table or island) on the table or island transmits a radio signal including the latest hole information to the mobile phone (step S204).
[0055]
When the mobile phone receives the radio signal including the latest hole information, the mobile phone updates the already registered hole information to the latest hole information based on the received signal (step S205), and performs the processing here. finish.
[0056]
Through this process, even if the game table and event information installed in the hall change day by day, the service user can immediately obtain the latest hall information by activating the cell phone's hall navigation system when visiting the hall. Can be acquired.
[0057]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a mechanism for browsing game table data with a mobile phone.
[0058]
As shown in FIG. 6, when a service user browses game machine data on a mobile phone, first, (1) the hall navigation downloaded in the mobile phone is activated and the game machine to be browsed is designated and Bluetooth (registered) Wireless communication is performed with a Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (island) 4 installed in the trademark (chip) 3 or the island controller 40.
[0059]
Then, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (stand) 3 or the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (island) 4 installed in the island controller 40 requests the management computer 1 to browse the designated gaming machine data.
[0060]
When the management computer 1 receives a viewing request for game table data from the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (table) 3 or the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (island) 4 installed in the island controller 40, the management computer 1 The data is transferred to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (stand) 3 or the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (island) 4 installed in the island controller 40.
[0061]
Thereafter, (2) the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (stand) 3 or the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (island) 4 installed in the island controller 40 includes game table data designated for the mobile phone. Send a radio signal.
[0062]
As a result, the cellular phone receives the designated desired game machine data and displays it on the display screen.
[0063]
Through such processing, the service user can easily obtain desired game machine data.
[0064]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the case where the data (the number of special prizes and the number of start times) of the game table installed in the hall shown in FIG. Once wireless communication is established, the latest game machine information can always be browsed by performing communication in real time.
[0065]
As shown in FIG. 7, in this process, a user who is a game player transmits the desired game machine number information using his / her own mobile phone (step S301).
[0066]
Then, the Bluetooth® chip (table or island) of the table or island receives a radio signal including the number information from the mobile phone (step S302), and the management computer 1 stores the game table data. Request browsing.
[0067]
When the management computer 1 receives the game table data browsing request, the management computer 1 transfers the specified game table data to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (table or island) of the table or island.
[0068]
Thereafter, the Bluetooth chip of the table or island (the table or island) acquires the game table data requested by the mobile phone (step S303), and transmits the radio signal including the acquired game table data to the cell phone. A call is made to the telephone (step S304).
[0069]
As a result, the mobile phone receives the radio signal including the game table data, updates the hall navigation information registered for itself based on the received radio signal (step S305), and displays the game table data on the display screen. Is displayed, and the processing here ends.
[0070]
By such processing, a user who is a game player can easily obtain and browse operation information of a desired game machine using a mobile phone.
[0071]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a mechanism for browsing event information and placing a drink order on a mobile phone.
[0072]
As shown in FIG. 8, when viewing event information or placing a drink order on a mobile phone, first, the service user starts (1) the hall navigation downloaded to the mobile phone to see member information or order a link. To communicate with a Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (unit) 3 within a wireless communication range or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (island) 4 installed in the island controller 40.
[0073]
Thereafter, (2) the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (stand or island) of the stand or island notifies the management computer 1 of the request content.
[0074]
Next, (3) the management computer 1 performs processing for the request, and the corresponding data is communicated with the mobile phone that has requested the data, or the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (stand or island) of the stand or island. Forward against.
[0075]
(4) The Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (table or island) on the table or island transmits a wireless signal including the transferred data to the requesting mobile phone.
[0076]
As a result, the mobile phone obtains response data related to browsing of requested event information and drink orders.
Through such processing, a user who is a player can easily browse event information, order drinks, and the like using his mobile phone.
[0077]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when browsing various information such as events from the hall using the mobile phone.
[0078]
As shown in FIG. 9, first, a service user who owns a mobile phone issues a request for viewing event information using the mobile phone (step S401).
[0079]
Then, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (table or island) on the platform or island receives the wireless signal including the event information viewing request data (step S402), and browses the event information to the management computer 1. Make a request.
[0080]
When the management computer 1 receives the event information browsing request, the management computer 1 transmits event information corresponding to the request to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (table or island) of the table or island.
[0081]
Thereafter, the Bluetooth chip of the base or island (base or island) transmits a radio signal including the event information received toward the radio telephone (step S404).
[0082]
Thereby, the mobile phone receives the radio signal including the event information, displays the event information on the display screen based on the received radio signal (step S405), and ends the processing here.
[0083]
By such processing, the service user can easily browse various information such as events using a mobile phone owned by the service user.
[0084]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when ordering drinks and snacks from a mobile phone.
[0085]
As shown in FIG. 10, first, a service user who owns a mobile phone designates an order menu using the mobile phone (step S501) and transmits an order request (step S502).
[0086]
Thereafter, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (table or island) on the table or island receives the wireless signal including the order request data (step S503), and transmits the order request data to the management computer 1.
[0087]
Then, the management computer 1 notifies an order request to the store clerk (step S504). Here, if the user is a member, the number of balls for the menu is subtracted from the stored balls recorded by the management computer 1 (step S505).
[0088]
Thereafter, the order approval data is sent from the management computer 1 to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (stand or island) on the stand or island, so that the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (stand or island) on the stand or island is sent. A radio signal including the order approval data received toward the mobile phone is transmitted (step S506).
[0089]
As a result, the mobile phone receives the wireless signal including the order approval data, displays on the display screen that the order has been approved based on the received wireless signal (step S507), and the processing here is performed. finish.
[0090]
By such processing, the service user can easily place an order for drinks, snacks, etc. using the mobile phone owned by the service user.
[0091]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when member authentication information is registered using a mobile phone. This process is for previously registering the authentication code in the hall navi in order to prevent the troublesome trouble of inputting the authentication code with the mobile phone every time a service requiring member authentication is received.
[0092]
As shown in FIG. 11, a service user who wants to receive a service that requires member authentication registers in advance member authentication information, that is, “member number information” and “password information” in his / her mobile phone. (Step S601), the process here ends.
[0093]
Through this process, a service user who wants to receive a service that requires member authentication inputs an authentication code to his / her mobile phone in advance and registers it in advance, so that the authentication code is received each time the service is received. This eliminates the hassle of typing.
[0094]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the member authentication process in this system, and this member authentication process is performed whenever necessary for each menu.
[0095]
As shown in FIG. 12, before the member authentication process is performed, it is first checked whether or not the authentication code is already registered in the mobile phone owned by the user (step S701).
[0096]
As a result of this determination, if it is determined that the authentication code has already been registered in the user's mobile phone (YES in step S701), the mobile phone transmits the authentication code information registered in its own device as a radio signal ( Step S702).
[0097]
Then, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (stand or island) on the base or island receives the wireless signal including the authentication code information (step S703), and transmits the authentication code information on the received wireless signal to the management computer 1. (Step S).
[0098]
Upon receiving the authentication code information, the management computer 1 authenticates the member based on the authentication code (step S704).
[0099]
As a result of this authentication, if it is determined that the member is a regular member (step S705 OK), the member authentication “OK” is notified to the mobile phone (step S706), and after this notification, the member authentication process ends here. To do.
[0100]
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S701 that the authentication code is not registered in the mobile phone (YES in step S701) and in step S705, it is determined that the member authentication is “NG” (step S705NG). The member authentication is “NG” and the user is notified that the menu limited to the member cannot be used (step S707). After this notification, the member authentication process is terminated.
[0101]
By such processing, member authentication processing is accurately performed between the mobile phone and the management computer.
[0102]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when browsing personal information using a mobile phone.
[0103]
As shown in FIG. 13, in this process, first, it is checked whether or not an authentication code has already been registered in the mobile phone owned by a service user who wants to browse personal information (step S801).
[0104]
If it is determined that the authentication code is registered as a result of this check (YES in step S801), the mobile phone transmits a wireless signal including the registered authentication code information to the management computer (step S802). ).
[0105]
Then, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (stand or island) of the stand or island receives the wireless signal including the authentication code information (step S803), and the authentication code information of the received wireless signal is sent to the management computer 1. Send to.
[0106]
When receiving the authentication code information, the management computer 1 authenticates the member (step S804).
[0107]
If it is determined that the member authentication is “OK” as a result of this authentication (step S805), the management computer 1 transmits the member information to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (stand or island) of the stand or island. .
[0108]
Upon receiving and acquiring the member information (step S806), the Bluetooth chip of the table or island (the table or island) then transmits a wireless signal including the acquired member information to the mobile phone ( Step S807).
[0109]
Accordingly, the mobile phone receives the radio signal including the member information, updates the hall navigation information based on the member information of the received radio signal, and displays it on the display screen of the mobile phone ( Step S808), the personal information browsing process here is terminated.
[0110]
Through such processing, a service user who is a member can easily browse his / her personal information (pachinko information) by registering an authentication code in the hall navi of his / her own mobile phone in advance. it can.
[0111]
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a screen transition on the mobile phone used in the hall navigation software for receiving the various services described above, and shows an example of a menu that can be operated on the LCD screen of the mobile phone.
[0112]
In FIG. 14, a main menu screen as shown in (1) is first displayed on the screen of a mobile phone that receives various services using the hall navigation software.
[0113]
The main menu screen includes information items such as “1. car information”, “2. member information”, “3. drink order”, “4. event information”, “5. member authentication”, “6. Various information items such as “call” are prepared.
[0114]
When the service user who owns the mobile phone selects the information item “1. Information” on this menu screen, that is, inputs “1”, a screen as shown in (2) appears on the screen. That is, information indicating the machine number is displayed.
[0115]
In this example, the unit numbers from the unit number “001” to the unit number “011” are displayed, and the subsequent unit numbers are displayed by scrolling to the next screen by selecting and specifying “next”. Is done.
[0116]
In this example, the case where the user selects and designates the machine number “008” on the machine number display screen is indicated by the underline of the machine number. 3 is displayed, that is, game information for each vehicle is displayed. In this example, the information of the gaming machine with the machine number “008” includes information indicating the name of the gaming machine, for example, “CR Sea Story”, and special number-of-times information indicating the number of times that today's special prize has occurred on this gaming machine. For example, “4 times” and the probability variation number information indicating the number of times the probability fluctuation of the day has occurred on this game machine, for example, “1 time” and the number of times the pachinko ball is won and started for the chucker on this game machine For example, “345” and special probability probability information indicating the probability of occurrence of a special prize on this gaming table, for example “1/123”, and indicating whether this gaming machine is currently being played or vacant. Information such as “It is a vacant stand” is displayed.
[0117]
Further, when the user selects the information item “2. Member information” on the menu screen (1), that is, when “2” is entered, a screen as shown in (4) on the screen, That is, the personal information of each member is displayed.
[0118]
In this example, for example, using the member name, greeting information “Mr. Welcome!”, Information indicating the last visit date, for example, “May 6”, information indicating the number of stored balls, For example, “350”, information indicating the number of points, for example, “35”, and information indicating the investment amount of this month, for example, “¥ 80,000” are displayed.
[0119]
Further, when the user selects the information item “3. Drink order” on the menu screen (▲ 1 ▼), that is, inputs “3”, a screen as shown in (5) appears on the screen. That is, order menu information is displayed.
[0120]
In this example, for example, the case where “1. coffee”, “2. juice”, and “3. bread” are ordered is shown, and it is necessary to purchase each of these ordered items. Stored ball number information “25 balls”, “15 balls”, “30 balls” is displayed.
[0121]
Further, on this order menu screen (<5>), when the user selects and designates order confirmation, i.e., "Send", a screen as shown in <6>, that is, an order acceptance confirmation screen is displayed on the screen. . Specifically, content information such as “I received an order” and “Please wait for a while” is displayed on the screen.
[0122]
Further, when the user selects the information item “4. Event information” on the menu screen (1), that is, inputs “4”, the screen as shown in (7), That is, event information is displayed.
[0123]
In this example, for example, information of the content “Today's Ladies Day is free for female members!” Is displayed as event information.
[0124]
Further, when the user selects the information item “5. Member authentication” on the menu screen (1), that is, inputs “5”, a screen as shown in (8) is displayed on the screen. That is, information necessary for member authentication is displayed.
[0125]
In this example, for example, as member authentication information, “member ID is required when using the member-only menu, please register” and “member ID” to enter the member ID and PIN [] "And" PIN [] "are displayed.
[0126]
When the user inputs each piece of input information, the management computer can execute member authentication by selecting and specifying “registration”.
[0127]
Further, when the user selects the information item “6. Call clerk” on the menu screen (▲ 1 ▼), that is, inputs “6”, a screen as shown in (9) appears on the screen. That is, acknowledgment response notification information is displayed.
[0128]
In this example, for example, information indicating that “a staff member is going to wait for a while” is displayed as acknowledgment response notification information.
[0129]
By using the various transition screens described above, the user can use the various hall navigation services described above.
[0130]
When placing an order by selecting “3. Drink order” on the above menu screen (1), in the case of an island chip, if the user is allowed to input the unit number, It can be instructed to be carried to the position of the desired game machine.
[0131]
In addition, since the software for moving the menu as shown here takes the form of being installed on a mobile phone [such as i-appli (registered trademark) or JAVA (registered trademark)], it is necessary to prepare a dedicated mobile phone. No.
[0132]
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of a game information management table in the management computer.
[0133]
As shown in FIG. 15, in this management computer / game information management table, “type”, “model name”, “number of special prizes”, “number of probable changes”, “number of start times” for each machine number. "," Sales "," development ", and" status ".
[0134]
Here, the type is an information item indicating the type of the pachinko machine. For example, information such as a seven machine is registered in association with the game machine having the machine number “1”. The model name is an information item indicating the model of the pachinko machine. For example, information such as CR backpack BANK is registered in association with the gaming machine having the machine number “1”.
[0135]
The number of special prizes is information indicating the number of times special prizes have been given on the game stand. In this example, the number of times that the special day has been issued, the number of times that the special day has been issued, the number of times that the special day has been issued, For example, “3” is registered as the number of times of today's appearance in association with the gaming machine with the machine number “1”, “14” is registered as the previous day, and “8” is registered as the previous day. ing.
[0136]
In addition, the probability variation number is information indicating the number of times that the establishment variation has occurred on the game machine. In this example, the number of times that the current day, the number of times that the previous day has appeared, For example, “1” is registered as the number of times of today's appearance in association with the gaming machine with the machine number “1”, “4” is registered as the previous day, and “3” is registered as the day before Has been.
[0137]
The number of starts is information indicating the number of times that the pachinko ball has won the chuck of the game table and the slot has been rotated. In this example, the number of rotations for today, the number of rotations for the previous day, For example, “145” is associated with the gaming machine with the table number “1”, “145” is the number of rotations for today, “1854” is for the previous day, and “116” is for the day before. Is registered.
[0138]
The sales is information indicating the daily sales on the gaming machine. For example, “20000” is registered in association with the gaming machine having the machine number “1”.
[0139]
In addition, the outgoing ball is information indicating the number of balls per day on the gaming table, and for example, “15000” is registered in association with the gaming table having the player number “1”.
[0140]
The state is information indicating the operating state of each game machine. For example, information such as “active” indicating that the game machine is currently operating or “vacant” indicating that the game machine is not currently used is included in each game. Registered for each vehicle.
[0141]
In the above embodiment, the game information collection items related to each gaming machine are shown in FIG. 15, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the game information collection items for each gaming machine are appropriately selected. It may be selected and changed.
[0142]
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the member information management table in the management computer. In FIG. 16, in this member information management table, “member ID”, “password”, “name”, “storage”, “point”, “last visit”, and “investment amount” are prepared as information items. For example, in association with the member name “Osato Hideo”, the member ID “000001”, the password “1111”, the savings “2000”, the point “30”, and the last visit date “2001 / “05/14” indicates that “25000” is registered as the investment amount.
[0143]
In the above embodiment, a pachinko machine has been described as an example of a game machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same effect can be obtained even if a slot machine is used as a game machine. It is not limited.
[0144]
In the above embodiment, a mobile phone equipped with a wireless communication function [Bluetooth (registered trademark)] that does not require communication charges with other information devices apart from the telephone communication function has been described as an example. In addition to this, any other portable information terminal such as a handheld computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a personal computer may be used.
[0145]
In addition, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chips (tables or islands) 3 and 4 described in the above embodiment communicate operating state information, membership information, and various information used in the game hall between the portable information terminal and the management computer. In this case, the position of the portable information terminal is specified by transmitting its own position information to the management computer.
[0146]
With such a configuration, the player can refer to game data of other game tables, other hole data, and the like in real time while playing on the game table.
[0147]
In addition, since wireless communication devices such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) chips are used and the medium for referring to hall data is the mobile phone of the player himself, the system construction for providing the service can be made at low cost. Since no communication charges are incurred, the financial burden on the hall and the player is reduced. This also facilitates introduction on the hole side.
[0148]
Moreover, although the example using the Bluetooth chip has been described in the above embodiment, the present invention includes cases where a wired cable such as a wireless LAN, a conventional RS-232C, or a USB connection is used.
[0149]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, by using a portable information terminal possessed and carried by a player, the game hall does not prepare a dedicated portable information terminal, and can be used by a user and a game store. The hall information including the game data of the game machine can be easily provided to the user without incurring the communication fee to be paid to the communication company. Therefore, the amusement shop can construct an inexpensive information providing system. Further, by using Bluetooth (registered trademark) for the communication function, there is an advantage that communication connection is possible without being specified by the model of the portable information terminal.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration in a game arcade when a game system of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 shows a wireless method when game data is communicated using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (table) shown in FIG. 1, and in particular, communication using a mobile phone not equipped with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) function. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a case where communication is performed and a case where communication is performed using a mobile phone equipped with a Bluetooth (registered trademark) function.
FIG. 3 automatically uses the Bluetooth (registered trademark) function to enable the mobile phone to use the above-mentioned services, that is, the game table data browsing and the drink ordering service on the mobile phone. Showing a mechanism that can be downloaded automatically.
4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the case of downloading a hall navigation program to the mobile phone shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for acquiring hall information.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a mechanism for browsing game table data on a mobile phone.
7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the case where the data (the number of special prizes and the number of start times) of the game table installed in the hall shown in FIG. 6 is viewed on a mobile phone.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a mechanism for browsing event information and placing a drink order on a mobile phone.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when browsing various information such as events from a hall using a mobile phone.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when ordering drinks and snacks from a mobile phone.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when member authentication information is registered using a mobile phone.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of member authentication processing in the present system.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when browsing personal information using a mobile phone;
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing screen transition on a mobile phone used in hall navigation software for receiving various services.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of a game information management table in the management computer.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a member information management table in the management computer.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 management computer
2 game machines
3, 3a, 3b, 3c Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (base)
3A connection unit
4 Bluetooth (registered trademark) chip (island)
5 amusement islands
6,6a, 6b Mobile phone
30 Data collector
40 island controller

Claims (7)

A game operating state management device that sequentially collects game information of a plurality of gaming machines installed in the game hall and manages operating state information for each gaming machine and manages various information in the game hall including member information In the game system in the game hall with
Disposed in the game arcade, has an identification code of its own device, with is capable of communicating with the game operation state management device, the being carried to the player of the game arcade, the communication function and the short distance utilizing the public line A communication device capable of communicating with the mobile terminal using a short-range communication function of the mobile terminal provided with a communication function ;
Short-distance communication is performed between the portable terminal and the communication device, and there is no communication control program required for using a service using short-distance communication provided in the game hall in the portable terminal Or when the version of the communication control program in the portable terminal is old, the communication control is performed from the gaming operation state management device to the portable terminal via the communication device in response to a request from the portable terminal. A communication control program communication means for transmitting the program;
Terminal position acquisition means for executing the communication control program and acquiring a position corresponding to the gaming machine of the portable terminal based on an input designation from the portable terminal or the identification code of the communication device;
A designation means for executing the communication control program and designating information for identifying a predetermined gaming machine among gaming machines in the gaming hall by an input from the portable terminal;
Comprising
The communication device
An information requesting means for transmitting a request for the operating state information relating to the gaming machine specified by the specifying means together with an identification code of the own device to the gaming operating state management device;
Information transmission control means for transmitting the operating state information received from the gaming operating state management device to the mobile terminal;
Have
The game operating state management device includes:
Transmitting means for transmitting the operating state information toward the communication apparatus specified by the information requesting means of the communication apparatus
Gaming system, comprising a.   The portable terminal is
  Execute the communication control program to register member authentication information in the mobile terminal, and when the service request for the member is input to the mobile terminal, the authentication information is transmitted to the communication device,
  The communication device
  Receiving the authentication information transmitted by the mobile terminal, transmitting the authentication information to the game operating state management device;
  The game operating state management device is:
  Receives authentication information transmitted by the communication device, and performs authentication processing using the authentication information
  The game system according to claim 1. The short-range communication function installed in the mobile terminal is
The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein the gaming system is a communication function using Bluetooth that employs a spread spectrum system based on a frequency hopping system. The communication device and the mobile terminal are:
The gaming system according to claim 3, wherein a Bluetooth module for realizing a communication function using the Bluetooth is mounted. The portable terminal is
The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein the gaming system is one of a mobile phone, a portable handheld computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and a personal computer. The communication device
Comprising a connection unit for accommodating the portable terminal;
The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein the portable terminal and the communication device are connected via the connection unit by storing the portable terminal in the connection unit. The game operating state management device sequentially collects game information of a plurality of gaming machines installed in the game hall, manages the operating state information for each gaming machine, and manages various information in the game hall including member information In the information acquisition method of the portable terminal in the game hall that transmits the various information to the portable terminal carried by the player from the game operating state management device,
Communication capable of communicating with the gaming operation state management device and communicating with the portable terminal using a short-distance communication function among a communication function using a public line provided in the portable terminal and a short-distance communication function Arrange the device in the game hall in advance,
Perform near field communication between the mobile terminal and the communication device,
In the near field communication, there is no communication control program required for using the service using the near field communication provided in the game arcade in the portable terminal or in the portable terminal. Determine whether the version of the communication control program is new or old,
When it is determined that there is no communication control program or the version of the communication control program is old, the mobile terminal requests the game operating state management device to transmit the communication control program via the communication device,
In response to the request, by transmitting the communication control program from the gaming operation state management device to the mobile terminal via the communication device , the mobile terminal can execute the communication control program,
In addition, short-range communication is performed between the mobile terminal and the communication device,
When the communication control program is executed on the mobile terminal, the gaming machine is designated with respect to the communication device, and a browsing request for its operating state information is made.
Sending the browsing request for the operating state information of the gaming machine designated by the portable terminal together with the identification code of the communication device from the communication device to the gaming operating state management device,
The operation state information corresponding to the browsing request is transmitted from the game operation state management device to the communication device specified by the identification code,
By transmitting the operating status information received from the gaming operating status management device from the communication device to the mobile terminal, the operating status information of the designated gaming machine can be viewed on the mobile terminal,
Further, the game operating state management device can acquire a position corresponding to the gaming machine of the portable terminal based on an input designation from the portable terminal or the identification code of the communication device. A method for acquiring information on a portable terminal in a game hall.

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