JP7341870B2 - Game information management system and game information management method - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a gaming information management system and a gaming information management system for managing information regarding the amount of money and gaming media used by players in gaming machines and the amount of gaming media acquired by players (hereinafter referred to as "gaming information"). This invention relates to a game information management method.

Conventionally, gaming parlors have introduced new gaming machines, changed the layout of gaming machines, replaced gaming machines, etc. in order to meet the demands of players. For this reason, gaming information such as how much the player invested in which gaming machine and how much gaming media he acquired is managed by a management device called a hall computer.

However, even if it is possible to obtain game information about a game played by a certain game machine at a certain game machine, it is not possible to grasp how the player moves around in the game parlor and walks between multiple game machines. For this reason, a conventional technique is known in which game information is aggregated when each player visiting a game parlor moves between a plurality of game machines. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for determining that a single player played games in a plurality of gaming periods based on information regarding recording media, information regarding money deposits, and the like.

Patent No. 6313951

However, the problem with Patent Document 1 is that if the gaming information included in each gaming period constituting a plurality of gaming periods includes low-accuracy information, the accuracy of the entire information decreases. there were. Specifically, since a large number of gaming machines are installed in a gaming parlor, there is a possibility that the output path may be disrupted, deteriorated, or have a connection error, and the information output from the gaming machines may not be complete information for all gaming machines. It does not necessarily mean that In particular, when the information on some gaming machines is incomplete, there is a problem in that it is not possible to reduce the decline in output accuracy of gaming information generated based on information from multiple gaming machines including these. there were.

The present invention was made in order to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming information management system and a gaming information management method that can reduce the decline in output accuracy of gaming information. do.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a gaming information management system that is installed in a gaming parlor and manages gaming information of each gaming machine. an operation information collection means that collects operation information; a history information collection means that collects history information of related equipment based on information output from related equipment installed in connection with the gaming machine; and said operation information collection means. Based on the operation information of the gaming period from the start of the game by the player to the end of the game collected by the gaming machine by the means, and the historical information of the gaming period collected by the historical information collecting means, a period game information generation means for generating period game information; an incomplete information estimation means for estimating that the period game information includes incomplete information based on a predetermined condition; When it is estimated that the period game information includes incomplete information, game information indicating the game history of the same player is generated using the period game information excluding the period game information including the incomplete information. The present invention is characterized in that it has a game information generating means that generates game information.

Furthermore, in the above invention , when it is estimated by the incomplete information estimating means that there is an abnormality in the output information of the gaming machine, the present invention converts the period game information including the abnormal information into the abnormal period game information. The invention is characterized by further comprising a management means for managing the information so that it can be specified as such.

Further, in the above invention , the present invention further comprises notification output means for outputting a predetermined notification when it is estimated by the incomplete information estimation means that the operating information includes incomplete information. It is characterized by

The present invention also provides a gaming information management method that is applied to gaming parlors and manages gaming information of each gaming machine, and collects operating information of each gaming machine based on output information output from the gaming machine. an operation information collection step; a history information collection step of collecting history information of related equipment based on information output from related equipment installed in connection with the gaming machine; period gaming information of the gaming period based on the operation information of the gaming period from the start of the game by the player to the end of the game in the gaming machine and the history information of the gaming period collected in the history information collecting step. a step of generating period game information; an incomplete information estimation step of estimating that incomplete information is included in the period game information based on predetermined conditions; and a step of estimating the period game information in the incomplete information estimation step. When it is estimated that incomplete information is included in the game information, game information generation that generates game information indicating the gaming history of the same player using period game information excluding the period game information that includes the incomplete information. It is characterized by having a step.

According to the present invention, when the information in some gaming machines is incomplete, it is possible to reduce the decrease in the output accuracy of gaming information generated based on the information of a plurality of gaming machines including these. can.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the concept of a gaming information management system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the game information management system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine and gaming machine shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the own device status data and card data shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the card management device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the game type setting data, card management data, and device management data shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the member management device shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of member management data, game type setting data, and prize master stored in the storage section shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of operation data, game-related card processing history data, and non-game card processing history data stored in the storage section shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of count settlement processing history data, game history data, and period play data stored in the storage section shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the central management device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of period movement data, movement data, and exclusion condition data stored in the storage unit shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) for explaining the processing of the movement data generation section shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) for explaining the processing of the movement data generation section shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of player identification. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining automatic change of the threshold value. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining regeneration of movement data based on a change in a threshold value. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining analysis of movement data. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a movement correlation analysis and a movement reference by member. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining period comparison analysis. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of first game analysis, playing period analysis, and gaming machine analysis. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a display example on the management terminal shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the member management device. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the central management device according to the embodiment. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of exclusion condition data stored in the storage section shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the central management device according to the modified example.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a game information management system and a game information management method according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In this specification, "balls held" is data indicating game media that a player has acquired in a game, and can only be used again during the same day (before the closing time of the game parlor). Refers to what is possible. Note that the "number of balls held" refers to the number of gaming media that the player has acquired through playing the game. Furthermore, "stored balls" refers to data indicating gaming media deposited by a player at a gaming parlor, which can be used again for gaming on the next day or later (time after the closing time of the gaming parlor). Note that the "number of stored balls" refers to the number of gaming media deposited by the player at the gaming parlor. The balls can be used by both general players and member players, and are used when the gaming machine is moved. In principle, the accumulated balls can only be used by member players, and are used when the acquired game media are used for games on the gaming machine from the next day onwards.

<Overview of gaming information management system according to the embodiment>
First, an overview of the gaming information management system according to this embodiment will be explained. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the game information management system according to the present embodiment. A plurality of gaming machines 20 are installed in the gaming parlor, and each gaming machine 20 is provided with an inter-machine card processing machine 10, which is a device for each machine. The gaming information management system collects historical data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and also collects operation data from the gaming machine 20 (S1).

Here, in the conventional gaming information management system, the historical data collected from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the operation data collected from the gaming machine 20 are all considered to be correct, and play data is generated. However, for example, if the number of balls struck (out) is 0 balls but the number of prized balls (safe) is greater than a certain number, the out signal line is disconnected and the correct operation data is It is considered that the information has not been obtained. Also, if the total number of outs (number of balls hit) is greater than the theoretical maximum number of balls that can be hit, it is considered that some kind of error has occurred. In such a case, if these data are considered valid, the maximum winning amount/loss amount will become an abnormal value, and the play data will become inappropriate.

Therefore, in the gaming information management system according to the present embodiment, incomplete historical data and operational data are excluded (S2) based on exclusion conditions (for example, "no safe for 15 minutes or more"), and historical data and operational data that are not excluded are 2. Generate movement data based on (S3).

For example, if a certain player A inserts a general card associated with the number of balls he owns into the gaming machine P001 and starts playing the game, and ends the game after a certain period of time, the history data from the start of the game to the end of the game and Based on the operation data, "period movement data" indicating data for this period is generated. When this player A moves to the next gaming machine P002 after finishing the game on the gaming machine P001, new "period play data" is generated. In this way, at the game parlor, a large amount of period play data, which is a kind of fragment data, is generated.

In this embodiment, when the period movement data includes incomplete information, the period movement data including this incomplete information is not used when generating movement data. However, periodic movement data that includes incomplete information will not be deleted.

Note that whether or not the information included in the periodic movement data is incomplete is determined based on the exclusion condition. A detailed explanation of such exclusion conditions will be given later.

In this way, when the operating data of some gaming machines 20 and the historical data of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 are incomplete, the gaming information management system excludes such historical data and operating data and performs idle operations. By generating the data, it is possible to reduce the decrease in accuracy of the game information generated based on the operation data of the plurality of game machines 20 and the history data of the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

<System configuration>
Next, the system configuration of the gaming information management system according to this embodiment will be explained. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the system configuration of the gaming information management system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of gaming machines 20 and an inter-machine card processing machine 10 provided corresponding to each gaming machine 20 are installed in the gaming parlor. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 is connected to a communication line, which is an in-store network, via an island controller 30. An island controller 30, a card management device 40, a member management device 50, a prize management device 60, and a payment machine 70 are connected to the communication line. Further, the central management device 90 installed outside the store is connected to the member management device 50 and the management terminal 80 via an external network.

The game machine 20 is a device that plays games by hitting game balls sealed inside the device onto a game board surface. Note that these game balls are physical "balls" used in games, and are different from "game balls" that the gaming machine 20 handles as data. A plurality of winning areas (winning holes) are provided on the game board surface of this gaming machine 20, and a predetermined number of game balls are awarded as prizes based on the game balls passing through the winning areas. It has become. Further, a predetermined number of starting areas (starting ports) are provided on the game board surface, and a predetermined lottery is to be performed based on the passage of game balls through the starting areas. If the lottery results in a jackpot, a predetermined movable member or the like is operated to perform an operation that is advantageous in terms of gaming, such as improving the probability of passage of game balls to the above-mentioned winning area or other starting area. Note that there may be an area that serves as both a starting area and a winning area.

A winning sensor is provided in the winning area to detect the passage of a game ball into the winning area, and the winning sensor detects the passage (winning) of a game ball hit into the winning area. ing. In addition, the control unit of the gaming machine 20 stores a prize ball memory that stores how many game balls are awarded as prizes for each winning area, and a number of possible game balls that can be used by the player for games (hereinafter referred to as "gaming balls"). It has a game possible number memory that indicates the number of balls.

When receiving a deposit from a player, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 associates a prepaid value corresponding to the deposited amount with identification information (card ID) of a card stored within the machine. This prepaid value can be used for lending game balls. Further, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 can accept the insertion of a card associated with a prepaid value, balls held, accumulated balls, etc. At the end of the game, the card associated with the prepaid value, balls held, accumulated balls, etc. is ejected and returned to the player. Further, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits the history of operations such as deposit, card insertion, and card ejection to the member management device 50.

The game machine 20 transmits an outpulse to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 every time a predetermined number of game balls are ejected from the game board surface. Furthermore, the game machine 20 transmits a safe pulse to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 every time a predetermined number of prize balls are added to the game balls based on the game balls passing through the winning area (so-called winning). Further, when a special state such as a jackpot occurs in the game, a special prize pulse indicating the occurrence of such a state is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

The out pulse corresponds to the number of balls hit, which is the number of balls hit onto the game board by the player. The safe pulse corresponds to the number of prize balls obtained by winning. Further, the special prize pulse indicates a state of the gaming machine 20 such as a jackpot. Each pulse is transmitted to the member management device 50 via the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and the member management device 50 obtains a history of the operation of the gaming machine 20 by accumulating out pulses, safe pulses, and special prize pulses. be able to.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 accepts deposits, lends gaming balls, communicates with the card management device 40, communicates with the member management device 50, and communicates with the gaming machine 20. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives banknotes inserted by the player, the card management device 40 manages the prepaid value equivalent to the deposited amount by transmitting a deposit notification including the deposited amount to the card management device 40. be added to the prepaid value. When a predetermined ball lending operation is performed, a ball lending request is sent to the card management device 40, the prepaid value managed by the card management device 40 is subtracted, and the number corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value is added to the game. Notify the machine 20 and have it added to the number of game balls.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the card insertion, it transmits a card insertion notification to the card management device 40. Moreover, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the balance of prepaid value, retained balls, or accumulated balls from the card management device 40, it stores the balance. When the balance of balls held is received and stored, the balance of balls managed by the card management device 40 (number of balls held) is calculated by transmitting a request to subtract balls held to the card management device 40. Clear to zero.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives an operation to replay the balls it owns, it subtracts a predetermined number from the number of balls it owns, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the number corresponding to the subtracted number of balls it owns, and Add it to the number. In addition, upon receiving the stored ball replay operation, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 sends a stored ball replay request to the card management device 40 to subtract a predetermined number from the number of stored balls managed by the member management device 50, A number corresponding to the subtracted number of stored balls is notified to the game machine 20, and the number is added to the number of game balls.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the card return operation, it transmits a request to add the number of balls it has to the card management device 40, and after having the card management device 40 add the number of balls it has, the card A discharge notification is sent to the card management device 40 to control card discharge. Note that if a counting operation is received from the gaming machine 20 before the card return operation, the number of game balls is added to the number of balls held.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 has a function of acquiring a gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20 and authenticating the gaming machine 20 using the acquired gaming machine ID and the authentication key received from the card management device 40. This authentication is performed at the time of store opening processing, etc., and the gaming machine 20 becomes capable of playing games on the condition that the authentication is successful.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 performs various display controls based on the status of the gaming machine 20, and also transmits the status of the gaming machine 20 to the member management device 50.

The island controller 30 is a device that bundles a group of gaming machines 20 and inter-machine card processing machines 10 provided on the gaming island, and relays various information to the card management device 40.

When the card management device 40 receives the card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it associates the identification information of the inserted card (hereinafter referred to as "card ID") with the inter-machine card processing machine 10. The prepaid value and the remaining balance associated with the card ID are sent to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. In addition, when the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification is the card ID of the membership card, the card insertion notification is sent to the membership management device 50, and the stored ball replay data received from the membership management device 50 is transferred to the card between the machines. It is transmitted to the processing device 10.

Further, when the card management device 40 receives a request to subtract the number of balls held from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it clears the balance of the number of balls to zero, and receives a request to add the number of balls held from the inter-machine card processing machine 10. In this case, the number of balls indicated in the ball holding addition request is added to the balance of balls held.

Further, when the card management device 40 receives a ball lending request from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 subtracts a prepaid value associated with the card ID by a predetermined value, and issues a ball lending permission to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Send. When the stored ball replay request is received, the stored ball replay request is transmitted to the member management device 50, and when the member management device 50 outputs the stored ball replay data, the stored ball replay data is transmitted between the machines. It is transmitted to the card processing machine 10.

Further, upon receiving the card ID from the prize management device 60, the card management device 40 notifies the prize management device 60 of the number of balls associated with this card ID. Further, upon receiving the card ID from the payment machine 70, the prepaid value associated with this card ID is notified to the payment machine 70.

Further, the card management device 40 acquires the gaming machine ID from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and manages the gaming machines 20 installed in its own store. Then, an authentication key for authenticating the gaming machine 20 set in the own parlor is obtained from an authentication key management center (not shown) outside the gaming parlor, and distributed to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

The member management device 50 is a device that collects and totals information regarding the status of the gaming machines 20 from the inter-machine card processing machine 10. The member management device 50 can further acquire the state of ball lending by the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and calculate sales from the safe and out states of each gaming machine 20 and the ball lending state. The status and sales of the gaming machines 20 can be aggregated for each gaming machine, each island, and each gaming parlor, and can also be aggregated by date.

In addition, the member management device 50 generates period activity data 56i using the operation history (operation data) of the gaming machine 20 accumulated in its own device and the operation history (history data) of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Then, the central management device 90 is notified of the movement data 56i for the period. This period play data 56i indicates the start time, end time, gaming machine ID, card ID, deposit amount, out, safe, winning/losing amount, etc. in one continuous game.

Further, the member management device 50 manages member management data of members registered as members at the game parlor. Specifically, the number of accumulated balls, points, password, name, etc. are managed in association with the membership card ID issued to the member.

When the member management device 50 receives the card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the membership management device 50 transfers the accumulated ball replay data including the accumulated ball balance and the password corresponding to the card ID indicated in the card insertion notification to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. It is transmitted to the card processing machine 10. Further, upon receiving a stored ball replay request from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the member management device 50 subtracts a predetermined number from the remaining ball balance associated with the card ID indicated in the stored ball replay request, and after the subtraction, The ball storage replay data including the balance of the ball storage is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Note that communication between the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the member management device 50 is performed via the card management device 40.

Further, upon receiving an inquiry about the number of stored balls from the prize management device 60, the member management device 50 notifies the prize management device 60 of the balance of stored balls corresponding to the specified card ID.

The prize management device 60 is a terminal device for prize exchange that is attached to a prize exchange counter in a game store, and performs prize exchange processing for acquired balls, stored balls, and held balls. A card reader that reads the card ID of a card and a prize payout device that pays out prizes are connected to this prize management device 60. When the prize management device 60 reads a card ID from a general card or a membership card (or when it reads identification information corresponding to the card ID from a mobile terminal, etc.), it transmits the card ID to the card management device 40. Then, the balance of the balls of the card ID is requested. Moreover, when exchanging the accumulated balls for a prize, a request is made to the member management device 50 for the balance of the accumulated balls.

When a card associated with a prepaid value is inserted, the payment machine 70 transmits the card ID of this card to the card management device 40, acquires the prepaid value associated with the card, and adds the prepaid value to the acquired prepaid value. The corresponding amount of cash will be paid out.

The central management device 90 determines whether or not the games are played by the same player from the period play data 95a notified from the member management device 50, and generates play data 95b indicating the game history of each player. A detailed explanation will be given later, but if the same card is used, it is determined that the game is played by the same player. Furthermore, if a plurality of cards are used while a game is being played continuously, it is determined that the game is played by the same player using a plurality of cards.

Furthermore, when generating the movement data 95b, the central management device 90 excludes the incomplete period movement data 95a. Although a detailed explanation will be given later, by excluding the incomplete period movement data 95a based on the exclusion condition data 95c, it is possible to reduce the decrease in accuracy of the movement data 95b.

Further, the central management device 90 analyzes the usage history of each player using the play data 95b. Although the details will be described later, analysis using movement history of players, information on how players played during a predetermined period and analysis of its trends, or analysis using the number of players for each gaming machine 20. Analysis is possible.

The management terminal 80 is connected to the central management device 90 via an external network, and instructs the central management device 90 to analyze the movement data 95b and displays the analysis results.

Next, the ball lending process in the gaming information management system according to this embodiment will be explained. When a player performs a ball lending operation on the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits a message addressed to the local address of the card management device 40. This message includes the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or arbitrary identification information that specifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, and a ball lending request.

When the card management device 40 receives a message including a ball lending request, the card management device 40 sets the prepaid value associated with the card ID in the message to a predetermined value (for example, 500 yen when the number of times is 100 yen). 5 degrees), the card management data 45b is updated, and the ball lending permission is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the transmission source. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 that has received the ball lending permission transmits an addition signal to the gaming machine 20 requesting that a number (for example, "125") corresponding to the subtracted prepaid value be added to the number of game balls.

The gaming machine 20 that has received the addition signal adds up the number of game balls and transmits the added number of game balls to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 compares the sum of the number of game balls before addition and the number of balls lent out with the number of game balls after addition, and determines whether the addition of the number of game balls has been appropriately performed. judge.

Next, the ball replay process in the gaming information management system according to this embodiment will be explained. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the insertion of a general card or a membership card, it transmits a message addressed to the local address of the card management device 40. This message contains the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or arbitrary identification information that specifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, and the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. information for identifying the card and a card insertion notification.

When the card management device 40 receives the card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the card management device 40 calculates the balance of the balls with the rate specified by the message among the balls associated with the card ID in the message. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 is notified.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the balance of balls received from the card management device 40. Then, it transmits to the card management device 40 a message including information specifying the card ID and rate, and a request for subtraction of balls held. When the card management device 40 receives the request to subtract the balls held, the card management device 40 clears the balance of the balls specified by the card ID and the rate to zero. Moreover, when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the operation to replay the balls held, it subtracts the balance of the balls held by a fixed number, notifies the gaming machine 20 of the corresponding number, and causes it to be added to the number of game balls.

If the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a management transfer request from the gaming machine 20 that transfers the management of the number of game balls of the gaming machine 20 to the balls held by the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 requests the management transfer. Add the number of game balls shown in to the number of balls owned by the own device. After that, when the card return operation is accepted, a message including a request for adding up the number of balls held is sent to the card management device 40. This message contains the card ID of the card to be ejected, an address or arbitrary identification information for specifying the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, information for specifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and information for specifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. It includes the balance of balls and a request for addition of balls.

When the card management device 40 receives the request for adding up the balls, it receives the balance (number of balls) of the balls at the rate specified by the message among the balls associated with the card ID in the message. Update to the specified value. Thereafter, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits a card ejection notification to the card management device 40 and controls the card ejection.

Next, the stored ball replay process in the gaming information management system according to this embodiment will be explained. When receiving a membership card or reading identification information corresponding to a card ID from a mobile terminal that can be used as a membership card, the inter-stand card processing machine 10 sends a message to the local address of the card management device 40. Send. This message contains the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 (or identification information corresponding to the card ID read from the mobile terminal) and an address that specifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender. Alternatively, it includes arbitrary identification information, information for specifying the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and a card insertion notification.

The card management device 40 transmits a card insertion notification message to the member management device 50. When the member management device 50 receives a card insertion notification message, the member management device 50 includes the password associated with the card ID in the message and the balance of the accumulated balls at the rate specified by the message. The stored ball replay data is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 stores the received ball storage replay data, and if the balance of the storage balls indicated in the storage ball replay data is the number of game ball payout units in the storage ball replay (the number of storage ball replay units; for example, "125 If the number of balls is equal to or higher than "balls"), it is possible to accept a ball storage replay operation.

When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives a stored ball replay operation for the first time after storing the stored ball replay data, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 prompts the player to input a PIN number, and the input PIN is used as the stored ball replay data. Check if it matches the PIN number shown.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 transmits a message addressed to the local address of the card management device 40 when the passwords match. This message contains the card ID of the card inserted in the inter-machine card processing machine 10, an address or arbitrary identification information that specifies the inter-machine card processing machine 10 that is the sender, and the rate of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. This includes information for identifying the player, and a request to replay the stored balls.

The card management device 40 transmits a stored ball replay request message to the member management device 50. When the member management device 50 receives a message requesting replay of accumulated balls, it subtracts a predetermined value from the balance of accumulated balls associated with the card ID in the message, with the rate specified by the message; The stored ball replay data including the subsequent balance is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

The inter-machine card processing machine 10 receives the stored ball replay data, updates the balance of stored balls, and notifies the gaming machine 20 of a number corresponding to the number of stored ball replay units to add it to the number of game balls. Also, it is determined whether the balance of the ball storage after the update is less than the number of ball storage replay units. If the balance of the ball storage data after the update is equal to or greater than the number of ball storage replay units, it is possible to accept the ball storage replay operation again, and if the ball storage replay operation is accepted, a ball storage replay request is transmitted. Confirmation of the PIN number is not required for the second and subsequent ball storage replay operations. If the balance of the ball storage data after the update becomes less than the number of ball storage replay units, the ball storage replay operation cannot be accepted.

Next, the transition from holding balls to storing balls in the closing process will be explained. The card management device 40 checks the balance of the balls in the card management data 45b at the time of closing processing, and if there is a ball with a balance greater than "0", the card management device 40 stores the balance of the balls with the card ID and The member management device 50 is notified along with the rate. The member management device 50 adds and updates the notified balance of balls to the balance of balls specified by the card ID and rate. Thereafter, the card management device 40 clears the balance of the balls to zero.

<External configuration of inter-machine card processing machine 10 and gaming machine 20>
Next, the external configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. 2 will be explained. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the external configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. Although the figure shows an inter-machine card processing machine 10 that accepts only banknotes, a unit that can accept electronic money may also be provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 includes a status display section 11 that displays the device status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 by lighting or blinking a lamp of a predetermined color, and a bill insertion slot that accepts various banknotes. 12a, a display/operation unit 13 such as a touch panel display, and a card insertion slot 14a for receiving a card associated with a card ID.

The game machine 20 is provided with a game board surface, a handle 21 used for discharging enclosed game balls onto the game board surface, and a counting button 22.

The counting button 22 subtracts the number of game balls of the gaming machine 20 and adds the corresponding number to the balls held by the inter-machine card processing machine 10, thereby managing the number of balls that can be thrown out from the gaming machine 20. This is an operation button for performing management transfer to the card processing machine 10. This management shift corresponds to a counting process in which the inter-machine card processing machine 10 counts the paid out game balls and adds them to the balls held in the open type gaming machine 20 where actual game balls are paid out upon winning.

<Internal configuration of inter-stand card processing machine 10>
Next, the internal configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be explained. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 includes a banknote transport section 12, a display operation section 13, a reader/writer 14, a communication section 15, a storage section 16, a control section 17, and a game management section 18.

The banknote transport unit 12 is a transport unit that determines the denomination and authenticity of a banknote inserted through the banknote insertion slot 12a and transports the banknote to a banknote storage unit (not shown). The display operation unit 13 is an input/output device such as a touch panel display that displays various information such as value and accepts various operations such as ball lending operations.

The reader/writer 14 is a reader that reads a card ID from a card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a. Note that the card inserted into the card insertion slot 14a passes through the reader/writer 14 and is stored in a card storage section (not shown). The communication unit 15 is an interface unit for performing data communication with the card management device 40 via the island controller 30.

The storage unit 16 is a storage device consisting of a hard disk device, nonvolatile memory, or the like. The storage unit 16 stores own device status data 16a and card data 16b.

The self-device status data 16a is data indicating the status of the inter-machine card processing machine 10. This own device status data 16a includes an inter-machine card processing machine ID, a gaming machine ID, a game type, and the like. The inter-machine card processing machine ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the inter-machine card processing machine 10 within the gaming arcade. The game type is data indicating the rate set in the inter-machine card processing machine 10. When handling game balls with multiple rates in a game store, game balls with a 4 yen rate are given "ball 1", game balls with a 2 yen rate are given "ball 2", and game balls with a 1 yen rate are given "ball 3". The name of the game type is set and managed for each rate. The inter-machine card processing machine 10 selects a rate to be used for the game from these game types and stores it as the game type. The game type may be fixed for each section where the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is installed, or may be changeable by the player's operation.

The card data 16b is data related to the card being used by the player. The card data 16b includes a card ID, a password, a prepaid value, balls held, accumulated balls, and the like. The card ID is a card ID read by the reader/writer 14. When a card is conveyed from a card storage section (not shown) to the card insertion slot 14a and then ejected, the card data 16b is updated with the card ID read by the reader/writer 14 during the conveyance. Furthermore, even when the card is transported from the card insertion slot 14a to a card storage section (not shown), the card data 16b is updated with the card ID read by the reader/writer 14 during this transport. The prepaid value indicates the balance of the prepaid value that can be used for lending balls, and the balls held and the accumulated balls indicate their respective balances.

The game management unit 18 is a processing unit that performs processing related to authentication and communication with the gaming machine 20. It is desirable that the game management section 18 be formed on a different substrate from the control section 17. The gaming management section 18 includes an authentication processing section 18a, an authentication key management section 18b, and a gaming machine state management section 18c. In reality, by loading and executing these programs into a CPU (Central Processing Unit), the authentication processing section 18a, authentication key management section 18b, and gaming machine state management section 18c are made to execute the corresponding processes. Become.

The authentication processing unit 18a authenticates the gaming machine 20 using the authentication key received from the card management device 40. If the authentication is successful, the authentication processing unit 18a transmits operation permission to the gaming machine 20. The authentication processing unit 18a prohibits the use of the gaming machine 20 if the authentication fails. Even if the authentication fails, the operation permission will be sent to the gaming machine 20 if it is within a predetermined period since the last successful authentication, and after the predetermined period has passed since the last successful authentication, the operation permission will be sent to the gaming machine 20. It may be configured such that the use of the gaming machine 20 is prohibited without transmitting the operation permission.

The authentication key management unit 18b is a processing unit that manages authentication keys. A usage time is set for the authentication key, and when the cumulative operating time of the gaming machine 20 reaches the usage time of the authentication key, the authentication key becomes unusable. Specifically, the authentication key management unit 18b uses the energization time of the board on which the game management unit 18 is formed as the operating time of the gaming machine 20, and manages the usage time of the authentication key. When the authentication key becomes unusable, the authentication key management unit 18b obtains a new authentication key from an authentication key management center outside the store via the card management device 40, and updates the authentication key.

The gaming machine state management section 18c is a processing section that communicates with the gaming machine 20 and manages the state of the gaming machine 20. Specifically, the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires the gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20, sends a request for addition to the number of game balls by loaning balls, and adds the number of balls to the number of game balls from the balls held by replaying the balls held. Sending a management transfer request, sending a request for addition to the number of game balls by replaying stored balls, receiving game results such as the number of balls hit and the number of prize balls on the gaming machine 20, and changing the number of game balls by counting to the number of balls held. Receives management migration requests. Communication between the inter-machine card processing machine 10 and the gaming machine 20 uses encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption method.

In addition, the gaming machine state management unit 18c further acquires the state set for the game of the gaming machine 20, such as the current number of game balls, start, jackpot, jackpot type, and number of drawings. It is desirable that the time interval at which the gaming machine status management unit 18c acquires the status of the gaming machine 20 is set shorter than the interval at which game balls are fired (used) in the gaming machine 20.

Note that the timing at which the gaming machine status management unit 18c newly acquires the gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 20 is not limited to before the opening of the store. When the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is powered on or off, during regular communication, when processing related to the number of game balls (ball lending, replay, counting, etc.), when returning from an offline state, etc. It is possible to obtain a gaming machine ID and to determine whether to replace the gaming machine 20. Further, these timings may be used in combination.

The control unit 17 is a control unit that controls the entire inter-machine card processing machine 10, and includes a data management unit 17a. Actually, the process is executed by loading and executing the program corresponding to the data management section 17a into the CPU.

When a card is inserted, the data management unit 17a transmits a card insertion notification including the card ID and the inter-machine card processing machine ID to the card management device 40. Further, when receiving data including value (at least one of prepaid value, retained balls, and accumulated balls) from the card management device 40, the data management unit 17a updates the card data 16b with the received value.

Further, when a banknote is inserted into the banknote insertion slot 12a, the data management unit 17a transmits a deposit notification including the amount of the inserted banknote, the card ID, and the inter-machine card processing machine ID to the card management device 40.

Furthermore, when the player performs a ball lending operation, the data management unit 17a transmits a ball lending request including the card ID and the inter-machine card processing machine ID to the card management device 40. If a ball lending permission is received as a response to this ball lending request, the data management unit 17a subtracts the prepaid value of the card data 16b and adds a predetermined number of balls to the number of playing balls of the gaming machine 20. Instruct the game management section 18.

In addition, when the data management unit 17a receives an operation to replay the balls held, the data management unit 17a subtracts and updates the balls held in the card data 16b, and manages the game so that the corresponding number of balls is added to the number of game balls of the gaming machine 20. 18.

Furthermore, when the balance of the stored balls indicated in the card data 16b is equal to or greater than the number of stored balls replay units, the data management section 17a displays a stored balls replay button on the display operation section 13 and accepts the stored balls replay operation. possible. The data management unit 17a transmits a stored ball replay request including a card ID and an inter-machine card processing machine ID to the card management device 40 when a player performs a stored ball replay operation. When the stored ball replay data is received as a response to this stored ball replay request, the ball balance in the card data 16b is updated, and the number of balls corresponding to the number of stored ball replay units is added to the number of game balls of the gaming machine 20. The game management section 18 is instructed to do so. In addition, at the time of the first stored ball replay operation, the input of the password is required, and the condition for transmitting the stored ball replay request is that the password matches the password shown in the card data 16b.

Further, when the game management unit 18 receives a transfer request for game balls from the gaming machine 20, the data management unit 17a adds the number of balls instructed to the game management unit 18 to the balls held in the card data 16b. Update.

Moreover, when the data management unit 17a receives a card return operation, it transmits to the card management device 40 a request for adding up the number of balls that the player has, including the card ID, the inter-machine card processing machine ID, and the balance of the number of balls that the player has. After clearing the card data 16b, a card ejection notification is sent to the card management device 40, and the card is ejected.

Next, a specific example of data stored in the storage unit 16 of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the own device status data 16a and card data 16b shown in FIG. 4.

The self-device status data 16a shown in FIG. 5(a) indicates that the ID of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is "A101", the gaming machine ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B201", and the inter-machine card processing machine A state in which "ball 1" is set as the 10 game type is shown.

The card data 16b shown in FIG. 5(b) indicates that the ID of the card inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is "2002". Note that here, the first digit of the card ID indicates the type of card, and a card whose first digit is "1" is a general card, and a card whose first digit is "2" is a membership card. Further, the card data 16b indicates that the pin number for replaying stored balls is "7777" and the prepaid value is "2000" degrees. Note that, in this case, the frequency of prepaid value is equivalent to 1 yen.

In addition, the card data 16b shows that the balance of balls 1 has is "500" balls, the balance of balls 2 has "0" balls, and the balance of balls 3 has "130" balls. Yes, the balance of ball 1 is "1000", the balance of ball 2 is "0", and the balance of ball 3 is "0".

<Internal configuration of gaming machine 20>
Next, the internal configuration of the gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. 2 will be explained. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of gaming machine 20 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the gaming machine 20 includes a communication control section 23, an effect control section 24, a game control section 25, and a game ball control section 26. The communication control unit 23 is a control unit for controlling data communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10 uses encrypted communication using a predetermined encryption method.

When the gaming machine 20 is started, the communication control unit 23 reads the identification information from the control CPU provided in the gaming control unit 25 and/or the gaming ball control unit 26, checks whether the identification information is appropriate, and if appropriate, , establishes communication with the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and enters a standby state. In the standby state, when an operation permission is received from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the production control section 24, the game control section 25, and the game ball control section 26 are activated to make the game possible.

The game control unit 25 is a control unit that controls games by the gaming machine 20. In reality, the process is executed by loading a program corresponding to the game control unit 25 into the CPU and executing it.

Specifically, the game control unit 25 controls the firing of game balls onto the game board surface by detecting handle operation, detects game balls that have entered the winning slot on the game board surface, and calculates random numbers (0 to 1) by game balls that have entered the starting slot. Among the 65535 random numbers, jackpot, small win, and loss numbers are assigned to each predetermined range) acquisition and lottery (special symbols and normal symbols), movable members provided on the game board surface (tulips, etc.) ), display control of the special symbol display device provided on the game board surface, detection of abnormalities that may indicate fraud (front frame open, vibration detected, etc.), and notification to the host device.

A large number of obstacle nails are planted on the game board surface, and game balls that are fired onto the game board surface by operating the handle will fall between the obstacle nails, and will either enter the prize opening or the starting opening, or will not win the prize. It is ejected out of the game board surface from the outlet of the game board surface. A lottery is held when a game ball enters the starting hole, and when a jackpot is achieved, a jackpot game is performed in which a predetermined winning hole on the game board is opened multiple times, and the game ball enters the winning hole. To award prize balls to a player by making it easier.

Further, the jackpot includes a bonus jackpot game in which a predetermined bonus game is given to the player after the jackpot game ends. The bonus jackpot game includes a probability fluctuation jackpot and a time-saving jackpot. The probability variable jackpot and the time-saving jackpot are each provided with a probability variable game and a time-saving game as bonus games after the jackpot. Time-saving games include the variable time (from the start of the lottery process until the result is displayed) of the normal symbol lottery (the above-mentioned opening/closing lottery of the movable member) and/or the special symbol lottery (the above-mentioned jackpot lottery due to the winning of game balls). This is a bonus game that increases the number of drawings per unit time and increases the probability of winning a jackpot per unit time by shortening the amount of time. This bonus game may include a normal symbol probability variation that increases the probability of winning a normal symbol. The time-saving game based on the time-saving jackpot ends when the special symbol lottery is performed a predetermined number of times after the jackpot. The probability fluctuation game will be described later.

The game control unit 25 has a probability variation function. The probability variation function is a control that changes the jackpot random number range used for the next lottery (generally about 10 times) when the lottery result falls within a specified random number range of the jackpot. It is a function. In the probability variation game, a special symbol lottery is performed using the changed probability. The probability variable game continues until the next jackpot is won. Further, the probability fluctuation game and the time saving game may be provided at the same time. However, in order to prevent unexpected damage to the game parlor, if a player acquires a certain amount of game media after starting a probability variable game or a time-saving game, the game will be stopped (eject the card once and request a prize exchange or move of the machine). processing). In this case, the number of game media after entering the probability variable game state is counted by the game machine 20, and when this counted value reaches a predetermined value, game stop control such as stopping the firing of game balls is performed. This can be achieved with

The performance control section 24 is a control section that controls the performance during the game, and includes a performance symbol lottery section 24a and a performance lottery section 24b. Actually, by loading these programs into the CPU and executing them, the effect symbol lottery section 24a and the effect lottery section 24b are caused to execute corresponding processes, respectively.

The performance symbol lottery unit 24a selects a lottery (specifically, finalizes the display) of performance symbols (symbols to be displayed on a performance symbol display device such as a display device within the game board) based on the special symbol lottery performed by the game control unit 25. (such as whether to stop at 7, 7, 7).

The performance lottery section 24b performs a lottery on the type of performance (such as a character appearing and performing a reach performance) before displaying the lottery results based on the performance symbols. The effects are set so that the effects selected are different for the main lottery results.

The performance control unit 24 stores performance data for each performance. Furthermore, the performance control section 24 controls the display of the performance symbol display device, and when performing the performance, displays the performance data by superimposing the performance data on the background pattern data. Furthermore, when the probability changes, background color data different from that in the normal state is set.

The game ball control unit 26 is a control unit that controls the number of game balls. In reality, the process is executed by loading a program corresponding to the game ball control unit 26 into the CPU and executing it.

Specifically, the game ball control unit 26 stores the number of game balls in the playable number memory, subtracts "1" from the number of game balls each time a game ball is fired, and calculates the number of prize balls to be won by winning. is added to the number of game balls. In addition, when the number of balls is notified from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the notified number of balls is added to the number of game balls, and a notification is sent to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 to the effect that it has been added to the number of gaming balls. send a confirmation signal indicating the Further, the game ball control section 26 can also perform cleaning control of the game balls (circulating balls) enclosed in the gaming machine 20.

Further, the game ball control unit 26 periodically transmits the number of game balls stored in the playable number memory to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. In this case, the game ball control unit 26 continues to update the number of game balls according to the game state without zero-clearing the contents of the memory for the number of possible games, and updates the game ball control unit 26 to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 at the time of data acquisition. Send pitch count.

The gaming machine 20 is also provided with a counting button 22, and a signal indicating that the counting button 22 has been pressed is input to the game ball control unit 26. The game ball control unit 26 detects the pressing operation of the counting button 22, and if the time from the rise to the fall of the detection signal is less than a certain time, the game ball control unit 26 counts the number of game balls by a certain number (for example, 100 balls per operation). A management transfer request is sent to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 along with the data. Then, the number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is subtracted (invalidated) from the number of game balls. In addition, when the pressing operation of the counting button 22 is detected and the falling edge is not detected for a predetermined period of time after the detection signal rises, a certain number is added each time the detection signal rises for a certain period of time (for example, every 5 seconds). A management transfer request is sent to the inter-machine card processing machine 10 along with data on the number of game balls (200 balls). Then, the number of balls transferred to the management of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is subtracted (invalidated) from the number of game balls. When subtracting from the number of game balls, there is a method of decrementing the value to be subtracted from the value of 1 stored in memory, or updating the value stored in memory with the value after subtraction and deleting the value before subtraction or using logic. A method such as deleting and invalidating it may be considered, but there is no particular limitation as long as the value after subtraction can be specified.

The game control section 25 and the game ball control section 26 are each configured on separate boards. The game control board in which the game control section 25 is configured and the game ball control board in which the game ball control section 26 is configured each have a unique ID. The gaming machine 20 combines the ID of the gaming control board and the ID of the gaming ball control board, and uses the combination as the gaming machine ID.

<Internal configuration of card management device 40>
Next, the internal configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 2 will be explained. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the card management device 40 is connected to a display section 41 and an input section 42, and includes a store network communication section 43, a control section 44, and a storage section 45.

The display section 41 is a liquid crystal panel, a display device, or the like. The input unit 42 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. The store network communication section 43 is an interface section for data communication with the island controller 30, member management device 50, prize management device 60, and payment machine 70 via communication lines within the game store.

The control unit 44 is a control unit that performs overall control of the card management device 40, and includes a game type setting management unit 44a, a card management unit 44b, and a device management unit 44c. Actually, by loading these programs into the CPU and executing them, the game type setting management section 44a, card management section 44b, and device management section 44c are caused to execute corresponding processes.

The game type setting management unit 44a is a processing unit that associates game types, rates, and display names used in the game parlor and manages them as game type setting data 45a.

The card management section 44b is a processing section that manages card management data 45b. The card management unit 44b communicates with the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the prize management device 60, and the payment machine 70, and updates the prepaid value and balance of balls associated with the card ID. Further, when the card management unit 44b receives a card insertion notification from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, it notifies the card of the value associated with the card and the balance of the cards.

The device management section 44c is a processing section that manages device management data 45c. The device management unit 44c generates and updates device management data 45c based on the inter-machine card processing machine ID acquired from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the address of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the installation location, and the gaming machine ID. .

The storage unit 45 is a storage device such as a hard disk device or a nonvolatile memory, and stores game type setting data 45a, card management data 45b, and device management data 45c.

The game type setting data 45a is data in which rental rates and display names are associated with game types. The card management data 45b is data in which the card ID is associated with the balance of prepaid value and the balance of balls held. The device management data 45c is data regarding devices installed at the game parlor. This device management data 45c includes the inter-machine card processing machine ID, the address of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the installation location, the gaming machine ID, the model data of the gaming machine 20, and the like.

Next, a specific example of data stored in the storage unit 45 of the card management device 40 shown in FIG. 7 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the game type setting data 45a, card management data 45b, and device management data 45c shown in FIG. 7.

In the game type setting data 45a shown in FIG. 8(a), the game type name "ball 1" is associated with the rate "4 yen" and the display name "4 pachi". In addition, for the game type name ``Tama 2'', the rate is ``2 yen'' and the display name ``2 pachi'', and for the game type name ``Tama 3'', the rate is ``1 yen'' and the display name ``1 pachi''. It is associated.

In the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 8(b), the card ID "1001" is associated with the prepaid value "0" frequency, the balance of balls of each rate "0", and the destination ID "A101". That is, the card with the card ID "1001" has been inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with the device ID "A101", and the management of the balls has been transferred to the inter-machine card processing machine 10. Therefore, the balance of balls at each rate is zero.

In addition, in the card management data 45b shown in FIG. 8(b), the card ID "2001" has a prepaid value of "3000", the remaining balls of ball 1 are "1500", and the balance of balls of ball 2 is "1500". It is associated with the balance of "2500" balls and the balance of "0" balls of the ball 3, but the destination ID is not associated with it. That is, the card with the card ID "2001" has not been inserted into the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and the cards in possession are managed by the card management device 40.

The device management data 45c shown in FIG. 8(c) indicates that the address on the network of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with ID "A101" is "AB.CD.EF.GH", the installation location is "Island 1-1", It shows that the ID of the connected gaming machine 20 is "B201", the game type is "ball 1", the model of the connected gaming machine 20 is "EV01", and the serial number is "a". It also shows that this gaming machine 20 is in use.

In addition, the device management data 45c shows that the address on the network of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 with ID "A201" is "AB.CD.EF.IJ", the installation location is "Island 2-1", and the connected gaming machine The ID of game machine 20 is "B506," the game type is "ball 3," the model of the connected gaming machine 20 is "DK03," and the serial number is "g." It also shows that this gaming machine 20 is in use.

<Internal configuration of member management device 50>
Next, the internal configuration of the member management device 50 shown in FIG. 2 will be explained. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the member management device 50 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the member management device 50 is connected to a display section 51 and an input section 52, and includes an external network communication section 53, a store network communication section 54, a control section 55, and a storage section 56.

The display section 51 is a liquid crystal panel, a display device, or the like. The input unit 52 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. The external network communication unit 53 is an interface unit for communicating with a central management device 90 outside the store. The store network communication unit 54 is an interface unit for data communication with the island controller 30, card management device 40, prize management device 60, and payment machine 70 via communication lines within the game store.

The control unit 55 is a control unit that performs overall control of the member management device 50, and includes a member management unit 55a, a prize master management unit 55b, an operation data accumulation and aggregation unit 55c, a card processing history management unit 55d, and a game history data generation unit 55e. and a period movement data generation section 55f. Actually, by loading and executing these programs on the CPU, the member management section 55a, prize master management section 55b, operation data accumulation and aggregation section 55c, card processing history management section 55d, game history data generation section 55e, and The period movement data generation unit 55f is caused to execute the corresponding processes.

The member management section 55a is a processing section that manages member management data 56a. The member management unit 55a communicates with the card management device 40 and the prize management device 60 to update the balance of accumulated balls associated with the card ID. Furthermore, when the member management section 55a receives a member registration request, it updates the member management data 56a to add a member.

Here, the stored ball replay process by the member management section 55a will be explained. When the member management unit 55a receives the stored ball replay request data from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the member management unit 55a calculates the balance of the stored balls at the payout destination rate among the stored balls associated with the card ID in the stored ball replay request data. is withdrawn by the number of payout units, and the possible number of stored balls to be replayed is recalculated. Then, the stored ball replay data including the balance after the subtraction and the possible number of stored ball replays is transmitted to the inter-machine card processing machine 10.

The prize master management section 55b is a processing section that manages the prize master 56c. Once the prize master 56c has been updated, the prize master management section 55b distributes the prize master 56c to the prize management device 60 in the game parlor.

When the operation data accumulation and aggregation unit 55c receives the out pulse, safe pulse, and special prize pulse of the gaming machine 20 from the inter-machine card processing machine 10, the operation data accumulation and aggregation unit 55c registers the time, the gaming machine ID, and the pulse type in association with each other in the operating data 56d. This is a processing unit that accumulates pulse data.

Further, the operation data accumulation and aggregation section 55c is also a processing section that acquires the operation history of the gaming machine 20 by aggregating pulses based on the operation data 56d. The operation history of the gaming machine 20 includes the number of balls struck, the number of prize balls issued, and the occurrence of special prizes.

The card processing history management unit 55d is a processing unit that accumulates the history of operations of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 such as deposit, card insertion, and card ejection, and the history of operations by the prize management device 60, payment machine 70, and the like.

Specifically, when the card processing history management unit 55d receives card insertion notification data, card ejection notification data, deposit notification data, each unit count notification data, and general card expiration data from the card management device 40, the card processing history management unit 55d determines the time. , gaming machine ID, card ID, etc., and the content of the processing are associated with each other and added to the game-related card processing history data 56e.

Further, when the card processing history management unit 55d receives the wagon prize exchange data and the ball division notification data from the card management device 40, the card processing history management unit 55d associates the time, gaming machine ID, card ID, etc. with the content of the processing and starts playing the game. It is added to the external card processing history data 56f.

In addition, when the card processing history management section 55d receives a notification of an operation from the prize management device 60, payment machine 70, etc., the card processing history management section 55d records the time, device ID, gaming machine ID of the gaming machine 20 used last, card ID, etc. The details of the process are associated with each other and added to the count settlement process history data 56g.

The game history data generation unit 55e generates game history data 56h using the operation data 56d and the game-related card processing history data 56e at a predetermined timing such as after the store is closed, and stores it in the storage unit 56.

The period play data generation unit 55f generates one continuous game from the game history data 56h using the non-game card processing history data 56f, the counting settlement processing history data 56g, and the game history data 56h at a predetermined timing such as after the store is closed. The period movement data 56i shown is generated and stored in the storage unit 56.

Next, data stored in the storage unit 56 of the member management device 50 shown in FIG. 9 will be explained. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the member management data 56a, game type setting data 56b, and prize master 56c stored in the storage unit 56 shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the operation data 56d, game-related card processing history data 56e, and non-game card processing history data 56f stored in the storage unit 56 shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the counting settlement processing history data 56g, game history data 56h, and period play data 56i stored in the storage unit 56 shown in FIG. 9.

The member management data 56a shown in FIG. 10(a) shows a state in which the card ID "2002" is associated with the name "BC", the balance of accumulated balls for each game type, the mobile ID "IDmX1", etc. ing. Although not shown here, the member management data 56a can also store the member's points, number of visits to the store, gaming history, password, etc. in association with the card ID. Note that the mobile IDm described above is identification data that can identify a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, and is used when the mobile terminal is used as a membership card.

Further, FIG. 10(a) shows a case where stored balls of three game types, "balls 1", "balls 2", and "balls 3" are stored. Here, the balance of the ball storage of "ball 1" of card ID "2002" is "250" balls, the balance of the ball storage of "ball 2" is "1000" balls, and the balance of the ball storage of "ball 3" is This shows the case of "4000" balls.

The game type setting data 56b shown in FIG. 10(b) associates the game type name "ball 1" with the rate "4 yen" and the display name "4 pachi". Furthermore, the game type name “Tama 2” is associated with a rate “2 yen” and a display name “2 Pachi”. Furthermore, the game name "Tama 3" is associated with the rate "1 yen" and the display name "1 pachi".

The prize master 56c shown in FIG. 10(c) is data in which a prize name, group code, prize value, and number of exchanged balls are associated with a prize code that uniquely identifies a prize. Here, the group code is identification information for classifying and managing prizes. The group code "01" is a code indicating an exchange prize that can be transferred at a predetermined value through a certain procedure. Prizes with group code "02" and later are general prizes including daily necessities other than exchange prizes.

The prize master 56c contains, for the prize code "0001", the prize name "Grand Prize", the group code "01", the prize value "1000", the number of exchanged balls for ball 1 "250", and the number of exchanged balls for ball 2. "500" balls are associated with "1000" balls, the number of balls to be exchanged for ball 3.

In addition, the prize master 56c includes, for the prize code "0002," the prize name "Small Prize," the group code "01," the prize value "500," the number of replacement balls for ball 1, "125," and the replacement balls for ball 2. The number "250" balls and the number of exchange balls "500" balls for ball 3 are associated.

In addition, the prize master 56c contains, for the prize code "0100", the prize name "M Seven", the group code "02", the prize value "400", the number of exchanged balls for ball 1 "100", and the exchangeable balls for ball 2. The number ``200'' balls and the number ``400'' balls exchanged for ball 3 are associated.

In addition, the prize master 56c contains, for the prize code "0101", the prize name "Rack", the group code "02", the prize value "420", the number of exchanged balls for ball 1 "105", and the number of exchanged balls for ball 2. "210" balls are associated with "420" balls, the number of balls to be exchanged for ball 3.

In addition, the prize master 56c contains, for the prize code "0600", the prize name "Handama Ame", the group code "04", the prize value "12", the number of balls exchanged for ball 1 "3", and the exchange of balls 2. The number of balls exchanged for ``6'' balls and 3 balls is associated with ``12'' balls.

The operation data 56d shown in FIG. 11(a) is data in which time, gaming machine ID, and pulse type are associated with each other. Specifically, it shows that the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P001" outputted an out pulse at the time "11:10:14". Similarly, it is shown that the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P001" outputted an out pulse at the time "11:10:16". The table also shows that the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P001" outputs a safe pulse at the time "11:11:30". It also shows that the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P015" outputs a special prize (jackpot) pulse at the time "13:30:00". Note that if there are multiple types of special prizes, a different pulse is output for each type of special prize, and the type of special prize is registered in the pulse type.

The game-related card processing history data 56e shown in FIG. 11(b) is data that associates time, gaming machine ID, card ID, and processing. Specifically, the game-related card processing history data 56e indicates that, at the time "11:10:00," a card with a card ID "1002" was processed in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 attached to the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P001." This indicates that the "Card Insertion" process was performed using this card.

Furthermore, the game-related card processing history data 56e shows that the card with the card ID "2005" was processed at the inter-machine card processing machine 10 attached to the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P023" at the time "12:35:30". This indicates that the "card ejection" process has been performed.

Furthermore, the game-related card processing history data 56e shows that at the time "13:20:20", the card with the card ID "1055" was processed in the inter-machine card processing machine 10 attached to the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P015". This indicates that the "deposit" process has been performed.

Furthermore, the game-related card processing history data 56e shows that the card with the card ID "1021" was processed at the inter-machine card processing machine 10 attached to the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P007" at the time "13:52:40". This indicates that the process of "counting each unit" has been performed.

Further, the game-related card processing history data 56e shows that the card with the card ID "1055" was processed at the inter-machine card processing machine 10 attached to the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P015" at the time "14:04:00". This indicates that the "general card is used up" process has occurred.

The non-gaming card processing history data 56f shown in FIG. 11(c) is data that associates time, gaming machine ID, card ID, and processing. Specifically, the non-gaming card processing history data 56f indicates that, at the time "13:40:01", the inter-machine card processing machine 10 attached to the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P011" has a card ID "1003". This shows that the "wagon prize exchange" process was performed using the card.

In addition, the non-gaming card processing history data 56f indicates that the card with the card ID "1002" was processed at the inter-machine card processing machine 10 attached to the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P007" at the time "15:00:50". This indicates that the "ball division" process has been performed.

The counting settlement processing history data 56g shown in FIG. 12(a) is data in which time, device ID, gaming machine ID, card ID, and processing are associated with each other. The device ID is identification information that uniquely identifies the prize management device 60, the payment machine 70, and the like. The gaming machine ID is identification information indicating the gaming machine 20 last used by the player, and is specified by having the player input it when exchanging prizes, making payments, counting, etc. Alternatively, the identification may be made by referring to the card usage history held by the card management device 40 or member management device 50.

Specifically, the counting settlement processing history data 56g includes the time "14:22:33", the device ID "6001" of the prize management device 60, the gaming machine ID "P001", the card ID "1002", and the processing "prize exchange". ” are associated. Further, the time "14:22:33", the device ID "6001" of the prize management device 60, the gaming machine ID "P001", the card ID "2013", and the process "prize exchange" are associated. That is, the general card with card ID "1002" and the membership card with card ID "2013" are used for prize exchange at the same time.

In addition, the counting settlement processing history data 56g associates the time "16:08:08", the device ID of the settlement machine 70 "7011", the gaming machine ID "P019", the card ID "1033", and the process "settlement". There is.

The game history data 56h shown in FIG. 12(b) is data that associates time, gaming machine ID, card ID, and processing, including deposit, card insertion, card ejection, number of balls driven in, number of prize balls played, and special prize. Conditions related to the game, such as the occurrence of events, are shown in chronological order.

Specifically, the game history data 56h is associated with the time "11:10:00", the gaming machine ID "P001", the card ID "1002", and the process "card insertion". Further, the game history data 56h is associated with the time "11:11:20", the gaming machine ID "P001", the card ID "1002", and the process "number of balls struck 100". Furthermore, the game history data 56h is associated with the time "11:12:00", the gaming machine ID "P001", the card ID "1002", and the process "number of prize balls 30".

Further, the game history data 56h is associated with the time "12:35:30", the gaming machine ID "P023", the card ID "2005", and the process "card ejection". Further, the game history data 56h is associated with a time "13:20:20", a gaming machine ID "P015", a card ID "1055", and a process "deposit". Furthermore, the game history data 56h is associated with the time "13:30:00", the gaming machine ID "P015", the card ID "1055", and the process "special prize (jackpot)".

The period play data 56i shown in FIG. 12(c) indicates one continuous game, and includes the start time and end time of the game in the same game machine, game machine ID, card ID, customer type, deposit amount, and balls driven in. The number (out), the number of prize balls (safe), the number of jackpots, the number of wagon prize exchanges, the number of times the balls are divided, and the winning/losing amount are associated with each other. Here, the customer type indicates whether the customer is a general player or a member player.

Specifically, the period play data 56i includes a start time "11:10:00", an end time "14:15:33", a gaming machine ID "P001", a card ID "2005", a customer type "member", Deposit amount: 3,000 yen, number of balls struck (out): 0, number of prize balls (safe): 6,500, number of jackpots: 10, number of wagon prize exchanges: 0, number of balls divided: 1" and the winning/losing amount "100,000 yen".

In addition, the period play data 56i includes a start time "13:20:20", an end time "18:00:00", a gaming machine ID "P015", a card ID "1002", a customer type "General", and a deposit amount " 12,000" yen, number of balls struck (out) "13000", number of prize balls (safe) "10150", number of jackpots "13", number of wagon prize exchanges "2", number of balls divided "0", and The winning/losing amount is ``30,000'' yen.

In addition, the period play data 56i includes a start time "14:30:00", an end time "17:00:00", a gaming machine ID "P020", a card ID "2005", a customer type "member", and a deposit amount " 15,000" yen, number of balls struck (out) "10,000", number of prize balls (safe) "8000", number of jackpots "5", number of wagon prize exchanges "1", number of balls divided "0", and The winning/losing amount "-10000" yen is associated.

<Internal configuration of central management device 90>
Next, the internal configuration of the central management device 90 shown in FIG. 2 will be explained. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the central management device 90 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the centralized management device 90 is connected to a display section 91 and an input section 92, and includes an external network communication section 93, a control section 94, and a storage section 95.

The display section 91 is a liquid crystal panel, a display device, or the like. The input unit 92 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. The external network communication section 93 is an interface section for communicating with the member management device 50 and the management terminal 80 in the store.

The control unit 94 is a control unit that performs overall control of the centralized management device 90, and includes a movement data generation unit 94a, a movement data management unit 94b, an exclusion determination unit 94c, and a movement data analysis unit 94d. Actually, by loading these programs into the CPU and executing them, the movement data generation section 94a, movement data management section 94b, exclusion determination section 94c, and movement data analysis section 94d can execute the corresponding processes. Become.

The idle data generation section 94a stores the period idle data 56i notified from the member management device 50 in the storage section 95 as the period idle data 95a.

Furthermore, the movement data generation unit 94a determines whether or not the period movement data 95a includes incomplete information, and if incomplete information is included, the movement data generation unit 94a uses the movement data 95a for the period. Information corresponding to the period movement data 95a is excluded from the generated movement data. However, even if the period movement data 95a includes incomplete information, the period movement data 95a is not deleted from the storage unit 95. This is because incomplete data among the plurality of data included in the period movement data 95a can be used depending on the situation.

Specifically, the exclusion determination unit 94c determines whether or not the period movement data 95a includes incomplete information based on the determination condition, and the movement data generation unit 94a determines whether or not the period movement data 95a includes incomplete information based on the judgment condition. If the data 95a includes incomplete information, the value of the incomplete information (for example, the amount won or lost) is set to zero.

Furthermore, the play data generation unit 94a determines whether the play data 95a for a plurality of periods are generated by the same player, and generates play data 95b indicating the gaming history of each player. At this time, the period movement data 95a containing incomplete information is not used. Although a detailed explanation will be given later, if the same card is used, it is determined that the game is played by the same player. Furthermore, if a plurality of cards are used during a continuous game, it is determined that the game is played by the same player. The idle data generation section 94a stores the generated idle data 95b in the storage section 95.

The mobile data management unit 94b notifies the mobile data analysis unit 94d of an analysis instruction for the mobile data 95b notified from the management terminal 80. When notification of the analysis results is received from the movement data analysis section 94d, the analysis results are stored in the storage section 95. When a display instruction regarding the analysis results is received from the management terminal 80, the analysis results stored in the storage unit 95 are notified to the management terminal 80.

The exclusion determining unit 94c determines whether or not data corresponding to the exclusion condition data 95c is included in the mobile data 95b notified from the mobile data management unit 94b, and transmits the determination result to the mobile data management unit 94b. Output to.

The activity data analysis unit 94d receives an analysis instruction from the activity data management unit 94b, analyzes the usage history of each player using the activity data 95b, and outputs the analysis result to the activity data management unit 94b. A detailed explanation will be given later, but analysis using the player's movement history, information on how the player played during a predetermined period and analysis of its trends, or analysis of the number of players for each gaming machine 20. It is possible to perform analysis using

Next, data stored in the storage unit 95 of the central management device 90 shown in FIG. 13 will be explained. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the period movement data 95a, movement data 95b, and exclusion condition data 95c stored in the storage unit 95 shown in FIG. 13.

The period play data 95a shown in FIG. 14(a) indicates one continuous game, and includes the start time and end time of the game in the same game machine, game machine ID, card ID, customer type, deposit amount, and balls driven in. The number (out), the number of prize balls (safe), the number of jackpots, the number of wagon prize exchanges, the number of times the balls are divided, and the winning/losing amount are associated with each other. Here, the customer type indicates whether the customer is a general player or a member player.

The period movement data 95a shown in the first line of FIG. ”, customer type “member”, deposit amount “3000 yen”, number of balls struck (out) “0” balls, number of prize balls (safe) “6500” balls, number of jackpots “10”, number of wagon prize exchanges “ 0," the number of balls to be divided is "1," and the winning/losing amount is "100,000 yen."

In addition, the period movement data 95a shown in the second line of FIG. "1002", customer type "general", deposit amount "12000" yen, number of balls struck (out) "13000" balls, number of prize balls (safe) "10150" balls, number of jackpots "13", wagon prize exchange The number of times "2", the number of balls to be divided "0", and the winning/losing amount "30,000 yen" are associated with each other.

In addition, the period movement data 95a shown in the third line of FIG. "2005", customer type "member", deposit amount "15000" yen, number of balls struck (out) "10000", number of prize balls (safe) "8000", number of jackpots "5", wagon prize exchange The number of times "1", the number of balls to be divided "0", and the winning/losing amount "-10000" yen are associated with each other.

The play data 95b shown in FIG. 14(b) shows the gaming history of each player, including the start time and end time of the game by the same player, customer ID, customer type, deposit amount, number of balls hit (output), etc. ), the number of prize balls (safe), the number of jackpots, the number of wagon prize exchanges, the number of times balls are divided, and the winning/losing amount. Here, the customer ID is identification information given to players who are identified as the same player. If the customer type is a member player, a member card ID may be used as the customer ID.

Specifically, the movement data 95b shown in the first line of FIG. Type: ``Member'', deposit amount: 18,000 yen, number of balls driven in (out): ``10,000'', number of prize balls (safe): ``14,500'', number of jackpots: ``15'', number of wagon prize exchanges: ``1'', The number of balls to be divided is "1" and the winning/losing amount is "-10000" yen.

In addition, the movement data 95b shown in the second line of FIG. '', Deposit amount: 12,000 yen, Number of balls struck (out): ``13,000'', Number of prize balls (safe): ``10,150'', Number of jackpots: ``13'', Number of wagon prize exchanges: ``2'', Ball division The number of times "0" and the winning/losing amount "30,000" yen are associated.

In the exclusion condition data 95c indicated by condition number "1" in FIG. 14(c), "(Safe is 0) & (Out is 1 or more) & (Playing time is 15 minutes or more)" is registered. The exclusion conditions are cases in which the playing time is 15 minutes or more, the number of prized balls (safe) is 0, and the number of balls struck (out) is 1 or more.

Further, in the exclusion condition data 95c indicated by condition number "2", "(out is 0) & (safe is 1 or more) & (gaming time is 15 minutes or more)" is registered. The exclusion conditions are cases in which the game time is 15 minutes or more, the number of balls struck (out) is 0, and the number of prized balls (safe) is 1 or more.

In addition, "(gaming time (minutes) x 100)≦cumulative out" is registered in the exclusion condition data 95c indicated by condition number "3". Cases in which the total number of balls hit (number of balls hit) is greater than or equal to the theoretical maximum number of balls that can be hit per minute (playing time (minutes)) multiplied by the number of balls hit (out) that can be hit per minute were set as exclusion conditions. It is something.

Next, the processing of the idle data generation section 94a shown in FIG. 13 will be explained. 15 and 16 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the processing of the idle data generation section 94a shown in FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 15, the play data generation unit 94a determines the start of the game, the continuation of the game, the movement of the machines, and the end of the game based on the period play data 95a. Also, a plurality of cards used by the same player are linked.

Specifically, when a prepaid value is associated with a general card stored inside the inter-machine card processing machine 10 due to money deposit, the idle data generation unit 94a generates a prepaid value from the inter-machine card processing machine 10 by counting processing. If the ball is associated with the general card stored inside the card, if a ball is hit using a game ball before the card is inserted, or if the membership card is inserted for the first time on the day, it is determined that the game has started. .

Further, the play data generation unit 94a determines that the game should be continued when the same card is reinserted. This is because if the card ejected by the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is reinserted, the player is considered to be the same player.

In addition, when a general card ejected from another machine (another inter-machine card processing machine 10) is inserted, or when a membership card that has a history of use on another machine on the same day is inserted, the idle data generation unit 94a generates It is determined that the table has been moved.

Further, the play data generating section 94a determines that the game is over when a predetermined time has elapsed since the output of the out pulse was finished after the card was ejected. Further, after the general card is used up and a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the output of the out pulse is finished, it is determined that the game is over. Furthermore, if the ejected card is used for prize exchange or payment, it is determined that the game is over even if the predetermined time has not elapsed.

Furthermore, if another card is inserted after the card is ejected but before it is determined that the game is over, the play data generation unit 94a links the ejected card and the inserted card, and It is determined that it has been used.

Similarly, if another card is inserted after the general card is used up and before it is determined that the game is over, the play data generation unit 94a will distinguish between the used up general card and the inserted card. It is determined that the cards are linked and used by the same player.

Furthermore, if a deposit is made after the member card is ejected but before the game is determined to be over, the play data generation unit 94a stores the ejected member card and the internal general card to which prepaid value has been added due to the deposit. It is determined that the cards are linked and used by the same player.

Furthermore, if another card is inserted while the general card is in use, the play data generation unit 94a links the previously used general card and the newly inserted card, It is determined that the

Furthermore, if a plurality of cards are used at the same time when exchanging prizes, the play data generation unit 94a links the plurality of used cards and determines that they were used by the same player.

Furthermore, when the holdings are divided, the play data generation unit 94a links the original card and the destination card, and determines that they have been used by the same player.

Furthermore, the activity data generation unit 94a determines that the players are the same player in the case shown in FIG. 16 as well. Specifically, if a predetermined period of time has passed since the end of the out pulse, but a special prize pulse has been received, the game is not determined to have ended, and the game by the same player continues. It is determined that

Similarly, if a predetermined period of time has passed since the end of the outpulse, but it is estimated that a special prize has been reached based on the ratio of the number of balls played and the number of balls struck, the game is not determined to have ended. , it is determined that the game by the same player is continuing.

In addition, if a card is changed during the special prize state, that is, if the card in use is ejected and another card is inserted, the ejected card and the inserted card may be used by the same player. It is determined that

Furthermore, if it is estimated that there are playable game balls in the gaming machine 20 based on the difference between the number of balls paid out and the number of balls struck, the game is not determined to have ended, and the game by the same player continues. It is determined that the

Furthermore, if the game is temporarily paused based on a player's operation, such as in a break mode, the game will not be determined to have ended even if a predetermined period of time has passed since the end of the out pulse, and the same It is determined that the game by the player is continuing.

In addition, when it is possible to shift to the rest mode by the player's operation, a button for the rest mode can be displayed on the display operation section 13 of the inter-machine card processing machine 10, and the button for the rest mode is operated. In this case, the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is shifted to a rest mode. When transitioning to the rest mode, for example, a password is set, and operation of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is prohibited until the set password is input again. Alternatively, the card is ejected when transitioning to the rest mode, and operation of the inter-machine card processing machine 10 is prohibited until the card is reinserted.

When the shift to the break mode is performed by a clerk's operation, the player calls the clerk using a call lamp or the like, and the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shifts to the rest mode based on a signal from a terminal carried by the clerk. It turns out.

Note that when the inter-machine card processing machine 10 shifts to the break mode and returns from the break mode, the member management device 50, card management device 40, etc. are notified.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example regarding identification of a player. In FIG. 17(a), a game is played in the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P001" using the card with the card ID "1001" until time "t01", and then from time "t02" the game is played with the card ID "1002". A game is being played using cards. If the time from time "t01" to time "t02" is longer than a predetermined time, that is, the difference in time is equal to or greater than the threshold, the play data generation unit 94a determines that the game was played by another player, and assigns a different customer ID. Grant.

On the other hand, in FIG. 17(b), a game is played in the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P001" using the card with the card ID "1001" until time "t11", and then from time "t12" the card ID A game is being played using the card "1002". If the time from time "t11" to time "t12" is less than the predetermined time, that is, the difference in time is less than the threshold, the play data generation unit 94a determines that the game was played by the same player, and uses the same customer ID. Grant.

In addition, in FIG. 17(c), a game is played in the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID "P001" using the card with the card ID "1001" until time "t21", and then from time "t22" the card ID The card “1001” is used in the gaming machine 20 with the gaming machine ID “P002”. If the card IDs are the same in this way, it is determined that the game was played by the same player, and the same customer ID is assigned.

Here, the threshold value used for comparison with the time difference may be changed depending on the operating state of the gaming machine 20. If the threshold value is too small, there is a possibility that the games played by the same player will be erroneously determined to be played by different players. However, with popular gaming machines 20 and gaming machines 20 with a large number of prize balls on the day, the time from when one player finishes playing until the next player starts playing is short. , if the threshold value is increased, these players will be identified as the same. Therefore, by increasing the threshold value for gaming machines 20 that are considered to have a low turnover of players, and by decreasing the threshold value for gaming machines 20 that are considered to have a large turnover of players, the same player can be identified with high accuracy. can do.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining automatic change of the threshold value. In FIG. 18, the average value of the number of balls hit is determined as the operating state for each model of the gaming machine 20, and the threshold value is changed as needed using the operating state of the day as a determination item.

Specifically, in the example of FIG. 18, the operation of the model "EV01" from 10 o'clock to 12 o'clock is "6000 balls", and the threshold value is set to "60 seconds". Based on the operation from 10:00 to 12:00, the threshold value from 12:00 to 14:00 is maintained at "60 seconds". After that, since the operation from 12:00 to 14:00 became "10,000 balls", the threshold value from 14:00 to 16:00 was reduced to "30 seconds" based on the operation from 12:00 to 14:00.

In the example of FIG. 18, the operation time of the model "EV02" from 10:00 to 12:00 is "3000 balls", and the threshold value is "60 seconds". Based on the operation from 10 o'clock to 12 o'clock, the threshold value from 12 o'clock to 14 o'clock is increased to "120 seconds". After that, since the operation from 12:00 to 14:00 became "1000 balls", the threshold value from 14:00 to 16:00 was increased to "150 seconds" based on the operation from 12:00 to 14:00.

Note that changing the threshold value is not limited to being done in advance like this, but may also be done manually by a clerk during business hours or after business hours. In such a modification, it is desirable to apply the changed threshold value after the fact and regenerate the movement data 95b.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of regeneration of the movement data 95b based on changing the threshold value. In FIG. 19(a), a game is played in a gaming machine with a gaming machine ID "P001" using a card with a card ID "1001" until a time "t01", and from a time "t02" a game is played with a card with a card ID "1002". The game is played using. At this time, since the time difference from time "t01" to time "t02" is greater than or equal to the threshold value Th1, the play data generation unit 94a determines that the game was played by another player and assigns a different customer ID. Become.

Thereafter, when the threshold Th1 is changed to the threshold Th2, the idle data generation unit 94a reproduces the idle data 95b using the idle data 95a for the same period. If the changed threshold Th2 is larger than the time difference from time "t01" to time "t02", as shown in FIG. 19(b), the play data generation unit 94a determines that the game was played by the same player. , the same customer ID will be assigned.

Next, analysis of the movement data by the movement data analysis unit 94d of the central management device 90 will be explained. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of analysis of movement data. As shown in FIG. 20, the analysis of play data includes an analysis regarding players and an analysis regarding gaming machines. Analyzes regarding players include analysis using movement history of players, information on how players played games during a predetermined period, and analysis of trends thereof. The analysis regarding gaming machines is an analysis using the number of players for each gaming machine.

Analyzes using the movement history of players include movement correlation analysis, movement reference by member, period comparison analysis, and first game analysis. In the play correlation analysis, the tendency of players to move machines and the gaming machines that have a high correlation with machine movements are confirmed. That is, it is possible to check what kind of gaming machines the player uses and in what order, and what kind of gaming machines are frequently selected when moving the machines.

In the member-by-member play activity reference, it is possible to display and check the gaming trends of individual member players. In addition, period comparison analysis allows you to check trends in platform movement from a specified date and time. In the first game analysis, it is possible to confirm the gaming machine in which the player first played a game based on the history of the player's machine movements.

In playing period aggregation, which analyzes information on how players played games over a specified period and its trends, it is possible to check information such as the number of players by type of game, specification, and model for a specified period. It is possible.

Among the analyzes related to gaming machines, in the gaming machine analysis, it is possible to check the number of players and the trends in wins and losses for each gaming machine model by month. Furthermore, in the sales contribution analysis, it is possible to classify the state of contribution to the sales of the gaming parlor based on the investment amount and number of balls struck per player.

The display of these analysis results can be performed not only by the management terminal 80 but also by other devices within the gaming parlor, such as the member management device 50 and the card management device 40.

Next, a specific example of analysis will be explained. FIGS. 21 to 23 are explanatory diagrams of specific examples of analysis. In the play correlation analysis shown in FIG. 21(a), the number of players, playing time, total investment amount, and winning/losing amount are associated with the model and game type. In addition, the number of players, playing time, total investment amount, and winning/losing amount are tabulated for the total number of players, general players, member players, male players, and female players.

Specifically, the model is "EV01", the game type is "Tama 3", and the total number of people who played the game was "6", of which "4" were general players and "2" were member players. '' people, ``5'' male players, and ``1'' female players.

The total playing time is 2:55, of which regular players play 00:50, member players play 02:05, male players play 02:40, and female players play 02:40. It is "00:15".

The total investment amount is 23,000 yen, of which 7,000 yen is invested by general players, 16,000 yen is invested by member players, 20,000 yen is invested by male players, and 3000 yen is invested by female players. It is a yen.

The total amount of winnings and losses is 9,000 yen, of which 10,000 yen is for general players, -1,000 yen for member players, 11,000 yen for male players, and -2,000 for female players. ” It is a yen.

In the member-specific play reference shown in FIG. 21(b), the game date, start time, end time, customer ID, customer type, card ID, gaming machine ID, and model are associated. Specifically, the customer type assigned the customer ID "U001" is "member" from the start time "11:10:00" to the end time "14:15:33" on the game date "2019/10/08". This shows that a player with a card ID of "2011" played a game with a gaming machine ID of "P001", and this gaming machine was of model "EV01".

Similarly, from the game date and time "2019/10/08" from the start time "13:20:20" to the end time "18:00:00", the customer type "member" and card ID assigned the customer ID "U007" It shows that a player in "2009" played a game using the gaming machine ID "P021", and this gaming machine was of the model "EV22".

In the period comparison analysis shown in FIG. 22, the movement data is aggregated and compared based on the output conditions and search conditions specified by the operator. Specifically, as the output condition, the "number of players" among the display items "number of players," "gaming time," "total investment amount," and "win/loss amount" is specified. Further, "not displayed" is specified for member details. Furthermore, as for the display method, "average" is specified among "total number," "average," and "median."

In addition, as search conditions, "2019/09/01" | ~ "2019/09/30" is specified as the comparison source period, and "2019/10/01" ~ "2019/10/ 31" is specified. Further, as a standard, "game type" is specified among "game type", "machine type", "machine type, game type", "machine type", and "machine type, game type". Furthermore, regarding the players, both general players and member players are designated. Regarding member players, it is possible to specify gender, age, and number of gaming days per month based on registered member information, but all of them are specified in FIG. 22.

In the results of period comparative analysis based on these output conditions and search conditions, the number of installed machines and the number of people who played games are totaled for each game type specified as a standard. In addition, the number of people who played the game is aggregated for the total, general players, and member players, and is displayed for comparison.

Specifically, regarding the number of installed machines for the game type "ball 1", the comparison source is "450" machines, and the comparison target is "350" machines. Furthermore, the total number of people is "600" at the comparison source, "400" at the comparison destination, and the ratio is "66%." Regarding the number of general players, the comparison source is "400", the comparison source is "200", and the ratio is "50%". Regarding the number of member players, the comparison source is "200", the comparison destination is "200", and the ratio is "100%".

Similarly, regarding the number of installed machines for the game type "balls 2", the comparison source is "100" machines, and the comparison destination is "100" machines. Furthermore, the total number of people is "120" at the comparison source, "115" at the comparison destination, and the ratio is "95%." Regarding the number of general game players, the comparison source is "50", the comparison source is "60", and the ratio is "120%". Regarding the number of member players, the comparison source is "70" and the comparison source is "55", and the ratio is "78%".

In the first game analysis shown in FIG. 23(a), the machine types are ranked in descending order of the number of times the player played the game for the first time. Specifically, the rank "1" is the machine type "EV01" and the game type is "ball 3". Furthermore, the rank "2" is the machine type "EV08" and the game type is "ball 1". In this first game analysis, the results of play correlation analysis are also displayed for each model.

In the idle period analysis shown in Figure 23(b), the machine model, number of business days, number of machines installed, turnover rate, playing time, total investment amount, average total investment amount, total amount of wins and losses, average number of wins and losses, number of winners, etc. are correlated. . Specifically, for the model "EV01", the number of business days is "29", the number of installed machines is "20", the turnover rate is "75.7%", the playing time is "261:33", the total investment amount is "3 million yen", The average total investment amount is "20,000 yen," the total amount of wins and losses is "-1,200,000 yen," the average win and loss is "-8,000 yen," and the number of winners is "30."

In the gaming machine analysis shown in FIG. 23(c), the number of games played and the playing time are associated with each machine type. The number of games played includes the total, daily average, and percentage, and the playing time includes the total, daily average, game average, and percentage.

Specifically, for the model type "MAX type", the total number of games played is "123", the daily average number of games played is "4.1", and the percentage of the number of games played is "27.3%". is shown, the total playing time is "215:00", the daily average playing time is "7:10", the average playing time is "2:15", and the percentage of playing time is "21.3%". It has been shown that

Similarly, for the model type "high middle type", the total number of games played is "345", the daily average number of games played is "11.5", and the percentage of number of games played is "15.2%". The total playing time is "255:00", the daily average playing time is "8:30", the average playing time is "0:45", and the percentage of playing time is "19.9%". It has been shown that

Next, a display example on the management terminal 80 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a display example on the management terminal 80 shown in FIG. 2. A display example of a migration period analysis for the period “2019/10/01 to 2019/10/31” is shown.

Regarding the model "EV01", the number of business days is "10 days", the number of installed machines is "10", the number of winners is "5", the average winning amount is "5000 yen", the maximum winning amount is "30000 yen", and the number of losers It is shown that there are 9 people, the average loss is 6,000 yen, and the maximum loss is 50,000 yen.

Similarly, regarding the model "DK03", the number of business days is "15 days", the number of installed machines is "8", the number of winners is "7", the average winning amount is "3000 yen", and the maximum winning amount is "20000 yen". , the number of losers is "13", the average loss is "4,000 yen", and the maximum loss is "40,000 yen".

Next, the processing procedure of the member management device 50 will be explained. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the member management device 50. First, if card insertion notification data, card ejection notification data, deposit notification data, each machine counting notification data, and general card usage data are received from the card management device 40 (step S101; Yes), the time, gaming machine ID, The card ID and the like are associated with the processing details and stored in the game-related card processing history data 56e (step S102).

If the wagon prize exchange data and the ball division notification data are received from the card management device 40 (step S103; Yes), the time, gaming machine ID, card ID, etc. are associated with the processing details, and the non-gaming card processing history is The data is stored in the data 56f (step S104).

If a notification of an operation is received from the prize management device 60, payment machine 70, etc. (step S105; Yes), the time, device ID, gaming machine ID of the gaming machine 20 used last, card ID, etc., and the details of the process are received. are associated with each other and accumulated in the count settlement processing history data 56g (step S106).

If there is no instruction to start the closing process (step S107; No), the process shifts to a state of waiting for data reception from the card management device 40 or the like (step S101). If the instruction to start the closing process is received (step S107; Yes), game history data 56h is generated using the operation data 56d and game-related card processing history data 56e (step S108).

Next, using the non-game card processing history data 56f, the counting settlement processing history data 56g, and the game history data 56h, period play data 56i indicating one continuous game is generated from the game history data 56h (step S109), and the The management device 90 is notified of the period movement data 56i (step S110).

Next, the processing procedure of the central management device 90 according to this embodiment will be explained. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the central management device 90 according to this embodiment. First, if the period movement data 56i is received from the membership management device 50 (step S201; Yes), the period movement data 56i is stored in the storage unit 95 as the period movement data 95a, and the data in the period movement data 95a are the same. It is determined whether the player can be regarded as a player (step S202).

If it is determined that they can be regarded as the same player (step S202; Yes), the same customer ID is assigned to the corresponding data (step S203), and play data 95b is generated. If it is determined that they cannot be regarded as the same player (step S202; No), an individual customer ID is assigned to each data (step S204), and play data 95b is generated.

If the period movement data 95a included in the movement data 95b matches the exclusion condition data 95c (step S205; Yes), the data corresponding to the period movement data 95a among the movement data 95b is "out" or "safe". ” and “win/loss amount” are set to “0” (step S206). Note that if the period movement data 95a does not match the exclusion condition data 95c (step S205; No), the process ends.

In this way, in the gaming information management system according to the present embodiment, when information is incomplete in some gaming machines, gaming information generated based on information of a plurality of gaming machines including these Decrease in output accuracy can be reduced.

In addition, in the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which a decrease in output accuracy of game information is reduced by excluding information when the information is incomplete in some game machines, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention is not limited to this, and by holding the information separately as incomplete information without excluding the information, it is also possible to display information that includes or does not include incomplete information according to an operator's operation.

Further, in the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which when the information in the period play data corresponding to some gaming machines is incomplete, the period play data is excluded, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, it is possible to improve the reliability of the game parlor's game data by excluding a series of game data including the game data for the period itself.

Further, in the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which when the information in the period play data corresponding to some gaming machines is determined to be incomplete, the period play data is excluded, but the present invention is not limited to this. However, among the play data of other players who played games on the gaming machine corresponding to the period play data that is determined to be incomplete, the period play data of the part corresponding to the gaming machine will be similarly excluded. You can also do that.

Further, in the above embodiment, a configuration was explained in which various types of analyzes are performed based on movement data, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the movement data is combined with various aggregated information such as weather and temperature. Additional analysis can also be performed.

Further, in the above embodiment, a configuration was explained in which incomplete information is excluded based on exclusion condition data, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited to this, but includes a learning function for abnormal events that produce incomplete information. By adding this, it is also possible to automatically exclude incomplete information.

<Modified example>
In the above series of explanations, a configuration has been described in which when information is incomplete in some gaming machines, various analyzes including first game analysis are performed after excluding the information, but the present invention is limited to this. The present invention is configured to reduce the deterioration in the accuracy of first game analysis of game information generated based on information of a plurality of gaming machines including the first game that is not a game and does not match the purpose of the customer's visit to the store. You can also do that. In this modification, a configuration will be described in which, in the period play data 95a, the first game that does not match the purpose of the player's visit to the store is excluded to generate play data 95b.

First, a specific example of the exclusion condition data 95c stored in the central management device 90 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a specific example of the exclusion condition data 95c stored in the central management device 90 shown in FIG.

In the exclusion condition data shown in FIG. 27, as condition number "1", "Deposit was made, but no outflow occurred before the remaining amount was used up or before the card was returned". Further, as condition number "2", "There is an out, but there is no sales (ball lending, replay)" is registered. Furthermore, "gaming time is 1 minute or less" is registered as condition number "3".

Next, the processing procedure of the central management device 90 according to this modification will be explained. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the central management device 90 according to this modification. First, if the period movement data 56i is received from the membership management device 50 (step S301; Yes), the period movement data 56i is stored in the storage unit 95 as the period movement data 95a, and the data in the period movement data 95a is excluded. It is determined whether condition data 95c is met (step S302).

If the data in the period movement data 95a matches the exclusion condition data 95c (step S302; Yes), the corresponding data is excluded from the period movement data 95a (step S303).

Next, it is determined whether the data in the period movement data 95a can be considered to be the same player (step S304). If it is determined that they can be regarded as the same player (step S304; Yes), the same customer ID is assigned to the corresponding data (step S305), and play data 95b is generated. If it is determined that they cannot be regarded as the same player (step S304; No), an individual customer ID is assigned to each data (step S306), and play data 95b is generated.

If the idle data 95b matches the exclusion condition data 95c (step S307; Yes), "0" is set to "out", "safe", and "win/loss amount" of the corresponding data (step S308). Note that if the movement data 95b does not match the exclusion condition data 95c (step S307; No), the process ends.

In this way, in the gaming information management system according to this modification, when a first game that does not match the purpose of a player's visit is included, the first game information generated based on the information of multiple gaming machines including the first game is Decrease in game analysis accuracy can be reduced.

In addition, in the above modification, a configuration was explained in which information about the first game that does not match the purpose of the player's visit to the store is excluded, but the present invention is not limited to this, and instead of excluding the information, , by holding it as exclusion information, it is also possible to display information that includes or does not include exclusion information through an operator's operation.

Furthermore, each configuration illustrated in each of the above-described embodiments is functionally schematic, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the form of dispersion/integration of each device is not limited to the one shown in the diagram, but all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed/integrated in arbitrary units depending on various loads and usage conditions. Can be configured.

A gaming information management system and a gaming information management method according to the present invention provide gaming information that is generated based on information of a plurality of gaming machines including incomplete information in some gaming machines. This is useful when reducing deterioration in output accuracy.

10 Inter-machine card processing machine 11 Status display unit 12 Banknote transport unit 12a Banknote insertion slot 13 Display operation unit 14 Reader/writer 14a Card insertion slot 15 Communication unit 16 Storage unit 16a Own device status data 16b Card data 17 Control unit 17a Data management unit 18 Game management section 18a Authentication processing section 18b Authentication key management section 18c Gaming machine state management section 20 Gaming machine 21 Handle 22 Counting button 23 Communication control section 24 Production control section 24a Production symbol lottery section 24b Production lottery section 25 Game control section 26 Game Ball control unit 26a Gameable number management unit 30 Island controller 40 Card management device 41 Display unit 42 Input unit 43 Store network communication unit 44 Control unit 44a Game type setting management unit 44b Card management unit 44c Device management unit 45 Storage unit 45a Game type Setting data 45b Card management data 45c Device management data 50 Membership management device 51 Display unit 52 Input unit 53 External network communication unit 54 Store network communication unit 55 Control unit 55a Membership management unit 55b Prize master management unit 55c Operation data accumulation and aggregation unit 55d Card Processing history management section 55e Game history data generation section 55f Period play data generation section 56 Storage section 56a Member management data 56b Game type setting data 56c Prize master 56d Operation data 56e Game-related card processing history data 56f Non-game card processing history data 56g Counting Settlement processing history data 56h Game history data 56i Period movement data 60 Prize management device 70 Settlement machine 80 Management terminal 90 Central management device 91 Display section 92 Input section 93 External network communication section 94 Control section 94a Movement data generation section 94b Movement data management section 94c Exclusion determination unit 94d Movement data analysis unit 95 Storage unit 95a Period movement data 95b Movement data 95c Exclusion condition data

Claims (4)

A gaming information management system installed in a gaming parlor and managing gaming information of each gaming machine,
operating information collecting means for collecting operating information of each gaming machine based on output information output from the gaming machine;
history information collection means for collecting history information of related equipment based on information output from related equipment installed in connection with the gaming machine;
Based on the operation information of the gaming period from the start of the game by the player to the end of the game in the gaming machine collected by the operation information collecting means and the history information of the gaming period collected by the history information collecting means , period game information generation means for generating period game information of the game period ;
incomplete information estimating means for estimating that incomplete information is included in the period game information based on predetermined conditions;
If the incomplete information estimating means estimates that the period game information includes incomplete information, the same player may play games using period game information other than the period game information that includes the incomplete information. 1. A gaming information management system comprising : gaming information generating means for generating gaming information indicating history . Management means for managing period gaming information including abnormal information so as to be identifiable as abnormal period gaming information when it is estimated by the incomplete information estimating means that there is an abnormality in the output information of the gaming machine.
The gaming information management system according to claim 1 , further comprising: a . notification output means for outputting a predetermined notification when it is estimated by the incomplete information estimation means that the operating information includes incomplete information;
The game information management system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising : A game information management method applied to a game parlor to manage game information of each game machine, the method comprising:
an operating information collection step of collecting operating information of each gaming machine based on output information output from the gaming machine;
a history information collection step of collecting history information of related equipment based on information output from related equipment installed in connection with the gaming machine;
Based on the operation information of the gaming period from the start of the game by the player to the end of the game in the gaming machine collected in the operation information collecting step and the historical information of the gaming period collected in the historical information collecting step , a period gaming information generation step of generating period gaming information for the gaming period ;
an incomplete information estimation step of estimating that the period game information includes incomplete information based on a predetermined condition;
If it is estimated in the incomplete information estimating step that the period game information includes incomplete information, the period game information excluding the period game information including the incomplete information is used to determine whether the same player is using the period game information. A game information management method comprising : a game information generation step of generating game information indicating a game history .

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