JP7603539B2 - Amusement Park Systems - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system for amusement parks.

Conventionally, as described in, for example, Patent Document 1 below, systems have been proposed that allow players to play games remotely without having to go to an arcade. The introduction of such a system has the great advantage that even people who have difficulty going out, such as the elderly or physically disabled, can enjoy playing games.

JP 2020-141730 A

However, with the above conventional system, there are naturally many players who want to go to the arcade and operate the gaming machines directly, so there is a demand from arcades to operate with an appropriate ratio of gaming machines that can be operated directly as in the past and gaming machines that can be operated remotely.

In consideration of the above circumstances, the present invention provides an amusement center system that can realize appropriate operation even when directly operated gaming machines and remotely operated gaming machines are mixed within the amusement center.

The game center system of the present invention is a system for game centers that has a normal game area where game machines that visiting players can directly operate are installed, and a remote game area where game machines that can be played by remote operation while watching online videos are installed.

The gaming center system of the present invention includes an authentication unit attached to each gaming machine so that the gaming machine can execute the process of granting gaming value used in gaming, a type setting means for setting a type for each authentication unit indicating whether the area is a normal gaming area or a remote gaming area, and a gaming value storage means for storing the amount of gaming value acquired by a player in association with the player's identification information.

The authentication unit in the gaming facility system of the present invention behaves differently when the type is set to a normal gaming area and when the type is set to a remote gaming area. When the type is set to a normal gaming area, the authentication unit executes the process of granting gaming value based on accepting currency or a storage medium that stores monetary value. On the other hand, when the type is set to a remote gaming area, the authentication unit prohibits the acceptance of currency and storage medium, and executes the process of granting gaming value based on reading out the gaming value stored in the gaming value storage means.

In the amusement arcade system of the present invention, the behavior of the authentication unit can be made different depending on whether a type is set for the normal play area or for the remote play area. Therefore, in this amusement arcade system, an authentication unit with the same specifications can be applied to both the normal play area and the remote play area.

According to the amusement park system of the present invention, the normal play area and the remote play area can be handled by the same authentication unit, so it is relatively easy to change the setting from a normal play area to a remote play area or from a remote play area to a normal play area. In this way, according to the amusement park system of the present invention, it is possible to change the installation ratio of each of the normal play areas and the remote play areas as appropriate, so that appropriate business can be realized.

In this way, the amusement arcade system of the present invention has excellent characteristics that enable proper operation even in an amusement arcade where both directly operated and remotely operated gaming machines are mixed.

FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing the configuration of an amusement park system. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a combination of the gaming machine and the authentication unit. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine and the authentication unit. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing how a gaming robot plays a game. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the game robot. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating gaming machine setting data. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating gaming machine operation data. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of type-based aggregated data. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating member registration data. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating member gaming value data. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating member playing history data. FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating an example of an initial screen of normal play using the authentication unit. FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating a member information screen for normal play by the authentication unit. FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating an example of an initial screen of remote play using the authentication unit. FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating an account registration screen on a mobile terminal. FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating a first game center selection screen on a mobile terminal. FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating a second game center selection screen on a mobile terminal. FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating an example of an amusement facility login screen displayed on a mobile terminal. FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating an example of an amusement arcade login completion screen displayed on a mobile terminal. FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating a model selection screen on the mobile terminal. FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating a gaming machine number selection screen on a mobile terminal. FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating a member information screen for remote play using a mobile terminal. FIG. 13 is a front view illustrating a specific gaming machine screen on a portable terminal.

The embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described using the following examples.
Example 1
This example is an example of a game arcade system 1 that is compatible with online remote gaming services and also compatible with games that are directly operated by the player. The contents of the game arcade system 1 will be described with reference to Figs.

The amusement center system 1 (Fig. 1) is a system that includes an in-center system 700 of the amusement center where the gaming machines 2 are installed, an external management server 400 connected to the Internet, which is a public communication line, a gaming robot 10 that performs remote play, and a mobile terminal 5 owned by a player that can connect to the Internet. The management server 400 is connected to the in-center system 700 of each amusement center via the Internet. A player terminal such as the mobile terminal 5 can remotely control the gaming robot 10 via the Internet.

The illustrated gaming center is an amusement center that has a normal gaming area where normal gaming machines 2A, which are gaming machines 2 that players directly operate, are installed, and a remote gaming area where remote gaming machines 2B, which are gaming machines 2 that can be played by remote operation while watching online video, are installed. Because this gaming center has the gaming center system 1 of this example installed, it can operate appropriately even when normal gaming machines 2A and remote gaming machines 2B are mixed within the center (gaming center).

In the configuration of this example, the remote gaming machine 2B can be remotely operated on an application (dedicated app) downloaded to the mobile terminal 5 from a website (not shown) provided by the management server 400. Such a remote gaming service is a service limited to members registered with the amusement center. In the amusement center system 1, the dedicated app can be downloaded regardless of whether the person is a member or not, and the online remote gaming service can be used on the condition that the person is a registered member. In the amusement center system 1, each member registered with the amusement center is managed by a member ID, which is identification information.

In the amusement center, an authentication unit 4 with a function of granting (lending) game balls, which are the game value required for playing, and a game information display device 3 are individually installed for each gaming machine 2, such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine. In the management space (not shown) within the center, an in-center management device 200 is installed to centrally manage the operating status of various devices, including the gaming robot 10.

The gaming information display device 3 is a device that is installed above the corresponding gaming machine 2. The gaming information display device 3 is capable of displaying the operation data of the corresponding gaming machine 2. The gaming information display device 3 has a display switching button (not shown), and is capable of switching between displaying various types of operation data in response to the operation of the display switching button. Furthermore, the gaming information display device 3 in this example is capable of accepting remote control operation in place of button operation using the display switching button.

In the gaming center, an in-house network 800 such as a wired LAN is constructed to which various devices in the center are connected so that they can communicate with each other. A relay device 8 for the in-house network 800 is installed for every two gaming machines. The gaming machine 2 is connected to the in-house network 800 via an authentication unit 4 that is connected to the relay device 8 together with a gaming information display device 3. In the in-house network 800, various communications between the peripheral devices of the gaming machine 2, such as the gaming information display device 3 and the authentication unit 4, and the in-house management device 200 are realized via the relay device 8. A gaming robot 10 is also connected to the in-house network 800 via a wired LAN. The in-house management device 200 can manage the gaming robot 10 via the in-house network 800.

The on-site management device 200 is connected to the on-site network 800 and also to the Internet, which is a public communication line. In the amusement facility system 1, the on-site system 700, which includes the gaming robot 10, and the management server 400 outside the facility can communicate with each other via the on-site management device 200 connected to the Internet.

Next, the configuration and basic operation of the gaming machine 2 and authentication unit 4 will be explained, and the configurations of the in-game management device 200, the mobile terminal 5, the management server 400, and the gaming robot 10 will be explained in order. After that, the overall operation of the gaming center system 1 will be explained.

(Configuration of gaming machine and authentication unit)
In this example, a pachinko game machine (FIGS. 1 and 2) in which game balls, which are game media, are shot to play is exemplified as the game machine 2. The game machine 2 in this example is a so-called sealed game machine in which game balls can be shot by consuming the number of game balls representing game value, and points according to winning are added to the number of game balls to receive game value. The game machine 2 is a so-called seven machine in which a jackpot lottery is executed in response to winning at the start port, and a jackpot state (jackpot) occurs when a predetermined jackpot condition is established in response to winning. The game states of the game machine 2 in this example include a normal state, a probability state, and a jackpot state. The probability state is an advantageous game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot lottery or the like is higher than in the normal state.

The gaming machine 2 has a roughly circular gaming board 230 onto which gaming balls are shot. Decorative lamps 236 are arranged on both sides of the upper part of the gaming board 230, and a speaker 231 is arranged below the gaming board 230, in the left corner as seen from the player's side. A launcher 349 (see Figure 3) for launching gaming balls is arranged inside the upper left corner of the gaming board 230.

An information display unit 250 is provided below the game board 230, and a group of operation buttons 26, such as a counting button 261 and a display button 263, are arranged on the left side of the information display unit 250. An operation handle 235 for shooting game balls into the game board 230 is provided on the lower right side of the information display unit 250 when viewed from the player's side.

The information display unit 250 is a display unit for displaying various game data such as the number of game balls that can be fired and the number of jackpots. The content displayed by the information display unit 250 can be switched by operating the display button 263.

On the game board 230, the display device 29 including the liquid crystal display unit 290 is arranged at the center, and the electric chute type special game start port 21, the through type normal game start port 24, the openable large prize port 260, etc. are arranged. At the bottom of the game board 230, an out hole 238 is opened to collect game balls that have flowed down without winning. The special game start port 21 is the start port that triggers the jackpot lottery. The normal game start port 24 is the start port that triggers the normal game lottery. When the normal game lottery is won, the special game start port 21 is opened. The display device 29 notifies the winner of the jackpot lottery and the winner of the normal game lottery.

Next, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine 2 will be explained with reference to FIG. 3. The gaming machine 2 is configured around a main control unit 20. The main control unit 20 is a circuit including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory elements such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and an I/O (Input/Output) that serves as an input/output interface.

In addition to the above configuration, the main control unit 20 is electrically connected to a performance control unit 31 that controls the amplifier 231A that drives the speaker 231 and the decorative lamp unit 236, a display control unit 32 that controls the LCD display unit 290, winning ball detection sensors 351-353, a special prize start solenoid 362 that opens the special prize start port 21, a large prize opening solenoid 364 that opens the large prize opening 260, a power supply circuit unit 37 that supplies operating power, etc. Furthermore, an I/F unit 38 that serves as a gateway for various communications with the authentication unit 4 is connected to the main control unit 20. The contents of the information or data sent and received between the authentication unit 4 will be explained after the configuration of the authentication unit 4 is explained.

As shown in FIG. 3, the winning ball detection sensors include a special prize sensor 351 that detects winning balls in the special prize start port 21, a regular prize sensor 352 that detects winning balls in the regular prize start port 24, and a large prize sensor 353 that detects winning balls in the large prize port 260.

Next, the authentication unit 4 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is a device that enables playing on the corresponding gaming machine 2, provided that the membership card 461 is accepted or authentication is performed by online remote login. The authentication unit 4 is connected to the in-house network 800 via the relay device 8, and is capable of sending and receiving signals and information between the in-house management device 200.

The front panel of the authentication unit 4 is provided with a status lamp 41, a bill insertion slot 42, a camera unit 47, a remote control light receiving unit 45, a display unit 43 that can be touched including a touch panel 431 (Fig. 3), operation buttons 441-443, a card insertion slot 46 for a game card 460, and the like. The operation buttons include a loan button 441 for receiving the game value required for playing, a replay button 442 for receiving the payout of saved balls, and an end button 443 for ending the game. The authentication unit 4 can accept a member card 461, which is a game card 460 for a registered member.

As shown in FIG. 3, the authentication unit 4 is electrically configured with a control unit 40 including a CPU, ROM, RAM, I/O, etc. as its core. In addition to the above configuration, the control unit 40 is electrically connected to a banknote processing unit 421 that performs banknote reception processing, a card processing unit 465 that performs various processes related to the gaming card 460, and the like. The card processing unit 465 has a function of reading and writing recorded information on the gaming card 460, as well as a function of suctioning and discharging the gaming card 460. Furthermore, an I/F unit 48 that serves as a gateway for various communications with the authentication unit 4 is connected to the control unit 40.

(Basic Operation of Gaming Machine and Authentication Unit)
When the gaming machine 2 receives the number of game balls that can be released from the authentication unit 4, it becomes possible to release that number of game balls. After that, when the number of game balls becomes zero depending on the game, it becomes impossible to release game balls. During play on the gaming machine 2, the number of game balls is subtracted by the number of released balls, and the number of balls awarded as a result of winning is added to the number of game balls.

The number of game balls in the gaming machine 2 can be converted into the number of held balls stored in the authentication unit 4 by operating the counting button 261. The gaming machine 2 transmits all or part of the number of game balls to the authentication unit 4 in response to the operation of the counting button 261, and subtracts the number of game balls. A short press of the counting button 261 adds one ball at a time to the number of held balls, and a long press converts all balls at once into the number of held balls, and the number of game balls is reset to zero.

In the gaming machine 2, game balls can be launched from the launching device 349 by operating the operating handle 235. When a launched game ball enters the special chart start port 21, a jackpot lottery (special chart lottery) is executed, and the special chart pattern starts to change on the display device 29. If the jackpot lottery is won, the jackpot win is notified by the stopped display of the jackpot pattern, and then the player can move to the jackpot state. In this jackpot state, the large prize winning port 260 is opened a specified number of times, which significantly increases the winning rate. In addition, when a game ball enters the normal chart start port 24, a normal chart lottery is executed, and the normal chart pattern starts to change on the display device 29. If the normal chart lottery is won, the electric chute type special chart start port 21 is opened, and the winning rate increases dramatically.

The authentication unit 4 receives machine data (described later) indicating the progress of play from the corresponding gaming machine 2, generates and stores operation data, etc., and transmits it to the in-game management device 200 as needed. The authentication unit 4 also receives and stores various setting information (gaming machine number, model name, score unit price (point unit price), type, etc.) from the in-game management device 200. The authentication unit 4 allows play on the corresponding gaming machine 2, provided that the membership card 461 is authenticated, or authentication is performed via online remote login.

The authentication unit 4 converts all or a portion of the player's deposit balance, saved balls, and held balls into the number of game balls, and transmits this to the corresponding gaming machine 2. The authentication unit 4 also counts the number of game balls on the corresponding gaming machine 2 and stores this as the number of held balls. When the game ends, it transmits the player's deposit balance, saved balls, and held balls to the in-game management device 200. Furthermore, the authentication unit 4 in this example captures an image of the player's face using the camera unit 47, and transmits this to the in-game management device 200 at any time.

The in-house management device 200 selectively sets the authentication unit 4 to one of two types: a type corresponding to the normal game area (normal game machine 2A) and a type corresponding to the remote game area (remote game machine 2B). In an authentication unit 4 set to a type corresponding to the normal game area, deposits, saved balls, and the use of held balls are possible, provided that a membership card 461 is accepted. In an authentication unit 4 set to a type corresponding to the remote game area, acceptance of a membership card 461 is prohibited, and only online remote play is possible. In online remote play, only replays using saved balls are permitted.

For example, the following signals are transmitted and received between the gaming machine 2 and the authentication unit 4.
(1) Status confirmation request signal: a request signal for machine data which is a status confirmation response. The authentication unit 4 transmits this signal to the gaming machine 2 every 200 ms.
(2) Machine Data: A status confirmation response sent from the gaming machine 2 to the authentication unit 4 in response to the status confirmation request signal. The details of the machine data are described below.
(3) Card insertion notification: Notification by the authentication unit 4 that the gaming card 460 (membership card 461) has been accepted.
(4) Card insertion response: Response of the gaming machine 2 to the card insertion notification.
(5) Return request signal: a signal transmitted by the gaming machine 2 requesting the return of the gaming card 460. The gaming machine 2 transmits this signal in response to the operation of the end button 443.
(6) Counting request signal: a signal transmitted by the gaming machine 2 when the counting button 261 provided in the gaming machine 2 is operated. The counting request signal is a signal requesting the counting of one point of the number of game balls stored in the gaming machine 2.

The machine data that the gaming machine 2 transmits to the authentication unit 4 is information that collectively includes multiple game data such as out, safe, and the number of jackpots. This machine data is associated with the player's membership ID and the type set in the authentication unit 4 that transmitted it. The type set in the authentication unit 4 is a type indicating that it corresponds to a normal gaming machine 2A, or a type indicating that it corresponds to a remote gaming machine 2B. The machine data includes, for example, the following data and information. In the following explanation, the machine data that the gaming machine 2 transmits to the authentication unit 4 is referred to as operation information.

(1) Out (number of times): Indicates the consumption value (use value, shot value, out) in units of one ball since the last time data was transmitted.
(2) Safe (number of times): Shows the winning award value (safe) awarded according to winning since the last time data was transmitted, in units of one ball.
(3) S Winning (Number of Times): Indicates the number of start winnings (S winnings) since the last data transmission in units of one.
(4) Start (number of times): Indicates the start (number of symbol changes, number of times the device is activated, number of times the unit is played) of the device (liquid crystal display unit 290) that is activated (changed) by the S winning since the previous data transmission. It is counted at the time of confirmation, but it may be counted at the time of start.
(5) Jackpot (number of times): The number of jackpots that have occurred since the previous data transmission is shown in units of one. It is counted when the high mode performance occurs, but it may also be counted when it ends.
(6) Jackpot flag (status): If a jackpot state is occurring at the time of data transmission, this is ON; if no jackpot state is occurring, this is OFF. Therefore, the period from when it turns ON to when it turns OFF can be identified as the jackpot state.

(In-house management device)
The arcade management device 200 (FIG. 1) is a computer device for centrally managing the operating status of various devices including the gaming robot 10. The arcade management device 200 is composed of a PC monitor such as a liquid crystal display, output means such as a printer (not shown), a device main body that executes various types of arithmetic processing, and input means such as a keyboard and a mouse (not shown). The device main body has communication means for transmitting and receiving various signals or information, storage means such as a hard disk drive, etc.

The on-site management device 200 has a multi-monitor function. A number of external monitors are connected to the on-site management device 200 to display the captured images of the remote gaming machine 2B. The external monitors display the member ID (an example of identification information) of the player playing the remote game to an employee or manager of the gaming facility, and are an example of a display means for displaying the captured images of the remote gaming machine 2B by the gaming robot 10.

Instead of or in addition to an external monitor, a terminal carried by an employee of the gaming facility may be used as a display means for displaying the member ID of a player playing remote gaming machine 2B and the captured image of remote gaming machine 2B. Also, a PC monitor serving as the main monitor of the in-facility management device 200 may be used to display the captured image of remote gaming machine 2B and the member ID of a player playing remotely.

As described above, the interior of an amusement facility managed by the facility management device 200 is divided into a remote play area exclusively for remote play, and a normal play area where visiting players can play. The ratio of remote play areas to normal play areas can be determined according to the operating status of each gaming machine 2 within the facility. For example, in the case of an amusement facility with 500 gaming machines 2, if the operating rate of the remote play area is about the same as the operating rate of the normal play area, a business decision can be made that it is appropriate to have 250 machines in each play area.

The in-game facility management device 200 generates, stores, and manages operation data for each gaming machine 2 based on operation information (machine data) received from the gaming machine 2. In this example, the in-game facility management device 200, which supports online remote play, receives remote control signals from a mobile terminal 5, which is an example of a player terminal, and transmits them to a gaming robot 10, which is an example of a remote control terminal. The in-game facility management device 200 can also transmit gaming machine images and various game information received from the gaming robot 10 to the mobile terminal 5.

The on-site management device 200 of this embodiment has functions as each of the following means (1) to (7), for example.
(1) Operation data acquisition means: means for acquiring operation data of each gaming machine 2. The operation data acquisition means acquires the operation data of the corresponding gaming machine 2 from the authentication unit 4 in the facility at regular intervals.
(2) Counting means: a means for counting various operation data showing the operation status of each gaming machine 2 and game data for each player based on the operation data acquired by the operation data acquisition means. In particular, the counting means in this example counts the operation data, etc., separately for the normal gaming machine 2A in the normal gaming area and the remote gaming machine 2B in the remote gaming area.
(3) Operation data storage means: means for storing operation data for each gaming machine and game data for each player. The operation data for each gaming machine is stored in association with the machine number and type (normal gaming machine 2A or remote gaming machine 2B) of the gaming machine 2. In other words, the operation data for each gaming machine is stored separately for the normal gaming machine 2A and the remote gaming machine 2B. The operation data includes at least various data such as data (out) indicating the amount of the game value used in the game and an operation flag indicating whether the corresponding gaming machine 2 is in operation or not.
(4) Data transmission means: a means for transmitting operation data for each gaming machine and game data for each player (my data), etc., to the management server 400. The data transmission means transmits the operation data and game data periodically, for example, every minute, in association with the gaming facility ID.
(5) Game value storage means: a means for storing the number of saved balls and the number of balls in possession in association with a member ID, which is an example of a player's identification information. The saved balls and the balls in possession are examples of indicators showing the amount of game value acquired by a player through play.
(6) Type setting means: a means for setting a type corresponding to one of the normal playing area and the remote playing area for each gaming machine 2 and each authentication unit 4. Note that a gaming machine 2 for which a type corresponding to the normal playing area is set is a normal gaming machine 2A, and a gaming machine 2 for which a type corresponding to the remote playing area is set is a remote gaming machine 2B.
(7) Output means: means for outputting operation data for each gaming machine and game data for each player. In particular, the output means in this example is capable of outputting operation data or game data for the normal gaming machine 2A separately from operation data or game data for the remote gaming machine 2B. The output format includes display output on a PC monitor, print output on a printer, etc., as well as transmission output to other devices such as a terminal device (not shown).

(Mobile device)
The mobile terminal 5 ( FIG. 1 ) is an example of a player terminal that is held by a player and allows the gaming robot 10 to execute various game actions. The mobile terminal 5 is, for example, a communication terminal such as a smartphone (multi-function mobile phone) equipped with a touch-operable display screen 50, and can be connected to a public communication line such as the Internet. In addition to the mobile terminal 5 shown as an example, a tablet terminal or a PC terminal that can be connected to the Internet can also be used as a player terminal.

The mobile terminal 5 can realize the functions of at least the following means (1) to (4) by executing a dedicated application downloaded from the management server 400, etc.
(1) Game machine selection screen display means: a means for displaying a screen for remotely selecting a game machine 2 (remote game machine 2B) to be played remotely.
(2) Remote operation screen display means: means for displaying a screen for remotely operating the remote gaming machine 2B.
(3) Saved ball reading means: a means for reading saved balls managed by the gaming facility.
(4) Notification means: a means for transmitting end information indicating the end of a game to the gaming facility and notifying the end of the game.

(Management Server)
The management server 400 (FIG. 1) is a computer device managed by a third party other than the gaming center, for example, a company that operates an online remote gaming service. The management server 400 can communicate with the in-house system 700 of each gaming center via a public communication line such as the Internet as described above.

The management server 400 provides an online remote gaming service. By executing a dedicated application on a mobile terminal 5, the mobile terminal 5 can access the management server 400 and display a gaming machine selection screen (FIGS. 17 and 18) or a specific gaming machine screen (FIG. 24), etc. The gaming machine selection screen is a screen for selecting a gaming machine by remote control. The specific gaming machine screen is a screen for operating the remote gaming machine 2B by remote control to play a game. The configuration of each screen will be explained in detail later.

The management server 400 realizes the functions as each of the following means (1) to (4).
(1) Distribution means: a means for distributing a dedicated application for using the online remote gaming service to the mobile terminal 5. The dedicated application downloaded to the mobile terminal 5 is thereafter updated from time to time and kept up to date.
(2) Member information storage means: means for storing member information. The member information includes a member ID, which is identification information, and a terminal ID, which is identification information of the mobile terminal (player terminal) 5, which is an example of a player terminal.
(3) Online remote gaming service providing means: a means for providing online remote gaming services.
(4) Transmission/reception means: means for transmitting and receiving various information and data between the in-game facility management device 200 of each gaming facility. Information transmitted from the management server 400 to the in-game facility management device 200 includes, for example, information for remotely controlling the gaming robot 10. Information received by the management server 400 from the in-game facility management device 200 includes, for example, operation data showing the status of play by remote play.

(Amusement robot)
The gaming robot 10 (FIGS. 4 and 5) is an example of a remote control terminal that performs a game on behalf of a player by remote control using a mobile terminal 5. The gaming robot 10 has a pair of left and right robot arms 15, and can use the robot arms 15 to operate an operating handle 235 (an example of an operating unit) of the gaming machine 2, etc.

The gaming robot 10 has a fixed part 14 that can clamp a counter-shaped shelf board 80 that is an example of a base for the gaming machine island on which the gaming machine 2 is installed. The gaming robot 10 can be installed in front of the gaming machine 2 using this fixed part 14. In the game center of this example, the gaming robot 10 is installed in advance in front of each gaming machine 2 (remote gaming machine 2B) in the remote gaming area.

As shown in FIG. 4, the gaming robot 10 has a body 143 supported by a lifting mechanism 140 with the fixed part 14 as a base. FIG. 4(a) shows the body 143 lowered by the lifting mechanism 140, and FIG. 4(b) shows the body 143 raised by the lifting mechanism 140. The lowered state of the body 143 is suitable for operating the operating handle 235 by the robot arm 15, and when the body 143 is raised, the game information display device 3 (e.g., a display switching button) can be operated by the robot arm 15. The body 143 is configured to be rotatable relative to the lifting mechanism 140 in addition to being able to be raised and lowered by the action of the lifting mechanism 140. The gaming robot 10 can change its orientation according to the rotation of the body 143 relative to the lifting mechanism 140.

Start lamps 145 that indicate the operating status are located on the front and back of the body 143 (Figures 4 and 5). Robot arms 15 are attached to both sides of the body 143, and a head unit 16 is extended above the body 143.

The robot arm 15 is an example of a game operation means that directly acts on the operation handle 235 of the game machine 2, and is composed of an arm portion 151 that corresponds to a human arm, and a hand portion 152 that corresponds to a human hand. The arm portion 151 has a joint that forms a connection point with the torso portion 143, and a joint that corresponds to a human elbow. The hand portion 152 includes multiple fingers, and is extended from the tip side of the arm portion 151.

The head unit 16 has a pair of left and right lamp units 161 that mimic both human eyes, and is equipped with a camera unit 162 located halfway between the pair of left and right lamp units 161. The lamp units 161 are a two-dimensional array of multiple LED light-emitting elements. The gaming robot 10 can express the player's emotions through the light emission color of the LED light-emitting elements in the left and right lamp units 161 that mimic both eyes, the distribution shape of the LED light-emitting elements in the lit-up state, etc.

A sound collecting section 167 including a microphone is provided on each side of the head section 16, and a light emitting section 164 is provided at the location corresponding to the forehead. A display section 168 consisting of a liquid crystal display is embedded in the back of the head section 16, which corresponds to the back of the head. Although not shown in the figure, the light emitting section 164 incorporates LED elements for illumination as well as LED elements that emit remote control operation signals for the authentication unit 4 and the game information display device 3. The display section 168 consists of a liquid crystal display and is capable of displaying various information.

In addition, two antennas 165, resembling the antennae of a honeybee, are erected on the head unit 16. One of the antennas, 165A, is a communication antenna for wirelessly connecting to the in-house network 800. The other antenna, 165B, is an antenna for receiving infrared signals from a remote control (not shown) carried by an employee of the amusement arcade. The employee can operate the remote control to control the gaming robot 10 in various ways, including switching the display content of the display unit 168 and stopping the game.

The camera unit 162 is composed of three cameras for capturing images of the front, the upper front, and the left front. The front camera is a camera for capturing images of the game board surface 230 of the gaming machine 2. The upper front camera is a camera for capturing images of the game information display device 3. The left front camera is a camera for capturing images of the authentication unit 4. The camera unit 162 is equipped with a zoom mechanism and a focus mechanism. The zoom mechanism and focus mechanism can be remotely controlled by the mobile terminal 5 via the camera drive unit (Figure 6).

As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 6, the gaming robot 10 is electrically configured with a control unit 11 at its center. The control unit 11 is electrically connected to and controllable by a transmitting/receiving unit 12 for transmitting and receiving information and data to and from the in-game management device 200, a remote control transmitting unit 166 for controlling an LED element that emits an infrared signal, a camera unit 162, a camera driving unit 163, a sound collecting unit 167 including a microphone, an arm unit 151 and a hand unit 152 that constitute the robot arm 15, a display unit 168, and the like.

The transmitting/receiving unit 12, which is an example of a transmitting/receiving means, is an interface to the in-game network 800 and is configured to include an antenna 165A that functions as a communication antenna. The gaming robot 10 is connected to a mobile terminal 5, which is an example of a player terminal, via an in-game management device 200 that is connected to the Internet.

(Basic Actions of Gaming Robot)
The gaming robot 10 can communicate with the in-game management device 200 via the in-game network 800, and can communicate with the mobile terminal 5, which is a player terminal, via the Internet. The gaming robot 10 transmits and receives various information related to remote play, and executes various operations by remote control. The gaming robot 10 can execute the following various operations on the remote gaming machine 2B in response to remote control.

(1) Driving the arm portion 151 and the hand portion 152 to rotate the operating handle 235 of the gaming machine 2 (remote gaming machine 2B).
(2) Displaying various information and messages for employees on the display unit 168.
(3) Transmitting images captured by the camera unit 162 (gaming machine 2, authentication unit 4, game information display device 3) to the mobile terminal 5.
(4) Transmitting remote control signals for controlling the game information display device 3 and the authentication unit 4.
(5) Various sound effects generated by the gaming machine 2 are collected by the sound collection unit 167 and transmitted to the portable terminal 5 serving as a player terminal.

Furthermore, the display unit 168 can switch between displaying the following information:
(1) Video being sent to the mobile terminal 5 (2) Member ID and member name of the member remotely controlling the device (3) Facial image of the member remotely controlling the device (4) Past remote play results (5) Start time and elapsed time of play (6) Messages to employees (meal break, cigarette break, end of play, etc.)
(7) Live streaming permission (whether or not to allow video streaming to other players)
(8) Number of spectators of live broadcasts (9) Number of reservations (number of players who have made reservations for the next or subsequent games)

Next, various data (FIGS. 7 to 12) stored and managed by the in-game facility management device 200 of each game facility in the game facility system 1 will be described.
The gaming machine setting data in Fig. 7 is data in which a type and a model code are associated with the machine number, which is the identification information of each gaming machine 2. The type is whether it is a normal gaming machine 2A in a normal gaming area or a remote gaming machine 2B in a remote gaming area. "Normal" in the figure is the type of the normal gaming machine 2A, and "remote" is the type of the remote gaming machine 2B. The model code is a code assigned to each model of gaming machine.

The gaming machine operation data in Figure 8 is data that has been collected and stored by gaming machine, with various types of operation data collected. The operation data for each gaming machine is composed of data such as "out," which is the number of balls inserted, "safe," which is the number of balls paid out, "start," "number of jackpots," "sales," etc. Furthermore, the operation data for each gaming machine is associated with a member ID, which is the identification information of the player.

The type aggregated data in FIG. 9 is data that stores operation data aggregated by type (remote gaming machine/normal gaming machine). Note that in the example in the figure, the average normal out is 15,678, while the average remote out is 21,234, which shows that remote gaming is operating better. In this case, for example, a business decision can be made that it would be desirable to reduce the number of normal gaming machines 2A and increase the number of remote gaming machines 2B.

The member registration data in FIG. 10 is data that registers the attribute information of each member entered during the member registration procedure. The member registration procedure can be performed on an app on the mobile terminal 5.

The member gaming value data in Figure 11 is data that stores the deposit balance, number of balls held, and number of saved balls owned by each member.

The member gaming history data in FIG. 12 is data that the in-game management device 200 creates and manages as a gaming history for each member. In the member gaming history data, data representing the gaming history from the start of play to the end of play is recorded for each member. The data representing the gaming history includes the machine number of the gaming machine 2, the type, the start time of play, the end time of play, the amount used, the number of saved balls used in play (replay), out, safe, the number of jackpots (jackpot), the number of balls held, etc.

Next, the operation of the amusement arcade system 1 configured as described above will be explained. In this example of the amusement arcade system 1, both normal play and remote play require the user to have completed the registration procedure for membership at the arcade, and only registered members can play. Furthermore, remote play is limited to play by replay using saved balls. Therefore, only members who own saved balls as their owned play value can play remote play.

First, normal play, which is play in a physical store, is performed in the following procedure. The authentication unit 4 corresponding to a gaming machine 2 (normal gaming machine 2A) that is not in operation in the normal play area is in a state where it displays the initial screen for normal play in FIG. 13 on the display unit 43. The initial screen in the same figure is a screen on which, from the top, a type display field 433, a message display area 434, a balance display field 435, and an owned gaming value display field 436 are arranged.

The type display field 433 is a display field for the type indicating the gaming cost per unit, and the number of units awarded, which is the number of gaming balls awarded in response to the operation of the loan button 441. The message display area 434 is a display field for indicating whether normal gaming is being performed or remote gaming, as well as for messages from the gaming facility. The balance display field 435 is a display field for the deposit balance, which is the remaining amount of the deposited amount. The owned gaming value display field 436 is a display field for the number of balls owned and the number of balls saved by the player.

In the initial screen of FIG. 13, which is displayed when the corresponding normal gaming machine 2A is not in operation, a message is displayed in the message display area 434 indicating that play can be started upon receipt of the membership card 461. A player who wishes to start playing on the normal gaming machine 2A must first insert the membership card 461 into the card insertion slot 46 of the authentication unit 4. When the authentication unit 4 accepts the membership card 461, the display screen on the display unit 43 switches to the membership information screen for normal play in FIG. 14.

The screen configuration of the member information screen in FIG. 14 is the same as the initial screen in FIG. 13. In the message display area 434 of the member information screen, a greeting message for the member is displayed, and for members who own saved balls, a message is displayed informing them that they can replay using their saved balls. In addition, the balance display field 435 displays the player's deposit balance, and the owned gaming value display field 436 displays the number of saved balls owned by the player, etc.

To start playing, the player must either retrieve saved balls by operating the replay button 442, or deposit money by inserting paper money. As shown in FIG. 14, if the number of saved balls or the number of balls held is displayed in the owned game value display field 436, saved balls can be converted into game balls by operating the loan button 441 (grant process). If the player does not own saved balls, etc., and a deposit balance has been generated by inserting paper money, then the player can convert part or all of the deposit balance into game balls by operating the loan button 441 (grant process).

In this way, the authentication unit 4 converts the saved balls, held balls, or deposited amount into game balls and transmits them to the corresponding gaming machine 2. In the gaming machine 2, the number of game balls received from the authentication unit 4 is displayed on the information display unit 250 (Figure 2). If the number of game balls displayed on the information display unit 250 exceeds zero, game balls can be released in response to operation of the operating handle 235 to start playing. Thereafter, when the game is to end, all game balls are converted into held balls in response to operation of the counting button 261, and the membership card 461 is ejected and returned to the player.

Next, the procedure for remote play, that is, online remote play using a player terminal such as a mobile terminal 5, will be described. In the authentication unit 4 corresponding to the remote gaming machine 2B, the initial screen of FIG. 15 is displayed instead of the initial screen of the authentication unit 4 corresponding to the normal gaming machine 2A (FIG. 13). This initial screen, like the initial screen corresponding to the normal gaming machine 2A (FIG. 13), is a screen in which, from top to bottom, a type display field 433, a message display area 434, a balance display field 435, and an owned gaming value display field 436 are arranged. In the initial screen of FIG. 15, the message display area 434 notifies the user that the corresponding gaming machine 2 is the remote gaming machine 2B and that direct play is not possible.

A player who wishes to play remotely must download a dedicated app to use the online remote gaming service and then register an account. After downloading the dedicated app, account registration can be performed on the account registration screen (Figure 16) that appears on the display screen 50 when the app is launched.

On the account registration screen in FIG. 16, you can register an account by entering your name, login ID, and email address, setting a password, and touching the registration button 51. By registering your account using these steps, you can use the online remote gaming service.

When the dedicated app is launched after registering an account, a login screen (not shown) for the online remote gaming service can be displayed on the display screen 50 of the mobile terminal 5. By entering a login ID and password on this login screen, login is completed and the user can move to the logged-in state. When the user moves to the logged-in state, the display on the mobile terminal 5 switches to the gaming center selection screen 1 shown in FIG. 17.

Game facility selection screen 1 in FIG. 17 is a selection screen for specifying the area (prefecture, city, town, or village) in which the player wishes to play. When the player specifies the area in which the player wishes to play on game facility selection screen 1, the display on the mobile terminal 5 switches to game facility selection screen 2 in FIG. 18. Game facility selection screen 2 in FIG. 18 is a screen that displays a list of game facility names located in the specified area and the number of gaming machines 2 that are available for remote play. A player who wishes to play remotely can select the game facility in which the player wishes to play remotely by touching the display frame of one of the game facilities listed on game facility selection screen 2.

When one of the amusement centers is selected on the second amusement center selection screen in FIG. 18, the amusement center login screen (FIG. 19) for that particular amusement center can be switched to and displayed on the mobile device 5. The amusement center login screen is a screen on which an input field for a member ID and an input field for a password are arranged. By correctly inputting the member ID and the password set during member registration, and then touching the login button 52, the user can log in to that amusement center.

When a player logs in to an amusement arcade, the amusement arcade login completion screen shown in FIG. 20 is displayed on the display screen 50 of the mobile terminal 5. This amusement arcade login completion screen displays the number of balls saved, which is the game value owned by the logged-in player. By touching the machine selection button 53 on this screen, the machine selection screen shown in FIG. 21 can be displayed.

The model selection screen in FIG. 21 is a screen for selecting the model of gaming machine 2 to be played remotely. This model selection screen displays a list of models of gaming machines 2 (remote gaming machines 2B) installed in the remote play area of the logged-in gaming facility. The model desired for remote play can be selected by touching any of the model display fields displayed in the list on the model selection screen. Note that in FIG. 21, other models that are outside the display area can be displayed by scrolling up and down.

For example, when model CCC is selected on the model selection screen, the gaming machine number selection screen of FIG. 22 is switched to and displayed on the display screen 50 of the mobile terminal 5. The gaming machine number selection screen is a screen that displays a list of the machine numbers of remote gaming machines 2B of the selected model. On this gaming machine number selection screen, a mark resembling a no entry traffic sign is displayed so as to overlap the machine numbers of remote gaming machines 2B that are being played remotely or have no available reservation slots, thereby indicating that they cannot be selected. The player can select the remote gaming machine 2B to actually play remotely from the selectable machine numbers. When any remote gaming machine 2B is reserved, a reservation screen (not shown) is displayed. On this reservation screen, the next and subsequent games can be reserved.

When remote play begins, the display screen displayed by the display section 43 of the authentication unit 4 switches to a member information screen as shown in FIG. 23. The member information screen in FIG. 23 is a screen that is displayed when the corresponding remote gaming machine 2B is in operation, and the message display area 434 displays the type indicating that it corresponds to the remote gaming machine 2B, and a message indicating that remote play is in progress. The owned gaming value display field 436 displays the number of balls owned by the player involved in the remote play, etc. Meanwhile, the balance display field 435 displays zero, since playing by depositing money is not possible in remote play.

During remote play, the specific gaming machine screen of FIG. 24 is displayed on the display screen 50 of the mobile terminal 5, which is the player terminal. This specific gaming machine screen is a screen that displays a board image 54, which is a captured image of the game board 230 (see FIG. 2) of the target gaming machine for remote play (remote gaming machine 2B). Below the board image 54, a display area 541 for the number of game balls that can be fired and the playing time, and an illustrated control handle 540 are arranged side by side, and further below that, an operation area 542 in which various operation buttons are arranged is arranged.

In the specific gaming machine screen of FIG. 24, the amount of operation of the operating handle 540 can be changed by tracing the circumference of the operating handle 540 with a fingertip in a circular motion, and the strength of the launch of the game balls can be changed. For example, the amount of operation can be increased by tracing the circumference of the operating handle 540 in a clockwise direction, and the amount of operation can be decreased by tracing the circumference of the operating handle 540 in a counterclockwise direction.

The following operation buttons are arranged in the operation area 542.
(1) Replay button: An operation button for converting saved balls into game balls in batches of 125 balls.
(2) Video switching button: an operation button for switching camera videos (video images captured by the camera unit 162).
(3) Call button: An operation button for calling an employee.
(4) Message button: An operation button for inputting a message to employees.
(5) Distribution setting button: An operation button for setting whether or not to allow live distribution. If live distribution is permitted, the same video will be distributed to others.
(6) End button: An operation button for ending a game.

A player who selects the remote gaming machine 2B can read the balls, which are the game value owned, on the specific gaming machine screen (Figure 24) on the dedicated app, convert some or all of them into game balls, and send them to the gaming machine 2. The remote gaming machine 2B can play games by firing game balls, which are the gaming medium, while consuming the received game balls (number of game balls). In addition, when the game ends, the player can notify the game center employee that the game is over by operating the end button (see Figure 24) on the dedicated app. The end of the game is displayed on the display unit 43, for example. In the gaming center system 1 of this example, an operation is adopted in which an employee who is notified that the game is over performs the game end operation on the remote gaming machine 2B on the player's behalf.

The game arcade system 1 configured as described above is a system for game arcades that have a normal game area where game machines (normal game machines 2A) that can be played by direct operation by visiting players are installed, and a remote game area where game machines (remote game machines 2B) that can be played by remote operation while watching online video are installed.

This amusement center system 1 is configured to include a gaming robot 10 that is attached to each remote gaming machine 2B and can perform various gaming actions in response to remote control by the player, and a player terminal such as a mobile terminal 5 that can perform various remote controls to make the gaming robot 10 perform various gaming actions. The in-center management device 200 of each amusement center in this amusement center system 1 has a function as a type setting means for setting the type of each gaming machine 2 to either a normal gaming machine 2A installed in a normal gaming area or a remote gaming machine 2B installed in a remote gaming area, a function as a compilation means for discriminating various operation data showing the operation status of each gaming machine 2 into the normal gaming machine 2A and the remote gaming machine 2B, and a function as an output means for outputting the operation data of the normal gaming machine 2A and the operation data of the remote gaming machine 2B.

In the amusement arcade system 1 of this example, operation data of the normal gaming machine 2A and operation data of the remote gaming machine 2B are collected and output separately. Therefore, in an amusement arcade that has a normal gaming area and a remote gaming area within the arcade, the operation status of each gaming area can be objectively grasped, and a business decision can be made as to whether the installation ratio of each gaming area is appropriate or not. In an amusement arcade that has the amusement arcade system 1 of this example installed, for example, if the operation status of the remote gaming area is good, it is possible to adjust the installation ratio by reducing the normal gaming area and expanding the remote gaming area.

In this way, the amusement facility system 1 of this example is an excellent system that allows appropriate business operations while dividing the facility into a normal play area and a remote play area.

The operation data that is collected and output separately for the normal gaming machine 2A and the remote gaming machine 2B in the gaming facility system 1 includes at least operation data that indicates the amount of gaming value used in games on each gaming machine 2. If the operation data including the amount of gaming value used in games is collected separately for the normal gaming machine 2A and the remote gaming machine 2B, it becomes easier to compare sales and other business indicators between the normal gaming machine 2A and the remote gaming machine 2B.

The amusement arcade system 1 is configured to include an authentication unit 4 that is attached to each of all gaming machines 2 and is capable of executing a granting process to grant players gaming balls, which are the gaming value used in playing on the gaming machines 2. The in-game facility management device 200 in the amusement arcade system 1 has a function as a type setting means that sets a type for each authentication unit 4 indicating that the area is either a normal gaming area or a remote gaming area.

In the game arcade system 1, the authentication unit 4, which is set to a type corresponding to the normal game area, executes a granting process to grant (lend) game balls based on the acceptance of currency or a membership card 461 (game card 460), which is an example of a storage medium that stores monetary value. On the other hand, the authentication unit 4, which is set to a type corresponding to the remote game area, prohibits the acceptance of currency and a game card 460, which is an example of a storage medium, and executes a granting process to grant game balls based on reading the balls owned by the player from the in-game arcade management device 200, which serves as a game value storage means.

In the present example of the amusement arcade system 1, by setting the authentication unit 4 to a type corresponding to either the normal play area or the remote play area, it is possible to make the authentication unit 4 of the same specifications compatible with both normal play and remote play. In the amusement arcade system 1, each authentication unit 4 in the arcade can be selectively set to correspond to either the normal play area or the remote play area, so that it is easy to change the settings of the normal play area and the remote play area in the arcade, change the installation ratio of the normal play machines 2A and the remote play machines 2B, and so on.

The authentication unit 4 displays the set type of the normal play area and the remote play area, and displays that acceptance of currency and game cards 460 (an example of a storage medium) is prohibited when a type corresponding to the remote play area is set. When the authentication unit 4 displays the type in this way, players who come to play can immediately distinguish between playable and unplayable gaming machines 2. If it is easy to distinguish between playable and unplayable gaming machines, the risk of players becoming confused can be suppressed even when normal play areas and remote play areas are set within the facility. If the operating format of the gaming facility is such that the allocation of normal play areas and remote play areas is variable, displaying the type by the authentication unit 4 is particularly effective. Furthermore, if the authentication unit 4, which is set to the type corresponding to the remote play area, displays that acceptance of currency and game cards 460 (an example of a storage medium) is prohibited, misunderstandings by players can be avoided with a higher degree of certainty.

The game arcade system 1 is configured to include a mobile terminal 5, which is an example of a player terminal that is carried by a player and capable of performing various remote operations for playing remote games. The authentication unit 4 is capable of reading out the stored balls, which are an example of game value owned by the player, based on remote operation from the mobile terminal 5. By using the stored balls managed by the game arcade, remote play can be started without newly exchanging monetary value. For example, since there is no longer a need to charge monetary value using a player terminal such as the mobile terminal 5, a remote play service can be introduced relatively easily.

In the remote play area, a gaming robot 10 is installed for each gaming machine 2, which performs various gaming actions in response to remote operation by the player. The gaming robot 10 includes a robot arm 15, which is an example of a gaming operation means that directly acts on an operating handle 235, which is an example of an operation section of the gaming machine 2, a camera unit 162, which is an example of an imaging means that images the gaming machine 2 and its surroundings, a display unit 168 (an example of a display means) that can display the member ID (an example of identification information) of a player playing a remote game to employees of the gaming facility, and a transmission/reception unit 12 (an example of a transmission/reception means) that transmits and receives various gaming information, including images captured by the camera unit 162, to a mobile terminal 5 (player terminal).

In an amusement facility where the amusement facility system 1 of this example is installed, there is no need to modify the gaming machine 2 (remote gaming machine 2B) to accommodate the remote gaming area. In the amusement facility system 1, the installation of the gaming robot 10 makes it possible to operate through remote gaming. Therefore, with this amusement facility system 1, it is relatively easy to switch between normal gaming machines and remote gaming machines, and it is easy to make appropriate adjustments, such as changing the installation ratio of each gaming area.

The display unit 168 equipped to the gaming robot 10 is capable of displaying images captured by the camera unit 162. If the gaming robot 10 is configured to display the same images as those being sent to the mobile terminal 5, which is an example of a player terminal, an employee will be able to take various measures while viewing the same image as the player.

Instead of or in addition to the configuration of this example, the following configurations may be adopted. Also, the following configurations may be adopted in appropriate combination.
Remote play using the online remote gaming service only allows replay using saved balls, but it is also possible to deposit money into the authentication unit 4 by credit or debit payment and to be granted the number of game balls, which is the gaming value, within the amount deposited (deposit balance), and to play.

In this example, a configuration is shown in which the authentication unit 4 and the game information display device 3 can be operated by a remote control signal from the gaming robot 10, but it is also possible to drive the arm unit 151 and hand unit 152 of the gaming robot 10 to operate them directly. Alternatively, a configuration can be adopted in which operation signals are input directly to the authentication unit 4 and the game information display device 3 via the in-game management device 200 and the relay device 8.

The gaming robot 10 can be fixed to a shelf 80 that forms the base of the gaming machine island where the gaming machines 2 are arranged facing the aisles of the hall. The shelf 80 that forms the base of the gaming machine island is a shelf on which each gaming machine 2 is placed, and protrudes like a counter toward the chair side. By using the shelf 80, the gaming robot 10 can be installed relatively easily relative to the remote gaming machine 2B. Note that instead of the shelf 80 that forms the base of the gaming machine island, the gaming robot 10 can also be fixed by installing it on the chair where the player sits or on the floor.

In this example, assuming that it is difficult for the gaming robot 10 to operate the operation buttons of the gaming machine 2, an example is described in which an employee of the gaming facility performs the game ending operation. It is also good to employ a gaming robot that can execute game ending operations including button operation of the gaming machine 2, in which case the player himself can also perform the game ending operation online.

In the authentication unit 4 set to a type corresponding to the normal play area, play is possible only when the member card 461 is inserted, but it may be possible to play without inserting the member card 461. In this case, a general card (not shown) that can be used by an unspecified number of players may be used instead of the member card 461, and the deposit balance and number of balls held may be stored on the in-game management device 200 side in association with the identification information of the general card.

In this example, the authentication unit 4 allows for deposits using paper money. The deposit method is not limited to this. For example, deposits may be made using electronic money, crypto assets, credit cards, debit cards, etc.

In this example, a so-called sealed-in pachinko gaming machine is exemplified as the gaming machine. The gaming machine is not limited to a sealed-in pachinko gaming machine. It may be a pachinko gaming machine that actually pays out balls in response to winning. In this case, it is preferable to add a ball counting function to the authentication unit. It may also be a pachislot gaming machine, and in that case, it may be either a system that does not pay out medals in response to winning, or a system that pays out medals. The gaming facility system 1 in this example is a system that only registered players can play. The system may also be one that allows unregistered players to play by depositing cash. In this case, it is preferable to provide each gaming machine with a cash deposit means.

In this example, a configuration is described in which a dedicated app is downloaded to a player terminal such as a mobile terminal 5, and the app is executed to enable online remote play. Downloading a dedicated app is not essential. For example, if a website for providing online remote play services is opened on the management server side, and the online remote play service can be used by accessing the website on a browser provided by an application service provider, downloading a dedicated app is not essential.

The types of operation data that are collected by the system are not limited to those in this example. For example, it is possible to calculate various types of operation data such as the probability of a big win, the difference in the number of balls, etc.
In the configuration of this example, the gaming robot 10 is connected to the in-game market network 800 via a wired LAN. Alternatively, the gaming robot 10 may be connected to the in-game market network 800 via a wireless LAN.

Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail as examples above, these specific examples merely disclose examples of the technology encompassed by the scope of the claims. Needless to say, the scope of the claims should not be interpreted in a limited manner based on the configurations or numerical values of the specific examples. The scope of the claims encompasses technology that is a variety of modifications, changes, or appropriate combinations of the specific examples using publicly known technology or the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

1 Game center system 10 Game robot (remote control terminal)
12 Transmitting/receiving unit (transmitting/receiving means)
15 Robot arm (game operation means)
162 Camera unit (imaging means)
168 Display section (display means)
2 Gaming machine (lottery means, big win state generating means, performance lottery means)
2A Normal gaming machine 2B Remote gaming machine 200 In-house management device (operation data acquisition means, aggregation means, operation data storage means, data transmission means, game value storage means, type setting means, output means)
235 Operation handle (operation part)
3 Game information display device 400 Management server (distribution means, member information storage means, online remote game service providing means, transmission/reception means)
5. Portable terminal (player terminal, game machine selection screen display means, remote control screen display means, ball storage reading means, notification means)
700 In-house system 8 Relay device 80 Shelf (base)
800 In-house network

Claims (2)

A system for an amusement facility in an amusement facility, which is provided with a normal gaming area in which gaming machines that can be played by direct operation by visiting players are installed, and a remote gaming area in which gaming machines that can be played by remote operation while watching online video are installed,
an authentication unit that is provided in each of the gaming machines and is capable of executing a granting process for granting a gaming value to a player to be used in playing the gaming machine;
a type setting means for setting a type indicating that the area is either the normal game area or the remote game area for each of the authentication units;
a game value storage means for storing the amount of game value acquired by the player through a game in association with the identification information of the player;
The authentication unit is equipped with a display means for displaying the type set by the type setting means, and, if the type corresponds to a remote play area, displays a message that acceptance of currency and storage media storing monetary value is prohibited, and, if a type corresponding to the normal play area is set by the type setting means, executes the awarding process based on accepting the storage media, while, if a type corresponding to the remote play area is set, prohibits the acceptance of currency and the storage media and executes the awarding process based on reading out the game value of the player from the game value storage means. a player terminal that is carried by a player and capable of performing various remote operations for playing a remote game;
2. The gaming facility system according to claim 1 , wherein the authentication unit reads out the gaming value owned by the player from the gaming value storage means based on remote control from the player terminal.

Images