JP2024175262A - Gaming device and gaming program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a device for games that is capable of making a notification about a residual credit in a game machine, based on game data to be output from the game machine or the like.SOLUTION: Provided is a device for games capable of collecting information regarding a specific game machine that can output first, second, and third information, the first information being information regarding the number of use game values to be used in games, the second information being information regarding the number of giving game values to be given to a player, the third information being information regarding the number of counting game values to be transferred to a corresponding unit, and a unit that can output fourth information being information regarding the number of lending game values to be lent to the specific game machine. The device for games is configured to include: determination means that can determine whether erroneous difference information is a specific number, namely 1 or 2, the erroneous difference information being information regarding the number of erroneous difference game values, in the specific game machine, to be calculated based on the first, second, third, and fourth information; and notification means that can make a specific notification regarding a matter that game values are left in the specific game machine, if the determination of the determination means is the specific number.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming device and a gaming program.

A gaming device is disclosed that detects errors in the number of gaming balls used for each gaming machine by managing gaming data for each gaming machine, such as the number of outs and safes output from the gaming machine and the number of loaned balls output from the loaning machine (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-182850 A

However, there was room for improvement in conventional gaming devices.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming device of the present invention is configured to include a specific gaming machine capable of outputting first information, which is information on the number of game values used in a game, second information, which is information on the number of granted game values granted to a player, and third information, which is information on the number of counted game values transferred to a corresponding unit, and the unit capable of outputting fourth information, which is information on the number of loaned game values loaned to the specific gaming machine, in the gaming device capable of collecting information on the specific gaming machine, a determination means capable of determining whether error information, which is information on the number of error game values in the specific gaming machine calculated based on the first information, the second information, the third information, and the fourth information, is a specific number such as 1 or 2, and a notification means capable of executing a specific notification regarding the fact that game values remain in the specific gaming machine when the determination means determines that the error information is the specific number.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a gaming system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the gaming device. A figure showing an example of data output from a hall control output box (for a circulating pachinko machine). A figure showing an example of data output from a hall control output box (for medalless pachislot). 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of an error determination process. FIG. 2 is a diagram explaining the definitions of items in a transaction history. 13 is an example of a transaction history that is determined to have a small error. 13 is an example of a transaction history that is determined to be in error. 13 is an example of a transaction history that is determined to have a large error. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the definition of an error ball. 13 is an example of an arcade layout screen. 13 is an example of an individual machine data screen. 13 is an example of a counting method explanation screen. 13 is an example of a tally screen. 13 is a modified example of the layout screen of the game center. This is a modified example of an individual machine data screen.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The gaming system 1 operates on a computer controlled by a program (gaming program).
The program sends commands to each component of the computer, causing it to carry out predetermined processes, such as input/output, storage, and calculation of data in the hall computer 60.
The gaming system 1 is realized by a concrete means in which a program and a computer work together, and all or part of the program is provided on a magnetic disk, optical disk, or any other computer-readable storage medium, and the program is read from the storage medium, installed on the computer and executed.
The program can also be loaded directly into a computer via a communication line and executed without using a storage medium.
Furthermore, the gaming machines used in this embodiment are configured so that players cannot touch the gaming media (gaming value).
Therefore, in the following explanation, a conventional gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as "conventional machine") pachinko machine in which the game balls are directly touched and played is referred to as a "circulating pachinko 10a," a conventional pachislot machine in which the medals are directly touched and played is referred to as a "medalless pachislot 10b," and these are collectively referred to as "medalless gaming machine 10."

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a gaming system 1. As shown in FIG.
The gaming system 1 in this embodiment is composed of a medal-less gaming machine 10 and a plurality of gaming devices.
The multiple gaming devices that make up the gaming system 1 include, for example, a dedicated unit 20, a hall computer output box 30, a call lamp 40, an intercom 50, a management computer 55, a prize exchange device 56, a member management device 57, and a hall computer 60.
These gaming devices each have a communication means and are connected to each other so as to be able to carry out data communications via a predetermined network (for example, a local area network).

The medal-less gaming machine 10 (special gaming machine) is a gaming machine in which a player can play a game without directly touching gaming balls, medals, or the like.
For example, the circulating pachinko machine 10a can be played by sealing and circulating game balls (game media) inside the gaming machine, and the medal-less pachislot machine 10b can be played by lending out electronic data (game media) without using physical medals.
The game states of the medalless gaming machine 10 are similar to those of conventional machines, for example, a normal game state in which game media is spent at a predetermined rate, and a special game state which is an advantageous game state for the player in which an increase in game media can be expected compared to the normal game state.
This special gaming state is a gaming state in which the probability of winning a jackpot or a bonus is higher than in the normal gaming state, and the game is controlled so that if a player wins a bonus, he or she can win a large amount of gaming media through subsequent winnings.
In addition, various data (game data) are output from the output means of the medal-less gaming machine 10 in accordance with the progress of the game, and all of this data is output via a dedicated unit 20 which will be described next.
In this embodiment, the gaming media used in the circulating pachinko machine 10a and the medal-less pachislot machine 10b will be uniformly described as "gaming balls" for convenience.

The dedicated unit 20 (unit) is electrically connected to the attached medalless gaming machine 10 via a dedicated PIF cable or the like to enable data communication, and has the function of using electronic data to perform functions such as lending gaming balls according to the amount of money inserted.
For example, game balls are lent out according to the amount of money inserted by outputting lending data specifying the "number of balls lent" to the medalless gaming machine 10 based on the player's lending operation.
Based on this lending data, the medal-less gaming machine 10 determines the "number of lent balls" of gaming balls, stores it in a storage means, and adds it to the "number of balls owned" by the player.

The dedicated unit 20 also returns game balls.
Specifically, in the medal-less gaming machine 10, counting data that specifies the counted number of gaming balls is output (transferred) to the dedicated unit 20 by a counting operation.
When the dedicated unit 20 inputs the counting data output from the medal-less gaming machine 10, it manages the counted number of gaming balls identified based on this counting data as the "number of balls held."

Furthermore, the dedicated unit 20 is equipped with a card unit, which stores (records) the "number of balls held" on an IC card.
The IC card is ejected from the card unit by a return operation, and the player can use the IC card storing the "number of balls held" to exchange it for a prize at a prize exchange center in the game parlor or to play again by inserting it into the card unit of another dedicated unit 20.
Such a dedicated unit 20 is connected to the hall control output box 30, the management computer 55, etc. so as to be capable of data communication.

The hall computer output box 30 (relay device) is connected to the dedicated unit 20, call lamp 40, hall computer 60, etc. so as to be able to communicate data, and has the same functions as the external terminal board of conventional machines that use game balls or medals.
The hall computer output box 30 also functions as a pulse converter that outputs data output from the dedicated unit 20 connected via serial communication to the call lamp 40, the hall computer 60, etc.
Specifically, the hall computer output box 30 can output data via serial communication from the dedicated unit 20 as a serial output, which outputs the data directly to the hall computer 60, etc. via serial communication, or as a pulse output, which converts the data into pulses and outputs the data.
This is because, conventionally, hall computers 60 etc. obtained data by accepting pulse data from conventional machines or inter-machine machines (not shown), etc., and this is to accommodate hall computers 60 etc. that accept pulse outputs.
This makes it possible for the hall control output box 30 to configure a gaming system 1 that supports both serial output and pulse output.

In addition, the hall control output box 30 determines the type of gaming machine from the data output from the dedicated unit 20, and performs an operation according to the determination result.
The gaming machine type is one byte long, with Bit 0 to Bit 3 indicating the type of gaming machine, Bit 4 to Bit 6 indicating the group classification, and Bit 7 indicating the management medium, and is information regarding the type of gaming machine.
For example, the game balls of the medalless gaming machine 10 are determined from the management medium among the gaming machine types, such that if the management medium is "0", they are game balls, and if the management medium is "1", they are medals.

The call lamp 40 notifies the player of the occurrence of a jackpot, the occurrence of a special probability, the calling of a store attendant, etc., by lighting or blinking the light emitting means, and also displays information related to the game.
For example, the call lamp 40 displays useful information to the player using numbers and graphs to make it easy to see the number of jackpots and the number of special events for the current day, the previous day, etc., as well as the number of starts, which is the number of rotations since the last jackpot, and the jackpot history.
The call lamp 40 has a call function (calling) that allows a store attendant to be called by pressing the call button. When a player operates this call button, call information is output to the hall computer 60, and when the call button is operated again, the output of the call information is cancelled.
In addition, if it is determined that an error exists in the error determination process described below, information to that effect may be sent to the call lamp 40 corresponding to the medalless gaming machine 10 that has been determined to have an error, so that the call lamp 40 may also provide a similar error notification.

The intercom 50 (terminal device) functions as a notification means and is a terminal device that uses radio waves as a communication tool.
The gaming system 1 is configured with a plurality of intercoms 50, and each store clerk carries one intercom 50.
The intercom 50 not only allows hands-free calling using a headset, but can also notify various information from the hall computer 60, etc., making it an ideal communication tool for arcades where immediacy is required.

The management computer 55 is connected to a management center outside the amusement facility via the Internet for data communication, and collects and manages the ball output data output from the medalless gaming machines 10 and dedicated units 20 installed in the amusement facility.
This ball output data includes performance data that is output to the management center after the amusement arcade closes, as well as fraud and error data that is output to the management center in real time, and all of this data is managed centrally at the management center.

The prize exchange device 56 carries out an exchange process for the prize desired by the player within the range of the "number of balls held" that the player has acquired through play.
For example, when the IC card returned from the dedicated unit 20 is handed over to a store clerk or the like standing at the prize counter, the prize exchange device 56 performs a prize exchange process based on the operation of the store clerk or the like.
In this prize exchange process, the remaining number of game balls is read from the IC card via the card reader 100 provided in the prize exchange device 56, and a settlement process is carried out with the prize corresponding to this remaining number.

The IC cards used in this embodiment include membership cards used by players who are registered as members of the gaming arcade, as well as general cards used by players who are not registered as members of the gaming arcade.
The membership card can store the number of balls a member player has acquired over multiple days, and can therefore be used after the day of purchase.
In contrast, a general card can store the number of balls a non-member player has acquired on that day, and is a card that is loaned to a player temporarily, such as for that day only.

Therefore, the card reader 100 provided in the prize exchange device 56 and the card unit provided in the dedicated unit 20 function as identification means for reading various information on the IC card and identifying whether or not the player is a member.
The various pieces of information related to the IC card that are read at this time include, for example, information indicating that the card has been inserted, the member number of the member card, and ID information of the general card.

The member management device 57 manages information regarding players who are registered as members at the gaming facility, and also manages the "number of balls held" that member players have won through play by sending and receiving information regarding players who are registered as members between other gaming devices.
In this embodiment, the "number of balls held" stored on the membership card refers to the number of game balls acquired and deposited in the arcade before the current day, and is also referred to as the "number of saved balls."
The member management device 57 stores a member database in which information about members is recorded.
The member database is composed of, for example, a member's address, telephone number, card ID (member number) of the member's card, number of balls saved, cash balance, etc.
The member management device 57 then updates the “number of balls saved” and cash balance, etc. in the member database based on the card ID and various operation data transmitted from the dedicated unit 20.

The hall computer 60 (gaming device) is an information processing device that operates according to a program, and is installed, for example, in a location where it can be operated by the arcade manager or staff, or in an office behind the counter.
The hall computer 60 stores, manages, and analyzes information relating to play on all of the medalless gaming machines 10 installed in the gaming arcade, and manages gaming data (e.g., payout rate, gross profit, etc.) in the gaming arcade.
As shown in FIG. 2, such a hall computer 60 is made up of a communication unit 61, a storage unit 62, an operation unit 63, a display unit 64, and a control unit 65.

The communication unit 61 inputs various data from the medal-less gaming machine 10, the dedicated unit 20, etc. via the hall control output box 30.
Here, various data output from the medal-less gaming machine 10 and the dedicated unit 20 will be described.
Various data output from the medalless gaming machine 10 and the dedicated unit 20 is output to a call lamp 40, a hall computer 60, etc. via a hall computer output box 30.

The various data are mainly divided into three data types: "machine data,""fraudulentdata," and "sales data."
Hereinafter, the data names and data types for each data type at the time of pulse output will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG.
FIG. 3 shows an example of data output from the circulation type pachinko machine 10a, and FIG. 4 shows an example of data output from the medal-less pachinko slot machine 10b.

"Data name" indicates the name of the data corresponding to each data.
"Machine data" is data that is generated in association with play, and examples include out data that is output each time a game ball is consumed (used) (circulating pachinko 10a: number of shots, medal-less pachislot 10b: number of medals used), safe data that is output each time a game ball is acquired (awarded) by winning or the like (circulating pachinko 10a: prize balls, medal-less pachislot 10b: number of medals awarded), and status data that is output during a special game state (circulating pachinko 10a: during jackpot, medal-less pachislot 10b: during RB).
Therefore, it is possible to specify "out" from out data, "safe" from safe data, and the game status from status data.

"Fraudulent data" is data that is generated in conjunction with fraudulent activities such as cheating, and examples include door open data (recirculating pachinko 10a) and door open data (medalless pachislot 10b) that are output when the door of the medalless gaming machine 10 is in an open state, fraudulent data (recirculating pachinko 10a) and fraud detection data (medalless pachislot 10b) that are output when fraud occurs due to magnetism, radio waves, etc.
Therefore, fraudulent acts, malfunctions, etc. can be identified from fraud detection data, etc.

"Sales data" is data generated in association with the lending or calling of game balls, and includes, for example, deposit amount data output when a deposit is made, consumption amount (amount used) data output when the game balls are consumed, counting data output based on the counting of game balls by the dedicated unit 20 (circulating pachinko 10a: number of counted balls, medalless pachislot 10b: number of counted medals), replay data output based on the payout of saved balls (circulating pachinko 10a: number of replay balls, medalless pachislot 10b: number of replay medals), and return ball data output based on the payout of held balls (circulating pachinko 10a: number of held balls paid out, medalless pachislot 10b: number of held medals paid out).
Furthermore, the "sales data" includes call data output while the store clerk is being called, card insertion data output while the IC card is inserted, and the like.
Therefore, the "number of loaned balls (amount, sold balls)" can be determined from deposit amount data and consumption amount data, etc., the "number of counted balls" from counting data, etc., the "number of replayed balls (amount, sold balls)" from replay data, etc., and the "number of returned balls (returned balls)" from returned ball data, etc.

The data type indicates which of two data types each data corresponds to: a pulse type in which the width of one pulse is fixed at 50 ms, and a state type in which data is continuously output when in a corresponding state.
For example, the out data of the "machine data" has a data type of pulse format (number of balls fired: 1 pulse for 10 balls, number of medals used: 1 pulse for 1 medal), and the status data of the "machine data" has a data type of status format (jackpot: ON during jackpot, RB: ON during RB).
In addition, the door open data and door open data in the "fraudulent data" are of the status type (door open/door open: ON when open), the counting data in the "sales data" are of the pulse type (number of counted balls: 1 pulse for 25 balls, number of counted medals: 1 pulse for 5 medals), and the call data in the "sales data" are of the status type (call: ON during call).
In this way, even within the same data type, the data types may differ.
The data output from the hall computer output box 30 may be output to the hall computer 60 at any time or may be stored and then output.
For example, in the former case, when data indicating the use of 10 balls is input from the circulating pachinko machine 10a, data indicating the use of 10 balls is output to the hall computer 60 at each time, whereas in the latter case, after accumulating until a total of 100 balls are reached, data indicating the use of 100 balls is output to the hall computer 60.

The memory unit 62 is composed of a storage medium (e.g., ROM, RAM, hard disk, etc.) capable of storing programs and data for executing various functions of the hall computer 60.
The memory unit 62 stores various data such as "machine data,""fraudulentdata," and "sales data" output from the medalless gaming machine 10, the dedicated unit 20, etc.

The operation unit 63 is an operating means consisting of a keyboard, mouse, etc., and can be operated by the amusement center manager, etc. to select and input predetermined data, instructions, commands, etc.

The display unit 64 is a notification means such as a liquid crystal display, and displays numerical values inputted from the operation unit 63 and calculated game data when a staff member at the gaming arcade operates the operation unit 63 .
Specifically, the "game center layout screen" (see FIG. 11), "individual machine data screen" (see FIG. 12), "tally screen" (see FIG. 14), etc., which will be described later, are displayed.
The display unit 64 functions as a notification means by display, but may also notify by sound such as voice or a buzzer instead of or in addition to this.

The control unit 65 is composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and performs processing as the hall computer 60 while monitoring and controlling each of the above-mentioned parts by reading and executing programs stored in the memory unit 62.
For example, the control unit 65 calculates gaming data, which is data specific to the gaming facility and is used when the gaming facility is open, based on various data output from the medalless gaming machine 10 etc. via the communication unit 61.
Managers of the gaming center use the calculated gaming data as an index for daily operation of the gaming center.

Incidentally, many of the medal-less pachislot 10b machines installed in recent years are dedicated to three-coin play, and since it is not possible to play with two or fewer credits, it is possible that an amusement parlor may close with credits remaining in the medal-less gaming machine 10 (hereinafter referred to as remaining credits) without using up the credits.
Also, in the case of the circulation type pachinko 10a, when a small amount of credits of "2" balls or less remains, a player may overlook this and end the game, resulting in the store closing with credits remaining in the medalless gaming machine 10.
In the medal-less gaming machine 10, games are played using the number of credits stored as electronic data, and this number of credits is maintained unless it is reset (for example, by changing the set value, resetting the set value, or clearing the RAM).
For this reason, if an arcade closes with the remaining credits at "2" or less and the manager of the arcade does not reset the medalless gaming machine 10, the credit status will be maintained, and a player who sees the credit status the following day may realize that no changes were made to the setting value, etc.
As a result, if a medal-less gaming machine 10 was in poor condition the previous day, it may be assumed that the poor performance is continuing, and players may be reluctant to play on that medal-less gaming machine 10.
Therefore, the gaming device in this embodiment realizes the prompting of the remaining credits in the medal-less gaming machine 10 from the previous day to "0" by the time the store opens on the current day.

[Error Judgment Process]
The error determination process will be described below with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the error determination process executed by the control unit 65.
A game program created based on this flowchart is stored in the memory unit 62, and when this game program is started, the control unit 65 executes an error determination process.
The error determination process is a process that calculates the number of error balls (hereinafter simply referred to as error balls) for each medalless gaming machine 10 from various gaming data output in response to the operation of the medalless gaming machine 10 and the dedicated unit 20, and determines the error state based on the calculated number of error balls.

First, in S10, the control unit 65 determines whether the current time is a specific time.
Here, the specific time is a predetermined time, and in this embodiment, it is set to the closing time of the amusement arcade (for example, 11pm for an amusement arcade that opens at 10am and closes at 11pm).
When the control unit 65 determines that the current time is the specific time (S10: Yes), the control unit 65 advances the determination process to S11.
On the other hand, if the control unit 65 determines that the current time is not the specific time (S10: No), the control unit 65 returns the determination process to S10.

In S11, the control unit 65 acquires game data at a specific time.
The control unit 65 acquires game data stored in the memory unit 62 from the medalless gaming machine 10 and the dedicated unit 20 .
The game data is automatically acquired at a specific time set in advance by a program.
In S12, the control unit 65 calculates the error number of balls (E) for each medalless gaming machine 10 based on the acquired gaming data using the following formula 1.
The error balls will be described as game balls that have credits remaining in the medal-less gaming machine 10.
In other words, when the calculation result of the error ball number is "+ (positive)", the control unit 76 determines that there are credits remaining and that there are game balls that have not been counted by the player.
When the value is "- (negative)", it may be determined that there is "credit remaining", and it does not matter whether the calculation result is positive or negative.

"Number of error balls (E)" = ((Total amount of cumulative machine sales (M) ÷ Rental conversion rate (C)) + Cumulative number of returned balls between machines (R)) - (Cumulative number of prize balls between machines (G) + (Number of outs (O) - Number of safes (S)) ... (Formula 1)
E: "Error ball number (error game value number)"
M: "Total cumulative sales amount (corresponding to "Amount")"
C: "Loan conversion rate (corresponding to "loan conversion rate")"
= (Total cumulative machine sales amount (M) ÷ Rental conversion rate (C) (fourth information, number of rental play values))
R: "Cumulative number of returned balls between machines (fourth information, number of loaned play values) (corresponding to "returned balls")"
G: "Cumulative number of prize balls between machines (third information, counted game value number) (corresponding to "counting")"
O: "Number of outs (first information, number of gaming values used) (corresponding to "out")"
S: "Number of safes (second information, number of granted play values) (corresponding to "safe")"
The text in parentheses indicates the corresponding items in the transaction history in Figures 7 to 9, which will be explained next.

In other words, the "error number of balls (E)" is calculated by subtracting the sum of the "number of outs" (first information) and the "number of counted balls" (third information) from the sum of the "number of loaned balls" (fourth information) and the "number of safes" (second information).

Below, the error ball number will be calculated using a specific example of a gaming transaction history.
Figure 6 is a diagram explaining the definition of items in a transaction history, and Figures 7 to 9 are diagrams showing the transaction history of an arcade just before closing time that has installed a medal-less pachislot 10b with a game ball lending rate of 20 yen.

(1) "Time" indicates trading hours.
(2) “Event” indicates transaction information.
(3) "Number of prize balls increase or decrease" indicates the number of credits increased or decreased.
(4) “Estimated Prize” is the number of balls remaining in the credit and indicates the number of balls that can be exchanged for prizes.
(5) “Unit” indicates the number of counted balls transferred (counted) to the dedicated unit 20.
(6) “Credit” indicates the number of game balls stored in the medalless gaming machine 10.
(7) “Error Number” indicates the error number of balls (synonymous with “Estimated Prize”), and the calculation formula will be described later.
(8) “Amount” indicates the numerical value recorded when the amount (points) stored in a general card or a membership card is used, or when a replay is performed using the balls stored in the membership card.
In addition, since medal-less pachislot 10b does not allow direct use of cash, cash sales are not included.
(9) "Loan conversion rate" indicates the loan amount per credit (e.g., 20 yen).
(10) “Sold balls (fourth information, number of loaned game values)” indicates the number of loaned balls (amount, or number of loaned balls due to the use of saved balls for replay) generated when the “amount” is recorded.
(11) “Return balls (fourth information, number of loaned game value)” indicates the number of loaned balls generated when the balls held are paid out.
(12) “Count (third information, counted game value number)” indicates the counted number of balls (synonymous with “estimated prize”) transferred from the medalless gaming machine 10 to the dedicated unit 20.
(13) “Out (first information, number of game values used)” indicates the number of balls used in the game.
(14) “Safe (second information, number of awarded game values)” indicates the number of balls awarded in the game.
In addition, the definition of “counting” shown in Figure 6 indicates the transfer of data on the number of game balls (game value) credited inside the medalless gaming machine 10 from the medalless gaming machine 10 to the dedicated unit 20.

Here, the transaction history in FIG. 7 will be explained as a representative example.
In transaction history 1, a replay is performed in which saved balls are withdrawn and played, and a loan operation for 1000 yen results in the payment of 50 sell balls (= amount 1000 yen ÷ loan conversion rate 20 yen), and the increase/decrease in the number of prize balls is +50 (=50+0).
Therefore, the player's credits are set to "50".
In transaction histories 2 and 5, out is "40" (= 40 - 0 (transaction history 2)), (= 110 - 70 (transaction history 5)), while safe is "10" (= 10 - 0 (transaction history 2)), (= 30 - 20 (transaction history 5)), so the increase or decrease in the number of prize balls at the start of the game is "-30" (= 10 - 40).
Similarly, in transaction histories 3 and 6, out is "30" (= 70 - 40 (transaction history 3)), (= 140 - 110 (transaction history 6)), while safe is "10" (= 20 - 10 (transaction history 3)), (= 40 - 30 (transaction history 6)), so the increase or decrease in the number of prize balls at the start of the game is "-20" (= 10 - 30).
In transaction histories 4 and 7, a lending operation has been performed, and a lending operation of 1000 yen has resulted in the payment of 50 sell balls (= 1000 yen amount ÷ 20 yen lending conversion rate).
Therefore, the player's credit is again set to "50".
In transaction history 8, out is "59" (=199-140) and safe is "10" (=50-40), so the increase or decrease in the number of prize balls at the start of the game is "-49 balls" (=59-10).

Equation 2 is a calculation formula obtained by applying the corresponding items in the transaction history of Figures 7 to 9 to Equation 1, and specifically calculates the error number of balls based on the transaction history.
"Error number (E)" = ((amount ÷ loan conversion rate) + return ball) - (count + (out - safe) ... (Formula 2)

For example, in transaction number 8, which is the final transaction in FIG. 7, the amount is "3000" yen, the loan conversion rate is "20", the return ball count is 0, the out is "199", and the safe is "50".
Therefore, the main control unit 65 calculates the error number of balls for the 12th medalless gaming machine 10 as "1" (= (3000÷20) + 0) - (0 + 199 - 50)).
Therefore, the 12th medalless gaming machine 10 can recognize that the gaming parlor has closed while there is still one credit remaining.

Similarly, in the final transaction, transaction number 14 in FIG. 8, the amount is "2000" yen, the loan conversion rate is "20", the return ball count is "0", the out is "140", and the safe is "60".
Therefore, the main control unit 65 calculates the error number of balls for the 15th medalless gaming machine 10 as "20" (= (2000÷20) + 0) - (0 + 140 - 60)).
Therefore, the player can recognize that the gaming center has closed down when the 15th medalless gaming machine 10 has 20 credits remaining.

In addition, in the final transaction, transaction number 5 in FIG. 9, the amount is "3000" yen, the loan conversion rate is "20", the return ball count is "0", the out is "170", and the safe is "240".
Therefore, the main control unit 65 calculates the error number of balls for the fifth medalless gaming machine 10 as “220” (=(3000÷20)+0)-(0+170-240)).
Therefore, the fifth medalless gaming machine 10 can recognize that the gaming center has closed while there are 220 credits remaining.

Returning to the flowchart, the determination process in S13 will be described.
In S13, the control unit 65 determines whether the error ball count is "0" or not.
If the error ball count is "0" (S13: Yes), it is determined that there is "no error" (S14), and the process ends.
On the other hand, if the number of error balls is not "0" (S13: No), it is determined that "an error exists" and the determination process proceeds to S15.
"No error" refers to a state in which there are no error balls and no particular problems have occurred (see FIG. 10(1)).

In S15, the control unit 65 determines whether the error ball number is in the range of "1 to 2" or not.
If the error number is within the range of "1 to 2" (S15: Yes), it is determined that the error is small (S16), and the process ends.
On the other hand, if the error number is not within the range of "1 to 2" (S15: No), the determination process proceeds to S16.
The medalless gaming machine 10 numbered 12 shown in FIG. 7 has an error number of "1", and is therefore determined to have a "small error".

“Small error” refers to an error state in which the error in the number of balls is in the range of “1 to 2 (specific number)” and mainly indicates an error state in which there are balls remaining that have not been bet and cannot be played in the three-coin medal-less pachislot 10b (see FIG. 10 (2)).
Here, the range of "1 to 2 (specific number)" corresponds to "1 only,""2only," or "1 and 2."
In addition, the "small error" is easy to overlook since it involves only a small number of error balls, but since error balls remain in the medal-less gaming machine 10 when the medal-less gaming machine 10 is not reset, if a player checks the remaining error balls first thing in the morning, there is a possibility that the player will realize that the set value has been left unchanged.
Therefore, even if the error is "small," it is not left as it is, but is determined to be an error state that requires counting in order to make the credits "0."

In S17, the control unit 65 determines whether the error ball number is within the range of "3 to 199".
If the error ball count is within the range of "3 to 199" (S17: Yes), it is determined to be "error level" (S18), and the process ends.
The medalless gaming machine 10 numbered 15 shown in FIG. 8 has an error number of "20", and is therefore determined to be in "medium error" state.
On the other hand, if the error ball count is not within the range of "3 to 199" (S17: No), it is determined that there is a "large error" (S19), and the process ends.
The fifth medalless gaming machine 10 shown in FIG. 9 has an error number of "220", and is therefore determined to have a "large error".

“Medium error” is an error state in which the error ball count is in the range of “3 to 199 (special number)” and indicates an error state in which the number of balls left uncounted is relatively small (see FIG. 10 (3)).
Furthermore, this is also an error state in which there is little possibility of failure of a detection sensor that counts game balls in the medalless gaming machine 10 or the like.
In addition, "medium error" is defined on the assumption that there is a certain number of players who miss counting to less than "200," and simply indicates an error state in which there is a high possibility of missing a count.

On the other hand, “large error” is an error state in which the number of error balls is in the range of “200 to (special number)” and, unlike “medium error,” indicates an error state in which a large number of balls have been forgotten to be counted (see FIG. 10 (4)).
This is also an error state that increases the possibility of a malfunction of a detection sensor that counts game balls in the medalless gaming machine 10 or the like.
In addition, a "large error" does not simply indicate a missed count, but indicates an error state in which there is a high possibility that a malfunction has occurred, such as a cable break or short circuit preventing the hall computer 60 from obtaining accurate information such as "safe."

When the arcade is closed, the control unit 65 determines whether each medalless gaming machine 10 falls into one of the above-mentioned categories of “small error,” “medium error,” or “large error,” and notifies the arcade manager or other person in charge of the determination result.
As a result, the display unit 64 can display information regarding the error balls determined by the error determination process.

"Game center layout screen"
When an error occurs, the control unit 65 can visually notify each medalless gaming machine 10 in which an error has occurred on a gaming machine basis.
For example, the "game center layout screen" shown in FIG. 11 can be displayed.
The "amusement arcade layout screen" is a screen that displays a schematic layout of the placement of the medalless gaming machines 10 on each floor, and allows the user to check the operating status in that layout.

In the "Amusement Center Layout Screen", by checking the check box 100 corresponding to the error state (operating state) that one wishes to display in the pop-up display selection screen 101, the medalless gaming machine 10 corresponding to the checked error state is selected and displayed decorated with a specified color, symbol, pattern, letter, etc.
Therefore, only medalless gaming machines 10 in an error state that the manager of the gaming facility or the like deems necessary can be displayed.
In addition, on the actual "Amusement Center Layout Screen", medalless gaming machines 10 that are in an error state are distinguished by color, but since the figure is in black and white, in FIG. 11 they are distinguished by hatching.

In the example shown in Figure 11, the medalless gaming machines 10 with machine numbers 12 and 13 on floor "1F" are in an error state of "small error," the medalless gaming machine 10 with machine number 5 is in an error state of "medium error," and the medalless gaming machine 10 with machine number 15 is in an error state of "large error," and are displayed in a different manner from the other medalless gaming machines 10.
In this way, the control unit 65 displays the current error state of the medalless gaming machine 10 in different display modes so that the current error state can be recognized at a glance.
This allows the manager of the gaming facility, etc., to recognize at a glance what kind of error ball situation each medalless gaming machine 10 has.
As a result, the manager of the gaming facility, etc. can easily identify the medalless gaming machine 10 installed on the floor that is generating an error by using the "gaming facility layout screen."

[Individual machine data screen]
The control unit 65 can display an "individual machine data screen" such as that shown in FIG. 12 by clicking on the machine number of the medalless gaming machine 10 that the user wishes to check individually on the gaming facility layout screen.
The [Individual Machine Data Screen] can be displayed simultaneously with the arcade layout screen, or on a separate screen, and is a screen for checking details of the error state of the medalless gaming machine 10.
In addition, the "individual machine data screen" is a screen that identifies the machine number of the medalless gaming machine 10 and warns the manager of the gaming facility, etc., about the erroneous balls.
FIG. 12(a) shows an example of a “small error notification screen” that is displayed on the display unit 64 when the error judgment process judges that the number of error balls is within the range of “1 to 2” and therefore a “small error.”
In the "small error notification screen (specific notification)", for example, a warning message such as "Number XX has remaining credits. Please count them up" can be displayed on the display unit 64.
This "small error notification screen" prompts a store attendant or the like to perform the counting operation, and makes it easy to recognize that a "small error" has occurred in medalless gaming machine 10 with machine number 12.

FIG. 12(b) shows an example of an "error notification screen" that is displayed on the display unit 64 when the error judgment process determines that the number of error balls is within the range of "3 to 199" and thus is "error mode," and FIG. 12(c) shows an example of a "large error notification screen" that is displayed on the display unit 64 when the error judgment process determines that the number of error balls is within the range of "200 or more" and thus is "large error."
Unlike the "Small Error Notification Screen," the "Medium Error Notification Screen (Special Notification)" and "Large Error Notification Screen (Special Notification)" can display, for example, a warning message such as "Number machine: There is a possibility that counting may have been forgotten. Please check," as well as the determined "error state" and "number of error balls" in detail on the display unit 64.
In this way, the display unit 64 can specifically identify and display the "machine number,""errorstate," and "error ball number" of the medalless gaming machine 10 in which an error has occurred.

[Counting method explanation screen]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the "counting method explanation screen" that is displayed when it is determined that the error is "small."
The "counting method explanation screen" is a moving image that switches between FIG. 13(a) and FIG. 13(b) at regular intervals (for example, every 5 seconds) and explains the credit counting method.
For example, in Figure 13 (a), an arrow indicates the counting button 201, and a video is displayed encouraging the player to press the counting button 201, along with a voice and message saying "Please press the counting button 201 to transfer the number of credits to the dedicated unit 20" being displayed on the display unit 64.
In addition, in Figure 13 (b), an arrow indicates the settlement button 200, and a video is displayed encouraging the user to press the settlement button 200, and a voice and message are displayed on the display unit 64 saying, "If you cannot transfer the number of credits even by pressing the counting button 201, please press the settlement button 200 to transfer the number of credits and then press the counting button 201."
This is because pressing the counting button 201 will not change anything when a bet has been placed, so this is to explain pressing the counting button 201 after pressing the settlement button 200 to transfer to credits.

This animation may be displayed by clicking on the "small error notification screen" in FIG. 12(a) described above, or may be displayed by clicking on a predetermined area on the screen.
In addition, since the position and shape of the settlement button 200 and the counting button 201 differ for each model, the "counting method explanation screen" may be displayed with an image that does not evoke a specific model, or a different video may be displayed for each model (a video in which the settlement button 200 and counting button 201 of the corresponding model are displayed).

[Counting screen]
Furthermore, the control unit 65 can display a “tally screen” as shown in FIG.
The [aggregation screen] is a screen that aggregates and displays information on error balls in the medal-less gaming machine 10 for a specified unit (for example, for each model) for a period such as day, month, or year.
For example, Figure 14 (a) is a "daily summary screen" showing a list of medalless gaming machines 10 that have experienced a "small error,""mediumerror," or "large error" on a gaming machine (machine number) basis on a certain business day (hereinafter referred to as a "specific day").
From this "Daily Summary Screen", the error occurrence data for a specific day can be recognized, such as the machine number of the medalless gaming machine 10 in which an error occurred, the model, the number of erroneous balls, the type of error, etc.
This allows, for example, the manager of an amusement facility to take measures such as posting posters or stickers around medal-less gaming machines 10 where many errors occur, warning users not to forget to count.

FIG. 14B is a "model-specific tally screen" showing the number of errors occurring by model during a certain period (hereinafter referred to as a "specific period").
From this "Model-specific Summary Screen", the relationship between model and error type can be recognized as error summary data for a specific period.
In the example shown in FIG. 14B, it can be seen that model B has many "small errors."
Therefore, the manager of the amusement facility or the like can recognize that there is a particularly high possibility of a small amount of credits remaining, such as "two coins" or less, with machine B, and can give advice to the amusement facility staff, for example, to urge them to check the remaining credits with more care with machine B than with other machines.
The specific date and specific period can be set to any date and period, and the display unit 64 can display the aggregate information of the error balls based on the setting.

As described above, according to the gaming device of this embodiment, it is possible to determine the error number of balls in the medalless gaming machine 10 at a predetermined timing (for example, when the amusement arcade closes), and if it is determined that the error number of balls is "1" or "2", it can notify that credits remain in the medalless gaming machine 10.
This makes it possible to encourage players to reset the remaining credits of the medal-less gaming machine 10 from the previous day to "0" before the store opens on that day.
Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent a player from discovering that the set value has been fixed by checking the status of the credits remaining in the medal-less gaming machine 10 first thing in the morning.
Conventional gaming devices detect erroneous balls for each medal-less gaming machine 10 and issue an alert when the number of erroneous balls exceeds a predetermined value, but no alert is issued when the number of erroneous balls is small, such as "1" or "2," so it can happen that a player does not realize that credits remain in the medal-less gaming machine 10.
According to the gaming device of the present invention, it is possible to solve all or part of the problems that need to be improved in conventional gaming devices.

The above describes preferred embodiments of the gaming device and program of the present invention, but the gaming device and program of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the present invention.
(1) In this embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to a hall computer 60 as an example of a gaming device, but it can also be applied to other gaming devices that can be connected to the gaming system 1, such as a dedicated unit 20, a hall computer output box 30, a call lamp 40, a management computer 55, a prize exchange device 56, a member management device 57, etc.
(2) When judging the number of balls with error in a conventional slot machine, it is acceptable to judge only "large error" rather than "small error" and "medium error." In this case, it is sufficient to display "error present" only when it is judged to be "large error."
This is because, in conventional pachislot machines, erroneous balls frequently occur because the machine can be easily moved without going through the dedicated unit 20, but even if erroneous balls occur, they cannot be strictly managed like in the medal-less pachislot 10b, and the number of credits often remains at "0".
This makes it possible to avoid the situation where it becomes difficult to know which gaming machine is generating an error ball, even in a gaming parlor where conventional pachislot machines and medal-less pachislot machines 10b are mixed.
(3) Although an example of a specific time being set at the closing time of an arcade has been described, the specific time may be set before opening (e.g., 9:00), or may be determined in real time.
However, when making a judgment in real time and reporting an error based on the judgment result, an error will be reported if the error ball count other than "0" does not change for a specified period (for example, 40 minutes).
This is because it is natural for an error in the number of balls to occur while the machine is in operation, and if the error in the number of balls does not change for a long period of time, it is highly likely that the player has left the machine (finished playing) without counting the balls.
(4) Although the various screens shown in Figures 11 to 16 have been described as examples displayed on the display unit 64 of the hall computer 60 in the amusement arcade, a separate server capable of communicating with the hall computer 60 may be provided, and the communication unit 61 may be connected to an external terminal device outside the amusement arcade, such as a smartphone owned by the manager of the amusement arcade, and the screens may be displayed on that terminal device.
(5) The “Individual Machine Data Screen” shown in FIG. 12 has been described as an example in which the screen is displayed by clicking on the machine number of the medalless gaming machine 10 on the “Amusement Hall Layout Screen”. However, the screen may be displayed so that the screen changes in the order of “Large Error” → “Medium Error” → “Small Error” at predetermined intervals (e.g., 5-second intervals) without clicking on the machine number.
In this case, if there are multiple errors of the same type, the one with the greater number of error balls is displayed preferentially, and if the number of error balls is the same, the balls are displayed in ascending order of machine number.
In addition, the type of error to be displayed (for example, only displaying "small error") or the type of error to be given priority when switching between types of error (for example, displaying "small error" as a priority) may be configured to be changeable at will by game center staff.
(6) In the “Daily Summary Screen” shown in FIG. 14(a), a facial image of the player who last played on a medalless gaming machine 10 with a machine number determined to be “medium error” or “large error” may be obtained, and the number of the general card used by the player and the playing time (for example, from XX o’clock to XX o’clock, etc.) may be stored.
This makes it easy to compensate for the missed count when a player who forgot to count comes to visit.
(7) Although three types of error, namely “small error,” “medium error,” and “large error,” have been described as examples of types of error that the main control unit 65 may determine, if a “medium error” is determined and the number of error balls is a multiple of “3” and is “9” or less, the display may be made in a manner different from that of other medalless gaming machines 10.
In this case, the display unit 64 displays, for example, an "amusement arcade layout screen" shown in FIG. 15 and an "individual machine data screen" shown in FIG. 16, to prompt the player to play, rather than to perform a counting operation.
This is because there is a higher chance of reducing the number of credits to "0" by playing a game with less effort than by performing a counting operation, and the credits can be reduced to "0" even without knowledge of settlement or counting operations.
In addition, whether or not each model is designed for three-coin betting is registered in advance, and for medalless gaming machines 10 that are not designed for three-coin betting only, since games can be played with one or two coins, a notification may be given to encourage the player to play when the error is "small."

1 Gaming system 10 Medalless gaming machine (specific gaming machine)
20 Dedicated Unit (Unit)
30 Hall Con output box
40 Call lamp (notification means)
50 Intercom (notification means)
55 Management computer 56 Prize exchange device 57 Membership management device 60 Hall computer (game device)
61 Communication unit 62 Storage unit 63 Operation unit 64 Display unit (notification means)
65 Control unit (determination means)

Claims (8)

a specific gaming machine capable of outputting first information which is information on the number of game values used in a game, second information which is information on the number of granted game values to be granted to a player, and third information which is information on the number of counted game values to be transferred to a corresponding unit;
The unit capable of outputting fourth information which is information regarding the number of rental game values to be rented to the specific gaming machine;
In a gaming device capable of collecting information regarding
A determination means capable of determining whether error information, which is information regarding an error game value number in the specific gaming machine, calculated based on the first information, the second information, the third information, and the fourth information, is a specific number, which is 1 or 2;
a notification means for executing a specific notification regarding the gaming value remaining in the specific gaming machine when the determination means determines that the gaming value is the specific number;
A gaming device comprising: The notification means includes:
2. The gaming device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification means for prompting a counting operation of the specific gaming machine when the determination means determines that the number is the specific number. The notification means includes:
3. The gaming device according to claim 2, further comprising a notification for encouraging playing of the specific gaming machine when the determining means determines that the number is the specific number. The notification means includes:
4. The gaming device according to claim 3, wherein when the determining means determines that the error information is 0, the specific notification is not executed. The notification means includes:
The gaming device according to claim 4, characterized in that when the judgment means judges that the error information is a special number greater than the specific number, a special notification can be executed regarding the fact that gaming value remains in the specific gaming machine. The notification means includes:
The gaming device according to claim 5, characterized in that, when the determination means determines that the number is the specific number during a specified period, it is possible to execute notification of the number of the specific gaming machines determined to be the specific number in a specified unit. The error information is
7. The gaming device according to claim 6, wherein the sum of the second information and the fourth information is a value obtained by subtracting a sum of the first information and the third information from the sum of the second information and the fourth information. a specific gaming machine capable of outputting first information which is information on the number of game values used in a game, second information which is information on the number of granted game values to be granted to a player, and third information which is information on the number of counted game values to be transferred to a corresponding unit;
The unit capable of outputting fourth information which is information regarding the number of rental game values to be rented to the specific gaming machine;
A computer constituting a gaming device capable of collecting information relating to
a determination means capable of determining whether error information, which is information regarding an error game value number in the specific gaming machine, calculated based on the first information, the second information, the third information, and the fourth information, is a specific number, which is 1 or 2; and a notification means capable of executing a specific notification regarding the fact that game values remain in the specific gaming machine when the determination means determines that the error information is the specific number.
A game program characterized by causing the game program to function as follows.

Images