JP7440878B2 - Game systems, game system operating methods and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game using electronic game media.

For example, game systems that use electronic game media such as electronic medals instead of tangible physical game media such as token coins (medals) have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic game media providing system in which a user plays a game in exchange for consuming electronic game media.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-2150

In a configuration that uses electronic game media, various problems may occur that cannot be expected when using physical game media. In consideration of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to solve the problems that can be expected in a configuration that uses electronic game media.

In order to solve the above problems, a game system according to a preferred aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of game devices that execute games, and a management device that communicates with each of the plurality of game devices. The management device variably sets the number N of types of electronic game media (N is a natural number of 1 or more), and each of the plurality of game devices selects the type of the game device from among the N types of electronic game media. Execute a game using the corresponding electronic game medium.

A method for operating a game system according to a preferred aspect of the present invention is a method for operating a game system including a plurality of game devices that execute games, and a management device that communicates with each of the plurality of game devices, the method comprising: The management device variably sets the number N of types of electronic game media (N is a natural number of 1 or more), and each of the plurality of game devices selects an electronic game device corresponding to the game device from among the N types of electronic game media. Execute a game using game media.

A program according to a preferred aspect of the present invention is configured to cause one or more processors included in a management device that communicates with each of a plurality of game devices that execute a game using electronic game media, with the number N is a natural number of 1 or more), and a process of transferring each of the N types of electronic game media to a game device corresponding to the electronic game medium among the plurality of game devices.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a management device. It is a schematic diagram of user data. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of media data. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a medium application device. It is a flowchart which illustrates the specific procedure of a 1st medium provision process. It is a schematic diagram of a medium selection screen. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game device. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of first transfer processing. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of first transfer processing. It is a flowchart which illustrates the specific procedure of a 2nd medium provision process. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of second transfer processing. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of setting processing. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a storage device. It is a schematic diagram of user data in a 2nd embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of medium data in a second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of third transfer processing. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a fourth transfer process.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below include various technically suitable limitations. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the forms illustrated below.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game system 1A according to the first embodiment. The game system 1A of the first embodiment is installed, for example, in a gaming facility. The gaming facility is, for example, an entertainment facility such as a game center or a casino, or a commercial facility such as a shopping center. User H1 who uses the game system 1A within the gaming facility registers for use in advance. Identification information U1 is given to user H1 who has registered for use. The identification information U1 is a code string for identifying the user H1. The identification information U1 is stored, for example, in a portable recording medium (hereinafter referred to as "registration card") such as an IC card issued to the user H1.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the game system 1A of the first embodiment includes a management device 10, a medium providing device 20, and a plurality of game devices 30. Each of the plurality of game devices 30 provides a game to the user H1. The management device 10 communicates with each of the plurality of game devices 30 via the communication network 2. The communication network 2 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) constructed within a gaming facility. Note that communication between the management device 10 or each game device 30 and the communication network 2 may be either wired or wireless. The medium providing device 20 is connected to the management device 10, for example, by wire or wirelessly, and communicates with the management device 10. Note that the medium applying device 20 may communicate with the medium applying device 20 via the communication network 2. Further, the functions of the medium providing device 20 may be installed in the management device 10. Note that the communication network 2 may include, for example, the Internet.

The management device 10 manages electronic game media used in games executed by each of the plurality of game devices 30. Electronic gaming media are electronic media (that is, electronic data) that have value and are used in games, and are different from physical gaming media that are tangible media such as token coins (medals), coins (money), or tickets. are distinguished. In contrast to physical medals such as token coins, electronic game media are also referred to as electronic medals. In the game system 1A of the first embodiment, N types of electronic game media are used (N is a natural number). Each of the N types of electronic game media is used in one or more different game devices 30. That is, each of the N types of electronic game media cannot be used in each game device 30 other than the one or more game devices 30 corresponding to the electronic game medium among the plurality of game devices 30.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the management device 10. As shown in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the management device 10 includes a control device 11, a storage device 12, a communication device 13, a display device 14, and an operating device 15. Note that the management device 10 is realized not only as a single device but also as a set (ie, a system) of a plurality of devices configured separately from each other.

The control device 11 includes, for example, one or more processors, and controls each element of the management device 10 . Specifically, one or more types of processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Thus, the control device 11 is configured. The communication device 13 communicates with each of the plurality of game devices 30 and the medium providing device 20 under the control of the control device 11 .

The display device 14 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display panel, and displays various images under the control of the control device 11. The operating device 15 accepts operations by a manager H2 such as an employee of the gaming facility. For example, a plurality of operators pressed by the administrator H2 or a touch panel that detects a touch by the administrator H2 is used as the operating device 15.

The storage device 12 stores programs executed by the control device 11 and various data used by the control device 11. For example, a known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium and a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media is employed as the storage device 12. The storage device 12 of the first embodiment stores user data U, medium data Q, and medium conversion rate R.

User data U is stored in the storage device 12 for each of the plurality of users H1 registered in advance. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of user data U. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the user data U of each user H1 includes identification information U1 and account data U2 of the user H1. The account data U2 includes the owned amount X (X1, X2,..., XN) and the cumulative transfer amount Zt (Zt1, Zt2,..., ZtN) for each of the N types of electronic game media. The ownership amount X is the amount of electronic game media owned by the user H1. As understood from the above explanation, the account data U2 represents an account in which the owned amount X (ie, balance) of each electronic gaming medium is registered. The user H1 can use the electronic game media owned by the user H1 on the game device 30 by transferring the electronic game media from the management device 10 to the game device 30 within the amount X owned by the user H1.

The cumulative transfer amount Zt is the total amount of electronic game media (hereinafter referred to as "transfer amount") that the user H1 transferred from the management device 10 to the game device 30. Specifically, the cumulative transfer amount Zt is the total value of the transfer amount within a period of predetermined length (hereinafter referred to as a "unit period"). The unit period is set, for example, to a predetermined number of days (for example, one day or one week). The cumulative transfer amount Zt of each electronic game medium is initialized to zero at each starting point of a unit period.

Media data Q is stored in the storage device 12 for each of the N types of electronic game media. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the medium data Q. As illustrated in FIG. 4, media data Q regarding any one type of electronic game media includes identification information Q1, management data Q2, and correspondence data Q3. The identification information Q1 is a code string for identifying the electronic game medium.

The management data Q2 for each electronic game medium specifies various conditions regarding the handling of the electronic game medium. The management data Q2 of the first embodiment specifies a limit value L of the amount of electronic game media transferred from the management device 10 to the game device 30. The limit value L is the upper limit value of the cumulative transfer amount Zt within a unit period. That is, the total value of the transfer amount of electronic game media within a unit period is limited to a range equal to or less than the limit value L. As described above, the media data Q is individually stored for each of the N types of electronic game media. Therefore, the limit value L specified by the management data Q2 is also individually set for each of the N types of electronic game media. For example, when focusing on two types of electronic game media (first electronic game medium and second electronic game medium) selected from N types, the limit value L of the transfer amount of the first electronic game medium and the transfer amount of the second electronic game medium It may be different from the quantity limit value L.

The correspondence data Q3 of each electronic game medium in FIG. 4 specifies one or more game devices 30 that can use the electronic game medium. Specifically, the correspondence data Q3 corresponding to any one type of electronic game medium includes identification information G of one or more game devices 30 that can use the electronic game medium. The identification information G is a code string for identifying each game device 30. However, a set of two or more game devices 30 (ie, a game group) may be identified using the identification information G. Note that the one or more game devices 30 that can use electronic game media may overlap between two or more types of electronic game media.

As illustrated above, in the first embodiment, each of the N types of electronic game media is used in one or more different game devices 30. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a large number of users H1 will concentrate on a specific game device 30 among the plurality of game devices 30.

The medium conversion rate R in FIG. 2 is stored in the storage device 12 for each of the plurality of game devices 30. Each game device 30 of the first embodiment executes a game in exchange for consumption of value media according to the quantity of electronic game media corresponding to the game device 30. The value medium is an electronic medium (that is, electronic data) that the user H1 consumes as compensation for playing the game, and specifically, is a credit. As the game progresses with the game device 30, the value medium increases or decreases at any time. For example, when the user H1 wins a lottery held in a game, or when the user H1 achieves a goal in various events such as a competition, the value medium increases. Further, if the user H1 does not win the lottery, or if the user H1 fails to achieve the goals in various events, the value medium decreases. The media conversion rate R is the ratio of the quantity of value media (so-called credits/medals) to the quantity of electronic game media. The medium conversion rate R is individually set for each game device 30, and is notified to each of the plurality of game devices 30 from the management device 10.

In a configuration that allows payout of physical game media in an amount corresponding to the value media, the amount of physical game media needs to be a natural number. On the other hand, since electronic game media do not necessarily need to be paid out as tangible objects, the quantity of electronic game media is not limited to a natural number. That is, the quantity of electronic game media may be a decimal number (a decimal number whose integer part is not zero). Therefore, in a configuration that handles electronic game media, there is an advantage that the media conversion rate R can be set to various values (restrictions on the media conversion rate R are small).

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the medium providing device 20. As shown in FIG. The medium giving device 20 is a device that gives electronic game media to the user H1 in exchange for the user H1's currency, and corresponds to a medal lending machine for physical medals. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the medium providing device 20 includes a control device 21, a storage device 22, a communication device 23, a display device 24, an operating device 25, and a reception mechanism 26.

The control device 21 is composed of, for example, one or more processors, and controls each element of the medium application device 20. Specifically, the control device 21 is configured by one or more types of processors such as a CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC. The communication device 23 communicates with the management device 10 under the control of the control device 21 . The storage device 22 stores programs executed by the control device 21 and various data used by the control device 21. For example, a known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium and a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media is employed as the storage device 22.

The display device 24 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display panel, and displays various images under the control of the control device 21. The operating device 25 accepts operations by the user H1. For example, a plurality of operators pressed by the user H1 or a touch panel that detects a touch by the user H1 is used as the operating device 25.

The reception mechanism 26 is a mechanism that accepts currency from the user H1. Specifically, an input mechanism that accepts input of currency such as banknotes or coins from the user H1 is suitably used as the reception mechanism 26. In a configuration that accepts electronic currency expressed in electronic data (ie, electronic money), a reader that acquires information from a recording medium such as an IC card used for payment using electronic money is used as the accepting mechanism 26.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process (hereinafter referred to as "first medium providing process") in which the medium providing device 20 provides electronic game media to the user H1. The first medium provisioning process is executed in response to an instruction from the user H1 to the operating device 25.

When the first medium provisioning process is started, the control device 21 receives the identification information U1 of the user H1 (Sa1). For example, a process of acquiring the identification information U1 from the registered card or a process of acquiring the identification information U1 instructed by the user H1 by operating the operating device 25 is executed.

The control device 21 causes the display device 24 to display the medium selection screen 241 of FIG. 7 (Sa2). The medium selection screen 241 is an image for the user H1 to select a desired one type of electronic game medium from N types of electronic game media. Specifically, N choices 242 corresponding to different electronic gaming media are arranged on the media selection screen 241. The user H1 selects one option 242 corresponding to a desired electronic game medium from among the N options 242 by operating the operating device 25. The control device 21 accepts the selection of electronic game media by the user H1 (Sa3). That is, the control device 21 receives from the user H1 the selection of the electronic game medium to be provided to the user H1 from among the N types of electronic game media. According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide the user H1 with the electronic game medium desired by the user H1 among the N types of electronic game media.

The control device 21 receives currency from the user H1 through the reception mechanism 26 (Sa4). User H1 can arbitrarily select the amount of currency (hereinafter referred to as "inserted amount") to be used to acquire electronic game media. The control device 21 sets the quantity Y1 of the electronic game media selected by the user H1 (hereinafter referred to as the "granted amount") according to the amount of currency input (Sa5). For example, the amount Y1 of electronic game media awarded is calculated by multiplying the input amount by a predetermined currency conversion rate. The currency conversion rate is the ratio of the amount of electronic gaming media to the amount of currency input. Currency conversion rates are individually set for each of the N types of electronic game media. That is, the currency conversion rate may differ for each electronic gaming medium. However, the currency conversion rates may be the same between two or more types of electronic game media.

The control device 21 transmits a medium provision request from the communication device 23 to the management device 10 (Sa6). The media provision request is a message requesting the provision of electronic game media to the user H1. The medium grant request includes the identification information U1 received from the user H1, the identification information Q1 of the electronic game medium selected by the user H1, and the grant amount Y1 of the electronic game medium.

The control device 11 of the management device 10 receives the medium provisioning request transmitted by the medium provisioning device 20 through the communication device 13 (Sa7). The control device 11 updates the owned amount X of electronic game media represented by the account data U2 of the user data U (Sa8). Specifically, the control device 11 searches the storage device 12 for the user data U corresponding to the identification information U1 in the medium provision request, and searches the identification information in the medium provision request in the account data U2 of the user data U. Add the grant amount Y1 in the media grant request to the possession amount X of electronic game media corresponding to Q1. As can be understood from the above explanation, the possession amount X of one type of electronic game medium selected by the user H1 among the N types of electronic game media increases by the amount given Y1 according to the amount of currency input. That is, the electronic game media (owning amount X) granted to the user H1 by inserting currency into the media granting device 20 are stored in the management device 10.

Note that the amount of electronic game media that the user H1 uses for the game differs from game to game depending on the nature of the game. For example, there is a first game (eg, a pusher game) that tends to utilize a small number of electronic gaming media, and a second game (eg, a horse racing game) that tends to utilize a large number of electronic gaming media. Now, assume that one type of electronic game medium is used in common between the first game and the second game, and one currency conversion rate is applied to the electronic game medium. If the currency conversion rate is set high so as to be a value appropriate for the first game, user H1 will need to consume an excessively large amount of currency in order to play the second game. On the other hand, if the currency conversion rate is set to a low value to be an appropriate value for the second game, it is possible for user H1 to continue playing the first game for an excessively long time by consuming a small amount of currency. Become. In the first embodiment, the currency conversion rate is individually set for each of the N types of electronic game media. Therefore, there is an advantage that the relationship between the currency consumed by the user H1 and the quantity of electronic game media can be appropriately selected according to the nature of the game played by each game device 30. For example, the currency conversion rate of the electronic game medium used in the first game is set to a lower value than the currency conversion rate of the electronic game medium used in the second game.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of each of the plurality of game devices 30. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the game device 30 includes a control device 31, a storage device 32, a communication device 33, a display device 34, an operating device 35, and a reception mechanism 36. Although not shown in FIG. 8, the game device 30 is actually equipped with a game mechanism depending on the content of the game. For example, the game device 30 for a lottery game including a physical lottery is installed with a physical lottery mechanism (for example, a roulette) for the physical lottery. Further, the game device 30 for a pusher game in which a plurality of physical medals are dropped is provided with a pusher mechanism for moving and dropping the physical medals. Note that each game device 30 is realized not only as a single device, but also as a set (ie, a system) of a plurality of devices configured separately from each other.

The control device 31 includes, for example, one or more processors, and controls each element of the game device 30. Specifically, the control device 31 is configured by one or more types of processors such as a CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC. The communication device 33 communicates with the management device 10 via the communication network 2 under the control of the control device 31 . The storage device 32 stores programs executed by the control device 31 and various data used by the control device 31. For example, a known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium and a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media is employed as the storage device 32. For example, the quantity of value media corresponding to the electronic game media transferred from the management device 10 (that is, the quantity of value media that can be used by user H1 for the game) is stored in the storage device 32.

The display device 34 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display panel, and displays various images under the control of the control device 31. For example, a game screen showing the progress of the game is displayed on the display device 34. The operating device 35 accepts operations by the user H1. For example, a plurality of operators pressed by the user H1 or a touch panel that detects a touch by the user H1 is used as the operating device 35. For example, the user H1 can instruct the transfer (withdrawal or deposit) of electronic game media between the management device 10 and the game device 30 by operating the operating device 35.

The reception mechanism 36 is a mechanism that accepts currency from the user H1. Specifically, an input mechanism that accepts input of currency such as banknotes or coins from the user H1 is suitably used as the reception mechanism 36. In a configuration that accepts electronic currency expressed in electronic data (ie, electronic money), a reader that acquires information from a recording medium such as an IC card used for payment using electronic money is used as the accepting mechanism 36. Note that the reception mechanism 36 may be omitted.

As shown by broken lines in FIG. 8, among the plurality of game devices 30, there are game devices 30 equipped with a payout mechanism 37 and game devices 30 not equipped with a payout mechanism 37. The payout mechanism 37 is a mechanism that pays out physical game media such as physical medals. For example, the payout mechanism 37 includes a counting mechanism that counts physical game media, a payout port that discharges the physical game media, and a transport mechanism that transports the physical game media from the counting mechanism to the payout port. The payout mechanism 37 of the first embodiment executes payout of physical game media corresponding to the electronic game media usable in the game device 30 in response to an instruction from the user H1. Specifically, the payout mechanism 37 dispenses the same number of physical game media as the electronic game media corresponding to the quantity of value media in response to an instruction from the user H1. That is, electronic gaming media is exchanged for physical gaming media.

Electronic game media held in the game device 30 equipped with the payout mechanism 37 are exchanged for physical game media by the payout mechanism 37. On the other hand, electronic game media corresponding to the game device 30 not equipped with the payout mechanism 37 are not exchanged for physical game media. As understood from the above description, the N types of electronic game media in the first embodiment include electronic game media that can be exchanged for physical game media and electronic game media that cannot be exchanged for physical game media. According to the above configuration, there is an advantage that there is no need to install a payout mechanism 37 for ejecting physical game media in the game device 30 that uses electronic game media that cannot be exchanged for physical game media.

9 and 10 show the specific steps of the process (hereinafter referred to as "first transfer process") that is executed when the user H1 instructs the transfer of electronic game media from the management device 10 to the game device 30. It is an illustrative flowchart. The first transfer process is a process of transferring the electronic game medium corresponding to the game device 30 among the N types of electronic game media from the management device 10 to the game device 30 (that is, withdrawal of the electronic game medium).

When the first transfer process is started, the control device 31 receives the identification information U1 of the user H1 (Sb1). For example, a process of acquiring the identification information U1 from the registered card or a process of acquiring the identification information U1 instructed by the user H1 by operating the operating device 35 is executed.

The control device 31 transmits the authentication request including the identification information U1 received from the user H1 from the communication device 33 to the management device 10 (Sb2). The control device 11 of the management device 10 receives the authentication request from the communication device 13 (Sb3). The control device 11 executes authentication processing upon receiving the authentication request (Sb4). The authentication process is a process of determining the presence or absence of usage registration (i.e., the validity of the user H1) depending on whether or not the user data U including the identification information U1 in the authentication request is stored in the storage device 12. be. The control device 31 transmits the authentication result from the communication device 13 to the requesting game device 30 (Sb5).

The control device 31 of the game device 30 receives the authentication result via the communication device 33 (Sb6). If the authentication result is negative (authentication failure), the control device 31 displays a message indicating the authentication failure on the display device 34, and then ends the first transfer process. On the other hand, if the authentication result is positive (authentication successful), the control device 31 executes the following process for transferring the electronic game medium.

By operating the operating device 35, the user H1 instructs the quantity C1 of electronic game media to be transferred from the management device 10 to the game device 30 (hereinafter referred to as "designated amount"). As illustrated in FIG. 10, the control device 31 receives an instruction for the designated amount C1 from the user H1 (Sb7). The control device 31 transmits the withdrawal request from the communication device 33 to the management device 10 (Sb8). The withdrawal request is a message requesting the management device 10 to withdraw electronic game media. The withdrawal request includes the identification information U1 of the user H1, the specified amount C1 instructed by the user H1, and the identification information G of the game device 30.

The control device 11 of the management device 10 receives the withdrawal request sent by the game device 30 via the communication device 13 (Sb9). The control device 11 searches the storage device 12 for user data U corresponding to the identification information U1 in the withdrawal request, and selects the user data U corresponding to the game device 30 with the identification information G in the withdrawal request from among the N types of electronic game media. The owned amount X of game media is specified from the account data U2 of the user data U (Sb10). The type of electronic game medium corresponding to the identification information G is specified by referring to the corresponding data Q3 of the medium data Q.

The control device 11 determines whether the designated amount C1 in the withdrawal request exceeds the owned amount X of electronic game media (Sb11). If the designated amount C1 exceeds the owned amount X (Sb11: YES), the designated amount C1 is updated to the owned amount X (Sb12). That is, the entire owned amount X of electronic game media is set as the specified amount C1. On the other hand, if the specified amount C1 is less than the owned amount X (Sb11: NO), the specified amount C1 is maintained at the value specified by the user H1. Note that if the specified amount C1 exceeds the owned amount X, the management device 10 may notify the game device 30 that the specified amount C1 of electronic game media specified by the user H1 cannot be transferred (that is, the balance is insufficient). .

The control device 11 determines whether a value Za obtained by adding the specified amount C1 to the cumulative transfer amount Zt indicated by the account data U2 of the user H1 (hereinafter referred to as "provisional transfer amount") exceeds the limit value L (Sb13 ). As mentioned above, the limit value L is a numerical value registered in the management data Q2 in the medium data Q of the electronic game medium corresponding to the game device 30.

If the provisional transfer amount Za is less than the limit value L (Sb13: NO), even if all the specified amount C1 of electronic game media is transferred to the game device 30, the total transfer amount within the unit period is still limited. The value L is not reached. Therefore, the control device 11 sets the specified amount C1 as the transfer amount Z (Sb14). That is, the specified amount C1 specified by the user H1 is set as the transfer amount Z within the range of the owned amount X.

On the other hand, if the provisional transfer amount Za exceeds the limit value L (Sb13: YES), if all the electronic game media of the specified amount C1 are transferred, the total value of the transfer amount within the unit period will exceed the limit value L. . Therefore, the control device 11 calculates the value obtained by subtracting the cumulative transfer amount Zt from the limit value L (that is, the remaining amount within the range of the limit value L excluding the cumulative transfer amount Zt) as the transfer amount Z (Sb15). That is, the transfer amount Z is set to a value less than the specified amount C1. As understood from the above explanation, the total value of the transfer amount Z within a unit period (cumulative transfer amount Zt) is limited within the range of the limit value L.

When the transfer amount Z is determined through the above processing, the control device 11 adds the current transfer amount Z to the current cumulative transfer amount Zt (Sb16). Further, the control device 11 subtracts the transfer amount Z from the owned amount X of electronic game media (Sb17).

The control device 11 transmits a withdrawal notification from the communication device 13 to the game device 30 that is the source of the withdrawal request (Sb18). The withdrawal notification includes the transfer amount Z of electronic game media. As understood from the above description, the control device 11 transfers the electronic game media that can be used in the game device 30 that is the source of the withdrawal request to the game device 30. That is, the control device 11 functions as an element that transfers each of the N types of electronic game media to the game device 30 corresponding to the electronic game medium among the plurality of game devices 30.

The control device 31 of the game device 30 receives the withdrawal notification sent by the management device 10 via the communication device 33 (Sb19). The control device 31 calculates the quantity of value media according to the transfer amount Z in the withdrawal notification and adds it to the current quantity of value media (Sb20). Specifically, the amount of increase in value media is calculated by multiplying the transfer amount Z by the media conversion rate R notified from the management device 10. The control device 31 executes the game in exchange for consuming a predetermined amount of value media in response to an instruction from the user H1 (Sb21). Specifically, the control device 31 starts a game in exchange for consuming a predetermined amount of value media, and proceeds with the game while consuming value media at any time in accordance with instructions from the user H1 to the operation device 35. let

As explained above, each of the plurality of game devices 30 converts the electronic game media transferred from the management device 10 to the game device 30 into value media in an amount corresponding to the transfer amount Z, and consumes the value media. Run the game in exchange. That is, the user H1 can play the game using the electronic game medium (transfer amount Z) transferred from the management device 10 to the game device 30.

In addition to using the electronic game media transferred from the management device 10 in the first transfer process illustrated above, the user H1 can also use the electronic game media acquired by inserting currency into the reception mechanism 36 for games. It is.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process in which the game device 30 provides electronic game media to the user H1 (hereinafter referred to as "second medium provision process"). The second medium provisioning process is executed in response to an instruction from the user H1 to the operating device 35.

The control device 31 receives currency from the user H1 through the reception mechanism 36 (Sc1). User H1 can arbitrarily select the amount of currency to be input. The control device 31 sets the amount Y2 of electronic game media that can be used in the game device 30 according to the amount of currency input by the user H1 (Sc2). For example, the control device 31 specifies the electronic game media that can be used in the game device 30 from among the N types of electronic game media. Then, the control device 31 calculates the awarded amount Y2 of the electronic gaming medium by multiplying the input amount by the currency conversion rate set for the electronic gaming medium. The currency conversion rate is stored in the storage device 32 of the game device 30, for example.

The control device 31 calculates the quantity of value media according to the amount Y2 of electronic game media, and adds it to the current quantity of value media (Sc3). Specifically, the amount of increase in value media is calculated by multiplying the grant amount Y2 by the media conversion rate R notified from the management device 10. The control device 31 executes the game in exchange for consumption of value media after addition according to the input amount of currency (Sc4). As understood from the above description, each of the plurality of game devices 30 provides electronic game media of the type corresponding to the game device 30 to the user H1 in exchange for currency.

As illustrated above, in the first embodiment, the user H1 can play the game using the electronic gaming media transferred from the management device 10, and the electronic gaming media given in exchange for currency at the gaming device 30. User H1 can play the game using . Therefore, it is possible to increase the chances that the user H1 can play the game.

For example, even if the user H1 has used all of the owned amount X of electronic game media, he can continue playing the game by acquiring electronic game media by inserting currency. Further, in the first embodiment, the amount Z of electronic game media transferred from the management device 10 to the game device 30 is limited. That is, in a situation where all the electronic game media corresponding to the limit value L of the transfer amount Z are used, addition of electronic game media from the management device 10 to the game device 30 is prohibited. Even in the above situation, the user H1 can continue playing the game by acquiring electronic game media by inserting currency.

Note that the above-mentioned medium giving device 20 can give any electronic game medium among the N types of electronic game media to the user H1. Therefore, in the first medium provision process illustrated in FIG. 6, it is necessary to have the user H1 select one of the N types of electronic game media (Sa2, Sa3). On the other hand, the electronic game media used by the user H1 in each game device 30 is limited to one type of electronic game medium corresponding to the game device 30. Therefore, in the second medium provision process, there is no need to have the user H1 select any one of the N types of electronic game media. In consideration of the above circumstances, the second medium provision process of the first embodiment does not include a procedure for causing the user H1 to select any of the N types of electronic game media. Therefore, there is an advantage that the operation procedure by the user H1 is simplified.

As described above, the user H1 plays the game using the electronic gaming media transferred from the management device 10 or the electronic gaming media given in exchange for currency, and finishes playing the game at a desired time. . When finishing playing the game, the user H1 can instruct the game device 30 to transfer the electronic game media to the management device 10. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process (hereinafter referred to as "second transfer process") that is executed when transfer of electronic game media to the management device 10 is instructed by the user H1. The second transfer process is a process of transferring electronic game media from the game device 30 to the management device 10 according to the quantity of value media in the game device 30 (that is, depositing the electronic game media).

When the user H1 instructs to deposit electronic game media, the control device 31 of the game device 30 calculates the amount of electronic game media (hereinafter referred to as "deposit amount") C2 according to the current amount of value media (Sd1 ). Specifically, the deposit amount C2 of electronic game media is calculated by multiplying the current quantity of value media by the reciprocal of the media conversion rate R. The control device 31 transmits the deposit request from the communication device 33 to the management device 10 (Sd2). The deposit request is a message requesting the management device 10 to deposit electronic gaming media. The deposit request includes the identification information U1 of the user H1, the deposit amount C2 of electronic game media, and the identification information G of the game device 30.

The control device 11 of the management device 10 receives the deposit request via the communication device 13 (Sd3). The control device 11 searches the storage device 12 for user data U corresponding to the identification information U1 in the deposit request, and selects the user data U corresponding to the game device 30 with the identification information G in the deposit request from among the N types of electronic game media. The owned amount X of game media is specified from the account data U2 of the user data U (Sd4). The type of electronic game medium corresponding to the identification information G is specified by referring to the corresponding data Q3 of the medium data Q. The control device 11 adds the deposited amount C2 to the owned amount X of electronic gaming media (Sd5). As understood from the above description, the control device 31 of the game device 30 functions as an element that transfers an amount of electronic game media to the management device 10 according to the amount of value media.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of processing (hereinafter referred to as "setting processing") executed by the management device 10 for various settings related to the operation of the game system 1A. For example, immediately after the management device 10 is installed, a setting process is executed in response to an instruction from the administrator H2 to the operating device 15. The administrator H2 can give various instructions to the management device 10 at any time during execution of the setting process by operating the operating device 15 while referring to the setting screens sequentially displayed on the display device 14.

The administrator H2 determines the number N of types of electronic game media according to the operational status of the game system 1A (for example, the number of types of game devices 30 in the gaming facility), and determines the number of types N by operating the operating device 15. Instruct N to the management device 10. The control device 11 of the management device 10 receives an instruction regarding the number N of types of electronic game media from the administrator H2 (Se1). For example, the control device 11 receives an instruction for a numerical value of the number of types N of electronic game media or an instruction to increase or decrease the number of types N from the administrator H2.

The control device 11 sets the number N of types of electronic game media according to an instruction from the administrator H2 (Se2). Specifically, the control device 11 generates medium data Q for each of the N types of electronic game media instructed by the administrator H2, and stores the N pieces of medium data Q in the storage device 12. As explained above, the number N of types of electronic game media is individually set for each gaming facility where the game system 1A is installed.

The administrator H2 can instruct the transfer amount limit value L for each of the N types of electronic game media. The control device 11 receives an instruction from the administrator H2 regarding the limit value L (Se3). The control device 11 sets the management data Q2 of the medium data Q in response to an instruction from the administrator H2 (Se4). Specifically, the control device 11 sets the management data Q2 in the media data Q of each electronic gaming medium to the limit value L instructed by the administrator H2 for the electronic gaming medium.

For each of the N types of electronic game media, the administrator H2 can instruct one or more game devices 30 in which the electronic game medium is used. The control device 11 receives an instruction from the administrator H2 regarding the correspondence between the electronic game medium and the game device 30 (Se5). The control device 11 sets the corresponding data Q3 of the medium data Q in response to an instruction from the administrator H2 (Se6). Specifically, the control device 11 sets the corresponding data Q3 in the media data Q of each electronic game medium to the identification information G of one or more game devices 30 instructed by the administrator H2 for the electronic game medium.

The administrator H2 can instruct the medium conversion rate R for each of the plurality of game devices 30. The control device 11 receives an instruction from the administrator H2 regarding the medium conversion rate R (Se7). The control device 11 sets the medium conversion rate R stored in the storage device 12 for each game device 30 in response to an instruction from the administrator H2 (Se8). As understood from the above description, the medium conversion rate R is a variable value. Note that the order of the settings of the management data Q2 (Se3, Se4), the settings of the corresponding data Q3 (Se5, Se6), and the settings of the medium conversion rate R (Se7, Se8) is arbitrary, and the order illustrated in FIG. 13 is arbitrary. is not limited.

As understood from the above explanation, in the first embodiment, the number N of types of electronic game media is set to be variable, so the number N of types of electronic game media is appropriate depending on the operational status of the game system 1A. can be used within Game System 1A. In the first embodiment, in particular, the number N of types is set according to instructions from the manager H2 of the gaming facility, so the number N of types can be appropriately set according to the operational status of the game system 1A. Further, in the first embodiment, since one or more game devices 30 in which each of the N types of electronic game media is used are set according to instructions from the administrator H2, for example, the operating status of the game system 1A, etc. There is also an advantage that the correspondence between each electronic game medium and each game device 30 can be adjusted appropriately according to the situation.

Further, in the first embodiment, a transfer amount limit value L is set for each of the N types of electronic game media. Therefore, as illustrated below, it is possible to allow the transfer of electronic game media from the management device 10 to the game devices 30, limited to an appropriate amount according to the tendency of each game device 30 regarding the use of electronic game media. It is.

For example, if a large number of electronic game media are transferred to the game device 30 for a first game (for example, a pusher game) in which a small number of electronic game media tend to be used, a specific user H1 may use the game device 30 excessively. This results in the device being occupied for a long time. For the electronic game media corresponding to the first game, by setting the transfer amount limit value L to a low value, the amount of electronic game media to be transferred can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the game device 30 will be occupied for an excessively long time by a specific user.

On the other hand, if only a small number of electronic game media are allowed to be transferred to the game device 30 for a second game (for example, a horse racing game) in which a large number of electronic game media tend to be used, the number of times the user H1 can play the second game Alternatively, time may be excessively limited, resulting in a situation in which it is difficult to play the second game sufficiently. For the electronic game media corresponding to the second game, by setting the transfer amount limit value L to a high value, a sufficient amount of transfer for the second game is allowed. Therefore, there is an advantage that play of the second game is effectively promoted.

Incidentally, the higher the medium conversion rate R, the greater the quantity of value media that the user H1 can acquire relative to the quantity of electronic game media. Therefore, the higher the medium conversion rate R is, the more the game device 30 is used. In the first embodiment, since the medium conversion rate R of each game device 30 is variable (Se7, Se8), the administrator H2 adjusts the medium conversion rate R applied to each game device 30, so that each game There is an advantage that the operating status of the device 30 can be adjusted. For example, for a game device 30 that is unpopular with the user H1 and has a low operating rate, by setting the medium conversion rate R to a high value, the use of the game device 30 by a large number of users H1 is promoted.

[Second embodiment]
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In each aspect illustrated below, for elements whose functions are similar to those in the first embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be used, and detailed description of each will be appropriately omitted.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game system 1B according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the game system 1B of the second embodiment has a configuration in which a storage device 40 is added to the game system 1A of the first embodiment. The storage device 40 is a device that manages a specific type of electronic game media (hereinafter referred to as "specific game media") among the N types of electronic game media. The storage device 40 is installed within a game facility, for example.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the storage device 40. As shown in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the storage device 40 includes a control device 41, a storage device 42, a communication device 43, a deposit mechanism 44, and a payout mechanism 45. The control device 41 is composed of, for example, one or more processors, and controls each element of the storage device 40. Specifically, the control device 41 is configured by one or more types of processors such as a CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC. The communication device 43 communicates with the management device 10 .

The deposit mechanism 44 is a mechanism that accepts physical game media. The deposit mechanism 44 includes, for example, a deposit slot that accepts the supply of physical game media by the user H1, a counting mechanism that counts the physical game media, and a transport mechanism that transports the physical game media from the deposit slot to the counting mechanism. . On the other hand, the payout mechanism 45 is a mechanism for discharging physical game media. The payout mechanism 45 includes, for example, a counting mechanism that counts physical game media, a payout port that discharges the physical game media, and a transport mechanism that transports the physical game media from the counting mechanism to the payout port.

The storage device 42 stores programs executed by the control device 41 and various data used by the control device 41. For example, a known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium and a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media is employed as the storage device 42. The storage device 42 of the second embodiment stores the user data W shown in FIG. 16 for each of the plurality of users H1.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the user data W of each user H1 includes identification information U1 and ownership amount W1 of the user H1. The owned amount W1 is the amount of physical game media deposited by the user H1. The control device 41 adds the quantity of physical gaming media received by the deposit mechanism 44 to the owned amount W1, and subtracts the quantity of physical gaming media discharged by the payout mechanism 45 from the owned amount W1. That is, the owned amount W1 changes according to deposits and payouts of physical game media. For example, an existing medal depositing device that handles one type of physical game medium used within a gaming facility is used as the storage device 40.

In the second embodiment, in addition to acquiring physical game media in an amount equivalent to a part or all of the owned amount W1 from the payout mechanism 45 and using it for the game, the amount equivalent to part or all of the owned amount W1 is specified. It is also possible to acquire gaming media. In other words, the physical game media deposited in the storage device 40 can be converted into specific game media. That is, the owned amount W1 corresponds to the quantity of physical game media that can be ejected by the payout mechanism 45, and also corresponds to the quantity of specific game media that can be used by the user H1.

In the game system 1B of the second embodiment, a specific game medium among the N types of electronic game media is mutually transferred between the management device 10 and the storage device 40. On the other hand, electronic game media other than the specific game media among the N types of electronic game media cannot be transferred to or from the storage device 40. As understood from the above description, the N types of electronic game media in the second embodiment include specific game media that can be transferred to and from the storage device 40, and electronic game media that cannot be transferred to and from the storage device 40. including game media.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of medium data Q in the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the management data Q2 of the medium data Q in the second embodiment includes transfer data T in addition to the limit value L similar to the first embodiment. The transfer data T of each electronic game medium is data (for example, a flag) indicating whether transfer of the electronic game medium with the storage device 40 is permitted or prohibited. The transfer data T can also be expressed as data indicating whether or not the electronic game medium corresponds to a specific game medium.

By operating the operating device 15 of the management device 10, the user H1 can instruct the transfer of specific game media between the management device 10 and the storage device 40. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the specific steps of the process (hereinafter referred to as "third transfer process") that is executed when the user H1 instructs the transfer of electronic game media from the storage device 40 to the management device 10. It is.

When starting the third transfer process, the control device 11 receives the identification information U1 of the user H1 (Sf1). For example, a process of acquiring the identification information U1 from the registered card or a process of acquiring the identification information U1 instructed by the user H1 by operating the operating device 15 is executed.

By operating the operating device 15, the user H1 selects the electronic game medium that he wishes to transfer from the storage device 40 to the management device 10 from among the N types of electronic game media, and selects the electronic game medium to be transferred from the storage device 40. It is possible to specify the quantity of media (hereinafter referred to as "specified quantity") C3. The control device 11 accepts the selection of electronic game media and the designation of the designated amount C3 by the user H1 (Sf2).

By referring to the management data Q2 (transfer data T) of the electronic game medium selected by the user H1, the control device 11 determines whether transfer of the electronic game medium with the storage device 40 is permitted ( That is, it is determined whether or not the game medium corresponds to a specific game medium (Sf3). If the transfer of the electronic game medium is not permitted, the control device 11 displays a message to the effect that the electronic game medium cannot be transferred on the display device 14, and then ends the third transfer process. On the other hand, if the transfer of electronic game media is permitted, the control device 11 executes the following process.

The control device 11 transmits a transfer request from the communication device 13 to the storage device 40 (Sf4). The transfer request includes the identification information U1 of the user H1 and the designated amount C3 specified by the user H1. The control device 41 of the storage device 40 receives the transfer request sent by the management device 10 through the communication device 43 (Sf5). The control device 41 searches the storage device 42 for user data W corresponding to the identification information U1 in the transfer request, and subtracts the specified amount C3 in the transfer request from the owned amount W1 included in the user data W ( Sf6). The control device 41 transmits the transfer notification from the communication device 43 to the management device 10 (Sf7).

The control device 11 of the management device 10 receives the transfer notification sent by the storage device 40 through the communication device 13 (Sf8). The control device 11 retrieves the user data U of the user H1 from the storage device 12, and adds the designated amount C3 to the owned amount X included in the user data U (Sf9). As illustrated above, the designated amount C3 is subtracted from the owned amount W1 managed by the storage device 40, and the designated amount C3 is added to the owned amount X managed by the management device 10. That is, the designated amount C3 of specific game media specified by the user H1 is transferred from the storage device 40 to the management device 10.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the specific steps of the process (hereinafter referred to as "fourth transfer process") that is executed when the user H1 instructs the transfer of electronic game media from the management device 10 to the storage device 40. It is.

When the fourth transfer process is started, the control device 11 receives the identification information U1 of the user H1 (Sg1). For example, a process of acquiring the identification information U1 from the registered card or a process of acquiring the identification information U1 instructed by the user H1 by operating the operating device 15 is executed.

By operating the operating device 15, the user H1 selects the electronic gaming medium that he wishes to transfer from the management device 10 to the storage device 40 from among the N types of electronic gaming media, and selects the electronic gaming medium to be transferred from the management device 10. It is possible to specify the quantity of media (hereinafter referred to as "specified quantity") C4. The control device 11 accepts the selection of electronic game media and the designation of the designated amount C4 by the user H1 (Sg2).

By referring to the management data Q2 (transfer data T) of the electronic gaming medium selected by the user H1, the control device 11 determines whether or not the electronic gaming medium is permitted to be transferred to and from the storage device 40. Make a judgment (Sg3). If the transfer of the electronic game medium is not permitted, the control device 11 displays a message to the effect that the electronic game medium cannot be transferred on the display device 14, and then ends the fourth transfer process. On the other hand, if the transfer of electronic game media is permitted, the control device 11 executes the following process.

The control device 11 searches the storage device 12 for the user data U of the user H1, and subtracts the designated amount C4 from the owned amount X included in the user data U (Sg4). Further, the control device 31 transmits a transfer request from the communication device 33 to the storage device 40 (Sg5). The transfer request includes the identification information U1 of the user H1 and the designated amount C4 specified by the user H1.

The control device 41 of the storage device 40 receives the transfer request sent by the management device 10 through the communication device 43 (Sg6). The control device 41 searches the storage device 42 for the user data W corresponding to the identification information U1 in the transfer request, and adds the specified amount C4 in the transfer request to the owned amount W1 included in the user data W ( Sg7). As illustrated above, the designated amount C4 is added to the owned amount W1 managed by the storage device 40, and the designated amount C4 is subtracted from the owned amount X managed by the management device 10. That is, the designated amount C4 of specific game media specified by the user H1 is transferred from the management device 10 to the storage device 40.

Operations other than the third transfer process and the fourth transfer process are similar to those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the specific game media stored in the storage device 40 can be transferred to the management device 10 and then used by the user H1 in a game. For example, it is possible to use the owned amount X, which was stored by depositing physical game media in the existing storage device 40 used in the gaming facility before the introduction of the management device 10, as electronic gaming media for the game device 30. It is possible.

[Modified example]
Each of the forms illustrated above can be modified in various ways. Specific modifications that can be applied to each of the above embodiments are illustrated below. Two or more aspects arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be combined to the extent that they do not contradict each other.

(1) In each of the above embodiments, the quantity of electronic game media transferred from the management device 10 to each game device 30 in the first transfer process (FIGS. 9 and 10) is limited to within the limit value L; In the second transfer process (FIG. 12), the quantity of electronic game media transferred from each game device 30 to the management device 10 may be limited to a predetermined range. For example, the quantity of electronic game media that the user H1 can transfer from each game device 30 to the management device 10 within a unit period may be limited to a limit value L or less. Further, the limit value L of the transfer amount may be set according to the attributes (for example, age) of the user H1. For example, the limit value L for the minor user H1 may be set to a smaller value than the limit value L for the adult user H1.

(2) In each of the above embodiments, the medium conversion rate R is set for each of the plurality of game devices 30, but the medium conversion rate R may be set for each user H1. For example, the media conversion rate R may be changed depending on the history of each user H1 using the gaming facility or the amount X of electronic gaming media owned. Further, the medium conversion rate R may be changed depending on the time zone.

(3) The period during which the electronic game medium can be effectively used (hereinafter referred to as "validity period") may be individually set for each of the N types of electronic game medium. For example, the user data U of each user H1 includes the last date on which the user H1 used the game system 1 (1A, 1B) (hereinafter referred to as "last date of use"). On the other hand, the management data Q2 in the media data Q of each electronic game medium includes the validity period (for example, number of days) of the electronic game medium. The control device 31 of the management device 10 maintains the owned amount X of the electronic game media whose validity period has not passed since the date of last use by user H1 among the N types of electronic game media, and makes them valid from the date of last use. For electronic game media whose period has elapsed, the owned amount X is updated to zero. According to the above configuration, the expiration date of each electronic gaming medium owned by each user H1 is specified according to the expiration date of each electronic gaming medium and the last usage date of the user H1. Therefore, there is an advantage that there is no need to manage the validity period for each user H1 for each of the N types of electronic game media.

Note that the last usage date is, for example, the last date on which the user H1 used at least one type of electronic game media among N types. In the above configuration, if the user H1 uses one type of electronic gaming medium, the expiration dates of the N types of electronic gaming media are updated even if the user H1 does not use other types of electronic gaming media. Alternatively, the last date on which the user H1 was authenticated by the authentication process (Sb4) may be set as the last date of use. In the above configuration, if the user H1 is authenticated within the gaming facility, the expiration dates of the N types of electronic game media are updated even if the user H1 does not actually use the electronic game media. Note that for each of the N types of electronic gaming media, the use of the electronic gaming media may be used as a condition for updating the expiration date.

(4) In each of the above-described embodiments, a configuration in which one type of electronic game medium is used in each of the plurality of game devices 30 is illustrated, but a plurality of types of electronic game media are used in one game device 30. It's okay. For example, in a game device 30 capable of executing multiple games, different electronic game media may be used for each of the multiple games.

(5) When the user H1 acquires electronic game media in exchange for currency through the second media granting process (FIG. 11) described above, the control device 31 of the game device 30 controls the game device 30 to A benefit may be given to user H1. The benefits granted to the user H1 are, for example, various benefits such as game-related items (for example, items that can be used in the game) or game-related rights. Examples of rights related to the game include the right to hold a lottery to obtain items, or the right to participate in a specific event within the game. Different benefits may be given to the user H1 for each of the N types of electronic game media.

(6) In the setting processing exemplified in each of the above embodiments, a plurality of setting information regarding the game system 1 (for example, number of types N, limit value L, or medium conversion rate R) is set according to instructions from the gaming facility manager H2. However, the entity that instructs each setting information is not limited to the gaming facility manager H2. For example, before the game system 1 is shipped to a gaming facility, the manufacturer of the gaming system 1 may instruct setting information according to the situation of the gaming facility or a request from the gaming facility. According to the above configuration, it is possible to create a variety of game systems 1 in which setting information is set according to the situation or request of each gaming facility while making the configuration of the game system 1 common.

(7) In each of the above embodiments, the management device 10 holds a plurality of setting information (for example, the number of types N, the limit value L, or the medium conversion rate R), but a server device separate from the management device 10 is used. (hereinafter referred to as "setting server device") may hold a plurality of pieces of setting information for each gaming facility.

For example, a configuration is assumed in which both the management device 10 and the setting server device hold a plurality of pieces of setting information. According to the above configuration, when a failure occurs in the management device 10, it is possible to restore to the management device 10 a plurality of pieces of configuration information held by the configuration server device (that is, mirrored or backed up).

The management device 10 may not hold a plurality of pieces of setting information, but only the setting server device may hold a plurality of pieces of setting information. According to the above configuration, there is an advantage that each setting information can be centrally managed for a plurality of game systems 1 installed in different gaming facilities. Therefore, it is suitable, for example, for centrally managing the game systems 1 installed in each of a plurality of affiliated stores.

Some of the plurality of setting information may be held in the management device 10, and other setting information may be held in the setting server device. That is, the setting information of the game system 1 is managed through cooperation between the management device 10 and the setting server device.

(8) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the configuration in which the account data U2 of each user H1 is held in the management device 10 is illustrated, but a server device (hereinafter referred to as "account server device") separate from the management device 10 is used. Account data U2 for each user H1 may be held for each gaming facility.

For example, a configuration is assumed in which both the management device 10 and the account server device hold account data U2 for each user H1. According to the above configuration, when a failure occurs in the management device 10, it is possible to restore the account data U2 held by the account server device (that is, mirrored or backed up) to the management device 10.

The management device 10 may not hold the account data U2, but only the account server device may hold the account data U2. According to the configuration in which the account server device holds the account data U2 of each user H1, for example, in a situation where the gaming facility where the game system 1 is installed is closed, the account data U2 of each user H1 is stored as the account data U2 of each user H1. There is an advantage that it can be easily transferred from the server device to the game system 1 of another gaming facility.

(9) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, a configuration was exemplified in which the electronic game medium transferred to each game device 30 is converted into a value medium and then consumed for playing the game. Conversion may be omitted. That is, the user H1 may play the game in exchange for consuming a predetermined amount of the electronic game medium transferred to the game device 30. As understood from the above explanation, credits consumed for playing games are also included in the concept of "electronic gaming media."

(10) As described above, the functions of the management device 10 according to each of the above embodiments are realized by cooperation between one or more processors forming the control device 11 and a program. Similarly, the functions of the game device 30 according to each of the above-described embodiments are realized through cooperation between one or more processors forming the control device 31 and a program. The programs according to each of the above embodiments may be provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium and installed in a computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, and an optical recording medium (optical disk) such as a CD-ROM is a good example, but any known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium is used. Also included are recording media in the form of. Note that the non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium except for transitory, propagating signals, and does not exclude volatile recording media. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes a program via a communication network, a storage device that stores the program in the distribution device corresponds to the above-mentioned non-transitory recording medium.

[Additional notes]
From the above description, preferred embodiments of the present invention can be understood, for example, as follows. Note that in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, the reference numerals in the drawings will be conveniently written in parentheses below, but this is not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated aspects.

[Additional note 1]
A game system (1A, 1B) according to a preferred aspect (Appendix 1) of the present invention includes a plurality of game devices (30) that execute a game, and a management device (1B) that communicates with each of the plurality of game devices (30). 10), wherein the management device (10) variably sets the number of types of electronic game media N (N is a natural number of 1 or more), and Each of the devices (30) executes a game using an electronic game medium corresponding to the game device (30) among the N types of electronic game media. According to the above aspect, since each of the N types of electronic game media is used for one or more different games, a large number of uses are made for a specific game device (30) among the plurality of game devices (30). The possibility of people concentrating can be reduced. Furthermore, since the number N of types of electronic game media is set to be variable, an appropriate number of types of electronic game media can be assigned to the game system (1A, 1B) depending on the operational status of the game system (1A, 1B), for example. Another advantage is that it can be used indoors.

"Electronic gaming media" are electronic media (ie, electronic data) that have value and are used in games. "Use of electronic game media" means that the user consumes electronic game media for some action related to the game. For example, consuming electronic gaming media to play a game, or consuming electronic gaming media for various actions such as participating in certain events or acquiring items within a game, is defined as "electronic gaming media." This is a typical example of "Using gaming media."

The electronic game medium used in each of the plurality of game devices (30) is not limited to one type. For example, multiple types of electronic game media may be used in one game device (30). For example, if a single gaming device (30) is capable of running multiple games, separate electronic gaming media may be utilized for each of the multiple games.

Each of the N types of electronic game media is used for one or more different games. "One or more different games" means that part or all of one or more games in which each electronic game medium is used is different for each electronic game medium. One or more games in which each of the N types of electronic game media is used does not have to overlap with each other, and one or more games in which two or more types of electronic game media are used among the N types of electronic game media do not have to overlap with each other. May overlap partially.

[Additional note 2]
By the way, the amount of electronic game media that the user (H1) uses for the game differs from game to game depending on the nature of the game. Therefore, in a configuration in which the same amount of electronic game media can be transferred from the management device (10) to the game device (30) for each of the N types of electronic game media, there will be an excess or shortage of electronic game media for each of the plurality of games. there is a possibility.

In consideration of the above circumstances, in the preferable example of Appendix 1 (Appendix 2), the management device (10) controls each of the N types of electronic game media from among the plurality of game devices (30). The transfer amount is transferred to the game device (30) corresponding to the game medium according to the limit value (L), and the transfer amount limit value (L) for the first electronic game medium among the N types of electronic game media is transferred. L) is different from the transfer amount limit value (L) regarding the second electronic game medium that is different from the first electronic game medium. According to the aspect described above, since the limit value (L) of the transfer amount of the first electronic game medium and the limit value (L) of the transfer amount of the second electronic game medium are different, each game regarding the use of the electronic game medium is It is possible to allow transfer of electronic game media to the game device (30) in a limited amount to an appropriate amount depending on the tendency of the game device (30). Thus, for example, a disproportionately large number of electronic gaming media may be transferred to a game that tends to utilize a small number of electronic gaming media; The possibility that only an excessively small number of electronic gaming media will be allowed to be transferred is reduced.

"Transferring" electronic gaming media from element A to element B means transferring electronic gaming media from element A to element B. For example, a process of decreasing the quantity of electronic game media in element A and increasing the quantity of electronic game media in element B is a specific example of "transfer".

"Transfer amount" means the amount of electronic game media transferred from the management device (10) to the game device (30). For example, assuming that electronic game media are transferred from element A to element B, the amount of decrease in electronic game media in element A or the increase in the amount of electronic game media in element B corresponds to the "transfer amount." “Transfer amount limit value (L)” is the upper limit value of the transfer amount from the management device (10) to the game device (30). For example, the limit value (L) regarding the total value of the transfer amount within a unit period of a predetermined length (for example, the total value over multiple transfers) or the limit value (L) of the transfer amount in one transfer is "transfer amount This is a typical example of the limit value (L) of

It is sufficient that the first electronic game medium and the second electronic game medium having different transfer amount limit values (L) are included in the N types of electronic game media, and the transfer amount limit value (L) for all types of electronic game media is There is no need for L) to be different. That is, transfer between two or more types of electronic game media among the N types of electronic game media (i.e., two or more types of electronic game media related to combinations other than the combination of the first electronic game medium and the second electronic game medium) The quantity limit values (L) may coincide.

[Additional note 3]
In addition, in a configuration in which all N types of electronic game media can be replaced with physical game media, a physical game medium corresponding to the electronic game medium is installed in each of the plurality of game devices (30) in which different electronic game media are used. It is necessary to install a discharge mechanism for discharge. Therefore, there is a problem that the cost for installing the game system (1A, 1B) increases.

Considering the above circumstances, in the preferred example of Appendix 1 or Appendix 2 (Appendix 3), the N types of electronic gaming media are defined as electronic gaming media that can be exchanged for physical gaming media, and electronic gaming media that cannot be exchanged for physical gaming media. and electronic gaming media. In the above aspect, it is necessary to install a payout mechanism (37) for ejecting the physical game medium for the game device (30) that uses an electronic game medium that cannot be exchanged for a physical game medium among the N types of electronic game media. The advantage is that there is no

A "physical game medium" is a tangible medium that has value and is used in a game. For example, game media such as token coins (medals), coins (money), or tickets are examples of "physical game media."

[Additional note 4]
Incidentally, a storage device (40) capable of depositing and dispensing physical game media has been proposed in the past. If the gaming media managed by the existing storage device (40) becomes invalid due to the installation of a configuration that uses electronic gaming media, the problem is that the gaming media that the user (H1) has acquired in the past will be wasted. There is.

In consideration of the above circumstances, in the preferred example of any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3 (Appendix 4), the management device (10) controls a specific electronic gaming medium from among the N types of electronic gaming media. Transfers are made to and from a storage device (40) that stores the quantity of electronic game media owned by the user. In the above aspect, since the electronic gaming media are mutually transferred between the storage device (40) that stores the quantity of a specific electronic gaming medium and the management device (10), the amount of the electronic gaming media is stored in the storage device (40). It is possible to use the electronic game media for games after transferring them to the management device (10).

[Additional note 5]
Each of the N types of electronic game media is used in one or more different game devices (30). A configuration in which the relationship between the electronic game medium and the game device (30) is fixed may not be able to respond to changes in the operational status of the game system (1A, 1B).

In consideration of the above circumstances, in the preferred example of any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4 (Appendix 5), the management device (10) uses the electronic gaming medium for each of the N types of electronic gaming media. One or more possible game devices (30) are variably set. According to the above aspect, the one or more game devices (30) on which each of the N types of electronic game media is used are variably set, so for example, depending on the operational status of the game system (1A, 1B), etc. Thus, the correspondence between each electronic game medium and each game device (30) can be appropriately adjusted. Note that the one or more game devices (30) on which each electronic game medium is used are set, for example, according to instructions from the administrator (H2).

[Additional note 6]
By the way, in a configuration where only the electronic game media transferred from the management device (10) can be used on the game device (30), the game cannot be continued if all the electronic game media transferred from the management device (10) are used. There is a problem.

In consideration of the above circumstances, in the preferred example of any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5 (Appendix 6), one or more game devices (30) among the plurality of game devices (30) are ) is given to the user in exchange for currency. In the above aspect, the user can not only play the game using the electronic gaming media managed by the management device (10), but also use the electronic gaming media given in exchange for currency at the gaming device (30). person can play the game. Therefore, it is possible to increase opportunities for users to play games.

"Currency" is a concept that includes not only tangible currency such as banknotes or coins, but also electronic currency expressed as electronic data (ie, electronic money).

"Providing electronic game media" includes not only providing the user with electronic game media in an amount corresponding to currency, but also providing the user with value media corresponding to the amount of the electronic game media. That is, the provision of value media that can be mutually exchanged with electronic game media is also included in the concept of "provision of electronic game media."

[Additional note 7]
In a configuration in which N types of electronic game media are used, a problem is assumed that the procedure for the user (H1) to select a desired electronic game medium from the N types becomes complicated.

In consideration of the above circumstances, the game systems (1A, 1B) according to the preferred example of Appendix 6 (Appendix 7) are equipped with a media providing device (20) that provides electronic game media to users in exchange for currency. , the medium providing device (20) receives from the user a selection of an electronic game medium to be provided to the user from among the N types of electronic game media. In the above aspect, since the medium providing device (20) accepts the selection of electronic game media from the user, it is possible to provide the user with the type of electronic game medium desired by the user among the N types of electronic game media. is possible. On the other hand, in the game device (30), since the user is provided with the type of electronic game media corresponding to the game device (30), the procedure for the user to select any of the N types of electronic game media is simple. Not necessary.

The "medium providing device (20)" is an existing medal lending machine that discharges physical game media such as physical medals in response to input of currency. However, as long as the function of dispensing electronic game media to the user is provided, the function of discharging physical game media is not essential to the "medium dispensing device (20)."

[Additional note 8]
By the way, in the game device (30), a game is executed in exchange for consumption of value media obtained by converting electronic game media. In a configuration in which the ratio of the quantity of value media to the quantity of electronic gaming media is fixed to a common value across N types of electronic gaming media, a user ( H1) may be concentrated.

In consideration of the above circumstances, in the preferred example of any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7 (Appendix 8), each of the plurality of game devices (30) Convert the transferred electronic gaming media into value media in a quantity corresponding to the quantity of the transferred electronic gaming media, execute the game in exchange for consumption of the value media, and convert the transferred electronic gaming media into The quantity ratio (R) of the value medium is variable. The higher the ratio (R) of the quantity of value media to the quantity of electronic game media, the more users are encouraged to use the game device (30). Therefore, by adjusting the ratio (R) of the quantity of value media to the quantity of electronic game media, it is possible to adjust the operating status of the game device (30).

A "value medium" is an electronic medium (i.e., electronic data) that a user consumes as compensation for playing a game, and specifically, is a credit. The ratio (R) of the quantity of value media to the quantity of physical game media is basically a natural number, but the ratio (R) of the quantity of value media to the quantity of electronic game media is not limited to a natural number, but can be a mixed decimal number ( In other words, it may be a decimal number whose integer part is not 0. Therefore, the quantity of electronic game media stored in the storage device is not limited to natural numbers, but may also be decimal numbers.

In addition, in the above explanation, each of the configurations of Supplementary notes 2 to 8 was illustrated as a configuration based on the configuration of Supplementary note 1, but each of the configurations of Supplementary notes 2 to 8 does not require other configurations. It can also be established as an independent configuration.

[Additional note 9]
In the preferred example of any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 8 (Appendix 9), the management device (10) operates in accordance with an instruction from a manager (H2) of the facility where the game system (1A, 1B) is installed. The number of types N is set. According to the above configuration, the number of types N is set according to instructions from the administrator (H2), so that an appropriate number of types of electronic games can be played depending on the operational status of the game system (1A, 1B), etc. The media can be used within the game system (1A, 1B).

The instruction from the administrator (H2) to the management device (10) is an arbitrary instruction regarding the number N of types of electronic game media. For example, in addition to a direct instruction of the number of types N, an instruction to increase or decrease the number of types N is also included in the concept of "instruction."

[Additional note 10]
An operating method according to a preferred aspect (Appendix 10) of the present invention includes a plurality of game devices (30) that execute a game, and a management device (10) that communicates with each of the plurality of game devices (30). A method of operating a game system (1A, 1B) in which the management device (10) variably sets the number N of types of electronic game media (N is a natural number of 1 or more), and 30) each executes a game using the electronic game medium corresponding to the game device (30) among the N types of electronic game media.

[Additional note 11]
A program according to a preferred aspect (Appendix 11) of the present invention includes one or more processors ( 11), the process (Se1, Se2) of variably setting the number of types of electronic game media N (N is a natural number of 1 or more), and the process of variably setting the number of types of electronic game media N (N is a natural number of 1 or more), and each of the N types of electronic game media is set in the plurality of game devices (30). Of these, processing (Sb9-Sb18) of transferring the electronic game medium to the game device (30) corresponding to the electronic game medium is executed.

1A, 1B... Game system, 10... Management device, 11, 21, 31, 41... Control device, 12, 22, 32, 42... Storage device, 13, 23, 33, 43... Communication device, 14, 24, 34 ...Display device, 15, 25, 35... Operating device, 20... Medium providing device, 26, 36... Reception mechanism, 30... Game device, 37, 45... Payout mechanism, 40... Storage device, 44... Deposit mechanism.

Claims (6)

multiple game devices;
A game system comprising: a management device communicating with each of the plurality of game devices,
Each of the plurality of game devices executes a game using an electronic game medium corresponding to the game device among the N types of electronic game media,
The management device transfers each of the N types of electronic game media to a game device corresponding to the electronic game medium among the plurality of game devices at a transfer amount according to a limit value,
A transfer amount limit value for a first electronic game medium among the N types of electronic game media is different from a transfer amount limit value for a second electronic game medium different from the first electronic game medium. . multiple game devices;
A game system comprising: a management device communicating with each of the plurality of game devices,
Each of the plurality of game devices includes:
A game using an electronic game medium corresponding to the game device among the N types of electronic game media is executed, and the electronic game medium corresponding to the game device is transferred to the management device in a transfer amount according to the limit value. transfer,
A transfer amount limit value for a first electronic game medium among the N types of electronic game media is different from a transfer amount limit value for a second electronic game medium different from the first electronic game medium. . multiple game devices;
A method for operating a game system, comprising: a management device communicating with each of the plurality of game devices;
Each of the plurality of game devices executes a game using an electronic game medium corresponding to the game device among the N types of electronic game media,
The management device transfers each of the N types of electronic game media to a game device corresponding to the electronic game medium among the plurality of game devices at a transfer amount according to a limit value,
A transfer amount limit value for a first electronic game medium among the N types of electronic game media is different from a transfer amount limit value for a second electronic game medium different from the first electronic game medium. How it works. multiple game devices;
A method for operating a game system, comprising: a management device communicating with each of the plurality of game devices;
Each of the plurality of game devices includes:
A game using an electronic game medium corresponding to the game device among the N types of electronic game media is executed, and the electronic game medium corresponding to the game device is transferred to the management device in a transfer amount according to the limit value. transfer,
A transfer amount limit value for a first electronic game medium among the N types of electronic game media is different from a transfer amount limit value for a second electronic game medium different from the first electronic game medium. How it works. One or more processors included in a management device that communicates with each of a plurality of game devices that execute a game using electronic game media;
executing a process of transferring each of the N types of electronic game media to a game device corresponding to the electronic game medium among the plurality of game devices at a transfer amount according to a limit value;
A transfer amount limit value for a first electronic game medium among the N types of electronic game media is different from a transfer amount limit value for a second electronic game medium different from the first electronic game medium. A processor of each of the plurality of game devices that can communicate with the management device,
A game using an electronic game medium corresponding to the game device among the N types of electronic game media is executed, and the electronic game medium corresponding to the game device is transferred to the management device in a transfer amount according to the limit value. Execute the process to transfer,
A transfer amount limit value for a first electronic game medium among the N types of electronic game media is different from a transfer amount limit value for a second electronic game medium different from the first electronic game medium.

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