JP7534919B2 - Amusement Park Systems - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system for amusement parks.

Conventionally, when evaluating gaming machines, as shown in Patent Document 1, for example, gaming information (so-called gross profit on balls and payout rate, etc.) that indicates the ratio of gross profit to out, which indicates the size of the gaming value used in the gaming machine, and safe, which indicates the size of the awarded value, etc., is used for evaluation.

JP 2016-202806 A

Now, this tendency is especially prevalent in pachinko gaming machines, but for example, when a so-called reach-like effect (hereafter referred to as reach) is occurring, many players temporarily suspend the use of gaming value while playing in order to keep an eye on the outcome or to prevent the so-called reserved number from reaching the upper limit.

According to this trend, even if the outs are the same, machines with longer reach have longer play times, while machines with shorter reach have shorter play times, so it cannot be said that outs are proportional to play time, and even if the gross profit and gross margin are the same, the former machine allows players to enjoy playing for longer, while the latter machine does not allow players to enjoy playing as much as the former. This means that machines with longer reach have lower profitability per unit time as the outs decrease, and conversely, machines with shorter reach have higher profitability per unit time as the outs increase. In other words, it cannot be said that gross profit and gross margin are proportional to revenue as a strict standard.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an amusement arcade system that can appropriately evaluate gaming machines according to their characteristics.

According to the invention described in claim 1, the consumption period information is managed as period information that can be specified on a per-machine basis, the theoretical consumption profit and loss information is managed as profit and loss information that can be specified on a per-machine basis, and the theoretical period profit and loss information, which is theoretical profit and loss information per unit period that shows the correspondence between the consumption period information and the theoretical consumption profit and loss information, is managed on a per-machine basis, so that the gaming machine can be appropriately evaluated according to its characteristics.

Overall configuration diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention A diagram showing the basic data list (model PA) A diagram showing game information compilation (machine PA) A diagram showing basic information (model PA) Diagram showing theoretical information (model PA) A diagram showing game information by machine type A diagram showing a conventional PPM form (pachinko machine) A diagram showing a conventional PPM form (slot machine) Figure showing PPM report (time-based) Figure showing PPM report (out standard)

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an amusement arcade system. A large number of gaming machines 1 are installed in the amusement arcade, and a gaming machine device 2 is installed corresponding to each gaming machine 1. These gaming machines 1 and gaming machine devices 2 are connected to a relay device 3 in pairs, and the relay device 3 is connected to a management device 5 (corresponding to a gaming information identification means, a period information management means, a profit and loss information management means, a period profit and loss information management means, a classification means, an extraction means, and an out information management means) via a LAN 4. In addition, a POS and a balance settlement machine (neither shown) are also installed in the amusement arcade, and these POS and balance settlement machines are also connected to the management device 5 via the LAN 4. Although not shown in FIG. 1, in reality, for example, several hundred gaming machines 1 are managed by the management device 5. The management device 5 is installed in, for example, an office in the amusement facility, and is connected to a keyboard 6 operated by the manager of the amusement facility, a monitor 7 (corresponding to an output means), a printer (not shown but corresponding to an output means), etc. The management device 5 inputs game signals output from the gaming machines (gaming machine 1, gaming machine device 2, etc.) to manage the game data for each gaming machine 1, the personal data of each registered member, the operating status of gaming machine 1, gaming machine device 2, etc.

The gaming machine 1 is a CR (card reader) pachinko gaming machine, and has an operating handle 9, an upper tray 10, and a lower tray 11 that constitute a launching device that launches balls onto the board 8, and also has an LCD display 12, a regular prize opening 13, a first start opening 14, a second start opening 15, and a big prize opening 16 on the board 8.

The gaming machine 1 operates as follows.
(1) The first starting hole 14 is a winning hole whose winning rate does not fluctuate (a so-called center winning hole), and the second starting hole 15 is a winning hole whose winning rate fluctuates (a so-called electric chute).
(2) A jackpot lottery is held in response to a winning entry (start winning) into the first start hole 14 or the second start hole 15, and the lottery result is announced by a pattern change on the liquid crystal display unit 12, and a jackpot is awarded depending on the result of the change.

(3) If a start win occurs during a pattern change, the pattern changes are cumulatively reserved up to a predetermined reserved upper limit (for example, four of each), and the reserved pattern changes will begin after the pattern changes have ended. Note that if a start win occurs when the number of reserved pattern changes (reserved number) is at the upper limit, the pattern changes will not be reserved.

(4) The probability of winning the jackpot lottery (jackpot probability) is 1/200, and the probability rate, which is the percentage of jackpots that subsequently enter a probability state (probability rate), is 50% for center hole wins and 70% for the electric chute. When a jackpot occurs, the large prize opening 16 is opened for the allocated number of rounds (R). Here, with center hole wins, all Rs are allocated to 4R, while with the electric chute, 50% are allocated to 10R and 50% are allocated to 4R. The upper limit for the number of wins in 1R is 10, and the upper limit opening time is 30 seconds, and 1R ends when either the upper limit for the number of wins or the upper limit opening time is met.

(5) During the special probability period, the probability of winning increases to 1/50 and the winning rate for each starting port 14, 15 increases, resulting in a combined time-saving state (time-saving), which continues until a jackpot occurs. On the other hand, if a normal jackpot occurs that does not result in a special probability period, the time-saving state (single time-saving state) continues until 100 pattern changes have occurred, and if no jackpot occurs, the state returns to normal.

(6) The second starting port 15 opens with a high winning rate when the normal pattern (normal pattern) that changes in response to the winning of the normal pattern winning port 13 becomes a winning pattern. In this case, the time for one normal pattern to change is 30 seconds in the normal state and 3 seconds in the time-saving state. Also, the opening time is 0.3 seconds in the normal state and 5 seconds in the time-saving state. In other words, in the time-saving state, the normal pattern change time is shorter compared to the normal state, while the opening time is longer, resulting in a higher winning rate of the second starting port 15.

(7) In addition to these gaming machines, gaming machines other than the exemplified gaming machines, such as gaming machines with a so-called ceiling function or gaming machines with multiple jackpot probabilities that can be changed by settings, may also be managed. Also, while the above is an example of a PA model, for example, the allocation of rounds for a PB model may differ, and the values may vary depending on the model.

The gaming machine 1 and the peripheral devices attached to the gaming machine 1 output the following game signals as the game progresses, such as when the player shoots balls and when starting winnings occur in the starting holes 14, 15.
Out signal = a signal (operation signal) capable of identifying the consumption value (out) output from the out box that collects consumed balls. Since one pulse is output for every 10 balls consumed (used, inserted, collected), "the number of out signals x 10" is identified as out. Note that it may also be a signal output from the gaming machine.
Safe signal = a signal that can identify the winning value (safe) output from the gaming machine. Since one pulse is output for every 10 balls paid out in response to a win, "number of safe signals x 10" is identified as safe. The resupply signal output from a resupply device may also be used as the safe signal. There are actual safe signals that are output when balls are actually paid out, and winning safe signals that are output when a payout is reserved in response to a win, but it is preferable to use the latter in order to minimize the time lag between winning and output.

Start signal = a signal that can specify the start process (pattern change, device operation, unit game) and start (number of start processes) in the liquid crystal display unit (gimmick) that changes (operates) due to the start winning (S winning) output from the gaming machine. Since it is output when the pattern change is confirmed, the start process is specified according to the signal input. Note that it may be substituted with the S winning signal output at the time of the start winning.
The jackpot signal is a signal that can identify the jackpot period output from the gaming machine. Since it is a status signal whose level is output during a jackpot, the input of the jackpot signal is identified as the jackpot period.

Special state signal = a signal that can identify a special state (sweet state) output from the gaming machine. Since it is a state signal whose level is output during a special state (during time reduction (including combined time reduction)) in which the winning rate of the second starting port 15 increases, the special state is identified as being in progress when the special state signal is being input. It may also be a state signal (probability bonus signal) whose level is output during a probability bonus in which the probability of a jackpot increases. In addition, the period in which neither a jackpot signal nor a special state signal is input is identified as being in a normal state. "

The gaming machine device 2 is a rental machine with a so-called counting function for each machine, and has a status indicator light 17 that shows the game status of the gaming machine 1, a coin insertion slot 18 into which coins (monetary value, valuable value) are inserted, a touch panel type liquid crystal display unit 19 that accepts operation inputs from the player and displays game data such as the number of pattern changes (number of starts) and the probability of a jackpot as the game progresses, a payout button 20 for paying out held balls (including saved balls if the player is a member, acquired value, valuable value), a payout nozzle 21 through which the paid out balls pass, a card insertion slot 22 into which a general card or a membership card is inserted, and a removable counting tray 23 located below the lower tray 11 of the gaming machine 1.

The gaming machine device 2 operates as follows.
(1) When currency is accepted (currency acceptance process), the amount of the deposit is displayed on both the gaming machine 1 and the gaming machine device 2, and one unit of loaned balls (value of loaned balls) (e.g., 500 yen) is paid out from the gaming machine 1 (value giving process), and the display of the amount of the deposit becomes the balance excluding the value of the loaned balls according to the value giving process. Currency can be accepted in an amount corresponding to multiple value giving processes (e.g., up to 10,000 yen). When the loan button of the gaming machine 1 is pressed with a balance (loan operation, grant operation), one unit of loaned balls is paid out from the gaming machine, and the value is deducted from the balance. In addition, the machine is also equipped with a so-called counting function for each machine, which counts the balls acquired by the player and can pay out the balls again using the counted balls as value, and the number of balls excluding the value of the payout can be specified as the balls held.

(2) When the return button on gaming machine 1 is pressed (the issuance operation is accepted) while there is remaining balance or balls in hand, a general card that can identify the remaining balls or balls in hand is issued. Note that for the sake of simplicity, partial issuance of a card that is the target of issuance of a portion of the balance or balls in hand is not permitted, but may be possible.

(3) Serial communication with relay device 3 (receiving sales signals) can identify the currency acceptance process, the value granting process, the balance and number of balls lent, the amount deposited, the number of balls lent, the sales amount in exchange for the lent balls, the counted balls, the balls in hand, the refunded balls, and the acceptance and issuance process of general cards. These can also be identified by pulse signals (for example, one pulse for every 1,000 yen deposited, one pulse for every 100 yen sold, etc.).

As is well known, the management device 5 performs settings such as model settings that associate machine numbers with machine types, manages game information as shown in Figures 2 and 3, sets spec information as shown in Figures 4 and 5, and makes it possible to identify theoretical information. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, it aggregates game information by machine type based on the game information and theoretical information identified in Figures 2 to 5. Figures 2 to 5 are an example of game information for machine type PA, and "average" is the average for gaming machines for machine type PA, and corresponds to "total."

The management device 5 tally up the raw data list (model PA) shown in Fig. 2 for each model. The items shown in Fig. 2 are as follows.
OUT=the gaming value consumed in the gaming machine 1 identified by the OUT signal.
Game time=the operating period of an operating timer which operates for a predetermined period (for example, 60 seconds) upon input of an OUT signal.
Safe=the gaming value awarded in response to a winning on the gaming machine 1 identified by the safe signal.

Start = the number of times the accessory is activated in the gaming machine 1, as specified by the start signal. Incidentally, in the following, "sweet" refers to game information corresponding to a special state period such as time reduction.
Sales balls = gaming value (number of loaned balls, value of consideration) given in exchange for monetary value in the corresponding gaming machine device 2 identified by the sales signal.

Number of jackpots = The number of jackpots specified by the jackpot signal. "Normal" is the number of jackpots other than "specific", that is, the number of so-called "first hits", and "specific" is the number of occurrences of specific jackpots that satisfy specific conditions (for example, T1Y within a standard range (for example, 800 or more) set for T1Y).

T out = out during T (during a jackpot or sweet hit).
T Safe = Safe during T (during jackpot and sweet hit).
T1 out = out during T1 (during a jackpot).
T1 safe = safe during T1 (during jackpot).
Special T1 Out = An out during T1 that only applies to specific jackpots.
Special T1 Safe = Safe during T1 that only applies to specific jackpots.

For convenience of explanation, this embodiment is based on the premise that the arcade does not have a replay system based on so-called saved balls. However, if the arcade has a replay system, it is desirable to include replay balls in the sales balls in the calculation. Note that the replay of the payout nozzle 22 shown in FIG. 1 refers to the replay where the player pays back the balls that he or she has won on that business day, and these replay balls do not need to be included in the sales balls.

The pipeline device 5 also compiles the game information compilation (machine type PA) shown in Fig. 3 for each machine type. The items shown in Fig. 3 are as follows.
Base = payout rate by state (normal, sweet), where "normal" is specified by B safe ÷ BO, and "sweet" is specified by B safe A ÷ BOA. Including the following, BO, which is out during normal times, is specified by BO = out - T out, B safe, which is safe during normal times, is specified by B safe = safe - T safe, BOA, which is out during sweet times, is specified by BOA = T out - T1 out, and B safe A, which is safe during sweet times, is specified by B safe A = T safe - T1 safe, but BO, B safe, BOA, and B safe A may be specified as raw data. Note that, below, the base during normal times will be simply called the base, and the base during sweet times will be called BA.

Average S = ratio of the number of symbol changes to outs by state, and is determined by Average S = normal (sweet) start ÷ BO (BOA). Note that, hereinafter, the average S during normal play is also called S, and the average S during sweet play is also called SAA.
Time out (corresponding to consumption period information) is the out per unit of play time (for example, one hour), and is specified by out/play time.

T1Y, T1O = T1Y is the average number of balls dispensed during a jackpot, and is determined by T1Y = (T1 safe - T1 out) ÷ total number of jackpots. T1O is the average out during a jackpot, and is determined by T1O = T1 out ÷ total number of jackpots. Note that total number of jackpots = number of regular jackpots + number of specific jackpots.

Special T1Y, Special T1O = Special T1Y is a T1Y targeted at specific jackpots, and is determined by Special T1Y = (Special T1 Safe - Special T1 Out) ÷ number of specific jackpots. Special T1O is a T1O targeted at specific jackpots, and is determined by Special T1O = Special T1 Out ÷ number of specific jackpots.

Payout rate, B-SA, customer retention rate = Payout rate is the ratio of safe to out (payout rate, award rate), and is determined by Payout rate = Safe / Out. B-SA is the difference in number of balls under normal circumstances, and is determined by B-SA = BO - B-Safe. Customer retention rate is the ratio of B-SA to sales balls, and is determined by Customer retention rate = B-SA / sales balls.

Gross profit = the operating profit of the amusement facility based on the amount of play, and is determined as follows: gross profit = sales amount - balls acquired x rental cost x cost rate. Note that the calculations are as follows: acquired balls (acquired value) = balls sold + safe - out, sales amount = balls sold x rental cost, rental cost = 4 yen, and cost rate = 90.9%.

Price per ball, gross profit per ball = Price per ball is the sales amount per out, and is determined by: Price per ball = sales amount ÷ out. Gross profit per ball is the gross profit per out, and is determined by: Gross profit per ball = gross profit ÷ out.

Time safe, time sales, time gross profit = Time safe is the safe per unit of play time, and is determined by Time safe = Payout rate x Time out. Time sales is the amount of sales per unit of play time, and is determined by Time sales = Ball price x Time out. Time gross profit is the gross profit per unit of play time, and is determined by Time gross profit = Ball gross profit x Time out.
The operating share is the ratio of the arcade's profit and loss (ball loss) to the actual sales amount (balls sold), and is determined by the number of balls won divided by the number of balls sold.

The management device 5 also specifies the basic information (model PA) shown in FIG. 4 and the theoretical information (model PA) shown in FIG. 5. The theoretical information shows an example of a theoretical value such as a payout rate when a favorable state such as a jackpot or a probability change occurs without a bias in the lottery such as the jackpot lottery specified by the basic information shown in FIG. 4, such as the specification data indicating the specifications of the gaming machine 1, the actual data as shown in FIG. 3, and the specification data and the actual data, as well as its definition and calculation formula. Of course, calculation methods other than those shown as examples may be adopted, such as adopting the average T1Y as actual data without adopting the round coefficient or special T1Y. The theoretical gross profit indicating the theoretical value of the gross profit corresponds to theoretical profit and loss information, the theoretical ball gross profit indicating the theoretical value of the ball gross profit shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to theoretical consumption profit and loss information, and the theoretical hourly gross profit indicating the theoretical value of the hourly gross profit corresponds to theoretical period profit and loss information.

Figure 6 shows an example of aggregating game information for multiple machines, similar to the aggregation of machine type PA shown in Figures 2 to 5, and summarizing it by machine type. Note that the actual results for payout rate and time safe, etc. correspond to Figure 3, and the theoretical values correspond to Figure 5. Here, the slot machine may be specified based on Figure 5, but since the payout rate is adjusted depending on the mode, theoretical values for each mode provided by the gaming machine manufacturer, or the aggregated information for each mode is set as the theoretical value, and the mode and out are set as the theoretical value. For example, the outs of gaming machines 1 set to the same mode are totaled by mode, and the safe and sales amount are determined by multiplying them by the payout rate and ball price, and the determined safe and sales amount are totaled for all modes, while the outs are also totaled in the same way, and the payout rate and ball gross profit, etc. are determined based on the outs, safes, and sales amount.

In FIG. 6, the "Model P~" models such as PA are assumed to be pachinko machines, and the "Model S~" models such as SA are assumed to be slot machines. The corrected out is a value obtained by multiplying the out by a correction coefficient (e.g., "2.5", which corresponds to a coefficient) for slot machines in order to compare game information using the same out as the standard, since the consumption speed of game value per unit time differs between pachinko machines and slot machines (the unit loan price (amount per game value) is 4 yen for pachinko machines but 20 yen for slot machines, and both correspond to multiple types of game machines with different out amounts) for the slot machines. For example, for model SA, the corrected out is determined to be "22250" by multiplying the out "8900" by "2.5". The corrected out may also be determined for pachinko machines. Furthermore, pachinko gaming machines with different unit rental prices, such as 4 yen and 1 yen, may be used as multiple types of gaming machines with different out prices.

The game time is the game time determined by the time out determined for each machine type as shown in Figure 3. The safe time, sales per hour, and gross profit per hour are game information indicating the safe, sales, and gross profit per unit time (e.g., 1 hour) that respectively indicate the payout rate, ball price, and ball gross profit multiplied by the time out.

In Figure 6, the ball gross profit (corresponding to gaming information based on the expected value of an out of the same value) is targeted, and a value indicating the gross profit per corrected out instead of an out is specified as the correction value, but similarly for payout rate, ball price, etc., a value indicating the gaming information per corrected out instead of an out may also be specified as the correction value.

Figures 7 and 8 show PPM reports for evaluating gaming machine 1 using a conventional method. Conventionally, because the unit loan price and the number of balls available per unit time are different between pachinko gaming machines and slot machines, reports were output separately for pachinko gaming machines in Figure 7 and slot machines in Figure 8. For example, "PA, 31, 190, 0.24" shown in Figure 7 and Figures 9 and 10 described below shows that for "model PA", the horizontal axis (which may be other information such as outs, game time, or corrected outs) has a value of "31190" and the vertical axis (which may be other information such as theoretical ball gross profit, payout rate, or theoretical hourly gross profit) has a value of "0.24", and the same is true for others.

Figures 7 and 8 are diagrams in which the OUT (operation information) and ball gross profit (theoretical value, adjustment information) aggregated by machine type as in Figure 6 are extracted, and the theoretical ball gross profit, which indicates the theoretical value of the ball gross profit, is plotted on the vertical axis, and the OUT on the horizontal axis, and show in which position (division) each machine type is placed. Note that instead of the OUT, the playing time may be plotted on the horizontal axis. Here, as shown in Figure 8, the positions are associated with names like the well-known so-called PPM ledger, and each division is colored green, orange, etc. to distinguish and output (Figure 8 shows name allocation corresponding to the game information, and the name allocation method is slightly different from that of well-known PPM analysis).

As shown in FIG. 8, the placement locations are classified as "Money Tree", "Star", "Loser", and "Problem Child", and only "Star" is classified as "Super Star" and "Semi-Star", but other classifications may be classified in the same way. In this embodiment, the reference value for classification is the middle of the maximum and minimum values of the extracted models. For example, in the case of the out in FIG. 7, the maximum value is "43000" for "Model PC" and the minimum value is "19000" for "Model PE", so the out is classified using the reference value "31000", which is the middle value between "43000" and "19000". Similarly, the theoretical gross profit is classified using the reference value "0.22", which is the middle value between "0.32" and "0.13", because the maximum value is "43000" for "Model PC" and the minimum value is "19000" for "Model PE". Also, detailed classifications such as the star shape may be set to an intermediate value between the reference value and the minimum value, or a value lower than the reference value by a specified value such as "0.1". The reference value may be the average value of other extracted models or the average value of the entire gaming facility, and it is desirable to output the game information for each model in parallel, for example as shown in Figure 6, so that the model to be extracted can be selected while referring to the game information.

Let's explain each category. "Money Tree" is a machine that can be operated even with relatively strict adjustments to get a large gross profit, "Star" is a machine that can be operated with lenient adjustments to not get a large gross profit, "Loser" is a machine that is relatively strict because it is difficult to expect a large operation, and "Problem Child" is a machine that cannot be expected to be operated even with lenient adjustments. "Money Tree" mainly includes new machines and especially popular machines, "Star" is a machine that has been introduced as a new machine for a while but is adjusted relatively leniently as a machine that arcades want to take good care of, and maintains operation, "Loser" is a machine that is not expected to be used much and so is adjusted relatively leniently before operation drops off, and "Problem Child" is a machine that is subject to removal.

In other words, when a machine is new it becomes a "money tree", then depending on whether it can be kept in operation and the intentions of the arcade it can branch out into either a "star" or a "loser", and once a "star" starts to decline it becomes a "loser", and once it goes from being a "loser" to being out of control it becomes a "problem child" and removal is considered.

Here, they are divided into "super star" and "semi-star", but even star models need to secure a certain amount of gross profit, so it is thought that it is better to have more "semi-star" models than "super star". In other words, "super star" models will be overly lenient, and if lenient adjustments are to be made, rather than having "super star" models, it is preferable to allocate that amount to "semi-star" models and make adjustments so that many models are placed in star models. Based on this technical idea, the stars are divided into two categories.

Figures 9 and 10 show PPM reports for evaluating the gaming machine 1 using the method of this embodiment. Figure 9 shows the theoretical gross profit per hour on the vertical axis (first axis) and the playing time on the horizontal axis (second axis), while Figure 10 shows the theoretical gross profit per ball on the vertical axis and the corrected out on the horizontal axis, showing where the machines are placed (classified). Note that outs may be used on the horizontal axis instead of playing time. The PPM report shown in Figure 9 corresponds to the first mode, and the PPM report shown in Figure 10 corresponds to the second mode.

First, let us explain Figure 10. Figure 10 is the same as Figure 7 for pachinko machines, as it is conventional, but for slot machines, the use of correction outs allows the same standard as for pachinko machines, and they can be plotted on the same form, making it possible to compare them with pachinko machines as appropriate.

Now, the pachinko gaming machine in FIG. 10 is the same as the conventional one in FIG. 7, so FIG. 9 will be explained in comparison with the conventional one in FIG. 10. In FIG. 9, playing time and theoretical hourly gross profit are used instead of the conventional out and theoretical ball gross profit, so it is not an index based on the operation of the gaming machine 1 based on the conventional out, but an index based on the playing time (theoretical hourly gross profit) that the player enjoys playing.

Here, it can be understood that "Model PA" was previously a "money tree" but is now classified as a "loser" in terms of play time, and "Model PB" was previously a "problem child" but is now classified as a "super star" in terms of play time. In other words, it can be understood that "Model PA" is now a "loser" based on play time, players are getting a little tired of it, and it is not something to be optimistic about, and that "Model PB" is now a "super star" based on play time, and players are now classified as a "star," so it is necessary to consider not removing it. In addition, in Figures 9 and 10, when the machines are classified differently from each other, they are colored to distinguish them according to the other's classification, and by making the distinguishing output, it is easy to understand that they are classified differently from each other. For example, in the case of "Model PA," although it is classified as a "Loser" in FIG. 9, it is output as "green" to match the "Money Tree" in FIG. 10, and conversely, although it is classified as a "Money Tree" in FIG. 10, it is output as "orange" to match the "Loser" in FIG. 9. On the other hand, in the case of mutually identical classifications such as "Model PC," it is easy to understand that they are mutually identical classifications by not outputting the classification. For example, "(Green) Model Name..." shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 indicates that the model name, etc., is displayed with a green color, and "(Green) PA" indicates that the theoretical hourly gross profit and game time values of "Model PA" are displayed with a green color, and the same applies to other color-based identification displays.

The classifications of "Model PD" and "Model PE" are switched between FIG. 10 and FIG. 9. In other words, in FIG. 10, "Model PD" is classified as a "problem child" and "Model PE" is classified as a "loser," while in FIG. 9, "Model PD" is classified as a "loser" and "Model PE" is classified as a "problem child." If the conventional outs were used as the standard, it would be thought that the problem child "Model PD" should be removed, but if the playing time according to this embodiment is used as the standard, it is also possible to think that "Model PE" should be removed.

"Model PF" and "Model PG" have almost the same out value, and traditionally "Model PF" would have been classified as the super star, and "Model PG" as the semi-star, but looking at play time, "Model PG" is classified as the super star, and "Model PF" as the problem child. In other words, as mentioned above, it is dangerous to make harsh adjustments to "Model PF", which was traditionally a super star, to make it a semi-star, as there is a possibility that it could develop into a problem child, and it is possible to think that "Model PG", which was traditionally a semi-star, has a high possibility of being accepted by players even if it is made a little harsher.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
In the game center system, the time out and theoretical gross ball profit specified for each model or gaming machine are managed, and the theoretical gross ball profit for each model that can be specified by the time out and the theoretical gross ball profit is managed, so that the gaming machine 1 can be appropriately evaluated according to the characteristics of the gaming machine 1 by the theoretical gross profit for each model, for example, a long reach, or an easy start win and easy accumulation of reserved balls. Also, since the target is the theoretical gross profit for each model, not the actual gross profit for each game, the gaming machine 1 can be appropriately evaluated regardless of the bias of the lottery, such as the occurrence of many jackpots on the gaming machine 1.

Since the PPM ledger is managed with the theoretical gross profit per hour on the vertical axis and the playing time on the horizontal axis, it is easy to use the PPM ledger to evaluate the gaming machine 1 according to its characteristics. In addition, a conventional PPM ledger with the theoretical gross profit per hour on the vertical axis and outs on the horizontal axis and a PPM ledger with the theoretical gross profit per hour on the vertical axis and playing time on the horizontal axis are output in a comparable manner, so that the former PPM ledger can be used to evaluate the gaming machine 1 according to its operation as in the past, and the latter PPM ledger can be used to evaluate the gaming machine 1 based on the amount of time the player has enjoyed playing, and the gaming machine 1 can be appropriately evaluated by comparing and considering the two.

By extracting models and gaming machines that fall into different categories based on the traditional classification of theoretical gross profit per ball and outs and the traditional classification of theoretical gross profit per hour and operating time, it becomes possible to appropriately evaluate the gaming machine 1 by combining an evaluation based on the operation of the gaming machine 1 in the traditional manner based on the former classification and an evaluation based on the time the player enjoys playing based on the latter classification.

For gaming machines 1 with different expected values for outs per time, such as pachinko machines and slot machines, the system is designed to manage gaming information based on the same out standard, with at least one of the outs corrected based on a coefficient, making it easy to evaluate different types of machines, which was previously difficult to compare based on the same standard.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be modified or expanded as follows.
Although the example of the PPM report shows both the out standard and the game time standard being output at the same time, they may be managed for comparison without necessarily being output at the same time, for example by switching between the two for display. Also, only the game time standard as shown in FIG. 9 may be output.

As an example of extracting different classifications based on the correction out and theoretical ball gross profit as in FIG. 10 and the playing time and theoretical time gross profit as in FIG. 9, the extraction results are shown on the PPM ledger as in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. However, if a reference value is specified, the classification itself is possible without outputting the distribution graphs as in FIG. 7 to FIG. 10. Therefore, when a different classification is obtained, for example, a different classification can be output in FIG. 6 to indicate that fact, without outputting the distribution graphs as in FIG. 7 to FIG. 10. In this way, the information for evaluating the gaming machine 1 is not limited to the distribution graph, and a ledger as in FIG. 6 may be used.

In Figures 7 to 10, profit and loss information such as theoretical ball gross profit and theoretical time gross profit are shown on the vertical axis, and operation information such as outs and playing time are shown on the horizontal axis, but the vertical and horizontal axes may be interchanged, with operation information on the vertical axis and profit and loss information on the horizontal axis. Furthermore, as profit and loss information, any gaming information other than gross profit may be used as long as it shows the profit and loss of the gaming facility, such as safe, payout rate, operating percentage, etc. Similarly, as operation information, other than outs and operating time, any gaming information may be used as long as it shows the operating status, even if speculatively, such as the specified period or the start of the cumulative total, by taking an image of the player.

Although the example has been given of specifying the time out on a machine-by-machine basis and evaluating the gaming machine 1 on a machine-by-machine basis, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the time out and theoretical value can be specified on a machine-by-machine basis, so they may be specified and evaluated. Also, the example has been given of managing the time out, which is consumption period information, as period information, and the gross profit on balls, which is theoretical consumption profit and loss information, as profit and loss information, but it is not necessary to directly manage the consumption period information or the theoretical consumption profit and loss information; for example, outs and playing time may be managed as period information, or outs, safes, sales, etc. may be managed as profit and loss information.

Each setting value may be set by an administrator through operational input, may be set in advance by the manufacturer of the management device 5, or may be set by downloading setting information from an external server (such as the headquarters of a chain store). In this case, too, the setting value is input through operational input on the server. Past game information may of course also be set as a reference value. Similarly, out, safe, and the like, given as examples of game information identified by game signals, may be set so as to be identifiable through operational input.

All of the game information shown as examples may be determined directly by the input signal or indirectly by using an arithmetic formula. Note that the arithmetic formulas shown as examples are merely examples, and any arithmetic formula may be used. Also, while a pulse signal is shown as an example of the game signal, a signal input via serial communication or the like may also be used.

The numbers, digits, items, etc. are examples, and any numbers may be used. In addition, the identification output may be in any output form, such as adding symbols other than those shown in the examples, and output may be at least printed or displayed.

Either "above or beyond" or "exceeds" can be used, with expressions such as "reached" corresponding to either "became above" or "exceeded." The same goes for "below or below," with expressions such as "did not reach" corresponding to either "became below" or "below."

The target gaming machine 1 may be a pachinko gaming machine other than the exemplified pachinko gaming machine, such as a so-called sealed type in which the gaming medium is managed only by data, or a slot machine. Note that, taking into consideration gaming machines that do not pay out gaming media, such as the so-called sealed type, the gaming medium will be expressed as gaming value as necessary.

Part of the processing performed by the management device 5 may be performed by the relay device 3, the gaming machine device 2, etc., and any other configuration may be used. Furthermore, the exemplary configurations may be combined in any way, including modified examples, and configurations that are not adopted may be provided as appropriate.

In the drawing, 1 is a gaming machine, 5 is a management device (game information identification means, period information management means, profit and loss information management means, period profit and loss information management means, classification means, extraction means, out information management means), and 7 is a monitor (output means).

Claims (5)

a game information specifying means for specifying game information for each type or each gaming machine by at least one of a game signal output from the gaming machine and an operation input;
A period information management means for managing consumption period information that can specify, by the game information specified by the game information specifying means, period information that indicates a correspondence between an out that indicates a game value consumed in a game machine and a game period, on a model or game machine basis;
a profit and loss information management means for managing profit and loss information that can specify theoretical profit and loss information showing a theoretical profit and loss of the gaming facility caused by playing the gaming machine and theoretical consumption profit and loss information showing a correspondence relationship with the out by machine type or gaming machine by the gaming information specified by the gaming information specifying means;
a period profit and loss information management means for managing theoretical period profit and loss information, which is the theoretical profit and loss information per unit period indicating a correspondence relationship between the consumption period information and the theoretical consumption profit and loss information, for each type or gaming machine;
An amusement arcade system comprising: an output means for outputting the theoretical consumption profit and loss information and the theoretical period profit and loss information in a manner that allows them to be compared. The amusement park system of claim 1 , wherein the output means outputs information for evaluating gaming machines on a model or gaming machine basis in a first aspect in which the theoretical period profit and loss information is used as a first axis and the out or playing period is used as a second axis. The output means is capable of outputting information for evaluating gaming machines on a model or machine basis in a second aspect in which the theoretical consumption profit and loss information is used as a first axis and the out or playing period is used as a second axis, and outputs the first aspect and the second aspect in a manner that allows comparison. The system for an amusement facility described in claim 2. A classification means for classifying types or gaming machines based on the theoretical period profit and loss information and the theoretical consumption profit and loss information by comparing the theoretical period profit and loss information and the theoretical consumption profit and loss information with reference information that is preset for each of the theoretical period profit and loss information and the theoretical consumption profit and loss information;
4. An amusement facility system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an extraction means for extracting models or gaming machines whose classification based on the theoretical period profit and loss information and whose classification based on the theoretical consumption profit and loss information are different. An amusement arcade system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising an out information management means for targeting multiple types of gaming machines having different values for the out, correcting at least one of the outs based on a coefficient, and managing game information based on the expected value of an out of the same value.

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