JP2007222505A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which enables the purchasing of a prize or the like smoothly without making players leave a game machine and further enhances the desires of the players for the purchase while reducing the work load of staffs for required servicing care. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine 1 is provided with a memory means which stores information on a plurality of kinds of goods indicating the kinds of the goods or duties and reference information to be used in the determination of order contents, an input means for inputting a selection signal pertaining to the selection of the goods or the duties as operated by the players and an order output means which outputs order information indicating the order contents determined from the reference information and the information on goods indicated by the selection signal to an information management unit through a communication circuit. The reference information is so set as to be advantageous for the players placing an order for the goods or duties during the specified period containing the end timing of a special period or having the end timing as the starting point or the ending point as compared with that during the normal period. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachislot gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine, or a slot machine.

At game stores, services for exchanging game media such as medals and game balls acquired by players for prizes are widely available. In particular, drinks and cigarettes can be exchanged for a small amount of game media, and many players play games while drinking or smoking cigarettes. In addition, many players exchange game media for these prizes.

By the way, in the operating pachislot gaming device, there are cases where medals are jammed in the machine or medals in the machine are insufficient, and the game cannot be continued. When such a situation occurs, the player calls a store clerk at a game store (so-called pachinko hall) by operating a call button installed in the vicinity of the pachislot gaming device (for example, the upper side), and measures necessary for the store clerk. By having the player take the game, it is possible to continue to play the game without leaving the seat of the pachislot gaming device.

From a player's point of view, being able to continue playing without having to leave the seat has the advantage of saving the trouble of calling the store clerk, but securing such a pachislot gaming device is better than such an advantage. It can be said that the advantage of being able to continue is extremely large. This is because a player usually selects a pachislot gaming device with a high setting (easy to obtain profits) from among a large number of pachislot gaming devices installed in a game store. This is because a highly-priced pachislot gaming device is popular, and if the pachislot gaming device leaves the seat, another player may start a game with the pachislot gaming device.

As a conventional gaming machine, for example, a call button is provided, and when the player operates the call button, a voice connection is established with the hall server of the game store, and the player can directly talk to the store clerk. There is a gaming machine that becomes (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, for example, when a trouble occurs in the gaming machine itself, or when the dollar box for storing medals is full and a new dollar box is desired, the player can ask the store clerk. Since the contents of the desired measures can be directly communicated, the store clerk can take necessary measures promptly.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-19244

As mentioned above, there are many players who play games while drinking and smoking cigarettes, but in the past, drinks and cigarettes (hereinafter also referred to as drinks) were exchanged or purchased with medals, etc. In order to do so, the player had to leave the pachislot gaming device and go to the counter of the gaming store. Therefore, there is a problem that another player starts a game with the pachislot gaming device and cannot continue to play the game.

In addition, when a player leaves the seat of a pachislot gaming device, many players secure their pachislot gaming device by placing their belongings on the seat, but they can play with the pachislot gaming device regardless of the possession. Since there are many malicious players who start the game, there is a problem that the pachislot gaming device cannot be surely secured even if the personal belongings are placed. As a result, there is a problem that the player has to endure even if he wants a drink or the like and cannot play the game comfortably. In addition, since the psychology that will endure as much as possible even if you want drinks, etc. will work for the players, even if you set up a service department such as drinks on the side of the amusement store, it will suppress the willingness to purchase Become.

In recent years, as a game store, in order to give the game store a function as a general amusement hall, for example, a partition plate is provided for each of two game machines so that Abec can enjoy a game in pairs and two people We are making efforts to create an environment when playing games with gaming machines, such as installing long chairs that can sit together and setting up restaurant-like store areas where you can eat. As a result of the problem of securing the seat when leaving the seat, there is a risk that such an attempt at the amusement store will end in a laborious manner.

There is also a method of implementing a service that allows the player to purchase drinks and the like without leaving their seats and operates the call button to call a store clerk and place an order for drinks. However, when such a service is implemented, the clerk who is called by the customer asks the order to go to pick up the product, delivers the product to the customer, receives a game medium or cash as the price, and further pays for the price. A lot of work to perform the checkout process occurs. For this reason, since the above-mentioned service has been implemented, there is a possibility that the response to the trouble of the gaming machine that should be urgently dealt with originally is neglected.

According to the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, by establishing a voice connection with the hall server by pressing the call button, for example, it is possible to detect that some trouble has occurred in a slot machine or pachinko gaming machine as a gaming machine. It becomes possible to communicate directly with the store clerk. If this game machine is used, even if the above service is performed, the work of going to listen to orders does not occur, so the total work amount of the store clerk is reduced. However, since information is communicated only by voice, it is not possible to exchange information using the visual sense of pointing the menu with a finger, etc., and it takes time to hear the order or misunderstanding of the order. On the contrary, there is a possibility that the time of the clerk will be taken. For this reason, there are almost no cases where a call button provided in the vicinity of the gaming machine itself or the gaming machine is actually used as a purchase request button.

Furthermore, when a large number of customers try to use the above service at the same time, the response of the store clerk is delayed, which may cause the customer to feel dissatisfied. In order to prevent this, it is necessary to prepare many store staff at all times.

Also, there is a problem of how to make a payment in order to respond to the purchase of the player. When using the call button as a button for requesting purchase, the store clerk receives game media or cash as a price from the customer as described above, and further, the work of paying out the price occurs. In order to provide such a service, there is a possibility that a new problem such as the necessity of greatly increasing the number of ordinary store staff may be caused.

Therefore, in order to improve the purchasing service for the player without leaving the gaming machine, a method of transmitting to the store clerk what the product is the target of the order that the player wants to purchase, and a call function of the store clerk; There are a lot of problems such as how to link and how to simplify settlement.

In addition, even if a player acquires a large amount of game media through a special game or the like, there is a problem that the game media acquired in the subsequent game is reduced and the willingness to purchase drinks is lost. Therefore, a means for motivating a player to purchase a drink or the like when the player has the most money is desired.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable a player to purchase a prize etc. smoothly without leaving the gaming machine and to provide a clerk for these services. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing the amount of work and the like and further increasing the player's willingness to purchase.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following.
(1) The order information is output via a communication line to an information management device that is installed in a game store and includes a display device that can display order information so that the store clerk of the game store can visually recognize the order information. And a gaming machine provided with a display means,
A variable display means for performing variable display of identification information;
Stop control means for stopping the fluctuation display of the identification information by the fluctuation display means;
Special game execution means for executing a special game advantageous to the player when the stop mode of the identification information is a special winning mode;
Storage means for storing a plurality of types of product information indicating types of products or services and reference information referred to when order contents are determined;
An input means for inputting a selection signal related to selection of the product or the service according to the player's operation;
Order output means for outputting the order information indicating the order content determined based on the reference information and the product etc. information indicated by the selection signal to the information management device via the communication line;
The reference information is for a player who orders the product or the service in a specific period including the end time of the special game or a non-specific period other than the specific period in a specific period starting from the end time. A gaming machine characterized by being set to be useful.

According to the invention of (1), the player can tell the order to the store clerk without leaving the seat by operating the input means, so that the player can play the game more comfortably. Become. In addition, it is possible to solve the problem that another player starts a game with the pachislot gaming device and cannot continue to play the game. In addition, since the work amount of the store clerk is reduced, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the response to the trouble of the gaming machine that originally needs to be dealt with urgently will be neglected.

Furthermore, since the player can order drinks, etc. under favorable conditions only for a specific period before and after the end of the special game, there is a possibility that the player will be urged to order drinks during this period. I can expect. As a result, the timing at which customers place orders is dispersed, and the possibility of receiving orders from a large number of customers at the same time can be reduced. In addition, the store clerk delivers various services that are relatively easily required before and after the end of the special game, such as preparation of a so-called dollar box for inserting game media and replenishment of game media to the game machine. It is possible to provide them together, so that the work becomes efficient. These make it possible to solve the problem of having to increase the number of shop assistants for this service.

And order drinks etc. under favorable conditions when there is a financial and psychological allowance of a specific period after the end of the special game and there is a sense of superiority to other players By being able to do so, it is possible to motivate players to purchase drinks and to expect an increase in sales.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(2) The gaming machine of (1),
The reference information is set so that the order information is output by the order output unit during the specific period, while the order information is not output by the order output unit during the non-specific period. It is characterized by being.

According to the invention of (2), since the player can order drinks only for a specific period before and after the end of the special game, the timing of the customer's ordering is dispersed, and a large number of customers At the same time, the possibility of receiving an order can be reduced.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(3) A gaming machine according to (1) or (2),
The specific period is a period from when a specific condition is satisfied during execution of the special game to when the special game ends.

According to the invention of (3), the player can order drinks or the like under favorable conditions for a specific period before the end of the special game. Thereby, it becomes possible to make the player feel a sense of superiority by ordering drinks and to increase the willingness to order.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(4) A gaming machine according to (1) or (2),
The specific period is a period from the end of the special game to a lapse of a predetermined time.

According to the invention of (4), the player can order drinks or the like under advantageous conditions when there is a financial and psychological margin of a specific period after the end of the special game. Therefore, sales can be expected to increase due to the synergistic effect of increasing willingness to order.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(5) The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4),
The reference information includes product unit price information that is associated with each of the plurality of types of product information and indicates the unit price of the product or service, and
Credit storage means for storing the number of game media as a credit number;
Payment means for subtracting the credit amount corresponding to the amount of the object related to the order information from the credit number stored in the credit storage means based on the order information and the product unit price information. Features.

According to the invention of (5), when the player operates the input means and inputs an order, the payment means automatically makes a payment, so the player asks the store clerk a game medium (for example, medal) or money. This saves you the trouble of handing over. Therefore, the player can concentrate more on the game and can play the game comfortably. Furthermore, since it is possible for the store clerk to save the game media and money received from the player, the possibility of neglecting the trouble of the gaming machine that originally needs urgent action can be reduced. .

According to the present invention, it is possible for a player to purchase premiums and the like smoothly without leaving the gaming machine, to reduce the amount of work for a store clerk for these services, and for the player to make money Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that increases a player's willingness to purchase when there is enough room.

[First Embodiment]
A first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, a case where the present invention is applied to a pachislot gaming device will be described as a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a pachislot gaming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
In addition to coins, medals, tokens, and the like, the pachislot gaming device 1 can play a game using a game medium such as a card that is given to a player or stores information on the game value that is given. Although it is a gaming machine, in the following, it is assumed that a medal is used.

A liquid crystal display device 5 as a display means is installed on the front surface of the housing 2 forming the entire pachislot gaming device 1. The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (not shown). The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 can be partially or entirely switched to a transparent / non-transparent state, An effect image can be displayed.
FIG. 1 shows a state in which a character image imitating a pig, a background image representing fireworks, and the like are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 as effect images.

In addition, the liquid crystal display device 5 can display order information images indicating information on a plurality of types of products and the like, and a touch panel 32 as an input unit is installed on the front surface of the liquid crystal display device 5. The player can input the order by determining the content of the order with reference to the order information image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 and operating the touch panel 32. In FIG. 1, three order information images “DLINK”, “FOOD”, and “CIGARETTE” are displayed as display data indicating a plurality of types of product information.

Further, on the back side of the liquid crystal display device 5, three rotary reels 3L, 3C, 3R as variable display means having identification information such as a plurality of symbols displayed on each outer peripheral surface are arranged in a horizontal row so as to be rotatable. Is provided. The identification information of each rotary reel 3L, 3C, 3R becomes visible when the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 becomes transparent.

A pedestal portion 10 having a horizontal surface is formed below the liquid crystal display device 5. A medal slot 22 is provided on the right side of the pedestal portion 10, and a 1-BET switch 11 is provided on the left side of the pedestal portion 10. And a maximum BET switch 13 is provided.

A stored medal settlement switch 14 is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal 10 to switch the credit / payout of medals acquired by the player by a push operation.
When “payout” is selected by switching the stored medal settlement switch 14, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower front, and the paid out medals are stored in the medal receiving unit 16. On the other hand, when “credit” is selected, the number of medals is stored as credits in a memory (for example, RAM 43 described later) as a credit storage means provided in the pachislot gaming device 1.

On the right side of the stored medal settlement switch 14, a start lever 6 for rotating the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R by a player's operation is rotatably attached within a predetermined angular range. Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotation of the three rotary reels 3L, 3R, and 3C are provided at the center of the front surface of the pedestal unit 10, respectively.

An enter button 26 and a cancel button 27 are provided on the right side of the front portion of the base 10. By operating the enter button 26 and the cancel button 27, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 5 can be switched, an instruction can be input, and the like.
A door opening / closing / clamping release device 29 is further provided on the right side of the front surface of the pedestal 10, and the door opening / closing / clamping release device 29 is rotated to the right by using a predetermined key to rotate the front door. Open / close and turn counterclockwise to release the stop.

Speakers 21L and 21R are provided on the left and right above the housing 2. Between the two speakers 21L and 21R, a payout table panel 23 indicating a combination of winning symbols, a medal payout number, and the like is provided. ing.

2A and 2B are enlarged front views showing the vicinity of the liquid crystal display device included in the pachislot gaming device shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2 (a), on the back side of the liquid crystal display device 5, there are three rotating reels 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) each having a plurality of identification information symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface. It is provided in a horizontal row so as to be rotatable.

The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a front panel 31 and a transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (not shown) provided on the back surface of the front panel 31. The front panel 31 includes a transparent display window 31 a and a pattern formation region 31 b on which a pattern is drawn. A screen image displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 provided on the back surface of the front panel 31 is displayed on the front panel 31. Visible through the display window 31a.

On the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 shown in FIG. 2A, an effect image such as a character image imitating a pig or a background image representing fireworks is displayed at the top. In addition, a plurality of types of order information images 4 a to 4 c are displayed at the bottom of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. The order information image 4a indicates “Drink” (drink), the order information image 4b indicates “FOOD” (food), and the order information image 4c indicates “CIGARETTE” (cigarette). Drinks, food and tobacco are the major categories of orders.

Although not shown in the drawing, a touch panel 32 is installed on the front surface of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. The player can select any one of the large categories of orders by touching any one of the display areas of the order information images 4a to 4c in the touch panel 32. When the major category is selected, an order information image showing a plurality of types of minor categories included in the major category is displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (see FIG. 2B).
Further, when the front portions of the three rotating reels 3 of the liquid crystal panel 34 are in a transparent state, the symbols displayed on the three rotating reels 3 can be visually recognized through the display window 31a.

On the back side of the left side of the liquid crystal display device 5 are a game start display lamp 25, a WIN lamp 17, a medal insertion lamp 24, various BET lamps 9c, 2-BET lamps 9b and 1-BET lamps 9a, and the number of payouts. A display unit 18, a medal stored number display unit 19, and various display units such as an accessory operation number display unit 20 are provided. In addition, in the pattern formation area 31b of the front panel 31, the front portions of the various lamps and the various display units described above are transparent so that the various lamps and the various display units can be visually recognized.

The 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, and the maximum BET lamp 9c are turned on according to the number of medals betted to play one game (hereinafter also referred to as BET number). One game ends when all the rotating reels are stopped, or when medals are paid out, when medals are paid out.

WIN lamp 17 is turned on at a predetermined probability when the internal winning in the BB (big bonus) or RB (regular bonus), also lights up when the winning of BB or RB is satisfied. The game medal insertion lamp 24 blinks when the medal insertion is acceptable. The game start display lamp 25 is lit when at least one line is activated.

The number-of-payout display unit 18 displays the number of medals to be paid out when a winning is established, and the medal stored number display unit 19 displays the number of stored medals, and an accessory operation number display unit. 20 displays the number of possible RB games, the number of possible RB games, and the like. These display units consist of a 7-segment display.

The image shown in FIG. 2B is the display area of the order information image 4a “DLINK” in the touch panel 32 when the image shown in FIG. 2A is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5. This is an image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 when a drink is selected as a major classification of orders. Order information images 4a-1 to 4-6 are displayed as order information images indicating the small classification of orders included in the order information image 4a “Drink”. These order information images 4 a-1 to 6 show specific drink types, and the player touches any one of the order information images 4 a-1 to 6 in the touch panel 32 to place an order. Any one can be selected from the small categories. The type of drink selected at this time is a specific player order.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a liquid crystal display device included in the pachislot gaming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. 4 is a development view of a part of the configuration of the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG.
The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a front panel 31 including a touch panel 32 and a display plate 33, a transparent liquid crystal panel 34, a light guide plate 35, a reflective film 36, fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b, 38a, 38b, which are so-called white light sources, and a lamp holder 39a. To 39h, and a table carrier package (TCP) on which an IC for driving the transparent liquid crystal panel is mounted. The TCP is constituted by a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to a terminal portion of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 or the like.

The liquid crystal display device 5 is provided on the near side by rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the liquid crystal display device 5 are provided with a predetermined interval.

The touch panel 32 and the display board 33 are made of a transparent member, and the touch panel 32 is provided to enable input of a selection signal related to selection of a product or the like. On the display board 33, patterns and the like are formed at positions corresponding to the BET lamps 9a to 9c. That is, the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 33 is formed is the pattern formation area 31b of the front panel 31, and the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 33 is not formed is the display window 31a of the front panel 31. (See FIG. 2). The entire surface of the front panel 31 may be used as the display window 31a without forming the pattern forming area 31b on the front panel 31. In this case, a pattern is not formed on the display board 33 or the display board 33 may be omitted.
Note that various lamps arranged on the back side of the display plate 33, electric circuits for operating the various display units, and the like are not shown.

The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is formed by sealing liquid crystal in a gap between a transparent substrate such as a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed and a transparent substrate facing the transparent substrate.
The display mode of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is set to normally white. The normally white is a configuration in which white display is performed (light transmitted to the display surface side is visible from the outside) in a state where the liquid crystal is not driven. By adopting a normally white transparent liquid crystal panel 34, even if a situation where the liquid crystal cannot be driven occurs, identification information such as symbols displayed on the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R The variable display and stop display can be visually recognized, and the game can be continued. That is, even when such a situation occurs, it is possible to play a game centered on the variation display mode and the stop display mode of the identification information displayed on the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

The light guide plate 35 is for guiding light from the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b to the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (illuminating the transparent liquid crystal panel 34), and is provided on the back side of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. It is composed of a transparent member (having a light guiding function) such as an acrylic resin having a thickness.

The reflective film 36 is, for example, a white polyester film or an aluminum thin film formed with a silver vapor deposition film, and reflects light introduced into the light guide plate 35 toward the front side of the light guide plate 35. The reflective film 36 includes a reflective area 36A and a non-reflective area (transmissive area) 36B.

The fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b are disposed along the upper end and the lower end of the light guide plate 35, and both ends are supported by a lamp holder 39 (see FIG. 3). The light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b is reflected by the reflection area 36A of the reflection film 36 to illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.

The fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b are disposed toward the rotary reels 3L, 3C, and 3R at an upper position and a lower position on the back side of the reflective film 36, respectively. The light coming out of the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b, reflected by the surfaces of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and incident on the non-reflective region 36B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.

Thus, in the liquid crystal display device 5, the light irradiated from the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b and reflected from the reflection region 36A of the reflective film 36 and the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b are irradiated, and the rotation reels 3L, 3C and 3R The light reflected from the surface and incident on the non-reflective region 36B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.
Accordingly, the region of the liquid crystal display device 5 corresponding to the non-reflective region 36B of the reflective film 36 is a region that switches to a transparent / non-transparent state depending on whether or not the liquid crystal is driven. The region of the liquid crystal display device corresponding to is in a non-transparent state regardless of whether or not the liquid crystal is driven.

In the pachislot gaming device 1, only a part of the liquid crystal display device is a region that switches to a transparent / non-transparent state. In the gaming machine of the present invention, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device is entirely transparent. / A region that switches to a non-transparent state may be used. In this case, in the pachislot gaming device 1, when the entire area of the liquid crystal display device 5 is an area to be switched to the transmission state or the non-transmission state, the reflection film 36 is all set to the non-reflection area 36 </ b> B or the reflection film 36 is omitted. Good.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the pachislot gaming device shown in FIG.
The main control circuit 81 has a microcomputer 40 disposed on a circuit board as a main component. The microcomputer 40 includes a CPU 41 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM 42, and a RAM 43. Connected to the CPU 41 are a clock pulse generation circuit 144 and a frequency divider 145 for setting a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 146 and a sampling circuit 147 for generating a random number to be sampled. In addition, as a means for random number sampling, you may comprise so that the sampling of a random number may be performed on the operation | movement program of CPU41.

The ROM 42 stores various control commands (commands) to be transmitted to the sub control circuit 82. As the command, for example, a command related to display control for the liquid crystal display device 5 is stored.

Examples of commands related to display control for the liquid crystal display device 5 include an effect start command and an end effect command.
The effect start command is a command for causing the liquid crystal display device 5 to display an effect image when the rotation of the three rotary reels 3 is started. The end effect command is a command for causing the liquid crystal display device 5 to display an effect image when all three rotary reels 3 are stopped.
Also, commands relating to the setting or cancellation of RB and BB are also stored in the ROM 42, and the sub-control circuit 82 is notified of the setting or cancellation of RB or BB by this command. It should be noted that data indicating that RB or BB is being executed may be included in various commands relating to display control for liquid crystal display device 5 instead of commands relating to setting or canceling RB or BB.

Various commands as described above are called from the ROM 42 by the CPU 41 and set in the RAM 43 when the predetermined condition is satisfied. The command set in the RAM 43 is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing. The sub control circuit 82 executes various processes based on the supplied command.

The sub control circuit 82 does not input a command or the like to the main control circuit 81, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 81 to the sub control circuit 82. The ROM 42 stores a symbol table for associating the rotational positions of the rotary reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary reel, and a combination of symbols for winning. In addition, a winning symbol combination table in which a winning medal payout number is associated with a winning determination code representing the winning, a lottery probability table necessary for performing a lottery for determining an internal winning combination, and the like are stored.
In addition to the above-described commands, the RAM 43 stores variables, flags, and the like related to game progress such as the number of credits corresponding to the number of medals. The RAM 43 functions as a credit storage unit that stores the number of game media (medals) as the number of credits.

Major peripheral devices (actuators) whose operations are controlled by control signals from the microcomputer 40 include various lamps (1-BET lamp 9a, 2-BET lamp 9b, maximum BET lamp 9c, WIN lamp 17, and game medal insertion. A lamp 24, a game start display lamp 25), various display units (payout number display unit 18, medal accumulated number display unit 19, and accessory operation number display unit 20), and medal are stored. There are a hopper (including a payout driving unit) 50 for paying out a predetermined number of medals, and stepping motors 59L, 59C, 59R for rotating the rotary reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

Further, a motor drive circuit 49 as stop control means for driving and controlling the stepping motors 59L, 59C and 59R, a hopper drive circuit 51 for driving and controlling the hopper 50, a lamp drive circuit 55 for driving and controlling various lamps, and various display units A display unit drive circuit 58 that controls the driving of the CPU 41 is connected to the output unit of the CPU 41 via the I / O port 48. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 41, and controls the operation of each actuator.

The main input signal generators for generating input signals necessary for the microcomputer 40 to generate control commands include a start switch 6S, a 1-BET switch 11, a maximum BET switch 13, a stored medal settlement switch 14, There are an inserted medal sensor 22S, a reset switch 62, a setting key type switch 63, a reel stop signal circuit 56, a reel position detection circuit 60, and a payout completion signal circuit 61. These are also connected to the CPU 41 via the I / O port 48.

The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6. The inserted medal sensor 22 </ b> S detects a medal inserted into the medal slot 22. The reel stop signal circuit 56 generates a stop signal in response to the operation of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R. With these operations, the decision button 26 and the cancel button 27 can switch the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 5 and input an instruction.

The reel position detection circuit 60 receives the pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and transmits a signal for detecting the position of each of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 41.
The payout completion signal circuit 61 generates a medal payout completion signal when the count value of the medal detection unit 50S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 50) reaches a designated number. When the CPU 41 receives this medal payout completion signal, the driving of the hopper 50 is stopped via the hopper drive circuit 51 to complete the payout of medals. The medal detection unit 50S includes a medal sensor including a physical sensor for detecting medals paid out from the hopper 50, and can count the number of medals paid out by the medal sensor.

In the circuit shown in FIG. 5, the random number generator 46 generates random numbers belonging to a certain numerical range, and the sampling circuit 47 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. . Based on the random numbers sampled in this way and the probability lottery table stored in the ROM 42, an internal winning combination is determined. After the internal winning combination is determined, random number sampling is performed again to select the “stop control table”.

After the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 59L, 59C, 59R is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 43. From the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, reset pulses are obtained for each rotation, and these pulses are input to the CPU 41 via the reel position detection circuit 60. The count value of the drive pulse counted in the RAM 43 is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the RAM 43 stores a count value corresponding to the rotation position within the range of one rotation for each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

In order to associate the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R as described above with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel, a symbol table is stored in the ROM. In this symbol table, the code numbers sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with reference to the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated as described above are provided corresponding to each code number. A symbol code indicating the displayed symbol is associated with the symbol.

Furthermore, a winning symbol combination table is stored in the ROM 42. In this winning symbol combination table, a winning symbol combination, a winning medal dividend number, and a winning determination code representing the winning are associated with each other. The winning symbol combination table is referred to when the left reel 3L, the center reel 3C, and the right reel 3R are stopped and when a winning confirmation is made after all reels are stopped.

In the case of internal winning by lottery processing (probability lottery processing) based on the random number sampling, the CPU 41 receives an operation signal sent from the reel stop signal circuit 56 at the timing when the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, and Based on the selected “stop control table”, a signal for controlling the reels 3L, 3C, 3R to stop is sent to a motor drive circuit 49 as stop control means.

In the stop mode indicating that the winning combination of the internal winning combination is established, when “payout” is selected by switching the stored medal settlement switch 14, the CPU 41 supplies the hopper drive circuit 51 with a payout command signal. A predetermined number of medals are paid out from 50. At that time, the medal detection unit 50S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 50, and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is input to the CPU 41. As a result, the CPU 41 stops driving the hopper 50 via the hopper drive circuit 51 and ends the “medal payout process”.
On the other hand, when “credit” is selected by switching the stored medal settlement switch 14, the number of medals to be paid out is stored in the RAM 43 as credit storage means as credit.

A sub control circuit 82 is connected to the main control circuit 81 including the CPU 41.
The sub control circuit 82 performs display control of the liquid crystal display device 5 and sound output control from the speakers 21L and 21R based on a control command (command) from the main control circuit 81.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sub control circuit shown in FIG.
In the present embodiment, the command is supplied from the main control circuit 81 to the sub-control circuit 82 and the signal cannot be supplied from the sub-control circuit 82 to the main control circuit 81. Not limited to this, the sub control circuit 82 may be configured to transmit a signal to the main control circuit 81.

The sub control circuit 82 includes a sub CPU 206, a program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, and a timer 260. In addition, the determination button 26, the cancel button 27, and the touch panel 32 are connected to the sub control circuit 82 via the interface circuit 240. The touch panel 32 inputs specific product information from a plurality of types of product information by an operation of a player who selects specific display data from a plurality of types of display data displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5. It functions as a possible input means.

The sub-control circuit 82 includes a display control circuit 250 that performs display control in the liquid crystal display device 5, and a sound control circuit 230 that performs control related to sound generated from the speaker 21.

The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes in accordance with programs stored in the program ROM 208, and controls the sub control circuit 82 in accordance with various commands supplied from the CPU 41. In particular, the sub CPU 206 performs display control for the display control circuit 250.

The program ROM 208 stores a program for controlling a game effect in the liquid crystal display device 5 by the sub CPU 206, and also stores various tables such as a table for making a decision regarding the effect. .
The program ROM 208 includes a plurality of types of effect patterns corresponding to the screen image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 and a plurality of screen images corresponding to the screen image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 when all the reels 3 are stopped. Types of end effect patterns are stored. A program ROM 208 serving as a storage unit stores a plurality of types of product information and reference information that is referred to when order contents are determined.

In this embodiment, the program ROM 208 is used as a storage medium for storing programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other storage medium can be used as long as it is a computer-readable storage medium. For example, it may be recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. Of course, what is stored in the program ROM 208 may be stored in the ROM 42. Further, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the work RAM 210 or the like. Furthermore, each program may be recorded on a separate storage medium.

In the present embodiment, the main control circuit 81 including the CPU 41 and the ROM 42 and the sub control circuit 82 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208 are separately configured. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the main control including the CPU 41 and the ROM 42 is performed. Only the circuit 81 may be configured, and in this case, the program stored in the program ROM 208 described above may be stored in the ROM 42 and executed by the CPU 41. Of course, it may be configured only by the sub control circuit 82 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208. In this case, the program stored in the ROM 42 is stored in the program ROM 208 and executed by the sub CPU 206. You may comprise as follows.

The work RAM 210 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. In the present embodiment, the work RAM 210 is used as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.

The audio control circuit 230 includes a sound source IC 232 that controls audio, an audio data ROM 234 that stores various audio data, and an amplifier 236 (hereinafter referred to as AMP) for amplifying audio signals.

The sound source IC 232 is connected to the sub CPU 206, the audio data ROM 234, and the AMP 236. The sound source IC 232 controls sound generated from the speaker 21.

The sub CPU 206 selects one audio data from a plurality of audio data stored in the audio data ROM 234 based on the command supplied from the CPU 41. Thereafter, the sub CPU 206 reads the selected audio data from the audio data ROM 234 and supplies it to the sound source IC 232. The sound source IC 232 that has received the sound data converts the sound data into a predetermined sound signal and supplies the sound signal to the AMP 236. The AMP 236 amplifies the audio signal and generates audio from the speakers 21 (21L and 21R).

The display control circuit 250 performs control to generate a screen image and display the screen image on the liquid crystal display device 5 in accordance with a game result determined by the CPU 41 or an instruction input by the touch panel 32. , An image data processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP) 212, an image data ROM 216 for storing various image data, and a D / A converter 218 for converting the image data as an image signal. The VDP 212 is connected to a sub CPU 206, an image data ROM 216 in which image data is stored, and a D / A converter 218 that converts the image data into an image signal.

The VDP 212 includes various circuits such as a so-called sprite circuit, a screen circuit, and a pallet circuit, and can perform various processes for displaying a screen image on the liquid crystal display device 5. That is, the VDP 212 performs display control for the liquid crystal display device 5. Further, the VDP 212 includes a storage medium (for example, a video RAM) as a buffer for displaying a screen image on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 of the liquid crystal display device 5. By storing the image data in a predetermined storage area of the storage medium, a screen image is displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 of the liquid crystal display device 5 at a predetermined timing.

The image data ROM 216 stores a plurality of types of effect image data. The effect image data includes, for example, background image data constituting a background image, character image data indicating a character, and the like. The image data ROM 216 stores information on a plurality of types of products and the like, and further stores display data corresponding to the information on the plurality of types of products and the like.
These display data include, for example, order information image data as display data of an order information image indicating a large classification or a small classification (see FIG. 2) of a product or the like.

The VDP 212 reads effect image data from the image data ROM 216 in response to an image display command supplied from the sub CPU 206. When a predetermined instruction is input via the touch panel 32 and an image display command is supplied from the sub CPU 206, the VDP 212 reads the order information image data from the image data ROM 216 in response to the image display command. .
The VDP 212 stores various image data read from the image data ROM 216 in a buffer in a superimposed manner in the order of image data located behind, for example, background image data, character image data, and order information image data. Is supplied to the D / A converter 218 at this timing. The D / A converter 218 converts the screen image data as an image signal and supplies the image signal to the liquid crystal display device 5, whereby a screen image including the effect image and the order information image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5. Display (see FIG. 2).

When order information is determined by inputting specific product information via the touch panel 32, the sub CPU 206 uses the communication interface circuit 44 to transmit information via the wiring 128 as a communication line. The order information is transmitted to the management apparatus 100. The sub CPU 206 functions as order output means for outputting the order information specified by the input of the touch panel 32 as input means to the information management apparatus 100 via the wiring 128 as a communication line.

The timer 260 measures the elapsed time starting from the timing start. The measured elapsed time is output to the sub CPU 206 as elapsed time data.

FIG. 7 is an example of product etc. information stored in the program ROM 208 as storage means.
The program ROM 208 stores, as product etc. information, a large classification indicating a department such as a product and a small classification indicating the name of the product in association with each other. The major classification and minor classification correspond to the order information images shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b). For example, when any one of the display areas of the order information image 4a in the touch panel 32 is touched on the screen of FIG. 2A, the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 displays “drink” (Drink) indicated by the order information image 4a. An order information image showing a plurality of types of small classifications included in the major classification is displayed (FIG. 2B).

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the information management apparatus 100 installed in the amusement store.
The information management apparatus 100 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 104, a RAM 106, a display device 105, an input device 107, and a communication interface circuit 108, and a plurality of pachislots are connected via the wiring 128 by the communication interface circuit 108. It is connected to the gaming device 1.

The ROM 104 stores a plurality of types of product etc. information and display data corresponding to each of the plurality of types of product etc. information. The RAM 106 temporarily stores, for example, calculation results by the CPU 102, instructions input via the input device 107 by operation of a store clerk at the game store, order information transmitted from each pachislot gaming device 1 via the communication interface circuit 108, and the like. Remember me. Further, the RAM 106 may store the received order information and display data corresponding to the order information.

When the order information transmitted from the pachislot gaming device 1 is received, the display device 105 displays display data corresponding to the order information, thereby transmitting the player's order to the store clerk of the game store. is there. The input device 107 is for a store clerk in the game store to input various instructions.

In the present invention, the information management device 100 distributes the product etc. information and the display data corresponding to the product etc. information to the plurality of pachinko gaming devices 1 via the wiring 128 as the communication line. The pachinko gaming machine 1 may store the distributed product information and display data in the RAM 210. In this case, it is possible to easily change the order contents at the game store.

In the first embodiment, the received order information is output by displaying the display data corresponding to the order information on the display device 105. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A method for outputting the received order information is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method for outputting characters indicating the contents of the order information from a printer.

In the following, it is assumed that the pachislot gaming device 1 is activated, the variables used in the CPU 41 are initialized to a predetermined value, and are constantly operating in a state where the set value is also set to the predetermined value. .

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of processing performed in the main control circuit.
This subroutine is called and executed at a predetermined timing from a previously executed main routine.

First, the CPU 41 determines whether or not there is a request for automatic insertion of medals (step S120). The case where there is a request for automatic insertion is a case where a winning of replay (replay) is established in the previous game. When there is a request for automatic insertion of medals, medals for the insertion request are automatically inserted (step S122), and a medal insertion command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 82 (step S123).

On the other hand, when determining in step S120 that there is no request for automatic medal insertion, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a medal has been inserted (step S121). That is, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a detection signal issued by the insertion medal sensor 22S that has detected that a medal has been inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 has been received, or whether the BET switch (1-BET switch 11 or maximum BET switch 13). ) To determine whether or not a medal has been inserted. When it is determined that a detection signal issued by the BET switch (1-BET switch 11 or maximum BET switch 13) is received, the CPU 41 corresponds to the number of medals bet from the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. A process of subtracting the number of credits is performed.

When determining in step S121 that no medal has been inserted, the CPU 41 returns the process to step S120.
If it is determined in step S121 that a medal has been inserted, or if the process of step S123 is executed, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the start lever 6 has been operated (step S124). That is, the CPU 41 determines whether or not an input signal from the start switch 6S has been received.

When determining in step S124 that the start lever 6 has not been operated, the CPU 41 returns the process to step S120. On the other hand, when determining in step S124 that the start lever 6 has been operated, the CPU 41 performs processing related to various settings (step S125). In these various setting processes, random numbers are sampled from the random number generator 146 at the timing when the start lever 6 is operated, and the internal winning is based on the sampled random number values and the lottery probability table set in the RAM 43. A lottery process for generating a winning combination ( winning flag) is performed. In the various setting processes, for example, a WIN lamp lighting lottery process, a process related to selection of a stop control table for stopping the rotating reel, a process for initializing for reel rotation, and the like are performed. In addition, a rotation start request for the rotary reel 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) as the fluctuation display means is set to the motor drive circuit 49.

After the rotation of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the number of drive pulses transmitted to each of the stepping motors 59L, 59C, 59R is counted, and the counted value is stored in the RAM 43. A reset pulse is obtained for each rotation from the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and these pulses are input to the CPU 41 via the reel position detection circuit 60. The count value is cleared to “0” in the drive pulse counted in the RAM 43 by the reset pulse thus obtained. By doing so, the RAM 43 stores the count value corresponding to the rotational position within one rotation range for each of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

In addition, in the symbol table stored in the ROM 42 for associating the rotational positions of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating reel, the rotational position at which the reset pulse is generated is used as a reference. A code number that is sequentially given for each of the rotation reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and a symbol code indicating a symbol provided corresponding to each code number are associated with each other. Further, the winning symbol combination table stored in the ROM 42 is referred to when controlling the rotation of each of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R and when confirming the winning after stopping all the rotating reels.
After executing the process of step S125, the CPU 41 shifts the process to step S126.

In step S <b> 126, the CPU 41 sets an effect start command in the RAM 43. This effect start command is a command for starting display of a predetermined effect image on the liquid crystal display device 5 and includes data on the internal combination determined by the lottery process. The effect start command is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.
After executing the process of step S126, the CPU 41 shifts the process to step S128.

In step S128, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the stop button 7 (7L, 7C, 7R) is “ON” based on the presence / absence of an input signal from the reel stop signal circuit 56 (step S128). When it is determined that the stop button 7 is not “ON”, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the value of the automatic stop timer is “0” (step S129), and when it is determined that the value is not “0”. The process returns to step S128.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S128 that the stop button 7 is “ON”, or if it is determined in step S129 that the value of the automatic stop timer is “0”, the CPU 41 corresponds to the stop button 7. The rotation of the rotating reel 3 is stopped. At that time, the winning request (internal winning combination ), the symbol position (the rotating position of the rotating reel 3 at the time of operation), the selected stop control table, etc. The number of frames is determined (step S130).

Next, the CPU 41 performs a process of rotating and stopping the rotating reel 3 by the number of sliding frames determined in step S130 (step S131), and one rotating reel 3 for the motor drive circuit 49 serving as a stop control means. A stop request for is set (step S132).

Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not all of the three rotary reels 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) have been stopped (step S135). If it is determined that all the rotating reels 3 are not stopped, the process returns to step S128. On the other hand, if it is determined that all the rotating reels 3 have stopped, the CPU 41 performs a winning search (step S136). At this time, a winning symbol combination table or the like stored in the ROM 42 is referred to. Further, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is normal. If not, the illegal error may be displayed and the process may be interrupted.

Next, the CPU 41 sets an end effect command in the RAM 43 (step S137). This end effect command is a command for displaying an effect image at the end of the game according to the game result, and includes data related to the result of the winning search in step S136. The end effect command is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.

Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a medal has been paid out, that is, whether or not there is a winning number (step S138).
When determining that there is a medal payout, the CPU 41 stores or pays out the number of medals according to the gaming state and the winning combination (step S139). When storing medals, the CPU 41 performs a process of adding the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. On the other hand, when paying out medals, the CPU 41 sends out a payout command signal to the hopper driving circuit 51 and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the hopper 50. At that time, the medal detection unit 50S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 50, and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is input to the CPU 41. As a result, the CPU 41 stops driving the hopper 50 via the hopper drive circuit 51 and ends the medal payout process.

Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not an RB has been won (step S140). If it is determined that RB has been won, the CPU 41 performs processing related to RB setting (step S141). In this step S141, the CPU 41 performs processing related to setting of the RB lottery probability table and the RB winning symbol combination table. In step S141, the CPU 41 starts counting the number of RB game winnings and the like, and starts a process of displaying the count value on the accessory operation count display unit 20. After executing the process of step S141, the CPU 41 shifts the process to step S142.

In step S <b> 142, the CPU 41 sets an RB setting command in the RAM 43. The RB setting command is a command for causing the liquid crystal display device 5 to display an RB effect image as a screen image, and is supplied to the sub-control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.

When it is determined in step S140 that the RB has not been won or when the process of step S142 is executed, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the BB has been won (step S143). If it is determined that BB has been won, the CPU 41 performs processing related to BB setting (step S144). In step S144, the CPU 41 performs processing related to setting of a BB lottery probability table, a BB winning symbol combination table, and the like. In step S146, the CPU 41 starts counting the number of times the BB game is consumed, displaying the count value on the accessory action number display unit 20, counting the number of medals paid out, and the like. In the process of step S144, the CPU 41 functions as a special game execution unit. Thereafter, the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S145.

In step S145, the CPU 41 sets a BB setting command in the RAM 43. The BB setting command is a command for causing the liquid crystal display device 5 to display an effect image for BB as a screen image, and is supplied to the sub-control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.

When it is determined in step S143 that the BB has not been won or when the process of step S145 is executed, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the RB has ended (step S146). If it is determined that the RB has ended, the CPU 41 next performs a process related to the RB setting cancellation (step S147). In step S148, the CPU 41 changes from the RB lottery probability table set in the process of step S141, the RB winning symbol combination table, or the like to the lottery probability table used for the normal gaming state (other than RB or BB). Performs processing related to setting change. Thereafter, the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S148.

In step S <b> 148, the CPU 41 sets an RB release command in the RAM 43. The RB release command is a command for stopping the display of the effect image for RB as the screen image and causing the liquid crystal display device 5 to display a normal effect image (other than RB or BB). The RB release command is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.

If it is not determined in step S146 that the RB has ended, or if the process of step S148 is executed, the CPU 41 determines whether the BB has ended (step S149). If it is determined that the BB has ended, the CPU 41 then performs a process related to the BB setting cancellation (step S150). In step S150, the CPU 41 sets the lottery probability table used for the normal gaming state (other than RB or BB) from the BB lottery table or the BB winning symbol combination table set in the process of step S144. Process related to change. Thereafter, the CPU 41 moves the process to step S151.

In step S <b> 151, the CPU 41 sets a BB release command in the RAM 43. The BB release command is a command for stopping the display of the effect image for BB as the screen image and causing the liquid crystal display device 5 to display a normal effect image (other than RB or BB). The BB release command is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.
If it is determined in step S149 that the RB has not ended, or if the process of step S151 is executed, the process proceeds to step S152.

In step S152, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the number of medals paid out by the BB has reached a predetermined set value. The number of medals paid out by BB is the total number of medals that have been stored or paid out in accordance with the gaming state and winning combination during the process of step S139 (the number of medals inserted is subtracted). Absent). Achieving means a state in which when the number of payouts is less than a set value, the value is greater than or equal to the set value by paying out a newly generated medal. For example, when the set value is set to 400, when the cumulative number of medals paid out during BB is 390, the cumulative number of medals is calculated by receiving a new payout of 15 medals. When the number reaches 405, the number of medals paid out by the BB has reached a predetermined set value.

When determining that the number of medals paid out by BB has reached a predetermined set value, the CPU 41 sets an order enabling command in the RAM 43. The order enabling command is a command for permitting the liquid crystal display device 5 to display the order information image when an instruction to display the order information image is input by the touch panel 32 (input unit). The order enabling command is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.
If it is determined in step S152 that the number of medals paid out by BB has not reached the set value, or if the process of step S153 is executed, this subroutine is terminated.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of command reception processing performed in the sub control circuit.
First, in step S200, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an effect start command has been received. If it is determined that an effect start command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S210.
On the other hand, if it is determined that an effect start command has been received, in step S201, the sub CPU 206 selects an effect pattern corresponding to the command from a plurality of types of effect patterns stored in the program ROM 208.
If the RB flag is set, the sub CPU 206 selects an effect pattern for RB. If the BB flag is set, an effect pattern for BB is selected. Next, in step S202, effect pattern data, which is data indicating the effect pattern, is supplied to the display control circuit 250.
After executing the process of step S202, the process proceeds to step S210.

In step S210, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an end effect command has been received. If it is determined that the end effect command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S213.
On the other hand, when determining that the end effect command has been received, in step S211, the sub CPU 206 selects an end effect pattern corresponding to the command from a plurality of types of end effect patterns stored in the program ROM 208.
Next, in step S212, end effect pattern data is supplied to the display control circuit 250. After performing the process of step S210, the process proceeds to step S213.

In step S213, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an RB setting command has been received. If it is determined that the RB setting command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S215. On the other hand, when determining that the RB setting command has been received, the sub CPU 206 sets an RB flag in step S214. After performing the process of step S214, the process proceeds to step S215. The RB flag is a flag that is set when the RB starts and cleared when the RB ends.

In step S215, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a BB setting command has been received. If it is determined that the BB setting command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S217. On the other hand, when determining that the BB setting command has been received, the sub CPU 206 sets the BB flag in step S216. The BB flag is a flag that is set when the BB starts and cleared when the BB ends. After performing the process of step S216, the process proceeds to step S217.

In step S217, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an RB release command has been received. If it is determined that the RB release command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S219.
On the other hand, when determining that the RB release command has been received, the sub CPU 206 clears the RB flag in step S218. After performing the process of step S218, the process proceeds to step S219.

In step S219, the sub CPU 206 determines whether a BB release command has been received. If it is determined that the BB release command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S231.
On the other hand, when determining that the BB release command has been received, the sub CPU 206 clears the BB flag in step S220.
Next, in step S221, timing by the timer 260 is started. The timer 260 outputs elapsed time data indicating the elapsed time starting from the timing start to the sub CPU 206 during the timing execution. That is, the elapsed time data is data representing the elapsed time since the end of BB. After performing the process of step S221, the process proceeds to step S231.

In step S231, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an order enabling command has been received. If it is determined that the order enabling command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S241.
On the other hand, when determining that the order enable command has been received, the sub CPU 206 sets an order enable flag in step S232. Setting the orderable flag means that a specific condition that the BB payout number has reached the set number is satisfied, and a specific period in which order information is output by the order output means starts. In the process of step S232, the program ROM 208 functions as a storage unit that stores an orderable flag as reference information. After performing the process of step S232, the process proceeds to step S241.

In step S241, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the elapsed time indicated by the elapsed time data output from the timer 260 has reached a predetermined set time. If it is determined that the elapsed time has not reached the set time, this subroutine is terminated.
On the other hand, when determining that the elapsed time has reached the set time, the sub CPU 206 clears the orderable flag in step S242. Clearing the orderable flag means that a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the end of BB, which is a special game, and the specific period during which order information is output by the order output means ends. Next, in step S243, the time measurement by the timer 260 is stopped. After executing the processing of step S243, this subroutine is terminated.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of order input processing executed in the sub control circuit. This subroutine is called and executed at a predetermined timing separately from the subroutine shown in FIG.

First, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an instruction to display an order information image is input via the determination button 26 or the touch panel 32 (step S400). If it is determined that an instruction to display the order information image has not been input, the process proceeds to step S404. If it is determined that an instruction to display the order information image has been input, the process proceeds to step S401.

In step S401, the sub CPU 206 determines whether an orderable flag is set. If it is determined that the orderable flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S404. On the other hand, if it is determined that the orderable flag is set, the process proceeds to step S402.

In step S402, the sub CPU 206 sets an order information display flag. Next, the sub CPU 206 sets order information (major classification) (step S403). Order information (major category) includes, for example, drinks, food, tobacco, and the like. The order information (major classification) is supplied to the display control circuit 250 at a predetermined timing. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S404. The set order information (major category) is supplied to the display control circuit 250 at a predetermined timing.

In step S <b> 404, the sub CPU 206 determines whether an instruction not to display the order information image is input via the determination button 26 or the touch panel 32. If it is determined that an instruction not to display the order information image has not been input, the process proceeds to step S406. On the other hand, if it is determined that an instruction not to display the order information image has been input, the order information display flag is cleared (step S405), and the process proceeds to step S406.
As a result of the processing of steps S400 to S405, the order information image is not displayed except for the specific period in which the order available flag is set.

In step S406, it is determined whether or not an instruction to select an order (major category) has been input. The instruction to select an order (major category) is an instruction input via the touch panel 32 when the order information images 4a to 4c shown in FIG.
If it is determined that an instruction to select an order (major category) has not been input, the process proceeds to step S410. On the other hand, if it is determined that an instruction to select an order (major category) has been input, the process proceeds to step S407.

In step S407, the sub CPU 206 selects order information (small category) based on the selected order (major category). Next, the sub CPU 206 sets the selected order information (small category) (step S408), clears the order information (major category) (step S409), and moves the process to step S410. The set order information (small classification) is supplied to the display control circuit 250 at a predetermined timing.

In step S410, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an instruction to select an order (small category) has been input. If it is determined that an instruction to select an order (small category) has not been input, this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that an instruction to select an order (small category) has been input, the sub CPU 206 reads the selected product etc. information from the program ROM 208 and communicates the order information determined by the product etc. information. The interface circuit 44 transmits the information to the information management apparatus 100 via the wiring 128 (step S411). At this time, the sub CPU 206 adds identification information unique to the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the order information and transmits it to the information management apparatus 100. As a result, an image indicating the order information is displayed on the display device 105 of the information management device 100, and the image indicating which pachinko gaming device 1 is the order is included in the image. Thereafter, the set order information (small category) is cleared (step S412), and this subroutine is terminated.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of display control processing performed in the display control circuit.
The VDP 212 generates a screen image corresponding to various data supplied from the sub CPU 206.
When the VDP 212 has not received the production pattern data from the sub CPU 206 (step S300: NO), the VDP 212 reads the predetermined image data from the image data ROM 216 and stores it in the buffer, thereby displaying the demo image as a screen image. Generate (step S301).

The VDP 212 receives the effect pattern data from the sub CPU 206 (step S300: YES). When the VDP 212 does not receive the end effect pattern data (step S302: NO), the VDP 212 receives the effect image data from the image data ROM 216. An effect image is generated as a screen image by reading and storing it in the buffer (step S303).

The VDP 212 receives the effect pattern data from the sub CPU 206 (step S300: YES). When the end effect pattern data is supplied (step S302: YES), the VDP 212 receives the effect image at the end from the image data ROM 216. Is output and stored in the buffer, thereby generating a finished effect image as a screen image (step S306).

After executing the process of step S301, S303, or S306, if the order information display flag is not set (step S320: NO), the VDP 212 moves the process to step S307. On the other hand, if the order information display flag is set (step S320: NO), if the order information (major category) is set (step S321: YES), information on the major category such as merchandise is obtained from the image data ROM 216. The order information image as display data to be shown is read out and stored in the buffer (step S322). At this time, the order information image is stored by being superimposed on the effect image generated in step S301, S303, S305 or S306 and stored in the buffer. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S307.

If the order information (major category) has not been set (step S321: NO), if the order information (minor category) has been set (step S323: YES), the product information of the minor category is obtained from the image data ROM 216. The displayed display data is read out and stored in the buffer (step S324). At this time, the order information image is stored by being superimposed on the effect image generated in step S301, S303, S305, or S306 and stored in the buffer. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S307. On the other hand, if the order information (small classification) is not set (step S323: NO), the process proceeds to step S307.

Next, screen image data is output to the liquid crystal display device 5 at every predetermined timing (for example, every 1/30 seconds) (step S307: YES) (step S308). As a result, a screen image including the effect image and the order information image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 as shown in FIG. Then, the process proceeds to step S310.
On the other hand, if it is not the predetermined timing (step S307: NO), the process returns to step S307.

If the effect has not ended in step S310 (step S310: NO), the process returns to step S300. On the other hand, when the effect is finished (step S310: YES), the process returns to step S300.

Thus, according to the pachislot gaming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the player can transmit the order to the store clerk without leaving the seat. Therefore, if the player does not start the game with the pachislot gaming device 1 by another player, it is not necessary to endure the desire for drinks or the like, so that the player can concentrate and comfortably play the game. it can. Also, since there is no need to talk directly with the store clerk, it is possible to place an order while concentrating the game. Furthermore, since it is possible to place an order even when the clerk is not in the vicinity of the information management apparatus 100, the order can be smoothly and reliably transmitted to the clerk.

Furthermore, the player can place an order for drinks only during a specific period before and after the end of the special game. Therefore, when a store clerk delivers goods, etc., which are relatively easily required before and after the end of a special game, such as preparation of a so-called dollar box for inserting game media and replenishment of game media to a gaming machine. Work can be made more efficient because it can be provided together. In addition, since there is a high possibility of being in a financially and psychologically marginal state, it is motivated to be able to order drinks and the like only at that time, and thereby an increase in sales can be expected.

In the first embodiment, a predetermined period during which drinks can be ordered is set to a predetermined set time after the end of the big bonus after the medal payout number with the big bonus reaches a predetermined set value. The present invention is not limited to this until the time has elapsed.
The specific period is set to be beneficial to a player who orders a product or service that includes the end time of the special game or starts or ends at the end time as compared to a non-specific period other than the specific period. Period. As the specific period, for example, a period from when a specific condition during execution of a special game is satisfied to the end of the special game, or a period from when the special game is ended to a specific condition can be set. Specifically, during the period from when a certain amount of time has elapsed after the start of the big bonus until the predetermined number of games is consumed after the end of the big bonus, when the big bonus ends after the number of payouts with the big bonus reaches the predetermined number The period until the predetermined time elapses after the end of the big bonus can be set as the specific period.

Further, in the first embodiment, the special game indicates only the big bonus, and the predetermined period before and after the end of the big bonus is set as the specific period, but the present invention is not limited to this.
The special game is a game that is more advantageous to the player than a game other than the special game (hereinafter also referred to as a normal game). Examples of the special game include a game in which a game medium is paid out with a higher probability than a normal game, and a game in which a larger number of game media may be paid out than a normal game. Specifically, examples of the special game include a regular bonus, a middle bonus, and the like in addition to the big bonus.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a pachislot gaming device according to the second embodiment will be described. The pachislot gaming device according to the second embodiment is a pachislot gaming device in which payment is automatically performed when order information is input. The pachislot gaming apparatus according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as the pachislot gaming apparatus according to the first embodiment, except that bidirectional communication is possible between the main control circuit 81 and the sub control circuit 82. 1 (see FIGS. 1 to 3) and circuit configuration and the like (FIGS. 4 to 6), the description here is omitted, and corresponds to the pachislot gaming device according to the first embodiment. Components will be described with the same reference numerals.

Further, the processes in the pachislot gaming device 1 according to the second embodiment are related to the first embodiment except for the order input process described with reference to FIG. 11 among the processes described with reference to FIGS. Since it is substantially the same as the process in the pachislot gaming apparatus 1, here, the order input process in the pachislot gaming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of order input processing executed in the pachislot gaming device 1 according to the second embodiment.
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 13, steps that perform processes corresponding to the steps in the flowchart shown in FIG.

Since the processing of steps S400 to S409 is the same as the subroutine shown in FIG. 11, the description thereof is omitted here. In step S410, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an instruction to select an order (small category) has been input. If it is determined that an instruction to select an order (small category) has not been input, this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that an instruction to select an order (small category) has been input, the sub CPU 206 determines, based on the selected order (small category), the product equivalent unit price stored in the program ROM 208 serving as storage means. With reference to the information, it is determined whether or not the number of credits corresponding to the amount of the object to be ordered is equal to or less than the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 of the main control circuit 81 (step S420).

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of product unit price information stored in the program ROM 208.
In the product unit price information, drinks, foods and tobacco are stored as large category product information, and a plurality of types of small category product information corresponding to each large category product information is stored. . For example, “hot coffee”, “ice coffee”, and the like are stored as a plurality of types of small category product information corresponding to the large category product etc. information “drink”. A unit price (the number of medals) is stored in correspondence with each small category of product information.

For example, when an instruction to select “hot coffee” is input as an instruction to select an order (small category), in step S420, the sub CPU 206 refers to the product unit price information shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the number of medals “8”, which is the unit price of the object “hot coffee”, is equal to or less than the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 of the main control circuit 81.

If it is determined in step S420 that the number of medals, which is the unit price of the order object, is not less than or equal to the number of credits stored in the RAM 43, the process proceeds to step S411. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the number of medals, which is the unit price of the order object, is less than or equal to the credit number stored in the RAM 43, the sub CPU 206 determines the order object from the credit number stored in the RAM 43 of the main control circuit 81. A process of subtracting the number of medals that is the unit price of the object is performed (step S421). When executing the processing of steps S420 to S421, the sub CPU 206 refers to the settlement table based on the order information specified by the input of the touch panel 32 as the input means, and is stored in the RAM 43 as the credit storage means. It functions as a settlement means for subtracting the number of credits corresponding to the amount of the object of order information from the number of credits.

After executing the processing of step S421, the sub CPU 206 reads the selected product etc. information from the program ROM 208, and uses the communication interface circuit 44 to send the order information determined by the product etc. information via the wiring 128 to the information management device. 100 (step S422). At this time, the sub CPU 206 adds identification information unique to the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the order information and transmits it to the information management apparatus 100. As a result, an image indicating the order information is displayed on the display device 105 of the information management device 100, and the image indicating which pachinko gaming device 1 is the order is included in the image. Thereafter, the set order information (small category) is cleared (step S423), and this subroutine is terminated.

As described above, according to the pachislot gaming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, when the player operates the touch panel 32 and inputs an order, the payment is automatically performed by the settlement means. And the trouble of handing over money. Therefore, it is possible to concentrate more on the game and to play the game comfortably. Further, the amount of work for the store clerk is also reduced, and the possibility that the response to the trouble of the gaming machine that needs to be urgently dealt with can be reduced.

In the first and second embodiments, it has been described that drinks and the like can be ordered only in a specific period, and drinks and the like cannot be ordered in a non-specific period. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Not.
The reference information is information that is referred to when order contents set to be useful for a player who orders a product or service during a specific period as compared to a non-specific period. Examples of the reference information include setting of the price of a product or service, setting of a product or service item to be sold, and the like. Specifically, drinks etc. can be purchased with a smaller number of medals than during a non-specific period during a specific period, or products that cannot be purchased during a non-specific period can be purchased only during a specific period Reference information can be set.
In the present invention, “being beneficial to a player who orders a product or service” means that a player who orders a product or the like (product or service) can obtain physical or monetary benefits, or This means that convenience when ordering is improved. However, it is not always necessary for the player to actually make a profit or to improve convenience for the player, and at least the opportunity should be provided to the player.
More specifically, “beneficial for a player who orders a product or service” includes the possibility of ordering the product or service, an increase in options for the product or service, and the price of the product or service. This includes a reduction, provision of ordered goods or services, etc.

FIG. 15 is another example of the product unit price information shown in FIG.
In the product unit price information, drinks, foods and tobacco are stored as large category product information, and a plurality of types of small category product information corresponding to each large category product information is stored. . For example, “hot coffee”, “ice coffee”, and the like are stored as a plurality of types of small-order order information corresponding to the large-order order information “drink”.
Then, as the unit price (the number of medals) corresponding to the small-category product etc. information, two values are set for the non-specific period and for the specific period. During the non-specified period, the unit price of hot coffee, iced coffee, hot tea and iced tea is 8 medals, and cola and orange juice cannot be purchased, while during the specified period hot coffee, iced coffee, hot tea and iced tea The unit price is set to be 6 medals, and cola and orange juice can be purchased with 5 medals. The sub CPU 206 determines which value to refer to depending on whether the current state is a non-specific period or a specific period. At this time, the program ROM 208 functions as a storage unit that stores product unit price information as reference information.

In the first and second embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to a pachislot gaming device has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to other gaming machines (for example, pachinko gaming devices, slot machines, etc.). is there.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the transparent liquid crystal panel has been described in which a part or all of the transparent liquid crystal panel can be switched to the transparent / non-transparent state and various images can be displayed. However, in the present invention, as the transparent liquid crystal panel, it is also possible to employ a so-called liquid crystal shutter that can only be partially or entirely switched to a transparent / non-transparent state. Further, for example, an EL transparent display panel can be adopted instead of the transparent liquid crystal panel. In this case, electroluminescence (EL) is employed as a light source for irradiating the display panel with light.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the input means for inputting a selection signal for selecting a product from the order information image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 has been described as the touch panel 32, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It is not limited. The input means may be a determination button 26, a cancel button 27, or the like. Further, the order information image may be displayed not by the liquid crystal display device 5 but by a display device or the like provided exclusively for displaying the order information image. Furthermore, like a well-known vending machine, an index such as a photograph indicating the contents of each product is provided on the outer surface of the housing 2, and a selection signal indicating that each product has been selected is input. A button or the like may be provided in association with each index.

It is a perspective view showing typically an example of a pachislot gaming device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing the vicinity of a liquid crystal display device included in the pachislot gaming device shown in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the liquid crystal display device with which the pachislot gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 is provided. FIG. 3 is a development view of a part of the configuration of the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 2. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the pachislot gaming device shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sub control circuit shown in FIG. 5. It is a figure which shows an example of goods etc. information. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of an information management apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the game execution process performed in a main control circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the command reception process performed in a subcontrol circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the order input process performed in a subcontrol circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the display control process performed in a display control circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the order input process performed in the pachislot game device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of goods etc. unit price information. It is a figure which shows an example of goods etc. unit price information.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachislot gaming device 2 Case 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) Reel 4a-4c Order information image (large classification)
4a-1-6 Order information image (small classification)
5 Liquid crystal display device 32 Touch panel 34 Transparent liquid crystal panel 36 Reflective film 41 CPU
42 ROM
43 RAM
44 Communication Interface Circuit 82 Sub Control Circuit 206 Sub CPU
208 Program ROM
210 Work RAM
212 VDP

Claims (5)

It is possible to output the order information via a communication line to an information management device installed in an amusement store and equipped with a display device capable of displaying the order information so that the clerk of the amusement store can visually recognize the order information. Furthermore, a gaming machine provided with a display means,
A variable display means for performing variable display of identification information;
Stop control means for stopping the change display of the identification information by the change display means;
Special game execution means for executing a special game advantageous to the player when the stop mode of the identification information is a special winning mode;
Storage means for storing a plurality of types of product information indicating types of products or services and reference information referred to when order contents are determined;
An input means for inputting a selection signal related to selection of the product or the service in accordance with a player's operation;
Order output means for outputting the order information indicating the order content determined based on the reference information and the product etc. information indicated by the selection signal to the information management device via the communication line;
The reference information is for a player who orders the product or the service in a specific period including the end time of the special game or in a specific period starting from the end time compared to a non-specific period other than the specific period. A gaming machine characterized by being set to be useful. The reference information is set so that the order information is output by the order output unit during the specific period, while the order information is not output by the order output unit during the non-specific period. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is provided. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the specific period is a period from a time when a specific condition is satisfied during execution of the special game to a time when the special game ends. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the specific period is a period until a predetermined time elapses from the end of the special game. The reference information includes product unit price information that is associated with each of a plurality of types of product information, and indicates a unit price of the product or service,
Credit storage means for storing the number of game media as a credit number;
Settlement means for subtracting the number of credits corresponding to the amount of the object related to the order information from the number of credits stored in the credit storage means based on the order information and the product unit price information. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that:

Images