JP3747966B2 - Game machine management device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the present invention, a player is actually playing a game on a gaming machine. Production hours The present invention relates to a gaming machine management apparatus that enables data collection.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as a variable display device (for example, a special symbol display device) capable of variably displaying a plurality of pieces of identification information (hereinafter referred to as a special symbol or appropriate special symbol), for example, a liquid crystal display device, a CRT display device, and a large number of light emitting devices. There are display devices composed of elements. Such a variable display device is arranged in the game area, and the display area in the variable display device is established based on establishment of a start condition such as a game ball winning or starting memory at the start winning opening (or start gate). A pachinko machine capable of generating a special game state in which a variable winning device is controlled to be released under a predetermined condition based on a variable display for a predetermined period and a stop result displayed in a special stop mode (for example, a jackpot symbol). (Hereinafter simply referred to as a gaming machine as appropriate) is generally known.
In such a gaming machine, the operating state of the variable display device, the winning state to a specific winning port (for example, the starting port), the big hit state, the probability variation state, the winning ball state, the ball lending state, to the gaming area of the gaming ball A plurality of game-related states, such as a game-in state, have occurred.
[0003]
In addition, the gaming machine includes an external information terminal corresponding to each game-related state, and outputs an external output signal via the external information terminal based on the occurrence of each game-related state. The external information terminal is connected to the management device of the game store, collects data on the occurrence status related to each game-related status output from the gaming machine, for example, grasps the business status, and nail for subsequent sales It is used as reference data for adjustments, change of probability setting values, replacement of gaming machines, and the like.
Conventionally, in order to collect data on the operating state of the gaming machine (that is, to measure the operating time), the data has been taken based on the number of shot balls output from the gaming machine. The current gaming machine is designed to fire about 60 gaming balls per minute, and based on this reference value and the number of balls to be shot, calculate how much time the balls hit by the gaming machine will spend. By doing so, the operating time was determined.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, there has been the following problem regarding the data collection of the operating time of the conventional gaming machine by the management device.
(A) When collecting data on the operating time of a conventional gaming machine with the management device, data on the time during which a game ball is actually being shot is obtained. However, in the actual game, for example, when reach occurs in the variable display device, the reach of the reach is observed while performing so-called stoppage that temporarily stops the launch of the ball, or the start winning memory is so-called full (4 If all of the starting memories are full), then stop to avoid invalid starting prizes, and prevent unnecessary driving between big rounds (for example, when the attacker is closed) To stop, to drop the ball box (so-called dollar box) during the probability change, to go to buy juice, etc., and the third-class game machine is in the third-class right generation There are many cases in which the driving is temporarily interrupted even though the game is actually played, such as by stopping between rounds.
For this reason, there is a problem that the value (time) does not match between the time that the player is actually playing and the operation time during which data is collected by the management device.
[0005]
(B) For example, even if a game is played for 10 hours full during business hours, the operating time collected by the management device will be 8 hours. In order to determine whether or not the machine is in operation (for example, the time during which the game machine is occupied by the player), the conventional data collection method for the operation time has not been accurate enough. Therefore, it could not be used effectively as sales data.
[0006]
(C) Collection of stop time for each gaming machine has not been possible in the past. For this reason, it was not possible to collect data related to stoppages, such as how much sales had fallen due to stoppages.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine management device that can accurately collect time during which a player is actually attached to a gaming machine.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine management device according to claim 1 is provided with a variable display device on a game board, and the variable display device is based on launching a game medium into a game area of the game board. In a gaming machine management device that is connected to a gaming machine capable of generating the operating conditions of and capable of collecting gaming-related data based on gaming-related signals output from the gaming machine,
In the game related signal,
A variable display device operating signal output during operation of the variable display device;
An operating state of a launching device that launches a game medium, or a launching device operating signal that is output based on the operating state of the operation unit of the launching device,
When the launching device operating signal is output from the gaming machine, it is determined as an actual operating state, and even if the launching device operating signal is non-active, if the variable display device operating signal is output, the actual operating state It is provided with an operating state determination means for determining It is characterized by that.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment in which an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as a gaming machine) will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0010]
A. Overall structure of amusement hall facilities
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a game hall facility in which gaming machines are installed. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a game store (pachinko hall). The game store 1 includes a central management device 11, an island management device 12, a prize management device 13, an in-store broadcasting / production device 14, a ball counting device 15, and a relay device 16a. 16b, gaming machines 17a and 17b, and card processing devices 18a and 18b.
[0011]
The island management device 12, the relay devices 16a and 16b (hereinafter represented by 16), the gaming machines 17a and 17b (hereinafter represented by 17), and the card processing devices 18a and 18b (hereinafter represented by 18) Although many relay devices 16, gaming machines 17 and card processing devices 18 are provided in the facility, two examples are shown for convenience of explanation.
[0012]
The central management device 11 is arranged in a hall management room, and includes a control device 21, a data storage device 22, a terminal device 23, and an interface circuit 24. The control device 21 includes a management computer (for example, mainly composed of a workstation). As a management of the gaming store 1, the gaming machine 17 and each terminal device (the island management device 12, the prize management device 13, the in-store broadcasting / production) Arithmetic processing for collecting and managing game information and necessary management information in the device 14, the ball counting device 15, and the relay device 16) is performed. The data storage device 22 stores data received from the gaming machine 17 and each terminal device, and is composed of, for example, a hard disk device. The terminal device 23 is a device connected to the outside of the control device 21 such as a keyboard, a mouse, a printer, and a display device, and the interface circuit 24 performs signal interface processing with the island management device 12.
[0013]
Here, the game-related signal output from the gaming machine 17 passes through the interface circuit 24 via an in-store communication network, which will be described later, and is temporarily stored in the data storage device 22. The control device 21 is stored in the data storage device 22. Including a launch interruption state in which the launch of the game ball (game medium) is interrupted when a predetermined game standby state of the gaming machine 17 is established based on the game-related signal (for example, during operation of the variable display device). Performs processing to detect the operating status and collects data related to the actual operating status.
The establishment of the predetermined game standby state means that a game ball (game medium) is awarded to a predetermined right generation winning opening (for example, a third type right generation opening) with the third type gaming machine during operation of the variable display device. When the right hits, the right of jackpot is generated, and the auxiliary gaming device (for example, the rotating body of the third type starting port: in the case of the third type gaming machine, the third type right is generated when the right is generated. In many cases, the player waits until the third type starting port faces upward as the rotating body of the three type starting port rotates, or during operation, or the display mode of the variable display device in other types of gaming machines When a predetermined display mode is set, a start condition for the interlocking operation of a predetermined number of variable winning devices is given, and the player is operating as the auxiliary gaming device is operating during the interlocking operation of the variable winning device. Including the condition that the player intentionally stops and waits for the game media to be launched. It is intended. Therefore, establishment of the predetermined game standby state in the present invention is not limited to the above example, but includes a state in which the player intentionally stops and waits for the release of the game medium, for example, a conventional problem (i.e., During the probability fluctuations described in the section “Problems to be Solved by the Invention”), the player drops the ball box (so-called dollar box) under his feet, buys juice, etc. It is a concept that includes all states in which driving is temporarily interrupted even though the player actually occupies the table, such as stopping between rounds during the generation of rights.
The game-related signal includes a variable display device operating signal output during operation of the variable display device of the gaming machine 17, an operating state of a launching device that launches a game ball (game medium), or an operation unit of the launching device. The control device 21 detects the actual operating state based on the input of either the variable display device operating signal or the launching device operating signal, which is output based on the operation state. Execute the process.
The variable display device operating signal is a signal indicating a state other than a normal state such as a fluctuation state (including reach) of a special figure or a big hit state. It should be noted that during the probability change, even if the special figure does not change, it is in a state other than the normal state, and is included during the operation of the variable display device. This is because during the probability fluctuation, the big hit probability is increased and the big hit is likely to occur, so the player often does not panic and plays the game while slowly mixing the states close to stopping. .
In addition, when the present invention is applied to a type 3 gaming machine, the variable display device operating signal is stopped after waiting for the rotation of the rotating body of the type 3 starting port when the type 3 right is generated. It also includes the state to do.
[0014]
In this case, the gaming machine 17 outputs an actual operating state signal based on the operating state of the variable display device and the operating state of the launching device or the operating state of the operation unit of the launching device, and the control device 21 Based on the actual operation state signal output from the gaming machine 17, a process of counting the actual operation time is executed.
Further, the control device 21 performs a process of detecting an interruption state of the launching device when the variable display device of the gaming machine 17 is operating based on the input of the variable display device operating signal and the launching device operating signal. The data collection regarding the state should include counting of game interruption time.
Therefore, the control device 21, the data storage device 22, the terminal device 23, and the interface circuit 24 as a whole constitute an actual operation state detection unit, an actual operation time counting unit, and a game interruption state detection unit.
[0015]
The central management apparatus 11 is connected to an external card company via a telephone line, for example, and also performs processing for transmitting information related to prepaid card settlement to the card company. The card company issues prepaid cards that are common throughout the country, and pays for prepaid cards at the amusement store 1.
The prize management device 13 performs a prize exchange process according to the payment card that stores the number of balls acquired by the player. The in-store broadcast / direction device 14 performs various processes such as in-store broadcast and in-store lighting equipment such as various notifications in the store, notification of a big hit stand, management notification, and the like. The ball counting device 15 is a so-called jet counter, and issues a predetermined settlement card in which the number of counted balls is recorded (for example, recording by magnetic data) by inserting the acquired balls acquired by the player.
[0016]
The island management device 12 manages island facilities including the relay device 16, the gaming machine 17, and the card processing device 18 arranged in units of islands. Information on the island facilities is transferred to the central management device 11 or concentrated. Information from the management device 11 is transferred to the island facility side and processed. The island management device 12 is not necessarily provided and may be omitted.
The relay device 16 is installed in the upper part of the gaming machine 17, and relays information between the gaming machine 17, the card processing device 18, and the island management device 12 (between the central management device 11 when there is no island management device 12). In addition, a function as a calling device for calling a staff member and performing various displays is realized. In this case, the centralized management device 11, the prize management device 13, the in-store broadcasting / production device 14, the ball counting device 15, the island management device 12, and the relay device 16 are connected by a predetermined communication network. As the predetermined communication network, for example, a LAN using infrared rays, a wired LAN, or the like is used, but other communication networks may be used. Information is transferred between the relay device 16 and the gaming machine 17 in a wired manner via an external information terminal (for example, a gaming board external information terminal) described later in the gaming machine 17. The island management device 12 collects information for each island and sends it to the central management device 11 by using, for example, a polling communication protocol for each relay device 16.
[0017]
Optical communication using an optical fiber is performed between the central management device 11 and each terminal device (for example, the prize management device 13, the in-store broadcasting / production device 14, the ball counting device 15, the island management device 12, and the relay device 16). For example, using an ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) exchange is advantageous in terms of information transfer capacity, communication speed, and the like.
The gaming machines 17a and 17b are provided with accessory control circuits 31a and 31b and discharge and emission circuits 32a and 32b, respectively. The accessory control circuits 31a and 31b (hereinafter, represented by 31) perform control related to the accessory and discharge. The firing circuits 32a and 32b (hereinafter represented by 32) perform control related to ball ejection and firing. The card processing devices 18a and 18b are attached to the gaming machines 17a and 17b, respectively, and perform processing for reading and lending money by inserting a prepaid card, and the prepaid card usage amount is finalized via a communication network. Are collected by the centralized management apparatus 11. Therefore, the gaming machine 17 is a so-called CR machine (card reading machine).
[0018]
B. Game machine control system
Next, the configuration of the control system of the gaming machine 17 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the gaming machine 17. In FIG. 2, this control system can be roughly divided into an accessory control circuit 31, a discharge / emission control circuit 32, and a display control circuit 40.
(A) Configuration of the accessory control circuit
The accessory control circuit 31 is a circuit including a microcomputer, and is realized, for example, by a board unit attached to the back surface of the game board in the gaming machine 17. Similarly, the discharge and emission control circuit 32 is a circuit including a microcomputer, and is realized, for example, by a board unit attached to the back side of the gaming machine 17. The display control circuit 33 is realized by a circuit board attached to the back side of a special symbol display device (variable display device) provided on the game board, for example.
[0019]
The accessory control circuit 31 includes an accessory IC 41 composed of a one-chip microcomputer for performing an accessory control necessary for a pachinko game, etc., and a frequency division that divides the oscillation frequency of the crystal to obtain a basic clock of the accessory IC 41. A circuit 43, a power supply circuit 44 for supplying necessary power to the accessory IC 41, a low-pass filter 45 for receiving various information signals, and a buffer for outputting a signal from the low-pass filter 45 to the accessory IC 41 via the bus 46 A gate 47, an output port 48 that receives a signal from the accessory IC 41 via the bus 46, and a control signal input via the output port 48 are driven to generate various drive signals and output them to each device. From the driver 49, a sound generator 50 that generates sound effects necessary for the game (or may perform speech synthesis), and the sound generator 50 An amplifier 51 that amplifies an audio signal and outputs it to a speaker 51a disposed at a predetermined location of the gaming machine, and an interface that outputs a display control signal to the display control circuit 33 based on a control signal output from the accessory IC 41 An interface circuit 53 that outputs a control signal related to discharge and discharge to the discharge / discharge control circuit 32 based on a control signal output from the circuit 52, the accessory IC 41, and a game data signal output from the accessory IC 41 externally And a game board external information terminal 54 for relaying when outputting to the game board. The game board external information terminal 54 is connected to the relay device (calling device) 16.
[0020]
The accessory IC 41 stores a CPU 61 for performing arithmetic processing, a security program for checking whether the accessory IC 41 composed of a one-chip microcomputer is genuine, a control program for accessory control, and the like. A ROM 62 and a RAM 63 for temporarily storing data necessary for setting and controlling the work area are incorporated.
Power is supplied to the accessory control circuit 31 from the discharge and emission control circuit 32. Examples of the supply power include AC24V, + DC33V, + DC24V, and + DC12V. Then, the accessory control circuit 31 is operated by each of these power supplies. On the other hand, the power supply circuit 44 of the accessory control circuit 31 is small, and only the logic power is generated and supplied to the accessory IC 41. The discharge launch control circuit 32 is disposed on the frame side of the gaming machine 17, and the accessory control circuit 31 is disposed on the game board side instead of the frame side. Therefore, the power supply circuit other than the power supply circuit 44 is placed in the discharge / emission control circuit 32 by adopting a configuration in which the accessory control circuit 31 receives most of the power from the discharge / emission control circuit 32 arranged on the frame side. There is an advantage that it can be shared with the frame side and the accessory control circuit 31 can be miniaturized.
[0021]
The low-pass filter 45 is input with signals from a special-purpose start switch 71, a general-purpose start switch 72, a count switch 73, a continuation switch 74, a probability setting switch 75, and a safe sensor 76.
The special figure start switch 71 detects that a ball has won a normal electric start opening (start winning prize opening) for starting the special figure change, and the normal figure start switch 72 starts the normal figure change. Detects that the ball has passed through the usual opening. The count switch 73 detects a general winning ball out of the balls that have entered the big winning opening of the special variable winning device 81 described later, and the continuation switch 74 makes a so-called continuous winning (V winning) among the balls that have entered the big winning opening. Detect balls.
The probability setting switch 75 is used to change the setting of the jackpot probability or to change the setting of the probability variation of the jackpot, and is arranged on the back side of the gaming machine 17 in the type operated by the staff. The probability setting switch 75 may be configured by a switch or the like (not shown) provided in the gaming machine 17 itself (for example, the accessory control circuit 31), or a probability setting value is input from the centralized management device 11 of the hall. It may be configured. The safe sensor 76 detects a safe ball.
[0022]
From the driver 119, a solenoid for driving the opening / closing operation of the special winning award of the special variable prize winning device 81, a special figure start memory display 82, a normal symbol display device 83, a general figure start memory display 84, and a normal variable prize winning device 85 are provided. Control signals are output to the driving solenoid and various decorative lamps / LEDs 86.
The special prize-winning solenoid of the special variable prize-winning device 81 opens the special variable prize-winning device (attacker). When a special symbol display device 90 described later is in a big hit state, the first and subsequent cycles will be subject to V-winning in each cycle. The special prize opening solenoid is excited for a certain period of time or a certain number of balls, and the special variable prize winning device is opened. The special figure start memory display 82 indicates that when a ball wins a normal electric start opening (start winning prize opening) for starting the symbol variation of the special figure, the number of winning balls is stored within four ranges. indicate. The general figure start memory display 84 displays that the number of winning balls is stored within four ranges when a ball is awarded at the general figure start opening for starting the symbol change of the normal figure.
[0023]
The normal symbol display device 83 is a display that has a seven-segment display unit that displays, for example, a single digit and displays a normal symbol (ordinary symbol) made of liquid crystal or LED. The solenoid that drives the normal variation winning device 85 is held in an open state in which a pair of opening and closing members of the normal variation winning device 85 are opened in a reverse C shape, for example, for about 0.5 seconds when a normal hit occurs. To drive. The various decoration lamps / LEDs 86 include prize ball discharge lamps, replenishment lamps, side lamps, turnable ball direction changing members, and decoration lamps on the game board, and decoration lamps that light up or blink appropriately according to the game contents.
[0024]
In this case, the display control circuit 33 receives an 8-bit display control signal (reset signal (1 bit), strobe signal (1 bit), command signal (6 bits), etc.) from the accessory IC 41 in a special symbol display device. 90, which includes a power supply circuit 33a, and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM for image display control, a VDP for image, a font ROM, and the like. The special symbol display device 90 variably displays a plurality of pieces of identification information (special diagrams) in a plurality of columns based on a display control signal from the display control circuit 33. As the special symbol display device 90, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) capable of displaying a special image still image and a variable image in color is used. The special symbol display device 90 may be a CRT. Further, as the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 90, for example, identification information consisting of numbers and characters may be displayed, or other symbols may be displayed to play a pachinko game. Note that the display control circuit 33 is supplied with a backlight power source and a liquid crystal display power source to the special symbol display device 90, and is connected to a ground line.
[0025]
(B) Configuration of discharge emission control circuit
Next, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the discharge / emission control circuit 32. In FIG. 3, the discharge / emission control circuit 32 includes a discharge / emission control IC 101 composed of a one-chip microcomputer, drivers 102 and 103, a ball removal SOL monitoring circuit 104, a power ON protect circuit 105, a power circuit A 106, a power circuit B 107, and an interface circuit 108. 109, an external information terminal 110, a strength adjustment circuit 111, a driver 112, a touch circuit 113, a driver 114, and a filter 115. The discharge / emission control IC 101 includes a CPU 121 that performs arithmetic processing, a ROM 122 that stores a control program for discharge / emission control, and a RAM 123 that temporarily stores data necessary for setting and controlling a work area. Control processing related to discharging and launching.
[0026]
The driver 102 displays and drives the OK monitor 131 based on a control signal from the discharge / emission control IC 101. The OK monitor 131 displays the monitor of the discharge / emission control circuit 32. When the discharge / emission control circuit 32 is out of order, the OK monitor 131 is lit to notify. The driver 103 drives a discharge SOL (solenoid) 132, a safe SOL (solenoid) 133, a completion lamp 134, and a ball removal SOL (solenoid) 135 based on a control signal from the discharge launch control IC 101. The discharge SOL (solenoid) 132 opens and closes the ball discharge passage, and a plurality (two in this case) are provided. When the discharge SOL (solenoid) 132 is excited, a predetermined number of balls (for example, ball lending, Or when the prize ball is discharged). The safe SOL (solenoid) 133 opens and closes the passage for discharging the safe ball. When the safe SOL (solenoid) 133 is excited, the safe ball is discharged (for example, discharged to one). The completion lamp 134 is lit when the balls in the replenishment tank on the back side of the gaming machine run out. The ball removal SOL (solenoid) 135 switches the ball discharge passage toward the ball discharge passage, and a plurality (two in this case) are provided. When the ball removal SOL (solenoid) 135 is excited, The flow path is switched to the ball removal passage, and all the balls remaining in the replenishing tank and the ball discharge passage are drawn to the outside.
[0027]
The ball removal SOL monitoring circuit 104 monitors whether or not the ball discharge passage is accurately switched to the ball removal passage (that is, whether or not the ball removal is normally performed), and the monitoring result is output to the discharge firing control IC 101. Output to. The power-on protect circuit 105 prevents the driver 103 from being turned on (outputs a drive signal) when the power of the discharge / emission control circuit 32 is turned on, and protects the power-on so that the interface circuit 109 does not malfunction. It is. For example, when the driver 103 is turned on, a drive signal is output and the discharge SOL (solenoid) 132 is excited, and the ball may be discharged. The interface circuit 109 is protected because the interface circuit 109 is connected to a card unit (the card processing device 18) that handles important information such as ball lending amount data.
[0028]
The power supply circuit A106 converts the AC24V input power into a predetermined DC power supply and supplies it to each discharge-related circuit, and the power supply circuit B107 converts the AC24V input power into a predetermined DC power supply and supplies it to each firing-related circuit. To do. The interface circuit 108 receives a unidirectional signal (for example, a prize ball signal) from the accessory control circuit 31 and outputs it to the discharge / emission control IC 101. The interface circuit 109 transfers a bidirectional signal (for example, a ball lending signal) between the card unit (card processing device 18) and the discharge / emission control IC 101.
The external information terminal 110 is a relay terminal for transferring bidirectional signals (for example, a driving (out ball + safe ball) signal, a game signal, etc.) between the relay device 16 and the discharge / emission control IC 101. Finally, it becomes a relay terminal when transferring signals between the centralized management device 11 and the discharge / emission control IC 101 via the in-store network.
[0029]
The strength adjustment circuit 111 adjusts the strength of the ball firing. When the player operates the volume 141, the strength adjustment circuit 111 outputs a strength adjustment signal to the driver 112 according to the operation result, and the rotary solenoid (RS) 142 is controlled. Adjust the firing strength of the ball by changing the driving force. Further, the rotary solenoid (RS) 142 ejects a ball at the launch position and launches it into the game area. The touch circuit 113 detects that the player touches the touch switch (SW) 143 provided on the firing knob that controls the firing of the ball (that is, touches the firing knob), and outputs the detection signal for discharge firing control. Output to IC101. The driver 114 drives the ball feed magnet (Mg) 144 based on a control signal from the discharge / fire control IC 101. A ball feeding magnet (Mg) 144 feeds one ball to the firing position.
Signals from an overflow switch (SW) 145, a half-end sensor 146, a ball removal sensor 147, and an out-number sensor 148 are input to the filter 115, and these signals are waveform-shaped and output to the discharge / emission control IC 101. An overflow switch (SW) 145 detects that the lower tray of the gaming machine is in an overflow state. For example, when an overflow condition occurs, the ball firing stops. A plurality of (two in this case) half-end sensors 146 are provided and detect that a predetermined number of balls are in a standby state in the two ball discharge passages. The ball removal sensor 147 detects the operation state of the ball removal switch when the ball removal is performed. The out number sensor 148 performs detection of an out ball (for example, detection of a ball passing through an out port).
[0030]
(C) Types of signals output from gaming machines
Next, the types of signals output from the gaming machine 17 to the relay device 16 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, a signal from the glass frame switch 151 is input to the accessory control circuit 31, and the glass frame switch 151 detects that the glass frame provided in front of the game board is opened. To do. The accessory control circuit 31 outputs the following signals to the relay device 16 via the game board external information terminal 54 (finally output to the centralized management device 11 via the in-store network). The game board external information terminal 54 has a large number of terminals and is arranged in the form of a base on the accessory side.
・ Big hit signal
A signal indicating that a big hit has occurred (this signal also serves as a big hit state signal that is always output during a big hit (including fanfare and intervals for a big hit))
・ Big hit symbol signal
Signal to inform the jackpot symbol
・ Probability big hit signal
A signal to inform you that a big hit has occurred due to probability fluctuation
[0031]
・ Special drawing start winning signal
Signal notifying that the ball has won a prize at the starting prize opening to start the special figure
・ Special figure start signal
Signal notifying that special symbol variation has started (started)
・ Special signal changing signal
A signal that tells you whether the special symbol is changing
・ Reach 1 signal
Signal indicating that special figure has reached normal reach (always output during reach)
・ Reach 2 signal
Signal indicating that the special figure has become special reach mode 1 (for example, super slow scroll) (always output during reach)
・ Reach 3 signal
Signal indicating that the special figure has become special reach mode 2 (for example, a mode in which three symbols are slowly scrolled together) (always output during reach)
[0032]
・ Special figure probability variation signal
A signal to notify that the special figure is in the state of probability fluctuation (including the special figure changing signal that is always output during the change of accuracy)
・ Big prize opening signal
Signal notifying that the special winning opening of the special variable winning device 81 has been opened (always output while the special winning opening is open)
・ Count signal
A signal that counts the number of balls won in the special winning opening of the special variable winning device 81
・ Continuous winning signal
A signal notifying that a ball has won a prize winning V winning opening in the special variable winning winning device 81 and that the big hit round can be continued.
・ Sign per signal
Signal notifying that the normal symbol has been won in the normal symbol display device 83
・ Probability setting value signal
Signal notifying the set value of the jackpot probability set by the probability setting switch 75
[0033]
・ Normal chart start winning signal
Signal notifying that the ball has passed through the starting point of the normal drawing to start the change of the normal symbol
・ Normal map start signal
Signal notifying that the usual symbol variation has started (started)
・ Usual probability change signal
Signal that informs that the ordinary figure is changing in probability (including the usual figure changing signal that is always output during probability change)
・ Opening signal
Signal notifying that the normal variable winning device 85 has been opened
・ Normal signal short signal
A signal notifying that the normal time reduction control is performed to shorten the fluctuation time of the usual fluctuation display game, for example, from about 60 seconds to about 6 seconds.
In the normal time reduction control, for example, the change time of the normal time variable display game is shortened for a period until the special time variable display game is played 50 times.
[0034]
Next, the discharge / emission control circuit 32 outputs the following signals to the relay device 16 via the external information terminal 110 (finally output to the centralized management device 11 via the in-store network). The external information terminal 110 has a large number of terminals and is arranged in the form of a frame-side base.
・ Drive signal
Driving balls (out balls + safe balls), that is, signals that indicate the number of balls that have been fired
A signal notifying that the player touches the touch switch (SW) 143 (that is, touches the firing knob), or that the launching device is activated to play the game.
・ Prize ball signal
A signal indicating that a predetermined number of prize balls have been played based on the fact that a ball has won a prize opening (that is, there is a safe ball)
・ Ball rental signal
A signal / replenishment signal that informs you that a specified number of balls has been lent (ie, the balls have been discharged)
Signal to inform the supply tank that balls have been supplied from the island equipment
In addition, a discharge stop signal is input from the relay device 16 to the discharge discharge control circuit 32 via the external information terminal 110 (output from the centralized management device 11 via the in-store network).
[0035]
C. Overview of the game
Next, before describing the control flow of the gaming machine 17, an outline of the game performed in the gaming machine 17 of the present embodiment will be described.
When a game ball that is driven into the game area via the guide rail wins the normal variation winning device 85 that also serves as a special symbol start opening, a number of identification symbols (numerals, characters) are displayed in the display area of the special symbol display device 90. , Symbols, symbols, etc.) are moved (scrolled) (so-called variable display), and a variable display game (image variable game) is performed. Then, if the stop display mode as the variable display game result is a predetermined mode (for example, “7, 7, 7”, etc.), a special game state called a big hit occurs.
[0036]
When this special game state (big hit) occurs, a special game is performed in which the open / close door of the special variable winning device 81 is opened, for example, for about 30 seconds (or, for example, up to a maximum of 10 winnings). This special game cycle is continuously performed up to 16 cycles, for example, on condition that the game ball passes through the continuous winning area in the special variable winning device 81 during each cycle.
In addition, when the occurrence of the special gaming state is an occurrence satisfying a specific condition (for example, a big hit based on probability variation symbols (“7”, “7”, “7”)), A specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player in terms of occurrence (for example, a state in which the jackpot probability fluctuates, three jackpots are set as one set, and two jackpots are more likely to occur after the first jackpot) and the particular game When a special gaming state that satisfies a specific condition again occurs during the state (for example, when a big hit occurs again due to the probability variation symbol), the control that enables the specific gaming state to be updated from the initial state again is performed. Done.
[0037]
A game that increases the jackpot probability and makes it easier to hit the jackpot twice afterwards (probability variation game) is a jackpot with a specific symbol (when a specific condition is met), and the probability of the jackpot after that for a predetermined period Is a special game that sets a higher probability than usual, and is a control performed in the control process of the accessory control circuit 31.
Further, during the above-mentioned special figure variable display game or special game, when a game ball is further won in the normal variable prize-winning device 85, the special figure start memory display 82 is lit and stored, for example, up to four special figures. After the end of the variable display game or special game, the special display variable display game is repeated based on the memory.
[0038]
On the other hand, when the game ball wins (passes) the normal symbol start opening and is detected by the general symbol start switch 72 during the game, the identification information of the normal symbol display device 83 (in this case, one digit number) A usual variation display game by variation display is performed. Then, if the stop display mode as the variable display game result is a predetermined mode (for example, “7”), a game value called “per game” is generated.
When this game value (per ordinary figure) is generated, a specific game is held in which the pair of opening and closing members of the normal variable prize-winning device 85 are held in an open state in a reverse C shape, for example, for about 0.5 seconds. As a result, it becomes easier for the game ball to win the normal variation winning device 85, and accordingly, the number of times of execution of the variable display game of the special figure increases, and the possibility of occurrence of a big hit increases.
In addition, during the above-mentioned usual variable display game, when a game ball is further won at the normal symbol start opening, the normal figure start memory display 84 is lit and stored, for example, up to four, and the normal figure variable display game is stored. After the end, the usual variable display game is repeated based on the memory.
[0039]
In addition to a game (probability variation game) that increases the big hit probability and makes it easy to hit the big hit twice thereafter, and a usual variable display game, a predetermined special game is also performed. Other special games include, for example, the so-called normal time reduction control or the normal time instant stop control (or the normal time instant stop control, or the like, such as shortening the fluctuation time of the usual figure fluctuation display game only for the period until the special figure fluctuation display game is played 50 times. There is a gaming state due to the combination of both.
In this case, the normal time control is a control for shortening the normal time fluctuation display game time of about 60 seconds to about 6 seconds, for example. When the usual variable display game is performed based on the start memory, the time required for the predetermined time (for example, 6 seconds) has elapsed since the start memory is generated, and the change time is shortened (for example, 2 seconds) immediately. This is a control to stop the usual figure.
[0040]
In addition, during this special game, a process for increasing the opening time of the normal variation winning device 85 at the time of the usual drawing to about 3 seconds, for example, Processing such as increasing from 1 to 3 may be performed.
In addition, by performing such special games, the number of times of normal games per unit time increases, and the number of times of normal games hits increases (since the probability of hitting normal games is usually about 1/4). For this reason, as a result, the number of fluctuations of the special figure increases, which is an advantageous state.
Furthermore, normally, during this special game state, immediate stop control is performed for fluctuations in the special figure, which is further advantageous.
[0041]
D. Action explanation
Next, the operation will be described.
The gaming machine 17 is controlled by an accessory control circuit 31, a discharge / emission control circuit 32, a display control circuit 40, etc., of which an accessory control (control on the game board side) is performed by the accessory control circuit 31 and the display control circuit 40. Done. Further, the discharge side control circuit 32 controls the frame side. Since the outline of the accessory control has been described in the above-described outline of the game (C), the frame side control by the discharge and emission control circuit 32 will be described below.
(A) Main routine of discharge emission control circuit
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the main control process (main routine) performed by the discharge / emission control circuit 32. This control process is executed by the discharge / emission control IC 101 shown in FIG. 3 reading out a control program for emission / emission control stored in the ROM 122 and using the RAM 123 as a work area.
[0042]
When the main control process in FIG. 5 starts, first, in step S10, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine 17 is powered on. If the power is turned on (YES), the process branches to step S12 to perform power-on processing. As a result, the power supply circuit A 106 and the power supply circuit B 107 operate to supply predetermined power to each circuit of the discharge / emission control circuit 32. When the power-on process is completed, the process returns to step S10 to make a determination again. After power-on, the process returns to NO and proceeds to step S14.
In step S14, input processing is performed. As shown in FIG. 3, this is to receive each signal input from each sensor input to the discharge / emission control IC 101 and perform necessary signal processing.
[0043]
Next, in step S16, communication processing with the game board is performed. This is to accept a signal (for example, a signal relating to winning ball discharge, a big hit signal, a special figure changing signal, etc.) from the accessory control circuit 31 that controls the game board via the interface circuit 108. Next, in step S18, communication processing with the card unit is performed. This accepts a signal (for example, a signal related to ball lending discharge) from the card unit (card processing device 18) via the interface circuit 109, or outputs a signal related to ball lending discharge to the card unit. . Next, discharge-related processing is performed in step S20. For example, the discharge SOL (solenoid) 132 is driven to perform ball lending discharge and prize ball discharge, the safe SOL (solenoid) 133 is driven to discharge safe balls, and the ball removal SOL (solenoid) is further driven. 135 is driven to change the flow path from the ball discharge passage to the ball removal passage, and the ball is extracted to the outside.
[0044]
Next, a firing related process is performed in step S22. In this method, the ball feed magnet (Mg) 144 is driven to feed one ball to the firing position, or the rotary solenoid (RS) 142 is driven to fire a ball. Next, external information processing is performed in step S24. This is to output a driving signal, an in-game signal or the like to the central management device 11 via the external information terminal 110, or to receive a firing stop signal from the central management device 11, and details will be described later in a subroutine. After step S24, one routine of the main control process is terminated.
[0045]
(B) External information processing subroutine
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of external information processing in step S24 in the main control process of the discharge / emission control circuit 32. When the external information processing subroutine is started, it is determined in step S30 whether or not a game is in progress. Whether or not a game is in progress is determined during a firing operation (for example, while the rotary solenoid (RS) 142 is being driven) or when the touch switch (SW) 143 is on (the player is touching). If the game is in progress, the process proceeds to step S32 to output a game in-progress signal. As a result, an in-game signal is output from the external information terminal 110 to the external relay device 16, relayed by the relay device 16, and transmitted to the centralized management device 11 via the in-store network. After step S32, the process proceeds to step S34.
[0046]
On the other hand, if the game is not in progress in step S30, the process jumps to step S32 and proceeds to step S34.
In step S34, input / output processing of other external information is performed. As other input / output of external information, for example, a driving signal, a prize ball signal, a ball lending signal, etc. are output to the relay device 16 via the external information terminal 110 and relayed by the relay device 16 via the network in the store. Some devices transmit data to the central management device 11 or receive a firing stop signal from the central management device 11. After step S34, the current routine is terminated and the process returns to the main control process.
[0047]
(C) Subroutine for external information processing of the accessory control circuit
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of external information processing in the accessory control circuit 31. Note that the main control process of the accessory control circuit 31 is omitted (the contents of the above-described outline of the game (C)).
When the subroutine of external information processing of the accessory control circuit 31 is started, it is determined whether or not it is changing in step S40. “Fluctuating” means a state in which the symbol of the special symbol display device 90 is being variably displayed (that is, changing). If it is changing, the process proceeds to step S42, and a changing signal (that is, a special figure changing signal) is output. As a result, the special-fluctuation changing signal is output from the game board external information terminal 54 to the external relay device 16, relayed by the relay device 16, and transmitted to the centralized management device 11 via the in-store network. After step S42, the process proceeds to step S44.
[0048]
On the other hand, if not changing in step S40, the process jumps to step S42 and proceeds to step S44.
In step S44, input / output processing of other external information is performed. As other input / output of external information, for example, a big hit signal (a signal during a big hit state), a special figure probability changing signal (a special figure positive changing signal), a general figure positive changing signal (a normal figure positive changing signal) via the game board external information terminal 54 Signal) and the like are output to the relay device 16, relayed by the relay device 16, transmitted to the centralized management device 11 via the in-store network, and received a prize ball signal from the discharge / emission control circuit 32. After step S44, the current routine is terminated.
[0049]
(D) Centralized management device processing
Next, data collection relating to the actual operating state of the gaming machine 17 executed by the centralized management device 11 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 as an example when the variable display device is changing.
First, in the gaming machine 17, as shown in FIG. 8A, during a launch operation (for example, the rotary solenoid (RS) 142 is being driven), or the touch switch (SW) 143 is on (the player is touching). In the state), an in-game signal is output to the outside and input to the centralized management device 11. At this time, the central management device 11 receives the in-game signal (one of game-related signals) output from the gaming machine 17 by the interface circuit 24 via the in-store network, and temporarily stores it in the data storage device 22. Next, the control device 21 determines that the gaming machine 17 is in an actual operating state based on the in-game signal stored in the data storage device 22, and starts counting the actual operating state as shown in FIG. 8 (e). .
[0050]
Next, in the gaming machine 17, when the ball that has been bulleted starts and wins, the symbol variation of the special figure starts. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), a special signal changing signal (variable display device operating signal) output during operation of the special symbol display device 90 (variable display device) of the gaming machine 17 is output to the outside. And input to the centralized management apparatus 11. In this case, since the special chart is fluctuating in the centralized management device 11, it is determined that the actual operation state continues even if the in-game signal becomes inactive (for example, L level).
For example, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), when four special figure start memory indicators 82 are lit and the start memory is in a so-called full state, the player stops. This is shown as a stopped state in FIG. Thus, as shown in FIG. 8 (c), when counting is performed in the state in which the game machine 17 is in the absence of a thrown ball, the operation state according to this concept is that while the player is stopping Suspend at
[0051]
On the other hand, in this embodiment, even if there is no generated ball, if the special figure is changing, the gaming machine 17 is actually operating (the player is attached to the gaming machine). 8 (e), and a process of detecting an actual operation state including a launch interruption state in which the launch of the game ball is interrupted while the special symbol display device 90 is operating (during symbol variation) as shown in FIG. Go and collect data on the operational status. In other words, during the special figure fluctuation, the start-up memory becomes so-called full, and even if the player stops, the actual operation time is continuously counted and data relating to the actual operation state is collected. In this way, the data collection regarding the actual operating state includes the counting of the game interruption time due to the stop of the player, so that the time that the player is actually playing with the game machine 17 can be accurately collected. It becomes.
Similarly, when a hit state occurs during a big hit or during probability fluctuations, the actual operation time can be increased by inputting a big hit signal, a special figure, or a normal change signal from a gaming machine. Can be collected.
In the case of Type 3 gaming machine, when the Type 3 right is generated, it stops with the rotation of the rotating body of the Type 3 starting port (waiting until the Type 3 starting port faces upward) Since the hitting state occurs, the input of a signal for detecting the rotation of the rotating body of the third type starting port is added to collect the actual operation time.
[0052]
E. Specific examples of data collection
FIG. 9 shows an example of “actual operation time count” displayed on the screen of the centralized management device 11 (for example, the display screen of the terminal device 23). On the screen, the fact that it is in business, the business date and time, the model name, and the machine number are sequentially displayed from the 100th series. Also, total jackpot (cumulative value of jackpot number), start number (special figure start number), base, driving ball (number of balls fired in the game area), prize ball (cumulative value of number of balls discharged), difference The ball, the operating time (simply calculated from the number of balls hit, for example, calculated by calculation of 100 shots × 0.6), the actual operating time, and the stopping time are displayed. The base is the ratio of the total number of shot balls when the jackpot is not big to the total number of prize balls when the jackpot is not big. This data represents how much the ball is depleted at normal times. And it shows that the decrease of a player's possession is quick, so that this figure is small. The difference ball is a difference between the total number of shot balls and the total number of prize balls.
[0053]
Conventionally, only the operation time (for example, 3:54:34) is displayed, and it does not include the count of the game interruption time due to stoppage, and the actual operation time in which the player occupies the table and plays the game However, in this embodiment, the actual operation time including the stop time: 20 minutes 08 seconds: 4:12:42 is counted and displayed on the screen.
[0054]
As described above, in this embodiment, the special symbol display device 90 is in operation (of the variable display device) on the basis of the in-game signal (game-related signal) and the special-figure changing signal (game-related signal) output from the gaming machine 17. During operation: In a state excluding normal operation, including special figure fluctuation, big hit, probable change, etc.), actual operation including a stop hit state (launch interruption state) that interrupts the launch of the game ball The state is detected, the duration is counted, and data relating to the actual operation state is collected. Therefore, even if you are actually playing a game, such as watching the success of your reach while making a stop, or playing a stop because the memory of the start prize is full, the drive is temporarily suspended. Even if there is a case, the value (time) can be accurately matched between the time when the player is attached to the gaming machine 17 and actually playing the game and the operation time collected by the central management device 11. . As a result, the operating time of the gaming machine 17 can be accurately grasped, and can be utilized very effectively as sales data. For example, the popularity of the gaming machine 17 can be accurately known.
[0055]
The game-related signal includes a special symbol operation signal (variable display device operation signal) that is output during operation of the special symbol display device 90 (during operation of the variable display device: for example, during reach, big hit, during probability change). And the driving state of the rotary solenoid (RS) 142 that fires the game ball (game medium) (the operating state of the launching device that launches the game medium) or the touch switch (SW) 143 is on: the player touches In-game signals (emergence device operation signal) that are output based on the state of operation (operation state of the operation unit of the emission device), and any of these special signal operation signals or in-game signals By detecting the actual operation state by the centralized management device 11 based on the input of the actual operation time, the actual operation time including the stop time can be collected accurately. Therefore, for example, it is possible to collect data on stoppage such as how much sales have been reduced due to stoppage.
During the operation of the special symbol display device 90 (the operation of the variable display device), for example, in the so-called rights object (type 3 gaming machine), the right is being generated (for example, during the output of the in-right signal), the wings ( In the second type gaming machine) and the general electric role (other type gaming machine), the big hit (during jackpot signal output) is also included.
[0056]
F. Second embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is an example in which an actual operation time signal is generated and output by a gaming machine.
(A) Subroutine for external information processing
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of external information processing executed by the discharge / emission control circuit in the second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, a game-related signal (for example, a changing signal, a big hit signal, a probability change signal, etc.) is input from the accessory control circuit to the discharge / emission control circuit (this will be described later. The same applies to the third embodiment).
When the external information processing subroutine of the second embodiment is started, it is determined in step S50 whether or not a game is in progress. Whether or not a game is in progress is the same as in the first embodiment, during a launch operation (for example, the rotary solenoid (RS) 142 is being driven) or the touch switch (SW) 143 is on (the player is touching). Judge with. If it is in game, it will progress to step S54 and will output an actual operation time signal. On the other hand, if the game is not being played in step S50, the process branches to step S52 to determine whether or not the variable display device is being operated (the special symbol display device 90 is being operated: during symbol change, during big hit, during probability change, etc.). . Whether or not the variable display device is in operation is determined by, for example, a signal during fluctuation, a big hit signal, a probability variation signal (special figure, general figure), a normal time signal (a normal time signal is being controlled). ) Etc. are input to the discharge and emission control circuit, and for example, if the changing signal is active, the variable display device is in operation. In the case of the third type gaming machine, the right generation is included during the operation of the variable display device.
If the variable display device is in operation, the process proceeds to step S54 to create and output an actual operation time signal. If the variable display device is not operating, the process jumps to step S56.
[0057]
Here, the actual operation time signal is determined to be in the actual operation state if the variable display device or other accessory device is in operation even if the firing operation is stopped or the stop of the firing knob is touched off. This signal is generated by the discharge and emission control circuit (that is, generated by the gaming machine 17). As a result, the actual operation time signal is output from the external information terminal 110 to the external relay device 16, relayed by the relay device 16, and transmitted to the centralized management device 11 via the in-store network. After step S54, the process proceeds to step S56.
In step S56, input / output processing of other external information is performed. The contents of other input / output processing of external information are the same as in the first embodiment. After step S56, the current routine is terminated and the process returns to the main control process.
[0058]
Thus, in the second embodiment, the operating state of the special symbol display device 90 (the operating state of the variable display device) and the driving state of the rotary solenoid (RS) 142 that launches the game ball (game medium) in the gaming machine 17. (Operating state of the launching device that launches the game medium) or touch switch (SW) 143 is on: the actual operation state signal based on the state that the player is touching (the operating state of the operation unit of the launching device) Since the central management apparatus 11 counts the actual operation time based on the actual operation state signal, it is possible to reliably collect data relating to the actual operation time.
In this embodiment as well, a signal output during operation of an accessory device other than the variable display device (for example, an accessory device of type 3, type 2, or other type) is also in operation of the variable display device. As well as a signal for creating an actual operation state signal.
[0059]
G. Third embodiment
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The third embodiment is an example in which a stop signal is generated and output by a gaming machine.
(A) Subroutine for external information processing
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of external information processing executed by the discharge / emission control circuit in the third embodiment of the present invention. When the external information processing subroutine of the third embodiment is started, it is determined in step S60 whether or not a game is in progress. Whether or not the game is in progress is the same as in the first embodiment, during the launch operation (for example, the rotary solenoid (RS) 142 is being driven), or the touch switch (SW) 143 is on (the player is touching). Status). If a game is in progress, the process jumps to step S56. If the game is not in progress, the process proceeds to step S62 to determine whether or not the variable display device is in operation (for example, the symbol of the special symbol display device 90 is being variably displayed). Whether or not the variable display device is in operation is determined by inputting a changing signal, jackpot signal, probability changing signal (special figure, general figure), in-right signal, etc., from the accessory control circuit 31 to the discharge emission control circuit. If the medium signal is active, it is considered to be changing. If the variable display device is in operation, the process proceeds to step S64 to create and output a stop signal.
[0060]
Here, the stop signal is a signal that is generated by detecting a state in which the launching operation of the game ball is stopped during the operation of the variable display device or other accessory device. The stop signal is, for example, when the reach occurs in a special figure, intentionally interrupting the launch of the game ball and seeing the reach, or when the start winning memory becomes so-called full, the subsequent start This signal is used to determine that the launch of the game ball is temporarily interrupted in order to avoid invalidation of the winning, and is created by the discharge launch control circuit (that is, created by the gaming machine 17). As a result, a stop signal is output from the external information terminal 110 to the external relay device 16, relayed by the relay device 16, and transmitted to the centralized management device 11 via the in-store network. After step S64, the process proceeds to step S66.
It should be noted that the stop signal may be created in all cases when the predetermined game standby state as described in the first embodiment is established. In the above example (variable display device or other accessory device) Not only in a state in which the game ball firing operation is stopped during the operation), but also in other states as long as the player intentionally stops and waits for the game ball launch, for example, the probability is changing The player actually occupies the table, such as dropping the ball box at his feet, going to buy juice, etc., or stopping between rounds during the generation of rights of type 3 with a type 3 gaming machine. However, the stop signal may be generated when the driving is temporarily interrupted.
On the other hand, if the game is being played in step S60, or if it is not changing in step S62, the process jumps to step S66. In step S66, input / output processing of other external information is performed. The contents of other input / output processing of external information are the same as in the first embodiment. After step S66, the current routine is terminated and the process returns to the main control process.
[0061]
As described above, in the third embodiment, the special symbol display device 90 in the gaming machine 17 is based on the variable display device operating signal (for example, a special diagram changing signal) and the gaming signal (launching device operating signal). A stop hitting state (interruption state of the launching device) during operation is detected and a stop hit signal is generated and output. The central control device 11 is operating the special symbol display device 90 based on the input of the stop hit signal (variable). When the display device is in operation (for example, during reach, big hit, during probability change, etc.), the stop state (suspension state of the launcher) is detected, and the stop time (game stop time) is counted for data collection regarding the actual operation state Is included, for example, it is possible to collect data accurately for stoppage time for each gaming machine, and various types of stoppages such as how much sales have fallen due to stoppages. It is possible to perform over data collection.
[0062]
Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications as described below are possible.
(A) It can be applied to a pachislot machine.
(B) The present invention is not a pachinko gaming machine, for example, a video game machine Something like It can also be applied to. In other words, even a video game machine is a gaming machine that has a variable display device in a game area and can generate an operation condition of the variable display device based on launching a game medium into the game area. Can be applied.
(C) Further, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a variable display device in the game area, and can generate an operation condition of the variable display device based on launching a game medium into the game area. Needless to say, any type of gaming machine may be used. For example, it can be applied to other types of pachinko machines, arrange ball machines, sparrow ball machines, slot machines, and the like.
For example, the present invention can also be applied to a stop during a right generation or probability change of a third type gaming machine or a big hit during a second type gaming machine or another type of gaming machine.
[0063]
【The invention's effect】
According to the invention of claim 1, in the gaming machine For game-related signals Variable display device activation signal and launcher activation signal If the launching device operating signal is output from the gaming machine, it is determined that the actual operating state is present. Because it has an operating state determination means to determine the state, It is possible to accurately collect the actual operation time including the stop time. Therefore, since the stop time for each gaming machine is accurately collected, it is possible to collect various data related to the stop, such as how much sales have been reduced due to the stop.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a game hall facility to which a gaming machine management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the gaming machine.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a discharge and emission control circuit.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating types of signals output from gaming machines.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a main control process of the discharge and emission control circuit.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of external information processing of the discharge and emission control circuit.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of external information processing of the accessory control circuit.
FIG. 8 is a timing chart for explaining data collection related to the actual operating state of the gaming machine by the centralized management device.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific display example of the actual operating state of the gaming machine by the centralized management device.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of external information processing of the discharge / emission control circuit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an external information processing subroutine of the discharge and emission control circuit according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 amusement store
11 Centralized management device (management device)
12 island management equipment
16, 16a, 16b Relay device (calling device)
17, 17a, 17b gaming machine
18, 18a, 18b Card processing device
21 Control device
22 Data storage device
23 Terminal device
24 Interface circuit
31, 31a, 31b accessory control circuit
32, 32a, 32b discharge emission control circuit
33 Display control circuit
90 Special symbol display device (variable display device)

Claims (1)

A game board is provided with a variable display device, and is connected to a game machine capable of generating an operation condition of the variable display device based on launching a game medium into the game area of the game board, and is output from the game machine In a gaming machine management device capable of collecting game-related data based on game-related signals,
In the game related signal,
A variable display device operating signal output during operation of the variable display device;
An operating state of a launching device that launches a game medium, or a launching device operating signal that is output based on the operating state of the operation unit of the launching device,
When the launching device operating signal is output from the gaming machine, it is determined as an actual operating state, and even if the launching device operating signal is inactive, if the variable display device operating signal is output, the actual operating state A gaming machine management device comprising operating state determination means for determining

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