JP2003169956A - Game system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an electricity storing action caused by falling of game balls from a group of game machines by a simple constitution which is taken into consideration so as to grow accustomed to a ball circulation mechanism. <P>SOLUTION: As each of ball discharging parts 3040 in eight game machines 3000 in which balls are circulated is constituted in such a way that discharged balls fall down, a piezoelectric element 2100 receives game balls P made to fall to convert kinetic energy of the game balls to electric energy and the game balls P made to fall hitting the piezoelectric element 2100 are recovered in a bottom tank 2005. It is therefore possible to obtain the electricity storing action caused by falling of the game balls from the game machines 3000,..., 3000 by the simple constitution which is taken into consideration so as to grow accustomed to the ball circulation mechanism. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention comprises a predetermined number of gaming machines, collects gaming balls discharged from a ball discharging portion of each gaming machine in a lower tank, and returns the balls to an upper tank by a conveying means. The present invention relates to a technique for providing an electric energy generating action in a game system in which balls are circulated so as to be re-supplied to a game machine tank of each game machine via a passage.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art According to Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-323420, a game ball is guided along a slope provided from the board surface to the back surface of a pachinko machine, and the guided game ball is dropped and applied to a piezoelectric element. A pachinko machine that accurately detects the passage of a pachinko ball has been proposed. Then, in this pachinko machine, if the voltage generated by the piezoelectric element is stored as electric energy, a pachinko machine having a power storage function can be realized.

However, in order to apply a falling pachinko ball to the piezoelectric element to obtain electric energy, the structure in each gaming machine is complicated as much,
There has been a demand for obtaining electric energy with a simpler configuration. Moreover, there are a large number of game machines actually arranged in the game arcade, and it is necessary to provide a game system in which an effective power storage effect can be obtained with a simple configuration even in consideration of the ball circulation path of these game machines.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a game system in which a power storage effect can be obtained by dropping a game ball from a game machine group with a simple structure that allows the player to adapt to a ball circulation mechanism.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a predetermined number of gaming machines, and collects gaming balls discharged from a ball discharging section of each gaming machine in a lower tank, In the gaming system in which the balls are circulated so as to be re-supplied to the upper tanks by the conveying means through the ball passages to the gaming machine tanks of the respective gaming machines, the ball discharging portion of each of the gaming machines drops the discharging balls. It is configured to include an energy converting means for receiving the dropped game ball and converting the kinetic energy of the game ball into electric energy, and the received fall game ball is collected in the lower tank. I made it a feature.

In the present invention, since each ball discharging portion in a predetermined number of game machines in which the balls are circulated is configured to drop the discharged balls, the energy converting means receives the dropped game balls. The kinetic energy of the game ball is converted into electric energy, and the falling game ball received is collected in the lower tank. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the electricity storage effect by dropping the game ball from the game machine group with a simple configuration that takes into consideration the familiarity with the ball circulation mechanism.

The energy conversion may be made of a piezoelectric element. Then, the piezoelectric element is formed in a shape that sends a falling game ball from the ball discharge portion of each of the gaming machines to the lower tank. More specifically,
The piezoelectric element is configured to have an inclined surface that is entirely inclined in order to send a falling game ball from the ball discharge portion of each gaming machine to the lower tank. Further, the piezoelectric element may have a configuration in which one or more step portions are formed on the inclined surface that is inclined as a whole.

Then, storage means for storing the electric energy obtained by the piezoelectric element and the amount of electric energy stored by the storage means are detected, and information indicating the detected stored electric energy amount is provided to the game of each of the gaming machines. A configuration is further provided which further includes a detection unit that outputs the information to a gaming machine management device that manages the information.

Further, the gaming machine management device further comprises a judging means for judging whether or not a game abnormality has occurred based on the information output from the detecting means and the game information of each gaming machine managed by itself. It can be configured as provided.

The determining means calculates the total number for all gaming machines of the difference obtained by subtracting the safe balls, which are the number of prize balls paid out, from the number of out-balls, which is the number of hits in each gaming machine. Searching means for searching a normal electric energy storage amount range set according to the total number, and the stored amount of electric energy indicated by the information output from the detection means is the searched normal electric energy storage amount. If it does not fall within the range, it can be configured to include an abnormality determination means for determining that a game abnormality has occurred.

It should be noted that such an operation program can be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the computer can read and execute the operation program recorded in the recording medium. As such a recording medium, a ROM, a semiconductor recording medium such as a semiconductor IC, a DV
Examples thereof include optical recording media such as DROM and CDROM, magnetic recording media such as flexible disks, and magneto-optical recording media such as MO. Further, the operation program may be downloaded from the information processing device to the gaming machine management device or the gaming machine side via the communication network.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the general configuration and operation of the gaming machine 3000 managed by the gaming machine management apparatus 1000 will be described, and then the main operation of the present invention will be described to facilitate understanding of the present invention.

(Game Machine 3000 Side) FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of the game board 10. At the center of the game board 10, 3
There is one (left, middle, right) display area, and in each display area, there is provided a special symbol display device 100 that can independently and variably display identification information composed of symbols by numbers and characters. That is, the special symbol starting port 104 is arranged directly below the special symbol starting port 10
On both sides of 4, the normal symbol operation gates 102, 102 are arranged. Further, a pair of opening / closing members 120, 120 are provided so as to be opened / closed apart so as to form the special symbol starting port 104.

Further, below the special symbol starting opening 104, a special winning opening 106, a normal symbol display device 108, an out opening 114 are arranged in this order, and further, both diagonally above the special symbol starting opening 104. The lamp display device 110,
110 is provided, and a lamp display device (more specifically, an LED device) near both side ends of the game board 10.
112, 112 are provided.

Then, a game ball is won in the special symbol starting port 104 and a random number is selected, and when the random number is a big hit value, at least one identification information variable display is started in each display area. After that, a predetermined display pattern (eg "7, 7, 7") is displayed on the winning effective line.
Is displayed by the special symbol display device 100, and the special winning opening 106 is controlled to be opened and closed in a predetermined pattern to be in a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player.

Further, when the normal symbol operation gate 102 detects the passage of the game ball, a random number lottery is carried out, and when this random number is a small hit value, the ordinary symbol display device 108.
The display part of is displayed in a predetermined pattern (for example, "7" or "3"), and after that, when the opening / closing member 120 is in the open state and the game ball wins the special symbol starting opening 104, the random number is similarly generated. When the lottery is performed and the random number selected is a big hit value, the variable display in each display area is started, and then a predetermined display pattern (for example, "7, 7, 7") is displayed on the winning effective line as a special symbol. It is performed by the display device 100, and the special winning opening 106 is controlled to be opened and closed in a predetermined pattern, so that a big hit state advantageous to the player is achieved. on the other hand,
The hit balls that are not won are discharged through the out port 114.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram showing only the main part of the gaming machine which controls the gaming machine according to the progress of the game. Main control unit 200 that controls game operation control
Is equipped with a microprocessor with a built-in CPU, and a command data table area 20 for storing various control commands including at least various commands for controlling the special symbol display device 100, which will be described later.
RO that stores a game control program such as a control program and control data that describes 2 and a series of game machine control procedures
An M201 and a RAM 203 in which a work area is formed are provided to form an integrated one-chip microcomputer. A game operation is performed by the main control unit 200 repeatedly executing this game control program at a predetermined cycle.

Through the input port 210 in the main control unit 200, the special symbol starting switch 304, which is provided inside the special symbol starting port 104 for detecting the winning of the special symbol starting port 104 of the game ball, the normal symbol operating gate 102 Connected to the normal symbol operation switch 306 provided inside the game ball to detect the passage of the game ball, and the big winning opening switch 308 provided inside the big winning opening 106 to detect the winning of the game ball into the big winning opening 106 The main control unit 200 can receive each detection signal.

Further, the main controller 200 has an output port 2
Through 15, a special symbol display device 100 having three display units for displaying special symbols and characters, each of which can be independently and variably displayed, and is realized by an LCD or the like, a lamp display device 110 for controlling lighting of a lamp. , 112, a sound effect generator 116 for generating a sound effect, for example, a normal symbol display device 108 realized by a 7-segment display device, a starting opening actuating solenoid 300 for controlling opening / closing of the opening / closing member 120 of the starting opening, and a large A special winning opening operating solenoid 302 for controlling opening / closing of a wide opening / closing member of the winning opening 106 is connected, and the main control unit 200 can transmit a control signal for controlling each device.

Then, the main control unit 200 can transmit a predetermined number of display control commands to the special symbol display device 100 at a predetermined timing, and the special symbol display device 100 receives the command. Based on the command, the CPU in itself performs fine display control without depending on the main control unit 200. Furthermore, a communication mode is adopted by one-way communication in which only a command is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the special symbol display device 100.

Then, a special symbol display device 100 for performing a symbol display effect according to the winning of the game ball to the special symbol starting port 104, a sound effect generating device 116 for performing a sound output effect by generating a sound effect together with the symbol display effect, A lamp display device 110 (112) that performs lighting control of a lighting unit (not shown) together with this symbol display performance to perform lighting control forms a peripheral device group for performance.

Further, a power supply circuit 212 for supplying power and a reset circuit 213 for outputting a reset signal at predetermined time intervals are connected to the main control section 200, and the reset circuit 213 is further provided with a main circuit. The pulse signal generated by the periodic timer counter is input from the control unit 200, and the monitor signal for monitoring the current supply state from the power supply circuit 212 is input.

Now, as shown in FIG. 12, the main controller 20
The command for display control sent from 0 to the special symbol display device 100 is an identifier for identifying the classification of the command and is a 1-byte length digital information mode (MODE)
And an event (EVENT), which is 1-byte length digital information indicating the content (function) of the command to be executed, and FIGS. 6 to 9 show the ROM on the main control unit 200 side.
Command data table area 202 stored in 201
Program ROM 104 of the upper and special symbol display device 100
A part of the display control command data stored in 0 is shown.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the command for display control includes "a command (first command) for changing a special symbol and designating a variation pattern", "a special symbol left Command to specify the stop symbol (second command) "," Command to specify the stop symbol in the special symbol (second command) "," Command to specify the stop symbol on the right of the special symbol (second command) " , "Command for stopping special symbols (third command)". It should be noted that the first command is a command including information for designating a variation pattern such as in which pattern the pattern is variably displayed, in which pattern the character is displayed and rendered. Main control unit 2
00 sends these five commands to the special symbol display device 100 at a predetermined timing in one variable display control when the game situation is such that the symbol variable display is started.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the special symbol display device 100. The special symbol display device 100 has a main controller 2
Data reception circuit 1140 (including a voltage conversion circuit for converting the data level) for receiving a strobe signal or command from 00, a power supply circuit 1160 for supplying power to this voltage conversion circuit and the like, and a received command based on the received command. CPU 10 that generates control data necessary for display control by using the image processing LSI (VDP) 1060 and outputs the control data.
20 (display control means) and a program ROM 104 containing a program describing the operation procedure of the CPU 1020.
0 and R that functions as a work area or buffer memory
AM1090 and image processing LSI for performing image expansion processing
(VDP) 1060 and image processing LSI (VDP) 1
A video RAM 1080 for temporarily storing the image data expanded by 060, and an image processing LSI (VDP) 106.
A character ROM 1180 storing data necessary for 0 to develop an image, an LCD panel interface circuit 1100 for receiving and transmitting the image data temporarily stored in the video RAM 1080, and a transmission from this LCD panel interface circuit 1100. LCD panel 11 for outputting a display image using the generated image data
20 and 20.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the character RO
M1180 is a ROM title area, a ROM management information area, a character image data area in which actual character data is stored, a palette data area in which character color data is stored, and a scenario data area in which information defining character movement is stored. And the character data is stored in the character image data area in a state of being compressed by a specific compression method. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4B, the palette data area is
Plural types of pairs of color numbers and color codes are stored.

The CPU of the special symbol display device 100
Reference numeral 1020 denotes control data generated in response to a command received by the data receiving circuit 1140, which is an image processing LSI (V
DP) 1060, the image processing LSI (VD
P) 1060 is a video RAM 108 designated by the information acquired from the scenario data area by decompressing the character data acquired from the character image data area and coloring it with the color data acquired from the palette data area.
By temporarily storing the image-developed data at the position 0, and sending the temporarily stored data to the LCD panel interface circuit 1100, the LCD panel 11
Various image displays including a variable display speed change and the like are finely performed by 20.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing command transmission / reception timing. As mentioned above, the command is 1 byte long mode (MODE) and 1
In this example, the main control unit 200 sends the mode (MODE) information in response to the first rise of the strobe signal (DUSTB) generated by itself when the command changes. Then, the event (EVENT) information is transmitted in response to the second rise of the strobe signal (DUSTB). Then, correspondingly, the CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device generates an interrupt when the strobe signal (DUSTB) is transmitted, receives the command by this interrupt processing, and stores it in the RAM 1090.

Next, the normal control operation performed by the CPU 1020 of the main control unit 200 and the special symbol display device 100 is shown in FIG. 10 (general flowchart of game control) and FIG.
Will be described with reference to. The series of processing shown in FIG. 10 is performed by the main control unit 200 executing a game control program (not shown) stored in the ROM 201. More specifically, the reset signal supplied from the reset circuit 213 every predetermined time (for example, 4 msec) is used as a trigger to execute from the first step, and this series of processes is repeatedly executed.

First, when the power supply circuit 212 is activated by a power switch (not shown), the main control unit 200 is activated, and it is determined whether or not the first process has been executed since the power was turned on ( Step S11
0). In case of the first processing after turning on the power (Yes)
On the other hand, the process proceeds to step S200, while in other cases (No), the process proceeds to step S120.

In step S200, a storage area clearing process is executed as an initialization process for the RAM 203, and then, in step S210, data for performing the initial control process is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 203. On the other hand, in step S120, the count values of various random number generation loop counters (not shown) for the big hit determination, the small hit determination, etc. formed in the RAM 203 are incremented, and in step S130, various kinds of game machine control used. Update the timer value of the timer. Therefore, when the power is initially turned on, initialization such as RAM clearing and initial data set processing is performed to stack a predetermined stack value in the stack area of the main control unit 200, and various random number updates are performed even when the power is not initially turned on. And the like, and a second predetermined stack value corresponding to this is stacked in the stack area of the main control unit 200.

Next, in step S140, a special symbol starting switch 304, a normal symbol operating switch 306,
Input port processing of reading and storing the detection signal output from the special winning opening switch 308 into a register in the unit (not shown) via the input port 210, and then the process proceeds to step S150 to read and store data in the port input processing. Switch check processing for grasping

Next, in step S160, each switch 3
04, 306, 308, etc. are checked for disconnection or short circuit, and if these faults occur (Yes
s) While proceeding to step S220, otherwise (No) proceeding to step S180 (step S
170).

Then, in step S180, the data necessary for the display control of the normal symbol display device 108 is stored in the RAM.
A command necessary for display control of the special symbol display device 100 is stored in a predetermined area 203 (see FIGS. 6 to 9).
Are stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 203, and the timer values of the various timers are decremented (step S190). In step S180, the main control unit 200 determines the mode and event command necessary for the game control by referring to the command data table area 202, and the digital information indicating the determined mode and event is stored in the RAM 203 in a predetermined manner. Store in area.

Next, in step S195, in order to control the opening / closing of the special winning opening 106 and the opening / closing member 120 of the special symbol starting opening 104 in a predetermined pattern, the starting opening operating solenoid 300 and the special winning opening operating solenoid 302 are driven. Then, in step S220, a prize ball setting process for outputting control information for causing a prize ball payout device (not shown) to perform a payout operation is executed, and in steps S230, 240, 250, a game (not shown) is executed. External light information processing for outputting various game data to the machine management device, indicator light control processing for storing a command for controlling lighting of the lamp display devices 110, 112 in a predetermined area of the RAM 203, effect sound generation Device 11
6 executes a sound effect process of storing a command for controlling sound effect generation in a predetermined area of the RAM 203 in correspondence with the game state.

Next, in step S260, R
The data stored in the AM 203 is output to the corresponding device via the output port 215 (port output processing), and the device side receiving this outputs the control operation based on this. Then, first, a strobe signal is output to the special symbol display device 100, and the mode and event data stored in the RAM 203 in step S180 is transmitted as shown in FIG. As a result, the commands shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, for example, are transmitted to and received from the main control unit 200 in the special symbol display device 100.

In step S270, the reset circuit 21
The reset standby process is executed until the reset signal is input from 3, and when the reset signal is input, the process proceeds to step S110 to continue the gaming machine control. It should be noted that, as the reset standby processing, updating of a counter for generating various random numbers described above and the like can be mentioned.

Next, the operation of the CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device 100 which receives the command will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S1100, the CPU 1020 sets its own stack pointer,
Initialization of the RAM 1090, initialization of itself such as register clear, etc. are performed, and it is determined in step S1102 whether a new command has been input. When it is determined that a new display control command has been input (Y
es) While proceeding to step S1104, otherwise (No) proceeding to step S1110.

In step S1104, the data receiving circuit 1140 is used in the interrupt processing described with reference to FIG.
The command received by is copied to the RAM 1090, and whether the command is normal or not is checked. Next, CPU1
020 determines the start address of a processing table (not shown) so as to obtain a necessary command for performing fine display control independently of the main control unit 200, and then in step S1108, the image processing LSI 1060. The data in the necessary area of the RAM 1090 is updated in order to output to.

Next, in step S1110, RA
Based on the symbol control data set in M1090, scroll data to be output to the image processing LSI 1060 is obtained and set in the RAM 1090, the symbol display position is set, and then in step S1112, the symbol speed control is performed. Program ROM for necessary data
It is acquired from the speed table (not shown) built into the 1040 and set in the RAM 1090, and then step S
At 1114, the symbol offset value is updated based on the velocity data, and preparations are made to perform the symbol variation at the set velocity.

Next, in step S1116, RA
The animation data is acquired from the animation processing table (not shown) in which the animation processing data set in M1090 is stored, and the background image is prepared for display.
Set to P output buffer and output enable flag is "1"
It is determined whether or not (step S1118).

If the output permission flag is not "1" (No), the process returns to step S1102 to repeat the series of processes, while the output permission flag is "1" (Yes).
In step S1120, the data set in the VDP output buffer is sent to the image processing LSI 106.
Output to 0. In response to this, the image processing LSI 1060 acquires the data in the character ROM 1180 and develops the image, and the image-developed data is temporarily stored in the video RAM 1080 and then sent to the LCD panel interface circuit 1100 and the LCD panel 1120. The image is displayed by. In this way, at the set display position in the special symbol display device 100, the symbol variation display and the background image display at the set speed are performed.

13 and 14 show the main controller 200, respectively.
It is an example of the transmission timing of the command transmitted from to the special symbol display device 100, and an explanatory diagram of the transmission command. As can be seen by referring to these figures, the main controller 2
00, when a predetermined condition such as a game ball winning in the special symbol starting port 104 is satisfied, first, "a command for starting symbol variation and designating a variation pattern are transmitted (), and from this time T1 time After the lapse of time, the command for designating the left stop design is transmitted (), and after that, the command for designating the middle stop design is transmitted after the lapse of T2 time (), and the right stop design is designated after the lapse of T3 time. A command is transmitted (), and a command () for stopping all the symbols is transmitted after a lapse of T time from the start of fluctuation.

On the other hand, the CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device 100 which has received the first command () carries out a series of variable display control by performing a fine display control such as a changing speed change, and a third command (). After the variable display control is terminated by receiving the reception, the second command (,,
,) To display the special symbol lottery result by performing a stop display with the stop symbol specified by. In this way, the CPU 1020
Is configured to display a desired image on the display screen of the LCD panel 1120 by driving and controlling the VDP 1060.

(Main Part of the Present Invention) (Structure) FIG. 15 is a structural diagram of the gaming machine management apparatus 1000 side in the gaming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In this gaming system 1, a plurality of gaming machines 3000, ..., 3000 as described above, and the gaming machine management device 100.
0 and 0 are connected to each other by a communication cable 4000 so that necessary information can be communicated with each other. It should be noted that the gaming machines 3000, ..., 3000 are gaming machine groups forming a certain gaming machine island 2. Further, although not shown, in the game arcade, in addition to the game machine island 2, many game machine islands are formed.

Each of the gaming machines 3000, ..., 3000 has an out signal indicating that the number of pachinko balls (the number of hits) driven into the gaming machine has been counted, and a pachinko ball is placed in the winning portion such as the special symbol starting port 104. Various game data such as a safe signal indicating that the number of prize balls paid out and the number of prize balls paid out is 10 and a jackpot occurrence signal indicating that a jackpot has occurred are managed through a communication cable 4000. Device 10
00 is automatically transmitted, and the main control unit 200 described above is configured to have that function.

(Gaming Machine 3000) FIG. 17 shows a gaming machine 300.
2 is a schematic explanatory view of the back surface of No. 0, and the control board 3020 arranged in the substantially central portion on the back surface side is equipped with components and the like that configure the control system shown in FIG. Further, the game ball guided by the guide member 2310 through the ball passage 2030 described later is supplied to the gaming machine tank 3010 (see reference numeral X). The game balls accumulated in the gaming machine tank 3010 are supplied to the prize ball payout mechanism 3030. The prize ball payout mechanism 3030 pays out the game balls with the set number of prize balls in response to the winning of the game balls in the winning portion such as the special symbol starting port 104. Then, the game balls paid out of the prize balls are accumulated in the upper plate on the front side of the gaming machine 3000 (not shown).

Further, the game balls which are not won in any of the prize winning parts are discharged as discharge balls from the outlet 114 of FIG. 1, and the discharge balls P are discharged from the ball discharging part 3040 provided slightly below the center of the rear surface of the gaming machine 3000. Are ejected so as to fall (see symbol Y).

(Game Machine Island 2) As shown in FIG. 18, eight game machines 3000 are arranged in a straight line in this example so as to form the game machine island 2. In addition, each gaming machine 30
A game information display device 5000 for displaying the game information of the corresponding gaming machine 3000 is provided above 00. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the game balls from the ball discharging unit 3040 of each gaming machine 3000 are configured to be dropped onto the piezoelectric element 2100 mounted on the stage 2015. However, in order to facilitate understanding, the gaming machines 3000 are not shown in FIG. When pressure is applied to the piezoelectric element 2100, the piezoelectric element 2100 performs an electromotive action to generate a voltage having a magnitude corresponding to the applied pressure. The piezoelectric element 2100 is realized by, for example, ceramics, niobium sanlithium, or the like, but other piezoelectric elements may be adopted.

Since the upper surface of the piezoelectric element 2100 has an inclined surface which is inclined downward to the left as a whole, the game ball P dropped from the ball discharging portion 3040 is dropped (reference numeral Z) and the piezoelectric element 2100 is provided. After hitting the lower tank 2
It will be collected by 005. Then, the piezoelectric element 2100 generates a voltage in response to the hitting of the falling game ball P, and this voltage signal is stored as electric energy in the power storage unit 2110 via the electric wires 2101a and 2101b. Thus, the piezoelectric element 2100 converts the kinetic energy of the falling game ball into electric energy, and the converted electric energy is stored in the power storage unit 2110. And the storage amount detection unit 2
115 is configured to output information indicating the electric energy accumulated in the power storage unit 2110 to the gaming machine management device 1000 side as the storage amount detection information.

The game balls accumulated in the lower tank 2005 are guided to the upper tank 2020 while being polished by the screw conveyor 2010. Upper tank 202
The game balls that are guided to 0 and stored are guided to the ball passage 2030 that inclines in the lower right direction, and each game machine 300
Gaming balls are supplied to the gaming machine tank 3010 via a guide member 2310 provided at a position corresponding to the gaming machine tank 3010. Thus, Figure 1
The ball circulation of the game ball is performed as shown by the dotted line of the symbol A of 9 to ensure the game operation in the game machine island 2. In addition,
The total number of circulating balls in the gaming machine island 2 is constant.

(Game Machine Management Device 1000) The game machine management device 1000 has an I / O port 1101 for receiving game data transmitted from each of the game machines 3000, ... 3000 via the communication cable 4000, CPU12
00, a storage device 1700 that forms a game machine management program storage unit 1720 capable of storing a game machine management program 1790 describing the processing procedure of the CPU 1200, and also stores a table and the like described later in a nonvolatile manner, a storage device 1700, and the like. A RAM 1300 for storing the data read from the RAM and a calculation result required in the calculation process performed by the CPU 1200, and an input device 1500 for inputting necessary commands and selection data.

Further, the gaming machine management apparatus 1000 reads the gaming machine management program 1790 recorded in the CDROM 2000 as a recording medium and stores the gaming machine management program 1790 in the gaming machine management program storage unit 1720 according to the instruction of the CPU 1200. A CDROM drive 1600, a display device 1800 for displaying and outputting the elapsed time of the operating state of each gaming machine and the like, and a CPU 1
A printer 19 capable of printing the processing result and the like executed by the 200.
00 and an I / F (interface) 1950 for receiving the storage amount detection information output from the storage amount detection unit 2115 described above, and the respective constituent elements are capable of exchanging necessary information with each other via the bus 1400. It is connected. CPU
The 1200 is configured to be able to receive and detect the storage amount detection information obtained via the I / F 1950.

The input device 1500 can be realized by an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and the display device 18
00 can be realized by a display device such as a CRT, a liquid crystal display device, an EL display device, etc., and the storage device 1700 can be realized by a storage device such as a hard disk. It can be constructed with a single computer system such as a station.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a table 1731 stored in the table area 1730 of the gaming machine management apparatus 1000. This table 1731 stores the machine number and the game data in association with each other. In the example shown in FIG. 16, an out ball as game data (1 when counting out signals 10 times)
Stored), a safe ball (1 is added when the safe signal is counted 10 times), and the number of big hits (the number of big hit occurrences is added by 1). In addition, each gaming machine 300
The main controller 200 of 0 is configured so that the unit number and these game data are transmitted as a pair, and the CPU
1200 receives this information, and the table 1731
The content of the table 1731 is updated and managed by storing the required game data in the corresponding area.

When the CDROM 2000 is inserted into an insertion portion (not shown) of the CDROM drive 1600, the CD
The gaming machine management program 1790 stored in the ROM 2000 is read by the CDROM drive 1600,
This is stored in the gaming machine management program storage unit 1720, and thereafter, the CPU 1200 executes this gaming machine management program to execute a series of operations on the gaming machine management apparatus 1000 side.

(Operation) Ball discharging section 30 of each gaming machine 3000
When the game ball P dropped from 40 hits the piezoelectric element 2100, the piezoelectric element 2100 generates a voltage signal to perform an electromotive action. This voltage signal is stored as electric energy in power storage unit 2110 via electric wires 2101a and 2101b. Then, the storage amount detection unit 2115 detects the stored amount of electric energy, and outputs storage amount detection information indicating the detected amount of electric energy to the gaming machine management device 1000.

Then, the game ball P that has dropped and hit the piezoelectric element 2100 is sent to the lower tank 2005 along the inclined surface of the piezoelectric element 2100 and collected in the lower tank 2005. The collected game balls are screw conveyor 201.
Since it is lifted up to the upper tank 2020 by 0 and rolls downward through the ball passage 2030, each guide member 2
Balls are supplied to the corresponding gaming machine tank 3010 via 310 to perform ball circulation. Various methods of using the electric energy stored in the power storage unit 2110 are conceivable, and examples thereof include use as an auxiliary power source for driving the screw conveyor 2010 and power supply to each gaming machine 3000. However, it is not necessarily limited to the one used in the game hall.

FIG. 20 is a schematic explanatory view of another example of the shape of the piezoelectric element 2100, and particularly the side surface thereof is schematically illustrated. In the piezoelectric element 2100 of this example, steps 2120a and 2120b that are steps are provided on the upper inclined surface.
Therefore, when the game ball P is guided along the inclined surface from the upstream side (right side in the drawing) of the steps 2120a and 2120b, the piezoelectric element 2100 performs an electromotive action by falling at the step of the steps 2120a and 2120b. So
It is possible to obtain a larger amount of electric energy than simply providing an inclined surface. Note that one such step may be provided, or a plurality of such steps may be provided.

Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, each ball discharging unit 3040 in a predetermined number of the game machines 3000 that are circulated in the ball is configured to drop the discharged ball, and the piezoelectric element 2100 is dropped in the game ball. Receiving P and playing ball P
The kinetic energy of is converted into electric energy, and the falling game balls received are collected in the lower tank 2005. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the electricity storage effect by dropping the game balls from the game machine groups 3000, ..., 3000 with a simple configuration that takes into consideration the ball circulation mechanism.

The piezoelectric element 2100 is used for each gaming machine 30.
00 is formed in a shape to send the falling game ball P from the ball discharge portion 3040 to the lower tank 2005. Specifically, since it is configured to have an inclined surface that is entirely inclined to send the falling game balls P from the ball discharge unit 3040 of each gaming machine 3000 to the lower tank 2005, the ball circulation is ensured. However, it is possible to obtain a power storage function. Further, one or a plurality of step portions 2120a and 2120b are formed on the inclined surface of the piezoelectric element 2100, which is inclined as a whole, so that a larger amount of electric energy can be obtained.

Then, the storage amount detecting unit 2115 detects the amount of electric energy accumulated in the accumulating unit 2110 for accumulating the electric energy obtained by the piezoelectric element 2100, and provides information indicating the detected accumulated electric energy amount to each gaming machine. Since the game data of 3000 is output to the gaming machine management apparatus 1000 that manages it, the gaming machine management apparatus 1000 side can grasp the accumulated electric energy amount that changes from time to time.

(Other Embodiments) FIG. 22 shows a table 1 stored in a table area 1730 used in another embodiment.
FIG. In this table 1732, the number of balls S, which is the result of subtracting the total number of safe balls from the total number of out balls of the eight gaming machines 3000 constituting the gaming machine island 2, and the normal electric energy storage amount range Q are registered in association with each other. is doing. As a result of obtaining S by the CPU 1200, for example, “0 <
When S ≦ a ”is satisfied, the normal electric energy storage amount range Q is searched as“ 0 <Q ≦ Q1 ”. Note that S is the sum of the subtraction results obtained by subtracting the number of safe balls from the number of out balls for all eight gaming machines. Therefore, the falling game from each ball discharging unit 3040 in the gaming machine island 1 It is an index showing the number of balls.

First, in step S2100 of FIG. 21, the CPU 1200 searches the table 1731 for out-ball information corresponding to the machine numbers “1” to “8 (not shown)” of the gaming machines forming the gaming machine island 2. The total number of out-balls is calculated by adding all of these and multiplying by 10. Similarly, in the table 1731, the safe sphere information corresponding to the machine numbers “1” to “8 (not shown)” of the gaming machines that compose the gaming machine island 2 is found, all of which are added, and multiplied by 10. Calculate the total number of safe balls. Then, S is obtained by subtracting the total number of safe balls from the total number of out balls.

Next, in step S2110, the normal electric energy storage amount range corresponding to this S is searched with reference to the registered contents of the table 1732. For example, the calculated S
When “0 <S ≦ a” is satisfied, the normal electric energy storage amount range is searched as “0 <Q ≦ Q1”.

Then, in step S2120, C
The PU 1200 determines whether or not the actual amount of stored electrical energy indicated by the stored amount detection information from the stored amount detection unit 2115 is within this normal electrical energy storage amount range, and determines that it is within this normal electrical energy storage amount range. If you do (Ye
If it is determined that the normal electric energy storage amount range is not reached (No), the process is terminated in step S).
At 2130, a message indicating that an abnormal situation has occurred is displayed on the display device 1800, assuming that a game abnormality of the gaming machine 3000 has occurred. This game abnormality can occur when the gaming machine 3000 is malfunctioning or when some kind of fraud is performed.

Therefore, according to this other embodiment, C
The PU 1200 can determine whether or not a game abnormality has occurred based on the information output from the power storage amount detection unit 2115 and the game data of each gaming machine 3000 managed by itself. More specifically, the difference obtained by subtracting the safe ball, which is the number of prize balls paid out, from the number of out balls, which is the number of hits in each gaming machine 3000, is calculated, and is set according to this total number. The normal electric energy storage amount range that is being searched is searched, and if the electric energy storage amount indicated by the information is not within the searched normal electric energy storage amount range, it is determined that a game abnormality has occurred. The abnormality can be detected by the amount of accumulated electric energy.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above operations can be realized by the CPU 1200 executing the gaming machine management program. In the above description, the case where the gaming machine group forms a gaming machine island has been described as an example, but the gaming machine group is not limited to this and may be a plurality of gaming machine groups.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications and changes can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Note that FIG.
In FIG. 9, the inclination of the piezoelectric element 2100 is emphasized, but in actuality, the falling game ball may be sent to the lower tank 2005 even if the inclination is slight.

As described above, according to the present invention,
The effect that the electricity storage effect can be obtained by dropping the game ball from the game machine group can be obtained with a simple configuration that takes into consideration the familiarity with the ball circulation mechanism.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of a game board 10.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram of a special symbol display device 100.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a character ROM memory map and palette data.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the timing of command transmission / reception.

6 is an explanatory diagram of commands stored in a command data table area 202. FIG.

7 is an explanatory diagram of commands stored in a command data table area 202. FIG.

8 is an explanatory diagram of commands stored in a command data table area 202. FIG.

9 is an explanatory diagram of commands stored in a command data table area 202. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a general flowchart for explaining a game control operation of the gaming machine.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation of CPU 1020.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a data structure of a command.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing command transmission timing for displaying symbols.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining command transmission.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of the game system 1.

16 is an explanatory diagram of a table 1731. FIG.

FIG. 17 is a schematic explanatory view of the back surface of the gaming machine 3000.

FIG. 18 is a schematic explanatory view of the front of the gaming machine island 1.

FIG. 19 is a schematic explanatory view of a ball circulation mechanism.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of another example of the piezoelectric element 2100.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the gaming machine management device 1000.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a table 1732.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 game board 104 Special symbol starting port 106 Grand Prize Winner 114 Out Mouth 200 Main control unit 201 ROM 202 Command data table area 203 RAM 210 input ports 213 Reset circuit 212 power supply circuit 1000 game machine management device 1101 I / O port 1200 CPU 1300 RAM 1400 bus 1500 input device 1600 CD ROM drive 1700 storage device 1720 Amusement machine management program storage section 1730 table area 1800 display 1900 printer 2000 CDROM 3000 gaming machines

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A game machine provided with a predetermined number of game machines, collecting game balls discharged from a ball discharge section of each game machine in a lower tank, and returning the game balls to an upper tank by a conveying means through each ball passage. In a game system in which the balls are circulated so as to be re-supplied to the game machine tank of the machine, the ball discharge portion of each of the game machines is configured to drop the discharge ball, and receives the dropped game ball to move the game ball. A game system comprising energy conversion means for converting energy into electric energy, and the received falling game balls are configured to be collected in the lower tank. 2. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the energy conversion is a piezoelectric element. 3. The game system according to claim 2, wherein the piezoelectric element is formed in a shape that sends a falling game ball from a ball discharge portion of each of the gaming machines to the lower tank. And a gaming system. 4. The gaming system according to claim 3, wherein the piezoelectric element has an inclined surface that is entirely inclined to send a falling game ball from a ball discharge portion of each of the gaming machines to the lower tank. A gaming system characterized by the following. 5. The game system according to claim 4, wherein the piezoelectric element has one or a plurality of step portions formed on the inclined surface that is inclined as a whole. 6. The game system according to any one of claims 2, 3, 4 and 5, wherein a storage unit for storing electric energy obtained by the piezoelectric element and the storage unit store the electric energy. A game system further comprising: a detection unit that detects the amount of electric energy and outputs information indicating the detected amount of accumulated electric energy to a gaming machine management device that manages the game information of each gaming machine. 7. The gaming system according to claim 6, wherein the gaming machine management device has a gaming abnormality based on the information output from the detecting means and the gaming information of each gaming machine managed by itself. A game system further comprising a determination means for determining whether or not. 8. The game system according to claim 7, wherein the determination means has all the differences obtained by subtracting the safe ball, which is the number of prize balls paid out, from the number of out balls, which is the number of hit balls in each gaming machine. A calculating means for obtaining the total number of machines, and a searching means for searching a normal electric energy storage amount range set according to the total number,
An abnormality determining means for determining that a game abnormality has occurred when the accumulated amount of electric energy indicated by the information output from the detecting means is not within the searched normal electric energy accumulated amount range; A gaming system characterized by the following.