JP2006043206A - Calling device for game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a calling device for the game machines which prevents the delay in the work of solving the troubles. <P>SOLUTION: A calling button 15 which is operated when a player calls the staffs in the game parlor and display lamps 13 lit in four colors, yellow, red, blue and green are arranged on the front of a calling button unit 1. The prize ball insufficiency signal showing the failed putting out of the prize balls is inputted into the calling button unit 1 from the pachinko game machine 5 while the ball dispenser error signal showing the occurence of the error in the ball dispenser 7 is inputted into it from the ball dispenser 7. When the calling button 15 is depressed l while the prize ball insufficiency signal is inputted, the display lamp 13 is lit in red. When the calling button 15 is depressed while the ball dispenser error signal is inputted, the display lamp 13 is lit in green. In other words, this enables the staffs to learn the details of the troubles in the pachinko machines 5 by visually recognizing the colors in the lighting of the display lamps 13 without checking up with the players. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine calling device for a player to call a store clerk in a gaming store.

  Conventionally, on gaming machine islands where a plurality of gaming machines (for example, pachinko machines) are installed, usually a clerk in a gaming store is called above the gaming machine, and information such as the number of jackpots and the number of starts is displayed. A call button unit is installed for each gaming machine.

  This call button unit is generally composed of a call button that is operated for a player to call a store clerk, a call lamp that is turned on when the call button is operated, and the like. That is, when a trouble such as “no prize ball comes out from the gaming machine being played” occurs, the player operates the call button to turn on the call lamp. The store clerk visually recognizes that the call lamp is lit and knows that there is a call from the player, and rushes to the gaming machine. Thereafter, the store clerk asks the player the reason for the call (that is, the reason for the trouble) and performs the work to solve the trouble.

  In addition, in the said call button unit, the thing provided with the several call button allocated according to the reason for trouble, and the call lamp which lights in a different color according to this call button operation is known (for example, (See Patent Document 1). When such a call button unit is installed, the player operates a call button corresponding to the reason for the trouble to turn on a call lamp of a color corresponding to the reason for the trouble. For this reason, the store clerk can know the reason for the trouble from the color of the calling lamp that is lit.

That is, the store clerk can quickly solve the trouble as much as it is possible to omit the trouble of asking the player about the reason for the trouble. Conversely, the player can concentrate on the game because it is not necessary to tell the store clerk the reason for the trouble.
JP-A-9-182866

By the way, in the call button unit of Patent Document 1, it is necessary for the player to determine the trouble content and operate the call button corresponding to the trouble content.
However, a player who cannot clearly grasp the contents of the trouble (for example, a beginner who has little experience playing with a pachinko machine) may not be able to determine which call button should be operated, and the operation of the call button may be delayed. . That is, the start of trouble solving work by the store clerk is delayed.

  Further, in this call button unit, it is necessary to operate an appropriate call button from among a plurality of call buttons, but the player may erroneously operate a call button different from that to be operated. In this case, since the clerk first performs trouble-solving work based on the color of the call lamp that has been turned on erroneously, the start of appropriate trouble-solving work is delayed.

  The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine call device that prevents delay in trouble-solving work.

  The gaming machine call device of the present invention made to achieve the above object is a gaming machine call device that is installed for each gaming machine provided on a gaming machine island and for a player to call a store clerk of a gaming store. An operation unit operated by a player, an input unit to which a gaming machine state signal indicating the state of the gaming machine is input, and a notification that performs notification in a pre-selected notification mode when the operation unit is operated And a notification selection unit that selects a notification mode in accordance with a gaming machine state signal input to the input unit.

  In the gaming machine call device configured as described above, the notification selecting unit selects the notification mode according to the gaming machine state signal input to the input unit. When the operation unit is operated, the notification unit performs notification in the selected notification mode.

  That is, when a trouble occurs in the gaming machine, the player simply operates the operation unit, and does not need to grasp the trouble content. That is, the gaming machine call device does not need to include a plurality of operation units corresponding to the trouble content.

  For this reason, it is possible to prevent a player who cannot clearly grasp the trouble contents from determining the operation unit to be operated from the plurality of operation units and delaying the operation of the operation unit. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the player from operating the operation unit different from the one to be operated by mistake. That is, it is possible to prevent delays in trouble-solving work by store staff.

  Further, the notifying unit may include a display unit that displays an image, and the display state of one or a plurality of images displayed on the display unit may be changed according to a notification mode selected by the notification selecting unit.

According to the gaming machine call device configured as described above, the store clerk can know the state of the gaming machine by visually recognizing the image displayed by the display means.
Further, the notifying means may be composed of one or a plurality of light emitting means for emitting light, and the light emitting state of the light emitting means may be changed according to the notification mode selected by the notification selecting means. The light emission state includes color, brightness, lighting time, and the like.

According to the gaming machine call device configured as described above, the store clerk can know the state of the gaming machine by visually recognizing the light emitting state of the light emitting means.
By the way, generally, when the ball box is full of game balls while the game machine is providing a big hit game, the player calls the store clerk by operating the operation unit to request a new ball box. .

  Therefore, the game machine status signal includes a ball box signal indicating that the ball box storing the game balls acquired by the player playing with the game machine is full of game balls, and a jackpot game advantageous to the player. May include a jackpot signal indicating that the gaming machine is being provided.

According to the gaming machine call device configured as described above, a “ball box request” can be added to the contents that can be notified by the gaming machine call device.
Further, in the gaming machine calling device of the present invention, one or a plurality of gaming states specified from the gaming machine state signal input to the input unit may be notified simultaneously, but the notification mode is Different games are prepared for each gaming state specified from the gaming machine state signal, and priorities are set in advance for each gaming state, and the notification selection means is a game input to the input unit. When one or a plurality of gaming states specified from the machine state signal are prioritized according to priority, a notification mode corresponding to the gaming state with the highest priority is selected, and a preset predetermined condition is satisfied The notification mode to be selected may be switched according to the priority order. The priority may be set based on, for example, the urgency of trouble handling by the store clerk. Further, the predetermined condition is, for example, “operating the operation unit”, “passing a predetermined time”, or the like.

  According to the gaming machine call device configured as described above, the gaming state specified from the gaming machine state signal is notified in descending order of priority. For this reason, the store clerk can recognize the order in which trouble-solving work is performed based on the priority order notified by the device when performing work to solve a plurality of troubles according to the state of the gaming machine.

  In addition, the calling device for gaming machines of the present invention may be provided with setting means for setting priorities in accordance with preset external operations. According to the gaming machine call device configured as described above, the priority can be freely changed at the discretion of the game store.

  By the way, the calling device for gaming machines of the present invention is for informing the store clerk of the state of gaming machines. For this reason, when the operation unit is operated while the notification means is informing, the notification means may be provided with a notification end means for ending the notification being notified. In other words, the notification ends when the operation unit is operated regardless of whether or not the gaming machine state signal is input.

  According to the gaming machine call device configured as described above, it is possible to prevent the clerk from continuing the notification unnecessarily even after grasping the state of the gaming machine.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine island 3 incorporating a call button unit 1 to which the present invention is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of pachinko gaming machines (hereinafter referred to as pachinko machines) 5 and a ball lending machine 7 are installed on the gaming machine island 3, and above each pachinko machine 5, there is a call button unit. 1 is installed.

  Also, on the front of the call button unit 1, a call button 15 that is operated when a player calls a store clerk in the game hall, an indicator lamp 13 that lights in four colors of yellow, red, blue, and green, and a pachinko machine 5 A liquid crystal display (LCD) 11 for displaying information on the data and a data button 17 for switching the contents displayed on the LCD 11 are arranged.

  Further, the pachinko machine 5 indicates a big hit signal indicating that the pachinko machine 5 provides a big hit game, an award ball shortage signal indicating that no prize ball is output from the pachinko machine 5, and indicates that the ball box is full. It is configured to output at least a ball box full signal. In addition, the ball lending machine 7 is configured to output at least a ball lending machine error signal indicating the content of the error when an error occurs such that a ball does not come out of the ball lending machine 7 or a bill is jammed. .

In the following, the award ball shortage signal, ball box full signal, jackpot signal and ball lending machine error signal are collectively referred to as a gaming machine state signal.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the call button unit 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the call button unit 1 includes the LCD 11, the indicator lamp 13, the call button 15, the data button 17, and a controller 50 that controls the operation of the entire call button unit 1.

  Among these, the indicator lamp 13 includes a yellow lamp 13a that is lit in yellow, a red lamp 13b that is lit in red, a blue lamp 13c that is lit in blue, and a green lamp 13d that is lit in green. As will be described later, the red lamp 13b, the blue lamp 13c, and the green lamp 13d are turned on when the call button 15 is operated while a prize ball shortage signal, a ball box full signal, and a ball lending machine error signal are being input. The yellow light 13a is turned on when the call button 15 is operated when no prize ball shortage signal, a ball box full signal, and a ball lending machine error signal are not inputted.

  The controller 50 includes a CPU 51 that executes processing based on a predetermined processing program, a ROM 53 that stores various processing programs, a RAM 55 that stores various data, a yellow light 13a, a red light 13b, and a blue light 13c. And an indicator driving circuit 59 for transmitting a driving signal to the green lamp 13d, an LCD driving circuit 61 for transmitting a driving signal to the LCD 11, a call button 15, a data button 17, an indicator driving circuit 59, and an LCD driving circuit 61. The CPU 51 and the RAM 55 include an input / output unit 57 that inputs and outputs signals and data. The CPU 51, ROM 53, RAM 55, and input / output unit 57 are connected via a bus 63.

  The RAM 55 is provided with a red lighting flag F1, a blue lighting flag F2, and a green lighting flag F3 for instructing lighting of the red lamp 13b, the blue lamp 13c, and the green lamp 13d, respectively. In the following description, setting a flag indicates that the value of the flag is 1, and clearing the flag indicates that the value of the flag is 0.

Also, the input / output unit 57 receives a shortage ball signal, a ball box full signal and a big hit signal from the pachinko machine 5 and a ball lending machine error signal from the ball lending machine 7.
In the call button unit 1 configured as described above, the CPU 51 displays the lighting setting process for setting the lighting mode of the indicator lamp 13 based on the signal input to the calling button unit 1 and the setting in the lighting setting process. The lighting process for lighting the lamp 13 is performed independently.

  Here, the procedure of the lighting setting process executed by the CPU 51 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the lighting setting process. This lighting setting process is a process repeatedly executed while the CPU 51 is activated (powered on).

  When the lighting setting process is executed, the CPU 51 first determines in S10 whether or not a winning ball shortage signal is input. Here, when the winning ball shortage signal is input (S10: YES), the red lighting flag F1 is set in S20, and the process proceeds to S40. On the other hand, if no winning ball shortage signal is input (S10: NO), the red lighting flag F1 is cleared in S30, and the process proceeds to S40.

  Then, in S40, it is determined whether or not a ball box full signal and a big hit signal are input. If the ball box full signal and the big hit signal are input (S40: YES), the blue lighting flag F2 is set in S50, and the process proceeds to S70. On the other hand, when at least one of the ball box full signal and the big hit signal is not input (S40: NO), the blue lighting flag F2 is cleared in S60, and the process proceeds to S70.

  In S70, it is determined whether or not a ball lending machine error signal is input. If a ball lending machine error signal is input (S70: YES), the green lighting flag F3 is set in S80, and the lighting setting process is terminated. On the other hand, when the ball lending machine error signal is not input (S70: NO), the green lighting flag F3 is cleared in S90, and the lighting setting process is ended.

  Next, the procedure of the lighting process which CPU51 performs is demonstrated using FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the lighting process. This lighting process is a process repeatedly executed while the CPU 51 is activated (powered on).

  When this lighting process is executed, the CPU 51 first determines in S110 whether or not the call button 15 has been pressed. If the call button 15 is pressed (S110: YES), it is determined in S120 whether the indicator lamp 13 is turned off.

  The RAM 55 is provided with a flag lighting identification flag indicating whether each of the yellow lamp 13a, the red lamp 13b, the blue lamp 13c, and the green lamp 13d is lit. Then, the CPU 51 sets / clears these flag lighting identification flags in synchronization with the lighting / extinguishing of the yellow lamp 13a, the red lamp 13b, the blue lamp 13c, and the green lamp 13d.

  That is, in S120, it is determined whether the indicator lamp 13 is turned off based on the setting / clearing of these flag lighting identification flags. Note that, in the following processing for determining whether the indicator lamp 13 is on / off, the determination is made based on the flag lighting identification flag as in S120.

  If the indicator lamp 13 is turned off at S120 (S120: YES), the process at the time of turning off is performed at S130, and the lighting process is terminated. On the other hand, if the indicator lamp 13 is not turned off (S120: NO), it is determined in S140 whether the indicator lamp 13 is lit in yellow.

  If the indicator lamp 13 is lit in yellow (S140: YES), the yellow lamp 13a is turned off in S150 and the lighting process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is yellow and not lit (S140: NO), it is determined in S160 whether or not the indicator lamp 13 is lit red.

  Here, when the indicator lamp 13 is lit in red (S160: YES), in S170, the red lighting process is performed, and the lighting process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is not lit in red (S160: NO), it is determined in S180 whether the indicator lamp 13 is lit in blue.

  Here, when the indicator lamp 13 is lit in blue (S180: YES), the blue lighting process is performed in S190, and the lighting process is ended. On the other hand, if it is not lit in blue (S180: NO), it is determined that it is lit in green, and in S200, the green lamp 13d is turned off and the lighting process ends.

Returning to S110, if the call button 15 is not pressed (S110: NO), the lighting process is terminated.
Next, the turn-off process performed in S130 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the process at the time of turn-off.

  When the process at the time of extinction is executed, the CPU 51 first determines in S310 whether or not the red lighting flag F1 is set. If the red lighting flag F1 is set (S310: YES), only the red lamp 13b is turned on in S320. That is, the red lamp 13b is turned on, and the yellow lamp 13a, the blue lamp 13c, and the green lamp 13d are turned off. Then, the extinguishing process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the red lighting flag F1 is not set in S310 (S310: NO), it is determined in S330 whether the blue lighting flag F2 is set. Here, when the blue lighting flag F2 is set (S330: YES), only the blue lamp 13c is turned on in S340. That is, the blue lamp 13c is turned on, and the yellow lamp 13a, the red lamp 13b, and the green lamp 13d are turned off. Then, the extinguishing process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the blue lighting flag F2 is not set in S330 (S330: NO), it is determined in S350 whether the green lighting flag F3 is set. If the green lighting flag F3 is set (S350: YES), only the green lamp 13d is turned on in S360. That is, the green lamp 13d is turned on, and the yellow lamp 13a, the red lamp 13b, and the blue lamp 13c are turned off. Then, the extinguishing process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the green lighting flag F3 is not set in S350 (S350: NO), only the yellow light 13a is turned on in S370. That is, the yellow lamp 13a is turned on, and the red lamp 13b, the blue lamp 13c, and the green lamp 13d are turned off. Then, the extinguishing process is terminated.

Next, the red lighting process performed in S170 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is a flowchart showing the red lighting process.
When this red lighting process is executed, the CPU 51 first determines in S410 whether or not the blue lighting flag F2 is set. Here, when the blue lighting flag F2 is set (S410: YES), only the blue light 13c is turned on in S420 as in S340. Then, the red lighting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the blue lighting flag F2 is not set in S410 (S410: NO), it is determined in S430 whether the green lighting flag F3 is set. Here, when the green lighting flag F3 is set (S430: YES), only the green lamp 13d is turned on in S440 as in S360. Then, the red lighting process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the green lighting flag F3 is not set in S430 (S430: NO), the red lamp 13b is turned off in S450, and the red lighting process is terminated.
Next, the blue lighting process performed in S190 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing processing when the light is blue.

  When this blue lighting process is executed, the CPU 51 first determines in S510 whether or not the green lighting flag F3 is set. Here, when the green lighting flag F3 is set (S510: YES), only the green lamp 13d is turned on in S520 similarly to S360. Then, the blue lighting process ends.

On the other hand, if the green lighting flag F3 is not set in S510 (S510: NO), the blue lamp 13c is turned off in S530, and the blue lighting process is terminated.
In the call button unit 1 configured as described above, the indicator lamp 13 is turned on in a manner corresponding to the gaming machine state signal input to the call button unit 1 when the call button 15 is pressed by the player. Thereafter, a clerk rushes to the calling button unit 1 and the clerk recognizes the trouble content by visually recognizing the color of the indicator lamp 13 that is lit. When the trouble content is recognized, the store clerk presses the call button 15. Then, the indicator lamp 13 is turned off (however, when there are a plurality of trouble contents, the indicator lamp 13 is lit in a different color).

  Therefore, as a state in which a gaming machine state signal is input to the call button unit 1, only a shortage signal is input (hereinafter referred to as input state C1), only a ball box full signal and a big hit signal are input. State (hereinafter referred to as input state C2), state in which only the ball lending machine error signal is input (hereinafter referred to as input state C3), prize ball shortage signal, ball box full signal and jackpot signal only are input. State (hereinafter referred to as an input state C4), a state in which only a shortage signal and a ball lending machine error signal are being input (hereinafter referred to as an input state C5), a ball box full signal, a big hit signal, and A state where only a ball lending machine error signal is input (hereinafter referred to as input state C6), a state where a prize ball shortage signal, a ball box full signal, a jackpot signal and a ball lending machine error signal are input (hereinafter referred to as input) (Referred to as state C7) Input state C1~ input state C7 input state (hereinafter, referred to as input states C8) other than the are classified into eight input state, the operation of the call button unit 1 in each of the input state.

  First, in the input state C1, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the player) when the indicator lamp 13 is turned off, the indicator lamp 13 is lit in red. Thereafter, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the store clerk), the indicator lamp 13 is turned off.

  In the input state C2, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the player) when the indicator lamp 13 is turned off, the indicator lamp 13 is lit in blue. Thereafter, when the call button 15 is pressed again (by the store clerk), the indicator lamp 13 is turned off.

  In the input state C3, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the player) when the indicator lamp 13 is turned off, the indicator lamp 13 is lit in green. Thereafter, when the call button 15 is pressed again (by the store clerk), the indicator lamp 13 is turned off.

  In the input state C4, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the player) when the indicator lamp 13 is turned off, the indicator lamp 13 is lit in red. Thereafter, when the call button 15 is pressed again (by the store clerk), the indicator lamp 13 is lit in blue. Thereafter, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the store clerk), the indicator lamp 13 is turned off.

  In the input state C5, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the player) when the indicator lamp 13 is turned off, the indicator lamp 13 is lit in red. Thereafter, when the call button 15 is pressed again (by the store clerk), the indicator lamp 13 is lit in green. Thereafter, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the store clerk), the indicator lamp 13 is turned off.

  In the input state C6, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the player) when the indicator lamp 13 is turned off, the indicator lamp 13 is lit in blue. Thereafter, when the call button 15 is pressed again (by the store clerk), the indicator lamp 13 is lit in green. Thereafter, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the store clerk), the indicator lamp 13 is turned off.

  In the input state C7, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the player) when the indicator lamp 13 is turned off, the indicator lamp 13 is lit in red. Thereafter, when the call button 15 is pressed again (by the store clerk), the indicator lamp 13 is lit in blue. Thereafter, when the call button 15 is pressed again (by the store clerk), the indicator lamp 13 is lit in green. Thereafter, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the store clerk), the indicator lamp 13 is turned off.

  In the input state C8, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the player) when the indicator lamp 13 is turned off, the indicator lamp 13 is lit in yellow. Thereafter, when the call button 15 is pressed again (by the store clerk), the indicator lamp 13 is turned off. Note that the player presses the call button 15 in the input state C8 mainly when a ball clog occurs on the game board surface of the pachinko machine 5 and the store clerk is requested to eliminate the ball clog.

  That is, in the call button unit 1 configured as described above, when a trouble occurs in the pachinko machine 5, the player may simply press the call button 15 and does not need to grasp the trouble content. That is, the call button unit 1 does not need to have a plurality of call buttons corresponding to the trouble content.

  For this reason, it is possible to prevent the player who cannot clearly grasp the trouble contents from determining the call button to be operated from the plurality of call buttons and delaying the operation of the call button. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the player from operating the call button different from that to be operated by mistake. That is, it is possible to prevent delays in trouble-solving work by store staff.

Further, by visually recognizing the color in which the indicator lamp 13 is lit, the store clerk can know the trouble content of the pachinko machine 5 without confirming with the player.
When the ball box full signal and the big hit signal are input to the call button unit 1, when the call button 15 is pressed, the light turns blue. That is, the store clerk can recognize that “the player is requesting the ball box” by visually confirming that the indicator lamp 13 is lit in blue.

  Further, in this embodiment, there are four types of game states, shortage of prize balls, ball box full, ball lending machine error, and ball clogging, and red → blue → green → yellow depending on the type of the current game state. The priority is set so that the indicator lamps 13 are lit in order. For this reason, the store clerk can recognize the order in which the trouble solving work is performed based on the order of the colors that the call button unit 1 is turned on when performing the work of solving the plurality of troubles according to the gaming state.

  This priority is set based on the urgency of trouble handling by the store clerk. That is, the urgency of troubleshooting is reduced in the order of “shortage of prize balls” → “ball box full” → “ball lending machine error” → “ball jam”.

  In addition, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the store clerk) while the indicator lamp 13 is lit in a certain color, the call button unit 1 ends the lighting in the lit color (that is, turns off). For this reason, it can suppress that a shop clerk continues lighting unnecessary even after grasping the state of a game machine.

  In the embodiment described above, the call button unit 1 is a gaming machine call device according to the present invention, the call button 15 is an operation unit according to the present invention, the input / output unit 57 is an input unit according to the present invention, and the lighting process of FIG. 3 is the notification selection means in the present invention, the indicator lamp 13 is the light emission means in the present invention, the processes in S140 to S200 in FIG. 4 are the notification end means in the present invention, and the ball box full signal is the main signal. It is a ball box signal in the invention.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, only parts different from the first embodiment will be described.

  The call button unit 1 in the second embodiment is different from the call button unit 1 in the first embodiment in that the configuration of the call button unit 1 is changed and various image display flags F11 to F17 described later are stored in the RAM 55. Added are the points that have been added, the lighting process has been changed, the display setting process for setting the display image of the LCD 11, and the display process for displaying an image on the LCD 11 based on the settings in the display setting process. Is a point.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the gaming machine island 3 incorporating the call button unit 1 according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, this call button unit 1 has a yellow light 13a that lights yellow, a red light 13b that lights red, and a blue light 13c that lights blue instead of the indicator light 13 in the front. The green button 13d is lit in green and is the same as the call button unit 1 in the first embodiment except that a green lamp 13d is disposed. The yellow lamp 13a, the red lamp 13b, the blue lamp 13c, and the green lamp 13d constitute the display lamp 13. That is, the indicator lamp 13 of the first embodiment is lit in one of yellow, red, blue and green, whereas the indicator lamp 13 of the second embodiment is a yellow lamp 13a and a red lamp 13b. The blue lamp 13c and the green lamp 13d are lit independently.

  In addition, the various image display flags F11 to F17 described above display details of a first image, a second image, a third image, a fourth image, a fifth image, a sixth image, and a seventh image, which will be described later. Instructed first image display flag F11, second image display flag F12, third image display flag F13, fourth image display flag F14, fifth image display flag F15, sixth image display flag F16 and seventh image display flag F17 It is.

  Hereinafter, the first image display flag F11, the second image display flag F12, the third image display flag F13, the fourth image display flag F14, the fifth image display flag F15, the sixth image display flag F16, and the seventh image display flag. F17 is collectively referred to as an image display flag. The first image, the second image, the third image, the fourth image, the fifth image, the sixth image, and the seventh image are collectively referred to as a call display image.

  In the call button unit 1 configured as described above, the CPU 51 executes the lighting setting process (same as in the first embodiment; FIG. 3), the lighting process, the display setting process, and the display process independently.

Below, the lighting process in 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated based on FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the lighting process.
When this lighting process is executed, the CPU 51 first determines in S610 whether or not the call button 15 has been pressed. If the call button 15 is pressed (S610: YES), the yellow light 13a, the red light 13b, the blue light 13c, and the green light 13d are turned off in S620, as in S120 of the first embodiment. It is determined whether or not.

  Here, if the light is off (S620: YES), it is determined at S630 whether at least one of the red lighting flag F1, the blue lighting flag F2, and the green lighting flag F3 is set. If at least one of the red lighting flag F1, the blue lighting flag F2, and the green lighting flag F3 is set (S630: YES), the display lamp corresponding to the set flag is turned on in S650. Let That is, when the red lighting flag F1, the blue lighting flag F2, and the green lighting flag F3 are set, the red lamp 13b, the blue lamp 13c, and the green lamp 13d are turned on, respectively. Then, the lighting process ends.

  On the other hand, when none of the red lighting flag F1, the blue lighting flag F2, and the green lighting flag F3 is set (S630: NO), only the yellow light 13a is turned on in S660. Then, the lighting process ends.

  Returning to S620, when at least one of the yellow light 13a, red light 13b, blue light 13c, and green light 13d is lit (S620: NO), the yellow light 13a, red light 13b, The blue light 13c and the green light 13d are turned off. Then, the lighting process ends.

Returning to S610, if the call button 15 is not pressed (S610: NO), the lighting process is terminated.
Next, the procedure of the display setting process executed by the CPU 51 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the display setting process. This display setting process is a process that is repeatedly executed while the CPU 51 is activated (powered on).

  When this display setting process is executed, the CPU 51 first determines in S710 whether or not a prize ball shortage signal is input. If a winning ball shortage signal is input (S710: YES), it is determined in S720 whether a ball box full signal and a big hit signal are input.

  If a ball box full signal and a big hit signal are input (S720: YES), it is determined in S730 whether a ball lending machine error signal is input. If a ball lending machine error signal is input (S730: YES), only the seventh image display flag F17 is set in S740. That is, the seventh image display flag F17 is set, and image display flags other than the seventh image display flag F17 are cleared. Then, the display setting process ends.

  On the other hand, when the ball lending machine error signal is not input (S730: NO), only the fourth image display flag F14 is set in S750. That is, the fourth image display flag F14 is set, and the image display flags other than the fourth image display flag F14 are cleared. Then, the display setting process ends.

  Returning to S720, if the ball box full signal and jackpot signal are not input (S720: NO), it is determined in S760 whether a ball lending machine error signal is input. If a ball lending machine error signal is input (S760: YES), only the fifth image display flag F15 is set in S770. That is, the fifth image display flag F15 is set, and image display flags other than the fifth image display flag F15 are cleared. Then, the display setting process ends.

  On the other hand, when the ball lending machine error signal is not input (S760: NO), only the first image display flag F11 is set in S780. That is, the first image display flag F11 is set, and the image display flags other than the first image display flag F11 are cleared. Then, the display setting process ends.

Returning to S710, if no winning ball shortage signal is input (S710: NO), it is determined in S790 whether a ball box full signal and a big hit signal are input.
If a ball box full signal and a big hit signal are input (S790: YES), it is determined in S800 whether a ball lending machine error signal is input. If a ball lending machine error signal is input (S800: YES), only the sixth image display flag F16 is set in S810. That is, the sixth image display flag F16 is set, and image display flags other than the sixth image display flag F16 are cleared. Then, the display setting process ends.

  On the other hand, when the ball lending machine error signal is not input (S800: NO), only the second image display flag F12 is set in S820. That is, the second image display flag F12 is set, and the image display flags other than the second image display flag F12 are cleared. Then, the display setting process ends.

  Returning to S790, if the ball box full signal and jackpot signal are not input (S790: NO), it is determined in S830 whether a ball lending machine error signal is input. If a ball lending machine error signal is input (S830: YES), only the third image display flag F13 is set in S840. That is, the third image display flag F13 is set, and the image display flags other than the third image display flag F13 are cleared. Then, the display setting process ends.

On the other hand, when the ball lending machine error signal is not input (S830: NO), all image display flags are cleared in S850. Then, the display setting process ends.
Next, the procedure of display processing executed by the CPU 51 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing display processing. This display process is a process that is repeatedly executed while the CPU 51 is activated (powered on).

  When this display process is executed, the CPU 51 first determines in S910 whether or not the call button 15 has been pressed. If the call button 15 is pressed (S910: YES), it is determined in S920 whether the LCD 11 is displaying a call display image.

If the call display image is not being displayed (S920: NO), it is determined in S930 whether any one of the image display flags is set.
If any one of the image display flags is set (S930: YES), a call display image corresponding to the set image display flag is displayed on the LCD 11 in S940. That is, when the Nth image display flag is set, the Nth image is displayed (N = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). Then, the display process ends. On the other hand, when the image display flag is not set (S930: NO), the display process is terminated.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, the first image is an image indicating that “the number of prize balls is insufficient”. Further, as shown in FIG. 11B, the second image is an image indicating “Please hand over the ball box”. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11 (c), the third image is an image indicating "Is a ball lending error XX" (XX is an error code. For example, a ball lending machine error signal is "ball lending machine “○○” = “01” is displayed when “no ball comes out from 7”, and “XX” = “02” is displayed when “banknotes are jammed by the ball lending machine 7”. ) Further, as shown in FIG. 11 (d), the fourth image is an image indicating “There are not enough prize balls” and “Please hand over the ball box”. Further, as shown in FIG. 11E, the fifth image is an image indicating that “the number of prize balls is insufficient” and “it is a ball lending error XX”. Further, as shown in FIG. 11 (f), the sixth image is an image indicating “Please hand over the ball box” and “It is a ball lending error XX”. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11 (g), the seventh image is an image showing "There are not enough prize balls", "Please hand over the ball box" and "It is a ball lending error XX". .

  Returning to S920, if the call display image is being displayed (S920: YES), the call display image is not displayed on the LCD 11 in S950. Then, the display process ends.

Returning to S910, if the call button 15 is not pressed (S910: NO), the display process is terminated.
In the call button unit 1 configured as described above, the indicator lamp 13 is turned on in a manner corresponding to the gaming machine state signal input to the call button unit 1 when the call button 15 is pressed, and the LCD 11 is turned on. The call display image is displayed.

  That is, in the input state C1, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the player) when the indicator lamp 13 is turned off, the red lamp 13b is turned on and the LCD 11 displays the first image. Thereafter, when the call button 15 is pressed again (by a store clerk), the red light 13b is turned off and the LCD 11 does not display the first image.

  In the input state C2, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the player) when the indicator lamp 13 is turned off, the blue lamp 13c is turned on and the LCD 11 displays the second image. Thereafter, when the call button 15 is pressed again (by the store clerk), the blue light 13c is turned off and the LCD 11 does not display the second image.

  In the input state C3, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the player) when the indicator lamp 13 is turned off, the green lamp 13d is turned on and the LCD 11 displays the third image. Thereafter, when the call button 15 is pressed again (by the store clerk), the green lamp 13d is turned off and the LCD 11 does not display the third image.

  In the input state C4, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the player) when the indicator lamp 13 is turned off, the red lamp 13b and the blue lamp 13c are turned on, and the LCD 11 displays the fourth image. Thereafter, when the call button 15 is pressed again (by the store clerk), the red lamp 13b and the blue lamp 13c are turned off, and the LCD 11 does not display the fourth image.

  In the input state C5, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the player) when the indicator lamp 13 is turned off, the red lamp 13b and the green lamp 13d are turned on, and the LCD 11 displays the fifth image. Thereafter, when the call button 15 is pressed again (by the store clerk), the red light 13b and the green light 13d are turned off, and the LCD 11 does not display the fifth image.

  In the input state C6, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the player) when the display lamp 13 is turned off, the blue lamp 13c and the green lamp 13d are turned on, and the LCD 11 displays the sixth image. Thereafter, when the call button 15 is pressed again (by a store clerk), the blue light 13c and the green light 13d are turned off, and the LCD 11 does not display the sixth image.

  In the input state C7, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the player) when the indicator lamp 13 is turned off, the red lamp 13b, the blue lamp 13c, and the green lamp 13d are turned on, and the LCD 11 displays the seventh image. To do. Thereafter, when the call button 15 is pressed again (by the store clerk), the red light 13b, the blue light 13c, and the green light 13d are turned off, and the LCD 11 does not display the seventh image.

  In the input state C8, when the call button 15 is pressed (by the player) when the indicator lamp 13 is turned off, the yellow lamp 13a is turned on. Thereafter, when the call button 15 is pressed again (by the store clerk), the yellow light 13a is turned off.

  That is, in the call button unit 1 configured as described above, when a trouble occurs in the pachinko machine 5, the player may simply press the call button 15 and does not need to grasp the trouble content. That is, the call button unit 1 does not need to have a plurality of call buttons corresponding to the trouble content. For this reason, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent delay of trouble solving work by the store clerk.

  Further, by checking the lighting of the yellow light 13a, the red light 13b, the blue light 13c, and the green light 13d, or the call display image displayed on the LCD 11, the store clerk troubles the pachinko machine 5 without confirming with the player. You can know the contents.

  In the embodiment described above, the lighting process in FIG. 8 and the display means in FIG. 10 are the notification means in the present invention, the lighting setting process in FIG. 3 and the display setting process in FIG. 9 are the notification selection means in the present invention, and the LCD 11 is in the present invention. Display means.

As mentioned above, although one Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said Example, As long as it belongs to the technical scope of this invention, a various form can be taken.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the trouble content is distinguished depending on the lighting color. However, they may be distinguished by changing the lighting brightness or lighting time.

  In the above embodiment, the call button unit 1 is applied to the gaming machine island where the pachinko machine is installed. However, the calling button unit 1 may be applied to the gaming machine island where other types of gaming machines such as slot gaming machines are installed. Good.

  In the above embodiment, the pachinko machine 5 outputs a jackpot signal, a winning ball shortage signal, and a ball box full signal. However, other than the pachinko machine 5 (for example, gaming machine island 3). These signals may be output.

  In the above embodiment, when the call button 15 is pressed while the indicator lamp 13 (the yellow lamp 13a, the red lamp 13b, the blue lamp 13c, and the green lamp 13d) is lit, a gaming machine state signal corresponding to the lit color. It is shown that the lit indicator lamp 13 is turned off regardless of whether or not is input. However, even if the call button 15 is pressed during the input of the gaming machine status signal, the color indicator lamp 13 corresponding to the gaming machine status signal being input may continue to be lit. Alternatively, if the gaming machine status signal corresponding to the lit color is not input while the indicator lamp 13 is lit, the display lamp 13 of the color corresponding to the gaming machine status signal is turned off regardless of the pressing of the call button 15. You may make it do.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the trouble content is notified by two methods of lighting by the indicator lamp 13 and display by the LCD 11, but the notification is made by either lighting or display. May be.

  In the first embodiment, for example, in the input state C7, each time the call button 15 is pressed, the lighting color of the indicator lamp 13 changes from red → blue → green. The lighting color may be changed every time.

In the first embodiment, the priority is fixed in the order of “red → blue → green → yellow”. However, the priority may be changeable.
That is, in the first embodiment, the priority is determined in the order of processing performed in the lighting processing (see FIG. 4). On the other hand, the order of processing is arranged so that the priority is different from the operation key for instructing the priority, which is arranged at a position where the player cannot operate (for example, inside the call button unit 1). You may make it provide the several lighting process determined and the selection process which selects one lighting process from several lighting processes based on operation with an operation key. This selection process corresponds to setting means in the present invention. According to the call button unit 1 configured as described above, the priority can be freely changed at the discretion of the game store.

The front view of the gaming machine island 3 incorporating the call button unit 1. The block diagram which shows the structure of the electrical structure of the call button unit 1. FIG. The flowchart which shows lighting setting processing. The flowchart which shows a lighting process procedure. The flowchart which shows a process at the time of light extinction. The flowchart which shows the process sequence at the time of red lighting, and the process at the time of blue lighting. The front view of the gaming machine island 3 incorporating the call button unit 1. The flowchart which shows a lighting process procedure. The flowchart which shows a display setting process. The flowchart which shows a display processing procedure. The figure explaining the content of the call display image.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Call button unit, 3 ... Game machine island, 5 ... Pachinko machine, 7 ... Ball lending machine, 11 ... LCD, 13 ... Indicator light, 13a ... Yellow light, 13b ... Red light, 13c ... Blue light, 13d ... Green 15 ... Call button, 17 ... Data button, 50 ... Controller, 51 ... CPU, 53 ... ROM, 55 ... RAM, 57 ... Input / output unit, 59 ... Indicator light drive circuit, 61 ... LCD drive circuit, 63 ... Bus .

Claims (7)

A paging device for a gaming machine installed for each gaming machine provided on a gaming machine island, for a player to call a clerk of a gaming store,
An operation unit operated by a player;
An input unit to which a gaming machine state signal representing the state of the gaming machine is input;
When the operation unit is operated, notification means for performing notification in a previously selected notification mode;
Notification selection means for selecting the notification mode according to the gaming machine state signal input to the input unit;
A paging device for gaming machines, comprising: The notification means includes display means for displaying an image, and changes a display state of one or a plurality of images displayed on the display means in accordance with a notification mode selected by the notification selection means.
The calling device for gaming machines according to claim 1. The notification means includes one or a plurality of light emitting means for emitting light, and changes a light emission state of the light emitting means according to a notification mode selected by the notification selection means.
The calling device for gaming machines according to claim 1. The gaming machine status signal includes a ball box signal indicating that a ball box storing game balls acquired by a player playing with a gaming machine is full of gaming balls, and a jackpot game advantageous to the player. Including a jackpot signal indicating that the gaming machine is being provided,
The gaming machine call device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A different notification mode is prepared for each gaming state specified from the gaming machine state signal, and a priority is set in advance for each of the gaming states,
The notification selection means sets priority according to the priority to one or a plurality of gaming states specified from the gaming machine state signal input to the input unit, and corresponds to the gaming state having the highest priority. In addition to selecting a notification mode, when a predetermined condition is established, the notification mode to be selected is switched according to the priority order.
The calling device for gaming machines according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the calling device is a gaming machine. A setting unit configured to set the priority based on a preset external operation;
The calling device for gaming machines according to claim 5, wherein: When the operation unit is operated during the notification by the notification unit, the notification unit includes a notification end unit that ends the notification during the notification.
The calling device for gaming machines according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images