JP2006158782A - Device for game - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for games by which a player can easily grasp the dispensing possible number of game media in a short time at a glance. <P>SOLUTION: The device for games has a recorded information reading means (a card R/W30) accepting recording media for games (a prepaid card) in which information capable of identifying the outstanding amount usable in games is stored and reading the recorded information from the accepted recording media for games, an outstanding amount information storing means (a RAM 34) storing the outstanding amount information identified from the read recorded information, a dispensing rate storing means (a RAM 34) in which the dispensing rate of game media used in games is stored, a dispensing possible number calculating means (a CPU 22) calculating the dispensing possible number of the game media based on the outstanding amount information stored in the outstanding amount storing means and the dispensing rate stored in the dispensing rate storing means, and a signal output means (an I/O port 38) outputting the dispensing possible number display signal for displaying the calculated dispensing possible number. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming apparatus capable of outputting a signal for displaying the number of gaming media that can be lent based on balance information specified from the recording information of a gaming recording medium (for example, a prepaid card). About.

  Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, for example, display means (for example, remaining frequency display) provided in a gaming machine based on balance information specified from recorded information on a game recording medium (for example, a prepaid card) 2. Description of the Related Art A gaming device that performs control for displaying balance information on a computer is known. Such a gaming device (card unit) is provided between a plurality of gaming machines constituting the gaming machine island, and is communicably connected to a unit controller that manages the gaming machine island.

  In such a system configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, when a game recording medium (prepaid card) is received in the card unit (P1), the card unit identifies the received prepaid card and A card ID (Identification) which is unique identification information given to the card is read. Then, together with the read card ID, a unit ID which is unique identification information given to the card unit is transmitted to the unit controller (P2).

  Upon receiving the card ID and the unit ID (P3), the unit controller reads the corresponding balance information from a table (for example, a database) in which the balance information is recorded for each card ID based on the verification request from the card unit. The received card ID is checked against the balance information (P4). Here, assuming that the matching is matched, when the subsequent processing is advanced, the balance information matching the matching is transmitted from the unit controller to the card unit (P5).

  When receiving the balance information (P6), the card unit stores the balance information in a predetermined RAM. In this case, the balance information is stored in units of the remaining frequency with a predetermined amount (for example, 100 yen) as one frequency. For example, when there is an amount of 3000 yen as the use value of the prepaid card, the remaining number 30 is stored in the RAM. The balance information is stored as

  At this time, a balance display signal is output from the card unit to the gaming machine (pachinko machine) (P7), and based on the balance display signal, the balance information is displayed on display means (for example, remaining frequency display) provided in the pachinko machine. Is displayed as the remaining frequency (P8). In this state, when the player operates the ball lending button, the number of game balls corresponding to the frequency set by the ball lending button is paid out and supplied to the upper plate of the pachinko machine.

By the way, in such a ball lending operation, the balance information of the remaining frequency unit is displayed on the display means (for example, the remaining frequency display). For this reason, when the player wants to know the number of game media (game balls) that can be lent (the number that can be lent), the rentable number must be converted based on the displayed remaining number. In this case, the number of loans that can be lent per frequency (100 yen) is generally 25, so if the remaining frequency is 30, 750 game balls can be lent.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-311002

However, such conversion is not only troublesome for the player but also takes time.
The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and provides a gaming apparatus capable of easily and quickly grasping the number of gaming media that can be rented at a glance. It is in.

In order to achieve such an object, the first invention is a gaming apparatus provided for various gaming machines, in which information for identifying a balance that can be used for gaming is recorded. Recording information reading means (for example, a card (R / W) reader / writer 30) that receives a recording medium (for example, prepaid card 20) and reads the recorded information from the received gaming recording medium, and the read recording Balance information storage means (for example, RAM 34) for storing balance information specified from the information, loan rate storage means (for example, RAM 34) for storing the rental rate of game media used in the game, and the balance information storage means Lending possible number calculating means (for example, CPU 2) for calculating the rentable number of the game medium based on the balance information stored in the lending rate and the lending rate stored in the lending rate storing means. ) And a signal output means for outputting the lendable number display signal for displaying the lendable number calculated (e.g., input-output (I / O) and a port 38).
According to the first invention, since the lent available number of game media can be displayed by the lent available number display signal output from the signal output means, the number of rentable game media can be easily determined at a glance. In addition, it can be grasped in a short time, and it is possible to meet the convenience of the player.

In the gaming apparatus according to the second invention, the signal output means can output a balance display signal for displaying a balance based on balance information stored in the balance information storage means, and the signal Output signal switching means (for example, an output signal switching circuit) is provided for switching a signal output from the output means to either the lending possible number display signal or the balance display signal.
According to the second aspect of the invention, the number of game media that can be lent and the balance information can be switched and displayed, so that the convenience of the player can be improved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming apparatus comprising a player operating means (for example, a display switching button) operable by a player, and the output signal switching according to the operation of the player operating means. The means switches the signal output by the signal output means to either the lending possible number display signal or the balance display signal.
According to the third invention, the player's convenience can be further improved because the number of game media that can be lent and the balance information can be switched and displayed at any time according to the player's preference.

A gaming device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is an operating means (for example, a rate changeover switch) that can be operated, and a lending rate determining means (for example, a CPU 22) that determines the lending rate in response to an operation by the operating means. The lending rate storage means stores the determined lending rate.
According to the fourth aspect, even when the lending rate determined by the lending rate determining means is changed, the number of game media that can be lent can be calculated and displayed accordingly. It is possible to realize a gaming apparatus with excellent versatility that can respond to changes in the lending rate.

  According to the present invention, by controlling the display of the number of game media that can be lent based on the balance information specified from the record information of the game recording media, the game media can be rented at a glance. It is possible to realize a gaming apparatus capable of easily grasping the possible number in a short time.

Hereinafter, a gaming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an example of a usage mode of a gaming apparatus 2 (hereinafter referred to as a card unit 2) according to the present embodiment. In this example of usage, the card unit 2 is provided between a plurality of gaming machines 8 constituting each gaming machine island (for example, 4, 6), and manages each gaming machine island 4, 6 The controller 10 is communicably connected.

  In the present embodiment, for example, a pachinko machine, a pachislot machine, a slot machine, or the like can be assumed as the gaming machine 8, but hereinafter, the pachinko machine 8 will be described as an example. The unit controller 10 is installed in each pachinko hall, and is connected to the server 12 of the management company that manages the card unit 2 via a predetermined network N (for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, etc.). Are connected to communicate.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the card unit 2 includes a bill insertion slot 14, a coin insertion slot 16, and a game card insertion slot 18, and a player can play a predetermined amount of money (banknotes or coins) or a game. By inserting the use recording medium 20 (hereinafter referred to as a prepaid card 20), it is possible to rent a game medium (game ball (not shown)) necessary for the game. For example, an IC card or a magnetic card can be assumed as the prepaid card 20, and the card unit 2 of the present embodiment can accept an IC card or a prepaid card 20 in the form of a magnetic card, for example.

  The card unit 2 includes a card insertion lamp (for example, a green light emitting diode 24a) and a status display lamp (for example, a yellow light emitting diode 24b and a red light emitting diode 24c) controlled by a central processing unit 22 (hereinafter referred to as CPU 22). ) Is provided. In this case, the green light emitting diode 24a emits light in a state where the prepaid card 20 is inserted, the yellow light emitting diode 24b emits light in a state where coins can be inserted, and the red light emitting diode 24c is in a state where bills can be inserted. Emits light.

  For example, when a clogging of money (banknotes or coins) or a reading error of the prepaid card 20 occurs, the CPU 22 activates a status display lamp (for example, a warning lamp 24d) to emit light.

  In such a configuration, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, when the prepaid card 20 is received by the card unit 2 via the game card slot 18 (P1), it is based on a detection signal of a card insertion detection sensor (not shown). The recorded information (for example, card ID) of the prepaid card 20 is read by the recorded information reading means controlled by the CPU 22, that is, the card reader / writer 30 (hereinafter referred to as the card R / W 30). The read card ID is transmitted to the unit controller 10 from the input / output (I / O) port 38 (hereinafter referred to as the I / O port 38) of the card unit 2 together with the unit ID unique to the card unit 2. (P2).

  When the unit controller 10 receives the card ID and the unit ID via the input / output (I / O) port 40 (hereinafter referred to as the I / O port 40) (P3), the unit controller 10 is based on the verification request from the card unit 2. The corresponding balance information is read from a table (for example, database (DB) 42) in which the balance information is recorded for each card ID, and the received card ID and the balance information are collated (P4).

  In addition, when the prepaid card 20 is issued from a card issuing machine (not shown) installed in the pachinko hall, the issued amount is recorded together with the card ID of the prepaid card 20 in the database 42 (hereinafter referred to as DB42). Is done. For example, when a prepaid card 20 of 3000 yen is issued, the issue amount 3000 yen is recorded in the DB 42 in association with the card ID as balance information. In this case, the issue amount 3000 yen may be directly recorded in the DB 42, or 3000 yen may be converted into a frequency unit (30 degrees) and recorded.

  Further, the card ID is recorded in the DB 42 as different identification information for each prepaid card 20, and the same card ID is not recorded repeatedly. Therefore, when a collation request is made from the card unit 2, the unit controller 10 reads one card ID that matches the collation request from a plurality of card IDs recorded in the DB 42, and stores the balance information of the card ID. Collation is performed (P4).

  Here, assuming that the matching is matched, when the subsequent processing is advanced, the balance information matching the matching is transmitted from the I / O port 40 of the unit controller 10 to the card unit 2 (P5). Note that the above-described recording processing and reading processing of the card ID and balance information with respect to the DB 42 are controlled by a central processing unit 44 (hereinafter referred to as a CPU 44) provided in the unit controller 10.

  When the card unit 2 receives the balance information via the I / O port 38 (P6), the card unit 2 stores the balance information in the balance information storage means (for example, the RAM 34). In this case, if the balance information transmitted from the unit controller 10 is represented by the balance (for example, 3000 yen), it is converted into the remaining frequency and stored in the RAM 34. In this case, the balance information is stored in units of remaining frequency with a predetermined amount (for example, 100 yen) as one frequency. For example, if the balance is 3000 yen, the balance is converted into the remaining frequency “30” in the RAM 34. Information is stored. The balance of 3000 yen may be stored as balance information.

Such conversion is performed by the CPU 22 using a processing program (for example, a conversion program) stored in the ROM 36 using the RAM 34 as a work area. In this case, as an example of the conversion program, an application such as (remaining money) ÷ (amount of money for one frequency (100 yen)) = (remaining frequency) may be applied. According to such a conversion program, for example, if the balance is 3000 yen, the remaining frequency is converted to “30”.
On the other hand, if the balance information transmitted from the unit controller 10 is represented by the remaining frequency (for example, “30”), it is stored in the RAM 34 as it is.

Further, when a prepaid card 20 is received, when a predetermined amount of money (a bill or a coin) is inserted into the bill insertion slot 14 or the coin insertion slot 16, the detection of the money insertion detection sensor 26 controlled by the CPU 22 is performed. Based on the signal, the authenticity of money (banknotes or coins) is identified by the money identifier 28.
At this time, when the currency discriminator 28 identifies that the currency (banknote or coin) is a currency, the currency coin is returned from the coin return slot 32 and the currency banknote is returned from the banknote insertion slot 14.

  On the other hand, when the money (banknote or coin) is identified as authentic, the valuable value information of the identified money corresponds to the prepaid card 20 being received in the balance information storage means (for example, RAM 34) as balance information. The balance information to be added is updated and stored. In this case, the valuable value information is stored in the RAM 34 in units of frequency where a predetermined amount (for example, 100 yen) is a frequency. For example, when the currency discriminator 28 identifies a currency having a valuable value of 5000 yen (banknote or coin), the balance information is added to the RAM 34 as the frequency “50”. In this conversion, for example, a processing program (for example, a conversion program) stored in the ROM 36 is executed by the CPU 22 using the RAM 34 as a work area. In this case, as an example of the conversion program, an application such as (valuable value of money) / (amount of money for one degree (100 yen)) = (frequency of money) may be applied. In this case, the valuable value of money (for example, 5000 yen) may be stored in the RAM 34 as it is. Further, ROM 36 may be applied as the balance information storage means. Then, it is recorded in the DB 42 of the unit controller 10. In this way, the balance can be replenished by additional payment.

  In the present embodiment, when the balance information (remaining frequency) as described above is stored in the RAM 34, the card unit 2 uses the game medium necessary for the game in the pachinko machine 8 based on the stored balance information. It is configured to be able to output a rentable number display signal for displaying the rentable number of (game balls).

  More specifically, in addition to the above-described configuration, the card unit 2 further includes a lending rate storage unit that stores a lending rate of a game medium (game ball) used for the game, and the balance information storage unit (RAM 34). ) Based on the balance information stored in) and the lending rate stored in the lending rate storage means, the lending possible number calculating means for calculating the lending number of gaming media (game balls), and the calculated lending number Signal output means for outputting a lentable number display signal for display is provided.

  In such a configuration, for example, the RAM 34 provided in the card unit 2 can be applied as the rental rate storage means, and the rental rate of the game medium (game ball) is stored in the RAM 34. In this case, the lending rate can be set to any lending rate (for example, 4 yen per game ball) by operating means provided in the card unit 2, that is, the rate changeover switch 46. Note that the ROM 36 may be applied as the lending rate storage means.

  As the rate changeover switch 46, for example, a DIP switch can be applied. By turning on / off the DIP switch, a gaming ball lending rate (for example, 4 yen per gaming ball) ) Can be set. In addition, since it is assumed that the lending rate of one game ball fluctuates according to the value price of the game ball, for example, the lending rate (for example, 3 yen per game ball, 4 yen per game ball) It is preferable to configure the DIP switch so that it can be switched between 5 yen per piece.

  The lending rate set and stored in this way is determined, for example, by the lending rate determining means when the card unit 2 is turned on, and the determined lending rate (for example, 4 yen per game ball) and the balance information storing means (RAM 34). The rentable number of game media (game balls) is calculated by the rentable number calculation means on the basis of the balance information stored in.

  In this case, the lending rate determining means and the lentable number calculating means can be constructed in, for example, the CPU 22, and the CPU (lending rate determining means) 22, for example, when the power is turned on, the rate changeover switch 46 as shown in FIG. The lending rate (for example, 4 yen per game ball) set by the above is determined from a predetermined table stored in the ROM 36 to determine the lending rate (P7, P8), and the determined lending rate is stored in the RAM 34. Subsequently, the CPU (rentable number calculating means) 22 calculates the rentable number of game media (game balls) based on the loan rate and balance information stored in the RAM 34 (P9).

  As shown in FIG. 3, such calculation is executed by the CPU 22 using a processing program (for example, a calculation program) stored in the ROM 36 using the RAM 34 as a work area. In this case, as an example of the calculation program, an application such as (balance information in frequency units) × (amount of money for one frequency (100 yen)) ÷ (lending rate) = (number of rentable game balls) is applied. It ’s fine. According to such a calculation program, for example, if the balance information is the remaining frequency “30”, the remaining frequency “30” × the amount of money for one frequency (100 yen) = 3000 yen, which is calculated as a lending rate (for example, a game By dividing by 4 balls), the number of game media (game balls) that can be rented is calculated as 750.

  Further, instead of the rate changeover switch 46, for example, an initial setting screen is displayed on various control terminals (not shown) of the unit controller 10, and a rental rate (for example, 4 yen per game ball) is set here. Also good. In this case, the lending rate information set in the various control terminals may be stored in the DB 42 of the unit controller 10 and then transmitted to the card unit 2 and stored in the lending rate storage means (RAM 34) here.

  In addition to determining the lending rate described above when the card unit 2 is turned on, for example, the rate change switch (dip switch) 46 is turned on / off after the power is turned on, or the unit controller is turned on after the power is turned on. The lending rate may be set on the initial setting screen of the various control terminals. This makes it possible to switch the lending rate at any time, and as a result, it is possible to improve the flexibility of the switching timing of the lending rate.

  Further, even if the lending rate is changed, the CPU (lending capacity calculation means) 22 can calculate the lending capacity of game media (game balls) in accordance with this, so that the convenience of the player is met. In addition, the card unit 2 having excellent versatility corresponding to the change of the lending rate can be realized. Note that the calculated rentable number of game media (game balls) may be stored in the RAM 34, for example.

  In the card unit 2 as described above, the calculated rentable number of game media (game balls) is converted into a lenttable number display signal for displaying the lenttable number and can be output from the signal output means. . Further, the signal output means can output a balance display signal for displaying the balance based on the balance information stored in the balance information storage means (RAM 34). In this case, for example, the I / O port 38 of the card unit 2 can be applied as the signal output means.

  The card unit 2 of the present embodiment includes an output signal switching means for switching a signal output by the signal output means (I / O port 38) to either a lending possible number display signal or a balance display signal, a game A player operating means that can be operated by a player. In this case, for example, the output signal switching circuit 48 controlled by the CPU 22 can be applied as the output signal switching means, and the display switching button 50 can be applied as the player operation means, for example. Is possible.

  The display switching button 50 is preferably provided at a location that takes into consideration the player's operability, and the card unit 2 of the present embodiment has, as an example (FIG. 2), a space between the coin insertion slot 16 and the coin return slot 32. It is arranged in the area. Further, the display switching button 50 can be operated by a player, for example, by pressing with a finger. When the display switching button 50 is operated, for example, the CPU 22 confirms the display setting as shown in FIG. (P10). In this display setting confirmation, the current display setting set by the display switching button 50 is confirmed.

In this case, if the setting is made to display the rentable number of game balls, the output signal switching circuit 48 switches the signal output from the I / O port 38 to the lentable number display signal (P11). If the setting is to display the balance expressed in frequency units, the output signal switching circuit 48 switches the signal output from the I / O port 38 to the balance display signal (P11).
In this way, by operating the display switching button 50 to switch the output signal, the number of game media (game balls) that can be lent and the balance can be switched and displayed (P12). As a result, it is possible to switch between the lent number of game media (game balls) and the balance information expressed in units of frequency at any time according to the player's preference, thereby improving the convenience of the player. be able to.

  Such a card unit 2 is provided between a plurality of pachinko machines 8 constituting each gaming machine island 4 and 6 (FIG. 1). For example, a pachinko adjacent to the right side in FIG. 1 and FIG. It can be connected to the machine 8 so as to be communicable. Specifically, each card unit 2 is connected to a connector (not shown) provided on the back thereof and a connector (not shown) provided on the back of the pachinko machine 8 via a cable (not shown). Various signals are exchanged via the cable.

In the present embodiment, signals output from the I / O port 38 of the card unit 2 (rentable number display signal, balance display signal) are transmitted to the pachinko machine 8 via a cable and provided in the pachinko machine 8. The available number or balance is displayed on the ball lending operation panel 52.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the ball lending operation panel 52 is provided on the surface of the upper plate 54 of the pachinko machine 8, for example, and includes a remaining frequency indicator 56, a ball lending button 58, and a return button 60. It is prepared for. Note that each component of the ball lending operation panel 52 (remaining frequency display 56, ball lending button 58, return button 60) is directly controlled by the card unit 2.

  The CPU 22 of the card unit 2 is communicably connected to the payout / launch control board 62 of the pachinko machine 8 via the cable, and the payout / launch control board 62 includes a game medium (game ball). A payout device 68 is connected.

  In such a configuration, when the ball lending button 58 of the ball lending operation panel 52 is operated, the CPU 22 of the card unit 2 and the input / output (I / O) port 64 (hereinafter referred to as I / O port 64) of the payout / launch control board 62 are used. A signal relating to the ball lending process is communicated with the CPU, and a central processing unit 66 (hereinafter referred to as CPU 66) of the dispensing / launching control board 62 drives and controls the dispensing device 68 based on the signal transmitted at this time. Thus, a predetermined number of game media (game balls) are paid out from the payout device 68 and supplied to the upper plate 54 of the pachinko machine 8.

  Note that the main board 70 is connected to the payout / launch control board 62. For example, a game medium (game ball) is provided at a general winning opening (not shown) through which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out by winning a game ball. When a prize is won, a predetermined command is transmitted from the main board 70 to the payout / launch control board 62. Based on the command, for example, the CPU 66 of the payout / fire control board 62 controls the driving of the payout apparatus 68. A predetermined number of game media (game balls) are paid out and supplied to the upper plate 54 of the pachinko machine.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko machine 8 includes an outer frame 72 to be attached to each gaming machine island 4 and 6, an inner frame 74 pivotally supported on the front surface of the outer frame 72, An effect display device (LCD (Liquid
A display panel (not shown) configured to include a game member (not shown) such as a prize opening is detachably attached to the front surface of the inner frame 74. It is installed.

  Further, a front door 78 fitted with a glass plate 76 is pivotally supported on the front surface of the inner frame 74, and a lamp 80 for effecting light is attached to the upper side of the front door 78. . Further, on the lower front side of the inner frame 74, there is an upper plate 54 for receiving rental balls and prize balls, a lower plate 82 for receiving game media (game balls) overflowing when the upper plate 54 is full, a handle 84, and a sound. And a speaker 86 for performing the production.

  In such a pachinko machine 8, when the lever 84a of the handle 84 is rotated in the clockwise direction during the game, the firing solenoid (not shown) is activated, and the game medium (game ball) moves along the guide rail (not shown). Launched in the game area. In the present embodiment, the game area refers to an area on a game board (not shown) partitioned by guide rails.

  In this case, the player can receive a desired number of game media (game balls) by referring to the display of the remaining frequency display 56 in the game and operating the ball lending button 58 of the ball lending operation panel 52. . The card unit 2 according to the present embodiment allows the number of game media (game balls) to be rented to the remaining frequency display 56 according to the signals (rentable number display signal, balance display signal) output from the I / O port 38. The balance expressed in frequency units can be switched and displayed.

As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the remaining frequency indicator 56 is composed of a display unit (one digit display unit 56a, ten digit display unit 56b, hundred digit display unit 56c) for displaying a three-digit number. Each display unit has a 7-segment LED (Light
Emitting Diode) is provided. Each of the 7-segment LEDs constituting the display units 56a, 56b, and 56c includes, for example, first and second segments S1 and S2 that are aligned adjacently in the vertical direction, and the first and second segments S1 and S2. Third and fourth segments S3, S4 arranged in parallel with each other, a fifth segment S5 arranged transversely across the top of the first and third segments S1, S3, A sixth segment S6 disposed parallel to the segment S5 and transversely across the lower portions of the second and fourth segments S2, S4, parallel to the fifth segment S5 and the sixth segment S6, and A seventh segment S7 arranged in the middle of these is provided.

  Each of the first to seventh segments S1 to S7 constituting such a 7-segment LED is constituted by an LED, and a signal output from the I / O port 38 of the card unit 2 (rentable number display signal, The balance display signal) is controlled so that each can emit light independently.

  Here, when the player operates the display switching button 50, if the operation is a setting for displaying the balance expressed in units of frequency, the CPU 22 confirms the display setting and then the output signal switching circuit 48. To switch the signal output from the I / O port 38 to the balance display signal. At this time, the balance is displayed on the remaining frequency display 56 of the ball lending operation panel 52 as the remaining frequency. For example, if the balance of the prepaid card 20 is 3000 yen, the remaining number “30” is stored in the RAM 34 as balance information, and a balance display signal for displaying the remaining number “30” is sent from the I / O port 38. It is output to the ball lending operation panel 52.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the balance display signal output at this time causes the first to sixth segments S1 to S6 of the first display portion 56a of the remaining frequency display 56 to emit light and to display the number 0. , And the segments S1, S2, S5, S6, and S7 of the first, second, fifth, sixth, and seventh portions of the tens place display portion 56b are caused to emit light and the number 3 is displayed. Thereby, the player can grasp | ascertain the remaining frequency "30" which can be used for a game.

  On the other hand, when the player operates the display switching button 50, if the operation is a setting for displaying the rentable number of game balls, the CPU 22 confirms the display setting and then outputs the output signal switching circuit. 48 is controlled to switch the signal output from the I / O port 38 to the lending number display signal. At this time, the remaining number display 56 of the ball lending operation panel 52 scrolls and displays the rentable number of game media (game balls). For example, if the balance of the prepaid card 20 is 3000 yen, the CPU (rentable number calculation means) 22 stores a loan rate (for example, 4 yen per game ball) stored in the RAM 34 and balance information (30 remaining counts) Since the rentable number (750) of game media (game balls) is calculated based on the above, a balance display signal for displaying the 750 lenttable number is sent from the I / O port 38 to the ball lending operation panel 52. Is output.

  As shown in FIG. 4C, the rentable number display signal output at this time is first of all the first, second, and fifth segments S1, S2, and S5 of the first display portion 56a of the remaining frequency display 56. , And the number 7 is displayed, then the first, second, and fifth segments S1, S2, and S5 of the tens place display portion 56b are caused to emit light and the number 7 is displayed. The second, third, fifth, sixth, and seventh segments S2, S3, S5, S6, and S7 of 56a are caused to emit light to display the numeral 5. Subsequently, the first, second, and fifth segments S1, S2, and S5 of the hundreds digit display unit 56c are caused to emit light to display the numeral 7, and the second, third, fifth, and sixth segments of the tens digit display unit 56b. , 7 segments S2, S3, S5, S6, S7 are caused to emit light to display the numeral 5, and further, the first to sixth segments S1 to S6 of the first digit display portion 56a are caused to emit light to emit the numeral 0. Is displayed.

  Next, the second, third, fifth, sixth, and seventh segments S2, S3, S5, S6, and S7 of the hundreds digit display unit 56c are caused to emit light to display the numeral 5, and the tenth digit display unit 56b. The first to sixth segments S1 to S6 are caused to emit light and the number 0 is displayed. At this time, the light emission is stopped by controlling to stop energization of the first digit display portion 56a. Then, the first to sixth segments S1 to S6 of the hundreds position display unit 56c are caused to emit light to display the numeral 0. At this time, the energization of the first place display part 56a and the tenth place display part 56b is controlled to stop light emission.

  By such scrolling display, the player can grasp the number of 750 available game media (game balls) that can be used for the game. In this case, in one scroll display, a player may be overlooked. Therefore, it is preferable to perform scroll display a plurality of times at a predetermined interval.

Now, for example, when the rentable number of game balls (750) is scroll-displayed, the player operates the ball lending button 58 of the ball lending operation panel 52 to lend, for example, 50 game media (game balls). , A signal related to the ball lending process is communicated between the CPU 22 of the card unit 2 and the I / O port 64 of the pachinko machine 8 (payout / launch control board 62).
In addition, 50 game balls are equivalent to 200 yen if one is 4 yen, and if it is 100 yen per degree, it is equivalent to "2". In this case, the number of remaining balls that can be lent is 700, and the remaining number is "28".

  First, when the pachinko machine 8 is powered on and communicable with the card unit 2, the payout / launch control board 62 enters a lending standby state, and as shown in FIG. LOW READY signal) is output to the CPU 22 via the I / O port 38 of the card unit 2. When the ball lending button 58 is operated in this state, the CPU 22 outputs a BRDY signal (LOW READY signal) from the I / O port 38 to the payout / launch control board 62.

  At this time, the CPU 22 outputs a BRQ signal (LOW rental request signal) from the I / O port 38 to the payout / launch control board 62. Here, if the LOW of the BRQ signal is detected while the payout / launch control board 62 detects the LOW of the BRDY signal, can the payout / fire control board 62 pay out the game medium (game ball) from the payout device 68? If the payout is possible, an EXS signal (LOW payout preparation signal) is output to the card unit 2 (CPU 22).

  The CPU 22 of the card unit 2 that has detected the LOW of the EXS signal changes the BRQ signal from LOW to HIGH, and outputs a ball lending command to the payout / launch control board 62. Then, a payout signal is output to the payout device 68 from the payout / launch control board 62 that detects HIGH of the BRQ signal. Based on this, the payout device 68 pays out 25 gaming balls (for several times). Is called.

  When the payout of 25 game balls is completed, the payout / launch control board 62 outputs the ball lending completion signal to the card unit 2 (CPU 22) by changing the EXS signal from LOW to HIGH. At this time, the card unit 2 (CPU 22) that detected HIGH of the EXS signal subtracts and updates 25 from, for example, the rentable number (750) of game media (game balls) stored in the balance information storage means (RAM 34). (Alternatively, one frequency is subtracted from the balance (remaining frequency “30”) and updated). At the same time, the rentable number after updating (725) is scroll-displayed on the remaining frequency display 56 of the ball lending operation panel 52.

  The card unit 2 (CPU 22) repeats the ball lending process as described above for the desired amount of game media (game balls) to be rented. When the ball lending process is completed, the BRDY signal is changed from LOW to HIGH to output a ball lending end signal to the payout / launch control board 62. This completes the ball lending process.

  Thereafter, when the return button 60 of the ball lending operation panel 52 is operated, the result of subtraction and updating by the above-mentioned ball lending process is output from the card unit 2 (CPU 22) to the unit controller 10, and based on that, the DB The balance information recorded in the (table) 42 is updated. In this case, the prepaid card 20 having no balance is not returned from the game card slot 18 but is held in the card unit 2 as it is. On the other hand, the prepaid card 20 having a balance is 12 will be returned.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the number of game media (game balls) that can be lent can be displayed, so the number of game media (game balls) that can be rented at a glance can be easily and quickly. It can be grasped and it can respond to the convenience of the player.
Further, since the number of game media that can be lent and the balance information can be switched and displayed at any time according to the player's preference, the convenience of the player can be improved.
Furthermore, even when changing the loan rate, the number of game media that can be lent can be calculated and displayed accordingly, realizing a highly versatile gaming device that supports changes in the loan rate can do.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and can be modified as follows.
In this embodiment, the balance can be replenished by additional payment, but it can also be applied to a card unit that does not have the function of replenishing the balance by additional payment.

  Further, instead of providing the display switching button 50, for example, the CPU 22 may automatically switch and display the lentable number and the balance at a predetermined timing. In this case, it may be controlled to display only the rentable number.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, numbers are applied as a method for displaying the lentable number and balance. However, for example, the lentable number and balance may be notified by voice. In this case, for example, a predetermined signal is output from the payout / launch control board 62 to the main board 70 based on the signals output from the card unit 2 (lending number display signal, balance display signal), and the output signal is Based on the command transmitted from the main board 70, the sub board (not shown) controls the speaker 86. Thereby, it is possible to inform the player of the number and balance that can be lent from the speaker 86 by voice.

  Further, as a method for displaying the lentable number and balance, for example, the lentable number and balance may be displayed on a variable display device (LCD) of the pachinko machine 8. Note that the display position on the variable display device (LCD) is preferably set at a location that does not obstruct special symbols or characters, for example. In this case, for example, a predetermined signal is output from the payout / launch control board 62 to the main board 70 based on the signals output from the card unit 2 (lending number display signal, balance display signal), and the output signal is Based on the command transmitted from the main board 70, the sub board (not shown) controls the variable display device (LCD). Thereby, it is possible to display the lentable number and the balance on the variable display device (LCD).

Further, for example, by adding a printer (not shown) to the pachinko machine 8, the number of available loans and the balance may be printed out.
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when a plurality of ball lending processes are performed, the subtraction update process is performed for each one of the ball lending processes. It can also be grasped by the CPU 66 of 62. In this case, a subtraction update process is performed on the grasped rentable number and balance, and when the return button 60 is operated, the lentable number and balance stored in the card unit 2 and the unit controller 10 are subtracted and updated. . As a result, it is possible to save the labor required for the subtraction update process.
Alternatively, the prepaid card 20 may be built in the card unit 2 (cannot be taken out), and the balance information related to the built-in prepaid card 20 in the unit controller 10 may be updated when the payment is made.

1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a gaming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided between a plurality of gaming machines constituting a gaming machine island. The perspective view which expands and shows the external appearance of a game machine and the game device attached to this. The block diagram which shows the main structures of the apparatus for gaming and the gaming machine. (a) is a plan view showing the arrangement configuration of the 7-segment LED of the remaining frequency indicator, (b) is a plan view showing a state in which the remaining frequency is displayed on the 7-segment LED, and (c) is a 7-segment LED. The figure which shows the state which is scroll-displaying the rentable number of game balls. The block diagram which shows the control flow which displays the number of the game media which can be lent in the game device of this Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the control flow which displays a balance in the conventional game device.

Explanation of symbols

2 Card unit 8 Game machine 10 Unit controller 12 Server 14 Bill slot 16 Coin slot 18 Game card slot 20 Game recording medium (prepaid card)
22 CPU (Available number calculation means)
30 Recorded information reading means (card R / W)
34 RAM (balance information storage means, lending rate storage means)
38 Signal output means (I / O port)
50 Player operating means (display switch button)

Claims (4)

A gaming device provided corresponding to various gaming machines,
A record information reading means for receiving a game recording medium in which information capable of specifying a balance usable for a game is recorded and reading the record information from the received game recording medium;
Balance information storage means for storing balance information specified from the read record information;
A lending rate storage means storing a lending rate of a game medium used for the game;
Lending possible number calculating means for calculating the lent possible number of the game media based on the balance information stored in the balance information storing means and the lending rate stored in the lending rate storing means;
A gaming apparatus comprising: a signal output means for outputting a loanable number display signal for displaying the calculated loanable number. The signal output means can output a balance display signal for displaying a balance based on balance information stored in the balance information storage means,
2. The game according to claim 1, further comprising output signal switching means for switching a signal output by the signal output means to either the lent available number display signal or the balance display signal. apparatus. It is equipped with player operation means that can be operated by the player,
The output signal switching means switches the signal output by the signal output means to either the lending number display signal or the balance display signal in response to an operation of the player operation means. The gaming device according to claim 2. Operation means capable of operation;
A lending rate determining means for determining the lending rate in response to an operation by the operating means,
The gaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determined rental rate is stored in the rental rate storage means.

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