JP2008086452A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine flexibly adaptable to various presentations. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine includes a play area; various game parts related to games; a transparent area for making the play area visible; an openable/closable open/close door for closing the front side of the play area; and various control means for controlling the play motions according to the game state. The game machine also includes an information display means composed of a non-volatile display medium for the rewritable display and formed in at least part of the transparent area; a game information storage means for storing data for displaying the information on the game state in the information display means in such a way as rewritable; a game part storage means for storing the data on at least one game part among various game parts in such a way as rewritable; and a display control means for reading data stored in the game information storing means and the game part storing means based on a command from at least one control means among various control means and controlling the information display means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine that displays various information related to a game by electronic paper.

  Currently, the gaming machines installed in the pachinko hall include pachinko gaming machines, arrange ball gaming machines, sparrow ball gaming machines, and revolving gaming machines. These gaming machines are popular gaming machines that have attracted the interests of players due to a variety of production effects and abundant games, and have engulfed many players.

  Among the above gaming machines, there are the following types of gaming machines that are particularly popular. In a ball game machine, whether or not it is a big hit is determined by random number lottery, and if a big win is won, a big winning opening that makes it easy to win a game ball is opened, When a game ball passes a thing that provides a profit (for example, a ball game machine equipped with a special electric accessory) or a specific winning area, a tulip-type accessory etc. is opened to a lot of players. There are those that provide benefits (for example, a ball game machine with a non-special electric accessory). In addition, in a spinning-type game machine, whether or not a big hit is determined by random number lottery, and if a big win is won, the player can be activated by continuously operating an accessory on the condition that a predetermined symbol is established Some offer many benefits.

In the gaming machine as described above, usually, an effect display device (for example, a display device composed of liquid crystal or the like) for providing an effect according to the game state is arranged in the game area. For example, in a ball game machine, a notice effect (so-called step-up notice, super reach, etc.) corresponding to the degree of expectation of winning the jackpot is generated on the effect display device so as to raise the player's expectation. I have to. And, when winning a jackpot, it is known that the jackpot is opened and the effect of the jackpot state different from the normal game state effect is executed to enhance the player's interest (For example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-292034 A

  Thus, the effect display device is an effect means that is important for enhancing the interest of the player. However, in the conventional ball game machine as described above, since various game parts such as a plurality of winning holes and ball guiding members occupy most of the game area, it is possible to arrange a plurality of effect display devices. Can not. For this reason, most of the effect is mainly executed by one effect display device. Particularly in recent years, with the increase in the size of the effect display device, the limitation of the game area has become more conspicuous, and it is not possible to arrange a plurality of effect display devices or effect display means in place of this. On the other hand, a ball ball machine equipped with a non-special electric instrument such as a tulip-type instrument, for example, a so-called “ordinary machine” or the like having a lot of prize openings and a distribution prize means such as a croon. Ball game machines often do not have an effect display device due to their gaming form.

  Also, in a spinning machine, the spinning part with a plurality of reels occupies most of the game area, so an effect display device is placed on the top and side of the housing to avoid the spinning part As with the above-mentioned ball game machines, a plurality of effect display devices cannot be arranged, and most of the effect effects are mainly executed by one effect display device.

  As a result, as described above, in a conventional gaming machine in which only one effect display device is arranged or the effect display device itself is not arranged, the game tends to be monotonous, This is one of the reasons why the interests of the players decline and the life of the gaming machine (the period in which it is installed in the pachinko hall) becomes short-lived.

  In addition to production that enhances the interest of the player, the pachinko hall side will be motivated by diversification of production such as information that the pachinko hall wants to notify the player and effective production to prevent cheating such as goto A gaming machine that can respond to the situation is eagerly desired.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can flexibly cope with diversification of effects.

  In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the present invention provides a gaming area for allowing a player to recognize a gaming situation, various gaming parts relating to the game, and a perspective that makes the gaming area visible. A gaming machine having an area, an openable / closable door that covers the front side of the gaming area, and various control means for controlling a gaming operation according to a gaming state, wherein the display mode can be rewritten An information display means comprising a non-volatile display medium to be displayed and formed in at least a part of the fluoroscopic area, and a game for storing rewritable data for displaying information on the game state on the information display means Information storage means, game section storage means for rewriteably storing data relating to at least one game section among the various game sections, game information storage means, and game section storage means Display control means for reading stored data based on an instruction from at least one of the various control means, and for controlling the display mode of the information display means, To do.

  Further, a specific signal receiving means for receiving a signal for causing the information display means to display specific information from an external terminal device, and data relating to the specific information to be displayed on the information display means are stored in a rewritable manner. Specific information storage means, and specific display control means for reading the data stored in the specific information storage means and controlling the display mode in the information display means based on the signal received by the signal reception means. It is characterized by that.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention configured as described above, since the information display means configured from the nonvolatile display medium is provided on the front side of the gaming board, the conventional gaming machine is limited regardless of the limitation of the gaming area. Various effects can be executed more than a game machine. As a result, even a gaming machine having an effect display device on the game area can flexibly cope with diversification of effects.

  In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes a game unit, for example, a game unit storage unit that stores data relating to a winning unit such as a winning opening in a rewritable manner. If the game unit storage means includes, for example, position data indicating the position where the winning opening (winning means) is formed, when changing the model so that the position where the winning opening is formed, It is only necessary to rewrite only the position data while leaving the data to be displayed on the information display means as it is, and the change contents can be flexibly dealt with. Furthermore, the location where the winning opening is formed can be specified by the position data, and for example, it is possible to produce an effective presentation that can specify the winning opening where an illegal act is performed.

  Also, according to the gaming machine according to the present invention, specific information can be displayed based on an instruction from a portable terminal device carried by a hall related person. As a result, advertising information such as hall information, and items that hall officials raised and displayed paper bills, etc., each had a design appearance on the gaming area where the player was most prominent It can be displayed as an image, and the burden on hall personnel can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, divided into first to third embodiments.

[First Embodiment]
1 to 14 are game machines according to the present embodiment (in the first and second embodiments, a ball game machine is described as an example of the game machine according to the present invention. It is a figure where it uses for description of the gaming machine which concerns on a form as a "ball game machine" and demonstrates it.

  FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a ball game machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration of the ball game machine according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the game board in the ball game machine according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a reference diagram for explaining the configuration of the information display means in the ball game machine, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating one display mode of the electronic paper display means in the ball game machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 1 to 3 are block diagrams showing a schematic configuration of the control system of the ball game machine shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and FIGS. 7 to 14 are diagrams for explaining the electronic paper display means 115 in the ball game machine according to the present embodiment. It is a figure used for.

  Hereinafter, as a ball game machine according to the present invention, a general pachinko game machine equipped with a special electric accessory will be described as an example. The same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the present specification, the term “winning” includes that the game ball “passes” or “enters” in the winning gate or winning means, and the term “production” refers to characters, figures, Or the meaning including various production | presentation aspects by an image etc. is meant.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine main body 100 includes an outer frame 110 and a front frame 120 attached to the outer frame 110 so as to be freely opened and closed.

  The front frame 120 has a function of detachably mounting the game board 300 (see FIG. 3) from the back side, and is attached so as to be openable and closable around the vertical axis by a pair of upper and lower hinges 110a provided at one end of the outer frame 110. It has been. A glass door frame 121 and a front plate 123 are attached to the front frame 120 so as to be openable and closable around the vertical axis.

  The glass door frame 121 is formed with a window portion 121a for allowing the game area formed on the game board 300 to be visually recognized. The window part 121a is covered with a transparent plate 121b that blocks the contact between the game board 300 and the outside and makes the game area visible. In the present embodiment, since the player visually recognizes the game area through the transparent plate 121b, the transparent plate 121b forms a see-through area.

  Here, referring to FIG. 4, a plurality of transparent plates 121b (a pair of transparent plates 121b are shown in the figure) are mounted on the glass door frame 121 in a superimposed manner. Information display means (hereinafter referred to as “electronic paper display means”) 115 configured to be displayed in a rewritable manner is interposed between one transparent plate 121b and another transparent plate 121b. Is formed. The forming method can be formed by, for example, a general method in which electronic paper is interposed between members, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  Although not shown, the electronic paper display means 115 is connected to a control board inside the gaming machine main body 100 via a connector or the like. By interposing electronic paper display means 115 between one transparent plate 121b and another transparent plate 121b, electronic paper display means against physical external force such as repeated impact caused by collision of game balls with the transparent plate 121b. In addition to having a function as a protection member for protecting 115, it can also have a function as a protection member against an external impact. Although the transparent plate 121b will not be specifically limited if it is a transparent member, A glass plate, an acrylic board, etc. are preferable from ensuring intensity | strength and transparency. The electronic paper display means 115 is not limited to the arrangement configuration as described above, but is formed in an area corresponding to a gaming part such as a decorative symbol display means 330 or winning means 350, 370, 360 described later, or the gaming part itself. You may do it.

  In addition, a speaker 130 that generates sound effects according to the gaming state is disposed on the upper portion of the front frame 120. The speaker 130 functions as a sound wave output unit that is one of the production units.

  The front plate 123 is provided with an upper tray 125a for storing game balls or supplying the stored game balls to a launching device (device for launching game balls). Further, at the lower part of the front plate 123, there is a lower tray 125b provided with a ball removal portion 125c for storing surplus game balls or taking out the stored game balls to the outside, and a launch handle 140 for operating the launch device. Is arranged.

  The glass door frame 121 and the front plate 123 are provided with a decorative lamp unit 150 (a part of the decorative lamp unit is shown in the figure) having a plurality of light emitting elements that produce a production effect according to the gaming state. Yes. These decorative lamp units 150 function as light emitting means which is one of the effect means.

  A lower outer frame 111 is disposed in front of the lower end portion of the outer frame 110, and a speaker 130 is disposed therein.

  Next, the configuration of the back side of the gaming machine main body 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be briefly described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine main body 100 includes a back mechanism plate 215 that fixes the game board 300 from the back side, a back cover 220 that is attached to the back mechanism board 215 or the back side of the game board 300 and covers various control boards. Is installed so that it can be opened and closed.

  The back mechanism plate 215 is formed with an opening so as to surround a partial area on the back side of the game board 300, and is supplied from a game ball supply device (not shown) on the hole side to the upper part of the opening. A storage tank 230 for storing the game balls and a tank rail 231 for supplying the stored game balls to the prize ball payout means 240 are disposed. The tank rail 231 is arranged so as to be inclined so that game balls are supplied to the prize ball payout means 240.

  The prize ball payout means 240 is a rotary prize ball payout device provided with a water wheel type payout rotating body driven by a drive motor. The prize ball payout means 240 is configured to pay out a predetermined number of game balls (for example, one by one) by driving the payout rotating body with the drive motor.

  The back cover 220 is for covering the back side of various game units (see FIG. 3) mounted on the game board 300 from the back side. Further, inside the back cover 220, a main control board 400 having a function as a main control means for controlling the entire game, and an effect control board having a function as an effect control means for controlling the effect means according to the game state 420, a payout control board 430 having a function as a payout control means for controlling the payout of prize balls, a firing control board 440 having a function as a fire control means for controlling the launching device, and a power supply control means for controlling the power supply A power supply control board 450 having the above functions is arranged.

  The back cover 220 includes a main control board case 400a for storing the control boards, an effect control board case 420a, a payout control board case 430a, a launch control board case 440a, and a power board case 450a. Is detachably mounted. The power supply board 450 is connected to an external power supply (not shown) via a power cord (not shown). Further, the main control board 400 is connected to a hall management computer 461 (see FIG. 6) through the external terminal board 460 for comprehensively managing gaming machines throughout the hall. A detailed description of the functions of each control board will be described later.

  Next, the configuration of the game board 300 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 300 includes a game area 310. The game area 310 is an area formed inside the guide rail 320 for guiding the launched game ball. In the present specification, the game area 310 is described as an area formed inside the guide rail 320, but an area including the guide rail 320 may be referred to as a game area 310.

  In the game area 310, various game parts functioning as a game part related to a game are mounted. The game parts mainly include decorative symbol display means 330, special symbol display means 340, normal symbol display means 345, A large winning means 350, a special symbol starting means 370, a normal symbol starting means 375, a general winning means 360, a windmill 380, a plurality of game nails (not shown), and a plurality of light emitting means (not shown) such as a decorative lamp. I have. And as already demonstrated, the electronic paper display means 115 is arrange | positioned in the front side (between a pair of transparent plates 121b with which the glass door frame 121 is equipped) so that the game area 310 can be visually recognized. Yes.

  The electronic paper display means 115 is composed of a non-volatile display medium that displays the display mode in a rewritable manner, and functions as an information display means. In the present embodiment, the form formed in the entire area of the game area 310 is shown, but it may be formed in at least a part of the game area 310.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the electronic paper display means 115 displays information (including effects) related to the game according to the game state, or directly displays the game state during the game as shown in FIG. 5B. Specific information (hereinafter referred to as “external information”) can be displayed.

  Examples of effects and information related to games include customer waiting demonstrations, performance pattern images in a normal game state or jackpot (hereinafter referred to as “special game”) state, error indications such as ball breaks, and fraudulent acts such as goto acts. Various indications such as the display of the occurrence, the data counter (display device provided in facilities such as game islands and displaying game information (such as the number of jackpots and the number of revolutions from jackpots) for each gaming machine) Display modes.

  External information includes, for example, advertisement display for pachinko halls, notification of game stop to the outside when a predetermined game ball is paid out, so-called “stop” display, gaming machine is out of order Usually, pachinko hall officials (for example, hall clerk) use paper bills, such as a message indicating that the player is temporarily away and a message indicating that the player has temporarily left. Various information (including effects) to be notified to outsiders (for example, other players).

  When external information is displayed, details will be described later, but a signal for displaying external information may be provided with a dedicated switch for displaying the external information in the gaming machine body (inside), or a pachinko machine. Wireless communication (including infrared communication) from portable terminal devices carried by hall personnel, wired communication with hall management computers 461 that collectively manage gaming machines throughout the hall, or IC cards Alternatively, external information may be displayed based on an instruction from a simple electromagnetic storage medium.

  The decorative symbol display means 330 is arranged so as to be surrounded by a decorative member attached so as to cover the periphery of the display screen, and displays effects related to various forms of games, and functions as a symbol variation display means. To do. The decorative symbol display means 330 is usually a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and displays effects related to various games as moving images or still image images. In this embodiment, the decorative symbol display means 330 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, but a display device such as a display device using electronic paper, a rotary drum such as a revolving game machine, or a seven-segment display. It may be a device.

  Examples of effects related to games include customer-waiting demonstrations, images for effects in a normal game state or special game state, decorative symbols (for example, characters and symbols such as “single” and “777”, character images, live-action images, etc. ), An error display such as a ball break, and an indication that an illegal act such as a goto action has occurred.

  The decorative symbol display means 330 displays the symbols displayed by the special symbol display means 340 and the symbols displayed by the normal symbol display means 345, and displays the number of times these symbols are changed (for example, the number of reserved balls). You may comprise so that it may do.

  The special symbol display means 340 has a function of displaying a condition (condition for operating the special electric accessory) that triggers the transition to the special gaming state by a symbol or a lamp (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol”). I have it.

  Specifically, the special symbol display means 340, when a game ball wins a special symbol start means 370 to be described later, is based on a variation pattern (a series of operations from variation start to end) determined by random number lottery. It has a function to display symbols in a variable manner.

  The special symbol starting means 370 is a winning opening that triggers the start of the lottery for shifting to the special gaming state when the game ball is won, and functions as one of the winning means. In the present embodiment, the special symbol starter 370 includes a pair of movable wing pieces 370a and 370b that are movable between the upper start port 371 and the lower start port 373 by the operation of the ordinary electric combination. It is structured as a thing. In addition, a detection switch (not shown) for detecting the winning of a game ball, for example, an electromagnetic sensitive proximity sensor is provided inside. When the movable wing pieces 370a and 370b are not movable, a game ball can be won from the upper start port 371.

  The movable wing pieces 370a and 370b are operated when a normal symbol which is a condition for operating the normal electric accessory is displayed by the normal symbol display means 345 described later, and the movable wing pieces 370a and 370b are opened. The start opening 373 is configured to facilitate winning of a game ball. The opening pattern of the movable wing pieces 370a and 370b (for example, the opening time and the number of times of opening) depends on the game state and the game form (pachinko game machine, sparrow ball game machine, arrange ball game machine, etc.) It can be appropriately changed according to the meaning).

  In addition, the special symbol variation based on the winning of the game ball of the special symbol starting means 370 is stored a predetermined number of times (for example, four times) according to the game, except for the variation being changed, It is displayed by the symbol memory display means 340a.

  The normal symbol starting means 375 is a winning opening (winning gate) that triggers the operation of the ordinary electric accessory when the game ball passes, and functions as one of the winning means. The normal symbol starting means 375 includes a detection switch (not shown) for detecting the passage of a game ball, and is formed in a so-called gate shape in the present embodiment. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol starting means 375, the variation of the normal symbol is started. The normal symbol variation based on the passing of the game ball of the normal symbol starting means 375 is stored a predetermined number of times (for example, four times) according to the game, except for the variation being changed, It is displayed by the symbol memory display means 345a.

  The normal symbol display means 345 has a function of displaying a condition that triggers the operation of the ordinary electric accessory by a symbol or a lamp (hereinafter referred to as “normal symbol”).

  Specifically, the normal symbol display means 345 has a function of variably displaying the normal symbol based on the fluctuation pattern of the normal symbol determined by random lottery when a game ball passes through the normal symbol starting means 375. is there.

  The big winning means 350 corresponds to a special electric accessory, and has a big prize opening (meaning a winning opening that makes it easy to win a game ball when the special electric accessory is activated). It is opened to make it easy to win game balls and functions as one of the winning means. The big winning means 350 is a variable winning device that includes a detection switch for detecting a winning of a game ball and can be converted into an open state that allows a game ball to be won in a big winning opening and a closed state that makes a winning impossible. . In the present specification, when referred to as a special winning means, it means that a special winning opening is included unless otherwise specified.

  The big winning means 350 includes an open / close door 350a that can be opened and closed around the horizontal axis on the lower side, and an electric drive device for operating the open / close door 350a, for example, an electromagnetic solenoid. The open / close door 350a is configured to operate.

  The general winning means 360 is provided with a detection switch for detecting a winning of a game ball, and is a winning opening configured only to pay out a predetermined number of gaming balls when a winning game ball wins the general winning means 360, It functions as one of the winning means.

  The windmill 380 is normally formed in an impeller shape and has a function of changing the direction in which the game ball falls.

  The game nail is formed of a nail shape and has a function of changing the direction in which the game ball falls. Although not shown, the game nail is arranged on the game area 310 with a predetermined form (a form such as a sky nail, a hakama, an armor nail, a jump nail) according to the game form and its purpose. Together with the windmill 380, it is one of means for giving various changes in the direction of the falling of the game ball and enhancing the interest of the game. One of the great things about the game is the behavior of the game balls that fall irregularly due to the arrangement of the game nails.

  The light emitting means includes, for example, a light emitting element such as an LED, and is for producing an effect according to the gaming state, and functions as one of the effect means.

  Next, the control system of the ball game machine according to the present invention will be described in detail. In addition, the same reference number is attached | subjected to the same component as FIGS. 1-3.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the ball ball game machine according to the present embodiment has a main control board 400, an effect control board 420, a payout control board 430, as various control means for controlling the game operation according to the game state. A launch control board 440 and a power supply control board 450 are provided. Each control board is configured to include a CPU that executes processing related to gaming operations based on a predetermined control program, a ROM that stores the control program, and a RAM that temporarily stores data as a work area.

  The main control board 400 controls overall game operations in the gaming machine and functions as main control means. The main control board 400 mainly includes normal symbol control means 401, special symbol control means 403, winning prize processing means 405, fraud management means 407, gaming state storage means 409, and control command transmission means 411.

  The effect control board 420 controls various effect means based on a control signal from the main control board 400 (control command transmitted from the control command transmitting means 411, hereinafter referred to as “control command”). Functions as a means. The effect control board 420 includes electronic paper control means 421, decorative design control means 423, light emission control means 425, and sound wave output control means 427.

  The payout control board 430 controls payout of prize balls according to the number of prize balls for each game ball won in each winning means based on a control command from the main control board 400. Functions as a means.

  The launch control board 440 (launch control means 441) receives signals such as a launch stop switch provided in the launch device and a launch intensity sensor that adjusts the launch intensity, and controls the operation of the launch device for launching the game ball. It functions as a launch control means.

  The power supply control board 450 (power supply control means 451) supplies or shuts off power to the gaming machine main body 100 and holds a backup power supply, and functions as a power supply control means.

  A control command from the main control board 400 is transmitted to each of the control boards 420 to 450 via an interface board and a relay board (not shown). Each of the control boards 420 to 450 includes control command storage means for temporarily storing the transmitted control command, reads out the control command stored in the command storage means, and based on the control command, each means ( Each control board controls the operation of the means directly controlled, for example, the electronic paper control means 421 in the effect control board 420 means the electronic paper display means 115). In the following description, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, a command transmitted from one control board (control means) to another control board is referred to as “signal” as necessary. is doing. In the following description, the method related to the processing contents of each control means and the like can be executed by appropriately adopting a known control program related to the entire gaming machine.

  First, each control means of the main control board 400 will be described in detail.

  The normal symbol control means 401 receives a winning signal indicating that the winning symbol has been won when the game ball wins the normal symbol starting means 375 (in this embodiment, it means that the game ball has passed since it has a gate shape). And it has a function which controls the action | operation of a normal electric accessory based on the received winning signal. Although not shown, the normal symbol control means 401 can include a normal symbol probability changing means and a normal symbol changing time shortening means.

  Specifically, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol starting unit 375, the normal symbol control unit 401 receives a signal indicating that the game ball has passed, and executes random lottery based on the received signal. Then, based on the random number lottery, it is determined whether or not to operate the ordinary electric accessory, and the variation pattern of the ordinary symbol to be displayed on the ordinary symbol display means 345 is determined, and the determined variation pattern of the ordinary symbol is displayed in the ordinary symbol display. The means 345 displays the variation. At this time, when it is determined that the ordinary electric accessory is to be operated, a specific ordinary symbol (ordinary symbol that triggers the operation of the ordinary electric accessory) is displayed, and the ordinary electric accessory is controlled based on a predetermined operation pattern. .

  The normal symbol probability changing means has a function of changing the probability that the normal electric accessory operates. The normal symbol probability variation means can be operated in conjunction with a special symbol variation time shortening means described later. In this case, with the operation of the special symbol variation time shortening means of the special symbol display means 340, the normal symbol probability variation means is activated, and the probability of displaying the symbol that the normal electric accessory is activated can be varied. .

  The normal symbol variation time shortening means has a function of shortening the variation time of the ordinary symbol. The normal symbol variation time shortening means can be operated in conjunction with the special symbol variation time shortening means (when the special symbol change time shortening means of the special symbol display means 340 is activated, the normal symbol variation time shortening means is activated).

  The normal symbol control means 401 can control the operation of the normal electric accessory in conjunction with the normal symbol probability changing means and the normal symbol changing time shortening means. For example, when the normal symbol variation time shortening means is operated, the operating time of the movable wing pieces 370a and 370b of the special symbol starting means 370 is extended from the normal gaming state, or the number of times of operation is changed. The operation of the object can be controlled.

  The special symbol control unit 403 includes a random value acquisition unit 403a, a special game transition determination unit 403b, and a special game generation unit 403c. The special symbol control unit 403 mainly executes a lottery for transition to a special game state or a series of prize winning units 350. It has a function of controlling the operation. The special symbol control means 403 can include special symbol probability fluctuation means and special symbol fluctuation time shortening means (not shown).

  When the game ball wins the special symbol starting means 370, the random value acquisition means 403a acquires the random value when winning the winning game as a jackpot determination random number for determining whether or not the special game is successful, and the acquired jackpot determination The random number value for use is temporarily stored in a predetermined storage area.

  The special game transition determination means 403b is a determination table for determining whether or not to shift to the special game state (if there are a plurality of special game states, the determination table corresponding to each special game state is a determination table. And a function of determining whether or not to shift to the special gaming state based on the stored random number for jackpot determination and stored. In the determination table, a result value of “big hit” or “out of place” is associated with a random value for jackpot determination. The special game transition determination means 403b refers to the acquired jackpot determination random value and the determination table to determine whether or not to shift to the special game state. For example, if the value corresponding to “big jackpot” in the judgment table is “7”, if the big jackpot determination random value acquired by the random number acquisition unit 403a is “7”, “big jackpot (winning in special gaming state)” When the acquired jackpot determination random number value is other than “7”, it is “out of place (no win in special gaming state)”.

  At this time, it is determined whether or not to shift to the special game state, and a special symbol and a special symbol operation pattern corresponding to the result of the determination are determined, and the determined special symbol is variably displayed on the special symbol display means 340. Note that the special game state may have a plurality of special game states, and a determination table corresponding to each special game state may be determined in advance.

  The special game generating means 403c has a function of controlling a series of operations from the start to the end of the operation of the big winning means 350 when it is determined that the special game transition determining means 403b shifts to the special game state.

  Specifically, the special game generating means 403c operates the open / close door 350a provided in the big prize means 350 when the special game transition judgment means 403b judges that the special game state is to be entered, After the start, the special winning opening is closed (closed state) when a predetermined opening time or a predetermined number of game balls are won.

  When the special game state has a plurality of special game states, the operation of the big winning means may be varied depending on each special game state. The open state and the closed state based on the operation of the prize winning means are alternately repeated a predetermined number of times by providing an accessory continuous operation device (meaning a device that can continuously operate a special electric accessory) or constant. It can be changed to various specifications depending on the game form, such as maintaining time, open state or closed state.

  The special symbol probability changing means has a function of changing the probability of shifting to the special gaming state.

  Specifically, when the special symbol probability changing means shifts to the special gaming state by stopping a predetermined specific symbol (hereinafter referred to as “specific symbol”) among the special symbols shifting to the special gaming state. After the end of the operation of the special winning means 350 (after the end of the special game state), the probability of shifting to the next special game state is changed (hereinafter referred to as “probability change” if necessary).

  For example, it is assumed that the special symbols that shift to the special gaming state are “ta”, “ka”, “shi”, “hi”, “de”, and “ki”. Here, when the special game state is changed to “t”, “ka”, or “shi” as the specific symbols, the probability of changing to the next special game state is increased from a low probability (for example, 1/397) to a high probability. (For example, 19.7 / 3), and when the game state is shifted to the special game state by “hi”, “de”, “ki”, it is possible to prevent the probability variation (for example, described later). Only give a short time).

  When the next special game state is shifted again by a specific symbol, the probability of shifting to the next special game state after the end of the big winning means operation can be changed (for example, the probability change is continued). . In addition, it has been explained that the probability variation as described above changes from a low probability to a high probability only when the specific symbol is stopped, but only the probability of shifting to the next special gaming state. It may be configured to be repeated (for example, the continuation of probability variation is repeated twice).

  The special symbol variation time shortening means has a function of shortening the variation time of the special symbol.

  Specifically, when the special symbol variation time shortening means shifts to the special game state with a predetermined specific symbol (hereinafter referred to as “variable time shortening symbol”), the next time after the operation of the big winning means is stopped. The special symbol variation time is shortened (hereinafter referred to as “time reduction”) until the start of the operation of the special prize winning means or until the special symbol finishes changing a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times).

  The winning processing means 405 receives a winning signal indicating that the winning ball has been won in each winning means of the big winning means 350, the special symbol starting means 370, or the general winning means 360, and the received winning signal It has a function of executing a winning process based on it.

  Specifically, the winning processing means 405 receives a signal from the winning detection switch when the gaming ball passes through the winning detection switch of the gaming ball provided in each winning means, and corresponds to each winning means. The number of game balls to be paid out, that is, the number of prize balls, is determined, and a signal of the determined number of prize balls is transmitted to prize ball payout control means 431 described later. In addition, the winning processing means 405 receives a status signal related to paying out a winning ball from the winning ball payout control means 431. The status signal includes an out-of-supply signal when there are not enough game balls in the storage tank 230, a prize ball shortage signal indicating that the prize ball is insufficient, a lower dish full signal indicating that the tray is full, etc. Status signal is included.

  Also, the winning processing means 405 can receive a determination result for determining whether or not it is an illegal winning from an unauthorized management means 407 described later, and can control the winning ball payout control means 431 based on the received determination result. it can. For example, when the fraud management means 407 determines that the prize is illegal, it receives a signal to that effect from the fraud management means 407 and controls the prize ball payout control means 431 to stop paying out the prize balls. Can do. As a result, it is possible to stop winning balls for illegally won gaming balls.

  The fraud management means 407 is at least one of each winning means (in the present embodiment, means each winning means of the big winning means 350, the special symbol starting means 370, or the general winning means 360) by fraud. On the other hand, it is monitored whether or not there is an abnormal winning (unauthorized winning), and functions as an illegal winning determination means. The fraud management means 407 can include hall fraud notification means and game forced stop means (not shown). In the present embodiment, an explanation will be given by taking the big winning means 350 as an example of the winning means to be monitored for illegal winning.

  The fraud management means 407 is configured to determine whether or not a game ball has won the special winning means when the special winning means 350 is not operated by the special symbol control means 403 (special game generating means 403c). ing.

  Specifically, it is determined whether or not the game ball has won the big winning means 350 even though it has not shifted to the special gaming state. As described above, the detection of the game ball to be awarded to the big winning means 350 is performed by the winning processing means 405. Accordingly, the fraud management means 407 monitors whether or not the game ball has won the big winning means 350 based on the winning signal of the game ball of the big winning means in the winning processing means 405. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fraud management unit 407 may have a function of directly detecting a game ball that wins the big winning unit 350.

  Whether or not the game ball has won is determined, for example, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the special gaming state, that is, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the operation of the big winning means 350 controlled by the special symbol control means 403. When the time has elapsed, it is determined that the game ball that wins the grand prize winning means 350 is illegally won and it is determined that it is an illegal prize, or a prize is awarded within a predetermined time from the end of the operation of the big prize winning means 350. If the number of game balls to be played is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, it may be determined that the winning prize is illegal. The reason for adopting the determination method as described above is that, in a ball game machine equipped with a plurality of prize winning means, etc., when the mechanism of the electric accessory for opening the prize winning opening and the form of the prize winning opening are different, Even if the number of winning of the game balls is different and the number of winnings increases to some extent or the detection time of the winning balls is different, the game balls that have been won are incorrectly detected as winning due to cheating. This is because it can be prevented.

  The determination as to whether or not the game is in the special gaming state is configured such that the fraud management means 407 makes a time series determination based on the determination result of the special game state from the special symbol control means 403 or the like. The predetermined time and the predetermined number can be arbitrarily set according to the game mode. If the fraud management means 407 determines that the prize has been won illegally, it transmits a signal indicating that the prize is illegal to the control command transmission means 411, which will be described later, and the control command transmission means 411 responds to other control commands. It is preferable that a control command (hereinafter referred to as “illegal prize notification command”) for notifying that each control means is an illegal prize is transmitted by giving priority to interruption.

  Further, when the big winning means is continuously operated by the accessory continuous operating device (device capable of continuously operating the special electric accessory), from the first operation start of the open / close door 350a of the big winning means 350. Assuming that the first round is from the end to the end (cycle from the open state to the closed state), the second round is started after a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the first round. In such a case, during the predetermined time from the end of the last round (for example, the 15th round), it seems that the operation of the big winning means is finished, but the special gaming state is actually continuing. It is. The “special game state” means that the predetermined time from the end of the final round has elapsed.

  In the present embodiment, the case where there is one big winning means is described, but not limited to this, in the case of a ball game machine having a plurality of big winning means, each big winning means is monitored. It can also be configured as follows.

  By the way, if the special symbol starting means 370 and the general winning means 360 are configured so as to determine whether or not the illegal winning is determined based on whether or not the game is in the special gaming state as described above, the illegal winning cannot be detected ( This is because the special symbol starting means 370 and the general winning means 360 can win a prize regardless of whether or not they are in a special gaming state). Therefore, in the case of a winning means capable of winning regardless of whether or not it is in a special gaming state, it is determined that the winning is illegal when an abnormal winning is detected such that a large number of gaming balls win within a predetermined time. Can be configured. When a predetermined number of game balls wins within a predetermined time, it can be configured to determine that the winning is illegal. The predetermined time and the predetermined number can be arbitrarily set according to the game mode.

  The hall fraud notification means has a function of transmitting a signal indicating that the prize is illegal to the hall management computer 461 through the external terminal board 460. Since the hole fraud notification means notifies the hole management computer 461 that the prize is illegal, it is possible to detect an illegal act at an early stage.

  The game forced stop means has a function of forcibly stopping at least a part of the game state (meaning that includes general game operations) when the fraud management means 407 determines that the prize has been illegally won. . For example, when it is determined by the fraud management means 407 that the prize has been won illegally, a signal to stop the firing operation is transmitted from the game forced stop means to the firing control means 441 so as to stop the operation of the launching device. Alternatively, the power supply control means 451 can transmit a signal for shutting off the power to shut off the power of the gaming machine main body.

  The game state storage unit 409 includes a game restoration unit (not shown), and has a function of storing processing signals generated in time series in each control unit of the main control board 400.

  The gaming state storage means 409 has a backup function for storing the processing contents relating to the gaming state at the time of the interruption when the power supply of the gaming machine is cut off (for example, when the power supply is forcibly cut off at the time of power failure or fraud). I have it. The processing content related to the game is the processing content for enabling the player to provide the game state when the power is shut off as it is when the power is restored (or processing related to the main game state required for restarting the game) Content), that is, processing contents in the normal symbol control means 401, the special symbol control means 403, the winning processing means 405, or the like. For example, the random number lottery result of special symbols and normal symbols, whether or not it is in a special gaming state, the operating state of the big winning means in the special gaming state (for example, the number of rounds, probability fluctuation state, etc.), the number of unpaid winning balls, etc. is there.

  The game restoration means detects a power restoration signal from the power supply control means 451 when the power is restored, reads out the processing contents stored in the gaming state storage means 409, and supplies power based on the stored processing contents. It has a function to recover the game from the game state at the time of the interruption.

  The control command transmission means 411 receives and analyzes signals related to the processing results from the respective control means of the main control board 400, and uses the analyzed signals as control commands to control boards such as the effect control board 420 and the payout control board 430. It has the function to transmit to. The signal of each control means provided in the main control board 400 described above is transmitted to the control means of each board through the control command transmission means 411 by one-way communication.

  Each control means (decoration pattern control means 423, prize ball payout control means 431, etc.) in the production control board 420, the payout control board 430, etc. receives this control command, and based on the received control command, each means (decoration pattern). Display means 330, prize ball payout means 240, etc.) are controlled. Each control unit described later includes a control command storage unit that temporarily stores the control command received from the control command transmission unit, reads out the control command stored in the control command storage unit, and It is comprised so that each means may be controlled.

  The control command transmission means 411 transmits a control command a plurality of times at predetermined time intervals in order to prevent a transmission error due to noise or the like in a normal gaming state when transmitting a signal relating to a gaming state. .

  The control commands include a production command based on a special gaming state or a normal gaming state, a production command based on the occurrence of a special gaming state, a production command based on a probability variation, an error command due to an illegal winning, a production command for displaying electronic paper (production Various commands for controlling various control means, such as a control command to be transmitted to each control means of the control board 420) and a payout control command based on the detection result of the winning game balls in each winning means, are included.

  Next, each control unit of the production control board (production control unit) 420 will be described in detail.

  The electronic paper control means 421 is one of the effect control means. The electronic paper control means 421 receives a control command related to the display mode in the electronic paper display means 115 from the control command transmission means 411, and based on the received control command, the electronic paper display means 115 controls the display mode of information, images, etc., and functions as game information storage means, game section storage means, and display control means.

  In this embodiment, the electronic paper control means 421 is described as one of the effect control means. However, the electronic paper control means 421 is arranged on the main control board 400 or other control boards (the effect control board 420, the payout control board 430, etc.). In this case, it can function as one of main control means or other control means. Also, a dedicated control board having the function of the electronic paper control means 421 (hereinafter referred to as “electronic paper control board”) is arranged separately from the control boards such as the main control board 400 and the effect control board 420. May be. In this case, the electronic paper display means 115 may be configured to be controlled based on an instruction from a separately arranged electronic paper control board, or an instruction from one control board may be sent via another control board. It may be configured to be indirectly controlled (for example, an instruction from the main control board 400 is controlled via the effect control board 420 based on the instruction).

  Here, the control system of the electronic paper display means 115 which is one of the characteristic components of the present invention will be described in detail.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the electronic paper display means in the ball game machine according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the electronic paper control unit 421 includes a game information storage unit 421a, a position data storage unit 421b, and a game information display control unit 421c. The electronic paper control unit 421 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. Yes.

  The game information storage means 421a is composed of a semiconductor memory or the like, and data for displaying information relating to the game state on the electronic paper display means 115 (hereinafter referred to as “game information display data” as necessary). Is stored in a rewritable manner and functions as game information storage means. The display data for game information can include various data for displaying various images such as document images, still images, and moving images.

  The display data for game information includes an image table for game information storing information related to the game state. In this game information image table, for example, color arrangement information relating to an image to be displayed on the electronic paper display means 115 by a general method for storing data is stored, and the electronic information transmitted from the control command transmission means 411 is stored. A control command related to paper display is associated with an image to be displayed on the electronic paper display means 115.

  Further, since the game information display data is stored in a rewritable manner, the game information display data can be appropriately rewritten and used when changing the model. The game information display data may be configured so as not to be rewritten.

  The position data storage means 421b is composed of a semiconductor memory or the like, and stores data related to at least one game part among various game parts (game parts) in a rewritable manner, and functions as a game part storage means. . The position data storage means 421b is data relating to positions where various game parts are formed (hereinafter referred to as “position data” as necessary), for example, the position of the big winning means 350 formed in the game area 310. Data indicating the position at which the game part is formed, such as coordinate data relating to, is stored.

  Further, since the position data stored in the position data storage means 421b is stored in a rewritable manner, this position data can be appropriately rewritten and used when changing the model. Thus, if the position data relating to the position where the game part is formed is stored in a rewritable manner, the game information display data stored in the game information storage means 421a is a simple image (for example, “→ ”,“ ↑ ”,“ □ ”,“ ■ ”, etc.), when the model is changed, the display mode on the electronic paper display means 115 can be changed simply by rewriting the position data.

  Specifically, the position of the “■” area shown in FIG. 8A can be moved downward as shown in FIG. 8B simply by rewriting the position data. For example, when the coordinates of the initial position of the upper left corner of “■” are (X1, Y1), the coordinates of the initial position are newly rewritten to (X2, Y2), thereby “ As shown in FIG. 8B, the area “1” can be moved to the lower side, that is, from (X1, Y1) to (X2, Y2).

  In the present embodiment, it is described that the display data for game information and the position data are stored by separate storage means (game information storage means 421a, position data storage means 421b). The data stored in the storage unit 421a may be included in the data stored in the position data storage unit 421b.

  As described above, since each data stored in the game information storage means 421a and the position data storage means 421b is stored in a rewritable manner, for example, only the information related to the game is changed when the model is changed. If only the position where the game part such as a winning means is formed is changed, the electronic paper display means 115 can be used as it is simply by rewriting the game information display data or position data. As a result, even when the model is changed, the contents of the change can be flexibly dealt with. In addition, the method of deleting each data memorize | stored in the memory | storage means 421a for game information and the position data memory | storage means 421b, and rewriting to new data, or rewriting to new data by overwriting is the data rewriting. It can be done using a general method of doing.

  The game information display control means 421c includes a data processing means 421d, an electric field pattern generation means 421e, and a TFT drive means 421f, and stores the data stored in the game information storage means 421a and the position data storage means 421b based on the control command. It reads out and controls the display mode in the electronic paper display means 115, and functions as a display control means.

  The data processing unit 421d receives the control command from the control command transmission unit 411, acquires the electronic paper game information image table and position data associated with the received control command, and acquires the acquired data. It has a function to process. The data processing unit 421d performs processing such as gamma correction, contrast correction, and color correction, and the processed data is transmitted to the electric field pattern generation unit 421e. The data processing unit 421d can process data for determining the display mode on the electronic paper display unit 115 by a general processing method. In addition, the position data indicates an effect related to the gaming department according to the gaming state (for example, a display suggesting that a predetermined winning means is to win a game ball in a special gaming state, or a winning in which an illegal act has occurred. When displaying a message indicating that the means is specified), it is read and processed as appropriate.

  The electric field pattern generation unit 421e has a function of receiving processing data from the data processing unit 421d and generating an electric field pattern based on the received processing data. The electric field pattern generation unit 421e is formed between each common electrode 511 and each pixel electrode 513 of the electronic paper display unit 115 (see FIGS. 9 and 11) based on the processing data from the data processing unit 421d. An electric field pattern is generated, and a signal indicating the electric field pattern is transmitted to the TFT driving unit 421f.

  The TFT drive unit 421f receives the electric field pattern transmitted from the electric field pattern generation unit 421e, and drives the TFT 115 (Thin Film Transistor, see FIG. 10) based on the received electric field pattern.

  Here, the display principle of the electronic paper display means 115 in the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11 in order to facilitate understanding of the contents of the present invention. In the drawings referred to below, the thickness and shape of each component layer are exaggerated for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the contents of the invention.

  FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the electronic paper display means 115. Note that various methods can be adopted for electronic paper that can be used as the electronic paper display means 115. In this embodiment, a microcapsule type electrophoresis method using an electrophoretic phenomenon in which particles charged by dispersion migrate by coulomb force when an electric field is applied to a dispersion liquid in which fine particles are dispersed in a liquid phase dispersion medium. An example using the electronic paper will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the electronic paper display means 115 includes a flexible sheet-like first substrate 501a, and a flexible sheet-like second substrate disposed facing the first substrate 501a. A substrate 501b, a common electrode 511 formed on a surface of the first substrate 501a facing the second substrate 501b, a pixel electrode 513 formed on a surface of the second substrate 501b facing the first substrate 501a, And an electronic ink layer 521 formed between the first substrate 501a and the second substrate 501b. The electronic paper display means 115 is configured so that information displayed from the first substrate 501a side (display surface) can be viewed.

  The first substrate 501a and the second substrate 501b are formed from, for example, a transparent glass substrate. The common electrode 511 and the pixel electrode 513 are formed of a transparent electrode such as an ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) thin film, for example.

  The electronic ink layer 521 includes a light transmissive binder 523 and a plurality of microcapsules 531 fixed to the binder 523 in a state of being uniformly dispersed in the binder 523. In the microcapsule 531, for example, an electrophoretic dispersion medium 533 colored in any one of cyan, magenta, and yellow and a plurality of white charged particles 535 that are positively or negatively charged are enclosed. A voltage is applied to a desired microcapsule 531 of the electronic ink layer 521, and the charged particles 535 enclosed in the microcapsule 531 are migrated to either the display surface side or the back surface side, and the electrophoretic dispersion of the microcapsule 531 is performed. If the color of the medium 533 or the charged particles 535 is visible from the display surface side, a color image can be displayed as described in detail later.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an equivalent circuit of the electronic paper display means 115. FIG. 10 shows an equivalent circuit of a part of the electronic paper display means 115. In addition, the control for displaying on the electronic paper display means 115 can employ | adopt a well-known method suitably.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the electronic paper display means 115 includes a display area 115g, and includes a gate driver circuit 115a and a source driver circuit 115b arranged around the display area 115g.

  The display area 115g is composed of a plurality of pixels for displaying information related to the game. Each pixel is formed in a plurality of pixel electrodes 513 arranged in a matrix on the second substrate 501b, each pixel electrode 513, a TFT 115c for accumulating charges in the capacitor 115d, and formed in each pixel electrode 513. The capacitive element 115d for maintaining the electric polarization state of the electrophoretic dispersion medium, the scan line 115h for supplying a scan signal to the gate of the TFT 115c from the gate driver circuit 115a, and the source of the TFT 115c from the source driver circuit 115b On the other hand, a data line 115i for supplying a data signal is provided.

  The gate driver circuit 115a functions as a scan driver region that applies a voltage to the gate of each TFT 115c, and provides a scan signal for selecting the pixel electrode 513 in the display region 115g.

  The source driver circuit 115b functions as a data driver region for applying a voltage to the source of each TFT 115c, and provides a data signal corresponding to data to be displayed by a pixel in the display region 115g.

  Note that the gate driver circuit 115 a and the source driver circuit 115 b can be provided with a driver circuit having the same function as these circuits outside the electronic paper display means 115. In this case, the electronic paper display means 115 in which the gate driver circuit 115a and the source driver circuit 115b are omitted can be formed.

  The gate driver circuit 115a and the source driver circuit 115b are driven according to a signal from the TFT driving unit 421f of the electronic paper control unit 421. Then, the TFT 121 of each pixel electrode 513 is turned on or off, and an electric field having a magnitude and direction corresponding to data to be displayed is applied between each pixel electrode 513 and the common electrode 511.

  Here, the voltage V of the common electrode 511 is, for example, the voltage of the pixel electrode 513, and the maximum voltage value V1 when the gate of the TFT 115c is on and the voltage V0 when the gate of the TFT 115c is off (V0 = 0). The voltage value is set to “0.5V1” intermediate to the lowest voltage value. With this setting, the direction of the electric field applied to the microcapsule 531 existing between each pixel electrode 513 and each common electrode 511 can be changed by turning on / off the TFT 115c. Note that there is no particular limitation on the magnitude of the voltage applied between the pixel electrode 513 and the common electrode 511 (the potential difference between the common electrode 511 and the pixel electrode 513).

  When an electric field is applied to the microcapsule 531, the charged particles 535 move in the direction opposite to the direction of the electric field in the microcapsule 531. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, for example, when white charged particles 535 in the microcapsule 531 are negatively charged, the TFT 115c is turned off and the electric field from the common electrode 511 to the pixel electrode 513 is reduced. When this occurs, the white charged particles 535 in the microcapsule 531 present in this electric field move to the common electrode 511 side, and a white display state is obtained (see the front left side of FIG. 11). On the other hand, when the TFT 115c is turned on and an electric field is generated from the pixel electrode 513 toward the common electrode 511, white charged particles 535 in the microcapsule 531 existing in the electric field move to the pixel electrode 513 side. In this case, if the color of the electrophoretic dispersion medium 533 is yellow, the display surface is yellow and a color display state is established (see the right front side in FIG. 11).

  Further, by controlling the magnitude of the electric field between the pixel electrode 513 and the common electrode 511 and the time for applying the electric field, the distribution state of the charged particles 535 in the electrophoretic dispersion medium 533 and the microcapsule 531 is controlled. Intermediate gray scale display is possible.

  In this manner, by arranging the electrophoretic dispersion medium 533 or the charged particles 535 on the light-transmissive first substrate 501a side (display surface), color display according to desired image data can be performed. The microcapsule 531 is configured such that the specific gravity of the electrophoretic dispersion medium 533 is equal to the specific gravity of the charged particles 535. In this way, even if the electric field disappears, the charged particles 535 can be positioned at a certain position for a long time, and the display mode in the electronic paper display means 115 is maintained for a long time.

  The display mode of the electronic paper display unit 115 is controlled based on an instruction from the electronic paper control unit 421 by driving the driver circuit (gate driver circuit 115a and source driver circuit 115b) to each electrode (common electrode 511 and pixel electrode 513). ) Is scanned in a matrix form, and it has already been described that it is controlled by applying an electric field between the electrodes (between the common electrode 511 and the pixel electrode 513). By the way, in order to display the next image, the reading of the previous image data is completed, an electric field pattern generation process for displaying the next image is performed, and the generated electric field pattern is applied between the electrodes again. To display the next image (overwriting the previous image and displaying the next image). In this way, the electronic paper display means 115 can display information about games one after another. If the display mode of the electronic paper display unit 115 is temporarily held, it is of course possible to delete the display mode (that is, return to the initial state where nothing is displayed).

  When the display mode of the electronic paper display unit 115 is deleted, an erasure switch (not shown) that transmits a signal for forcibly deleting the display mode to the electronic paper control unit 421 may be formed. . As the erasing switch, for example, it has a movable part that is movable when an external operating force is directly applied, and a person directly operates the erasing switch to erase the display mode. This has a function of transmitting a signal to the electronic paper control means 421.

  The position at which the erasing switch is formed is not particularly limited. For example, it can be easily operated from the outside when the front frame 120 (see FIG. 1) is opened, for example, at a position that can be easily operated by the hall personnel. It is preferable to form it at a position where it can be operated. For example, since the display mode as shown in FIG. 14 is for notifying the outside that an illegal act has occurred, generally, if the process for deleting this display is not performed, the display mode is illegal. An indication that an action has occurred is maintained. For this reason, when it becomes necessary to delete the display mode for reporting the fraud (after removing Goto or misinformation), the erasure switch is formed at a position where it can be easily operated from the outside. If so, it can be easily erased from the outside.

  The erasing switch is not particularly limited, and a general switch configuration can be adopted. Further, depending on the purpose, a signal indicating that the display mode of the electronic paper display means 115 is erased by the electronic paper control means 421 by wireless communication or wired communication from a portable terminal device or hall management computer used by the hall personnel. May be configured to transmit. In addition, when transmitting the signal to delete, it should be transmitted including the password information such as a password in the signal to delete so that the signal is not deleted by an outsider. It is also effective from the security aspect.

  The electronic paper display unit 115 using the microcapsule type electrophoresis method has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the following electronic paper can be used. For example, electronic paper such as a twisting ball method, a horizontal movement type electrophoresis method, an electrodeposition dissolution method, a light writing method, a reversible thermosensitive method, a reversible photosensitive method, and an electronic powder fluid method can be used. Hereinafter, these methods will be briefly described.

  The twist ball method is a method in which charged particles divided into two colors are scattered between two transparent plastic sheets, and a voltage is applied to the charged particles from the outside. In addition, the horizontal movement type electrophoresis method is a method in which a voltage is applied to black charged particles and the black charged particles are adsorbed on the electrode (black electrode or white electrode) surface. The electrodeposition dissolution method is a method in which an electrolyte is filled between a transparent electrode and a silver electrode, and a voltage is applied to these electrodes. The optical writing method is a method in which an AC voltage is applied to the liquid crystal on which the optical switch layer is overlaid. The reversible thermosensitive system uses a material that develops color by heating, maintains the color by rapid cooling, and decolors by slow cooling, like thermal paper. Further, the reversible photosensitive method is a method using a photosensitive material (photochromic compound) that develops color when irradiated with ultraviolet rays and disappears when irradiated with light having a specific wavelength of visible light. The electronic powder fluid system is a system that uses an electronic powder fluid having properties of both solid and liquid instead of liquid crystal.

  The decorative symbol control means 423 receives a control command related to the effect corresponding to the gaming state from the control command transmission means 411, and controls the decorative symbol display means 330 based on the received control command. Act as one.

  Specifically, the decorative symbol control means 423 receives a control command related to the effect from the control command transmission means 411, and selects an effect pattern from a table for various effect patterns stored in advance based on the received command. Then, the selected effect pattern is displayed on the decorative symbol display means 330. The effect pattern table is usually stored in a storage area such as a ROM, and the control command related to the effect transmitted from the control command transmitting unit 411 and the effect to be displayed on the decorative symbol display unit 330 are associated with each other. .

  As a table for various production patterns, a customer waiting demonstration table, a production table in a normal gaming state, a production table in a special gaming state, a probability variation production table, an error display production table such as a ball break, or an illegal act is notified. For example, an illegal prize-winning production table. As described above, the various effect patterns include, for example, demonstrations waiting for customers, effect pattern images in a normal gaming state, decoration patterns for jackpots, effect pattern images in a special game state, probability variation effect pattern images, and ball breaks. There are various performance patterns such as an error display or a display indicating that the prize is illegal due to an illegal act.

  The light emission control means 425 receives a control command related to light emission from the control command transmission means 411, controls light emission means such as a decorative lamp based on the received control command, and functions as one of the effect control means. .

  Specifically, the light emission control unit 425 receives a control command related to light emission control from the control command transmission unit 411, and based on the received control command, generates a light emission pattern from a table for various light emission patterns stored in advance. The light emission means is controlled based on the selected light emission pattern. The light emission pattern table is normally stored in a storage area such as a ROM, and a control command related to light emission control transmitted from the control command transmission unit 411 is associated with a light emission pattern in the light emission unit. For example, the light emission control means 425 informs that it is an illegal prize based on an unauthorized prize notification command for notifying that it is an illegal prize from the control command transmission means 411. The light emitting means is controlled so that the lamp is turned on or blinking.

  The sound wave output control means 427 receives a control command related to sound wave output from the control command transmission means 411, and controls sound wave output means such as the speaker 130 based on the received control command, and is one of the effect control means. Function as.

  Specifically, the sound wave output control unit 427 receives a sound wave output from the control command transmission unit 411, that is, a control command related to sound and sound effects, and stores various sound waves stored in advance based on the received control command. A sound wave output pattern is selected from the output pattern table, and the sound wave output means is controlled based on the selected sound wave output pattern. The sound wave output pattern table is normally stored in a storage area such as a ROM, and the control command related to the light emission control transmitted from the control command transmission unit 411 is associated with the light emission pattern in the sound wave output unit. For example, the sound wave output control means 427 is based on the unauthorized winning notification command from the control command transmitting means 411, for example, the sound wave outputting means (speaker 130 corresponds) so as to generate a sound effect based on the illegal winning such as an alarm sound. To control.

  Next, the payout control board (prize ball payout control means 431) 430 will be described in detail.

  The winning ball payout control means 431 receives a control command related to paying out a winning ball from the control command transmitting means 411, and pays out the number of winning balls determined for each winning means based on the received control command. The prize ball paying means 240 is controlled and the number of prize balls to be paid out is stored.

  When there is a storage of unpaid prize balls in the number of payouts, the prize ball payout control means 431 causes the prize ball payout means 240 to preferentially pay out the unpaid prize balls for a predetermined number of payouts as one unit. Control. The predetermined number of payouts is the largest, for example, when the number of prize balls for one winning means (the number of payouts for winning one game ball) is 15, and the number of prize balls for other winning means is five. The number of payouts is set to a number larger than 15 (for example, 20). Also, the prize ball payout control means 431 transmits a status signal relating to the prize ball payout from the prize ball payout control means 431 to the winning prize processing means 405. The status signal includes an out-of-supply signal when there are not enough game balls in the storage tank 230, a prize ball shortage signal indicating that the prize ball is insufficient, a lower dish full signal indicating that the tray is full, etc. Status signal is included.

  Next, the game operation of the ball game machine according to the present embodiment described above will be briefly described.

  First, a player has his / her own condition with respect to a game medium lending unit (a game medium lending device that executes lending of game media to a game machine, so-called CR unit, sand) installed separately from the gaming machine body. Insert money according to Then, a game ball corresponding to the amount of money inserted is paid out from the game ball lending unit (generally, a game ball from the game ball lending unit is raised via the prize ball paying means 240 of the gaming machine main body. It is paid out to the saucer 125a). Then, the game balls that have been paid out are put into the upper tray 125a to prepare for the game.

  Next, when the launching handle 140 is operated with prayer, the game balls on the upper tray 125a are supplied to the launching device in conjunction with the launching operation, and the game balls are hit one by one by the striker provided in the launching device. (Sequential) and launched. The launched game ball is sent to the upper part of the game area 310 along the guide rail 320.

  The game ball that has reached the upper part of the game area 310 falls along the board surface of the game board 300. During this fall, the game ball or the windmill 380 changes the direction of the fall. The player falls while being given, and wins the normal symbol starting means 375, the general winning means 360, or the special symbol starting means 370, or falls to the bottom of the game area 310 and enters the out mouth as it is. . It should be noted that the game balls to be awarded to the special symbol starting means 370 are counted one by one, and if they do not win more than the border, they should move to another stand.

  When the game ball passes through the normal symbol starting means 375, the normal symbol on the normal symbol display means 345 changes. At this time, if a specific normal symbol stops on the normal symbol display means 345, the normal electric accessory is activated, and the movable wing pieces 370a and 370b are activated based on a predetermined release pattern. As a result, the winning of the game ball to the special symbol starting means 370 becomes easy.

  When a game ball wins the special symbol starting means 370, the decorative symbol on the decorative symbol display means 330 changes in conjunction with the change of the special symbol on the special symbol display means 340.

  At this time, if the special symbol that is in the special gaming state is stopped on the special symbol display means 340 (in the decorative symbol on the decorative symbol display means 330, a decorative symbol that notifies the jackpot, for example, “777” is displayed) In a special gaming state, the operation of the special winning means 350 is started, the open / close door 350a is operated based on a predetermined opening / closing pattern, and the special winning opening is opened.

  When the special game state occurs, a predetermined effect pattern in the special game state is executed by the electronic paper display unit 115, the decorative symbol display unit 330, the decorative lamp unit 150, and the speaker 130. For example, the decorative symbol display means 330 displays the special gaming state effect image, the number of rounds, the number of winning balls, and the like, and the player advances the game while viewing this display.

  The big winning means 350 is closed when a predetermined time elapses from the opening of the big winning opening or when a predetermined number of game balls win before the predetermined time elapses. This opening / closing operation is usually repeated up to 16 rounds.

  If the stopped special symbol is a specific symbol, the probability variation state occurs, and after the special gaming state ends, the probability of transitioning to the next special gaming state is changed from a low probability to a high probability by the special symbol probability variation means. Fluctuates. After that, the special symbol control means 403 executes random number lottery in a high probability state. If the probability variation state again shifts to the special game state with a specific symbol, the probability variation state continues next time. For example, if a special game state is shifted to a special game state with specific symbols such as “ta”, “ka”, or “shi”, it becomes a probability fluctuation state, and the next jackpot is compensated with high probability, so that the player's mood is raised. Let However, even if it is the same jackpot, if the special game state is shifted to “h”, “de”, “ki”, which is a variation time shortening symbol, the special symbol will be in a time-saving state until the predetermined number of variations are completed. So, despite the jackpot, the player is a little discouraged (of course, there are players who are quite disappointed).

  When a game ball wins the big winning means 350, the special symbol starting means 370, and the general winning means 360, the winning ball paying means 240 is operated based on the winning process of the winning processing means 405, and the winning game balls are awarded. Pay out as a ball. In the special game state, the big prize opening is opened, so that a lot of prize balls are provided to the player in a short time.

  During the game, control commands are transmitted to the electronic paper control means 421, the decorative design control means 423, the light emission control means 425, and the sound wave output control means 427 according to the gaming state, respectively, and based on the control commands, the electronic paper display means 115 and the decorative symbol display means 330 execute a predetermined effect, the decorative lamp emits light, and a sound effect is generated from the speaker 130.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, one display mode displayed on the electronic paper display means in the ball game machine according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. In the present embodiment, a case will be described as an example in which the electronic paper display means 115 notifies the outside of the fact that a fraudulent act is found when there is a goat act. The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the description of this embodiment, and can be changed to various display modes.

  FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are flowcharts showing the processing contents when notifying that an illegal act has occurred in the ball game machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 shows the processing contents for monitoring unauthorized winnings on the main control board 400 (hereinafter referred to as “illegal management processing”), and FIG. This is a flowchart showing “unauthorized notification processing”. In addition, since the game operation | movement about the ball game machine which concerns on this Embodiment has already been demonstrated, description of a game operation | movement is abbreviate | omitted in order to avoid duplication description in the fraud alert | report processing content demonstrated below.

  First, the processing content of the “fraud management processing” shown in FIG. 12 will be described.

  The fraud management unit 407 determines whether or not the special gaming state is set (step S10). When it is determined that it is not in the special game state (step S10: NO), it is determined whether or not it is within a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) after the special game state is ended (step S11). If it is determined that it is not within the predetermined time (step S11: NO), it is determined whether or not a game ball has won a prize winning opening (step S12). As described above, the detection of a game ball to be won in the big winning means 350 (big prize opening) is performed by the winning processing means 405. Therefore, the fraud management means 407 determines whether or not the game ball has been illegally won in the big winning means 350 based on the winning signal of the game ball of the big winning means 350 in the winning processing means 405.

  If it is determined that the game ball has won the big prize opening (step S12: YES), the fraud management means 407 transmits an illegal prize notification signal indicating that the prize is illegal to the control command transmission means 411 (step S13). ).

On the other hand, when it is determined in the process in step S10 that the game is in the special gaming state (step S10: YES), in the process in step S11, it is determined that it is within the predetermined time (step S11: YES), and in step S12. If it is determined in the process that no game ball has been won in the special winning means 350 (step S12: NO), the fraud management means 407 does not transmit the fraud winning notification signal as it is, and returns to the process of step S10 again.

  Next, the description returns to step S13 again. The control command transmission unit 411 analyzes the illegal winning notification signal and transmits the illegal winning notification command to the electronic paper control unit 421 (the data processing unit 421d in the game information display control unit 421c) (step S13). Then, an unauthorized winning notification command is transmitted to the electronic paper control means 421 in the effect control board 420, and the process returns to the process of step S10 again to repeat the contents of the unauthorized monitoring process. The unauthorized winning notification command is also transmitted to the decorative symbol control means 423, the light emission control means 425, and the sound wave output control means 427 of the effect control board 420.

  Next, the contents of the “unauthorized notification process” shown in FIG. 13 will be described.

  The data processing unit 421d receives the unauthorized winning notification command transmitted from the control command transmitting unit 411 (step S14), and based on the received unauthorized winning notification command (from the control command transmitting unit 411 stored in the command storage unit). ) And obtains fraud notification image data from the electronic paper game information image data stored in the game information storage means 421a, that is, from the electronic paper game information image table (step S15). And the position data related to the position of the big winning means 350 stored in the position data storage means 421b is acquired (step S16).

  Next, the data processing unit 421d processes the fraud notification image data and the data related to the position data, and transmits the processed data to the electric field pattern generation unit 421e (step S17).

  Next, the electric field pattern generation unit 421e generates an electric field pattern formed between each common electrode 511 and each pixel electrode 513 of the electronic paper display unit 115, and a signal indicating the generated electric field pattern is sent to the TFT driving unit 421f. Transmit (step S18).

  Next, the TFT driving unit 421f receives the electric field pattern transmitted from the electric field pattern generation unit 421e, and drives the TFT included in the electronic paper display unit 115 based on the received electric field pattern. As a display mode of the image for notification, as shown in FIG. 14, the peripheral portion of the special winning opening is made black so that the special winning opening is not visible from the outside (or includes a display mode that makes it difficult to view). The display is performed so as to cover it, and the process is terminated (step S19).

  In this way, it is impossible to visually recognize the peripheral part of the grand prize opening from the outside, so that illegal acts such as inserting a foreign object such as a piano wire or a cell and deliberately opening the big prize opening to illegally win are effective. (Because it is difficult to see Goto's work as a result, because it is not possible to see the prize winning gate from the outside), and the location where the fraud is being conducted can be grasped at the same time. You can immediately check the winning method. In addition, a display mode in which the entire game area 310 cannot be visually recognized from the outside can be provided. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above display mode, and image data that can specify the appearance of the game unit may be displayed. In this case, an image showing the appearance of the winning means is displayed. , It is possible to make the hall officials immediately recognize the winning means in which fraudulent acts are performed.

  By the way, the display mode for notifying fraudulent acts described in the present embodiment to the outside is when the fraudulent acts are terminated (including false alarms) or when an external power supply for supplying power to the gaming machine is shut off. Even so, the display mode is maintained from the characteristics of the electronic paper display means 115. Therefore, after the fraud is cancelled, it is appropriately erased by the erase switch described above.

  Further, since the illegal winning notification command is also transmitted to the decorative design control means 423, the light emission control means 425, and the sound wave output control means 427 of the effect control board 420, the decorative design display means 330, the decorative lamp unit 150 (light emission means). The speaker 130 (sound wave output means) can be used to notify the outside that it is an illegal prize.

  The bullet ball game machine according to the present invention configured as described above is provided with electronic paper display means. As a result, it is possible to execute various effects that greatly enhance the player's interests compared to conventional ball game machines, regardless of game area restrictions, so that it is possible to respond flexibly to diversification of effects. it can.

  In addition, since the position data of the game unit, for example, winning means can be stored in a rewritable manner, when using the image data for game information as it is and changing the model so that the forming position of the winning means is different, It is only necessary to rewrite the position data. As a result, it is possible to flexibly cope with the contents of the model change.

  In addition, as described above, in the ball game machine according to the present invention, the position data storage unit 421b stores data related to the position where the winning unit is formed, so that the winning unit can be easily specified. It can be set as a display mode. For example, the winning means may be displayed in a manner that is not visible from the outside, or a display form that suggests winning means that requires a game ball to be won (for example, a specific winning means is indicated by an arrow, etc. To the player).

[Second Embodiment]
FIGS. 15 to 17 are views for explaining a bullet ball game machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the electronic paper display means in the ball game machine according to the present embodiment, and FIGS. 16 and 17 are electronic papers in the ball game machine shown in FIG. It is a figure used for description about one display mode displayed on a display means.

  The first embodiment is different from the second embodiment only in that an external signal receiving unit 510 and an external information storage unit 421g are provided in FIG. Since other components are the same as those in FIGS. 1 to 11, description of these components is omitted. Further, in FIG. 15, the difference in function of each control means due to the provision of components different from those in FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the electronic paper display means in the ball game machine according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the electronic paper control unit 421 includes an external information storage unit 421g and an external information display control unit 421h, and includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like.

  Here, the electronic paper control means 421 in the present embodiment receives information transmitted from the external communication terminal device 500 by the external signal reception means 510, and based on the information received by the external signal reception means 510, the electronic paper control means. 421 is configured to display the data stored in the external information storage means 421g in various forms such as characters, figures or images.

  The external communication terminal device 500 uses a wireless communication, wired communication, infrared communication, or the like from a portable communication terminal device or a hall management computer 461 carried by a person concerned with the hall in order to display a predetermined image on the electronic paper display means 115. Or a specific signal (specific information on the electronic paper display means 115) from outside by a magnetic storage medium such as an IC card (a storage medium storing a signal for displaying specific information on the electronic paper display means 115). Has a function of transmitting a signal (including a signal for erasing display of specific information on the electronic paper display means 115 and returning it to the initial state, hereinafter referred to as “display signal”).

  The external communication terminal device 500 has a plurality of signal transmission channels, and can transmit a display signal for each piece of information to be displayed on the electronic paper display means 115. In addition, the transmission range of the display signal transmitted from the external communication terminal device 500 is determined so that the one gaming machine and the other gaming machine are not received simultaneously. The external communication terminal device 500 is not particularly limited as long as it has the above functions, and a known device can be used.

  The external signal receiving unit 510 includes an interface, receives a display signal from the external communication terminal device 500, and functions as a specific signal receiving unit.

  The external signal receiving means 510 is detachably attached to the gaming machine main body, and enables wireless communication and infrared communication with the external communication terminal device 500 when receiving the display signal by wireless communication. A receiving device (for example, an antenna) is provided. Further, the display is not limited to the one mounted on the gaming machine main body, the external signal receiving means 510 is mounted on a gaming medium rental unit installed in the vicinity of the gaming machine main body, and the display is performed via a relay board such as an interface. A signal may be transmitted to the electronic paper control means 421.

  The display signal received by the external signal receiving unit 510 is transmitted to the electronic paper control unit 421 through the external signal receiving unit 510.

  The electronic paper control unit 421 includes an external information storage unit 421g and an external information display control unit 421h, and includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like.

  The external information storage means 421g is composed of a semiconductor memory or the like, and is specific information to be displayed on the electronic paper display means, that is, external information not directly related to the gaming state (as described above). Ordinarily, data related to external information that has been announced to the outside by a pachinko hall official using a paper tag or the like (hereinafter referred to as “external information display data”) is stored in a rewritable manner. Yes, it functions as specific information storage means. The display data for external information can include display data for displaying various images such as document images, still images, and moving images.

  The display information for external information includes an image table for external information storing information related to external information. In this external information image table, for example, color arrangement information relating to an image to be displayed on the electronic paper display means 115 by a general method for storing data is stored, and the display transmitted from the external signal receiving means 510 is stored. The signal and the image to be displayed on the electronic paper display unit 115 are associated with each other. The display data for external information can include data for displaying a document image, a still image, a moving image, and the like.

  Further, since the external information display data is stored in a rewritable manner, the external information display data can be appropriately rewritten and used. For example, an original image unique to pachinko halls can be stored in order to produce pachinko hall-specific features. The method of erasing the external information display data and rewriting it with new data, or overwriting and rewriting it with new data can be performed using a general method of rewriting data. . Further, the external information display data can be configured to be non-rewritable.

  The external information display control means 421h includes an external data processing means 421d ′, an electric field pattern generation means 421e, and a TFT drive means 421f, and stores them in the external information storage means 421g based on the display signal received by the external signal reception means 510. The read data is read to control the display mode of the electronic paper display means 115, and functions as a specific display control means. The external information display control means 421h may be configured to be included in the game information display control means 421c in the first embodiment, or may be configured differently from the game information display control means 421c.

  The external data processing means 421d 'in the present embodiment further includes a display signal analysis means (not shown) in addition to the data processing means 421d described in the first embodiment. The display signal analyzing unit analyzes the display signal transmitted from the external signal receiving unit 510, acquires an external information image table for electronic paper associated with the analyzed display signal, and processes the acquired image data. It has a function. Since other functions are the same as those of the data processing unit 421d, detailed description thereof is omitted. The functions of the electric field pattern generation unit 421e and the TFT drive unit 421f have already been described in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The display signal transmitted from the external communication terminal device 500 can include data of information stored in the external information storage unit 421g. For example, advertising-only hall-specific information dedicated to the hall (including information specific to each pachinko hall, which is not particularly limited) may not make sense unless it is updated one by one. Therefore, it is desirable that the external information storage means 421g can be written from the outside. In this case, external information display data including hall-specific information is input from the outside to the game machine main body via the external signal receiving means 510 by wired communication, wireless communication, or infrared communication, and the input information is external information. The information can be written in the external information storage means 421g via the display control means 421h. In addition, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the display data information for external information input from the external signal receiving means 510 is directly written in the external information storage means 421g. As described above, the method of writing data to the external information storage unit 421g can be performed using a general data transmission method, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  By the way, in the pachinko hall, when a player leaves the table temporarily due to a meal or the like, the leaving time (for example, 30 minutes) is usually determined. Therefore, it is desirable that the electronic paper display means 115 can be notified of how many minutes have been left for the players and hall personnel.

  In this case, the electronic paper control unit 421 can include a time measuring unit that measures time. Thereby, for example, the player can check the remaining time of the leaving time by visually recognizing the display on the electronic paper display means 115. In addition, the hall personnel can open the gaming machines whose leaving time has been exceeded one by one by visually recognizing the display on the electronic paper display means 115, so that the gaming machines can be operated more smoothly. .

  Next, referring to FIG. 16, one display mode displayed on the electronic paper display means in the bullet ball game machine according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the description of this embodiment, and can be changed to various display modes.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing contents (hereinafter referred to as “external information processing”) when a display signal is transmitted from the external communication terminal device in the ball game machine according to the present embodiment.

  First, when the external signal receiving means 510 receives a display signal from the external communication terminal device 500 (step S20: YES), the external signal receiving means 510 receives the external information display control means 421h (the data processing means 421d in the external information display control means 421h). Send a display signal. When the display signal is not received from the external communication terminal device 500 (step S20: NO), the process is ended as it is.

  Next, the external data processing unit 421d ′ analyzes the received display signal (step S21), and based on the analyzed display signal, specific information image data for electronic paper stored in the external information storage unit 421g, That is, the image data corresponding to the display signal analyzed from the external information image table for electronic paper is acquired (step S22).

  Next, the external data processing unit 421d 'processes the specific information image data, and transmits the processed data to the electric field pattern generation unit 421e (step S23).

  Next, the electric field pattern generation unit 421e generates an electric field pattern formed between each common electrode 511 and each pixel electrode 513 of the electronic paper display unit 115, and a signal indicating the generated electric field pattern is sent to the TFT driving unit 421f. Transmit (step S24).

  Next, the TFT drive unit 421f receives the electric field pattern transmitted from the electric field pattern generation unit 421e, drives the TFT included in the electronic paper display unit 115 based on the received electric field pattern, and as shown in FIG. The external information corresponding to the analyzed display signal is displayed (step S25). Here, FIG. 17A is a display mode indicating that the gaming machine is out of order or being corrected, and FIG. 17B is a case where “stop” information indicating temporary interruption of the game is notified. It is a display mode. Note that FIG. 17 illustrates one display mode of the present embodiment, and the present invention is not limited to this, and various external information can be displayed.

  According to the ball game machine according to the present embodiment configured as described above, an information display unit configured from a non-volatile display medium is used, and an instruction from a portable terminal device carried by a hall-related person is received. Based on this, specific information can be displayed. As a result, advertising information such as hall information and matters that hall officials have raised and displayed paper bills, such as so-called “feathers (for example, Super Fine Play (registered trademark), good luck! Ship! In the case of a model such as “Zansu (registered trademark)”, a “stop” is displayed to notify the suspension of the game when there is a predetermined number of prize balls. Displaying “meal” indicating that the user is away, or hall event information or the like can be displayed as an image having a design appearance on the game area where the player is most noticeable. In particular, since it is possible to display the game machine main body by wireless communication or the like from a portable terminal device or the like without setting up a paper bill as described above, it is possible to remarkably reduce the burden on persons involved in the hall.

  Further, according to the ball game machine according to the present embodiment, the display data stored in the external information storage means is configured to be rewritable. As a result, for example, each of the pachinko halls existing throughout Japan can display unique information as an image having a design appearance in order to bring out unique features of the pachinko hall.

  As described above, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, as a gaming machine according to the present invention, a pachinko gaming machine provided with a special electric accessory has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the gaming mode is Accordingly, the arrangement of components and their functions can be changed as appropriate.

  Therefore, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine provided with the above-mentioned special electric accessory, and the so-called ammunition provided with the first type non-special electric accessory or the second type non-special electric accessory. The present invention can also be applied to various ball game machines such as a ball game machine, an arrange ball game machine, and a sparrow ball game machine. “Type 1 non-electrically-powered object” refers to an item other than an electric character (a special electric character or a normal electric character), and an entrance of a prize port other than the grand prize port is expanded. Means a game ball that is activated when the winning ball is won in the winning opening. “Type 2 non-electrically-powered item” means a non-electric winning item other than a large winning port. It is intended to open or expand the entrance of the winning prize opening and to operate when a game ball wins a specific winning opening other than the winning opening or passes a specific gate.

[Third embodiment]
Further, the present invention can be applied not only to the ball game machine described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment but also to a revolving game machine. Hereinafter, as a gaming machine according to the present invention, a spinning-reel type gaming machine will be described as an example.

  18 and 19 illustrate a gaming machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention (in the third embodiment, a spinning-reel type gaming machine is described as an example of the gaming machine according to the present invention. It is a figure where it uses for description of the gaming machine which concerns on a form as a "rotor-type gaming machine" and demonstrates it. FIG. 18 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 19 is a display mode of the electronic paper display means in the rotating type gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is the illustrated figure (enlarged view of a transparent region periphery).

  Referring to FIG. 18, in the case of a spinning-type gaming machine 700, a game area 710 is a spinning part (a rotatable reel, which is one of the gaming parts, and is necessary for acquiring a game medal, etc. This is a region in which a simple symbol is drawn, which is usually composed of three reels (hereinafter referred to as “reels”) 721. The player visually recognizes the reel 721 arranged in the game area 710 and proceeds with the game while confirming which winning combination is established.

  The reel 721 is covered with a member (corresponding to the transparent plate 121b (see FIG. 1) described in the first embodiment) 730 that blocks contact with the outside and makes the game area 720 visible. The member 730 is formed from a resin material such as plastic, and a see-through region 740 for making the game region 710 visible is formed in a part of the region. Then, the electronic paper display means 115 is formed in the fluoroscopic region 740. The forming method is the same as the forming method already described in the first embodiment, and the electronic paper display means 115 is covered with one member 730 and another member 730 (transparent that can cover the electronic paper display means 115 from the rear side. So long as it is a member). The forming method can be formed by, for example, a general method in which electronic paper is interposed between members, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  By forming the electronic paper display means 115 in the see-through area 740, an image having a design appearance can be displayed in the game area that is most noticeable to the player. In addition, the electronic paper display means 115 of the present invention may be formed in a decoration portion 750 such as a panel provided in a housing that accommodates various game units and control boards.

  In addition, the game part in the swing type game machine means an insertion slot 723 for inserting a game medal as a game medium, a lever 725 for starting the rotation of the reel, and a stop for stopping the rotating reel. A button 727, a setting change switch (meaning a switch for changing the jackpot probability in a stepwise manner, ordinarily, in the spinning game machine, settings of 1 to 6 steps having different jackpot probabilities can be determined. The setting change switch is disposed inside the housing (not shown), and various game parts related to the game, such as a coin hopper (not shown) for paying out game medals and a bet button 729.

  As an example of a display mode in the electronic paper display means 115, a case where an illegal act is notified will be described as an example.

  Examples of fraudulent acts on the revolving game machine include an act of increasing a credit by inserting a foreign object such as a cell board into a slot for inserting a game medal and malfunctioning a coin selector that detects the game medal (so-called ("Clemangoto"), and the act of intentionally changing a setting change switch formed on the gaming machine body by inserting a foreign object such as a wire (so-called "Selgoto", "Setting change goto") are known ( In addition, there are so-called “hopper goto” and “sensory sensation goto”. When a fraudulent act is performed, it is preferable to notify the outside hall related parties of the fraudulent act and to identify the location where the fraudulent act is performed.

  When notifying that there has been an illegal act, the control system of the electronic paper display means 115 is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-068402 in addition to the configuration of the control system in the first embodiment or the second embodiment. If there is a fraudulent act, a signal indicating that the fraud has occurred is sent to the electronic paper control means 421 to inform the electronic paper display means 115 that the fraud has occurred. When the display, for example, “Klemangoto” is performed at the insertion port 723, information (such as an image) specifying the appearance of the insertion port 723 can be displayed on the electronic paper display unit 115 as shown in FIG. 19. Of course, when the swivel type gaming machine 700 is provided with the liquid crystal display device 760, the electronic paper display means 115 is displayed as a fraudulent act and the liquid crystal display device 760 is informed of the fraudulent act. It may be displayed.

  Specifically, the position data storage means 421b stores data relating to the game portion (for example, data relating to the insertion slot 723 (data relating to the position where the insertion slot 723 is formed)) and the game information storage means 421a. Information for specifying the appearance of the mouth 723 is stored. As already described in the first embodiment, the game section data stored in the position data storage unit 421b is the game information display data stored in the game information storage unit 421a. Although it has a role of determining which area to display, the same applies to the present embodiment. For example, depending on the model, even a gaming unit having the same function may have different positions. In this case, information for identifying the appearance of the insertion slot 723 from the outside can be easily obtained in accordance with the position where the game unit is formed or according to the ratio of the displayed image to the display area in the electronic paper display means 115. It is preferable to display in an area that can be visually recognized.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the position relating to the position of the electronic paper display means 115 for specifying the information for identifying the appearance of the insertion slot 723 is the data (first data) stored in the position data storage means 421b. It corresponds to the position data in the embodiment). With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 19, information specifying the appearance of the insertion port 723 is displayed in the central portion of the fluoroscopic region 740 or displayed closer to the right side than the central portion of the fluoroscopic region 740. For example, the position for displaying the information specifying the appearance of the insertion port 723 can be changed as appropriate.

  In this embodiment, the case where information specifying the appearance of the game unit is displayed has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various information is stored in the game information storage unit 421a and the external information storage unit 421g. As a result, various information such as information relating to the game and external information can be displayed on the electronic paper display means 115.

  In addition, since the data stored in the game information storage means 421a and the position data storage means 421b are stored in a rewritable manner, for example, when only the information related to the game is changed when changing the model, When only the position where the part is formed is changed, the electronic paper display means 115 can be used as it is simply by rewriting the game information display data or the position data. As a result, even when the model is changed, the contents of the change can be flexibly dealt with.

  In the present embodiment, a spinning-type gaming machine has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a spinning-type gaming machine that uses a gaming ball as a gaming medium (a spinning-type gaming machine and a ball-type gaming machine) Can also be applied to a so-called “Parrot (registered trademark) model” or a ball game machine.

  The present invention is useful in the technical field related to gaming machines.

1 is a front perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a front view which shows the schematic structure of the game board in the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a reference figure for demonstrating the structure of the information display means in the gaming machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which illustrated the display mode in the information display means of the game machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control system of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the control system in the information display means of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which illustrated the display mode in the information display means of the game machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the information display means in the game machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the equivalent circuit of the information display means in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which illustrated the case where an electric field was applied to the information display means shown in FIG. In the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the main control board when notifying that an illegal act has occurred. In the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the effect control board when notifying that an illegal act has occurred. In the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram illustrating a display mode in the information display means when notifying that an illegal act has occurred. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the control system of the information display means in the game machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content when the display signal is transmitted from the external communication terminal device in the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which illustrated the display mode in the information display means of the game machine concerning a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view showing a schematic structure of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which illustrated the display mode in the information display means of the game machine concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

115 electronic paper display means,
130 sound wave output means,
140 light emitting means,
240 prize ball payout means,
330 decorative symbol display means,
340 Special symbol display means,
345 Normal symbol display means,
350 big prize means,
360 General winning means,
370 Special design starting means,
375 Normal symbol starting means,
401 Normal symbol control means,
403 special symbol control means,
403a random number acquisition means,
403b Special game transition judging means,
403c Special game generating means,
405 winning processing means,
407 fraud management means,
409 gaming state storage unit,
411 control command transmission means,
421 electronic paper control means,
421a game information storage means,
421b position data storage means,
421c game information display control means,
423 decorative design control means 425 light emission control means,
427 sound wave output control means,
430 prize ball payout control means,
441 launch control means,
451 Power supply control means.

Claims (7)

A game area for allowing the player to recognize the game situation;
Various game departments related to games,
An openable / closable door that has a see-through area that allows the game area to be visually recognized and covers the front side of the game area;
Various control means for controlling the game operation according to the gaming state, and a gaming machine comprising:
An information display means that is formed of a non-volatile display medium that displays the display mode in a rewritable manner and is formed in at least a part of the fluoroscopic region;
Game information storage means for storing rewritable data for displaying information on the gaming state on the information display means;
A game unit storage means for storing rewritable data relating to at least one of the various game units;
Data stored in the game information storage means and the game part storage means is read based on an instruction from at least one of the various control means, and the display mode in the information display means is controlled. Display control means for
A gaming machine comprising:   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the data relating to the gaming unit includes data relating to a position where the gaming unit is formed.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the information related to the gaming state includes information for specifying an appearance of the gaming unit. Furthermore, specific signal receiving means for receiving a signal for causing the information display means to display specific information from an external terminal device;
Specific information storage means for rewritably storing data relating to the specific information to be displayed on the information display means;
Specific display control means for reading the data stored in the specific information storage means based on the signal received by the signal reception means and controlling the display mode in the information display means;
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:   The specific signal receiving unit receives a signal for displaying specific information on the information display unit using any of wired communication, wireless communication, and infrared communication, or receives specific information on the information display unit. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein a signal for display is read from a storage medium storing the signal and received.   The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the game machine plays a game using at least one of a game ball and a game medal as a game medium. The gaming machine is a ball game machine that uses a game ball as a game medium to play a game,
The game part is
A starting winning means that is configured to allow a game ball to be awarded and to start a lottery transition to a special gaming state that is a profit state advantageous to the player over the normal gaming state;
In the special gaming state, including a large winning means for facilitating the winning of the game ball than the winning of the game ball in the normal gaming state,
The various control means include main control means for controlling the overall game operation,
The main control means includes
Special game transition determining means for determining whether or not to transition to a special game state based on the result of the transition lottery;
Special game generating means for controlling a series of operations from the start to the end of the operation of the special winning means when it is determined to shift to the special game state;
Illegal winning determination means for determining whether or not a game ball has been won with respect to the big winning means not operated by the special game generating means,
The display control means includes
When it is determined that the game ball has won by the illegal winning determination means, the display mode of the information display means is controlled so that the peripheral portion including the large winning means is difficult to see or cannot be visually recognized from the outside. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is characterized.

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