JP2008093054A - Data collecting and managing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data collecting and managing system for quickly and accurately transmitting abnormality arising in a game machine inside a hall to a maker. <P>SOLUTION: The data collecting and managing system is provided with: a game control circuit 100 provided in each game machine and for controlling the operation of the game machine according to a game program; a hall server 500 connected to each game machine; and maker servers 600a and 600b connected to the hall server 500 and managed by the maker providing the game machine. The hall server 500 includes a hall server CPU 520 for performing the control of collecting the operation data of the game controller 100 in each game machine and the control of transmitting the collected operation data to the maker servers managed by the maker providing the game machine which has generated the operation data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a data collection management system, and more particularly to a data collection management system that collects and manages operation data of a plurality of gaming machines.

  Conventionally, in game stores that provide games such as pachinko games and slot games, in order to facilitate monitoring of a plurality of devices such as game machines and ball counters operating in the game store, only data of each device is used. There is also a system that collects and manages images taken by each device.

  Here, as an example of such a system, when an abnormality is detected in any of the devices, the image of the device and the content of the abnormality are simultaneously reproduced on the monitor device, and the operator in front of the monitor device is responsible for the cause of the abnormality. One example is a system that performs real-time confirmation of an abnormal state such as whether it is due to equipment failure or fraud. Further, in this system, when an operator wants to check an abnormal state detected by a predetermined device at a predetermined date and time, after selecting the predetermined device at the predetermined date and time from the abnormality occurrence history data, the reproduced image of the monitor device is displayed. While the recorded video tape recorder is being played back, an image on a predetermined device at a predetermined date and time is searched and an abnormal state is confirmed.

  However, although the above-described conventional technology can quickly check the state of the equipment operating in the hall in the amusement store (such as an abnormal state) in real time, it cannot quickly check the state of the device in non-real time. There was a problem.

Therefore, in order to be able to quickly check the status of devices operating at amusement stores, whether real-time or non-real-time, the terminal controller collects the operation data of each device in association with the operation date and time and designates it by the operator. A system has been devised that sequentially displays operation data and imaging data at the date and time of abnormality detection of a device that has been detected (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2005-192815 A

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, although the state of equipment operating in a game store can be quickly confirmed regardless of real-time or non-real-time, if an abnormality occurs in a gaming machine, the abnormality is Since it is transmitted to the manufacturer side of the gaming machine through the operator on the hall side, it is difficult to accurately and timely transmit the abnormality occurring on the hall side to the manufacturer side.

  Therefore, for example, there has been a demand for the appearance of a data collection management system in which each manufacturer's person in charge can directly check the abnormality of his / her own gaming machine.

  If such a data collection and management system can be realized, the monitoring burden on the hall side will be reduced, while the manufacturer side will be able to find out abnormalities in their game machines accurately and in a timely manner, so both the hall side and the manufacturer side There are advantages to it.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a data collection and management system in which an abnormality that occurs in a gaming machine in a hall is quickly and accurately transmitted to a manufacturer.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the data collection management system according to the present invention described in claim 1 is provided in each gaming machine (gaming machine 1a, 1b) and controls the operation of the gaming machine according to the gaming program. A device (game control circuit 100), a hall server (hall server 500) connected to each gaming machine, and a manufacturer server (maker server 600a, 600b), and the hall server collects the operation data collected by the operation data collection control means (hall server CPU 520) for performing control for collecting the operation data of the game control device in each gaming machine, and the operation data collection control means. , Operating data transmission for performing control to be sent to the manufacturer server managed by the manufacturer of the gaming machine that generated the operating data Characterized in that it comprises a means (holes server CPU 520).

  According to this configuration, the operation data transmission unit in the hall server performs control to transmit the operation data collected by the operation data collection control unit to the manufacturer server managed by the manufacturer of the gaming machine that generated the operation data. ing.

  As a result, the person in charge of each manufacturer can directly check the operating state of his / her own gaming machine directly on the manufacturer server managed by the company, so even if an abnormality occurs on the hall side, This abnormality can be accurately and timely transmitted to the manufacturer.

  That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a data collection management system in which an abnormality that occurs in a gaming machine in a hall is quickly and accurately transmitted to the manufacturer.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, the hall side has the advantage that the monitoring burden is reduced, and the manufacturer side has the advantage that it is possible to find the abnormality of the game machine of the company accurately and in a timely manner. it can.

  In addition to the configuration of the invention described in claim 1, the present invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that the operation data transmitting means collects the collected operation when abnormal operation data is collected from the game control device of the gaming machine. Control is performed to transmit data to a manufacturer server managed by the manufacturer of the gaming machine that generated the operation data.

  According to this configuration, the operation data transmitting means in the hall server collects the collected operation data when the abnormal operation data is collected from the game control device of the gaming machine, and provides the manufacturer of the gaming machine that generated the operation data. Is sent to the manufacturer server managed by.

  As a result, the person in charge of each manufacturer can check the abnormality (error) that occurred in their own gaming machine directly on the manufacturer server managed by the company, so the abnormality that occurred on the hall side Can be accurately and timely transmitted to the manufacturer.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, the operation data transmitted by the operation data transmitting means is only abnormal operation data, so that even the normal operation data is transmitted to the manufacturer server as compared with the case where the operation data is transmitted to the manufacturer server. It becomes possible to reduce the amount of traffic between the manufacturer server and the monitoring burden on the manufacturer side.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect of the invention, the hall server displays maintenance information indicating a procedure for repairing the abnormal state (the state indicated by the error code) with the abnormality. Maintenance information storage means (hall server ROM 530) for storing in association with the state, and when abnormal operation data is collected from the game control device of the gaming machine, maintenance information associated with the abnormal state in the operation data is stored in the maintenance information Maintenance information extraction means (hall server CPU 520) that is extracted from the means, and the operation data transmission means generates abnormal operation data when abnormal operation data is collected from the game control device of the gaming machine. For the manufacturer server managed by the manufacturer, the abnormal operation data and maintenance information And performing control to transmit the maintenance information extracted by the extraction means.

  According to this configuration, when the operation data transmission means in the hall server collects abnormal operation data from the game control device of the gaming machine, the operation data transmission means is a manufacturer server managed by the manufacturer of the gaming machine that generated the abnormal operation data. On the other hand, control is performed to transmit the abnormal operation data and maintenance information extracted by the maintenance information extraction means.

  As a result, the person in charge of each manufacturer can directly check the abnormality (error) that occurred in his / her gaming machine and the procedure for repairing the abnormality on the manufacturer server managed by his / her company. It is easier for the manufacturer to repair the abnormality that occurred on the side.

  According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a data collection management system in which an abnormality that occurs in a gaming machine in a hall is quickly and accurately transmitted to the manufacturer.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to the drawings. Here, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same members, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. In addition, since description here is the best form by which this invention is implemented, this invention is not limited to the said form.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the data collection management system 1 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1-11 has shown one Embodiment of the data collection management system provided with the game machine 1a to which the prepaid card system is applied.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control system of the data collection management system according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a diagram of the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the main control circuit of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a hall server timer interrupt process by the hall control circuit of the hall server shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a hall server input detection process by the hall control circuit, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the manufacturer server input detection processing by the manufacturer control circuit. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the maintenance information extraction table according to the present embodiment, FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the manufacturer server, and FIGS. 10B and 10C are diagrams showing the display device of the manufacturer server. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the screen displayed.

  First, the configuration of the game hall in the hall 400 will be described.

  In the game hall in the hall 400, gaming islands (not shown) configured by arranging a plurality of gaming machines 1a and 1b (FIG. 1) in a row are arranged at predetermined intervals. Here, the space formed between the game islands is a passage through which the players come and go, and the player passes through this passage to the front of any game machine and plays a game.

  Further, a ball lending machine 81 (FIG. 4) that accepts a ball lending operation by a player is arranged next to each gaming machine 1a, 1b.

  Here, a predetermined position (for example, a management room) of the hall 400 is a hall server 500 that is a centralized management computer that is electrically connected to a gaming machine in the hall 400 and controls the entire data collection management system 1. (FIG. 1) is provided. The hall server 500 is electrically connected to maker servers 600a and 600b (FIG. 1) that are installed outside the hall 400 and are managed by the manufacturer of the gaming machine.

  In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which a gaming machine 1a provided by manufacturer A and a gaming machine 1b provided by manufacturer B are arranged in hall 400, and manufacturer A uses manufacturer server 600a as a manufacturer. Each B manages the manufacturer server 600b (see FIG. 1).

  The maker servers 600a and 600b are most preferably installed in the maker A and the maker B, but are not limited thereto, and may be installed in other places. For example, it may be installed in a management room or the like in the hall 400.

  Next, a control system of the data collection management system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control system of the data collection management system according to the present embodiment.

  The control system of the data collection management system 1 includes manufacturer servers 600a and 600b having manufacturer control circuits 610a and 610b, respectively, and a hall control circuit of the hall server 500 connected to the manufacturer control circuits 610a and 610b of the manufacturer servers 600a and 600b. 510, a gaming machine 1 a having a game control circuit (game control device) 100 electrically connected to the hall control circuit 510.

  The hall control circuit 510 of the hall server 500 is electrically connected to the manufacturer servers 600a and 600b and all the gaming machines 1a and 1b in the hall 400, and has a role of controlling the entire data collection management system 1 and the manufacturer. A role of relaying control commands (commands) transmitted from the servers 600a and 600b to the gaming machines 1a and 1b in the hall 400, and transmitted from the gaming machines 1a and 1b in the hall 400 to the manufacturer servers 600a and 600b. It plays the role of relaying signals.

  The hall control circuit 510 stores a hall server CPU (microcomputing processing device) 520 that controls the entire data collection management system 1 according to a preset program and various data necessary for the hall server CPU 520 to operate. A server RAM 540 is mounted.

  Further, in the hall control circuit 510, a maintenance information extraction table for extracting the maintenance information associated with the program for the hall server CPU 520 to process and control the data collection management system 1 and the abnormal state (the state indicated by the error code). A hall server ROM 530 storing (FIG. 10) and the like is mounted.

  The hall server ROM 530 serving as maintenance information storage means stores maintenance information associated with an abnormal state (state indicated by an error code) in the operation data.

  Specifically, maintenance information for repairing an error state indicated by the error code is stored in association with each error code.

  For example, the hall server ROM 530 serving as the maintenance information storage means has maintenance information indicated by the maintenance code “A8” as the maintenance information for repairing the state indicated by the error code “EB8” (the error type is “payout error”). (Maintenance information whose recovery method is “restart gaming machine”) is stored.

  Specifically, the maintenance information extraction means stores the maintenance information associated with the error code based on the error code transmitted from the game control circuit 100 and the maintenance information extraction table shown in FIG. A process of extracting from a ROM (maintenance information storage means) 503 is performed.

  The input / output port 550 of the hall control circuit 510 has a function of receiving signals and data (for example, operation data described later) transmitted from the respective gaming machines 1a and 1b in the data collection management system 1, and a function in the data collection management system 1. It has a function of transmitting a control command (command) to each gaming machine 1a, 1b.

  The hall server CPU 520 has functions of operating data collection control means and operating data transmission means.

  The operation data collection control means collects operation data of the game control circuit (game control device) 100 in each gaming machine (where operation data is data indicating the operation state of the game control circuit 100). It is a means for performing control.

  In the present embodiment, when an abnormality (error) occurs in the game control circuit 100 in any of the gaming machines, operation data indicating the error is transmitted from the game control circuit 100 to the hall server 500 for operation. The data collection control means collects the transmitted operational data.

  The operation data may be transmitted from the game control circuit 100 to the hall server 500 only when an error occurs, or may be transmitted every time a predetermined time elapses. Good. Alternatively, it may be transmitted at the timing when the power of the gaming machine is turned on, or a command for transmitting operating data is transmitted from the manufacturer server 600a, 600b, the hall server 500 or the like to the gaming machine. In such a case, the game control circuit 100 of the gaming machine may be transmitted to the hall server 500.

  In addition, the operation data includes a machine number (a number uniquely set for each gaming machine to individually identify the gaming machine), a manufacturer number (an individual gaming machine for identifying the manufacturer of the gaming machine) ), A model number (a number set for each gaming machine to identify the gaming machine model), and the like.

  When the abnormal operation data is collected from the game control circuit 100 of the gaming machine (when the operation data including the error code is collected), the maintenance information extracting means is in an abnormal state (the state indicated by the error code) in the operation data. This is means for extracting the associated maintenance information from the hall server ROM (maintenance information storage means).

  Specifically, the maintenance information extraction means, based on the error code transmitted from the game control circuit 100 and the maintenance information extraction table shown in FIG. 10, displays the maintenance information associated with the error code as a manufacturer server. A process of extracting from ROM (maintenance information storage means) 630a is performed.

  For example, when the error code is “EB8”, the maintenance information indicated by the maintenance code “A8” (maintenance information in which the error type is “payout error” and the recovery method is “reboot the gaming machine”) To extract.

  The operation data transmission means is a means for performing control to transmit the operation data collected by the operation data collection control means to a manufacturer server managed by the manufacturer of the gaming machine that generated the operation data.

  The operation data transmission means collects abnormal operation data (operation data including an error code) from the game control circuit 100 of the gaming machine by the operation data collection control means, and associates it with the error code by the maintenance information extraction means. When the maintenance information is extracted, control is also performed to transmit the maintenance information to the manufacturer server managed by the manufacturer that provides the abnormal operating data.

  Next, a control system in the maker server 600a will be described. Here, since the maker server 600b has the same structure as the maker server 600a, description thereof is omitted.

  The manufacturer control circuit 610a of the manufacturer server 600a stores various data necessary for operating the manufacturer server CPU (ultra-compact processing device) 620a and manufacturer server CPU 620a that perform control according to a preset program. A manufacturer server RAM 640a is installed.

  The manufacturer control circuit 610a further includes a program for the manufacturer server CPU 620a to process and control the data collection management system 1, and a control program for controlling the display control circuit 660a based on various commands output from the manufacturer server CPU 620a. A manufacturer server ROM 630a storing (production data) and the like is mounted.

  The input / output port 650a of the manufacturer control circuit 610a has a function of receiving signals and data (for example, operation data described later) transmitted from each gaming machine 1a in the data collection management system 1 via the hall server 500, and data collection. The management system 1 has a function of transmitting a control command (command) to each gaming machine 1a via the hall server 500. The input / output port 650b of the manufacturer control circuit 610b (the input / output port 650b of the manufacturer server 600b) is a signal or data (for example, described later) transmitted from each gaming machine 1b in the data collection management system 1 via the hall server 500. Operating data) and a function of transmitting a control command (command) to each gaming machine 1b via the hall server 500 in the data collection management system 1.

  Further, the manufacturer control circuit 610a of the manufacturer server 600a is provided with a display control circuit 660a that performs control for displaying an image on the display device 670a (FIGS. 1 and 11) in accordance with the instruction control of the manufacturer server CPU 620a.

  The display control circuit 660a displays an image on the display device 670a in accordance with an instruction from the maker server CPU 620a (an instruction based on effect data set in a predetermined work area of the maker server RAM 640a). An image data ROM (not shown) for storing various image data and corresponding image data are extracted from the image data ROM in accordance with control from the manufacturer server CPU 620a, and decoration pattern fluctuations are based on the extracted image data. A VDP (not shown) that generates data for executing display, display of a production image, and the like, and a D / A conversion circuit (D / A converter) (not shown) that converts display image data generated by the VDP into an analog signal ).

  The image data ROM stores image data for displaying an image on the display device 670a. Each image data includes a plurality of pixel data (data in dot units) necessary to display each image data on the display device 670a.

  Next, the configuration of the gaming machine 1a in the data collection management system 1 of the present embodiment will be described using FIG. 2 and FIG. Here, since the gaming machine 1b has the same structure as the gaming machine 1a, the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the pachinko gaming machine 1a in the data collection management system 1 has a main body frame 3a on which a game board 2 (FIG. 3) is mounted fixed to a game island via a hinge (not shown). (I.e., the main body frame 3a is supported by using one end of the main body frame 3a as a rotation fulcrum and is supported by the outer frame 3b so as to be opened and closed). The gaming machine main body 3 is constituted by the main body frame 3a and the outer frame 3b. And the glass door 4, the upper plate 5a, the lower plate 5b, the ashtray 10, and the launching handle 7 which cover the main body frame 3a of such a gaming machine main body 3 so that the speakers 8a and 8b and the game board 2 are visible are provided. It is arranged.

  In addition, on the front side of the gaming machine main body 3, a game area 2a (described later) in which a game is executed is provided so as to face the player.

  One end of the glass door 4 and the upper plate 5 a is pivotally supported by the gaming machine main body 3, and the other end is engaged with the gaming machine main body 3.

  The game board 2 (FIG. 3) is surrounded by a rail 6 and has a game area 2a in which game balls can flow down. In the game area 2a, there are a number of games such as game nails and windmills (not shown), a general winning device 12, a passing gate 13, a big winning device 15, an out port 16, a starting winning device 18, and the like. The member is arranged.

  In addition, on the back surface of the game board 2, a liquid crystal display device 21 having a display area 21a capable of displaying an effect image (for example, animation corresponding to a game state or other notification information) is disposed.

  In addition, the display area 21a of the liquid crystal display device 21 includes an area for displaying an effect image and a decorative symbol display area in which a decorative symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

  The decorative symbol display area is divided into left, middle, and right, and the decorative symbols are individually displayed in a variable manner.

  In the present embodiment in which the game board 2 is transparent, the display area 21 a of the liquid crystal display device 21 is disposed so as to be visible through the game board 2. Here, instead of the liquid crystal display device 21, for example, a CRT (cathode ray tube) or a plasma display can be used.

  Here, the general winning device 12 is a device in which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out when a game ball is won, and the passing gate 13 uses normal symbol indicators 25a and 25b (described later) when the game ball has passed. It is a device for blinking.

  Further, a special symbol display 24, normal symbol indicators 25a and 25b, four normal symbol passage storage indicators 23, and four special symbol start memory indicators 22 are respectively arranged at the upper center of the game board 2. ing. The special symbol indicator 24 is composed of 7 segment LEDs, while the normal symbol indicators 25a and 25b, the normal symbol passage memory indicator 23, and the special symbol start memory indicator 22 are each composed of LEDs. Yes.

  The grand prize winning device 15 is a so-called attacker-type opening / closing device having a door 15a and a game ball receiving port. The door 15a is closed to make it difficult to win the game ball, and the door 15a is opened to play a game. An opening / closing operation with an open state that facilitates winning of a ball is performed. Furthermore, a passing area in which a game ball that has won the big winning device 15 can pass is provided inside the big winning device 15.

  The start winning device 18 includes a receiving port 18c into which a game ball enters (wins), a variable wing 18a that can be changed between an open state in which the game ball is likely to win in the receiving port 18c and a closed state in which the game ball is difficult to win. , 18b.

  Here, the closed state in the start winning device 18 is a state in which the variable wings 18 a and 18 b are closed and the game balls are difficult to enter the receiving port 18 c of the start winning device 18. On the other hand, the open state in the start winning device 18 is a state in which the variable wings 18 a and 18 b are opened in an inverted eight-character shape and the game ball easily enters the receiving port 18 c of the start winning device 18.

  The out port 16 is a device for collecting and collecting game balls that have not won any of the general winning device 12, the start winning device 18, and the big winning device 15.

  Below the glass door 4, as shown in FIG. 1, an upper plate 5a for storing the paid-out game balls and the game balls to be driven into the game area 2a is arranged. Also, below the upper plate 5a, a lower plate 5b in which game balls overflowing from the upper plate 5a due to payout are stored is arranged. Further, a shutter lever 8 is provided at a predetermined position of the upper plate 5a, which is operated when the game ball stored in the upper plate 5a is moved to the lower plate 5b and taken out at the end of the game.

  On the right side of the lower plate 5b, there is provided a launching handle 7 that is rotated when the game ball is launched to the game area 2a via the rail 6. The launch handle 7 is provided with a stop button (not shown) for stopping the launch of the game ball.

  Then, when the player turns the launch handle 7 to perform a launch operation, the game balls in the upper plate 5a are disposed on the back surface of the main body frame 3a by a launch ball supply device (not shown). It is supplied to the launching device 90 (see FIG. 4) and is launched by the launching device 90 along the rail 6 to the game area 2a.

  The passing gate 13 detects a passing game ball. When a game ball passes through the passing gate 13, a random number value for normal winning lottery is extracted as passing memory, and the passing memory is stored in a passing storage area ("0" to "4") of the main RAM 203 described later. Is done. Based on this passing memory, the normal symbol indicators 25a and 25b are blinked for a predetermined time. Further, the number of passage memories stored in the passage storage areas (“1” to “4”) is displayed on the four normal symbol passage storage indicators 23 described above.

  For example, when two passage memories are stored in the passage storage areas (“1” to “4”), two of the four normal symbol passage storage indicators 23 are lit. The number of lighting of the normal symbol passing memory display 23 can inform the player of the number of passing memories stored in the passing memory area (“1” to “4”).

  The normal symbol displays 25a and 25b are display devices that light up and display normal symbols of “◯” and “x”, respectively. The normal symbol indicators 25a and 25b blink alternately, and the blinking of the normal symbol indicators 25a and 25b ends (the game state is a big hit game until the blinking ends). The normal symbol display unit 25a lights the normal symbol of “O” for 30 seconds in the normal gaming state that is difficult to shift, and 6 seconds in the probability variation state where the gaming state is likely to shift to the big hit game.) When the stop display is continued (hereinafter referred to as “normal hit”), the start winning device 18 is switched to an open state in which it is easy to accept a game ball for a predetermined time (the opening time is 0.2 in the normal game state). On the other hand, in the case of the probability fluctuation state, 2.2 seconds of opening is performed twice.)

  Further, when a game ball wins the start winning device 18, a random number for a big hit lottery is extracted as a start memory, and the start memory is stored in a start storage area (“0” to “4”) of the main RAM 203 described later. ) Is memorized. The number of start memories stored in the start storage area ("1" to "4") is displayed on the four special symbol start memory displays 22 described above.

  For example, when two start memories are stored in the start memory area (“1” to “4”), two of the four special symbol start memory indicators 22 are lit. The number of the start memories stored in the start memory area (“1” to “4”) can be notified to the player by the number of lighting of the special symbol start memory display 22. Note that the special symbols on the special symbol display 24 and the decoration symbols in the decorative symbol display area are changed and stopped based on the start-up memory.

  In addition, examples of special symbols displayed on the special symbol display 24 that is a 7-segment LED include alphabets such as “H” and “F” and symbols such as “−”. These numbers and symbols are variably displayed after the game ball has won the start winning device 18. A case where the symbols are alphabets such as “H”, “F”, etc. when the display of the change of the numbers and symbols is terminated and stopped is referred to as a big hit mode. This jackpot mode is a display mode that indicates that the game state shifts to a jackpot game that is advantageous to the player as compared to the normal game state (that is, the game has become a “hit”). In addition, when the symbols other than the big hit mode are stopped (for example, “−”) is referred to as a non-hit type.

  Here, the jackpot modes “H” and “F” are subdivided into “H” which is a probability variation jackpot mode and “F” which is a normal jackpot mode. The probability variation jackpot mode is a mode that indicates winning a probability variation jackpot with a transition to a probability variation state, and the normal jackpot mode is a mode that indicates winning a normal jackpot without a transition to a probability variation state. is there.

  Further, examples of decorative symbols displayed in the decorative symbol display area include Arabic numerals such as “0”, “1”, “2”... “9”, and other symbols. These numbers and symbols are variably displayed after the game ball has won the start winning device 18. In addition, when the change display of these numbers and symbols ends and the symbols are stopped, the symbols are the same, such as “7” “7” “7”, “2” “2” “2” ”, etc. A case where three symbols are arranged in a row is called a specific mode. This specific mode is a display mode that indicates that the game state shifts to a jackpot game advantageous to the player as compared to the normal game state (that is, the game has become a “hit”).

  In addition, stop modes other than the jackpot display mode described above are referred to as “offset stop modes”.

  The decorative symbol variation display is performed in conjunction with the special symbol variation display described above. Therefore, when the special symbol stop mode becomes a display mode indicating that the jackpot game is executed (that is, the jackpot mode), the display mode indicating that the decorative symbol stop mode also executes the jackpot game (that is, the jackpot game). Specific embodiment).

  Here, the specific mode for allowing the player to recognize that the jackpot game is executed is divided into a probability variation mode which is a display mode indicating probability variation jackpots and a non-probability variation mode which is a display mode which normally indicates jackpots. ing.

  In addition, the probability variation mode refers to a case where an odd number such as “7” or “3” is the stop mode, while the non-probability variation mode is an even number such as “2” or “6”. When it becomes.

  If the stop mode of the special symbol becomes a probable big hit mode (that is, if the probability variation jackpot), the probability variation with a high probability that the special symbol stop mode in the special symbol display 24 will become the big hit mode after the jackpot game ends. Transition to state. On the other hand, when the stop mode of the special symbol becomes the non-probable variation jackpot display mode (that is, when the big jackpot game ends), the normal game state is entered.

  The big hit game advantageous to the player is, for example, a case where a big prize device solenoid 72S described later is an opening / closing operation of the big prize device 15 (hereinafter referred to as an opening / closing operation of the big prize device 15 performed during the big prize game). It is a gaming state that makes it easier to win more game balls than the normal gaming state by repeatedly performing “operation”.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the probability variation big hit, the special symbol display 24 displays the probability variation big hit mode, while the liquid crystal display device 21 displays the probability variation mode. . When the normal big hit is achieved, the special symbol display 24 displays the normal big hit mode, while the non-probable variation mode is displayed in the decorative symbol display area of the liquid crystal display device 21.

  In the present embodiment, the number of start memories stored in the start storage area (“1” to “4”) and the number of pass memories stored in the pass storage areas (“1” to “4”) are as follows. These are displayed on the special symbol start memory display 22 and the normal symbol passage storage display 23, respectively, but are not limited thereto, and may be displayed on other display media. For example, it may be displayed in the display area 21a.

  Next, the control system of the gaming machine 1a shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system of the gaming machine 1a shown in FIG.

  The control system of the gaming machine 1 a has a game control circuit 100. This control system is mounted on the back side of the game board 2. The game control circuit 100 includes a main control circuit 200, a sub control circuit 300 connected to the main control circuit 200, a payout control circuit 70a, and a launch control circuit 70b.

  A ball lending machine 81 is connected to the payout control circuit 70a of the gaming machine 1a.

  The ball lending machine 81 is installed next to the pachinko gaming machine 1a as described above, and has a slot into which a prepaid card can be inserted, and is recorded on the prepaid card inserted into the slot. A reading means for reading recorded information, a lending command signal output means for outputting a lending command signal for instructing lending of game balls to the payout control circuit 70a in accordance with a ball lending operation, and a record information read by the reading means Writing means for subtracting the number of loans commanded by the lending command signal output means from the lending available number and recording the information on the prepaid card inserted into the insertion slot.

  The main control circuit 200 has a main CPU (microcomputing processing device) 201 that controls the progress of the game of the pachinko gaming machine 1a according to a preset program, and returns various settings to initial values when an abnormality occurs or when the power is turned on. An initial reset circuit 204 that generates a reset signal, a lamp control circuit 207 that controls display of LEDs and the like, and a main RAM 203 that stores various data necessary for the operation of the main CPU 201 are mounted.

  Further, the main control circuit 200 has a game program for the main CPU 201 to process and control the gaming operation of the gaming machine 1a, a lottery process for determining whether or not to win the jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as “hit lottery process”). ) To determine the variation display pattern command to be referred to when determining the variable display pattern command by random lottery, the normal winning lottery table to be referred to when performing the normal winning lottery by random lottery A main ROM 202 that stores various probability tables that are referred to when a table and other effects are drawn is mounted.

  The main RAM 203 is stored in a start storage counter for counting start memories stored in a start storage area (“0” to “4”), which will be described later, and a passage storage area (“0” to “4”), which will be described later. A passing memory counter for counting passing memory, a grand prize winning device winning counter for storing the number of game balls won in the big winning device 15 during one round operation, and a big winning during one big hit game A large winning device opening number counter for storing the number of times the door of the device 15 is opened (that is, the number of round operations during one big hit game) is provided.

  Note that one round operation means that a predetermined number of times (for example, 30 seconds) after the grand prize-winning device 15 is in an open state or a predetermined number ( For example, it is a period until 10 game balls win the grand prize device 15.

  Here, the main RAM 203 has start storage areas (“0” to “4”).

  The start storage area is an area where the above-described start storage is stored in order from the start storage area “0”. Also, the random number value for big hit lottery stored in the start memory area (“1” to “4”) corresponds to the start memory displayed on the special symbol start memory display 22 and the start memory area “0”. The jackpot lottery random number value stored in is used for the jackpot lottery process.

  Further, the main RAM 203 has (“0” to “4”) passing storage areas.

  The passing storage area is an area in which the normal lottery random numbers extracted on condition that the game ball has passed through the passing gate 13 are sequentially stored from the passing storage area “0”. The random numbers for normal winning lottery stored in the passage storage area (“1” to “4”) correspond to the passage storage displayed on the normal symbol passage storage display 23, and the passage storage area “0”. The random value for lottery per ordinary memorized in “” is used for the lottery per ordinary.

  The main RAM 203 includes a high probability flag. Here, the high probability flag is set to a value (77) indicating the probability variation state when the gaming state is shifted to the probability variation state, while the gaming state is a non-probability variation state (game state other than the probability variation state). When shifted to, a value (00) indicating a non-probability variation state is set.

  The main CPU 201 has functions of lottery means, gaming state control means, special symbol mode determination means, and command transmission means.

  The lottery means is a means for performing a lottery on whether or not to win the transition to the big hit game advantageous to the player.

  For example, the lottery means performs a lottery process based on the random number value for the jackpot lottery extracted by the random lottery when the game ball wins the start winning device 18, and if the lottery process results in the big win, Is decided to shift to a big hit game advantageous to the player.

  Here, when it is determined by the lottery means that the game state is to be changed to the big hit game, the special symbol display 24 stops the big hit mode, and the specific mode in the decorative symbol display area of the liquid crystal display device 21 stops. The game is displayed, and the big hit game is controlled by the game state control means described later.

  As described above, there are two types of jackpots: normal jackpots and probability variation jackpots. If the probability variation jackpot, the probability that a jackpot mode or a specific mode will be easily derived after the jackpot game ends. The fluctuation state is controlled.

  The gaming state control means is means for controlling the normal gaming state and the probability variation state.

  Further, the game state control means is means for controlling the jackpot game advantageous to the player when it is determined by the lottery means to shift to the jackpot game and the special symbol display 24 is stopped and displayed. There is also.

  Here, the control of the big hit game by the game state control means is continued until a predetermined number of round operations (for example, 15 times) are performed until the big winning device 15 is switched from the open state to the closed state.

  The special symbol mode determining unit is a unit that determines a stop mode of the special symbol.

  Specifically, the special symbol mode determining means determines the stop mode of the special symbol in the special symbol display 24 based on the lottery result of the lottery unit. Moreover, when the special symbol mode determining means determines the stop mode of the special symbol, the special symbol mode determining unit generates and sets a stop symbol command indicating the stop mode.

  Furthermore, the special symbol mode determining means is a means for determining the variable display pattern and the variable display time of the special symbol.

  Specifically, the special symbol form determining means determines a variable display pattern command indicating the variable symbol display pattern and the variable display time based on the jackpot lottery result of the lottery means and a predetermined random number lottery. Thereby, the variation display pattern and variation display time of the special symbol are determined. Further, the special symbol mode determining means generates and sets the determined variation display pattern command.

  When the special symbol variation display pattern or stop mode is determined by the special symbol mode determining means, the main CPU 201 sets the lamp control circuit 207 to display the variable display pattern or stop mode on the special symbol display 24. It comes to control.

  Further, the main CPU 201 in the game control circuit 100 has an error in the devices in the game control circuit 100 (main CPU 201, main ROM 202, main RAM 203, payout control circuit 70a, launch control circuit 70b, lamp control circuit 207, etc.). It is a means for confirming whether or not.

  Specifically, when an error occurs in the system timer interrupt process or the main process, the main CPU 201 checks the device in which the error has occurred and the state of the error.

  When the main CPU 201 confirms that an error has occurred, the main CPU 201 confirms the device in which the error has occurred and the error state, and specifies the error code corresponding to the device and the error state. Process.

  For example, the main CPU 201 sets “EB8” as the error code when the device in which the error has occurred is the payout control circuit 70a and the error state is a communication failure between the main CPU 201 and the payout control circuit 70a. Identify.

  When an error occurs in any of the devices, the main CPU 201 performs a process of generating operation data including the error code specified in this step and information indicating that the other devices are normal. Do.

  For example, when an error occurs in the payout control circuit 70a and the state of the error is a communication failure between the main CPU 201 and the payout control circuit 70a, the main CPU 201 sets the specified error code “EB8”. , Operation data including information indicating that the main CPU 201, the main ROM 202, the main RAM 203, the firing control circuit 70b, and the lamp control circuit 207 are normal is generated.

  Here, the generated operation data is output (transmitted) to the hall server 500 at a predetermined timing.

  Programs for realizing the functions of the respective means described above are stored in the main ROM 202, and the main CPU 201 loads these programs from the main ROM 202 and updates and stores the calculation results in the main RAM 203 for execution. The functions of the respective means described above are realized. Of course, each of the above-described means may be configured by dedicated hardware.

  Further, the main CPU 201 serving as a command transmission means transmits various generated commands (variable display pattern commands, stop symbol commands, etc.) to the sub CPU 301 of the sub control circuit 300, thereby executing the effects in the game. .

  In this embodiment, based on the above various commands (variable display pattern command, stop symbol command, etc.), a display effect by the liquid crystal display device 21 or the like, a sound effect by a sound generating means such as a speaker, and a lamp or An effect of light by a light emitting means such as an LED is performed.

  An I / O port (not shown) of the main control circuit 200 is provided inside the pass gate 13 and is provided inside the start winning device 18 and a pass gate switch 19Sa that is a sensor for detecting the passing of a game ball. A start winning device switch 19a, which is a sensor provided to detect a game ball that has been won, is connected to the start winning device 18.

  In addition, the I / O port is provided in a passing area in the big winning device 15 and detects a game ball that has won a prize in the general winning device 12 and a count switch 19Se that is a sensor for detecting a gaming ball passing through the passing area. A general winning device switch 19Sb, which is a sensor to be used, and a backup clear switch 74S for erasing various data stored in the main RAM 203 are connected.

  Further, the following components are connected to the I / O port. That is, actuators such as a movable member solenoid 71S for driving the variable wings 18a and 18b of the start winning device 18 and a large winning device solenoid 72S for opening and closing the door of the large winning device 15 are connected.

  Here, when each of the sensors detects a game ball, the detection signal is input to the main CPU 201 of the main control circuit 200. Therefore, the main CPU 201 determines that each of the actuators 71S and 72S corresponds to the input detection signal. Are driven and controlled.

  Control commands (commands) are transmitted from the command output port 206 of the main control circuit 200 to the sub control circuit 300, the payout control circuit 70a, and the launch control circuit 70b, respectively.

  The sub-control circuit 300 that has received this control command (command) is a general term for the liquid crystal display device 21, the speakers 8a and 8b, and the decoration lamp 39a (the decoration lamp is a general term for lamps, LEDs, and the like provided at various locations in the gaming machine 1a. The operation of the payout device 82 and the launching device 90 is controlled by the payout control circuit 70a and the firing control circuit 70b that have received this control command (command).

  In addition, operation data indicating an operation state of the game control circuit 100 is transmitted from the command output port 206 of the main control circuit 200 to the hall server 500.

  The payout control circuit 70a is connected to a payout device 82 for paying out award balls and rental balls. The payout control circuit 70a drives and controls the payout device 82 in accordance with a payout command signal output from the main control circuit 200 on condition that a game ball has entered the general winning device 12 and the big winning device 15 or the like. A number of game balls are paid out as prize balls. In addition, the payout control circuit 70a controls the payout device 82 in accordance with the payout command signal output from the ball lending machine 81, and pays out a predetermined number of game balls as balls.

  A launch device 90 that launches a game ball toward the game area 2a is connected to the launch control circuit 70b. In addition, the launch control circuit 70 b causes the launch device 90 to launch a game ball by driving and controlling the launch solenoid in accordance with the turning operation of the launch handle 7.

  Further, the lamp control circuit 207 is electrically connected to LEDs such as the special symbol display 24, the normal symbol displays 25a and 25b, the normal symbol passage storage display 23, and the special symbol start storage display 22. The lamp control circuit 207 performs display control of the LED based on the control of the main CPU 201.

  Next, the configuration of the sub control circuit 300 will be described. The sub control circuit 300 includes a sub CPU 301, a program ROM 302, a work RAM 303, a command input port (not shown), a display control circuit 305, an audio control circuit 306, and a lamp control circuit 307.

  The program ROM 302 has a control program (effect data) for the sub CPU 301 to process-control the display control circuit 305 based on various commands output from the main control circuit 200, and a control for process-controlling the audio control circuit 306. A program, a control program for controlling the process of the lamp control circuit 307, data on a plurality of types of notification modes, and the like are stored.

  The work RAM 303 serves as a temporary storage unit when the sub CPU 301 performs processing control according to the control program, and includes a reception buffer area (not shown) for storing commands transmitted from the main CPU 201, and processing. A work area (not shown) for storing data necessary for control is allocated.

  The sub CPU 301 controls the display control circuit 305, the audio control circuit 306, the lamp control circuit 307, and the like according to the command received from the main control circuit 200 via the command input port.

  The sub CPU 301 has a function of display control means.

  The display control means is means for performing display control of the liquid crystal display device 21.

  For example, when a variable display pattern command is transmitted from the main CPU 201 that is a command transmission unit, the display control unit performs instruction control on the display control circuit 305, thereby performing a decorative pattern corresponding to the variable display pattern command. Display control of the other, display control of other effect images, and the like. In addition, after the decorative symbol change display, the display control circuit 305 is instructed to stop and display the decorative symbol in accordance with the stop mode indicated by the stop symbol command transmitted from the main CPU 201. . In this case, in the decorative symbol display area of the liquid crystal display device 21, after the decorative symbol variable display according to the variable display pattern command is performed, the stop mode corresponding to the special symbol indicated by the stop symbol command is stopped and displayed. .

  The display control circuit 305 executes a display such as a decorative symbol variation display in the display area 21a in response to an instruction from the sub CPU 301 (an instruction based on the effect data set in a predetermined work area of the work RAM 303). The image data ROM 305b for storing various image data and the corresponding image data are extracted from the image data ROM 305b in accordance with the control from the sub CPU 301, and the decorative pattern change display and effects are performed based on the extracted image data. A VDP (Video Display Processor) 305a that generates data for executing image display and the like, and a D / A conversion circuit (D / A converter) 305d that converts display image data generated by the VDP 305a into an analog signal. It has.

  The image data ROM 305b stores image data for causing the liquid crystal display device 21 to display an image. Each image data includes a plurality of pixel data (data in dot units) necessary to display each image data in the display area 21a.

  Here, a VRAM 305c having two buffer areas is connected to the VDP 305a. The VDP 305a performs the following processing when generating data for executing display in the display area 21a based on an instruction from the sub CPU 301 transmitted every predetermined time (for example, 1/30 second). The VDP 305a reads predetermined image data from the image data ROM 305b, develops it to the VRAM 305c, and reads the decompressed image data from the VRAM 305c. Specifically, the VDP 305a performs expansion processing on one buffer area provided in the VRAM 305c, and reads image data that has already been expanded from the other buffer area. Next, the VDP 305 a switches between a buffer area to be expanded and a buffer area to be read based on an instruction from the sub CPU 301. The VDP 305a displays the read image data on the display area 21a via the D / A conversion circuit 305d.

  In this embodiment, a VRAM is used as a storage device for developing image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other storage devices may be used. For example, an SDRAM that can read and write data at high speed may be used.

  Speakers 8 a and 8 b are connected to the audio control circuit 306. The sound control circuit 306 generates a sound signal based on the control of the sub CPU 301. The speakers 8a and 8b generate sound based on the input sound signal.

  The lamp control circuit 307 is connected with a decoration lamp 39a (the decoration lamp is a general term for lamps and LEDs provided in various places of the gaming machine 1). The lamp control circuit 307 generates a signal based on the control of the sub CPU 301. The decorative lamp 39a performs lighting display or the like based on the input signal.

  As described above, the speakers 8a and 8b, the decoration lamp 39a, and the liquid crystal display device 21 perform an effect based on the effect data set (control program) by the sub CPU 301.

  Each process in the gaming machine 1a is controlled by the main control circuit 200 and the sub control circuit 300, but the main control circuit 200 processes all or part of the processes controlled by the sub control circuit 300. Alternatively, the sub control circuit 300 may process all or part of the processing controlled by the main control circuit 200.

  Next, a processing procedure of the main control circuit of the gaming machine 1a according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5A is a flowchart showing a system timer interrupt processing procedure executed so as to interrupt the main process at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec), and FIG. 5B shows the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main process sequence of the game machine 1a which concerns on.

  First, the system timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S100, the main CPU 201 saves the information stored in the register.

  In step S110, the main CPU 201 updates values such as a jackpot lottery random number value, a jackpot symbol determining random number value, a regular hit lottery random value.

  In step S120, the main CPU 201 performs switch input detection processing. Hereinafter, the switch input detection process will be specifically described.

  The main CPU 201 detects the detection signals output from the count switch 19Se, the general winning device switch 19Sb, the starting winning device switch 19a, the passing gate switch 19Sa, and the like through the I / O port. Then, the main CPU 201 that detects these detection signals executes the following processes (1) to (3) according to the contents of the detected detection signals.

  (1) When the main CPU 201 detects a detection signal from the count switch 19Se, the main CPU 201 adds “1” to the value of the big winning device winning counter.

  (2) When the main CPU 201 detects a detection signal from the start winning device switch 19a provided in the starting winning device 18, the main CPU 201 checks the value of the start storage counter. When the value of the start memory counter is, for example, 4 or less, “1” is added to the value of the start memory counter, and the random number lottery random number value and the big hit symbol determination random number value are extracted. The jackpot lottery random number value and the jackpot symbol determining random number value are stored as starting memories in a free area of the starting storage area ("0" to "4") of the main RAM 203.

  (3) When the main CPU 201 detects a detection signal from the pass gate switch 19Sa provided in the pass gate 13, it checks the value of the pass memory counter. When the value of the passing memory counter is 4 or less, for example, “1” is added to the value of the passing memory counter, and a random number for random lottery is extracted by random lottery. The numerical value is stored as a passing storage in a free area of the passing storage area (“0” to “4”) of the main RAM 203.

  In step S130, the main CPU 201 sets the remaining variation display time of the special symbols and decoration symbols that are variably displayed, the remaining opening time of the start winning device 18 in an open state in which the game balls are easily received, and the open state in which the game balls are easily received. The remaining opening time of the door 15a of a certain prize winning device 15 is updated.

  In step S135, the main CPU 201 performs a process of confirming whether an error has occurred in the system timer interrupt process or the main process.

  When the main CPU 201 confirms that an error has occurred, the main CPU 201 confirms the device in which the error has occurred and the state of the error, and identifies the error code corresponding to the device and the state of the error. Process.

  For example, the main CPU 201 sets “EB8” as the error code when the device in which the error has occurred is the payout control circuit 70a and the error state is a communication failure between the main CPU 201 and the payout control circuit 70a. Identify.

  When an error occurs in any of the devices, the main CPU 201 determines the error code specified in this step, information indicating that the other devices are normal, and the table set in the gaming machine. Processing for generating operation data including a number, a manufacturer number, and a model number is performed.

  For example, when an error occurs in the payout control circuit 70a and the state of the error is a communication failure between the main CPU 201 and the payout control circuit 70a, the main CPU 201 sets the specified error code “EB8”. Operation data including information indicating that the main CPU 201, the main ROM 202, the main RAM 203, the launch control circuit 70b, and the lamp control circuit 207 are normal, and the machine number, manufacturer number, and model number set in the gaming machine. Generate.

  In step S140, when the operation data generated in step S135 is generated, the main CPU 201 performs a process of outputting (transmitting) the operation data to the hall server 500.

  Here, when the operation data is transmitted to the hall server 500, the operation data is output to the manufacturer server 600a managed by the manufacturer A that is the manufacturer of the gaming machine 1a.

  As a result, the person in charge of each manufacturer can directly check the operating state of his / her own gaming machine directly on the manufacturer server managed by the company, so even if an abnormality occurs on the hall side, This abnormality can be accurately and timely transmitted to the manufacturer.

  Further, in this step, the main CPU 201 performs a process of outputting game information such as execution of special symbol fluctuation display and occurrence of jackpot to the hall server 500.

  In step S150, the main CPU 201 drives and controls solenoids such as the movable member solenoid 71S and the big prize device solenoid 72S.

  In step S <b> 160, the main CPU 201 outputs a stop symbol command, a variable display pattern command, other commands, and the like that specify a special symbol stop mode to the sub-control circuit 300.

  In step S170, the main CPU 201 causes the lamp control circuit 207 to display the number of start memories stored in the start storage area ("1" to "4") of the main RAM 203 on the special symbol start storage display 22. Control.

  For example, when two start memories are stored in the start memory area (“1” to “4”), two of the four special symbol start memory indicators 22 are lit.

  Further, the main CPU 201 controls the lamp control circuit 207 in order to display the number of passage memories stored in the passage storage areas (“1” to “4”) of the main RAM 203 on the normal symbol passage storage display 23. .

  Further, when the special symbol variable display pattern or stop mode is determined in step S20, which will be described later, the main CPU 201 displays the variable display pattern or stop mode on the special symbol display 24 in order to display the lamp control circuit 207. To control. As a result, the special symbol on the special symbol display 24 is variably displayed based on the variation display pattern determined by the special symbol memory check process, and is stopped in the stop mode determined by the process.

  Further, when the normal symbol blinking display pattern or stop mode is selected in step S30 described later, the main CPU 201 performs lamp control to display the blinking display pattern or stop mode on the normal symbol displays 25a and 25b. The circuit 207 is controlled. As a result, the normal symbols on the normal symbol displays 25a and 25b are blinked on the basis of the blinking display pattern selected in step S30, and then stopped in the stop mode selected in the same step.

  Further, the main CPU 201 outputs a control command for instructing to display an error such as a ball breakage or a full lower pan on a predetermined lamp, and other necessary control commands to the sub-control circuit 300.

  In step S180, the main CPU 201 issues a payout command for instructing to pay out a predetermined game ball as a winning ball according to the type of winning device into which the game ball has entered (the general winning device 12, the big winning device 15, etc.). A control command such as a signal is output to the payout control circuit 70a.

  In step S190, the main CPU 201 restores the information saved in step S100 to the register.

  Next, main processing by the main control circuit 200 of the gaming machine 1a will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S10, the main CPU 201 restores or initializes various settings in the gaming machine 1a to the setting contents when the power supply was previously turned off.

  In step S20, the main CPU 201 executes each process related to the special symbol. Specifically, the main CPU 201 performs a jackpot lottery based on the random number value for jackpot lottery extracted on the condition that a game ball has won the start winning device 18, and based on the result of the jackpot lottery, The variation display pattern of the special symbol on the symbol display 24 is determined. When the special symbol display 24 variably displays according to the variation display pattern and the special symbol display 24 displays the big hit display mode (that is, when the big hit lottery is a big win), the gaming state control means A certain main CPU 201 controls a big hit game. In the case of the big hit lottery, “1” is subtracted from the start memory counter, and the data stored in the start memory areas (“1” to “4”) are respectively stored in the start memory areas ( “0” to “3”).

  Further, when the main CPU 201 determines the variable display pattern of the special symbol on the special symbol display 24, the main CPU 201 generates and sets a variable display pattern command indicating the variable display pattern.

  The variable display pattern command is output to the sub CPU 301 in step S180, and the sub CPU 301 that has received the variable display pattern command receives the decorative symbol in accordance with the variable display pattern command. Display fluctuations.

  In step S30, the main CPU 201 executes each process related to the normal symbol. Specifically, the main CPU 201 performs a normal winning lottery based on a random number for normal winning lottery extracted on condition that the game ball has passed through the passing gate 13, and based on the result of the normal winning lottery, The normal symbol blinking display pattern in the normal symbol displays 25a and 25b is selected. Then, after the normal symbol indicators 25a and 25b blink according to the blinking display pattern, “normal winning” is displayed on the normal symbol indicators 25a and 25 (that is, when the normal winning lottery is a winner). ), The main CPU 201 performs the opening control of the start winning device 18, subtracts “1” from the passing memory counter, and stores the data stored in the passing memory areas (“1” to “4”), respectively. Shift to the passing storage area (“0” to “3”).

  In step S40, the main CPU 201 updates values such as random numbers used in the main process.

  The main CPU 201 repeats the processes from step S20 to step S40 described above.

  Next, a processing procedure by the hall control circuit 510 of the hall server 500 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a system timer interrupt processing procedure executed so as to interrupt a main process (not shown) at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec).

  In step S400, hall server CPU 520 saves the information stored in the register.

  In step S <b> 410, the hall server CPU 520 performs processing for updating the time managed by the hall server 500.

  In step S420, the hall server CPU 520 executes hall server input detection processing (see FIG. 7), which will be described later in detail. In this step, processing for detecting operation data and the like transmitted from the gaming machines 1a and 1b is performed.

  In step S430, the hall server CPU 520, which is the operation data transmission means, receives the operation data, maintenance information, etc. set in step S420-4 or step S420-6 (FIG. 7) described later, step S420-2 described later. To the manufacturer server specified in

  In step S440, the hall server CPU 520 restores the information saved in step S400 to the register.

  Next, the hall server input detection process in step S420 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of hall server input detection processing by the hall control circuit 510 of the hall server 500.

  In step S420-1, the hall server CPU 520, which is the operation data collection control means, confirms whether or not operation data has been received from any of the gaming machines 1a and 1b in the data collection management system 1. When the hall server CPU 520 receives the operation data, the hall server CPU 520 proceeds to the process of step S420-2 to identify the manufacturer server corresponding to the gaming machine that generated the operation data. On the other hand, if the operation data has not been received, the hall server input detection process is terminated.

  In step S420-2, hall server CPU520 performs the process which specifies the manufacturer server corresponding to the game machine which produced | generated operation data.

  For example, the hall server CPU 520 specifies the manufacturer server 600a when the gaming machine that has generated the operating data is the gaming machine 1a, and identifies the manufacturer server when the gaming machine that has generated the operating data is the gaming machine 1b. 600b is specified.

  In step S420-3, the hall server CPU 520 checks whether or not an error code is included in the received operation data (that is, whether or not an error has occurred in the gaming machine that transmitted the operation data). If the received operational data includes an error code (that is, if an error has occurred in the gaming machine that transmitted the operational data), the hall server CPU 520 performs a procedure for repairing the error. In order to extract the maintenance information shown, the process proceeds to step S420-4. On the other hand, if the received operation data does not include an error code (that is, if no error has occurred in the gaming machine that transmitted the operation data), the process proceeds to step S420-6.

  In step S420-4, the hall server CPU 520, which is a maintenance information extraction unit, performs a process of extracting maintenance information associated with the error code in the received operation data from the manufacturer server ROM (maintenance information storage unit) 630a.

  Specifically, the hall server CPU 520 sends maintenance information associated with the error code to the manufacturer server ROM (maintenance information storage means) based on the error code in the received operation data and the maintenance information extraction table shown in FIG. ) Perform processing to extract from 630a.

  For example, when the error code is “EB8”, the maintenance information indicated by the maintenance code “A8” (maintenance information in which the error type is “payout error” and the recovery method is “reboot the gaming machine”) To extract.

  In step S420-5, the hall server CPU 520, which is the operation data transmission means, specifies the operation data collected by the operation data collection control means and the maintenance information extracted in step S420-4 in step S420-2. Execute settings to send to the manufacturer server.

  By executing the above setting, in step S430 (FIG. 6), the operation data generated in the gaming machine and the maintenance information indicating the procedure for repairing the error occurring in the gaming machine are stored in the gaming machine. Output to the manufacturer server managed by the provider.

  As a result, the person in charge of each manufacturer can directly check the abnormality (error) that occurred in his / her gaming machine and the procedure for repairing the abnormality on the manufacturer server managed by his / her company. It is easier for the manufacturer to repair the abnormality that occurred on the side.

  In step S420-6, the hall server CPU 520, which is an operation data transmission unit, executes settings for transmitting the operation data collected by the operation data collection control unit to the manufacturer server specified in step S420-2. .

  By performing the above setting, in step S430 (FIG. 6), the operation data generated by the gaming machine is output to the manufacturer server managed by the manufacturer that provides the gaming machine.

  As a result, the person in charge of each manufacturer can directly check the operating state of his / her own gaming machine directly on the manufacturer server managed by the company, so even if an abnormality occurs on the hall side, This abnormality can be accurately and timely transmitted to the manufacturer.

  Next, a processing procedure by the manufacturer control circuit 610a of the manufacturer server 600a in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the processing procedure by the manufacturer control circuit 610b of the manufacturer server 600b is the same as that of the manufacturer control circuit 610a, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a system timer interrupt processing procedure executed so as to interrupt a main process (not shown) at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec).

  In step S500, the maker server CPU 620a saves the information stored in the register.

  In step S510, the maker server CPU 620a performs a process of updating the time managed by the maker server 600a.

  In step S520, the maker server CPU 620a executes a maker server input detection process (see FIG. 9) described later for details. In this step, processing for detecting operation data and maintenance information transmitted from the hall server 500 is performed.

  In step S530, the maker server CPU 620a transmits predetermined notification information or the like to the hall server 500.

  In step S540, the manufacturer server CPU 620a returns the information saved in step S500 to the register.

  Next, the manufacturer server input detection process in step S520 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the manufacturer server input detection process by the manufacturer control circuit 610a of the manufacturer server 600a.

  In step S520-1, the manufacturer server CPU 620a confirms whether or not operation data has been received from the hall server 500 in the data collection management system 1. Then, when the manufacturer server CPU 620a receives the operation data, the maker server CPU 620a proceeds to the process of step S520-2. On the other hand, if the operation data has not been received, the manufacturer server input detection process is terminated.

  In step S520-2, the maker server CPU 620a checks whether or not the maintenance information is received from the hall server 500 in the data collection management system 1. When the manufacturer server CPU 620a receives the maintenance information, the manufacturer server CPU 620a proceeds to the process of step S520-3 in order to display the maintenance information and the received operation data on the display device 670a. On the other hand, if the maintenance information has not been received, the process proceeds to step S520-4 in order to display only the received operation data on the display device 670a.

  In step S520-3, maker server CPU 620a sets the information indicated by the received operation data and the effect data for displaying the received maintenance information in the work area of maker server RAM 640a. Thereby, in the main process of the manufacturer server CPU 620a, the gaming machine operation information screen 700 (FIG. 11C) showing the received operation data and the received maintenance information is displayed on the display device 670a.

  For example, when the manufacturer server CPU 620a receives the operation data including the error code “EB8” and the maintenance information indicated by the maintenance code “A8”, the fact that an abnormality has occurred in the payout control circuit in the main process, A gaming machine operation information screen indicating the error code “EB8” and maintenance information indicated by the maintenance code “A8” (maintenance information in which the error type is “payout error” and the recovery method is “reboot the gaming machine”) 700 is displayed on the display device 670a (see FIG. 11C).

  In addition, the machine number, manufacturer number, and model number included in the operation data are displayed on the gaming machine operation information screen 700 (on the gaming machine operation information screen 700 in FIG. 11C, the machine number is displayed. "9999" as the manufacturer number, "999999" as the manufacturer number, and "999" as the model number).

  As a result, the person in charge of each manufacturer can directly check the abnormality (error) that occurred in his / her gaming machine and the procedure for repairing the abnormality on the manufacturer server managed by his / her company. It is easier for the manufacturer to repair the abnormality that occurred on the side.

  In step S520-4, manufacturer server CPU 620a sets effect data for displaying information indicated by the received operation data in the work area of manufacturer server RAM 640a. Thereby, in the main process of the manufacturer server CPU 620a, the gaming machine operation information screen 700 showing the received operation data is displayed on the display device 670a (see, for example, FIG. 11B. In FIG. A gaming machine operation information screen 700 (FIG. 11B) indicating that all the devices in the generated gaming machine are operating normally is displayed on the display device 670a).

  The gaming machine operation information screen 700 shows the machine number, manufacturer number, and model number included in the operation data (in the gaming machine operation information screen 700 in FIG. 11B, the machine number). "9999" as the manufacturer number, "999999" as the manufacturer number, and "999" as the model number).

  As a result, the person in charge of each manufacturer can directly check the operating state of his / her own gaming machine directly on the manufacturer server managed by the company, so even if an abnormality occurs on the hall side, This abnormality can be accurately and timely transmitted to the manufacturer.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this is merely a specific example of the present invention, and does not specifically limit the present invention.

  According to the present embodiment, the main CPU 201 in the game control circuit 100 generates operation data indicating the operation state in the main CPU 201, the main ROM 202, the main RAM 203, the payout control circuit 70a, the launch control circuit 70b, the lamp control circuit 207, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and operation data indicating an operation state in another device may be generated.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the sub CPU 301 generates operation data indicating the operation state in the sub CPU 301, the program ROM 302, the work RAM 303, the display control circuit 305, the sound control circuit 306, the lamp control circuit 307, and the like. It may be. In this case, the operation data is transmitted from the sub CPU 301 to the hall server 500.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example in which a pachinko gaming machine that uses a game ball to play a game is applied to the gaming machines 1a and 1b in the data collection management system 1, but the present invention is not limited to this, Of course, a pachislot gaming machine that plays a game using a medal, which is a kind of gaming medium, may be applied to the gaming machines 1a and 1b.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the hall server CPU (operation data transmission means) 520 in the hall server 500 uses the operation data collected by the operation data collection control means as the game that generated the operation data. The transmission control is performed to the manufacturer server managed by the manufacturer of the machine.

  As a result, the person in charge of each manufacturer can directly check the operating state of his / her own gaming machine directly on the manufacturer servers 600a and 600b managed by his / her company. In this case, the abnormality can be accurately and timely transmitted to the manufacturer.

  That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a data collection management system in which an abnormality that occurs in a gaming machine in a hall is quickly and accurately transmitted to the manufacturer.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, the hall side has the advantage that the monitoring burden is reduced, and the manufacturer side has the advantage that it is possible to find the abnormality of the game machine of the company accurately and in a timely manner. it can.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the hall server CPU (operation data transmission means) 520 in the hall server 500 collects abnormal operation data from the game control circuit 100 of the gaming machine, Then, control is performed to transmit the operation data to a manufacturer server managed by the manufacturer of the gaming machine that has generated the operation data.

  As a result, the person in charge of each manufacturer can check the abnormality (error) that occurred in their own gaming machine directly on the manufacturer server managed by the company, so the abnormality that occurred on the hall side Can be accurately and timely transmitted to the manufacturer.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, the operation data transmitted by the operation data transmitting means is only abnormal operation data, so that even the normal operation data is transmitted to the manufacturer server as compared with the case where the operation data is transmitted to the manufacturer server. It becomes possible to reduce the amount of traffic between the manufacturer server and the monitoring burden on the manufacturer side.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the hall server CPU (operation data transmission means) 520 in the hall server 500 collects abnormal operation data from the game control circuit 100 of the gaming machine, it generates the abnormal operation data. Control is performed to transmit the abnormal operation data and maintenance information extracted by the maintenance information extraction means to the manufacturer server managed by the manufacturer of the gaming machine.

  As a result, the person in charge of each manufacturer can directly check the abnormality (error) that occurred in his / her gaming machine and the procedure for repairing the abnormality on the manufacturer server managed by his / her company. It is easier for the manufacturer to repair the abnormality that occurred on the side.

  In the above description, the case where the present invention is applied to a gaming machine in which a ball game machine body is attached to a gaming table is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a pachislot gaming machine ( Slot machines), sparrow balls, smart balls or various game machines installed in game centers.

It is a block diagram which shows the control system of the data collection management system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the game machine which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a front view which shows the game board of the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 2. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the main control circuit of the game machine which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the hall server timer interruption process by the hall control circuit of the hall server shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the hall server input detection process by a hall control circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the manufacturer server timer interruption process by the manufacturer control circuit of the manufacturer server shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the maker server input detection process by a maker control circuit. It is a figure which shows an example of the maintenance information extraction table which concerns on this Embodiment. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a maker server, (b), (c) is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the screen displayed on the display apparatus of a maker server.

Explanation of symbols

1 Data collection management system 1a, 1b Pachinko machines (game machines)
2 gaming board 2a gaming area 3 gaming machine main body 3a main body frame 3b outer frame 4 glass door 5a upper plate 5b lower plate 6 rail 7 firing handle 8a, 8b speaker 8 shutter lever 10 ashtray 12 general winning device 18 start winning device 13 passing gate DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Large winning device 16 Out port 18a, 18b Variable wing | blade 19Se Count switch 19Sb General winning device switch 19Sa Passing gate switch 19a Start winning device switch 21 Liquid crystal display device 21a Display area 39a Decoration lamp 70a Discharge control circuit 70b Launch control circuit 71S Movable member Solenoid 72S Large winning device solenoid 74S Backup clear switch 81 Ball lending machine 82 Dispensing device 90 Launching device 100 Game control circuit (game control device)
200 Main control circuit 201 Main CPU
202 Main ROM
203 Main RAM
204 Initial reset circuit 205 I / O port 206 Command output port 300 Sub control circuit 301 Sub CPU
302 Program ROM
303 Work RAM
304 Command input port 305 Display control circuit 305a VDP
305b Image data ROM
305c VRAM
305d D / A conversion circuit 306 Audio control circuit 307 Lamp control circuit 400 Hall 500 Hall server 510 Hall control circuit 520 Hall server CPU
530 hall server ROM
540 Hall Server RAM
550 I / O port 600a, 600b Manufacturer server 610a, 610b Manufacturer control circuit 620a, 620b Manufacturer server CPU
630a, 630b Manufacturer server ROM
640a, 640b Manufacturer server RAM
650a, 650b Input / output port 660a, 660b Display control circuit 670a, 670b Display device 700 Game machine operation information screen

Claims (3)

A game control device that is provided in each gaming machine and controls the operation of the gaming machine according to a gaming program;
A hall server connected to each of the gaming machines;
A maker server connected to the hall server and managed by a maker that provides gaming machines to the hall,
The hall server includes an operation data collection control unit that performs control to collect operation data of a game control device in each gaming machine, and a game machine that generates the operation data from the operation data collected by the operation data collection control unit. Including operation data transmission means for performing control to be transmitted to the manufacturer server managed by
A data collection management system characterized by that. When the abnormal operation data is collected from the game control device of the gaming machine, the operation data transmission means transmits the collected operation data to the manufacturer server managed by the manufacturer of the gaming machine that generated the operation data. Do control,
The data collection management system according to claim 1. The hall server stores maintenance information indicating a procedure for repairing an abnormal state in association with the abnormal state, and stores maintenance information storage means;
Maintenance information extraction means for extracting maintenance information associated with an abnormal state in the operation data from the maintenance information storage means when abnormal operation data is collected from the game control device of the gaming machine;
When the operation data transmission means collects abnormal operation data from the game control device of the gaming machine, the abnormal operation data is sent to the manufacturer server managed by the manufacturer that provides the abnormal operation data. And control to transmit the maintenance information extracted by the maintenance information extraction means,
The data collection management system according to claim 1 or 2.

Images