JP2009261771A - Game system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system able to justifiably maintain a profit balance between a game parlor and a game player and at the same time, allowing a player to change an optional exchange rate, by minimizing the inconvenience required for a user to change an exchange rate. <P>SOLUTION: The game system includes: a game machine that is played using game mediums and releases other game mediums from the result of the game; a lending means able to change an exchange rate when lending game mediums; a recovering means for counting recovered game mediums; and a managing means for managing game information. The system is characterized in that the exchange rate can be changed when a released-ball difference calculated from the number of lent game mediums, the number of game mediums released as a result given by the game machine, and the number of game mediums recovered. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system that collects game data and collects and manages the collected game data, and more particularly to a game system that can change the conversion rate of game media.

  As a gaming system in a game arcade, lending gaming media (gaming balls, etc.) at a predetermined ball lending rate (conversion rate) based on the valuable value possessed by a player stored in a prepaid card or the like, and lending gaming media As a result of using the game machine with the game machine, a game system that can count and settle the game media owned by the player with a counting device such as a jet counter is common.

  In recent years, there are players who want to play for a long time at a low ball lending rate and players who want to play at a high ball lending rate. In order to meet the needs of such players, There has been proposed a conversion rate selection type gaming system that allows a player to select (for example, Patent Document 1).

In this conversion rate selection type gaming system, a card such as a prepaid card storing valuable value (amount information owned by a player) is purchased, and the card is inserted into a card unit attached to the gaming machine to set the conversion rate. The player chooses. Then, the selected conversion rate is stored in the card, and thereafter, the game medium is lent out only at the stored conversion rate.
JP 11-226225 A

  However, in the conversion rate selection type gaming system described in Patent Document 1, a player can select a conversion rate only when using a new card storing a valuable value. Also, once the player has selected a conversion rate, the conversion rate cannot be changed while the card is being used.

  For this reason, when the player wants to select the conversion rate again, he / she must purchase the card again or prepare a plurality of cards in advance, which increases the player's expense and is very troublesome. It will take.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, it may be possible to remove the restriction that the conversion rate cannot be changed when the same card is used, so that the player can freely change the conversion rate. . However, since the value per game medium is different before and after the conversion rate change, depending on the state of the game medium paid out to the player and the state of the game, the player may be There are cases where the field side becomes disadvantageous, or the player becomes disadvantageous and the game hall side becomes advantageous.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and while maintaining a fair profit balance between the game arcade and the player, it eliminates as much as possible the trouble of the player related to the conversion rate change. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming system that can be changed to an arbitrary conversion rate.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine that performs a game using the rented game medium and pays out the game medium to the player based on the result of the game, and consumes the valuable value owned by the player to Lending means capable of changing the conversion rate at the time of lending, and a collection provided corresponding to the gaming machine and capable of counting the gaming media derived and collected out of the gaming machine among gaming media used for gaming And a management means for collecting game information from the gaming machine, the lending means, and the collecting means, and managing the collected game information, based on the collected game information. The conversion rate change determining means for determining whether or not to permit the change of the conversion rate, and the conversion rate change determining means when the conversion rate change determining means determines to permit the change of the conversion rate. Conversion rate change setting means for setting a game to the lending means, and the number of loaned game media lent, the number of payout game media paid out as a result of the game, and the game in a predetermined calculation period. Game medium number calculating means for calculating the number of collected game media collected in this way, wherein the conversion rate change determining means is the calculated number of rented game media, the calculated number of paid out game media, and the calculation. A payout difference number calculating means for calculating a payout difference number based on the collected number of collected game media, and the payout difference number calculated by the payout difference number calculating means matches a predetermined payout difference number determination condition In this case, the conversion rate is allowed to be changed.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, the payout difference number calculating unit adds the calculated number of rented game media and the calculated number of payout game media, and further subtracts the number of collected game media, thereby The payout difference number is calculated.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the gaming system is provided corresponding to the gaming machine, and out of the gaming machine without being used for gaming out of the gaming media paid out according to the gaming media lending and the gaming result. The game medium number calculating means calculates the number of counted game media counted by the counting means during the calculation period, and the conversion rate change determining means comprises: The number of existing game media for calculating the number of existing game media existing in the gaming machine based on the counted number of game media calculated by the game media number calculation unit and the payout difference number calculated by the payout difference number calculation unit Even if the payout difference number calculated by the payout difference number calculating means does not match the payout difference number determination condition, the calculation means is calculated by the existing game medium number calculating means. And if the presence game medium count matches the present game medium count determination conditions set in advance, and permits a change in the conversion rate.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the existence game medium number calculating means subtracts the counted game medium number calculated by the game medium number calculating means from the payout difference number calculated by the payout difference number calculating means. The number of existing game media is calculated.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the conversion rate change determining means calculates the payout difference number calculated by the payout difference number calculating means when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last time the game medium collected by the collecting means was counted. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not satisfies the payout difference number determination condition.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the gaming machine executes an auxiliary game based on the establishment of a start condition, generates a specific game state advantageous to a player based on the result of the auxiliary game, and the gaming system includes: A specific gaming state determination unit that determines whether or not a specific gaming state has occurred; and the conversion rate change determination unit determines that the specific gaming state has occurred by the specific gaming state determination unit Further, the conversion rate change is not permitted.

  According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the gaming machine executes an auxiliary game based on a start condition being satisfied, generates a specific game state advantageous to a player based on a result of the auxiliary game, and immediately executes the auxiliary game. The starting condition established in the incapable state is configured to be stored within the range of the upper limit value, and the gaming system includes upper limit value information storage means for storing upper limit value information of the starting condition stored in the gaming machine, The conversion rate changing means can execute the auxiliary game based on the upper value information stored in the upper limit value information storage means, information on establishment of the start condition collected from the gaming machine, and end information on the auxiliary game. Among the effective starting conditions, there is an auxiliary game determination means for determining whether or not there is an auxiliary game whose result is not yet confirmed, and the auxiliary game determination means determines whether the result of the auxiliary game is uncertain. If it is determined that the game is present, characterized in that it does not allow changes to the conversion rate.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the gaming system includes a setting instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to set the calculation period, and the calculation period starts when the setting instruction receiving unit receives the setting instruction. Calculation period setting means for setting the calculation period, wherein the game medium number calculation means includes the number of rented game media and the payout game medium from the start time of the calculation period set by the calculation period setting means. The number and the number of collected game media are calculated.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the gaming system is provided corresponding to the gaming machine, and out of the gaming machine without being used for gaming among the gaming media paid out according to the gaming media lending and the gaming result. The game medium number calculating means calculates the number of counted game media counted by the counting means during the calculation period, and the conversion rate change determining means comprises: The number of existing game media for calculating the number of existing game media existing in the gaming machine based on the counted number of game media calculated by the game media number calculation unit and the payout difference number calculated by the payout difference number calculation unit Calculation means, and the lending means executes a checkout process for recording the number of game media counted by the counting means on a predetermined recording medium based on a player's operation, The calculation period setting means sets the calculation period so that the calculation period starts from the time when the settlement process is executed, and the game medium number calculation means sets the calculation period set by the calculation period setting means. The number of game media counted by the counting means is calculated from the starting point of the above.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the game system determines that the player has brought in a game medium when the payout difference number calculated by the payout difference number calculation means becomes a negative value. And a game in which a game medium is brought in by the player and a game medium is brought in by the player when it is determined that the player has brought in a game medium. And an informing means for informing information specifying the machine.

  In an eleventh aspect of the invention, the carry-in determination unit sets a warning level when the game medium is brought in by determining whether or not the lending unit has lent out the game medium during the calculation period. A warning level setting means for performing the warning, and the notification means notifies that the player has brought in a game medium at a warning level set by the warning level setting means.

  According to the first and second inventions, when the game medium paid out to the player is collected, that is, the state in which the player can use the lent game medium and the game medium paid out according to the result of the game. Since the change of the conversion rate is permitted when it is not owned by the player, the player can set an arbitrary conversion rate while maintaining the profit balance between the game hall and the player.

  According to the third and fourth aspects of the invention, even if the game media paid out to the player is not collected, if all the game media paid out to the player are counted, that is, rented out. Change of conversion rate is permitted when the player does not own the game media that has been paid out and the game media that has been paid out as a result of the game, so that the profit balance between the game hall and the player can be balanced. In this state, the player can set an arbitrary conversion rate.

  According to the fifth invention, for example, when a sufficient time is set until the game media used in the game is collected by the gaming machine, the game is newly performed using the game media, and the game As a result, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination of establishment of the permission condition due to a change in the payout difference due to a new payout of game media.

  According to the sixth aspect, when the specific gaming state advantageous to the player is generated, the conversion rate change is not permitted, so that the advantageous degree of the player in the specific gaming state does not change. The change of the conversion rate does not affect the game result. Therefore, the profit balance between the game hall side and the player can be maintained by changing the conversion rate.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the number of start conditions and the execution state of the auxiliary game stored as the start memory in the gaming machine can be grasped, and if there is an auxiliary game whose result is uncertain, the conversion rate can be changed. Since it is not permitted, the result of the auxiliary game based on the start condition established before the change of the conversion rate does not affect the game after the change of the conversion rate. Therefore, the profit balance between the game hall side and the player can be maintained by changing the conversion rate.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the timing at which the setting information is received is set as the start time of the calculation period, which is equivalent to resetting the payout difference number and the number of existing game media. Thereby, for example, due to illegal take-out and take-in of game media and spilling game media, the payout difference number and the number of existing game media calculated in the calculation period before resetting the start time are It can be prevented that the conversion rate cannot be changed because it does not match the actual number of payout differences and the number of existing game media. In addition, when the conversion rate cannot be changed and the resetting is performed, the store staff at the game hall always checks whether the game media has been illegally taken out or illegally taken. The action can be suppressed.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, when the player ends the game, all the game media are always taken out of the gaming machine and settled, so by setting this timing as the start time of the calculation target period, The conversion rate cannot be changed because it is possible to reset the state where the number of payout differences and the number of existing media gradually cease to match the actual number of payout differences and the number of existing media due to spilling game media, etc. Can be prevented.

  According to the tenth invention, when it is determined that the game medium has been brought in, it is notified that the game medium has been brought in. Appropriate action can be taken against players who have played.

  According to the eleventh invention, it is possible to determine whether or not a game medium has been rented by determining whether or not the game medium has been rented, and the warning level is set and notified by the determination result. The store clerk can take action according to the warning level.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the following description of the embodiments, front, rear, left, and right refer to directions viewed from the player, that is, viewed from the gaming machine.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  An internal network is provided inside the amusement hall. The internal network is configured by the relay device 13. A game hall management device (hall computer) 1 for managing a game device 4 installed in a game hall is connected to an information collection terminal device (information transmission device) 3 via an internal network.

  In the present embodiment, one relay device 13 is installed in an island facility where a plurality of gaming devices 4 are installed. Then, the information collection terminal device 3 installed in the island facility is connected to the internal network via the relay device 13 and communicates information with the game hall management device 1.

  Although one relay device 13 is installed in the island facility, a mode in which a plurality of relay devices 13 are installed in the island facility or a mode in which one relay device 13 is installed for each of the plurality of island facilities. Alternatively, the relay apparatus 13 may be omitted.

  The internal network provided in the amusement hall is configured by, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark). Addresses are set for devices connected to the internal network, and communication between devices (for example, data transfer to specific devices and transmission of command signals) and communication to multiple devices (for example, multicast and broadcast) )It can be performed.

  The game hall management device 1 collects game data from the game device 4 via the information collection terminal device 3, and monitors the operating state of each gaming machine 5 (see FIG. 2). The gaming device 4 refers to the gaming machine 5, the card unit 6, the out tank 43, the storage box 47, and the like (see FIG. 2). In addition, the game hall management device 1 is supplied with power from a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) 10 during a power failure.

  A gaming device 4 and a call lamp 8 are connected to the information collecting terminal device 3. The information collection terminal device 3 collects game data from the game device 4 and accumulates game data for a predetermined period (for example, a cumulative value of the number of special prizes calculated based on a special prize signal output from the gaming machine 5). Or a cumulative value of the number of start times calculated based on a start signal that is the number of times of execution of the auxiliary game. Then, the operating amount of the gaming device 4 is calculated based on the accumulated value, and the calculated operating amount is transmitted to the game hall management device 1. The accumulated value of the game data for a predetermined period generated by the information collecting terminal device 3 is normally accumulated for each business unit.

  Here, the business unit means from the start of the day to the end of the business, which starts earlier than the opening time and ends later than the closing time. Note that the business hours of the day may be divided into morning, afternoon, etc., and a plurality of business units may be set for the day. Further, the business unit may be a plurality of days (for example, one week).

  A configuration in which one information collection terminal device 3 is connected to a plurality of (for example, two) gaming devices 4 may also be used. However, in the case of a configuration in which one information collection terminal device 3 is connected to a plurality of gaming devices 4, the card units 6 are configured to be connected to each gaming machine 5 in a one-to-one correspondence.

  Further, the information collection terminal device 3 generates data to be transmitted to the game hall management device 1 based on the game data collected from the game device 4, and transmits the generated data to the game hall management device 1.

  A plurality of game apparatuses 4 are installed in the island facility, and are composed of a game machine 5, a card unit (rental apparatus) 6, an out tank 43, a storage box 47, and the like. Details of the gaming machine 5 and the card unit 6 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The corner lamp 7 is provided for each island facility. When an abnormality occurs in the gaming device 4 or the like installed in the island facility, the lamp is turned on or blinking, and the island facility or the gaming device 4 is abnormal. Inform employees of the amusement hall that this has occurred. In addition, the installation of the corner lamp 7 is not limited to each island facility, and may be performed for each floor, for each passage, or for each predetermined block.

  When an abnormality occurs in the gaming apparatus 4 or the like, the calling lamp 8 turns on or blinks the lamp, and notifies an employee of the game hall that the abnormality has occurred in the gaming apparatus 4.

  The prize POS 9 pays out prizes in exchange for a game ball held by the player and manages inventory of prizes. The prize POS 9 has a function of registering information about the player in the player's membership card and issuing a membership card.

  In addition, the store clerk of the amusement store can talk with other store clerk via the income 46 distributed to the store clerk. Then, the game hall management device 1 and the information collection terminal device 3 can cause the intercom 46 to output a warning voice or the like via the voice management device 45. For this reason, this gaming system includes a sound management device 45 that transmits a sound output command from the game hall management device 1 to the income 46. The voice management device 45 is connected to the interface device 14. The interface device 14 connected to the voice management device 45 can communicate with the interface device 14 connected to the internal network.

  Thereby, the sound output command output from the game hall management device 1 and the information collection terminal 3 is input to the voice management device 45 via the two interface devices 14. The voice management device 45 outputs a sound output command (signal) to the intercom 46 wirelessly.

  Next, the gaming apparatus 4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the gaming apparatus 4 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the configuration of the gaming machine 5 will be described.

  The front frame 19 of the gaming machine 5 is assembled to the main body frame (outer frame) 12 through a hinge (not shown) so as to be opened and closed. The game board 50 is accommodated in a storage portion (not shown) formed on the front side of the front frame 19. Further, a glass frame 18 having a cover glass (transparent member) covering the front surface of the game board 50 is attached to the front frame 19.

  The game board 50 will be described.

  On the surface of the game board 50, a substantially circular game area 51 surrounded by the guide rail 55 is formed.

  In the game area 51, a center case 40 provided with a display device 58 is installed at substantially the center. The display device 58 is attached to a recessed portion provided in the center case 40 at a position deeper than the front surface of the center case 40. That is, the center case 40 surrounds the display area of the display device 58 and is provided so as to protrude from the display area of the display device 58.

  The display device 58 has a display screen composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display), a CRT (CRT), or the like. A plurality of variable display areas are provided in an area (display area) in which an image of the display screen can be displayed, and identification information (special symbol) and a character that produces a special figure variable display game are displayed in each variable display area. Is done. In the variable display area of the display screen, three special symbols assigned as identification information are displayed in a variable manner (variable display), and a special diagram variable display game (auxiliary game) is played. In addition, an image based on the progress of the game (for example, jackpot display, fanfare display, ending display, etc.) is displayed on the display screen.

  A normal symbol starting gate 31 is provided on the left side of the center case 40. Three general winning openings 32 are provided on the lower left side of the center case 40, and one general winning opening 32 is provided on the lower right side of the center case 40.

  On the lower side of the center case 40, a start winning opening 34 provided with a normally variable winning device 33 that can be opened and closed is provided.

  Also, below the start winning opening 34 provided in the center case 40, a special variable winning apparatus (large winning opening) 36 that can be converted into a state in which a game ball is not received and a state in which it can be easily received depending on the operation result of the display device 58. Is provided.

  In the gaming machine 5, a game is played by launching a game ball (pachinko ball) from the launching device 582 (see FIG. 6) toward the game area 51. The launched game ball flows down the game area 51 while changing the rolling direction by a direction changing member such as a nail or a windmill installed in various places in the game area 51, and the general winning opening 32, the starting winning opening 34, or The special variable winning device 36 is won or entered into the out port 39 provided at the lowermost part of the gaming area 51 and discharged to the back side of the gaming machine. In some cases, the game ball may pass through the normal symbol start gate 31 before entering the various winning openings or out openings 39.

  Note that the start winning opening 34 includes a state in which a game ball is likely to win and a state in which a game ball is difficult to win by opening and closing the normal variation winning device 33.

  Normally, the normally variable winning device 33 is in a closed state, and the start winning port 34 is in a state where it is difficult for a game ball to win. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol start gate 31, a general variation display game is executed, and when a hit state occurs as a result of the general variation display game, the normal variation prize winning device 33 is converted to an open state and started. The winning opening 34 is in a state where a game ball is easy to win.

  The winning of the game ball to the general winning opening 32 is detected by the general winning opening sensors 32A to 32N (see FIG. 5).

  The winning of the game ball to the start winning opening 34 is detected by the start winning opening sensor 34A (see FIG. 5). The special symbol random number counter value extracted based on the passing timing of the game ball is stored in a special symbol storage area in the game control device 500 (see FIG. 5) as a special symbol winning memory (starting memory). It is memorized up to the limit). The number of start memories is displayed on a special figure display (not shown). The game control device 500 plays a special figure variation display game (auxiliary game) on the display device 58 based on the start-up memory.

  When there is a game ball winning or starting memory in the starting winning opening 34, the display device 58 has the identification information (special symbol) composed of the above-mentioned numbers left (first identification information), right (second identification information). ), Display of variation is started in the order of middle (third identification information), and an image relating to the special figure variation display game is displayed. That is, in the display device 58, a special figure variation display game corresponding to the number of start-up memories is played, and various displays are produced in order to improve interest.

  When a winning at the start winning opening 34 is made at a predetermined timing (specifically, when the winning random number at the time of winning detection is a winning value), a specific figure is displayed as a result of the special figure changing display game. A result mode (special result mode) is derived and a jackpot state is obtained. Specifically, the special symbol display device stops at a single-digit special symbol that is a winning symbol, and the display device 58 stops in a state where three special symbols are aligned (big hit symbol). At this time, the special variable prize-winning device 36 is opened so that it can easily accept a game ball from a closed state in which it does not accept a game ball for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) by energizing a large prize opening solenoid 38 (see FIG. 5). Converted to a state. That is, since the special variable winning device 36 opens greatly until a predetermined time or a predetermined number of game balls wins, a privilege that the player can acquire many game balls during this time is given.

  The winning of the game ball to the special variation winning device 36 is detected by the count sensor 36A (see FIG. 5).

  The passing of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 31 is detected by a normal symbol start gate sensor 31A (see FIG. 5). The normal symbol random number counter value extracted by the passing timing of the game ball is stored in the normal symbol storage area in the game control device 500 as a normal symbol winning memory for a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of four times). Then, the number stored in the normal symbol winning memory is displayed on an unillustrated general symbol display.

  If there is a general-purpose winning memory, the game control device 500 starts a general-purpose variable display game on a general-purpose display not shown based on the general-purpose winning memory. That is, when the passage detection to the normal symbol start gate 31 is performed at a predetermined timing (specifically, when the common random number counter value at the time of passage detection is a winning value), it is displayed on the universal display. The normal symbol to be played stops in the hit state and enters the hit state. At this time, the normal variation winning device 33 is converted so that the entrance to the start winning port 34 is opened for a predetermined time by energizing the ordinary electric power SOL (solenoid) 90 (see FIG. 5). Is in a state where the game ball is easy to win. Note that the release time of the normal variation winning device 33 is, for example, 2.9 seconds in the probability variation state and the variation time shortened state, and 0.5 seconds in the normal game state, and the release mode may be changed according to the game state.

  In this way, when a game ball is won in the general winning port 32, the start winning port 34, or the special variable winning device 36, the number of game balls corresponding to the type of the winning port is paid out as a winning ball.

  A decorative member 16 that emits decorative light is provided around the cover glass of the glass frame 18. The decoration member 16 is provided with a decoration device 557 (see FIG. 5) made of a lamp, an LED, or the like. The decorative member 16 emits light in a predetermined light emission mode by emitting light from the decoration device in a predetermined light emission mode.

  An illumination unit 37 is provided above the glass frame 18. A decoration device 557 is provided inside the lighting unit 37.

  On the right side of the lighting unit 37, an error notification LED 29 is provided for notifying the hall clerk of the occurrence of an error in the gaming machine 5 and the opening of the glass frame 18 or the front frame 19.

  The open / close panel 20 below the front frame 19 is provided with an upper plate 21 for supplying game balls to the launching device 582, and the fixed panel 22 is provided with an ashtray 15, a lower plate 23, an operation unit 24 of the launching device 582, and the like. .

  Further, when the player rotates the operation unit 24, the launching device 582 launches a game ball supplied from the upper plate 21.

  The upper edge of the upper plate 21 is provided with a select button 44 and an effect button 41 for receiving an operation input from the player.

  When the player operates the select button 44, it is possible to select the contents of the special-figure display game on the display device 58. Further, when the player operates the effect button 41, it is possible to perform an effect in which the player's operation is intervened in the special figure variation display game on the display device 58.

  In the upper right part of the upper plate 21, a ball lending button 26 that is operated when a player rents a game medium, and a discharge that is operated to discharge a prepaid card (a one-day card, a membership card, etc.) from the card unit 6. A button 27 is provided. Between these buttons 26 and 27, a balance display unit 28 for displaying the balance of the prepaid card is provided.

  Further, the lower plate 23 is provided with a lower plate ball removing mechanism 42 for discharging the game balls stored in the lower plate 23. When the game balls stored in the lower plate 23 are discharged by the lower plate ball removing mechanism 42, the discharged game balls are stored in a storage box 47 installed at the lower part of the lower plate 23.

  The storage box 47 is provided with a storage box discharge mechanism 471. The game balls stored in the storage box 47 by operating the storage box discharge mechanism 471 are discharged to the island facility. Note that a counter 472 is provided in a portion of the storage box 47 from which game balls are discharged. The counter 472 counts the number of game balls discharged from the storage box 47 to the island facility. The counted sphere becomes a counting sphere. In addition, without providing the storage box discharge mechanism 471, that is, the game balls discharged from the lower plate 23 may not be stored in the storage box 47, but may be counted by the counter 472 and discharged to the island facility. Further, the counter 472 may be provided in the island facility instead of the storage box 47.

  A key 25 for locking the glass frame 18 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 19.

  Next, the card unit 6 will be described.

  The card unit 6 includes a card insertion slot 61, a display device 62, and a bill insertion slot 63.

  The card insertion slot 61 is provided in the lower part of the card unit 6. A card such as a prepaid card or a membership card is inserted into the card insertion slot 61.

  The display device 62 is provided near the center of the card unit 6. The display device 62 includes a display unit 621 and an operation unit 622.

  The operation unit 622 includes a stored ball payout switch 6221, a rate change switch 6222, a card ID clear switch 6223, and a counting ball payout switch 6224.

  The stored ball payout switch 6221 is operated when the game ball (stored ball) deposited in the game hall as a result of payment by the player is reused in the game. In the present embodiment, the stored balls on the day of the game are distinguished from the stored balls on the previous day. This means that if you use a sales method that takes a fee when reusing a storage ball, you can reduce the fee for reusing the current day's storage, or save the previous day's storage as no fee. This is effective when there are many or many fees for reuse. In the present embodiment, the stored balls on the day with no (or few) fees are reused preferentially, and when there are no stored balls on the current day that can be reused, the previous stored balls are reused. The rate change switch 6222 is operated when the player converts a valuable value (ball rental rate) consumed for one gaming ball to be lent. The card ID clear switch 6223 is operated to delete the stored card identifier when the game is interrupted. The counting ball payout switch 6224 is operated when the game ball counted by the counter 472 is reused.

  In this embodiment, the storage ball and the rental ball are distinguished. However, when the storage ball is reused, the storage ball is exchanged for a special prize, the special prize is cashed, and the game ball is borrowed with cash. If you look at it, you can call it a rental ball.

  The bill insertion slot 63 is provided above the card unit 6. A bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 63.

  The display unit 621 displays a card information display screen, a jackpot information display screen, a balance information display screen, and the like. On the card information display screen, information (member information) stored in the prepaid card or member card inserted into the card insertion slot 61 is displayed. On the jackpot information display screen, the number of special figure variation display games executed in the gaming machine 5 during a predetermined period and the number of results of the special figure variation display game are jackpots are displayed.

  On the balance information display screen, the valuable value stored in the prepaid card or member card inserted in the card insertion slot 61 and the valuable value of the banknote inserted in the banknote insertion slot 63 are displayed.

  The display unit 621 switches between a card information display screen, a jackpot information display screen, and a balance information display screen by operating the touch panel.

  Above the display device 62, an infrared light receiving unit 65 that receives an operation from a remote controller (not shown) is provided.

  A state display unit 64 is provided above the bill insertion slot 63. The status display unit 64 changes the color corresponding to the operation of the card unit 6. For example, when the card unit 6 is in an available state, the status display unit 64 is lit in green, and the status display unit 64 is lit in red while a card is inserted into the card insertion slot 61 of the card unit 6. To do.

  When a game is played using the game balls (counting balls, storage balls) acquired by the player, the card unit 6 pays out the game balls. Specifically, a payout opening 66 is provided in the upper part of the card insertion slot 61 of the card unit 6, and a game ball is paid out from the payout opening 66. The game balls paid out from the payout exit 66 are guided to the upper plate 21 by the ball payout guide device 67.

  Next, signals output from the gaming apparatus 4 will be described.

  First, various signals output from the gaming machine 5 will be described.

  The following signals related to the game (game data) are input from the external information terminal provided in the gaming machine 5 to the I / O port 309 (see FIG. 4) of the information collection terminal device 3.

  When a gaming ball wins a big winning opening of the start winning opening 34, the general winning opening 32 or the special variable winning apparatus 36, the gaming machine 5 raises the number of winning balls according to the type of the winning winning opening from the discharging device. Discharge to tray 21. Each time a predetermined number of prize balls are discharged, a “prize ball signal” (for example, 10 pulse signals of one pulse) is output as game data.

  Further, when the result of the special figure change display game is in the special game state, the gaming machine 5 outputs a “special prize signal” as game data during the special game state.

  Further, the gaming machine 5 outputs “probability change / time reduction signal” as game data during a specific game state (probability change state / time reduction state) that occurs after the special game state.

  Further, the gaming machine 5 outputs a “start winning signal” as game data by winning a game ball to the start winning opening 34 and starts the special figure variation display game. A “start signal” is output as game data.

  Further, in the gaming machine 5, when it is detected that the glass frame 18 is opened by the glass frame opening switch 18A (see FIG. 5), or the front frame 19 is opened by the front frame opening switch 19A (see FIG. 5). When it is detected that the image has been detected, a “glass frame / front frame open detection signal (frame open detection signal)” is output.

  In addition, the signal (game data) output from the gaming machine 5 includes a “symbol confirmation signal” output when the special figure variation display game is finished. These signals are output from the external information terminal.

  The game data may be directly output from the game microcomputer 501 to the communication port 310 of the information collection terminal device 3 (see FIG. 4). In this case, the communication content can be concealed by data communication using a predetermined protocol (for example, encrypted communication), and more detailed game data (for example, starting memory number, extracted random number value, etc.) than output from the external information terminal Can be output. Further, the ID of the connection partner can be authenticated by bidirectional communication, and connection with an unauthorized device can be prevented.

  Next, various signals output from the card unit 6 will be described.

  When a member card is inserted into the card insertion slot 61, the card unit 6 reads information stored in the inserted card and outputs “card information” that is the read information.

  The card unit 6 outputs a “ball rental signal” as game data every time a predetermined number (for example, 25) of game balls are lent. The “ball rental signal” may be output from the external information terminal of the gaming machine 5.

  The card unit 6 is operated with the stored-ball payout switch 6221 and outputs a “stored-ball payout signal” (for example, 25 pulse signals of 1 pulse) as game data every time a predetermined number of game balls are lent from the stored ball. .

  When the rate change switch 6222 is operated to change the ball rental fee, the card unit 6 outputs a “rate change signal” as game information.

  The information collecting terminal device 3 that has received these signals sets the state of the gaming machine 5 according to the received signals, adds data, and adds up the accumulated values. Note that the accumulated value is referred to as collected data. The information collection terminal device 3 transmits the state of the gaming machine 5 and the collected data to the game hall management device 1.

  The island facility where the gaming machine 5 is installed has a supply and recovery mechanism including a supply path for supplying gaming balls to the gaming machine 5 and the card unit 6 and a recovery path for collecting out balls from the gaming machine 5. Is provided.

  The out tank 43 provided outside the gaming machine 5 collects out balls (collected balls) collected from the gaming machine 5, that is, gaming balls used in the game. The out tank 43 counts the number of out balls by using a collection ball sensor 43A (see FIG. 4), and the information collection terminal device uses the “collection signal” (for example, 10 pulse signals of 1 pulse) as the game data. 3 is output.

  The collection ball sensor 43A of the out tank 43 is connected to the information collection terminal device 3, and the information collection terminal device 3 adds up the game data output from the collection ball sensor 43A of the out tank 43, and calculates the accumulated value. Tally. The collection ball sensor 43A may be provided in the gaming machine 5. Further, the information collection terminal device 3 may collect the collection signal and the ball rental signal directly from the gaming machine 5.

  In addition, the ball counting sensor 472A (see FIG. 4) of the counter 472 provided in the storage box 47 is a game that has not been used for a game among the game balls paid out to the player as a rented ball, a stored ball and a prize ball. The ball is counted, and a “count signal” as a count result is output to the information collecting terminal device 3 and the card unit 6 as game data. When the “counting signal” is input, the card unit 6 displays the number of game balls acquired by the player on the display unit 621.

  The ball counting sensor 472A of the counter 472 may output a “counting signal” only to the information collecting terminal device 3. In this case, when the “counting signal” is input, the information collecting terminal device 3 outputs the input “counting signal” to the card unit 6.

  Next, the configuration of the game hall management device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the game hall management device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The game hall management device 1 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102 that stores programs in advance, a RAM 103 that is a memory used as a work area when the CPU operates, and a storage device (HDD) 104 such as a hard disk that stores various data. Is provided.

  The RAM 103 temporarily stores various data (for example, the start count, the start winning count or the out count that is the number of times the auxiliary game is executed by the gaming machine 5), and data necessary for the operation of the CPU 101 is temporarily stored. A work area to be stored is provided. Instead of storing the program in the ROM 102, it is also possible to store the program in the HDD 104, copy the program to the RAM 103, and operate the program on the RAM 103.

  These CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103 and HDD 104 are connected by a bus 105. The bus 105 includes an address bus and a data bus that the CPU 101 uses for reading and writing data.

  Connected to the bus 105 are a network communication port 106 and an I / O port 107 that control input and output with the outside.

  The network communication port 106 is a data input / output unit for performing data communication according to a predetermined communication protocol, and is connected to an internal network.

  An output device 109 is connected to the I / O port 107. The output device 109 is, for example, a display and a speaker. The display displays data collected from the information collection terminal device 3 (start winning signals and start signals generated as a result of the game being executed by the game device 4) and the operating state of the game hall management device 1. The speaker notifies the occurrence of a special prize in the gaming machine 5.

  Further, an input device (keyboard, mouse, etc.) 110 for operating the game hall management device 1 is connected to the I / O port 107. The I / O port 107 is connected to a UPS 10 that supplies power to the game hall management device 1 in the event of a power failure.

  As described above, the game hall management device 1 has a function of counting game data such as the number of start winnings and the number of start of the variable display game from the information collecting terminal device 3.

  Next, the configuration of the information collection terminal device 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the information collection terminal device 3 according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The information collection terminal device 3 includes a microprocessor 300, a power supply circuit (not shown), and a data input / output terminal.

  The microprocessor 300 is a one-chip type processor incorporating three CPUs 301 to 303, and incorporates three CPUs: a media access control CPU (MACCPU) 301, a network CPU 302, and an application CPU 303. Further, a RAM 305, an EEPROM 306, and a ROM 307 are connected to the common bus 304 for addresses and data to which the CPUs 301 to 303 are connected, as memories commonly used by the CPUs.

  The RAM 305 includes a storage area for temporarily storing various data and a work area for temporarily storing data necessary for the operation of the application CPU 303. The EEPROM 306 is a non-volatile memory, and information set in the information collection terminal device 3 such as the machine number of the gaming machine 5 connected to the information collection terminal device 3, the network configuration, address designation information, and an identification code, etc. Is remembered. The ROM 307 stores programs used for collecting game data and player information.

  In addition, a network communication port 308, an I / O port 309, and a communication port 310 that control input / output with the outside are connected to the common bus 304.

  The network communication port 308 is a port for performing data communication according to a predetermined communication protocol. The network communication port 308 is connected to a network connection terminal via a driver, and the information collection terminal device 3 is connected to the relay device 13 via the network connection terminal. As a result, the information collecting terminal device 3 is connected to the internal network and transmits / receives signals (management special prize signal, data signal and command signal) to and from the game hall management device 1.

  The I / O port 309 is a parallel or serial input / output port, and is connected to an external input / output terminal via a driver. The external input / output terminal includes a prize ball signal, a special prize signal, a probability change signal, a start signal, a start winning signal, a symbol determination signal, and a glass frame / front frame opening signal (frame opening detection signal), a card, which are output from the gaming machine 5 Card information output from the unit 6, ball lending signal, storage payout signal, rate change signal, recovery signal output from the recovery ball sensor 43A that counts the game balls recovered by the out tank 43, balls of the counter 472 A count signal or the like output from the count sensor 472A is input. Note that the data held by the gaming microcomputer 501 such as a prize ball signal, a special prize signal, a probability change signal, a start signal, a start winning signal, a symbol confirmation signal, and a frame opening detection signal are the communication port 310 and the gaming machine 5 game. It can also be received by directly communicating with the microcomputer 501 for use.

  The communication port 310 communicates with a communication port of the gaming microcomputer 501 provided in the gaming machine 5 using a predetermined protocol. The communication port 310 is connected to a connector provided on the game control board of the gaming machine 5.

  The information collecting terminal device 3 also includes a control circuit 311 that outputs control signals such as clocks and resets for the CPUs 301 to 303.

  When game data is input from the game device 4 to the information collecting terminal device 3, the application CPU 303 calculates the accumulated value of the game data. Then, the application CPU 303 determines the operating state of the gaming apparatus 4 based on the calculated accumulated value of game data. The accumulated value of the game data is stored and managed in the RAM 305 for a certain period. The cumulative value may be output from the network communication port 308 by the information collection terminal device 3 and managed by the game hall management device 1.

  Next, various signals transmitted and received in the gaming system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of various signals transmitted and received in the gaming system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, various signals input to the information collection terminal device 3 will be described.

  A glass frame / outer frame opening signal, a start signal / start winning signal, a symbol determination signal, a prize ball signal, and a special prize signal output from the game control device 500 are input to the information collecting terminal device 3. Since these signals have been described in detail with reference to FIG. 4, description thereof will be omitted.

  Further, the information collection terminal device 3 receives the card information, the ball lending signal, the ball payout signal, and the rate change signal output from the card unit control device 600. Since these signals have been described in detail with reference to FIG. 4, description thereof will be omitted.

  In addition, the information collection terminal device 3 receives the collection signal output from the collection ball sensor 43A and the count signal output from the ball count sensor 472A. Since these signals have been described in detail with reference to FIG. 4, description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, various signals output by the information collection terminal device 3 will be described.

  The information collection terminal device 3 collects various input signals and outputs the accumulated values to the game hall management device 1 as collection information.

  In addition, when the rate change signal is input, the information collection terminal device 3 determines whether the state of the gaming machine 5 satisfies a rate change condition that is a condition for changing the ball rental rate. When it is determined that the state of the gaming machine 5 satisfies the rate change condition, the information collecting terminal device 3 permits the change of the ball rental rate and stores the player at the ball rental rate before the change of the ball rental rate. Write the common storage data in which the number of balls is converted into the minimum ball lending rate (in this embodiment, 1 yen per ball) among the changeable ball lending rates to the card inserted in the card unit 6. A change / write permission signal to be permitted is output to the card unit controller 600.

  Next, various signals input to the game control device 500 and various signals output from the game control device 500 will be described.

  The game control device 500 includes a start winning port signal output from the start winning port sensor 34A, a general winning signal output from the general winning port sensors 32A to 32N, and a normal symbol starting signal output from the normal symbol starting gate sensor 31A. The count signal output from the count sensor 36A, the glass frame open signal output from the glass frame open switch 18A, and the front frame open signal output from the front frame open switch 19A are input.

  The start winning signal is output when the start winning port sensor 34A detects winning of the game ball to the start winning port 34. The general winning signal is output when each of the general winning port sensors 32A to 32N detects winning of each game ball to each of the general winning ports 32. The normal symbol start signal is output when the normal symbol start gate sensor 31A detects winning of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 31. The count signal is output when the count sensor 36 </ b> A detects winning in the special winning opening of the special variation winning device 36 for game balls.

  The glass frame opening signal is output when the glass frame opening switch 18 </ b> A detects the opening of the glass frame 18. The front frame opening signal is output when the front frame opening switch 19A detects the opening of the front frame 19.

  In addition, the game control device 500 performs communication (unidirectional communication or bidirectional communication) with the payout control device 580.

  Specifically, the game control device 500 receives the number of winning balls corresponding to winning in each general winning opening 32 or a prize corresponding to winning in the big winning opening when a general winning opening signal or a count signal is input. A payout control command, which is a command for paying out game balls for the number of balls, is output to the payout control device 580. Also, the payout control device 580 outputs a payout completion command to the game control device 500 when the payout of the number of game balls specified by the payout control command input from the game control device 500 is completed ( In the case of unidirectional communication, the payout completion command is not output). The payout control device 580 outputs a firing permission signal when allowing the firing control device 581 to launch a game ball.

  In addition, the game control device 500 outputs an effect control command to the effect control device 550 in order to control the decoration device 557, the speaker 30, and the display device 58 to produce an effect.

  In addition, the game control device 500 uses the normal variable winning device 33 provided in the start winning opening 34 when the result of the normal symbol variable display game executed when the game ball wins the normal symbol starting gate 31 is winning. The SOL control signal is output to the ordinary electric power SOL 90 in order to make it easier for the game ball to win the start winning opening 34 for a predetermined time.

  In addition, the game control device 500 opens the large winning opening of the special variable winning device 36 for a predetermined time when the result of the special figure changing display game executed when the game ball wins the start winning opening 34 is a win. The SOL control signal is output to the special winning opening 38 so that the game ball can enter the special winning opening (special gaming state).

  Next, various signals input to the card unit control device 600 and various signals output from the card unit control device 600 will be described.

  The card unit control device 600 outputs card information, a ball lending signal, a stored ball payout signal, and a rate change signal to the information collecting terminal device 3. Note that the card information, the ball lending signal, the stored ball payout signal, and the rate change signal have been described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The card unit control device 600 includes a stored-ball payout signal output when the stored-ball payout switch 6221 is operated, a rate change signal output when the rate change switch 6222 is operated, and a card ID clear switch 6223. The memory card ID clear signal output when operated and the counting ball payout signal output when the counting ball payout switch 6224 is operated are input.

  The card unit control device 600 also includes a ball lending signal that is output when the ball lending button 26 that is operated by the player to borrow a game ball of a designated valuable value (for example, 500 yen) is operated, and A card return signal that is output when the player operates the eject button 27 that is operated to eject the card inserted in the card unit 6 is input.

  In addition, the card unit controller 600 receives the count signal output from the ball count sensor 472A.

  Further, the card unit control device 600 outputs a display control signal for controlling display contents displayed on the display device 62 (display unit 621) provided in the card unit 6 to the display device 62. One of the display contents of the display unit 621 is a display of a currently set ball rental fee (ball rental rate).

  The card unit control device 600 receives an operation signal from the display device 62 when the touch panel of the display unit 621 is operated. The touch panel of the display unit 621 is operated, for example, when the user wants to change the display content of the display unit 621 to another display content.

  Further, the card unit control device 600 communicates a ball rental control signal with the payout control device 580 in order to pay out a ball. Details of the ball lending control signal will be described with reference to FIG.

  Further, the card unit control device 600 outputs a display control signal to the balance display unit 28 in order to display the valuable value (balance) owned by the player displayed on the balance display unit 28 provided in the gaming machine 5.

  Further, the card unit control device 600 outputs card control information indicating information to be written to the card reader / writer (R / W) 601 when data is written to the card inserted in the card unit 6. Further, the card unit controller 600 receives data of the card inserted into the card unit 6 by the card R / W 601 and inputs card information indicating the read data.

  Next, various signals output by the effect control device 550 will be described.

  The effect control device 550 controls the decoration device 557, the speaker 30, and the display device 58 based on the input effect control command. Specifically, the effect control device 550 outputs a decoration control signal to the decoration device 557 to control the decoration device 557. The production control device 550 controls the speaker 30 by outputting a sound control signal to the speaker 30. The effect control device 550 outputs a display control signal to the display device 58 to control the display device 58.

  Next, a ball lending control signal communicated between the card unit control device 600 and the payout control device 580 will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a ball lending control signal communicated between the card unit control device 600 and the payout control device 580 according to the embodiment of this invention. Note that the description of the portions described in FIG. 5 is omitted.

  When the card unit 6 is connected to the gaming machine 5, the payout control device 580 supplies AC24V power to the card unit control device 600. Then, the card unit control device 600 outputs a connection confirmation (VL) signal indicating that the card unit 6 and the gaming machine 5 are connected to the payout control device 580.

  When the VL signal is input, the payout control device 580 outputs a launch permission signal to the launch control device 581 and permits the launch of the game ball.

  Next, the payout control device 580 outputs a lending preparation (PRDY) signal when the game ball is ready to be paid out.

  Next, when a ball lending signal is input from the ball lending button 26, the card unit control device 600 receives game balls for a valuable value (for example, 500 yen) lent by one operation of the ball lending button 26. Until payment is made, a lending request (BRDY) signal is output to the payout control device 580.

  Next, the card unit control device 600 outputs a lending command (BRQ) signal after a predetermined time has elapsed after outputting the BRDY signal. The BRQ signal is a signal that is output to divide and pay out the valuable value that is lent out by one operation of the ball lending button 26, and is, for example, a command that pays out game balls for 100 yen.

  When the BRQ signal is input, the payout control device 580 outputs a request acknowledgment + payout completion (EXS) signal indicating that the BRQ signal has been input. Card unit control device 600 stops outputting the BRQ signal when the EXS signal is input.

  Next, when the payout control device 580 pays out the game ball for the valuable value (100 yen) set in the BRQ signal, it indicates that the game ball for the valuable value set in the BRQ signal has been paid out. Therefore, the output of the EXS signal is stopped.

  When the card unit control device 600 detects that the output of the EXS signal is stopped, the card unit control device 600 outputs a BRQ signal if the valuable value lent by one operation of the ball lending button 26 has not been paid out yet. . On the other hand, when the card unit control device 600 detects that the output of the EXS signal is stopped, if the valuable value lent out by one operation of the ball lending button 26 is paid out, the card unit control device 600 outputs the BRDY signal. Stop.

  The card unit control device 600 controls the lighting of the status indicator 64. Specifically, the status indicator 64 includes an available LED 64A that is lit when the card unit 6 is available and a card insertion LED 64B that indicates that a card is being inserted into the card unit 6. When the card unit control device 600 is connected to the payout control device 580, the usable LED is turned on. Further, when a card is inserted into the card insertion slot 61, the card unit control device 600 lights the LED 64B during card insertion.

  In addition, when the operation unit 24 is operated, the launch control device 581 outputs a launch control signal and controls the launch device 582.

  Next, card information recorded on the membership card will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of card information according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The member card stores information related to the player (member) who holds the member card.

  Specifically, the card number 701 which is a unique identifier of the member card, the detailed member information 702 of the member, the balance 703 held by the member, the common storage data 704 held by the member, and the last updated membership card The last update date 705 indicating the date is stored in the membership card.

  The member information 702 includes a member's address, name, age, occupation, and a membership card PIN.

  The common storage data 704 includes the number of common storages on that day. The number of common balls stored on the day is obtained by converting the number of balls stored by the member today to the number of stored balls corresponding to the common ball lending rate. For this reason, when the common storage data 704 in the case where the last update date 705 is not today is present in the membership card, the card unit control device 600 is common on the day included in the common storage data 704, although illustration is omitted. The number of stored balls is added to the number of stored common balls up to the previous day and stored, the number of stored balls on the current day included in the common stored data 704 is set to zero, and the last update date 705 is set to today's date. If the same fee is used for the storage of the current day and the previous day (up to the previous day), it is not necessary to divide the number of common storages between that day and the previous day. Good.

  Next, a modified example of the card information recorded on the membership card will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of card information according to a modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the card information shown in FIG. 7, the number of stored balls is stored in the membership card as common stored data, but in the card information shown in FIG. 8, the number of stored balls is converted and stored for each settable ball rental rate. The Although not shown in this modified example, if there is a number of balls stored when the last update date is not today, the card unit control device 600 distinguishes the number of balls stored at each ball lending rate. It is stored as the number of stored balls.

  Specifically, the number of balls possessed is the number of stored balls (706) for rate 1 (1 yen per ball), the number of stored balls (707) for rate 2 (2 yen per ball), and the rate 3 ( It is stored as the number of stored balls (708) in the case of 4 balls per ball). In addition, in the case where the same fee is applied to the storage of the current day and the previous day (up to the previous day), the number of stored balls at each rate must be changed between the current day and the previous day. It is not necessary to divide.

  As described above, storing the number of stored balls for each settable ball rental rate is effective when the exchange rate differs for each ball rental rate.

  Next, processing executed by the information collection terminal device 3 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, rate change condition establishment determination processing for determining whether or not the state of the gaming machine 5 is in a state satisfying the condition for changing the ball lending (conversion) rate will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of rate change condition establishment determination processing according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The rate change condition establishment determination process is executed at a predetermined timing.

  First, the information collecting terminal device 3 determines whether or not the state of the gaming machine 5 is in a specific gaming state (901). The specific game state is a state in which the player is more advantageous than the normal game state, and indicates that the state of the gaming machine 5 is one of a special game state, a probability change state, and a short-time state. Specifically, the information collecting terminal device 3 determines whether or not a special prize signal or a probability change / short time signal is input.

  If it is determined in step 901 that the state of the gaming machine 5 is in the specific gaming state, the information collecting terminal device 3 sets a specific gaming state flag (907). Then, the information collection terminal device 3 sets a change / write non-permission signal that does not permit the change of the ball lending rate and does not permit the common number of balls to be written to the card in the transmission buffer (908).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 901 that the state of the gaming machine 5 is not in the specific game state, an unconfirmed game for determining whether there is a special figure start memory in which the special figure variation display game is not executed. A determination process is executed (902). The indeterminate game determination process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. If it is determined in step 902 that there is a special figure start memory in which the special figure variation display game is not executed, an unconfirmed game flag is set.

  Next, the information collection terminal device 3 determines whether or not an indeterminate game flag is set (903).

  If it is determined in step 903 that the unconfirmed game flag is set, the process proceeds to step 908.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 903 that the unconfirmed game flag is not set, the information collection terminal device 3 determines whether or not the game ball owned by the player exists in the gaming machine. A sphere determination process is executed (904). Details of this existence sphere determination processing will be described with reference to FIG. If it is determined in step 904 that there is a game ball owned by the player, the presence ball flag is set.

  Next, the information collection terminal device 3 determines whether or not the presence sphere flag is set (905).

  If it is determined in step 905 that the presence ball flag is not set, the information collection terminal device 3 permits a change in the ball lending rate and changes / allows writing the number of common balls to the card. A write permission signal is set in the transmission buffer (906), and the rate change condition establishment determination processing ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 905 that the presence ball flag is set, the information collection terminal device 3 restricts the change of the ball lending rate and restricts the writing of the common number of balls to the card. The change / write non-permission signal is set in the transmission buffer (908), and the rate change condition determination process is terminated.

  Next, the indeterminate game determination process of the process of step 902 shown in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an indeterminate game determination process according to the embodiment of this invention.

  First, the information collecting terminal device 3 determines whether or not a start winning signal is input (1001).

  If it is determined in step 1001 that the start winning signal has been input, the information collection terminal device 3 has a value of the storage counter set in the ROM 307 of the information collection terminal device 3 smaller than a predetermined value (N). It is determined whether or not (1002).

  The storage counter is a counter in which a number corresponding to the special figure starting storage number of the gaming machine 5 is stored. Further, the predetermined value is a value obtained by adding “1” which is the start memory number of the currently changing special figure display game to the upper limit value (usually 4) of the special figure start memory that can be stored in the gaming machine 5. . The predetermined value may be set by the store clerk of the game store via the game hall management device 1, may be set via the remote control, or may be set to the information collection terminal device 3. It may be set by providing a switch for doing this, and a store clerk operating the switch.

  The process of step 1002 is a process of determining whether the special figure variation display game is executed by the newly input start winning signal or not executed due to overflow of the start memory.

  Next, when it is determined in step 1002 that the value of the memory counter is smaller than the predetermined value (N), the special figure variation display game is executed with the input start memory, so the memory counter is set to 1. Increment (1003). If it is determined in step 1002 that the value of the storage counter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (N), the process proceeds to step 1004.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1001 that the start winning signal has not been input, and if the value of the storage counter is determined to be greater than or equal to the predetermined value (N), the value of the storage counter needs to be incremented. Since there is not, the process proceeds to step 1004.

  Next, the information collection terminal device 3 determines whether or not a symbol confirmation signal has been input (1004).

  If it is determined in step 1004 that the symbol determination signal has been input, the fluctuating special symbol variation display game has ended, and the information collection terminal device 3 decrements the value of the storage counter by one (1005). .

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1004 that the symbol determination signal has not been input, the value of the storage counter does not need to be decremented, and the process proceeds to step 1006.

  Next, the information collection terminal device 3 determines whether or not the value of the storage counter is greater than zero (1006).

  If it is determined in step 1006 that the value of the storage counter is greater than zero, there is a special figure variation display game that has not ended, so an unconfirmed game flag is set (1007), and an unconfirmed game determination process. Exit.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1006 that the value of the memory counter is zero, all the special figure variation display games are finished and there are no unconfirmed games, so the unconfirmed game flag is canceled (1008). Then, the indeterminate game determination process is terminated.

  In addition, when the game control apparatus 500 employs a configuration in which the customer waiting command is also output to the effect control apparatus 550 and the information collection terminal apparatus 3, it is not necessary to execute the indeterminate game determination process.

  Specifically, the game control device 500 does not have a starting memory number, that is, when there is no special figure fluctuation display game waiting to be executed and there is no special figure fluctuation display game that is currently fluctuating. In order to execute the waiting effect, a customer waiting command is output to the effect control device 550. The effect control device 550 executes the customer waiting effect when the effect control command is not input before a predetermined time (10 minutes) elapses after the customer wait command is input.

  Therefore, since the game control device 500 outputs the customer waiting command to the information collecting terminal device 3, the information collecting terminal device 3 can determine whether or not there is a special figure variation display game that has not yet ended. The indeterminate game determination process may not be executed.

  Next, the existence sphere determination process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the existence sphere determination process according to the embodiment of this invention.

  First, when a new player starts a game, the information collecting terminal device 3 sets the accumulated (cumulative) data at that time as an initial value for determination in order to calculate the game data of the player. Then, the information collection terminal device 3 subtracts the initial value for determining the number of rented balls from the current number of rented balls, and calculates an increase in the number of rented balls (1101). The number of rented balls is a cumulative value of the number of game balls lent out by operating the ball lending button 26. The number of rented balls is set to zero when the amusement store is opened. The initial value for determining the number of rented balls is set when the player of the gaming machine 5 becomes another player or when the initial value for determination is reset. The setting of the initial value for determining the number of rented balls will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  Next, the information collection terminal device 3 subtracts the initial value for determining the number of stored balls to be subtracted from the current number of stored balls to calculate the amount of increase in the number of stored balls to be paid (1102). The number of stored balls paid out is a cumulative value of the number of game balls that have been withdrawn from the stored balls by operating the stored ball payout switch 6221 (removed) and reused in the game. It should be noted that the number of paid-out balls is set to zero when the amusement store is opened. The initial value for determining the number of paid-out balls is set when the player of the gaming machine 5 becomes another player or when the initial value for determination is reset. The setting of the initial value for determining the number of stored-ball payouts will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  Next, the information collection terminal device 3 adds the increase in the number of stored ball payouts to the increase in the number of rented balls, and calculates the increased number of payout balls (1103). The calculated increased payout ball number indicates the number of game balls paid out to the player as stored or rented balls.

  Next, the information collection terminal device 3 subtracts the initial value for determining the number of acquired balls from the current number of acquired (safe) balls to calculate an increase in the number of acquired balls (1104). The acquired number of balls is a cumulative value of the number of game balls paid out as prize balls in response to the prize ball signal input to the information collecting terminal device 3. The number of acquired balls is set to zero when the amusement store is opened. Note that the initial value for determining the number of acquired balls is set when the player of the gaming machine 5 becomes another player or when the initial value for determination is reset. The setting of the initial value for determining the number of acquired balls will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  Next, the information collecting terminal device 3 adds the increment of the acquired number of balls calculated in the process of step 1104 to the increased number of paid-out balls calculated in the process of step 1103, and gives the player a prize ball and a stored ball. Then, the total number of balls paid out as a rental ball is calculated (1105).

  Next, the information collection terminal device 3 subtracts the initial value for determining the number of collected balls from the current number of collected balls to calculate an increase in the number of collected balls (1106). The number of collected balls is the cumulative value of the number of game balls collected by the out tank 43 specified by the collection signal input to the information collecting terminal device 3, that is, the game balls used for the game (the game balls 51 have been launched) This is a cumulative value of the number of (game balls). The number of collected balls is set to zero when the amusement store is opened. Note that the initial value for determining the number of collected balls is set when the player of the gaming machine 5 becomes another player or when the initial value for determination is reset. The setting of the initial value for determining the number of collected balls will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  Next, the information collection terminal device 3 calculates the payout difference ball number by subtracting the recovered ball number calculated in step 1106 from the total payout ball number calculated in step 1105 (1107). The payout difference ball number indicates the number of game balls held by the player.

  Next, the information collection terminal device 3 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the last collected ball was detected in order to ensure that there are no game balls that have been launched into the game area 51 and have not yet been collected. (1108). Specifically, the information collection terminal device 3 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the collection signal was last input.

  If it is determined in step 1108 that a predetermined time has not elapsed since the last collected ball was detected, there is a possibility that there is a game ball that has been launched into the game area 51 and has not yet been collected. Then, it is determined that there is a game ball owned by the player, a presence ball flag is set (1111), and the presence ball determination process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the processing of step 1108 that a predetermined time has elapsed since the last recovered ball was detected, it is determined that there is no game ball that has been launched into the game area 51 and has not yet been recovered. The collection terminal device 3 determines whether the number of game balls paid out as prize balls, storage balls, and rental balls is the same as the number of game balls used in the game, that is, whether there is a player's ball Therefore, it is determined whether or not the value of the payout difference ball number calculated in the process of step 1107 is within the first range (1109). Specifically, the first range is a range in which a value obtained by adding the first error to zero is an upper limit, and a value obtained by subtracting the first error from zero is a lower limit. There is a possibility that the player may drop or pick up the game balls that have been paid out as prize balls, storage balls, or rental balls, and the conditions for counting the number of prize balls / collected balls (for example, 10 balls) The first error is set in consideration of the counting error due to one pulse). The holding ball is a real ball or a counting ball existing in the upper plate 21, the lower plate 23, the storage box 47, or the like.

  If it is determined in step 1109 that the value of the payout difference ball number calculated in step 1107 is within the first range, the player has not acquired a game ball through the game. It is determined that the player does not own the game ball (there is no possession ball), the presence ball flag is canceled (1112), and the presence ball determination process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1109 that the value of the payout difference ball number calculated in step 1107 is not within the first range, that is, if it is determined that there is a ball, the information collecting terminal In order to determine whether or not there are more balls than the apparatus 3 allows, the value obtained by subtracting the number of counted balls from the number of payout difference balls calculated in step 1107 is a value within the second range. It is determined whether or not (1110). Specifically, the second range is a range in which the upper limit is a value obtained by adding the second error to zero, and the lower limit is zero.
The second error is set according to how much remaining balls the game hall will allow, that is, depending on how much balls are allowed to be used at a different ball lending rate than the borrowed ball lending rate. The In the present embodiment, whether it is in the first range or in the second range is determined twice, but only one of them may be determined. Further, the second error may be changed according to the ball lending rate before the change. For example, the second error in the case of 1 yen per ball may be a value smaller than that in the case of 4 yen per ball.

  If it is determined in step 1110 that the value obtained by subtracting the counted ball number from the payout difference ball number calculated in step 1107 is within the second range, the player acquires the upper plate 21 Since the number of game balls stored in the lower plate 23 or the storage box 47 is within the allowable range, it is determined that the player does not own the game ball, and the presence ball flag is canceled (1112). The ball determination process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1110 that the value obtained by subtracting the number of counted balls from the payout difference ball number calculated in step 1107 is not a value within the second range, the number of balls held is greater than the allowable range. Therefore, it is determined that the player owns the game ball, the presence ball flag is set (1111), and the presence ball determination process is terminated.

  The first error and the second error may be set by the store clerk of the game store via the game hall management device 1, may be set via the remote control, or may be set in the information collection terminal device 3 in advance. A switch for setting the value may be provided, and a store clerk of the game store may set the value by operating the switch.

  The first error may be automatically calculated by the game hall management device 1 and set by the game hall management device. Specifically, the game hall management device 1 calculates the number of dropped balls dropped by the player by subtracting the number of counted balls from the number of payout difference balls on the previous day. Then, the game hall management device 1 divides the calculated number of falling balls by the business hours (minutes) of the game store to calculate the number of falling balls per minute, and calculates the calculated number of falling balls per minute. It transmits to the information collection terminal device 3.

  Before executing the processing of steps 1109 and 1110, the information collection terminal device 3 calculates the predicted number of falling balls by multiplying the time (minutes) in which the player has played by the number of falling balls per minute. Then, the information collection terminal device 3 sets a value obtained by adding a counting error to the calculated predicted number of falling balls as the first error.

  Next, determination value setting processing for setting various determination values will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of determination value setting processing according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The determination value processing is performed when it is detected that the upper limit value of the storage counter has been changed, when a request for resetting the initial value for determination is input, and when the discharge button 27 is operated and the game is settled. It is executed by the information collecting terminal device 3 in either case.

  First, the information collecting terminal device 3 determines whether or not the upper limit value of the special figure starting memory number of the gaming machine 5 has been received (1201).

  When it is determined in step 1201 that the upper limit value of the special figure start memory number of the gaming machine 5 has been received, the information collection terminal device 3 has received a predetermined value used for determination of the process in step 1002 It is set so as to correspond to the upper limit value of the special figure starting memory number (1202).

  Specifically, the predetermined value used for the determination of the processing in step 1002 is set to a value obtained by adding “1” to the upper limit value of the received special figure starting storage number.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1201 that the upper limit value of the special figure start memory number of the gaming machine 5 has not been received, there is no need to change the predetermined value used for the determination in step 1002. , The process proceeds to step 1203.

  Next, the information collection terminal device 3 determines whether or not resetting information has been received (1203). The reset information may be input by the store clerk of the game shop via the game hall management device 1, may be input via the remote control, or may set a predetermined value in the information collection terminal device 3. The switch may be provided, and a store clerk at the amusement store may input by operating the switch.

  If it is determined in step 1203 that the reset information has been received, the process proceeds to step 1206 in order to set various determination initial values.

  If it is determined in step 1203 that the reset information has not been received, the information collection terminal device 3 determines whether the payment information has been received (1204). Specifically, the information collection terminal device 3 determines whether or not a card return signal is input from the discharge button 27.

  If it is determined in step 1204 that the payment information has not been received, the player is not changed, and therefore it is not necessary to set various determination initial values, and thus the determination value setting process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of step 1204 that the payment information is received, the information collection terminal device 3 transmits the payment information indicating that the player pays to the game hall management device 1, The settlement information is set in the transmission buffer (1205). Since the player is changed, the information collection terminal device 3 proceeds to the process of step 1206 in order to set various determination initial values.

  The information collecting terminal device 3 sets the current number of rented balls as an initial value for determining the number of rented balls (1206), and sets the current number of paid-in balls as the initial value for determining the number of paid-in balls (1207). Then, the current number of acquired balls is set as an initial value for determining the number of acquired balls (1208), the current number of recovered balls is set as an initial value for determining the number of recovered balls (1209), and the determination value setting process is terminated. .

  The processing of steps 1206 to 1209 will be specifically described.

  If the current accumulated number of rented balls is 2500, the initial value for determining the number of rented balls is set to 2500 in step 1206. When the current accumulated ball payout number cumulative value is 0, the initial value for determining the stored ball payout number is set to 0 in step 1207. When the current accumulated ball number cumulative value is 10,000, the initial value for determining the number of acquired balls is set to 10,000 in the process of step 1208. When the current cumulative number of collected balls is 5000, the initial value for determining the number of collected balls is set to 5000 in the processing of step 1209.

  Thus, since the initial value for determination is set, the information collection terminal device 3 can set the start point of the calculation period of the number of rented balls, the number of paid-in balls, the number of acquired balls, and the number of collected balls.

  In the processing of steps 1101, 1102, 1104, and 1106, the information collection terminal device subtracts various determination initial values set from the current number of various game balls. The increase in the number of various game balls since the information was received can be calculated.

  Next, a ball carry-in warning notification setting process for warning that a game is being performed using a game ball brought in by the player will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a ball carry-in warning notification setting process according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The ball-carrying warning notification setting process is executed by the information collection terminal device 3 at a predetermined timing.

  First, the information collection terminal device 3 subtracts the initial value for determining the number of rented balls from the current number of lent balls to calculate an increase in the number of lent balls (1301), The initial value for determining the number of payouts is subtracted to calculate an increase in the number of payout of stored balls (1302).

  Next, the information collection terminal device 3 adds the increase in the number of stored balls to the increase in the number of rented balls, and calculates the increased number of payout balls (1303). The calculated increased payout ball number indicates the number of game balls paid out to the player.

  Next, the information collection terminal device 3 determines whether or not the number of increased payout balls calculated in the processing of step 1303 is zero in order to determine whether or not there is a game ball paid out to the player. Is determined (1304).

  If it is determined in step 1304 that the increased payout ball number calculated in step 1303 is zero, the information collection terminal device 3 determines the initial value for determining the number of recovered balls from the current number of recovered balls. Subtraction is performed to calculate the increase in the number of recovered balls (1305).

  Next, in order to determine whether or not a game has been performed, the information collection terminal device 3 determines whether or not the increase in the number of recovered balls calculated in the processing of step 1305 is greater than zero (1306). .

  If the increase in the number of recovered balls calculated in the process of step 1305 is greater than zero, if it is determined in the process of step 1306, the game is performed even though there is no rental of game balls or reuse of stored balls. Therefore, it is determined in step 1307 whether or not the increased number of recovered balls is within a predetermined range. The predetermined range is a range in which zero is an upper limit and a value obtained by subtracting an error from zero is a lower limit. The error is the same as the first error or the second error in the processing of steps 1109 and 1110 of the presence sphere determination process shown in FIG. If it is determined that the increased number of recovered balls calculated in the process of step 1307 is within a predetermined range, it is determined that a game is not performed using the game balls brought in, and a ball-carrying warning notification setting process is performed. finish. On the other hand, if it is determined that the increased number of recovered balls calculated in the processing of step 1307 is not within the predetermined range, it is determined that a game is being played using the brought-in game ball, and a first ball-borne warning notification is made. Is transmitted to the voice management device 45, the first ball-carrying warning notification is set in the transmission buffer (1308), and the ball-carrying warning notification setting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the increase in the number of collected balls calculated in the process of step 1305 is zero, if it is determined in the process of step 1306, the game ball is not lent and the game is not played. The ball carry-in warning notification setting process is terminated without setting the carry-in warning notification.

  If it is determined in step 1304 that the increased payout ball number calculated in step 1303 is not zero, the information collection terminal device 3 subtracts the initial value for determining the acquired ball number from the current acquired ball number. Then, an increase in the number of acquired balls is calculated (1309), and the increase in the number of acquired balls calculated in the process of step 1309 is added to the increased payout ball number calculated in the process of step 1303, so that the player The total number of balls paid out as prize balls, storage balls, and rental balls is calculated (1310).

  Next, the information collection terminal device 3 subtracts the initial value for determining the number of collected balls from the current number of collected balls to calculate an increase in the number of collected balls (1311). Next, the information collection terminal device 3 calculates the payout difference ball number by subtracting the recovered ball number calculated in step 1311 from the total payout ball number calculated in step 1310 (1312). The payout difference ball number indicates the number of game balls held by the player.

  Next, the information collection terminal device 3 determines whether or not the number of game balls used in the game is larger than the number of game balls that have been paid out, and the payout difference calculated in the process of step 1312. It is determined whether or not the number of balls is smaller than zero (1313).

  If it is determined in step 1313 that the number of payout difference balls calculated in step 1312 is zero or more, the number of game balls used in the game is equal to or less than the number of game balls paid out. Therefore, since there is no possibility of playing a game using the game balls brought in, the ball carry-in warning notification setting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the number of payout difference balls calculated in step 1312 is less than zero, the number of game balls used in the game is larger than the number of game balls paid out when determined in step 1313. Since it is large, there is a possibility that a game is played using the game balls brought in. Further, even if a game ball is not played using the brought-in game ball, there is a possibility that a game ball that has fallen in the game store is picked up and played. Therefore, the information collection terminal device 3 determines whether or not the payout difference ball number calculated in the process of step 1312 is within a predetermined range (1314). The predetermined range is a range in which zero is an upper limit and a value obtained by subtracting an error from zero is a lower limit. The error is the same as the first error and the second error in the processing of steps 1109 and 1110 of the presence sphere determination process shown in FIG.

  When it is determined that the payout difference ball number calculated in the processing of step 1312 is within a predetermined range, it is determined that a game is not performed using the brought-in game ball, and a ball-carrying warning notification setting process is performed. finish.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the payout difference ball number calculated in the process of step 1312 is not within the predetermined range, it is determined that a game is being performed using the brought-in game ball, and a second ball carry-in warning notification is made. Is transmitted to the voice management device 45, the second ball bringing warning notification is set in the transmission buffer (1315), and the ball bringing warning notification setting process is terminated.

  When the first ball carry-in warning notification or the second ball carry-in warning notification is input to the voice management device 45, the voice management device 45 notifies the store clerk that a game ball is being brought in. To. A warning sound is output to the income 46. The voice management device 45 also notifies the number indicating the gaming machine 5 in which the game ball is brought.

  In the present embodiment, the first ball carry-in warning notification and the second ball carry-out warning notification are distinguished depending on whether or not a rental ball or a storage ball is used. One type may be used without being distinguished from two. Also, the notification mode may be changed, for example, by determining whether the threshold value is within the threshold range a plurality of times using different threshold values and increasing the output of the warning sound according to the threshold value.

  In addition to the notification by the income 46, the information collecting terminal device 3 also transmits the first ball carry-in warning notification and the second ball carry-in warning notification to the corner lamp 7 and the call lamp 8, and the game ball is brought in. The corner lamp 7 of the island facility where the gaming machine 5 is installed may be turned on, and the calling lamp 8 of the gaming machine 5 in which the game ball is brought in may be turned on.

  Next, processing executed by the card unit 6 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, a card reception process executed when a card is inserted into the card insertion slot 61 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of card reception processing according to the embodiment of this invention.

  First, the card unit 6 determines whether or not a card insertion flag indicating that the information stored in the inserted card is stored as regular information is set (1401).

  If it is determined in step 1401 that the card insertion flag is set, the card acceptance process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1401 that the card insertion flag is not set, the card unit 6 determines whether a card is inserted into the card insertion slot 61 (1402).

  If it is determined in step 1402 that the card is not inserted into the card insertion slot 61, it is not necessary to execute the card reception process, and the card reception process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the processing card in step 1402 is inserted into the card insertion slot 61, the card unit 6 reads data stored in the inserted card (1403).

  Next, the card unit 6 stores a card identifier (a card number 701 in the case of a membership card, or a one-day card ID in the case of a one-day card described later) that is temporarily stored when the game is interrupted. It is determined whether or not there is (1404).

  If it is determined in step 1404 that the identifier of the card that is temporarily stored when the game is interrupted is stored, among the data stored in the card read in step 1403, It is determined whether or not the identifier of the inserted card matches the identifier of the temporarily stored card (1405).

  If it is determined in step 1405 that the identifier of the inserted card does not match the identifier of the temporarily stored card, it is determined that a player different from the player who interrupted the game plays a game. The data read in step 1403 is erased (1406).

  Next, the card unit 6 sets an unusable notice to inform the card holder that the inserted card cannot be used (1407). When the unusable notification is set, it is displayed that the card inserted into the display device 62 cannot be used.

  Next, the card unit 6 ejects the inserted card from the card insertion slot 61 (1408), and the card acceptance process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1404 that the identifier of the card that is temporarily stored when the game is interrupted is not stored, and in the processing of step 1405, the identifier of the inserted card is temporarily stored. If it is determined that it matches the identifier of the stored card, the data stored in the inserted card read in the process of step 1403 is stored as regular data (1409).

  Next, the card unit 6 is set with a card insertion flag indicating that the data stored in the inserted card is stored as regular data (1410).

  Next, in order to transmit the data stored in the inserted card read in the process of step 1403 to the information collecting terminal device 3 as member information, the card unit 6 is inserted in the process of step 1403. The data stored in the received card is set in the transmission buffer (1411), and the card reception process is terminated.

  Next, a card writing control process executed when the eject button 27 is operated to write data to the card will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the card writing control process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the card unit 6 determines whether or not a card return signal is input from the eject button 27 (1501).

  If it is determined in step 1501 that the card return signal is not input from the eject button 27, the card writing control process is terminated because it is not necessary to execute the card writing control process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1501 that the card return signal is input from the eject button 27, the card unit 6 determines whether there is data to be written to the card (1502).

  If it is determined in step 1502 that there is no data to be written to the card, the card writing control process is terminated because it is not necessary to execute the card writing control process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1502 that there is data to be written to the card, the card unit 6 determines whether the card insertion flag is set (1503).

  If it is determined in step 1503 that the card insertion flag is set, the process proceeds to step 1506.

  If it is determined in step 1503 that the card insertion flag is not set, data cannot be written because a legitimate card is not inserted. The card unit 6 determines whether there is a one-day card stock in which data can be written in the card unit 6 (1504).

  If it is determined in step 1504 that the one-day card stock does not exist in the card unit 6, data cannot be written, so the card writing control process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1504 that the one-day card stock exists in the card unit 6, the card unit 6 acquires the identifier of the one-day card used for writing data (1505).

  Next, the card unit 6 determines whether or not a change / write permission signal is input (1506).

  If it is determined in step 1506 that the change / write permission signal is input, the card unit 6 is allowed to write the data to the card. The card identifier is transmitted to the information collecting terminal device 3 (1507). The number of counted balls is the number of game balls counted by the counter 472.

  Next, the card unit 6 calculates the number of common balls stored on the day by converting the counted number of balls to the minimum ball rental rate (one ball of 1 yen) among the changeable ball rental rates. The number of balls and the balance are written on the card (1508), the card is ejected from the card insertion slot 61 (1509), and the card writing control process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1506 that the change / write permission signal has not been input, data is not permitted to be written to the card. In order to prohibit a game by another player, The identifier of the inserted card or the identifier of the one-day card acquired in the process of step 1505 is stored, and a notification timer is set (1510). The notification timer is set for a predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes). When a predetermined time set in the notification timer elapses, the card unit 6 notifies that the game is interrupted by turning on the corner lamp 7 and the call lamp 8.

  Next, the card unit 6 writes the balance data to the card, informs that the number of counting balls has not yet been written to the card (1512), and ejects the card from the card insertion slot 61 (1509). The process control process ends.

  Next, a memory card ID clear process for deleting the card identifier stored when the game is interrupted will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the storage card ID clear process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the card unit 6 determines whether or not the card insertion flag is set (1601).

  If it is determined in step 1601 that the card insertion flag is set, the storage card ID clear process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1601 that the card insertion flag is not set, the card unit 6 determines whether or not the card identifier stored when the game is interrupted is stored. (1602).

  If it is determined in step 1602 that the card identifier stored when the game is interrupted is not stored, it is not necessary to delete the card identifier, so the recording card ID clear process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1602 that the card identifier stored when the game is interrupted is stored, it is determined whether ID reset information has been received (1603). The ID reset information is information for resetting the stored card identifier when the game is interrupted. The ID reset information may be input by the store clerk of the game store via the game hall management device 1, may be input via the remote control, or may be input via the infrared light receiving unit 65 of the card unit 6. It may be entered.

  If it is determined in step 1603 that the ID reset information has not been received, the storage card ID clear process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1603 that the ID reset information has been received, a display is made to count all real spheres present in the upper plate 21, the lower plate 23, and the storage box 47. The store clerk inputs the ID reset information again after the counting is completed. The card unit 6 that has received the ID reset information again transmits the current number of counted balls of the player and the identifier of the recorded card to the information collecting terminal device 3 (1604).

  Next, the card unit 6 deletes the recorded number of counting balls and the recorded card identifier (1605), and ends the recorded card ID clear process.

  Next, rate change processing in which the card unit 6 changes the ball rental rate will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the first half of the rate change process according to the embodiment of this invention. FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the latter half of the rate change process according to the embodiment of this invention.

  The rate change process is repeatedly executed at a predetermined timing.

  First, the card unit 6 determines whether or not the change control number is set to 1 (1701). The change control number is set to 0 in the initial state.

  If it is determined in step 1701 that the change control number is set to 1, the process proceeds to step 1711.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1701 that the change control number is not set to 1, the card unit 6 receives a rate change signal in order to determine whether or not the rate change switch 6222 has been operated. It is determined whether it has been done (1702).

  If it is determined in step 1702 that the rate change signal has not been input, the card unit 6 does not need to execute the rate change process, and thus ends the rate change process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1702 that the rate change signal has been input, the card unit 6 is executed to determine whether or not the state of the gaming machine 5 satisfies the rate change condition. Is displayed on the display unit 621 (1703).

  Next, the card unit 6 sets a confirmation time timer so as to wait for the time during which the information collection terminal device 3 executes the rate change condition establishment determination processing shown in FIG. 9 (1705). For example, the confirmation time is set to 30 seconds.

  Next, the card unit 6 determines whether or not the value of the confirmation time timer is zero (1706). If it is determined in step 1706 that the value of the confirmation time timer is not zero, step 1706 is repeatedly executed. If it is determined in step 1706 that the value of the confirmation time timer is zero, the card unit 6 determines whether a change / write permission signal is input from the information collection terminal device 3 (1706). ).

  If it is determined in step 1706 that the change / write permission signal is not input from the information collection terminal device 3, it is determined that the change of the ball lending rate is not permitted, and the card unit 6 A change non-permission display (state 1903 in FIG. 19) indicating that the rate change is not permitted is displayed on the display unit 621 (1707), and the process proceeds to step 1719.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1706 that the change / write permission signal has been input from the information collection terminal device 3, it is determined that the change of the ball lending rate is permitted, and the card unit 6 In order to allow the player to select a ball lending rate, the change control number is set to 1 (1708).

  Next, the card unit 6 sets a selection time timer so that the card unit 6 waits for a predetermined period of time to allow the player to select a desired ball rental rate (1709). For example, the confirmation time is set to 10 seconds.

  Next, the card unit 6 displays a rate selection screen (state 1904 shown in FIG. 19) indicating that the player can select a desired ball lending rate (1710).

  Next, since the state of the gaming machine 5 may not satisfy the rate change condition during the time until the selection time timer becomes zero, the card unit 6 is changed / written from the information collecting terminal device 3. It is again determined whether or not a permission signal is input (1711).

  If it is determined in step 1711 that the change / write permission signal has not been input from the information collection terminal device 3, the card unit 6 has received the change / write permission signal from the information collection terminal device 3. If it is determined that there is not, a rate change condition confirmation display (see state 1902 in FIG. 19) is displayed on the display unit 621 (1712), and the process proceeds to step 1719.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1711 that the change / write permission signal is input from the information collection terminal device 3, the card unit 6 determines whether or not the selection time timer is zero ( 1713).

  If it is determined in step 1713 that the selection time timer is zero, the card unit 6 determines that the ball lending rate has not been selected during the predetermined time, and displays the selection time timeout display (the state shown in FIG. 19). 1905) is displayed on the display unit 621 (1714), and the process proceeds to step 1719.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1713 that the selection time timer is not zero, the card unit 6 determines whether or not the ball rental rate is selected (1715).

  If it is determined in step 1715 that the ball rental rate has not been selected, the rate change process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1715 that the ball rental rate is selected, the card unit 6 updates the currently set ball rental rate to the selected ball rental rate (1716).

  Next, the card unit 6 converts the counted ball number of the ball lending rate before renewal into the same day common storage number for addition, and adds it to the same day common storage number. The number of stored balls corresponding to the updated ball lending rate is converted (1717). Specifically, the number of counted balls is multiplied by the ball rental rate before the update, and the multiplied value is added to the number of common balls stored on the day, and the added number of common balls stored on the day is divided by the updated ball rental rate. To do. Then, a maximum integer equal to or smaller than the divided value is set as the number of stored balls corresponding to the updated ball lending rate.

  Next, the card unit 6 transmits the updated ball lending rate and the number of common balls held on the day after addition to the information collecting terminal device 3, so that the updated ball lending rate and the number of common balls held on the day after addition are added. Is set in the transmission buffer (1718).

  Next, the card unit 6 clears the selection time timer (1719), sets the change control number to zero to return to the initial state (1720), and ends the rate change process.

  Next, the transition of the display state of the card unit 6 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a transition diagram of the display state of the card unit 6 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, in the initial state, the display unit 621 of the card unit 6 displays the balance retained by the player, the number of counted balls and the number of stored balls corresponding to the set ball rental rate (state 1901). .

  When the rate change switch 6222 is operated, a rate change condition confirmation display indicating that it is being confirmed whether or not the ball lending rate can be changed is displayed on the display unit 621 (state 1902). It should be noted that the rate change condition confirmation display includes a notice to not fire a game ball and a confirmation time display.

  It should be noted that when the rate change switch 6222 is operated, the launch control device 581 may not allow the game ball to be fired from the launch device 582.

  When the sphere rental rate cannot be changed, a change non-permission display indicating that the sphere rental rate cannot be changed is displayed on the display unit 621 (state 1903). The change disapproval display includes a display of the reason why the change cannot be made (the game ball remains in the upper plate 21, the lower plate 23, the storage box 47, etc.).

  When the ball rental rate cannot be changed, the display unit 621 displays a rate selection screen indicating that the player can select a desired ball rental rate. In this case, the player can select a desired ball lending rate within the valid time by operating the operation button 622.

  If the ball rental rate cannot be changed while the ball rental rate is selected, the display unit 621 displays a change disapproval display in the state 1903.

When the desired ball rental rate is not selected within the effective time, the display unit 621 displays a selection time timeout display. When the desired ball rental rate is selected within the effective time, the display unit 621 displays , The remaining money held by the player, and the number of stored balls corresponding to the changed ball lending rate are displayed (state 1906). The number of counting balls immediately after the change is displayed as 0.

  In the above description, a pachinko gaming machine has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a pachislot machine.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is illustrative in all points and is not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the above description of the invention but by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the game management system according to the present invention is a game management system that discloses game data of a game hall in which a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, a coin gaming machine, or a slot machine is installed to a player. Can be applied to the system.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of a structure of the game device of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the game hall management apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information collection terminal device of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the various signals transmitted / received within the game system of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the ball lending control signal communicated between the card unit control apparatus and payout control apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the card information of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the card information of the modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the rate change condition establishment determination process of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the indefinite game determination process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the presence sphere determination process of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the judgment value setting process of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the ball carrying-in warning notification setting process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the card | curd reception process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the card writing control processing of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the storage card ID clear process of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the first half of the rate change process of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the latter half part of the rate change process of embodiment of this invention. It is a transition diagram of the display state of the card unit of the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game hall management apparatus 3 Information collection terminal device 4 Game apparatus 5 Game machine 6 Card unit (rental apparatus)
7 Corner lamp 8 Call lamp 8 Display device 9 Jet counter 10 UPS
12 Body frame 18 Glass frame 19 Front frame

Claims (11)

A game machine that uses a rented game medium to play a game and pays out the game medium to a player based on the game result;
Lending means that can change the conversion rate when renting the gaming medium by consuming the valuable value owned by the player,
A collecting means provided corresponding to the gaming machine and capable of counting the gaming media derived and collected out of the gaming machine out of the gaming media used in the game;
In a gaming system comprising: management means for collecting gaming information from the gaming machine, the lending means, and the collecting means, and managing the collected gaming information,
Conversion rate change determination means for determining whether to permit the change of the conversion rate based on the collected game information;
A conversion rate change setting means for setting the changed conversion rate in the lending means when the conversion rate change determining means determines that the change of the conversion rate is permitted;
Number of game media calculation means for calculating the number of rented game media lent, the number of game media paid out as a result of the game, and the number of game media collected for use in the game in a predetermined calculation period And comprising
The conversion rate change determination means includes
A payout difference number calculating means for calculating a payout difference number based on the calculated number of rented game media, the calculated number of payout game media, and the calculated number of collected game media;
A gaming system, wherein the change of the conversion rate is permitted when the payout difference number calculated by the payout difference number calculating means matches a predetermined payout difference number determination condition. The payout difference number calculating means includes:
Adding the calculated number of rented game media and the calculated number of paid-out game media;
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the payout difference number is calculated by subtracting the number of collected game media. The gaming system is provided corresponding to the gaming machine, and out of the gaming machine without being used for gaming among the gaming media lent out and the gaming media paid out as a result of the gaming Comprising a counting means capable of counting
The game medium number calculating means calculates the number of game media counted by the counting means in the calculation period;
The conversion rate change determination means includes
The number of existing game media that calculates the number of existing game media in the gaming machine based on the number of game media calculated by the game media count calculator and the payout difference calculated by the payout difference calculator. Having means,
Even if the payout difference number calculated by the payout difference number calculating means does not match the payout difference number determination condition, the existence game medium number calculated by the existing game medium number calculating means is preset. The game system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the change of the conversion rate is permitted when the game medium number determination condition is met.   The existence game medium number calculation means calculates the existence game medium number by subtracting the counted game medium number calculated by the game medium number calculation means from the payout difference number calculated by the payout difference number calculation means. The game system according to claim 3, wherein:   The conversion rate change determining means determines whether the payout difference calculated by the payout difference calculating means is the payout difference number when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last time the game medium collected by the collecting means was counted. The game system according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not a condition is met. The gaming machine executes an auxiliary game based on the establishment of a start condition, generates a specific gaming state advantageous to the player according to the result of the auxiliary game,
The gaming system includes specific gaming state determination means for determining whether or not the specific gaming state has occurred,
6. The conversion rate change determining unit does not permit the change of the conversion rate when the specific gaming state determining unit determines that the specific gaming state is occurring. The gaming system according to any one of the above. The gaming machine executes an auxiliary game based on the establishment of a start condition, generates a specific game state advantageous to the player based on the result of the auxiliary game, and a start established in a state where the auxiliary game cannot be immediately executed It is configured to store the condition within the upper limit range,
The gaming system includes:
An upper limit information storage means for storing upper limit value information of the starting condition stored in the gaming machine;
The conversion rate changing means includes
Based on the upper value information stored in the upper limit value information storage means, information on establishment of the start condition collected from the gaming machine and end information on the auxiliary game, among the effective start conditions capable of executing the auxiliary game , Having an auxiliary game determination means for determining whether or not there is an auxiliary game whose result is uncertain,
The game according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the change of the conversion rate is not permitted when it is determined by the auxiliary game determination means that there is an auxiliary game whose result is indefinite. system. The gaming system includes:
Setting instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction to set the calculation period;
Calculation period setting means for setting the calculation period so that the calculation period starts from the time when the setting instruction receiving means receives the setting instruction,
The game medium number calculating means calculates the number of rented game media, the number of paid out game media, and the number of collected game media from the start of the calculation period set by the calculation period setting means. The gaming system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The gaming system is provided corresponding to the gaming machine, and out of the gaming machine without being used for gaming among the gaming media lent out and the gaming media paid out as a result of the gaming Comprising a counting means capable of counting
The game medium number calculating means calculates the number of game media counted by the counting means in the calculation period;
The conversion rate change determination means includes
The number of existing game media that calculates the number of existing game media in the gaming machine based on the number of game media calculated by the game media count calculator and the payout difference calculated by the payout difference calculator. Means,
The lending means is
Based on the player's operation, execute a checkout process for recording the number of game media counted by the counting means on a predetermined recording medium,
The calculation period setting means sets the calculation period so that the calculation period starts from the time when the settlement process is executed,
9. The game according to claim 8, wherein the game medium number calculating means calculates the counted number of game media counted by the counting means from the start time of the calculation period set by the calculation period setting means. system. The gaming system includes:
Bring-in determination means for determining that a player has brought in a game medium when the payout difference number calculated by the payout difference number calculation means becomes a negative value;
When it is determined by the carry-in determination means that a player has brought in game media, the game machine in which the player has brought in game media and the game machine in which the player has brought in game media are identified The gaming machine system according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies information to be performed. The carry-in determination means is
A warning degree setting means for setting a warning degree when the game medium is brought in by determining whether or not the lending means has lent the game medium in the calculation period;
11. The gaming system according to claim 10, wherein the notifying means notifies that the player has brought in a game medium at a warning level set by the warning level setting means.

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