JP2010012107A - Management system for game hall - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of executing an operation of discharging a remaining game ball from a game machine quite efficiently and capable of greatly reducing burden on game hall staffs. <P>SOLUTION: A management system for a game hall includes: a plurality of game machines installed in the game hall and having game ball discharge means for discharging remaining game balls remaining in the game machines to outsides of the game machines and discharge control means for controlling discharge processings by the game ball discharge means; and a management server connected to the respective game machines. The management server has a discharge instruction means for outputting discharge instruction signals being opportunities that the discharge control means allow the game ball discharge means to execute the discharge processings to the discharge control means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game hall management system.

  Conventionally, as an example of a gaming machine installed in a game hall, there is a pachinko gaming machine that can play a game ball on a game board provided with a prize opening and receive a prize ball when the game ball wins a prize opening. It has been. At the amusement hall, a so-called “ball removal operation” is performed to discharge the remaining game balls remaining in each pachinko gaming machine to the outside when the store is closed, and at the start of the next day, there is no remaining game ball in each pachinko gaming machine. It was.

Regarding ball removal work, for example, there is a technique in which when a ball removal switch is turned on and a ball removal command is issued, the stepping motor of the ball dispensing device is reversely rotated, and the game ball is sent to the ball removal passage to be extracted ( For example, see Patent Document 1.)
JP 2004-81499 A

  However, the above-described ball removing operation is extremely troublesome because it is necessary for the game hall staff to perform a predetermined operation for each pachinko gaming machine, and is not preferable in terms of work efficiency. Therefore, there is a strong demand from game centers and the like to provide a system that can reduce the burden on the game hall staff and perform ball removal work more efficiently.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can solve the above-described problems.

  (1) In the present invention, a plurality of games having game ball discharge means installed in a game arcade and discharging the remaining game balls remaining in the machine to the outside of the machine, and discharge control means for controlling discharge processing by the game ball discharge means. And a management server connected to each gaming machine, wherein the management server sends a discharge instruction signal that triggers the discharge control means to cause the gaming ball discharge means to execute the discharge process. A game hall management system having a discharge instruction means for outputting to the game machine.

  (2) According to the present invention, in the game hall management system according to (1), the management server outputs the discharge instruction signal from the discharge instruction means on the condition that no game is executed in each of the gaming machines. It is characterized by doing.

  (3) The present invention provides the game hall management system according to the above (1) or (2), further comprising game ball supply means for supplying game balls to each gaming machine, wherein the management server is configured to output the discharge instruction signal. Prior to outputting the game ball, a supply stop signal for stopping the supply of the game balls to the game machines is output to the game ball supply means.

  (4) According to the present invention, in the game hall management system according to any one of (1) to (3), the plurality of gaming machines are grouped for each of a plurality of gaming facilities, and the management server includes the group A discharge instruction signal is output every time, and the plurality of gaming machines installed in each of the gaming facilities are made to discharge the remaining game balls all at once.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to extract the remaining game ball from the gaming machine extremely efficiently, and the burden on the game hall staff can be greatly reduced.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a management system in a game arcade according to the present invention will be described more specifically based on the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an overview of a management system in the game hall of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a supply path, a payout path, and a discharge path of game balls to a pachinko gaming machine in the management system.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the management system 1 in the game hall H according to the present embodiment is constructed by connecting a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 10 installed in the game hall H and a management server 4. The plurality of pachinko gaming machines 10,... Are grouped as a smaller number of pachinko gaming machine groups a1 for each of a plurality of gaming facilities.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each pachinko gaming machine 10 has a payout mechanism 180 as an example of a game ball discharge means for discharging the remaining game balls remaining in the pachinko game machine 10 to the outside of the machine, and discharge by the payout mechanism 180. A main control circuit 60 is provided as an example of a discharge control means for controlling processing. The game ball discharge process will be described in detail later.

  The management server 4 outputs to the main control circuit 60 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 a discharge instruction signal Sig4 that triggers the main control circuit 60 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 to cause the payout mechanism 180 to execute the discharging process. A management server main control circuit 160 is provided as an example of the discharge instruction means.

  Hereinafter, the pachinko gaming machine 10 and the management server 4 installed in the game hall H will be described in more detail. Here, an overview configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10, an electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and an electrical configuration of the management server 4 that manages the plurality of pachinko gaming machines 10 will be described first, and then the management server 4 and the pachinko machine The operation of the gaming machine 10 will be described.

[Overview structure of gaming machines]
An overview of the gaming machine in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the pachinko gaming machine, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view thereof, FIG. 5 is a front view of the gaming board of the pachinko gaming machine, and FIG. 6 is a functional explanatory diagram of the gaming board. In the embodiment described below, as an example suitable for the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is assumed that the present invention is applied to a so-called “digipachi” pachinko gaming machine.

  3 to 6, the pachinko gaming machine 10 fires a glass door 11, a wooden frame 12, a base door 13, a game board 14, a dish unit 21, a liquid crystal display device 32 that displays an image, and a game ball. It includes a launching device 130, a board unit 400 including various control boards, a ball payout unit 500 for giving a game ball as a game value, and the like. The ball payout unit 500 will be described later together with the game ball discharge process.

  The glass door 11 described above is pivotally attached to the base door 13 so as to be openable and closable. An opening 11a is formed at the center of the glass door 11, and a protective glass 19 having transparency is disposed in the opening 11a. Moreover, the base door 13 is pivotally attached to the front of the wooden frame 12 described above.

  The dish unit 21 described above is disposed on the base door 13 so as to be positioned below the glass door 11. The dish unit 21 is provided with an upper dish 20 above and a lower dish 22 below. The upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22 are provided with payout ports 21a and 22a for renting out game balls and paying out game balls (prize balls). If predetermined payout conditions are met, The ball is discharged, and in particular, the upper plate 20 stores a game ball for launching to a game area 15 described later.

  The launching device 130 described above is disposed on the base door 13 so as to be located on the side of the dish unit 21. The launching device 130 is provided with a launching handle 26 that can be operated by a player, and the pachinko game can be advanced by operating the launching handle 26 by the player. When the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player and is rotated in the clockwise direction, electric power is supplied to the firing motor (not shown) according to the rotational angle and stored in the upper plate 20. The played game balls are sequentially launched onto the game board 14.

  The game board 14 described above is disposed in front of the base door 13 so as to be located behind the protective glass 19. The game board 14 has a game area 15 on the front surface of which the launched game ball can roll. The game area 15 is an area surrounded by the guide rails 31 and the like where the game ball can roll. In this way, the game balls launched by the launching device 130 are guided by the guide rails 31 provided on the game board 14 and moved to the upper part of the game board 14, and thereafter, a plurality of game balls provided in the game area 15 are provided. It will fall down below the game board 14 while changing its traveling direction due to the collision with the obstacle nail.

  In the center of the front surface of the game board 14, a start port 44, a shutter 40, and the like are provided. On the condition that a game ball has entered the start port 44, variable display of special symbols will be executed. Further, as will be described in detail later, depending on the result of variable display of this special symbol, a big hit gaming state (so-called “big hit”) that is relatively advantageous to the player over the normal gaming state is obtained. When the big hit game state is reached, the shutter 40 is controlled to be in an open state, and the game ball may be easily received in the big prize opening 39.

  A display area of the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind the game board 14 so as to be visible. Speakers 46L and 46R are disposed above the base door 13.

  A special symbol display device 33 is disposed at the center of the game board 14. The special symbol display device 33 performs variable display of special symbols in a special symbol game. The special symbol in the special symbol display device 33 is configured by a single symbol sequence, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured by, for example, a plurality of symbol sequences. This special symbol is a symbol made up of numbers and symbols.

  “Variable display” is a concept that can be displayed in a variable manner. For example, a “variable display” that is actually displayed in a variable state, a “stop display” that is displayed in a stopped state, etc. It is. In addition, “variable display” can be “derivation display” in which identification information is displayed as a result of a special symbol game. Further, the period from the start of the variable display to the derivation display is referred to as one variable display.

  Further, in the special symbol display device 33, the special symbol is derived and displayed, and the gaming state is changed to the big hit gaming state advantageous to the player based on the special display that is derived and displayed. Will be migrated. In addition, when the special symbol derived and displayed is in a non-specific display mode, it does not shift to the big hit gaming state.

  Also, based on the fact that the special symbol that has been derived and displayed has become a special display mode among the specific display modes, the gaming state is shifted to a big hit gaming state that is advantageous to the player, and the big hit gaming state ends. In such a case, the state will be shifted to the probability variation state.

  On the other hand, based on the fact that the special symbol derived and displayed has become a non-special display mode that is not a special display mode among the specific display modes, the gaming state is shifted to a jackpot gaming state that is advantageous to the player. When the big hit gaming state is finished, the game shifts to the non-probable change state (normal game state). In the probability change state as described above, the probability of shifting to the big hit gaming state is improved relative to the normal gaming state.

  Also, depending on the display mode or the like in which these special symbols are derived and displayed, there may be a transition to a shorter time state after the end of the big hit gaming state. In this case, the short state is controlled so that the variable display time for the special symbol or the like is shorter than that in the normal gaming state and the time in which the blade member 48 is in the open state is longer. The possibility of shifting to the gaming state is improved.

  The liquid crystal display device 32 described above has a display area for displaying an image related to a game. The liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind (on the back side of) the opening formed in the game board 14. In the display area of the liquid crystal display device 32, images relating to various games such as decorative symbols, background images related to games, effect images, etc., which are variably displayed in accordance with the variable display of special symbols in a special symbol game, are provided in a predetermined manner. Will be displayed.

  In addition, on the liquid crystal display device 32, the decorative symbols are variably displayed in accordance with the variable display of the special symbols in the special symbol display device 33. When this decoration symbol derivation display is performed and the result of the variable symbol special display on the special symbol display device 33 is a specific display mode, the combination of the plurality of decoration symbols derived and displayed is a specific combination, The gaming state is shifted to a big hit gaming state advantageous to the player.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 32 composed of a liquid crystal display panel is used as a portion for displaying an image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other modes may be used. For example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) is used. It may be composed of a cathode ray tube, a dot LED (Light Emitting Diode), a segment LED, an EL (Electronic Luminescent), plasma, or the like.

  In the game area 15 of the game board 14 described above, various types of accessories are provided. Examples of various types of accessories will be described below with reference to FIG. 5, but are not limited to these.

  For example, a special symbol display device 33 is provided above the center in the game area 15 of the game board 14.

  In addition, a normal symbol display device 35 that performs variable display of normal symbols is provided on the right side of the special symbol display device 33. Also, above the game board 14, special symbol hold display devices 34a to 34d (indicated by reference numeral 34 in FIG. 7) for displaying the number of holds in the special symbol game, and the normal symbol hold for displaying the number of hold in the normal symbol game. A display device 37 is provided.

  In addition, ball passage detectors 54 a and 54 b are provided above the game area 15 of the game board 14. When it is detected that a game ball has passed in the vicinity of the ball passage detectors 54a and 54b, the normal symbol variation display on the normal symbol display device 35 is started, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the normal symbol variation display is performed. Is stopped.

  When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a predetermined symbol, the blade members 48 provided on both the left and right sides of a starting port 44 (to be described later) (so-called normal electric combination, hereinafter referred to as normal electric combination) Is changed from the closed state to the open state, so that the game ball can easily enter the start port 44. In addition, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the blade member 48 is opened, the blade member 48 is closed so that it is difficult for a game ball to enter the start port 44.

  Further, below the game area 15 of the game board 14, there are provided game ball general winning openings 56 a to 56 d.

  In addition, a shutter 40 that can be opened and closed with respect to the special prize opening 39 is provided below the game area 15 of the game board 14. As described above, when the game state is shifted to the big hit game state, the shutter 40 is driven so as to be in an open state (first state) in which a game ball can be easily received.

  Further, the shutter 40 is driven to the open state until a predetermined number of game balls pass through the special winning opening 39 or until a predetermined time elapses. In other words, in the open state, when a condition for winning a predetermined number of game balls in the grand prize opening 39 or elapse of a predetermined time is satisfied, the big prize opening 39 is in a closed state in which it is difficult to accept the game balls (second state). ). Subsequently, the shutter 40 that has been changed from the open state to the closed state is again driven to the open state on condition that the upper limit number of rounds has not been reached.

  A starting port 44 is provided above the shutter 40. When a game ball wins at the starting port 44, a special symbol game, which will be described later, is started, and the state shifts to a variable display state in which the special symbol is variably displayed. As the predetermined variable display start condition, in this embodiment, the main condition is that the game ball has won the start opening 44 (the game ball has passed through the start area). In other words, when a predetermined variable display start condition is satisfied (provided that the game ball has passed through the start area), the special symbol is variably displayed. In the embodiment, the predetermined variable display start condition is that a game ball has won the start opening 44, but the present invention is not limited to this, and another mode may be used.

  In addition, when a game ball is won at the start opening 44 during the variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol game, the game ball is won at the start opening 44 until the special symbol at the variable display is derived and displayed. Execution (start) of variable display of the special symbol based is suspended. That is, when the predetermined variable display execution condition is satisfied but the predetermined variable display start condition is not satisfied (when the predetermined variable display hold condition is satisfied), the predetermined variable display start condition is satisfied. The execution (start) of variable symbol special display is suspended. If the special symbol is derived and displayed in a state where the execution of the variable display of the special symbol is suspended, the execution of the variable display of the special symbol that is suspended is started.

  In addition, the special symbol variable display executed when the special symbol is derived and displayed is once. Further, an upper limit is set for the number of times the execution of the special symbol variable display is suspended. For example, the variable symbol variable display is suspended up to four times. Thus, when the variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol game is held, the special symbol hold display devices 34a to 34d display the number of the hold.

  Similarly, in the normal symbol game, the execution (start) of variable symbol display may be suspended, and when the variable symbol variable display is suspended, the regular symbol hold display device 37 The hold number is displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the variable symbol special display and the normal symbol variable display are held up to four times as an upper limit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other modes may be used. The variable display of the special symbol may be suspended with the number of times or multiple times as the upper limit, and may be configured to be suspended without setting the upper limit. Of course, you may comprise so that the variable display of a special symbol may not be suspended.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the ball passing detectors 54a and 54b, the general winning ports 56a to 56d, the large winning port 39, and the starting port 44 are respectively behind the passing ball sensors 114 and 115, and the general winning ports. The ball sensors 106, 108, 110, 112, the count sensor 104, and the starting winning ball sensor 116 are disposed, and each passing or entering ball is detected. Further, behind the blade member 48 and the shutter 40, an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118 and a special prize opening solenoid 120 are disposed, respectively, and driven.

  Here, the ball dispensing unit 500, which is a configuration necessary for the system of the present invention, will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the ball payout unit 500 is provided behind the game board 14 and has a storage unit 173 for storing game balls supplied from a game ball supply groove 155 provided in the game facility. I have. The game ball supply groove 155 is provided with a game ball holding portion 156 having a shutter mechanism 157 at a predetermined interval so as to correspond to each pachinko gaming machine 10.

  The storage unit 173 of the ball payout unit 500 has a storage space 174. The game balls supplied from the game ball supply groove 155 are temporarily stored in the game ball storage unit 156, and the shutter mechanism 157 is opened and closed. A predetermined number of game balls are supplied and stored in the storage unit 173.

  Further, the ball payout unit 500 is provided at the end of the game ball supply path 190 and the game ball supply path 190 for connecting the upper end to the storage portion 173 and supplying the game balls downwards. A rotary payout mechanism 180 that feeds downward, and a game ball supply path 190 that communicates with each other via the payout mechanism 180, and a payout that pays out the game ball to the tray unit 21 by communicating the terminal end with the tray unit 21. A path 191 and a discharge path 192 that communicates the terminal end with the discharge case 193 and discharges the game ball to the discharge case 193 are provided.

  With this configuration, when a payout instruction is issued from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60, the rotary payout mechanism 180 rotates counterclockwise, counts a predetermined number of game balls, and passes a predetermined number of trays 21 via the payout path 191. You can pay out game balls. On the other hand, when all the remaining game balls stored in the storage unit 173 are discharged out of the machine, the rotary payout mechanism 180 is rotated to the right to be provided on the back of the game board 14 via the discharge path 192. The remaining game balls can be discharged to the discharge case 193.

  The storage unit 173 is provided with a game ball detection mechanism 175 that detects that the game ball stored in the storage unit 173 is empty.

  The game ball detection mechanism 175 is pivotally supported at one end and is swingable in the vertical direction. The game ball detection mechanism 175 is in contact with the jump plate 178 urged in the upward rotation direction, and the jump plate 178. And an empty detection switch 177 that expands and contracts in the vertical direction according to the swinging motion of the sensor. When the game ball becomes empty, the jumping plate 178 jumps upward, and when the empty detection switch 177 is extended to be energized, the signal Sig1 is transmitted to the main control circuit 60 of the board unit 400. ing. The main control circuit 60 transmits a supply request signal Sig3 requesting the supply of the game ball to the main control circuit 160 (see FIG. 8) of the management server 4. When the main control circuit 160 of the management server 4 receives the replenishment request signal Sig3, the main control circuit 160 of the management server 4 stores the game ball holding groove 156 from the game ball supply groove 155 provided above the predetermined pachinko gaming machine 10. In order to replenish the predetermined number of game balls, a signal Sig5 for opening the shutter mechanism 157 is transmitted. The shutter mechanism 157 is opened by the signal Sig5, and a predetermined number of game balls stored in the game ball holding unit 156 flow down toward the storage unit 173. And the storage part 173 will be in the state which stored the predetermined number from the empty game ball.

  The payout mechanism 180 provided on the lower side of the game ball supply path 190 is formed in a circular shape, a payout portion 181 provided with a plurality of recesses 182 on the periphery thereof, and the payout portion 181 clockwise or counterclockwise. A drive motor (not shown) that is rotatable is linked and connected.

  When paying out the game balls, the game balls stored in the game ball supply path 190 are put into the recesses 182 of the payout unit 181, and at this time, the output shaft 183 of the drive motor is rotated counterclockwise so that the recesses 182 is positioned in the 8 o'clock direction, and the game ball in the recess 182 is paid out to the payout path 191. The game ball paid out to the payout path 191 is paid out to the tray unit 21 and stored.

  On the other hand, when the game balls are discharged out of the machine, the game balls stored in the game ball supply path 190 are put into the recesses 182 of the payout unit 181 and the output shaft 183 of the drive motor is rotated clockwise at this time. Thus, the hollow portion 182 is positioned in the 4 o'clock direction, and the game ball in the hollow portion 182 is paid out to the discharge path 192. The game balls discharged to the discharge path 192 are discharged out of the machine, that is, in a discharge case 193 provided separately from the pachinko gaming machine 10, and stored there.

[Electric configuration of gaming machine]
A block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment is shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is connected to the management server 4 via the LAN cable 8 (see FIG. 1), and the management server 4 includes a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 10 in the game hall H. ,... Are received and stored and a discharge instruction signal Sig4 for performing discharge processing of the remaining game balls in each pachinko gaming machine 10 and a game ball to the pachinko gaming machine 10 for the shutter mechanism 157 Various control signals such as a supply stop signal Sig5 for stopping supply are transmitted.

  The pachinko gaming machine 10 mainly includes a main control circuit 60 that controls a game and a sub-control circuit 200 that controls an effect according to the progress of the game.

  The main control circuit 60 includes a main CPU 66, a main ROM 68 (read only memory), and a main RAM 70 (read / write memory).

  The main CPU 66 is connected to a main ROM 68, a main RAM 70, and the like, and has a function of executing various processes according to a program stored in the main ROM 68.

  The main ROM 68 stores a program for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the main CPU 66, various tables, and the like.

  The main RAM 70 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66. In the present embodiment, the main RAM 70 is used as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.

  The main control circuit 60 also includes a reset clock pulse generation circuit 62 that generates a clock pulse every predetermined cycle (for example, 2 milliseconds) in order to execute a system timer interrupt process to be described later. An initial reset circuit 64 for generating a reset signal and a serial communication IC 72 for supplying a command to a sub-control circuit 200 described later are provided.

  Various devices are connected to the main control circuit 60.

  For example, various devices that respond to signals from the main control circuit 60 include a special symbol display device 33 that performs variable display of special symbols in a special symbol game, and a special symbol that displays the number of reserved special symbol displays in a special symbol game. Symbol hold display devices 34a to 34d, a normal symbol display device 35 that performs variable display of the normal symbol as identification information in the normal symbol game, and a normal symbol hold display device 37 that displays the number of hold of variable display of the normal symbol in the normal symbol game. , The ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118 that opens or closes the blade member 48, the big prize opening solenoid 120 that drives the shutter 40 to open or close the big prize opening 39, and the inside of the storage unit 173 When the remaining game ball becomes empty, the empty detection switch 177 extends to be energized, and the signal S The sky detection switch 177 and the like for transmitting ig1 to the main control circuit 60 are connected.

  Further, for example, when the game ball passes through the area of the big winning opening 39, the count sensor 104 that supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60, and when the game ball passes through each of the general winning openings 56a to 56d. When a game ball passes through the general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, 112 and the ball passage detectors 54a and 54b, which supply a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60, the predetermined detection signal is sent to the main control circuit 60. When the game ball wins the passing ball sensors 114 and 115 and the start opening 44 supplied to the game, the start winning ball sensor 116 that supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60, backup data at the time of power interruption, etc. A backup clear switch 124 that is cleared in accordance with the operation of the administrator is connected.

  The main control circuit 60 is connected to a payout / launch control circuit 126. The payout / launch control circuit 126 is connected to a payout device 128 that pays out game balls, a launch device 130 that fires game balls, and a card unit 150. Further, a lending operation unit 82 is connected to the card unit 150, and an operation signal is supplied to the card unit 150 in accordance with the operation.

  The payout / launch control circuit 126 receives a prize ball control command supplied from the main control circuit 60 and a lending ball control signal supplied from the card unit 150, and transmits a predetermined signal to the payout device 128. Then, the payout device 128 pays out the game ball. The payout / firing control circuit 126 supplies power to the firing motor according to the turning angle when the launching handle 26 is gripped by the player and is turned clockwise. Control to fire the ball. On the other hand, when the game ball is discharged out of the plane after the end of the day's business, the payout / launch control circuit 126 receives a signal supplied from the main control circuit 60 and sends a predetermined signal Sig2 to the payout device 128. By transmitting, the payout mechanism 180 of the payout device 128 is rotated clockwise to discharge the remaining game balls in the storage unit 173.

  Further, the sub-control circuit 200 is connected to the serial communication IC 72. The sub control circuit 200 performs display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, control related to sound generated from the speakers 46L and 46R, a decoration lamp (not shown), and the like according to various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. Control of the lamp 132 including it is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the main control circuit 60 is configured not to supply commands to the sub control circuit 200 and to prevent signals from being supplied from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60. The present invention is not limited to this, and there is no problem even if it is configured such that signals can be transmitted from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60.

  The sub control circuit 200 includes a sub CPU 206, a program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, a display control circuit 250 for performing display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, a sound control circuit 230 for performing control related to sound generated from the speakers 46L and 46R, and a decorative lamp. The lamp control circuit 240 controls the lamp including the above. The sub-control circuit 200 executes an effect according to the progress of the game in accordance with a command from the main control circuit 60.

  The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes according to the program stored in the program ROM 208. In particular, the sub CPU 206 controls the sub control circuit 200 in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60.

  The program ROM 208 stores a program and various tables for controlling the game effects of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the sub CPU 206.

  In the present embodiment, the main ROM 68 and the program ROM 208 are used as the storage means for storing programs, tables, etc., but the present invention is not limited to this, and a storage medium that can be read by a computer provided with control means. Any other form may be used, for example, it may be recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. Further, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the work RAM 210 or the like. Furthermore, each program may be recorded on a separate storage medium.

  The work RAM 210 stores various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. In the present embodiment, the work RAM 210 is used as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.

  The display control circuit 250 is a circuit that performs display control of the liquid crystal display device 32, and includes an image data processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP), an image data ROM that stores data for generating various image data, A frame buffer for buffering image data, a D / A converter for converting image data as an image signal, and the like are included.

  The display control circuit 250 is a device that can perform various processes for displaying an image on the liquid crystal display device 32 in accordance with data supplied from the sub CPU 206. In response to an image display command supplied from the sub CPU 206, the display control circuit 250 displays various image data such as decorative design image data, background image data, and production image data indicating a decorative design on the liquid crystal display device 32. The image data to be stored is temporarily stored in the frame buffer.

  Then, the display control circuit 250 supplies the image data stored in the frame buffer to the D / A converter at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter converts image data as an image signal, and supplies the image signal to the liquid crystal display device 32 at a predetermined timing, whereby an image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32. That is, the display control circuit 250 performs control to display an image related to the game on the liquid crystal display device 32.

  The audio control circuit 230 includes a sound source IC that performs control related to audio, an audio data ROM that stores various audio data, an amplifier (hereinafter referred to as AMP) for amplifying audio signals, and the like.

  The sound source IC controls sound generated from the speakers 46L and 46R. The sound source IC selects one sound data from a plurality of sound data stored in the sound data ROM in accordance with a sound generation command supplied from the sub CPU 206. The sound source IC reads the selected sound data from the sound data ROM, converts the sound data into a predetermined sound signal, and supplies the sound signal to the AMP. The AMP amplifies the sound signal and generates sound from the speakers 46L and 46R.

  The lamp control circuit 240 includes a drive circuit for supplying a lamp control signal, a decoration data ROM storing a plurality of types of lamp decoration patterns, and the like.

[Electrical configuration of management server]
The main control circuit of the management server 4 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the management server 4 in the present embodiment.

  The control circuit of the management server 4 controls the management server 4 in general by the main control circuit 160. The main control circuit 160 includes a main CPU 166 that is a control means, a main ROM (read only memory) 168, and a main RAM. (Read / write memory) 170 and a communication unit (not shown) that transmits and receives various data between the pachinko gaming machine 10.

  The main CPU 166 is connected to a main ROM 168, a main RAM 170, a communication unit, and the like, and has a function of executing various processes according to a program stored in the main ROM 168. In this way, the main CPU 166 functions as various means such as functioning as a discharge instruction means.

  The main ROM 168 stores a program for causing the main CPU 166 to function as a discharge instruction unit of the management server 4.

  The main RAM 170 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 166.

  The main control circuit 160 supplies commands to a clock pulse generation circuit 162 that generates a clock pulse of a predetermined frequency, an initial reset circuit 164 that generates a reset signal when the power is turned on, and a management server 4 described later. For example, a serial communication IC 172 is provided as a communication unit. The clock pulse generation circuit 162, the initial reset circuit 164, and the serial communication IC 172 are connected to the main CPU 166.

[Operation of management server and pachinko machine of game hall management system]

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the main CPU 166 of the management server 4 stores game histories collected from each pachinko gaming machine 10 and manages the operating status of the pachinko gaming machines 10 in the game hall H. At the same time, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is released so that the remaining game balls stored in the storage unit 173 in each pachinko gaming machine 10 in the gaming hall H are discharged out of the machine after the business day end of the gaming hall H. I try to control it. In addition, as management of the operating status of the pachinko gaming machine 10, for example, when the game ball becomes empty in the storage part 173 of the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game result is sent from the game ball supply groove 155 to each pachinko gaming machine 10. In response, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the dish unit 21, and the accumulated number of game balls that are paid out is stored.

  When the business day of the game hall H ends, it is necessary to discharge the remaining game balls stored in the storage unit 173 in each pachinko gaming machine 10. In particular, when there is a cause such as clogging of the game ball in the path from the storage unit 173 to the game ball supply path 190 in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the payout mechanism 180 can be rotated to discharge the game ball to the discharge case 193. Even if the predetermined number is not discharged, it is possible to find clogging defects.

  Therefore, the main CPU 166 of the management server 4 reads out a program that functions as a discharge instruction unit from the main ROM 168 and executes it. The main CPU 166 of the management server 4 outputs a discharge instruction signal Sig4 toward each pachinko gaming machine 10. Prior to outputting the discharge instruction signal Sig4, the management server 4 supplies each pachinko gaming machine to the shutter mechanism 157 as an example of the game ball supply means that supplies the game balls to each pachinko gaming machine 10. The supply stop signal Sig5 for stopping the supply of the game ball to 10 is output.

  The main CPU 66 of each pachinko gaming machine 10 receives the discharge instruction signal Sig4 output from the management server 4, reads out a program functioning as discharge control means from the main ROM 68, and executes it.

  The main CPU 66 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 generates a game ball discharge signal Sig2 and transmits it to the payout mechanism 180 as an example of the game ball discharge means via the launch control circuit 126. When the payout mechanism 180 receives the game ball discharge signal Sig2, the payout unit 181 rotates in the clockwise direction. At this time, the payout unit 181 continues to rotate until the remaining game balls stored in the storage unit 173 become zero. When the storage unit 173 is empty, the game ball detection mechanism 175 transmits a signal Sig1 to the main control circuit 60, and the main CPU 66 transmits a signal for stopping the rotation of the payout mechanism 180 after a predetermined period. I have to. The predetermined period is a period from when there is no game ball in the storage unit 173 and the game ball detection mechanism 175 is energized until the game ball in the game ball supply path 190 becomes zero. Note that the main control circuit 60 recognizes that the payout mechanism 180 is in the payout state of the remaining game balls, and therefore the replenishment request signal Sig3 is not transmitted to the management server 4.

  The remaining game balls in the storage unit 173 flow down the game ball supply path 190 and enter the recess part 182 of the payout part 181, and the payout part 181 rotates clockwise so that the game ball in the recess part 182 is discharged. It is discharged to 192 and further flows down to the lower discharge case 193 for storage.

  The main CPU 66 of the management server 4 outputs a discharge instruction signal Sig4 to the main CPU 166 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 on condition that no game is executed in each pachinko gaming machine 10.

  Although the main CPU 166 of the management server 4 outputs the discharge instruction signal Sig4 for each pachinko gaming machine 10, a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 10 can be installed in a plurality of games in which a smaller number of pachinko gaming machines 10 can be installed. For each group of pachinko gaming machines 10 groups a1, a2, and a3, the main CPU 166 of the management server 4 outputs a discharge instruction signal Sig4, and for each group of pachinko gaming machines 10 groups a1, a2, and a3. The remaining game balls may be discharged all at once.

  The grouped pachinko gaming machines 10 groups a1, a2, and a3 can be discharged simultaneously for the remaining game balls, and the staff of the game hall H can perform an operation to perform the discharging process for each pachinko gaming machine 10. There is no need to do this, and the work can be completed simply by collecting the discharge case 193 stored by the remaining game balls.

  [Other Embodiments]

  In the present embodiment, the control circuit is configured to include a plurality of control circuits of the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The main control circuit 60 may be configured as one board.

It is a lineblock diagram showing an outline of a management system of one embodiment of the present invention. It is a typical explanatory view showing the important section of the management system of one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an external view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine in a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the general view of the pachinko game machine in the management system of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view showing a game board of a pachinko gaming machine in the management system of one embodiment of the present invention. It is function explanatory drawing of the game board of the pachinko game machine in the management system of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the main control circuit and sub control circuit which are comprised in the pachinko game machine of the management system of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the main control circuit comprised in the management server in the management system of one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Pachinko machine 32 Liquid crystal display 44 Start port 60 Main control circuit 66 Main CPU
200 Sub control circuit 206 Sub CPU

Claims (4)

A plurality of gaming machines installed in a game arcade and having game ball discharge means for discharging remaining game balls remaining in the machine to the outside of the machine, and discharge control means for controlling discharge processing by the game ball discharge means;
A management server connected to each gaming machine;
With
The management server
A game hall management system comprising: a discharge instruction means for outputting to the discharge control means a discharge instruction signal that triggers the discharge control means to cause the game ball discharge means to execute the discharge process. The management server
2. The game hall management system according to claim 1, wherein the discharge instruction signal is output from the discharge instruction means on condition that a game is not being executed in each of the gaming machines. Provided with game ball supply means for supplying game balls to each gaming machine,
The management server
3. The supply stop signal for stopping the supply of game balls to each of the game machines is output to the game ball supply means prior to outputting the discharge instruction signal. Amusement park management system. Grouping the plurality of gaming machines into a plurality of gaming facilities,
The management server
4. A discharge instruction signal is output for each of the groups, and a plurality of gaming machines installed in the respective gaming facilities are caused to discharge the remaining game balls all at once. The game hall management system according to item.

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