JP2013006115A - Game apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game apparatus in which a player is allowed to set a preferable conversion rate while maintaining fair benefit balance between a game parlor and players.SOLUTION: The game apparatus is configured to convert a negotiable value of a player to his/her balls at a preset conversion rate. The game apparatus includes: an information storage medium reception unit; a change input-receiving unit for receiving change input for changing the conversion rate to any of a plurality of conversion rates; a conversion rate-changing unit; a player's ball count-updating unit for increasing and reducing player's ball count; a discharge input-receiving unit for discharging an information storage medium from the reception unit; and a player's ball count storage control unit for storing the player's ball count corresponding to an identifier of the information storage medium being received, based on the reception of discharge input by the discharge input-receiving unit. The player's ball count storage control unit stores the player's ball count separately for each of a plurality of conversion rates.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming apparatus capable of performing a conversion process for converting a valuable value possessed by a player into a holding ball at a preset conversion rate.

  As a conventional gaming device, for example, valuable value information (amount information) stored in an information storage medium (a prepaid card, a membership card, etc.) is converted into the number-of-balls information at a preset ball rental rate (conversion rate). A game in which a game ball is enclosed and used based on the number-of-balls information and is circulated is used to increase or decrease the number-of-balls information.

  Among the players who play games with such a gaming device, there are players who want a long-time game at a low ball rental rate and players who want a game at a high ball rental rate.

  Therefore, if the ball rental rate of all the gaming devices installed in the game hall is set uniformly, it is not possible to play a game at the ball rental rate desired by the player. For this reason, there is a possibility that customers will be removed from the amusement hall. Therefore, in order to improve the customer attraction rate while avoiding customers away from the game hall, a game apparatus that allows the game hall side to change the ball rental rate has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 11-239653 A

  However, in the gaming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it has been impossible to perform processing for storing the number of balls held by the player in association with the identifier of the information storage medium.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and a gaming apparatus capable of performing processing for storing the number of balls held by a player in association with the identifier of the information storage medium. The purpose is to provide.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, in a gaming apparatus capable of performing a conversion process for converting a valuable value possessed by a player into a holding ball at a preset conversion rate, the valuable possessed by the player A receiving unit for receiving an information storage medium for storing a value and a unique identifier, and a change input reception capable of receiving a change input for changing the preset conversion rate to one of a plurality of conversion rates And a conversion rate changing means capable of changing the conversion rate based on the change input received by the change input receiving means, and the number of balls possessed by the player corresponding to the game in the gaming machine A number-of-balls update unit capable of performing a process of increasing / decreasing, a discharge input receiving unit capable of receiving a discharge input for discharging the information storage medium from the reception unit, and the discharge A number-of-balls storage control unit that performs processing for storing the number of balls in association with the identifier of the information storage medium that is being received by the receiving unit based on the receipt of the discharge input by the input receiving unit; The number-of-balls storage control means performs a process of storing the number of balls in a distinguished manner for each of the plurality of conversion rates.

  According to a typical embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to perform processing for storing the number of balls held by a player in the gaming device in association with the identifier of the information storage medium.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a gaming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of game device 4 of a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the game hall management apparatus 1 of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information collection terminal device 3 of 1st Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram of a gaming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the card information of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the card information of the modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the main process of the card | curd control apparatus 720 of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the card | curd control process of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the ball holding control process of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the rate switching control process of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the game device 4 of the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the gaming system of the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the card | curd control process of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the rate switching process of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the game device 4 of the third embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the gaming system of the third embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the rate switching control process performed with the sand control apparatus 1400 of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the ball holding control process of 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

  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.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

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

  An internal network is provided inside the game hall, and a game hall management device (hall computer) 1 and an information collection terminal device 3 are connected to the internal network. Specifically, the information collection terminal device 3 is connected to the internal network via the relay device (router) 2. In the present embodiment, a plurality of information collection terminal devices 3 are provided in each island facility, and the information collection terminal device 3 provided in the same island facility is one relay device 2 provided in the island facility. Connected to. In this embodiment, one relay device 2 is provided in one island facility. However, any number of relay devices 2 may be provided in one island facility, and one relay device 2 is provided for each of a plurality of island facilities. May be provided.

  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, transfer of data to specific devices and transmission of command signals) and broadcast communication to a plurality of devices (for example, multicast) Or broadcast).

  The information collection terminal device 3 collects game data that is data related to the game played in the game device 4. The game hall management device 1 collects game data from each information collection terminal device 3 via an internal network, and monitors the operating state of each gaming machine 5 (see FIG. 2). The gaming apparatus 4 refers to the gaming machine 5 and the card unit 70 (see FIG. 2). In addition, the playground management device 1 is supplied with electricity from a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) 17 in the event of a power failure.

  A gaming device 4 is 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). ) Is generated. 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 unit 70 is configured to be connected to each gaming machine 5 in a one-to-one correspondence.

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

  A plurality of gaming devices 4 are installed in the island facility, and are configured by adding a card unit 70 to the gaming machine 5. Details of the gaming machine 5 and the card unit 70 will be described with reference to FIG.

  A 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 blinked to indicate that the abnormality has occurred in the island facility. Notify the amusement hall employees. 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.

  The calling lamp 14 is provided for each gaming device 4, and when an abnormality occurs in the gaming device 4 or the like, the lamp is turned on or blinked to indicate that the abnormality has occurred in the gaming device 4. Notify employees.

  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 registers information about the player in the player's membership card and issues a membership card.

  Next, the gaming apparatus 4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming apparatus 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming apparatus 4 includes a card unit 70 into which a storage medium (a prepaid card or the like) for storing a valuable value is inserted, and a gaming machine 5 that can actually play a game and pay out the gaming medium.

  First, the gaming machine 5 will be described.

  The gaming machine 5 according to the first embodiment of the present invention launches a gaming ball to the gaming area 51 by a launching device (not shown) arranged on the front side of the gaming machine 5 and a prize device (general winning prize) provided in the gaming area 51. The game balls led to the back side of the gaming machine 5 by winning the entrance 32, the start winning opening 34, or the special variable prize winning device 36), and the game balls that have flowed down to the lower end of the game area without winning the prize tool are collected. Thus, it is an enclosed ball type gaming machine in which the collected game balls can be launched again into the game area 51 by the launching device.

  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 (see FIG. 2) is housed 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 in which the display device 8 is provided is arranged substantially at the center. The display device 8 is attached to a recess 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 8 and is provided so as to protrude from the display area of the display device 8.

  The display device 8 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 display (variable display), and a special map variable display 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 8. Is provided.

  In the gaming machine 5, a game is played by launching a game ball (pachinko ball) from a launching device (not shown) toward the game area 51. The launched game balls flow down the game area 51 while changing the rolling direction by a direction changing member such as a nail or a windmill arranged 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 winning or out port 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 can easily win.

  The winning of the game ball to the general winning opening 32 is detected by a winning opening sensor 92 (see FIG. 5) that detects the winning opening to the general winning opening 32 provided in the general winning opening 32.

  The winning of the game ball to the start winning opening 34 is detected by a winning opening sensor 92 (see FIG. 5) that detects the winning of the starting winning opening 34. The special symbol random number counter value extracted by the passing timing of the game ball is stored as a special symbol winning memory (starting memory) in the special symbol memory area in the game control device 100 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) a predetermined number of times (for example, A maximum of 4 times) is stored. Then, the number stored in the start memory is displayed on the special figure storage display unit 611 of the special figure display unit 61 provided on the right side of the special variable winning device 36. The game control device 100 plays a special figure variation display game on the display device 8 based on the start memory.

  When there is a game ball winning at the start winning opening 34, the display device 8 has the identification information (special symbol) composed of the above-described numbers and the like on the left (first identification information), right (second identification information), middle The variable display is started in the order of (third identification information), and an image relating to the special figure variable display game is displayed. That is, in the display device 8, a special figure variation display game corresponding to the number of stored start memories is performed, and various displays are produced to improve the 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 figure result display unit 612 of the special figure display unit 61 stops at a single-digit special symbol which is a winning symbol, and the display device 8 is in a state where three special symbols are aligned (big hit symbol). Stop at. 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 a game ball is not accepted for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) by energizing the large prize opening solenoid 91 (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 a winning mouth sensor 92 (see FIG. 5) that detects the winning to the special variation winning device 36.

  The passing of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate 31 is detected by a normal diagram start sensor 92A (see FIG. 5). The normal symbol random number counter value extracted based on the passing timing of the game ball is stored in the normal symbol storage area in the game control device 100 as a normal symbol winning memory for a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of four times). And it is displayed on the common figure memory | storage display part 621 of the common figure display part 62 provided in the left side of the special fluctuation prize-winning apparatus 36. FIG.

  If there is a general-purpose winning memory, the game control device 100 starts a general-purpose variable display game in the general-purpose result display section 622 of the general-purpose display section 62 based on the general-purpose winning memory. In other words, 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), the normal diagram result display unit 622 The normal symbol displayed on the screen 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 wins the general winning opening 32, the start winning opening 34, or the special variable winning apparatus 36, the number of winning balls corresponding to the type of winning winning opening is the data of the number of balls held by the player. Is added.

  A game ball that has won a prize-winning tool (general prize-winning port 32, start-up prize-winning port 34 or special variable prize-winning device 36) and a game ball that has entered the out-port 39 are led to the back side of the gaming machine 5 and below the game board 50. And it collect | recovers by the collection | recovery apparatus which is not shown in figure provided above the launcher.

  Then, the game balls collected by the collecting device are guided to a launching device provided below the collecting device and stored in a position where the launching device can be launched.

  As a result, the game ball that has won the winning tool and the game ball that has entered the out port 39 are again launched into the game area 51 by the launching device.

  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 made up of a lamp, 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 10 is provided above the glass frame 18. A decoration device is provided inside the lighting unit 10.

  On the right side of the lighting unit 10, 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 front frame 19.

  A key hole 25 for locking the glass frame 18 is attached to the center right side of the front frame 19.

  A card unit 70 is provided below the front frame 19.

  The card unit 70 will be described in detail.

  The card unit 70 includes a card insertion slot 701 into which a player's card is inserted, a plurality of operation units 702 that can be operated by the player, and a display unit 703 that displays information related to the player's valuable value.

  The operation unit 702 terminates the game and is operated to temporarily stop the game when the player takes a break, a game end button 704 operated when the card inserted into the card insertion slot 701 is ejected. A break button 705, a rate switching button 706 operated when changing the valuable value (ball lending rate) per game ball lent to the player, and a predetermined time has elapsed since the break button 705 was operated. If the card is not inserted into the card slot 701, a reset button 707 operated by a store clerk in the game store to release the interrupted gaming state, an up button 708 operated when incrementing the current ball rental rate, A down button 709 operated when decrementing the current ball lending rate, a predetermined existence from the balance held by the player A ball lending button 26 that is operated to consume the value (for example, 500 yen) and add the number of valuable value consumed to the number of balls held, and a predetermined number of balls from the player's number of balls stored A stored-ball payout button 27 operated to add to the number is provided.

  Next, the display unit 703 includes a ball rental rate display unit 710 that displays a currently set ball rental rate, a balance display unit 711 that displays a valuable value (balance) stored in the player's prepaid card, A stored ball number display unit 712 that displays the number of stored balls acquired by the player in the game on another day, and a held ball number display unit 713 that displays the number of held balls for displaying the number of balls held by the player.

  When the player changes the ball lending rate, first, the rate switching button 706 is operated. Next, the player operates the up button 708 or the down button 709 to change the ball rental rate displayed on the ball rental rate display unit 710 to the ball rental rate that the player desires to change. Next, the player operates the rate switching button 706 again to set the ball rental rate to the changed ball rental rate.

  Below the card unit 70, a fixed panel 22 fixed to the front frame 19 is provided. The fixed panel 22 includes an ashtray 15, a speaker 30, and an operation handle 24 for the launching device.

  Further, when the player rotates the operation handle 24, the launching device launches the game balls collected by the collecting device to the game area 51.

  Next, 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.

  The I / O port 107 displays data collected from the information collection terminal device 3 such as a start winning signal and a start signal generated as a result of the game being executed by the gaming device 4 and the operating state of the game hall management device 1. And an output device 109 constituted by a display that notifies the occurrence of a special prize in the gaming machine 5 is connected. 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 17 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 as an information collecting unit that collects the start winning number for the operating unit and the starting number for the operating unit from the information collecting terminal device 3.

  Note that the timing at which the information collection terminal device 3 sends to the game hall management device 1 includes the case where the information collection terminal 3 is requested for information by polling from the game hall management device 1 and the occurrence of a predetermined event in the game device. In some cases, information is sent from the information collection terminal 3 to the game hall management device 1.

  Next, 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 first embodiment of this invention.

  The information collection terminal device 3 is provided with 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 (for example, a difference ball counter and a special prize signal timer) 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. In the area rewritable by the program of the EEPROM 306 and the ROM 307, a program used for collecting game data and player information is stored.

  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 functions as a first output unit and 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 game connection management device 1 is connected to the network connection terminal via a network cable. (Management special prize signal, data signal and command signal) are transmitted and received.

  The I / O port 309 is a parallel or serial input / output port and is connected to the gaming apparatus 4. In the external input / output terminal, data such as a prize ball signal, a special prize signal, a probability change signal, a start signal, a start winning signal and a glass frame / outer frame opening signal outputted from the gaming machine 5, a collection signal outputted from the collection device, etc. In addition, a ball lending signal output from the card unit 70 is input. The prize ball signal, the special prize signal, the probability variation signal, the start signal, the start winning prize signal, and the glass frame / outer frame release signal are received by directly communicating with the communication port 310 and the gaming microcomputer 401 of the gaming machine 5. You can also

  The communication port 310 communicates with a communication port of the gaming microcomputer 401 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 processor 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 accumulated 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 in the gaming system will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the gaming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming system includes a gaming device 4, an information collection terminal device 3, a game hall management device 1, and a prize POS9.

  The game apparatus 4 will be described.

  The gaming apparatus 4 includes a decorative member 16. An effect control device 150 that controls the speaker 30 and the display device 8, a game control device 100 that comprehensively controls games played in the gaming machine 5, a card control device 720 that controls the display unit 703 of the card unit 70, and the like.

  First, signals that are input to and output from the game control device 100 will be described.

  When a game ball wins the normal symbol starting gate 31, the general winning port 32, the starting winning port 34, or the special variable winning device 36), each winning port sensor / usual start sensor 92 detects the winning game ball, A winning signal is output to the game control device 100.

  When the gaming control device 100 detects that the glass frame 18 or the outer frame 12 of the gaming machine 5 is opened, the glass frame 18 or the outer frame 12 indicating that the glass frame 18 or the outer frame 12 is opened is opened. A glass frame / outer frame opening signal indicating this is output to the information collecting terminal device 3.

  When the game control apparatus 100 receives a winning signal, the winning opening sensor 92 that has output the winning signal is the normal starting sensor 92 of the normal symbol starting gate 31 or the winning opening sensor 92 of the general winning opening 32. Whether the start winning opening 34 is the winning opening sensor 92 or the special variable winning winning apparatus 36 is specified, and the process is branched depending on the type of the specified winning opening sensor 92.

  First, the processing of the game control device 100 when a winning signal is output by the normal symbol start sensor 92 of the normal symbol start gate 31 will be described.

  The game control device 100 executes the general variation display game, and when the result of the general variation display game is a win, the normal variation winning device 33 is opened for a predetermined time, and the game ball wins the start winning opening 34. In order to make it easy, a SOL control signal is output to the ordinary electric power SOL 90 that controls the normal variation winning device 33. Note that if the result of the normal-variation display game is out of play, the game control device 100 outputs nothing.

  Next, processing of the game control device 100 when a winning signal is output by the winning mouth sensor 92 of the general winning mouth 32 will be described.

  The game control device 100 outputs to the card control device 720 a prize ball number command for adding the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning of a game ball to the general prize opening 32 to the number of balls possessed by the player. In addition, the game control device 100 outputs to the information collecting terminal device 3 a prize ball signal that adds the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning of game balls to the general prize opening 32 to the number of prize balls up to the previous time.

  Next, processing of the game control device 100 of the game control device 100 when a winning signal is output by the winning port sensor 92 of the start winning port 34 will be described.

  When the game control device 100 receives a winning signal from the winning port sensor 92 of the starting winning port 34, the game control device 100 outputs a start signal / start winning signal indicating that the variable display game is started to the information collecting terminal device 3. In addition, the game control device 100 outputs to the card control device 720 a changing signal indicating that the changing display game is being executed.

  Then, the game control device 100 extracts the value of the special random number counter at the timing when the winning of the game ball to the start winning opening 34 is detected, and the value of the extracted special random number counter generates the special game state ( It is determined whether it is a big hit value.

  When the game control device 100 determines that the extracted value of the special random number counter is a jackpot value, the game control device 100 outputs a SOL control signal that makes the special variation winning device 36 easy to accept the game ball to the big winning opening SOL91.

  In addition, the game control device 100 outputs an effect control command to the effect control device 150 in order to cause the effect control device 150 to control the effect of the variable display game. The effect command includes a lottery result indicating whether the variation display game is a big hit or a loss, a variation display time for displaying the identification information in the variation display game, and the like.

  The game control device 100 receives an award signal indicating that the state of the gaming machine 5 is in the special game state when the production of the variable display game performed by the effect control device 150 is in the special game state. 3 and the card controller 720.

  Simultaneously with the process of determining whether or not the variable display game is a big hit or missed, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the state of the gaming machine 5 after the end of the variable display game is to be a certain change state or a short time state. judge. Then, if it is determined that the state of the gaming machine 5 is to be in the probability changing state or the time saving state, when the state of the gaming machine 5 is in the probability changing state or the time saving state after the presentation of the variation display game is finished, the gaming control device 100 The probability variation / time reduction signal is output to the information collecting terminal device 3 and the card control device 720.

  Note that even when the game control device 100 receives a winning signal from the winning port sensor 92 of the start winning port 34, if the effect control device 150 is performing the variation display game, the winning control is performed. The variation display game based on the signal cannot be immediately produced. Therefore, the game control device 100 increments the start memory number and outputs a start memory signal to the card control device 720 to notify the card control device 720 of the incremented start memory number.

  Then, as described above, the game control device 100 extracts the value of the special random number counter, determines whether or not the extracted value of the special random number counter is a value that generates a special gaming state (a jackpot), The effect control command is output to the effect control device 150.

  The effect control device 150 performs the effect of the variable display game corresponding to the received effect control command immediately after the variable display game in which the effect is currently being ended.

  Next, processing of the game control device 100 when a winning signal is output by the winning mouth sensor 92 of the special variable winning device 36 will be described.

  When the game control device 100 receives a winning signal from the winning opening sensor 92 of the special variable winning device 36, the game control device 100 determines the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning of the game ball to the special variable winning device 36, and holds the number of balls held by the player. Is output to the card controller 720. In addition, the game control device 100 outputs to the information collecting terminal device 3 a prize ball signal for adding the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning of the game ball to the special variable prize winning device 36 to the number of prize balls up to the previous time.

  Next, signals input to and output from the card control device 720 will be described.

  First, signals input to the card control device 720 will be described.

  Signals are input to the card control device 720 from the game control device 100 and various sensors (or various switches). Since the signals input from the game control device 100 have been described, description thereof will be omitted.

  The ball feed sensor 93 outputs a ball feed detection signal to the launch control device 180 when detecting the game ball sent (supplied) to the launch position of the launch device. Then, when receiving the ball feed signal, the launch control device 180 outputs the received ball feed signal to the card control device 720. The ball feed sensor 93 may output a ball feed signal to the card control device 720.

  When the ball control signal is received, the card control device 720 decrements the number-of-ball counter and increments the floating ball counter because the game ball has been launched. The floating ball counter is a counter that counts the number of game balls floating in the game area 51. In other words, the floating ball counter counts the number of game balls that have not been collected by the collection device via the winning device or the out port 39 among the game balls launched by the launch device.

  The out sensor 501 is provided in a collecting device that collects a game ball via the winning tool and the out port 39. When the collecting device collects one gaming ball, the out sensor 501 outputs an out detection signal to the card control device 720.

  When receiving the out detection signal, the card control device 720 decrements the floating ball counter because one game ball launched by the launching device has been collected. In addition, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are collected, the card control device 720 outputs a collection signal to the information collection terminal device 3.

  The foul sensor 502 outputs a foul detection signal when the game ball fired by the launching device does not reach the game area 51 because the firing force is weak.

  The card control device 720 decrements the ball count counter and increments the floating ball counter at the timing when the launching device fires the game ball even when the launched game ball does not reach the game area 51. Therefore, when the foul detection signal is received, the ball count counter is incremented and the floating ball counter is decremented.

  When detecting that the player has operated the ball lending button 26, the ball lending switch 26A outputs a ball lending signal to the card control device 720.

  When the card control device 720 receives the ball lending signal, the card control device 720 subtracts a preset valuable value (unit ball lending fee) consumed by one ball lending from the valuable value held by the player, The number of game balls for the rental fee is added to the number of balls possessed based on the current ball rental rate. Further, when the card control device 720 receives the ball lending signal, the card control device 720 outputs the ball lending signal to the information collecting terminal device 3.

  When the stored-ball payout switch 27A detects that the stored-ball payout button 27 has been operated by the player, it outputs a stored-ball payout signal to the card control device 720.

  When the card control device 720 receives the stored ball payout signal, the card control device 720 subtracts the preset number consumed by one payout of the stored ball from the stored ball number data, and the subtracted number of payouts is calculated as the current amount. It is added to the number of balls held based on the ball lending rate. In addition, when the card control device 720 receives the stored ball payout signal, the card control device 720 outputs the stored ball payout signal to the information collecting terminal device 3.

  When the break switch 705A detects that the break button 705 has been operated by the player, the break switch 705A outputs a break signal to the card control device 720.

  When receiving a break signal, the card control device 720 stores the identifier of the inserted card, and the current number of balls is set to the minimum ball lending rate (common ball lending rate) among settable lending rates. To the card reader / writer (R / W) 721, which is a command to write the common ball count data and balance data to the member card. , Eject the card. The common sphere lending rate is 1 yen.

  When the game end switch 704A detects that the game end button 704 has been operated by the player, the game end switch 704A outputs a game end signal to the card control device 720.

  When the card control device 720 receives a game end signal, the card control device 720 converts the current number of balls to the number of balls held when the ball lending rate is 1 yen (the number of common balls), the common ball number data and the balance Card rewriting information, which is an instruction to write data to the membership card, is output to the card R / W 721, and the card is ejected.

  When the rate change switch 706A detects that the player has operated the rate change button 706, it outputs a rate change signal to the card control device 720.

  When the card control device 720 receives the rate switching signal, the card control device 720 changes the ball rental rate to the ball rental rate designated by the player. Further, when receiving the rate switching signal, the card control device 720 outputs the rate switching signal to the information collecting terminal device 3.

  The reset switch 707A outputs a reset signal to the card control device 720 when detecting that the reset button 707 has been operated by a store clerk of the game store.

  When the card control device 720 receives the reset signal, it erases the stored card identifier when the break button 705 is operated so that the game can be executed even when another card is inserted. To do.

  The card control device 720 outputs a launch permission signal to the launch control device 180 when the player has a possession ball and has not changed the ball rental rate, and the launch control device 180 causes the game ball to be played. Allows to perform control to fire. On the other hand, the card control device 720 does not output a firing permission signal to the firing control device 180 when the player does not have a ball or when the ball lending rate is changed. Cannot execute a process for firing a game ball.

  When a member card is inserted into the card insertion slot 701, the card R / W 721 reads the card information stored in the inserted member card and outputs the read card information to the card control device 720.

  When the card control device 720 receives the card information, the card control device 720 outputs to the information collecting terminal device 3 a card information / card insertion signal indicating that the member card is inserted into the card insertion slot 701 and the member information of the member card. To do.

  The card control device 720 outputs a balance display signal to the balance display unit 711 so that the current balance data value is displayed on the balance display unit 711.

  The card controller 720 outputs a ball number display signal to the ball number display unit 713 so that the value of the current ball number data is displayed on the ball number display unit 713.

  The card controller 720 outputs a stored number display signal to the stored number display unit 712 so that the value of the current stored number data is displayed on the stored number display unit 712.

  The card control device 720 outputs a ball rental rate display signal to the ball rental rate display unit 710 so that the current ball rental rate is displayed on the ball rental rate display unit 710.

  The information collecting terminal device 3 transmits the collected data relating to the game (for example, the number of winnings at the start winning opening 34, the number of winning balls, the number of lents, etc.), card information, and the like as collected information to the game hall management device 1. . In addition, the game hall management device 1 transmits / receives card information to / from the prize POS9.

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

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of card information according to the first embodiment of this invention.

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

  Specifically, the card number 601 which is a unique identifier of the member card, the detailed member information 602 of the member, the balance 603 held by the member, the common ball data 604 held by the member, and the last updated membership card The last update date 605 indicating the date is stored in the membership card.

  The member information 602 includes a member's address, name, age, occupation, and a membership card PIN.

  The common ball data 604 includes the number of common balls. The number of common balls is obtained by converting the number of balls acquired by the member today to the number of balls corresponding to the common ball lending rate. For this reason, when the common ball data 604 in the case where the last update date 605 is not today is present in the membership card, the card controller 720 does not show the common ball data 604 included in the common ball data 604, although illustration is omitted. The number is stored as the stored ball number data, the common ball number included in the common ball data 604 is set to zero, and the last update date 605 is set to today's date.

  Next, a modification of the 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 a modification of the first embodiment of this invention.

  In the card information shown in FIG. 6, the number of balls held is stored in the member card as common ball data, but in the card information shown in FIG. 7, the number of balls held is converted and stored for each settable ball rental rate. The Although not shown in this modified example, if there is a ball number when the last update date is not today, the card controller 720 distinguishes the number of balls for each ball lending rate. It is stored as the number of stored balls.

  Specifically, the number of balls held is the number of balls held (606) for rate 1 (1 yen per ball), the number of balls held (607) for rate 2 (2 yen per ball), and rate 3 ( It is stored as the number of balls held (608) in the case of 4 balls per ball).

  In this way, storing the number of balls held for each settable ball rental rate is effective when the exchange rate differs for each ball rental rate.

  Next, main processing executed by the card control device 720 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of main processing of the card control device 720 according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  First, the card control device 720 receives input of signals from various sensors (or various switches) provided in the gaming machine 5 and executes input / output processing for outputting signals to various devices provided in the gaming machine 5 (801).

  Next, the card control device 720 executes card control processing that is processing when various operation buttons provided on the card unit 70 are operated (802). The card control process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  Next, the card control device 720 executes a ball holding control process of changing the value of the ball holding counter according to the gaming state (803). The holding ball control process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  Next, the card control device 720 executes a ball lending rate switching control process for changing the ball lending rate (804). Details of the ball rental rate switching control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  Next, the card control device 720 executes external information output processing for outputting various signals to the information collecting terminal device 3 after performing display control processing (805) for various display units (806), and processing in step 801 Return to.

  Next, the card control process which is the process of step 802 shown in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of card control processing according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  First, the card control device 720 determines whether or not a member card is inserted into the card insertion slot 701 (901).

  If it is determined in step 901 that the member card has not been inserted into the card insertion slot 701, the card control device 720 determines whether or not a break flag indicating that the break button 705 has been operated is set. Is determined (902).

  If it is determined in step 902 that the break flag is not set, the card control device 720 terminates the card control process because the member card is not inserted and the player is not resting, Return to the main process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step 902 that the break flag is set, the card control device 720 determines whether a condition for releasing the break flag is satisfied (903). ).

  The condition for releasing the break flag is, for example, that a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed since the break button 705 was operated.

  If it is determined in step 903 that the condition for releasing the break flag is satisfied, the card control device 720 releases the break flag (904), and performs the card control process. End and return to the main process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 903 that the condition for releasing the break flag is not satisfied, the card control device 720 ends the card control process without releasing the break flag. Return to the main process.

  If it is determined in step 901 that the member card is inserted in the card insertion slot 701, the card control device 720 sets a card insertion flag indicating that the member card is a valid member card. It is determined whether or not there is (905).

  When the member card is a legitimate member card, it means that the inserted member card is the same member card that has been ejected after the operation of the break button 705, and the member card is not resting. In some cases, all inserted membership cards are legitimate membership cards.

  If it is determined in step 905 that the card insertion flag is not set, the card control device 720 determines whether or not the inserted member card is a member card that may execute the card control process. The processing (906 to 909) to be executed is executed.

  Specifically, the card control device 720 acquires the card information stored in the membership card inserted into the card insertion slot 701 read by the card R / W 721 (906).

  Then, the card control device 720 determines whether or not the break flag is set (907).

  If it is determined in step 907 that the break flag is set, the member card identifier included in the card information acquired in step 906 is inserted when the break button 705 is operated. It is determined whether or not the identifier of the membership card inserted in the mouth 701 (identifier of the recording membership card) matches (908).

  If the identifier of the member card included in the card information acquired in the process of step 906 does not match the identifier of the member card inserted in the card insertion slot 701 when the break button 705 is operated, the process of step 908 If determined, the card control device 720 determines that the membership card inserted into the card insertion slot 701 is not a membership card that may execute the card control process, and ejects the membership card from the card insertion slot 701. (931), the card control process is terminated, and the process returns to the main process.

  On the other hand, if the identifier of the member card included in the card information acquired in the process of step 906 matches the identifier of the member card inserted into the card insertion slot 701 when the break button 705 is operated, the process of step 908 is performed. If it is determined at step 901, the card control device 720 determines that the member card inserted into the card insertion slot 701 is a member card that may execute the card control process, and sets a card insertion flag (909). The process proceeds to step 910.

  If it is determined in step 907 that the break flag is not set, the card controller 720 indicates that the member card inserted into the card insertion slot 701 is a member card that may execute the card control process. And the process proceeds to step 910.

  The processes in steps 910 to 912 are processes for converting the common ball data to the stored ball data when the common ball data stored in the member card is not the ball held by the game played today.

  First, the card control device 720 determines whether or not the number of common balls included in the common ball data included in the card information of the inserted member card is zero (910).

  If it is determined in step 910 that the number of common balls in the common ball data included in the card information of the inserted membership card is not zero, the common ball data is stored because there is no common ball number. Since there is no need to convert the data, the process proceeds to step 913.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 910 that the number of common balls in the common ball data included in the card information of the inserted member card is not zero, the card control device 720 determines that the card of the inserted member card It is determined whether the date of the last update date included in the information is today's date (911).

  If it is determined in the process of step 911 that the date of the last update included in the card information of the inserted membership card is today's date, the common ball data stored in the membership card is based on today's game. Since it is not necessary to convert the common ball data into the stored ball data, the process proceeds to step 913.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of step 911 that the date of the last update date included in the card information of the inserted member card is not today's date, the common ball data stored in the member card was performed today. Since the ball is not a game-based ball, the card control device 720 converts the common ball data into the stored ball data.

  Specifically, the card control device 720 stores the number of common balls in the common ball data as the number of balls stored, and sets the number of common balls in the common ball data to zero. Then, the card control device 720 rewrites the last update date of the stored ball data to today's date.

  Next, the card control device 720 determines whether or not a ball lending signal has been received from the ball lending switch 26A in order to determine whether or not it is necessary to execute a ball lending operation (913).

  If it is determined in step 913 that the ball lending signal has not been received from the ball lending switch 26A, the card control device 720 does not need to execute the ball lending operation, and thus proceeds to step 916.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 913 that the ball lending signal has been received from the ball lending switch 26A, the card control device 720 determines whether the number of common balls included in the common ball data of the card information is zero. It is determined whether or not (914).

  If it is determined in step 914 that the number of common balls in the common ball data is not zero, the player has acquired the ball in today's game, so that the ball acquired today can be reused. The card control device 720 subtracts the same number as the number of balls consumed in one ball lending calculated by dividing the unit ball lending rate by the common ball lending rate from the number of common balls held in the card information. . Then, the card control device 720 adds the same numerical value as the number of balls lent out by one sphere rental calculated by dividing the unit sphere rental rate by the current sphere rental rate to the sphere number counter (915). . In the present embodiment, the ball lending button 26 is also used without separately providing a ball re-use button, so that the re-use of the ball has priority over the ball lending.

  Accordingly, the card control device 720 allows the player to reuse the number of balls held corresponding to the current ball lending rate for the unit ball lending fee from the number of common balls held by the player.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 914 that the number of common balls in the common ball number data is zero, there is no ball acquired today, so a card can be rented out from the balance held by the player. The control device 720 determines whether or not the balance included in the balance information of the card information is zero (916).

  If it is determined in step 916 that the balance included in the balance information of the card information is not zero, the card control device 720 uses the balance to pay a unit ball rental fee in order to lend a game ball from the balance held by the player. Is subtracted (917).

  Then, the card control device 720 adds the number of balls lent by one sphere lending calculated by dividing the unit sphere lending rate by the current sphere lending rate to the number-of-balls counter (918).

  Thus, the player can reuse the number of balls corresponding to the current ball lending rate for the unit ball lending fee from the number of common balls held by the player.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 916 that the balance included in the balance information of the card information is zero, the game ball cannot be rented because there is no balance, and the process proceeds to step 919.

  Next, the card control device 720 adds the stored number of balls corresponding to a preset valuable value (unit stored ball payout fee) to the held ball number counter when the stored ball payout button 27 is operated once. In order to determine whether or not it is necessary to perform ball payout, it is determined whether or not a stored ball payout signal has been received from the stored ball payout switch 27A (919).

  If it is determined in step 919 that the storage payout signal is not received from the storage payout switch 27A, the storage payout button 27 is not operated, so there is no need to perform the storage payout card. The control device 720 proceeds to the process of step 923.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 919 that a stored ball payout signal has been received from the stored ball payout switch 27A, the stored ball payout button 27 has been operated, so the card control device 720 adds to the held ball number counter. In order to determine whether or not there is a stored ball, it is determined whether or not the number of stored balls is zero (920).

  If it is determined in the process of step 920 that the number of stored balls is not zero, the card control device 720 performs a one-time stored-ball payout calculated by dividing the unit-stored ball payout rate by the common ball lending rate. The number of payouts to be paid out is subtracted from the number of stored balls (921).

  Then, the card control device 720 adds the number of payouts calculated by dividing the unit storage ball payout amount by the common ball lending rate to the number-of-balls counter (922).

  As a result, the card control device 720 can pay out a game ball to be paid out by one pay-out of stored balls from the stored balls held by the player.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 920 that the number of stored balls is zero, the player does not have a stored ball and therefore cannot pay out the stored ball. Therefore, the process proceeds to step 923.

  Next, the card control device 720 refers to the floating ball counter in order to execute the processing when the break button 705 is operated and the processing when the game end button 704 is operated. It is determined whether or not (923).

  If it is determined in step 923 that there is a floating ball, the floating ball may win the prize-winning tool, and the value of the number-of-ball counter may change, and the game cannot be interrupted or terminated. The card control device 720 ends the card control process without executing the process when the break button 705 is operated and the process when the game end button 704 is operated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 923 that there is no floating ball, the value of the holding ball counter does not change, and the game can be interrupted or terminated, so the card control device 720 takes a break from the break switch 705A. It is determined whether a signal has been received (924).

  If it is determined in step 924 that the break signal has not been received from the break switch 705A, the card control device 720 does not need to perform a process of taking a break, and thus proceeds to step 926.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 924 that a break signal has been received from the break switch 705A, a break flag is set as a process for taking a break, and the unique identification included in the card information of the inserted member card The card number 601 as information is stored and the process proceeds to step 927 (925).

  If it is determined in step 924 that a break signal has not been received from the break switch 705A, it is determined whether a game end signal has been received from the game end switch 704A (926).

  If it is determined in step 926 that the game end signal has not been received from the game end switch 704A, the card control device 720 does not need to perform a process for ending the game, and thus ends the card control process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 926 that a game end signal has been received from the game end switch 704A, the card control device 720 proceeds to step 927 in order to perform a process of ending the game.

  In step 927, the current number of balls is converted into the number of common balls in order to reduce the information stored in the membership card as compared to the case where the number of balls is stored for each ball lending rate.

  Specifically, the card control device 720 multiplies the number of balls held by the value of the number of balls held by the current ball lending rate, and divides the multiplied value by the common ball lending rate. By acquiring the smallest integer among the obtained values, the current number of balls is converted into the number of common balls, and the converted number of common balls is added to the number of common balls in the card information.

  Then, when the number of end balls is generated when converting the current number of balls to the common number of balls, the card control device 720 adds the number of end balls to the number of common balls in the card information (928). .

  The number of odd balls is the remainder of multiplying the number of balls held by the current ball lending rate and dividing the multiplied value by the common ball lending rate, so that the multiplied value is not divisible by the common ball lending rate. . Then, when the remainder is multiplied, the card control device 720 adds 1 to the number of common balls in the card information.

  Next, the card control device 720 writes the balance information and the number of common balls that are temporarily stored in the card control device 720 to the membership card inserted in the card insertion slot 701 (929).

  Then, the card control device 720 erases the number of held balls, the number of end balls, the number of common balls, the balance, and the card insertion flag temporarily stored in the card control device 720 (930), and enters the card insertion slot 701. The inserted membership card is discharged (931), and the card control process is terminated.

  Next, the ball holding control process which is the process of step 803 shown in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the ball holding control process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the card control device 720 determines whether or not a card insertion flag is set (1001).

  If the card insertion flag is not set in step 1001, the membership card is not inserted into the card insertion slot 701. Therefore, the ball holding control process is terminated without executing the ball holding control process. Return to processing.

  On the other hand, when the card insertion flag is set in step 1001, the card control device 720 determines whether or not a rate switching flag indicating that the ball lending rate is being changed is set. (1002). The rate switching flag is set in step 1110 shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in the processing of step 1002 that the rate switching flag is set, the launching device is prohibited from firing game balls, and there is no floating ball. Since there is no possibility that the value is changed, the ball holding control process is terminated and the process returns to the main process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1002 that the rate switching flag is not set, the value of the ball holding counter may be changed. It is determined whether or not the value is zero (1003).

  If it is determined in step 1003 that the value of the possessed ball number counter is not zero, the player has a possessed ball, and therefore outputs a launch permission signal permitting the launch control device to launch the game ball. (1004).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1003 that the value of the number-of-ball counter is zero, the player does not have a ball, so the launch control device is not allowed to launch the game ball, The process proceeds to step 1005.

  Next, the card control device 720 determines whether or not a ball feed signal has been received (1005).

  If it is determined in step 1005 that a ball feed signal has been received, a game ball has been fired from the launching device, so the card control device 720 decrements the value of the number-of-balls counter (1006), and the floating ball The counter value is incremented (1007).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1005 that the ball feed signal has not been received, the game ball is not being fired from the launching device. move on.

  Next, the card control device 720 determines whether or not it has received a foul ball detection signal for detecting a game ball (foul ball) that has been fired from the launch device and returned to the launch device without reaching the game area 51. Determine (1008).

  If it is determined in step 1008 that the foul ball detection signal has been received, the launched game ball is detected by the ball feed sensor 93 even though it has not reached the game area 51. In the processing of 1006 and 1007, the ball count counter is decremented and the floating ball counter is incremented. Therefore, the card control device 720 increments the decremented ball count counter (1009) and decrements the incremented floating ball counter (1010). Thereby, the card control device 720 can return the value of the holding ball number counter and the value of the floating ball counter before the game ball is fired from the launching device.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1008 that the foul ball detection signal has not been received, it is necessary to return to the value of the holding ball counter and the value of the floating ball counter before the game ball is launched from the launching device. Therefore, the process proceeds to step 1011 without executing steps 1009 and 1010.

  Next, the card control device 720 determines whether or not a prize ball signal is received (1011).

  If it is determined in step 1011 that the prize ball signal has been received, the card control device 720 has received the game balls for the number of prize balls included in the prize ball signal. The number of prize balls included in the prize ball signal is added to the possession ball number counter (1012).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1011 that the prize ball signal has not been received, the card control device 720 proceeds to step 1013 without executing step 1012.

  Next, the card control device 720 determines whether or not an out-sphere signal is received (1013).

  If it is determined in step 1013 that an out-sphere signal has been received, the floating ball has been collected by the collection device, so the card control device 720 decrements the value of the floating ball counter (1014) and holds it. The ball control process ends, and the process returns to the main process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1013 that the out ball signal has not been received, the card control device 720 ends the ball holding control process without executing the process in step 1014, and returns to the main process. .

  Next, the rate switching control process that is the process of step 804 shown in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the rate switching control process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

  First, the card control device 720 determines whether or not a card insertion flag indicating that a card is inserted is set (1101).

  If the card insertion flag is not set in the processing of step 1101, the membership card is not inserted into the card insertion slot 701. Therefore, the rate switching control processing is not executed without restricting the rate switching. End the process and return to the main process.

  On the other hand, if the card insertion flag is set in step 1101, the card control device 720 determines whether or not a rate switching flag indicating that the ball lending rate is being changed is set. (1102). The rate switching flag is set in step 1110.

  If it is determined in step 1102 that the rate switching flag is set, the process proceeds to step 1111 in order to change the ball rental rate.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step 1102 that the rate switching flag is not set, the card control device 720 determines whether a rate switching signal is received from the rate switching switch 706A (1103).

  If it is determined in step 1103 that the rate switching signal has not been received, it is not necessary to change the ball lending rate, so the rate switching control process is terminated and the process returns to the main process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1103 that the rate switching signal has been received, the card control device 720 outputs a launch permission signal that permits the launch control device to launch a game ball in order to change the ball rental rate. Is stopped (1104), and the launch of the game ball is prohibited.

  Next, the card control device 720 determines whether or not the state of the gaming machine 5 is a state in which the ball rental rate can be changed by executing the processing of steps 1105 to 1109.

  First, the card control device 720 determines whether or not a special prize signal is received from the game control device 100 in order to determine whether or not the gaming machine 5 is in the special gaming state (1105).

  If it is determined in step 1105 that a special prize signal has been received from the gaming control device 100, that is, if it is determined that the state of the gaming machine 5 is in the special gaming state, If the ball lending rate is higher than the ball lending rate of the game ball that has generated the game state, the valuable value of the game ball acquired by the player in the special game state becomes unreasonably high. Accordingly, when the gaming machine 5 is in the special gaming state, the card control device 720 ends the rate switching control process without changing the ball rental rate even if the rate switching button 706 is operated. Return to the main process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1105 that the special signal is not received from the game control device 100, that is, if it is determined that the state of the gaming machine 5 is not the special game state, the card control device 720 determines that the game In order to determine whether or not the state of the machine 5 is in the probability change / time reduction, it is determined whether a probability change / time reduction signal is received from the game control device 100 (1106).

  If it is determined in step 1106 that a probability change / short time signal has been received from the game control apparatus 100, that is, if it is determined that the state of the gaming machine 5 is the probability change / short time, the probability change / short time In addition, if the ball lending rate is higher than the ball lending rate of the game ball that has caused a probabilistic / short-time state, the value of the game ball that the player will acquire in the probable / short-time state will become unreasonably high. . Therefore, the card control device 720 ends the rate switching control process without changing the ball lending rate even when the rate switching button 706 is operated when the state of the gaming machine 5 is short in time or certain. Return to the main process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1106 that the probability change / short time signal has not been received from the game control device 100, that is, if it is determined that the state of the gaming machine 5 is not in the probability change / short time state, the card control device 720 determines whether or not a start memory signal is received from the game control device 100 in order to determine whether or not the start memory exists in the special figure storage area of the game control device 100 (1107).

  If it is determined in step 1107 that the start memory signal has been received from the game control device 100, that is, if it is determined that the start memory exists in the special control memory area of the game control device 100, the start memory exists. If the ball lending rate is higher than the ball lending rate of the winning ball in the starting memory while the player is playing, the player gets when the special game state occurs in the variable display game based on the starting memory The value of gaming balls will be unduly high. Therefore, when there is a start memory in the special figure storage area of the game control device 100, the card control device 720 does not change the ball lending rate even if the rate switching button 706 is operated, and the rate switching control process To return to the main process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1107 that the start memory signal has not been received from the game control device 100, that is, if it is determined that there is no start memory in the special figure storage area of the game control device 100, the card In order to determine whether or not the variable display game is being executed, the control device 720 determines whether or not a variable signal is received from the game control device 100 (1108).

  If it is determined in step 1108 that the changing signal is received from the game control apparatus 100, that is, if it is determined that the variable display game is being executed, the variable display is performed during the execution of the variable display game. If the ball lending rate is higher than the ball lending rate of the game ball that generated the game, the valuable value of the game ball that the player acquires when a special game state occurs in the running variable display game is unfair It will be very high. Therefore, when there is a start memory in the special figure storage area of the game control device 100, the card control device 720 does not change the ball lending rate even if the rate switching button 706 is operated, and the rate switching control process To return to the main process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1108 that the changing signal is not received from the game control device 100, that is, if it is determined that the changing display game is not being executed, the card control device 720 determines that the game area 51 In order to determine whether or not there is a floating sphere, it is determined whether or not the value of the floating sphere counter is zero (1109).

  If it is determined in step 1109 that the floating ball counter is not zero, that is, if it is determined that there is a floating ball in the game area 51, the floating ball is launched in a state where the floating ball exists in the game area 51. If the ball lending rate is higher than the ball lending rate of the game ball at the time of the game, if the floating ball existing in the game area 51 wins the prize tool, the valuable value of the game ball that the player acquires is unfair It will be high. Accordingly, when there is a floating ball in the game area 51, the card control device 720 ends the rate switching control process without changing the ball lending rate even if the rate switching button 706 is operated, and the main process. Return to.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1109 that the floating ball counter is not zero, that is, if it is determined that there is no floating ball in the gaming area 51, the card control device 720 determines that the state of the gaming machine 5 is the ball rental. It is determined that the rate can be changed, and a rate switching flag indicating that the ball lending rate is being changed is set (1110).

  Next, the card control device 720 determines whether or not a rate update input has been received (1111).

  Specifically, the card control device 720 detects a detection signal from an up button detection switch (not shown) that detects that the up button 708 has been operated, or down button detection that detects that the down button 709 has been operated. It is determined whether a detection signal is received from a switch (not shown).

  If it is determined in step 1111 that the rate update input has been received, the card control device 720 changes the ball lending rate (1112).

  Specifically, when the detection signal from the up button detection switch is received, the card control device 720 increments the ball rental rate. When the detection signal from the down button detection switch is received, the card control device 720 decrements the ball rental rate.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1111 that the rate update input has not been received, the process proceeds to step 1113 without changing the ball rental rate.

  Next, the card control device 720 determines whether or not a rate switching confirmation input has been received (1113).

  Specifically, after receiving the detection signal from the up button detection switch or the detection signal from the down button detection switch, the card control device 720 determines whether or not the rate switching signal from the rate change switch 706A is received. To do.

  If it is determined in step 1113 that the rate switching confirmation input has been received, the card control device 720 stores the changed ball rental rate as the determined ball rental rate (1114).

  Next, the card control device 720 performs the processing of steps 1115 to 1120 in order to convert the number of balls held before the ball rental rate is changed into the number of balls held after the change corresponding to the ball rental rate after the change. Run.

  First, the card control device 720 converts the current number of balls specified by the value of the ball holding counter before the ball lending rate is changed into a common ball holding number corresponding to the common ball lending rate (1115). . Specifically, the card control device 720 multiplies the current number of balls held by the ball lending rate before the ball lending rate is changed, and divides the multiplied value by the common ball lending rate, thereby The number of balls held before the rental rate is changed is converted into the number of common balls (temporarily stored in the RAM).

  Then, the card control device 720 determines whether or not the edge ball number data exists (stored in the RAM) (1116). The hemispherical number data is set in the process of step 1120.

  If it is determined in step 1116 that the ball count data is present, the card control device 720 adds the ball count to the common ball count converted in step 1115 (1117). Proceed to processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1116 that there is no fractional ball data, the card control device 720 does not need to add the fractional ball number to the common possessed ball number converted in step 1115. The process proceeds to step 1118 without executing the process in step 1107.

  Next, the card control device 720 converts the number of common balls obtained by converting the number of balls held before the ball lending rate is changed into the number of balls held after change corresponding to the ball lending rate after change (1118). ).

  Specifically, the card control device 720 multiplies the common ball number obtained by converting the number of balls before the ball lending rate is changed by the common ball lending rate, and the multiplied value is changed. By dividing by the rate, the number of common balls converted from the number of balls before the ball lending rate is changed is converted to the number of balls held after the change. For example, assuming that there are 1000 balls at 4 yen / piece, if the ball lending rate is changed to 2 yen / piece, the number of balls held at 1000 pieces is equal to the number of common balls (1 yen / piece). First) is converted into 4000 balls, and then converted into 2000 balls according to the changed ball lending rate (2 yen / piece).

  Then, the card controller 720 converts the number of balls held before the ball lending rate is changed into the number of balls held after the change corresponding to the ball lending rate after the change (1115 to 1118), Whether or not has occurred is determined (1119).

  If it is determined in step 1119 that the number of edge balls has occurred, the card control device 720 stores the edge ball number data in the RAM (1120), and the change of the ball lending rate has been completed. (1121), the rate switching control process is terminated, and the process returns to the main process.

  Note that the number of odd balls added to the number of common balls in the process of step 1116 is the number of odd balls generated in the previous ball lending rate changing process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1119 that the number of edge balls has not occurred, the change of the ball lending rate has been completed, so the setting of the rate switching flag is canceled (1121), and the rate switching control processing is performed. End and return to the main process.

  Note that the common number of balls is added to the common number of balls in the card information, and the ball lending button 26 is pressed as in step 915 so that it can be reused and added to the number of held balls counter. Good.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the first embodiment, the card unit 70 is integrated with the gaming machine. However, in the second embodiment, the card unit 120 is provided separately on the side of the gaming machine 5, and the gaming machine 5 has an operation panel 70A. As shown, an operation unit and a display unit are provided. In addition, the structure same as 1st Embodiment among the structures of 2nd Embodiment gives the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description.

  FIG. 12 is a front view of the gaming apparatus 4 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming apparatus 4 of the second embodiment includes a gaming machine 5, an operation panel 70A, and a card unit 120.

  The operation panel 70A is different from the card unit 70 of the first embodiment in that the operation panel 70A does not include the card insertion unit 701.

  The card unit 120 includes a card insertion portion 1201, a bill insertion portion 1202 for inserting a bill, and a keyhole 1203 for locking an opening / closing operation around a hinge (not shown) of the opening / closing door 1204 of the sand 120.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a gaming system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming device 4 of the second embodiment includes an encapsulated ball control device 1300 instead of the card control device 720 of the first embodiment.

  The enclosing ball control device 1300 executes processing other than the card control processing of the card control device 720 of the first embodiment.

  The card unit 120 includes a card unit control device 1400 that controls the card unit 120 and executes card control processing.

  The enclosing ball control device 1300 includes a ball feed signal from the launch control device 180, an out detection signal from the out sensor 501, a foul detection signal from the foul sensor 502, a ball lending signal from the ball lending switch 26A, and a ball from the storage payout switch 27A. A payout signal, a break signal from the break switch 705A, a game end signal from the game end switch 704A, a rate switch signal from the rate switch 706A, and a reset signal from the reset switch 707A are input.

  Then, the enclosed ball control device 1300 transfers the ball lending signal, the stored ball payout signal, the break signal, and the game end signal to the sand control device 1400. The enclosing ball control device 1300 outputs the possessed ball number data and the end ball number data to the card unit control device 1400 as game data.

  In addition, the enclosed ball control device 1300 and the card unit control device 1400 communicate control information related to ball lending.

  The card unit control device 1400 includes a card reader / writer (R / W) 1401. The card unit control device 1400 acquires the card information stored in the card when the card information is input from the card R / W 1401. Further, the card unit control device 1400 writes information to the card by outputting the card rewriting information to the card R / W 1401.

  Further, the card unit control device 1400 outputs card information, a ball lending signal and a stored ball payout signal to the information collecting terminal device 3. The card unit control device 1400 outputs a balance display signal to the balance display unit 711 provided in the operation panel 70A, and performs display control of the balance display unit 711. The card unit controller 1400 outputs a stored number display signal to the stored number display unit 712 provided in the operation panel 70A, and performs display control of the stored number display unit 712.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart of card control processing executed by the card unit control device 1400 according to the second embodiment of this invention.

  Of the card control processing executed by the card unit control device 1400 of the second embodiment, the same processing as the card control processing of the first embodiment is given the same reference numeral as in FIG.

  In FIG. 14, a process for determining whether or not the ball lending button 26 has been operated (1413), a process for determining whether or not the stored ball payout button 27 has been operated (1419), and whether or not the break button 705 has been operated. 9 is different from the card control process of FIG. 9 (1424) and the process of determining whether or not the game end button 704 has been operated.

  Specifically, the card unit control device 26 determines whether or not the ball lending button 26 is operated depending on whether or not a ball lending signal is received, and whether or not a ball lending signal is received. It is determined whether or not the game payout button 27 has been operated, and whether or not the break button 705 has been operated is determined based on whether or not a break signal has been received, and whether or not a game end signal has been received. Thus, it is determined whether or not the game end button 704 has been operated.

  Further, in the process of step 929, the card unit control device 1400 transmits the balance information and the common ball number data to the game hall internal management device 1 via the information collection terminal device 3.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the rate switching process executed by the enclosed ball control apparatus 1300 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that, among the rate switching processing executed by the enclosed ball control device 1300 of the second embodiment, the same processing as the rate switching processing of the first embodiment is assigned the same number as in FIG. 10 and description thereof is omitted.

  The only difference from FIG. 10 is that after the enclosing ball control device 1300 stores the number-of-balls data (1120), a transmission command for the rate switching signal to be output to the card unit control device 1400 is set (1501). .

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the third embodiment, the display device 160 provided in the card unit 120 includes a rate switching button 1601, a storage and payout button 1602, a ball lending button 1603, and a display switching button 1604.

  FIG. 16 is a front view of the gaming apparatus 4 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Note that, among the configurations of the third embodiment, the same configurations as those of the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  The gaming apparatus 4 of the third embodiment includes a gaming machine 5, an operation panel 70A, and a card unit 120.

  In the vicinity of the center of the card unit 120, a display device 160 for displaying a ball lending rate, the number of balls held, a balance, the number of stored balls, and the like is provided.

  The display device 160 includes a rate switching button 1601, a stored-ball payout button 1602, a ball lending button 1603, and a display switching button 1604.

  The rate switching button 1601 includes a rate switching start button 1605 and a rate update button 1606.

  The rate switching start button 1605 corresponds to the rate switching button 706 of the first embodiment, and the rate update button 1606 corresponds to the up button 708 and the down button 709 of the first embodiment.

  That is, the player operates the rate switching button 1605 first, operates the rate update button 1606 up to a desired ball rental rate, and finally operates the rate switching button 1605 again to change the ball rental rate.

  For example, the rate update button 1606 functions as a down button when a long press operation is performed once, and functions as an up button when the long press operation is not performed.

  The stored ball payout button 1602 corresponds to the stored ball payout button 27 of the first embodiment, and the ball loan button 1603 corresponds to the ball loan button 26 of the first embodiment.

  A display switching button 1604 is a button for switching contents displayed on the display device 1600.

  A reset button 1205 is provided at a position that can be operated only when the key is inserted into the keyhole 1203 to unlock the door 1204 of the card unit 120 and the door 1204 is opened. For example, the reset button 1607 is provided on the back side of the opening / closing door 1204.

  Accordingly, the reset button 1607 can be operated only when the opening / closing door 1204 is opened, and therefore can be operated only by a store clerk of the amusement store.

  On the other hand, the operation panel 70 </ b> A includes a game end button 704, a break button 705, and a ball count display unit 713.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a gaming system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In addition, about the structure of the game system of 3rd Embodiment, about the same structure as the game system of 2nd Embodiment, the same code | symbol is provided and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The encapsulated ball control device 1300 outputs the held ball number data to the card unit control device 1400 when the held ball number data is updated by the game. The card unit controller 1400 also updates the updated ball number data when the ball number data is updated by ball lending, and when the ball number data is updated by changing the ball lending rate. The data is output to the card unit controller 1400.

  The enclosed ball control device 1300 outputs a start memory signal, a changing signal, a special award signal, a probability change / short time signal, a break signal, and a game end signal to the card unit control device 1400.

  The card unit control device 1400 controls the content displayed on the display device 160 by outputting a display control signal to the display device 160.

  The card unit control device 1400 receives a rate switching signal from the rate switching switch 1601A, a reset signal from the reset switch 1607A, a ball lending signal from the ball lending switch 1603A, and a ball paying out signal from the ball paying out switch 1602A.

  Further, the card unit control device 1400 outputs a rate switching signal indicating that the ball lending rate has been changed to the information collecting terminal device 3 and the enclosed ball control device 1300.

  The card unit control device 1400 executes the same card control process (FIG. 14) as in the second embodiment.

  Next, rate switching control processing executed by the card unit control apparatus 1400 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the rate switching control process executed by the card unit control apparatus 1400 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  Of the rate switching control processing executed by the card unit control apparatus 1400 of the third embodiment, the same processing as the rate switching control processing (FIG. 10) of the first embodiment is given the same reference numeral, and description thereof is omitted. To do.

  If it is determined in step 1103 that the rate changeover switch 1106 has been operated, the card unit control device 1400 encloses a rate changing signal to notify the enclosing ball control device 1300 that the lending rate will be changed. It outputs to the ball | bowl control apparatus 1300 (1801).

  Note that when the enclosing ball control device 1300 receives the rate switching signal, the launching device does not allow the launching device to launch the game ball, so the launching device cannot launch the game ball.

  After calculating the number-of-balls data corresponding to the changed ball lending rate in step 1118, the card unit control device 1400 transmits the calculated number-of-balls data to the encapsulated ball control device 1300. Set to send buffer.

  Then, after the processing of step 1120 is executed, the rate switching information is transmitted to the information collection terminal device 3 and the enclosed ball control device 1300 in order to transmit the rate switching information indicating that the change of the ball lending rate has ended. Set to.

  Next, the ball holding control process executed by the enclosed ball control device 1300 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the ball holding control process according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  The enclosing ball control apparatus 1300 determines whether or not a rate switching signal is received from the card unit control apparatus 1400 (1901).

  If it is determined in step 1901 that the rate switching signal has not been received from the card unit control device 1400, the enclosing ball control device 1300 determines that the card unit control device 1400 has no If the ball count data has been updated, whether or not the ball count data has been received from the card unit controller 1400 in order to add the updated number of balls to the ball count counter of the enclosed ball controller 1300 Is determined (1902).

  When it is determined in the process of step 1902 that the number-of-balls data has been received from the card unit controller 1400, the encapsulated ball controller 1300 uses the number of balls in the received ball-number data to It adds to the number-of-ball counter (1903), and proceeds to the processing of step 1003.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1902 that the number-of-balls data has not been received from the card unit control device 1400, the enclosed ball control device 1300 proceeds to the processing in step 1003.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1901 that the rate switching signal is received from the card unit control device 1400, the enclosing ball control device 1300 sets a rate switching flag (1904), and the ball rental rate. If the number-of-balls data of the card unit controller 1300 has been updated due to the change in the number of balls, the number-of-balls data from the card unit controller 1400 is updated in order to update the number of balls held in the enclosed ball controller 1300 It is determined whether or not it has been received (1905).

  If it is determined in step 1905 that the number-of-balls data has not been received from the card unit controller 1400, the enclosed ball controller 1300 updates the number-of-balls counter based on the received number of balls. (1906), the rate switching flag is canceled (1907), and the ball holding control process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1905 that the number-of-balls data has not been received from the card unit control device 1400, the enclosed ball control device 1300 does not execute the processing in steps 1906 and 1907, End the process.

  In the first to third embodiments, the valuable value consumed by one ball lending is consumed from the player's valuable value (balance information, stored ball information, or common ball number information) stored in the card. However, the valuable value of the player may not be stored in the card, and may be a server (for example, the game hall internal management device 1) or cash.

  Further, the number of balls calculated by dividing the cash inserted into the card unit 120 by the current ball lending rate may be added to the number-of-ball counter.

  In addition, it is possible to set the balance information that can be returned to cash by reimbursement of valuable value, the fee to be charged when reused, the storage information that can be exchanged for prizes, and the fee when reused. However, it is divided into common number-of-balls information that can be exchanged for prizes, but it is not necessary to provide stored-ball information if no fee is charged for reuse.

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

  By the way, in the conventional gaming apparatus, the setting of the ball rental rate can be changed only on the game hall side. For this reason, if the gaming device that the player desires to play is not set to the player's favorite ball rental rate, the player will be dissatisfied, which is one reason for the decrease in the rate of attracting customers. Become. In addition, if a store clerk changes the ball rental rate during business hours, too much work is required, and normal services cannot be satisfied satisfactorily. Therefore, if the player can set the preferred ball rental rate, the above-mentioned problems are solved. However, if the player can set a preferred ball rental rate, the player may be advantageous by changing the ball rental rate (conversion rate) depending on the state of the game being executed on the gaming device (game machine). The game hall side or the player side suffers an unfair disadvantage.

  Therefore, as a gaming apparatus that allows a player to set a favorite conversion rate while maintaining a fair profit balance between a game arcade and a player, the following can be cited.

  (1) It is provided with a conversion means for converting the valuable value possessed by the player into the number-of-balls information at a preset conversion rate, and based on the number-of-balls information, the game ball is launched into the game area by the launching device. In the gaming apparatus that performs the game for updating the number-of-balls information, collects the game balls flowing down the game area, and supplies the game balls to the launching device again, the game balls are used in circulation. Setting change operation means for accepting a player's operation for changing the conversion rate to a desired conversion rate, conversion rate changing means for changing the conversion rate based on the operation accepted by the change operation means, Condition establishment determination means for determining whether or not the condition for changing the conversion rate is established by determining the state of the game being performed in the gaming device; The conversion rate changing means changes the conversion rate based on an operation received by the change operating means when it is determined by the condition establishment determining means that a condition for changing the conversion rate is satisfied. A gaming device characterized by that.

  (2) The condition establishment determining means includes a floating sphere determining means for determining whether or not there is a floating sphere in a state from when it is launched to the game area by the launching device until it is collected. (1) The gaming apparatus according to (1), wherein when the ball determining unit determines that there is no floating ball, the condition for changing the conversion rate is satisfied.

  (3) The gaming device executes an auxiliary game based on establishment of a start condition, generates a specific game state advantageous to a player based on a result of the auxiliary game, and the condition establishment determination means includes the specific game state A condition for changing the conversion rate when the specific gaming state determination unit determines that the specific gaming state has not occurred, and includes a specific gaming state determination unit that determines whether or not (1) or (2), the game device according to claim 1, wherein the game device is determined to be established.

  (4) The gaming device executes an auxiliary game based on establishment of a start condition, generates a specific game state advantageous to a player based on the result of the auxiliary game, and is established in a state where the auxiliary game cannot be immediately executed. The start condition is configured to be stored as a start memory for executing the auxiliary game, and the condition establishment determination means determines whether or not the auxiliary game is in an execution state and / or whether or not the start memory is present. By determining, it has unconfirmed auxiliary game determination means for determining whether or not there is an auxiliary game whose result is unconfirmed, and the auxiliary game whose result is unconfirmed is determined by the unconfirmed auxiliary game determination means. The game apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein when it is determined that the conversion rate does not exist, it is determined that a condition for changing the conversion rate is satisfied.

  (5) Provided with ball number information converting means for converting the ball number information into ball number information corresponding to the changed conversion rate when the conversion rate is changed by the conversion rate changing unit. The gaming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), characterized in that:

  (6) Any one of (1) to (5), characterized in that it includes a firing prohibiting means for prohibiting the launching device from firing a game ball when the conversion rate is changed by the conversion rate changing means. The gaming device according to one.

  (7) The gaming device includes an accepting unit that accepts an information storage medium that stores a valuable value and a unique identifier possessed by the player, and an interrupting operation unit that accepts an operation of the player to interrupt the game being executed. And the conversion means specifies the valuable value held by the player from the valuable value information stored in the information storage medium received by the receiving unit, and the specified valuable value at the conversion rate. When the interruption operation means accepts the player's operation, the identifier stored in the information storage medium accepted by the acceptance unit is stored, and the game is being suspended. An interruption control state setting means for setting an interruption control state indicating that, and when the interruption operation means accepts a player's operation, the holding ball on the information storage medium accepted by the acceptance unit When the interruption control state is set by the discharge control means for discharging the information storage medium after storing the information and the interruption control state setting means, the stored identifier other than the information storage medium is accepted. The gaming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6), further comprising: a reception regulating unit that regulates.

  (8) The gaming device includes a break release operation means for accepting an operation by a game hall operator for releasing the break control state set by the break control state setting means, and the conversion unit includes the break unit. (7) characterized in that it has interruption control state release means for releasing the interruption control state set by the interruption control state setting means when the release operation means accepts an operation by an operator of the game hall. Gaming equipment.

  It is an object of the inventions of the above (1) to (8) to provide a gaming apparatus that allows a player to set a favorite conversion rate while maintaining a fair profit balance between the game arcade and the player.

  According to the invention of (1), the conversion rate is changed based on the operation accepted by the change operation means when it is determined by the condition establishment determination means that the condition for changing the conversion rate is satisfied. By changing the conversion rate, the player becomes advantageous and the game hall is not disadvantaged, and the player's favorite conversion rate can be set while keeping the profit balance between the game hall and the player fair. .

  According to the invention of (2), the conversion rate is not changed in a state where a game ball (floating ball) whose game result has not been determined exists in the game region, so it is launched into the game region before the conversion rate is changed. The result of the game using the game ball does not affect the game after the change of the conversion rate. Therefore, since the game before and after the change of the conversion rate can be processed separately, even if the player's favorite conversion rate is set, there is no disadvantage for the game hall side or the player.

  According to the invention of (3), when the specific gaming state advantageous to the player occurs, the conversion rate is not changed, so that the advantageous degree of the player in the specific gaming state changes and the result of the game No longer affect Therefore, there is no disadvantage to the game hall side or the player due to the change of the conversion rate.

  According to the invention of (4), the conversion rate is not changed when there is an auxiliary game whose result mode is undetermined. Therefore, the result of the auxiliary game based on the start condition established before the change of the conversion rate is the change of the conversion rate. It will no longer affect future games. Therefore, since the game before the change of the conversion rate and the game after the change can be processed separately, even if the player's favorite conversion rate is set, there is no disadvantage on the game hall side or the player.

  According to the invention of (5), it is not necessary to store the number-of-balls information for each conversion rate changed corresponding to the change of the conversion rate, and the number-of-balls information before the change of the conversion rate is settled one by one. Even if it is not necessary, it can be used after the conversion rate is changed, so that it is possible to realize a highly convenient game.

  According to the invention of (6), since the launching of the game ball is prohibited when the conversion rate is changed, it is possible to prevent the generation of floating balls during the change of the conversion rate, resulting in a disadvantage on the game hall side or the player side. There is no.

  According to the invention of (7), when a player interrupts a game to take a break or the like, if he leaves the information storage medium storing the valuable value information, the valuable value information is improperly stored. Although it may be used, the gaming device stores the identification information of the information storage medium, stores the ball number information in the information storage medium, and then ejects the information storage medium. Value information is no longer used. In addition, after the information storage medium is discharged, the gaming device does not accept an information storage medium in which identification information other than the stored identification information is stored, so that another player can play a game on the suspended gaming device. Can not be.

  According to the invention of (8), even if there is a player who returns while the gaming device is in a suspended state, the worker in the game hall can release the suspended state, so that the gaming device can play a game The inconvenience that cannot be done can be avoided.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game hall management apparatus 2 Relay apparatus 3 Information collection terminal apparatus 4 Game apparatus 5 Game machine 26 Ball lending button 27 Savings payout button 601 Card number 602 Member information 603 Balance 604 Common possession ball data 605 Last update date 611 Special figure memory Display unit 612 Special figure result display unit 621 Universal map storage display unit 622 Universal diagram result display unit 701 Card insertion slot 702 Operation unit 703 Display unit 704 Game end button 705 Break button 706 Rate switching button 707 Reset button 708 Up button 709 Down button 710 Ball rental rate display section 711 Balance display section 712 Number of stored balls display section 713 Number of held balls display section 720 Card controller 721 Card reader / writer (R / W)

Claims (2)

In a gaming device capable of performing a conversion process for converting a player's valuable value into a ball at a preset conversion rate,
An accepting unit for accepting an information storage medium storing a valuable value and a unique identifier possessed by the player;
Change input receiving means capable of receiving a change input for changing the preset conversion rate to any of a plurality of conversion rates;
A conversion rate changing means capable of changing the conversion rate based on the change input received by the change input receiving means;
A number-of-balls updating means capable of performing processing to increase or decrease the number of balls held by the player in response to a game on a gaming machine;
A discharge input receiving means capable of receiving a discharge input for discharging the information storage medium from the reception unit;
Based on the fact that the discharge input accepting unit has accepted the discharge input, the number-of-balls storage control unit that performs processing for storing the number of balls in association with the identifier of the information storage medium being accepted by the accepting unit; With
The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number-of-balls storage control unit performs a process of storing the number of balls held in distinction for each of the plurality of conversion rates. An information storage medium determination unit capable of determining whether or not an information storage medium that can change the conversion rate is received in the reception unit;
The conversion rate changing unit enables the conversion rate to be changed when it is determined by the information storage medium determining unit that an information storage medium that can change the conversion rate is received. The gaming device according to claim 1.