JP2014023399A - Power consumption adjustment system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to adjust power consumption in a shop according to power circumstances of a power district including the shop.SOLUTION: A power consumption adjustment system for adjusting power consumption in a shop comprises: shop devices 2 and 3 installed in a shop; and a management device 100 which is connected to the shop devices and manages power consumption of the shop devices. The management device 100 receives power forecast information on a power district including the shop transmitted from a power information provision device 150 outside the shop; creates a schedule including a power saving period in which the shop devices are made to be in a power saving state on the basis of the received power forecast information; shifts the shop devices 2 and 3 to a power saving state (power saving mode) at start time of the power saving period identified using the created schedule; and makes the shop devices return to a normal power state (normal mode) from the power saving state at end time of the power saving period.

Description

  The present invention relates to a power consumption adjustment system for adjusting power consumption in a store.

  Conventionally, as a power consumption adjustment system for adjusting power consumption, the current value of the trunk line supplied to the apartment house is monitored, and the electric power with a power control function of each house according to the change of the current value based on a predetermined processing algorithm There is one that can limit the power consumption of each house when the current value is likely to exceed the upper limit by transmitting a control command for the device as a power line carrier signal (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Further, in a game hall that is a store, a ball that is installed in the game hall and can be controlled into a normal power operation state in which power consumption is normal and a low power consumption operation state in which power consumption is lower than the normal power operation state. There is also one that adjusts the power consumption of the game hall by changing the power consumption operation state of the lending machine 2 in a management computer connected to the ball lending machine 2 (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  In addition, by operating the centralized management device 3 at a game hall that is a store, a power saving mode setting command or a release command is sent to the pachinko machine 2 or all pachinko machines 2 installed in the game hall selected in the operation. The pachinko machine 2 that has received the setting command is set to the power saving mode in which the power supply to each lamp and the audio output device is stopped, and the power saving mode of the pachinko machine 2 that has received the release command is canceled. Some of these can be performed (for example, see Patent Document 3).

JP-A-2005-312210 JP 2010-131162 A JP 2005-152391 A

  However, the power amount adjustment system described in the above-mentioned patent document can adjust the power consumption, but the demand in the power region to which the housing complex or the store belongs, the power supply source that is the power supply source, the power transmission equipment, etc. There is a problem that it is not possible to adjust the amount of power corresponding to the power situation such as the power supply capacity depending on the situation.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a power amount adjustment system capable of adjusting power consumption according to the power situation of a power region to which a store belongs. .

In order to solve the above-described problem, an electric energy adjustment system according to claim 1 of the present invention includes:
In-store devices (for example, pachinko machine 2, card unit 3, call lamp, data display device) installed in the store, and a management device (for example, a card) connected to the in-store device and managing the power consumption of the in-store device Unit 3 and system controller 100), and a power consumption adjustment system for adjusting power consumption in a store,
The management device
Receives power forecast information of a power region to which the store belongs, transmitted from a power information providing device outside the store (for example, the power information providing server 150), and saves power in the in-store device based on the received power forecast information. Schedule creation means (system controller 100 performs the power adjustment schedule creation process shown in FIG. 10) for creating a schedule including a power saving period (for example, a primary time limit time zone or a secondary time limit time zone) to be in a state (power saving mode). Part to implement)
At the start of a power saving period specified from the schedule created by the schedule creation means (for example, the primary restriction start time or the secondary restriction start time), the in-store device is shifted to the power saving state, and At the end of the power period (for example, primary limit end time or secondary limit end time), the power state control means (for example, the system controller 100) returns the in-store device from the power saving state to the normal power state (normal mode). In the mode instruction transmission process shown in FIG. 12, a part for transmitting a power saving mode instruction and a normal mode instruction),
Comprising
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, a schedule including a power saving period in which the in-store device is in the power saving state is created based on the power forecast information of the power region to which the store belongs, and the in-store device is in the power saving state based on the created schedule. Since it is controlled to the normal power state, the power consumption can be adjusted according to the power situation of the power region to which the store belongs.

The electric energy adjustment system according to claim 2 of the present invention includes:
An in-store device (for example, pachinko machine 2) installed in the store, and a management device (for example, card unit 3 or system controller 100) that is connected to the in-store device and manages the power consumption of the in-store device. A power consumption adjustment system for adjusting power consumption in a store,
The management device
The power tightness information (for example, the first tightness stage or the like) transmitted from the power information providing apparatus (eg, the power information providing server 150) outside the store in response to the power region to which the store belongs becomes a predetermined power tightness state. On the condition that the second tightness stage power tightness information) has been received, the in-store device is shifted to a power saving state (power saving mode), and the power information providing device is provided in response to the release of the power tightness state. Power state control for returning the in-store device from the power saving state to the normal power state (normal mode) on the condition that the release information (for example, the first pressure release information and the second pressure release information) transmitted from the device is received Means (for example, a portion in which the system controller 100 performs the mode instruction transmission processing shown in FIG. 15 in the modification and transmits the power saving mode instruction and the normal mode instruction). ,
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, the in-store device is controlled to the power saving state in response to the reception of the power tightness information indicating that the power region to which the store belongs is in a predetermined power tightness state, and in the store in response to the reception of the release information. Since the apparatus is returned to the normal power state, the power consumption can be adjusted according to the power situation of the power region to which the store belongs.

The power supply system of means 1 of the present invention is the power amount adjustment system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
The in-store device includes a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko machine 2) capable of performing a predetermined game,
The power state control means (for example, the part where the card unit 3 performs the power saving mode process of FIG. 13) shifts to the power saving state on condition that a predetermined condition regarding the gaming machine is satisfied (for example, Output of the power saving mode information is started on the condition that the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is in the normal state in steps Sc8 and Sc9 and that the non-variable display determination timer is not counting and the variable display is not performed. Part),
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, if the predetermined condition is satisfied, the state is shifted to the power saving state. Therefore, by setting a condition according to the situation of the gaming machine as the predetermined condition, the power saving state is set according to the situation of the gaming machine. Can be migrated.

The power amount adjustment system of means 2 of the present invention is the power amount adjustment system according to means 1, wherein
The predetermined condition is that the game state is not advantageous to the player (a normal state that is not a big hit state, a probable change state, or a short-time state advantageous to the player).
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, since it is not shifted to the power saving state when it is in an advantageous gaming state, there is an effect of notifying that it is in an advantageous gaming state by shifting to the power saving state. It is possible to avoid the situation where it becomes impossible to appeal to the player that the game state is advantageous.

The power amount adjustment system of means 3 of the present invention is the power amount adjustment system according to means 1,
The game machine performs variable display of a plurality of types of identification information (for example, special symbols and effect symbols) that can identify each of them, and variable display means for deriving and displaying the display results (special symbol variable display section 28 and effect variable display) A gaming machine (pachinko machine 2) having a section 29),
The predetermined condition is that variable display is not performed in the variable display means (the non-variable display determination timer is not counting),
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, when the variable display is being performed, the state is not shifted to the power saving state. Therefore, for example, the mode of the variable display is changed by the transition to the power saving state. It can be avoided that a change in mode is mistaken as one mode of production.

The power amount adjustment system of means 4 of the present invention is the power amount adjustment system described in means 1,
The predetermined condition is that the operation of the gaming machine is excellent (for example, in the primary time limit period or the secondary time limit period, as shown in FIG. As a target for transmitting a power-saving mode instruction to a pachinko machine 2 having a value equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the part specified in step Sb5 or step Sb7 of the mode instruction transmission process
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, for gaming machines that are excellent in operation, that is, gaming machines that are popular with players, the operation does not drop significantly even when the power saving state is entered, so the impact on the operation is reduced, Power consumption can be adjusted.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the electric energy adjustment system in an Example. It is a figure which shows the pachinko machine 2 and the card unit 3 which were used for the Example. It is a top view which shows the operation part of the pachinko machine 2 used for the Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the pachinko machine 2 and the card unit 3 which were used for the Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the system controller 100 in an Example. (A) is a figure which shows the member card table in the system controller 100, (b) is a figure which shows the visitor card table in the system controller 100. 3 is a diagram showing a unit management table in the system controller 100. FIG. It is a figure which shows the game information table in the system controller. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the card unit 3 used for the Example. It is a flowchart which shows the power adjustment schedule creation process in the system controller. 4 is a diagram illustrating a restriction target specifying table in the system controller 100. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the mode instruction | indication transmission process in the system controller 100. FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing power saving mode processing in the card unit 3. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example on the display unit 312 of the card unit 3. It is a flowchart which shows the mode instruction | indication transmission process in the system controller of a modification.

  EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The form for implementing the electric energy adjustment system which concerns on this invention is demonstrated below based on an Example. In the following embodiments, a game hall as a store is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may be applied to stores other than these game halls.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electric energy adjustment system having a card unit 3 and a pachinko machine 2 that are in-store apparatuses of the present invention. As shown in FIG. A card reader-type pachinko gaming machine 2 (hereinafter abbreviated as pachinko machine 2), which is a gaming machine installed in each of the game halls A, B, C,... N,. And a card unit 3 that performs various processes such as lending of pachinko balls, which are game media used in the pachinko gaming machine 2, and is installed in each game hall and installed in the game hall. The system controller 10 is connected to each card unit 3 so as to be capable of data communication, and manages a visitor card, which is a prepaid card used in the game hall, and a membership card having a prepaid function. And a power information provision server 150 installed in a power information provision center that is connected to the system controller 100 of each game hall and transmits power forecast information and power tightness information of the power region to which each game hall belongs. Has been.

  Each system controller 100 is also connected to a card management server of a card company that provides a prepaid service. In the card management server, information related to visitor cards and membership cards is centrally managed, and each game hall Are managed by a third party card company.

  The pachinko machine 2 (prize ball control board) corresponding to the card unit 3 is directly connected to input / output various signals associated with the lending of pachinko balls.

  In addition to the system controller 100, each amusement arcade has a member management computer for managing information related to members possessing the membership card and the number of stored balls owned by the members, as well as visitors who are not members or members. A ball management computer for managing the number of balls acquired by the player in the game, and a hall computer for managing each pachinko machine 2 installed in the game hall are installed. Similar to the system controller 100, the possession management computer and hall computer are also connected to each card unit 3 so that data communication is possible.

  The membership card and visitor card used in each game hall include a nonvolatile memory for storing various data, rewriting and reading of the recorded information, a card unit 3 and a ball counter (not shown), etc. A contactless IC card having an IC chip having a control unit that performs contactless communication with a reader / writer device built in the card is used. The membership card and the visitor card IC chip include the membership card. Card ID, which is identification information that can individually identify the visitor card, is stored in advance so that it cannot be rewritten, and in addition to these card IDs, various data such as prepaid balance data that can specify the prepaid balance can be rewritten. It is remembered. Note that the visitor card of this embodiment is purchased and issued by an issuing machine (not shown) installed in the game hall.

  As these card IDs, in this embodiment, a card ID starting with KC is stored in the member card, such as “KC...”, And the visitor card starts with VC, such as “VC. By storing the card ID, the card type (member card or visitor card) can be specified from these card IDs.

  In the membership card, in addition to the above data, the membership ID assigned to the member at each game hall is stored in the IC chip. These member cards may be provided with a magnetic stripe in which a member ID is recorded so as to be readable.

  First, the pachinko machine 2 used in this embodiment will be described. The pachinko machine 2 used in this embodiment has a glass door frame 22 formed in a frame shape as shown in FIG. A hitting ball supply tray 23 is provided on the lower surface of the frame 22. An operation unit 14 is provided at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the hitting ball supply tray 23, and a lower tray 24 that stores pachinko balls overflowing from the hitting ball supply tray 23 is provided below the hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 23. A hitting operation handle (hereinafter referred to as an operation knob) 25 for emitting a hitting ball is provided.

  First, the pachinko machine 2 used in the present embodiment will be briefly described. The pachinko machine 2 used in the present embodiment has a glass door frame 22 formed in a frame shape as shown in FIG. There is a hitting ball supply tray 23 on the lower surface of the glass door frame 22. An operation unit 14 is provided at a predetermined position on the upper surface of the hitting ball supply tray 23, and a lower tray 24 that stores pachinko balls overflowing from the hitting ball supply tray 23 is provided below the hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 23. A hitting operation handle (hereinafter referred to as an operation knob) 25 for emitting a hitting ball is provided.

  A game board 26 is detachably attached to the rear side of the glass door frame 22. A game area 27 is provided in front of the game board 26. A special figure variable display section 28 in which a plurality of types of identification information called “special symbols” are variably displayed in a lower area on the right side of the game area 27, and a plurality of types called “effect symbols” in the vicinity of the center thereof. Are provided, and an effect variable display unit 29 for displaying effect images and a variable display device 30 for variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information called “ordinary symbols” are provided. The game board 26 is provided with a plurality of winning holes 44, a passing gate 31, a starting winning hole 34, and a variable winning ball device 36. A recovery outlet 46 is formed.

  When a hitting ball is won in each of the winning openings, a winning ball corresponding to each winning opening is paid out by the ball cutting / dispensing device 297 (see FIG. 4) and paid out by the ball cutting / dispensing device 297. A prize ball signal (1 pulse per 10 balls) is output to the outside according to the number of prize balls, so that the number of prize balls is notified to the outside.

  A hit ball fired by a hammer (not shown) that is swung by the operation of the hitting operation knob 25 enters the game area 27 through the hitting rail, and then flows down the game area 27. At this time, pachinko balls whose launch momentum is too weak to reach the game area 27 are circulated to the lower plate 24 through a circulation path (not shown).

  In addition, when the ball that has been driven into the game area 27 passes through the passing gate 31, the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed on the variable display device 30 is variably started.

  When the display result after the variable display operation of the variable display device 30 is a predetermined display result (for example, ◯), the movable piece 35 provided at the start winning opening 34 is opened for a predetermined time and the player This is an advantageous state. It should be noted that a plurality of start winning ports 34 may be provided, and a special figure variable display section may be provided for each start winning port.

  When a pachinko ball is won at the start winning opening 34, all special symbols are variably displayed (variable display) in the special figure variable display section 28, and the effect display is started in the effect variable display section 29. After that, when the special symbol in the special figure variable display unit 28 stops and the result of the stop display becomes a predetermined specific display mode, the left, middle and right effects in the production variable display unit 29 are displayed. The variable display of the symbol is also stopped, and the display mode of the effect symbol is also set to a predetermined specific display mode (for example, 777), so that a specific gaming state (big hit state) occurs and a big hit signal is output By being in a state, the occurrence of the jackpot is notified to the outside.

  Further, when the special symbol on the special symbol variable display unit 28 is stopped, a start signal having a predetermined pulse width is output, and the special symbol variable display (variable display) is performed on the special symbol variable display unit 28. Will be notified.

  As described above, when the big hit state occurs, the opening / closing plate 40 provided in the variable winning ball apparatus 36 is opened, and becomes a first state advantageous to the player. This first state ends when a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds) or a predetermined number of hit balls (for example, 10) wins, whichever comes first, and then for the player This is a disadvantageous second state.

  If a hit ball that has entered the large winning opening of the variable winning ball apparatus 36 in the first state wins a specific winning area (V pocket) and is detected by a V count switch (not shown), Waiting for the end of the first state, repeated continuation control is performed to control from the second state to the first state. The upper limit number of the repeated continuation control is set to 15 times, for example.

  When the display result of the special figure variable display unit 28 and the display result of the effect symbol of the effect variable display unit 29 are stopped and displayed with a combination of predetermined jackpot symbols, a big hit occurs as described above. A reach state may occur in a state before the stop display.

  When the special symbol variably displayed on the special figure variable display unit 28 and the production variable display unit 29 and the production symbol are stopped and displayed with a combination of symbols corresponding to a predetermined probability variation symbol type, After the completion of ”, the probability variation state in which the probability of a big hit again becomes a higher probability state than the normal probability state becomes a probability variation state. In the probability variation state after the end of the probability variation jackpot, the probability variation state signal is output, and the occurrence of the probability variation state is notified to the outside.

  Further, when the special symbol variably displayed on the special symbol variable display unit 28 and the production variable display unit 29 and the production symbol are stopped and displayed with a combination of symbols other than the predetermined probability variation symbol, the “big hit” by the repeated continuation control is performed. The special symbol and effect variable display part in the special figure variable display part 28 until the variable display reaches the predetermined number of times or the next big hit occurs in the special figure variable display part 28 and the effect variable display part 29. When the variable display time (variation time) of the effect symbol in 29 is shortened compared to the normal gaming state, it becomes a short state, and during these short states, the short and medium signal is output, The occurrence of a short time condition is notified to the outside.

  The pachinko machine 2 of this embodiment is equipped with an information output board 298 for outputting these signals to the outside, and the information output board 298 and the card unit are connected via a signal cable, From the information output board 298, as shown in FIG. 4, a big hit signal indicating that the big hit state is in progress, a probabilistic signal indicating that the probability variation state is present, and a short and medium time signal indicating that the time is short state. In addition, a prize ball signal indicating that a predetermined number of prize balls have been paid out, and a start signal indicating that variable display in the special figure variable display unit 28 and the effect variable display unit 29 has been determined are in a predetermined signal form. Is output.

  Further, the prize ball control board 237 (see FIG. 4) is connected to the control unit 328 provided in the card unit 3 via the interface board 237 ′ through the flat cable (FK), and the terminal terminal lending is completed. The signal (EXS) and the stand READY signal (PRDY) are output to the control unit 328 of the card unit 3, and the card unit READY signal (BRDY) output from the control unit 328 and the stand terminal lending request are completed. A confirmation signal (BRQ) is inputted, and the card unit is made by the prize ball control board 237 paying out a pachinko ball from the ball paying device 297 based on the exchange of these signals. 3 recorded on the visitor card or membership card being received by the card reader / writer Payout of pachinko balls using id balance is adapted to be implemented in pachinko machine 2.

  In addition, a part of these signal cables is provided below the pachinko machine 2 and an out ball counter 26 (FIG. 2) provided for counting pachinko balls (out balls) used for games in the pachinko machine 2. 4), each time the out ball counter 26 counts the number of out balls (injected balls) of a predetermined number (10 balls in this embodiment), a pulse having a predetermined time width is counted. Is output to the external input / output interface 335 of the card unit 3 (see FIG. 4).

  The progress of the game in these pachinko machines 2 is controlled by a game control microcomputer 232 mounted on the game control board 231. That is, in the game control microcomputer 232, a prize ball giving control according to a winning prize, a display control of the special figure variable display unit 28 and the variable display device 30, and a lottery whether or not a big hit, a probability change state, or a time-short state is set. In addition, the lottery of the variable display mode of the effect variable display unit 29 such as whether or not to reach is implemented, and the prize ball control board 237 for controlling the payout of the prize ball, and the bonus provided on the game board 26 Various instruction commands based on lottery results, etc. for sub-boards such as an effect control board 270 (see FIG. 4) for effect control by operation control, lighting control of game effect lamps, output control of sound effects from speakers, etc. Is output, so that the progress of the game is controlled.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the effect control board 270 is connected to the external input / output interface 335 so as to be able to output a power saving mode signal from the card unit 3, and the power saving mode signal is being output. The effect control board 270 reduces the brightness of the effect variable display unit 29, reduces the lighting brightness of the game effect lamp, reduces the output volume of the sound effect from the speaker, and the like. Is shifted to a power saving mode in which the power consumption is reduced as compared with the normal mode.

  Next, the card unit 3 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4. On the front surface of the card unit 3, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, various display units such as a multi-function lamp 301 are provided. , A bill insertion slot 302 for inserting bills, a projecting portion 305 projecting from the front side of the apparatus to the front side of the apparatus, and a card insertion slot 309 for inserting a membership card or a visitor card are provided.

  A card insertion slot 309 provided on the front surface of the card unit 3 is connected to a card slot (not shown) of a card reader / writer 327 built in a lower position of the card unit 3. Visitor cards and membership cards can be inserted into the card slot.

  A protruding portion 305 is provided on the front surface of the card unit 3 so as to protrude forward. As shown in FIG. 2, on the surface of the protruding portion 305 facing the player, as shown in FIG. 2, a display portion 312, a menu button 316 for displaying a main menu screen, and a table data button for displaying table data When the member card is received, the operation of the replay button 319 and the replay button 319 for executing the replay game using the number of saving balls specified by the member ID of the member card is effective. And a replay display unit 320 for notifying that there is a transparent touch panel on the surface of the display unit 312 for enabling each display item displayed on the display unit 312 to be input by finger touch. 314 is provided.

  When the menu button 316 is operated, the main menu (member) is displayed on the display unit 312. When the menu button 316 is operated when the inserted card is a visitor card or when no card is inserted, the “stored ball” and “ A main menu (visitor) that does not include the “Point” menu item is displayed on the display unit 312.

  When the table data button 318 is operated, or when “table data” in the main menu is selected, the table data of the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is displayed on the display unit 312. These table data are displayed based on the game information stored in the game information table (not shown) stored in the RAM of the control unit 328, and the game information not stored in the game information table is: It is acquired from the hall computer and displayed on the display unit 312.

  In addition, at the upper position in the card unit 3, a bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 302 is taken in, a bill inserted into the bill insertion port 302 is taken in, and its authenticity and bill type are identified, and the identification result is shown in the apparatus. A banknote identification unit 321 that is output to a control unit 328, which will be described later, provided at a substantially central portion is provided, and various banknotes (10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, 2,000 yen, thousand yen) are provided in the banknote identification unit 321. Each bill) can be accepted.

  A display control board 329 for controlling the display of the display unit 312 provided in the protruding portion 305 is disposed below the banknote identification unit 321 so as to face the protruding portion 305, and the display control is performed. A board connector provided on the substrate 329 is connected to a connection terminal portion of a unit substrate on which a liquid crystal display 313, which will be described later, and a switch corresponding to each button, which are housed in the protruding portion 305 and which constitute the display portion 312 are mounted. As a result, each part mounted on the unit substrate is electrically connected to the display control substrate 329.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the card unit 3 of this embodiment. The card unit 3 controls various parts of the card unit 3 by controlling the banknote identification unit 321, the card reader / writer 327, the external reader / writer 330, the display control board 329, and each part of the card unit 3 by a control program. The bill recognition unit 321, the card reader / writer 327, the external reader / writer 330, and the display control board 329 are connected to the control unit 328 and can transmit and receive various data. Has been.

  As described above, the control unit 328 directly communicates with the pachinko machine 2 in order to exchange various signals accompanying the lending of the pachinko balls with a prize ball control board (not shown) provided in the pachinko machine 2. It is connected.

  The control unit 328 of this embodiment is a central processing circuit (CPU) 328a capable of executing a control program, a prepaid balance of a visitor card and a membership card being received by the card reader / writer 327, and an owner of the membership card. A RAM 328b capable of storing various data such as the number of saving balls, points, and member information of a member player, a ROM 328c capable of storing various data such as a control program, time information and calendar information at that time, etc. The RAM 328b includes a real-time clock (RTC) 328d that can be output, and is backed up by a battery (not shown). Even if the supply of power is cut off, the stored data is retained for a predetermined period.

  The acceptance card table (not shown) stored in the RAM 328b includes a prepaid card based on a prepaid card inserted into the card reader / writer 327, a card ID read from the member card, a member ID (member card only), a card ID, and prepaid balance data. The remaining amount, the number of saving balls specified from the member ID (member only), and the number of store visit points specified from the member ID (member only) are stored.

  The game information table (not shown) stored in the RAM 328b stores game information for three days including today, that is, today's data, previous day's data, and previous day's data. The previous day data and the previous day data are also stored in the EEPROM 328c, which is a non-volatile memory. However, when displaying the previous day data and the previous day data, the data can be processed at a higher speed than reading from the EEPROM 328c. For this reason, in this embodiment, the previous day data and the previous day data read from the EEPROM 328c in advance are stored in the game information table stored in the RAM 328b.

  Further, as will be described later, the RAM 328b stores data on the time when the power saving mode is entered when the power saving mode instruction is received from the system controller 100, and the time when the normal mode is restored when the normal mode instruction is received. It has come to be remembered.

  In addition, the control unit 328 is provided with an external input / output interface 335, and various signals accompanying the lending of pachinko balls can be exchanged through the external input / output interface 335. In addition, various signals output from the pachinko machine 2 and the out ball counter 26 can be input, and a power saving mode signal can be output to the effect control board 270 of the pachinko machine 2.

  The card reader / writer 327 reads and writes recorded information such as a card ID recorded on the member card and visitor card inserted from the card insertion slot 309, a member ID (member card only), and prepaid balance data.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 328 includes a remaining amount indicator 17 provided in the operation unit 14 of the corresponding pachinko machine 2, a lending button switch for detecting the operation of the lending button 16, A return button switch that detects an operation of the return button 15 that is operated when returning the member card or the visitor card is connected.

  The control unit 328 includes replay operation information from the display control board 329 by operating a replay button 319 provided on the protruding portion 305, currency identification information by the banknote identification unit 321 and card insertion information from the card reader / writer 327. Etc., the entire LED such as a full color LED 301a provided in the multifunction lamp connected to the control unit 328, the control of the card reader / writer 327, the display control board 329, the display control of the remaining amount display, etc. Operation control and a card acceptance process (FIG. 9) for determining whether or not the membership card or visitor card inserted into the card insertion slot 309 can be used in cooperation with the system controller 100, Prepaid balance data read from the visitor card or RAM Lending process for lending using a prepaid balance specified from the prepaid balance data stored in 28b (FIG. 9), and a return process for returning a member card or a visitor card being accepted by operating the return button (FIG. 9) ), Deposit processing (Fig. 9) for depositing money into the prepaid balance remaining on the receiving membership card or visitor card (Fig. 9), and replay processing using the number of saved balls (Fig. 9) Run.

  When the control unit 328 receives the power saving mode instruction from the system controller 100, the control unit 328 reduces the brightness of the multi-function lamp 301 and reduces the display brightness of the liquid crystal display 313. The state is shifted to a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced.

  The display control board 329 connected to the control unit 328 includes a liquid crystal display 313 that forms the display unit 312, a transparent touch panel 314, various switches (a menu switch 316 a corresponding to the menu button 316, and a base data button 318. Electronic components such as the corresponding table data switch 318a, the replay switch 319a corresponding to the replay button 319) and the LED 320a provided in the replay display unit 320 described above are connected.

  In the display control board 329 of the present embodiment, a display driving circuit (not shown) that performs display driving of the liquid crystal display 313 and a position that is pressed based on an output signal from the transparent touch panel 314 are specified and An input position detection circuit (not shown) that outputs the specified input position information, a VDP (not shown) that performs processing related to a display image displayed on the display unit 312, a VROM that stores image data used for menu display, etc. (Not shown), VRAM (not shown) for temporarily storing display data to be displayed on the display unit 312, and determination and processing associated with inputs from various switches and touch panels, etc., independently from the control unit 328 A sub-microcomputer (not shown) or the like to be implemented based on this is mounted.

  Next, the system controller 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, as shown in FIG. 5, a system controller 100 used in this embodiment includes a CPU 102 for executing various processes executed by the system controller 100, a work memory, and a data bus 101 for transmitting and receiving data inside the computer. RAM 103, RTC 104 that outputs time information and calendar information, storage device 105 such as a hard disk, input device 106 such as a keyboard and mouse, display device 107 that displays and outputs various screens, and prints various information A first communication unit 109 that performs data communication with each device such as a printer 108, a card unit 3 (control unit 328) connected to a local area network (LAN), a member management computer, a hall computer, and a ball management computer, Power information providing server 1 0 and second communication unit 110 for communicating with a normal computer digital service unit (DSU) 111 for performing data communication with the installed card management server to the card company is connected.

  In addition to a processing program in which various processing contents such as a power adjustment schedule creation process (see FIG. 10) and a mode instruction transmission process (see FIG. 12) executed in the system controller 100 are described in the storage device 105, a member Member card table (see FIG. 6 (a)) for managing prepaid balance remaining on the card, visitor card table (see FIG. 6 (b)) for managing prepaid balance remaining on the visitor card, card A unit management table (FIG. 7) for managing information of the unit 3 and a game information table (FIG. 8) for managing game information (table data) of the pachinko machine 2 corresponding to each card unit 3 are stored. Has been.

  In the member card table, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), each member card is associated with a member card ID that can be individually identified, and the member ID of the member player who has issued the member card and the prepaid The remaining amount and an unusable flag indicating whether or not the member card is unusable are stored, and the prepaid balance or the use of the member card can be used from the member card ID or member ID stored in the member card. Can be specified.

  In the visitor card table, as shown in FIG. 6B, each visitor card is associated with a card ID that can be individually identified, and the status of the visitor card (whether it is being used or stored). ), The latest issuance date and time when the prepaid card was issued, the prepaid balance, and an unusable flag indicating whether or not the card is unusable are stored in the visitor card. The prepaid balance, the availability of the visitor card, and the latest issue date and time can be specified from the card ID.

  In the unit management table, as shown in FIG. 7, the local IP in which the local IP address of the card unit 3 is stored in association with the device ID uniquely assigned to each card unit 3 installed in the game hall. An island where the island number of the gaming island in which the card unit 3 is installed is stored, a situation in which the card unit 3 is accepting or waiting for a card, and the card unit 3 corresponding to the number of the pachinko machine 2 to which the corresponding card number is stored, the reception ID for storing the card ID of the member card or the visitor card being received, and the lending rate (1 Yen / ball, 2 yen / ball, 4 yen / ball) and the state of the power mode (normal mode or power saving mode) are stored. It is possible to identify the loan rate set in Nko machine 2, and to be able to identify whether each card unit 3 is in the all-power mode.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the game information table stores the model name, state, and machine data for each date in association with the machine number of the pachinko machine 2. As the table data, as shown in FIG. 8, the total number of hit balls, the total number of winning balls, the number of difference balls (the total number of hit balls-the total number of winning balls), the total number of start balls, Total number of big hits, total probability of change, total number of short hours, operating rate (ratio of operating hours divided by the number of balls that can be fired per unit time in total operating hours), and whether or not power saving mode has been entered Data including a power-saving flag indicating such information is stored, and game information of each pachinko machine 2 is accumulated and stored as a history for each business day.

  It consists of the total number of shot balls, the total number of winning balls, the number of difference balls (the total number of shot balls-the total number of winning balls), the total number of start times, the total number of big hits, the total number of probable changes, the total number of short hours, the power saving mode, etc. The game information (table data) is updated to data (numerical values) included in the table information data in response to reception of the table information data transmitted from each card unit 3 during business.

  Next, processing contents of each processing performed by the control unit 328 of the card unit 3 of the present embodiment will be described. In the following description, step notation may be omitted.

  First, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 328 is activated by turning on the power to the card unit 3, thereby performing the activation process of step Sa01 to confirm the connection status of the corresponding pachinko machine 2, Transmission of a connection confirmation request to the controller 100, member management computer, hall computer, possession management computer, setting of initial values to each setting data based on setting information returned in response to transmission of the connection confirmation request, etc. carry out.

  Then, after the activation process is performed, the processes of steps Sa02 to Sa07 are cyclically performed, so that the card is inserted into the card insertion slot 309 (step Sa02) and rented by the player (member player or visitor). Button operation (step Sa03), cash acceptance by inserting a bill from the bill insertion slot 302 (step Sa04), return button operation by the player (step Sa05), replay button 319 operation by the player (step Sa06) Then, the operation enters the standby state for detecting the operation of the menu button 316 (step Sa07).

  In these standby states, when a visitor player or a member player inserts a visitor card or a member card into the card insertion slot 309, insertion detection information accompanying the insertion of the card is sent from the internal card reader / writer 327 to the control unit. By outputting to 328, the control unit 328 determines that there is card acceptance in step Sa02, proceeds to step Sa08, and performs card acceptance processing.

  In the card accepting process in step Sa08, first, it is determined whether or not there is a member card or a visitor card being accepted by the card reader / writer 327, and if there is a member card or a visitor card being accepted. When the card reader / writer 327 outputs a discharge instruction to return the visitor card or the membership card inserted into the card insertion slot 309, the card receiving process is completed, and when no receiving card exists. An instruction for taking in the member card or visitor card inserted into the card insertion slot 309 is output to the card reader / writer 327, the inserted member card or visitor card is taken into the card slot of the card reader / writer 327, and the member Stored on the card or visitor card Stored data are, specifically, the membership card or a visitor card (membership) card ID and membership ID (membership card only) and reading the prepaid balance data.

  Then, a card authentication process for transmitting an authentication request including the (member) card ID read from the accepted member card or visitor card, the prepaid balance data, and the device ID to the system controller 100 and receiving an authentication result from the system controller 100 To implement.

  In response to the reception of the authentication request, the system controller 100 includes the (member) card ID included in the received authentication request in the member card table (FIG. 6A) or the visitor card table (FIG. 6B). If there is, the prepaid balance stored and managed in any card table in association with the (member) card ID is the prepaid balance included in the received authentication request. It is determined whether or not it matches the prepaid balance specified from the data, that is, the prepaid balance data read from the received membership card or visitor card, and “authentication OK” is returned as an authentication result on condition that they match. At the same time, if the prepaid balance does not match, “authentication NG” is returned.

  If the authentication result returned from the system controller is “authentication NG”, the instruction to eject the accepted membership card or visitor card is output to the card reader / writer 327, and the inserted membership card or visitor card is returned. On the other hand, if the returned authentication result is “authentication OK”, the prepaid balance is displayed on the balance display 17 provided on the operation unit of the corresponding pachinko machine 2.

  If the received card is a visitor card, the card receiving process is terminated and the process returns to the standby state of steps Sa02 to Sa07. On the other hand, if the received card is a member card, the member of the received member card By sending a member information transmission request including an ID to the member management computer, the member management computer is notified that the member card has been accepted, and the member information of the member player who owns the member card is managed as a member. Execute member information acquisition processing acquired from the computer.

  Then, after the aggregation of the member game information of the member is started, the card receiving process is terminated, and the process returns to the standby state of steps Sa02 to Sa07.

  Further, in the standby state of steps Sa02 to Sa07, when the player performs the operation of the lending button, the control unit 328 performs the operation of Sa03 on the condition that the prepaid balance is displayed on the balance indicator 17. In step S, it is determined that there is a lending operation, and the process proceeds to step Sa09 to perform lending processing.

  In this lending process, first of all, the prepaid balance read out from the inserted member card or visitor card and stored in an acceptance card table (not shown), or the prepaid balance stored in the acceptance card table in the deposit processing described later is used in this embodiment. It is determined whether or not the amount used is 100 yen, and if the prepaid balance is less than 100 yen, it is determined as “Yes” in the determination, and the lending process is terminated to complete steps Sa02 to Sa07. On the other hand, if the prepaid balance is 100 yen or more, it is determined whether or not the prepaid balance (displayed amount) is 500 yen set as the payout unit amount for the lending process in this embodiment. To do. In the following description, the prepaid balance displayed on the balance indicator 17 indicates the amount stored in the prepaid balance item of the acceptance card table.

  When the remaining prepaid amount is 500 yen or more, the payout amount ball lending process is performed, whereas when it is less than 500 yen, the display amount ball lending process is performed.

  In this payout amount ball lending process, a payout instruction for the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the payout amount of 500 yen, specifically, in this embodiment, the lending unit price of one pachinko ball is 4 yen. An instruction to pay out 125 balls corresponding to the yen is output to the corresponding pachinko machine 2 to pay out the number of pachinko balls.

  Then, 500 yen is subtracted and updated from the prepaid balance displayed on the balance indicator, and when there is a prepaid balance on the receiving card table and a receiving membership card or visitor card, the receiving membership card or visitor card is received. The prepaid balance data stored in the device is updated to the prepaid balance data that can specify a new prepaid balance that has been updated by subtracting 500 yen, and is then assigned to the system controller 100 by the card unit 3. A lending completion notification including the ID, the (member) card ID of the member card or visitor card being accepted, and the usage amount is transmitted, and the (member) card is sent to the member card table or visitor card table of the system controller 100. Stored in association with the ID That the use amount of money to be subtracted update from the prepaid balance.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the visitor card is being received. If the visitor card is not being received, the lending process is terminated and the process returns to the standby state of steps Sa02 to Sa07, while the visitor card is being received. In this case, it is determined whether or not the new prepaid balance displayed on the balance display is zero.

  If the prepaid balance is not 0 in the determination, the lending process is terminated and the process returns to the standby state of steps Sa02 to Sa07. On the other hand, if the prepaid balance is 0, the prepaid balance is 0. The visitor card is collected in the storage unit of the card reader / writer 327, the lending process is terminated, and the process returns to the standby state of steps Sa02 to Sa07.

  On the other hand, in the display amount ball lending process, the maximum amount of the prepaid remaining amount displayed on the remaining amount indicator is 100 yen that is the usage unit amount and is an integral multiple of 100 yen that is the usage unit amount. If the prepaid balance is 450 yen, an instruction for paying out the number of pachinko balls corresponding to 400 yen corresponding to 4 times the maximum amount, which is an integral multiple of 100 yen as the unit amount, specifically this embodiment Since the lending unit price of one pachinko ball is 4 yen, a payout instruction of 100 balls equivalent to 400 yen is output to the corresponding pachinko machine 2 to pay out the number of pachinko balls .

  Then, 400 yen, which is the amount used for the pachinko ball lending, is subtracted and updated from the prepaid balance displayed on the balance indicator 17, and the prepaid balance data in the acceptance card table and the member card or visitor being accepted After the prepaid balance data stored in the receiving member card or visitor card is updated to prepaid balance data that can specify a new prepaid balance (for example, 50 yen) that is updated by subtracting 400 yen when a card is present The system controller 100 transmits a lending completion notification including the device ID uniquely assigned to the card unit 3, the (member) card ID of the member card or visitor card being accepted, and 400 yen. In association with the (member) card ID in the system controller 400 yen prepaid balance stored in de management table is subtracted updated. Then, as with the payout amount ball lending process, it is determined whether or not a visitor card is being received. If the visitor card is not being received, the lending process is terminated and the process returns to the standby state of steps Sa02 to Sa07. When the visitor card is being received, it is determined whether or not the new prepaid balance displayed on the balance indicator 17 is zero. If the prepaid balance is zero, the prepaid balance is zero. The visitor card in which is 0 is collected in the storage section of the card reader / writer 327, the lending process is terminated, and the process returns to the standby state of steps Sa02 to Sa07.

  Further, in the standby state of steps Sa02 to Sa07, when the player inserts a banknote from the banknote insertion slot 302, the currency identification information accompanying the insertion of the banknote is output from the banknote identification unit 321 to the control unit 328. Thus, the control unit 328 determines that the banknote is accepted in step S4, and proceeds to step Sa10 to perform the deposit process.

  In this depositing process, first, the inserted amount of bills inserted is specified from the input money identification information.

  Then, it is determined whether or not there is a member card or a visitor card being accepted by the card reader / writer 327. If there is no member card or a visitor card being accepted, the specified input amount is stored in the acceptance card table. After adding and updating to the prepaid balance (including 0 yen), a payment notice including the added and updated deposit amount (same as the deposit amount) and the device ID of the card unit 3 is transmitted to the system controller 100, and the remaining amount is displayed. The prepaid balance displayed on the container 17 is updated and displayed as a new amount after the addition update stored in the prepaid balance of the acceptance card table, the deposit process is terminated, and the process returns to the standby state of Sa02 to Sa07. .

  That is, when there is no member card or visitor card being accepted, the prepaid balance corresponding to the inserted amount is stored in the acceptance card table so that the prepaid balance can be used in the game. In the case where the game is terminated with these remaining prepaid amounts remaining, a visitor card in which the remaining prepaid amounts are recorded is issued, as will be described later.

  On the other hand, if there is a member card or a visitor card being accepted, the prepaid specified from the prepaid balance data stored in the member card or visitor card (and the acceptance card table) being accepted is specified. After adding to the remaining amount and updating the prepaid remaining amount data after adding the prepaid remaining amount data to the prepaid remaining amount data that can be specified, the deposited amount (same as the deposited amount), the device ID of the card unit 3, and the acceptance A card payment notification including the (member) card ID of the member card or visitor card is sent to the system controller 100, and the member card table or visitor card table of the system controller 100 corresponds to the (member) card ID. The deposit amount to the prepaid balance After adding and updating the amount, the prepaid balance displayed on the balance indicator 17 is replaced with the new amount after the addition update stored in the prepaid balance of the receiving card table (member card or visitor card being received). The updated display is performed, the deposit process is terminated, and the process returns to the standby state of steps Sa02 to Sa07.

  In this embodiment, the deposit process can be performed without depending on the prepaid balance before the addition update. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the deposit process is performed by the addition update. A player who loses the visitor card of the large prepaid balance by making the prepaid balance unnecessarily large so that it can be implemented only when the previous prepaid balance is less than a predetermined amount, for example 1000 yen or less. It may be possible to prevent the disadvantages of the game and the excessive penetration of the game.

  In this embodiment, the power saving mode is set as described later regardless of the deposit amount. However, the present invention is not limited to this and the deposit amount is a predetermined amount or more. In some cases, the transition to the power saving mode may be restricted.

  Further, in the standby state of steps Sa02 to Sa07, when a signal from the return button switch is input to the control unit 328 by the player operating the return button, the control unit 328 returns in step Sa05. It is determined that there is an operation, and the process proceeds to step Sa11 to execute return / issue processing.

  In this return / issuance process, first, it is determined whether or not there is a member card or visitor card being accepted by the card reader / writer 327. If there is no such card, it is determined as an erroneous operation and the process is terminated. It returns to the standby state of Sa02 to Sa07.

  On the other hand, if the card is present, a discharge instruction is output to the card reader / writer 327 so that the member card or visitor card accepted by the card reader / writer 327 is discharged and returned, and then the returned card is a member. Whether it is a card or not is determined by the card ID stored in the receiving card table.

  When the returned card is a visitor card, a return notice including the card ID of the returned visitor card and the device ID of the card unit 3 is transmitted to the system controller 100, and the visitor card specified from the card ID Is returned to the system controller 100, the return / issue process is terminated, and the process returns to the standby state of steps Sa02 to Sa07.

  If the returned card is a member card, the member card ID (in the case of a system controller) or member ID (in the case of a member management computer) of the returned member card and the device ID of the card unit 3 are included. A return notification is transmitted to the system controller 100 and the member management computer to notify that the member card has been returned. At the same time, the return / issue process is terminated, and the process returns to the standby state of steps Sa02 to Sa07. If a collated flag indicating that the password encryption set when using the number of saving balls has been collated is set, the collated flag is reset when the member card is returned.

  On the other hand, if there is no membership card or visitor card being accepted by the card reader / writer 327, the prepaid balance specified from the prepaid balance data stored in the prepaid balance data item of the acceptance card table, that is, at that time It is determined whether or not the prepaid balance displayed on the balance indicator 17 exists. If the prepaid balance does not exist, that is, if the prepaid balance is 0 yen, the return / issue process is terminated. If the prepaid balance is present, that is, it is not 0 yen, the visitor card stored in the storage unit of the card reader / writer 327 is moved to the reading position of the card slot of the card reader / writer 327, and is issued. When the stored data of the visitor card used, specifically, the card ID is read In addition, after the prepaid balance data stored in the prepaid balance item of the acceptance card table is written to the visitor card and the prepaid balance data is updated, the visitor card is discharged from the card insertion slot 309, and at that time A visitor card in which prepaid balance data that can identify the prepaid balance displayed on the balance display 17 is stored is issued to the player. When there is no visitor card stored in the storage unit, an error is displayed on the display unit 312, and a visitor card insertion wait state is entered, and an issuing card is inserted from the card insertion slot 309. Then, the inserted visitor card is used for issuance.

  Then, by issuing an issuance notification including the device ID of the card unit 3, the card ID read from the visitor card to be issued, and the prepaid balance data written and stored in the visitor card to the system controller 100, the system controller At 100, the prepaid balance stored in the visitor card table in association with the card ID of the issued visitor card is updated to the prepaid balance stored in the issued visitor card. Can be used in another card unit 3 and can be settled by a settlement apparatus (not shown).

  In this embodiment, the prepaid balance data stored in the membership card or visitor card is updated each time the prepaid balance is used for ball lending in the above-described lending process, so that the prepaid balance data is returned during the return operation. The membership card and the visitor card are returned without being renewed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the prepaid balance of the membership card and the visitor card each time these prepaid balances are used for ball lending. Without updating the data, only the prepaid balance data stored in the prepaid balance item of the receiving card table is updated, and at the time of return, it is stored in the prepaid balance item of the receiving card table. Prepaid balance data is updated and stored as visitor card prepaid balance data It may be retirement.

  Further, in the standby state of steps Sa02 to Sa07 described above, if a signal is input from the replay button switch 319a by operating the replay button 319, the control unit 328 re-executes in step Sa06. It is determined that there is a play operation or a replay operation, and the process proceeds to step Sa12 to execute a replay process.

  In this replay process, first, it is determined whether or not the player is a member based on the card ID stored in the receiving card table. If the player is not a member, the replay process is terminated. On the other hand, when the player is a member, it is determined whether or not the collated flag indicating whether or not the PIN number stored in the RAM 328b has been collated is “1”. If it is not “1” (if it has not been verified), a password number receiving screen (not shown) including a numeric keypad for receiving the password is displayed on the display unit 312 to accept the password.

  Then, a saving ball number output request including the personal identification number received on the personal identification number acceptance screen, the device ID, and the member ID stored in the acceptance card table is transmitted to the member management computer.

  In response to receiving this saving ball number output request, the member management computer is stored corresponding to the member ID included in the saving ball number output request received in the member information table (not shown) of the member management computer. The personal identification number and the personal identification number included in the received savings ball number output request are collated, and on the condition that the collation is matched, the number of saving balls stored in the member information table corresponding to the member ID, A reply is sent to the card unit 3 that is the transmission source of the number of savings ball output request. If the passwords do not match, a verification error is returned, indicating that the passwords do not match, and the replay process is terminated.

  The number of saving balls acquired from the member management computer in this way is stored in the acceptance card table, and the verification flag is updated to “1” indicating that the verification has been completed.

  After setting “1” in the collated flag in this way or confirming that “1” is set in the collated flag, the number of stored balls stored in the receiving card table is displayed on the display unit 312. And the member player is informed of the number of saved balls, and then the number of saved balls is the number of replay units set to replay, specifically, in this embodiment, 125 equivalent to 500 yen. It is determined whether or not there are 135 balls or more, which is the total number of balls and 10 balls as a replay fee, and if there are no savings balls equal to or greater than the number of replay units, replay is not possible. After displaying the message to the effect on the display unit 312, the replay process is terminated. On the other hand, when the number of saving balls more than the replay unit number exists, the replay display unit 320 (LED 320 a) is turned on. Replay button 19 is notified to the member that the operation is effective, and a display request for a message prompting the operation of the replay button 319 is transmitted to the display control board 329, and the operation of the replay button 319 is displayed on the display unit 312. After displaying a message for prompting the user, the operation waits for the replay button 319.

  If there is no operation of the replay button 319 within a predetermined time, the replay process is terminated. On the other hand, if there is an operation of the replay button 319 within the predetermined time, it is stored in the receiving card table. The number of replay units (135 balls) is subtracted and updated from the number of saved balls, and the replay display unit 320 (LED 320a) is turned off, and then a replay ball lending process is performed. In the replay ball lending process of this embodiment, the number of pachinko balls corresponding to the number of replay units (135 balls), specifically, 125 pachinko balls excluding the fee from the number of replay units (135 balls). A ball payout instruction is output to the corresponding pachinko machine 2 to pay out the number of pachinko balls.

  Then, by sending a replay completion notice including the device ID of the card unit 3 and the member ID stored in the acceptance card table to the member management computer, the member information table of the member management computer After the replay unit number (135 balls) is subtracted and updated from the number of stored balls corresponding to the member ID, the replay process is terminated.

  Further, in the standby state of steps Sa02 to Sa07, if a signal is input from the menu button switch 316a by the player operating the menu button 316, the control unit 328 performs the menu operation in step Sa07. If it is determined that there is, the process proceeds to step Sa13 to execute a menu display process.

  In this menu display process, the control unit 328 first determines whether or not the player playing the game with the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is a member based on the data stored in the receiving card table (the card ID is the member card). If the player is not a member, the visitor main menu that includes only the menu items for “data”, “ranking”, and “notification” that do not include member-specific menu items Is displayed on the display unit 312 by outputting a visitor main menu display instruction to the display control board 329. On the other hand, if the player is a member, the menu items unique to the member are “point display”, “replay” Member main menu, including a “Play” menu item and a welcome message containing the member's name obtained from the member management computer. Over a causes the display unit 312 by outputting a membership main menu display instruction to the display control board 329.

  Each menu item displayed on the display unit 312 can be selected by the player, and if any menu item is not selected within a predetermined time, a menu display end instruction is displayed on the display control board 329. By outputting, the display of the main menu is ended and the process returns to the standby state of steps Sa02 to Sa07. On the other hand, if any menu item is selected within a predetermined time, the process corresponding to the selected menu item is performed. Is executed, the process returns to the standby state of steps Sa02 to Sa07.

  When the “table data” menu in the main menu is selected, the table data display process for displaying the table data information of the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is performed, and the “ranking” menu is selected. In this case, the ranking of the pachinko machine 2 in the amusement hall based on the stand data is acquired and displayed from the hall computer, and when the “Notification” menu is selected, the notification information is acquired from the hall computer and displayed. When the menu of “Point display” is selected, the number of points visited (the number of points stored in the receiving card table) that the member who owns the receiving membership card has acquired at that time is displayed. Is done. When the “replay” menu is selected, the replay process in step Sa12 described above is executed in the same manner as the operation of the replay button 319.

  Next, the power information providing server 150 used in the present embodiment will be described. The power information providing server 150 obtains power forecast information, which is forecast information of electricity demand of each power region to which each amusement park belongs, before the sales. Is transmitted to the system controller 100 at a predetermined time (for example, 9 o'clock) and the power usage amount of each power region exceeds a first threshold value (for example, 90% of the power supply capacity) close to the power supply capacity. The power tightness information indicating the first tightness stage is transmitted to the system controller, and when the second threshold (for example, 95% of the power supply capacity) is exceeded, the power tightness information indicating that the second tightness stage is reached. It has a function to transmit to the system controller.

  The power forecast information includes information on the prediction of power consumption for each hour from 9:00 to 21:00 (what percentage of power supply capacity).

  In the first embodiment, among the information transmitted by the power information providing server 150, an example in which the power consumption amount of the game hall is adjusted using the power forecast, and the game using the power tightness information in a modified example to be described later. The example which adjusts the power consumption of a field is shown.

  In response to receiving the power forecast information from the power information providing server 150, the system controller 100 performs the power adjustment schedule creation process shown in FIG. 10 and sets the card unit 3 or the pachinko machine 2 to the power saving mode. Create a power adjustment schedule including bands.

  In the power adjustment schedule creation process shown in FIG. 10, the system controller 100 first confirms whether or not the power forecast information for the day has been received (step S1).

  If the power forecast information for the current day has not been received, the process is terminated. If the power forecast information has been received, the process proceeds to step S2 and exceeds the secondary threshold (for example, 95%). It is determined whether or not a band exists in the power forecast information.

  If there is no time zone that exceeds the secondary threshold, the process proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if there is a time period that exceeds the secondary threshold, the process proceeds to step S3, and the time period exceeds the secondary threshold. For example, after specifying the time zone from 13:00 to 15:00 as the secondary time limit zone, the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, it is determined whether or not a time zone exceeding the primary threshold (for example, 90%) exists in the power forecast information. If there is no time zone exceeding the primary threshold, the process goes to step S6. On the other hand, if there is a time slot that exceeds the primary threshold, the process proceeds to step S5, and in step S3 of the time slot that exceeds the primary threshold, for example, from 12:00 to 16:00 After specifying the time zone from 12:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 16:00 as the primary time limit, excluding the time zone from 13:00 to 15:00, which is the time zone exceeding the specified secondary threshold, Proceed to S6.

  In step S6, a power limit schedule is created based on the secondary time limit zone and the primary time limit zone specified in step S3 and step S5. Specifically, a power limit schedule is created in which 12:00 to 13:00 is a primary time limit, 13:00 to 15:00 is a secondary time limit, and 15:00 to 16:00 is a primary time limit.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S7, and based on the created power limit schedule, the start time (12:00, 15:00) of the primary limit time zone in which the primary limit start timing signal is output from the RTC 104, and the primary limit end timing The end time (16:00) of the primary restriction time zone in which the signal is output, the start time (13:00) of the secondary restriction time zone in which the secondary restriction start timing signal is output, and the secondary restriction end timing signal The end time (15 o'clock) of the output secondary time limit period is set (set) in the RTC 104. For the 15:00 shift from the secondary time limit to the primary time limit, set the start time of the primary time limit without setting the end time of the secondary time limit. Also good.

  Next, the power restriction schedule created in step S6 is notified to a wireless communication device (income) possessed by a store clerk in the game hall via a wireless communication device (not shown). Specifically, by creating a message text for notifying the schedule and outputting it to the wireless communication device, the message text is converted into a voice by a voice synthesis process and notified to each store clerk. After the store clerk can grasp which primary time limit time zone and secondary time limit time zone, the process ends.

  Here, the difference between the primary time limit zone and the secondary time limit zone will be described with reference to FIG. Since the secondary time limit is a time zone in which the power demand is predicted to be greater than the primary time limit, and is a time zone in which power consumption needs to be further suppressed, as shown in FIG. The range (number) of card units 3 and pachinko machines 2 to be shifted to a low power saving mode is wider (more) in the secondary time limit than in the primary time limit.

  Specifically, in this embodiment, since the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2 installed in the game hall are operated at three different lending rates, the restriction type for shifting to the power saving mode at each rate. However, the low-rate one is preferentially shifted to the power saving mode, and even if the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2 have the same rate, the pachinko machine 2 and the pachinko machine 2 that are in operation or have a high availability are in operation In the card unit 3 corresponding to the non-operating or low operating rate and the card unit 3 corresponding to the pachinko machine 2, the pachinko machine 2 that is operating or has a high operating rate is preferentially in power saving mode. Is set to be migrated to.

  That is, in the primary time limit period, as shown in FIG. 11, all of the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2 having a lending rate of 1 yen / ball are shifted to the power saving mode in principle and 2 yen / ball. Of the card units 3 and pachinko machines 2 with a lending rate of only, the pachinko machine 2 in operation or at a high operating rate and only the card unit 3 corresponding to the pachinko machine 2 are shifted to the power saving mode in principle, but 2 yen / Out of the card unit 3 and pachinko machine 2 of the ball lending rate, the card unit 3 corresponding to the pachinko machine 2 of the non-operating or low operating rate, and the card unit 3 of 4 yen / ball lending rate All the pachinko machines 2 are maintained in the normal mode.

  On the other hand, in the secondary time limit where it is necessary to reduce power consumption, as shown in FIG. 11, the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2 with the lending rate of 1 yen / ball and 2 yen / ball are all in principle. Of the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2 with a lending rate of 4 yen / ball, and only the card unit 3 corresponding to the pachinko machine 2 and the pachinko machine 2 that is in operation or at a high operating rate. Of the card unit 3 and pachinko machine 2 with a lending rate of 4 yen / ball, and the card unit 3 corresponding to the pachinko machine 2 with the non-operating or low operating rate are Normal mode is maintained.

  The above setting examples are merely examples, and these settings are related to the number and type of pachinko machines 2 and card units 3 installed in the amusement hall, the type of loan rate being operated, etc. Depending on the above, it may be set appropriately. Further, even if the “power saving mode” is set in the restriction target specifying table shown in FIG. 11 described above, for example, as will be described later, the pachinko machine 2 that is the target of the “power saving mode” The normal mode may be maintained in the case of a certain change state or the like.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the mode instruction transmission processing executed by the system controller 100 of the present embodiment.

  In the mode instruction transmission process, the system controller 100 performs step Sb1 to step Sb4 shown in FIG. 12 to determine whether or not it is the start time (primary restriction start time) of the primary restriction time zone. Whether it is the start time of the time zone (secondary restriction start time), the end time of the secondary restriction time zone (secondary restriction end time), or the end time of the primary restriction time zone (primary It is determined (monitored) whether or not it is the limit end time.

  If the primary restriction start timing signal is output from the RTC 104 at the primary restriction start time, it is determined in step Sb1 that the primary restriction start time is reached, the process proceeds to step Sb5, and the restriction target specifying table is displayed. Based on this, the card unit 3 that is the target of power consumption restriction is specified by shifting to the power saving mode in the primary restriction time zone.

  Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 11, as described above, all card units 3 in which “1 yen / ball” is stored in “Rate” of the unit management table (see FIG. 7), and unit management Among the card units 3 in which “2 yen / ball” is stored in “Rate” of the table, the card unit 3 in which the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is operating or the operating rate is equal to or higher than a predetermined value is specified. Whether the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is operating or the operating rate is a predetermined value or more is determined for each card unit 3 in which “2 yen / ball” is stored in “Rate” of the unit management table. Whether or not the state data stored in the “state” of the game information table in association with the machine number (for example, 101 or 102) stored in the “corresponding machine number” This can be determined based on whether or not the operation rate data stored in the “operation rate” of the game information table is a predetermined value (for example, 65%) or more.

  And the power saving mode instruction | indication used as the instruction | indication which transfers to a power saving mode is transmitted with respect to each identified card unit 3 (step Sb6), and the said process is complete | finished.

  If the secondary restriction start timing signal is output from the RTC 104 at the secondary restriction start time, the secondary restriction start time is determined in step Sb2, and the process proceeds to step Sb7. Based on the table, the card unit 3 to which power consumption is to be restricted is specified by shifting to the power saving mode in the secondary restriction time zone.

  Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 11, as described above, all the card units 3 in which “1 yen / ball” and “2 yen / ball” are stored in the “rate” of the unit management table; Among the card units 3 in which “4 yen / ball” is stored in “Rate” of the unit management table (see FIG. 7), the card unit 3 whose corresponding pachinko machine 2 is operating or whose operating rate is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. Is identified. Whether the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is operating or the operating rate is a predetermined value or more is determined for each card unit 3 in which “4 yen / ball” is stored in “Rate” of the unit management table. Whether or not the status data stored in the “status” of the game information table in association with the machine number (for example, 001 or 002) stored in the “corresponding machine number” This can be determined based on whether or not the operation rate data stored in the “operation rate” of the game information table is a predetermined value (for example, 65%) or more.

  And the power saving mode instruction | indication used as the instruction | indication which transfers to a power saving mode is transmitted with respect to each identified card unit 3 (step Sb6), and the said process is complete | finished.

  Also, the secondary restriction end time (which may be the primary restriction start time) is output, and the secondary restriction end timing signal (the primary restriction start timing signal may also be output) is output from the RTC 104. In this case, it is determined in step Sb3 that the secondary restriction end time is reached, the process proceeds to step Sb8, and the card unit 3 that returns to the normal mode and releases the restriction on power consumption is specified based on the restriction target specifying table. .

  Specifically, when the primary restriction start timing signal is output together with the secondary restriction end timing signal, it is a case where the primary restriction time zone is entered, so that it is specified based on the restriction target specifying table. The card unit 3 that is the target of the power saving mode in the secondary restricted time zone is excluded from the card unit 3 that is the subject of the power saving mode in the primary restricted time zone in the restriction target specifying table. If the unit 3 is identified as the card unit 3 for canceling the restriction on power consumption, and the primary restriction start timing signal is not output together with the secondary restriction end timing signal, the unit 2 is not shifted to the primary restriction time zone. Since the next time limit ends, all the card units 3 that are targeted for the power saving mode in the secondary time limit are all turned off. Identifying as a card unit 3 for releasing the restriction.

  And it progresses to step Sb9, the normal mode instruction | indication used as the instruction | indication which transfers to normal mode is transmitted with respect to the card unit 3 specified by step Sb8, and the said process is complete | finished.

  If the primary restriction end time signal is output from the RTC 104 when the primary restriction end time is reached, it is determined in step Sb4 that the primary restriction end time is reached, and the process proceeds to step Sb10. After all the card units 3 that are the targets of the power saving mode in the primary time limit period specified based on the table are specified as the card units 3 for which the restriction on the power consumption is released, On the other hand, a normal mode instruction serving as an instruction to shift to the normal mode is transmitted (step Sb9), and the process ends.

  In this embodiment, the card unit 3 that transmits the power saving mode instruction and the normal mode instruction at the primary restriction start time, the primary restriction end time, the secondary restriction start time, and the secondary restriction end time is specified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the power-saving mode instruction and the normal time are set at the primary restriction start time, the primary restriction end time, the secondary restriction start time, and the secondary restriction end time. In order to reduce the processing load for specifying the card unit 3 that transmits the mode instruction, for example, when creating the power adjustment schedule, the card unit 3 that transmits the power saving mode instruction or the normal mode instruction is specified in advance. The device ID of the specified card unit 3 may be stored.

  Next, as described above, in the card unit 3 (control unit 328) that receives the power saving mode instruction and the normal mode instruction transmitted from the system controller 100, the power saving mode executed by the timer interrupt for each predetermined period. Processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the power saving mode process, the card unit 3 (control unit 328) first determines whether or not the communication state with the system controller 100 is offline, that is, in response to transmission of a predetermined online confirmation request from the system controller 100. It is determined whether or not there is a reply within the time (step Sc0).

  When it is determined that the offline state is not determined (that is, when the online state is established), the process proceeds to step Sc3. On the other hand, when the offline state is determined, the power saving mode stored in the RAM 328b is switched to. It is determined whether it is a transition time (Sc1) and whether it is a return time to the normal mode (Sc2).

  If it is determined in step Sc1 that it is time to shift to the power saving mode, the process proceeds to step Sc8 described later. If a predetermined condition (conditions of steps Sc8 and Sc9) is satisfied, the corresponding pachinko machine 2 Starts to output a power saving mode signal.

  If it is determined in step Sc2 that it is the return time to the normal mode, the process proceeds to step Sc21, and the control to shift to the normal mode, that is, the mode of the card unit 3 is set to the normal mode. The output of the power saving mode signal to the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is terminated, the display of “in power saving mode” displayed on the display unit 312 (see FIG. 14B) is terminated, and the processing is terminated. To do. In step Sc21, the normal mode return notification including the device ID of the card unit 3 is transmitted to the system controller 100, so that the information on the power mode corresponding to the device ID in the unit management table is “normal mode”. Updated to

  On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the return time to the normal mode, and if it is determined that the time is not offline in step Sc0, the process proceeds to step Sc3, and the transition time to the power saving mode stored in the RAM 328b is set. It is determined whether it is a time before a predetermined time (10 minutes).

  If it is the time before the predetermined time (10 minutes), the process proceeds to step Sc14 to start the power saving notice to the effect that the power saving mode is to be entered after the predetermined time, and the process ends, while the predetermined time ( 10 minutes) If it is not the previous time, it is determined whether or not a normal mode instruction is received from the system controller 100 (step Sc4) and whether or not a power saving mode instruction is received from the system controller 100 (step Sc5). To do.

  When the normal mode instruction is received from the system controller 100, the process proceeds from step Sc4 to step Sc20, and the return time to the normal mode stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 328b is updated and stored at the time at that time. By performing the processing of step Sc21 and step Sc22 described above, the mode is shifted to the normal mode, the display of “in power saving mode” (see FIG. 14B) is terminated, and the processing is terminated.

  Further, when the power saving mode instruction is received from the system controller 100, the process proceeds from step Sc5 to step Sc6 to control the transition to the power saving mode, that is, the mode of the card unit 3 as described above. In addition to reducing the brightness of the lamp 301 and reducing the display brightness of the liquid crystal display 313, control is performed to set the power saving mode in which power consumption is suppressed, and the power saving mode stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 328b is entered. Is updated and stored at the time at that time (step Sc7).

  Then, proceeding to step Sc8, the gaming state of the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is a big hit state in which a game effect lamp or game effect sound is output, a probable change effect, a short-time effect, etc., or a probable change state. If it is not the normal state, the process proceeds to step Sc12. If it is the normal state, the process proceeds to step Sc9, and the non-variable display determination timer is counting. It is determined whether or not.

  The non-variable display determination timer is a timer in which a non-variable determination time (for example, 1 minute) is set every time a start signal is input from the corresponding pachinko machine 2, and the non-variable display determination timer is counting. There is a high possibility that the non-change determination time has not elapsed since the last change display on the corresponding pachinko machine 2 has been completed, and that the next change display is being performed on the corresponding pachinko machine 2. On the contrary, if the non-variable display determination timer is not counting, that is, if the non-variable display determination timer is up, there is a possibility that the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is not performing the variable display. It shows that the nature is high.

  If the non-variable display determination timer is counting, the process proceeds to step Sc12. If the non-variable display determination timer is not counting, the process proceeds to step Sc10, and the power saving mode signal is output to the corresponding pachinko machine 2. As shown in FIG. 14B, the display unit 312 starts displaying “in power saving mode” (step Sc11), and informs the player, etc. that it is in the power saving mode. The process ends. In step Sc10, a power saving mode transition execution notification including the device ID of the card unit 3 is transmitted to the system controller 100, so that the information of the power mode corresponding to the device ID in the unit management table becomes “saving”. "Power mode" is updated, the machine number stored in the unit management table in association with the device ID is specified, and the item data of "Power saving" in the game information table corresponding to the specified machine number Is updated from “00” to “01”.

  Further, as described above, when the process proceeds to step Sc12, after the power saving mode standby flag is set, when the power saving notice display started in step Sc14 is displayed, the power notice display is displayed. Is ended, the display during standby in the power saving mode shown in FIG. 14A is started (step Sc13), and the processing is ended. In step Sc12, a power saving mode preparation notification including the device ID of the card unit 3 is transmitted to the system controller 100, so that the information on the power mode corresponding to the device ID in the unit management table becomes “saving”. Updated to “Preparing for Power”.

  If “No” in step Sc5, the process proceeds to step Sc30 to determine whether or not the power saving mode standby flag is set. If the power saving mode standby flag is not set, the process is performed. On the other hand, if the power saving mode standby flag is set, whether the gaming state of the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is the normal state (step Sc31), and whether the non-variable display determination timer is counting It is determined whether or not (step Sc32).

  If the gaming state of the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is not in the normal state, or if the non-variable display determination timer is counting, the process ends, while the gaming state of the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is in the normal state. If the non-variable display determination timer is not counting, the process proceeds to step Sc33 to reset the power saving mode waiting flag set in step Sc12 and to wait for the power saving mode started in step Sc13. The medium display is ended and the process proceeds to step Sc10, and the output of the power saving mode signal to the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is started, and “in power saving mode” is displayed on the display unit 312 as shown in FIG. Is started, the player is notified that the power saving mode is set, and the process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the schedule including the power saving period for setting the in-store device in the power saving state is created based on the power forecast information of the power region to which the store belongs, and the in-store device is created based on the created schedule. Since the power saving state and the normal power state are controlled, the power consumption can be adjusted according to the power situation of the power region to which the store belongs.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the power saving state is entered if the predetermined condition is satisfied. Therefore, by setting a condition according to the situation of the gaming machine as the predetermined condition, it is possible to save according to the situation of the gaming machine. The power state can be changed.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the effect of notifying that the game state is advantageous is performed, the transition to the power saving state is not performed because the transition to the power saving state is not performed. It can be avoided that the effect of notifying that the game state is advantageous is not executable.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the variable display is being performed, the state of the variable display is changed, for example, by shifting to the power saving state because the state is not shifted to the power saving state. Thus, it can be avoided that the change in the aspect is mistaken as one aspect of the production.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the gaming machine that is contributing to the operation due to the operating condition, being in operation, or having a high operation rate, that is, a game machine that is popular with players. Since the operation does not significantly decrease even when the power saving state is entered, the power consumption can be adjusted while reducing the influence on the operation.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications and additions within the scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. It is.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the system controller 100 creates the power adjustment schedule using the power forecast information transmitted from the power information providing server 150. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 15, the system controller 100 does not create these power adjustment schedules, and uses the power tightness information of the first tightness stage and the second tightness stage transmitted from the power information providing server 150 to create a card. The unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2 may be shifted to the power saving mode to adjust the power consumption.

  Specifically, the system controller 100 has received the first tightness information indicating that it is the first tightness stage from the power information providing server 150 by performing steps Sb1 ′ to Sb4 ′ shown in FIG. Whether or not the second tightness information indicating that the second tightness stage is received from the power information providing server 150, and whether or not the second tightness stage is released from the power information providing server 150 It is determined (monitored) whether or not the release information has been received, and whether or not the first pressure release information indicating that the first pressure stage has been released from the power information providing server 150 has been received.

  When the first tightness information is received from the power information providing server 150, “Yes” is set in step Sb1 ′, and the process proceeds to step Sb5. Based on the data corresponding to “primary restriction” in the restriction target specifying table. Then, the card unit 3 to which the power consumption is to be restricted is specified by shifting to the power saving mode. The specified card unit 3 is the same as the card unit 3 whose power consumption is restricted in the primary restriction time zone in the above-described embodiment.

  And the power saving mode instruction | indication used as the instruction | indication which transfers to a power saving mode is transmitted with respect to each identified card unit 3 (step Sb6), and the said process is complete | finished.

  When the second tightness information is received from the power information providing server 150, “Yes” is set in step Sb2 ′, and the process proceeds to step Sb7. In the restriction target specifying table, the data corresponding to “secondary restriction” is obtained. Based on this, the card unit 3 that is newly shifted to the power saving mode and is the target of restriction of power consumption is specified. The specified card unit 3 is the same as the card unit 3 whose power consumption is restricted in the secondary restriction time zone in the above-described embodiment.

  And the power saving mode instruction | indication used as the instruction | indication which transfers to a power saving mode is transmitted with respect to each identified card unit 3 (step Sb6), and the said process is complete | finished.

  Further, when the second tightness release information is received from the power information providing server 150, “Yes” is set in Step Sb3 ′, and the process proceeds to Step Sb8 to return to the normal mode based on the restriction target specifying table and The card unit 3 for which the restriction on consumption is removed is specified.

  And it progresses to step Sb9, the normal mode instruction | indication used as the instruction | indication which transfers to normal mode is transmitted with respect to the card unit 3 specified by step Sb8, and the said process is complete | finished.

  Further, when the first tightness release information is received from the power information providing server 150, “Yes” is set in step Sb4 ′, the process proceeds to step Sb10, the power is returned to the normal mode based on the restriction target specifying table, and the power is restored. The card unit 3 for which the restriction on consumption is removed is specified.

  And it progresses to step Sb9, the normal mode instruction | indication used as the instruction | indication which transfers to normal mode is transmitted with respect to the card unit 3 specified by step Sb8, and the said process is complete | finished.

  Note that even when the second tightness release information and the first tightness release information are received simultaneously from the power information providing server 150, the processing of Sb8 and Sb10 described above is sequentially executed, so that the power saving mode is set. The normal mode instruction is transmitted to all the card units.

  In the above embodiment, the card unit 3 determines whether the pachinko machine 2 is in the normal state or whether the change display has been completed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the system controller 100 performs these determinations when the “status” data in the game information table is “big hit” or “probably changing”. Judgment is made based on the fact that it is not “short time”, or it is determined that the variable display has ended based on the fact that the “total start count” data in the game information table has not been updated for a predetermined time or more. However, by sending a power saving mode instruction to the card unit 3 on the condition that it is not “big hit”, “probably changing” or “short time”, or that the change display has been completed, Card unit 3 The pachinko machine 2 may be shifted to the power saving mode. In this case, only the system controller 100 corresponds to the management apparatus of the present invention, and the card unit 3 and the pachinko machine 2 are the in-store apparatus of the present invention. It corresponds to.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although it is made to notify a power adjustment schedule with a voice | voice by a radio | wireless communication apparatus with respect to the store clerk in a game hall, this invention is not limited to this, These power adjustments The schedule is displayed on a large display provided in the amusement hall for notification or displayed on the display unit 312 of each card unit 3 or the display unit of the calling lamp device provided on the upper part of each pachinko machine 2. Thus, it may be notified to each player or a store clerk.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the system controller 100 provided in each game hall illustrated the form which implements a power adjustment schedule creation process and a mode instruction | indication transmission process, this invention is not limited to this, These processes are performed by a management computer other than the system controller 100 provided in the game hall, for example, a ball management computer that manages the number of balls, a member management computer that manages member information, and a hall computer that manages pachinko machines. In addition, the card management server provided outside the amusement hall, for example, in the card company, may be connected to the power information providing server 150 and executed in the card management server. .

  Furthermore, the power adjustment schedule creation process and the mode instruction transmission process are performed, and the card unit 3 receives the power forecast information and the power tightness information transmitted from the power information providing server 150 to change the corresponding pachinko machine 2 and its own power mode. In this case, the card unit 3 also corresponds to the management apparatus of the present invention.

  In the embodiment, the power saving mode signal is output from the card unit 3 to the effect control board 270 of the pachinko machine 2, and the pachinko machine 2 is set to the power saving mode during the period in which the power saving mode signal is output. Although the mode of shifting is illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the card unit 3 and the effect control board 270 are connected by a serial signal line, and power saving is performed when shifting to the power saving mode. A mode change request is output (transmitted) to shift the pachinko machine 2 to the power saving mode, and a power saving mode release request is output (transmitted) when returning to the normal mode to shift the pachinko machine 2 to the normal mode. May be.

  Moreover, in the said Example, the power information provision server 150 transmits the power forecast information containing the information of the prediction information (it is what% of power supply capability) of the power consumption amount for every hour as power forecast information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and includes, for example, information on seasons (summer, autumn, winter, spring) and information on temperature and humidity in each time zone. May be analyzed by executing an analysis program describing a predetermined algorithm to create a power adjustment schedule.

  Moreover, although the said Example illustrated the form which transmits the electric power forecast information and electric power tightness information of the electric power region to which the game hall where each system controller 100 was installed from the electric power information provision server 150, this invention is not limited to this. The power information providing server 150 transmits all the power forecast information and power tightness information of an arbitrary power region, and the system controller 100 side transmits the power forecast information and power tightness of the power region to which it belongs. Information may be specified and used.

  In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the pachinko machine 2 that is in operation and has a high operation rate, that is, the popular pachinko machine 2 and the card unit 3 corresponding to the pachinko machine 2 are prioritized to save power. Although the mode is described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this, and conversely, the pachinko machine 2 that is not operating or has a low operating rate may be preferentially set to the power saving mode.

  In the above-described embodiment, in the system controller 100, for the pachinko machine 2 in the power saving mode, the “power saving” item data in the game information table is changed from “00” to “01”. , Game information of the pachinko machine 2 that has shifted to the power saving mode, and game information of the pachinko machine 2 that has not shifted to the power saving mode, for example, the total number of shots of the pachinko machine 2 that has shifted to the power saving mode, By summing up the total number of hit balls of the pachinko machine 2 that has not shifted to the power mode and calculating each average, the average of the total shot balls of the pachinko machine 2 that has shifted to the power saving mode, Compared with the average of the total number of shots of the pachinko machine 2 that did not shift to the power saving mode, the influence on the total number of shots by shifting to the power saving mode, that is, the total number of shots When there are few Since it indicates that the operation is low, whether or not to shift to the power saving mode, it is possible to grasp whether or not there is an influence on the total number of shots (operation), The invention is not limited to this, and the system controller 100 does not have a configuration for individually collecting the game information of the pachinko machine that has shifted to the power saving mode and the pachinko machine that has not shifted to the power saving mode. good.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the game information table was provided in the system controller 100 and the form which collects the game information of each pachinko machine 2 so that it could total was illustrated, this invention is not limited to this, These The game information of each pachinko machine 2 may be aggregated only in the hall computer, not in the system controller 100.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the form which used the in-store apparatus as the pachinko machine 2, the card unit 3, etc. is illustrated, this invention is not limited to this, As these in-store apparatuses, the pachinko machine 2 of It may be a call lamp provided corresponding to each pachinko machine 2 in the upper position, or a data display device that is arranged at a predetermined position in the game hall and can display the table data of each pachinko machine 2 in the game hall.

2 Pachinko machine 3 Card unit 100 System controller 150 Power information providing server 231 Game control board 270 Production control board 309 Card insertion slot 312 Display unit 321 Bill identification unit 327 Card reader / writer 328 Control unit 334 Communication unit 335 External input / output IF

Claims (1)

A power consumption adjustment system that adjusts power consumption in a store, including an in-store device installed in the store and a management device that is connected to the in-store device and manages power consumption of the in-store device,
The management device
A schedule including a power saving period for receiving power forecast information of a power region to which the store belongs, transmitted from a power information providing device outside the store, and setting the in-store device in a power saving state based on the received power forecast information Means for creating a schedule,
The in-store device is shifted to the power saving state at the start of the power saving period specified from the schedule created by the schedule creation means, and the in-store device is normally switched from the power saving state at the end of the power saving period. Power state control means for returning to the power state;
Comprising
A power consumption adjustment system characterized by that.

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