JP2016119964A - Game machine and game hall management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine and a game hall management system capable of specifying a state in advance where consumption power in a game hall will become large.SOLUTION: A game hall management system 1S includes a game machine 1 including: presentation performance means for performing a big win presentation with a large consumption power, when a big win state is generated; special determination means for determining a winning or losing of a special symbol reservation before a symbol variation is started; and output means for outputting electric power information that can specify that consumption power will become large to a management device 31 prior to a generation of the big win state, if the special determination means determines that the special symbol reservation corresponding to a generation of a big win state is stored.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine installed in a gaming hall and a gaming hall management system useful for management of the gaming hall.

  In recent years, liquid crystal displays and the like provided in gaming machines have become large screens and have increased power consumption. In the entire game arcade where such game machines are installed, the power consumption due to the operation of the game machines is increasing. Various techniques for managing the power consumption of the game hall have been proposed for such situations (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2013-34601 A

  However, the conventional technology only identifies the operating state where the power consumption has increased by managing the power used in the amusement hall, and avoids further expansion of the power consumption. There is a problem that it is impossible to specify in advance the situation in which the size of the

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine and a game hall management system that can specify in advance a situation in which power consumption in a game hall increases.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, lottery means for executing a lottery process in response to establishment of a predetermined lottery condition;
Storage means for storing the lottery result by the lottery means as a special figure hold up to a predetermined upper limit hold number;
Read means for reading the special figure hold stored in the storage means one by one;
When the result of the lottery processing for holding the special figure read by the reading means corresponds to the occurrence of a special gaming state advantageous to the player, after executing the symbol variation that displays a predetermined symbol variably A symbol changing means for stopping and displaying a symbol corresponding to the occurrence of the special gaming state;
Special gaming state generating means for generating the special gaming state when the symbol changing means stops displaying the symbol corresponding to the occurrence of the special gaming state;
When the special gaming state occurs, an effect execution means for executing a special effect with high power consumption;
Prior to starting the symbol variation corresponding to the special figure hold, special determination means for determining whether the special figure hold stored in the storage means,
When the special determination unit determines that the storage unit stores a lottery result corresponding to the occurrence of the special gaming state, the special gaming state generates power information that can specify that power consumption increases. Before the game, the game machine is characterized by comprising output means for outputting to a management device provided in the game hall (claim 1).

  The gaming machine according to the first aspect is a gaming machine that executes a lottery process for determining whether or not to generate a special gaming state advantageous to the player, and executes a special effect during the occurrence of the special gaming state. Since this special effect is an effect that consumes a large amount of power, the power consumption of the gaming machine increases during the occurrence of a special gaming state.

  This gaming machine determines whether or not the special figure hold stored by the storage means before starting the corresponding symbol variation. If the lottery result corresponds to the occurrence of the special gaming state, power information that can specify that the power consumption is increased is output to the management device prior to the occurrence of the special gaming state.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, lottery means for executing a lottery process in response to establishment of a predetermined lottery condition;
Storage means for storing the lottery result by the lottery means as a special figure hold up to a predetermined upper limit hold number;
Read means for reading the special figure hold stored in the storage means one by one;
When the reading means reads the special symbol hold, after executing the symbol variation that variably displays a predetermined symbol, the symbol corresponding to the result of the special symbol hold lottery process is stopped and displayed, As the symbol variation, a symbol variation means capable of executing the first symbol variation and the second symbol variation that consumes more power than the first symbol variation;
Special game state generating means for generating the special gaming state when the symbol changing means stops displaying a symbol corresponding to the occurrence of a special gaming state advantageous to the player;
Prior to starting the symbol variation corresponding to the special symbol hold, special determination means for determining whether or not the special symbol hold stored in the storage means corresponds to the execution of the second symbol variation; ,
When the special determination unit determines that the storage unit stores the lottery result corresponding to the execution of the second symbol variation, the power information that can specify that the power consumption is increased is the second symbol. The game machine is characterized by comprising output means for outputting to a management device provided in the game hall before the change is executed (claim 2).

  The gaming machine according to the second aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine that executes a lottery process for determining whether or not a special gaming state advantageous to the player is generated. This gaming machine can execute a first symbol variation with low power consumption and a second symbol variation with large power consumption as symbol variations for notifying the result of the lottery process. During execution of the second symbol variation, the power consumption of the gaming machine becomes larger than during execution of the first symbol variation.

  This gaming machine determines whether or not the special symbol hold stored in the storage means before the corresponding symbol variation is started is the trigger for executing the second symbol variation. If the special symbol corresponding to the second symbol variation is on hold, power information that can specify that the power consumption is increased is output to the management device prior to the execution of the second symbol variation. .

  By using the power information output by the gaming machines of the first and second aspects, it is possible to specify in advance the operating status in which the power consumption increases in the management device. If such an operating state can be specified in advance, it becomes possible to cope with an increase in power consumption at a prior timing. As a result, for example, it is possible to operate in such a way as to avoid a situation in which the power consumption in the game hall exceeds a predetermined reference value.

  As described above, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine suitable for specifying in advance a situation in which power consumption increases.

  As the gaming machine according to the present invention, there are a pachinko gaming machine that is played by using (launching) a ball as a gaming medium, a slot machine that generates a prize when a predetermined winning symbol is stopped and displayed, and the like. Pachinko gaming machines may be of a type that pays out balls according to winnings, so that a ball (game medium) is fired using points as gaming value, and points are awarded according to winnings, so-called encapsulation It may be a pachinko machine of the type. The slot machine may be a type that is played using game media such as medals and coins, and medals etc. are paid out in accordance with winnings, but points as game value without using medals as game media It may be a so-called full credit type slot machine that can be played (by wagering) and is awarded points when winning. Further, it may be a parrot (registered trademark) using balls as game media.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, lottery means for executing a lottery process in response to establishment of a predetermined lottery condition;
Storage means for storing the lottery result by the lottery means as a special figure hold up to a predetermined upper limit hold number;
Read means for reading the special figure hold stored in the storage means one by one;
When the result of the lottery processing for holding the special figure read by the reading means corresponds to the occurrence of a special gaming state advantageous to the player, after executing the symbol variation that displays a predetermined symbol variably A symbol changing means for stopping and displaying a symbol corresponding to the occurrence of the special gaming state;
Special gaming state generating means for generating the special gaming state when the symbol changing means stops displaying the symbol corresponding to the occurrence of the special gaming state;
When the special gaming state occurs, an effect execution means for executing a special effect with high power consumption;
Prior to starting the symbol variation corresponding to the special figure hold, special determination means for determining whether the special figure hold stored in the storage means,
When the special determination unit determines that the storage unit stores a lottery result corresponding to the occurrence of the special gaming state, the special gaming state generates power information that can specify that power consumption increases. A game machine having output means for outputting to a management device provided in the game hall before
Supply means for supplying power to the gaming machine;
Input means for inputting the power information output by the output means;
Prediction means for predicting the power consumption of the game arcade after receiving the power information based on the power information input by the input means;
Power determining means for determining whether or not the power consumption predicted by the predicting means exceeds a predetermined reference value;
A game room management system comprising: a management device having a special notification unit that executes a special notification when the power determination unit determines that the power value exceeds the reference value (Claim 3). ).

  The management device in the gaming hall management system of the third aspect predicts the power consumption of the gaming hall using the power information input (acquired) from the gaming machine side, and when the predicted power consumption exceeds the reference value Execute special notification. For example, when an administrator of a game hall receives a special notification from the management device, power control is performed so as to suppress the power consumption of each gaming machine within a range that does not affect the game progress in each gaming machine. By executing the operation, it is possible to avoid excessive power consumption in the amusement hall.

  As described above, the gaming hall management system according to the third aspect is a system that can specify in advance a situation in which power consumption in the gaming hall increases.

The system diagram which shows the structure of the game hall management system in Embodiment 1. FIG. The front view which shows the pachinko game machine in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a part of a storage area of a RAM according to the first embodiment. The front view of the special alerting | reporting screen by the management apparatus in Embodiment 1. FIG.

The embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the following examples.
(Embodiment 1)
The present embodiment relates to a game hall management system 1S useful for power management of a game hall in which 500 gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines 1 are installed. The contents will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In addition to the gaming machines such as the pachinko gaming machine 1, the gaming hall illustrated in FIG. 1 is equipped with rental equipment 43, calling lamps 45, lighting in the hall, acoustic equipment in the hall, air-conditioning equipment, display in the hall, etc. Yes. The gaming machine, the on-site equipment, and the like operate by receiving power supply from a power supply device 33 that is an example of a supply unit. The power supply device 33 according to the present embodiment has a function as a control panel that individually adjusts the power supplied to each gaming machine and on-site equipment. In FIG. 1, illustration of a power line for the power supply device 33 to supply power to the on-site equipment is omitted.

  In the amusement hall, one relay device 42 is installed for every two pachinko gaming machines 1. In addition to the pachinko gaming machine 1, a call lamp 45 and a lending machine 43 attached to each pachinko gaming machine 1 are connected to the relay device 42 in a communicable state. Various game signals output by the pachinko gaming machine 1 are output to the corresponding call lamp 45 via the relay device 42 and also transmitted to the communication network 40 by the relay device 42.

Game machines and in-ground devices installed in the game hall are managed by a management device 31 installed in an office space or the like in the game hall, and the operation status is monitored using the communication network 40.
Hereinafter, the gaming machine and the management device 31 constituting the gaming hall management system 1S of the present embodiment will be described, and then the operation of the gaming hall management system 1S will be described.

(Composition of gaming machine)
The pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a gaming machine that is played using a pachinko ball as a game medium. The pachinko gaming machine 1 performs a big win lottery (special symbol determination or not, hereinafter referred to as special symbol determination) in accordance with the winning to the start winning section 12. In the special figure determination, whether or not to generate a special gaming state advantageous to the player is determined by lottery. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is a so-called seven machine in which a jackpot symbol, which is an example of a special gaming state, is generated by displaying a jackpot symbol when a special symbol winning (special determination winning) occurs.

  As a gaming state generated by the pachinko gaming machine 1, in addition to the normal state, a jackpot state advantageous to the player, a probability variation state (high probability state) in which the winning probability of special figure determination is high, and a time when the symbol variation time is shortened There are states. Except for the big hit state, special figure determination as a big hit lottery is executed, and a big hit state or the like occurs when the special figure determination is won.

  On the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a substantially circular gaming area 130 is provided so as to face the player, and below the upper plate 135 and the lower plate 137 which are ball receiving plates, an operation handle 15 and the like are provided. Has been placed. Decorative lamp portions 136 are arranged on both upper sides of the game area 130. On the lower left side of the game area 130, a speaker 131 for outputting sound effects for game effects is arranged.

  The game area 130 is an area where balls, which are game media, flow down. The game area 130 is formed around the display device 19 including the liquid crystal display unit 190. A passing gate 14 is arranged on the left side of the display device 19 from the player side, and a general map display unit 181 and a general map hold display unit 182 are arranged along the left edge of the game area 130. On the lower side of the display device 19, the start winning portion 12 and the big winning portion 16 are arranged in two upper and lower stages, and an out hole 138 for collecting balls is provided at the lowermost portion.

  The passing gate 14 is a gate for detecting passing balls. The payout of the winning ball is not set to the passing gate 14 that only allows the ball to pass. When a passing ball of the passing gate 14 is detected, a random number for lottery for normal symbol determination (hereinafter referred to as a normal symbol determination) is extracted, and a normal symbol determination is executed.

The common map display unit 181 is a display unit for determining whether or not the common map is determined. The general-purpose display unit 181 displays winning by turning on the LED, and displays a loss in response to turning off the LED. The normal time fluctuation time is 30 seconds in the normal state and 1 second in the probability variation state and the short time state.
The common figure hold display part 182 is a display part of the number of random numbers for lottery for common figure determination extracted during the fluctuation display of the normal figure.

The start winning portion 12 is a winning opening that triggers a special figure determination that is a big hit lottery. When a ball wins the start winning portion 12, a random number for lottery is extracted and special figure determination is executed. The start winning portion 12 is provided with an electric tulip (electric accessory) including a pair of movable blades 121. The electric tulip is opened in accordance with the normal winning (the winning of the normal determination), and the winning to the start winning portion 12 becomes much easier. The opening time is 0.2 seconds × 1 in the normal state, and 1.5 seconds × 3 in the probability variation state and the short time state. Note that the number of payout balls for the start winning portion 12 to the start winning portion 12 is three.
The big prize section 16 is a variable prize device called a so-called attacker that is opened during the occurrence of the big hit state. The number of balls to be paid out when a ball is awarded to the big winning portion 16 is 15.

  The display device 19 is a device in which a liquid crystal display unit 190 is disposed substantially at the center. The liquid crystal display unit 190 functions as an effect execution means for executing various game effects such as a jackpot effect that is a special effect during the occurrence of a jackpot state, a function as a symbol change means for notifying a lottery result of special figure determination, etc. It has.

  On the lower side of the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit 190, a special figure hold display unit 195 is arranged. The special figure hold display unit 195 is a display unit for displaying the number of random numbers used for lottery for special figure determination according to the start winning to the start winning unit 12. The special figure hold display unit 195 is configured by, for example, four LEDs and the like, and notifies the number of holds based on the number of lighted LEDs.

  The liquid crystal display unit 190 serving as a symbol changing means displays a special design determination lottery in accordance with the combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed after variably displaying an effect design. As a lottery result of the special figure determination, there are a special figure winning that triggers a big hit state and a loss. Furthermore, the special figure winning includes a probability change jackpot that triggers a probability jackpot status and a normal jackpot that triggers a normal jackpot status.

  In the case of a special symbol winning (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot), a three-digit numerical symbol (any one of 1 to 9) is displayed after a symbol variation display over a predetermined symbol variation time. In particular, the odd-numbered double-faced symbol is a probability-changing jackpot symbol that triggers a probability-changing jackpot state, and the even-numbered symbolic slott is a normal jackpot symbol that triggers a normal jackpot state.

  The symbol variation time when notifying the lottery result of the special symbol determination is not constant but varies depending on the pattern of the notification effect. As for the pattern of the notification effect, among the numerical symbols that stop in the order of left → right → middle, the same numerical symbol stops on the left and right, leaving the central symbol that is changing, and if the same numerical symbol stops at the center There are patterns such as whether or not a reach that matches the jackpot design of the eyes occurs, or whether or not a super reach with a high expectation level of jackpots occurs in the reach. The average symbol variation time is longer when the reach occurs than when it loses, and the symbol variation when super reach occurs is the longest when the reach occurs. ing.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is configured around a main circuit 20 formed on a main control board. For the main circuit 20, a payout control circuit 23 for controlling the ball payout device 231 in accordance with the winning, a fire control circuit 241 for controlling the ball launching device 242, a sub control circuit 25 for executing control of game effects and the like. , A start winning sensor 211 for detecting a winning ball to the starting winning portion 12, a gate passing sensor 212 for detecting a passing ball of the passing gate 14, a large winning sensor 213 for detecting a winning ball to the big winning portion 16, a starting winning portion 12 electrifying solenoids 221 for driving the 12 movable blades 121, a large winning solenoid 224 for opening the large winning portion 16, a special figure holding display portion 195, a general drawing display portion 181, a general drawing holding display portion 182, and various signals externally. The output signal output unit 38, the power supply circuit 228, and the like are electrically connected.

  The sub control circuit 25 is an effect control circuit formed on the sub control board. An amplifier for driving the speaker 131 and a decorative lamp unit 136 are electrically connected to the sub control circuit 25, and a display control circuit 26 for controlling the display content of the liquid crystal display unit 190 is communicably connected. . The sub-control circuit 25 executes a notification effect according to whether or not the special figure determination is output from the main circuit 20 and the result of the effect lottery described later.

  The main circuit 20 shown in FIG. 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, ROM (Read Only Memory) 202 and RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, which are storage elements, a random number generator 206 that generates a predetermined range of random numbers, and An input / output (I / O) 204 that forms an input / output interface is provided.

The ROM 202 stores various processing programs to be executed by the CPU 201 and stores a lottery table (not shown). As a lottery table, there are a lottery table for special figure determination, a lottery table for universal figure determination, a lottery table for effect lottery, and the like.
In the lottery table for special figure determination, a winning random number for winning a special figure in a normal state and a short time state and a winning random number for winning a special figure in a probabilistic state are defined. The number of winning random numbers for winning special charts in the probable state is set to be larger than the winning random numbers for winning special charts in the normal state, etc., so that the winning probability for special figure determination in the normal state and the short time state is 1/100. On the other hand, the winning probability of special figure determination in the probability variation state is as high as 1/60. In addition, the distribution ratio of the winning random numbers in the special figure winning is 50% for the probability variation jackpot and 50% for the normal jackpot.

  In the lottery table for determining the ordinary figure, the winning random number for the ordinary figure winning in the normal state and the winning random number for the ordinary drawing winning random number in the short-time state and the certain variation state are defined. The number of winning random numbers for winning in the normal state is set more than the number of winning random numbers in the normal state, and the shorting state for the normal winning probability 1/30 in the normal state In addition, the probability of winning a normal figure in the probability variation state is 1/1.

  The lottery table for effect lottery is a table for effect lottery that determines the pattern of the notification effect for notifying whether or not the special figure determination is caused by the symbol variation. As a notification effect pattern, a notification effect in which reach does not occur (first symbol variation, hereinafter referred to as a non-reach effect), a notification effect in which reach occurs (hereinafter referred to as a normal reach effect), and a notification effect in which super reach occurs. (2nd symbol variation, hereinafter referred to as super reach production) is set. The symbol variation time varies depending on the pattern of the notification effect. The average symbol change time for non-reach production is about 10 seconds, and the average symbol change time for normal reach production and super reach production is about 30 seconds and about 120 seconds, respectively, regardless of whether the special figure is judged. ing.

  In the lottery table for effect lottery, random numbers selected for non-reach effect, normal reach effect, and super reach effect are defined respectively. The effect lottery is executed by collating the lottery random number extracted for special figure determination with the effect lottery table, and the notification effect pattern is determined.

  The winning random numbers for non-reach production are all lost random numbers for special figure determination. On the other hand, the winning random numbers for the normal reach effect and the super reach effect may be a special random number for a special figure determination or a random number for a special figure determination. However, when the occupancy ratio of the winning random number for special figure determination is compared with the winning random number for normal reach and the winning random number for super reach, this ratio is much higher in the winning random number for super reach. Therefore, even if the normal reach production occurs, the winning expectation degree of the special figure determination is not so high, but if the super reach production occurs, the winning expectation degree of the special figure determination is high.

  The RAM 203 of the main circuit 20 is a readable / writable storage element used for the work area of the CPU 201 or temporary writing. The RAM 203 is provided with a storage area whose part is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the storage area includes at least a special figure random number counter area 24a, a special figure holding area 24d, and a special figure reading area 24g.

  The special figure random number counter area 24a stores a predetermined range of random number values generated by the random number generation unit 206 for special figure determination as a big hit lottery. The random number value in the special figure random number counter area 24a is immediately updated every time the random number generation unit 206 generates a random number at a predetermined timing based on the operation clock of the CPU 201.

In the special figure holding area 24d, in addition to the random value of the lottery random number read from the special figure random number counter area 24a when the start winning occurs, whether or not the special figure is determined based on the random number for lottery No), the result of the effect lottery (non-reach effect, normal reach effect, super reach effect) is stored.
The special figure reading area 24g is an area for temporarily storing each special figure holding data read from the special figure holding area 1 when the symbol variation for informing whether or not the special figure determination is successful.
Note that the RAM 203 is also provided with a general-purpose random number counter area for general-purpose determination, a general-purpose holding area, and a general-purpose reading area (not shown).

The main circuit 20 according to the present embodiment realizes the following functions by causing the CPU 201 to execute a program read from the ROM 202.
(1) Lottery means: means for executing a lottery process when a predetermined lottery condition of winning a ball to the start winning portion 12 (start winning prize) is satisfied. When the lottery condition is satisfied, the lottery means reads the random number value in the special figure random number counter area 24a, and sets the read random number value as the lottery random number.
(2) Storage means: means for storing the lottery random number set by the lottery means in the special figure holding area 24d as the special figure hold and 4 as the upper limit hold number. The storage means additionally stores the determination result by the next special determination means as the configuration data of the special figure hold.
(3) Special determination means: means for pre-determining the special drawing hold held in the special drawing holding area 24d and judging the lottery result prior to the start of the symbol variation corresponding to the special drawing holding. The determination target by prefetching is whether or not the special figure is determined, that is, whether or not the jackpot (special figure winning) and the pattern of the notification effect determined by the effect lottery (non-reach effect, normal reach effect, super reach effect). When the random number for lottery is stored as the special figure hold in response to the start winning, the special determination means immediately reads the random number for lottery and determines whether the special drawing is determined and the result of the effect lottery. The determination result of the special figure determination and the result of the effect lottery are stored in the special figure holding area 24d by the storage means.
(4) Reading means: One special figure hold, which is a holding random number in the special figure holding area 24d, is read one by one to the special figure reading area 24g, and the number of holdings in the special figure holding area 24d is set to 1 according to the reading of the special figure holding. Means to reduce it.
(5) Special gaming state generating means: means for generating a big hit state when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed.

Note that the power consumption of the pachinko gaming machine 1 varies according to the operating state. The power consumption of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a normal gaming state is about 150 W at most, like a general gaming machine, while the power consumption increases during the execution of the super reach effect or the jackpot effect.
During the execution of the super reach effect, the display brightness of the liquid crystal display unit 190 increases, the blinking frequency and illuminance of the decorative lamp unit 136 increase, and the volume of the sound effect increases, thereby increasing the power consumption to about 180 W. there is a possibility.
In addition, during the execution of the jackpot effect, the display brightness of the liquid crystal display unit 190 is increased by the execution of the jackpot effect, the flashing frequency and the illuminance of the decorative lamp unit 136 are increased, and the volume of the sound effect is increased. Since the number of winnings to 16 is high, the power consumption is the highest and may increase to about 250W.

Examples of game signals that are externally output to external devices such as the management device 31 and the call lamp 45 while the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in progress include the following game signals. Each signal is output from a signal output unit 38 having a function as output means.
(1) Payout signal (safe signal): Output once for every 10 payout balls. The number of payout balls (safe) is the number of payout signals × 10 balls.
(2) Driving signal (out signal): Output once for every 10 hitting balls. The number of shots (out) is the number of shot signals × 10 balls. Strictly speaking, the driving signal is output not from the main body of the pachinko gaming machine 1 but from a ball collecting device (not shown) provided for collecting used balls.
(3) Start signal: This signal is output once every time symbol variation is started in order to notify the lottery result of special figure determination.
(4) Jackpot signal: A status signal that is level-output while the jackpot state is continuing.
(5) Probability change signal: A state signal that is level-output while the probability change state continues and the small hit state continues. Note that the game signal corresponding to only the small hit state is not output.
(6) First power signal: An output signal that is an example of power information that can specify that power consumption is increased (possibly) to about 180 W. The first power signal is output as a one-shot signal before the execution of the corresponding super reach effect when the pre-read special figure reservation corresponds to the super reach effect.
(7) Second power signal: an output signal that is an example of power information that can specify that the power consumption increases (possibly) to about 250 W. The second power signal is output as a one-shot signal before the corresponding jackpot state occurs when the pre-read special figure reservation corresponds to the jackpot winning.

(Management device configuration)
The management device 31 in FIG. 1 includes an output unit including a PC monitor 311 such as a liquid crystal display, a printer (not shown), an apparatus body 313 that executes various arithmetic processes, an input unit including a keyboard 312 and a mouse (not shown), It has. The apparatus body 313 includes a calculation function centered on a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage function using a hard disk drive, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and a communication for transmitting and receiving various signals or information. It has functions.

  The management device 31 implements various functions by causing the CPU to execute, for example, a software program read from the hard disk drive. The management device 31 receives the game signal output by each gaming machine via the relay device 42, and counts the number of times of input for each type of game signal, thereby allowing the number of balls to be placed and the number of balls to be paid out. Game data can be aggregated. Furthermore, by performing various arithmetic processing on the totaled game data, for example, the number of balls obtained by subtracting the number of balls to be paid out from the number of balls to be paid out, the rate of balls that are the ratio of the number of balls paid out to the number of balls to be shot, etc. Can be calculated.

In particular, the management device 31 of the present embodiment can implement the following functions as means for managing the power consumption of a game arcade.
(1) Input means: means for inputting a first power signal and a second power signal output from each gaming machine side as power information capable of specifying that power consumption increases. The input means inputs power information from each gaming machine side at a time interval of a predetermined period such as 5 minutes.
(2) Predicting means: means for predicting the power consumption of the game arcade after receiving the power information using the power information input by the input means. The prediction means estimates that the power consumption is 150 W for a gaming machine that does not receive a power signal, while the power consumption is 180 W for a gaming machine that receives a first power signal, and a gaming machine that receives a second power signal. Predicts the future power consumption of the entire gaming machine installed in the game arcade by estimating the power consumption to 250 W.
(3) Power determination means: means for comparing the power consumption predicted by the prediction means with a predetermined reference value to determine whether or not the power consumption of the entire gaming machine exceeds the reference value. If there is an agreement between the electric power company and the amusement hall regarding the contract power that is the maximum supply power, the reference value may be determined based on the contract power. For example, the power value obtained by subtracting the power consumption of in-ground equipment other than gaming machines, facilities such as on-site lighting and on-site air conditioning from the contract power can be the reference value that can be supplied to the gaming machines in the contract power. In addition, about the game field of this embodiment in which 500 game machines were installed, the reference value of 100 kW can be illustrated, for example.
(4) Special notification means: means for executing special notification to that effect when it is determined that the power consumption expected by the power determination means exceeds the reference value. This special notification is notified, for example, by a special notification screen (described later with reference to FIG. 5) displayed on the PC monitor 311.

Next, operation | movement of the game hall management system 1S of this embodiment is demonstrated. In the following description, first, the operation of the gaming machine will be described, and then the operation of the management device 31 will be described.
(Machine machine operation)
When the operation handle 15 is operated in the clockwise direction, the pachinko gaming machine 1 launches a ball with an intensity corresponding to the operation amount. The fired balls flow down the game area 130 where the start winning portion 12 and the like are arranged. The balls that have not won the start winning portion 12 or the big winning portion 16 are collected from the out holes 138 provided at the lowermost portion of the game area 130.

  When the main circuit 20 detects a ball passing through the passing gate 14, the main circuit 20 executes a lottery for extracting a random number for lottery for determining a common drawing from random numbers generated by the random number generator 206. The main circuit 20 compares the lottery random number with a lottery table for illustration determination (not shown) to determine whether or not to determine the drawing. When the winning determination is made, the main circuit 20 rotationally drives the movable blade 121 (FIG. 2), thereby opening the start winning portion 12 and increasing the winning probability.

  When a ball enters the start winning portion 12 and a start winning occurs, the main circuit 20 reads the random number value in the special figure random number counter area 24a, sets the read random number value as a lottery random number, Stored in the figure holding area 24d. Further, the main circuit 20 performs prefetching of the random numbers for lottery stored as special figure hold in the special figure holding area 24d, whether or not the special figure is judged (big hit, lost), and the result of the lottery (non-reach production, normal reach production) , Super reach production). Further, whether or not the special figure is determined by prefetching and the result of the effect lottery are stored in the special figure holding area 24d. If the number of reserved special figure holds is four, which is the upper limit reserved number, the main circuit 20 supplies a new lottery random number corresponding to the winning to the start winning section 12 to the special figure holding area 24d. Erase without memorizing and do not execute the above-mentioned prefetching.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment makes a pre-reading determination on the random number for lottery every time the special figure hold area 24d is stored in the special figure hold area 24d, and determines whether or not the special figure is determined and the power signal (power) corresponding to the result of the effect lottery. Information) is output to the management apparatus 31. If the result of the effect lottery is a super reach effect, the first power signal is output. If the result of the special figure determination is a big hit, the second power signal is output.

  The main circuit 20 reads the special figure hold stored in the special figure holding area 24d one by one when the symbol variation by the liquid crystal display unit 190 is stopped and the big hit state is not occurring. The main circuit 20 outputs, to the sub-control circuit 25, whether or not the special figure is determined and the result of the effect lottery among the special figure reservations read to the special figure reading area 24g (FIG. 4).

  The sub-control circuit 25 executes a notification effect according to whether or not the special figure is acquired from the main circuit 20 and the result of the effect lottery. The sub-control circuit 25 controls the display content of the liquid crystal display unit 190 as the symbol changing means, displays the three symbols arranged side by side, then stops them in the order of left → right → middle, The success or failure of special figure determination is notified by a combination of two symbols.

If the result of the special figure determination is a loss and the result of the effect lottery is a non-reach effect, the LCD display unit 190 stops and displays the different numbers on the left and right, and the loss is confirmed before the center symbol is stopped. Execute the lost production.
If the result of the special figure determination is losing and the result of the production lottery is a normal reach production, the same numerical design is stopped and displayed on the left and right on the liquid crystal display unit 190, and then the normal reach production is executed. Stop and display the different numbers and symbols to confirm the loss.
If the result of the special figure determination is losing and the result of the effect lottery is a super reach effect, the same number symbol is stopped and displayed on the left and right on the liquid crystal display unit 190, and then the super reach effect is executed. Then, stop displaying different numerical symbols in the center and confirm the loss.

  If the success or failure of the special figure determination is a big hit (special figure winning) and the result of the production lottery is a normal reach production, the same numerical design is stopped and displayed on the left and right on the liquid crystal display 190, and then the normal reach production is executed. After that, the same numerical symbol is stopped and displayed at the center to notify the jackpot.

  If it is a big win and the result of the effect lottery is a super reach effect, after the same number symbols are stopped and displayed on the left and right on the liquid crystal display unit 190, the super reach effect is started. This super reach effect is a game effect in which a rare character with a low appearance frequency appears on the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit 190. Then, along with the end of the super reach production, the same numerical symbol is stopped and displayed in the center to notify the jackpot.

  As described above, during the execution of the super reach effect, the display luminance of the liquid crystal display unit 190 increases, the blinking frequency and illuminance of the decorative lamp unit 136 increase, and the volume of the sound effect increases. During execution of such a super reach effect, the power consumption of the pachinko gaming machine 1 may increase to about 180 W.

When the jackpot is notified by the stop display of the jackpot symbol, the opening effect is first executed, and then the jackpot state is started. During the occurrence of the big hit state, the round in which the big winning portion 16 is released is repeatedly executed.
The number of repetitions of the round in which the big winning portion 16 is opened during the execution of the big hit state is 10 regardless of whether it is a probable big hit state or a normal big win state. One round ends when six balls are won in the big prize section 16 or when 30 seconds have passed. The average number of rounds for 10 rounds is about 600. When the round is digested 10 times in the jackpot state, the ending effect is executed and the jackpot state ends. During the occurrence of such a big hit state, a big hit effect for excitement of the player is executed.

After the probability variation jackpot state ends, a probability variation state in which the probability of the jackpot increases is generated. The probability variation state is normally terminated in response to the occurrence of the jackpot state, and in the case of the probability variation jackpot, it is continuously generated after the corresponding probability variation jackpot state is terminated.
On the other hand, after the end of the normal big hit state, a short time state occurs over 50 symbol variations, and when the 50 symbol variations are consumed, the normal state is restored.

  During the execution of the jackpot effect, which is a special effect during the jackpot state, the display brightness of the liquid crystal display unit 190 increases, the flashing frequency and illuminance of the decorative lamp unit 136 increase, and the volume of the sound effect increases. Wins to the big winning section 16 are frequent. During execution of such a jackpot effect, there is a possibility that the power consumption of the pachinko gaming machine 1 becomes the highest and rises to about 250W.

(Operation of management device)
The management device 31 can total the game data by counting the number of input of the game signal input from the pachinko gaming machine 1 side. The management device 31 can execute game data aggregation for each gaming machine. Furthermore, the management device 31 of the present embodiment has a function of predicting the power consumed by 500 gaming machines installed in the game arcade and performing a special notification when the predicted power exceeds the reference value. ing.

  The management device 31 performs power consumption prediction based on a power signal input from each gaming machine, for example, at a constant cycle of every 5 minutes. Of the 500 gaming machines installed in the amusement hall, for the gaming machine that outputs the first power signal, the power consumption for the next hour is estimated to be 180 W, and for the gaming machine that outputs the second power signal, the same consumption The power consumption is estimated to be 250 W, and the same power consumption is estimated to be 150 W for the power consumption of the gaming machine not outputting the power signal. Further, the estimated power consumption of each gaming machine for the next hour estimated as described above is totaled, and the power consumption for the next hour of all the gaming machines installed in the game hall is predicted.

  The management apparatus 31 determines whether the power consumption estimated in this way exceeds a reference value of 100 kW. When the predicted power consumption exceeds the reference value, a special notification screen illustrated in FIG. 5 is displayed on the PC monitor 311. On this special notification screen, a special notification message to call attention is displayed together with a prediction graph of future increase in power consumption.

  Administrators who have received such special notices shut off the power to non-operating gaming machines, suppress the air conditioning capability of air conditioning equipment such as air conditioners, or turn off the lighting in the hall, etc. Countermeasures such as reducing power consumption can be implemented in advance. If such measures to reduce power consumption are implemented in advance, the consumption of the game hall will be made in advance at a stage before the actual increase in power consumption of the gaming machine, rather than after the actual increase in power consumption of the gaming machine. Expansion of electric power can be suppressed. If the power consumption of the amusement hall can be suppressed in advance as described above, it is possible to avoid occurrence of troubles such as breaker breakage due to excess power consumption or power failure due to breaker breakage.

  As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a gaming machine that executes special figure determination, which is a lottery process for determining whether or not to generate a jackpot state that is advantageous to the player. Perform a jackpot presentation. Since this jackpot effect is an effect that consumes a large amount of power, the power consumption of the pachinko gaming machine 1 increases during the occurrence of the special gaming state.

  This pachinko gaming machine 1 can pre-read the special figure hold before starting the corresponding symbol variation and determine whether or not it is true. If the pre-read special figure hold determination result is a jackpot, the second power signal is directed to the management device 31 as power information that can specify that the power consumption increases before the corresponding jackpot state occurs. Output externally.

  Moreover, the pachinko gaming machine 1 executes a super reach effect with a large power consumption in addition to a non-reach effect with a small power consumption as a symbol variation for notifying whether or not the special figure determination is correct. Of course, the power consumption of the entire gaming machine is larger during the execution of this super reach effect than during the execution of the non-reach effect.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 can pre-read the special figure hold before starting the corresponding symbol variation, and can determine whether or not the special figure hold is a trigger for executing the super reach effect. If the special figure corresponding to the super reach effect is reserved, the first power signal is directed to the management device 31 as power information that can specify that the power consumption increases before the super reach effect is executed. Output externally.

  If the first power signal and the second power signal output from the pachinko gaming machine 1 are used, the management device 31 that manages the game arcade can identify in advance an operating state in which power consumption increases. If such an operating state can be specified in advance, it becomes possible to cope with the risk of an increase in power consumption at a prior timing. As a result, for example, it is possible to operate in such a way as to avoid a situation where the power consumption in the game hall becomes excessive.

  In particular, the management device 31 in the gaming hall management system 1S of the present embodiment predicts the power consumption of the entire gaming hall using the power signal input from the gaming machine side, and the predicted power consumption exceeds the reference value. Performs a special notification. For example, when an administrator of a game hall receives a special notification from the management device 31, the power consumption of the on-site equipment such as a gaming machine, a call lamp, and lighting equipment is suppressed within a range that does not affect the game progress. By executing such a power control operation, it is possible to avoid an excess of power consumption in the game arcade.

As described above, in the game hall management system 1S of the present embodiment, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 executes pre-reading of special figure hold and the special figure hold of jackpot or super reach production is stored, Thereafter, the power signal is externally output on the assumption that the power consumption is likely to increase.
On the management device 31 side, input of a power signal from each gaming machine can be tried at regular intervals, and the subsequent power consumption of each gaming machine can be predicted. When the predicted power consumption exceeds a preset reference value, the management device 31 can execute a special notification that notifies the manager of the game hall to that effect.

  As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a gaming machine that can specify in advance a situation where power consumption increases, and according to the gaming hall management system 1S including such a gaming machine, It is possible to predict a situation in which power consumption will increase in advance, and call attention to a game hall manager or the like.

Instead of or in addition to the configuration of this example, the following configuration may be employed. Further, the following configurations may be combined as appropriate.
In this embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine is illustrated as a gaming machine, but the present invention may be applied to other gaming machines. For example, encapsulated pachinko machines that have balls encapsulated and consume balls to fire balls, slot machines where medals are consumed, slot machines where games progress, and lotteries that consume points A credit-type slot machine where the game progresses can be considered. In the case of a slot machine, a lottery may be performed when an operation such as a lever operation for starting a game is performed.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 outputs a power signal indicating that the power consumption is increased before the big hit state occurs and before the super reach effect occurs, but is not limited to such a configuration. For only one of the big hit state and the super reach production, the power signal may be output before the occurrence. Further, instead of or in addition to the occurrence of the jackpot state and the super reach effect, a power signal indicating that the power consumption increases before other events may be output. For example, the occurrence of a probability variation state or a short time state may be specified in advance, and a power signal indicating that the power consumption increases before the gaming state occurs may be output.

A configuration that outputs a power signal indicating that the power consumption increases before the gaming situation or performance situation where the power consumption increases is started, but instead, the gaming machine predicts the power consumption itself. Thus, a signal that can specify the power consumption may be output. In this case, the management device 31 can predict in more detail how many watts the power consumption will be.
Further, in the present embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 1 that outputs each power signal when the power consumption may increase to about 150 W or 180 W is illustrated, but instead, it increases to about 150 W or 180 W. It is good also as a structure which outputs each electric power signal only in the case.

  When it is predicted that the power consumption exceeds the reference value, the management device 31 only executes the notification illustrated in FIG. 5, but in addition to the notification, the management device 31 includes a game machine, a rental machine, a call lamp, an air conditioner, etc. You may make it cut | disconnect a power supply with respect to this apparatus, or may set a power saving mode. With the configuration of the present embodiment, for example, the gaming machine may receive the power saving request signal output from the management device 31 and set the power saving mode. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the load on the employee in order to suppress an increase in power consumption.

It is also possible to control the power supplied to each device in the game hall by connecting the power supply device 33 in a state where it can communicate with the management device 31 via the communication network 40 and remotely controlling from the management device 31 side. In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the management device 31 is provided separately and includes the power supply device 33 (supply unit) is illustrated. This configuration is also included in the concept that the management device includes a supply device for supplying power to the gaming machine or the gaming machine. Needless to say, the management device 31 and the power supply device 33 can be provided as one device.
The device that supplies power to the gaming machine and the device that supplies power to the on-site equipment may be different devices. Even in this case, it is possible to predict the power consumption based on the power signal output from the pachinko gaming machine 1.

The reference value of power consumption can be arbitrarily changed. For example, it is possible to set a contract power of a game arcade as a reference value.
In addition to increasing power consumption, the gaming machine may notify that power consumption decreases. For example, it may be notified that the power consumption is reduced by specifying the end of business and setting the non-operation mode soon. For example, if the end of business can be identified, the gaming machine may notify that power consumption will soon become zero or the like due to the setting of a non-operation mode such as a power saving mode or power off.

  If it is determined that the power consumption exceeds the reference value, an auxiliary power source can be used. For example, when power consumption is low, power is stored in a device or device that can store electricity, such as a capacitor or storage battery, and when it is determined that the reference value is exceeded, the power stored in the capacitor or the like is used. May be. As an auxiliary power source, a generator or the like can be considered in addition to the capacitor or the like.

  A configuration may be adopted in which power consumption is notified through communication between gaming machines. In this configuration, the same model may be notified of power consumption with each other, and the total predicted power consumption of the same model may be notified to the player side. In this case, if any of the gaming machines stores the special figure hold corresponding to the jackpot winning, the predicted power consumption in the same model increases. If there is such a predicted power consumption notification, for example, when the value rises, the player can predict that a jackpot state will occur in any gaming machine. Thus, if the power consumption is notified by display or the like, it is possible to give a new gameability that the player can predict the jackpot. Note that the value of the power consumption output to other gaming machines will change depending on whether the gaming machine is in operation, non-operating, or during the performance of the game, so the game may start on any of the gaming machines. If the game is terminated, the total predicted power consumption will change even if it is not a jackpot. For example, if the predicted power consumption rises, the player needs to think about whether a big hit state occurs or a non-operating gaming machine is only in the operating state, thus simplifying the player's prediction This can be suppressed.

  As described above, specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail as in the embodiments. However, these specific examples merely disclose an example of the technology included in the scope of claims. Needless to say, the scope of the claims should not be construed as limited by the configuration, numerical values, or the like of the specific examples. The scope of the claims includes techniques in which the specific examples are variously modified, changed, or appropriately combined using known techniques and knowledge of those skilled in the art.

1 Pachinko machines (game machines, production execution means, symbol variation means, lottery means, storage means, special determination means, readout means, special state generation means, output means)
1S Amusement Park Management System 12 Start Prize Unit 16 Grand Prize Unit 20 Main Circuit 25 Sub Control Circuit 31 Management Device (Input Means, Predictive Means, Power Determination Means, Special Notification Means)
33 Power supply device (supply means)
42 Relay device 43 Lending machine 45 Call lamp

Claims (3)

Lottery means for executing a lottery process in response to establishment of a predetermined lottery condition;
Storage means for storing the lottery result by the lottery means as a special figure hold up to a predetermined upper limit hold number;
Read means for reading the special figure hold stored in the storage means one by one;
When the result of the lottery processing for holding the special figure read by the reading means corresponds to the occurrence of a special gaming state advantageous to the player, after executing the symbol variation that displays a predetermined symbol variably A symbol changing means for stopping and displaying a symbol corresponding to the occurrence of the special gaming state;
Special gaming state generating means for generating the special gaming state when the symbol changing means stops displaying the symbol corresponding to the occurrence of the special gaming state;
When the special gaming state occurs, an effect execution means for executing a special effect with high power consumption;
Prior to starting the symbol variation corresponding to the special figure hold, special determination means for determining whether the special figure hold stored in the storage means,
When the special determination unit determines that the storage unit stores a lottery result corresponding to the occurrence of the special gaming state, the special gaming state generates power information that can specify that power consumption increases. And an output means for outputting to a management device provided in the game hall before the game. Lottery means for executing a lottery process in response to establishment of a predetermined lottery condition;
Storage means for storing the lottery result by the lottery means as a special figure hold up to a predetermined upper limit hold number;
Read means for reading the special figure hold stored in the storage means one by one;
When the reading means reads the special symbol hold, after executing the symbol variation that variably displays a predetermined symbol, the symbol corresponding to the result of the special symbol hold lottery process is stopped and displayed, As the symbol variation, a symbol variation means capable of executing the first symbol variation and the second symbol variation that consumes more power than the first symbol variation;
Special game state generating means for generating the special gaming state when the symbol changing means stops displaying a symbol corresponding to the occurrence of a special gaming state advantageous to the player;
Prior to starting the symbol variation corresponding to the special symbol hold, special determination means for determining whether or not the special symbol hold stored in the storage means corresponds to the execution of the second symbol variation; ,
When the special determination unit determines that the storage unit stores the lottery result corresponding to the execution of the second symbol variation, the power information that can specify that the power consumption is increased is the second symbol. An gaming machine comprising: output means for outputting to a management device provided in the game hall before executing the change. Lottery means for executing a lottery process in response to establishment of a predetermined lottery condition;
Storage means for storing the lottery result by the lottery means as a special figure hold up to a predetermined upper limit hold number;
Read means for reading the special figure hold stored in the storage means one by one;
When the result of the lottery processing for holding the special figure read by the reading means corresponds to the occurrence of a special gaming state advantageous to the player, after executing the symbol variation that displays a predetermined symbol variably A symbol changing means for stopping and displaying a symbol corresponding to the occurrence of the special gaming state;
Special gaming state generating means for generating the special gaming state when the symbol changing means stops displaying the symbol corresponding to the occurrence of the special gaming state;
When the special gaming state occurs, an effect execution means for executing a special effect with high power consumption;
Prior to starting the symbol variation corresponding to the special figure hold, special determination means for determining whether the special figure hold stored in the storage means,
When the special determination unit determines that the storage unit stores a lottery result corresponding to the occurrence of the special gaming state, the special gaming state generates power information that can specify that power consumption increases. A game machine having output means for outputting to a management device provided in the game hall before
Supply means for supplying power to the gaming machine;
Input means for inputting the power information output by the output means;
Prediction means for predicting the power consumption of the game arcade after receiving the power information based on the power information input by the input means;
Power determining means for determining whether or not the power consumption predicted by the predicting means exceeds a predetermined reference value;
A game hall management system comprising: a management device having special notification means for executing special notification when it is determined that the power determination means exceeds the reference value.

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