JP4397887B2 - Game machine management device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine management apparatus that manages slot machines arranged in a game arcade, and in particular, receives a medal signal consisting of a number of pulse trains corresponding to the number of medals used in a game executed in the slot machine. The present invention relates to a gaming machine management device that monitors and generates a start signal.

  In general, in a slot machine, a player performs a start operation after throwing in game media, so that three reels with various symbols arranged on the peripheral surface rotate, and then the reels are turned on in response to the player pressing a stop switch. When a specific pattern is aligned on the active line when the rotation is stopped, the game media is paid out as a prize, or a specific gaming state (so-called big bonus or regular bonus) that can acquire a large amount of game media is established It has come to do.

  In such a slot machine, when a game is executed, a random number lottery for determining a winning combination is performed, and when a stop switch is pressed by a player, the stop position of the reel is controlled within an allowable range. A stop result corresponding to the lottery result is made to appear. For example, when the random number lottery result is out of order, the reel stop position is controlled so that no combination is established. In addition, when a prize corresponding to any combination such as a special prize is won, the reel can be stopped so that a combination corresponding to the prize is established, and the player can set a stop switch at an appropriate timing. If pressed, the combination is established.

  Further, there is a slot machine that performs control so that even if a special prize is won, a special prize is not established (bonus symbols cannot be aligned) until a predetermined number of games are executed. In such a slot machine, when a special prize is won again after the special prize is won and before a predetermined number of games are executed, the function of cumulatively storing the winning right (so-called stock function) )have. Further, the winning rights stored cumulatively are continuously released when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  Some slot machines are configured such that, for example, data related to stock functions stored in each slot machine can be cleared by changing the probability setting value.

  As a management device for managing the operation state and the like of the slot machine, for example, there is an apparatus having a function of managing whether or not the gaming state of the slot machine is an AT state (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-172192 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine management apparatus that monitors input of a medal signal composed of a number of pulse trains corresponding to the number of medals used in a game executed in a slot machine and generates a start signal.

The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items. [1] The input of a medal signal consisting of a number of pulse trains corresponding to the number of medals used in the game started by the slot machine (10) by operating the start lever (13) is monitored, and the first per game When a pulse of the incoming medal signal is detected, a monitoring period that is set longer than a period in which the number of pulses corresponding to the maximum number of inserted medals allowed per game is output from the slot machine (10) is started. Thus, a gaming machine management device (300, etc.) characterized in that a start signal is generated after the monitoring period ends, regardless of the number of incoming medal signal pulses during the monitoring period.

[2] The input of a medal signal consisting of a number of pulse trains corresponding to the number of medals used in the game started in the slot machine (10) by operating the start lever (13) is monitored, and the last per game A gaming machine management device (300 or the like), wherein a start signal is generated when a next pulse is not detected even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after detecting a pulse of a received medal signal.

Next, the operation of the invention described in each of the above items will be described.
In the gaming machine management device (300, etc.) according to the invention described in [1], the game machine management device is composed of a number of pulse trains corresponding to the number of medals used in the game started in the slot machine (10) by operating the start lever (13). When the input of the received medal signal is monitored and the first pulse of the received medal signal per game is detected, the number of pulses corresponding to the maximum number of inserted medals allowed per game is changed to the slot machine (10). A monitoring period that is set longer than the period output from is started, and a start signal is generated after the monitoring period ends, regardless of the number of pulses of the incoming medal signal during the monitoring period.

The next monitoring period is not started unless the previous monitoring period ends. Since the number of pulses corresponding to the number of medals inserted this time is continuously output when the start lever ( 13 ) is operated after the medals are inserted, the received medal signal is the maximum number (3 If the monitoring period is set to a period slightly longer than the period in which the number of pulses corresponding to the number of pulses is output, the number of received medal signals generated during the monitoring period (multiple number) will be different for each monitoring period. One start signal can be generated at a time.

In the gaming machine management device (300, etc.) according to the invention described in [2], the game machine management device is composed of a number of pulse trains corresponding to the number of medals used in the game started in the slot machine (10) by operating the start lever (13). The input of the medal signal is monitored, and a start signal is generated when the next pulse is not detected even after a certain period of time has elapsed since the last medal signal pulse per game was detected.

When multiple medals are placed, the pulses are output continuously at short time intervals, and after the continuous output of the pulses is completed, the next time the start lever ( 13 ) is operated. Since a pulse as a medal signal is not output for a relatively long time, a start signal can be generated by the above method. The fixed period (waiting time Tw) may be a time sufficiently longer than the pulse interval of the continuously output incoming medal signal and sufficiently shorter than the time until the next start lever ( 13 ) operation, For example, it may be set to about 2 to 3 times the pulse interval.

According to the gaming machine management device of the present invention, an input medal signal consisting of a number of pulse trains corresponding to the number of medals used in a game started in a slot machine by operating a start lever is monitored, and per game When a first incoming medal signal pulse is detected, a monitoring period set longer than the period in which the number of pulses corresponding to the maximum number of inserted medals allowed per game is output from the slot machine is started. Thus, the start signal can be generated after the end of the monitoring period, regardless of the number of incoming medal signal pulses during the monitoring period.

Also, by monitoring the input of the medal signal consisting of a number of pulse trains corresponding to the number of medals used in the game started by the slot machine by operating the start lever, the pulse of the last medal signal per game is detected. The start signal can be generated when the next pulse is not detected even after a certain period of time has passed.

Hereinafter, an embodiment representing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 to 17 show an embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a distributed network management system to which LON (Local Operating Network) technology is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of gaming machine islands 1 are installed in the game hall A. The gaming machine island 1 is formed by arranging a plurality of gaming machines 10 side by side in two rows near the middle of the island frame. The gaming machine 10 is a slot machine.

  Between each gaming machine 10 in the gaming machine island 1, a gaming medium lending device 210 that lends a quantity of gaming media according to the amount of cash or prepaid card that has been inserted is disposed.

  Individual gaming machine numbers are assigned to the gaming machines 10, and each gaming machine 10 is divided into several model names. Each gaming machine island 1 is also given an individual island number.

  In the gaming machine island 1, a plurality of table controllers 100 as relays are installed, and to each table controller 100, a gaming machine 10, a game medium lending device 210, and the like are connected using LON chips. In addition, a call lamp 220 is connected to each controller 100. The table controller 100 detects, monitors, and controls various operations and signal transmission / reception of the corresponding gaming machine 10 and game medium lending device 210 and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the output information of the gaming machine 10 detected, monitored and controlled by the console controller 100 includes special prize winning information indicating that a special prize has been won, and special winning establishment information indicating that a special prize has been established. , Start information indicating that a game has started, medal information indicating that a medal, which is a game medium, has been paid out as a prize, and medal information indicating use of credits or insertion of medals.

  Each controller 100 is connected via HALL-BUS to an island controller 230 that also serves as a gateway. The island controller 230 temporarily accumulates and stores each data from the gaming machine 10, the game medium lending device 210, and the like that are the equipment in the corresponding gaming machine island 1.

The island controller 230 is a HALL information network (LAN: Local Area
Network), and a hall management terminal 300, a hall management computer 400, a prize management terminal 500, a POS device 600, and an information display terminal 700, which form the core of the gaming machine management device, are connected to the HALL information network. Has been. A display (CRT), a printer, a modem, an intercom (audio output device), and the like are further connected to these various devices as necessary. The table controller 100 and the like constitute a part of the gaming machine management device.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a slot machine as the managed gaming machine 10. Inside the box 11 of the slot machine 10, a left reel 20a, a middle reel 20b, and a right reel 20c having a large number of pieces of identification information arranged on the peripheral surface are arranged in parallel. On the game board surface (front surface) 11a, windows are provided at locations corresponding to the reels 20a to 20c so that a part of the reels 20a to 20c can be seen by the player. The three reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are configured such that the displayed symbols are brightly lit by the backlight.

  A game information display unit 70 for notifying the player of various types of game information is provided above the reels 20a to 20c. A left stop button 25a, a middle stop button 25b, and a right stop button 25c are provided below the reels 20a to 20c, respectively. The three stop buttons 25a, 25b, and 25c are stop operation units for selecting the timing for stopping the rotation operations of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

  Further, on the operation panel on the front face 11a, a medal slot 12 for inserting medals as game media, a start lever 13 which is a start operation part for starting a game, a three-sheet betting button 26a and one sheet. A credit insertion button including a betting button 26b and a credit settlement button 27 are arranged.

  The front 11a of the slot machine 10 is provided with a one-bet game display unit 28a, a three-bet game display unit 28b, and a credit number display unit 27a for displaying the number of medals (credits) owned. . Further, at the lower part of the front face 11a, a prize tray 39, a medal payout opening 39a, and a speaker 37 that informs by sound that a medal has been awarded are provided.

  Insert a medal into the medal insertion slot 12 or bet the number of medals (number of credits) displayed in the credit number display section 27a by pressing the credit insertion button (three betting buttons 26a, one betting button 26b). Thus, the number of effective lines can be determined, and the determined effective lines are displayed (lighted) on the effective line display portions 35a to 35e.

  In the slot machine 10, the reel (left reel 20a, middle reel 20b, right reel 20c) starts rotating by operating the start lever 13 after inserting medals or using credits, and the stop button (left stop button 25a, middle stop). By operating the button 25b and the right stop button 25c), the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are stopped, and a game value is given to the player according to the display mode at the time of stop on the active line. The game is deployed.

  That is, if the combination of symbols stopped on the active line is a combination of specific symbols, a special prize is established. When the combination of the small hit symbols stops on the active line, the small hit combination is established. In the case of a replay symbol, a replay combination is established, and when no combination is established, the game is lost.

  The special prize includes a regular bonus (hereinafter simply referred to as RB) and a big bonus (hereinafter simply referred to as BB). The RB, for example, is a game (jack game) to which a high payout is awarded a plurality of times (for example, the number of times that 15 game media are awarded in 12 times of the jack game is generated 8 times, or 12 times. This is the first game that can be played (regular bonus).

  In BB, a second game in which a small number of small hits occur with a predetermined number of times (30 times) occurs, and during the second game, for example, a game in which a high payout is awarded when a replay symbol is stopped (jack) The game can be performed a plurality of times (for example, when the number of times that 15 game media are awarded out of 12 times of the jack game is generated 8 times or when the number of jack games of 12 times is exceeded). The game shifts to a game (regular bonus), and when the first game ends, the game shifts to the second game. The transition to the first game is repeated a predetermined number of times (three times) within a predetermined number of times (30 times) of the second game. For example, when the transition to the first game is repeated three times within 30 times during the second game, or when the second game is played 30 times, the big bonus ends. In the second game, every time a small hit occurs, for example, 10 medals are awarded.

As shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine 10 includes a CPU (Central
Processing Unit). The CPU functions as game control means 82. The game control means 82 includes functions such as a winning combination lottery means 84, a special winning control means 86, a special winning winning signal output means 94, a special winning establishment signal output means 96, and the like. The special winning control means 86 has the functions of a winning right storage means 88, a release game number lottery means 90, and a winning right release means 92.

  The game control means 82 controls the overall operation of the slot machine 10 and the rotation and stop of the reels 20a to 20c. The winning combination lottery means 84 performs random lottery for determining a winning combination that may appear as a result of stopping the game. The winning combination lottery means 84, when the medal identifying unit identifies the authenticity of the inserted medals and the start lever 13 is operated, draws the winning combination.

  The special prize control means 86 controls the game so that no special prize can be established until a predetermined game condition is established, even if the special prize is won by lottery of the prize winning lottery means 84, and the game In the game until the condition is satisfied, a special winning award is allowed again, and a function of storing a plurality of winning rights for the special winning that has not been satisfied is achieved. Here, the game condition is established by executing a game corresponding to the number of released games described later after winning.

  The winning right storage means 88 of the special winning control means 86 accumulates and stores the winning right in the RAM when the lottery result of the winning combination lottery means 84 is a special winning prize. For each winning right stored in the winning right storage means 88, the releasing game number lottery means 90 draws the number of games (release game number) to be played until the winning right is released. When the special winning is won in a state where the winning right is not accumulated in the winning right storage means 88, the released game number lottery means 90 draws the number of released games at that time and stores it.

  On the other hand, when the winning right is stored in the winning right storage means 88, if there is a next winning right when the special winning is established by releasing the first winning right, the number of released games for the winning right is drawn by lottery. To memorize. The winning right releasing means 92 functions to release one of the winning rights accumulated and stored in the winning right storage means 88 when a game corresponding to the number of times of the releasing game is executed.

  When the winning right is released, the game control means 82 executes the game so that a special prize can be established based on the winning right. The game control means 82 starts rotation of the three reels 20a, 20b, 20c based on the insertion of medals and the operation of the start lever 13, and the stop timing selected by the operation of the stop buttons 25a, 25b, 25c. Then, the rotation of the corresponding reels 20a, 20b, 20c is stopped, and if necessary, the symbols for up to four frames are slid (shifted) downward, and the symbols to be stopped are displayed as the lottery results of the winning combination lottery means 84. Alternatively, it corresponds to the winning right released.

  The special winning / winning signal output means 94 has a function of outputting a special winning / winning signal (special winning / winning information) indicating to the outside when a special win is won by the lottery of the winning combination lottery means 84. When the number of games to be released is determined, a function for outputting the number of games to the outside is also provided. The special prize establishment signal output means 96 has a function of outputting a special prize establishment signal (special prize establishment information) indicating that a special prize has been established to the outside. In addition, the slot machine 10 has a start signal (start information) indicating that a game has started, a medal signal (medal information) indicating that a medal as a game medium has been paid out as a prize, the use of a credit or a medal. Has a function of outputting a received medal signal (inserted medal information) or the like indicating the insertion of the game to the outside.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the table controller 100. The table controller 100 is provided with a CPU 110 as means for performing various data processing, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 120 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 130 which are main memories are connected to the CPU 110.

  The CPU 110 operates in accordance with the system program and data stored in the ROM 120 and the program and data loaded in the RAM 130. The programs and data loaded into the RAM 130 include a display control program 131, an operation control program 132, a gaming machine control program 133, a gaming machine information program 134, a sales disconnection information program 135, a gaming medium counter information program 136, and the like. .

  The display control program 131 realizes a function of controlling display on the display means 170, the operation control program 132 realizes a function of executing contents operated by the operation means 180, and the gaming machine control program 133 is a game It is a program for realizing a function of supplying game media to the machine 10.

  The gaming machine information program 134 is a program that implements a function of collecting various types of information about the gaming machine 10 and storing the collected gaming machine information in the gaming information storage unit 140. The sales disconnection information program 135 is a program that realizes a function of collecting sales information and disconnection information of the game medium lending device 210 and storing the collected game medium lending device information in the game medium lending information storage unit 150. The game medium counter information program 136 is a program that realizes a function of collecting game medium counter information and error information and storing them in the game medium counter information storage unit 160.

  The game information storage unit 140 stores special winning winning information, special winning establishment information, start information, outgoing medal information, winning medal information, and other gaming machine information. Also, the winning right notification information related to the release of the winning right is stored in the notification information storage unit 190.

  The CPU 110 is connected to a display unit 170 for displaying an abnormality and an operation unit 180 for canceling the abnormality as peripheral devices. A communication interface 102 is further connected as a peripheral device. The communication interface 102 is connected to the hall management terminal 300 via a communication cable. Each of the game information storage unit 140, the game medium lending information storage unit 150, the game medium counter information storage unit 160, and the notification information storage unit 190 Information is sent and received.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the hall management terminal 300.
The hall management terminal 300 functions as a gaming machine management device. The hall management terminal 300 is provided with a CPU 310 as information processing means for performing various data processing, and a ROM 320 and a RAM 330 as main memories are connected to the CPU 310.

  The CPU 310 operates in accordance with the system program and data stored in the ROM 320 and the program and data loaded in the RAM 330. The programs and data loaded in the RAM 330 include a display control processing program 331, a gaming machine control processing program 332, a gaming machine information processing program 333, a sales disconnection processing program 334, a gaming medium counter processing program 335, and the like.

  The display control processing program 331 realizes a function of controlling display on the display means 350, and the gaming machine control processing program 332 is a program that realizes a function of performing supply of game media to the gaming machine 10 and stop control. is there. The gaming machine information processing program 333 collects gaming machine information stored in the gaming information storage unit 140 of the table controller 100 and accumulates and records the gaming machine information in the gaming machine information database 343 in the fixed disk device 340. This is a program that realizes a function of partially deleting the machine information database 343.

  The sales disconnection processing program 334 collects sales information and disconnection information stored in the game medium lending information storage unit 150 of the table controller 100, and stores and stores them in the sales information database 341 and the disconnection information database 342 in the fixed disk device 340. And a function of partially deleting the sales information database 341 and the disconnection information database 342 stored and recorded. The game medium counter processing program 335 collects information stored in the game medium counter information storage unit 160 of the table controller 100 and accumulates and stores it in the counter information database 344 in the fixed disk device 340 or stores the accumulated count. This is a program that realizes a function of partially deleting the vessel information database 344.

  A fixed disk device 340 is connected to the CPU 310 via a bus, and various programs executed by the CPU 310 are loaded from the fixed disk device 340 to the RAM 330. In addition, a peripheral device is connected to the hall management terminal 300.

  As the peripheral devices, a display means 350 for displaying various data of the game hall A in characters and figures, a printer 360, and an operation means 370 operated by an operator are connected via an interface circuit. Further, the table controller 100 and the information display terminal 700 are connected to each other via the communication interface 390.

  In addition, the hall management terminal 300 (mainly the CPU 310 and the gaming machine information processing program 333, the gaming machine information database 343) receives data on the winning right stored in the special winning control means 86 from the slot machine 10. Data management means for managing based on data, special winning winning signal input means for inputting a special winning winning signal from the special winning winning signal output means 94, and special winning establishment signal from the special winning achievement signal output means 96 are input. Functioning as a special winning establishment signal input means. In addition, a special prize winning number calculation means for calculating the number of winning rights for a special prize that has not been established based on input signals from the special prize winning signal input means and the special prize winning signal input means, and a special prize winning prize, Based on the calculation result of the number-of-rights calculation means, by the type-specific winning right ratio calculating means for calculating the ratio of the number of winning rights for a predetermined type of special winnings out of the number of winning rights for all special winnings, and the special winning winning signal input means It has a function as a special winning winning number counting means for counting the number of winning special winnings based on the input of the special winning winning signal.

  Further, the hall management terminal 300 includes a special winning winning rate calculating means for calculating a winning rate of the special winning based on the information related to the number of games input from the slot machine 10 and the winning number of the special winning, and the special winning winning number Based on the number of special prize winnings in the predetermined period counted by the counting means and the number of special winning prize rights in the predetermined period calculated by the special winning prize right calculating means, the special prize winning in the predetermined period is won. Special winning winning right rate calculating means for calculating a ratio of unsuccessful as a right, informing means for notifying a player of information related to a special winning winning right managed by the data managing means, and gaming conditions in the slot machine 10 It has a function as a game performance storage means for storing in advance game performance related to the establishment of.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine 10 will be described.
FIG. 6 shows the flow of the game start process, and FIG. 7 shows the overall flow of the operation of the gaming machine 10. As shown in FIG. 6, after a medal or credit is inserted (step S801: Y), when the start lever 13 is operated (step S802: Y), the game starts. At this time, start information and incoming medal information are output from the external output terminal (steps S803 and S804).

  As an overall operation, as shown in FIG. 7, when a game start process is performed (step S901), the winning combination lottery means 84 performs random lottery for determining a winning combination (step S902). Thereafter, a reel rotation process for rotating the reels 20a to 20c is performed (step S903).

  Here, it is checked whether or not the winning right is registered in the winning right table stored in the winning right storage means 88 (step S904). In the winning right table, presence / absence of winning right and the number of released games are registered. If the winning right is registered (step S904: Y), the number of released games is decremented by 1 (step S905). If no special prize is won in the random number lottery for the winning combination performed in the previous game start process (step S906; N), a loss process is performed (step S907), and if the game is not over (step S924; N). Return to step S901. In the detachment process, the reels 20a to 20c are controlled to be stopped so that a special prize is not established. However, when the small winning combination or the replay combination is won, the reel stop control is performed so that the combination can be established when the player performs a stop operation at an appropriate timing.

  When the special winning is won (step S906: Y), the special winning winning signal output means 94 outputs a special winning winning signal (information) from the external output terminal, and the hall management terminal via the table controller 100. The machine 300 is notified (step S908). If the winning right is not registered in the winning right table, the number of released games is drawn at this time, and the number of times is registered in the winning right table, and the winning right is registered in the winning right table. Register to that effect. Also, information indicating the number of games to be released is output from the external output terminal and notified to the hall management terminal 300 via the table controller 100.

  If the winning right is registered in the winning right table but the number of released games registered in the winning right table is not less than 0 (the number of released games remains) (step S909; N), step The outlier processing similar to S907 is performed. If the game is not finished (step S924; N), the process returns to step S901.

  When the winning right is registered in the winning right table and the number of released games becomes 0 or less (step S909: Y), the game condition for releasing the winning right is established. As a result, the winning right registered at the top of the winning right table is released, the cumulative number of winning rights is subtracted, and a state in which a special winning can be established is formed based on the winning right released this time. Thereafter, the game is played in a state where a special prize can be established until the player actually performs a stop operation at an appropriate timing and a special prize is established (steps S910; N, S912, 913).

  In this state, when the special symbols are aligned on the active line and a special prize is established (step S910: Y), the winning is made on condition that the next winning right is accumulated (the cumulative number of winning rights is not 0). The number of released games until the next release of the right is obtained by random lottery, and the value is registered in the next column of the winning right table (steps S914, S915, S916). Note that “X” in FIG. 7 indicates the array element number of the winning right table, and the initial value is 1. When the number of released games is determined, information indicating the number of games is output from the external output terminal and notified to the hall management terminal 300 via the table controller 100.

  Since a special prize has been established, medals are paid out and credited (step S917). Also, the medal information is output from the external output terminal (step S918), and the special winning establishment information is output from the external output terminal (step S919). Such information is notified to the hall management terminal 300 through the table controller 100. Thereafter, the bonus game (RB or BB) described above is performed (step S920). When the bonus game process ends, the value of X indicating the array number of the winning right table to be referenced is decremented by 1 (step S922), and the portion to be referred to is shifted to the head of the winning right table (step S923). If the game is not finished (step S924; N), the process returns to S901 to continue the process. If the game is finished due to the arrival of the business end time (step S924; Y), the process is finished.

  In this way, even if the gaming machine 10 wins the special prize, the gaming machine 10 does not immediately enter the state where the special prize can be established based on the right to win (the state where the flag is set), but the number of the released games for the lottery. When the game is completed, the right to win is released and a special prize can be established. Further, when a special prize is further won between the time when the special prize is won and the number of released games is zero, the right is cumulatively stored.

  The gaming machine 10 receives a special prize winning signal indicating that the special prize has been won, a special prize establishment signal indicating that the special prize has been established, information indicating the number of released games, start information, issuing medal information, winning medal information, and the like. The information is output at a predetermined timing, and the information is notified to the hall management terminal 300 via the table controller 100. Note that there are RB and BB in the special winning, and the special winning winning signal and the special winning establishment signal include information indicating which of RB and BB has been won or won.

  Depending on what value is drawn as the number of released games, special winnings can be made to appear continuously or not appear for a long time. For example, when 5 or 10 times are released as the number of released games, special prizes appear continuously, and when 600 times are drawn, a state where a special prize cannot be established continues for a long time. become. Therefore, it is possible to intentionally change the game flow by manipulating and switching the range of the number of released games and how to set the probability distribution for each number of released games. Waves can be formed.

Next, the operation as the gaming machine management device will be described.
The hall management terminal 300 as a gaming machine management device acquires various types of information from the gaming machine 10 through the table controller 100, and performs various management processes based on the acquired information. FIG. 8 shows operations related to acquisition of start information. Start information is input from the gaming machine 10 to the stand controller 100 (step S1001), the stand controller 100 temporarily stores the start information (step S1002), and the stand controller 100 further transmits this to the hall management terminal 300 (step S1002). S1003). The hall management terminal 300 receives the start information from the table controller 100 (step S1004), and stores the received start information in the gaming machine information database 343 (step S1005). Further, the start counter is incremented (step S1006). A start counter is provided for each gaming machine 10, and the number of start times is counted for each gaming machine 10.

  FIG. 9 shows an operation related to acquisition of special prize winning information. Special winning / winning information is input from the gaming machine 10 to the base controller 100 (step S1101), the base controller 100 temporarily stores the special winning / winning information (step S1102), and the base controller 100 further stores it in the hall management terminal 300. Transmit (step S1103). The hall management terminal 300 receives the special winning / winning information from the console controller 100 (step S1104), and stores the received special winning / winning information in the gaming machine information database 343 (step S1105). Also, the special prize winning right counter and the special prize winning counter are respectively incremented (steps S1106 and S1107). A special prize winning counter is provided for each gaming machine 10, and the number of times that the special winning prize is won is counted for each gaming machine 10.

  FIG. 10 shows an operation related to acquisition of special winning establishment information. Special winning establishment information is input from the gaming machine 10 to the stand controller 100 (step S1201), the stand controller 100 temporarily stores the special winning establishment information (step S1202), and the stand controller 100 further stores it in the hall management terminal 300. Transmit (step S1203). The hall management terminal 300 receives the special winning establishment information from the base controller 100 (step S1204), and stores the received special winning establishment information in the gaming machine information database 343 (step S1205). Also, the special prize winning right counter is decremented (step S1206). A special prize winning right counter is provided for each gaming machine 10 and is incremented each time the special prize winning information is received and decremented every time the special prize winning right information is received. The number of unestablished ones is counted.

  A special prize winning counter and a special prize winning right counter may be provided for each gaming machine 10 and for each type of special prize, and these may be counted for each type of special prize. That is, for each gaming machine 10, a special prize winning counter and a special prize winning right counter may be separately provided for BB and RB for counting. Then, by calculating the ratio between the value of the BB special prize winning right counter and the value of the RB special prize winning right counter, the ratio of the number of BB and RB winning rights remaining in the stocked state is further calculated. . In addition, the ratio of the number of winning rights of RB and BB is calculated, the ratio of the number of stocks to the number of winning rights is calculated separately for RB and BB, or the ratio of those determined individually is calculated. You may comprise.

  FIG. 11 shows an operation related to acquisition of the medal information. The medal information is input from the gaming machine 10 to the table controller 100 (step S1301), the table controller 100 temporarily stores the medal information (step S1302), and the table controller 100 further transmits this to the hall management terminal 300. (Step S1303). The hall management terminal 300 receives the medal information from the controller 100 (step S1304), and stores the received medal information in the gaming machine information database 343 (step S1305).

  FIG. 12 shows an operation related to acquisition of received medal information. Incoming medal information is input from the gaming machine 10 to the base controller 100 (step S1401), the base controller 100 temporarily stores the incoming medal information (step S1402), and the base controller 100 further transmits it to the hall management terminal 300. (Step S1403). The hall management terminal 300 receives the received medal information from the table controller 100 (step S1404), and stores the received received medal information in the gaming machine information database 343 (step S1405).

  FIG. 13 shows the calculation process of the special winning winning rate. The special prize winning rate calculation process is executed when an attendant performs a predetermined operation on the hall management terminal 300 at the end of the business or the like. The special prize winning rate is calculated based on the value of the special prize winning counter and the value of the start counter (step S1501). For example, the special prize winning rate is calculated by dividing the value of the special prize winning counter by the value of the start counter.

  FIG. 14 shows a calculation process of the special winning winning right rate. The special winning-winning right rate calculation process is executed when an attendant performs a predetermined operation on the hall management terminal 300 at the end of business or the like. The special prize winning right rate is calculated based on the value of the special prize winning right counter and the value of the special prize winning counter (step S1601). More specifically, the special prize winning right rate is calculated by dividing the value of the special prize winning right counter by the value of the special prize winning counter.

  The calculation of the special prize winning rate, the special prize winning right rate, and the type-specific winning right ratio described above is performed, for example, in units of one day or a predetermined number of games. The calculation target is performed in units of gaming machines 10. In addition, the special winning winning rate may be calculated for each model, each island, and the entire amusement hall A as a unit. Further, it may be calculated for each type of special prize for each gaming machine 10, each model, each island, and each of the entire game hall A. It is preferable that the unit of calculation can be changed by an operator's operation. Moreover, it is good to comprise so that two or more calculation methods can be designated simultaneously.

  For example, in the case of each model, the value obtained by summing the value of the special prize winning counter for each model is divided by the value totaling the value of the start counter for each model. In the case of each island, the value obtained by adding the value of the special prize winning counter for each island is divided by the value obtained by adding the value of the start counter for each island. In the case of the entire game hall A, the total value of the special winning winning counters for all the slot machines 10 arranged in the game hall A is the sum of the start counters for all the slot machines 10 arranged in the game hall A. Find by dividing by value.

  Further, it may be calculated for each probability setting value. In the slot machine 10 in which the lottery rate for the number of released games is set to be different for each probability setting, a low probability setting value is set so that a relatively large number of released games can be easily drawn. This is because, in such a slot machine 10, it seems that the probability setting special interest winning rate is affected by the probability setting.

  The hall management terminal 300 receives information indicating the number of released games output from the gaming machine 10 through the table controller 100. The received number of released games is stored in the gaming machine information database 343 of the hall management terminal 300 for each gaming machine 10 and is set in the released game remaining number counter. The released game remaining number counter is decremented by 1 each time start information is input, and the remaining number of games to be executed until the next winning right for special winning is released is calculated. The released game remaining number counter is not subtracted depending on the start information input during the bonus game process and the start information from when the winning right is released until the special prize is established.

  The attendant at the amusement hall A performs predetermined operations on the hall management terminal 300 at the end of the business, etc., to display data related to today's business on the hall management terminal 300, and based on this, It is determined whether to change the setting of the gaming machine 10 or clear the winning right (unestablished) of the special prize stored in each gaming machine 10, and change the setting or store the gaming machine 10 The slot machine 10 performs an operation for clearing information related to the winning right being played.

  On the display means 350 of the hall management terminal 300, as data relating to today's business, the number of special winning prizes, the number of special winnings, the special winning percentage, the special winning percentage, the total number of starts, the number of medals, and the medal The number, operating time, etc. are displayed. In addition, by selection, these data are displayed for each type of special prize for items that can be displayed for each gaming machine 10, each model, each island, the entire amusement hall A, and for each special prize type. It has come to be able to do. In addition, the value of the game release counter is also displayed.

  The attendant at the game hall A refers to the above-mentioned data at the end of business and determines whether or not to clear. For example, if a clear operation is performed on a stand having a large number of remaining games to be released (several hundreds to several hundreds of times, etc.) Will not be cleared), a special prize will be established immediately at the start of business the next day, which will be a service for players. On the other hand, if the clearing operation is not performed, the game is played as many times as the number of remaining released games after the start of business on the next day, and no special winnings are established. Then, it is possible to determine whether or not to clear the stock data based on the various data described above, and management related to the stock of the amusement shop is facilitated, and work efficiency can be improved.

  Note that game performance related to establishment of game conditions in each slot machine 10 is stored in advance, and this is compared with the game progress state in each slot machine 10 to manage data until the game conditions are established. You may comprise. That is, the number of games to be executed before the stock release is stored in advance in the hall management terminal 300 as gaming performance in each unit or model. Then, at the end of the business, the number of times the game has been executed since the winning right was released last time is compared with the previous upper limit number of times, and data until the game condition is satisfied is managed. The data until the game condition is satisfied is the data indicating the number of remaining games until the stock release, and by comparing the number of executed games and the upper limit number of times, which data should be cleared It is possible to support the judgment of the amusement store side.

Next, the notification of winning right release will be described.
Information regarding the release of the special winning winning right stored in the special winning control means 86 of the gaming machine 10 is notified when a predetermined notification condition is established. The notification condition can be changed in the hall management terminal 300 through the notification condition setting screen 1700 shown in FIG. The model, machine number, and number of remaining games are indispensable setting items. In the model setting column 1710, the model of the slot machine to be notified is selected and set. In the unit number setting column 1720, what number to what number among the selected models is input and set. In the remaining game number setting column 1730, the number of games to be notified before stock release (winning right release) is selected and set.

  When “unlimited” is selected, a notification that the winning right has been stocked is set when the special winning is won. When “Random 1” is selected, the number of released games notified from the gaming machine 10 is referred to, and the number of games before notification within the range is selected and notified. In addition, you may comprise so that it may draw | lot and alert | report how many games will be alert | reported before the number of games until the winning right discharge | release set for every model. In this case, in the hall management terminal 300, the maximum value of the number of released games that can be selected for each model is registered for each model, and the number of games to be notified in advance within the range of the maximum value is randomly selected. Selected.

  When “Random 2” is selected, the minimum value and the maximum value of how many games are notified before are input at the game store side. Within that range, the number of games to be notified before is determined by lottery. In this case, the number of released games actually notified from the gaming machine 10 is referred to, and the number of games to be notified before is selected at random within a range overlapping with the range set in the random 2. May be. Moreover, when there is no overlapping range, you may comprise so that it may not alert | report, and you may comprise so that it may set to the nearest value.

  When “Fixed” is selected, the number of input times is fixedly set to indicate how many games are to be notified before.

  Service time, service day, and membership are optional settings. In the service time setting column 1740, it is set what time to what time the notification is executed under the conditions set in the essential setting items. In the service day setting field 1750, a date for performing notification under the conditions set in the essential setting items is input. In the member setting column 1760, it is selected and set whether or not to notify only the member under the conditions set in the essential setting items. In this case, it is also possible to notify the number of winning rights and the presence / absence of winning rights in exchange for the service points of the membership card.

  In the notification condition setting screen 1700, the notification condition is uniformly set for the model and the stand designated by the essential setting items. However, the notification condition is individually set for each gaming machine 10, model, island, or the entire game hall A. You may comprise so that it can set.

  FIG. 16 shows the flow of operations when the winning right is notified. The hall management terminal 300 monitors whether the notification condition set in the notification condition setting screen 1700 is satisfied. When the notification condition is satisfied (step S1801; Y), winning right notification information is transmitted from the hall management terminal 300 to the base controller 100 and from the base controller 100 to the calling lamp 220 (steps S1802 to S1805). Receiving this, the calling lamp 220 notifies the winning right notification information (step S1806). For example, the winning right notification information is notified through lighting or flashing of the lamp.

  Here, the establishment of the notification condition is monitored for each gaming machine 10. That is, the number of released games received from the gaming machine 10 is subtracted every time the start information is received, so that the number of games set on the notification condition setting screen 1700 (the number of games that determines how many games should be notified before), and others The notification condition is satisfied when the above condition (service time or the like) is satisfied. In addition, you may comprise so that specific information, such as how many unsettled winning rights are left, and how many games a next winning right is discharged | emitted may be alert | reported.

  When the notification is performed at least in units of islands, models, or the entire game arcade A, the notification is performed on the condition that the gaming machine 10 that is the target of notification is in operation as shown in FIG. Step S1902). When reporting in units of islands, models, or the entire playground A, the player cannot specify which platform is the target of notification, so the island, model, and store that are the same as the notified island, model, or store Or the person who is playing in the store expects that the notification target may be his stand.

  In this case, if notification is not made to the player who is actually playing, it will not be an appropriate service for that player, and if there is a player who does not play until the notification is made, Will reduce the rate. In order to prevent such a situation from occurring, notification is made on condition that the gaming machine 10 is in operation. Whether or not it is in operation is determined by whether or not the start information, the incoming medals information, etc. arrive without a certain time interval.

  As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention can be modified or added without departing from the scope of the present invention. Included in the invention. For example, in the embodiment, the reel is driven to rotate by a motor, but the reel may be displayed on a liquid crystal display or the like.

  In the embodiment, the start signal is output from the slot machine 10. However, the stand controller 100 may be configured to generate the start signal based on the winning token signal. For example, the monitoring period is started when the input of the medal signal is detected, and one start signal is generated for each monitoring period regardless of the number of medal signals generated during the monitoring period. In addition, the next monitoring period is not started unless the previous monitoring period ends. Since the number of pulses corresponding to the number of medals inserted this time is output continuously when the start lever 13 is operated after the medals are inserted, the maximum number of medals (three) If the period slightly longer than the period in which the number of pulses corresponding to is output is set as the monitoring period, the number of games can be counted regardless of the number of pieces to be multiplied.

  FIG. 18 shows a timing chart when a start signal is generated based on a winning medal signal output from the slot machine 10. A waveform 1810 is a received medal signal output from the slot machine 10, a waveform 1820 is a received medal signal input to the table controller 100, a waveform 1830 is a received medal signal monitoring period, and a waveform 1840 is a table controller 100. A start signal (number of games) generated and output to the hall management terminal 300 is shown.

  When the start lever 13 is operated after inserting medals or credits, a slotted medal signal (waveform 1810) including a number of pulse trains corresponding to the number of medals is output from the slot machine 10. In FIG. 18, at time T1 and T4, three medals or credits are removed, and at the subsequent times T2 and T5, the start lever 13 is operated and three pulses are continuously output. At time T7, one medal or credit is removed, and at the subsequent time T8, the start lever 13 is operated to output one pulse.

  The stand controller 100 monitors the received medal signal (waveform 1820) input from the slot machine 10, starts the monitoring period when detecting the first pulse, and receives the received medal signal during the monitoring period. Regardless of the number of pulses, one start signal (a signal indicating the number of games) is output after the end of the monitoring period. In the example shown in FIG. 18, a fixed-length monitoring period starts from each of the times T2, T5, and T8 when the first pulse of the incoming medal signal is detected, and starts at times T3, T6, and T9 when the monitoring period ends. A signal (waveform 1840) is output.

  Further, when the next received medal signal is not detected even after a predetermined time (waiting time Tw) has elapsed since the last received medal signal is detected, one game is counted and a start signal is output. Good. When a plurality of medals or credits are applied, pulses are output continuously at short time intervals, and after the continuous output of pulses ends, the start lever 13 is operated until the next operation. Since a pulse as a medal signal is not output for a relatively long time, a start signal can be generated by the above method. The waiting time Tw may be a time sufficiently longer than the pulse interval of the continuously output incoming medal signal, and may be a time sufficiently shorter than the time until the next start lever 13 is operated. What is necessary is just to set to about 2 to 3 times.

  FIG. 19 shows a timing chart when a start signal is generated based on a winning medal signal output from the slot machine 10 by the above method. A waveform 1910 indicates a winning medal signal output from the slot machine 10, a waveform 1920 indicates a winning medal signal input to the table controller 100, and a waveform 1930 indicates a start signal.

  In FIG. 19, at time T10 and T14, three medals or credits are released, and at the subsequent times T11 and T15, the start lever 13 is operated, and three pulses are continuously output as shown by the waveform 1910. Yes. At time T18, one medal or credit is removed, and at time T19 thereafter, the start lever 13 is operated to output one pulse.

  The stand controller 100 monitors the received medal signal (waveform 1920) input from the slot machine 10, and when the next pulse is not detected even after the Tw time has elapsed since the last pulse of the received medal signal is detected, One start signal (signal indicating the number of games) is output. In the example shown in FIG. 19, from the time T11 when the first pulse 1911 of the received medal signal is detected, the next pulse 1912 is detected before the Tw set as the waiting time elapses, and after the pulse 1912 is detected, the Tw Since the next pulse 1913 is detected before the lapse of time, the start signal based on the pulses 1911 and 1912 is not output. After the last three pulses 1913 are detected, the incoming medal signal pulse is not input until the next start lever 13 is operated. Therefore, the next pulse is not detected even when the waiting time Tw elapses. Therefore, at time T13 when Tw has elapsed since the last pulse was detected, it is determined that continuous output of a group of pulse trains has ended, and a start signal is output. In the case of a single sheet, a start signal is output when the waiting time Tw elapses (time T21) after the first incoming medal signal pulse 1914 is detected.

  In addition, the case where both the input of the received medal signal and the input of the start signal are detected as one game, and the number of games may be counted by counting this. Thereby, it is possible to grasp how many pieces of the game have been played. Further, it is preferable that the base controller 100 performs the process of generating the start signal from the received medal signal. However, even after relaying the platform controller or the island controller, if the pulses of the incoming medal signal are not continuously output for a plurality of games, the start signal is received from the incoming medal signal by the island controller or the hall management terminal 300 or the like. May be generated.

  In addition, the value obtained by subtracting the number of pulses of the incoming medal signal during the bonus period from the total number of pulses of the incoming medal signal and dividing by 3 (maximum number of pulses per game) is used as the approximate start number. May be.

  In the embodiment, the winning right notification information is output from the hall management terminal 300, which is a gaming machine management device, and is notified through an external notification device. And may be configured to perform a direct notification operation. Furthermore, in the embodiment, the execution of notification is managed by the hall management terminal 300 which is a gaming machine management device. Or information that instructs the table controller 100 to issue a notification may be output.

  Note that the winning right storage means 88 of the gaming machine 10 stores the types of the special winning prizes that have been won in the first-in first-out format. This makes it possible to store BB and RB in the order in which they occur and to release the stocked rights according to their order of occurrence. Further, the order of occurrence of BB and RB may be selected by lottery. In addition, the present invention can also be applied to a slot machine management device using pachinko balls.

1 is a system configuration diagram showing a distributed network management system to which a gaming machine management device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a slot machine to be managed by the gaming machine management device according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of a slot machine that is managed by the gaming machine management device according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the stand controller which makes a part of distributed network management system to which the gaming machine management device concerning one embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the hall | hole management terminal as a gaming machine management apparatus concerning one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the game start process in the slot machine which the game machine management apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention makes management object. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the process in the slot machine which the game machine management apparatus concerning one embodiment of this invention manages. It is a flowchart which shows acquisition operation | movement of the start information in the gaming machine management apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows acquisition operation | movement of the special prize winning information in the gaming machine management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the acquisition operation | movement of the special winning establishment information in the gaming machine management apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the acquisition operation | movement of the medal | medal information in the gaming machine management apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows acquisition operation | movement of the medal information in the gaming machine management apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the calculation process of the special prize winning rate in the gaming machine management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the calculation process of the special prize winning right rate in the game machine management apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the alerting | reporting condition setting screen in the gaming machine management apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the alerting | reporting process in the gaming machine management apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows another example of the alerting | reporting process in the gaming machine management apparatus which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the various waveforms at the time of producing | generating a start signal from a winning token signal. It is explanatory drawing which shows another example of the various waveforms at the time of producing | generating a start signal from a winning token signal.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... amusement machine island 10 ... a gaming machine (slot machine)
11 ... Box 11a ... Game board surface (front)
12 ... Medal slot 13 ... Start lever 20a, 20b, 20c ... Reel 25a, 25b, 25c ... Stop button (stop means)
26a ... 3 bet button 26b ... 1 bet button 27 ... Credit settlement button 27a ... Credit number display part 28a ... 1 bet game display part 28b ... 3 bet game display part 35a-35e ... Effective line display part 36 ... Flag Established lamp 37 ... Speaker 39 ... Prize tray 39a ... Medal payout outlet 70 ... Game information display unit 82 ... Game control means 84 ... Winning prize lottery means 86 ... Special prize control means 88 ... Winning right storage means 90 ... Releasing game number lottery Means 92 ... Winning right releasing means 94 ... Special winning winning signal output means 96 ... Special winning establishment signal output means 100 ... Stand controller 102 ... Communication interface 110 ... CPU
120 ... ROM
130 ... RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 131 ... Display control program 132 ... Operation control program 132 ... Operation control program 133 ... Game machine control program 134 ... Game machine information program 135 ... Sales disconnection information program 136 ... Game medium counter information program 140 ... Game information storage part 150 ... Game Medium lending information storage unit 160 ... Game medium counter information storage unit 170 ... Display unit 180 ... Operation unit 190 ... Notification information storage unit 210 ... Game medium lending device 220 ... Call lamp 230 ... Island controller 300 ... Hall management terminal 310 ... CPU
320 ... ROM
330 ... RAM
331 ... Display control program 332 ... Gaming machine control processing program 333 ... Gaming machine information processing program 334 ... Sales disconnection processing program 335 ... Game medium counter processing program 340 ... Fixed disk device 341 ... Sales information database 342 ... Disconnection information database 343 ... Game machine information database 344 ... Counter information database 350 ... Display means 400 ... Hall management computer 500 ... Premium management terminal 600 ... POS device 700 ... Information display terminal 1700 ... Notification condition setting screen 1710 ... Model setting column 1720 ... Unit Number setting field 1730 ... Remaining game number setting field 1740 ... Service time setting field 1750 ... Service day setting field 1760 ... Member setting field 1810, 1820, 1910, 1920 ... Pulse wave of incoming medal signal Form 1830 ... Waveform indicating the monitoring period 1840, 1930 ... Generated start signal A ... Playground

Claims (2)

When the first medal signal pulse per game is detected by monitoring the input of the medal signal consisting of a number of pulse trains corresponding to the number of medals used in the game that is started in the slot machine by operating the start lever In addition, a monitoring period in which the number of pulses corresponding to the maximum number of inserted medals allowed per game is set longer than the period in which the number of pulses is output from the slot machine is started, and the number of incoming medal signal pulses during the monitoring period Regardless of the invention, the game machine management device is characterized in that a start signal is generated after the end of the monitoring period. By monitoring the input of the medal signal consisting of a number of pulse trains corresponding to the number of medals used in the game that is started in the slot machine by operating the start lever, the pulse of the last medal signal per game is detected. A game machine management device, characterized in that a start signal is generated when a next pulse is not detected after a certain period of time elapses.

Images