JP5188345B2 - Production content identification device, game medium lending device, information recording method, and information recording program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an effect content specifying device, a game medium lending device, an information recording method, and an information recording program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, it is known that game history information of a player is collected, and the game history information is used for a game plan management plan, or a player can view his / her own game history. For example, a point card in which player identification information is recorded is inserted into a game medium lending device capable of acquiring game history information from a gaming machine, and from the game medium lending device, the player identification information and A technique is known in which game history information from a gaming machine is transmitted to a computer device installed in a hall so that the game history information for each player is managed by the computer device (described below). , See Patent Document 1).

JP-A-9-198552

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1 described above, a game such as difference ball data (payment amount) based on the number of jackpots, the number of starts, the number of out balls, the number of safe balls, etc., and the game time for each model sent from the gaming machine. Although the history information can be managed, there is a problem that it is not possible to manage the contents of the effects generated in the game.

  Further, in recent game machines, various contents of screen effects are prepared for the effects. However, since the conventional technology cannot manage the contents of the production, it is not possible to provide effective production and services corresponding to various screen productions, and to provide an interesting service to the player. There was a problem that I couldn't.

  Also, even if information indicating the contents of the effects is acquired from the gaming machine and the contents of the effects are specified, if there is a replacement of a gaming machine such as when opening a new store, be flexible It is assumed that there is a malfunction that cannot be performed.

  In order to eliminate the problems caused by the above-described conventional technology, the present invention enables the identification of the production contents, and even when a device for replacing the gaming machine or newly identifying the production contents is installed, An effect content specifying device, a game medium lending device, an information recording method, and an information recording method that make it possible to provide an interesting service to a player by enabling the specification of the effect content of the gaming machine that has been replaced. An object is to provide an information recording program.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the production content specifying device according to the present invention includes a recording unit that records in advance information on a table in which production content for each gaming machine is associated with predetermined information, A first receiving means for receiving a predetermined signal from a gaming machine; a specifying means for specifying the content of the effect from the table based on the predetermined signal received by the first receiving means; and the specifying An output means for outputting information on the contents of the effect specified by the means, a reading means for reading the model information of the gaming machine at a predetermined timing, and a model read by the reading means Control means for determining whether or not the information and the model information read last time are the same, and when the control means determines that the model information is not the same, the reading means Therefore, as a result of transmitting the model information read from the information management device to the information management device that manages the information in the table, and the transmission unit transmits the model information, the information management device according to the model of the gaming machine. A second receiving means for receiving table information; and a recording control means for rewriting the table information recorded in the recording means using the table information received by the second receiving means. It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to record table information corresponding to the model.

  According to this invention, it is possible to rewrite the information in the table corresponding to the model.

  Further, in the above invention, the information processing device further includes a calculation unit that calculates a symbol variation time based on predetermined information output from the gaming machine, and the table includes the effect contents for each gaming machine and the symbol variation when the effect is performed. A table in which time is associated, wherein the first receiving means transmits a start winning signal transmitted when a game ball wins a start winning opening from a gaming machine, or a symbol transmitted when a symbol is fixed. The calculation means receives a determination signal, the calculation means calculates a symbol variation time based on the start winning signal or the symbol determination signal received by the first reception means, and the specifying means is calculated by the calculation means. The effect contents may be specified from the table using the symbol variation time.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to specify the production contents based on the start winning signal transmitted when the game ball wins the start winning opening or the symbol determination signal transmitted when the symbol is fixed.

  Further, in the above invention, the table includes an element table that associates an effect element that constitutes the effect content during design variation and an output signal type indicating an effect element that is output from the effect control board, the effect content, and the A combination table in which combinations of presentation elements are associated with each other, wherein the first receiving means has a plurality of predetermined external terminals and uses the external terminals to form the production contents during the design variation. The output signal is received from an effect control board that outputs a signal indicating the signal, and the specifying means corresponds to the output signal from the element table based on the output signal received by the first receiving means. In addition to specifying the effect elements to be performed, the effect elements corresponding to the combination of the effect elements are specified from the combination table by combining the specified effect elements Unishi may be.

  According to this invention, it is possible to specify the content of the effect based on the output signal indicating the effect element from the effect control board.

  Further, in the above invention, further comprising calculation means for calculating a symbol variation time based on a predetermined signal output from the gaming machine, wherein the table includes the contents of the effect for each gaming machine and the symbol variation at the time of performing the effect. The first receiving means receives the symbol variation signal from an effect control board that outputs a symbol variation signal indicating that the symbol is varying using a plurality of predetermined external terminals. The calculating unit calculates a symbol variation time based on the symbol variation signal received by the first receiving unit, and the specifying unit uses the symbol variation time information calculated by the calculating unit, You may make it identify production content from the said table.

  According to this invention, it is possible to specify the contents of effects based on the symbol variation signal from the effect control board.

  In the above invention, the reading means may read model information from the non-contact IC tag using an antenna disposed within a predetermined range of the non-contact IC tag provided in the gaming machine. .

  According to this invention, it is possible to read game machine model information from a non-contact IC tag.

  In addition, a game medium lending device according to the present invention includes the above-described effect content specifying device.

  According to this invention, there is no need to newly provide an effect content specifying device, and a game medium lending device provided corresponding to the gaming machine can be used as the effect content specifying device.

  In addition, the information recording method according to the present invention includes a recording unit that records in advance information on a table in which production contents for each gaming machine are associated with predetermined information, and a predetermined signal transmitted from the gaming machine. A receiving unit for receiving, a specifying unit for specifying the production content from the table based on the predetermined signal received by the receiving unit, and an output unit for outputting information on the production content specified by the specifying unit; The information recording method of the production content specifying device comprising: a reading process of reading game machine model information at a predetermined timing; model information read in the reading process; and model information read last time When it is determined that the model information is not the same in the control process for determining whether or not the model information is the same, the model information read in the reading process is managed as information in the table A transmission step of transmitting to the information management device, and a reception step of receiving information on the table corresponding to the model of the gaming machine from the information management device as a result of transmitting the model information in the transmission step; and And a recording control step of rewriting the information of the table recorded in the recording unit by using the information of the table received in this manner.

  An information recording program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute the above information recording method.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to record table information corresponding to a model. Therefore, it is possible to accurately specify the contents of the effect of the gaming machine. In particular, when the gaming machine is replaced, it is only necessary to rewrite the information in the table, so that it is possible to accurately specify the content of the production while suppressing the data volume during communication. Thereby, according to the content of the screen effect of a game machine, there exists an effect that an effect and service with interest can be performed with respect to a player.

  Exemplary embodiments of an effect content specifying device, a game medium lending device, an information recording method, and an information recording program according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In Embodiment 1 shown below, the symbol variation time is calculated based on the start winning signal or symbol confirmation signal received from the gaming machine, and the effect contents are specified from the table using the calculated symbol variation time. The case where the game medium lending device as described above is used will be described.

  Further, in the second embodiment, a signal indicating an effect element constituting the effect content during the symbol variation is received from an external terminal provided on the effect control board of the gaming machine, and based on the received output signal, A case will be described in which a game medium lending device that specifies the contents of the effect is used. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, a symbol variation signal indicating that the symbol is changing is received from an external terminal provided on the effect control board of the gaming machine, and the symbol variation time is calculated based on the received symbol variation signal. In addition, a case will be described in which a game medium lending device is used in which the effect contents are specified using the calculated symbol variation time.

(System configuration of production content management system)
First, the system configuration of the production content management system according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an effect content management system according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, the production content management system 100 includes a management server 110, halls H- 1 to H-n (hereinafter referred to as “hall H”) as a plurality of game halls, and a client terminal 130. The management server 110, the plurality of hall computers 120, and the client terminal 130 are connected to each other via a network such as the Internet, a LAN, and a WAN.

  The management server 110 stores, for each player, game history information including the reach effect content generated by the game by the player and the notice effect content for notifying the reach effect. The game history information to be stored may be by hole H or the total of all holes H. The management server 110 also stores, for example, distributable content as a service provided according to the contents of the effects generated by the player through the game.

  Furthermore, the management server 110 stores information on the latest table in which the production contents for each gaming machine are associated with predetermined information, and the information in the table is stored in response to a request from the hall computer 120. It has a function to transmit to the computer 120. Note that the predetermined information associated with the production contents in the table is information such as the symbol variation time, the type of output signal indicating the production element output from the production control board, and the combination of production elements.

  In the hall H, a hall computer 120 that manages each computer device in the hall H is arranged. The hall computer 120 uses a PC (Personal Computer) and stores game history information including the reach effect content generated by the player and the notice effect content for notifying the reach effect. Information is transmitted to the management server 110. The game history information is stored in association with, for example, player identification information. The hall computer 120 stores attributes such as the player's age, address, and gender in association with the player's identification information.

  The hall computer 120 records information of a table in which the production contents for each gaming machine are associated with predetermined information, and the gaming machine receives from a gaming medium lending device described later from the recorded table information. Based on the model information, the table information corresponding to the model information is extracted and transmitted to the game medium lending device. In addition, the hall computer 120 has a function of receiving information on the table of the changed model from the management server 110 and updating the recorded table information using the received table information. .

  The client terminal 130 is a computer device that can be connected to the management server 110, such as a home PC owned by a player or a mobile phone terminal. The player can use the client terminal 130 to receive a service based on the contents produced by the player. The service is, for example, a service based on content distribution.

(System configuration of gaming system)
Next, the system configuration of the gaming system in the hall H will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of the gaming system in Hall H. In FIG. 2, a gaming system 200 includes a hall computer 120, a plurality of gaming machines 210-1 to 210-n (hereinafter referred to as “gaming machine 210”), and a plurality of gaming medium lending devices 220-1 to 220-n ( (Hereinafter referred to as “game medium lending device 220”) and call lamps 230-1 to 230-n (hereinafter referred to as “call lamp 230”), which are connected by wire or wirelessly.

  The gaming machine 210 is a pachinko gaming machine installed in the hall H. This gaming machine 210 is a gaming machine that performs reach production, and is a so-called digipachi type. Specifically, the Digipachi type gaming machine 210 includes a start winning opening, a pattern display section such as a liquid crystal display or an accessory, and a movable winning section such as a large winning opening. The design starts from winning the start winning opening. This refers to a model in which the movable prize-winning part is released a predetermined number of times when a performance is performed with a bonus or a bonus.

  In the symbol display section, symbol variations and stop symbols are displayed. When the game ball wins the start winning opening, for example, three symbols are changed on the symbol display portion, and symbols such as 7, 3, and 5 are displayed in a stopped state, respectively. When the three symbols are aligned like 7, 7, 7, the movable winning portion is released a predetermined number of times and a big hit state is achieved. In the state where two of the three symbols are aligned, such as 7 and 7, during the variation of the symbol, a reach effect in which a predetermined effect is performed.

  In addition, the symbol display unit displays a screen in which the background color is changed or a character or the like is displayed during the symbol variation at the previous stage of the reach as a notice effect for notifying the reach effect. The reach production, for example, develops from normal normal reach to super reach with high expectation and a long time required for symbol variation. In addition, as a stage before the reach production is performed, a notice production in which the reach production is announced is performed.

  Further, the gaming machine 210 has a function of transmitting game information generated as the game progresses to the game medium lending device 220. The game information includes, for example, information indicating the start winning of the game ball, the start of the change of the symbol, the determination of the symbol, the occurrence of the jackpot, the occurrence of the probability variation state, the number of start times, etc. ), The number of game media paid out by the gaming machine 210 (the number of safe balls), and the like.

  The game medium lending device 220 is a computer device that lends game media such as game balls used for games of the game machine 210, which are installed / connected one-to-one with the adjacent game machines 210. The game medium lending device 220 corresponds to the effect content specifying device of the present invention, records information of a table in which the effect content for each gaming machine is associated with predetermined information, and is transmitted from the table and the game machine. The content of the effect is specified using the predetermined signal. The game medium lending device 220 requests the hall computer 120 to send a table information transmission request corresponding to the model of the gaming machine 210, and records the table information received from the hall computer 120 in response to the request.

  Further, the game medium lending device 220 reads the identification information of the member card possessed by the player, reads the model information for specifying the type of the adjacent gaming machine 210 from the gaming machine 210, The game history information including the model information, the game information, and the production contents is associated with each other and transmitted to the hall computer 120. In addition, the game medium lending device 220 has a function of transmitting information on the specified effect contents to the calling lamp 230.

  Here, the production content specifying device of the present invention is realized using the game medium lending device 220, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to use a stand computer installed for each gaming machine 210. It is also possible to use the calling lamp 230.

  The call lamp 230 is installed / connected one-on-one with the gaming machine 210 on the upper part of the gaming machine 210, and is based on a jackpot signal transmitted from the gaming machine 210, a signal indicating that the probability variation (probability variation) game is in progress, and the like. , Turn on or flash in a predetermined color. Note that the call lamp 230 is turned on or blinks in a predetermined color when a predetermined button provided on the front surface of the call lamp 230 is pressed to call a store clerk.

(Appearance of game media lending device 220)
Next, the external appearance of the game medium lending device 220 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an external view showing an example of the game medium lending device 220. In FIG. 3, the game medium lending device 220 includes a bill insertion slot 301, a display 302, an operation button 303, a member card insertion slot 304, a payment coin insertion slot 305, a payment coin return slot 306, An antenna 307, a second antenna 308, and a liquid crystal display 309 are provided.

  The bill insertion slot 301 accepts the insertion of bills used for borrowing game media. The display 302 displays the amount of money inserted in the bill insertion slot 301, point information, and the like. The operation button 303 accepts various inputs related to function settings, password input by the player, and the like.

  The membership card slot 304 accepts the insertion of a membership card issued to a member of the amusement hall, and returns the inserted membership card. The settlement coin insertion slot 305 accepts the insertion of settlement coins used by, for example, players other than members, so-called visitors. The settlement coin return port 306 returns the settlement coin with the remaining amount at the end of the game.

  The first antenna 307 is disposed inside the apparatus between the member card slot 304 and the payment coin slot 305, and reads member information and the like. The first antenna 307 has a function of receiving radio waves from the membership card inserted into the membership card insertion slot 304 and the adjustment coin inserted into the adjustment coin insertion slot 305.

  The second antenna 308 is wired to the apparatus main body, is attached in the vicinity of a non-contact IC tag attached to a part inside the gaming machine 210, and has a function of receiving radio waves from the non-contact IC tag. Yes. The non-contact IC tag is an IC tag that performs non-contact communication using electromagnetic induction or radio waves. For example, the non-contact IC tag is an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.

  The non-contact IC tag is attached to, for example, a main control board that controls the gaming machine 210, a ROM mounted on the main control board, and a board case that covers the main control board. Further, identification information unique to the gaming machine 210 is recorded in the non-contact IC tag. The non-contact IC tag has a function of transmitting this identification information to the outside. The identification information is information uniquely assigned to the contactless IC tag. For example, the gaming machine ID for identifying the gaming machine 210, the gaming hall ID for identifying the gaming hall, and the manufacturing of the gaming machine 210 are identified. A vendor ID for identifying the vendor is included.

  The game medium lending device 220 can identify the model of the gaming machine 210 by using radio waves from the non-contact IC tag received by the second antenna 308. This second antenna 308 is removed from the vicinity of the non-contact IC tag when the gaming machine 210 is replaced, such as when a new base is replaced, and is attached again in the vicinity of the non-contact IC tag of the replaced gaming machine M.

  The liquid crystal display 309 is provided with a guide rail 309a, and is slidably slidable by a slide mechanism configured by the guide rail 309a and a guide rail (not shown) provided in the housing of the game medium lending device 220. It is configured. The liquid crystal display 309 can display, for example, TV images, game information such as the current day and the previous day, information on the number of start times, and information such as food and beverage services. Instead of providing the above-described display 302, information to be displayed on the display 302, that is, the amount of money inserted in the bill insertion slot 301, point information, and the like may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 309.

(Hardware configuration of game media lending device)
Next, the hardware configuration of the game medium lending device 220 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the game medium lending device 220. In FIG. 4, a game medium lending apparatus 220 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, an audio I / F (interface) 404, a speaker 405, an input device 406, a video I / F 407, and a display 302 (liquid crystal display). 309), an antenna 408, and a communication I / F 409. In addition, the respective components 401 to 409 are connected by a bus 420.

  The CPU 401 controls the entire game medium lending device 220. The ROM 402 records programs such as a boot program, a production content specifying program, a scheduled variation count measurement program, and an information recording program. The effect content specifying program calculates the symbol variation time based on the start winning signal or the symbol determination signal received from the gaming machine 210 through the communication I / F 409, and uses the calculated symbol variation time to produce an effect from a table to be described later. It is a program that specifies the contents.

  The scheduled variation count measurement program measures the scheduled variation count for subsequent symbol variations based on the start prize signal, while the scheduled variation count reaches a predetermined maximum scheduled variation count that is set in advance. Is a program that prevents the number of scheduled fluctuations from being measured. Note that the number of scheduled fluctuations is the number of times that the pattern can be varied (started), and details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The information recording program is a program for transmitting the model information of the gaming machine 210 read using the antenna 408 to the hall computer 120 and receiving the transmission to record the table information received from the hall computer 120 in the RAM 403. Also, the information recording program receives the table information corresponding to the model information from the hall computer 120 and writes it when the gaming machine 210 is changed based on the model information read using the antenna 408. Includes information rewriting program to replace.

  The RAM 403 is used as a work area for the CPU 401. The RAM 403 records details of a table in which the contents of effects for each symbol variation of each gaming machine 210 are associated with the symbol variation time at the time of performing the effect, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  The audio I / F 404 is connected to an audio output speaker 405. The speaker 405 outputs sound. The input device 406 corresponds to the operation button 303, and accepts various inputs related to function setting, password input by a player, and the like.

  The video I / F 407 is connected to the display 302 (liquid crystal display 309). Specifically, the video I / F 407 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 302 (liquid crystal display 309) and a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately. And a control IC that controls display of the display 302 (liquid crystal display 309) based on image data output from the graphic controller.

  The display 302 (liquid crystal display 309) displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. Specifically, the inserted amount and point information of a bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 301, television images, game information such as the current day and the previous day, information on the number of start times, information such as food and beverage services, and the like are displayed.

  The antenna 408 corresponds to the first antenna 307 and the second antenna 308, and has a function of reading member information from a member card and a function of reading model information of the gaming machine 210. Member information and model information read by the antenna 408 are recorded in the RAM 403 or the like.

  A communication I / F 409 is connected to a network and functions as an interface with the CPU 401. Specifically, the communication I / F 409 receives game information transmitted from the gaming machine 210. The game information includes, as described above, information indicating game game start winnings, symbol variation start, symbol confirmation, jackpot occurrence, probability variation state, number of times of start, etc. This is information indicating the number of media (the number of out balls), the number of game media paid out by the gaming machine 210 (the number of safe balls), and the like.

  The game information received from the gaming machine 210 by the communication I / F 409 is used for specifying the effect contents by the CPU 401. The effect content specified by the CPU 401 is associated with the member information and the model information, and transmitted to the hall computer 120 via the communication I / F 409. The communication I / F 409 has a function of transmitting model information of the gaming machine 210 to the hall computer 120 and receiving table information corresponding to the model from the hall computer 120 under the control of the CPU 401.

(Functional configuration of game media lending device)
Next, a functional configuration of the game medium lending device 220 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game medium lending device 220. In FIG. 5, the game medium lending device 220 includes a recording unit 501, a first receiving unit 502, a calculating unit 503, a specifying unit 504, an output unit 505, a measuring unit 506, a determining unit 507, and a reading unit. 511, a transmission unit 512, a second reception unit 513, a control unit 514, and a recording control unit 515.

  The recording unit 501 records in advance information in a table in which the contents of the effects for each symbol variation of each gaming machine 210 are associated with the symbol variation time at the time of performing the effect. The recording unit 501 is realized by the RAM 403 illustrated in FIG.

  Here, the table will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a table. In FIG. 6, a table 600 associates symbol variation time with reach effect contents. By using this table 600, it is possible to specify the reach effect contents from the symbol variation time. As a specific example, as shown by reference numeral 601, if it is found that the symbol variation time is 40 seconds, the reach effect content can be specified as reach A from this symbol variation time. The table 600 differs depending on the model and version.

  Further, identification information for identifying the reach effect content is attached to each reach effect content. In addition, although the effect content has shown the reach effect content here, the notice effect content is similarly matched with the symbol variation time.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the first receiving unit 502 receives, from the gaming machine 210, a start winning signal transmitted when the game ball has won a start winning opening, or a symbol determination signal transmitted when the symbol is fixed. To do. The start winning signal and the symbol confirmation signal are included in the game information. The first receiving unit 502 is realized by the communication I / F 409 illustrated in FIG.

  The calculation unit 503 calculates a symbol variation time based on the start winning signal or the symbol determination signal received by the first reception unit 502. The symbol variation time will be described in detail later. Specifically, the time from receiving the start winning signal until receiving the symbol confirmation signal, or the current symbol after receiving the previous symbol confirmation signal. This is the time until the confirmation signal is received.

  The specifying unit 504 specifies the effect content from the table 600 using the symbol variation time calculated by the calculating unit 503. The calculation unit 503 and the specifying unit 504 are realized by the CPU 401 illustrated in FIG. That is, the functions of the calculation unit 503 and the specifying unit 504 are realized by the CPU 401 executing the effect content specifying program.

  The output unit 505 outputs the content of the effect specified by the specifying unit 504. The output content information is identification information for specifying the content. The identification information for specifying the contents of the effect is linked to the player identification information by a related linking unit (not shown) and transmitted to the hall computer 120 or the management server 110 via the hall computer 120. . The output unit 505 is realized by the communication I / F 409 illustrated in FIG.

  The table 600 described above is also recorded in the management server 110 and the hall computer 120, and the management server 110 and the hall computer 120 acquire the identification information for identifying the contents of the production, thereby obtaining the identification information. It is possible to specify the corresponding production contents.

  Further, the measuring unit 506 measures the number of scheduled fluctuations for which the symbol fluctuation is subsequently performed based on the start winning signal received by the first receiving unit 502. The scheduled number of changes is the number of times that the design can be changed (started). Only one game ball is won at the start winning opening of the gaming machine 210, and a state where there is no reserved ball in the gaming machine 210 is defined as a scheduled number of changes of one. Further, a state in which five game balls are won at the start winning opening of the gaming machine 210 and four holding balls are in the gaming machine 210 within a predetermined time is assumed to be the planned number of fluctuations five. In other words, the number of scheduled fluctuations is a value obtained by adding 1 to the number of lighting of the reserved ball display portion of the gaming machine 210.

  The measuring unit 506 increments the scheduled variation count by +1 each time a game ball wins a start winning opening, that is, every time a start winning signal is received, with a predetermined value as an upper limit. Further, the measurement unit 506 decrements the scheduled number of changes by −1 when the change of the symbol in the gaming machine 210 is completed, that is, when the symbol determination signal is received from the gaming machine 210.

  The determination unit 507 determines whether or not the gaming machine 210 is in the holding ball state immediately before the start of the symbol change based on the scheduled number of changes immediately before the start of the symbol change measured by the measurement unit 506. Specifically, the determination unit 507 determines that the number of scheduled fluctuations immediately before the start of symbol variation is 0, that is, when the number of scheduled variations becomes 0 → 1 when starting the symbol variation due to the start winning of the game ball, It is determined that the gaming machine 210 is not in the holding ball state.

  On the other hand, the determination unit 507 determines that the number of scheduled fluctuations is 2 → 1, 3 → 2, 4 when the number of scheduled fluctuations immediately before the start of symbol fluctuation is 2 or more, that is, when the symbol fluctuation is started due to the completion of the symbol fluctuation. When it becomes → 3 or 5 → 4, it is determined that the gaming machine 210 is in the holding ball state.

  When the determination unit 507 determines that the gaming machine 210 at the start of symbol variation is not in the holding ball state, the calculation unit 503 subtracts the time for receiving the start winning signal from the time for receiving the symbol confirmation signal. Is calculated as the symbol variation time. The time when the symbol confirmation signal is received is specifically the time when the symbol is confirmed. The time when the start winning signal is received is specifically the time when the symbol variation is started. Here, the time obtained by subtracting the time for receiving the start winning signal from the time for receiving the symbol determination signal is referred to as a first variation time.

  On the other hand, when the determination unit 507 determines that the gaming machine 210 immediately before the start of symbol variation is in the holding ball state, the calculation unit 503 receives the previous symbol determination signal from the time of receiving the current symbol determination signal. The time obtained by subtracting the calculated time is calculated as the symbol variation time. The time when the current symbol determination signal is received is specifically the time when the current symbol is fixed. Specifically, the time when the previous symbol determination signal is received corresponds to the time when the current symbol variation is started. Here, the time obtained by subtracting the time of receiving the previous symbol determination signal from the time of receiving the current symbol determination signal is referred to as the second variation time.

  In addition, the measurement unit 506 does not measure the number of scheduled variations when the number of scheduled variations reaches a predetermined maximum scheduled variation number that is set in advance and the first winning unit 502 receives a start winning signal. To. Specifically, when the measurement unit 506 receives a start winning signal when the maximum number of scheduled fluctuations (for example, 5) is reached, the measurement unit 506 holds the state of 5 without measuring the number of scheduled fluctuations as 6.

  The maximum scheduled number of times of change varies for each gaming machine 210, and is recorded, for example, on a non-contact IC tag attached to the gaming machine 210 corresponding to the number of reserved balls. When the second antenna 308 reads the maximum number of reserved balls from the non-contact IC tag, the game medium lending device 220 records the value obtained by adding 1 to the maximum number of reserved balls in the RAM 403 as the maximum scheduled fluctuation number. Here, the maximum scheduled number of changes is set to 5 (the number of reserved balls of the gaming machine 210 is 4), but is not limited to this. For example, the maximum number of scheduled changes is set to 9 (the number of reserved balls of the gaming machine 210 is set to 8 ) Is also possible. The measurement unit 506 and the determination unit 507 are realized by the CPU 401 illustrated in FIG. That is, the functions of the measurement unit 506 and the determination unit 507 are realized by the CPU 401 executing the scheduled variation count measurement program.

  The reading unit 511 reads model information of the gaming machine 210. Specifically, the reading unit 511 reads model information from a non-contact IC tag attached to the gaming machine 210. The reading unit 511 corresponds to the antenna 408 illustrated in FIG. 4 (the second antenna 308 in FIG. 3).

  The transmission unit 512 transmits the model information read by the reading unit 511 to the hall computer 120 that manages the information in the table 600. Specifically, the transmission unit 512 receives the control of the control unit 514 and transmits the model information to the hall computer 120, for example, when the power is turned on or at a predetermined time.

  The second reception unit 513 receives the transmission of the model information from the transmission unit 512 and receives the information of the table 600 corresponding to the model of the gaming machine 210 from the hall computer 120. The second receiving unit 513 is realized by the communication I / F 409 illustrated in FIG.

  The recording control unit 515 is included in the control unit 514 and causes the recording unit 501 to record the information of the table 600 received by the second receiving unit 513. The control unit 514 and the recording control unit 515 are realized by the CPU 401 shown in FIG. That is, the function of the recording control unit 515 is realized by the CPU 401 executing the information recording program.

  Further, the control unit 514 performs control to transmit the model information to the hall computer 120 when the gaming machine 210 is changed based on the model information read by the reading unit 511. Whether the gaming machine 210 has been changed is determined by, for example, recording the model information read at the previous power-on in the recording unit 501 such as the RAM 403 and comparing it with the model information read at the current power-on. Is done.

  In the configuration including such a control unit 514, the second reception unit 513 receives information transmitted from the table 600 in response to transmission under the control of the control unit 514. Then, the recording control unit 515 rewrites the information in the table 600 recorded in the recording unit 501 using the information in the table 600 received by the second receiving unit 513.

(Outline of calculation of symbol change time by game media lending device)
Next, the outline of calculation of the symbol variation time by the game medium lending device 220 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the calculation of the symbol variation time by the game medium lending device 220. The explanatory diagram 700 shown in FIG. 7 shows a start winning signal 710, a scheduled variation count 720, a symbol variation time 730, and a symbol confirmation signal 740. Winning No. shown in the start winning signal 710 Is a number assigned to identify each of the plurality of game balls that have won the start. The numbers shown in the symbol variation time 730 and the symbol confirmation signal 740 are the winning numbers. It corresponds to.

  The game medium lending device 220 includes, for example, a prize No. in the start prize signal 710. When 11 signals are received, “1” of the scheduled fluctuation count 720 is measured based on the signals. At this time, the gaming machine 210 starts symbol variation. Then, at the gaming machine 210, the winning no. When the symbol variation time 730 corresponding to No. 11 elapses and the symbol variation ends, the gaming medium renting apparatus 220 receives a winning No. 1 from the gaming machine 210. The symbol confirmation signal 740 corresponding to 11 is received.

  Therefore, the game medium lending device 220 uses the start winning signal 710 and the symbol determination signal 740 transmitted from the gaming machine 210 when the scheduled change count 720 immediately before the start of the symbol change is 0, that is, receives the start winning signal 710. The symbol variation time 730 corresponding to the first variation time described above can be derived by calculating the time from the determined time to the time when the symbol determination signal 740 is received.

  Next, the winning no. The 12-15 start winning signals 710 will be described. In the gaming machine 210, the winning no. It is assumed that, after the change of the symbol corresponding to 11 is confirmed, a state where there is no start winning prize exists for a while as indicated by reference numeral 721. In this state, the game medium lending device 220 receives the winning number. Assume that 12 start winning signals 710 are received. The game medium lending device 220 has the prize No. When 12 start winning signals 710 are received, “1” of the number of scheduled fluctuations 720 is measured based on the signals. At this time, the gaming machine 210 starts symbol variation.

  Winning No. In the game machine 210 during the symbol variation time 730 corresponding to No. 12, the winning no. It is assumed that 13, 14, and 15 game balls are continuously awarded at the start winning opening. In other words, the game medium lending device 220 receives the winning number. During the symbol variation time 730 corresponding to 12 It is assumed that start winning signals 710 of 13, 14, 15 are received. In this case, the game medium lending device 220 receives the winning number. Corresponding to 13, 14, and 15, 2, 3, and 4 of the number of scheduled fluctuations 720 are measured. At this time, the gaming machine 210 turns on the first to third of the reserved ball display units indicating the number of reserved balls.

  And the winning no. When the symbol variation time 730 corresponding to 12 elapses and the symbol variation ends, the gaming medium renting apparatus 220 receives a prize No. from the gaming machine 210. The symbol confirmation signal 740 corresponding to 12 is received. Therefore, the game medium lending apparatus 220 uses the start winning signal 710 and the symbol determination signal 740 transmitted from the gaming machine 210, that is, the symbol determination signal 740, when the scheduled variation number 720 immediately before the symbol variation start is zero. The symbol variation time 730 corresponding to the first variation time can be calculated by subtracting the time when the start winning signal 710 is received from the received time.

  In this case, if the symbol variation time 730 is the time between the symbol confirmation signals 740 (second variation time), as shown by reference numeral 721, a winning No. 11 after receiving the symbol confirmation signal 740 of No. 11. The time required to receive the twelve symbol confirmation signals 740 is calculated as the time required for symbol variation. That is, for example, after the last symbol variation of the player who played the game before the player who plays this time until the first symbol variation of the player who plays this game is completed, the symbol variation It will be time 730.

  That is, there is a problem that the symbol variation time 730 includes a time during which the gaming machine 210 is in a waiting state for a customer and a time during which a game ball does not win a start winning opening even during a game. In order to prevent such a problem, when the scheduled number of changes 720 immediately before the start of symbol variation is 0, the period from the reception of the start winning signal 710 to the reception of the symbol determination signal 740 (first variation time) Is a symbol variation time 730.

  The winning no. The symbol variation time 730 of No. 12 is the winning no. 11 is longer than the symbol variation time 730, which indicates that there was a reach. That is, the winning no. The symbol variation time 730 corresponding to 12 indicates the variation time during reach including super reach.

  Next, the winning no. 13 start winning signals 710 will be described. In the gaming machine 210, the winning No. The start of symbol variation by the start winning signal 710 of No. 13 is the winning no. Until the symbol fluctuation corresponding to 12 is completed, the state is in a suspended state. The game media lending device 220 has a prize No. When the symbol determination signal 740 corresponding to 12 is received, the scheduled variation number 720 is decreased by 1, that is, the scheduled variation number 720 is decreased from 4 to 3. At this time, the gaming machine 210 starts the symbol variation and turns off the third on-hold-ball display portion of the gaming machine 210 and turns on the second one.

  And the winning no. During the symbol variation time 730 corresponding to No. 13, the winning no. Suppose that 16, 17, 18, and 19 game balls have successively won the starting prize opening. In other words, the game medium lending device 220 receives the winning number. During the symbol variation time 730 corresponding to No. 13, the winning no. It is assumed that start winning signals 710 of 16, 17, 18, 19 are received. In this case, the game medium lending device 220 receives the winning number. Corresponding to 16 and 17, the number of scheduled fluctuations 720 is measured as 4 and 5. At this time, the gaming machine 210 lights the third and fourth of the reserved ball display section as the reserved ball.

  In the gaming machine 210, a winning No. 18 and 19 are not held because they have reached the upper limit 4 of the holding ball. In the game medium lending device 220, a winning No. Although the start winning signals 710 of 18 and 19 have been received, since the upper limit value 5 of the scheduled fluctuation count 720 recorded in the RAM 403 has been reached, these measurements are not performed and the scheduled fluctuation count 720 is held as 5. To do.

  And the winning no. When the symbol variation time 730 corresponding to 13 has elapsed and the symbol variation has ended, the gaming medium renting apparatus 220 receives a winning number from the gaming machine 210. The symbol confirmation signal 740 corresponding to 13 is received. Therefore, if the scheduled number of changes 720 immediately before the start of symbol variation is 2 or more (the number of held balls of the gaming machine 210 is 1 or more), the gaming medium lending device 220 uses the symbol confirmation signal 740 output from the gaming machine 210 to The symbol variation time 730 corresponding to the second variation time can be calculated by subtracting the time of receiving the current symbol determination signal 740 from the time of receiving the symbol determination signal 740. The winning no. The symbol variation time 730 of 13 is the winning No. It is longer than the twelve symbol variation time 730 (variation time at the time of reach), and for example, shows a reach with a higher expectation.

  Winning No. The calculation method of the symbol variation time 730 of 14 to 17 is the winning no. This is the same as the method for calculating the symbol variation time 730 of 13 and will not be described. The winning no. Since 18 and 19 are not measured as the scheduled number of changes 720, the symbol change time 730 in the game medium lending device 220 is not calculated.

(Hall computer hardware configuration)
Next, the hardware configuration of the hall computer 120 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the hall computer 120.

  In FIG. 8, the hall computer 120 includes a CPU 801, a ROM 802, a RAM 803, a magnetic disk drive 804, a magnetic disk 805, an optical disk drive 806, an optical disk 807, an audio I / F (interface) 808, and a speaker 809. An input device 810, a video I / F 811, a display 812, and a communication I / F 813. In addition, the respective components 801 to 813 are connected by a bus 820, respectively.

  The CPU 801 controls the entire computer device. The ROM 802 records various programs such as a boot program and an information management program. The RAM 803 is used as a work area for the CPU 801.

  The information management program extracts information on the table 600 corresponding to the model information from the information on the plurality of tables 600 recorded on the magnetic disk 805 or the like based on the model information received from the game medium lending device 220. This is a program to be transmitted to the game medium lending device 220. Further, when the information management program receives the information of the changed model table 600 from the management server 110, the information management program uses the information of the table 600 to store the information in the table 600 of each model recorded on the magnetic disk 805 or the like. An information update program for updating information is also included.

  The magnetic disk drive 804 controls the reading / writing of the data with respect to the magnetic disk 805 according to control of CPU801. The magnetic disk 805 records data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 804. On the magnetic disk 805, information of the plurality of tables 600 is recorded in association with the model information. As the magnetic disk 805, for example, an HD (hard disk) or an FD (flexible disk) can be used.

  The optical disk drive 806 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the optical disk 807 according to the control of the CPU 801. The optical disk 807 is a detachable recording medium from which data is read according to the control of the optical disk drive 806. As the optical disc 807, a writable recording medium can be used. In addition to the optical disk 807, the removable recording medium may be an MO, a memory card, or the like.

  The audio I / F 808 is connected to an audio output speaker 809. The speaker 809 outputs sound. Examples of the input device 810 include a remote controller having a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like.

  The video I / F 811 is connected to the display 812. Specifically, the video I / F 811 includes, for example, a graphic controller that controls the entire display 812, a buffer memory such as a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily records image information that can be displayed immediately, and a graphic controller. Based on the output image data, the display 812 is configured by a control IC or the like.

  The display 812 displays icons, cursors, menus, windows, or various data such as characters and images. As the display 812, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted.

  A communication I / F 813 is connected to a network and functions as an interface with the CPU 801. The communication I / F 813 receives model information from the game medium lending device 220, game history information including information on the contents of effects generated by the game, and the like. In addition, the communication I / F 813 transmits model information and game history information to the management server 110 and receives information on the latest table 600 of each model from the management server 110.

(Functional configuration of hall computer)
Next, the functional configuration of the hall computer 120 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the hall computer 120.

  9, the hall computer 120 includes a recording unit 901, a model information receiving unit 902, an extracting unit 903, a transmitting unit 904, a table information receiving unit 905, and an updating unit 906. The recording unit 901 records information in the table 600 for each model in association with the model information. The recording unit 901 is realized by a magnetic disk 805 or the like.

  The model information receiving unit 902 receives model information of the gaming machine 210 from the gaming medium lending device 220. Based on the model information received by the model information receiving unit 902, the extracting unit 903 extracts information in the table 600 corresponding to the model information from the information in the table 600 recorded in the recording unit 901. The transmission unit 904 transmits information of the table 600 extracted by the extraction unit 903 to the game medium lending device 220.

  The table information receiving unit 905 receives information on the table 600 of the changed model from the management server 110. The updating unit 906 updates the information in the table 600 recorded in the recording unit 901 using the information in the table received by the table information receiving unit 905.

  It should be noted that, as a pre-stage of receiving the information of the table 600 by the table information receiving unit 905, the management server 110 may be requested to transmit the information of the table 600. Specifically, for example, when the change of the gaming machine 210 is recognized by the gaming medium lending device 220, the management server 110 may be requested to transmit information of the table 600. As a result, the latest information on the table 600 can be obtained.

  The model information receiving unit 902, the transmitting unit 904, and the table information receiving unit 905 are realized by the communication I / F 813 illustrated in FIG. The extraction unit 903 and the update unit 906 are realized by the CPU 801 illustrated in FIG. That is, the functions of the extraction unit 903 and the update unit 906 are realized by the CPU 801 executing the information management program.

(Example of table information recorded in hall computer)
Next, an example of data recorded in the hall computer 120 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of data information recorded in the hall computer 120.

  In FIG. 10, data 1000 recorded on the magnetic disk 805 of the hall computer 120 records information in the table 600 corresponding to the model information 1001. The model information 1001 includes a model name and a gaming machine ID. The gaming machine ID is identification information unique to the gaming machine 210. Information in the table 600 is transmitted to the game medium lending device 220 according to the model of the gaming machine 210 adjacent to the game medium lending device 220. The information in the table 600 is updated sequentially for each model.

(An example of scheduled fluctuation count measurement processing performed by the game media lending device)
Next, an example of the scheduled fluctuation frequency measurement process (see the measurement unit 506 in FIG. 5) performed by the game medium lending device 220 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the scheduled fluctuation frequency measurement process performed by the game medium lending device 220. Note that the process illustrated in FIG. 11 is a process performed by the CPU 401 executing the scheduled variation count measurement program.

  In FIG. 11, the CPU 401 of the game medium lending device 220 is in a standby state until it receives a start winning signal from the gaming machine 210 (step S1101: No loop), and receives the start winning signal (step S1101: Yes). It is determined whether or not the number of scheduled fluctuations recorded in the RAM 403 is 5 (step S1102). In the present embodiment, the upper limit value of the scheduled number of fluctuations is 5, which corresponds to the upper limit value 4 of the number of reserved balls of the gaming machine 210.

  If it is determined in step S1102 that the scheduled number of changes is not 5 (step S1102: No), the number of scheduled changes is incremented by 1 (step S1103). Thereafter, the number of scheduled fluctuations incremented by +1 is recorded in the RAM 403 (step S1104), and a series of processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S1102 that the planned number of changes is 5 (step S1102: Yes), a series of processing ends.

  According to the processing described above, the game medium lending device 220 can measure the number of scheduled fluctuations corresponding to the number of reserved balls of the gaming machine 210. That is, the game medium lending device 220 can accurately measure the number of times and timing at which the game machine 210 changes symbols. Therefore, it is possible to calculate an appropriate symbol variation time, and it is possible to specify appropriate production contents.

(Example of effect content identification processing performed by the game media lending device)
Next, an example of the effect content specifying process performed by the game medium lending device 220 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect content specifying process performed by the game medium lending device 220. Note that the process shown in FIG. 12 is a process performed when the CPU 401 executes the effect content specifying program.

  In FIG. 12, the CPU 401 of the gaming medium lending device 220 determines whether or not the symbol variation of the gaming machine 210 has started (step S1201). Note that the timing at which the symbol change of the gaming machine 210 is started is specifically the timing at which the gaming machine 210 immediately before the symbol variation starts is not in a holding state, or when the start winning signal is received from the gaming machine 210, or This is the timing at which the symbol determination signal of the previous symbol variation is received from the gaming machine 210 in a situation where the gaming machine 210 just before the symbol variation start is in the hold state.

  In step S1201, the game machine 210 is in a standby state until the symbol variation of the gaming machine 210 starts (step S1201: No loop), and when the symbol variation of the gaming machine 210 starts (step S1201: Yes), it is scheduled to be recorded in the RAM 403. It is determined whether or not the number of changes is 1 (step S1202). If it is determined that the number of scheduled changes is 1 (step S1202: Yes), it is determined whether the number of scheduled changes immediately before the start of symbol change is 0 (step S1203).

  When the number of scheduled changes immediately before the start of symbol variation is 0 (step S1203: Yes), that is, when the gaming machine 210 immediately before the start of symbol variation is not in the hold state, the first variation time is calculated (step S1204). ). The first variation time is the time from when the start winning signal is received until the symbol confirmation signal is received, and is as described with reference to FIG. Then, the effect content corresponding to the symbol variation time is specified from the table 600 (see FIG. 6) (step S1205). In addition, when there is no effect content corresponding to the symbol variation time in the table 600, that is, when the effect content is a normal symbol variation, a series of processes may be terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1202 that the scheduled number of changes is not 1 (step S1202: No), that is, if the number of scheduled changes is 2 or more, the second change time is calculated (step S1207), and step S1205 is entered. Transition. When the scheduled number of changes is 0, the symbol change of the gaming machine 210 does not start in step S1201, so there is no need to consider the case division here. The second variation time is the time from when the previous symbol determination signal is received until the current symbol determination signal is received, and is as described with reference to FIG.

  Further, when it is determined in step S1203 that the number of scheduled changes immediately before the start of symbol variation is not 0 (step S1203: No), that is, the number of scheduled variations immediately before the start of symbol variation is 2 (the number of reserved balls in the gaming machine 210 is In the case of 1), the second fluctuation time in step S1207 is calculated.

  After the content of the effect is specified in step S1205, the content of the effect is output (step S1206), and the series of processing ends. The output contents to be output are linked to the player identification information and sent to the hall computer 120. And in hall computer 120, while storing the information on the contents of production linked with the player's identification information, the information is transmitted to management server 110.

  In addition, when the specified production content has a length of a certain time or longer (for example, super reach), information indicating that is transmitted to the calling lamp 230 so that the calling lamp 230 is lit or blinked. May be. In this way, when super reach occurs, a real-time effect using the calling lamp 230 can be performed, and an effect by the gaming machine 210 can be enhanced.

  Such an effect content specifying process is performed by all the game medium lending devices 220 in the hall H. That is, even if the player changes the stage on which the game is played, it is possible to specify the production contents in each model. Further, the production contents specified by the game medium lending device 220 are all stored in association with the player in the management server 110 and the hall computer 120. That is, all models played by the player and the contents of the effects of the model are managed by the management server 110 and the hall computer 120. In addition, the management server 110 can store the production contents generated in all the halls H in different stores, for example, for each player.

  According to the above-described processing, the symbol variation time is calculated based on the start winning signal or the symbol determination signal, and the effect content is specified from the table 600 using the calculated symbol variation time. The content of the production can be specified without using any special signal or information. Therefore, depending on the contents of the effect of the gaming machine 210, it is possible to provide effects and services by other devices.

  In addition, when the gaming machine is not in the holding ball state immediately before the start of symbol variation, the time obtained by subtracting the time of receiving the start winning signal from the time of receiving the symbol confirmation signal is calculated as the first variation time. In the situation where the scheduled number of changes is 0 → 1, the symbol change time can be accurately measured. Therefore, it is possible to accurately specify the production contents.

  In addition, when the gaming machine immediately before the start of symbol variation is in the holding ball state, a time obtained by subtracting the time of receiving the previous symbol determination signal from the time of receiving the current symbol determination signal is calculated as the second variation time. As a result, the symbol variation time can be accurately measured even in a situation where the scheduled number of times of change is 2 → 1 or 3 → 2, that is, in a situation where the gaming machine 210 is in a holding ball state. . Therefore, it is possible to accurately specify the production contents.

  In addition, when the scheduled variation count reaches a predetermined maximum planned variation count and a start winning signal is received, the scheduled variation count is not measured, so the number of reserved balls of the gaming machine 210 is Even under the maximum situation, even if there is a start prize, it is possible to measure an accurate symbol variation time without measuring the maximum number of scheduled variations. Therefore, it is possible to accurately specify the production contents.

(An example of information recording processing performed by the game media lending device)
Next, an example of information recording processing performed by the game medium lending device 220 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of information recording processing performed by the game medium lending device 220. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 13 shows processing performed by the CPU 401 executing the information recording program.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 13, the CPU 401 of the gaming medium renting apparatus 220 determines whether the antenna 408 has read model information such as a gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 210 (step S <b> 1301). The model information is read, for example, when the game medium lending device 220 is turned on.

  It is in a standby state until the model information is read (step S1301: No loop). When the model information is read (step S1301: Yes), the model information is transmitted to the hall computer 120 (step S1302). In response to this transmission, the information of the table 600 corresponding to the model is received from the hall computer 120 (step S1303). Thereafter, the received information of the table 600 is recorded in the RAM 403 (step S1304), and the series of processing is terminated.

  According to the above-described processing, for example, each time the power is turned on, the latest information on the table 600 can be received from the hall computer 120 and recorded. That is, when the game medium lending device 220 is newly installed, the information of the table 600 can be automatically acquired by turning on the game medium lending device 220 without requiring manual operation. . Even when the table 600 managed by the hall computer 120 is updated, the information of the updated table 600 can be reflected.

(An example of information rewriting processing performed by the game media lending device)
Next, an example of information rewriting processing performed by the game medium lending device 220 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the information rewriting process performed by the game medium lending device 220. Note that the process shown in FIG. 14 is a process performed when the CPU 401 executes an information rewriting program included in the information recording program.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 14, the CPU 401 of the game medium lending device 220 determines whether the antenna 408 has read model information such as a gaming machine ID from the gaming machine 210 (step S1401). The model information is read, for example, when the game medium lending device 220 is turned on.

  It is in a standby state until the model information is read (step S1401: No loop). When the model information is read (step S1401: Yes), it is determined whether or not the gaming machine 210 has been changed (step S1402). The determination as to whether or not the gaming machine 210 has been changed is specifically a determination as to whether or not the read model information is different from the previously read model information.

  If it is determined that the gaming machine 210 has been changed (step S1402: Yes), the model information is transmitted to the hall computer 120 (step S1403). In response to this transmission, information on the table 600 corresponding to the model is received from the hall computer 120 (step S1404). Thereafter, the information in the table 600 received in the RAM 403 is rewritten (step S1405), and the series of processes is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1402 that the gaming machine 210 has not been changed (step S1402: No), the series of processing ends.

  According to the processing described above, when the gaming machine 210 is replaced, the information in the table 600 can be rewritten. Therefore, data update can be minimized.

(An example of information management processing performed by the hall computer)
Next, an example of information management processing performed by the hall computer 120 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of information management processing performed by the hall computer 120. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 15 is processing performed by the CPU 801 executing the information management program.

  In FIG. 15, the hall computer 120 is in a standby state until it receives model information from the game medium lending device 220 (step S1501: No loop), and receives model information (step S1501: Yes), from the magnetic disk 805. Information of the table 600 corresponding to the model information is extracted (step S1502). Then, the information of the extracted table 600 is transmitted to the game medium lending device 220 (step S1503), and the series of processes is terminated. The above-described processing is triggered by the reception of model information, but is not limited to this, and the update of the information in the table 600, which will be described later with reference to FIG. Information of the table 600 may be transmitted to the game medium lending device 220 of the model to be used.

  According to the above-described processing, the information in the table 600 corresponding to the model can be recorded in the game medium lending device 220 by transmitting only the information in the table 600 without requiring replacement of the devices. Therefore, the data amount at the time of communication can be suppressed, and the information on the table 600 can be recorded easily and quickly in the game medium lending device 220.

(An example of information update processing performed by the hall computer)
Next, an example of information update processing performed by the hall computer 120 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of information update processing performed by the hall computer 120. Note that the processing illustrated in FIG. 16 indicates processing performed by the CPU 801 executing an information update program included in the information management program.

  In FIG. 16, the hall computer 120 determines whether information indicating that the table 600 has been updated has been received from the management server 110 (step S1601). It is in a standby state until information indicating that the table 600 has been updated (step S1601: No loop). When information indicating that the table 600 has been updated is received (step S1601: Yes), the table is sent from the management server 110. 600 information is received (step S1602). Thereafter, the information in the table 600 recorded on the magnetic disk 805 is updated (step S1603), and the series of processes is terminated. Note that after updating, the information in the table 600 may be transmitted to the game medium lending device 220 of the model corresponding to the updated table 600.

  According to the above-described processing, the latest information on the table 600 can be recorded. Therefore, the latest information on the table 600 can be recorded in the game medium lending device 220, and the content of the effect can be specified accurately.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, from the external terminal provided on the effect control board of the gaming machine, a signal indicating the effect element that constitutes the effect content that is changing the symbol is received, and the effect content is based on the received output signal. A case will be described in which a game medium lending device is used that specifies the above. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.

(Internal configuration of control unit of gaming machine)
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an internal configuration of a control unit of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment. The control unit 1700 includes a main control unit 1701, a prize ball control unit 1702, and an effect control unit 1703. The main control unit 1701 controls basic operations related to gaming of the gaming machine. The prize ball control unit 1702 controls the prize balls to be paid out. The effect control unit 1703 controls the effect operation during game or standby.

  Here, the effect control unit 1703 will be described in detail. The effect control unit 1703 controls the contents of the effect during the game. The effect control unit 1703 is based on a command sent from the main control unit 1701, an effect control unit 1710 that controls the content of the effect, and an image / sound control unit that controls the image and sound instructed by the effect control unit 1710. 1720, and a lamp control unit 1730 that controls lighting of the lamps provided on the game board and the frame.

  The effect supervising unit 1710 includes a CPU 1711 that executes effect processing, a ROM 1712 that stores an effect program, and a RAM 1713 that functions as a data work area when the CPU 1711 performs arithmetic processing. Based on the command sent from the main control unit 1701, the CPU 1711 reads the program stored in the ROM 1712, determines the content of the effect, and outputs an instruction to the image / audio control unit 1720 and the lamp control unit 1730. To do.

  The image / sound control unit 1720 gives the image display unit 1743 a variety of effects during the game, for example, variable display of symbols, reach (a state in which two of the three symbols are combined), and various types of jackpots. Generate and output display information. Specifically, the image / audio control unit 1720 includes a CPU 1721, a ROM 1722, and a RAM 1723. The CPU 1721 controls the entire image / audio control unit 1720. The ROM 1722 stores various image data such as a background image, a design image, and a character image and various sounds in addition to various programs such as an image / sound generation program and an output control program.

  The output control program is a program that acquires information on the contents of the effects acquired from the effect supervising unit 1710, extracts effect elements constituting the contents of the effects, writes them in the RAM 1723, and sends the information on the effect elements from the external terminal 1741. is there. The RAM 1723 stores audio data to be output via the speaker 1742 in addition to image data and effect element data to be displayed on the image display unit 1743.

  The CPU 1721 of the image / sound control unit 1720 performs various image processing and sound processing such as background image display processing, symbol image display / variation processing, and character image display processing based on the content of the effect instructed by the effect supervision unit 1710. The necessary image data and audio data are read from the ROM 1722 and written into the RAM 1723. Effect elements such as background images, design images, and character images written in the RAM 1723 are superimposed and displayed on the image display unit 1743 on the display screen. Note that the symbol image and the character image are displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image.

  The lamp control unit 1730 includes a CPU 1731 that executes processing for lamp lighting, a ROM 1732 that stores control data such as lamp lighting, a RAM 1733 as a work area for the CPU 1731, a frame lamp 1751, a panel lamp 1752, and a movable And an accessory 1753.

  The lamp control unit 1730 is a data for controlling lighting of the panel lamp 1752 provided on the game board and the frame lamp 1751 provided on the frame member based on the lamp lighting command output from the production control unit 1710. Is output. Further, data for controlling the operation of the movable accessory 1753 is output.

  The effect control unit 1703 described above realizes its function by, for example, an effect control board. As shown in FIG. 17, in the effect control unit 1703, the effect control unit 1710, the image / sound control unit 1720, and the lamp control unit 1730 are provided as different board functions, but these are incorporated on the same printed board. You may comprise. However, even when they are incorporated on the same printed circuit board, each function is independent, and the production control unit 1710 is composed of an image / sound control unit 1720 and a lamp control unit. A configuration may be adopted in which commands are transmitted to and received from the 1730.

(Functional configuration of gaming machine and game media lending device)
Next, a functional configuration of the gaming machine and the game medium lending device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the gaming machine and the game medium lending device according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 18, a gaming machine 1800 includes an image / sound control unit 1720, an acquisition unit 1801, an extraction unit 1802, an output control unit 1803, and an external terminal 1741.

  The acquisition unit 1801 acquires information on the production contents. The information on the content of the effect is information indicating the content of the reach effect and information indicating the content of the notice effect. The acquisition unit 1801 acquires information on the content of the effect determined by the effect content determination process of the effect control unit 1710 illustrated in FIG. 17 from the effect control unit 1710. Information on the content of the effect acquired by the acquisition unit 1801 is recorded in a VRAM or the like for each effect element such as a character or a background constituting the effect content.

  The extraction unit 1802 extracts effect elements such as a character and a background constituting the effect content based on the information on the effect content acquired by the acquisition unit 1801. Specifically, the extraction unit 1802 extracts effect elements from the information of effect contents recorded in a VRAM or the like.

  The output control unit 1803 causes the external terminal 1741 to output an output signal indicating the effect element extracted by the extraction unit 1802. As long as the output signal is a signal that can distinguish the effect elements, any type of signal may be output. Typically, the output signal is output from a plurality of external terminals determined in advance according to the effect elements. In addition, it is output at a predetermined number of pulses according to the production element. The timing for outputting the signal by the output control unit 1803 is, for example, immediately after the production is performed, but is not limited to this. For example, when the performance is performed, that is, when the character is displayed during the production. Alternatively, it may be immediately before the production by obtaining information on the content of the production before the production.

  Note that the acquisition unit 1801, the extraction unit 1802, and the output control unit 1803 are realized by the CPU 1721 of the image / sound control unit 1720 shown in FIG. That is, the CPU 1721 of the image / sound control unit 1720 executes the output signal control program recorded in the ROM 1722 of the image / sound control unit 1720, thereby obtaining the acquisition unit 1801, the extraction unit 1802, and the output control unit 1803. And realize the function.

  The game medium lending device 1810 includes a reading unit 511, a transmitting unit 512, a second receiving unit 513, a control unit 514, a recording control unit 515, a recording unit 1811, a first receiving unit 1812, and an element specifying unit. 1813, an output unit 1814, a combination unit 1815, and an effect specifying unit 1816. The element specifying unit 1813, the combination unit 1815, and the effect specifying unit 1816 realize the specifying unit 1820 of the present invention. Regarding the description of the reading unit 511, the transmission unit 512, the second reception unit 513, the control unit 514, and the recording control unit 515, the table to be handled is not the table 600 but an element table and a combination table described later. Since other than that is the same as in the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

  The recording unit 1811 records an element table in which an effect element such as a character constituting the effect content during the design variation is associated with an output signal type indicating the effect element output from the image / sound control unit 1720. In addition, this element table may be at least associating production elements and output signal types, but in the present embodiment, production elements are further associated with the number of pulses of the output signal. It is said. Details of the element table will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The first receiving unit 1812 receives an output signal from the image / audio control unit 1720 of the gaming machine 1800. The element specifying unit 1813 specifies an effect element corresponding to the output signal from the element table based on the output signal received by the first receiving unit 1812. Further, the element specifying unit 1813 specifies an effect element corresponding to the type of the output signal or the number of pulses of the output signal from the element table based on the output signal received by the first receiving unit 1812.

  In addition, the recording unit 1811 records in advance information of a combination table in which the contents of effects and the combinations of effects elements are associated. Details of the element table will be described later with reference to FIG. The combination unit 1815 combines the effect elements specified by the element specifying unit 1813. The effect specifying unit 1816 uses the effect elements combined by the combination unit 1815 to specify the effect contents corresponding to the combination of effect elements from the combination table.

  The output unit 1814 outputs information on the contents of the effect specified by the effect specifying unit 1816. The output content information is linked to the player identification information by a related linking unit (not shown) and transmitted to the hall computer 120 or the management server 110 via the hall computer 120. The management server 110 and the hall computer 120 enable services according to the contents of the effects, that is, services such as distribution of contents according to the type and the number of times of the effects generated by the game.

  Note that the output unit 1814 is not limited to outputting information on the contents of effects, and may output information on the effect elements specified by the element specifying unit 1813. In this case, the information on the output effect element is linked to the player identification information by a related linking unit (not shown) and transmitted to the hall computer 120 or the management server 110 via the hall computer 120. . The management server 110 or the hall computer 120 may perform a service according to the production element, that is, a service such as distribution of content according to the type or number of times of the character image that appears by the game.

  The recording unit 1811 described above is realized by the RAM 403 illustrated in FIG. The first receiving unit 1812 and the output unit 1814 are realized by the communication I / F 409 illustrated in FIG. The element specifying unit 1813, the combination unit 1815, and the effect specifying unit 1816 are realized by the CPU 401. That is, the CPU 401 implements the functions of the element specifying unit 1813, the combination unit 1815, and the effect specifying unit 1816 by executing the effect content specifying program.

(Example of element table recorded in game media lending device)
Next, an example of an element table recorded in the game medium lending device 1810 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an element table recorded in the game medium lending device 1810. Here, the content of the effect of the notice effect will be described as an example, but the same applies to the content of the reach effect.

  In FIG. 19, an element table 1900 associates effect elements such as characters constituting the effect contents during symbol variation with the types of output signals indicating effect elements output from the image / sound control unit 1720. is there. The type of the output signal corresponds to the type (terminal 1901) of the external terminal 1741 of the image / audio control unit 1720. That is, the element table 1900 associates effect elements for each terminal 1901. Specifically, when the number of pulses 1902 is “1”, the terminal 1901 is associated with production elements such as “green bus”, “blue muffler”,. Yes. Therefore, if the type of output external terminal 1741 (type of output signal) is known, it is possible to specify the effect element.

  Here, the effect elements shown in the element table 1900 will be specifically described. “Step” shown in parentheses of terminals 1 to 4 indicates the order in which the production elements appear during the notice production. That is, in order from “Step 1” of the terminal 1, the first stage in the notice effect is shown, and “Step 4” in the terminal 4 shows the last stage in the notice effect just before the shift to the reach effect.

  Specifically, “Green Bus” in “Step 1” indicates an effect in which a green bus appears in the first stage during the notice effect. “Blue muffler” of “Step 2” indicates an effect in which a woman with a blue muffler appears in the next stage of Step 1. “Illustration male” in step 3 indicates an effect in which an illustration male appears in the next stage of step 2. Step 4 “female heart group” indicates an effect in which the heart group appears in the final stage of the notice effect. In addition, although description is abbreviate | omitted about the other effect elements shown in the element table 1900, the character etc. which appear similarly are shown.

  The terminal 5 shows a background such as a scene. Terminals 6 and 7 show characters that appear in the background during symbol variation, and notify the degree of expectation for reach production and jackpots when they appear.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the element table 1900 associates effect elements with the number of pulses of the output signal. That is, the element table 1900 associates effect elements for each number of pulses 1902. Specifically, at the terminal 1, the number of pulses 1902 is associated with production elements such as “green bus”, “red bus”, “zebra bus”, etc. for each “1, 2, 3,. It has been.

  Therefore, if the number of pulses output from the external terminal 1741 is known, the effect element can be specified. The contents of the effects shown in FIG. 19 are the contents of the notice effects, but the contents of the reach effects are similarly recorded as a table in which the effect elements constituting the reach effects and the output signals are associated with each other. Note that a frame surrounding the effect element indicated by reference numeral 1903 will be described later in the description of the output signal using FIG.

(Example of combination table recorded in game media lending device)
Next, an example of a combination table recorded in the game medium lending device 1810 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a combination table recorded in the game medium lending device 1810. Here, the content of the effect of the notice effect will be described as an example, but the same applies to the content of the reach effect.

  In FIG. 20, the combination table 2000 associates the combination of effect elements with the notice effect content. The combination of effect elements is a combination of effect elements specified using the element table 1900 of FIG. That is, the combination of effect elements is a character that appears in the notice effect. By using the combination table 2000, it is possible to specify the contents of the notice effect if the combination of the effect elements is known.

(Example of output signal output from external terminal of image / sound controller)
Next, an example of an output signal output from the external terminal 1741 of the image / sound controller 1720 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an output signal output from the external terminal 1741 of the image / audio control unit 1720. Here, the content of the effect of the notice effect will be described as an example, but the same applies to the content of the reach effect.

  FIG. 21 shows an output signal 2100 of a certain notice effect content. A signal having a pulse number of 2 is output from the terminal 1 as a signal of step 1 indicating the first stage during the notice effect. A signal having a pulse number of 3 is output from the terminal 2. Signals having the number of pulses shown in FIG. 21 are also output from terminals 3 to 7, respectively. Specifically, as the output signals 2100 from the terminals 1 to 7, signals having the number of pulses of “2, 3, 1, 1, 3, 3, 3” are sequentially output. The type of terminal (signal) to be output and the number of pulses are determined in advance for each effect content.

  The game medium lending device 1810 applies this output signal to the element table 1900 shown in FIG. That is, the game medium lending device 1810 can use the output signal to identify the effect elements surrounded by a frame as indicated by reference numeral 1903 in the element table 1900 of FIG.

(Example of output signal control processing performed by the effect control unit of the gaming machine)
Next, an example of output signal control processing performed by the effect control unit 1703 (specifically, the image / audio control unit 1720) of the gaming machine 1800 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of an output signal control process performed by the effect control unit 1703 of the gaming machine 1800. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 22 is processing performed by the CPU 1721 of the image / sound control unit 1720 executing the output signal control program.

  22, the CPU 1721 of the image / sound control unit 1720 is in a standby state until it acquires the information on the effect content from the effect supervision unit 1710 (step S2201: No loop), and acquires the information on the effect content (step S2201). : Yes), the effect element recorded in the VRAM or the like is extracted (step S2202). Then, a signal indicating the extracted effect element is output from the external terminal 1741 with a predetermined number of pulses (step S2203), and the series of processes is terminated. Note that the predetermined number of pulses is output from a predetermined terminal that is predetermined for each effect content.

  According to the above-described processing, an output signal indicating an effect element can be output based on the information about the effect content acquired by the effect control unit 1710. Therefore, the content of the effect can be specified by an effect content specifying device such as the game medium lending device 1810.

  In addition, since the output signal indicating the effect element is output from the predetermined external terminal 1741 at a predetermined number of pulses based on the information on the effect content, the number of external terminals 1741 provided on the effect control board. Even if there is a limitation, it is possible to output an output signal that can distinguish the effect element or the effect content according to the number of pulses.

(Example of effect content identification processing performed by the game media lending device)
Next, an example of the effect content specifying process performed by the game medium lending device 1810 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect content specifying process performed by the game medium lending device 1810. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 23 shows processing performed by the CPU 401 of the game medium lending device 1810 executing the effect content specifying program.

  In FIG. 23, the CPU 401 of the game medium lending device 1810 is in a standby state until the communication I / F 409 receives an output signal from the external terminal 1741 of the image / audio control unit 1720 (step S2301: No loop). When the signal is received (step S2301: Yes), an effect element is specified using the element table 1900 recorded in the RAM 403 (step S2302).

  Then, the specified effect elements are combined (step S2303). Further, the content of the effect is specified using the combination of effect elements and the combination table 2000 recorded in the RAM 403 (step S2304). Thereafter, information on the contents of the effect is output to the hall computer 120 by the communication I / F 409 (step S2305), and the series of processes is terminated. The output content information is linked to the player identification information and sent to the hall computer 120. And in hall computer 120, while storing the information on the contents of production linked with the player's identification information, the information is transmitted to management server 110.

  According to the above-described processing, it is possible to specify the contents of effects such as reach effects and notice effects of the gaming machine 1800. Therefore, according to the contents of the reach effect of the gaming machine 1800, it is possible to provide an effect or service with a taste for the player.

  Further, since the effect element is specified based on the type or number of pulses of the output signal output from the image / sound control unit 1720 using the element table 1900, various effect elements can be easily specified. it can. In addition, since the combination table 2000 is used to specify the production contents based on the signal indicating the production elements output from the image / audio control unit 1720, various production contents can be easily identified.

  When the game medium lending device 1810 records the element table 1900 and the combination table 2000 using the gaming machine 1800 and the game medium lending device 1810 shown in the second embodiment, FIGS. 13 to 16 of the first embodiment. Processing similar to the processing shown may be performed. In other words, even if the gaming machine 1800 is replaced, it is possible to specify the production contents according to the model by simply updating the element table 1900 and the combination table 2000 without requiring replacement of the devices. it can. As described above, even in the second embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment is obtained.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, a symbol variation signal indicating that the symbol is changing is received from an external terminal provided on the effect control board of the gaming machine, and the symbol variation time is calculated based on the received symbol variation signal. A case will be described in which a game medium lending device is used in which the contents of the effect are specified using the calculated symbol variation time. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment or the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.

(Functional configuration of gaming machine and gaming medium lending device according to the third embodiment)
A functional configuration of the gaming machine and the gaming medium lending device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the gaming machine and the game medium lending device according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 24, the gaming machine 2400 includes an image / sound control unit 2401, an acquisition unit 2402, an output control unit 2403, and an external terminal 2404.

  The acquisition unit 2402 acquires a signal indicating the start of symbol variation and a signal indicating symbol determination. Specifically, the acquisition unit 2402 acquires the signal from, for example, the production control unit 1710 illustrated in FIG. Based on the signal acquired by the acquisition unit 2402, the output control unit 2403 outputs a symbol variation signal indicating that the symbol is changing from the external terminal 2404.

  The acquisition unit 2402 and the output control unit 2403 correspond to the CPU 1721 shown in FIG. That is, the CPU 1721 of the image / sound control unit 2401 executes the output signal control program recorded in the ROM 1722 of the image / sound control unit 2401, thereby realizing the functions of the acquisition unit 2402 and the output control unit 2403. To do.

  The game medium lending device 2410 includes a reading unit 511, a transmission unit 512, a second reception unit 513, a control unit 514, a recording control unit 515, a recording unit 2411, a first reception unit 2412, and a calculation unit 2413. A specifying unit 2414 and an output unit 2415. Regarding the explanation of the reading unit 511, the transmission unit 512, the second reception unit 513, the control unit 514, and the recording control unit 515, the table to be handled is not the table 600 but an effect time table described later. Since it is the same as that of Embodiment 1, it abbreviate | omits.

  The recording unit 2411 records in advance information on an effect time table in which the effect contents for each gaming machine 2400 are associated with the symbol variation time when the effect is performed. Details of the effect time table will be described later with reference to FIG. The first receiving unit 2412 receives the symbol variation signal from the external terminal 2404 of the image / sound control unit 2401 that outputs a symbol variation signal indicating that the symbol variation is in progress using a predetermined external terminal.

  The calculation unit 2413 calculates a symbol variation time based on the symbol variation signal received by the first reception unit 2412. Specifically, the calculation unit 2413 may calculate the symbol variation time by subtracting the time when the reception is started from the time when the reception of the symbol variation signal by the first reception unit 2412 is completed, or the first reception. The symbol variation time may be calculated by measuring the time that the unit 2412 receives the symbol determination signal.

  The specifying unit 2414 specifies the effect content from the effect time table using the information on the symbol variation time calculated by the calculating unit 2413. The output unit 2415 outputs information on the production content specified by the specifying unit 2414. The output content information is linked to the player identification information by a related linking unit (not shown) and transmitted to the hall computer 120 or the management server 110 via the hall computer 120.

  The recording unit 2411 described above is realized by the RAM 403 illustrated in FIG. The first receiving unit 2412 and the output unit 2415 are realized by the communication I / F 409 illustrated in FIG. The calculation unit 2413 and the specifying unit 2414 are realized by the CPU 401. That is, the CPU 401 implements the functions of the calculation unit 2413 and the specifying unit 2414 by executing the effect content specifying program.

(Example of effect time table recorded in the game medium lending device according to the third embodiment)
Next, an example of an effect time table recorded in the game medium lending device 2410 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an effect time table recorded in the game medium lending device 2410 according to the third embodiment. Here, the content of the effect of the reach effect will be described as an example, but the same applies to the content of the notice effect.

  In FIG. 25, the effect time table 2500 associates the symbol variation time with the reach effect contents. By using this effect time table 2500, it is possible to specify the reach effect contents from the symbol variation time. As a specific example, as shown by reference numeral 2501, if it is found that the symbol variation time is 40 seconds, the reach effect content can be specified as reach A from this symbol variation time. Note that this performance time table 2500 differs for each model and version. Further, identification information for identifying the reach effect content is attached to each reach effect content.

(An example of the symbol fluctuation signal output from the external terminal of the image / sound controller)
Next, an example of the symbol variation signal output from the external terminal 2404 of the image / sound controller 2401 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the symbol variation signal output from the external terminal 2404 of the image / sound controller 2401 according to the third embodiment.

  In FIG. 26, a symbol variation signal 2600 indicates a signal output from the external terminal 2404 from the start of symbol variation until the symbol variation is confirmed. Note that the symbol variation signal 2600 is not limited to this as long as it indicates from the start of symbol variation to the determination of symbol variation. For example, a pulse signal is generated only at the beginning of symbol variation and when symbol variation is confirmed. You may make it transmit. The game medium lending device 2410 calculates the time during which the symbol variation signal 2600 is output and applies it to the effect time table 2500 shown in FIG. For example, when the calculated time is 40 seconds, reach A can be specified as the reach effect content as indicated by reference numeral 2501 in the effect time table 2500 of FIG.

(Example of output signal control processing performed by the effect control unit of the gaming machine)
Next, an example of output signal control processing performed by the effect control unit 1703 (specifically, the image / sound control unit 2401) of the gaming machine 2400 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an output signal control process performed by the effect control unit 1703 of the gaming machine 2400 according to the third embodiment. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 27 is processing performed by the CPU 1721 of the image / sound control unit 2401 executing the output signal control program.

  In FIG. 27, the image / sound controller 2401 is in a standby state until it receives a signal indicating the start of symbol variation from the effect supervising unit 1710 (step S2701: No loop), and receives the signal (step S2701: Yes), a symbol variation signal is output from the external terminal 2404 (step S2702). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a symbol confirmation signal has been acquired from the production control unit 1710 (step S2703).

  Until the symbol determination signal is acquired (step S2703: No), the process returns to step S2702, and the symbol determination signal is output. On the other hand, when the symbol determination signal is acquired (step S2703: Yes), the output of the symbol variation signal from the external terminal 2404 is stopped (step S2704), and the series of processes is terminated.

  According to the above-described processing, the symbol variation signal can be output based on the signal indicating the symbol variation start and the signal indicating the symbol determination. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the production content can be specified by the production content identification device such as the game medium lending device 2410.

(Example of effect content identification processing performed by the game media lending device)
Next, an example of the effect content specifying process performed by the game medium lending device 2410 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of effect content specifying processing performed by the game medium lending device 2410 according to the third embodiment. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 28 shows processing performed by the CPU 401 of the game medium lending device 2410 executing the effect content specifying program.

  In FIG. 28, the CPU 401 of the game medium lending device 2410 is in a standby state until the communication I / F 409 receives a symbol variation signal from the external terminal 2404 of the image / sound controller 2401 (step S2801: No loop). When the symbol variation signal is received (step S2801: YES), the symbol variation time is calculated (step S2802). Then, the content of the effect is specified using the effect time table 2500 recorded in the RAM 403 (step S2803).

  Thereafter, information on the contents of the effect is output to the hall computer 120 by the communication I / F 409 (step S2804), and the series of processing ends. The output content information is linked to the player identification information and sent to the hall computer 120. And in hall computer 120, while storing the information on the contents of production linked with the player's identification information, the information is transmitted to management server 110.

  According to the processing described above, it is possible to specify the contents of effects such as reach effects and notice effects. Therefore, in the same manner as in the first or second embodiment, it is possible to provide a game-playing or service with a taste for the player according to the contents of the reach production of the gaming machine 2400.

  When the game medium lending device 2410 is caused to record the performance time table 2500 using the gaming machine 2400 and the game medium lending device 2410 shown in the third embodiment, the processing shown in FIGS. 13 to 16 in the first embodiment. The same processing as that described above may be performed. In other words, even if the gaming machine 2400 is replaced, it is possible to specify the content of the effect according to the model by simply updating the effect time table 2500 without requiring replacement of the device. As described above, even the third embodiment has the same effects as the first or second embodiment.

  In addition, it supplements about the service using the production content specified by game media rental apparatus 220,1810,2410 (henceforth "game medium rental apparatus 220") shown in Embodiment 1-3. For example, content distribution is an example of a service. In other words, a service is provided to the player by distributing contents according to the contents produced in the game. The content may be, for example, a movie corresponding to the content of the effect, or may be a video or music of the content of the reach effect corresponding to the actual reach effect. The content of the movie should preferably be in accordance with the model and reach production content. For example, in the case of a model with a movie or character as a motif, the movie content uses the movie or character, and each production content. It is desirable that

  In addition to the service, it is also possible to display effects such as lighting or blinking of the call lamp 230 and replay by the liquid crystal display 309 of the game medium lending device 220. The effects such as lighting or blinking of the call lamp 230 are specifically sent to the call lamp 230 when the game medium lending device 220 determines that the game machine 210 has reached a certain time or more. This can be realized by turning on or blinking the calling lamp 230. In other words, when the reach effect is being performed, the call lamp 230 can be effected when it is developed into a super-reach or the like with high expectation. By performing such an effect, the effect by the gaming machine 210 can be enhanced in real time, and the player can be noted.

  In addition, the replay display on the liquid crystal display 309 of the game medium lending device 220 is specifically performed by causing the game medium lending device 220 to record a video of the reach effect in advance, and the reach effect generated by the player. It can be realized by reproducing from the liquid crystal display 309 immediately after the contents of the reach effect or at a timing selected by the player.

  Further, other services and usage forms using the contents of reach production will be exemplified. For example, an event using the contents of reach production can be held in Hall H. Specifically, for example, in Hall H, prepare missions such as “Let's hit with XX reach!” And staged missions such as “Like, reach XX, then hit XX!” That is, specific reach information corresponding to the mission is recorded in the RAM 403, and when a jackpot corresponding to the mission occurs, a replay effect from the liquid crystal display 309 or an effect using the call lamp 230 is performed. At the same time, services such as giving prizes and points from Hall H may be provided. Whether or not a jackpot has occurred is determined based on the jackpot signal received together with the symbol determination signal.

  In addition, when a big hit corresponding to a mission occurs, the liquid crystal display 309 can be changed to a special color, or can be changed to a premium background color according to the degree of achievement of the mission. When a jackpot corresponding to the mission occurs, a QR code may be displayed to guide a download service such as a ringtone, ringtone, standby screen, or the like.

  In addition to this, when a jackpot corresponding to a mission occurs, coupon distribution, premium content viewing rights (password distribution), invitations for exhibitions, etc., guidance to download sites by URL distribution It is also possible to provide services such as giving points by clicking.

  As described above, according to the production content specifying device, the game medium lending device, the information recording method, and the information recording program according to the present invention, it is possible to record the information of the table corresponding to the model. Therefore, it is possible to accurately specify the contents of the effect of the gaming machine. In particular, when the gaming machine is replaced, it is only necessary to rewrite the information in the table, so that it is possible to accurately specify the content of the production while suppressing the data volume during communication. Thereby, according to the content of the screen effect of the gaming machine, it is possible to provide an interesting effect or service to the player.

  The information recording method and information management method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be a transmission medium that can be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  As described above, the present invention is suitable for an effect content specifying device, a game medium lending device, an information recording method, and an information recording program for specifying the effect content of a gaming machine that produces an effect such as a reach effect or a notice effect. .

1 is a system configuration diagram of an effect content management system according to a first exemplary embodiment; 2 is a system configuration diagram of a gaming system in Hall H. FIG. It is an external view which shows an example of a game medium rental apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a game medium rental apparatus. It is the block diagram which showed the functional structure of the game media rental apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the table. It is explanatory drawing which showed the outline | summary of calculation of the symbol variation time by a game media rental apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a hall computer. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a functional structure of a hall computer. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the information of the data currently recorded on the hall computer. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the scheduled fluctuation frequency measurement process which a game media rental apparatus performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the production content specific process which a game media rental apparatus performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the information recording process which a game media rental apparatus performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the information rewriting process which a game media rental apparatus performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the information management process which a hall computer performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the information update process which a hall computer performs. It is explanatory drawing which showed the internal structure of the control part of the gaming machine concerning Embodiment 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a gaming machine and a game medium lending device according to a second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the element table currently recorded on the game media rental apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the combination table currently recorded on the game media rental apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the output signal output from the external terminal of an image and audio | voice control part. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the output signal control process which the presentation control part of a game machine performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the production content specific process which a game media rental apparatus performs. It is the block diagram which showed the functional structure of the game machine concerning Embodiment 3 and a game media rental apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the production time table recorded on the game media rental apparatus concerning Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a symbol variation signal output from an external terminal of the image / sound control unit according to the third embodiment; 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an output signal control process performed by an effect control unit of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of effect content specifying processing performed by the game medium lending device according to the third embodiment;

Explanation of symbols

100 Production Content Management System 110 Management Server 120 Hall Computer (Information Management Device)
130 client terminal 210 gaming machine 220 game medium lending device (production content specifying device)
230 Calling lamp 501 Recording section (recording means)
502 1st receiving part (1st receiving means)
503 Calculation unit (calculation means)
504 Specific part (specific means)
505 Output unit (output means)
506 Measurement unit 507 Judgment unit 511 Reading unit (reading means)
512 Transmission unit (transmission means)
513 Second receiver (second receiver)
514 Control unit (control means)
515 Recording control unit (recording control means)
600 table 901 recording unit (recording means)
902 Model information receiving unit (model information receiving means)
903 Extraction unit (extraction means)
904 Transmission unit (transmission means)
905 Table information receiving unit (table information receiving means)
906 Update unit (update means)
1811 Recording unit (recording means)
1812 1st receiving part (1st receiving means)
1814 Output unit (output means)
1820 Identification part (identification means)
1900 Element table 2000 Combination table 2411 Recording unit (recording means)
2412 1st receiving part (1st receiving means)
2413 Calculation unit (calculation means)
2414 Identification part (identification means)
2415 Output unit (output means)
2500 Production time table

Claims (8)

Recording means for pre-recording information in a table in which production contents for each gaming machine are associated with predetermined information;
First receiving means for receiving a predetermined signal predetermined from the gaming machine;
Based on the predetermined signal received by the first receiving means, specifying means for specifying the production content from the table;
Output means for outputting information on the production content specified by the specifying means;
A production content identification device comprising:
A reading means for reading the model information of the gaming machine at a predetermined timing ;
Control means for determining whether the model information read by the reading means and the model information read last time are the same;
A transmitting unit that transmits the model information read by the reading unit to an information management apparatus that manages the information in the table when the control unit determines that the model information is not the same ;
As a result of transmitting the model information by the transmitting means, second receiving means for receiving information of the table corresponding to the model of the gaming machine from the information management device;
Recording control means for rewriting the information of the table recorded in the recording means using the information of the table received by the second receiving means;
An effect content specifying device comprising: Based on predetermined information output from the gaming machine, further comprises a calculation means for calculating the symbol variation time,
The table is a table associating the production contents for each gaming machine with the symbol variation time when performing the production,
The first receiving means receives, from the gaming machine, a start winning signal transmitted when a game ball wins a start winning opening, or a symbol determination signal transmitted when a symbol is determined;
The calculation means calculates a symbol variation time based on the start winning signal or the symbol confirmation signal received by the first receiving means,
2. The effect content specifying apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the specifying unit specifies the effect content from the table using the symbol variation time calculated by the calculating unit. The table includes an element table that associates an effect element that constitutes effect contents during design fluctuation and an output signal type indicating an effect element that is output from the effect control board, and a combination of the effect content and the effect element. It consists of an associated combination table,
The first receiving means has a plurality of predetermined external terminals, and uses the external terminals to output the output signal from an effect control board that outputs a signal indicating an effect element that constitutes the effect contents during design variation. Receive
The specifying means specifies an effect element corresponding to the output signal from the element table based on the output signal received by the first receiving means, and combines the specified effect elements to the combination table. 2. The effect content specifying apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the effect content corresponding to the combination of the effect elements is specified. Based on a predetermined signal output from the gaming machine, further comprises a calculation means for calculating the symbol variation time,
The table is a table associating the production contents for each gaming machine with the symbol variation time when performing the production,
The first receiving means receives the symbol variation signal from an effect control board that outputs a symbol variation signal indicating that the symbol variation is in progress using a plurality of predetermined external terminals,
The calculating means calculates a symbol change time based on the symbol change signal received by the first receiving means,
2. The effect content specifying apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the specifying means specifies the effect content from the table using information on the symbol variation time calculated by the calculating means. Said reading means using an antenna disposed within a predetermined range of the non-contact IC tag provided on the gaming machine, according to claim 1-4, characterized in that to read the type information from the contactless IC tag The production content specifying device according to any one of the above. A game medium lending device comprising the effect content specifying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . And directing the contents of each game machine, a recording unit in advance for recording the information of the table associating the predetermined information from the gaming machine, and a receiving unit that will receive a predetermined signal to a predetermined, pre Ki受 An effect content specifying device comprising: a specifying unit that specifies effect content from the table based on the predetermined signal received by the communication unit; and an output unit that outputs information on the effect content specified by the specifying unit. Information recording method,
A reading process of reading machine model information at a predetermined timing ;
A control step for determining whether or not the model information read in the reading step and the model information read last time are the same;
When it is determined that the model information is not the same in the control process, the model information read in the reading process is transmitted to an information management device that manages the information in the table; and
As a result of transmitting the type information in said transmitting step, from the information management apparatus, a receiving step that will receive information of the table corresponding to the model of the gaming machine,
Using the information of the table received by the pre Ki受 signal process, a recording control step for rewriting the information of the table recorded in the recording unit,
An information recording method comprising: An information recording program for causing a computer to execute the information recording method according to claim 7 .

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