JP5812795B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that is installed and used in a game hall such as a pachinko parlor.

  A so-called digipachi pachinko machine includes a variable display device (display means) made up of, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays a variable display game on the variable display device based on winning of a game ball at a start winning opening. It is supposed to be. In the variable display game, a big hit or miss is determined by lottery by a control device inside the pachinko gaming machine. When the variable display game is a big hit, the so-called attacker is released, and the player can acquire many prize balls (game balls to be paid out).

  In the above-described variable display device, when the game ball does not win the start winning opening, the variable display game is not started, and a so-called demonstration image (demo image) is displayed when the state in which the variable display game is not started continues for a predetermined duration. The For example, in a pachinko gaming machine in which there is no player and no game is played, a demonstration image (including a video) for demonstration of the gaming machine for the purpose of introducing and promoting the pachinko gaming machine is displayed. . Such a display is used as a reference when a player who is looking for a pachinko gaming machine to play a game selects a pachinko gaming machine.

  Even in such a pachinko gaming machine, for example, power demand is demanded due to the urgent demand for electric power during the daytime in summer. At amusement stores, power saving is achieved by reducing the use of power for lighting and sound inside the store and by reducing the use of electricity for lighting such as neon signs outside the store. Since many pachinko gaming machines are installed, a great power saving effect can be obtained by saving power of each pachinko gaming machine.

  Therefore, various power-saving methods have been proposed for pachinko gaming machines, but basically, if power is saved with a pachinko gaming machine during a game, there is a risk that it will hinder the fun of the game. Power saving is performed in a pachinko gaming machine that is not performed (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  In addition, the state where the game is not being performed is a state where the variable display game is not displayed on the liquid crystal display as described above, or a state where there is no player in front of the gaming machine, and these states are detected. In this case, for example, power saving is performed by turning off an LED as an electric decoration light provided in a pachinko gaming machine, turning off a backlight of a liquid crystal display, or the like.

  In game stores, the number of customers may decrease during the early afternoon of weekday, for example, from 1 to 4 o'clock, and the number of pachinko machines that are not operating may increase. If power is saved in a pachinko machine that is not operating in such a situation, for example, the amount of power used in a time zone in which the power demand in summer is most pressing can be reduced.

Japanese Patent No. 2775682 JP 11-192382 A

By the way, a pachinko machine that is in a power saving state is in a dark state when the backlight of the liquid crystal display is turned off or the LED for lighting is turned off. In addition, there is a possibility that the entire store becomes dark in a situation where power is being saved for lighting in the store and the number of customers is small.
On the other hand, if the number of pachinko machines is large and a small number of pachinko machines are in a power-saving state and the lights and liquid crystal display are completely turned off, customers who are not familiar with the power-saving pachinko machines break down. There is a risk of thinking it is a gaming machine.

  Also, when the player selects a gaming machine to play, if the above demonstration image is not displayed to save power, what kind of pachinko gaming machine will be used in the case of a gaming machine for the first time? The customer cannot grasp the situation, and the pachinko machine cannot be advertised to the customer. On the amusement store side, it is the mountains that want to maximize the appeal of each pachinko machine to customers as customers, but for the appeal of gaming machines that are not playing games, for example, power consumption There is a problem in consuming electric power during the peak time. Therefore, there is a demand for further power saving while enabling appeal to players.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and allows a demonstration image to be displayed without immediately entering a power-saving state even when the player is not playing a game. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can adjust the timing when a power saving state is started based on a history of operating states.

The gaming machine according to claim 1, display means for displaying a variable display game;
A plurality of illumination lights that are turned on or off to produce games including the variable display game;
The variation display game by performing a lottery for winning or losing the variation display game, and informing the start of the variation display game based on the establishment of a predetermined start condition of the variation display game and the lottery result for the winning or losing Main control means for controlling the progress of the variable display game, including the end of the game and the occurrence of a winning gaming state after notifying the winning lottery result in the variable display game;
Sub-control means for displaying the variable display game on the display means based on the progress of the variable display game, and for controlling the lighting and extinguishing of the illumination light,
The main control means transmits a signal indicating the start or end of the variable display game and the winning gaming state to the sub control means based on the progress of the variable display game,
As the control state of the display means and the illumination light, the game display control state when the variable display game is displayed on the display means, and the end of the variable display game for notifying a lottery result when the power is turned on The state in which the signal indicating the start of the variable display game is not input from the state transition start point, which is one of the times when the signal indicating the end of the winning gaming state is input, is continuously set. A game start waiting control state that is shifted from the game display control state when continued for more than a time, and
In the game start waiting control state, the display means displays a game start waiting image, and performs control to turn on or turn off the plurality of illumination lights,
In a gaming machine that shifts the control state from the game start wait control state to the game display control state when a signal indicating the start of the variable display game is input from the main control means during the game start wait control state ,
The sub-control means is
As the control state, when the set elapsed time has passed without transitioning from the start of the game start wait control state to the game display control state, power saving is achieved by turning off at least a part of the illumination light. Power saving control means for starting the power saving control state, and transitioning from the power saving control state to the game display control state when a signal indicating the start of the variable display game is input from the main control means ;
Control state history storage means for storing a control state history that is a history of occurrence of at least the power saving control state of the game start waiting control state and the power saving control state;
Power saving start time control means for determining a power saving start time from the state transition start time to the power saving control state start time based on the control state history stored in the control state history storage means. It is characterized by.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, when the power is turned on, a signal indicating the end of the variable display game for informing the lottery result of the loss is input, or a signal indicating the end of the winning gaming state is input. When a state in which a signal indicating the start of the variable display game is not input from the start of the transition is continued for a set duration or longer, the game display control state shifts to the game start wait control state. In this game start waiting state, a game start waiting image (demonstration image) is displayed on the display means, and a plurality of illumination lights are controlled to be turned on or off.

  Power saving control state in which power is saved by turning off at least a part of the decoration light when the set elapsed time has passed without entering the game display control state in which the variable display game is started from this game start waiting control state become.

  At this time, the power saving start time from the state transition start point to the start of the power saving control state is obtained by adding the elapsed time to the above-described duration time. The power saving start time from the start of the state transition to the start of the power saving control state is determined based on the history of occurrence of at least one of the past game start waiting control state and the power saving control state. For example, when looking at the history at a time substantially the same as the current time, and when the ratio of the game start control state or the power saving control state is greater than the ratio of the game display control state, the power saving start time is When the ratio of the game start control state is shorter and the ratio of the game start waiting control state or the power saving control state is smaller than the ratio of the game display control state, control such as increasing the power saving start time can be performed.

  That is, when the past history is viewed, the time zone in which the ratio of being in the game start waiting state or the power saving control state is high is considered to be a time zone in which there are few game shop customers (players). When the power saving state is changed from the game start waiting state to the power saving control state without being performed, there is little influence on the player as described above.

  On the other hand, the time period when the ratio of the game start waiting state or the power saving control state is low is considered to be a time period when there are many game shop customers, and the influence on the player by placing the gaming machine in the power saving control state is large. It will be. In this case, by extending the power saving start time, it is possible to delay the transition to the power saving control state and reduce the influence of the player's power saving control state. For example, delaying the start of the power saving control state increases the possibility that the player starts the game before entering the power saving control state.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the game machine according to the first aspect, the control state history is a time zone in which at least the power saving control state is selected from the game start waiting control state and the power saving control state. And the power saving start time control means is configured such that, in the control state history, the power saving control is at least one of the game start waiting control state and the power saving control state in the past same time zone with respect to the current time zone. In the case of a state, a short time is set as the power saving start time, and the short time is set as the power saving start time when the same time zone in the history is in the game display control state in the history. It is characterized by setting a time longer than the time.

In the invention according to claim 2, the history of at least the power saving control state of the past one day game start waiting control state and the power saving control state is referred to, and the current time is the past history and the game starts. A short start time is set as the power saving start time in at least the power saving control state of the waiting control state and the power saving control state, and when the current time is the past history and the game display control state, the short time described above. Set a time longer than the time as the power saving start time.
Thereby, in the time zone in which it is estimated that there are few players in the game store, the power saving start time from the above-described state transition start point is shortened and the power saving control state is quickly established. In addition, when it is estimated that there are many players in the game store, the power saving start time becomes longer, and the power saving control state is delayed. Accordingly, the power saving control state can be set early in the time zone where there are few players in the game hall, and the start of the power saving control state can be delayed in the time zone where there are many players. In addition, it is preferable that the history of the past day is the day of the same day of the week before.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the game machine according to the second aspect, the power saving start time control means makes the elapsed time from the start of the game start waiting control state to the start of the power saving control state constant, The duration from the state transition start time to the start of the game start waiting control state is set to a short time or a time longer than a short time.

  In the invention according to claim 3, the game start waiting state is set by changing the duration of the power saving start time composed of the above-described duration and elapsed time to a short time and a long time. The elapsed time is constant, and the game display control state ends without shortening the time that the game start waiting image is displayed with the lighting on / off control in the game starting waiting state before entering the power saving control state. It becomes possible to shorten the time until the power saving state is reached. Further, when displaying a demo image in a game start waiting state, a demo image having a certain display time corresponding to a certain elapsed time can be displayed every time the game start waiting control state is entered.

  According to the present invention, a state in which a so-called demonstration image is displayed when a time period in which a state in which the next variable display game is not started is continued after the display of the variable display game or the winning game state (big win state) is ended. When the set elapsed time has elapsed since the demonstration image was displayed, the power-saving control state is entered, and the lighting lights (for example, LEDs) are maintained in the off state, so that power saving for each gaming machine is possible. become. At this time, it is possible to guess whether the game shop has a small number of customers or a large number of customers by viewing past display of demo images and history of power saving control state. That is, a gaming machine with no player as a customer is basically in a demo state or a power saving state, and a gaming machine in which a player is playing is basically in a game display control state. It can be estimated whether there are many or few persons.

  When there are many players, even if there are no players, there is a possibility that a player who is looking for a gaming machine to play often comes to see, and that a demo image is displayed or power saving It is preferable not to be in a controlled state (not dark). In this case, since the power saving state is delayed, there is a high possibility that a demo image or the like is displayed (brighter) when the player comes to see. On the other hand, in a state where the number of players is small, a gaming machine that is not played during the current time zone is highly likely that the player will not play during that time zone. Also, since there are few players, naturally, there are few players searching for gaming machines to play, and even if the power saving control state is early, there is little influence on the player, and if the power saving control state is generated early The power saving efficiency can be increased by lengthening the time in the power saving control state.

1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state which opened the glass door of the said pachinko game machine. It is a front view which shows the game board of the said pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the control person of the said pachinko game machine. It is a figure which shows the display screen of the power-saving control state of the variable display apparatus of the said pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the presentation mode determination process performed in the sub-control part of the said pachinko gaming machine. It is a time chart for demonstrating the control status log | history memorize | stored in the sub-control part of the said pachinko game machine. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the state transition process performed in the said sub-control part. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the said state transfer process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the said state transfer process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the said state transfer process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the said state transfer process.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the pachinko gaming machine of this embodiment has a basic configuration as a so-called “digipachi” type pachinko gaming machine. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a pachinko gaming machine includes a vertically long rectangular machine frame 1 installed in an island facility of a game store, and a front frame 2 attached to the machine frame 1 so as to be openable and closable in a door shape. A game board 3 housed in the front frame 2, a glass door 4 attached to the front surface of the front frame 2 so as to be openable and closable, and having a large opening 5 at the center, and an opening of the glass door 4 A transparent double glass plate 6 attached to the section 5 and an upper plate 7 which is provided under the double glass plate 6 in front of the glass door 4 and accommodates game balls, and a game ball overflowing from the upper plate 7 And a rotary operation handle 39 provided on the right side of the upper plate 7 and the lower plate 8 of the glass door 4.

In addition, a button switch 43 as an operation input means is provided at the upper part of the central portion of the front wall portion of the upper plate 7 of the glass door 4.
In addition, a speaker 9 (32a) is provided at the lower left side of the front frame 2 so as to be exposed to the glass door 4. Speakers 10 (32a) are also provided on the left and right of the upper end of the glass door 4, respectively.
Around the opening 5 of the glass door 4, there are provided illumination lights 11a, 11b, and 11c on the left and right sides and the upper side, respectively. The left and right speakers 10 are also provided with illumination lights 11d and 11e.

  Further, the button switch 43 is provided with a button switch illumination light 11f that illuminates the button switch 43 from the inside. In addition, on the front surface of the upper plate 7 on which the button switch 43 is provided, there are provided illumination lights 11g for button switch decoration on the left and right of the button switch 43.

  Although these illumination lights 11a-11g are not shown in figure, the printed circuit board, the drive circuit and LED (light emitting diode) which were provided on this printed circuit board, and the lens member on the transparent or semi-transparent cover which covers the said LED In FIG. 1, only the lens member is illustrated as the illumination lights 11a to 11g. The LEDs here are of a type that is surface-mounted on a printed circuit board, for example, and each LED is covered with a lens. 1 is an example, and is actually divided for each printed circuit board.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the game area 3a on the board surface of the game board 3, a variable display device 13 is provided at a substantially central portion thereof. The variable display device 13 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and displays lottery results of various lottery and out of lotteries performed by a main control device (main control means) 14 described later functioning as main control means. Yes, when displaying the lottery result, a variation display game of decorative symbols as identification information is displayed, and the lottery result described above is notified by a big hit or miss of the variation display game.

  Below the game area 3a, first and second special figure indicators 3b and 3c are provided. The first and second special figure indicators 3b and 3c are, for example, 7-segment LED display devices. The first and second special figure indicators 3b and 3c display the special figure in a stopped state after the fluctuation display time (a part of the segments blinks) set as a part of the fluctuation pattern described later (the lottery result) indicate.

  Here, the variable display game of the special figure that stops and displays the special figure after the blinking display of the first and second special figure indicators 3b and 3c is referred to as a special figure game. The special game includes a first special game played on the first special display 3b and a second special game played on the second special display 3c. However, if the first special figure game and the second special figure game are not performed at the same time and both the first special figure game and the second special figure game can be started, the second special figure game is The first special game is started only when there is no second special game to be started and to be started.

  The variable display game displayed on the variable display device 13 corresponds to the first special figure game or the second special figure game being executed. When the first special figure game is being executed, When a variation display game of a decorative symbol that is the same as the result of the first special game is displayed and the second special game is being executed, the decorative symbol that has the same result as that of the second special game is displayed. A variable display game is displayed.

A first start winning opening 15 is provided immediately below the variable display device 13.
In addition, an ordinary variation winning device 16 called a so-called electric chew provided with a second starting winning port 16 a is provided immediately below the first starting winning port 15.
The normally variable winning device 16 includes a pair of movable pieces 16b that can be opened and closed. The movable piece 16b is closed (closed state) so that the game ball cannot be won in the second start winning opening 16a, and the game ball So that the movable piece 16b is open (opened state) so that it is easy to win.

  The first start winning opening 15 is provided with a first start winning ball detection sensor 15a (shown in FIG. 2) for detecting the winning of a game ball, and the first start winning ball detection sensor 15a is the main controller 14. On the other hand, when the game ball wins the first start winning opening 15, a first start winning signal is output. The second start winning opening 16a is provided with a second start winning ball detection sensor 16c (shown in FIG. 2) for detecting the winning of a game ball. The second start winning ball detection sensor 16c is a main control. A second start winning signal is output to the device 14 when the game ball wins the second start winning opening 16a. The main controller 14 acquires a random number that determines each jackpot and miss of the first special figure game (variable display game) based on the input of the first start winning signal (establishment of a predetermined random number acquisition condition), and the second start Based on the input of a winning signal (establishment of a predetermined random number acquisition condition), a random number for determining each jackpot and miss of the second special figure game (variable display game) is acquired.

  The variable display device 13 is provided with a special figure reservation number display area 13a in which a special figure reservation number, which will be described later, is displayed at the periphery of the screen. When the start winning signal is input from the first start winning ball detection sensor 15a, the main controller 14 adds 1 to the first special figure holding number within a range of an upper limit (for example, 4), and this start winning is obtained. When the special figure game and the variable display game are started based on the above, 1 is subtracted from the special figure holding number. This special figure hold number is displayed as the number of marks in the special figure hold number display area 13a. Similarly, in the main controller 14, when a start winning signal is input from the second start winning ball detection sensor 16c, 1 is added to the second special figure reservation number within a range of an upper limit (for example, 4), When the special figure game and the variable display game are started based on the start winning prize, 1 is subtracted from the special figure holding number. This special figure hold number is displayed as the number of marks in the special figure hold number display area 13a.

  Further, a special variable winning device 17 having a large winning opening 17a is provided below the variable display device 13 and further below the normal variable winning device 16. This special variable winning device 17 has a structure as a so-called attacker, and is provided with a movable door 17b that opens and closes a large winning opening 17a. In a normal gaming state, the movable door 17b wins a game ball. The game ball is easy to flow in when it is in a closed state where it is closed so as not to flow into the mouth 17a and the result of the first special figure game or the second special figure game becomes a big hit and a big hit state occurs. It will be in the open state when it is tilted almost horizontally forward. The special variation winning device 17 is provided with a big winning ball detection sensor 17c for detecting a game ball won in the big winning port 17a.

Note that, when the jackpot is won, as a jackpot state, for example, one round operation as an opening / closing operation in which the special variable winning device 17 is changed from the closed state to the opened state and then closed again is performed for a predetermined number of rounds. It is like that. For example, in the big hit state, the predetermined number of rounds is about 10 to 16, although it may vary depending on the pachinko gaming machine.
Further, the special variation winning device 17 performs only two rounds in a jackpot state corresponding to jackpots such as so-called sudden hit, hit, and latent hit, and these are referred to as two rounds. Control of the special variable winning device 17 in the big hit state is performed by the main control device 14 as main control means.

  On the left side of the variable display device 13, a normal symbol (abbreviated as “normal”) starting port (through chucker) 18 is provided. Further, a passing ball detection sensor 18a that detects a game ball that has passed through the normal drawing start port 18 is provided corresponding to the normal start port 18, and when the passing ball detection sensor 18a detects a game ball, the main control device 14 is provided. To output a passing ball detection signal. Based on the input of the passing ball detection signal, the main control device 14 performs a general drawing lottery for drawing the winning when the normal variation winning device 16 is opened and the losing that keeps the normal variation winning device 16 closed. Do. The result of this general drawing lottery is notified by displaying a general variable display game (hereinafter referred to as a general game) on the general map display device 19. Under the above-mentioned general map display device 19, a general map hold number display lamp 20 is provided, and the required general map hold number is displayed in the same manner as the special map hold number.

  As described above, when the ordinary game is won, the normal variation winning device 16 is opened, and the winning rate of the game ball to the normal variation winning device 16 (second start winning port 16a) is increased. Opportunities for starting special game have increased. Note that in this pachinko gaming machine, the game ball can be won at the second start winning opening 16a only when the normal variation winning device 16 is opened, and the opportunity to start the second special game increases. In addition, a plurality of general winning ports 21 are provided on the left side of the game area 3a. A general winning ball detection sensor 21 a that detects a game ball won in the general winning slot 21 is provided corresponding to the general winning slot 21.

  In addition, the game board 3 is provided with an illumination light 11h around the variable display device 13, an illumination light 11i around the general winning opening, an illumination light 11j of the normal variable prize winning device 16, and the like. Note that the illumination lights on the game board 3 are greatly different depending on the model of the pachinko gaming machine, and depending on the model, an extremely large number of illumination lights are used. In many cases, many illumination lights are used for the movable accessory part. In FIG. 3, the illumination lights 11h, 11i, and 11j are composed of the printed circuit board, the drive circuit, the LED, and the lens member as described above, and only the lens member is illustrated.

  In addition, at the lowermost end portion of the game area 3a below the special variation winning apparatus 17, an out-port 22 for discharging game balls that have not won any of the winning areas to the back of the game board 3 outside the game area 3a. Is provided. Further, on the front surface of the game board 3, there are provided flow-down regulation changing members such as game nails 12 (only a part of which is shown) and windmills (not shown) that regulate the flow-down direction of the game ball and change the flow-down direction. .

  Next, the control system of the pachinko gaming machine of this example will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. The control system of the pachinko machine is roughly divided into a main control unit (main control means as a control device for the main board) 23, a sub control unit (sub control means as a control device on the sub board side) 24, and these main control units. The power supply device 25 supplies power to the control unit 23 and the sub-control unit 24. The main control unit 23 includes a main control device 14 composed of, for example, a one-chip microcomputer for a gaming machine. The main control device 14 includes a CPU 14a that executes a program, a program and data used in the program. A ROM 14b that is stored, a RAM 14c that stores data generated based on a program, various data read from the ROM 14b, and a frequency generation circuit unit 14d are provided.

  Signals from various sensors provided in the pachinko gaming machine can be input to the main control device 14 (CPU 14a), and the first and second start winning ball detection sensors 15a and 16c and the large winning ball detection are described above. A game that detects a winning ball paid out from a gaming ball payout device 33 that pays out a winning ball in response to a winning of a gaming ball while being connected to a sensor 17c, a passing ball detecting sensor 18a, and a general winning ball detecting sensor 21a. A ball payout detection sensor 26, an error detection sensor 27 for detecting an error in the pachinko gaming machine, and the like are connected.

  The main controller 14 outputs various signals for operating various devices of the pachinko gaming machine. For example, a central control device 28 for collecting and managing data of each gaming machine installed in a game store is connected to the main control device 14 so that data can be input from the main control device 14. The main control device 14 is connected to a payout control device 29, a symbol control device 30, a lamp control device 31, and a voice control device 32 as sub control devices (sub control means). (Control command) can be output.

  Here, since the payout control device 29 performs the main control of the game in the pachinko gaming machine for substantially paying out the prize ball, it is included in the main control unit 23, and the symbol control related to the effect of the game The device 30, the lamp control device 31, and the sound control device 32 are included in the sub-control unit 24.

Further, the main controller 14 is connected to the first and second special figure indicators 3b and 3c, and the main controller 14 performs display control of special figures in the first and second special figure indicators 3b and 3c. .
The main control device 14 is connected with a normal variation solenoid 16d for driving the movable piece 16b of the above-described normal variation prize winning device 16, and a special variation solenoid 17d for driving the movable door 17b of the special variation prize winning device 17. Connected.

  The payout control device 29 is connected to a game ball payout device 33 which is controlled by the payout control device 29 and pays out winning balls and rental balls, and also reads the data of the prepaid card (recording medium) 34 to play the game. A CR unit 35 for performing ball lending control is connected via a ball lending signal control device 36. The payout control device 29 pays out a prize ball based on a command from the main control device 14 and pays out a ball based on a ball lending signal input from the CR unit 35 via a ball lending signal control device 36. Take control.

  In addition, the main control unit 23 is not directly connected to the main control device 14, but has a launch control device 38 that controls a launch driving device 37 of a hitting ball launching device (not shown) that launches a game ball into the game area 3 a. The launch control device 38 is connected to a rotary operation handle 39, a launch stop button 40, and a touch sensor 41 for operating launch of the game ball.

  The main control device 14 of the main control unit 23 controls the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine. The first and second starting winning ball detection sensors 15a and 16c, the big winning ball detection sensor 17c, and the general winning ball detection sensor When a game ball detection signal is input from 21a, that is, when a game ball wins at each winning opening, a command is output to the payout control device 29 to cause the game ball to be discharged as a prize ball.

  In addition, when the detection signal of the game ball is input from the passing ball detection sensor 18a, the main control device 14 performs a process of adding the above-described general-purpose holding number when the normal-number holding number is less than the upper limit, Various random numbers used in the lottery process for determining the hit of the usual game are acquired, and these random numbers are stored. In addition, as a predetermined start condition, the normal game is started at the end of the previous normal game, or at the end of the opening / closing operation of the normal variation winning device 16 after the win, and the general game hold number is decremented by one. At this time, a random game lottery process is used to determine whether or not the normal game is missed, and a command is sent to the symbol control device 30, the lamp control device 31 and the voice control device 32 for displaying the general game, reporting the result, and producing the result. Output.

  Further, the main control device 14 performs the above-described special figure holding number processing based on the input of the start winning signal from the first and second start winning ball detection sensors 15a and 16c and the start of the special figure game, Various random numbers (winning determination random number, symbol random number, production random number) as lottery determination information used in the lottery process for determining the big hit loss of the special figure game are acquired, and when the special figure pending number is less than the upper limit, the random number is stored in the RAM 14c. Stored in (a part of random number storage means). The lottery process determines the big win and miss of the first and second special figure games based on the winning determination random number, and controls the first and second special figure indicators 3b and 3c to control the first and second special figure indicators. A special game is displayed, and a command is output to the symbol control device 30, the lamp control device 31, the voice control device 32, and the like for display of the decorative symbol variation display game on the variable display device 13, notification of the result, and production. .

  Note that the start conditions (random number determination conditions) of the first and second special figure games (variable display games) are the same as when the previous first special figure game or the second special figure game ends in an outlier. When the game or the second special figure game is a big hit, when the big win state for opening the special variable winning device 17 is reached, the first special figure holding number (the second special figure is retained when the big hit state is finished. This is a case where the number of holds in FIG. Is 1 or more, or the first start winning signal or the second starting winning signal is inputted. In addition, in the first special figure game, one of the start conditions is that there is no second special figure game to be started (the second special figure holding number is 0). In addition, along with the establishment of the start condition (the establishment of the random number determination condition), at the start of the special figure game, a determination is made as to whether or not the jackpot and the loss of random numbers corresponding to this special figure game.

  When the normal game is won, the main control device 14 controls the normal variation solenoid 16d that drives the movable piece 16b of the normal variation winning device 16 to open the normal variation winning device 16 from the closed state. Control to make a state. Further, the main control device 14 controls the special variation solenoid 17d of the movable door 17b of the special variation prize winning device 17 when the first special figure game or the second special figure game is won by each of the big wins. On the basis of this, the special variation winning apparatus 17 is controlled from the closed state to the open state to generate the above-mentioned jackpot state.

  Further, the main control device 14 as a lottery means performs a lottery process for determining whether the first special figure game and the second special figure game are big hits or not based on the aforementioned start winning signal. In addition, when the main controller 14 sequentially displays the first special figure game or the second special figure game that shows either the big hit or the out of the big hit, the first special drawing 14 performs the first special figure by the lottery process based on the occurrence of the probable big hit or the like. The probability that the figure game and the second special figure game are jackpots is set to a high probability state higher than the low probability state, and the first special figure game and the second special figure game are jackpots by the lottery process based on the occurrence of the normal jackpot etc. The control is performed so that the probability is lower than the high probability state. In addition, the main control device 14 performs control so that the opening time (number of times of opening) per unit time of the normally variable prize-winning device 16 is larger than the normal state based on the occurrence of a predetermined jackpot. I do. Note that, in the probability variation state (high probability support state), the state becomes basically a high probability state and the electric chew support state, and in the short time state (support state), the electric chew support state becomes a low probability state.

  The symbol control device 30 as the variable display game display control means of the sub-control unit 24 controls the variable display device 13 and the general graphic display device (LED display device) 19, and the variable display device 13 The video display processor 42 is connected. Based on each jackpot and loss determined by the main control device 14 described above, the variation display time as the variation pattern, etc., the variable display device 13 for the decorative symbol variation display game by the symbol control device 30 as the notification effect control means. The display at is controlled. In addition, the symbol control device 30 controls the main controller 14 to control the display of the special figure reservation number mark in the special figure reservation number display area 13a of the variable display device 13 based on the calculated special figure reservation number. In addition, the symbol control device 30 is adapted to receive an external input signal (operation input signal) from the button switch 43 when a player or the like operates the button switch (operation input means) 43 described above.

  In this embodiment, it is necessary to input a data input password as will be described later. Depending on the data input password input method, the operation can be performed only with the button switch 43. For example, a cursor key, a jog dial, an operation lever (analog type or digital type) may be provided.

  The lamp control device 31 of the sub-control unit 24 is provided on the front frame that supports the board-related electrical lights 11h, 11i, and 11j provided on the board surface of the game board 3 and the game board 3 of the pachinko gaming machine. The illumination lights 11a to 11g related to the glass door 4 covering the front surface of the panel 3 are connected to control the effects by the LEDs. Each of the electrical lights 11a to 11j has, for example, a plurality of LEDs mounted on different printed boards and is connected to a drive circuit provided on the printed board. A line is connected, and a signal line is connected from the lamp control device 31. Thereby, each LED on the printed circuit board is turned on or off under the control of the lamp control device 31 via the drive circuit.

In addition, there are LEDs of single color and those of 2 colors or 3 colors. In the case of 2 colors or 3 colors of LED, in addition to control of lighting and extinguishing, control of emission color at lighting. Is done. The lamp control device 31 is connected to a general-purpose hold number display lamp 20.
The first and second special-figure indicators 3b and 3c use LED segments, but are controlled by the main controller 14 instead of the lamp controller 31 as described above. Further, in the vicinity of the first and second special-figure indicators 3b and 3c, for example, an LED such as a round number display lamp indicating the number of rounds in the case of a big hit is provided, which is also controlled by the main controller 14. Is done.

The sound control device 32 is connected to a sound generation device 32a including a sound processor, an amplifier, speakers 9, 10 and the like, and the sound control device 32 controls output of effect sound, sound, music and the like for production. .
Further, the sub control unit (sub board) 24 is provided with a mode changeover switch 44 (shown in FIG. 4) for switching between the first effect mode, the second effect mode, and the power saving mode.

  The mode changeover switch 44 is connected to the symbol control device 30 of the sub-control unit 24 so as to switch the effect mode in three stages. In this example, one of the three stages of the effect mode is a power saving mode. It has become. The change of the effect mode is such that only the effect portion can be changed in the control of the sub-control unit 24 based on the command from the main control device 14, and for example, the display of the variable display game is performed in a plurality of stages as the effect display. In such a case, it is divided into a second effect mode in which the display of some stages is omitted and a first effect mode in which it is not omitted.

Thereby, a part of the contents of the display effect can be selected at the game shop side. In this pachinko gaming machine, processing in the power saving mode is performed by switching the mode changeover switch 44 of the sub-control unit 24 to the power saving mode. Thereby, it is possible to set on the game store side whether or not to enter the power saving mode. For example, when the store side lighting, sound, electrical decoration, air conditioner, etc. are sufficient to save power, it is possible to select not to save power of the gaming machine.
The production mode during the power saving mode is, for example, the first production mode described above. Further, the mode changeover switch 44 is read when the power of the pachinko gaming machine is turned on, for example, in a state of being fixed to any one of three stages (a plurality of stages). Therefore, the mode cannot be switched only by operating the mode switch 44, and it is necessary to turn on (reset) the power after operating the mode switch 44.

The lamp control device 31 and the sound control device 32 perform processing based on the command from the main control device 14 as described above. However, the symbol control device 30, the lamp control device 31, and the sound control device 32 communicate with each other. When the production mode and the power saving mode are switched by the mode change switch 44, control is performed in the switched mode.
In addition, when an operation input signal from the button switch 43 is input to the symbol control device 30, a signal is output to the lamp control device 31 and the voice control device 32 based on processing performed by the symbol control device 30. The control device 30, the lamp control device 31, and the sound control device 32 operate in conjunction with each other.

  In addition, the first special figure is used to control the variable display device 13, the illumination lights 11a to 11j, and the sound generation device 32a under the control of the sub-control unit 24 (the symbol control device 30, the lamp control device 31, and the sound control device 32). Game display control state when a variable display game corresponding to the game or the second special figure game is being played, and a jackpot state where the special variable winning device 17 is repeatedly opened and closed as part of this game display control state This is performed in the case of the game start waiting control state when the next variable display game is not started and the game start wait control state when the next game is not in the winning game control state or the game display control state. There are a power-saving control state described above and a member-dedicated control state for members described later.

  In this pachinko gaming machine, a state in which the variable display game is not displayed on the variable display device 13, for example, mainly by the control of the symbol control device 30 of the sub-control unit 24, that is, the first and second start winning holes 15, When the first and second special figure holding numbers are 0 and the first special figure game and the second special figure game have not been started for a predetermined time without a game ball winning in 16a, the game start waiting control state When the mode change switch 44 is in the power saving mode when a predetermined elapsed time has passed and the power saving control state is in progress, a power saving control state is generated.

  In addition, the time which combined the said continuation time and elapsed time becomes power saving start time. The main control device 14 counts the duration (power saving start time) when the power is turned on, when the signal indicating the end of the variable display game for notifying the lottery result of the loss is input, and the signal indicating the end of the winning gaming state. It is started at the start of state transition, which is at the time of input. In addition, the game display control state is maintained until the continuation time set as described later elapses from the state transition start point. In this case, as the display of the variation table game after the state transition start point, the variation display game in the finished and stopped state is displayed.

  If the number of holdings of at least one of the first special figure game or the second special figure game is 1 or more at the time of starting the state transition, the time measurement of the duration is not started. In addition, when the game ball has won the first start winning port 15 and the second start winning port 16a and the first start winning signal or the second starting winning signal has been won until the continuation time ends, the game continues. Time measurement (power saving start time) is stopped, and the game display control state is maintained as it is.

Further, the game starts waiting state after the continuation time elapses, but when the set continuation time is reached, that is, when the game start waiting state starts, the elapsed time is started.
In this case, the game start waiting control state is entered, but the time elapsed (power saving start time) is stopped by the input of the first start prize signal or the second start prize signal, and the game display control state is entered. To do.

  In the game display control state, the sub-control unit 24 displays the variable display game on the variable display device 13, the illumination (electric decoration) for producing the variable display game of the electric lights 11a to 11j, and the sound generator 32a. An effect by the sound of the variable display game is performed. Similarly, in the hit game control state, the sub-control unit 24 produces a big hit state effect by display, illumination, and sound. In the game start waiting control state, an information output image for introducing and advertising (demonstrating) the model of the pachinko machine is displayed.

Even in this game start waiting control state, effects by sound and lighting are performed under the control of the sub-control unit 24. In the case of not being in the power saving mode, when the display of the series of information output images is finished, the information output image is displayed again, and the series of information output images is repeatedly displayed.
In this game start waiting control state, when the game display ball can be started by winning a game ball in the first start winning opening 15 or the second start winning opening 16a, the game display control state is entered and the change is made. Display control of the display game is performed.

  Further, in the game start waiting control state, when the button switch 43 is operated and an operation input signal is input from the button switch 43 to the symbol control device 30 (sub control unit 24), the member exclusive control state is entered. When a login or logout display for a member, which will be described later, is performed and a login or logout operation is performed by a player as a member (when a login or logout end operation is performed), or a predetermined time When the time has elapsed, the information output image is displayed after the game start waiting control state is entered again and the game end time image is displayed. Note that the transition to the member-dedicated control state by the button switch 43 may be possible from the state transition start point. That is, even when the button switch 43 is operated between the start of the state transition and the start of the game start waiting control state, the state may be shifted to the member-only control state.

  In the power saving mode, the game start waiting control state is entered, and the information output image for one time (predetermined time) is displayed, and then the power saving control state is entered. Basically, after a predetermined elapsed time has elapsed from the game start waiting control state, the power saving control state is entered.

  In the power saving control state, the illumination lights 11a to 11e and the illumination lights 11h to 11j excluding the illumination lights 11f and 11g among the above-described illumination lights 11a to 11j among the LEDs provided in the pachinko gaming machine are turned off. Maintained. Note that, in a state other than the power saving control state, for example, in the game start waiting control state, all of the illumination lights 11a to 11j are not always lit, but for example, a part is kept in a lit state. And the rest is controlled to be turned on or off. In addition, as an effect, there is a case where control is performed to turn off all of the illumination lights 11a to 11j for a moment.

  Further, the illumination light 11f illuminates the button switch 43 from the inside, and indicates that the button switch 43 is effective while the illumination light 11f is lit. In the pachinko gaming machine, the button switch 43 is general, and is generally effective when the button switch 43 is illuminated and shined from the inside. Therefore, the state in which the illumination light 11f is lit is a state in which the player is notified to press the button switch 43. The illumination lights 11g are arranged in the vicinity of the left and right of the button switch 43, and are used for decorating the button switch 43 with light. Each control such as a game start waiting control state and a power saving control state is provided. Depending on the state, the light is turned on or off, and this electric decoration light 11g has an effect of highlighting the position of the button switch 43 to the player.

When the button switch 43 is pressed in the power saving control state, the game shifts to the game start waiting control state.
In the power saving mode, when the game start waiting control state shifts to the power saving control state, the lamp control device 31 uses the electric lights 11a to 11e and the electric lights 11h to 11j based on a signal based on the control process in the symbol control device 30. Turn off the light. When the information output image is displayed on the variable display device 13 in the game start waiting control state, the lamp control device 31 corresponds to the display of the information output image and the illumination lights 11a to 11e and the electric lights. The decoration lights 11h to 11j are turned on, turned off, and the emission color is controlled. In the game start waiting control state, pressing the button switch 43 shifts to a login display or logout display of a service for members described later, and the illumination light 11f of the button switch 43 is turned on. It is in a state. At this time, the illumination light 11g is turned on or turned on / off based on the control of the lamp control device 31.

  As described above, when the game start waiting control state is shifted to the power saving control state, the illumination lights 11a to 11e and the illumination lights 11h to 11j are held off by the control of the lamp control device 31 and are not turned on. . As a result, the illumination lights 11a to 11e provided on the glass door 4 and the illumination lights 11h to 11j provided on the board surface of the game board 3 are turned off.

  During the power saving control state, power saving display is performed on the variable display device 13 under the control of the symbol control device 30. The power-saving display includes, for example, a display indicating that power saving is currently being performed, and a display indicating that the button switch 43 is operated to return from power saving (power saving control state) to normal (game start waiting control state). Is done.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the display of the characters “power saving”, the display of the image indicating the button switch 43, and the display “returns when the button is pressed” are made on the variable display device 13. The background of these displays is a dark color such as black, and the variable display device 13 is dark as a whole, that is, the light from the backlight is blocked to some extent. In this example, in order to perform the above power saving display, the backlight is turned on.

  The display during power saving may be performed and the backlight may be turned off. In this case, the display can be visually recognized a little. Further, the reason why the screen of the variable display device 13 is darkened even when the backlight is lit is distinguished from the state in which the variable display device 13 is brightly displayed so that the power is saved even though it is saved. This is to prevent a difficult state. That is, when power saving is performed in a portion not related to the game, this may give a good impression to the player. Therefore, the backlight of the variable display device 13 may be turned off in order to emphasize that power is being saved. However, in order to appeal that power saving is in progress, it is preferable to display that power saving is being performed on the variable display device 13 without turning off the backlight of the variable display device 13.

  As described above, even when the backlight of the liquid crystal display as the variable display device 13 is lit, the screen is dark, so the screen of the variable display device 13 is dark and illuminated by the screen light. The part to be darkened is also dark. In addition, since the illumination lights 11h to 11j on the board of the game board 3 are turned off and the illumination lights 11a to 11e on the glass door 4 are turned off, the game area on the board of the game board 3 is dark. It is in a state that is not significantly different from the brightness when the power is turned off. In this case, there is a possibility that the gaming machine is not in power saving and that the power is turned off, but in this example, in the upper plate 7 part, the illumination light 11f for the button switch 43, Since the left and right illumination lights 11g are lit, it is possible to recognize that the pachinko gaming machine is not in a power-off state. As a result, it is possible to prevent the atmosphere of the game store from becoming too dark due to the pachinko gaming machines that are saving electricity arranged in a row.

Further, in the power saving control state, the sound generation by the sound control device 32 is also stopped, and power saving is achieved by setting the BGM, the sound effect, etc. to a stopped state.
In addition to the above-mentioned illumination lights 11g to 11j, as the lights (LEDs) of the pachinko gaming machine, the above-mentioned first and second special-figure indicators 3b and 3c, the above-mentioned round number lamps and other lamps, etc. However, since these are controlled by the main control device 14, they are not affected by the control by the sub-control unit 24, and the normal display state is maintained even in the power saving control state. . For example, in the first and second special-figure indicators 3b and 3c, the display at the end of the previous variation display game is maintained, and some LEDs are lit. Therefore, even in the power saving control state, it is possible to confirm that the power is not turned off by looking at the first and second special figure indicators 3b and 3c. Further, even if a process for cutting off part of the power supply by power saving is performed on the sub-control unit 24 side, it may affect the control of the game progress of the first and second special figure games on the main control device 14 side. Absent.

  On the other hand, in the pachinko gaming machine of this example, when the member registration is performed on the website for the member and the login to the login screen is performed by operating the button switch 43 from the above-described game start waiting control state in the pachinko gaming machine, Based on the pachinko game, you can earn points. In order to log in, it is necessary to register as a member beforehand and obtain a data input password, for example, on a website (mobile phone website). This pachinko gaming machine has a database, and constitutes a gaming system together with a web server that publishes a website on the Internet. For example, when a member's website of a pachinko machine is accessed using a mobile phone, membership registration is performed, and an account including an ID, a password, and the like is set, a member-dedicated page is created on the website. Further, the above-mentioned data input password is displayed on the member-dedicated page or mailed to the mobile phone.

Also, the pachinko gaming machine outputs the game data of the game that was performed after the above-mentioned data input password was input and the points generated as described later, for example, by displaying them on the variable display device 13 as a two-dimensional barcode. It is supposed to be (exported).
In this two-dimensional code, for example, the URL of the website published by the above-mentioned web server is registered, and the game data and points of the corresponding pachinko gaming machine of the member (player who entered the password) are registered. Has been. Note that data export is not limited to a two-dimensional code as long as the data is in a format readable by a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone.

  When accessing the URL of a website registered in the above two-dimensional code from a mobile phone, for example, the member-dedicated page can be accessed with the above account. Note that a unique ID that is registered and output in advance for each mobile phone may be used to access the member-dedicated page without using the account data described above. In this case as well, the above-mentioned unique ID needs to be recognized on the website side by registering once as a member. In this case, the user can access without inputting an account by pressing the access button or the like of the above-described website. When accessed, game data and points in the read two-dimensional code are output from the mobile phone to the web server. The web server side to which these game data and points are input, associates the above-mentioned game data and point value data with the above-mentioned unique ID of the mobile phone or the account created at the time of member registration corresponding to this ID. It comes to memorize.

  In addition, every time the member website is accessed with the above-described two-dimensional code read, game data and point value data are input as described above. Instead, game data and point data are stored to be added to the previous data. That is, the current data is stored, for example, corresponding to the ID and the date and time at the time of input. At this time, processing such as integration with previously stored data is performed, and the total number of variable display games, the number of jackpots, etc. are calculated and stored.

  In addition, the player's level, for example, a beginner level, an intermediate level, an advanced level, a master level, etc., is calculated using this game data. The level is associated with one or a plurality of game data values such as the number of variable display games and the number of jackpots. For example, the level increases as the number of variable display games and the number of jackpots increase. It is like that. In addition, when corresponding to a plurality of types of values in the game data, for example, by multiplying each value by a constant corresponding to each value, weighting is performed, and then the sum of each numerical value is obtained, and the value of this sum The level may be determined in accordance with.

  The above-mentioned data input password is calculated by the web server and is obtained by encoding the above-mentioned player level and player point data. In the pachinko gaming machine, the player level The player can now decode the total points. The encoding method is not limited, and a known encoding can be used. The encoded password is made up of a plurality of character strings (including symbols and the like) made up of ASCII codes, for example. A data table in which a data input password is associated with points and player levels in advance is created, and the data input password, player level and points are converted in the data table. Also good. In any case, the data input password changes in accordance with the data as described above, and is different from the password of the member account.

  In addition, the game data is stored in the sub-control unit 24, for example, the symbol control device 30 when the player inputs a password for data input into the pachinko gaming machine as described above. The number of jackpots is counted and the counted value is updated and stored. That is, the game number counter is counted up each time the variable display game is started, and the big hit number counter is counted up at the start of the big hit state.

  The point is that, for example, when the player inputs a password for data input into the pachinko gaming machine as described above and plays a game, for example, starting to the first start winning opening 15 and the second starting winning opening 16a Based on the winning, points may be generated in response to a signal input from the main control device 14 to the symbol control device 30, points may be generated at the start of the variable display game, or a big win state Points may be generated at the start of the.

  Further, points may be generated when the variation pattern of the variation display game is a specific variation pattern (for example, a premium reach variation pattern). That is, points can be generated based on at least one of various winnings of game balls flowing down the game area 3a on the game board 3 and processing performed based on the winnings. The generated points are accumulated by the symbol control device 30 and stored.

These game data and points (data thereof) are encoded into a two-dimensional code, and are displayed as a two-dimensional code when a logout process is performed by operating the button switch 43 during the demonstration. The player takes a picture with a mobile phone, reads it, and accesses the member-dedicated page as described above. Thereby, in the web server, game data and point data are input from the mobile phone, and are accumulated and stored in the game data and point data stored before that.
The above-mentioned player level is determined from the accumulated game data and the sum of points is obtained. The data of the player level and the sum of points is encoded into the above-mentioned data input password and output to a mobile phone.

  In such a pachinko gaming machine, when the button switch 43 is pressed in the game start waiting control state as described above, the member exclusive control state is set. At this time, if login processing is not performed, login display is performed on the variable display device 13. Further, when the button switch 43 is pressed while the login process has already been performed, a logout display is performed. During the login display, the above-described data input password can be input, and when the data input password is input, the game start waiting control state is entered from the member-only control state, and the above-mentioned game end image is displayed.

  Further, when the button switch 43 is pressed and an operation input signal is input to the symbol control device 30 in the game start waiting control state in the already logged in state, the member exclusive control state and the logout display are performed. . In the logout display, the above-mentioned point and a two-dimensional code indicating game data are displayed, and the member captures and recognizes the two-dimensional code with a mobile phone (including a smartphone) and accesses the above-mentioned web page, And game data can be registered. In this state, pressing the button switch 43 once again shifts to the game start waiting control state.

  Next, the rendering mode switching process by the above-described mode switching switch in FIG. 6 will be described. This process is a process performed by the symbol control device 30 of the sub-control unit 24. The setting of each effect mode (including the power saving mode) is based on the setting of the symbol control device 30, the lamp control device 31, and the sound. The control device 32 is the same. That is, the entire sub-control unit 24 is in the set effect mode described above.

  This process is performed only when the power is turned on as described above. It is determined whether or not the mode changeover switch 44 is set to the first effect mode when the power is turned on (step S1). If the first effect mode is set, the effect mode is set to the first effect mode (step S1). S2). If the mode switch 44 is not in the first effect mode, it is determined whether or not the mode switch 44 is set in the second effect mode (step S3), and the second effect mode is set. In that case, the effect mode is set to the second effect mode (step S4). If the second effect mode is not set, the effect mode is set to the power saving mode because the power saving mode is set (step S5).

  When the effect mode is the power saving mode, the game start waiting control state is shifted to the power saving control state as described above, and the lighting lights 11a to 11e and the lighting lights 11h to 11j are turned off as described above. It is done. Depending on the amount of LEDs used and the specifications of the LEDs, etc., it is possible to save about 30% of the total power consumption of pachinko machines, for example, by turning off many of the illumination lights 11a to 11j. There is sex.

Here, in this embodiment, a plurality of power saving start times from the state transition start point to the power saving control state start are set, and one set time is selected from the plurality of set times. .
Upon selection, the selection is made with reference to a control state history that is a history of occurrence of a power saving control state (which may include a game start waiting control state). In the control state history, the start time and the end time of the power saving control state are recorded every business day between the opening time and the closing time.

  When the game start waiting control state and the power saving control state are set to a non-operating state in which the player is not playing, the non-operating state is started when the game start waiting control state is started, When the control state is terminated without entering the power saving control state, and when the power saving control state is terminated when the power saving control state is started from the game start waiting control state, The start time and end time of the operating state may be recorded. Further, since the game display control state is entered when not in the non-operating state, the start time and end time of the game display control state may be recorded as the control state history.

The game start waiting control state becomes the power saving control state when the duration of one information output image ends as described above, but once the power saving control state is entered, the variable display game is started as described above, or the button switch The power saving control state is maintained until 43 is operated.
Therefore, most of the non-operating states in which no gaming machine has a player playing with the gaming machine are in the power saving control state. Therefore, in this embodiment, the time in the power saving control state is approximate to the time in the non-operating state, and the history of the power saving control state is recorded as the control state history as the non-operating state history. It is supposed to be.

  As a method for selecting one power saving start time from a plurality of power saving start times based on such a control state history, for example, for every time zone (time zone) such as every hour, for example, for one week or one month For example, in each time zone, it is determined whether the average time in the non-operating state (power saving control state) is 20 minutes or less, 20 minutes or longer, 40 minutes or less, 40 minutes or longer and 60 minutes or less. Alternatively, one power saving start time may be selected from a plurality of stages of power saving start times from a short power saving start time to a long power saving start time corresponding to each time range.

  In addition, data for each business day in a given period is summarized for each day of the week, and power saving is started using the average of the non-operation time of each time zone on the same day of the week as the current time and the ratio of non-operation states in the above-described multiple stages. You may make it decide time.

In the control state history, the power saving start time is shortened as the ratio of the non-operating state in the control state history at the same time zone as the current state increases.
That is, when the time of non-operating state is long, it is estimated that there are few players as a game store customer, and that the number of game store customers is large as the non-operating state time is short.
Therefore, if the non-operating state is long, even if the power saving control state is lengthened by shortening the power saving start time and starting the power saving control state early, there are few players affected. become.

On the other hand, when the non-operating state is short, the power saving start time is lengthened and the power saving control state is started late, thereby shortening the power saving control state and shortening the time that the player is affected.
In this embodiment, in order to simplify the data storage capacity and data processing, the control status history for one week is recorded, and the current business day of the week before the current day of the week is the current day. It is determined whether the same time is in a non-operating state or an operating state.
In this case, a short power saving start time is selected in the operation state, and a power saving start time longer than the short power saving start time is selected in the non-operation state.

For example, as shown in the time table of FIG. 7, the control state history indicates, for example, the history of the time of non-operating state from 10:00 of the business start time to 22:00 of the business end time.
In this case, for example, it is determined whether or not, for example, 50% or more of the same time zone having a width of 1 minute, 10 minutes, 1 hour or the like is not in operation at the same time. It is good. In this case, a short power saving start time is selected if 50% or more of the same time zone as the current time is in a non-operating state, and a long power saving start time is selected if the non-operating state is lower than 50%.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the power saving control state from the start to the end is a non-operating state, and the other time is an operating state that is mainly a game display control state. Note that the game start waiting control state may be combined with the power saving control state, and both may be set to the non-operating state, and the member-only control state may be added to the non-operating state. When there is no member control state, for example, the game display control state may be in the operating state, and the other power saving control state and the game start waiting control state may be in the non-operating state.

  On a normal weekday, for example, from the opening of the store to noon, there are few customers and it is easy to become non-operating, but from 12 o'clock to 13 o'clock, the number of customers increases easily due to lunch break, and it is over 13:00 The number of customers is likely to decrease again and become non-operating, and the number of customers is likely to increase again at around 17 o'clock and become in an operating state. Note that the time at which the non-operating state is likely to be different varies depending on the store, and for example, the time zone crowded in each store of the student district, the shopping district, and the office district may be different. Further, whether or not it is likely to be in a non-operating state varies depending on the model of the gaming machine.

  The control state history is, for example, the time when the power saving control state is started in the state where the time is measured by the RTC (real time clock) provided in the sub control unit 24 when the non-operating state is set to the power saving control state. From the time when the power saving control state is ended to the time when the power saving control state is started until the time when the power saving control state is ended.

  When the game start waiting control state is included in the non-operating state, the time period from when the game start waiting control state is started to the time when the game start waiting control state is ended is included in the non-operating state.

  Next, state transition processing performed by the sub-control unit 24 (for example, mainly the symbol control device 23) as power saving control means, control state history storage means, and power saving start time control means will be described. In the state transition process, the game start waiting control state, the power saving control state, the member-only control state, and the game display control state are switched. In this example, the control state history is also recorded. This process is a process that is repeatedly performed at an extremely short interval such as 5 μsec.

First, it is determined whether or not a state transition start flag is set (step S11). This state transition start flag is a flag that is set when the state transition start point is reached. The state transition start point is basically the point at which the variable display game is no longer played, and even though the variable display game can be started, the variable display game has a hold number of 0 and the variable display game is If it is not started, it will be the start point of state transition.
A state transition start time flag indicates that the period is from the state transition start time to the game start waiting control state.

If this state transition start time flag is not set, it is determined whether or not the start wait control flag is set (step S12). This game start wait control flag is a flag indicating that the game start wait control state is set.
If the game start waiting control flag is not set, it is determined whether or not the power saving control flag is set (step S13). This power saving control flag indicates a power saving control state.

  If the power saving control flag is not set, it is determined whether or not the member-only flag is set (step S14). The member-only flag is a flag indicating that the above-mentioned member-only control state is set.

  If the member-only flag is not set, it is determined whether or not a state transition start time command is input from the main control device 14 (step S15). At the time of this state transition start point, it is a command that is output to the sub-control unit 24 when the main control device 14 is in a state in which neither the variable display game nor the big hit state is performed as described above, The game start wait control state is started when a set time (duration) has elapsed after the above-described command has been input.

  If each of the above flags is not set and the state transition start point command is not input, it means that the variable display game is being played, the game display control state is set, and the state transition process is performed. finish.

  If it is time to input the state transition start command, the state transition start flag is set (step S16). Further, the past control state history is referred to (step S17). At this time, the control state history of the same day of the week as the present one week ago is referred to from the past control state history stored for one week. At this time, the current time is obtained by referring to the RTC. It is determined whether the time of the control state history one week ago corresponding to the obtained time is in an operating state or a non-operating state (step S18). A short duration is selected (step S19), and if it is in an operating state, a long duration is selected (step S20).

As a result, if it is assumed that there are few customers in the time zone that includes the current time due to being in the non-operating state, from the state transition start point to the game start waiting control state (demo state) The duration is shortened, the game start waiting control state is started earlier, and accordingly, the power saving control state is started earlier. Thereby, the time in the power saving control state is lengthened.
On the other hand, when the control state history is referred to and the same time one week ago is in the operating state, it is assumed that there are many customers and the duration is increased. As a result, the time from the start of the control transition to the game start waiting control state becomes longer, and accordingly, the power saving control state is delayed.

  After determining the duration from the state transition start time to the game start waiting control state, the time measurement is started (step S21). Next, when the state transition start flag is set as described above, it is determined in step S11 described above that the state transition start flag is set, and the process of step S22 shown in FIG. 9 is performed. That is, it is determined whether or not the variable display game is started (step S22). This is determined by the input of a variable display game start command output from the main control device 14 to the sub-control unit 24.

When the variable display game is started, the game display control state is maintained without entering the game start waiting control state, so the state transition start flag is reset and the time measurement time is reset (step S23).
The game display control state is maintained by starting the variable display game (step S24).

  If it is not the start timing of the variable display game in step S22, it is determined whether or not the button switch 43 has been pressed (step S25). The period from the start of the state transition to the end of the game start waiting control state is a period for accepting login and logout by the member. When the button switch 43 is pressed during this period, the button switch signal is sent to the replication business unit 24. Sent to the member-only control state. Therefore, if the button switch is on, the game display control state is ended and the member-only control state is started (step S26). At this time, a member-only flag is set (step S27).

  If the ON signal from the button switch 43 is not input in step S25, whether or not the continuation time (long continuation time or short continuation time) started from the control transition start point has elapsed (time up). Is determined (step S28). If it has not elapsed, the state transition process is terminated. If the duration time is up, the game display control state is ended and the game start waiting control state is set (step S29).

  Further, the above-described state transition start flag is reset, and the start wait control flag in the game start wait control state is set (step S30). Accordingly, the game display control state in which the variable display game is not started is changed to the game start waiting control state, and the demo image is displayed as described above. At this time, the measurement of a certain elapsed time, which is a display time for one series of demo images as a predetermined elapsed time, is started (step S31).

When the start waiting control flag is set, it is determined in step S12 described above that the start waiting control flag is set, and as shown in FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not it is the timing when the variable display game is started. (Step S32).
When the variable display game is started, the start wait control flag is reset (step S33), the game start wait control state is ended and the game display control state is started (step S34), and the variable display game is displayed. . In addition, since there is no longer a transition from the game start waiting state to the power saving control state, the counting of the duration time is reset (terminated) (step S35), and the state transition process is terminated.

If it is not the start timing of the variable display game in step S32, it is determined whether or not the button switch 43 is operated and an ON signal is input (step S36).
If the button switch 43 is on, the game start waiting control state is ended and the member-only control state is started (step S37). At this time, the start waiting control flag is reset and the member-only flag indicating the member-only control state is set (step S38), and the state transition process is terminated.

  If it is not the timing when the button switch 43 is pressed in step S36, it is determined whether or not the above-mentioned elapsed time has elapsed (step S39). If the predetermined elapsed time has not elapsed, the state transition process is terminated. In the case where the above-mentioned elapsed time has elapsed, the game start waiting control state is ended and the power saving control state is started (step S40). Thereby, power saving of the gaming machine becomes possible. At this time, the start waiting control flag is reset and the power saving control flag is set (step S41).

  At this time, the non-operating state start is recorded in the current control state history together with the time (date and time) when the non-operating state start is read from the RTC (step S42). The sub-control unit 24 includes a nonvolatile memory or a volatile memory backed up by a power source, and starts and ends a non-operating state (power saving control state or power saving control state and game start waiting control state) every business day. Has been recorded. Thereby, the state transition history is saved regardless of whether the power of the gaming machine is on or off.

  In addition, since the state transition history is recorded for one week (7 days) as described above, when the state transition history for one business day is recorded, that is, after the amusement store is closed. When the power is turned off, or when the power is turned on at the next store opening, one day of data of the oldest state transition history is deleted. Note that the new one-day data corresponding to the deleted one-day data is already stored before the data is deleted as described above.

  When the power saving control flag is set as described above, it is determined in step S13 described above that the power saving control flag is set. Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not it is time to start the variable display game (step S43). If it is time to start the variable display game, the power saving control state is ended and the game display control state is started (step S44).

  At this time, the power saving control flag is reset (step S45). Further, since the power saving state is ended and the variable display game is started, the end of the non-operating state is recorded in the current control state history together with the time (date and time) read from the RTC. (Step S46)

  If it is determined in step S43 that it is not time to start the variable display game, it is determined whether or not the button switch 43 is on (step S47). That is, it is determined whether or not the ON signal is input from the button switch 43. If it is not the timing when the button switch 43 is operated, the state transition process is terminated. In the case of the timing when the button switch 43 is operated, the power saving control state is ended, and the game start waiting control state is started (step S48). At this time, the power saving control flag is reset and the start waiting control flag is set (step S49).

  In the power saving state, the gaming machine is basically dark, so that it may be difficult for some people to play. When a player plays a game machine in the power saving control state, the game is started after the game machine is brought into a bright state by using the button switch 43 to enter the game start waiting control state as described above. It is preferable. However, even in the power saving state, the rotary operation handle 39 can be operated, and by operating the rotary operation handle 39, a game ball is won at the start winning opening 15, 16a and the variable display game is started as described above. Thus, the power saving control state can be ended and the game display control state can be started.

  In response to the game start waiting control state as described above, the elapsed time of the predetermined length is started (step S50). Thereby, when the start waiting control flag is set, it is possible to set the power saving control state again when the variable display game is not started even when the elapsed time has elapsed. For example, when a player is looking for a gaming machine to play, even if the button switch 43 is operated and a demo image is displayed but no game is played with that gaming machine, the power saving control state is again entered to save power. Can be done efficiently.

  Also in this case, since the power saving control state ends, the non-operating state end is recorded together with the time read from the RTC in the current control state history.

If the member-only flag is set in step S27 or step S38 described above, it is determined in step S14 that the member-only flag is set. Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not it is time to start the variable display game (step S52).
If it is time to start the variable display game, the member-only control state is terminated and the game display control state is started (step S53). Corresponding to the end of the member-only control state, the member-only flag is reset and the state transition process is ended (step S54).

  If it is not time to start the variable display game, it is determined whether an on signal is input from the button switch 43 (step S55). If an on signal is input from the button switch 43, The member-only control state is ended, and the game start waiting control state is started (step S56). That is, when the button switch 43 is operated in the game start waiting control state, the state shifts to the member exclusive control state, and when the button switch 43 is operated in the member exclusive control state, the game start wait control state is set.

In response to ending the member-only control state and starting the game start wait control state, the member-only flag is reset and the start wait control flag is set (step S57).
In addition, since the predetermined elapsed time is consumed by entering the game start waiting control state, the elapsed time measurement is started and the state transition process is ended in order to enter the power saving control state.

  In such a gaming machine, the power saving control state is entered when a predetermined time elapses after entering the game start waiting control state in which a demo image is displayed. The power saving start time from the state transition start point to the power saving control state is changed based on the control state history of the non-operating state. Basically, the same time zone in the past with respect to the current time is in an operating state (basically a game display control state, but a game start wait control state may be included, and a member-only control state is also included. Long power saving start time is set.

  In other words, it can be presumed that the time when the gaming machine is in the operating state is often a time zone when there are many customers in the game store, and when there are many customers, delaying the power saving control state, The possibility that the gaming machine is in a bright state at the time of selection is increased to facilitate selection of the gaming machine.

  Also, the same time zone in the past with respect to the current time is in a non-operating state (basically a power saving control state, but may include a game start waiting control state, and may further include a member-only control state. In many cases, the game start waiting control state and the member-only control state are not included in the operation state), and a short power saving start time is set.

  In other words, it can be presumed that the gaming machine is often in a non-operating state when there are few customers in the game store, and when there are few customers, there are few customers looking for gaming machines to play, so there is no gaming machine As a power saving control state, power saving efficiency can be increased.

  In addition, the control state history stores whether the gaming machine is in an operating state or a non-operating state at each time. For example, the control state history is statistically processed to collect data for a plurality of days. It is good also as what calculates | requires whether there are many cases where it is an operation state for every time slot | zone, or there are many cases which are a non-operation state. Moreover, it is good also as what calculates | requires the ratio which is an operation state, and the ratio which is a non-operation state in steps, and sets different power-saving start time corresponding to each step.

  In this example, as the control state history, the start time of the non-operating state and the end time of the non-operating state are stored as the control state history of each business day for one week, and one week before the current time. It is determined whether the control state history at the same time on the same day of the week is non-operating, and if it is non-operating, select a short power saving start time, and select a long power saving start time when it is operating It has become. Also in this case, basically, as in the case described above, it is possible to select a power saving start time suitable for a time zone where game shops are crowded or a vacant time zone.

  In this embodiment, in the control state history, statistical processing such as averaging in the same time zone is not performed, and the processing is simplified. Further, since the control state history only stores the start time and end time of the non-operating state for one week, the management process is easy and the storage capacity can be reduced. Therefore, even if each game machine determines the power saving start time, it has little influence on the storage capacity and processing capacity.

  In addition, the number of customers in each time zone of the amusement store is often different depending on the day of the week, especially on weekdays and weekends, but the crowded time zone is different, but this corresponds to the difference in the number of customers by time zone due to the difference in the day of the week. be able to.

  Also, in this example, the power saving start time (continuation time + elapsed time) from the start of the state transition to the start of the power saving control state is adjusted by the duration from the start of the state transition to the start of the game start wait state and waits for the game start. Since the state, that is, the time during which the demo images are displayed is constant, the time for displaying a series of demo images can be secured even if the power saving start time is different. That is, even if the power saving start time is shortened, the time for displaying the demo image is not shortened, and the demonstration of the player of the gaming machine can always be performed for a certain period of time.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment which applied the invention made by this inventor was described, this invention is not limited by the description and drawing which make a part of indication of this invention by this embodiment. That is, it should be added that other embodiments, examples, operation techniques, and the like made by those skilled in the art based on this embodiment are all included in the scope of the present invention.

11a-11j Illumination light 13 Variable display device (display means)
14 Main control device (main control means)
23 Main control unit (main control means)
24 Sub-control unit (sub-control means, power saving control means, control status history storage means, power saving start time control means)

Claims (3)

Display means for displaying a variable display game;
A plurality of illumination lights that are turned on or off to produce games including the variable display game;
The variation display game by performing a lottery for winning or losing the variation display game, and informing the start of the variation display game based on the establishment of a predetermined start condition of the variation display game and the lottery result for the winning or losing Main control means for controlling the progress of the variable display game, including the end of the game and the occurrence of a winning gaming state after notifying the winning lottery result in the variable display game;
Sub-control means for displaying the variable display game on the display means based on the progress of the variable display game, and for controlling the lighting and extinguishing of the illumination light,
The main control means transmits a signal indicating the start or end of the variable display game and the winning gaming state to the sub control means based on the progress of the variable display game,
As the control state of the display means and the illumination light, the game display control state when the variable display game is displayed on the display means, and the end of the variable display game for notifying a lottery result when the power is turned on The state in which the signal indicating the start of the variable display game is not input from the state transition start point, which is one of the times when the signal indicating the end of the winning gaming state is input, is continuously set. A game start waiting control state that is shifted from the game display control state when continued for more than a time, and
In the game start waiting control state, the display means displays a game start waiting image, and performs control to turn on or turn off the plurality of illumination lights,
In a gaming machine that shifts the control state from the game start wait control state to the game display control state when a signal indicating the start of the variable display game is input from the main control means during the game start wait control state ,
The sub-control means is
As the control state, when the set elapsed time has passed without transitioning from the start of the game start wait control state to the game display control state, power saving is achieved by turning off at least a part of the illumination light. Power saving control means for starting the power saving control state, and transitioning from the power saving control state to the game display control state when a signal indicating the start of the variable display game is input from the main control means ;
Control state history storage means for storing a control state history that is a history of occurrence of at least the power saving control state of the game start waiting control state and the power saving control state;
Power saving start time control means for determining a power saving start time from the state transition start time to the power saving control state start time based on the control state history stored in the control state history storage means. A gaming machine characterized by   The control state history is a history of a time zone that is at least the power saving control state of the game start waiting control state and the power saving control state, and the power saving start time control means is the control state history, When the same time zone in the past with respect to the current time zone is at least the power saving control state of the game start waiting control state and the power saving control state, a short time is set as the power saving start time, and 2. The game according to claim 1, wherein, in a history, when a past same time zone with respect to a current time is in the game display control state, a time longer than the short time is set as the power saving start time. Machine.   The elapsed time from the start of the game start wait control state to the start of the power saving control state is constant, and the duration from the state transition start point to the start of the game start wait control state is set to a short time or a time longer than a short time. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the gaming machine is set.

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