JP5824752B1 - Game production device and game production program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game directing device or the like for exciting an entire island facility. When a winning is won, the transmission is installed in an island facility in which a plurality of gaming machines that transmit a first notification signal and a second notification signal with a predetermined time difference with respect to the winning is installed. A game effect device for receiving a first notification signal and a second notification signal, and performing an effect process, wherein the winning notification effect is started by receiving the first notification signal, and receiving the second notification signal. The winning notification effect is terminated by the above. [Selection] Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates generally to gaming systems, and more specifically to a game effect device that performs a game effect based on a signal from a gaming machine such as a slot machine.

  Conventionally, slot machines and other gaming machines (hereinafter referred to as “gaming machines”) are often accompanied by a reach presentation both at the time of so-called big hits and lost games. The fun of the players increases and the interest in games increases.

  Basically, the game is something that the player enjoys alone towards the gaming machine, but on the other hand, the hitting of other people is also anxious, and the call lamp attached to the top of the gaming machine lights up when a big hit occurs In some cases, it is possible to know the jackpot of others.

  Thus, in order to make it easy to grasp the gaming situation in other gaming machines, a gaming machine island light emitting display system provided with a plurality of light emitting means installed for each gaming machine is provided (Patent Document 1). ).

  That is, the system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of light emitting means installed for each of the gaming machines in a gaming machine island where a plurality of gaming machines are arranged, and causing the plurality of light emitting means to emit light. A light-emitting display system for gaming machine islands that displays information related to gaming machines in the gaming machine island, wherein the gaming machine starts to provide a jackpot game advantageous to the player to the player; and When the gaming machine finishes providing the jackpot game, the game machine has jackpot notification means for causing the plurality of light emitting means to emit light according to a predetermined light emitting procedure set in advance to indicate an order in which the plurality of light emitting means emit light. It is characterized by that.

  As a result, when a plurality of light emitting means installed for each gaming machine emit light according to a predetermined light emitting procedure, a player playing a game on the gaming machine in the gaming machine island visually recognizes that the light emitting means emits light according to the predetermined light emitting procedure. By doing so, it is possible to know that any gaming machine in this gaming machine island has started or ended the provision of the big hit game.

  In addition, a system has been proposed for gaming machines that have been managed individually one by one, using the entire island, and appealing to other players about jackpots and probability fluctuations. (Patent Document 2).

  That is, Patent Document 2 discloses a gaming system including a plurality of gaming machines, which corresponds to each of the plurality of gaming machines in response to a specific signal transmitted from any of the plurality of gaming machines. A state in which a roulette is displayed by turning on one lamp and turning off the other lamp and turning on the lamp corresponding to the gaming machine that has sent the specific signal. A gaming system is disclosed in which the roulette display is stopped and specific notification is made.

  This makes it possible to appeal to other players of probability fluctuations, etc., because the notification is made in the roulette format using the ramps of the entire island (for example, 12 units) rather than notifying with individual gaming machines one by one. It is possible to improve the playability by performing more effective performance.

  In addition, it is possible to arouse the expectation that the player will win the game machine and the curiosity of who will win the game, and to increase the gameability and interest of each player. There has also been proposed a gaming machine presentation assisting device (Patent Document 3).

  That is, Patent Document 3 is a gaming machine presentation assistance device that inputs and manages various signals output from a plurality of gaming machines, and notifies a predetermined presentation in each gaming machine in advance. The machine performs random lottery when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and variably displays a plurality of types of identification information on a variable display device provided in the gaming machine main body according to the result of the random lottery, and the result of the random lottery is a specific condition If the display result of the variable display is determined in a specific display mode determined in advance, a special game state that allows a player to be given a predetermined game value is generated. A special game determination signal output means for generating and outputting a special game determination signal before the specific display mode is determined by the variable display from the time when the result of the random number lottery satisfies a specific condition; Game confirmation And a notifying means for informing a player in advance that one of the gaming machines is in the special gaming state in response to a special game confirmation signal output from the signal output means. A gaming machine presentation assistance device is disclosed.

JP 2006-000469 A Japanese Patent No. 2002-143532 JP 2003-117122 A

  However, as in the inventions disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, even if the jackpot that has already occurred is notified, there is a limit to the interest for the player who has not won the hit, and the whole island facility is enlivened. There is room for improvement. In addition, regarding the invention disclosed in Patent Document 3, which is provided with an informing means for informing a player in advance that a special gaming state is to be achieved, It is hard to say that differentiation has been sufficiently achieved. In addition, there is room for improvement in the production control when multiple winners are confirmed from the viewpoint of excitement of the entire island facility.

  Therefore, in the game effect device according to one embodiment of the present invention, when a winning is made, there are a plurality of gaming machines that transmit the first notification signal and the second notification signal with a predetermined time difference with respect to the winning assignment. A game effect device that is installed in an installed island facility and receives the transmitted first notification signal and second notification signal and performs an effect process, wherein the winning notification effect is received by receiving the first notification signal. And the winning notification effect is terminated upon reception of the second notification signal.

  In addition, the game effect program according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of gaming machines that transmit a first notification signal and a second notification signal at a predetermined time difference with respect to the winning allocation when the winning is allocated. A computer program implemented in a game production device that is installed in an island facility where the first notification signal and the second notification signal transmitted are received and performs a production process, and is executed by the device And a step of causing the device to start the winning notification effect by receiving the first notification signal and ending the winning notification effect by receiving the second notification signal. To do.

  According to the game effect device and the like according to the present invention, the control of the length of the prior notification time and the notification content are sufficiently differentiated, and the improved effect control is performed even when a plurality of jackpot finalists are generated. An effect device can be provided.

It is explanatory drawing explaining the structural example of the game system containing the game production | presentation apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the example of arrangement | positioning of the installation island etc. in the game hall where the game production | presentation apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention is installed. It is explanatory drawing explaining the mode of the wiring of the game machine in an amusement hall where the game effect device in one Embodiment of this invention is installed, and an installation island. It is explanatory drawing explaining the external appearance of the game machine connected to the game production apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the functional block of the game machine connected to the game production apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the example of notification by the notification lamp of the game machine connected to the game production | presentation apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the operation example of the game production | presentation apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the example of a connection of the game production | presentation apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the processing flow containing the flow of the signal of the game system containing the game production apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the example of a connection of the game effect production apparatus in other embodiment of this invention.

  An embodiment for implementing a game effect device or the like according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Although the present invention is not limited to this, for the sake of convenience of explanation, a slot machine having a turning device as a gaming machine connected to the game effect device will be described as an example. The “rotating drum” is also referred to as “rotating reel”.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a game system including a game effect device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming system 10 is roughly composed of a game hall 11 in which one or more gaming machines are installed, and an information management center server (hereinafter referred to as an “information management server”) 12. . However, the information management server 12 is not an essential configuration for the game system, but can be configured as a closed system in the game hall 11 (particularly in units of island facilities).
As an option, when the information management server 12 is one of the components, the game hall 11 and the information management server 12 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other via a public line 13 such as a dedicated line or the Internet as shown in the figure. (Note that the line specification may be wired or wireless). The information management server 12 is typically a server device different from a so-called hall computer, but the hall computer may be caused to perform an information management function performed by the information management server.

In the game hall 11, an effect unit 1191 for receiving a signal from one or more gaming machines and performing an effect is installed. The effect unit 1191 includes an arithmetic unit such as a CPU, a memory, time measuring means, and the like. Moreover, as an example, the production unit 1191 is installed for each island facility. In FIG. 1, at least a plurality of gaming machines 111, 112, and 113 are connected via interface units (hereinafter referred to as I / F units) 1192a, 1192b, and 1192c.
In this embodiment, the gaming machines 111, 112, and 113 are described as slot machines. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a jackpot notice signal is transmitted or transmitted (transmitted) outside the gaming machine. A pachinko machine or other gaming machine may be used as long as it can be used.

  In addition, the display unit 1191 employs a display equipped with an arithmetic unit and a memory as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an audio output device such as a speaker or the like is connected. It is also possible to adopt a model train that travels on a display device or a rail installed on the island facility, or a movable accessory installed on the island facility.

  In any case, the rendering unit 1191 can execute rendering processing by controlling and reproducing video data and audio data stored in advance in the memory based on signals received from the gaming machine via the I / F unit. Processing unit.

  In this embodiment, for convenience, a device including the effect unit 1191 and the I / F units 1192a to 1192c is defined as a game effect device 119.

  In FIG. 2, the example of arrangement | positioning of the installation island etc. in the game hall where the game production apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention is installed is shown. In FIG. 2, each of the island facilities 200a to 200c has 10 gaming machines 201 arranged in parallel in the lateral direction on each side.

  In FIG. 2, a circle indicated by reference numeral 220 represents a gaming chair disposed on the front surface of the gaming machine 201. As shown in FIG. 2, in the amusement hall, for example, the passage area 230b between the island facility 200a and the island facility 200b and the passage area 230c between the island facility 200b and the island facility 200c are adjacent to each other. The gaming machines 201 arranged on one side of the island facility face each other, and a player sits on the gaming chair 220 of the gaming machine 201 installed on the adjacent island facility and plays a game. In this case, players are seated back to back.

  And the area | region (passage area 230b, 230c) between a player's back and a back becomes a channel | path of the player who is looking for a vacant board and is going to play a game from now on, or a staff of a game hall. In FIG. 2, areas 230a and 230d where island facilities are not shown adjacent to each other are also passage areas.

  For example, a player who newly visits the game hall and plays a game stands at the positions A to D in FIG. Ask about the operational status of 200c. Further, the player enters the aisle from the positions A to D in FIG. 2 and confirms the display of the number of jackpots and the appearance status of the previous day (the day before the previous day) by the indicator attached above the gaming machine. Alternatively, an attempt is made to grasp the game play status of each gaming machine by a method of confirming a display portion of the number of gaming media provided on a gaming chair arranged in front of the gaming machine.

  Although not shown in FIG. 2, the island facilities 200 a to 200 c are provided with a mounting table having a depth appropriate for a player to place baggage or the like below each gaming machine. Furthermore, a machine number display unit for displaying the assigned machine number is provided above each gaming machine.

  The unit number display unit typically has a box-shaped housing attached to the front upper part of the island facility (the upper part of the gaming machine), and a unit number display plate (not shown) on which the unit number is displayed on the front side. It is provided and includes a display unit (not shown), and is configured to be able to display the payout status for each table based on a signal transmitted from the gaming machine. As an example, you can display the number of jackpots for today, the previous day, and the day before the day, the chance per day, the previous day, the day before the day, the display of the number of big bonuses and regular bonuses, and the number of starts from the previous jackpot The cumulative number of games can be displayed, and the continuation history of the jackpot can be displayed in a graph. These numerical values are typically displayed on the display unit.

  Furthermore, although not shown in FIG. 2, as an example, speakers may be provided on the left and right of the table number display plate. In addition, a call button and a call lamp can be provided for a player to call a staff member of the game hall when a malfunction or the like occurs in the gaming machine.

  In addition, a plurality of ceiling lighting devices can be arranged in parallel along the island facilities and passages on the ceiling of the game hall. In addition, a plurality of ceiling spotlights can be provided side by side along island facilities and passages on both sides of the ceiling lighting device. In addition, a plurality of ceiling speakers can be arranged in parallel along the island facility and the passage between the ceiling lighting device and the ceiling spotlight.

  In addition, when the ceiling spotlight is attached, it can be attached to the ceiling via a driving device (not shown) such as a rotary drive motor. In this case, the ceiling spotlight can be rotated and irradiated. It is also possible to change the angle. The ceiling speaker 113 can also broadcast BGM for the purpose of appealing to the player's hearing.

  In FIG. 2, the production units 251 to 256 are installed on each side of the upper part of the island facility. For example, when the effect unit is a display equipped with an arithmetic unit and a memory, each of the effect units 251 to 256 is installed in such a direction that the player can see the screen in a horizontal row.

  FIG. 3 shows a wiring state of a gaming machine and an installed island in a game hall where the game effect device according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed. In FIG. 3, the gaming machine 302 is installed in the island facility 301. Here, the gaming chair 303 is basically installed directly on the floor 309, and on the upper part of the gaming machine 302, a display unit 306 for displaying the number of hits of the day, the previous day, and the day before the day. Is installed, and a ball appearance status display or the like is performed based on a signal transmitted from the gaming machine 302 via the line 304.

  Further, a signal transmitted from the gaming machine 302 can be transmitted not only to the line 304 but also to the effect units (119 in FIG. 1 and 251 to 256 in FIG. 2) via the line 305. That is, the effect unit can receive and process various signals such as jackpot signals of all the gaming machines in the game hall.

  When the information management server 12 as an option in FIG. 1 is adopted, the signal received by the effect unit is transmitted to the line 13 together with model information (identification ID, identification number, etc.) of all gaming machines. To the information management server 12 and can be managed by the information management server 12.

  In FIG. 3, the line 305 is shown downward, but when the production unit is installed on the island facility, the line 305 is directed toward the production unit installed on the island facility. Wired upward.

  Alternatively, the line connected to the rendering unit can be drawn from the display unit 306 via the line 304 instead of the line 305 directly drawn from the gaming machine. In this case, the line 305 is not necessary.

  Further, from the gaming machine 302, the game appearance status can be transmitted at regular time intervals, and the model information of the gaming machine (identified by an identification ID, an identification number, etc.) can be transmitted at the time of a big hit.

  Next, the details of the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. As the gaming machine according to the present invention, various types of gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines can be adopted. In the following, for ease of understanding of the invention, description will be made mainly using a slot machine as an example of a gaming machine.

  In FIG. 4, the external appearance of the game machine in one Embodiment of this invention is shown. 4A is a front view of the gaming machine, and FIG. 4B is a right side view of the gaming machine.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the gaming machine 400 is roughly divided in terms of the mechanism, and is attached to a housing 401 whose front surface is open and an opening surface of the housing 401 so as to be opened and closed by a hinge or the like. The front door 402 is provided. On the front portion of the front door 402, buttons and a display unit for a player to play a game are arranged as will be described later.

  A display unit 4021, an illumination unit (not shown in FIG. 4), and a speaker unit (not shown in FIG. 4) are disposed on the upper portion of the front door 402 positioned on the front surface of the gaming machine 400. A display window 403 is provided in the upper middle part of the front door 402. The player can visually observe the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of rotary reels housed in the housing 401 through the display window 403.

  More specifically, the rotary reel includes a first rotary reel 4041, a second rotary reel 4042, and a third rotary reel 4043 that are rotatably provided, and a predetermined plurality of reels are provided on the outer peripheral surface of each reel. The design of is attached. The player can see the three vertical symbols attached to the outer peripheral surfaces of the first rotating reel 4041, the second rotating reel 4042, and the third rotating reel 4043 from the display window 403, and from the first rotating reel. A total of nine symbols can be visually recognized in the vertical direction up to the third rotating reel. The display window 403 can also be configured to show four or more vertical symbols.

A game medium (medal) slot 405, a MAXBET button 406, and a status display unit (not shown in FIG. 4) are arranged on the upper surface of the table that is located in the middle of the front door 402 and protrudes from the front. Has been.
Further, on the front surface of the table provided in a protruding manner, a start lever 407, a 1BET button 408, a checkout button 409, a first rotation reel stop button 410, a second rotation reel stop button 411, and a third rotation reel stop button 412 are provided. Has been placed. A game medium (medal) tray 415 having a game medium (medal) payout opening is attached to the lower part of the front door 402.

The display unit 4021 disposed in the upper center of the front door 402 is typically a liquid crystal display (LCD), and performs presentation display or information presentation by an image or the like to the player.
In addition, a speaker unit and an illumination unit can be provided at arbitrary positions on the left and right of the display unit 4021. The display effect of the game can be enhanced by the display portion 4021, the speaker portion, and the lighting portion.

  The rotating reel provided in the housing 401 is typically composed of three pieces (first rotating reel 4041, second rotating reel 4042, third rotating reel 4043) as described above, and has a reel-like shape. And are rotatably arranged by a rotary reel driving unit composed of a stepping (pulse) motor. The rotating reels that are rotating can be stopped independently by pressing the first rotation reel stop button 410, the second rotation reel stop button 411, and the third rotation reel stop button 412. Each rotary reel stop button has a built-in lamp, and the built-in lamp is turned on when the spinning cylinder stop button can be operated. Further, when the rotary reel stop button is pressed, the lamp is turned off (or changed to another color), and the operation of the rotary reel stop button is not accepted.

  Note that the number of rotating reels may be more than three (for example, four).

  In the display window where the symbols of the first rotating reel 4041, the second rotating reel 4042, and the third rotating reel 4043 can be confirmed, the symbols of the rotating reel are effective according to the number of medals (the number of bets) inserted by the player. An effective line that is a sequence is set. Note that the number of medals (the number of bets) may be fixed at MAX (for example, 3), and an effective line may be fixedly set for the MAX value.

  The winning combination determined by the lottery process to be described later and the corresponding combination of symbols on the rotating reel are defined in advance, and it is determined whether the predetermined symbol combination is aligned on the active line. It is determined that the winning line is obtained when they are aligned on the active line.

  A medal slot 405 provided on the upper surface of the projecting table located in the middle of the front door 402 is for inserting a predetermined number of medals before the game starts. When a medal is inserted or the start lever 407 is operated after the BET button is pressed, the first rotation reel 4041, the second rotation reel 4042, and the third rotation reel 4043 are rotated, and the game is started and a prize drawing is started. Done.

  The 1 BET button 408 is for automatically inserting one medal stored in the gaming machine 400 and betting one medal on one game. By pressing the 1BET button 408, it is not necessary to insert one medal from the medal insertion slot 405. When betting two medals, the 1BET button 408 is pressed twice. When betting three medals at once, it is convenient to press the following MAXBET button 406.

  The MAXBET button 406 is for automatically inserting three medals stored in the gaming machine 400 and betting three medals on one game. The MAXBET button 406 eliminates the need to insert three medals from the medal insertion slot 405 or press the 1BET button 408 three times.

  The checkout button 409 is for paying out the internally stored (credited) medal from the medal payout opening to the medal tray 415.

  FIG. 5 illustrates functional blocks of the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. A series of characteristic operations of the gaming machine 400 to be described later is realized by individual operations of hardware described below and cooperative operations of these hardware and software.

The gaming machine includes a main control board 51 and a sub-control board 52 connected via wiring (harness) as a control configuration in one embodiment, and is housed in the housing 401.
The main control board 51 is a kind of board computer, a CPU 511 that performs arithmetic processing, device control of the gaming machine 400, a rewritable RAM 512 that temporarily stores data as a program work area, and a gaming machine ROM 513 storing 400 control programs and lottery tables for game lottery processing, etc., control unit 514 for controlling the data communication bus, etc., inputs from buttons and switches, outputs to various LEDs, etc., and rotating reels And an input / output unit 515 for driving the unit and the like.

  The main function of the main control board 51 is to perform winning lottery processing, control of rotating reels, and the like, and is designed to perform processing operations based on rules and standards relating to gaming machines.

  The sub-control board 52 is a kind of board computer, a CPU 521 that performs arithmetic processing, control of the display unit 581, a rewritable RAM 522 that temporarily stores data as a program work area, and a display unit 581. A ROM 523 storing a program for controlling the illumination unit 582 and the speaker unit 583 and various data, a control unit 524 for controlling a data communication bus, an input / output unit 525 for driving illumination, and a display unit 581. And a sound source IC 527 storing a sound source for generating sound, sound effects and the like from the speaker 583.

  The main function of the sub control board 52 is an effect based on the lottery result determined by the main control board. Specifically, the ROM 523 of the sub control board 52 also stores effect data including image data for performing various effects by the display 581, the illumination unit 582, and the speaker unit 583, and the main control board 51. The content of the effect is determined from the effect data stored in the ROM by the signal output from the ROM, and the display unit 581, the illumination unit 582, and the speaker unit 583 are driven based on the effect content. As an example, presentation of the stop button pressing order etc. is performed on the display unit 581 to produce effects that support the continuation of the player's profit state (so-called “assist time (AT)”, “assist replay time (ART)). "etc).

  The effects made by the display unit 581, the illumination unit 582, and the speaker unit 583 as described above are stored as a computer program in the ROM 523 and the like, and are realized by the CPU 521 being appropriately called and executed by the RAM 522 and the like. Is done.

  It should be noted that the control for performance on the sub control board 52 is not subject to restrictions such as rules and standards relating to the performance of the gaming machine, so that the gaming machine 400 can perform relatively free performance processing by the sub control board 52. It is possible.

  Next, the input / output system of the main control board 51 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, first, the main control board 51 has a BET button 551 (including a 1BET button and a MAXBET button), a checkout button 552, a start lever 553, and a first rotary reel stop button via an input / output unit 515. 554, the second rotation reel stop button 555, and the third rotation reel stop button 556 can be read out.

  In addition, the main control board 51 has a weight LED 561, a throwable LED 562, a replay LED 563, a start LED 564, a throwing number 7-segment LED 565, a payout number 7-segment LED 566, a stored medal via the input / output unit 515. A 7-segment LED 567 is connected, and is configured to perform lighting control of various LEDs and display control of numbers to be output to each display.

The selector unit 557 includes an insertion sensor and a solenoid (not shown), reads a signal from the insertion sensor provided in the medal insertion port 405 via the input / output unit 515, and counts the number of inserted medals. Check the authenticity of the inserted medals.
Further, the solenoid of the selector unit 557 operates so that a medal is returned even when a medal is inserted when a prescribed number of medals are inserted or when the start lever 407 is operated. Functions so that is not thrown.

  The setting key 571 of the power supply box 57 has a function of changing the payout rate for each setting by providing a stage for the winning probability of each combination in the drawing table in the drawing during the game. As an example, the winning probability can be set in six stages. The main control board 51 can manage the setting value set by the setting key 571 via the input / output unit 515. More specifically, when the setting key is turned ON, the main control board enters the setting changeable mode, and when the select switch 572 is pressed, a pressed signal is sent to the main control board and managed by the main control board. The set value is incremented (or decremented). The select switch 572 of the power supply box 57 is a switch for changing the setting value to forward (or reverse) when the setting key 571 is settable (setting ON), and the setting is not possible (OFF). When an error or the like occurs in the gaming machine, the CPU 511 etc. of the main control board 51 can be initialized. The power switch 573 is for supplying power to the gaming machine.

  The rotary reel unit 53 includes a first rotary reel drive unit 531 and a second rotary reel drive unit 532 that include stepping motors for rotating the first rotary reel 4041, the second rotary reel 4042, and the third rotary reel 4043, respectively. The third rotation reel driving unit 533 has a third rotation reel drive unit 533 and can be controlled to rotate and / or stop each rotation reel independently. Further, a first rotating reel position sensor 534, a second rotating reel position sensor 535, a third rotating reel position sensor 536 for detecting the position of each rotating reel during rotation, and indexes corresponding to the respective sensors (FIG. 5 (not shown).

For example, a predetermined position of the rotating first rotating reel is detected by the first rotating reel position sensor 534, and stepping is performed from the predetermined position (index position) of the first rotating reel detected by the first rotating reel position sensor 534. The position information of the first reel can be acquired by counting the number of pulses that have driven the motor. Similarly, with respect to the second and third rotating reels, the position information of the respective rotating reels can be obtained by the second rotating reel position sensor 535 and the third rotating reel position sensor 536.
In this way, it is possible to control the display of symbols based on the result of lottery processing described later.

  The hopper unit 54 is for paying out medals at the time of winning a prize, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out by a hopper driving unit and a payout sensor (not shown).

  In addition, an external relay terminal (not shown in FIG. 5) is provided to connect the main control board 51 and a data lamp (not shown in FIG. 5) for displaying game data provided outside, It functions as a terminal for transmitting a signal from the control board 51 to the data lamp.

  The programs or software necessary for implementing the present invention are normally installed or stored in the memories such as the ROMs 513 and 523, and all or one of them is stored in the memories such as the RAMs 512 and 522 as necessary when the programs or software are executed. CPU 511 and 521 execute the calculation.

  It should be noted that the execution of the calculation is not necessarily performed by a central processing unit such as a CPU, and an auxiliary arithmetic unit such as a digital signal processor (DSP) (not shown) may be employed.

[Lottery processing]
For example, the lottery process in the gaming machine 400 is executed based on programs and tables stored in the ROM 513 of the main control board 51 when the start lever is operated. In addition to the lottery processing program, the ROM 513 stores a winning probability table, a symbol table, a winning symbol combination table, and the like. In the winning probability table, random numbers generated by a random number generation unit (not shown) are classified and stored in association with various winnings and “no winning (out)”. By referring to the generated random number data and a winning rate table, etc., various winnings or losing of the game are determined.

  At this time, if the result of the lottery process is out of control, control is performed so that the predetermined symbols are not aligned, or conversely, if the result of the lottery process is a win, the stop button is pressed at a predetermined timing, etc. In some cases, control may be performed so that predetermined symbols are aligned. These controls are called “slip control” or “pull-in control”. As an example, if there is a rule such as “stop reel within 0.19 seconds after pressing the stop button”, the number of frames (number of symbols) that can be played back by calculating backward from the rotation speed of the reel Is determined. After various winnings, medals corresponding to winning symbols are paid out when predetermined symbols are prepared.

[Basic concept of notification processing]
One of the features of the present invention is that a notice signal transmitted from a gaming machine is received by a production unit and a notice production is performed (hereinafter, this notification signal is simply referred to as “notification signal”).

  Furthermore, another feature of the present invention is that the effect unit receives two types of notification signals transmitted from the gaming machine and performs the notification effect (hereinafter, the notification signal in this case is referred to as “first notification signal”). And “second notification signal”).

  The notification signal, the first notification signal, and the second notification signal are all signals that the jackpot has been determined by drawing on the main control board, and that is indicated on the display by the gaming machine, Various notification methods may be employed such as lighting a lamp, lighting a specific lamp, and transmitting a corresponding electrical signal to the outside.

  In particular, examples of a notification method in a gaming machine that employs two types of notification signals, such as a first notification signal and a second notification signal, include methods as shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 6A shows an example implemented as a specific notification lamp area provided in a peripheral area on the front surface of the gaming machine, for example. In the notification lamp area 61 of FIG. 6A, the first notification lamp 611 is provided in an inconspicuous position and in an inconspicuous size, while the second notification lamp 612 is provided so as to be conspicuous with respect to the first notification lamp. It is done.

  As an example, the first notification lamp 611 employs an ultra-compact LED light or the like having a light emitting portion diameter of about 1 to several millimeters, and the second notification lamp has a logo (e.g. In the drawing, “Bingo” is described as an example) and a figure or the like designed as necessary is arranged.

  In other words, the purpose of the first notification lamp 611 is not necessarily to notify the player that the winning has been confirmed, but to perform an operation of notifying the player without being aware of it at all. . On the other hand, the purpose of the second notification lamp 612 is to notify the player that the winning has been confirmed. As a typical gaming situation, when the player is notified of the winning decision, the first notice lamp 611 is not noticed but the second notice lamp 612 is almost certainly noticed.

  Then, the purpose of the notification lamp in a gaming machine provided with a simple notification lamp that does not use two types of notification lamps separately can be said to be the same as the purpose of the second notification lamp in a gaming machine that uses two types of notification lamps.

  FIG. 6B shows another arrangement example of the first notification lamp and the second notification lamp. As shown in FIG. 6 (B), the first notification lamp 621 is provided so as to be buried in the electric decoration part at the upper front of the gaming machine, while the second notification lamp 622 is the front of the gaming machine and Provided on the right side of the three-turn reel. The functions and purposes of the first notification lamp 621 and the second notification lamp 622 are the same as those of the first notification lamp 611 and the second notification lamp 612, respectively.

  FIG. 6C shows another arrangement example of the first notification lamp (for example, the above-described arrangement is adopted for the second notification lamp). The display of “96” shown in FIG. 6C is a symbol display in a gaming machine (typically pachinko). Although different depending on the model of the gaming machine, when a symbol display device such as a so-called special symbol (typically a 7-segment numeric display) is adopted, the first notification lamp 631 is buried in a part of the symbol. Can be arranged. The function and purpose of the first notification lamp 631 are the same as those of the first notification lamp 611 and the first notification lamp 621.

[Simultaneous notification example]
FIG. 7 shows an operation example of the game effect device in one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 7A to 7C show the island facilities on which the game effect device in one embodiment of the present invention is installed in time series. A specific player assigns a winning decision along a time series, and a signal is transmitted to the effect unit to visually represent how the effect process is performed.

In FIG. 7A, the players 711 to 715 are seated in order from the gaming machine 701 to the gaming machine 705 at the left end of the island facility with the rendering unit 71 installed in the upper part and enjoying the game. Initially, none of the players has yet to win, but at a certain point in time, the player 711 has assigned a winning hit such as BB or RB winning by an internal lottery, for example. In this case, if the gaming machines 701 to 705 installed in the island facility are specifications that transmit or emit (send) only one type of notification signal, the game machine is controlled to operate in the following procedure ( Even if there is only one type of “notification signal” to be transmitted or transmitted, for example, by using an on / off signal by an electrical signal or by using a light emission signal by an infrared LED or the like, Other game status signals of the gaming machine, such as an end signal, can be transmitted or transmitted (sent).
[When there is one type of notification signal]
(A) The gaming machine that has made a winning decision by lottery immediately transmits a notification signal to the effecting unit (along with transmission of length information of a predetermined time A described later. The predetermined time A in this case) The transmission timing of the length information may be simultaneously with the transmission timing of the notification signal). In addition, the “predetermined time A” may be a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) stored in the memory of the gaming machine and the production device, or the length of the production by drawing by the main control board or the sub control board. The height may be changed (for example, 3 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, etc.).
(B) On the other hand, a gaming machine that has made a hit decision does not make a notification by a notification lamp or the like until a predetermined time A (for example, about 5 seconds) elapses. In other words, the gaming machine that has made a hit decision performs notification by a notification lamp or the like after a predetermined time A has elapsed.
(C) The effect unit that has received the notification signal in (b) performs effect processing for a predetermined time A (in this case, the length of the predetermined time A is preset in the memory for the effect unit, Alternatively, the length information of the predetermined time A is received from the gaming machine together with the notification signal at the timing of (a) described above). When the predetermined time A is changed (the length is determined by, for example, a lottery on the gaming machine side and notified), for example, an effect process (for example, an effect for 3 seconds, 5 seconds production, 10 seconds production, etc.).

  FIG. 7B is a visual representation of the above situation (b). That is, in FIG. 7 (B), the player 711 has already assigned the winning confirmation with the gaming machine 701, and the notification signal is transmitted from the gaming machine 701 to the rendering unit 71, and the rendering unit has a gaming machine installed on the island facility. An effect is made to notify that any one of them has won.

On the other hand, in FIG. 7 (B), the player 701 to 705 is determined to be hit because the player 701 does not make a hit notification to the player using a notification lamp or the like until the predetermined time A has elapsed. I think that I might have won, I will be enthusiastic about the game to make use of games such as pushing to align the jackpot symbol.
During this time, all of the players 711 to 715 who play with the gaming machines 701 to 705 installed in the island facility are expected to win, although only 701 is the winning game machine. You can enjoy it at the same time.

  Then, when a predetermined time A has elapsed after the gaming machine 701 has made a hit decision, a notice by lighting a notification lamp or the like is performed to notify the player 711 of the hit decision.

At this time, the player 711 knows his / her hitting decision, but if the announcement effect in the effecting unit 71 is continued without stopping, the other players 712 to 715 may still have won the winning decision. Continue to be enthusiastic about the game with no thought. Then, the effect unit 71 receives the jackpot start signal transmitted when the gaming machine 701 starts the jackpot and ends the notification effect.
On the other hand, if the effect in the effect unit 71 is stopped when the predetermined time A has elapsed since the game machine 701 has made a winning decision, the other players other than the player 711 have not assigned the winning decision. Know that there is no, continue the game in anticipation of the next chance.
As described above, various effect patterns can be applied to the present invention.

  Although not shown in FIG. 7, if the player 711 succeeds in stopping the winning symbol with the gaming machine 701 from the state of FIG. 7C, the gaming unit 701 separately produces the effect unit 71. By transmitting a jackpot start signal to the effect unit 71, the effect unit 71 may be controlled to notify that the jackpot game in the gaming machine 701 has started again.

In addition, when the gaming machines 701 to 705 installed in the island facility have specifications that transmit two types of notification signals (first notification signal and second notification signal), the game machines 701 to 705 are controlled to operate according to the following procedure. (Note that even if there are only two types of “notification signals” to be transmitted, for example, an on / off signal by an electrical signal or a light emission signal by an infrared LED or the like is used, Other status signals on the gaming machine such as a hit end signal can be transmitted or transmitted).
[When there are two types of notification signals]
(D) The gaming machine that has made a winning decision by drawing immediately transmits a first notification signal to the effect unit and turns on the first notification lamp.
(E) On the other hand, the gaming machine that has made a hit decision does not make a notification by the second notification lamp or the like until a predetermined time A (for example, about 5 seconds) has elapsed. In other words, the gaming machine that has made a hit decision performs notification by the second notification lamp or the like after the predetermined time A has elapsed.
(F) The effect unit that has received the first notification signal in (d) above starts the effect process.
(G) After the lapse of the predetermined time A, the gaming machine that has made a hit decision notifies the second notification lamp or the like and transmits a second notification signal to the effect unit.
(H) The effect unit that has received the second notification signal stops the effect process.

At the time of the above (g) or (h), the player 711 knows his / her hitting confirmation, but at the time of (h), if the production in the production unit 71 is continued without stopping, the other player 712 ~ 715 will continue to be enthusiastic about the game with the thought that he may still win and win. Then, the effect unit 71 receives the jackpot start signal transmitted when the gaming machine 701 starts the jackpot and ends the notification effect.
On the other hand, as described in (h), if the production in the production unit 71 is stopped at the time when the second notification signal is received, the other players other than the player 711 have not assigned the winning decision. Knowing that, continue the game in anticipation of the next chance.
As described above, various effect patterns can be applied to the present invention.

[Example of connection of production unit]
FIG. 8 shows a connection example of the game effect device in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8A is a connection example employed in the embodiments described so far, and a common effect unit 81 for the gaming machines 811 to 814 installed in the island facility is provided. Therefore, all the notification signals (or the first notification signal and the second notification signal) transmitted from the gaming machines 811 to 814 are transmitted or transmitted to the effect unit 81.

  On the other hand, FIG. 8B is another connection example as a variation, and dedicated presentation units 82a to 82d are provided for the gaming machines 821 to 824 installed in the island facility. In this case, the notification signals (or the first notification signal and the second notification signal) transmitted from the gaming machines 821 to 824 are transmitted or transmitted to the production units 82a to 82d, respectively, as shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the production units 82a to 82d are also connected so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and the production units 82a to 82d can output the same video (and sound) at the same time, or can be continuously produced between the production units 82a to 82d. It is also possible to output or control a flowing video (for example, moving the character so as to run through the effects 82a to 82d).

[Operation processing flow including signal flow]
FIG. 9 shows an operation processing flow including a signal flow of the gaming system including the game effect device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Although this flow overlaps with the operations in the embodiments described so far, alternatives and other variations are described in more detail.

  In FIG. 9, for the sake of convenience, it is assumed that the gaming machine A and the gaming machine B are connected to the effect unit and both are played by the player. When a BB (Big Bonus) win is determined in gaming machine A at time t1, the first notification lamp is turned on (E901). At time t2, a BB winning signal (first notification signal) is transmitted or transmitted from the gaming machine A to the effect unit (E902). As described in the above embodiments, t1 and t2 may coincide with each other, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a time difference may be provided. During this time (between t1 and t2), the game machine A can also make a unique effect. The time for providing a time difference from t1 to t2 is not limited to these, but is, for example, about several tens of milliseconds to 2 seconds.

  At time t2 (at the same time as time t1 in some cases), the presentation unit that has received the first notification signal performs a jackpot notice (that one of the gaming machines installed on the island facility has been confirmed to have won the jackpot) E903). As an example, the presentation unit is notified of the jackpot at about 5 seconds from time t1 to time t2. Based on a predetermined length of time set in advance in the effect unit, it may be controlled to make a big hit notice until time t4, or transmitted when the second notification lamp is turned on (E905) in gaming machine A at time t4. It may be controlled to stop the jackpot notice in response to the second notification signal. In this respect, the transmission or transmission of the second notification signal is arbitrary.

  On the other hand, when a BB (Big Bonus) win is determined in gaming machine B at time t3, the first notification lamp is turned on (E904). At time t5, a BB winning signal (first notification signal) is transmitted or transmitted from the gaming machine B to the effect unit (E906). As described in the above embodiments, t3 and t5 may coincide with each other, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a time difference may be provided. During this period (between t3 and t5), the game machine B can also make a unique effect. The time for providing the time difference from t3 to t5 is not limited to these, but is, for example, about several tens of milliseconds to 2 seconds.

  At time t5 (in some cases, at the same time as time t3), the effect unit that has received the first notification signal performs a jackpot notice (that one of the gaming machines installed on the island facility has been confirmed to have received a jackpot) effect processing ( E907). As an example, the presentation unit performs the jackpot notice for about 5 seconds from time t3 to time t5. Based on a predetermined length of time set in advance in the effect unit, it may be controlled to make a big hit notice until time t6, or transmitted when the second notification lamp is lit (E908) in gaming machine B at time t6. It may be controlled to stop the jackpot notice in response to the second notification signal. In this respect, the transmission or transmission of the second notification signal is arbitrary.

  Here, it should be noted that in FIG. 9, at time t3 (when BB wins at gaming machine B), the stage unit is in the process of making a jackpot notice in response to the BB winning of gaming machine A. That is. In FIG. 9, for convenience of explanation, the jackpot notice (E907) that received the BB winning of the gaming machine B is started from time t5 after the end (time t4) of the jackpot notice (E903) that received the BB winning of the gaming machine A. ing. However, the present invention is not limited to such processing control, and still other effects are possible when a winning of another gaming machine is received during a jackpot notice that has received a winning determination of one gaming machine ( Later).

In FIG. 9, it is shown that simultaneous production is possible with other winnings (other winnings) other than the jackpot winning such as BB. In other words, in the figure, when a winning combination is made at gaming machine A at time t7 (E909), a winning signal (a status signal different from the above-mentioned notification signal) is sent from gaming machine A to the production unit at time t8. Transmission or transmission is made (E910). The time t7 and the time t8 may be substantially the same time. At time t8, a winning announcement effect is performed in the effect unit (E911).
Then, from time t8, a winning effect is implemented in the gaming machine A, and the winning effect of the gaming machine A is also notified to the entire island facility via the rendering unit.

[Non-participation in announcement via production unit]
In the description so far, in the island facility where the game effect device according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed, all the game machines are uniformly performing the notification effect by the effect unit (all machines participation), However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a player who does not want to participate in the announcement production by the production unit reflects his intention through input means (not shown) such as switches and buttons provided in the gaming machine in advance. Can do. No notification signal or winning signal is transmitted from the gaming machine on which the player plays to the effect unit, and the player's gaming intention can be respected.

[Other processing when receiving a notification signal from another gaming machine while the production unit is producing while receiving the notification signal from one gaming machine]
As a variation of the process shown in FIG. 9, it is understood that if a winning of another game machine is received during the jackpot notice that received a winning decision of one gaming machine, the winning decision is given to a plurality of gaming machines. You may decide to carry out a more special performance that can be done. When such a special performance is performed, a player who plays in the island facility can recognize that the decision has been made by hitting at least two or more players. It can be expected to increase.

In addition, when a decision is made to hit one or more other gaming machines in duplicate for a predetermined period (until the end of the notice effect by the gaming machine that has been confirmed first), that effect (for example, through the effect unit) If the number of people confirmed at the same time is announced, it can be expected that the player's interest in the game will increase further according to the number of people confirmed at the same time.
At this time, in addition to the announcement of the number of people confirmed at the same time, or instead of the announcement of the number of people confirmed at the same time, the more the number of people confirmed within the predetermined period in the same island facility, the more flashy production (so-called rareness It is also possible to control so that a high performance) is performed.

[Example in which a notification signal is a light emission signal by a light emitter]
The first notification signal (electric signal transmitted from the gaming machine to the game effect device via the signal line) is omitted, and the first notification lamp is used as a light emitter such as an infrared LED, and the first notification lamp is detected. The optical sensor is connected to a game effect device, and the game sensor device is configured to detect the game state (such as jackpot) of each game machine by causing the light sensor to detect the light emission of the first notification lamp of the game machine. You can also Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 10, the example of a connection of the game production apparatus in other embodiment of this invention is shown. As shown in FIG. 10A, the game effect device includes an effect unit 101 and optical sensors 101a to 101d for detecting a first notification lamp of a gaming machine installed in an island facility. 101a to 101d are connected to the rendering unit 101, respectively. Further, as shown in the figure, the optical sensors 101a to 101d are attached to the positions of the first notification lamps of the gaming machines 1021 to 1024 (for example, the gaming machine of the type shown in FIG. 6B). . Then, the first notification lamps transmitted from the gaming machines 1021 to 1024 installed in the island facility are detected by the optical sensors 101a to 101d and transmitted to the effect unit 101.

  FIG. 10B shows another connection example as a variation, and dedicated presentation units 103a to 103d are provided for the gaming machines 1041 to 1044 installed in the island facility. Optical sensors 103e to 103h are connected to the production units 103a to 103d, respectively, and attached to the positions of the first notification lamps of the gaming machines 1041 to 1044 (for example, the gaming machine of the type shown in FIG. 6A). Yes. The notification lamps transmitted from the gaming machines 1041 to 1044 are detected by the optical sensors 103e to 103h and transmitted to the effect units 82a to 82d, respectively, but as shown in FIG. 103a to 103d are communicably connected to each other, and the same video (and audio) is simultaneously output by the rendering units 103a to 103d, or a video that continuously flows between the rendering units 103a to 103d (for example, It is also possible to output or control the character to move to the effects 103a to 103d.

[Further application examples]
In the above-described embodiment, the slot machine has been mainly described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the installation example of the first notification lamp has been described with reference to FIG. It can also be applied to pachinko machines. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to island facilities in which only slot machines are installed or island facilities in which only pachinko machines are installed, but can also be applied to island facilities in which slot machines and pachinko machines are installed together. Needless to say.
Here, the internal winnings such as “BB winning” and “RB winning” in the slot machine correspond to “big hit” in the lottery performed when the game ball flows into the starting point in the pachinko machine, and more details Corresponds to the case where the “big jackpot” has obtained a big jackpot random number by holding look-ahead. The hold prefetching in the pachinko machine is a function for notifying before a change if there is a big hit random number in the hold, and also has a function for notifying until the next hit or the next next hit. Such a look-ahead function of the pachinko machine can correspond to the internal winning in the slot machine of the above embodiment.

Furthermore, the embodiment for detecting BB or ART winning using an optical sensor for detecting a notification lamp has been mainly described with reference to FIG. 10, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the sensor is not limited to this. As a signal of the gaming machine to be detected, other light signals can be used in addition to the notification lamp and the infrared LED.
Further, what has been described as the “second notification lamp” in the above-described embodiment is not limited to the lamp, but may be a specific display (or effect) or sound effect displayed on the liquid crystal display. There is no problem.

  In addition, as a substitute signal for the signal described as the “second notification signal” in the above-described embodiment, a “big hit signal” or a “big hit start signal” may be employed. In this case, each gaming machine transmits, instead of transmitting the “second notification signal”, a “big hit signal” when the jackpot is confirmed or a “big hit start signal” when the big hit is started to the effect device. The production device receives or detects this and controls the production process.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of the game production apparatus etc. concerning this invention was described based on the specific example, a program other than a method or a program is recorded as embodiment of the lottery process and / or production process concerning this invention. It is also possible to take an embodiment as a storage medium (for example, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a magnetic tape, a hard disk, a memory card).

  Further, the implementation form of the program is not limited to an application program such as an object code compiled by a compiler and a program code executed by an interpreter, but may be a form of a program module incorporated in an operating system. good.

  Furthermore, it is not always necessary for the program to be executed only by the CPU on the control board, but if necessary, an expansion board attached to the board or another processing unit (DSP or the like) mounted on the expansion unit. ) May be partly or wholly implemented.

  These features are mutually exclusive for all of the components described in this specification (including claims, abstract, and drawings) and / or for all steps of all disclosed methods or processes. Except for the combination, any combination can be used.

  Also, each feature described in the specification (including the claims, abstract, and drawings) serves the same purpose, equivalent purpose, or similar purpose, unless expressly denied. Alternative features can be substituted. Thus, unless expressly denied, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of identical or equivalent features.

  Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to any specific configuration of the above-described embodiment. The invention includes all novel features or combinations thereof described in the specification (including claims, abstract and drawings), or all novel methods or process steps described, or Can be extended to any combination.

11 Game ground 111, 112, 113 Game machine 119 Game production device 1191 Production unit (display including arithmetic unit, memory, timing means, etc.)
1192a, 1192b, 1192c I / F unit

Claims (6)

When a win is allocated, a notification signal and a predetermined length of time are transmitted by the hit allocation, and a plurality of gaming machines that perform a hit notification after a predetermined time from the hit allocation are installed in the island facility where the transmission is performed and transmitted. A game effect device for receiving a notification signal and a predetermined time length and performing an effect process,
The game effect device which starts the winning notification effect upon reception of the notification signal, and ends the winning notification effect after the received predetermined time elapses after the notification effect starts. The game effect device according to claim 1 , wherein the notification effect is changed according to the length of the received predetermined time. If a notification signal is received from another gaming machine after the start of the winning notification effect by the reception of the notification signal and before the end of the winning notification effect, it is confirmed that a plurality of gaming machines have been won. game effects device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an effect for notifying. When a win is allocated, a notification signal and a predetermined length of time are transmitted by the hit allocation, and a plurality of gaming machines that perform a hit notification after a predetermined time from the hit allocation are installed in the island facility where the transmission is performed and transmitted. A computer program implemented in a game effect device that receives a notification signal and a predetermined time length and performs an effect process, and when executed by the device,
Starting the hit notification effect by receiving the notification signal;
A program for executing the step of ending the winning notification effect after a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the notification effect. The program according to claim 4 , wherein the step of changing the notification effect according to the length of the received predetermined time is executed. If a notification signal is received from another gaming machine after the start of the winning notification effect by the reception of the notification signal and before the end of the winning notification effect, it is confirmed that a plurality of gaming machines have been won. The program according to claim 4 or 5 , wherein a step of performing an effect of notification is executed.