JP6133733B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine, and a management system for a game hall in which these gaming machines are installed.

  Conventionally, there has been proposed a system for notifying a player of a game hall of an alarm when a fire or an earthquake occurs (Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  In Patent Document 1, each gaming machine is equipped with an emergency contact speaker capable of communicating with a hall server, and emergency information is communicated to each gaming machine by operating a key switch or an emergency switch for inputting an emergency signal to the hall server. A system to do this is proposed.

  Patent Document 2 proposes a system that outputs disaster prevention information using an effect display screen and a data display screen of a gaming machine on condition that the earthquake early warning receiving device has received the earthquake early warning.

  Patent Document 3 proposes a gaming machine configured to perform an evacuation recommendation process on a liquid crystal display screen on condition that a disaster signal is received from a hall computer, and not to perform an effect operation during the evacuation recommendation process.

  According to these conventional techniques, an alarm can be given to a player when a situation requiring evacuation such as a fire or an earthquake occurs.

JP 2008-79647 (Abstract, FIGS. 1 and 2) JP-A-209-136438 (Summary, FIG. 2, FIG. 10, FIG. 26) JP 2011-24931 (Abstract, FIGS. 3 and 4)

  However, in the amusement hall, there is a possibility that the alarm generated by the in-store broadcasting or the alarm device cannot be sufficiently heard due to the sound generated from the gaming machine or related equipment. On the other hand, if the volume of a sound effect or the like generated by the gaming machine is too low, a sufficient effect by the gaming machine cannot be obtained. Even in the case of display, there is a possibility that it is not possible to distinguish whether the display is an integral part of the production.

  Moreover, while the urgency at the time of a fire occurrence differs from the urgency at the time of an earthquake occurrence, the prior art is merely reporting fire and earthquake in the same way.

  In addition, information desired to be notified to the player in the game hall is not limited to fires and earthquakes, and these various types of information have different degrees of urgency.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to enable a player to accurately notify urgent information to a player without reducing the effect of the gaming machine.

The gaming machine of the present invention made to achieve such an object, as exemplified in FIGS. 1A and 2B, is a notification means for receiving a signal from outside and notifying predetermined information. The gaming machine provided with M1 is further characterized by having the following configuration.
(1) wherein the predetermined information is set so as representative of the level of urgency by information representative of a level of a plurality of stages to those the information (high / low, high / middle / low) when having urgency depending on the degree of urgency (LVemr), that it comprises a notification manner changing means M2 for changing the notification manner by pre-Symbol notification means M1.
(2) The notification mode changing means M2 is configured as means (S1A to S1C) for changing the notification mode stepwise according to the degree of urgency of the information (LVemr).
(4) The notifying means M1 is configured as means for notifying the predetermined information by display output on the display screen LCD, and the notifying mode changing means M2 is notified by changing the display area on the display screen LCD. A means (S3A to S3D) for notifying the urgent information so as to enlarge the display area on the display screen LCD as the degree of urgency of the information increases. The notification of the predetermined information by the notification means M1 is executed as a display output to a window displayed so as to reduce the background display area on the display screen LCD, and the notification mode change by the notification mode change means M2 is performed. The display area of the window in the display screen LCD increases as the degree of urgency of the information having urgency increases. It is configured as to be executed by the switching of the ratio of the display area of the background display area and the window so as to hear.
(A) In accordance with the switching of the ratio between the background display area and the window display area by the notification mode changing means M2, a symbol variation display based on variation pattern data having different symbol sizes stored in advance is performed. And a means for reducing the symbol variation display area.

Examples of the notification means M1 include a display output alone, or a combination of a display output and an audio output or a lamp output . In addition, the notification means M1 may be configured to use a device (LCD, LED, SP) used for the production of the gaming machine, or a device (for example, an alarm buzzer, An alarm lamp or the like) may be used as the notification means in the present invention, and a combination of the effect notification means and the dedicated notification means may be used.

  The predetermined information includes [information that may require evacuation] such as earthquake information and fire information, precautions for leaving, and forgetting to remove media cards from the ball lending machine (CR Sand). Information for promoting rain], heavy rain warning, typhoon approach information, public transportation operation information [information that affects the return trip], [information for notification] such as event notices and advertisements, etc. Can do.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1B, an external signal is given to the gaming machine P with a degree of urgency by operating switches (SW1, SW2) provided in the hall computer HC, The degree of urgency (LVemr) may be determined on the gaming machine P side. As illustrated in FIG. 1C, the hall computer HC that has received weather information, traffic information, etc. by the external information receiving means M3 The game machine P may be made to receive after judging the degree of urgency (LVemr) from the contents. In this case, the signal transmission between the hall computer HC and the gaming machine P may be performed through the external information terminal board of the gaming machine, or a CR sand connected to the gaming machine may be interposed. Good.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, when the information to be transmitted to the player through the gaming machine is urgent, the notification mode changing means may select, for example, [Possibility of evacuation depending on the degree of urgency of the information. Change the notification mode according to the degree of urgency, such as: [information with warning]> [information for prompting attention at the time of leaving]> [information that affects the return trip]> [information for notification] . In addition, since the notification mode can be changed in stages, it is easy for the player to distinguish the level of urgency of the information.

More specifically, these gaming machines of the present invention can also have the following configuration as illustrated in FIG.
(3) The notification means M1 is configured as means for notifying the predetermined information by sound output from the sound output means SP, and the notification mode change means M2 changes the notification mode by changing the volume (VLM). Means for differentiating means for notifying the urgent information at a volume higher than the environmental reference volume of the game hall so that the volume becomes louder as the degree of urgency of the information becomes higher (S2A to S2D) Be configured as.

  This is because in the notification by sound output, the player's attention can be urged by notifying the information at a larger volume as the degree of urgency is higher. In the game hall, sound such as sound effects is currently generated within the range of the environmental reference volume (95 dB). Therefore, it is desirable to suppress the information to a low level of 95 dB or less when information with a low level of urgency such as [information for notification] is voiced. However, urgency such as [information that may require evacuation] is preferable. When the degree is high and information to be reliably transmitted to the player is notified by voice output, there is a possibility that the information cannot be accurately transmitted to the player at 95 dB or less. In the gaming machine of the present invention, when the degree of urgency is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, the volume is set to be higher than the environmental reference volume, and as the degree of urgency is higher, the volume is increased to [information that may require evacuation]. Thus, information with a very high degree of urgency can be accurately transmitted to the player without being misunderstood as a consistent production. Such a change in volume causes the gaming machine to be provided with a speaker having a maximum output characteristic exceeding 95 dB as hardware, and in a “normal state” or “a state in which information with a low degree of urgency is notified”, the gaming machine If the computer becomes a voice notification mode in which the volume is determined by software that changes the volume characteristic within a range of 95 dB or less of the speaker output, and “the state in which highly urgent information is reported” is entered, It can be executed such as switching to a sound notification mode in which the sound volume is determined by hardware, such as performing sound notification by output.

In addition, these gaming machines of the present invention have the following configuration as a basic configuration as illustrated in FIG.
(4) The notifying means M1 is configured as means for notifying the predetermined information by display output on the display screen LCD, and the notifying mode changing means M2 is notified by changing the display area on the display screen LCD. A means (S3A to S3D) for notifying the urgent information so as to enlarge the display area on the display screen LCD as the degree of urgency of the information increases. That.

  Since the display screen LCD of the gaming machine is a place where the player is paying attention, the display output on the display screen can be said to be a notification method suitable for prompting the player to pay attention. At this time, the display mode changing means M2 changes the mode of notification such as telop display or another window display according to the degree of urgency. For example, [information for notification] and [information that affects the return trip] are in the form of notification using only a small display area of the display screen as a telop display (S3A → S3D), [Information for urgent attention] etc. opens another window on the display screen (S3A → S3C), and information with extremely high urgency such as [Information that may require evacuation] is displayed on the full screen ( S3A → S3B). If the display area becomes large, it is difficult for the player who is paying attention to the display screen to overlook, and the player can be made to visually recognize highly urgent information accurately.

  As shown in FIG. 2C, the “notification mode according to the degree of urgency” is an urgent determination means (S4A) for changing the notification mode based on “type of information to be notified”. To S4G) may be realized by providing the notification mode changing means M2.

  As already exemplified, [information that may require evacuation] such as earthquake information and fire information, [information for prompting attention when leaving the seat] ], Such as heavy rain warnings, typhoon approach information, public transportation operation information [information that affects the return trip], [notification information] such as event notices and advertisements, etc. Information to be used can distinguish the degree of urgency by type. Therefore, by configuring the notification mode changing means as a means for changing the notification mode based on the type of information, it becomes easier to technically realize the appropriate selection of the appropriate notification mode, and the type of information It is possible to respond quickly to any increase or decrease. Note that the type of information depends on whether the information was received as an earthquake bulletin, received from a fire alarm, received as traffic information, or periodically notified by a timer, etc. Can be carved reliably.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine provided with a notification means for receiving a signal from the outside and notifying predetermined information, and further has the following configuration. It can also be configured as a gaming machine characterized by having.
(1) wherein the predetermined information is the degree of this the information representative of the level of the plurality of stages to the information (high / low) by the emergency set so as representative of the level of urgency of the case having urgency (LVemr ) in accordance with, that it comprises a notification manner changing means M2 for changing the notification manner by pre-Symbol notification means M1.
(2) The notification mode changing means M2 is configured as means (S1A to S1C) for changing the notification mode stepwise according to the degree of urgency of the information (LVemr).
(4) The notifying means M1 is configured as means for notifying the predetermined information by display output on the display screen LCD, and the notifying mode changing means M2 is notified by changing the display area on the display screen LCD. A means (S3A to S3D) for notifying the urgent information so as to enlarge the display area on the display screen LCD as the degree of urgency of the information increases. The notification of the predetermined information by the notification means M1 is executed as a display output to a window displayed so as to reduce the background display area on the display screen LCD, and the notification mode change by the notification mode change means M2 is performed. The display area of the window in the display screen LCD increases as the degree of urgency of the information having urgency increases. It is configured as a means for performing the switching of the ratio of the display area of the background display area and the window so as to hear.
(5) When notifying the urgent information from the notification means M1, the game state restriction means M5 for restricting the operation to the game control means M4 that controls the progress of the game in the gaming machine P is provided. Be prepared.
(6) The gaming state limiting means M5 causes the gaming control means M4 to be in a gaming state so as to be in a state where a normal game can be performed, a part of the game is limited, or a state where a game cannot be performed. It is comprised as a means (S5A-S5C) which restricts the said gaming state by switching.
(B) In a state in which the normal game can be performed or in a state in which a part of the game is limited, it is stored in advance according to the switching of the ratio between the background display area and the window display area by the notification mode changing means M2. Means are provided for reducing the symbol variation display area so as to perform symbol variation display based on variation pattern data having different symbol sizes.

  Here, the “operational restriction” may include measures such as stopping the launch of the game ball or interrupting the progress of the jackpot round. By adding operational restrictions by means of gaming state restriction means, it is possible to make the player understand naturally that information with urgency is not consistent in production, and to promote the transition to the evacuation system Become.

  In addition, by providing the configuration of (6), for example, [information for notification] and [information that affects the return path] are information for immediately causing a player to take some action. Because there is not, it is notified in the state where the normal game can be performed, and [Information to call attention at the time of leaving the seat] makes the player notice "That?" In the same manner, [information that may require evacuation] can be divided into notifications that make it easy for evacuation action to occur immediately in a state where a game cannot be performed. In [Information that may require evacuation], the degree of urgency differs between a fire and an earthquake, the possibility of a fire due to overheating of a gaming machine by a thermal sensor, and a fire by a smoke sensor. In the case of an earthquake, the degree of urgency differs, and even in the case of an earthquake, the degree of urgency varies depending on the seismic intensity and the relationship with the epicenter. Therefore, the level of restriction of these gaming states can be changed even between fires and earthquakes. This can also be advantageous in avoiding subsequent confusion.

  The game state can be limited by setting a connection signal (VL signal) between the CR sand and the gaming machine to a disconnected state in a game arcade where a CR sand is installed on the game island. By limiting the gaming state via the CR sand, it becomes possible to limit the gaming state without inputting a signal to the main control board, and the present invention is carried out while satisfying the regulatory restrictions. be able to.

Therefore, the gaming machine provided with the above (5) and (6) can also have the following configuration as a specific aspect, as illustrated in FIG.
(7) An interface means M6 for exchanging signals between the ball lending machine and the CR sand is provided, and when the gaming state restricting means M5 is operated, the operation of the CR sand is performed through the interface means M6. It is also equipped with CR sand restriction means M7 for adding restrictions.

In this case, a CR sand indicator can be used as the notification means M1. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine P, a gaming medium lending machine CR connected to the control device PC of the gaming machine P, and a signal to the gaming medium lending machine CR. A game in which the hall computer HC receives a signal from the outside and notifies the predetermined information via the notification means M1 provided in at least one of the gaming machine P and the ball lending machine CR. The venue management system can also be realized by a game hall management system having the following configuration.
(21) When the predetermined information has urgency, the hall computer HC includes notification mode changing means M2 that changes the notification mode by the notification means M1 according to the degree of urgency of the information. about.
(22) When notifying the urgent information from the notification means M1, the hall computer HC is connected to the game medium lending machine CR by limiting the operation of the game medium lending machine CR. A gaming state restriction means M5 for restricting the operation of the game by the control device PC.

  For example, when notifying [information that may require evacuation], even if the button of the game medium lending machine is pressed, a game ball or coin does not come out, and a medium such as a card is returned. Information indicating high urgency is notified while a connection signal (VL signal) with a lending machine is set to a disconnected state so that a game ball cannot be launched.

  Note that the game medium lending machine may be a built-in game machine itself as well as a CR sand that is installed separately between game machines.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately notify urgent information to the player without reducing the effect of the gaming machine in the game hall. Through accurate information transmission, there is also an effect that it is possible for a player to play a game with more peace of mind.

The configuration of the problem solving means is exemplified, (A) is a conceptual diagram of the relationship between the notification means and the notification mode changing means, and (B), (C) are conceptual diagrams of the relationship between the hall computer and the gaming machine. The configuration of the problem solving means is exemplified, (A) is a conceptual diagram in the case of having a notification mode changing means by changing the volume, (B) is a conceptual diagram in the case of having a notification mode changing means by changing the display area, (C ) Is a conceptual diagram when the notification mode changing means is provided with urgency determining means. The configuration of the problem solving means is exemplified, (A) is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between the notification mode changing means and the gaming state limiting means, and (B) is a conceptual diagram in the case of further comprising CR sand limiting means. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration of problem solving means as a game hall management system in which a hall computer is involved; 1 shows a game hall management system according to Embodiment 1, wherein (A) is a conceptual diagram of the overall configuration, and (B) is a flowchart of an external information output command of the hall computer. The pachinko machine of Example 1 is shown, (A) is a perspective view of the state which removed the game board, (B) is a front view, (C) is an exploded perspective view. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control apparatus of the pachinko machine of Example 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining the prize ball payout control process in the pachinko machine of Example 1, (A) is a block diagram of a control system, (B) is a flowchart of an arithmetic process, (C) is an arithmetic process in a payout control board. It is a flowchart. It is a figure explaining the random number lottery in the pachinko machine of Example 1, Comprising: (A) is a block diagram of a control system, (B) is a flowchart of a calculation process. It is a figure explaining the reservation digestion process in the pachinko machine of Example 1, Comprising: (A) is a block diagram of a control system, (B) is a flowchart of a calculation process. It is a figure explaining the presentation control in the pachinko machine of Example 1, Comprising: (A) is a block diagram of a control system, (B) is a flowchart of a calculation process. It is a figure explaining the external information output process in the pachinko machine of Example 1, Comprising: (A) is a block diagram of a control system, (B) is a flowchart of a calculation process.

  Hereinafter, specific examples will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiment, “left” or “right” indicates “left” or “right” when viewed from the front side (front side) of the pachinko machine.

[1 Outline of the game hall management system]
As shown in FIG. 5, ball rental card units (CR sand) 500 and pachinko machines P are alternately installed on the game island. A hall computer 400 is installed in the management room. The hall computer 400 includes an input device 410, an operation switch 420, an external information reception unit 430, a storage unit 440, a calculation unit 450, a signal output unit 460, a monitor 470, a speaker 480, and a microphone 490. The input device 410 includes a keyboard, a card reader, and the like, and is used to input information to be notified to the player (hereinafter referred to as “notification information”) such as event information. Such notification information is stored in the storage unit 440 as display data for the gaming machine, read out by the calculation unit 450 at a predetermined timing, and output to each pachinko machine P, P,... Via the signal output unit 460. Is done.

  The external information receiving unit 430 includes devices for receiving information from the outside such as an earthquake alarm receiver 610, a fire alarm 620, a weather information receiver 630, and a traffic information receiver 640 (hereinafter collectively referred to as “ External information receiving device 600 ”) is connected. Information from the external information receiving device 600 received via the external information receiving unit 430 is constantly confirmed by a person in charge in the control room by displaying on the monitor 470 and outputting sound from the speaker 480. The operation switch 420 is operated when there is information to be transmitted to the player in the external information, and has a role of setting a degree of urgency (LVemr) for the information. The operation switch 420 is set to have the lowest urgency level (LVemr = 0) by default.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the calculation unit 450 receives the signal via the external information reception unit 430 when the operation switch 420 is operated and the degree of urgency is changed from the default value (S1: YES). The degree of urgency LVemr , the output interval T, and the output count N are set for the external information DT and stored in the storage unit 440 (S2). At this time, the calculation unit 450 sets the output interval T of the external information to be shorter as the degree of urgency is higher, and stores it in the storage unit 440. The number of outputs N is a numerical value set in advance according to the value of LVemr .

Every time the output interval T elapses (S3: YES), the calculation unit 450 reads data for outputting the external information from the storage unit 440 (S4), decrements the output count N, and outputs the data to the signal output unit. Output from 460 (S5). The data read at this time includes the LVemr set in S2, and has a data structure that allows the receiving side to determine the “degree of urgency”.

If it is determined “NO” in the process of S1, the calculation unit 450 determines whether or not notification information has been input (S6). When the notification information is input (S6: YES), the input of the output interval T and the output count N is requested (S7), and LVemr = 0 is set together with the input output interval T0 and the output count N0. The notification information DT0 is stored in the storage unit 440 (S8). Until new external information is set (both S1 and S6 are “NO”), the processing from S3 onward is repeatedly executed.

[2 Rules for setting the degree of urgency]
In this embodiment, when there is information DT1 to be transmitted to the player in the traffic information received from the traffic information receiver 640, the administrator sets the urgency degree LVemr to “1” by operating the operation switch 420. "". Then, the calculation unit 450 sets LVemr = 1, N = N1, and T = T1 for the traffic information received by the external information reception unit 430 at this time, and stores them in the storage unit 440.

  When the weather information received from the weather information receiver 630 includes information DT2 to be transmitted to the player, the administrator sets the degree of urgency LVemr to “2” by operating the operation switch 420. I am going to do that. Then, the calculation unit 450 sets LVemr = 2, N = N2, and T = T2 for the weather information received by the external information reception unit 430 at this time, and stores them in the storage unit 440.

  When receiving information on the occurrence of a fire from the fire alarm 620, the calculation unit 450 determines whether the smoke detection information DT3 or the heat detection information DT4, and the smoke detection information regardless of whether or not the operation switch 420 is operated. When it is DT3, the degree of urgency LVemr is set to “3”, and when it is the heat sensing information DT4, the degree of urgency LVemr is set to “4”. At this time, it is received by the external information receiving unit 430. LVemr = 3, N = NT3 and T = T3, or LVemr = 4, N = NT4 and T = T4 are set and stored in the storage unit 440.

  When the earthquake alarm information is received from the earthquake alarm receiver 610, the calculation unit 450 performs the operation on the earthquake alarm information received by the external information receiver 430 at this time regardless of whether the operation switch 420 is operated. Thus, LVemr = 5 and N = 999 corresponding to the maximum degree of urgency are set and stored in the storage unit 440 and immediately output from the signal output unit 460. That is, the interval T is set to 0, and the earthquake alarm is transmitted to the gaming machine P repeatedly.

When the operation switch 420 is returned to the default position, the data set with LVemr ≧ 1 is deleted from the storage unit 440.

[2 Overview of the entire gaming machine]
As shown in FIG. 6, the pachinko gaming machine P according to the first embodiment includes an outer frame A, an inner frame B, a game board C, a front frame D, an upper ball tray E, a lower ball tray F, and a launcher G. ing. The outer frame A is a vertical rectangular frame that forms the outline of the pachinko machine P. The middle frame B is a vertical rectangular frame for setting various game components, and is assembled to the front side of the outer frame A so as to be openable and detachable. The game board C is attached to the opening of the middle frame B. The front frame D is a see-through protective window of the game board C, and is assembled to the front side of the middle frame B so that it can be opened and closed by operating the locking device H. The upper ball tray E is a tray for lending balls and prize balls, and is configured integrally with the lower portion of the front frame D in this embodiment. Therefore, when the front frame D is opened and closed with respect to the middle frame B, the upper ball tray E is also opened and closed together. The lower ball receiving tray F is a receiving tray that receives a game ball discharged when the upper ball receiving tray E is full, a game ball that has been knocked down, and the like, and is fixed to the lower portion of the middle frame B. The launching device G is a device for launching a game ball sent from the upper ball receiving tray E to the launching rail with a strength corresponding to the handle operation, and is installed in the lower right portion of the middle frame B.

  The middle frame B includes an upper frame member B1 that forms an upper edge, a lower frame member B2 that forms a lower edge and is provided with a launcher G, a left frame member B3 that forms a left edge, and a right frame member that forms a right edge B4 is formed in a rectangular frame shape that aligns with the opening of the outer frame A when the upper, lower, left, and right frame members B1 to B4 are assembled. And the opening part opened when the frame members B1 to B4 on the top, bottom, left and right are assembled functions as a game board holding part B5 on which the game board C is installed. Here, the middle frame B is pivotally supported via support shafts provided at the upper left end and the lower left end of the outer frame A, and is rotated to the outer frame A by rotating the middle frame B around the left end. On the other hand, the middle frame B can be opened and closed. In the present embodiment, the case where the middle frame B is an assembly has been described, but the middle frame B may be an integrated product.

  Further, on the right side of the upper ball receiving tray E, a rental ball button Q, a card removal button R, and an effect operation button S are also provided. In the gaming island where the pachinko gaming machine P of the embodiment is installed, a card unit is installed for each gaming machine, and a system for storing the number of deposits with respect to the card type storage medium inserted in the card unit is provided. It has been adopted. The lending ball button Q is a push button for issuing a lending ball command for a unit frequency such as 2 or 5 degrees by pressing when the card type storage medium has a remaining frequency. The card removal button R is a push button for inputting a command for taking out the card-type storage medium from the card unit when the game is ended or the user leaves the seat. The production operation button S can be rotated and pressed, and has an LED inside. This LED is lit in a predetermined gaming state, and is provided for urging the player to perform an effect button.

[3 Configuration of control device]
As shown in FIG. 7, a winning detection sensor SE1, which detects a winning of a game ball in each winning opening provided in the game board C with respect to a main control board 310 having a CPU, ROM, RAM, clock and the like. SE2,..., Detection signals from the discharge ball detection sensors SE11 and SE12 for detecting that the game ball has been discharged to the ball discharge passage of the back unit are input. In addition, commands are output from the main control board 310 to the sub control board 320, the payout control board 330, and the launch control board 340. The interface board 350 is configured to exchange commands with the payout control board 330. The power supply board 360 is configured to supply power to the main control board 310 via the power supply relay board 380. The sub control board 320 is configured to output a command to the effect display control board 370. In addition, pressing signals from the lending ball button Q and the card removal button R are input to the ball lending operation board 390, and are input from the ball lending operation board 390 to the payout control board 330 via the interface board 350. It has a configuration. The interface board 350 is also configured to exchange commands with the card unit 500. In addition, a pressing signal from the effect operation button S is input to the sub control board 320.

  The sub control board 320 outputs a control signal to the light emitting device LED, the speaker SP, the motor MT, and the solenoid SOL on the basis of the effect command signal from the main control board 310 to produce the light emission effect, the sound effect, and the movable object effect. While executing, a command for effect display is output to the effect display control board 370. The effect display control board 370 outputs a control signal to the liquid crystal display device LCD based on a command signal for effect display from the sub control board 320, and executes the display effect.

  The payout control board 330 executes payout of prize balls in accordance with a payout command from the main control board 310. The number of prize balls to be paid out is determined in advance according to which winning opening. The main control board 310 also has a function of outputting an error signal to the hall computer 400 via the external output terminal of the payout control board 330.

  The launch control board 340 executes launching / stopping of a hit ball by the launching device G in accordance with a control command from the main control board 310. The stop of the hit ball is instructed when, for example, some error occurs.

  The interface board 350 functions as a relay board for lending ball commands and card removal commands from the ball lending operation board 390. The lending ball command is output to the payout control board 330 and the card unit 500 via the interface board 350. The payout control board 330 to which the lending ball command is input outputs a ball lending signal to the BC unit 335, and the BC unit 335 is operated to lend the ball to the upper plate E. Further, the card unit 500 to which the lending ball command is input performs remaining frequency management corresponding to the lending ball command. Specifically, a subtraction process is performed on the remaining frequency of the card type storage medium. Then, the card unit 500 outputs the remaining frequency data after the subtraction process to the interface board 350. This remaining frequency data is used to update the remaining frequency display provided in the vicinity of the rental ball button Q. The card removal command is output to the card unit 500 via the interface board 350. The card unit 500 executes a card removal operation when a card removal command is input.

  The signal from the signal output unit 460 of the hall computer 400 is input to the sub control board 320 via the payout control board 330.

[4 Control processing (Prize ball payout)]
When a winning detection signal is input from the winning detection sensors SE1 to SE7 by the control system shown in FIG. 8A, the main control board 310 receives a winning ball payout command corresponding to the number of winning ball payouts corresponding to each sensor. Is issued to the payout control board 330. In response to this, the payout control board 330 executes a payout operation of a predetermined number of prize balls corresponding to the winning holes of the game balls.

  This winning ball payout control is executed as a calculation processing routine as shown in FIG. 8B, and it is determined whether or not the detection signals from the winning detection sensors SE1 to SE5 are input (S10), and “YES” is determined. If determined, a prize ball payout signal specifying the sensor is output to the payout control board 330 (S20), and a lottery processing routine is started (S30).

  At this time, an external information output signal from the hall computer 400 is input to the payout control board 330 as shown in FIG. 8A, and an arithmetic processing routine as shown in FIG. 8C is executed. ing. It is determined whether or not an external information output command DT is input from the hall computer 400 (S51). If “NO”, it is determined whether or not a payout signal is input (S52). If a payout signal is input (S52: YES), a payout signal is output to the BC unit 355 (S53).

When DT is input (S51: YES), it is determined whether or not the degree of urgency LVemr is “5” (S54). In the case of “NO”, the received DT is output to the sub-control board 320 (S55), and the process proceeds to S52.

On the other hand, if the received DT is LVemr = 5 (S54: YES), the VL signal to the BC unit 335 and the interface board 350 is turned off (S56), and the process proceeds to S55. When the VL signal is turned off in S56, the award ball payout and the hit ball launch are stopped, the ball lending is prohibited, and the card is returned.

[5 Control processing (random lottery)]
Further, when a winning detection signal from the winning detection sensor SE1 of the start winning opening is input by the control system shown in FIG. 9A, the main control board 310 executes random number lottery and stores the result as a holding ball. Random number lottery processing stored in the RAM as information is executed.

  Here, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment acquires a random number in response to a winning at a start winning opening provided below the center role, and determines whether it is “winning” or “out of” at the start of the symbol variation game. . “Hit” is “2R normal”, “2R probability change”, “15R normal change”, “15R probability change”, etc. Are executed as “hit type determination” performed separately. “2R” and “15R” mean the number of rounds of a special game, and “probability” means a gaming state with a high probability (also referred to as “probability fluctuation”) that has a high probability of winning a jackpot by lottery after the end of the special game. Means the case. “Normal” means a case where “probability change” does not occur after the end of the special game. In the case of “2R”, the game is in a game state in which the special prize opening is opened and closed only for a short time and no substantial play can be expected. The opening time of the special winning opening in “2R normal” and “2R probability change” may be set to a time during which a payout can be obtained.

  Subsequent to the determination of “hit / miss”, the variation pattern is randomly selected. In the case of “winning”, as described above, since there are a plurality of types of hits with different advantages for the player, depending on which of these types of hits, the variation pattern with different winning probabilities is, for example, , A to C are provided in plural. This variation pattern has a length of variation time. Specifically, the variation time differs for each variation pattern. The processing up to this point is executed as processing of the main control board 310. Based on the variation pattern determined by the main control board 310 in this way, an effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern is drawn on the sub-control board 320 side. For example, when the variation patterns are A to C, the production pattern is a production pattern in which any one of the production patterns A1 to An prepared for the variation pattern A is provided for the variation pattern B. A process is executed in which any one of the production patterns C1 to Cn prepared for the variation pattern C is determined on the sub-control board 320 side. .

  Further, in the case of “missing”, whether or not the reach is to be missed is separately drawn using a random number, and in the case of the reach being missed, the “variation pattern” of the “missing reach” is further determined by random number lottery. . Note that the fluctuation pattern of outlier reach includes “reach out” and “super reach out”, etc. If the result of the “reach out” lottery does not result in a lottery result, it will be based on the fluctuation pattern defined as “normal out of play”. It becomes. The “variation pattern” is a variation time, and in the case of super reach, one of a plurality of variation patterns is drawn. The variation pattern of “out of normal”, “out of reach” or “out of super reach” corresponds to a random number value so that the winning probability is “normal out of service”> “reach out of service”> “super reach out of service” Is predetermined. It should be noted that the fluctuation pattern of “reaching out of reach” and “out of super reach” have a predetermined relationship between the fluctuation pattern and the random number value with a winning probability that tends to be opposite to the winning case.

  As described above, in “super reach”, a plurality of variation patterns (for example, A to C) are prepared. For example, when “winning”, “super reach A”> “super reach B”> Which pattern will be developed with the winning probability of “Super Reach C”, conversely, in the case of “out of”, the winning probability of “Super Reach C”> “Super Reach B”> “Super Reach A” By setting which pattern will be developed, the player expects that if it develops into a super reach production, it will be a “win” if the production is a variation time of “Pattern A”. On the contrary, if the production has a variation time of “Pattern C”, it has a low sense of expectation that “the possibility of winning is small”. In this way, the expectation given to the player is made different by the performance pattern executed based on the variation pattern drawn at the time of super reach. As a result, “Pattern A” has high reliability and “Pattern C” "Is able to give the player a prediction that the reliability is low. In addition, “normal effect” also gives a premium feeling to “normal win” by setting the winning probability in “win” extremely low.

  The random number lottery processing in the present embodiment is executed as an arithmetic processing routine as shown in FIG. 9B, and it is determined whether or not the sensor to which the current detection signal is input is of the start winning prize sensor SE1 (S110). If “NO”, the process is immediately terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined as “YES”, it is determined whether or not the number N of reserved balls is less than 4 (S120). If N <4 (S120: YES), the number N of reserved balls is incremented (S130). If “NO”, the process is terminated without proceeding to random number lottery.

  When the random number lottery is advanced, first, a “win / lack lottery” for obtaining a random number for determining “hit / miss” is executed (S140). In the case of “winning” (S150: YES), a random number for determining the “winning type” is acquired (S160), and the lottery of “variation pattern” corresponding to the “winning type” is executed ( S165). In the case of “out of” (S150: NO), a random number for determining “the presence / absence of reach effect” is acquired (S170), and in the case of “with reach effect”, the lottery of “variation pattern” is further executed. (S175). Then, the random number values generated in S140, S160, and S170 are stored in the RAM (S180). In the case of the present embodiment, by obtaining a “hit type” random number after the “hit / miss” random number is “hit”, the above-described “2R normal”, “2R probability variation”, “15R normal”, “15R Which of “probability change” falls under is specified. When a plurality of variation patterns are set for “normal deviation”, “normal deviation variation pattern lottery” may be added after “NO” is determined in S170.

  Note that this random number lottery process is not executed after the VL signal is turned off in S56 and the shot firing is stopped.

[6 Control processing (holding digestion)]
Next, the pending digestion process will be described. The main control board 310 reads a random number value from the stored ball storage information stored in the RAM by the control system shown in FIG. 10 (A), compares it with the winning condition, and sends an effect command to the sub-control board 320. Executes the pending digestion process.

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 (B), the on-hold digestion process determines whether there is on-hold storage information in the RAM when the special game is not being executed (S210: NO) (S220). ), When there is pending storage information, one of the stored contents is read (S230), and an effect command command is determined based on the random value 1 and the random value 2 (S240). Then, the effect command command is output to the sub control board 320 (S250), and the on-hold storage information is updated (S260).

  This on-hold digestion process is also not executed after the VL signal is turned off in S56 and the shot firing is stopped.

[7 Control processing (production control)]
The sub-control board 320 has a light emitting device LED, a speaker SP, and a motor according to the effect pattern lottered on the sub-control board side in response to the variation pattern command command from the main control board 310 by the control system shown in FIG. A control signal is output to the MT and solenoid SOL to perform a light emission effect, a sound effect, a movable object effect, and the like, and a display effect by the liquid crystal display device LCD is executed via the effect display control board 370. When an error notification is instructed from the main control board 310, an error notification process is executed.

  This effect control is executed as an arithmetic processing routine as shown in FIG. 11B, and it is determined whether or not a new command is input from the main control board 310 (S310). It is determined whether the command is an error notification or a fluctuation pattern command (S320). If it is “error”, the type of error is specified (S330), error notification is performed, and the process is terminated (S340). On the other hand, if it is not “error notification” but “variation pattern command command”, a lot of effect patterns prepared for each variation pattern specified by the variation pattern command command are selected to determine one production pattern. (S350), the corresponding effect control data is read from the ROM (S360), and the control data is output to the effect display control board 370, the light emitting device LED, and the like (S370).

  In the effect process, when an external information output command DT is issued in S54, the background display area on the liquid crystal display screen is changed from “full screen” to “1/2”, “3/4”, etc. according to the contents of DT. The display effect is restricted, for example, by switching to reduce the display area of the fluctuating symbol or making the entire screen an invisible alarm screen.

  For this reason, in the pachinko machine P of the present embodiment, as the display effect data, “full screen background” “1/2 background + large window” “3/4 background + medium window” “4/5 background + small window” Such as background image data is stored in advance, and the display area of the variable symbol is reduced in accordance with the switching of the background screen, the “large symbol”, “medium symbol”, “small symbol” and the symbol of the variable symbol are also displayed. Variation pattern data having different sizes is stored in advance.

[8 External information output processing]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12A, “notification information”, “traffic information”, “meteorological information”, “fire alarm”, and “earthquake alarm” output from the hall computer 400 are sent via the dispensing control board 330. The information is input to the sub-control board 320 and the information is output to the player using the liquid crystal display device LCD and the speaker SP of the pachinko machine P.

This external information output processing is executed by the sub-control board 320 as an arithmetic processing routine as shown in FIG. First, it is determined whether or not an external information output command DT has been input (S410). If “NO”, this routine is immediately exited. On the other hand, if “YES”, it is determined whether or not the degree of urgency LVemr set in the received external information output command DT is “5” (S420).

When LVemr = 5 (S420: YES), the speaker output is set to “maximum SE” and the LCD output is set to “full screen” as external information output conditions (S430). Here, “maximum SE” means that an alarm sound as a sound effect is output at a maximum volume (>> 95 dB). “Full screen” means that character information is superimposed on the full screen of the liquid crystal display device LCD and displayed. Then, according to these settings, the “earthquake alarm” is output using the speaker SP and the liquid crystal display device LCD (S440).

When S420 is “NO” and LVemr = 4 (S450: YES), the speaker output is set to “large SE” and the LCD output is set to “large window” as the external information output conditions (S460). Here, “large SE” means that a fire alarm sound as a sound effect is output at a large volume (> 95 dB). “Large window” means that character information is displayed in a large window superimposed on the liquid crystal display device LCD. Then, according to these settings, a “fire alarm” is output using the speaker SP and the liquid crystal display device LCD (S470).

When S450 is “NO” and LVemr = 3 ( S480 : YES), the speaker output is set to “large SE” and the LCD output is set to “medium window” as the external information output conditions (S490). Here, the volume of “Large SE” is the same as S460. The “middle window” means that character information is displayed in the middle window superimposed on the liquid crystal display device LCD. Then, according to these settings, “fire warning” is output using the speaker SP and the liquid crystal display device LCD (S500).

If S480 is “NO” and LVemr = 2 (S510: YES), the speaker output is set to “medium SE” and the LCD output is set to “small window” as the external information output condition (S520). Here, the volume of “medium SE” is 95 dB or less. “Small window” means that character information is displayed in a small window superimposed on the liquid crystal display device LCD. Then, according to these settings, “weather information” is output using the speaker SP and the liquid crystal display device LCD (S530).

If S510 is “NO” and LVemr = 1 (S540: YES), the speaker output is set to “medium SE” and the LCD output is set to “telop” as the external information output conditions (S550). Here, “medium SE” is the same as S520. “Telop” means displaying character information in a telop display field prepared at the bottom of the liquid crystal display device LCD. Then, according to these settings, “traffic information” is output using the speaker SP and the liquid crystal display device LCD (S560).

  If S540 is “NO”, the speaker output is set to “small SE”, the LCD output is set to “telop” as the external information output condition (S570), “notification information” is set to the speaker SP and the liquid crystal display device LCD. And output (S580). Note that the output from the speaker SP is a small sound, such as “ping-pong”, and the volume is such that the player can be notified of the notification without disturbing the performance.

[9 Configuration of Example 1]
According to the first embodiment, the pachinko machine P outputs external information such as an earthquake alarm, a fire alarm, a fire warning, traffic information, weather information, and notification information using the speaker SP and the liquid crystal display device LCD. At this time, by the arithmetic processing based on the routine of FIG. 12B, the notification mode by the speaker SP and the liquid crystal display device LCD is changed according to the degree of urgency (LVemr) possessed by each external information. The change of the notification mode is a multi-step process according to the degree of urgency (LVemr). Therefore, the pachinko machine according to the first embodiment includes the notification means M1 shown in FIG. 1 and the like and the notification mode changing means M2 having the configuration (2).

  Further, the processes in S430, S460, S490, S520, S550, and S570 of the arithmetic processing routine of FIG. 12B correspond to the notification mode changing means M2 having the configuration of (3) shown in FIG. At the same time, it corresponds to the notification mode changing means M2 having the configuration (4) shown in FIG.

  Furthermore, the hall computer 400 includes an input device 410, an operation switch 420, and external information receiving means 430, and sets and outputs the degree of urgency with respect to external information by the arithmetic processing shown in FIG. Since the hall computer HC having received the weather information, traffic information, etc. by the external information receiving means M3 shown in FIG. 1C determines the degree of urgency (LVemr) from the contents, the gaming machine P It is provided with the configuration of “Receiving”.

In addition, in the case of fire alarms and earthquake alarms, the hall computer 400 sets LVemr regardless of the operation of the administrator when receiving these, so the “information to be notified ” shown in FIG. The notification mode changing means M2 includes emergency determination means (S4A to S4G) for changing the notification mode on the basis of “type”.

Then, when an external signal of LVemr = 5 is output from the hall computer 400, the payout control board 330 performs the emission restriction by turning off the VL signal, so that the pachinko machine P is shown in FIG. (5) When notifying the urgent information from the notifying means M1, the game state restricting means M5 that imposes operational restrictions on the game control means M4 that controls the progress of the game in the gaming machine P. It has become. Further, according to LVemr = 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0, the process of restricting the display area of the liquid crystal display device LCD in a stepwise manner is performed, so that “(6) the gaming state restricting means M5 is The game state is restricted by switching the game state so that the game control means M4 is in a state where a normal game can be played, a state where a part of the game is restricted, or a state where a game cannot be played. It can also be said that it is configured as “means for performing (S5A to S5C)”. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3B, “(8) an interface means M6 for exchanging signals with the CR sand constituting the ball lending machine is provided, and when the gaming state limiting means M5 is operated, This also corresponds to a configuration in which CR sand limiting means M7 for limiting the operation of the CR sand through the interface means M6 is provided.

  Therefore, the present embodiment has the configuration of the game hall management system shown in FIG.

[10 Effects / Effects of Example 1]
According to this embodiment, [information that may require evacuation] such as earthquake information and fire information, heavy rain warning, typhoon approach information, and information on public transportation operation [information that affects the return trip], events A mode in which [information for notification] such as a notice or an advertisement is changed stepwise according to the degree of urgency by using the liquid crystal display device LCD while alerting the speaker SP of the pachinko machine P Can be notified. Therefore, it is possible to cause the player to accurately determine the degree of urgency in a notification manner and appropriately notify whether or not some action should be taken next.

  The playground is required to be limited to a volume of 95 dB or less from the environmental aspect. Therefore, “weather information”, “traffic information”, “notification information” and the like with low urgency are set to 95 dB or less, and this embodiment is suitable for maintaining the environment, while “fire attention”, “fire alarm” For external information with a high degree of urgency such as “Earthquake Warning”, the volume is set to 95 dB or higher and the maximum volume is set to produce in an environment where it is difficult to hear the sound due to BGM and sound effects. Can be clearly distinguished, and the player can be alerted accurately.

  Then, a liquid crystal display device LCD that is often watched by the player is used as a notification means, and “full screen display”, “large window display”, “medium window display” are selected according to the degree of information urgency. ”And“ telop display ”, the information is changed to a notification mode that is more difficult to overlook as information with a higher degree of urgency. At this time, since a plurality of background screen data are prepared and changed, the changing design is also changed from large, medium, and small data, so that a part of the changing design becomes invisible except for the “full screen display” alarm. It is not an obstacle to the production.

  As a result, when evacuation is necessary, accurate information can be reliably transmitted to the player, and conversely, unnecessary confusion can be avoided when evacuation is not necessary. Demonstrated.

  In particular, when an earthquake warning is issued, the operation of the gaming machine is restricted, so that the player can naturally understand that urgent information is not consistent in the production, and the transition to the evacuation system can be made. There is also an urging effect.

  Since such a game state restriction is executed by turning off the output of the VL signal, it is possible to restrict the game state without input of a signal to the main control board 310, and the restriction on the rules is restricted. They are also satisfied.

  In this way, according to the present embodiment, in the game hall, it is possible to accurately notify the player of information having urgency without reducing the effect of the gaming machine, and through accurate information transmission, The effect of being able to play a more secure game for the player is exhibited.

  As mentioned above, although the Example for implementing this invention was described, this invention is not limited to these, The various change in the range which does not deviate from the summary is possible.

  For example, in addition to “event notification”, “forgetting to remove a card” or the like may be displayed on the display unit of the liquid crystal display device LCD or the CR sand 500 along with sound effects, depending on the stoppage of the game machine. Also in the “earthquake alarm”, the alarm mode may be changed stepwise from the relationship with the predicted seismic intensity, the predicted occurrence time, and the like.

  In addition, as a method of outputting external information, the hall computer commands only the type of information and the degree of urgency, and for the notification corresponding to the type of information and the degree of urgency in the storage device on the gaming machine side in advance. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which data is stored, and this is read out and output as audio or display. In such a case, particularly important information should include a message such as “Please pay attention to the in-house broadcast”, and after the notification has been completed, the detailed information on the earthquake alarm will be transmitted via the in-house broadcast from the management room. Also good.

  Furthermore, the variable pattern may be displayed in a reduced size when the window is opened by calculating the maximum display area from the maximum area of the background, or the size of the window with the background itself remaining full screen. By adding a configuration that performs an operation for reducing the variation symbol according to the above, it is possible to prevent the effect display from being disturbed at levels other than the maximum urgency level.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 1A, the light emitting effect device provided in the gaming machine is also used as notification means M1 that flashes flashingly and alerts the player when notifying highly urgent information. Alternatively, a buzzer may be installed separately from the one provided for the production of the gaming machine, or notification may be performed using a CR sand indicator.

  In addition, the limitation of the game when reporting information with a high degree of urgency may change the brightness of the screen and the color of the background in addition to the limitation on the display area of the display screen LCD. Further, a partial restriction such as changing the rotation speed of the firing motor may be added.

  The present invention can be used in various gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines.

M1 ... notification means, M2 ... notification mode changing means, M3 ... external information receiving means, M4 ... game restriction means, M5 ... gaming state restriction means, M6 ... interface means, M7 ... CR sand restriction means
310 ... Main control board, 320 ... Sub control board, 330 ... Discharge control board, 335 ... BC unit, 340 ... Launch control board, 350 ... Interface board, 360 ... Power supply board, 370 ... Production display control board, 380 ... Power relay board, 390 ... Ball lending operation board, 400 ... Hall computer, 410 ... Input device, 420 ... Operation switch, 430 ... external information receiving unit, 440 ... storage unit, 450 ... calculation unit, 460 ... signal output unit, 470 ... monitor, 480 ... speaker, 490 ... microphone, 500 ... Card unit, P ... Pachinko machine, G ... Launching device, S ... Production operation button, LCD ... Liquid crystal display device, LED ... Light emitting device, MT ... Motor, SO ... solenoid, SP ··· speaker, SE1~SE5 ··· winning detection sensor.

Claims (2)

A gaming machine comprising a notification means for receiving a signal from the outside and notifying predetermined information, further comprising the following configuration.
(1) the predetermined information according to the degree of urgency which is set so as representative of the level of urgency by information representative of a level of a plurality of stages to those the information when it has urgency, before Symbol notification Providing a notification mode changing means for changing a notification mode by the means;
(2) The notification mode change unit is configured as a unit that changes the notification mode stepwise according to the degree of urgency of the information.
(4) The notifying means is configured as means for notifying the predetermined information by display output on a display screen, and the notifying mode changing means changes the notifying mode by changing a display area on the display screen. A means for notifying the urgent information so that the display area on the display screen is enlarged as the degree of urgency of the information increases. The notification is executed as a display output to a window displayed so as to reduce the background display area with respect to the display screen, and the degree of urgency of the information having the urgency is changed by the notification mode change means. The higher the ratio of the background display area and the window display area, the larger the display area of the window on the display screen. That it is constructed as to be executed by switching.
(A) In accordance with the switching of the ratio between the background display area and the window display area by the notification mode changing means, symbol variation display based on variation pattern data having different symbol sizes stored in advance is performed. Means are provided for reducing the symbol variation display area. A gaming machine comprising a notification means for receiving a signal from the outside and notifying predetermined information, further comprising the following configuration.
(1) the predetermined information according to the degree of urgency which is set so as representative of the level of urgency by information representative of a level of a plurality of stages to those the information when it has urgency, before Symbol notification Providing a notification mode changing means for changing a notification mode by the means;
(2) The notification mode change unit is configured as a unit that changes the notification mode stepwise according to the degree of urgency of the information.
(4) The notifying means is configured as means for notifying the predetermined information by display output on a display screen, and the notifying mode changing means changes the notifying mode by changing a display area on the display screen. A means for notifying the urgent information so that the display area on the display screen is enlarged as the degree of urgency of the information increases. The notification is executed as a display output to a window displayed so as to reduce the background display area with respect to the display screen, and the degree of urgency of the information having the urgency is changed by the notification mode change means. The higher the ratio of the background display area and the window display area, the larger the display area of the window on the display screen. It is configured as a means for performing the switching.
(5) When notifying the urgent information from the notifying means, it is provided with a game state restricting means for restricting the operation to the game control means for managing the progress of the game in the gaming machine. .
(6) The game state restriction means switches the game state so that the game control means is in a state where a normal game can be performed, a state where a part of the game is restricted, or a state where a game cannot be performed. Therefore, it is configured as means for limiting the gaming state.
(B) In a state in which the normal game can be performed or in a state in which a part of the game is limited, it is stored in advance according to the switching of the ratio between the background display area and the window display area by the notification mode changing means. Means are provided for reducing the symbol variation display area so as to perform symbol variation display based on variation pattern data having different sizes of the symbols placed.