JP6240952B1 - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a gaming machine capable of grasping the number of days since it was provided to a player. An energization time calculation means for calculating an energization time, which is a time during which power is continuously supplied, and the number of times the energization time obtained by the energization time calculation means is equal to or greater than a reference time It is assumed that the gaming machine 1 includes provision days obtaining means 20 that is regarded as provision days provided to a person. It is good to provide the production | generation change execution means which changes the aspect of a target production triggered by having determined that the provision days have reached the predetermined number of days by the provision days acquisition means 20. [Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  A gaming machine capable of executing an effect using an RTC (Real Time Clock) is known (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

JP, 2006-123485, A

  In the RTC, it is impossible to grasp the number of days since the target gaming machine is provided to the player (after being installed in the game store).

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of grasping the number of days since it was provided to a player.

The gaming machine according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, includes an energization time calculation means for calculating an energization time, which is a time during which power is continuously supplied, and an energization time obtained by the energization time calculation means. Providing days for providing the player with the number of times that the time is equal to or greater than the reference time, and when the power is switched from the energized state to the de-energized state, When a certain non-energization time is shorter than a specific time, the energization time is calculated by the energization time calculation means by assuming that the energization state is also present during the non-energization state .

  Another gaming machine according to the present invention made to solve the above problem is obtained by an energization time calculation means for calculating an energization time which is a time during which power is continuously supplied, and the energization time calculation means. A provision day acquisition means that regards the number of times the energization time is equal to or greater than the reference time as a provision day provided to the player, and when the energization state changes from the energization state to the de-energization state, If the de-energization time in the state is shorter than the specific time, the energization state before the de-energization state and the energization state after the non-energization state are considered to be continuous, Calculation is performed.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention can grasp the number of days since the game machine was provided to the player.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a control block diagram including energization time calculation means, provision days acquisition means, and elements related to these. It is the figure which showed the example of the background image which changes according to provision days. It is the figure which showed the example by which a provision day is displayed. It is a figure for demonstrating a 5th example. It is a figure for demonstrating a 6th example.

  Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. The gaming machine 1 has a frame-shaped machine casing 90, and a front frame 91 is rotatably supported by the machine casing 90. The front frame 91 is provided with a transparent plate that allows the game board 92 to be viewed from the front side.

  The game board 92 is formed of a substantially square plywood and is detachably attached to the front frame 91. The game board 92 is provided with a strip-shaped guide rail 923 made of a thin metal plate for guiding a game ball launched by operating the launcher 94 (handle) to the game area 922 so as to have a substantially arc shape. Yes.

  The game area 922 is provided with a first start winning opening 924, a second starting winning opening 925, a big winning opening 926, an out opening 927, and the like. The display device 93 displays a symbol or the like for notifying whether or not the jackpot is successful. The display area 931 of the display device 93 is visible through an opening 921 formed in the game board 92. In some of the drawings, the display region 931 is roughly described in a substantially square shape, but the shape and the like can be changed as appropriate (the shape and size of the opening 921 and the shape and size of the display device 93 itself). The shape of the display area 931 and the like can be changed by changing.

  In addition, the game area 922 is provided with a plurality of game nails (not shown) as obstacles that change the flow-down mode of the game balls when the flowing-down game balls collide. The game ball flowing down the game area 922 changes to various modes depending on the condition when it collides with the game nail.

  In such a gaming machine 1, a game ball is launched toward the game area 922 by operating the launching device 94 (handle). When a game ball flowing down the game area 922 wins a winning opening such as a start winning opening 924, 925 or a big winning opening 926, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out by the payout device. Other configurations and the like can be the same as those of a known gaming machine, and thus descriptions other than those related to the present invention are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes an energization time calculation unit 10 and a provision day acquisition unit 20. Hereinafter, these will be described in detail.

  The energization time calculation means 10 obtains (calculates) a time during which power is continuously supplied to the gaming machine 1. Since the structure for supplying power to the gaming machine 1 can be the same as that of a known gaming machine, detailed description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, power is supplied to a power control circuit built on a power supply board (not shown) through the power line 11. In addition, a power switch 12 for power ON / OFF is provided. The energization time calculation means 10 can determine whether the power switch 12 is ON or OFF. The position where the power switch 12 is provided may be anything. In addition, the circuit functioning as the energization time calculation unit 10 may be constructed on the same board as the power supply board, or may be constructed on a different board. The energization time acquired by the energization time calculation means 10 is a time during which the power switch 12 is turned on after the power line 11 is connected to the power source. Note that the power switch 12 may not be provided. In this case, the time during which the power line 11 is connected to the power supply is the energization time.

  The energization time is the time during which power is supplied “continuously”, and therefore, when the power supply is stopped (when the power line 11 is not connected to the power source or when the power switch 12 is In the case of OFF), the time measurement is reset. Then, the time measurement is restarted when it is detected that the power is again supplied.

  The provision days acquisition means 20 acquires the provision days based on the energization time detected by the energization time calculation means 10. The provided days acquisition means 20 and the energization time calculation means 10 can be constructed as a single circuit, or can be constructed as separate circuits. “Provided days” refers to the number of days provided to general players after the gaming machine 1 is installed in a game store. In other words, it is the number of days that have elapsed since the so-called “introduction date”. The provided days acquisition means 20 includes a counter (not shown). The initial value of the counter is set to 0, and when the energization time detected by the energization time calculation means 10 is equal to or longer than a predetermined reference time, processing for increasing the number of days provided is performed. The value of the counter is the number of days provided.

  The reference time is a threshold time for determining whether or not the game machine 1 is continuously energized due to being provided to the player. The length of the reference time can be set from various viewpoints, but it must be set to a time shorter than at least the business hours of the game store where the gaming machine is installed. For example, when the operating time of a game store is X hours, a time shorter than the X hours is set as the reference time. Also, work in the inspection process (pre-installation work) before the gaming machine is shipped by the manufacturer, and after the gaming machine is installed in the amusement store, the gaming store side checks the operation and adjusts various functions. It is conceivable that the power is supplied to the gaming machine in the operation (post-installation operation). In order not to increase the number of days provided by supplying power for these operations, the reference time is set in consideration of the time required for the pre-installation work and the post-installation work. For example, if it is determined that the time required for these operations (maximum time required for the operations) will not exceed the Y time, the reference time is set to exceed the Y time. That is, the reference time is set such that “Y time (≠ 0) <reference time <X time”. As described above, the reference time in the present embodiment is not simply set to less than the business hours of the amusement store, but is set to a time exceeding the time required for the inspection (confirmation) time (working time). Even if energization for conducting inspections or confirmations (energization for a relatively short time) is performed, the number of days provided does not increase.

  The gaming machine 1 in this embodiment includes a nonvolatile and rewritable storage means 30 (memory) that stores the acquired number of days to be provided, a reference time, and the like.

  Various information regarding the number of days provided by the provided days acquisition means 20 can be used. In the present embodiment, the aspect of a specific effect (hereinafter referred to as a target effect) is changed in response to the provision days reaching a predetermined number of days. As an example of the target effect, a background image displayed on the display area 931 of the display device 93 (an image displayed on the background of the identification symbol 40 that notifies the result of the lottery determination. Note that the “image” here is stationary. It is conceivable to change the manner in which both the image and the moving image are included). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that four types of background images A to D are set (stored) as background images in advance, and the background image A (FIG. )) Background image B (see FIG. 3 (b)) when it is more than 10 days and less than 20 days, background image C (see FIG. 3 (c)) when it is more than 20 days and less than 30 days, and more than 30 days In some cases, the background image D (see FIG. 3D) can be output.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a target effect (for example, a display such as “It is the XX day since the introduction of this machine”) may be performed in which the number of days provided is displayed on the display device 93. Thereby, it becomes possible for the player to grasp the number of days that have passed since the introduction date. In addition, it can be said that this type of effect also changes the aspect when the provision days reach the predetermined number of days (that is, all the days are set to “predetermined number of days”). .

  As described above, according to the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to grasp the number of days to be provided without requiring an artificial operation such as counting the number of days to be provided. Further, as a known gaming machine, there is known a device equipped with a means (for example, a real time clock (RTC)) capable of acquiring a calendar, but the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with such a device. It is not a thing (however, it does not deny that it is set as the structure provided with the means which can acquire such a calendar). And the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is excellent in that information such as “the number of days provided (XX days after introduction date)” that cannot be obtained by such means can be obtained. I can say.

  Hereinafter, specific examples in which the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment is improved, modified, or embodied will be described. In addition, it is good also as a structure which applied combining the technical thought demonstrated using the following specific examples.

First Specific Example It is assumed that the number-of-days display means is provided as a dedicated display device that displays the number of days provided by the days-of-provided acquisition means 20. The number-of-days display means is provided inside the gaming machine (provided so as not to be visible to the player) so that the game shop can easily grasp the number of days provided. However, it does not deny that the days display means is provided at a position that can be seen by the player so that the player can grasp the number of days provided.

Second Specific Example A configuration is provided that includes communication means for transmitting the provision days acquired by the provision days acquisition means 20 to the outside. As a result, the game store can grasp the number of days provided by each installed gaming machine using the information collection device (a so-called hall computer) that it owns. It is to be noted that known gaming machines usually have communication means for transmitting information such as the number of executed lottery decisions and the number of jackpots to the information collecting device. It may be used for transmission.

Third Specific Example A reference time adjustment unit that changes the length of the reference time stored in the storage unit 30 to an arbitrary time is provided. As described above, the reference time is a threshold value for determining whether to increase the number of days to be provided, so if the time is not an appropriate time, there will be a difference between the number of days to be provided and the actual number of days to be provided. There is a fear. In addition, the business hours may be different for each amusement store, and depending on the amusement store, the business hours may be changed (for example, a short time business may be performed). Therefore, it is preferable that the reference time can be changed (increased / decreased) to an arbitrary time instead of fixing the set time once. Thereby, it is possible to reduce a possibility that a difference between the provision days acquired by the provision days acquisition means 20 and the actual provision days will occur. Note that the specific configuration of the reference time adjusting unit itself may be any configuration (a known input device capable of rewriting the reference time stored in the storage unit 30 can be applied. ).

-4th specific example It is set as the structure provided with the provision days adjustment means to change the provision days (the frequency | count which became the energization time more than reference time) acquired by the provision days acquisition means 20. That is, the provision days acquired by the provision days acquisition means 20 are stored in the storage means 30, and the provision days (value) stored in the storage means 30 can be changed. Even if such a situation occurs, there is a possibility that the provision days automatically acquired by the provision days acquisition means 20 may be different from the actual provision days due to various factors. It is preferable that the provision day value stored in the means 30 can be corrected. In addition, it is possible that a gaming machine installed in a certain game store is installed in another game store (distribution in the second-hand market). There is also an advantage that the number of days of provision can be reduced to 0 (can be reset) when it is installed. It should be noted that the specific configuration of the provision day adjustment means itself may be any (a known input device capable of rewriting the provision days stored in the storage means 30 can be applied. ).

  In addition, it is good also as a structure which provided only the means to reset provision days (it is set to 0) in consideration of the distribution in a used market, etc., without providing provision days adjustment means.

・ Fifth specific example When the energized state is changed from the energized state to the de-energized state and then re-energized, it is determined whether the de-energized time in the de-energized state is less than the specified time. A time judging means is provided. Even during business hours, some trouble may occur, and it may be necessary to stop energization (turn off the power switch 12) to solve the trouble. For example, it is assumed that, on the opening date of a certain game store, a gaming machine that is in an energized state is in a non-energized state in order to solve a problem before the continuous energizing time reaches the reference time. Even if it is recovered and then turned on again, if the remaining business hours of the business day are insufficient for the reference time, the business day may not be counted as the number of days provided.

  In order to solve such problems, when the non-energization time is relatively short, it is assumed that the energization was stopped to solve the trouble, etc. It is assumed that it is processed. In other words, the specific time is set to be shorter than the maximum time that would be necessary for troubleshooting. Further, when the non-energization time is shorter than the specific time, it is preferable to calculate the energization time by regarding the non-energization time as the energization time. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, when the transition is made such that the energized state at time T1 → the non-energized state at time T2 (shorter than the specific time) → the energized state at time T3, “energized time = T1 + T2 + T3” Like that. However, adopting a method for calculating energization time that does not include the non-energization time in the energization time (in the above example, “energization time = T1 + T3”) is not denied. The determination that “continuous” energization is interrupted by the energization time shorter than the specific time may be prevented.

  In addition, it is preferable that the specific time can be changed to an arbitrary time similarly to the reference time. In other words, since the necessary time assumed for solving the trouble will vary depending on the circumstances of each game store, it is preferable that each game store can be set to an appropriate length.

  Further, the means for obtaining the length of the specific time may be any configuration. For example, it is assumed that a time measurement device (clock) and a battery that drives the time measurement device even when it is in a non-energized state are provided, and when a state transition of energized state → non-energized state → energized state occurs, It can be considered that the length of the specific time is obtained by calculating the difference between the end point (end time) of the previous energized state and the start point (start time) of the subsequent energized state.

-Sixth specific example When the provided days acquisition means 20 determines that the provided days have not reached the predetermined reference number of days, a display indicating that the number of days since the offer has been provided to the player is short (hereinafter, specific display) (Refer to FIG. 6B). An example of the specific display 50 is a display indicating “new stand”. Further, the specific display 50 may be displayed in the display area 931 (area in which effects are executed) of the display device 93 or may be displayed on another display device. Further, the specific display 50 may be configured to be always displayed, or may be configured to be displayed when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the game is stopped (see FIG. 6 (a)) and the state where the game is not played for a certain period is maintained, the state shifts to the standby state (see FIG. 6 (b)). Although the gaming machine is known, the specific display 50 may be made triggered by the transition to the standby state. In this way, it is possible to promote the game of the gaming machine in the standby state (the gaming machine that is not in operation) using the specific display 50.

  Many amusement stores have installed gaming machines that are short in the number of days since they were offered to players as “new stands”. For example, in order to indicate to the player that it is a “new stand”, a card or the like written as “new stand” is placed around the gaming machine or announced in a game store. According to this example, “new stand” or the like is automatically displayed, which contributes to reducing the burden on the amusement store. Depending on the amusement store, a gaming machine that is provided for a longer time than the “new stand” but has a relatively short number of days since it has been provided may be described as a “quasi-new stand”. According to this example, such a display may be made.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  The gaming machine 1 according to the above embodiment is a so-called pachinko gaming machine, but the same technical idea can be applied to other gaming machines such as a rotating gaming machine.

  Specific means (game machines) obtained from the above embodiment are listed below.

○ Means 1
Energization time calculation means for calculating an energization time which is a time during which power is continuously supplied;
Provided days obtaining means for regarding the number of times the energized time obtained by the energized time calculating means is equal to or greater than a reference time as the provided days provided to the player;
A gaming machine comprising:
According to the gaming machine, it is possible to grasp the number of days provided for the player.

○ Means 2
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising an effect change execution means for changing the aspect of the target effect when the provided days acquisition means determines that the provided days have reached a predetermined number of days.
With such a configuration, it is possible to change the aspect of the target effect based on the number of days provided.

○ Means 3
The effect change execution means changes the background image displayed in the background of the identification symbol for notifying the result of the determination of the success / failure when the provision days are determined to have reached the predetermined number of days by the provision days acquisition means. The gaming machine according to means 2, characterized in that:
In this way, the background image can be changed based on the number of days provided.

○ Means 4
The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 3, further comprising reference time adjusting means for changing the length of the reference time.
By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to set an appropriate reference time, and therefore it is possible to reduce the possibility of a deviation between the provision days acquired by the provision days acquisition means and the actual provision days. is there.

○ Means 5
The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 4, further comprising provision day adjustment means for changing the provision day number acquired by the provision day number acquisition means.
By adopting such a configuration, even when there is a difference between the provision days acquired by the provision days acquisition means and the actual provision days, it is possible to correct to the correct provision days.

○ Means 6
When the energized state changes from the energized state to the energized state again, and the energized state is in the non-energized state for less than a specific time, the energized state is regarded as being in the energized state even during the non-energized state. 6. A gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 5, characterized in that energization time is calculated by time calculation means.
By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to reduce a possibility that an event that the day is not determined as the number of days to be provided due to being in a non-energized state for solving a problem or the like.

○ Means 7
When the provided days acquisition means determines that the provided days have not reached the predetermined number of days, a specific display indicating that the number of days since the provided days are provided to the player is short. A gaming machine according to any one of means 6.
By adopting such a configuration, it is automatically displayed that the number of days since being provided to the player is short, so the burden on the game store is reduced.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 10 Energizing time calculation means 20 Provision days acquisition means 30 Storage means 40 Identification symbol 50 Specific display

Claims (2)

Energization time calculation means for calculating an energization time which is a time during which power is continuously supplied;
Provided days obtaining means for regarding the number of times the energized time obtained by the energized time calculating means is equal to or greater than a reference time as the provided days provided to the player;
Equipped with a,
When the energized state changes from the energized state to the energized state again, and the energized state is in the non-energized state for less than a specific time, the energized state is regarded as being in the energized state even during the non-energized state. A game machine in which energization time is calculated by a time calculating means . Energization time calculation means for calculating an energization time which is a time during which power is continuously supplied;
Provided days obtaining means for regarding the number of times the energized time obtained by the energized time calculating means is equal to or greater than a reference time as the provided days provided to the player;
With
When the energized state changes from the energized state to the energized state again, and the energized state in the non-energized state is shorter than the specified time, the energized state before the de-energized state and the energized state after the de-energized state gaming machine you characterized in that the calculation of the current time by the energization time calculation means assumes that state is continuously executed.

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