JPH11290538A - Game machine and game facility - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To heighten the player's will by surely notifying a player of a service time and displaying whether it is a big hit or not during the service time. SOLUTION: Whether these is a service time or not (display area 50), and a bonus time (display area 52), etc., are displayed on the display part (display area 16a) of this game machine or game facility. 'Service time' is displayed during a service time. When a big hit occurs during the service time, the time of a big is displayed. Thereby, a player is accurately notified of the service time, and whether a big hit occurs or not during the service time is displayed. A player can securely know when a service time is and can obtain benefit from the service time, and heightens play's will.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine and a game machine, and more particularly to a technique for improving the willingness to play a game by reliably providing a player with the benefit of service time.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in a pachinko machine, which is one of the gaming machines, when a game ball wins or passes a predetermined area, a special symbol starts to fluctuate in a symbol display section. Such a fluctuation state of the symbol is called a symbol fluctuation. The predetermined area includes an area such as a gate and a specific winning opening. And
After a while after the special symbol starts to fluctuate, it stops and is displayed. If the special symbol matches the jackpot symbol, a special benefit is provided to the player as a jackpot.
As a big hit symbol, for example, a double-eye pattern (“11
1 "or" 777 "). Also,
A special benefit is to open the gaming ball or the special winning opening or the like for a certain period of time so that the game ball can easily enter the winning opening. The special benefits provided in this way allow the player to obtain many prize balls (prize balls, payouts).

By the way, in a game arcade (hall), a business strategy often regulates a form in which one player plays with the same pachinko machine. That is, the game is played continuously without exchanging the possessed ball, or continuously played after exchanging the possessed ball during the game. In this case, the subsequent game form is often set according to the content (pattern) of the special symbol at the time of the big hit. For example, when a special symbol such as "777" hits a jackpot, one player can continuously play the same pachinko machine without exchanging balls. On the other hand, if you win a big hit with other special symbols such as "666",
In order to continue the game, the ball must be exchanged after the end of the jackpot period.

[0004] In a game arcade, service time is set as one form of business. The service time may vary depending on the game arcade or the like. For example, the following benefits are given to the player. In other words, this is a privilege that, when a big hit is made within a preset time, regardless of the content of the special symbol with the big hit, the game can be continuously played on the same machine without exchanging the acquired prize balls. In this case, for example, a sticker stating "service time from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm" is put on various places in the game hall to notify the player.

[0005]

However, there is a case where it is not known whether a big hit has occurred during the service time. For example, there is a case where a plurality of pachinko machines successively hit a jackpot immediately before the end of the service time. In this case, since it takes a considerable amount of time for the hall clerk to check all the pachinko machines that have hit the jackpot, some players are allowed to hit the jackpot during the service time, while other players are allowed to hit the jackpot during the service time. May not be accepted. For this reason, other players cannot obtain profits from the service time, and lose their willingness to play. Further, there is a case where the player does not know the existence of the service time itself, the implementation period, and the like for the reason such as not looking at the poster. In this case, even if the player wins during the service time, the player may immediately exchange the prize balls acquired as usual. For this reason, a player who knows the service time after the exchange does not gain profit from the service time, and loses the will to play thereafter. The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and reliably informs a player of a service time, and clarifies whether or not a jackpot during a service time, thereby improving a player's willingness to play. The purpose is to:

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine having a notifying means for notifying that a hit has occurred during a service time. Here, "hit"
Includes not only normal hits but also jackpots. According to the gaming machine of the first aspect, it is clear whether or not a hit has occurred during the service time. For this reason, the player can surely receive the profit from the service time, so that the player's willingness to play can be improved.

[0007]

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine according to the first aspect, wherein the notifying means notifies through a display unit and / or a sound unit. According to the gaming machine described in claim 2, it is possible to recognize from the gaming machine through visual and / or auditory whether or not the hit occurred during the service time. Therefore, it is possible for the player to more reliably clarify whether or not the benefit from the service time can be reliably received.

[0008]

A third aspect of the present invention is directed to a game machine having a notifying means for notifying that a hit has occurred during a service time. According to the gaming machine of the third aspect, it is clear whether or not the hit has occurred during the service time. For this reason, the player can surely receive the profit from the service time, so that the player's willingness to play can be improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the third aspect, the notifying means notifies through a display unit and / or a sound unit. According to the gaming machine according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to recognize from the gaming machine through visual and / or auditory whether or not a hit occurred during the service time. Therefore, it is possible for the player to more reliably clarify whether or not the benefit from the service time can be reliably received.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [Embodiment 1] First, in Embodiment 1, the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine which is one of gaming machines. The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 show the appearance of the pachinko machine, FIG. 1 shows a front view thereof, and FIG. 2 shows a rear view thereof. FIG. 3 shows a time setting device and a symbol setting device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a service time display process, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a jackpot process. 6, 6, 7, 8,
FIG. 10 shows an example of the display screen.

In FIG. 1, a game board 12, a top lamp 14, a front plate 20 and the like are provided on the front side of the pachinko machine 10. The game board 12 is provided with a display 16 for displaying symbols and other information, a special winning opening 17 which is opened at the time of a big hit, and the like. The design includes not only characters such as alphanumeric characters, but also symbols, pictures, characters, and the like. Other information includes, for example, service time (hours) and details, jackpot times, pachinko game center guidance, weather information, traffic information, and the like. The display 16 corresponds to a display unit,
A liquid crystal display is used. The display 16 has 7
Other displays, such as segment LEDs, CRTs, plasma displays, etc., may be used. The top lamp 14 corresponds to a display unit, and is turned on (including blinking; the same applies hereinafter) according to a game state or the like. The front plate 20 is provided with a speaker 22 and a button 24. The speaker 22 corresponds to an acoustic part, and is built in the front plate 20. This speaker 22
Produces sound effects, voices, music, and the like according to the game content and the like.
The button 24 is a button operated by the player when the player wants to know the time and content of the service time, the time of the jackpot, and the like.

On the other hand, in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 10, a ball tank 26, a switchboard 27, and a prize ball payout device 2 are provided.
8, time setting device 30, symbol setting device 40, game control unit 10
0 and the like are provided. The ball tank 26 temporarily stores the conveyed pachinko balls as prize balls. The switchboard 27 distributes electricity supplied from the outlet through the plug 27a to each part of the pachinko machine 10. Prize ball payout device 28
Counts the number of pachinko balls supplied through the ball tank 26 and pays out the number corresponding to the winning state or the like to the upper plate 18 or the like.

Each of the time setting device 30 and the symbol setting device 40 is a device that can be arbitrarily set by a hall clerk before the opening of the game arcade or the like, and will be described with reference to FIG. The time setting device 30 shown in FIG. 3A includes a display device 32, a switching button 34,
A decision button 36 and a setting button 38 are provided. For example, a 7-segment LED is used as the display 32, and displays the time being set or the determined time. Switch button 34
Is a button for switching the time. Each time the button is pressed, the time is shifted by, for example, one hour. The decision button 36 is a button for deciding on the time displayed on the display 32, and decides a start time and an end time. Setting button 3
Reference numeral 8 denotes a button for switching to set an end time. For example, the service time is 6:00 pm (18:00)
If you want to set from 7:00 pm (19:00) to
The following operation may be performed. That is, the switching button 34 is appropriately pressed until the time is displayed as “1800” on the display 32, and then the determination button 36 is pressed. The display state of the time setting device 30 at this time is shown in FIG. Thus, the start time is determined. Then, the setting button 38 is pressed to switch to the end time setting mode, and the switching button 34 is appropriately pressed until the time is displayed as "1900" on the display 32, and then the enter button 36 is pressed. The display state of the time setting device 30 at this time is shown in FIG. Thus, the end time is determined. Thus, the service time can be set by a simple operation.

The symbol setting device 40 shown in FIG. 3C includes a display 42, a switching button 44, and a decision button 46. The display 42 uses, for example, a 7-segment LED similarly to the display 32, and displays a symbol being set or a determined symbol. The switching button 44 is a button for switching symbols, and each time the button is pressed, the symbol changes. The decision button 46 is a button for deciding on the symbol displayed on the display 42. Thus, a lucky symbol can be set for each pachinko machine in common for each pachinko machine, for each day of the week or time slot. Furthermore, the symbol determined by the symbol setting device 40 may be a lucky symbol (also referred to as a lucky number), and when the lucky symbol is a big hit, the display 16 may display “lucky symbol (lucky number)” or the like. In this way, it is clear whether or not a jackpot has been won with the lucky symbol. For this reason, the player can surely obtain profits from the lucky symbols, so that the player's willingness to play can be improved.

Next, the configuration and operation of the game control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, the game control unit 100 includes a CPU (processor) 110, an RO
M102, RAM 104, timer 106, input processing circuit 108, output processing circuit 112, display control circuit 114,
It is composed of a communication control circuit 116 and the like. CPU
110 performs control for realizing a pachinko game in the pachinko machine 10 according to a game control program stored in the ROM 102. The ROM 102 stores not only the game control program but also data such as display timing in advance. This ROM 102 generally has E
Although a PROM is used, the invention is not limited to this, and an EEPROM or a flash memory may be used. In the RAM 104,
Various data such as service time, jackpot time, lucky symbols, and input / output signals are stored. This RAM1
In general, a DRAM is used for 04, but a nonvolatile memory such as an SRAM or a flash memory may be used. Here, the display timing is a timing at which the service time is displayed. For example, at least one of options 10 minutes before the start of the service time, at the start of the service time, during the service time period, and the like is selected.

The timer 106 performs a time measurement function, period management, and the like. The timer function receives a command from the CPU 110 and sends the current time and the like. Further, the period management receives a command from the CPU 110, and manages a period during which a symbol is fluctuated and displayed on the display 16 and the like. The input processing circuit 108 has a button 2
4, receives various signals sent from the time setting device 30 and the symbol setting device 40, converts them into a data format that can be processed in the game control section 100, and transmits the signals to the CPU 110 or RA via the bus 118.
Send to M104. On the other hand, the output processing circuit 112
Upon receiving the operation data transmitted from the bus 10 via the bus 118, a signal is transmitted to the speaker 22. Although the speaker 22 is connected to the game control unit 100, it may be connected to the frame control unit 200 depending on the design of the pachinko machine 10.

The display control circuit 114 receives display data sent from the CPU 110 via the bus 118, controls the display 16 to display symbols and other information, and controls the lamps such as the top lamp 14. The lighting control is performed. The communication control circuit 116 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving data to and from the frame control unit 200. The frame control unit 200 is configured around a CPU similarly to the game control unit 100, and the specific contents thereof are publicly known, so that detailed description is omitted. In addition, the frame control unit 200 is configured to launch a pachinko ball required for performing a pachinko game and to provide a prize ball payout device 28.
Of the prize ball by the control of the prize ball, or inspection of opening of the door or the like is performed at a predetermined timing. Each of the above components is connected to the bus 118.

Next, a processing procedure for realizing the present invention in the pachinko machine 10 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. In the processing procedures shown in these figures, the game control program stored in the ROM 102 in the game control unit 100 shown in FIG.
PU 110 is at a predetermined timing (for example, every 4 milliseconds)
This is achieved by executing In addition, FIG. 4 is referred to as needed.

FIG. 5 shows a processing procedure for displaying the service time on the display 16. First, the current time and the service time are obtained [Steps S10 and S12].
Specifically, the current time is obtained from the timer 106 shown in FIG. 4, and the service time (specifically, the start time and the end time) is obtained from the time setting device 30 through the input processing circuit 108. Then, it is determined whether or not the display timing is satisfied (step S16). The display timing is set in the ROM 102 in advance as described above, and it is determined whether or not the timing has been reached. In the first embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that 10 minutes before the start of the service time and during the service time period are set in the ROM 102 as the display timing.

If the display timing is met (YES in step S16), the service time is notified to the player [step S18], and the processing procedure ends.
For example, a display is performed on the display screen 16a of the display 16 shown in FIG. 1 in a manner shown in FIGS. In other words, 10 minutes before the start of the service time, as shown in FIG.
The time when the service time is performed is displayed at 0, 52 to inform the player. According to the example set in FIG. 3, the service time is performed from 6:00 pm (18:00) to 7:00 pm (19:00). Further, during the service time period, the fact that the service time period is in progress is displayed on the display area 50 as shown in FIG. 7 to notify the player. Here, if the colors of the characters displayed in the display areas 50 and 52 are changed before, during, and after the service time, it becomes easier to understand. The display area 54 is an area for starting to change when the pachinko ball passes or wins a predetermined area, and then stops and displays a symbol. Figures 6 and 7
In each of the examples shown in FIG. 5, the symbol "123" is displayed. Returning to FIG. 5, when the display timing does not match (NO in step S16), the processing procedure ends without doing anything.

Note that, instead of (or in addition to) the processing in step S16, when a display button such as the button 24 is pressed [step S14], the service time may be notified to the player [ Step S1
6]. In this way, the player can always know when the service time is performed or during the service time period. In step S18, the contents of the service time may be notified not only during the service time period or during the service time but also at the service time.
For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the title "explanation of service time" is displayed in the display area 50, and the content of the service time is displayed in the display area 52 to notify the player. In this case, regardless of whether it is during service time or not
It is more desirable that the display can be made at any time if the player gives an instruction with the button 24 or the like. In this way, a player who does not know the contents of the service time can surely know what the contents are. Therefore, it is possible to reliably receive the benefit from the service time.

Next, FIG. 9 shows a processing procedure when a big hit occurs. First, the time of the jackpot is acquired, and the time data is stored in the RAM 104 [Step S2
0]. Then, a special winning opening process for giving the player a lot of winning opportunities is performed [Step S22]. For example, the special winning opening 17 shown in FIG. 1 is opened for a predetermined period (for example, 20 seconds). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the jackpot time stored in step S20 is during the service time period (in the example of the above setting, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm) (step S26). If the jackpot time is during the service time period (YES), after notifying the jackpot time (step S28), the jackpot process ends. For example, as shown in FIG.
2 is displayed to inform the player and the staff in the hall of the time of the jackpot. Since the time when the jackpot was hit is clarified by this display, it is also clear whether or not the jackpot is during the service time. Therefore, the player can surely obtain the benefit from the service time. The displayed jackpot time is displayed during the service time period. On the other hand, if the time of the jackpot is outside the service time period in step S26 (NO), the jackpot process is terminated without performing anything.

During the service time period, the button 24
And so on only when a display button such as
24], the time of the jackpot may be notified to a player, a hall clerk, or the like [Step S28]. In this case, it is desirable that the display button be informed not only during the service time but also after the service time period elapses at any time by pressing the button. In this way, the player, the person in charge of the hall, and the like can always display the time of the jackpot at an appropriate time and know the time.

In the processing steps of steps S18 and S28, the service time is notified in place of (or in addition to) the display on the display 16, instead of the top lamp 14 (or other lamps). May be changed to notify whether or not the service time is in progress. For example, the light may be turned off normally, turned on during the service period, and blinked when a big hit occurs during the service period. Similarly, the light may be turned off normally, turned on in red during the service time period, and turned on (flashing) in green when a big hit occurs during the service period. Top lamp 14
Is easily viewable, so that a service time or the like can be reliably notified to a player, a hall clerk, or the like. Then, as in the case of the display 16, the player 22 or the hall clerk is notified of the period and contents of the service time, whether or not the service time is in progress, by sound effect, voice, music, and the like from the speaker 22. Is also good. In addition, the player or the hall clerk may be notified of the service time by shaking the chair on which the player is sitting, or vibrating the handle for firing the pachinko ball. Furthermore, if any of the above-described modes are combined, the service time can be more reliably notified to a player, a hall clerk, or the like.

According to the first embodiment, the service time is reliably notified (steps S14 and S18), and it becomes clear whether or not a jackpot during the service time has occurred (step S28). Therefore, in particular, the player can surely know the service time and can surely receive the profit from the service time. Further, before the service time, it is possible to know the timing and / or the contents of the service time (steps S14 and S1).
8). Also, during and / or after the service time, it is possible to know at least when a hit has occurred (step S28). Therefore, in particular, the player can more reliably know the service time, and can more reliably receive the profit from the service time. Further, the fact that the jackpot has been hit during the service time period is notified, so that it is possible to know that the jackpot has been hit during the service time. Even if the hall clerk or player does not know (or forgets) when the service time period is, he / she can know the fact that the jackpot has been hit during the service time period. Therefore, the player's willingness to play can be improved.

In the first embodiment, the service time period, contents, symbols, etc. are displayed in the display areas 50, 52, 54 of the display screen 16a. Instead of this mode, the screen of the display screen 16a may be switched to display the time, contents, symbols, etc. of the service time. Alternatively, the color of the background displayed on the display 16 may be changed in accordance with the service time or the like. In this way, the service time period, the contents, the design, and the like are displayed on almost the entire screen, so that it is easy to see. In addition, as for certain display contents, after switching the screen of the display screen 16a, the display contents may be returned to the original display contents after a certain period elapses. For example, the screen displaying the symbol is switched to the description of the service time, and after 10 seconds, the screen returns to the screen displaying the original symbol. In this way, a certain display content is displayed when necessary, and thereafter, the screen is switched to a screen necessary for the game. Therefore, the trouble of switching the screen can be saved. Further, a separate display unit from the display unit 16 may be provided on the game board, and the display unit may indicate that the service time period is in progress or that a big hit has occurred during the service time period. In this way, since the big hit time and the like are displayed on the game board surface, the player can easily understand and recognize it.

In the first embodiment, when a big hit occurs during the service time period, the time is displayed (notified) throughout the service time period. Not limited to this aspect,
Conditions for ending the display of the time of the jackpot are as follows. (A1) The jackpot game is terminated, and then the notification is terminated after a certain period has elapsed. For example, during the service time period, when the jackpot became big hit, it started displaying the time,
The display continues for 10 minutes after the end of the jackpot game, and then disappears. Even if it takes time for the hall clerk to confirm the jackpot time, it is usually about 1
0 minutes is enough. Therefore, the game is displayed for 10 minutes after the end of the jackpot game, and thereafter, the display is turned off and the display space of the screen is displayed with another decoration. This way,
Since the display mode of the decoration screen can be further diversified, it is possible to enhance the playability. (A2) The service time period ends, and the notification ends after a certain period has elapsed. For example, the time starts to be displayed at the same time as the jackpot during the service time period, the display is continued for 10 minutes after the end of the service time period, and then the display is turned off. Even if a jackpot hits immediately before the end of the service time period, if the 10 minutes after the service time period is displayed, it is confirmed that the hall clerk has hit the jackpot during the service period even if it is late to check the jackpot time it can. Then, after the ten minutes have elapsed, the display of the time of the jackpot is erased, and another decoration is displayed on the display space of the screen. By doing so, the display mode of the decoration screen can be further diversified, so that the gaming ability can be enhanced. (A3) A confirmation button is provided on a pachinko machine, an island where the pachinko machine is installed, or an island or a game facility (ball rental machine, pillar, wall surface, etc.) near the pachinko machine. Then, after the time of the jackpot is displayed, the hall clerk presses the confirmation button so that the time of the jackpot disappears. In this case, the time of the jackpot is continuously displayed until the hall staff presses the confirmation button. Therefore, even if the hall clerk has not been able to confirm for a long time due to some trouble, the jackpot time is displayed, so it can be understood that the jackpot has been hit during the service time period. This way,
Since the player can reliably receive the benefit from the service time, the player's willingness to play can be improved.

[Embodiment 2] Next, Embodiment 2
The present invention is applied to a game facility (an island on which a game machine such as a pachinko machine is installed). Embodiment 2
Will be described with reference to FIGS. here,
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing connections between a plurality of pachinko machines and islands. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configurations of the game control unit and the island computer. FIG. 13 and FIG. 15 are flowcharts showing the notification instruction process and the notification execution process. FIG. 14 is a front view showing a plurality of pachinko machines installed on the island.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic configuration for notifying the service time on the island. In FIG. 11, a plurality of pachinko machines 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d,.
z between the island computer 300 and the island computer 30
Are electrically connected to the display devices 62a, 62b,.... Pachinko machines 10a, 10b, 10
, 10z send a jackpot signal to the island computer 300 when the jackpot is reached. The island computer 300 receiving the jackpot signal displays the indicators 62a, 62b,
Send the display signal to.

FIG. 12 shows a specific configuration. In FIG. 12, the game control unit 100 includes a pachinko machine 10a,
, 10z is provided for each of 10b, 10c, 10d,..., 10z. Since the game control unit 100 is common to the pachinko machines, a case where the game control unit 100 of the pachinko machine 10a is used will be described for simplicity. Since the configuration of the game control unit 100 is the same as that of the game control unit 100 of the pachinko machine 10 shown in FIG. 4, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the island computer 300
10, ROM 302, RAM 304, communication control circuit 30
6, an output processing circuit 314. CP
U310 controls various processes in the island 60 (see FIG. 14) according to the island control program stored in the ROM 302. An EPROM is generally used for the ROM 302, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an EEPROM or a flash memory may be used. Generally, the DRA is stored in the RAM 304.
Although M is used, a nonvolatile memory such as an SRAM or a flash memory may be used. In this RAM 304,
Various data such as temporary data for signal processing and input / output signals are stored.

The communication control circuit 306 is provided for the game control unit 100.
This is a circuit for transmitting and receiving data between and.
The timer 312 performs a timer function, period management, and the like, similarly to the timer 106 illustrated in FIG. Output processing circuit 314
Receives the display signal data transmitted from the CPU 310 via the bus 316 and outputs the display signal to the display devices 62a, 62b,. The indicators 62a, 62b,.
An ED display is used, and is provided on the island 60 as shown in FIG. Each of the above components is connected to the bus 316. Further, the island computer 300 may be provided with a display control circuit, a display, and the like for managing the processing state and the like. Further, other displays such as a liquid crystal display, a CRT, and a plasma display may be used as the displays 62a, 62b,.

The processing procedure of the pachinko machine 10a (game control unit 100) and the island computer 300 executed in order to notify the player of the service time in the gaming machine configured as above will be described with reference to FIG. explain. In FIG. 13, a notification instruction process shown on the left side of the drawing is executed by the game control unit 100, and a notification execution process shown on the right side of the drawing is executed by the island computer 300. In the pachinko machine 10a, when a big hit occurs (YES in step S30), the big hit signal is transmitted to the island computer 30.
0 is output (step S32). Specifically, FIG.
From the CPU 110 shown in FIG.
A jackpot signal is sent to the island computer 300. On the other hand, if it is not a jackpot (NO in step S30), the process ends without doing anything.

On the other hand, in the island computer 300, if the display timing is matched (YES in step S40), the service time is notified to the player [step S42].
Specifically, the indicators 62a, 62b, 62 shown in FIG.
At c,..., the time and contents of the service time are displayed to inform the player. The display content is the same as the display content in the process of step S18 in FIG. On the other hand, if the display timing does not match (N in step S40)
O), proceed to step S44 without doing anything. When the jackpot signal is received (YES in step S44), the current time is acquired and stored [step S46], and it is determined whether the stored jackpot time is during the service time period [step S47]. If the time of the jackpot is during the service time period (YES), the time of the jackpot is notified [step S48], and then the notification execution processing ends. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the pachinko machine 10a,
The time of the jackpot is displayed on the indicators 62a and 62b corresponding to 10b to inform the player, the staff in charge of the hall and the like of the time of the jackpot. Since the time when the jackpot was hit is clarified by this display, it is also clear whether or not the jackpot is during the service time. Therefore, the player can surely obtain the benefit from the service time.

On the other hand, if the time of the jackpot is outside the service time period in step S47 (NO), the notification execution processing is terminated without doing anything. In addition, the display 6 is attached to the island 60.
2a, 62b, 62c,..., And call buttons 66a, 66b, 66 for the player to call a clerk at the playground.
, and call lamps 64a, 64b, 64c,... indicating that the call button has been pressed are provided for each pachinko machine.

According to the second embodiment, the display 62
The service time is reliably notified through a, 62b, 62c,... (step S42), and it is clarified whether or not it is a jackpot during the service time (step S4).
8). In this way, the fact that the jackpot has been hit during the service time period is notified, so that it is possible to know that the jackpot has been hit during the service time. Even if the hall clerk or player does not know (or forgets) when the service time period is, he / she can know the fact that the jackpot has been hit during the service time period. Therefore, since the player can surely receive the profit from the service time, the player's willingness to play can be improved. Further, the mode of notifying the service time or the like through the indicators 62a, 62b, 62c,... Of the island 60 functions even when the pachinko machines and the like installed on the island 60 are replaced. In this case, the condition is that a jackpot signal is output from the replaced pachinko machine or the like. In this way, capital investment costs can be kept low.

The processing procedure shown in FIG. 15 may be executed instead of the processing procedure shown in FIG. That is, in the pachinko machine 10a, when a display button such as the button 24 is pressed (YES in step S50), a guide signal is output to the island computer 300 [step S5.
2]. Then, when a big hit occurs (Y in step S54)
ES), and outputs a jackpot signal to the island computer 300 [Step S56]. On the other hand, when the island computer 300 receives the guide signal (YES in step S60),
The service time is notified (step S62). When the jackpot signal is received (YE in step S64)
S), the current time is acquired and stored [Step S6
6] Only when the jackpot time is during the service time period [YES in step S67], the jackpot time is notified [step S68]. According to the above processing, when the player presses the button 24 or the like, the time and contents of the service time are notified, and when the jackpot is reached, the time of the jackpot is notified. By pressing the button 24 or the like, the time and contents of the service time, or the time of the jackpot generated during the service time period can be known at any time. Therefore, the profit from the service time can be reliably provided to the player. Therefore, the player's willingness to play can be further improved.

Further, the indicators 62a, 62b, 62c,.
Alternatively (or in addition), the speaker 70 may be connected to the island computer 300 as shown in FIG. The speakers 70 are connected to the display units 62a and 62 shown in FIG.
Provided on the island 60 similarly to b, 62c,. Then, the player notifies the player of the period and contents of the service time, or whether or not the service time is in progress, by means of a sound effect, voice, music, or the like from the speaker 70. By doing so, it is possible to reliably inform the player and the like of the service time period and the contents through hearing.

[Other Embodiments] In the above-described gaming machine, the structure, shape, size, material, number, arrangement, operating conditions, and the like of other parts are not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, each of the following embodiments to which the above embodiment is applied may be implemented. (1) In the first embodiment, the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine. Instead of this form, the present invention can be similarly applied to a gaming machine other than a pachinko machine (for example, a slot machine, an arrangement ball machine, and the like). In the second embodiment, the present invention is applied to an island (game equipment) in which a plurality of pachinko machines are installed. Instead of this form,
The present invention can be similarly applied to only a gaming machine other than a pachinko machine, or to an island (gaming equipment) in which a plurality of gaming machines are installed in combination with a pachinko machine. Even in these cases, it is possible to surely inform the player of the service time and to clarify whether or not a jackpot during the service time. Therefore, the player's willingness to play can be improved.

(2) In each of the above embodiments, the time of the jackpot is displayed. Instead of this mode, information for specifying the time such as the date of a jackpot may be displayed. If the date is displayed together with the time, it is possible to know whether or not a specific gaming machine has a jackpot during the service time not only on the current day but also before the previous day. Therefore, a gaming machine that has a jackpot during the service time before the previous day can be played with an expectation of a jackpot during the service time on the same day. Therefore, the player's willingness to play can be further improved. (3) In each of the above embodiments, the time of the jackpot is notified to the player, the staff in the hall, and the like only during the service time period. Instead of this mode, when a big hit occurs, the time of the big hit may be always displayed on the display 16 or the time of the big hit may be continuously notified even during the service time period. Alternatively, the time of the jackpot may be notified only after the service time period. Furthermore, only when a big hit occurs during the service period, the notification may be made by a lamp or the like. In this way, even after the elapse of the service time period, it becomes clear whether or not a jackpot during the service time has occurred. Therefore, the player can surely obtain the benefit from the service time.

(4) In the above embodiments, the time of the jackpot is displayed (notified) regardless of the symbol of the jackpot. Instead of this mode, the time of the big hit may be displayed only when a big hit with a specific symbol (probability changing symbol) during the service time period. Alternatively, the time of the hit may be displayed for hits other than the big hits (for example, hits based on ordinary symbols). By doing so, the time is displayed for a specific symbol, so that the occurrence time of the hit becomes clear. (5) In each of the above embodiments, when a big hit occurs, the time of the big hit is displayed (notified). Instead of (or in addition to) this mode, a time at which a specific mode other than a jackpot occurs, such as a time at which a reach is reached or a time at which a specific reach action is performed, may be displayed.
In this way, you can see when you reach reach, etc.

(6) In the above embodiments, the time and the like are displayed when a hit occurs during the service time period. Instead of (or in addition to) this mode, when a big hit occurs in a certain period other than the service time period, the time of the big hit may be displayed. For example, it is conceivable that the continuation of the game is recognized if the jackpot is reached before the store close time (for example, 11:00 pm) of the game hall, and the continuation of the game is not recognized even if the jackpot is reached after the store close time. In this example, if a big hit occurs 10 minutes before the store closing time, the time of the big hit is displayed. In this way, it is possible to know whether a big hit occurred before or after the store closing time. (7) In the above embodiments, the time and the like are displayed when a big hit occurs during the service time period. In addition to this mode, a symbol specifying a jackpot symbol or a reach action may be displayed together with the time. In this way, it is possible to know which symbol has become a jackpot or reach.

(8) In the second embodiment, the time and content of the service time and the time of the jackpot are displayed on the indicators 62a, 62b, 62c,... Of the island 60 to inform the player and the like. Instead of this form, the indicators 62a, 62b, 62
, and the display 16 of each pachinko machine, the time and content of the service time and the time of the jackpot may be displayed to inform the player or the like. By doing so, the information is displayed at a position that is easily noticeable, so that the player can be more reliably notified. (9) In the second embodiment, the indicators 62a, 62a,
The time of the jackpot is displayed at 62b, 62c,... To notify the player, the staff in the hall, and the like. In addition to this mode, the time of the jackpot generated by each pachinko machine may be displayed on the display connected to the island computer 300 in a concentrated manner. In this way, the hall clerk or the like can perform a predetermined operation after confirming the time displayed on the display. Therefore, work can be performed smoothly.

(10) In the second embodiment, the displays 62a, 62b,... From the pachinko machines 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d,.
This informs the player of the service time period and contents. Instead of this form, pachinko machines 10a, 10
, 10z, through the hall computer, the display devices 62a, 62b,... may inform the player of the service time period and contents. Similarly, pachinko machines 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d,
, A hall computer may be interposed between 10z and the island computer 300. In this way, it is possible to know which pachinko machine has won the jackpot and when the jackpot has hit, so that the jackpot can be handled smoothly. Also,
By displaying information on the jackpot during the service time on a display or the like connected to the hall computer, the information can be widely provided to the player.

(11) In the second embodiment, the pachinko machines 10a, 10b, 10c,.
The jackpot signal etc. was sent to 0. In addition to this mode, the pachinko machines 10a, 10b, 10
A reset signal for resetting the time of the timer 106 may be sent to c,. In this case, each of the pachinko machines 10a, 10b, 10c,... Needs to set the time of the timer 106 to a predetermined time in response to the reset signal. For example, if the current time of the timer 106 is 1
At 2:34, when a reset signal is received, 13:00 is set. When the current time of the timer 106 is 12:24, when a reset signal is received,
Set to 0:00. Further, the reset signal includes time data, and the timer 106 according to the time data.
May be set. For example, when the time data of the reset signal is 12:45, the time of the timer 106 is set to 12:45. By doing so, it is possible to prevent a difference in display time due to an error in the timer 106 between the pachinko machines. Therefore, it is possible to inform a player or the like of an accurate jackpot time.

(12) The symbol setting device 40 shown in FIG.
The setting of the lucky symbol (lucky number) may be performed by a hall clerk or the like arbitrarily for each pachinko machine before opening the normal game hall (or after closing on the previous day), and may not be notified to the player. In this way, since the player does not know what the lucky symbol is, it is possible to give a sense of expectation that all the jackpot symbols may be lucky with the lucky symbol. When a lucky symbol is hit, it is desirable to display on the display 16 or the like a message saying "Lucky symbol (lucky number). You can play a ball game." In this way, it is possible to notify a player, a hall clerk, or the like that the lucky symbol has been hit.

[0047]

As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. This embodiment has not only the aspects of the invention described in the claims but also other aspects of the invention. Embodiments of the present invention will be enumerated below, and related explanations will be provided as necessary.

[Aspect 1] In the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the notifying means notifies the timing and / or the content of the service time before the service time, and at least hits during and / or after the service time. A gaming machine that notifies you when a problem has occurred. [Relevant Description of Aspect 1] According to this aspect, before the service time, the timing and / or content of the service time can be known. Also, during and / or after the service time, it is possible to know at least when a hit has occurred. Therefore, in particular, the player can more reliably know the service time, and can more reliably receive the profit from the service time. Therefore, the player's willingness to play can be further improved.

[0049]

According to the present invention, it is clear whether or not a hit has occurred during a service time. for that reason,
Since the player can reliably receive the benefit from the service time, the player's willingness to play can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the appearance of a pachinko machine.

FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the appearance of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a time setting device and a symbol setting device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a service time display process.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displaying a service time period.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displaying that a service time is being performed;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displaying a description of a service time.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a jackpot process.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displaying a jackpot time.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing connections between a plurality of pachinko machines and islands.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of a game control unit and an island computer.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a notification instruction process and a notification execution process.

FIG. 14 is a front view showing a plurality of pachinko machines installed on the island.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a notification instruction process and a notification execution process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 10a, 10b, ... Pachinko machine (gaming machine) 16 Display (display unit) 16a Display screen 22 Speaker (sound unit) 24 Button 30 Time setting device 40 Symbol setting device 60 Island 62a, 62b, ... Display lamp (display) Unit) 70 speaker (sound unit) 100 game control unit 106, 312 timer 200 frame control unit 300 island computer

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine having a notifying means for notifying that a hit has occurred during a service time. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said notifying means notifies said information through a display unit and / or a sound unit. 3. A game facility having a notifying means for notifying that a hit has occurred during a service time. 4. A gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein said notifying means notifies said information through a display unit and / or a sound unit.