JP2008125945A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can be configured at a low cost and makes it possible to visually recognize the condition of the game machine. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine 1 is provided with LEDs 26a and 26b for emitting light so as to be visually recognized from the outside. Then, game machine data as information (the amount of tokens inside a hopper or the like, for instance) relating to the game machine 1 are acquired. Then, the acquired game machine data are converted to electric signals and the light emission of the LEDs 26a and 26b is controlled on the basis of the electric signals. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to, for example, a pachislot gaming device, a pachinko gaming device, and other gaming machines.

  Conventionally, in order to manage gaming machines such as pachinko machines and pachislot machines installed in game halls, a call lamp is installed for each gaming machine, for example, medals such as medals stored in gaming machines are empty. When this happens, a player operates a call lamp to call an amusement hall employee. When the player calls the employee by operating the call lamp, whether the game medium stored in the gaming machine is empty and the game medium cannot be paid out, or whether the call lamp is operated for other reasons Not surely, the employee who was called was doing a very annoying task. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention in which various types of gaming machine information can always be accurately communicated to employees by using a portable audio information device, and a player's request can be dealt with promptly at any time. Has been.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-024579

  In this patent document 1, a dedicated machine type hall computer is used, information is collected by directly connecting each gaming machine with a cable, and each information is transmitted from the hall computer to each employee. Such a dedicated-type hall computer is expensive, and it may be difficult to hear voices in a noisy game hall.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can be configured at low cost and can visually grasp the situation of the gaming machine.

Means and effects for solving the problems

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a light emitting means that emits light so as to be visible from the outside, a gaming machine data obtaining means for obtaining gaming machine data that is information relating to gaming machines, and an electrical signal for the obtained gaming machine data. And a light emission control means for performing light emission control of the light emission means based on the electrical signal.

  According to this configuration, the acquired gaming machine data is converted into an electric signal, and the light emitting means emits light toward the outside based on the electric signal. That is, it is possible to notify the data regarding the gaming machine to the outside by light. Thereby, for example, in comparison with notification by electromagnetic waves, damage due to electromagnetic waves such as causing malfunction of other devices may be prevented. In addition, by notifying by light, for example, the game manager can visually recognize that game machine data is output from the game machine, unlike invisible electromagnetic waves, etc. There is a case where it is possible to save time and effort of management. In addition, since there is no need for communication or the like, there may be a case where it can be configured at low cost.

  The present invention also provides a storage means for storing game media, a game medium discharge means for discharging stored game media when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and a storage amount of game media stored in the storage means. The storage device further includes storage amount acquisition means for acquiring the amount data, and the gaming machine data includes storage amount data.

  According to this configuration, the gaming machine data notified to the outside by light is storage amount data that is a storage amount of the game medium. In general, if there is a shortage of game media while a game is being played on a gaming machine, the fact is that the game medium is short. Even if the game is not performed, the game manager may be able to replenish the game medium by recognizing the light. For this reason, there is a case where a game can be provided without causing trouble to the player.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

(Composition of gaming machine)
The gaming machine according to the present embodiment is a so-called “pachi-slot machine”, and the player is configured so that a specific winning mode is established based on the symbols displayed by stopping the variable display of a plurality of symbols on the winning line. The variable display can be stopped by detecting this operation. The gaming machine is a game that uses a game medium such as a coin or a medal, a game ball, etc., or a card or the like that stores information on the valuable value given to or given to the player. In the explanation, the explanation will be made using medals as game media and valuable value.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the gaming machine 1. A liquid crystal display device 5 is installed in front of the cabinet 2 forming the entire gaming machine 1. As will be described later, the liquid crystal display device 5 is configured so that a plurality of symbols on the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal display device 5 can be visually recognized. It is possible to display. In this embodiment, the case where the liquid crystal display device 5 is provided on the front surface of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R will be described. However, in the present invention, the position where the liquid crystal display device 5 is provided is particularly limited. It is not something. The liquid crystal display device 5 will be described in detail later.

  On the back side of the liquid crystal display device 5, three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided as variable display means. Each of the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R has a symbol row formed of a plurality of symbols on its outer peripheral surface. The symbol row consists of a plurality of types of symbols with code numbers “00” to “20”. Specifically, it consists of the symbols “Red 7”, “Blue 7”, “Lower Chile”, “Bell”, “Watermelon”, “Replay”, and “Upper Chile”. Each reel rotates at a constant speed (for example, 80 rpm). “Red 7” and “Blue 7” in the symbol sequence are set as constituting a specific winning mode. Here, the specific winning mode means a winning mode in which a bonus of BB (big bonus) or RB (regular bonus) described later is established.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are nine in total, with three symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in the vertical direction via the liquid crystal display device 5 from the front of the cabinet 2. The design is visible. In addition, five pay lines are set corresponding to the stop positions of the nine symbols that can be visually recognized. That is, a top line 8b, a center line 8c, and a bottom line 8d that horizontally traverse three symbols arranged in the vertical direction are provided, and a cross down line 8a and a cross up line 8e that traverse diagonally.

  By operating a 1-BET button 11 and a maximum BET button 12, which will be described later, or by inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 22, one winning line is provided (only the center line 8c). When two bets are made (the 1-BET button 11 is operated (pressed) twice or two medals are inserted), three (in addition to the center line 8c, the center line 8b, the bottom line 8d), the maximum number (this embodiment) In the case of 3 bets), 5 (3 cross-line 8a and cross-up line 8e) are activated in addition to 3 (2 bets). The winning lines 8a to 8e are related to success or failure of the winning combination. Specifically, the winning combination of the predetermined combination is established by stopping and displaying the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined combination in a predetermined position corresponding to any activated winning line. Will be. In the following description, the activated winning line may be referred to as an activated line.

  On the rear side of the left side of the liquid crystal display device 5 are a game start display lamp 25, a hit display lamp (so-called “WIN lamp”) 17, a medal insertion lamp 24, a 1-BET lamp 9a, a 2-BET lamp 9b, and a maximum BET lamp. Various lamps 9c and various display units such as a payout number display unit 18, a credit display unit 19, and an accessory operation (bonus) number display unit 20 are provided (see FIG. 2). These lamps and the display unit can also be visually recognized from the front of the cabinet 2 through the liquid crystal display device 5 in the same manner as the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, and the maximum BET lamp 9c are lit according to the number of medals (hereinafter, also referred to as BET number) bet to play one game (unit game). Note that one game ends when all reels are stopped, or when medals are paid out, when medals are paid out.

  The WIN lamp 17 is turned on with a predetermined probability when BB or RB is internally won, and is also turned on when a BB or RB winning is established. The internal winning means that the CPU 31 draws a winning combination that can be established, and the winning combination that is won internally is called an internal winning combination, which will be described in detail later. The medal insertion lamp 24 blinks when the medal insertion is acceptable. The game start display lamp 25 is lit when at least one of the pay lines 8a to 8e is activated.

  The payout number display unit 18 displays the number of payout medals at the time the winning is established, the credit display unit 19 displays the number of stored medals, and the bonus number display unit 20 displays the RB. The number of possible games and the number of possible RB game winnings are displayed. These display units consist of a 7-segment display.

  A pedestal portion 10 having a horizontal plane is formed below the liquid crystal display device 5. A medal slot 22 is provided on the right side of the pedestal portion 10, and a 1-BET button 11 is provided on the left side of the pedestal portion 10. And a maximum BET button 12 is provided. The 1-BET button 11 makes one of the credited medals bet on the game by one pressing operation, and two of the credited medals by two pressing operations. The number of bets on the game. The maximum BET button 12 sets the maximum number of bets that can be bet on one game (three in this embodiment) to be bet on the game. By operating the BET buttons 11 and 12, the above-described pay lines 8a to 8e are activated.

  A stored medal settlement button 14 (hereinafter referred to as a C / P button 14) is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal unit 10 to switch credit / payout of medals acquired by the player by a push operation. When “payout” is selected by switching the C / P button 14, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower front, and the medals received are stored in the medal receiving unit 16. On the other hand, when “credit” is selected, the number of medals is stored as credits in a memory (for example, a RAM 33 described later) provided in the gaming machine 1.

  A start lever 6 for rotating the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R by a player's operation is attached to the right side of the C / P button 14 so as to be rotatable within a predetermined angular range. Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3R, and 3C are provided at the center of the front surface of the pedestal portion 10, respectively.

  On the right side of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R, a blue LED (Light Emitting Diode) 26a and a red LED 26b are arranged in parallel vertically. These two LEDs 26a and 26b blink alternately or simultaneously according to the information about the gaming machine, and inform the outside of the information about the gaming machine with light. The information related to the gaming machine is, for example, the medal amount of the medal 115 stored in the hopper 40 described later, the operating rate of the gaming machine, the medal payout rate, and the like. Note that the information converted to light and notified to the outside is restored by the light receiver 100 described later.

  Speakers 21L and 21R are provided on the left and right above the cabinet 2, and a payout table panel 23 is provided between the two speakers 21L and 21R to display a combination of winning symbols and the number of medals. ing.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, a hopper 40 is provided below the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R inside the gaming machine 1. The hopper 40 includes a hopper body 40a and a hopper tank 40b. A medal insertion mechanism 40d (see FIG. 6) is provided inside the hopper body 40a, and is configured to throw a predetermined number of medals 115 from the throwing nozzle 40c based on the game result. The thrown medal 115 is received by the medal receiving unit 16 through the medal payout opening 15.

  On the other hand, the hopper tank 40b is provided in the upper part of the hopper body 40a, and is formed in a box shape with an upper surface opened. The medal 115 is received through the upper surface opening and supplied to the medal insertion mechanism from the lower end. It is configured as follows. In the hopper tank 40b, a minimum medal amount detection sensor 42 (see FIG. 6) for detecting the medal 115 is provided. The minimum medal amount detection sensor 42 is arranged to detect the minimum allowable amount of the medal 115 stored in the hopper tank 40b.

(Liquid crystal display device)
Next, the structure of the liquid crystal display device 5 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the liquid crystal display device 5 includes a front panel 51 composed of a protective glass 52 and a display plate 53, a transparent liquid crystal panel 54, a light guide plate 55, a reflective film 56, a so-called white light source fluorescent lamp. 57a / 57b, 58a / 58b, lamp holders 59a to 59h, and a table carrier package (TCP) on which an IC for driving a transparent liquid crystal panel is mounted. TCP is a flexible substrate connected to a terminal portion of the transparent liquid crystal panel 54 (Not shown). As described above, the liquid crystal display device 5 is provided in front of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Further, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the liquid crystal display device 5 are provided with a predetermined interval.

  The protective glass 52 and the display board 53 are comprised with the transparent member. On the display board 53, a pattern or the like is formed at a position corresponding to the above-described BET lamps 9a to 9c. That is, the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 53 is formed is the pattern formation area 51b of the front panel 51, and the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 53 is not formed is the display window 51a of the front panel 51. (See FIG. 2). The entire surface of the front panel 51 may be used as the display window 51a without forming the pattern forming region 51b on the front panel 51. In this case, a pattern is not formed on the display board 53 or the display board 53 may be omitted. Note that various lamps arranged on the back side of the display plate 53, electric circuits for operating various display units, and the like are not shown.

  The transparent liquid crystal panel 54 is formed by sealing liquid crystal in a gap between a transparent substrate such as a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed and a transparent substrate facing the transparent substrate. The display mode of the transparent liquid crystal panel 54 is set to normally white. The normally white is a configuration in which white display is performed (light transmitted to the display surface side is visible from the outside) in a state where the liquid crystal is not driven. By adopting a normally white transparent liquid crystal panel 54, even if there is a situation where the liquid crystal cannot be driven, the identification information such as symbols displayed on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R The variable display and the stop display can be visually recognized, and the game can be continued. That is, even when such a situation occurs, it is possible to play a game centering on the variable display mode and stop display mode of the identification information (for example, symbols) displayed on the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The light guide plate 55 is used to guide the light from the fluorescent lamps 57a and 57b to the transparent liquid crystal panel 54 (illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 54), and is provided on the back side of the transparent liquid crystal panel 54. It is composed of a transparent member (having a light guiding function) such as an acrylic resin having a thickness.

  The reflective film 56 is, for example, a white polyester film or an aluminum thin film formed with a silver vapor deposition film, and reflects the light introduced into the light guide plate 35 toward the front side of the light guide plate 55. The reflective film 56 includes a reflective area 56A and a non-reflective area (transmissive area) 56B.

  The fluorescent lamps 57 a and 57 b are arranged along the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the light guide plate 55, and both ends are supported by the lamp holder 59. The light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 57 a and 57 b is reflected by the reflection area 56 </ b> A of the reflection film 56 to illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 54.

  The fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b are disposed toward the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R at an upper position and a lower position on the back side of the reflection film 56, respectively. The light coming out of the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b, reflected by the surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and incident on the non-reflective area 56B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 54.

  As described above, in the liquid crystal display device 5, the light irradiated from the fluorescent lamps 57a and 57b and reflected by the reflection area 56A of the reflective film 56 and the light irradiated from the fluorescent lamps 58a and 58b, the surface of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The light reflected and incident on the non-reflective region 56B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 54. Therefore, the region of the liquid crystal display device 5 corresponding to the non-reflective region 56B of the reflective film 56 is a region that switches to a transparent / non-transparent state depending on whether or not the liquid crystal is driven. The reflective region 56A of the reflective film 56 The region of the liquid crystal display device corresponding to is in a non-transparent state regardless of whether or not the liquid crystal is driven.

  In the gaming machine 1, only a part of the area of the liquid crystal display device 5 is an area that switches to a transparent / non-transparent state. However, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device is entirely transparent. / A region that switches to a non-transparent state may be used. In this case, in the gaming machine 1, when the entire area of the liquid crystal display device 5 is an area that switches to the transmissive state or the non-transmissive state, the reflective film 56 may be all the non-reflective area 56 </ b> B or the reflective film 56 may be omitted. .

(Electric configuration of gaming machine: main control circuit)
As shown in FIG. 6, the operation of the gaming machine 1 is controlled by a main control circuit 71 provided on the main board and a sub control circuit 72 provided on the sub board. The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is added with a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, and a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 that are main board side storage means.

  Connected to the CPU 31 are a clock pulse generation circuit 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 36 and a sampling circuit 37 for generating a random number to be sampled. The random number generator 36 generates random numbers belonging to a certain numerical range. The sampling circuit 37 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. The CPU 31 determines an internal winning combination based on the random numbers sampled by the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 and the probability lottery table stored in the ROM 32.

  As a means for random number sampling, random number sampling may be executed in the microcomputer 30, that is, on the operation program of the CPU 31. In that case, the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

  The main actuators whose operation is controlled by the control signal from the microcomputer 30 include various lamps (BET lamps 9a, 9b, 9c, WIN lamp 17, medal insertion lamp 24, game start display lamp 25), The display unit (payout number display unit 18, credit display unit 19, bonus number display unit 20), the above-mentioned medal insertion mechanism 40d of the hopper 40 that pays out a predetermined number of medals 115 according to the command of the hopper driving circuit 41, and the reel 3L. There are stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R that rotationally drive 3C and 3R.

  Furthermore, a motor drive circuit 39 that drives and controls the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R, a hopper drive circuit 41 that drives and controls the hopper 40, a lamp drive circuit 45 that drives and controls various lamps, and a display unit that drives and controls various display units A drive circuit 48 is connected to the output unit of the CPU 31 via the I / O port 38. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 31, and controls the operation of each actuator.

  The main control circuit 71 is connected to input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for generating a control command. Main input signal generating means include a start switch 6S, a 1-BET switch 11S, a maximum BET switch 12S, a C / P switch 14S, a inserted medal sensor 22S, a reel stop signal circuit 46, a reel position detection circuit 47, and a payout completion signal. There is a circuit 44. Further, there is a medal amount signal circuit 43 that is connected to the above-described minimum medal amount detection sensor 42 and converts the detection signal from the sensor 42 into a signal suitable for digital processing and outputs it. These are also connected to the CPU 31 via the I / O port 38.

  The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6. The 1-BET switch 11S, the maximum BET switch 12S, and the C / P switch 14S detect operations of the 1-BET button 11, the maximum BET button 12, and the C / P button 14, respectively. The inserted medal sensor 22 </ b> S detects a medal inserted into the medal slot 22. The reel stop signal circuit 46 generates a stop signal in accordance with the operation of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R. The reel position detection circuit 47 receives the pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and supplies a signal for detecting the position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 31. The payout completion signal circuit 44 generates a signal for detecting completion of the medal payout when the count value of the medal detection unit 40S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40) reaches the designated number data.

  Various information is temporarily stored in the RAM 33 of the main control circuit 71. For example, the game state being executed, the number of inserted medals, and the like are stored. On the other hand, the ROM 32 of the main control circuit 71 determines the reel stop mode according to the operation of the probability lottery table and stop button used for determination of random number sampling performed every time the start lever 6 is operated (start operation). Various data tables such as a stop table group for the purpose, various control commands (commands) to be transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the like are stored.

(Electric configuration of gaming machine 1: sub-control circuit)
The main control circuit 71 is connected to the sub control circuit 72 so that commands and information can be output in one direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the sub-control circuit 72 controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 5 based on the control command (command) from the main control circuit 71, the sound from the speakers 21L and 21R, the blue LED lamp 26a, the red The light output from the LED 26b is controlled. The sub-control circuit 72 is configured on a sub-board different from the main board constituting the main control circuit 71, and includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “sub-microcomputer”) 73 as a main component, and the liquid crystal display device 5. An image control circuit 81 as display control means, a sound source IC 78 for controlling sound output from the speakers 21L and 21R, a power amplifier 79 as an amplifier, and an LED drive circuit 77 for driving the LEDs 26a and 26b are provided.

  The sub microcomputer 73 includes a sub CPU 74 that performs a control operation in accordance with a control command transmitted from the main control circuit 71, a program ROM 75 serving as a sub board-side storage unit, and a work RAM 76. The sub control circuit 72 does not include a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generator, and a sampling circuit, but is configured to execute random number sampling on the operation program of the sub CPU 74. The program ROM 75 stores a control program such as a processing routine shown in FIG. 10 to be executed by the sub CPU 74 and a data table. The work RAM 76 is configured as a temporary storage unit when the control program is executed by the sub CPU 74.

  The image control circuit 81 includes an image control IC 82, an image control work RAM 83, an image ROM 86, and a video RAM 87. The image control IC 82 determines the display contents on the liquid crystal display device 5 according to the image control program based on the parameters set by the sub microcomputer 73. The image control work RAM 83 is configured as temporary storage means (buffer) when the image control program is executed by the image control IC 82. The image ROM 86 stores dot data for forming an image. The video RAM 87 is configured as a temporary storage unit when the image control IC 82 forms an image. The sound source IC 78 can control the power amplifier 79 and adjust the volume of the speakers 21L and 21R.

  The LED drive circuit 77 controls the LEDs 26 a and 26 b based on a control command from the sub CPU 74. The LED drive circuit 77 modulates the gaming machine data transmitted from the main control circuit 71 into serial data synchronized with a clock frequency suitable for communication. The gaming machine data is data of information related to the gaming machine described above. Then, the LEDs 26a and 26b are controlled to blink according to the serial data. Specifically, one frame (one message) is composed of a plurality of characters and an idle period therebetween, and each character is composed of a start bit, data, a parity bit, and a stop bit. For example, one character data is composed of 8 bits, and in one frame, a start identifier is set for the first character, information indicating blue LED or red LED is set for the second character, and the third character is set for the third character. Sets the current status information of the LEDs 26a and 26b. Also, after the fourth character, information on the state of the gaming machine (medal amount, etc.) is set, and an end identifier is set for the final character. By transmitting the set signal to the drive circuit, the LEDs 26a and 26b are driven to blink, and the light is modulated.

  The LEDs 26a and 26b are controlled so as to blink at a high speed so as not to be recognized by the player's eyes. Thereby, since it seems that LED26a * 26b is always lighting to a player, it can prevent what kind of information is alert | reported.

  In addition, the phase difference and wavelength combination of the two LEDs 26a and 26b for informing game machine data to the outside are arbitrary, and any combination is possible, and the number and color tone of the LEDs are also particularly limited. is not.

(Game state)
The gaming machine 1 configured as described above causes three types of game states to appear: “general game state”, “RB game state”, and “BB general game state”. Each of these “three types” of game states basically includes the types of roles that may be won internally, the probability of winning internally in replays, the types of bonuses that can be established and the internal winnings. It is distinguished by the relationship with winning a prize.

  The “general gaming state” basically means a gaming state in which an expected value of a so-called “participation rate” (a valuable value given to a player with respect to a unit valuable value bet on a game) is smaller than “1”. This is a gaming state that is most disadvantageous for the player as compared to other gaming states.

  The “BB general gaming state” is generated when the BB is won internally and the BB is won in the “general gaming state”. The BB winning is established by arranging “red 7-red 7-red 7” or “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” along the active line in the “general gaming state”. The “BB general gaming state” ends when 30 small-games or 3 RBs (regular bonus) are consumed. The “BB general gaming state” may be ended when the payout of a predetermined number of medals is completed.

  The “RB gaming state” has a higher expected value of the payout rate than the “general gaming state”, and is the most advantageous gaming state for the player as compared to other gaming states. The “RB gaming state” is generated when an RB (regular bonus) is won in the “general gaming state” or the “BB general gaming state”. The RB winning is established by arranging “red 7-red 7-blue 7” along the active line in the general gaming state or the BB general gaming state. The establishment of RB winning in the “BB general gaming state” is generally referred to as “JACIN”, and the subsequent game is referred to as “JAC game”. The transition between the game states is performed when a combination of bonus symbols is displayed on the winning line.

(Pattern combination and number of payouts)
Next, a description will be given of the relationship between the gaming state, the symbol combination indicating the winning and the number of medals paid out. In the general gaming state, “BB”, “RB”, “Replay”, “Watermelon Minor”, “Bell Minor”, “Upper Chile Minor” and “Lower Chile Minor” There is a possibility of winning a prize. “BB” is established by arranging “red 7-red 7-red 7” or “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” along the effective line. “RB” is established by arranging “red 7-red 7-blue 7” along the active line. The payout number of these medals is “0”. Further, “replay” is established by arranging “Replay-Replay-Replay”. When a re-game winning is established, the same number of medals as the number of inserted medals are automatically inserted, so that the player can play the next game without consuming the medals. In the case of watermelon, bell, upper chile and lower chile, six, ten, six and six medals are paid out, respectively.

  In the BB general gaming state, there is a possibility of winning “RB”, “Watermelon Minor”, “Bell Minor”, “Upper Chile Minor” and “Lower Chile Minor”. In the RB gaming state, there is a possibility of winning a small role of “re-game”, “watermelon”, “bell”, and “upper / lower chile”. In the case of watermelons, bells, and upper and lower chiles, six, ten, and six medals are paid out, respectively.

(Operation of the main control circuit 71)
In the above configuration, the control operation of the CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to the flowchart of the main routine shown in FIG.

  First, the CPU 31 performs initialization at the start of the game (A1). Specifically, initialization of the storage contents of the RAM 33, initialization of communication data, and the like are performed. Subsequently, the predetermined stored contents of the RAM 33 at the end of the game are erased (A2). Specifically, the data in the writable area of the RAM 33 used for the previous game is erased, the parameters necessary for the next game are written in the write area of the RAM 33, the start address of the sequence program for the next game, etc. I do. Next, the CPU 31 stands by until there is an input from the inserted medal sensor 22S or the BET switches 11S and 12S (A3). Thereafter, a medal insertion signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and it is determined whether or not the start switch 6S is turned on by operating the start lever 6 (A4).

  When the start switch 6S is not turned on (A4: NO), the process waits for input by repeating A4. When the start switch 6S is turned on (A4: YES), the game start signal is sub-controlled. Along with transmitting to the circuit 72, a random number for lottery is extracted (A5). And the game state in this game is confirmed by performing a game state monitoring process (A6). That is, the game state of the current game is set to any one of the BB general game state, the RB game state, and the general game state.

  Then, a probability lottery process is performed (A7), and an internal winning combination is determined. Subsequently, stop table group selection processing is executed (A8). Specifically, a specific stop table group is selected using the type of internal winning combination. The stop table group is used when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped in A10 later. Here, a game information signal including information related to the internal winning combination, gaming state, stop table group, and symbol corresponding to the internal winning combination is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. Subsequently, a reel rotation process is performed (A9). Specifically, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated, and when a predetermined speed (for example, constant speed rotation) is reached, a reel stop permission signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. The reel stop permission signal includes a detection signal that is detected when the symbol corresponding to the internal winning combination is positioned on the effective line (specifically, the center line 8c) after the predetermined speed is reached. included.

  Next, a reel rotation stop process is executed (A10). That is, the sliding frame number determination process for determining the number of sliding frames is performed at the timing when any one of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R is operated or when the value of the automatic stop timer becomes “0”. Specifically, the number of sliding symbols is determined based on the stop table, stop operation position, and stop control position determined (selected) in A9. “The number of sliding symbols” is the number of symbols that move until the reel stops after the stop button is operated (shows the amount of movement (movement distance) of the symbol until the reel stops) . In the present embodiment, the “slip frame number” is “0”. That is, the reels are stopped simultaneously with the operation of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. Subsequently, the reel corresponding to the stop button for which the stop operation has been performed is rotated by the number of sliding frames and then stopped. Note that a reel stop signal (left, middle, right) is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 every time the stop button 7L, 7C, 7R is operated and the corresponding reel stops. Further, when all reels are stopped, an all reel stop signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72.

  Next, the CPU 31 makes a winning determination (A11). In the winning determination, a winning combination (a winning combination) is identified based on a stop pattern of nine symbols of the reel that can be visually recognized through the transmissive liquid crystal panel 54. Specifically, a winning combination is identified based on a code number of symbols arranged along the center line 8c and a winning determination table. Then, the winning signal is transmitted to the sub control circuit 72. Thereafter, the acquired medal is credited or paid out (A12). Specifically, when a medal is acquired by winning, the payout number display unit 18 displays the acquired number of medals. Then, by switching the C / P button 14 by the player, it is possible to select whether to credit the acquired medal into the gaming machine 1 or pay out the medal from the medal payout exit 15. The credited medal can bet by pressing the BET buttons 11 and 12 in the next game.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is “BB general gaming state” or “RB gaming state” (A13). If the gaming state is not “BB general gaming state” or “RB gaming state” (A13: NO), the process returns to A2. When the gaming state is “BB general gaming state” or “RB gaming state” (A13: YES), a “game number check process” of bonus (BB, RB) is performed (A14). In this “game number check process”, the number of times the RB gaming state has occurred, the number of games in the BB general gaming state, the number of winnings in the RB gaming state, and the number of games in the RB gaming state are checked, and the BB general gaming state and RB Transition (set) of gaming state between gaming states is performed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the bonus is over (A15). Specifically, after the BB winning is established, whether the number of wins is 8 or the number of games is 12 in the third RB gaming state, or is the number of games is 30 in the BB general gaming state Determine whether or not. In addition, after “RB7-Red 7-Blue 7” is arranged along the active line, after the RB winning is established, whether or not the number of winnings is 8 times or the number of games is 12 times in the RB gaming state. Is determined. As a result, when it is determined that the bonus is not finished (A15: NO), the process returns to A2. On the other hand, if it is determined that the bonus has ended (A15: YES), a bonus end signal is output to the sub-control circuit 72 (A16), and the process returns to A2.

(Main control circuit: Hopper check processing)
As described above, the CPU 31 performs processing for acquiring gaming machine data, which is information relating to gaming machines, and transmitting the gaming machine data to the sub-control circuit 72 while the gaming is performed by the main routine. In the present embodiment, a process for obtaining the amount of medals stored in the hopper 40 will be exemplified and specifically described.

  The CPU 31 executes a hopper check processing routine shown in FIG. That is, it is determined based on the detection signal from the minimum medal amount detection sensor 42 whether or not the medal amount in the hopper tank 40b is too small (B1). If the medal amount is too small (B1: YES), a minimum medal amount signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72 (B2). Receiving the minimum medal amount signal, the sub-control circuit 72 controls the LEDs 26a and 26b to emit light and notifies the outside that the medal amount is too small. And it returns to B1. If the medal amount is not too small (B1: NO), B1 is repeated.

  By notifying that the amount of medals is too small, the game manager can, for example, replenish medals 115 to the hopper 40 while the game is not being played, which may hinder the player's game. Without having to manage the gaming machine 1.

  In this embodiment, if the amount of medals in the hopper 40 is too small, a signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72. However, the number of medals in the hopper 40 is acquired and the sub-control circuit A signal may be transmitted to 72. For example, the medal 115 in the hopper tank 40b may be weighed and divided by the weight of the medal 115 per one to obtain the number of medals in the hopper 40. When the number of medals is notified, the game manager can easily determine at what timing the medals should be supplied.

(Sub control circuit: Light emission control processing)
Next, the control operation of the sub-control circuit 72 will be described with reference to the flowchart of the light emission control processing routine shown in FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not gaming machine data is received from the main control circuit 71 (C1). The gaming machine data is, for example, a minimum medal amount signal transmitted in B2 of the flowchart of FIG. If no gaming machine data has been received (C1: NO), C1 is repeated until it is received. When the gaming machine data is received (C1: YES), it is converted into an electrical signal based on the received gaming machine data. Specifically, the gaming machine data is modulated into serial data of “0” and “1” synchronized with a clock frequency suitable for communication. A general technique can be applied to a circuit configuration for converting data into an electrical signal.

  Then, the LEDs 26a and 26b are controlled to emit light according to the serial data (C3). Next, it is determined whether or not a certain time has elapsed since the light emission control was performed (C4). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (C4: NO), C5 is repeated until the predetermined time has elapsed. When the fixed time has elapsed (C4: YES), the light emission of the LEDs 26a and 26b is terminated (C5), and the process returns to C1.

  The LEDs 26a and 26b are controlled so as to blink at a high speed so as not to be recognized by the player's eyes. Thereby, since it seems that LED26a * 26b is always lighting to a player, it can prevent what kind of information is alert | reported. In addition, the light emission by the LEDs 26a and 26b ends in a certain time, but the light emission may continue until there is an operation by the game manager, or the light emission may be ended under other conditions. Good.

(Receiver 100)
Next, a light receiver that receives information related to the gaming machine notified from the gaming machine 1 configured as described above will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the light receiver 100 includes a microcomputer 101 as a main component, a demodulation circuit 105 that demodulates light received by the light receiving unit 108 into an electric signal, and an image control circuit as display control means of the display unit 109. 106, an input unit 107 for converting an input from the operation unit 110 into a digital signal.

  The microcomputer 101 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 103, and a RAM 104. It is configured to execute random number sampling on the operation program of the sub CPU 74. The CPU 102 executes a program stored in the ROM 103. The ROM 103 stores a control program such as a processing routine shown in FIG. The RAM 104 is configured as a temporary storage unit when the CPU 102 executes the control program.

  The light receiving unit 108 outputs light emitted in response to “1” and “0” as a pulse current I in the gaming machine 1 by flowing a current corresponding to the intensity of the received light, for example, with a lens and a diode. . The demodulating circuit 105 converts the current I into a voltage V. At that time, the voltage V is level-adjusted and output as a signal having an appropriate voltage level. The signal is converted into “1” and “0” signal pulses. When a start bit is detected from the signal pulses, an interrupt signal is output to the CPU 102. In response to this interruption, the CPU 102 extracts data in one frame for each character and stores it in the RAM 104.

  The image control circuit 106 displays characters or the like on the display unit 109 in accordance with a signal from the CPU 102. The operation unit 110 is an input unit for starting reading of light from the LEDs 26 a and 26 b and clearing the display content of the display unit 109.

(Receiver operation)
Next, the operation of the light receiver 100 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the operation unit 110 is operated to start light reception (D1). If light reception is not started (D1: NO), it waits. If light reception is started (D1: YES), light reception processing is performed (D2). Specifically, the light of the LEDs 26a and 26b is received through the light receiving unit 108, and the demodulation circuit 105 converts the light into an electric signal according to the intensity of the received light. And the information modulated into light in the gaming machine 1 is acquired.

  Next, the acquired information is displayed on the display unit 109 (D3). Then, the operation unit 110 is operated, and it is determined whether or not to clear the content displayed on the display unit 109 (D4). When the operation unit 110 is not operated and the display content is not cleared (D4: NO), the process waits until the operation unit 110 is operated to clear the display content. When the operation unit 110 is operated and the display content is cleared (D4: YES), the display content of the display unit 109 is cleared (D5), and the process returns to D1.

  The acquired information may be notified by voice from a speaker.

(Outline of this embodiment)
As described above, according to the present embodiment, light emitting means (LEDs 26a, 26b, etc.) that emit light so as to be visible from the outside, and gaming machine data that is information about gaming machines (such as the amount of medals of the hopper 40) are acquired. Game machine data acquisition means (main control circuit 71, microcomputer 30, CPU 31, etc.) and conversion means (sub control circuit 72, sub microcomputer 73, CPU 74, LED drive circuit 77) for converting the acquired game machine data into electrical signals. Etc.) and light emission control means (sub-control circuit 72, sub-microcomputer 73, CPU 74, LED drive circuit 77, etc.) for performing light emission control of the light-emitting means based on the electrical signal.

  According to this configuration, the acquired gaming machine data is converted into an electric signal, and the light emitting means emits light toward the outside based on the electric signal. That is, it is possible to notify the data regarding the gaming machine to the outside by light. Thereby, for example, in comparison with notification by electromagnetic waves, damage due to electromagnetic waves such as causing malfunction of other devices may be prevented. In addition, by notifying by light, for example, the game manager can visually recognize that game machine data is output from the game machine, unlike invisible electromagnetic waves, etc. There is a case where it is possible to save time and effort of management. In addition, since there is no need for communication or the like, there may be a case where it can be configured at low cost.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the storage means (hopper tank 40b) for storing the game medium (medal 115) and the predetermined condition (the symbol corresponding to the winning combination is stopped on the winning line) are stored. A game medium discharge means (hopper body 40a) for discharging game media, and a storage amount acquisition means (minimum medal amount detection line 42) for acquiring storage amount data that is a storage amount of game media stored in the storage means. Furthermore, the gaming machine data is configured to include storage amount data (medal amount in the hopper tank 40b).

  According to this configuration, the gaming machine data notified to the outside by light is storage amount data that is a storage amount of the game medium. In general, if there is a shortage of game media while a game is being played on a gaming machine, the fact is that the game medium is short. Even if the game is not performed, the game manager may be able to replenish the game medium by recognizing the light. For this reason, there is a case where a game can be provided without causing trouble to the player.

(Modification of this embodiment)
The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but only specific examples have been illustrated, and the present invention is not particularly limited. Specific configurations and the like can be appropriately changed in design. Further, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the invention only list the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to what was done.

  In addition, the gaming machine of the above-described embodiment may include the following configuration in addition to or in addition to the configuration in the above-described embodiment.

  That is, the gaming machine has a game value providing means for providing a player with a game value when a predetermined game result is displayed, and an internal winning combination for determining a predetermined combination as an internal winning combination based on a game start command signal. Specific to the determination means, the stop control means for displaying the winning mode on the variation display means based on the internal winning combination, the effect display control means for displaying the effect mode related to the game on the effect display means, and the game result display means Before the game result is displayed, the notice display control means for displaying the notice mode on the notice display means that the specific game result may be displayed, and the specific game result is displayed on the game result display means. Prior to display, a notice display control means for displaying a notice mode on the notice display means that a specific game result is displayed, a display control means for controlling display of the game result display means, and a game result display means Is a display stop command means provided at a position where the player can operate to output a stop command signal for stopping the variable display of part or all of the variable display means, and an internal winning combination determining means for a predetermined unit game. Internal winning combination carry-over means to carry over a specific combination determined as an internal winning combination as an internal winning combination in the next unit game, and a specific to store and store a specific combination determined by the internal winning combination determination means as an internal winning combination There may be provided at least one combination accumulating unit and at least one accumulated specific combination winning unit that uses a specific combination stored and stored by the specific combination storing unit as an internal winning combination.

  Here, the above-mentioned “game result display means” includes a change display means, an effect display means, a notice display means, and the like. They may be separate display devices, or may be predetermined display units (sprites, 3D objects having different depths) provided in a single display device. Further, they may be displayed in an overlapping manner. Furthermore, one or more sounds, 1 or more lights, 1 or more colors, 1 or more images, 1 or more odors, etc., one or more feels (vibration, pressure) The player may be notified by a plurality or all of them.

  The “game value giving means (game medium discharging means)” includes advantageous state generating means such as a program for giving (paying) game values (coins), paying out award media, recording to a magnetic card, and adding game scores. Including.

  The “display control means” includes a stop control means, an effect display control means, a notification display control means, and the like. It may be provided on a single substrate, may be provided on a plurality of separate substrates, or the stop control means may be provided on the same substrate as the internal winning combination determining means. Furthermore, the effect display control means and the notification display control means may be provided on a separate board from the internal winning combination determining means. (It may be a separate body.)

  The “variable display means” displays a still image, a moving image, and the like, and is composed of one or a plurality of symbol display units that display a moving display using a reel or a disk, and variably display or stop a plurality of types of symbols. . For example, a pachislot machine or video slot symbol, a pachinko special symbol, a sound diagram, a judgment symbol, or the like is displayed. Moreover, what is necessary is just to display a specific winning mode as a game result.

  The “display stop command means” may output a signal for stopping one, a plurality, or all of the variable display, such as an effect display means, a fluctuation display means, a notice display means, etc. One may be provided corresponding to the part (the display part is a symbol display part or the like). Alternatively, a plurality of display units may be provided corresponding to one display unit (the display unit is a symbol display unit or the like).

  The “advantageous state generating means” may be anything as long as it continues to be advantageous to the player during a plurality of game units. For example, a program for performing generation determination, continuation determination, midway end determination, generation, continuation, end, and the like. The “internal winning combination determining means” includes an internal winning combination lottery means, an internal winning combination carry over means, a specific combination accumulating means, an accumulated specific combination winning means, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the “game machine” includes a pachinko machine, a pachislot machine, a video slot, and the like. The “game result” includes a winning mode, a losing mode, a production mode, a notification mode, and the like. The “specific winning mode” includes a specific symbol display (“3”, “7”, etc.), a specific symbol combination display (“777”, “776”, etc.), and a specific symbol among a plurality of symbols. It is included (upper dust, big dust, etc.).

  The “disappearance mode” includes modes other than the winning mode displayed on the variation display means, the production mode, the notification mode, and the like. The “predetermined game result” includes a winning mode and the like. “Direction mode” is a mode in which waiting for customers, during game, between games, winning (front, middle, rear), advantageous state (front, middle, rear), etc., or their game information (game guidance) Including the notification mode and other modes, characters such as “big hit”, “bonus”, “out”, and the number of continuations of the advantageous state are also included.

  The “notice mode” includes a mode for notifying a player that a predetermined internal winning combination or a specific internal winning combination may be determined, a mode for notifying a player, and a production mode thereof. . “Do n’t you? ","bell? ], "A big hit win? ], “Bonus winning? ], "Game procedure navigation function win? ”Etc. are also included. The “notification mode” is a mode in which the player is notified that a predetermined internal winning combination or a specific internal winning combination has been determined, or a predetermined internal winning combination or a specific internal winning combination is not determined. This includes a mode for notifying the player of this, and a production mode. “Big hit confirmed”, “Bonus confirmed”, “Outgoed confirmed”, “Bell confirmed”, “Game procedure navigation function win? ”Etc. are also included.

  “Aspect” includes one or more symbol (moving / still) images, one or more character (moving / still) images, one or more background (moving / still) images, one or more balloons (moving / still) ) Image, one or more characters, one figure, predetermined operation of one or more movable objects, etc. One or more lamps are lit, blinking, etc. One or more speaker sounds are included. “Game information” includes game concept (background), game rules, operation explanation, reach eyes, chance eyes, explanation of roles / replays, explanation of advantageous states (BB, RB, etc.), advantageous states (BB, RB, etc.) , Probability, number of games elapsed since a predetermined time (bonus, BB, RB, predetermined operation, etc.).

  The “game start command means” includes a start lever, a switch such as a spin button, a game medium input, a symbol start port (gate), and the like. The “display stop command means” includes a button, a lever, a program (time measuring means), and the like. “Design display means” includes CRT, LCD, plasma display, 7-segment display, dot matrix, lamp, LED, fluorescent lamp, EL, electronic paper, flexible LED, flexible liquid crystal, liquid crystal projector, reel, disk, movable object, etc. including. The thing with which they were provided in plural, the thing with which they were combined, etc. are included.

  The “internal winning combination” includes one or more combinations determined as an internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determining means from a plurality of combinations. The “winning combination” includes a combination in which a winning mode corresponding to the internal winning combination is displayed. “Game value” includes payout of award media (coins, medals, game balls), game result storage media (predetermined writing to a magnetic card, etc., replay, score addition, occurrence of advantageous state, etc.) (Prize medium) ”includes coins, medals, game balls, money, banknotes, magnetic cards, and the like.

  In addition, one or more of the following may be applied as a combination in a pachislot or the like. A single bonus or internal winning combination in which the probability that the small winning combination is determined to be an internal winning combination by the internal winning combination determining means is high for only one unit game (1 game). Regular bonus that determines the chance that the small role will be determined as an internal winning combination only during multiple unit games, and the probability that the internal winning combination determination means determines the regular bonus as an internal winning combination only during multiple unit games An internal winning combination navigating function for notifying information regarding the big bonus having a high probability and the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determining means before the operation of the display stop command means by the player. A push order navigating function for notifying information related to the stop pattern selected by the stop pattern selecting means before the player operates the display stop command means. A game procedure navigation function for notifying a game procedure that is advantageous to a player.

  For example, the internal winning combination navigating function described above is a reel stop pattern (for example, the first left reel is first notified before the left, middle, and right reel stop buttons corresponding to the left reel, middle reel, and right reel are stopped. , Then stop the middle reel, and finally stop the right reel, similarly left reel stop → right reel stop → middle reel stop pattern, middle reel stop → right reel stop → left reel stop pattern, 6 types of left reel stop → left reel stop → right reel stop pattern, right reel stop → left reel stop → middle reel stop pattern, right reel stop → middle reel stop → left reel stop pattern, etc.) In addition, a reel stop navigating function or the like in which a predetermined winning mode is obtained in the fluctuation display means by stopping the right reel stop button is included. The reel stop navigation function is a predetermined time (for example, first, second, third, etc.) without navigating the stop order of all reels (including image display means for variably displaying symbols other than reels). It also includes a navigation function for notifying the player of the reel to be stopped. In addition, the variable display means may include a predetermined winning mode when the reel is stopped in a state where a predetermined symbol is displayed on the reel to be stopped a predetermined time. Also included is a function for stopping a symbol with a minimum movement (or a substantially minimum fluctuation) from an output of a stop command signal from a display stop command means by a player, and a replay that can start a game of one unit game without inserting a game medium.

  In addition, one unit game may be applied to one of the following, for example. From the output of the game start command signal from the game start command means to the display of the game result. From the operation of the start lever until the game result is displayed on the fluctuation display means (predetermined display means). From the operation of the start lever until a specific display (for example, specific character information, a specific character, a specific image) is displayed on a predetermined display means. It is configured to output a game start command signal when the bet button is operated by the player, or when the game medal is inserted by the player, etc., and the change display means from the operation of the bet button or the insertion of the game medal Until the game result is displayed. It is configured to output a game start command signal when the bet button is operated by the player, or when a game medal is inserted by the player, etc., and a predetermined display is made from the operation of the bet button or insertion of the game medal. Until a specific display is displayed on the means. From the time when the symbol starting means for outputting the game start command signal detects winning or passing of a game medium (for example, a game ball) until the game result is displayed on the fluctuation display means (predetermined display means). A specific display (for example, specific character information, specific character, specific image) is displayed on the predetermined display means after the symbol starting means for outputting the game start command signal detects winning or passing of the game medium. Until. In addition, a plurality of unit games of continuous or intermittent multiple times may be applied to the plurality of unit games.

The perspective view of the game machine of an Example. The front view of the liquid crystal display device of the game machine of an Example. The figure which shows the internal structure of a game machine. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of a liquid crystal display device. It is an expanded view of a part structure of a liquid crystal display device. The block diagram which shows the structure of the electric circuit of an Example. The block diagram which shows the structure of the electric circuit of the sub control circuit shown in FIG. The figure which shows the flowchart of a main routine. The figure which shows the flowchart of a hopper check process routine. The figure which shows the flowchart which shows the operation | movement content of a sub control board. The block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a light receiver. The figure which shows the flowchart which shows the operation | movement content of a light receiver.

Explanation of symbols

1 gaming machine 2 cabinet 3L, 3C, 3R reel 5 liquid crystal display device 6 start lever 7L, 7C, 7R stop button 21L, 21R speaker 22 medal slot 26a blue LED
26b Red LED
100 receiver

Claims (2)

A light emitting means for emitting light so as to be visible from the outside;
Gaming machine data acquisition means for acquiring gaming machine data which is information relating to gaming machines;
Conversion means for converting the acquired gaming machine data into an electrical signal;
A gaming machine comprising: light emission control means for performing light emission control of the light emission means based on the electrical signal. A storage means for storing game media;
When a predetermined condition is satisfied, game medium discharge means for discharging the stored game medium;
A storage amount acquisition unit that acquires storage amount data that is a storage amount of the game medium stored in the storage unit;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine data includes the storage amount data.

Images